cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Soft balancing among weak states? Evidence from Africa

Recent literature on the use of soft balancing to counter the hegemony of the United States has focused primarily on middle powers in Europe and rising powers such as China. But what about weak states? Do they simply go along with the hegemon, or do they challenge its policies despite the odds? And to what extent does the soft balancing argument explain their behaviour? In recent years, several historically friendly African countries have used non-military means to undermine the unilateral policies of the United States. Leaders in South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, Mali, Namibia and Niger especially have resisted US demands in areas such as the ‘war on terror’, the International Criminal Court and the US Africa Command. This article seeks to explain the strategies of opposition that some African countries have pursued. It finds that the behaviour is driven both by regional power concerns and by domestic political considerations. Interestingly, public opinion in these relatively democratic countries is motivated by disagreements with US policy and by resentment of the predominance of American power. Thus, the evidence both confirms and challenges the notion of soft balancing. On one hand, the behaviour of African states is driven at least in part by the global balance of power—directly, as leaders respond to power concerns within the continent, and indirectly, as citizens pressure leaders to resist the hegemon. On the other hand, these findings challenge the underlying premise that state behaviour is determined solely by structural concerns. Instead, the oppositional behaviour of African states has both systemic and domestic explanations.
Das Labor auf dem Chip: Mikrofluidik

Das Labor auf dem Chip bietet viele Vorteile, weil es nur Mikro- oder Nanolitermengen benotigt. Es ermoglicht zum Beispiel sehr empfindliche gentechnische Analysen. Allerdings dominieren andere physikalische Krafte das Verhalten mikro- und nanoskopischer Flussigkeitsmengen als in der makroskopischen Welt. Eine besondere Herausforderung der Mikro- und Nanofluidik ist der Transport und die Manipulation der winzigen Flussigkeitsmengen. Neben dreidimensionalen Chiparchitekturen richtet sich das Forschungsinteresse auf planare Strukturen, deren Oberflacheneigenschaften chemisch moduliert sind. Auf ihnen lassen sich die Fluide in Form winziger Tropfchen manipulieren, besonders elegant sind dafur akustische Oberflachenwellen. Die erste Generation solcher Laborchips ist bereits auf dem Markt.
Design and Fabrication of a Magnetocaloric Microcooler

Magnetocaloric refrigeration is increasingly being explored as an alternative technology for cooling. This paper presents the design and fabrication of a micromachined magnetocaloric cooler. The cooler consists of fluidic microchannels (in a Si wafer), diffused temperature sensors, and a Gd5 (Si2 Ge2 ) magnetocaloric refrigeration element. A magnetic field of 1.5 T is applied using an electromagnet to change the entropy of the magnetocaloric element for different ambient temperature conditions ranging from 258 K to 280 K, and the results are discussed. The tests show a maximum temperature change of 7 K on the magnetocaloric element at 258 K. The experimental results co-relate well with the entropy change of the material.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Public policy implications of harmonizing engineering technology with socio-economic modeling: Application to transportation infrastructure management

The persistent infrastructure underinvestment coupled with a significant growth in commercial and non-commercial transportation demand has rendered the US transportation infrastructure unprepared for current and future demands. A significant improvement in the condition of the US transportation infrastructure must be grounded on a more sustainable and proactive approach to address the existing gap between short-term commitments and long-term needs. This paper demonstrates in quantitative terms the value of long-term investments to overcome the historical impediments to infrastructure rehabilitation, including the need for a proactive political structure that compensates for the apparent lack of public accountability, and for the poor understanding of the socio-economic effects caused by transportation infrastructure failures. Such a process could avoid impending catastrophes. This paper presents a modeling paradigm that accounts for multiple stakeholder perspectives and relates the formulation of public policy to a long-term horizon through the modeling of the transportation infrastructure as a system of systems. The methodology enables involved stakeholders and decision makers to visualize their shared interests and to promote coordinated individual decisions in order to achieve a more acceptable level of the overall system of systems objectives. To illustrate the relevance of the proposed modeling approach, we apply it to a bridge maintenance problem and we discuss the synthesis of existing engineering practice with socio-economic factors that aids in streamlining long-term infrastructure goals with immediate short-term needs. The insights obtained from the proposed system of systems methodological approach point to the need to adopt a more forward-looking and collaborative public policy for infrastructure maintenance.
The evolving role of strategic management development

