cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Literacy, self-efficacy, and HIV medication adherence.

Abstract Objective We examined the relationship between patient literacy level and self-reported HIV medication adherence, while estimating the mediating roles of treatment knowledge and self-efficacy on this relationship. Methods Structured patient interviews with a literacy assessment, supplemented by medical chart review, were conducted among 204 consecutive patients receiving care at infectious disease clinics in Shreveport, Louisiana and Chicago, Illinois. Literacy was measured using the Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine (REALM), while the Patient Medication Adherence Questionnaire (PMAQ) was used to assess medication self-efficacy and adherence to antiretroviral regimens in the past 4 days. Results Approximately one-third of patients (30.4%) were less than 100% adherent to their regimen, and 31.4% had marginal to low literacy skills. In multivariate analyses, low literate patients were 3.3 times more likely to be non-adherent to their antiretroviral regimen ( p Conclusion While low literacy was a significant risk factor for improper adherence to HIV medication regimens in our study, self-efficacy mediated this relationship. Practice implications Comprehensive intervention strategies that go beyond knowledge transfer may be needed to address self-efficacy among patients across all literacy levels to be successful in the management of difficult medication schedules.
Lightweight (Ca1−x, Mgx)Zr4(PO4)6 ceramics

Abstract Lightweight (Ca1−x, Mgx)Zr4(PO4)6 (CMZP) ceramics (X = 0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) have been fabricated with relative densities of less than 0.35 by the polymer foam technique, and higher than 0.35 by the polymer powder technique. The polymer powder method forms an inhomogeneous pore structure having an average pore size of 30–80 microns compared with the polymer foam method, which yields large and uniform pore structures with pores 250–300 microns in diameter. Gas permeability of these two ceramics was examined and distinct behaviors were exhibited. The lightweight CMZP ceramics showed flexural strength comparable to that of lightweight ZrO2, but lower in compressive strength. The excellent resistance to thermal shock makes the lightweight CMZP ceramics a strong candidate for applications in severe environments.
Critical Heat Flux in Helically Coiled Tubes

A study of boiling R-113 in electrically heated coils of various diameters is reported. Sub-cooled critical heat flux (CHF) is lower with coils than with straight tubes. The differences increases as mass velocity and ratio of tube diameter to coil diameter (d/D) increases. On the contrary, quality CHF is enhanced in increases with d/D;CHF initially increases with increasing mass velocity, but decreases after a maximum is reached. Operational problems, in particular upstream dryouts, can occur if a coiled tube is operated with low to moderate subcooling neat the inlet and with moderately high heat fluxes.
ACP Journal Club. Review: Some drugs are effective for preventing migraine headache; limited evidence exists on the relative effectiveness of drugs

Source Citation Pringsheim T, Davenport WJ, Becker WJ. Prophylaxis of migraine headache. CMAJ. 2010;182:E269-76. 20159899
Switching dynamics of a magnetostrictive single-domain nanomagnet subjected to stress

The temporal evolution of the magnetization vector of a single-domain magnetostrictive nanomagnet, subjected to in-plane stress, is studied by solving the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. The stress is ramped up linearly in time, and the switching delay, which is the time it takes for the magnetization to flip, is computed as a function of the ramp rate. For high levels of stress, the delay exhibits a nonmonotonic dependence on the ramp rate, indicating that there is an optimum ramp rate to achieve the shortest delay. For constant ramp rate, the delay initially decreases with increasing stress but then saturates, showing that the trade-off between the delay and the stress (or the energy dissipated in switching) becomes less and less favorable with increasing stress. All of these features are due to a complex interplay between the in-plane and out-of-plane dynamics of the magnetization vector induced by stress.
Effect of parathyroidectomy on polycythemia vera.

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM caused by a solitary parathyroid adenoma or multigland disease can occur in association with other malignancies. Parathyroid hyperplasia occurs in association with pancreatic endocrine tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma in patients with MEN 1 or MEN 2, respectively. Occasionally patients with hyperparathyroidism can present with synchronous or metachronous malignancies, most commonly well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and bladder cancer. An association between hyperparathyroidism and polycythemia vera has been described, and there is a suggestion that surgical cure of the hyperparathyroidism may induce remission of the myeloproliferative disorder. We describe a patient who demonstrated a significant improvement in polycythemia after successful parathyroidectomy.
Base transit time for SiGe-base heterojunction bipolar transistors

The base transit time expressions for SiGe base heterojunction bipolar transistors are presented including the accelerating field effects due to the base bandgap grading and doping grading, and the retarding field (opposing drift field) effect from the graded boron profile down towards the emitter. It is found that the retarding field exhibits 40–80% contribution to the base transit time, depending on the boron concentration near the emitter. The results of base transit time from these analytic expressions are unambiguously supported by the published simulation data.
Pass efficient algorithms for approximating large matrices

