cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface reactions and structural evolution of organosilicate glass under Ar plasma bombardment

Abstract Ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations with a variable time step setup were used to investigate collision reactions, collision cascades and subsequent structural changes of organosilicate glass (OSG) low- k dielectric surfaces under Ar plasma bombardment with kinetic energies up to 100 eV. Reactions that result in carbon loss and glass network structure changes during plasma treatment were carefully examined, since carbon loss increases the dielectric constant of the low- k dielectrics and the susceptibility to water attack, thus adversely affecting the performance of these dielectric materials in microelectronic devices. Results from AIMD based collision cascade simulations have provided mechanistic understanding of collision reactions during plasma bombardment. It was found that Si–CH 3 bond scission and CH 3 abstraction reactions are the primary methods of carbon loss. Two distinct mechanisms were identified for CH 3 removal from 100 eV plasma bombardment, one due to direct momentum transfer from the high-energy incident Ar atom to a Si–O bond on the OSG surface, and the other due to generation of highly reactive atomic oxygen radicals during collision cascades. Atomic oxygen radicals generated during cascades were found to occur at a rate of 1–3 per 100 eV Ar impact with radical kinetic energies ranging from 2.2 to 42.6 eV, well above the minimum energy of 0.1 eV for Si–CH 3 bond breakage. Both reaction mechanisms were examined through atomic charge analysis and the results indicated that the Ar atom ionizes when it impacts the OSG surface, causing temporary charge transfer from the Ar atom to the Si–O bond and playing a role in CH 3 removal. The cascading atomic oxygen radicals and the ionization of the Ar atom during the Si–CH 3 bond scission and CH 3 removal demonstrate the secondary effects of Ar bombardment which must be considered during plasma etching of low- k dielectrics.
Simplified application of Bayesian analysis to multiple cardiologic tests.

Bayes' theorem is an accepted method to integrate the results of multiple tests for coronary artery disease, but complicated calculations make its application awkward for the clinician. This report presents tables which allow the reader to serially apply Bayes' theorem to the results of stress electrocardiography, thallium scintigraphy, technetium blood-pool scintigraphy, and cardiac fluoroscopy.
Two nested gonadal inductions of the vulva in nematodes

How do intercellular signals that pattern cell fates vary in evolution? During nematode vulva development, precursor cells acquire one of three fates in a pattern centered around the gonadal anchor cell. Non-vulval fates are at the periphery, outer and inner vulval fates are towards the center. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the three fates are specified around the same time by an induction by the anchor cell and lateral signaling between the vulva precursor cells. We find that, in three other nematode species (Panagrolaimus, Oscheius and Rhabditella spp.) spanning two families, the centered pattern is obtained by two temporally distinct gonadal inductions. The first induction specifies vulval fates; the second induction specifies the inner vulval fates in a subset of the precursors’ daughters. This evolutionary change in the spatiotemporal connectivity of cell interactions allows centering of the pattern between two precursors in Panagrolaimus.
Measurement of donor-specific HLA antibodies following plasma exchange therapy predicts clinical outcome in pediatric heart and lung transplant recipients with antibody-mediated rejection

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is an increasingly utilized immunosuppressive adjunct for treatment of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR) following organ transplantation. TPE works through removal of donor-specific HLA antibodies (DSAs) in the recipient's plasma. However, there is no clear laboratory measure evaluating efficacy of removal of DSAs or predicting clinical outcome. We hypothesized that semi-quantitative DSA measurement by multiplex HLA antibody immunoassay may provide qualitative and quantitative data for DSA clearance and predict treatment efficacy. To evaluate this, we retrospectively investigated DSA concentrations and clinical outcome for 21 pediatric patients who received 31 cycles of TPE peri-operatively as an adjunct treatment for transplantation in the setting of a positive cytotoxic crossmatch (CXM) and in recipients with AMR following heart or lung transplantation. Immunoassay measurement of DSAs during 15/20 cycles correlated significantly with clinical outcome in the AMR treatment group (P = 0.02), demonstrating the utility of DSA measurement in predicting clinical outcome. In contrast, immunoassay correlated with clinical outcome in only 7/11 patients treated peri-operatively with TPE for CXM-positive transplantations (P = 0.58). Changes in mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) for the DSAs correlated better with clinical response than surrogate CXM titers in a subset of patients. We conclude that semi-quantitative measurement of DSAs by immunoassay can predict clinical response to TPE for treatment of AMR is more reliable than surrogate CXM titer, and should be used to guide TPE treatment of AMR. J. Clin. Apheresis 28:301–308, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Foreign body giant cell reaction to tarSys™ xenograft.