Purpose – To validate conceptual frameworks for strategic management development. Also, to test the hypothesis that the objectives and design of a strategic management development programme need to match the organisation's level of commitment to strategic management and the degree of maturity of its strategic management processes and competencies, in order that the programme can be effective in enhancing the strategic capability of the organisation.Design/methodology/approach – Earlier work by the author (based on literature review and one case study) had generated two conceptual models which could help in the understanding of strategic management development. One provides a life‐cycle typology matching an organisation's level of commitment to strategic management with the design of an effective strategic management development programme. The second provides a causal network showing how strategic management capability may be developed. In this paper case study research is reported from six organisations t...
Transient opening of fibronectin type III (FNIII) domains: the interaction of the third FNIII domain of FN with anastellin

We previously reported that the fibronectin (FN) type III domains of FN may unfold to interact with anastellin and form FN aggregates. In the present study, we have focused on the interaction between anastellin and the third FN type III domain (III3), which is a key anastellin binding site on FN. Anastellin binding to III3 was monitored by 8-anilino-1-naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence. ANS binding to anastellin dramatically increased its emission intensity, but this was reduced to half by the addition of III3, suggesting that ANS and III3 share a common hydrophobic binding site on anastellin. An engineered mutant of III3 that was stabilized by an intrachain disulfide bond did not interact with anastellin, as seen by its failure to interfere with ANS binding to anastellin. We also mutated hydrophobic core residues to destabilize III3 and found that these mutants were still capable of interacting with anastellin. Anastellin binding to III3 was also monitored using an intramolecular green fluorescent ...
Asteroid hyalosis and axial length measurement using automated biometry

Accurate axial length measurements are needed before intraocular lens implantation in patients with asteroid hyalosis requiring cataract extraction. We suspected that falsely short axial length measurements may be obtained using automated A-scan biometry when we found an automated measurement of 15.90 mm in a patient with severe unilateral asteroid hyalosis. A manual biometry measurement of 21.90 mm was obtained for comparison; this was within 0.2 mm of the manual reading in the opposite uninvolved eye. A case-control study was performed on 20 unilateral asteroid hyalosis subjects using the uninvolved eye as the control, comparing automated biometry and manual A-scan biometry to assess the effect of asteroid hyalosis on automated biometry measurements. Five subjects (25%) with asteroid hyalosis had falsely short axial length measurements of more than 1.00 mm using automated biometry. This would result in more than 2.50 diopters of error in the implanted lens power. This case-control study demonstrates that falsely short axial length measurements may be obtained using automated biometry in patients with asteroid hyalosis, leading to significant error in intraocular lens power calculations.
Raising Chicanos in the Great White North: A White Mother's Muse

This article1 explores paradoxes in being the White mother of Mexican American children and discusses how some of its attendant issues contrast one another. The author, an American scholar, believes she is taught to think and to write, not from the heart, but from a detached and “objective,” cerebral cortex, and she sees the places, the prism through which the world is seen, are constantly shifting. The author writes of liminality and simultaneity, “I’m ‘swimming in the sea’ as both the swimmer, struggling, and part of the sea, itself, pulling myself under, drowning in between-ness . . .” The headings, “From the Shore,” provide a detached, theoretical reflection upon the author’s experiences as a White mother of mixed-race children: “I’m standing on the banks, looking into my experiences and speaking from my ’head’,” and the headings, “In the Sea,” provide stories: “I’m immersed in the depths of my experiences and reflecting from my ‘heart’.”
Chewing Rate Allometry Among Mammals

Mammalian chewing rate scales inversely to body mass (M); however, controversy exists over the value of the scaling exponent. Different mechanisms explain different values of the scaling exponent; hence, a better estimate of the exponent would provide insight into the mechanisms governing chewing rate across mammalian species. We evaluated the relationship between mean chewing cycle duration (CD; i.e., the inverse of mean chewing rate) and M in 132 species and removed phylogenetic effects by using an independent contrast method currently used in evolutionary biology studies. A one-third–power law resulted when independent contrasts were not used; however, a one-third– to one-fourth–power law resulted when independent contrasts were used to remove phylogenetic effects. We hypothesize that variation in the scaling exponent is due to natural selection acting to increase metabolic efficiency; and variation in the complexity of mandibular kinematics, motor control asymmetry, and mandibular biomechanics, which may act to increase CDs above the ‘‘ideal’’ one-fourth–power law. Future studies should consider effects due to jaw-movement kinematics, motor control issues, and biomechanics.
Point form relativistic quantum mechanics and electromagnetic form factors

