cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal Fracture of Oxidized Polydimethylsiloxane and its Implications in Soft Lithography

During the fabrication of nanopost arrays for measuring cellular forces, we have observed surface cracks in the negative molds used to replicate the arrays from a silicon master. These cracks become more numerous and severe with each replication such that repeated castings lead to arrays with missing or broken posts. This loss in pattern fidelity from the silicon master undermines the spatial resolution of the nanopost arrays in measuring cellular forces. We hypothesized that these cracks are formed because of a mismatch in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of PDMS and its oxidized surface layer. To study the fracture of PDMS due to thermal effects, we treated circular test samples of PDMS with oxidizing plasma and then heated them to cause surface cracks. These cracks were found to be more abundant at 180 °C than at lower temperatures. Finite element analysis of a bilayer material with a CTE mismatch was used to validate that thermal stresses are sufficient to overcome the fracture toughness of oxidized PDMS when heated to a curing temperature for PDMS. As a consequence, we have ascertained that elevated temperatures are a significant detriment to the reproducibility of nanoscale features in PDMS during replica molding.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
The Tilting Triangle: Geopolitics of the China–India–Pakistan Relationship

For more than six decades, the geopolitics of South Asia have been shaped by a symbiotic and triangular relationship involving India, Pakistan, and China. A succession of interstate conflicts has created two fundamental and enduring security structures, one rooted in India's partition and subsequent Indo-Pakistan wars (the “1947 structure”) and the other in a persistent and often antagonistic Sino-Indian rivalry, including a border conflict in 1962 (the “1962 structure”). During the Cold War, exogenous powers, including the United States and Soviet Union, sought to use or manipulate these structures to advance their political objectives. In the long term, however, the 1962 structure is likely to become the dominant security architecture in the region, a trend that can be attributed to China's growing military and economic power, Beijing's increasingly intimate relationship with Islamabad, and the Chinese navy's expanding reach into the Indian Ocean.
Pericardial cyst diagnosed by two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography in a newborn.

A one-day-old full-term female infant with massive “cardiomegaly” developed marked respiratory distress soon after birth. The two-dimensional (2D) echocardiogram demonstrated a 4×5-cm cystic mass adjacent to the left ventricular free wall. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the presence and dimension of the cyst and CT number indicated the fluid within the cyst to be serous. A pericardial cyst was successfully removed at thoracotomy.
A test problem generator for the Steiner problem in graphs

In this paper we present a new binary-programming formulation for the Steiner problem in graphs (SPG), which is well known to be NP-hard. We use this formulation to generate test problems with known optimal solutions. The technique uses the KKT optimality conditions on the corresponding quadratically constrained optimization problem.
Experimental investigations of wavelength and angular errors in holographic gratings with non-Bragg-matched READ beams

Perfect Bragg matching is generally desirable for accurate optical interconnections with holographic gratings. In reality, however, gratings may be illuminated by READ beams with non-Bragg-matched angles, or wavelengths, or both, In such cases, the scattered beams are generally misdirected, and may suffer loss of efficiency and possibly more serious errors such as crosstalk noise or missed connections. A conventional wavevector triad method of analyzing the scattered beam errors leads readily to near-Bragg estimates of the output angular misalignment. However, the READ wavevector triads appear to indicate a possible wavelength shift in the output beam even with a Bragg-matched READ wavelength, which is counter-intuitive. This paper presents some of the theoretical findings for output beam characteristics under READ misalignments, and the results of a series of experiments aimed at verifying both the output angular error as well as whether or not any unexpected wavelength shift occurs in the output beam. Based on the experimental findings, the interpretation of the misaligned READ wavevector triad is appropriately modified.
Are daily fluctuations in perceived environment associated with walking

The physical environment is thought to influence walking; however, daily variations in perceived environment have received little attention. The current study sought to examine if key within-person factors (i.e., implementation intentions, social support, affect and self-efficacy) would be associated with walking and if perceived access to supportive environments (e.g., access to nice walking paths) and perceived environmental barriers (e.g., bad weather and safety issues) were uniquely associated with walking after controlling for other constructs. Participants (N = 14, 50.0% men, 78.6% White, M age = 59.4 ± 6.4) were in the intervention arm of an 8-week controlled trial promoting walking via personal digital assistants. Participants completed electronic surveys twice a day (total entries = 804) in which they reported brisk walking levels and psychosocial and environmental factors. Multilevel modelling was used to examine within-person variations in constructs as determinants of walking. Results suggeste...
In situ spectroscopic cleaning validation

Although these methods have proven successful, there are several shortcomings. Drawbacks with swabbing, the most commonly used technique, include the need to sample the surface, incomplete analyte recovery from surfaces, analyte extraction requirements after swabbing. Additionally, the procedure is time consuming, resulting in lengthy downtimes for processing equipment. Rinse testing can be used as an alternative or complementary method and allows for collection from the entire surface. This method suffers from limitations as well, including more difficult method validation and analyte solubility/surface detachment issues. An additional drawback to these two methods is the fact that the quantity of analyte remaining on the surface must be estimated from the analysis of the samples drawn. An ideal validation method for cleaning procedures would be a rapid, automated, in situ, multi-component analysis of the entire surface. With this approach, errors and inadequacies associated with surface sampling procedures would be eliminated. The use of spectroscopic techniques for in situ determination of contamination on sur
Attribution theory in intimate relationships: A Methodological review

