cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relationship of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory to functional outcome and cognitive performance measures.

This study evaluated relationships of the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (MPAI) to the Disability Rating Scale (DRS), the Ranchos Los Amigos Levels of Cognitive Functioning Scale (Rancho), and cognitive performance measures. The Spearman correlation between the MPAI and the DRS was high (rho =
Divestment: Motives and gains

A follow-up to earlier study, this research demonstrates that the stock market's positive revaluation of divesting firms is unlikely to be due to changes in short-term performance.
Multiple heteroreceptors on limbic thalamic axons: M2 acetylcholine, serotonin1B, beta 2-adrenoceptors, mu-opioid, and neurotensin.

Ligand binding to many transmitter receptors is much higher in layer Ia of rat posterior cingulate cortex than it is in other layers, and this is where most axons from the anterior thalamus terminate. The present study explores the possibility that a number of receptors may be expressed on axons from limbic thalamic nuclei that terminate in layer Ia. Unilateral thalamic lesions were placed in rats and, 2 weeks later, five ligand binding protocols, coverslip autoradiography, and single grain counting techniques were used to quantify binding in control and ablated hemispheres. Binding to the following receptor subtypes was analyzed: M2 acetylcholine, 3H-oxotremorine-M, or 3H-AF-DX 116 with 50 nM pirenzepine; serotonin1B, 125I-(-)-cyanopindolol with 30 microM isoproterenol; beta 2-adrenoceptors, 125I-(-)-cyanopindolol with 1 microM serotonin and 10 microM atenolol; mu-opioid, 3H-T[r-D-Ala-Gly-MePhe-Gly-ol; neurotensin, 3H-neurotensin. Thalamic lesions reduced binding in two laminar patterns. In one pattern, there was a major reduction in binding in most superficial layers with that in layer Ia ranging from 50 to 70% for binding to M2 muscarinic and serotonin1B receptors. Binding to beta 2-adrenoceptors was also reduced in most superficial layers but to a lesser extent. In the second pattern, reductions were limited to layer I with losses in layer Ia of 20-30% for mu-opioid and neurotensin receptors. In no instance was layer Ia binding completely abolished (i.e., postlesion peaks remained). Since the transmitters for each of the five receptors analyzed in this study are not synthesized by anterior or laterodorsal thalamic neurons, these receptors are heteroreceptors. The greatest postlesion reduction in M2 binding was for AF-DX 116 and so most M2 heteroreceptors are of the "cardiac" subtype. Finally, the diverse population of heteroreceptors on limbic thalamic axons provides for presynaptic modulation by a wide range of transmitter systems and suggests that thalamocortical transmission may not be a simple, unmodulated event.
Structure-activity relationship of a series of cyclohexylpiperidines bearing an amide side chain as antagonists of the human melanocortin-4 receptor.

Abstract A series of cyclohexylpiperazines was synthesized as potent and selective antagonists of the human MC4 receptor. Compound 14t displayed binding affinity (Ki) of 4.2 and 1100 nM at MC4R and MC3R, respectively.
Synthesis of nanoporous copper by dealloying of Al-Cu-Mg amorphous alloys in acidic solution: The effect of nickel

Abstract Dealloying of Al-Cu-Mg based amorphous alloys in 1 M HCl solution and the effect of a minor amount of Ni in the precursor alloy were explored. A crystalline, Cu-rich, nanoporous structure with a pore diameter of 10–30 nm was formed as a result of the selective dissolution of Al and Mg and the reorganization of the remaining Cu. The entire specimen was fully dealloyed after prolonged exposure to a HCl solution. The nanoporous structure is finer (e.g. 10 nm) in the alloy containing Ni, likely because Ni suppresses the surface diffusion of Cu. The decrease in surface diffusion, in turn, suppresses the coarsening of the ligaments in the dealloyed layer enabling tunable porosity development. Electrochemical reactivity after the synthesis of nanoporous Cu was enhanced by a factor of 150 with Ni and 50 without Ni compared to a planar Cu electrode of the same overall dimensions.
The effects of chirality and boundary conditions on the mechanical properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract The effects of chirality and boundary conditions on the elastic properties and buckling behavior of single-walled carbon nanotubes are investigated using atomistic simulations. The influences of the tube length and diameter are also included. It is found that the elastic properties of carbon nanotubes at small deformations are insensitive to the tube chirality and boundary conditions during compression. However, for large deformations occurred upon both compression and bending, the tube buckling behavior is shown to be very sensitive to both tube chirality and boundary conditions. Therefore, while the popular continuum thin shell model can be successfully applied to describe nanotube elastic properties at small deformation such as the Young’s modulus, it cannot correctly account for the buckling behavior. These results may allow better evaluation of nanotube mechanical properties via appropriate atomistic simulations.
Daunomycin, an antitumor antibiotic, in the treatment of neoplastic disease. Clinical evaluation with special reference to childhood leukemia