A relativistic quantum mechanics of constituents is formulated in which particles are bound states of a mass operator. The point form of relativistic dynamics is used, in which Lorentz transformations are kinematic, and the four-momentum operator carries all the interactions. A general covariant expression for matrix elements of the electromagnetic current operator is given in which the invariant form factors are reduced matrix elements of the Poincar\'e group. A point form relativistic impulse approximation is formulated, in which invariant form factors of particles are given in terms of their underlying constituents.
The Medical‐Legal Responsibilities of a Dialysis Unit Medical Director

The specialty of Nephrology, by virtue of its relationship with the dialysis procedure, is highly vulnerable to litigation. As is the case with all nephrologists, a dialysis unit medical director is not immune to medical malpractice suits, and can be held liable for any act of perceived or potential harm to any dialysis patient, regardless of the director's level of involvement. The medical director, per the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Conditions of Participation, accepts the responsibilities, accountability, and consequent legal liabilities of the quality of the medical care provided to every dialysis patient in the unit. This review is a synopsis of lawsuits filed against medical directors of dialysis units in the past forty years. Six categories of legal actions were noted; medical malpractice, fraudulent claims, self-referral and Stark Law, discrimination, negligence, and violation of patient autonomy and dignity.
FluMapper: an interactive CyberGIS environment for massive location-based social media data analysis

Social media, such as social network (e.g., Facebook), microblogs (e.g. Twitter) have experienced a spectacular rise in popularity, and attracting hundreds of millions of users generating unprecedented amount of information. Twitter, for example, has rapidly gained approximately 500 million registered users as of 2012, generating 340 million tweets daily. Although each tweet is limited to only 140 characters, the aggregate of millions of tweets may provide a realistic representation of landscapes for a certain topic of interest. Furthermore, with widespread use of location aware mobile devices, users are sharing their whereabouts through social media services. This has resulted in a dramatic increase in volume of spatial data and they are becoming a crucial attribute of social media. These location-based social media thus could provide valuable insights to understanding many geographic phenomena. Recent studies capitalizing on social networking and media data show significant societal impacts, in many areas including infectious disease tracking [1].
Focus group findings about the influence of culture on communication preferences in end-of-life care

BACKGROUND: Little guidance is available for health care providers who try to communicate with patients and their families in a culturally sensitive way about end-of-life care.
Competitive hydrogen atom migrations accompanying cascade dissociations of peptide cation-radicals of the z+ type

Abstract We report a combined experimental and computational study of energy-resolved collision-induced dissociation (ER-CID) and time-resolved infrared multiphoton dissociation (TR-IRMPD) of z4 ions prepared by electron transfer dissociation of peptide (Ala-Ala-Asn-Ala-Arg + 2H)2+ ions. The z4 cation-radicals, ANAR+, undergo competitive dissociations by backbone cleavage and loss of a CONH2 radical from the Asn side chain. The backbone cleavage proceeds by radical-assisted dissociation of the Asn Cα-CO bond, forming an x2 ion intermediate which rapidly dissociates by HNCO elimination to yield a stable z2 fragment ion, AR+. The ER-CID and TR-IRMPD data were consistent with the consecutive nature of the backbone dissociation but showed different branching ratios for the two major fragmentations. The ER-CID data showed branching ratios 0.6–1.0 for the side-chain and backbone cleavages whereas the TR-IRMPD data showed an earlier onset for the latter dissociation. Computational analysis of the potential energy surface with density functional theory and ab initio calculations was carried out to provide structures and energies for the reactant ions as well as several intermediates, products, and transition states. Dissociation pathways for cis and trans amide conformers were distinguished and their energies were evaluated. The threshold dissociation energies for the backbone and side-chain dissociations were similar in accordance with the experimental ER-CID branching ratio. The TR-IRMPD data were interpreted by different absorbances of intermediates produced by hydrogen atom migrations along the dissociation pathways.
Microwave crosstalk in lumped element far-IR MKIDs

We have made close-packed far-infrared MKID arrays with ∼ 250 pixels using TiN on silicon. Measurements show a large scatter in quality factor arising from crosstalk. This is confirmed by pump-probe experiments and EM simulations. Our new shielded resonator designs show very low crosstalk levels.
Characterization of arrangement and expression of the beta-2 microglobulin locus in the sandbar and nurse shark.