Abstract Recent developments in the field of marital therapy have emphasized cognitive processes influencing spouses' interactions and perceptions of their marital relationship. One cognitive model receiving increasing attention in the research literature is attribution theory, which emphasizes the manner in which individuals assign responsibility for marital events to themselves, their partner, and situational factors outside the marriage. The present paper reviews conceptual and methodological advances in our understanding of attributional processes in intimate relationships. Studies are organized according to their focus on general versus specific components of attribution making, and their use of distressed versus nondistressed samples. In general, results are felt to offer strong evidence of the importance of attributional processes in determining spousal interactions and relationship satisfaction. Methodological issues in attributional research are explored, and directions for future investigations ...
Pesticide residue concerns and shopping location likelihood

Pesticide residues are one component of the larger food safety issue. Levels of pesticide residue concern are increased by concerns not only with perceived risks associated with conventional produce, but also with issues such as safety, nutritional value, environmental effects, and need for increased societal control of the food supply. Concern for pesticide residues and importance of healthfulness in the food purchase decision resulted in increases in the probability that consumers would shop at a supermarket that offered pesticide-residue free produce, even at higher prices. However, price had a significantly negative effect on the probability and price is usually a sensitive issue with most supermarkets. ©1994 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Geometric and redox flexibility of pyridine as a redox-active ligand that can reversibly accept one or two electrons

A low-coordinate iron(I) species can reversibly reduce pyridine, either by one electron to give a new C–C bond, or by two electrons to give a pyridine-derived bridge with an unprecedented μ-η1:η3 binding mode.
The effects of outward-pointing arrowheads on the Mueller-Lyer illusion in pigeons

In an earlier analysis of the Mueller-Lyer illusion in pigeons it was found that when birds trained with flat-vertical arrowheads were tested with outward pointing arrowheads, the rate of responding increased monotonically as a function of line length. It was hypothesized that the gradients did not have a peak because the effect of the illusion was great enough to cause the peak to shift outside the range of test stimuli used. The data of the present experiment show this hypothesis to be correct. A shorter training stimulus was used; this effectively increased the upper limit of the test range, and the peaked gradients were obtained.
Persistent source influences on the trailing edge of a groundwater plume, and natural attenuation timeframes: The F-Area Savannah River Site

Persistent Source Influences on the Trailing Edge of a Groundwater Plume, and Natural Attenuation Timeframes: The F-Area Savannah River Site Jiamin Wan 1* , Tetsu K. Tokunaga 1 , Wenming Dong 1 , Miles E. Denham 2 , Susan S. Hubbard 1 Earth Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley CA Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL), Aiken SC *Corresponding author phone: 510-486-6004; Fax: 510-486-7152; E-mail: jwan@lbl.gov
Dextran sulfate suppression of viruses in the HIV family: inhibition of virion binding to CD4+ cells

The first step in the infection of human T lymphocytes by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is attachment to the target cell receptor, the CD4 antigen. This step may be vulnerable to attack by antibodies, chemicals, or small peptides. Dextran sulfate (molecular weight approximately 8000), which has been given to patients as an anticoagulant or antilipemic agent for more than two decades, was found to block the binding of virions to various target T lymphocytes, inhibit syncytia formation, and exert a potent inhibitory effect against HIV-1 in vitro at concentrations that may be clinically attainable in human beings. This drug also suppressed the replication of HIV-2 in vitro. These observations could have theoretical and clinical implications in the strategy to develop drugs against HIV types 1 and 2.
Morphological behavior of model poly(ethylene‐alt‐propylene)‐b‐polylactide diblock copolymers

A set of well-defined poly(ethylene-alt-propylene)-b-polylactide (PEP-PLA) diblock copolymers containing volume fractions of PLA (fPLA) ranging between 0.08 and 0.91 were synthesized by a combination of living anionic polymerization, catalytic hydrogenation, and controlled coordination-insertion ring-opening polymerization. The morphological behavior of these relatively low-molecular-weight PEP-PLA diblock copolymers was investigated with a combination of rheology, small-angle X-ray scattering, and differential scanning calorimetry. The ordered microstructures observed were lamellae (L), hexagonally packed cylinders (C), spheres (S), and gyroid (G), a bicontinous cubic morphology having Ia3d space group symmetry. The G morphology existed in only a small region between the L-C morphologies in close proximity to the order–disorder transition (ODT). Transformations from L to G were observed upon heating in several samples. The efficacy of the reverse G to L transition in one sample was cooling rate dependent. The PEP-PLA Flory–Huggins interaction parameter as a function of temperature χPEP-PLA(T) was estimated from TODT's by mean-field theory and subsequently used in the construction of the experimental PEP-PLA morphology diagram (χN versus fPLA). The resultant morphology diagram was symmetric there were the well-defined L-C morphology boundaries. The low molecular weight of the materials imparted no significant deviation from previously documented diblock systems. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 2364–2376, 2002
Observations of HRP labeling following injection through a chronically implanted cannula — A method to avoid diffusion of HRP into injured fibers