We will also present simple information theoretic arguments to show that this is in essence the best we can do. The above approximation can be used for “similarity query” problems, widely used in Information Retrieval and other areas: after A has been preprocessed, we get “query” vectors x and must find the similarity of x to each row of A. Here, the similarity of two vectors is defined to be their dot product or their normalized dot product; our technique can handle both. Using an alternative method (essentially the technique of Achlioptas and McSherry in [1]), we also show another approximation A′′ which can be computed in
The aversive and hypophagic effects of estradiol

Abstract Estradiol is known to reduce food intake in many species. Recent studies have also shown that estradiol can function as an unconditioned stimulus in taste aversion paradigms, suggesting that it induces nausea and malaise in rats and mice. The experiments reported here compared the hypophagic and aversive effects of estradiol. Using mice as subjects, the first investigation examined the taste aversion properties of the estradiol receptor antagonist MER-25, which is estrogenic with respect to feeding. MER-25 induced a strong taste aversion, contrary to previous report. Second, progesterone, which counteracts the hypophagic effects of estradiol, did not disrupt the taste aversion induced by estradiol in mice. The third investigation used the Mongolian gerbil, a species in which estradiol increases food intake, in contrast to other species. Despite increasing food intake, estradiol induced a conditioned taste aversion in the gerbil similar to that seen in rats and mice. Taken together, these results indicate that the feeding and aversive effects of estrogen are mediated by different mechanisms.
Blood safety and the choice of anti-hemophilic factor concentrate

Hemophilia is a congenital disorder due to the deficiency of the activity of factor VIII (classical hemophilia A) or IX (Christmas disease or hemophilia B). Bleeding is common and may result in long-term complications or even death. Bleeding may be treated or prevented by infusion of factor concentrates however these drugs are not without risk. Clinicians often feel ill prepared to provide accurate and impartial information regarding these drugs. This review will provide the reader with an historical yet up to date perspective on blood safety as it relates to the choice of concentrates to treat hemophilia.
Spatiotemporal Deformation of Engineered Tissue During Freezing

A reliable long-term preservation technology is highly desired to provide “off-the-shelf” availability of various engineered tissues (ETs). Among the existing preservation techniques, cryopreservation, which is preserving biomaterials in the frozen state, remains the primary candidate for long-term storage of ETs. One of the most significant challenges in cryopreservation is the lack of consistency in maintaining the functionality of ETs [1]. Since the functionality is closely related to the microstructural integrity of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular viability, the ECM microstructure should be maintained as well as the viability of cells [2, 3].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
The two-body spin-orbit interaction in inelastic scattering

Abstract A formalism is given for including a two-body spin-orbit (TBSO) interaction in distortedwave calculations of inelastic scattering. Spin and parity selection rules are discussed and a guide is given, based on nuclear matrix elements and isospin considerations, to help decide when the TBSO force may be most important. The role of the TBSO force in the inelastic excitation of several low-lying levels in 90 Zr by 61.2 MeV protons is investigated as is the energy dependence of the TBSO interaction. A short discussion of the role of the TBSO force in the inelastic scattering of composite particles is presented, and the contribution of this mechanism to the excitation of the 2 − (8.88 MeV) level in 16 O by α-particles is calculated and found to be small.
Mint Proteins Are Required for Synaptic Activity-dependent Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Trafficking and Amyloid β Generation

Aberrant amyloid β (Aβ) production plays a causal role in Alzheimer disease pathogenesis. A major cellular pathway for Aβ generation is the activity-dependent endocytosis and proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP). However, the molecules controlling activity-dependent APP trafficking in neurons are less defined. Mints are adaptor proteins that directly interact with the endocytic sorting motif of APP and are functionally important in regulating APP endocytosis and Aβ production. We analyzed neuronal cultures from control and Mint knockout neurons that were treated with either glutamate or tetrodotoxin to stimulate an increase or decrease in neuronal activity, respectively. We found that neuronal activation by glutamate increased APP endocytosis, followed by elevated APP insertion into the cell surface, stabilizing APP at the plasma membrane. Conversely, suppression of neuronal activity by tetrodotoxin decreased APP endocytosis and insertion. Interestingly, we found that activity-dependent APP trafficking and Aβ generation were blocked in Mint knockout neurons. We showed that wild-type Mint1 can rescue APP internalization and insertion in Mint knockout neurons. In addition, we found that Mint overexpression increased excitatory synaptic activity and that APP was internalized predominantly to endosomes associated with APP processing. We demonstrated that presenilin 1 (PS1) endocytosis requires interaction with the PDZ domains of Mint1 and that this interaction facilitates activity-dependent colocalization of APP and PS1. These findings demonstrate that Mints are necessary for activity-induced APP and PS1 trafficking and provide insight into the cellular fate of APP in endocytic pathways essential for Aβ production.
35. Differential effects of endocannabinoid catabolic enzyme inhibition on thermal homeostasis following environmental or immunological stressors