Beta 2 microglobulin (β2m) is an essential subunit of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) type I molecules. In this report, β2m cDNAs were identified and sequenced from sandbar shark spleen cDNA library. Sandbar shark β2m gene encodes one amino acid less than most teleost β2m genes, and 3 amino acids less than mammal β2m genes. Although sandbar shark β2m protein contains one β sheet less than that of human in the predicted protein structure, the overall structure of β2m proteins is conserved during evolution. Germline gene for the β2m in sandbar and nurse shark is present as a single locus. It contains three exons and two introns. CpG sites are evenly distributed in the shark β2m loci. Several DNA repeat elements were also identified in the shark β2m loci. Sequence analysis suggests that the β2m locus is not linked to the MHC I loci in the shark genome.
Investigation of protein refolding using a fractional factorial screen: A study of reagent effects and interactions

A recurring obstacle for structural genomics is the expression of insoluble, aggregated proteins. In these cases, the use of alternative salvage strategies, like in vitro refolding, is hindered by the lack of a universal refolding method. To overcome this obstacle, fractional factorial screens have been introduced as a systematic and rapid method to identify refolding conditions. However, methodical analyses of the effectiveness of refolding reagents on large sets of proteins remain limited. In this study, we address this void by designing a fractional factorial screen to rapidly explore the effect of 14 different reagents on the refolding of 33 structurally and functionally diverse proteins. The refolding data was analyzed using statistical methods to determine the effect of each refolding additive. The screen has been miniaturized for automation resulting in reduced protein requirements and increased throughput. Our results show that the choice of pH and reducing agent had the largest impact on protein refolding. Bis-mercaptoacetamide cyclohexane (BMC) and tris (2-carboxyethylphosphine) (TCEP) were superior reductants when compared to others in the screen. BMC was particularly effective in refolding disulfide-containing proteins, while TCEP was better for nondisulfide-containing proteins. From the screen, we successfully identified a positive synergistic interaction between nondetergent sulfobetaine 201 (NDSB 201) and BMC on Cdc25A refolding. The soluble protein resulting from this interaction crystallized and yielded a 2.2 A structure. Our method, which combines a fractional factorial screen with statistical analysis of the data, provides a powerful approach for the identification of optimal refolding reagents in a general refolding screen.
System identification of hunchback protein patterning in early drosophila embryogenesis

Early patterning in the Drosophila melanogaster embryo occurs through a complicated network of interactions involving transcription factor proteins and the mRNA of their target genes. One such system is the pattern of hunchback mRNA and its regulation by Bicoid and Kruppel proteins. This system is well-studied, but there is disagreement amongst biologists on how exactly hunchback expression is regulated. We attempt here to provide evidence to distinguish between two models in contention, through system identification. Our general approach is to do nonlinear regression on a parametric, nonlinear partial differential equation model which incorporates transcription, diffusion, and degradation. We perform the regression, analyze the results and then interpret the results in the biological context. We also compare our results to previous work on this system.
Parasites of backyard game birds

Parasites are frequently encountered in the captive management of backyard game birds such as quail, guinea fowl, peafowl, junglefowl, and pheasants. Although parasites are generally a secodary problem in the health of these birds, they can be a significant mortality factor in times of overcrowding and poor husbandry. Because of the increasing popularity of backyard game birds for food, sport, or as pets, practitioners need to be knowledgeable in the diagnosis and treatment of the parasites of these birds and creative in designing appropriate preventive medicine programs. This article, therefore, reviews the clinical importance and control of significant endoparasites, including protozoans and metazoans and ectoparasites of this group of birds.
Use of federated object modeling to develop a macro-system model for the U.S. Department of Energy's hydrogen program

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is working on technology that could change our transportation fuel from gasoline to hydrogen. To assist in that effort, we are developing a macro-system model (MSM) that will link existing or developmental component models together to analyze crosscutting hydrogen issues. The MSM uses a federated simulation framework that extends the High Level Architecture (HLA). In this initial phase, three existing models have been linked to analyze two primary issues. The first issue we will examine will be the combined price of hydrogen production and delivery and the second will be a comparison of energy requirements and air emissions for multiple hydrogen production / delivery pathways (i.e., hydrogen produced from different feedstocks and transported via different means). Future work will involve linking other models to allow us to better analyze transition issues and making the MSM available to the hydrogen analysis community.
Primary and salvage (hypo)pharyngectomy: Analysis and outcome