One of the limitations of the horseradish peroxidase (HRP) tracer method is the diffusion of HRP into injured axons resulting in unintended labeling of neurons not terminating in the injection area. To overcome this limitation, an experiment was designed to inject the HRP through an implanted cannula after degeneration and healing had taken place. It was shown that implantation of a cannula into the internal capsule significantly decreased the number of labeled axons in the injection site, thus limiting the unintended labeling of neurons from that injection. When injections followed implantation of the cannula by 24 h or more, fibers damaged by the cannula had healed or degenerated sufficiently that intraaxonal diffusion of HRP into those injured fibers did not occur. A significant difference between control (without the cannula) and experimental (with the cannula) injections was observed. Extensive axonal and neuronal labeling following the control injections was seen at the injection site and caudate nucleus, and in the thalamus and parietal cortex, respectively. Experimental injections resulted in sparse axonal and neuronal labeling evident mostly with the larger injections of HRP.
The G protein-gated atrial K + channel is stimulated by three distinct G I α-subunits

The gunanine nucleotide-binding protein, Gi, which inhibits adenylyl cyclase, has recently been shown to have three subtypes of the a-subunit, termed Giα-1, Giα-2 and Giα-3. They share 87–94% amino-acid sequence homology1–10 and so are difficult to separate from one another. Among other functions11,12–14, purified preparations activate K+ channels15–21 but there is confusion over which of the subtypes activates the muscarinic K+ channels of the atrial muscle of the heart: Giα-3, also termed Gk15, has been shown to activate this channel but it is not clear whether Giα-l22 does21 or does not23,24. To clarify this problem, we expressed the subtypes separately in Escherichia coli to eliminate contamination by other subtypes and tested the recombinant α- chains on atrial muscarinic K+ channels. Although we anticipated that only Giα-3 would have Gkactivity, to our surprise all three recombinant subtypes were active, from which we deduce that the Gi subtypes are multifunctional.
Algebroid functions, Wirsing's theorem and their relations

In this paper, we first point out a relationship between the Second Main Theorem for algebriod functions in Nevanlinna theory and Wirsing's theorem in Diophantine approximation. This motivates a unified proof for both theorems. The second part of this paper deals with “moving targets” problem for holomorphic maps to Riemann surfaces. Its counterpart in Diophantine approximation follows from a recent work of Thomas J. Tucker. In this paper, we point out Tucker's result in the special case of the approximation by rational points could be obtained by doing a “translation” and applying the corresponding result with fixed target. However, we could not completely recover Tucker's result concerning the approximation by algebraic points. In the last part of this paper, cases in higher dimensions are studied. Some partial results in higher dimensions are obtained and some conjectures are raised.
Active noise control in a duct using output feedback robust control techniques

An active noise control (ANC) system generally uses speakers and microphones as inputs and outputs. The ANC is effective in regions around the error microphones, known as the zones of quiet. In this paper, a linear matrix inequality (LMI) based robust control method is used to enlarge the zones of quiet around the microphones. This is achieved by considering microphones to have fictitious uncertain locations around their nominal positions, and by designing a controller to guarantee robustness against all these location-based uncertainties. As a result, noise reduction in a wider region is achieved. The control is developed based on a non-minimal state-space realization (NSSR) scheme that allows one to generate an equivalent set of states for the ANC system, using only the measured inputs and outputs, without any differentiation. Actual hardware experiments using a digital signal processor (DSP) have been carried out to show the applicability of the method.
Enhanced Raman signals from switchable nanoparticle probes.

We demonstrate here a DNA-based conformationally switchable nanodumbell structure that modulates the interparticle distance between two gold–silver core–shell nanoparticles to induce significant changes in the SERS signal.
INVESTIGATORS' INSTRUCTIONS AND EXPERIMENTERS' MISRECORDING OF QUESTIONNAIRE DATA