Daunomycin is a new antibiotic in the anthracycline group obtained from Streptomyces peucetius. It consists of a pigmented aglycone (daunomycinone) in glycoside linkage with an amino sugar (daunosamine). Differences in the biological effects of daunomycin, which reacts with DNA, and actinomycin D which complexes with DNA in a different manner to inhibit RNA production, are discussed. The toxic effects of daunomycin are a severe local reaction if the drug extravasates, bone marrow depression resulting in leucopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia and bleeding, fever, oral ulcers and alopecia. In patients receiving maintenance doses of daunomycin the development of tachypnea, tachycardia pulmonary insufficiency, heart failure and hypotension possibly is associated with daunomycin but the evidence is unclear. Sixty per cent of children with leukemia obtained brief complete or partial hematological remissions from a single course of daunomycin. The remission could be prolonged by maintenance therapy. Daunomycin is temporarily effective in some cases of neuroblastoma, reticulum cell sarcoma and rhabdomyosarcoma.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Adolescents: Theory, Treatment Adaptations, and Empirical Outcomes

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) was originally developed for chronically suicidal adults with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and emotion dysregulation. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate DBT is associated with improvements in problem behaviors, including suicide ideation and behavior, non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), attrition, and hospitalization. Positive outcomes with adults have prompted researchers to adapt DBT for adolescents. Given this interest in DBT for adolescents, it is important to review the theoretical rationale and the evidence base for this treatment and its adaptations. A solid theoretical foundation allows for adequate evaluation of content, structural, and developmental adaptations and provides a framework for understanding which symptoms or behaviors are expected to improve with treatment and why. We first summarize the adult DBT literature, including theory, treatment structure and content, and outcome research. Then, we review theoretical underpinnings, adaptations, and outcomes of DBT for adolescents. DBT has been adapted for adolescents with various psychiatric disorders (i.e., BPD, mood disorders, externalizing disorders, eating disorders, trichotillomania) and problem behaviors (i.e., suicide ideation and behavior, NSSI) across several settings (i.e., outpatient, day program, inpatient, residential, correctional facility). The rationale for using DBT with these adolescents rests in the common underlying dysfunction in emotion regulation among the aforementioned disorders and problem behaviors. Thus, the theoretical underpinnings of DBT suggest that this treatment is likely to be beneficial for adolescents with a broad array of emotion regulation difficulties, particularly underregulation of emotion resulting in behavioral excess. Results from open and quasi-experimental adolescent studies are promising; however, RCTs are sorely needed.
Youth Exposure to Community Violence: Association with Aggression, Victimization, and Risk Behaviors

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between exposure to community violence and aggression, victimization, and risk-taking behaviors among young adolescents. Secondary analysis was conducted on data from a cross-sectional survey of 8,259 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students from eight urban schools in Texas. Results indicated that students exposed to a high level of community violence were 7.7 times more likely to carry a handgun, 5.2 times more likely to be involved in a gang were 6.4 times more likely to use marijuana, 5.3 times more likely to binge drink, and 2.8 times more likely to be injured as a result of fighting. This suggests the need for an interdisciplinary approach to violence prevention that targets all the environments of youth, including schools, homes, neighborhoods, and other community units.
Reversing NIMBY: An Assessment of State Strategies for Siting Hazardous-Waste Facilities

Past research indicates a dismal success rate in the siting of hazardous-waste management facilities. The observation that some facilities have been sited, however, suggests that the siting of thes...
Determination of singlet oxygen quantum yields with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran in model membrane systems

Abstract The oxidation of 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran by singlet oxygen was investigated in methanol and in two different types of liposomes. It was found that a high concentrations of scavenger 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran, e.g., > 100 μM in methanol, the 1:1 oxidation stoichiometry is lost and more than one scavenger molecule per molecule of singlet oxygen is consumed. In model membrane systems, where local scavenger concentrations are high due to compartmentalization, correct singlet oxygen quantum yields with 1,3-diphenylisobenzofuran are only determined if the increased oxidation is taken into account.
Cholesterol enhances membrane-damaging properties of model bile by increasing the intervesicular-intermixed micellar concentration of hydrophobic bile salts.