Objective A foreign body giant cell (FBGC) reaction may occur in response to implanted xenogenic biomaterials. Here we report a FBGC reaction to the recently introduced xenogenic biomaterial, tarSys™, used for correction of lower eyelid retraction. Method A retrospective chart review of two patients with FBGC reaction to tarSys™ implantation was performed. Results Two patients (aged 51, 58 year) with lower eyelid retraction underwent surgical implantation of tarSys™ spacer grafts for correction. Both patients subsequently experienced chronic swelling requiring graft removal. Examination of the specimens showed a palisading FBGC reaction around acellular pink fibrillar material. Conclusion A FBGC reaction may follow implantation of the tarSys™ xenograft.
An adaptive synchronization method for unpredictable communication patterns in dataparallel programs

Parallel assignments are among the most common constructs in a dataparallel program. The communication patterns implied by a parallel assignment statement may be classified as predictable or unpredictable. Predictable communication patterns can be identified by the compiler and are typically amenable to efficient code generation. Unpredictable communication patterns cannot be detected at compile time and in mast situations are inefficiently implemented using general techniques. The well known inspector-executor method efficiently implements unpredictable communication patterns that repeat themselves, by capturing and saving information the first time, and using it for subsequent repetitions. The primary contribution of this paper is a method that efficiently implements a wide class of unpredictable communication patterns. This class includes patterns that are not necessarily repeated, and so additionally encompasses cases where the inspector-executor method fails. This paper describes the new method and its implementation on the IBM SP1 multicomputer. Experimental results on the performance of this implementation are presented for a variety of synthetic benchmark codes. >
Adolescents With Closed Head Injuries: A Report of Initial Cognitive Deficits

• Accidents represent the leading cause of morbidity in the adolescent age group. Closed head injuries (CHI) sustained in such accidents are frequently associated with cognitive deficits. The intent of this study was to explore the neuropsychological functioning of adolescents with CHI. Thirty-three teenagers who had sustained CHI as the result of a motor vehicle or motor vehicle/pedestrian accident were compared with orthopedically injured (n=13) and matched, noninjured (n=35) control groups. Results indicated that immediately after injury, patients with CHI performed poorer than their counterparts on measures of intelligence, cognitive flexibility, memory (particularly verbal recall), and verbal fluency. Thus, the findings indicate that adolescents who sustain CHI experience pervasive cognitive deficits immediately after injury that potentially interfere with reentry into their home, school, and peer activities. (AJDC1988;142:1048-1051)
Low-voltage high-performance organic thin film transistors with a thermally annealed polystyrene/hafnium oxide dielectric

Low-voltage pentacene-based organic thin film transistors (OTFTs) are demonstrated with polystyrene (PS)/hafnium oxide (HfOx) hybrid dielectrics. Thermal annealing of PS films on HfOx at 120 °C (PS-120) induces a flatter orientation of the phenyl groups (tilt angle 65°) at the surface compared to PS films without annealing (PS-RT) (tilt angle 31°). The flatter phenyl group orientation leads to better matching of surface energy between pentacene and PS. Pentacene deposited on PS-120 display higher quality thin films with larger grain sizes and higher crystallinity. Pentacene OTFTs with PS-120/HfOx hybrid dielectrics can operate at low-voltage (<3 V) with high field-effect mobilities (1 cm2/V s), high on/off current ratios (106), and low subthreshold slopes (100 mV/dec).
Statistical comparison of subspace based DOA estimation algorithms in the presence of sensor errors

A non-asymptotic statistical performance analysis using matrix approximation is applied to subspace based algorithms for direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation in the presence of sensor errors. In particular, the MUSIC, min-norm, state-space realization (TAM and DDA) and ESPRIT algorithms are analyzed. An analytical expression of the variance of the DOA estimation error is developed for theoretical comparison in a greatly simplified and self-contained fashion. The tractable formulas provide insight into the algorithms. Simulation results verify the analysis. >
The contribution of two-particle ladder and RPA terms to the effective interaction in A = 18 nuclei

Abstract Two-particle ladder and RPA terms are included in the perturbation expansion for the effective interaction θ in A = 18 nuclei through third order in the reaction matrix. Although the possibility of convergence is improved, this improvement is questionable, because of double counting. Ways for improving the calculation of θ are discussed.
Design and calibration of large dynamic range optical metrology systems

Optical metrology requiring a large dynamic range places several requirements on the design and operation on the instrument. In addition to being able to detect the part or wavefront shape to the required range and precision, the measurements must also be calibrated to remove the induced errors associated with operation in a non-null fashion. This paper demonstrates the need for this calibration, and presents the results of a system calibration of a non-null interferometric measurement.
CFD Predictions of Pulsed Film Cooling Heat Flux on a Turbine Blade Leading Edge

Unsteadiness in film cooling jets may arise due to inherent unsteadiness of the blade-vane interaction or may be induced as a means of flow control. A computational study was conducted to determine how leading edge film cooling performance is affected by pulsing the coolant flow. A cylindrical leading edge with a flat afterbody is used to simulate the turbine blade leading edge region. A single coolant hole was located 21.5° from the leading edge, angled 20° to the surface and 90° from the streamwise direction. The leading edge diameter to hole diameter ratio is D/d = 18.7. Time resolved adiabatic effectiveness and heat transfer coefficient are used to calculate the temporally averaged, spatially resolved net heat flux reduction for several pulsing scenarios. The net heat flux reduction with pulsed film cooling is compared to the steady jet with matched average mass flow rate. Steady blowing ratios of M = 0.25 and 0.50 are each compared with two pulsed jet cases with matching averaging blowing ratio, M , at a nondimensional frequency, F = 0.151 and duty cycle, DC = 50%. Simulations were performed at ReD = 60000. Net heat flux is generally increased by pulsing the film coolant, with greater degradation for higher pulsation amplitudes relative to the average blowing ratio.© 2008 ASME
Cell signaling: life or death decisions of ras proteins.