Background. Surgery for squamous cell carci- noma (SCC) arising or extending to the hypopharynx is generally reserved for advanced disease or salvage. The prognosis of patients requiring pharyngectomy is poor, and the perioperative morbidity is significant. The aim of the present study is to describe the disease-related and treatment-related outcomes of patients undergoing primary and salvage pharyngectomy for cancer of the hypopharynx and larynx over a 10-year period from a single institution. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed 138 partial and cir- cumferential pharyngectomies performed at a tertiary referral center between 1992 and 2002. There were 31 females and 107 males. The median age was 62 years (range, 27-81 years), and mean follow-up was 3.6 years. Salvage pharyngectomy for radi- ation failure was performed in 72 patients (52%), and in 66 patients (48%) pharyngectomy was performed as the primary treatment. Results. The 5-year overall survival rate after salvage phar- yngectomy was 31% and after primary pharyngectomy was 38%. The 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) for salvage was 40% and after primary surgery was 45%. The 5-year local and regional control rates for salvage pharyngectomy were 71% and 70%, respectively, and for primary pharyngectomy were 79% and 67%, respectively. The perioperative mortality rate was 3.6%, and the combined morbidity rate was 70%. Postoperative hypocalcemia developed in 44% of patients, a pharyngocutane- ous fistula developed in 31% of patients, and the long-term stric- ture rate was 15%. Variables adversely affecting DSS on univari- ate analysis were nodal metastases (p ¼ .044), extracapsular spread (ECS) (p ¼ .006), poorly differentiated tumors (p ¼ .015), lymphovascular invasion (p ¼ .042), and positive tumor margins (p ¼ .026). ECS (p ¼ .023) was the only independent prognostic variable on multivariable analysis; however, there was a trend toward significance for nodal metastases (p ¼ .064) and tumor differentiation (p ¼ .079). Conclusion. This study demonstrates that both salvage pharyn- gectomy and primary surgery for advanced disease are viable options with high locoregional control. However, this represents a high-risk group in terms of both operative morbidity and survival. Patients with nodal metastases, ECS, and poorly differentiated tumors are likely to succumb to their disease and should be selected for adjuvant therapy when possible. V C 2006 Wiley Peri- odicals, Inc. Head Neck 28: 671-677, 2006
The misallocation of land and other factors of production in India

This paper quantifies the misallocation of manufacturing output and factors of production between establishments across Indian districts during 1989-2010. It first distills a number of stylized facts about misallocation in India, and demonstrates the validity of misallocation metrics by connecting them to regulatory changes in India that affected real property. With this background, the study next quantifies the implications and determinants of factor and output misallocation. Although more-productive establishments in India tend to produce more output, factors of production are grossly misallocated. A better allocation of output and factors of production is associated with greater output per worker. Misallocation of land plays a particularly important role in these challenges.
O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) as a placental biomarker of maternal stress and reprogramming of CNS gene transcription in development

Maternal stress is a key risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, including schizophrenia and autism, which often exhibit a sex bias in rates of presentation, age of onset, and symptom severity. The placenta is an endocrine tissue that functions as an important mediator in responding to perturbations in the intrauterine environment and is accessible for diagnostic purposes, potentially providing biomarkers predictive of disease. Therefore, we have used a genome-wide array approach to screen placental expression across pregnancy for gene candidates that are sex-biased and stress-responsive in mice and translate to human tissue. We identifed O-linked-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc) transferase (OGT), an X-linked gene important in regulating proteins involved in chromatin remodeling, as fitting these criteria. Levels of both OGT and its biochemical mark, O-GlcNAcylation, were significantly lower in males and further reduced by prenatal stress. Examination of human placental tissue found similar patterns related to X chromosome dosage. As a demonstration of the importance of placental OGT in neurodevelopment, we found that hypothalamic gene expression and the broad epigenetic microRNA environment in the neonatal brain of placental-specific hemizygous OGT mice was substantially altered. These studies identified OGT as a promising placental biomarker of maternal stress exposure that may relate to sex-biased outcomes in neurodevelopment.
Quality of surgical care and readmission in elderly glioblastoma patients

Background Thirty-day readmissions post medical or surgical discharge have been analyzed extensively. Studies have shown that complex interactions of multiple factors are responsible for these hospitalizations.
Integrating Research and Clinical Training in Marriage and Family Therapy Training Programs.