Abstract Bile salts are potent detergents that, at concentrations attained in bile and intestine, can disrupt cell membranes. Hepatic secretion of vesicles containing lecithin and cholesterol appears to be critical in preventing bile salt damage to hepatobiliary epithelia. We hypothesize that the protective effect of biliary lipids results from lowering of the bile salt intervesicular intermixed micellar bile salt concentration (IMMC) to which epithelial membranes are exposed. We further hypothesize that increases in biliary cholesterol, by reducing association of bile salts with vesicles and mixed micelles, may increase bile toxicity by raising the bile salt IMMC. Method. Large unilamellar lecithin vesicles (100 nm) with varying cholesterol:lecithin molar ratios (C:L) of 0, 0.5, and 1 were added to taurochenodeoxycholate (TCDCA), taurocholate (TCA), or taurodeoxycholate (TDCA) in Tris-buffered saline, pH 7.4. Human erythrocyte ghosts (model target membrane), prepared by osmotic hemolysis and resealed with [ 14 C]inulin trapped inside, were added and incubated at 37°C for 30 min and 4 h. Plasma membrane disruption was quantified by [ 14 C]inulin release and bile salt IMMC was determined by ultrafiltration. Results. Membrane disruption started at a concentration of 0.5 mM for TDCA, 1 mM for TCDCA, and 2 mM for TCA and was complete within 4 h at concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 mM, respectively. Addition of 2 mM lecithin to 2 mM TDCA, 4 mM TCDCA, or 5 mM TCA reduced or eliminated membrane leakage and lowered the IMMC. For TDCA and TCDCA, the protective effect of vesicles was entirely attributable to reduction in IMMC; in contrast for TCA, the protective effect exceeded that which would have been expected based solely on reduction of the IMMC. Inclusion of cholesterol attenuated the binding of bile salts to vesicles and raised the IMMC, thereby reducing the protective effect of lecithin over the time course of these studies. Although there was loss of phospholipid and cholesterol from the erythrocyte membranes on addition of bile acids even in the presence of vesicles, the ratio of cholesterol to phospholipid in the erythrocyte membrane did not change. Conclusion. Lecithin protects against membrane disruption by hydrophobic bile salts by lowering the IMMC. Cholesterol added to lecithin raises the bile salt IMMC and reduces or eliminates this protective effect. This mechanism of potentiation of bile salt toxicity by cholesterol may be an important contributor to the pathogenesis of gallbladder disease in cholesterol cholelithiasis.
Intel Many Integrated Core (MIC) architecture optimization strategies for a memory-bound Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) Goddard microphysics scheme

The Goddard cloud microphysics scheme is a sophisticated cloud microphysics scheme in the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The WRF is a widely used weather prediction system in the world. It development is a done in collaborative around the globe. The Goddard microphysics scheme is very suitable for massively parallel computation as there are no interactions among horizontal grid points. Compared to the earlier microphysics schemes, the Goddard scheme incorporates a large number of improvements. Thus, we have optimized the code of this important part of WRF. In this paper, we present our results of optimizing the Goddard microphysics scheme on Intel Many Integrated Core Architecture (MIC) hardware. The Intel Xeon Phi coprocessor is the first product based on Intel MIC architecture, and it consists of up to 61 cores connected by a high performance on-die bidirectional interconnect. The Intel MIC is capable of executing a full operating system and entire programs rather than just kernels as the GPU do. The MIC coprocessor supports all important Intel development tools. Thus, the development environment is familiar one to a vast number of CPU developers. Although, getting a maximum performance out of MICs will require using some novel optimization techniques. Those optimization techniques are discusses in this paper. The results show that the optimizations improved performance of the original code on Xeon Phi 7120P by a factor of 4.7x. Furthermore, the same optimizations improved performance on a dual socket Intel Xeon E5-2670 system by a factor of 2.8x compared to the original code.
Study of Transition Metal Oxide Doped LaGaO 3 as Electrode Materials for LSGM- Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Transition metal oxide doped lanthanum gallates, La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8M0.2O3 (where M=Co, Mn, Cr, Fe, or V), are studied as mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs) for electrode applications. The electrochemical properties of these materials in air and in H2 are characterized using impedance spectroscopy, open cell voltage measurement, and gas permeation measurement. Three single cells based on La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8 Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) electrolyte (1.13 to 1.65 mm thick) but with different electrode materials are studied under identical conditions to characterize the effectiveness of the lanthanum gallate-based MIECs for electrode applications. At 800 °C, a single cell using La0.9Sr0.1- Ga0.8Co0.2O3 as the cathode and La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mn0.2O3 as the anode shows a maximum power density of 88 mW/cm2, which is better than that of a cell using Pt as both electrodes (20 mW/cm2) and that of a cell using La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 (LSC) as the cathode and CeO2-Ni as the anode (61 mW/cm2) under identical conditions. The performance of LSGM-based fuel cells with MIEC electrodes may be further improved by reducing the electrolyte thickness and by optimizing the microstructures of the electrodes through processing.
Hubble Space Telescope: Cosmic Origins Spectrograph FUV detector initial on-orbit performance

The Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) was installed on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in May 2009 during Servicing Mission 4 (SM4). This paper discusses the initial on-orbit performance of the HST-COS far ultraviolet (FUV) detector designed and built by the Experimental Astrophysics Group at the Univ. of California, Berkeley. The HST-COS FUV detector is an open face, photon counting, microchannel plate (MCP) based device employing a cross delay line (XDL) readout. The detector consists of two separate, end-to-end segments (2x 85mm x 10mm - 179mm x 10mm total with a gap between segments), each digitized within a 16384x1024 space. The input surface is curved to match the Rowland circle of HST-COS. The CsI photocathode and open face nature result in sensitivity from <900A to ~1750A. Spatial resolution is approximately 25-30μm. Comparisons of on-orbit behavior relative to expectations from ground testing are performed. Areas of discussion include background (rate and morphology), sensitivity (system throughput and short wavelength response), and imaging performance (apparent spatial resolution and flat field fixed pattern). A measured increase in the MCP gain relative to ground testing is also discussed.
Robust fuzzy logic control of mechanical systems