The discovery of a new downstream target for the Ras GTPases — a Nore1–Mst1 protein complex — reveals a mechanism by which Ras can promote apoptosis, and suggests that the influence of Ras on cell survival or death depends upon the relative level of activation of its various target proteins.
Sex of Experimenter and Social Norm Effects on Reports of Sexual Behavior in Young Men and Women

Past studies indicate that men generally report having had more sexual experience and sexual partners than women, as well as an earlier age at first intercourse. At least some of these findings may partially reflect different responses to certain contextual variables in research. College students (266 men and 463 women) were asked to anonymously report their sexual attitudes and behavior after reading one of three fictitious statements about research findings regarding gender differences in sexuality. Some past findings were replicated, with men reporting somewhat more sexual experience and more permissive sexual attitudes than women. However, women reported a significantly younger age at first intercourse than did men. While there was no significant sex difference for total number of sexual partners, there was a significant interaction. With female research assistants (but not with male assistants), men reported more sexual partners when they were told that women are now more sexually permissive than men. This finding appeared to be largely a function of the men who scored higher on measures of hypermasculinity and ambivalent sexism. Women's reports were not significantly affected by the wording of the cover sheet, regardless of the sex of the research assistant. Even in this anonymous survey, the sex of the experimenter and the nature of the statement about research findings had an impact on the sex differences that were found. In light of these results, some previous conclusions about male-female differences in sexual behavior may need to be examined more closely.
Ages and diagenetic temperatures of pleistocene deposits of Florida based on isoleucine epimerization inMercenaria

Abstract The epimerization reaction of isoleucine in skeletal carbonates provides a basis for estimating the age and the average diagenetic temperature experienced by fossils. The kinetics of this reaction inMercenaria, a bivalve, are established by a combination of elevated temperature heating experiments and analysis of Holocene fossils of known age and diagenetic temperature. The Arrhenius activation energy for the reaction is 29.4 kcal/mole. Application of the kinetic relations to Pleistocene marine deposits of Florida yields ages of about 134,000, 180,000, 236,000 and 324,000 years for these deposits. These ages correspond to the times of eustatic high sea levels dated radiometrically throughout the world. Average diagenetic temperatures for the Late Pleistocene in Florida were about 12°C less than the present values; however, the average temperature gradient was close to the present gradient.
On one-parameter family of bivariate means

A one-parameter family of bivariate means is introduced. They are defined in terms of the inverse functions of Jacobian elliptic functions cn and nc. It is shown that the new means are symmetric and homogeneous of degree one in their variables. Members of this family of means interpolate an inequality which connects two Schwab–Borchardt means. Computable lower and upper bounds for the new mean are also established.
Cell proliferation after ischemic infarction in gerbil brain

In order to study cell proliferation after ischemic infarction, a model of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in the gerbil was developed. A comparison of survival rates after 15, 30, 45 and 60 min of occlusion revealed that 45 min was the maximum duration of ischemia after which most (72%) of the gerbils were alive at 1 week. The administration of pentobarbital (single dose, 30 mg/kg) postoperatively to badly seizing animals increased survival to 100%. Large, well-demarcated infarcts were present in posterior thalamus or midbrain in 62% of gerbils subjected to 45 min bilateral occlusion. In 60% of these animals the infarcts were unilateral; in 40% they were bilateral. To quantitate cell proliferation in the infarcts from 12 h to 25 days after ischemia, gerbils were injected with [3H]thymidine 4 h prior to sacrifice, and autoradiographs were prepared from sectioned brains. Proliferation took place from 2 to 7 days after occlusion, with a maximum of 24% labeled cells at 6 days.
Hemodynamic effects of adrenergic stimulating and blocking agents in cardiogenic shock and low output state after myocardial infarction