As defined by Silver (1968), an experimenter is one who administers the experimental treatments, records data, and may do the statistical calculations. The investigator is the person who initiates the study, supervises the experimenters, and interprets the data. The experimenter misrecording effect refers to the failure of the experimenter accurately to record the data. Such effects have been identified in a number of studies (see Barber & Silver, 1968a, 1968b, for a review). The present focus was whether such effects can be induced by the investigator's instructions. The 12 Ss were college students enrolled in introductory psychology courses. The experimental task was to score questionnaire data which had been provided by other subjects. All 800 items on the questionnaires were independently scored and verified by the authors (one Ph.D. and 2 psychology majors, one a B.A.). Identical protocols were given to four Ss ("experimenters"; undergraduates in introductory psychology) in each of three groups. Ss in Group 1 were asked simply to re-check the scores of previous scorers. Those in Group 2 were told by the main investigator and first author that the scores were too high as originally scored and not in accord with his expectations, and that they must have been mis-scored. Ss in Group 3 were asked to confirm the data and were told that their work would be subject to an accuracy check. Each S received 20 protocols with 40 items on each. The number of errors (disregarding direction or magnimde) was tabulated independently and verified by the second and third authors. l'he total number of errors (out of 800 possible) was for Group 1 21 errors, for Group 2 23 errors, Group 3 22 errors. These results suggest that the experimenter misrecording effect is minimal regardless of the investigator's instructions. In the case of borderline statistical significance these errors could be large enough when the data were treated by analysis of variance, for example, to alter the conclusions. Although there was little evidence for misrecording, the present data were easily scorable. A second limitation is that the instructions and investigator-experimenter interactions may have been too brief to induce such effects.
SU-GG-T-509: Impact of Gating On Dose Escalation in Lung Cancer Patients

Purpose: To investigate the potential impact of gating on treatment planning for lungtumors by evaluating the escalated dose achievable using 3D conformal radiation therapy (3D CRT) on gated tumors.Method and Materials: Twelve lung patients were contoured for gated and non‐gated treatments by keeping using comparable toxicity of normal tissue as dose constraints, and 3D CRT plan was done on targets so that 100% of dose covered 95% of the target volume. The Linear‐quadratic tumor control probability (TCP) model was used to determine the impact of dose escalation on local tumor control. Normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) was calculated using the Lyman‐Kutcher‐Burman model. Results: Three out of twelve patients exhibited significant differences between gated and non‐gated ITV volumes with tumor motion >1cm between the respiratory phases, in both the superior and inferior tumor margins. For three of the 12 patients no dose change was found between gated and non‐gated plans. One patient showed a dose decrease in gated case, due to nonlinearity of the tumor motion with respect to the breathing phase, i.e., tumor in 30% phase may move closer to an OAR than the tumor at 0% or 50% phase. Conclusion: Gating in radiotherapytreatment planning allows reduction in tumor margin, and clinically significant dose escalation up to 12% was found, while staying within clinically acceptable toxicity criteria. Deformation of the tumor becomes highly important in dose escalation, when the target is deformed in a way that alters the proximity of the tumor to an OAR. Tumors in the middle and lower portion of the left lung and mediastinal tumors could benefit, resulting in dose escalation. NTCP increased with mean lungdose for the lung (total lung‐PTV) and TCP increased with modal dose value up to 80 Gy, above which TCP was unity.
Negative magnetic circular polarization of the A-band emission in KI:Sn2+

Abstract Magnetic circular polarization of the emission produced by A -band excitation in KI:Sn 2+ has been obtained. At low temperatures, when the field is applied along 〈001〉, the emission shows a net negative circular polarization; however, when the field is along 〈111〉, the emission shows the usual positive circular polarization. The unexpected negative polarization can be explained qualitatively by the effect of a charge-compensating vacancy located in the nearest neighbor position.
Design and analysis of Hybrid Indirect Transmissions (HIT) for data gathering in wireless micro sensor networks

Sensor networks have many potential applications in biology, physics, medicine, and the military. One major challenge in sensor networks is to maximize network life under the constraint of limited power supply. The paper addresses energy-efficiency in the context of routing and data gathering. A new protocol is proposed: Hybrid Indirect Transmission (HIT). HIT is based on a hybrid architecture that consists of one or more clusters, each of which is based on multiple, multi-hop indirect transmissions. In order to minimize both energy consumption and network delay, parallel transmissions are used both among multiple clusters and within a cluster. This is made possible by having each sensor independently compute a medium access controlling TDMA schedule. The computation within each sensor is intelligent yet simple. Formal analysis shows that it requires O(n) space and O(n x logn) time complexities, and O(1) setup messages prior to the computation, where n is the total number of sensors. HIT does not require sensor nodes with CDMA capability, or the remote base station to compute a data gathering schedule. Performance is evaluated by simulating and comparing HIT with three other existing protocols, including Low Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH), Power Efficient Gathering for Sensor Information System (PEGASIS), and Direct Transmission. Results have shown that HIT greatly reduces both energy consumption and network delay; it also maintains longer network life compared to these three existing protocols. Security issues and a potential application of HIT in biomedical sensing technology are also rigorously discussed. This work is significant to the advancement of energy-efficient micro sensor networks; the proposed protocol is promising and would contribute to the use of wireless micro sensor networks in future biomedical sensing technologies.
Kuhnian revolutions revisited

I re-examine Kuhn’s account of scientific revolutions. I argue that the sorts of events Kuhn regards as scientific revolutions are a diverse lot, differing in significant ways. But, I also argue that Kuhn does provide us with a principled way to distinguish revolutionary changes from non-revolutionary changes in science. Scientific revolutions are those changes in science that (1) involve taxonomic changes, (2) are precipitated by disappointment with existing practices, and (3) cannot be resolved by appealing to shared standards. I argue that an important and often overlooked dimension of the Kuhnian account of scientific change is the shift in focus from theories to research communities. Failing to make this shift in perspective might lead one to think that when individual scientists change theories a scientific revolution has occurred. But, according to Kuhn, it is research communities that undergo revolutionary changes, not individual scientists. I show that the change in early modern astronomy is aptly characterized as a Kuhnian revolution.
Protein-losing enteropathy after the Fontan operation: associations and predictors of clinical outcome.