An approach for the design of fuzzy control laws for tracking control of a large class of mechanical systems is proposed. The approach employs the framework of Lyapunov's stability theory to formulate a class of control laws that guarantee convergence of the tracking errors to within specification limits in presence of bounded parameter uncertainties and input disturbances. The proposed control laws possess a large number of parameters and functional relationships to be chosen by the designer according to a methodology developed in the paper. The large number of design degrees of freedom makes the approach suitable for fuzzy logic implementation. A number of fuzzy implementations of the proposed control methodology are provided. All implementations guarantee tracking error convergence to within prespecified performance limits. An extensive simulation study using a model of a two-degree-of-freedom robot manipulator was conducted. Fuzzy and non-fuzzy implementations of the proposed methodology were compared to control laws designed using other design methods. Simulation study results indicate a superiority of the proposed control methodology compared to other approaches. The study also demonstrates better performance of the fuzzy control implementation compared to its non-fuzzy counterpart.
Creating a culture of innovation at Portugal Telecom

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe an implementation process that can aid companies in improving organizational innovation.Design/methodology/approach – The case describes an approach to boost the problem solving and innovation culture beyond the confines of the new product development group.Findings – The paper provides an application of the organizational development to innovation. The process may not be applicable to all businesses but Portugal Telecom (PT) accomplished an extensive change in corporate culture. By carefully designing an innovation program with valuable incentives made more valuable by peer pressure, PT was able to harness the “wisdom of the crowds,” the knowledge that resides in employees.Their results can be valuable to other companies.Research limitations/implications – As in all case studies, the specific conditions found in one organization may not be found more generally in others. Readers are cautioned that the conclusions drawn in the case may have limited applic...
Polar versus Milestone Variables in Adolescent Ego Development

Ego development and impulsivity data were collected from an early adolescence group (Mean age= 14.8) and a late adolescence group (Mean age= 18.7). Ego development was measured with the Washington University Sentence Completion Test. The WUSCT is a 36-item sentence completion projective test developed by Loevinger. Impulsivity was measured through the use of the impulsivity and risk taking scales developed by Eysenck. The interrater reliability of the WUSCT was established and parcels of ego development, impulsivity, and word count items were entered into a parcel factor analysis. The factor analysis revealed differences in the order and strength of the factors for the two adolescence groups. Ego development was significantly higher in the older group and impulsivity seemed to be a more substantial component of ego functioning for the early adolescence group. The feasibility of factor analyzing the WUSCT was demonstrated and future directions for identity and ego development research were suggested.
Temperature dependence of electron mobility, electroluminescence and photoluminescence of Alq3 in OLED

The correlation of electroluminescence (EL), photoluminescence (PL) and electron mobility were investigated over temperature from 60 to 300 K in small-molecule organic light emitting diode (OLED) structures. The devices consisted of ITO/PEDOT(50 nm)/TPD(50 nm)/Alq3(60 nm)/LiF(1 nm)/Al(90 nm), and were fabricated with high-vacuum sublimation/evaporation in a cross-linked configuration. Electron mobility was measured using an ac analysis of the device optical modulation characteristics, while PL and EL were measured by measuring optical power out at fixed pump power of 1 mW, and analysis of dc brightness–voltage (L–V) characteristics, respectively. PL intensity and mobility had a clear maximum at around 220 K, while EL efficiency was constant below 220 K and decrease monotonically above. The reason for the temperature dependent EL, PL and electron mobility behaviour will be discussed.
Hispanic Student Experiences at a Hispanic-Serving Institution: Strong Voices, Key Message.

A symposium at New Mexico State University, a Hispanic-Serving Institution, revealed Hispanic students' attitudes about their experiences at the university. Discussions concerned the campus climate, mentors, the experiences of first-time students, cultural challenges, retention, and accountability. Discussion of the resulting data yields policy recommendations to help address the issues raised.
The ‘Wave-Band’ Theory of Wireless Transmission

MY friend Sir Ambrose Fleming raises an interesting question in his admirably clear article on page 92 of NATURE of Jan. 18, no less a question than whether a mathematical alternative does or does not invariably correspond with some physical reality. I am inclined to think that it does. For example, there is something rotatory in a magnetic field, and whether the rotation of a plane of polarisation may be properly expressed as an acceleration of one circular component and the retardation of another, we have no better mode of expression until we know more. So also I think that a sinuous wave of fluctuating amplitude may be rightly and exactly represented as if it were a band of neighbouring frequencies. This is not obvious but I would remind Sir Ambrose Fleming that the complete solution of the relevant differential equation for forced vibrations contains not only a simply periodic eipt term, but one with an evanescent exponential amplitude like e−kt as well and these latter periodic effects—depending as they do on the natural frequency of the receiver circuit (or on its range of possible frequencies)—though they rapidly die away—are of influence at the beginning and end of a wave series. Dr. Eccles tells me that those initial and final effects are called ‘transients’ by electrical engineers and that is a good name for them.
Development of a protein fortified fruit beverage and its quality when processed with pulsed electric field treatment.