Abstract Hemodynamic and metabolic effects of adrenergic stimulating and blocking drugs were tested in a standardized model of experimental cardiogenic shock. Left ventricular end-diastolic and aortic pressures, cardiac output, the first derivative of the left ventricular pressure pulse (dP/dt), left ventricular stroke work and, in part of the studies, end-systolic, end-diastolic volumes, ejection fraction, tension-time index, myocardial oxygen consumption and excess lactate were serially measured. The effects of phenoxybenzamine, norepinephrine and isoproterenol were evaluated on these variables and on the 24 hour survival rate in awake sedated animals. Phenoxybenzamine had a detrimental effect on the hemodynamic state even in combination with norepinephrine. Norepinephrine and isoproterenol alone produced only a slight improvement, and the latter resulted in excess lactate production. Small doses of isoproterenol in combination with norepinephrine significantly improved all hemodynamic variables and resulted in lactate utilization. It is postulated that a synergistic effect of the alpha and beta adrenergic stimulation by the latter drugs resulted in optimal sympathetic augmentation. The combined treatment was applied in 5 patients with cardiogenic shock with good results.
ALTERNATE STRESS AND CONJUGATE STRAIN MEASURES, AND MIXED VARIATIONAL FORMULATIONS INVOLVING RIGID ROTATIONS, FOR COMPUTATIONAL ANALYSES OF FINITELY DEFORMED SOLIDS, WITH APPLICATION TO PLATES AND SHELLS-I

Abstract Attention is focused in this paper on: (i) definitions of alternate measures of “stress-resultants” and “stress-couples” in a finitely deformed shell (finite mid-plane stretches as well as finite rotations); (ii) mixed variational principles for shells, undergoing large mid-plane stretches and large rotations, in terms of a stress function vector and the rotation tensor. In doing so, both types of polar decomposition, namely rotation followed by stretch, as well as stretch followed by rotation, of the shell midsurface, are considered; (iii) two alternate bending strain measures which depend on rotation alone for a finitely deformed shell; (iv) objectivity of constitutive relations, in terms of these alternate strain/“stress-resultants”, and “stress-couple” measures, for finitely deformed shells. To motivate these topics, and for added clarity, a discussion of relevant alternate stress measures, work-conjugate strain measures, and mixed variational principles with rotations as variables, is presented first in the context of three-dimensional continuum mechanics. Comments are also made on the use of the presently developed theories in conjunction with mixed-hydrid finite element methods. Discussion of numerical schemes and results is deferred to the Part II of the paper, however.
Whitefly Population Dynamics and Evaluation of Whitefly-Transmitted Tomato Yellow Leaf Curl Virus (TYLCV)-Resistant Tomato Genotypes as Whitefly and TYLCV Reservoirs

Sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius), and whitefly-transmitted tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV) are major threats to tomato production in the southeastern United States. TYLCV was introduced to Florida from the Caribbean islands and has spread to other southern states of the United States. In Georgia, in recent years, the incidence of TYLCV has been steadily increasing. Studies were conducted to monitor population dynamics of whiteflies in the vegetable production belt of Georgia, to evaluate TYLCV-resistant genotypes against whiteflies and TYLCV, and to assess the potential role of resistant genotypes in TYLCV epidemiology. Monitoring studies indicated that the peak incidence of whiteflies varied seasonally from year to year. In general, whitefly populations were not uniformly distributed. Tomato genotypes exhibited minor differences in their ability to support whitefly populations. TYLCV symptoms were visually undetectable in all but one resistant genotype. The infection rates (visually) in susceptible genotypes ranged from 40 to 87%. Greenhouse inoculations with viruliferous whiteflies followed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) indicated that up to 100% of plants of resistant genotypes were infected, although predominantly symptomless. TYLCV acquisition by whiteflies from TYLCV-infected genotypes was tested by PCR; TYLCV acquisition rates from resistant genotypes were less than from susceptible genotypes. Nevertheless, this difference did not influence TYLCV transmission rates from resistant to susceptible genotypes. Results emphasize that resistant genotypes can serve as TYLCV and whitefly reservoirs and potentially influence TYLCV epidemics.
A fiber feed system for a multiple object Doppler instrument at Sloan Telescope

A fiber feed system has been developed to allow a new generation multiple object Doppler instrument, called the WM Keck Exoplanet Tracker, simultaneously tracking 59 stars for high precision radial velocity measurements for planet detection, and switching among over 500 targets per night. The system includes 27 plug fiber bundles and 3 instrument fiber bundles, and each fiber bundle includes 22 fibers. Individual fibers of a plug fiber bundle are plugged to a plate to receive star lights, and then they are grouped together to form a compact 22-fiber connector. An instrument fiber bundle with a matching fiber bundle connector can connect and disconnect with the plug fiber bundle. The 45 m long instrument fiber bundles deliver the light from the telescope to an environment controlled instrument room in distance. We characterizes the light loses including the position and pointing error of plug connectors, the fiber end reflection, fiber misalignment at the mating connectors, focal ratio degradation and fiber absorption through the long fiber link. All fiber bundles are tested and average total throughput of 61% is achieved.
Lost in the ozone: Population growth and ozone in California

Demographers usually study population and environment in preindustrial settings where “environment” means food, forest, or land. California, in contrast, is an advanced industrial state with rapid population growth and complex environmental stresses. In this paper I examine the effects of population growth on carbon monoxide (CO) and ozone, the principal ingredient of smog. Ozone and CO are monitored at numerous local sites throughout California. Wind currents are strong, so the level of ozone or CO at a site may depend on population size and other factors upwind as well as at that site. I use longitudinal data for a sample of sites to estimate panel models of trends in ozone and CO. Population growth is measured at three levels: site, county, and upwind; and trends in per capita income and air pollution regulations are controlled. Local population growth has a substantial impact on CO; in contrast, population growth at any level has a very small or even negative impact on ozone. The methodological and policy implications of this implausible finding are discussed.
The Prager Medal Lecture: micromechanics and some aspects of phase fields in ferroelectric crystals