Cannabinoid receptor agonists have been repeatedly shown to have anti-pyrogenic effects in a variety of assays. In rodents, high doses of CB1 cannabinoid receptor agonists induce hypothermia. Recently, attention has turned to how endocannabinoids (eCBs), including 2-arachidonoyglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), regulate a host of homeostatic processes including thermoregulation. Exogenous administration of 2-AG or AEA has limited efficacy, because of their rapid degradation by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), respectively. Inhibiting either enzyme elevates levels of each respective target eCB. This experiment tested the hypothesis that endocannabinoid catabolic enzymes function to maintain thermal homeostasis in response to hypothermic challenge. Male C57BL/6 J mice were administered a MAGL or FAAH inhibitor and challenged with a cold ambient environment or the bacterial endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 2 mg/kg ip). MAGL inhibition exacerbated cold-induced hypothermia. Pretreatment with the selective CB1 receptor antagonist rimonabant blocked this decrease, whereas the selective CB2 antagonist SR144528 had no effect. MAGL inhibition also exacerbated LPS-induced hypothermia via CB1 receptors. In contrast, FAAH inhibition had no effect on Tb following either stressor. These data indicate that unlike direct acting cannabinoid receptor agonists, which elicit profound hypothermic responses, neither MAGL nor FAAH inhibitors affect normal body temperature. However, MAGL inhibition leads to a dysregulation of Tb via a CB1 receptor mechanism of action in mice subjected to physical or physiological stress.
Measuring Radiation Characteristics of Remote Keyless Entry Transmitters

In this paper a simple technique to determine real world radiation characteristics of portable communications devices is outlined, with particular emphasis placed on the measurement of remote keyless entry (RKE) hand-held transmitters. Device radiation pattern and polarization are characterized without the need of error causing feed cables or disparate time coherent sources, making it particularly useful when measuring sources that couple to the human body. Polarization purity is collected in a single measurement spin, making characterization of multiple on-body scenarios practical with human subjects.
Layered Nanostructures of Delaminated Anatase: Nanosheets and Nanotubes

Anatase, viewed traditionally as a three-dimensional TiO2 structure, has major applications in solar cells, hydrogen production, and catalysis. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization, and structural simulation of a layered nanosheet material that can be described as delaminated anatase along the [001] direction. Counting the outer and interlayer surfaces, such a nanosheet structure maximizes the areas of surfaces which are similar to anatase (001), believed to be the surface of central importance for the superior efficiency of anatase in various applications. Indeed, the important dissociative adsorption process of water predicted to occur on the anatase (001) surface is observed in such nanosheet material. It is also shown that the structure of titania nanotubes, an issue of debate for nearly a decade, can also be described by delaminated anatase along the [001] direction. Interestingly, the strains in such a curved tubular structure lead to major differences in surface chemistry such as water d...
Analysis of the effect of an electric-field profile on the gain bandwidth product of avalanche photodetectors.

We investigate the effect of the electric-field profile on the gain–bandwidth product of avalanche photodetectors with separate absorption and multiplication. We show that for a given multiplication layer thickness the electric-field profile plays an important role in determining the gain–bandwidth product. The calculation results show that an increasing triangular electric-field profile yields a larger gain–bandwidth product than most other profiles for Si/InGaAs avalanche photodetectors.
RF MAGNETIZATION OF MAGNETOSTATIC FORWARD VOLUME WAVE IN A YIG-GGG LAYERED STRUCTURE WITH APPLICATION TO DESIGN OF HIGH-PERFORMANCE GUIDED-WAVE MAGNETOOPTIC BRAGG CELLS

Explicit expressions for the RF magnetization of magnetostatic forward volume waves (MSFVW) generated by a microstrip line transducer in a Yttrium Iron Garnet-Gadolinium Gallium Garnet (YIG-GGG) layered structure sandwiched between two finite ground planes have been derived for the first time. The behavior of the RF magnetization as a function of various physical and geometrical parameters and its influence on the design of high-performance guided-wave magnetooptic (MO) Bragg Cells are studied in detail. The effects of DC bias magnetic field and geometrical parameters on the RF magnetization and thus the MO Bragg diffraction or mode-conversion efficiency and the bandwidth are presented in plots generated using a computer. A good agreement between computed and experimental results has been obtained.
Lower endogenous androgen levels and dyslipidemia in men with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

Abstract ▪Objective:To compare plasma androgen levels in diabetic and nondiabetic men and to determine their relation to diabetic dyslipidemia. ▪Design:A population-based, case-control study. ▪Sett...
Impact of total-body irradiation on the response to a live bacterial challenge.