Pulsed electric field treatment (PEF), was explored to process a beverage at 30C. A protein fortified fruit based beverage was developed using proteins, orange juice, guar gum, sucrose, calcium lactate, citric acid, natural flavor and color. It was processed at low pH (3. 75) using both a heat pasteurization and a PEF treatment. PEF treated beverage had less protein denaturation and lower loss of vitamin C compared with that of the heat treated beverage. The heat treated beverage had a slightly higher apparent viscosity than the PEF treated beverage and developed sedimentation in the container during storage. The PEF processed beverage maintained its natural orange juice like color better than the heat treated beverage, which developed a slightly whitish color. However, the PEF treated product was less microbiologically stable (5 months) at refrigeration temperature compared with the heat treated product which was stable for more than 12 months. It was concluded that more technological improvements are needed to process food safely by PEF technology.
Scaling near mode locking in a charge density wave conductor.

A striking evolution of the I-V curves is observed in a single sample (i.e., for a given realization of quenched disorder) of the charge density wave conductor NbSe 3 in the presence of an external rf field of varying amplitude. This yields qualitatively different «depinning transitions» from the pinned and the mode-locked states. In some regimes the transition is apparently continuous and shows scaling behavior in agreement with some recent theoretical results. In other regimes the transition turns first order at both harmonic and subharmonic steps, but with a marked asymmetry
Resources for modern highway development: Oklahoma as a case study

Abstract Creating a system of public roads has been a constant process for territories and states of the Trans-Mississippi West since the early years of the nine- teenth century. This article examines resource material for researching the development of highways in Oklahoma, and places special emphasis on the need to explore local and state activities in conjunction with federal policy and national trends. As a case study of one Plains state, it should prove useful in pursuing research of road development in other western states from the early 1800s to the present.
Diversity of molecules and mechanisms in establishing insect anterior–posterior polarity

Anterior-posterior (AP) patterning is an essential process that requires the generation of large amounts of positional information to properly specify many distinct cell fates along the long axis of the insect embryo. While the general molecular basis of this process has long been known in the fly Drosophila, detailed understanding of this process is still emerging in other insect species. What is now clear is that this process in extremely labile, and distinct AP patterning programs can exist even within a single species. This review presents recent progress on this topic in an attempt to synthesize the disparate data and provide an outlook on the future of the field.
Division of inputs between hemispheres eliminates illusory conjunctions

We demonstrate that division of inputs between the hemispheres does not just generally improve performance but specifically reduces inter-item perceptual interference relative to single hemisphere presentation. Subjects verified the presence of colored letter targets in briefly presented letter pairs presented to the same (unihemispheric condition) or different (bihemispheric condition) sides of space. Four experiments showed consistently that although illusory conjunctions (i.e. perceptual miscombinations of stimulus features) occurred commonly during unihemispheric presentations, they never occurred during bihemispheric presentations, even though accuracy of detecting individual stimulus features was held constant across the conditions. Increasing inter-item similarity resulted in a general interference effect based in discrimination difficulty that was sufficient to eliminate illusory conjunctions even in the unihemispheric condition. However, when inter-item interference was manipulated using perceptual grouping by movement the bihemispheric illusory conjunction advantage increased with increasing interference. Our findings suggest that the two cerebral hemispheres can operate as relatively independent work stations during visual perceptual processing, thereby maximizing the efficiency of information processing.
Acute illness induces the release of aversive odor cues from adult, but not prepubertal, male rats and suppresses social investigation by conspecifics.

The present study examined odorant communication during acute illness provoked by injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 100 g/kg) and how these effects vary between prepubertal and adult conspecifics. Exposure to odor of LPS-treated adult male rats produced increased avoidance in both sexes of adults and prepubertal male partners. This response was not found when they were exposed to odor of LPS-treated prepubertal males. Even a 2.5-fold higher load of LPS in prepubertal males failed to produce aversive odor cues, suggesting that the difference in the odor is not a simple issue of dose/body volume. Both estradiol benzoate (20 g/kg) and testosterone propionate (500 g/kg), but not dihydrotestosterone (500 g/kg) pretreatment in prepubertal males administered LPS restored the expression of aversive odor. These hormone treatments per se did not influence odor properties of prepubertal males, indicating that estrogen receptors may play a key regulatory role in the expression of aversive odor in LPS-treated prepubertal rats. These data suggest that the expression of sickness-related odor emerges through puberty, and likely involves a complex interaction between inflammation and sex steroids across development.
Black-Box Terminal Characterization Modeling of DC-to-DC Converters