Ferroelectric crystals represent a very unique class of multifunctional materials. In addition to strong electromechanical coupling, there exist ferroelectric domains, which can be switched through the application of an electric field or mechanical stress. In addition, these crystals possess several distinct crystal structures over a wide temperature range. As such, phase transition can take place as the crystals are cooled down or heated up, without or with the additional effect of stress or electric field. Domain switch and phase transition represent the two fundamental processes that can affect their microstructures and electromechanical characteristics. In this lecture, we highlight the applications of micromechanics to bulk ferroelectrics and phase fields to nano-structures. The starting points of micromechanics are crystal structures and the Eshelby mechanics, whereas those of the phase fields are the time-dependent Ginzburg–Landau kinetic equation and the Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire energy density function. We explain how micromechanics can have wide applicability in the study of domain switch and phase transition, and change of dielectric constants, of bulk BaTiO3 crystals, and how phase fields can provide the nano-scale domain patterns, influence of surface tension on free-standing BaTiO3 nano-thin films, and grain-size dependence of ferroelectric characteristics in nano-grained BaTiO3 polycrystals.
Mo−Fe Catalysts Supported on Activated Carbon for Synthesis of Liquid Fuels by the Fischer−Tropsch Process: Effect of Mo Addition on Reducibility, Activity, and Hydrocarbon Selectivity

The effects of Mo loading (0−12 wt %) on the properties of activated-carbon- (AC-) supported Fe−Cu−K catalysts and their performance for Fischer−Tropsch synthesis are studied. Physicochemical properties studied include particle size, reducibility, and dispersion, and catalytic properties include activity, selectivity, and stability. Catalysts were characterized by N2 adsorption, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), H2 temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), and CO chemisorption. Catalyst performance was studied at 310−320 °C, 2.2 MPa, 3 Nl/g-cat/h, and H2/CO = 0.9. Reaction results in a fixed-bed reactor show that addition of 6% Mo into the Fe−Cu−K/AC catalyst improves catalyst stability without sacrificing activity, but activity is suppressed dramatically on a 12% Mo-loaded catalyst. Detectable hydrocarbons of C1 to C34 are produced on the Fe−Cu−K/AC catalysts with or without Mo. However, the addition of Mo results in the production of more CH4 and less C5+ hydrocarbons. The Mo promot...
EVOLVING A THEORY OF PERFORMANCE-BASED LOGISTICS USING INSIGHTS FROM SERVICE DOMINANT LOGIC

Performance-based logistics (PBL) represents a strategy for sustaining complex systems following production. Despite several implementations, limited understanding exists regarding PBL and its implications. Research using grounded theory emerged a theoretical framework for PBL. Service dominant logic (SDL) is introduced as a theoretical lens for interpreting the results and understanding how trading partners achieve performance-based outcomes.
Small angle light scattering of bioparticles II. Cells and cellular organelles

Abstract The Sloan-Arrington method of small angle light scattering was adopted to study the light scattering properties of several bioparticles. It was shown that this method could be used to size particles as large as whole cells. It was also noted that characteristic scattering from internal structure could be resolved in the case of large bioparticles. In addition, small angle light scattering was found to provide an excellent technique with which to study discrete changes in both the size and configuration of bioparticles.
Does the presence of a patient advocate in the emergency department influence outpatient satisfaction? A quality improvement initiative

Study objectives: The Patient Advocate Project used nonclinical assistance to serve as a liaison between clinicians, patients, and their families. These duties included making rounds in the waiting room, distributing informational packets, and helping patients or visitors. The project was implemented 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for a 5-week period in our emergency department (ED) as a quality improvement initiative. We determine the impact of the patient advocate on outpatient satisfaction survey scores as measured by an independent contracted commercial health care survey vendor. Methods: This was an institutional review board–approved, retrospective, observational survey study conducted at a university teaching hospital ED with an annual census of 60,000. We compared the survey data 5 weeks before implementation, 5 weeks during the program, and 5 weeks after the program. We also collected data of patient advocate interventions, such as provision of general hospital information, comforting activities, aided with ED policy, transportation assistance, and relayed information. The Mann-Whitney U test and the χ 2 test were used to analyze the data, with a P value less than .05 considered significant. Results: Of the 1,837 interventions recorded, 16.8% were general hospital information, 40.1% comforting activities, 10.1% aided with ED policy, 2.4% transportation assistance, and 30.6% relayed information. Compared with the pooled pre- and postprovider intervals of results from an outside patient satisfaction survey, the Patient Advocate Project–provided interval exhibited a significantly higher level of approval (mean 85.6% versus mean 81.2%; Mann-Whitney χ 2 =4.34; P =.04). Conclusion: Outpatient satisfaction survey data from pre-, peri-, and postprovider (patient advocate) periods were compared. The data obtained demonstrated that the implementation of a Patient Advocate Project improved overall satisfaction scores in the ED during the peri-intervention period.
A response spectral decomposition approach for the control of nonlinear mechanical systems