AbstractPurpose: Concern regarding radiation effects on human health continues to increase worldwide. Given that infection is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after exposure, the aim of this study was to evaluate decrements in immune cell populations using a mammalian model subjected to a live bacterial infection.Materials and methods: C57BL/6 mice were exposed to total-body irradiation (TBI) with 3 Gy protons (70 cGy/min). One, 2, 4, 8 or 16 days later, subsets of mice were injected intraperitoneally with live Escherichia coli [055:K59(B5)]. Control groups received no radiation and vehicle (no bacteria). The mice were euthanized for analyses 90–120 min after injection of the bacteria.Results: There were no unexpected effects of radiation or E. coli alone. Despite dramatic radiation-induced decreases in all leukocyte populations in both the blood and spleen, irradiated mice were still able to respond to an immune challenge based on capacity to generate an oxidative burst and secrete inflammatory c...
On Bargaining for an Indivisible Good

Abstract This note studies contracts involving lotteries for the purpose of trading an indivisible good. Lottery contracts allow players to reach agreements for trading the good even if the reservation price of the potential buyer is below that of the potential seller. When certainty exchanges are possible, lottery contracts often dominate them. An interesting feature of the contracts is that the probability of trading the good depends on the players' bargaining powers, but the payments do not. Journal of Economic Literature Classification Numbers: C78.
Regulation of the Arabidopsis GSK3-like kinase BRASSINOSTEROID-INSENSITIVE 2 through proteasome-mediated protein degradation

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a unique serine/threonine kinase that is implicated in a variety of cellular processes and is regulated by phosphorylation or protein-protein interaction in animal cells. BIN2 is an Arabidopsis GSK3-like kinase that negatively regulates brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Genetic studies suggested that BIN2 is inhibited in response to BR perception at the cell surface to relieve its inhibitory effects on downstream targets; however, little is known about biochemical mechanisms of its inhibition. Here, we show that BIN2 is regulated by proteasome-mediated protein degradation. Exogenous application of a BR biosynthesis inhibitor and an active BR increased and decreased the amount of BIN2 proteins, respectively. Interestingly, the gain-of-function bin2-1 mutation significantly stabilizes BIN2, making it unresponsive to BR-induced BIN2 depletion. Exogenous application of different plant growth hormones revealed that BIN2 depletion is specifically induced by BR through a functional BR receptor, while treatment of a proteasome inhibitor, MG132, not only prevented the BR-induced BIN2 depletion but also nullified the inhibitory effect of BR on the BIN2 kinase activity. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that proteasome-mediated protein degradation constitutes an important regulatory mechanism for restricting the BIN2 activity.
Cost-Effectiveness of Surgical Treatment for Adult Spinal Deformity: A Comparison of Dollars per Quality of Life Improvement Across Health Domains

Abstract Design Retrospective, single-center analysis of consecutive patients undergoing surgical treatment for adult spinal deformity (ASD). Objective Assess the value of surgical treatment for ASD across different health domains. Summary of Background Data The cost of improvement in health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important consideration for resource allocation. There is also growing concern among policy makers regarding the incorporation of patient-specific preferences in the appropriate definition and assessment health care value. Methods Single-center, retrospective study of consecutive ASD patients undergoing primary surgery with principal diagnosis code 737.0–737.9 from 2005 through May 2010. Patients less than 18 years of age were excluded. The HRQOL measures were based on the Short Form–36, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)–22 questionnaire after at least 2 years after surgery. The SRS scores were translated to a 100-point scale. Costs were collected from hospital data on the total costs incurred for the episode of surgical care. Confidence intervals were calculated using nonparametric bootstrap methods. Results Baseline and minimum 2-year HR follow-up data were available for 164 patients, with an average follow-up of 3.2 years and a range of 2 to 7.4 years. Patients were predominantly female (14; 88%) and ranged from 18 to 82 years of age at index surgery (average of 51 years of age). The cost-effectiveness (CE) ratios varied across different HRQOL outcomes, ranging from an average cost of $5,658 per 1-point improvement in SRS Self-image to an average cost of $25,918 per 1-point improvement in SF-36 Physical Component Score (PCS). Results revealed statistically significant differences (p Conclusions Statistically significant differences were found in CE ratios across HRQOL sub-domains. This has important implications in the assessment of patient-specific value of health care services, and illustrates that surgical treatment for ASD may be more cost-effective for some purposes (eg, pain reduction) and less cost-effective for others (eg, improved functional activity).
Analysis and optimization of the energy efficiency in the 802.11 DCF

This paper introduces an analytical model to investigate the energy efficiency of the IEEE 802.11 distributed coordinated function (DCF). This model not only accounts for the number of contending nodes, the contention window, but also the packet size, and the channel condition. Based on this model, we identify the tradeoff in choosing optimum parameters to optimize the energy efficiency of DCF in the error-prone environment. The effects of contention window and packet size on the energy efficiency are examined and compared for both DCF basic scheme and DCF with four-way handshaking. The maximum energy efficiency can be obtained by combining both the optimal packet size and optimal contention window. To validate our analysis, we have done extensive simulations in ns-2, and simulation results seem to match well with the presented analytical results.
Structure of the penultimate deglaciation along the California margin and implications for Milankovitch theory