The future of the profession and practice of marriage and family therapy (MFT) rests with those who promote the integration of research and clinical practice. The Boulder scientist-practitioner model is useful in conceptualizing MFT training, but it is not the perfect solution. Four MFT programs (two master's and two doctoral) are featured in this article for their work in integrating research and practice. Helpful strategies presented include: Encouraging students to question the therapy process; integrating research in the curriculum and supervision; discussing the positives and negatives of empirically supported treatments; focusing on change; and developing creative classroom experiences to use within the scientist-practitioner model.
Solution of the waveguide problem by a method based on the integral definition of the curl operator

The definition of the curl operator in terms of an integral is shown to lead to a method for numerical solutions. In the paper, the derivation of this method, as well as examples for waveguides are presented. >
The role of method: some parting thoughts from a departing editor

This issue of JAMS marks the end of my term as editor, though I will continue to haunt the journal in the next two issues with papers I have accepted and over a longer time as the papers I have published influence the field and impact thinking and practice in marketing. It has been an interesting and productive 3 years that I have immensely enjoyed. I have had the rare privilege of editing two of Marketing’s leading journals. I hope that I have done a better job as a result of my prior experience. I will miss the daily interaction with the extended set of colleagues that is a part of the routine of an editor. I have appreciated the contributions of authors and reviewers who have stimulated my own thinking and introduced me to so many new ideas. I have experienced the vicarious joy of authors whose papers I have accepted for publication, but I am most proud of the kind comments I have received from authors of papers I have rejected. In thinking about what words I might share in my parting editorial statement I returned to a number of editorials I have offered in past issues of this journal and the Journal of Marketing. I have used up much of what I have to say about the editorial process and I have already offered advice to authors regarding the enterprise of discovery and publication. I have addressed the role of intellectual communities and the place of journals in those communities (Stewart 1999) and the many factors that influence the quality of research and the likelihood of publication (Stewart 2002, 2007, 2008). I have also addressed the more general questions of what constitutes a “contribution” to the field (Ladik and Stewart 2008) and the role of theory and theoretical contributions in the marketing literature (Stewart and Zinkhan 2006). I hope these comments will continue to be useful to future generations of scholars. Having already offered so many thoughts about the intellectual and empirical contributions in marketing and the publication process I had to think for a long time about what I wished to say in parting as editor of JAMS. It then occurred to me that the substance of a presentation I recently made on the topic of multi-method research would be a nice complement to my earlier commentaries. So, I will close with some thoughts about method and its role in discovery. I will punctuate my comments with the thoughts of others who have been significant contributors to the enterprise of science.
Entanglement entropy of fractional quantum Hall systems with short range disorder

The critical value of the mobility for which the ν = 5/2 quantum Hall effect is destroyed by short range disorder is determined from an earlier calculation of the entanglement entropy. The value μ = 2.0 ×106cm2/Vs agrees well with experiment. This agreement is particularly significant in that there are no adjustable parameters. Entanglement entropy versus disorder strength for ν = 1/2, ν = 9/2 and ν = 7/3 is calculated. For ν = 1/2 there is no evidence for a transition for the disorder strengths considered; for ν = 9/2 there appears to be a stripe-liquid transition. For ν = 7/3 there again appears to be a transition at similar value of the disorder strength as the ν = 5/2 transition but there are stronger finite size effects.
Terahertz pulse shaping and optimal waveform generation in poled ferroelectric crystals

We propose a terahertz pulse-shaping technique that can be accomplished by optical rectification in poled ferroelectric crystals. Simulation results show that arbitrary terahertz waveforms can be synthesized by the engineering of the domain structure of the poled crystals. The ratio of the domain length to the optical pulse length in the crystal turns out to be the crucial limiting factor to generating optimum terahertz fields and preventing waveform distortion.
Soft-output detector for channels with intersymbol interference and Markov noise memory