This study investigates a control methodology for dynamic systems based on representing all possible system responses under all possible values of the control variables. The underlying idea is to extend the system along the 'control dimension' and explicitly account for the dependence of the system state on control variables. A spectral discretisation along the 'control dimension' is employed. The optimal control values are chosen to obtain the desired parameterised system response. This approach has the advantage of allowing an inexpensive search for the optimal control values at each time increment without having to run the full nonlinear dynamic model. Numerical studies for the control of linear and nonlinear quarter-car models riding on various terrain profiles show promising results.
CHEMICAL, NUTRITIONAL AND MICROBIOLOGICAL QUALITY OF A PROTEIN CONCENTRATE FROM CULLED DRY BEANS

A study was undertaken to develop a bean protein concentrate (BPC) from a mixture of five varieties of cull beans. The chemical composition, microbiological quality, and the nutritive value of the BPC were determined. The BPC was isolated from the bean flour by extraction with a dilute salt solution followed by acid precipitation. Protein recovery was 56% as BPC by extracting the cull bean flour with a 0.2% sodium chloride solution followed by precipitation at 90°C, pH 4.0. No detectable amount of toxic substance was found in BPC as assayed for heavy metals and mycotoxins. The microbiological and protein nutritional quality (PER) of the final products were determined. The PER data indicated that the BPC obtained by acid precipitation at room temperature had a higher nutritional quality than did BPC acid precipitated at 90°C.
Standing acoustic waves in a low Mach number shear flow

Acoustic shear flow interactions are studied in a rectangular cavity bounded by impermeable duct walls parallel to the flow direction and special perpendicular acoustic reflectors. Fourier-series-based asymptotic solutions are constructed.
Timing matters: the underappreciated role of temperature ramp rate for shape control and reproducibility of quantum dot synthesis

Understanding the coupled kinetic and thermodynamics factors governing colloidal nanocrystals nucleation and growth are critical factors in the predictable and reproducible synthesis of advanced nanomaterials. We show that the temporal temperature profile is decisive in tuning the particle shape from pseudo-spherical to monodisperse cubes. The shape of the nanocrystals was characterized by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. We introduce a mechanism for the shape controlled synthesis in the context of temperature-dependent nucleation and growth and provide experimental evidence to support it.
Branching ratio in the decay of /sup 7/Be

The branching ratio for $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ electron-capture decay to the first excited state in $^{7}\mathrm{Li}$ has been measured by implanting a 20-MeV $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ beam into a silicon detector telescope and counting the subsequent $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ decays with well calibrated Ge(Li) detectors. A branching ratio of 10.7\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2% was obtained. This value is in agreement with past measurements but does not agree with a recently suggested higher value. Sources of uncertainties and implications for nuclear physics and astrophysics are discussed.
Humans' choices in situations of time-based diminishing returns

Abstract Three experiments examined adult humans' choices in situations with contrasting short-term and long-term consequences. Subjects were given repeated choices between two time-based schedules of points exchangeable for money: a fixed schedule and a progressive schedule that began at 0 s and increased by 5 s with each point delivered by that schedule. Under "reset" conditions, choosing the fixed schedule not only produced a point but it also reset the requirements of the progressive schedule to 0 s. In the first two experiments, reset conditions alternated with "no-reset" conditions, in which progressive-schedule requirements were independent of fixed-schedule choices. Experiment 1 entailed choices between a progressive-interval schedule and a fixed-interval schedule, the duration of which varied across conditions. Switching from the progressive- to the fixed-interval schedule was systematically related to fixed-interval size in 4 of 8 subjects, and in all subjects occurred consistently sooner in the progressive-schedule sequence under reset than under no-reset procedures. The latter result was replicated in a second experiment, in which choices between progressive- and fixed-interval schedules were compared with choices between progressive- and fixed-time schedules. In Experiment 3, switching patterns under reset conditions were unrelated to variations in intertrial interval. In none of the experiments did orderly choice patterns depend on verbal descriptions of the contingencies or on schedule-controlled response patterns in the presence of the chosen schedules. The overall pattern of results indicates control of choices by temporarily remote consequences, and is consistent with versions of optimality theory that address performance in situations of diminishing returns.
Diffusion of negatively charged hydrogen in silicon.

A new class of experiments is described that provides fresh opportunities for the isolation and measurement of the basic energetic and kinetic parameters determining the behavior of interstitial hydrogen in semiconductors. The technique involves the release of monatomic hydrogen at a sharply defined time and in a known spatial pattern by exposure of dopant-hydrogen complexes in the depletion layer of a Schottky diode to a pulse of minority carriers, and the subsequent time-resolved measurement of the capacitance transient that arises from hydrogen migration, charge-state changes, and complex reformation. The new technique is demonstrated with a measurement of the diffusion coefficient of the ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ species in silicon. Also, useful constraints are presented relating to the energies of the hydrogen donor and acceptor levels and the rates of spontaneous charge changes among ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$, ${\mathrm{H}}^{0}$, and ${\mathrm{H}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$.
Uncovering the Secrets: Homophobia in Physical Education.