The detailed structure and timing of the penultimate deglaciation are insufficiently defined yet critical for understanding mechanisms responsible for abrupt climate change. Here we present oxygen isotope records (from planktonic and benthic foraminifera) at unprecedented resolution encompassing late marine oxygen isotope stage (MIS) 6 and Termination II (ca. 150–120 ka) from the Santa Barbara Basin, supported by additional southern California margin records, a region highly sensitive to millennial-scale climate oscillations during the last deglaciation. These records reveal millennial- and centennial-scale climate variability throughout the interval, including an interstadial immediately preceding the deglaciation, a brief warm event near the beginning of Termination II, and a Bolling-Allerod–Younger Dryas–like climate oscillation midway through the deglaciation. Recognition of these events in an oxygen isotope record from a 230Th-dated stalagmite allows the adoption of this radiometric chronology for the California margin records. This chronology supports the Milankovitch theory of deglaciation. The suborbital history of climate variability during Termination II may account for records of early deglaciation.
The Cultural Practice of Reading and the Standardized Assessment of Reading Instruction: When Incommensurate Worlds Collide

This article critiques the articles by Connor et al., Croninger and Valli, Pianta and Hamre, and Rowan and Correnti, which appeared in the March 2009 issue of Educational Researcher, by taking a cultural-historical perspective on reading and reading instruction. In this paradigm a number of those authors’ assumptions are seen as questionable, including the beliefs about reading that it is a self-evident construct, that it is a discrete act, and that it is an acultural act. The author of this critique presents evidence that challenges each of these assumptions and argues that by accepting them, the authors of the critiqued articles institute an order that values the system above relational aspects of schooling and teachers’ informed decision making.
Aural Space, Sonorous Presence, and the Performance of Christian Community in the Chester Shepherds Play

Sensitivity to the Chester Shepherds’ soundedness in performance reveals that its climactic action — an angel singing a sophisticated Gloria , its audience of shepherds responding with playful macaronic Latin — stands not as an isolated outburst but rather as the concentrated centre of a thoroughgoing network of meaningful sound that stretches from the play’s first to its last line. By reading the Chester Shepherds play with ears attuned to its sounded dimension, we gain insight into how the play fostered opportunities for interanimating presence, identity, and community by manipulating the aural space of late-medieval theatrical enactment to draw an audience into sonorous presence. The play patterns sounds, verbal and otherwise, into a meaning-bearing experience of sound in its own right in order to develop a dynamic acoustic space in which present sounding and hearing can become the fulcrum of redemptive meaning and salvific Christian membership.
A graphical computer system for modeling the manual lifting task via biomechanical and psychophysical-biomechanical optimization approaches

Abstract An integrated graphical computer system was developed for modeling manual lifting tasks. The system consists of four modules: (1) biomechanical motion profile, (2) psychophysical-biomechanical optimization motion profile, (3) kinematic and kinetic analysis and (4) graphic user interface that provides animation capability. The model was a five-segment 2-D biomechanical model. The psychophysical-biomechanical optimization module was adapted from a recent optimization model. A psychophysical factor was added to each segment in the objective function to represent how much the subject “attempts to utilize” or “concentrates on” a segment relative to other segments. The model was simulated with both time-invariant and time-variant psychophysical factors. Two test sets were used for the time-variant model. The first test predicted that if the subject were to concentrate on a single segment, putting a maximum usage of the shank would produce the least total torque in our simulated motion profile. The second test predicted that if the subject were to concentrate on two segments, putting maximized usage in both the shank and the thigh would produce the smallest total torque. Three sets of time-variant psychophysical factors were simulated. The simulations predicted that if the subject transferred concentration from shank to lower arm in the last quarter of the lift time, the total torque would be further reduced than when using a set of time-invariant psychophysical factors. In conclusion, this system demonstrated that the psychophysical factor could be integrated with the biomechanical factor to improve the lifting performance. The system should be a useful tool to aid training and job design for the lifting task.
A FLEXIBLE MICRO MANUFACTURING SYSTEM FOR MICRO PARTS ASSEMBLY VIA MICRO VISUAL SENSING AND EAP BASED GRASPING

In this paper, we developed a flexible micro workcell for micro part assembly and bio materials handling. The primary focus of the research is on the flexible manufacturing system that can handle parts in the size of 100 to 500 μm for various applications. Flexibility in micro assembly, though important, has not been examined in depth due to the complexity of micro operations of small parts. Micro gears, micro glass fibers or fragile bio materials require flexibility in gripping and haptic feedback control for further operation. To that end, we design grippers made out of electro active polymer, controlled by high precision micro manipulator for a novel micro assembly process, namely flexible micro assembly system (FMAS). The areas of research include micro/nano electro-mechanical system (MEMS) material and structure, micro sensor/actuator system, visual feedback control system, micro-robotic arm motion control and flexible micro-gripper system. In order to verify the functional aspect of the FMAS, we made micro mechanical gears fabricated via bulk micromachining technology for 3D micro vision capability and handling precision of micro robotic manipulator.
A Near-Field Modulation Technique Using Antenna Reflector Switching