The paper presents the forward-backward soft-output detector for channels with intersymbol interference and correlated (and/or signal-dependent) channel noise. We utilize the Markov noise assumption to keep the detector complexity in check. Particular attention is given to channels with Gauss-Markov noise statistics. We demonstrate that the detector can be built with the same hardware used for a maximum likelihood sequence detector (Viterbi detector), i.e., using a bank of finite impulse response (FIR) filters. Possible applications of the detector are in iterative decoding applications (e.g., turbo coding).
Preconditioning Promotes Survival and Angiomyogenic Potential of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in the Infarcted Heart via NF-κB Signaling

We proposed that pharmacological manipulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) with diazoxide enhanced their survival and regenerative potential via NFkappaB regulation. MSCs preconditioned ((PC)MSCs) with diazoxide and later subjected to oxidant stress with 100 micromol/L H(2)O(2) either immediately or after 24 h exhibited higher survival (p < 0.01 vs nonpreconditioned MSCs; (Non-PC)MSCs) with concomitantly increased phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, GSK3beta (cytoplasmic), and NF-kappaB (p65) (nuclear). Akt kinase activity was determined as a function of GSK3beta activity. Pretreatment of (PC)MSCs with Wortmannin (Wt), NEMO-binding domain (NBD), or NF-kappaB (p50) siRNA abolished NF-kappaB (p65) activity. Preconditioning increased NF-kappaB-dependent elevation of secretable growth factors associated with their paracrine effects. Inhibition of PI3K activity with Wt reduced (PC)MSCs viability at both early and 24 h time-points. However, inhibition of NF-kappaB reduced viability of (PC)MSCs only at 24 h time-point. For in vivo studies, DMEM without cells (group-1) or containing 1 x 10(6) male (Non-PC)MSCs (group-2), (PC)MSCs (group-3), (PC)MSCs pretreated with Wortmannin (group-4) or NF-kappaB decoy (group-5) were transplanted in a female rat model of acute myocardial infarction. Group-3 showed highest cell survival and growth factor expression, increased angiomyogenesis, and functional improvement. We conclude that activation of NF-kappaB by preconditioning promoted (PC)MSCs survival and angiomyogenic potential in the infarcted heart.
Narrow Mie Optical Cavity Resonances from Individual 100 nm Hematite Crystallites

Rhombohedral single crystallites of hematite (iron oxide, α-Fe2O3) in the size range of 20−200 nm have been synthesized by forced hydrolysis in water. The optical Rayleigh scattering and AFM topography of individual crystallites have been recorded on an inverted microscope based apparatus. Individual crystallites show narrow Mie “optical cavity” resonances across the visible spectrum as the particle size increases. These spectra are far sharper than the size broadened extinction spectra of the parent colloid. In the blue region near the intense band gap optical absorption, the resonances are also significantly sharper than calculated from simple scattering theory. This unexpected structure is discussed in terms of single crystallite birefringence, and uncertainties in hematite bulk optical properties.
A comparison of determinants of consumer satisfaction/dissatisfaction with the performance of apparel products between South Korea and the United States

The purpose of the present study was to identify the determinants of consumer satisfaction and dissatisfaction (CS/D) with the performance of apparel products at the purchase and product-consumption stages for Korean consumers, and to examine if these determinants were similar to those for US consumers. Results showed that at the purchase stage, the three variables, found significantly related to CS/D at purchase for US consumers, were also significant for Korean consumers. These three at-purchase variables were: perceived at-purchase performance, performance expectation and experience-based norm disconfirmation (i.e. the discrepancy between consumers’ experience-based norm and their perception of product performance at purchase). When the variables related to CS/D at the product-consumption stage were examined, both similarities and differences were found between Korean and US consumers. For both countries, perceived consumption performance and satisfaction at purchase were significantly related to CS/D at the product-consumption stage. Differences were found in the effects of expectancy disconfirmation and performance expectation on CS/D at the product-consumption stage. Expectancy disconfirmation is the discrepancy between consumers' performance expectation and their perception of product performance after consumption. Expectancy expectation was found to be a significant determinant of CS/D for US consumers, but was not a determinant for Korean consumers. Performance expectation, which was found not to be a significant determinant of CS/D for US consumers, was a significant determinant for Korean consumers.
Discounting preferences and response consistency as markers of functional ability in community-dwelling older adults.