This paper proposes a hardware-oriented modeling methodology for dc-dc converters when the information about their internal structure and parameters is not available. The proposed model is a non-terminated two-port hybrid Gij(s) parameters network built from experimental frequency response functions measured at the input and output terminals, and post-processed using system identification methods to implement the final model. The two-port nature of the model enables its simple interconnection to simulate larger distributed power systems. The paper includes the complete derivation?providing insight into the experimental measurement and model construction?and experimental validation for an open-and closed-loop buck dc-dc converter rated at 25 W, 20-to-5 Vdc. The excellent results obtained verify the proposed modeling methodology.
Synthetic and biological membranes: Common phenomena

Abstract Many of the processes occurring in nature involve membrane transport. Some of the functions performed by such membranes appear to be unique, as well as efficient, and it would be possible to make synthetic membranes having similar properties. This paper discusses some of these phenomena. Further, it may be quite possible that knowledge of synthetic membranes can be extended to better understand the changes which occur in biological ones, and this is also mentioned here.
A Concise Derivation of Membrane Theory from Three-Dimensional Nonlinear Elasticity

Membrane theory may be regarded as a special case of the Cosserat theory of elastic surfaces, or, alternatively, derived from three-dimensional elasticity theory via asymptotic or variational methods. Here we obtain membrane theory directly from the local equations and boundary conditions of the three-dimensional theory.
Antibody-mediated targeting of iron oxide nanoparticles to the folate receptor alpha increases tumor cell association in vitro and in vivo

Active molecular targeting has become an important aspect of nanoparticle development for oncology indications. Here, we describe molecular targeting of iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) to the folate receptor alpha (FOLRα) using an engineered antibody fragment (Ffab). Compared to control nanoparticles targeting the non-relevant botulinum toxin, the Ffab-IONP constructs selectively accumulated on FOLRα-overexpressing cancer cells in vitro, where they exhibited the capacity to internalize into intracellular vesicles. Similarly, Ffab-IONPs homed to FOLRα-positive tumors upon intraperitoneal administration in an orthotopic murine xenograft model of ovarian cancer, whereas negative control particles showed no detectable tumor accumulation. Interestingly, Ffab-IONPs built with custom 120 nm nanoparticles exhibited lower in vitro targeting efficiency when compared to those built with commercially sourced 180 nm nanoparticles. In vivo, however, the two Ffab-IONP platforms achieved equivalent tumor homing, although the smaller 120 nm IONPs were more prone to liver sequestration. Overall, the results show that Ffab-mediated targeting of IONPs yields specific, high-level accumulation within cancer cells, and this fact suggests that Ffab-IONPs could have future utility in ovarian cancer diagnostics and therapy.
Influence functions of a point source for perforated compound plates with facial convection

Steady-state heat conduction is considered for perforated thin plates with non-insulated facial surfaces. The heat conductivities of the materials and the convection coefficients are assumed piecewise constant. Influence functions of point sources are analytically obtained for some such plates of standard shape. Their singular components are derived in a closed form, ensuring accurate straightforward computer implementations. Special integral representations are then used for obtaining influence functions of a point source for perforated plates. Computability of those representations is tested with a number of illustrative examples.
UGV navigation in wireless sensor and actuator network environments

We consider a navigation problem in a distributed, self-organized and coordinate-free Wireless Sensor and Ac- tuator Network (WSAN). We rst present navigation algorithms that are veried using simulation results. Con- sidering more than one destination and multiple mobile Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs), we introduce a distributed solution to the Multi-UGV, Multi-Destination navigation problem. The objective of the solution to this problem is to eciently allocate UGVs to dierent destinations and carry out navigation in the network en- vironment that minimizes total travel distance. The main contribution of this paper is to develop a solution that does not attempt to localize either the UGVs or the sensor and actuator nodes. Other than some connectivity as- sumptions about the communication graph, we consider that no prior information about the WSAN is available. The solution presented here is distributed, and the UGV navigation is solely based on feedback from neigh- boring sensor and actuator nodes. One special case discussed in the paper, the Single-UGV, Multi-Destination navigation problem, is essentially equivalent to the well-known and dicult Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). Simulation results are presented that illustrate the navigation distance traveled through the network. We also introduce an experimental testbed for the realization of coordinate-free and localization-free UGV navigation. We use the Cricket platform as the sensor and actuator network and a Pioneer 3-DX robot as the UGV. The experiments illustrate the UGV navigation in a coordinate-free WSAN environment where the UGV successfully arrives at the assigned destinations.
Reading North Through the One-Way Mirror: Canadian Literature, the Canadian Literary Institution, and Alice Munro