This paper presents a near-field reflector switching technique that can generate independently controlled modulated signals for sufficiently different angles of radiation. This technique can be used either to transmit different data in different directions simultaneously, or to generate the correct signal constellation only in the desired direction and scrambled ones for other angles, creating a secure communication link. This approach is also conducive to power-efficient switching PAs, even for wideband non-constant envelope modulation schemes, enabling fast and power-efficient transmitter architectures.
Interfacing the Dinamap 845 Blood Pressure Monitor to a Microcomputer

A schematic diagram of the circuit, and a description of the software technique required to convert data obtained from the Dinamap 845 noninvasive blood pressure monitor to a format compatible with an RS232C serial interface for a microcomputer, are described.
Pipette GTP is essential for receptor-mediated regulation of Cl- current in dialysed myocytes from guinea-pig ventricle

1. Wide-tipped, low-resistance (approximately 1 M omega) pipettes were used to record the whole-cell Cl- current activated by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) in guinea-pig ventricular myocytes internally dialysed with or without GTP. Without GTP in the pipette, the response to 1 microM-isoprenaline declined with time and eventually disappeared, usually within approximately 20 min of rupturing the membrane and beginning cell dialysis. 2. This rundown of the isoprenaline response occurred more quickly with wider, lower-resistance pipette tips. 3. After complete rundown of the isoprenaline response, histamine (10 microM), another agonist known to elicit the Cl- current, also had no effect, but extracellular forskolin (1 microM) or intrapipette cAMP (1 mM) could still readily elicit the Cl- current. 4. In contrast, with 100 microM-GTP in the pipette, the response to 1 microM-isoprenaline was well maintained for periods greater than 20 min. But, if GTP was then withdrawn from the pipette, a rundown of the isoprenaline response was seen comparable to that in the experiments begun with GTP-free pipette solution. Moreover, in experiments begun without pipette GTP, the addition of 100 microM-GTP to the pipette solution, after the response to isoprenaline had disappeared, was able to restore that Cl- current response. 5. With GTP in the pipette, the forskolin-induced Cl- current could be suppressed by concurrent exposure to carbachol (10 microM). That inhibition was not seen in myocytes pretreated with pertussis toxin. In untreated myocytes dialysed with GTP-free pipette solution, after disappearance of the isoprenaline response, the muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition was itself abolished. 6. We confirm that both beta-adrenoceptor-mediated activation of the Cl- current by isoprenaline, and muscarinic receptor-mediated inhibition of the forskolin-induced Cl- current, are mediated by G proteins, and conclude that the disappearance of both receptor-mediated responses during whole-cell recording with GTP-free pipette solution reflects the fall of cellular [GTP] below the level required to maintain G protein-dependent signal transduction.
A generalized modeling method for signal/power integrity analysis of 3D coupled interconnects in finite cavity based on 1D technology

In this paper, an innovative 1D technology is used to model complex vias structures in 3D IC and package system, which can include the layout of both eccentric single-ended and differential signaling types. The problem under investigation is an essential basic unit which can be applied to build and model complex multilayer structures. We first obtain the impedance matrix for finite cavity, which includes the reflection feartures of the cavity boundaries. Then the scattered field from a single via and T matrix in the presence of walls for a single via are derived. The Foldy-Lax multiple scatteing equations are furthermore listed based on the scattering mechanism. For the incident field, we calculate the exciting and scattering field coefficients on the vias in the arbitrarily shaped antipad based on 1D technology. Then the coupling among vertical interconnects are solved by applying reformulated Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equation. Finally, the scattering matrix of coupling among vias is calculated. Numerical results for the method are in good agreement with a commercial full wave numerical tool up to 50 GHz.
Competition of Escherichia coli DNA Polymerases I, II and III with DNA Pol IV in Stressed Cells

Escherichia coli has five DNA polymerases, one of which, the low-fidelity Pol IV or DinB, is required for stress-induced mutagenesis in the well-studied Lac frameshift-reversion assay. Although normally present at ∼200 molecules per cell, Pol IV is recruited to acts of DNA double-strand-break repair, and causes mutagenesis, only when at least two cellular stress responses are activated: the SOS DNA-damage response, which upregulates DinB ∼10-fold, and the RpoS-controlled general-stress response, which upregulates Pol IV about 2-fold. DNA Pol III was also implicated but its role in mutagenesis was unclear. We sought in vivo evidence on the presence and interactions of multiple DNA polymerases during stress-induced mutagenesis. Using multiply mutant strains, we provide evidence of competition of DNA Pols I, II and III with Pol IV, implying that they are all present at sites of stress-induced mutagenesis. Previous data indicate that Pol V is also present. We show that the interactions of Pols I, II and III with Pol IV result neither from, first, induction of the SOS response when particular DNA polymerases are removed, nor second, from proofreading of DNA Pol IV errors by the editing functions of Pol I or Pol III. Third, we provide evidence that Pol III itself does not assist with but rather inhibits Pol IV-dependent mutagenesis. The data support the remaining hypothesis that during the acts of DNA double-strand-break (DSB) repair, shown previously to underlie stress-induced mutagenesis in the Lac system, there is competition of DNA polymerases I, II and III with DNA Pol IV for action at the primer terminus. Up-regulation of Pol IV, and possibly other stress-response-controlled factor(s), tilt the competition in favor of error-prone Pol IV at the expense of more accurate polymerases, thus producing stress-induced mutations. This mutagenesis assay reveals the DNA polymerases operating in DSB repair during stress and also provides a sensitive indicator for DNA polymerase competition and choice in vivo.
Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 deficiency decreases atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E null mice by reducing monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 levels.