Objective. We sought to define what clinical parameters were related to the ultimate outcome in Fontan patients who had developed protein-losing enteropathy (PLE). Background. PLE is a serious complication of the Fontan operation. Several preoperative and perioperative findings are associated with later PLE. However, there is limited information regarding postoperative abnormalities contributing to or influencing outcome in PLE. Methods. We evaluated 44 consecutive Fontan patients with PLE. A matched control group of Fontan patients without PLE was used for comparison (matched-pair analyses). Kaplan–Meier and Cox proportional hazard methods were used for survival analyses. Results. Median age was 18 years (range 4–48 years). Short-axis and apical fractional area change (ΔFA) were less in PLE patients than in controls (50 vs. 57% [P < .0001] and 49 vs. 54% [P = .01]). Five and 10-year actuarial survival rates for the PLE group were 49 ± 9% and 30 ± 11%. Deceleration time <120 milliseconds (hazard ratio [HR] = 9.2, P = .04), New York Heart Association classification III or IV (HR = 4.0, P = .01), and lower serum albumin (HR = 0.30, P = .04) were independent predictors of mortality in those with PLE. Conclusion. Mild reduction in ΔFA was the only late echocardiographic finding associated with development of PLE. However, short deceleration time, poor New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, and low serum albumin identify a group of patients at the greatest risk for death. Presence of these findings in a PLE patient should lead to aggressive management strategies and may warrant early consideration of transplantation.
The history of the naming of the Loblolly Bay.

Many of our s tudents have long been convinced tha t taxonomists lie awake at n ight thinking of horrendous names for otherwise at tractive plants . They m a y feel vindicated to learn tha t several very competen t botanists required fifteen years to complete the n a m i n g of the Loblolly Bay, that handsome tree of the Southern Coastal Plain. The a t t empt to honor fr iends by n a m i n g p lan ts for them, so prevalent in the e ighteenth century was both na tu ra l and admirable, but it f requent ly provides a source of considerable confusion for present-day researchers . A n a m e proposed by an Amer ican botanist , and refer red to by h im in a n u m b e r of letters, was of ten la ter rejected and the name applied to a different plant . Some of the original correspondence m a y have been lost, while some survived. I t is not difficult to be misled. In the case of the LobloUy Bay, the correspondence has for tunate ly been largely preserved. In December 1755, Dr. Alexander Garden (1730-1791) of Charles Town, South Carolina, sent a large sh ipment of seeds to John Ellis (ca. 1710-1776) of London. Students of this period of the history of biology will be fami l ia r with both of these gent lemen. For the benefit of others, Alexander Garden was a young Scot who had received his educat ion at Marischal College in Aberdeen and at the Universi ty of Edinburgh. He had spent several years as a surgeon 's ma te in the British Navy before sett l ing in South Carol ina in 1753. Ellis eventually n a m e d the Cape Jessamine Gardenia, but that is another long story, as is Garden 's effort to n a m e a p lant Ellisia. Ellis was a nat ive of I re land, but spent mos t of his life in London. He was for a t ime a merchan t , bu t la ter became King's Agent for West Florida and for Dominica. An able natural is t , he was a very active m e m b e r of the Royal Society of London. His
Topology of globular proteins.

Abstract This paper inquires whether it is reasonable to expect the native structure of proteins to be “knotted”. To this end, some topological properties of polypeptides containing disulfide bridges are discussed using notions from mathematical knot theory and graph theory. The probability of occurrence of knots in random cyclic polymers is calculated as a function of chain length by elementary Monte Carlo methods. The implications of this for protein renaturation and for determining the tertiary structure of proteins are discussed.
Education for acquisitions: An informal survey

(1991). Education for acquisitions: An informal survey. Library Acquisitions: Practice & Theory: Vol. 15, No. 1, pp. 29-31.
Coping with Anger-Provoking Situations: Adolescent Coping in Relation to Anger Reactivity

This article examines how adolescents cope with different types of anger-provoking situations. Also explored is the degree to which coping changes or remains the same across different situations. Results showed that focusing-on-the-positive coping was negatively associated with anger reactivity in the face of both affiliation and achievement stress. In addition, individuals who engaged in wishful thinking coping in dealing with angerprovoking interpersonal stressors showed exaggerated anger reactivity, whereas seeking social support was positively related to anger reactivity in the context of stressful situations that threatened achievement needs. Results supported the notion that the emotional consequences of being exposed to stressful anger provocations may be mediated by individual differences in coping, and that the adaptiveness or maladaptiveness of some coping strategies depends on contextual factors such as the nature of the stressor. Moreover, the present data also supported the conceptualization ...
Non-Dissociability of the Metal Component of D -α-Hydroxy Acid Dehydrogenase by Chelating Agents