Just recently I've been re-reading Timothy Findley's excellent 1977 Governor-General's Award winning novel, The Wars, for a course I'm team-teaching called “Canada's Great War.” I've taught that no...
Synthesis and biological activities of 2-Pyrimidinone Nucleosides. III.1,2 5-Alkynyl-2-Pyrimidinone 2′-Deoxyribosides

Abstract The syntheses of 5-ethynyl-, 5-phenylethynyl- and 5-propynyl-2(1H)-pyrimidinone 2′-deoxyribosides are described. Two of the new nucleosides, 14 a and 14 c, showed significant antiviral activities against HSV-1 and HSV-2 in tissue culture.
Forest fire in the Boreal Region of China and its impact on the photochemical oxidant cycle of East Asia

Abstract A 3-D numerical investigation is carried out to assess the impact of a forest fire in northeastern China on the photochemical oxidant cycle of east Asia. Two simulations, without and with the emissions from the fire, are carried out during springtime in May 1987. The fire, located more towards the north, impacted the northern parts of Japan and the model domain, where an increase in ozone (5–10 ppb) is predicted for most of the second half of the month. A monthly averaged increase of ∼30% in the boundary layer ozone is predicted close to the fire source area. Our results indicate the influence of the fire on the tropospheric trace gas cycle over most of China, Japan and the Korean peninsula to be minimal, although an increase (∼40%) is predicted over Japan towards the end of the month. Favorable comparisons over the source region are obtained for the predicted column loadings due to the black carbon from the fire and the aerosol index from satellite measurements. On a monthly average basis, high values of the aerosol index (>1) and black carbon column loading (>20 mg m−2) are observed over the source regions.
Clinical characteristics of magnetic resonance imaging-defined subcortical ischemic depression.

Abstract Background There is a substantial body of research supporting the vascular depression hypothesis of late-life depression. To update this hypothesis so it incorporates recent research, we propose that the term subcortical ischemic vascular depression may be a more accurate representation of the disease process. We sought to investigate this diagnosis as a construct by examining differences between depressed subjects with and without magnetic resonance imaging defined subcortical ischemic vascular depression. Methods This case-control study examined 139 depressed elderly subjects. Demographic data, psychiatric, medical, and family history, depressive symptomatology, and functional impairment were compared between groups dichotomized based on neuroimaging findings. Results Seventy-five (54%) of the subjects met neuroimaging criteria for subcortical ischemic vascular depression. Age was most strongly associated with increased prevalence of subcortical ischemic vascular depression. Lassitude and a history of hypertension were also positively associated with the diagnosis; a family history of mental illness and loss of libido were negatively associated with the diagnosis. Conclusions These data support that subcortical ischemic vascular depression may be a specific syndrome from other types of late-life depression. Further research is needed to further characterize this disorder, particularly in regards to cognitive function and treatment implications.
Effects of Region of Interest Tracking on the Diagnosis of Left Ventricular Dyssynchrony from Doppler Tissue Images

Background Left ventricular dyssynchrony is often diagnosed by comparing velocity curves from Doppler tissue images of two or more myocardial regions. Velocity curves are generated by placing sample volumes or regions of interest (ROIs) within the myocardium. ROIs need to be manually relocated to maintain a midmyocardial location as the heart moves, but are frequently left in a stationary position. The error caused by use of a stationary ROI may affect the diagnosis of dyssynchrony, but this has not been quantified. Objective We hypothesized that using a stationary ROI to quantify dyssynchrony from Doppler tissue images would affect the diagnosis of dyssynchrony in patients with heart failure. Methods We quantified dyssynchrony in 18 patients with heart failure using 4 published dyssynchrony parameters: septal-to-lateral delay, maximum difference in the basal 2- or 4-chamber times to peak, SD of the 12 basal and midwall times to peak, and cross-correlation delay (XCD). Each dyssynchrony parameter was measured using both tracked and stationary ROIs. Results Use of a stationary ROI did not change the diagnosis of dyssynchrony when using XCD. However, ROI tracking changed the diagnosis of dyssynchrony in 17%, 11%, and 17% of patients when using septal-to-lateral delay, maximum difference in the basal 2- or 4-chamber times to peak, and SD of the 12 basal and midwall times to peak, respectively. XCD showed the lowest percent difference between tracked and stationary ROIs (4 ± 9% vs 22 ± 53%, 50 ± 167%, and 12 ± 30%, respectively, for septal-to-lateral delay, maximum difference in the basal 2- or 4-chamber times to peak, and SD of the 12 basal and midwall times to peak). Conclusion Manual ROI tracking is required when using conventional time-to-peak parameters to diagnose dyssynchrony. XCD diagnosis of dyssynchrony can be performed accurately with a stationary ROI.
Low-complexity postprocessing of wavelet-coded images via robust estimation and nonlinear filtering