Abstract Studies examining the discourse on issues related to sexual orientation in physical education reveal that the physical education setting is an environment where heterosexism, heteronormativity, and homophobia subsist fervently. The purpose of this article is to review the growing research that has been conducted on homophobia in physical education settings over the past 2 decades and to share with teacher educators an example of a physical education teacher education program to better equip preservice teachers to combat homophobia in the physical education context.
The catalytic mechanism of a pyrimidine dimer-specific glycosylase (pdg)/abasic lyase, Chlorella virus-pdg.

The repair of UV light-induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers can proceed via the base excision repair pathway, in which the initial step is catalyzed by DNA glycosylase/abasic (AP) lyases. The prototypical enzyme studied for this pathway is endonuclease V from the bacteriophage T4 (T4 bacteriophage pyrimidine dimer glycosylase (T4-pdg)). The first homologue for T4-pdg has been found in a strain of Chlorella virus (strainParamecium bursaria Chlorella virus-1), which contains a gene that predicts an amino acid sequence homology of 41% with T4-pdg. Because both the structure and critical catalytic residues are known for T4-pdg, homology modeling of the Chlorellavirus pyrimidine dimer glycosylase (cv-pdg) predicted that a conserved glutamic acid residue (Glu-23) would be important for catalysis at pyrimidine dimers and abasic sites. Site-directed mutations were constructed at Glu-23 to assess the necessity of a negatively charged residue at that position (Gln-23) and the importance of the length of the negatively charged side chain (Asp-23). E23Q lost glycosylase activity completely but retained low levels of AP lyase activity. In contrast, E23D retained near wild type glycosylase and AP lyase activities on cis-syn dimers but completely lost its activity on the trans-syn II dimer, which is very efficiently cleaved by the wild type cv-pdg. As has been shown for other glyscosylases, the wild type cv-pdg catalyzes the cleavage at dimers or AP sites via formation of an imino intermediate, as evidenced by the ability of the enzyme to be covalently trapped on substrate DNA when the reactions are carried out in the presence of a strong reducing agent; in contrast, E23D was very poorly trapped on cis-syndimers but was readily trapped on DNA containing AP sites. It is proposed that Glu-23 protonates the sugar ring, so that the imino intermediate can be formed.
Fundamental Aspects of Gas Phase Ion Chemistry Studied Using the Selected Ion Flow Tube Technique

Gas phase ion chemistry using the selected ion flow tube (SIFT) technique is discussed with the focus on fundamental studies on ion structure, energetics, reactivity, and dynamics: Laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) kinetics/dynamics of N2+(v) ions (vibrationally state-selected ion-molecule reactions; energy transfer processes), mechanisms of prototypical organic ion reactions (SN2 nucleophilic substitution and kinetic isotope effects; hydrogen/deuterium exchange; isotope effects in termolecular association), and ion-molecule reactions with biological implications (SN2 reactions at a nitrogen center; ECO2 elimination reactions of alkyl hydroperoxides). Anion chemistry of small nitroalkanes is also presented. A powerful combination of SIFT and negative ion photoelectron spectroscopy is used to study thermochemistry and structure of energetic and exotic ions (alkyl peroxides; anionic derivatives of diazo and azole compounds, cyclooctatetraene, and cyclopentanone). Finally, some of the new directions in SIFT research are discussed, i.e., reactions of ions with polyatomic organic radicals, and chemical ionization mass spectrometry with new detection schemes.
A Performance Model of the Parallel Ocean Program

In this paper we describe a performance model of the Parallel Ocean Program (POP). In particular, the latest version of POP (v2.0) is considered, which has similarities and differences to the earlier version (v1.4.3) as commonly used in climate simulations. The performance model encapsulates an understanding of POP's data decomposition, processing flow, and scaling characteristics. The model is parametrized in many of the main input parameters to POP as well as characteristics of a processing system such as network latency and bandwidth. The performance model has been validated to date on a medium-sized (128 processor) AlphaServer ES40 system with the QsNet-1 interconnection network, and also on a larger scale (2048 processor) Blue Gene/Light system. The accuracy of the performance model is high when using two standard benchmark configurations, one of which represents a realistic configuration similar to that used in Community Climate System Model coupled climate simulations. The performance model is also used to explore the performance of POP after possible optimizations to the code, and different task to processor assignment strategies, whose performance cannot be currently measured.
Interaction between oral ciprofloxacin and caffeine in normal volunteers.