Non-Dissociability of the Metal Component of D-α-Hydroxy Acid Dehydrogenase by Chelating Agents
Polymer charge-transfer complexes for opto-electronic applications

Abstract The formation of charge-transfer (CT) complex to increase the conductivity has been the subject of intense research activity for the past decades. Those CT complexes have been used as organic semiconductors in field effect transistors (FETs), charge injection and transport materials in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells. In this paper, a serials of new CT complexes with polymers as donor and TCNQ as acceptor were prepared. The polymers are polycarbazoles with various content of carbazole moiety in the back chain. The X-ray crystal structure of the model compound 4,4′-bis (N-carbazolyl)-1,1′-biphenyl(CBP)/TCNQ complex showed the formation of 2:1 stack structure (with 1:1 carbazole moiety: TCNQ ratio). The polycarbazole/TCNQ complexes form uniform films by spin-coating. Devices with the structure of ITO/polycarbazole:TCNQ complex/Mg:Ag were fabricated. The current–voltage characteristics showed that the devices exhibit much higher conductivity compared to their analogy ITO/polycarbazole/Mg:Ag structure devices. Devices with different polycarbazole:TCNQ ratios were fabricated and the current–voltage results showed that the conductivity increases as the ratio of polycarbazole:TCNQ increases. The conductivity reaches the maximum at the ratio of 1:1. These polymer complexes can be low-temperature processed on large area flexible substrates and are of potential use for low-cost printed electronics.
Anatomical changes in the neuromuscular complex of the proleg of Galleria mellonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidiadae) during metamorphosis

The lateral and ventral external surfaces of the third and fourth abdominal segments were described and muscle attachments were correlated with surface indentations of the larva. The proleg of this species has a symmetrical planta with a complete circle of crochets. Furthermore, it differs externally from the grasping type of proleg in having a largely membranous coxal region confluent with the body wall, and a relatively large subcoxal lobe. The body wall musculature and innervation of the third and fourth abdominal segments are similar in many respects to those described for other lepidopteran larvae to which they are here compared, but differ from most because of the simpler structure of the prolegs which lack highly developed adductor muscles. Like most muscles innervated by the ventral nerve, the principal plantar retractors of these two segments cease to function in the first day of the pupal stage and have completely degenerated by the forty-fifth hour of pupal life. The ventral nerve retains its four primary branches in the adult, in which many smaller rami can be traced to the cuticle and to the neoblastic body wall muscles.
Super-resolution 3D microscopy of live whole cells using structured illumination

Three-dimensional (3D) structured-illumination microscopy (SIM) can double the lateral and axial resolution of a wide-field fluorescence microscope but has been too slow for live imaging. Here we apply 3D SIM to living samples and record whole cells at up to 5 s per volume for >50 time points with 120-nm lateral and 360-nm axial resolution. We demonstrate the technique by imaging microtubules in S2 cells and mitochondria in HeLa cells.
Building trusted ICs using split fabrication

Due to escalating manufacturing costs the latest and most advanced semiconductor technologies are often available at off-shore foundries. Utilizing these facilities significantly limits the trustworthiness of the corresponding integrated circuits for mission critical applications. We address this challenge of cost-effective and trustworthy CMOS manufacturing for advanced technologies using split fabrication. Split fabrication, the process of splitting an IC into an untrusted and trusted component, enables the designer to exploit the most advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities available offshore without disclosing critical IP or system design intent. We show that split fabrication after the Metal1 layer is secure and has negligible performance and area overhead compared to complete IC manufacturing in the off-shore foundry. Measurements from split fabricated 130nm testchips demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed approach.
Stochastic frontiers, productivity effects and development projects

A common objective of many development projects is to promote output growth as well as better management in order to improve incomes and reduce poverty. Technically, the purpose is to induce upwards shifts in the production frontier (i.e., technological change) while also promoting better management (i.e., narrowing the gap from the frontier). Given the link between managerial performance and technical efficiency, stochastic production frontiers are well suited for the task from a methodological point of view. Despite this suitability, work linking stochastic frontiers with impact evaluation methods has just begun and a major hurdle is resolving biases that might arise from selection on observables and unobservables. This article provides an overview of how impact evaluation and stochastic frontiers, two well-established areas in applied econometrics, are being brought together to shed light on the productivity effects of agricultural development interventions.
Development of a Brief Questionnaire to Assess Habitual Beverage Intake (BEVQ-15): Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and Total Beverage Energy Intake