A postprocessing algorithm for compression artifact reduction in low-bit-rate wavelet coding is proposed in this work. We first formulate the artifact reduction problem as a robust estimation problem. Under this framework, the artifact-free image is obtained by minimizing a cost function that accounts for the smoothness constraint as well as image fidelity. To compute the estimate, computationally intensive algorithms such as simulated annealing and gradient descent search are often adopted. To reduce the computational complexity, a nonlinear filtering technique is proposed in this work to find the approximate global minimum with a lower computational cost. We have performed our experiments on images coded by JPEG-2000 standard and observed the proposed method is effective in reducing the severe ringing artifact while maintaining low complexity and low memory bandwidth.
Synergy between femtosecond science and technology

The development of lasers and of femtosecond laser pulses provides many examples, how science and technology mutually reinforce each other. A brief historical overview is presented of this synergy between curiosity-driven and goal-oriented research in this field of optics, which supports the current activity in pulsed laser-materials interactions.
Effects of neonatal hypothyroidism on cerebral and cerebellar synaptosome development.

The effect of hypothyroidism on cerebral and cerebellar synaptosome development has been studied. Neonatal hypothyroidism was induced following addition of 0.3% propylthiouracil to the diet of nursing mothers. Maturation profiles of total synaptosome fraction and specific activities of lactate dehydrogenase, Na+K ATPase, cytochrome c oxidase, and protein were obtained from days 6 to 32 on synaptosomes isolated from Ficoll-sucrose gradients. The greatest changes were found in the total activities of enzymes isolated from the cerebellum. Hypothyroidism induced a retardation of LDH and cytochrome c oxidase in cerebellar synaptosomes, but no change in corresponding specific activities. Maximum rates of 14C-leucine incorporation into cerebellar synaptosome protein was found at 16–20 days, after which a rapid decline occurred to adult levels at 32 days. In neonatal hypothyroidism, synthesis was significantly reduced at 8 and 14 days, but reached control levels or above at 21–32 days. In the cerebrum, maximum rates of 14C-leucine incorporation into synaptosome protein were identified at 8–12 days in normal with a rapid drop to adult levels at approximately 20 days. In neonatal hypothyroidism, peak activities were identified at 14 days and increased activities over control were noted at 14, 20 and 30 days. These observations demonstrate the sensitivity of the developing cerebellar synaptic apparatus to neonatal hypothyroidism, with a protraction in the peak levels of synaptosome protein synthesis in cerebrum and cerebellum.
A Brønsted Acid Catalyst for the Enantioselective Protonation Reaction

A highly reactive and robust chiral Bronsted acid catalyst, chiral N-triflyl thiophosphoramide, was developed. The first metal-free Bronsted acid catalyzed enantioselective protonation reaction of silyl enol ethers was demonstrated using this chiral Bronsted acid catalyst. The catalyst loading could be reduced to 0.05 mol % without any deleterious effect on the enantioselectivity.
New recommendations for the prevention of infective endocarditis.

Purpose of review A revision of the American Heart Association guidelines for the prevention of infective endocarditis was recently published in their journal Circulation. Pediatric practitioners as well as other primary care specialists and dentists will need to advise patients as to whether they require antibiotic prophylaxis prior to invasive procedures. Some patients who formerly received prophylaxis for certain procedures may need an explanation when they are told that antibiotic prophylaxis is no longer recommended for them. Recent findings New research casts doubt on whether dental, surgical and invasive diagnostic procedures really are the cause of infective endocarditis. Events of daily life are more likely to cause bacteremia than planned procedures. Neither constant nor intermittent antibiotic prophylaxis has been proven to prevent endocarditis. Summary The authors of the revised American Heart Association guidelines made significant changes from past guidelines restricting prophylaxis to only those individuals with cardiac conditions that pose the highest risk for bad outcome should infective endocarditis occur and only for dental procedures causing the highest bacteremia rates.
The GRE Psychology Test: A Useful but Poorly Understood Test

In this article, we provide an overview of the Graduate Record Examination Psychology test. We describe how the test is constructed and how it is scored. We also discuss the correlation between test scores and first-year grades in graduate school, addressing the issue of the validity of that criterion measure. Finally, we briefly explore some future directions for the test.
Parametric dependence of fast-ion transport events on the National Spherical Torus Experiment

This paper presents an empirical approach towards characterizing the stability boundaries for some common energetic-ion-driven instabilities as seen on the National Spherical Torus Experiment (NSTX). Understanding the conditions for which beam-driven instabilities arise, and the extent of the resulting perturbation to the fast-ion population, is important for predicting and eventually demonstrating non-inductive current ramp-up and sustainment in NSTX-U (Menard J. et al 2012 Nucl. Fusion 52 083015), as well as the performance of future fusion plasma experiments such as ITER. A database has been constructed, based on shots from the 2010 experimental campaign for which TRANSP runs were performed. Each shot was divided into 50 ms intervals and the dominant beam-driven activity was characterized, and plasma parameters were collected into a database. It is found that TAE avalanches are present for βfast/βtotal > 0.3 and quiescent plasmas only for βfast/βtotal < 0.3.