The influence of multiple doses of ciprofloxacin on the disposition of caffeine and its major metabolite, paraxanthine, was investigated in healthy volunteers. Ten xanthine-free, fasting males were given 100 mg of caffeine orally 24 h before being given ciprofloxacin and again with the third dose of ciprofloxacin (750 mg administered every 12 h). Blood samples were serially collected after both doses of caffeine and after the first and last doses of ciprofloxacin. Ciprofloxacin significantly increased the half-life of caffeine (from 5.2 +/- 1.2 to 8.2 +/- 2.5 h) and the area under the caffeine concentration-time curve (from 16.3 +/- 6.6 to 25.9 +/- 7.8 micrograms.h/ml) while decreasing the total body clearance (from 106 +/- 41.6 to 58.2 +/- 28.8 ml/min per 1.73 m2). In addition, the rate of conversion of caffeine to paraxanthine was significantly delayed. There was no significant linear correlation between the urinary recovery of oxociprofloxacin at 0 to 12 h and the change in the area under the caffeine concentration-time curve. There was also a small but statistically significant increase in the area under the ciprofloxacin concentration-time curve during simultaneous administration of caffeine. We concluded that ciprofloxacin causes a significant increase in the half-life of caffeine and in the area under the caffeine concentration-time curve by reducing total body clearance. This interaction is due at least in part to a delay in the conversion of caffeine to paraxanthine. The clinical significance of these observations remains to be determined. Lastly, caffeine may alter the kinetics of ciprofloxacin, a possibility which should be more fully explored.
Limit orders and the intraday behavior of market liquidity: Evidence from the Toronto stock exchange

Abstract This paper examines the intraday behavior of market liquidity on the TSE. It shows that spread follows U-shaped intraday pattern, depth displays opposite pattern, while volume is low at the open, stable during the day and increases at the close. The paper finds evidence that spread and depth are negatively correlated, suggesting that limit-order traders actively manage both price and quantity dimensions of liquidity to protect themselves from informed trades. Furthermore, it finds that there is price improvement on the TSE. Finally, it shows that liquidity is inversely related to volatility but directly related to volume.
Opaque branes in warped backgrounds

We examine localized kinetic terms for gauge fields which can propagate into compact, warped extra dimensions. We show that these terms can have a relevant impact on the values of the Kaluza-Klein (KK) gauge field masses, wave functions, and couplings to brane and bulk matter. The resulting phenomenological implications are discussed. In particular, we show that the presence of opaque branes, with non-vanishing brane-localized gauge kinetic terms, allow much lower values of the lightest KK mode than in the case of transparent branes. Moreover, we show that if the large discrepancies among the different determinations of the weak mixing angle would be solved in favor of the value obtained from the lepton asymmetries, bulk electroweak gauge fields in warped-extra dimensions may lead to an improvement of the agreement of the fit to the electroweak precision data for a Higgs mass of the order of the weak scale and a mass of the first gauge boson KK excitation most likely within reach of the LHC.
Bridged Heterocyclium Dicationic closo-Icosahedral Perfluoroborane, Borane, and Carborane Salts via Aqueous, Open-Air Benchtop Synthesis

Thirteen bridged triazolium and imidazolium dicationic salts, which uniquely pair closo-icosahedral perfluoroborane [B12F12]2−, borane [B12H12]2−, or carborane [CB11H12]− anionic species with unsaturated bridged heterocyclium dications, were synthesized using an aqueous benchtop method. This considerably extends the scope of a reported aqueous synthesis of binary [heterocyclium]2[B12H12] and [heterocyclium][CB11H12] salts. Also, the one-step preparation of five new precursor bridged heterocyclium dicationic dihalide salts using conventional procedures and in one case a microwave-assisted method is described.
As If Religion Matters: Teaching the Introductory Course as if it Does

This essay chronicles the academic odyssey of a young professor who sets out to revise the department's Introduction to Religion course only to realize that she must first clarify her vocational commitments before she can create a teachable course. She is convinced through working with many students who express disdain or even hostility toward the subject matter that she wants to model a relationship to the subject matter that says religion matters, but is uncertain how to do this. After an autobiographical foray into her academic upbringing in active learning, the author articulates four values to model in her teaching: personal relevance, academic responsibility, ethics, and community. The author then engages current scholarship in active learning, and narrates the process of translating those four values into concrete course goals and particular assignments. The essay concludes with an assessment of teaching the revised course.
Edge stabilized ribbon (ESR) growth of silicon for low cost photovoltaics

Abstract The edge stabilized ribbon (ESR) growth method is a shaped crystal growth technique wherein a ribbon is grown from the surface of the melt and the edge positions are determined by capillary attachment to wetted strings which pass up through the melt and are frozen into the ribbon as it grows. The method is compared to other ribbon growth techniques and found to have significant advantages, notably stability of growth and ease of production scale-up. A continuous growth melt replenished furnace has been constructed and run around the clock on a three-shift basis. This single ribbon machine was operated over a run period of 100 h with a duty cycle of 96% resulting in the production of 62,000 cm2 of ribbon. A panel of 36 series-connected 50 cm2 ESR solar cells was found to have an AM1 encapsulated cell efficiency of 12.7%. Future work should include reduction of thermal stress and the growth of multiple ribbons.