Abstract Introduction Energy-containing beverages, specifically sugar-sweetened beverages, may contribute to weight gain and obesity development. Yet, no rapid assessment tools are available which quantify habitual beverage intake (grams, energy) in adults. Objective Determine the factorial validity of a newly developed beverage intake questionnaire (BEVQ) and identify potential to reduce items. Methods Participants from varying economic and educational backgrounds (n=1,596, age 43±12 years, body mass index [calculated as kg/m 2 ] 31.5±0.2) completed a 19-item BEVQ (BEVQ-19). Beverages that contributed Results Three beverage items were identified for elimination (vegetable juice, meal replacement drinks, and mixed alcoholic drinks); beer and light beer were combined into one category. Regression models using BEVQ-15 variables explained 91% to 99% of variance in the four major outcomes of the BEVQ-19 (all P R 2 =0.69), and total beverage energy ( R 2 =0.59) were more highly correlated with three 24-hour dietary recalls' than previously reported for the BEVQ-19. The BEVQ-15 produced a lower readability score of 4.8, which is appropriate for individuals with a fourth-grade education or greater. Conclusions The BEVQ-19 can be reduced to a 15-item questionnaire. This brief dietary assessment tool will enable researchers and practitioners to rapidly (administration time of ∼2 minutes) assess habitual beverage intake, and to determine possible associations of beverage consumption with health-related outcomes, such as weight status.
A Closure for Updraft–Downdraft Representation of Subgrid-Scale Fluxes in Cloud-Resolving Models

AbstractA closure relationship between subgrid-scale (SGS) updraft–downdraft differences and resolvable-scale (RS) variables is proposed and tested for cloud-resolving models (CRMs), based on a data analysis of a large-eddy simulation (LES) of deep convection. The LES flow field is partitioned into CRM-RS and CRM-SGS using a cutoff scale that corresponds to a typical CRM grid resolution. This study first demonstrates the capability of an updraft–downdraft model framework in representing the SGS fluxes of heat, moisture, and momentum over the entire deep convection layer. It then formulates a closure scheme to relate SGS updraft–downdraft differences to horizontal gradients of RS variables. The closure is based on the idea that largest SGS and smallest RS motions are spectrally linked and hence their horizontal fluctuations must be strongly communicated. This relation leads to an SGS scheme that expresses vertical SGS fluxes in terms of horizontal gradients of RS variables, which differs from conventional ...
An experimental investigation of the cross-coupling between elements of an acoustic imaging array transducer.

Abstract In a phased array acoustic imaging transducer, the cross coupling between elements of the array can lead to a loss in range resolution, cause an increase in rolloff with angle of the sector scan, and increase the ringdown time. In this paper, we present results of an experimental investigation of an acoustic mode that couples the elements through the propagation of surface waves on the surface of the acoustic absorber. These results indicate that the strength of the mode is enhanced by the coherent reflections from adjacent neighbor elements which act as efficient reflectors of the surface waves. We also demonstrate a technique whereby reflections can be made to interact destructively to reduce the strength of that coupling mode. A further reduction can be obtained by stiffening the structure by bonding to the tops of the elements a thick brass foil and by using it as a common ground connection.
Determinants of blood pressure in very low birth weight neonates: lack of effect of antenatal steroids

Abstract Objectives: To define the range of normal blood pressures (BP) for very low birth weight (VLBW;≤1500 g) neonates and to study perinatal variables affecting BP measurements after birth, including the effects of antenatal steroids. Study design: Antenatal steroids were rarely administered at Parkland Memorial Hospital before May 1994, permitting us to establish a cohort of VLBW neonates exposed to antenatal steroids [n=70, 1166±253 (S.D.) g, and 28.7±2.1 weeks] who were matched with neonates delivered during the prior year (n=46, 1100±241 g, 28.9±1.8 weeks). Maternal and neonatal charts were abstracted for pertinent data, and neonatal BP measurements (determined directly when an arterial catheter was available or indirectly by the oscillometric method) were extracted every 3 h for the first 12 h and every 6 h until 72 h postnatal. Results: Antenatal steroids did not affect BP immediately after birth or for the subsequent 72 h postnatal. Therefore, data from all neonates ≤1500 g were combined and the pattern of BP change over 72 h postnatal assessed. Systolic, diastolic and mean BP increased (P
Cleaning Up My (Father’s) Mess: Narrative Containments of “Leaky” Masculinities

In the photograph, my father holds my tiny elbow in my large hands, teaching me to punch and training me in “manly” poses.We are years away from my father’s motorcycle accident. While the disabled body has been displayed in many recent films and television shows, the ways it is discursively constructed remain relatively unarticulated. It is a task is even more complex given the ways the disabled body is gendered, particularly with regard to its literal and figurative “leaks” resulting from the loss of bodily function. In this “messy” narrative, I draw on three years of fieldwork with male wheelchair rugby athletes and personal experience with disability in exploring the ways disabled persons narrate control of their bodies and, in essence, narrate a preferred masculinity. I also employ performative writing in interrogating my own “leaky” masculinity, reflexively examining the control I attempt to enact over both my relationships and my body.
Use of Monte Carlo simulation to assess the pharmacodynamics of β-lactams against pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in children: A report from the OPTAMA program