Abstract Rationale We previously reported that mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-1 (MKP-1) expression is necessary for oxidized phospholipids to induce monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) secretion by human aortic endothelial cells. We also reported that inhibition of tyrosine phosphatases including MKP-1 ameliorated atherosclerotic lesions in mouse models of atherosclerosis. Objective This study was conducted to further investigate the specific role of MKP-1 in atherogenesis. Methods and results We generated MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− double-knockout mice. At 24weeks of age, the size, macrophage and dendritic cell content of atherosclerotic lesions of the aortic root were significantly lower (∼−41% for lesions and macrophages, and ∼−78% for dendritic cells) in MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− mice when compared with apoE −/− mice. Total cholesterol (−18.4%, p =0.045) and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)/low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (−20.0%, p =0.052) levels were decreased in MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− mice. Serum from MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− mice contained significantly lower levels of MCP-1 and possessed significantly reduced capability to induce monocyte migration in vitro. Moreover, peritoneal macrophages isolated from MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− mice produced significantly lower levels of MCP-1 when compared to peritoneal macrophages from apoE −/− mice. Furthermore, MKP-1 −/− /apoE −/− mice had significantly reduced serum hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acids (HETEs) levels, which have been reported to induce MCP-1 levels. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that MKP-1 deficiency significantly decreases atherosclerotic lesion development in mice, in part, by affecting MCP-1 levels in the circulation and MCP-1 production by macrophages. MKP-1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerotic disease.
Solar neutrinos as probes of neutrino-matter interactions

Abstract Data from solar neutrino and KamLAND experiments have led to a discovery of nonzero neutrino masses. Here we investigate what these data can tell us about neutrino interactions with matter, including the poorly constrained flavor-changing ν e – ν τ interactions. We give examples of the interaction parameters that are excluded by the solar/KamLAND data and are beyond the reach of other experiments. We also demonstrate that flavor-changing interactions, at the allowed level, may profoundly modify the conversion probability for neutrinos of energy ≲6 MeV and the values of the mass parameter inferred from the data. The implications for future experiments are discussed.
An Investigation of Morphology Dependent Charge Storage in Polypyrrole Membranes

PPy-based membranes exchange ions with electrolyte through reversible redox processes and hence are best suited as electrodes for batteries and super capacitors. The energy density of batteries and super capacitors are dependent on the specific capacitance of the conducting polymer and can be represented through a mechanistic model for ion transport. Through this model, the specific capacitance of polypyrrole-based membranes is shown to be dependent on the number of accessible redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface. The accessibility of redox sites at the electrolyte-polymer interface can be increased by controlling the morphological properties and distribution of dopant in the polymer backbone. Thus, by nanostructuring and by controlling the distribution of the dopant in the polymer, we have shown that the capacitance of PPy-based membranes can be increased to 490 F.g−1 for a 50 mV.sec−1 scan rate and 0.6 g.cm−2 specific mass. Despite this value of specific capacitance being the highest reported for PPy-based membranes to date, it is estimated that only 69% of active redox sites are used for ion storage and hence can be increased further. Maximizing specific capacitance requires an understanding of spatial distribution of redox sites in the polymer backbone and its corresponding chemoelectrical activity. In order to generate a spatial map of ion storage in PPy-based membranes, this article presents for the first time a shear-force (SF) based topography imaging and scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) imaging of the PPy(DBS) under reduced and oxidized conditions. From a correlated topography and chemoelectrical activity of PPy-based membrane, the data shows the availability of redox sites in the polymer and it is projected that this result will enhance the design and nanostructuring of PPy-based membranes and distribution of dopant in the backbone.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Monitoring protein aggregation kinetics with simultaneous multiple sample light scattering.