Abstract Background: Assessing the likelihood of achievingbactericidal pharmacodynamic exposures against Pseudomonas aeruginosa with intravenous antimicrobial regimens would provide insights into the selection of empiric therapy in the pediatric population. Objective: The objective of this study was to usepharmacodynamic modeling to determine the likelihood of various pediatric antibiotic regimens achieving bactericidal exposures against P aeruginosa in children. Methods: Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for meropenem (20 and 40 mg/kg q8h), imipenem (15 and 25 mg/kg q6h), ceftazidime (50 mg/kg q8h), cefepime (50 mg/kg q8h), and pip eracillin/tazobactam (75 mg/kg q6h) against P aeruginosa isolates from 2 pediatric institutions. A 5000-patient Monte Carlo simulation was performed to predict attainment of pharmacodynamic targets against P aeruginosa for each of these regimens in a population of 10-year-olds. Optimal regimens were defined as those that had a ≥90% likelihood of attaining target exposures. Results: At institution 1, high-dose imipenem, high-dose meropenem, and ceftazidime achieved bactericidal pharmacodynamic exposures (likelihood of target attainment: 94%, 92%, and 92%, respectively). No other regimen was associated with a high probability of attaining bactericidal exposure (low-dose imipenem, 87%; cefepime, 85%; low-dose meropenem, 84%; piperacillin/tazobactam, 60%). At institution 2, no regimen was associated with a high likelihood of attaining bactericidal exposure; the calculated probabilities were cefepime, 78%; ceftazidime, 65%; high-dose meropenem, 58%; high-dose imipenem, 57%; low-dose imipenem, 54%; low-dose meropenem, 47%; and piperacillin/tazobactam, 47%. A lack of agreement between attainment of bactericidal exposures and percent susceptibility was apparent for many of the regimens. Conclusions: Few regimens demonstrated a highlikelihood of achieving bactericidal exposures against P aeruginosa at these institutions. Importantly, percent susceptibility overestimated attainment of the bactericidal target for some regimens, suggesting that further study is necessary in pediatric patients. The findings of this study highlight differences in target attainment and MIC distributions between institutions, emphasizing the importance of using institution-specific data when selecting empiric antimicrobial therapy.
Sofisticação política e opinião pública no Brasil: revisitando hipóteses clássicas

This article analyzes the impact of political sophistication on citizens' political preferences. After defining the concept and measurement of political sophistication, panel survey data from Caxias do Sul and Juiz de Fora in 2002 are used to assess its main determinants in the Brazilian context. Next, the article tests four hypotheses derived from existing scholarship about the effects of political sophistication on individual preferences and information processing. The four hypotheses tested are: 1) more politically sophisticated citizens are more ideologically constrained in their political attitudes then less sophisticated individuals; 2) more sophisticated citizens present more stable attitudes over time than less sophisticated individuals; 3) more sophisticated citizens acquire more political information over time than less sophisticated individuals, and; 4) more sophisticated citizens tend to express opinions more frequently than less sophisticated individuals. The analyses in the paper provide strong support for all four hypotheses. Finally, the article discusses some implications of the results for the study of public opinion and elections in Brazil.
Preoperative Prediction of Postoperative Respiratory Outcome: Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objective The hypothesis that traditionally defined preoperative risk factors predict prolonged mechanical ventilation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) was tested in our cohort. The predictive power of these factors was quantified, and specific patient subsets destined for prolonged mechanical ventilation after CABG surgery were defined. Design Five hundred thirteen consecutive patients undergoing CABG were prospectively evaluated. Preoperative pulmonary evaluation included clinical historic data, standard spirometry, and arterial blood gas. Preoperative cardiac parameters included clinical parameters and left ventricular function assessment. Nonthoracic organ (renal, endocrine, pancreas, liver) function was assessed. Setting University-based, tertiary referral center. Interventions None (observational only). Outcomes measured Duration of mechanical ventilation, duration of surgical ICU stay, and mortality. Results Multivariate regression analyses revealed that for the patient undergoing routine elective surgery and the patient undergoing urgent surgery, prolonged mechanical ventilation and death were rare events (8.3% and 2.0%, respectively). The combination of reduced left ventricular ejection fraction and the presence of selected preexisting comorbid conditions (clinical congestive heart failure, angina, current smoking, diabetes) served as modest risk factors for prolonged mechanical ventilation; their absence strongly predicted an uncomplicated postoperative respiratory course. No pulmonary diagnosis, mechanical lung function, or blood gas parameter substantially contributed to predicting adverse outcome. Classification and regression tree subgroup analysis refined specific factors important in specific subgroups. Conclusion With the exception of left ventricular ejection fraction, no preoperative factors emerge as good predictors across all subgroups. This series suggests that pulmonary diagnosis, lung mechanics, and blood gas parameters do not offer the clinician global rules in predicting postoperative respiratory outcome, nor should they be used as exclusion criteria for CABG surgery.