Abstract A simultaneous multiple sample light scattering (SMSLS) prototype instrument was built to simultaneously measure light scattering from many independent monoclonal antibody (mAb) solutions in order to monitor their time-dependent aggregation behavior and to characterize, via absolute Rayleigh scattering ratios, their molecular masses and second, third, and fourth virial coefficients under non-aggregating conditions at concentrations up to 190 mg/ml. One stable mAb and another prone to aggregation were studied. Early phase aggregation rates spanned six orders of magnitude over temperatures 30 to 83 °C for both mAbs and divided into “Arrhenius” and “Stochastic” regimes. The Arrhenius regimes comprise two thermal regimes whose breakpoint occurs near the first thermal unfolding temperature of the mAb domain structure. The Stochastic regime occurs for T ⩽ 40 °C. Rates yielded activation energies and temperature and concentration crossovers among rate-limiting regimes. Virial coefficients were closely related to aggregation kinetics. Hydrodynamic diameter relationship to virial coefficients provided further insight into stability. SMSLS detected as few as three dimerization events among 1000 monomeric proteins. Although early phase aggregation is linear in time and reproducible, aggregation becomes chaotic in later phases. SMSLS dramatically increases protein monitoring throughput, providing continuous monitoring for hours, weeks, and longer. New samples can be changed in and out without affecting other sample measurements in progress.
Thermoelectric figure of merit enhancement in a quantum dot superlattice

We theoretically investigated electron and phonon transport in a quantum superlattice and evaluated a possible thermoelectric figure of merit increase. The presented model takes into account electron and phonon transport modifications due to the space confinement caused by the mismatch in electronic and thermal properties between dot and host materials. The numerical calculations were carried out for a structure that consists of multiple layers of Si with regimented quantum dots separated by wetting layers and spacers. Transport coefficients (electric conductivity, Seebeck coefficient and lattice thermal conductivity) were calculated as functions of quantum dot volume fraction for different dot sizes. It is shown that additional thermoelectric figure of merit enhancement due to the presence of quantum dots may be obtained. The predicted enhancement is mostly due to the significant drop in the lattice thermal conductivity caused by the acoustic phonon scattering by quantum dots.
Exploring cultural diversity: A network analysis of the communicative correlates of shyness within the black culture

This Investigation was designed to explore the experience of shyness within the black culture. Specifically, this is the second study In a three‐phase research program designed to assess the relationship between social network attributes and shyness. In order to achieve this purpose, this study compared the communication networks of high, moderate, and low‐shy black communicators with expectations about the communicative behavior of shy individuals drawn from existing research on shyness. The results suggest that shyness may be experienced differently within culturally‐diverse populations; thus, there is a need for In‐depth intracultural investigations of shyness before an understanding of this phenomenon in intercultural contexts can be achieved.
Excitation Spectra of Dibenzoborole Containing π-Electron Systems: Controlling the Electronic Spectra by Changing the pπ−π* Conjugation

We report time-dependent density functional theory calculations of the vertical excitation energies for the singlet states of three-coordinate 5H-dibenzoborole (DBB) derivatives and four-coordinate 5-fluoro-5H-dibenzoborole ion (FDBB) derivatives. These molecules show remarkable hypsochromic (blue) shifts in their fluorescence spectra and bathochromic (red) shifts in their absorption spectra when the bridging boron atoms change their coordination number from three to four. We constructed a series of derivatives of DBB and FDBB and studied how the energies of the electronic excitations change. The states with prominent oscillator strength in all of the DBB and FDBB derivatives show similar shifts of their excitation energies upon coordination. The three-coordinate DBB derivative 5-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2,8-dimethoxy-3,7-bis[p-(N,N-diphenylamino)phenyl]-5H-dibenzo[d,b]borole has an intense absorption at 3.25 eV, which shifts in the four-coordinate FDBB derivative 5-fluro-5-(2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl)-2,...
Something borrowed, everything new: innovation and institutionalization in urban climate governance

The traditional view of climate governance is that local action is shaped by international agreements and national policies, the priorities of funders, and ideas advanced by nongovernmental organizations and transnational networks. Some cities take action in response to these actors and the pressures they exert. However, most are motivated by internal goals and are taking independent action to advance their climate agendas. While mitigation planning is a relatively more institutionalized field of action than adaptation, cities in both the global North and South are testing new institutional arrangements and experimenting with adaptation and mitigation policies, plans, and processes as they seek to develop and advance their climate agendas. The lack of resources, capacity, and institutions to support local climate action appears to be fostering urban entrepreneurship, but these constraints also may be limiting the speed of program development and sustained gains that cities can achieve.
Seizures in pregnancy: Epilepsy, eclampsia, and stroke

Seizures during pregnancy complicate <1% of all gestations; however, they are associated with increased adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes (acute and long term). The differential diagnosis of seizures in pregnancy is extensive. Determining the underlying etiology is crucial in the management of these patients. Medical providers caring for pregnant women should be educated about possible etiologies of seizures during pregnancy and the importance of prompt management of these women in a timely fashion. Evaluation and management should be performed in a stepwise fashion and may require a multidisciplinary approach with other specialties such as neurology. The objective of this review is to increase awareness and to provide a stepwise approach toward the diagnosis and management of pregnancies complicated by seizures.