Introduction: Predictors of functional independence in older adults are in need. Based on findings that delay discounting, probability discounting, and the ability to respond consistently use cognitive abilities and neural systems with central relevance to functional ability, the present study evaluated whether these behavioral economic variables account for variance in everyday functioning in older adults. It was hypothesized that greater preference for immediate/probabilistic rewards and response inconsistency would independently predict decrements in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). Method: Participants included 64 community-dwelling older adults (65–85 years; mean age = 76.25 years; 76.60% female). Exclusionary criteria were neurological illness, illiteracy, substance dependence within the past 5 years, score of ≤20 on the Mini-Mental State Examination, and/or presence of dementia. Delay/probability discounting tasks consisted of a series of dichotomous selections between smaller, imme...
The influence of uterine blood flow on the acid-base status of the rhesus monkey.

Uterine and umbilical blood flows were estimated by the steady-state diffusion method in 8 near-term monkeys under halothane and nitrous oxide anesthesia. Samples were drawn from the maternal artery and uterine veins and the fetal aorta and umbilical veins. The fetal blood pH was lower when the uterine blood flow was below approximately 100 ml. per kilogram per minute, and the acidosis was accompanied by an increase in fetal blood carbon dioxide tension and base deficit. There was no obvious relationship between umbilical blood flow and fetal acidosis, except within the same subject at successive samplings. The pH of uterine venous blood correlated closely with that of umbilical blood pH.
Extreme Computational Photography

The Camera Culture Group at the MIT Media Lab aims to create a new class of imaging platforms. This talk will discuss three tracks of research: femto photography, retinal imaging, and 3D displays. Femto Photography consists of femtosecond laser illumination, picosecond-accurate detectors and mathematical reconstruction techniques allowing researchers to visualize propagation of light. Direct recording of reflected or scattered light at such a frame rate with sufficient brightness is nearly impossible. Using an indirect 'stroboscopic' method that records millions of repeated measurements by careful scanning in time and viewpoints we can rearrange the data to create a 'movie' of a nanosecond long event. Femto photography and a new generation of nano-photography (using ToF cameras) allow powerful inference with computer vision in presence of scattering. EyeNetra is a mobile phone attachment that allows users to test their own eyesight. The device reveals corrective measures thus bringing vision to billions of people who would not have had access otherwise. Another project, eyeMITRA, is a mobile retinal imaging solution that brings retinal exams to the realm of routine care, by lowering the cost of the imaging device to a 10th of its current cost and integrating the device with image analysis software and predictive analytics. This provides early detection of Diabetic Retinopathy that can change the arc of growth of the world's largest cause of blindness. Finally the talk will describe novel lightfield cameras and lightfield displays that require a compressive optical architecture to deal with high bandwidth requirements of 4D signals
Surgical cutting instruments tipped with tungsten carbide.

Tools tipped with tungsten carbide have the following advantages: 1. They can be produced at a nominal cost by any good machinist; 2. They can be autoclaved thus ensuring quicker and more through sterilization; 3. They retain their cutting edge for years without being sharpened; 4. They can be sharpened on an inexpensive readily obtainable, silicon-carbide grinding wheel; they need no honing. However, they do have the disadvantage of chipping easily if they are ground to fine-feather edge. If they are properly ground, the tools will not chip unless they are dropped or are grossly mishandled.
Effect of obesity and weight loss on ventricular repolarization: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Summary We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of obesity ± overweight and weight loss on the corrected QT interval (QTc) and QT or QTc dispersion (indices of ventricular repolarization). Mean difference for both QTc and QT or QTc dispersion with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated comparing obese ± overweight subjects and normal weight controls and QTc and QT or QTc dispersion before and after weight loss from diet ± exercise or bariatric surgery. A total of 22 studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Compared with normal weight controls, there was a significantly longer QTc in obese ± overweight subjects (mean difference of 21.74 msec, 95% CI: 18.76 to 22.32) and significantly longer QT or QTc dispersion (mean difference of 15.17 msec, 95% CI: 13.59 to 16.74). Weight loss was associated with a significant decrease in QTc (mean difference −25.77 msec, 95% CI: −28.33–23.21) and QT or QTc dispersion (mean difference of −13.46 msec, 95% CI: −15.60 to −11.32 in obese ± overweight subjects. Thus, obesity ± overweight is associated with significant prolongation of QTc and QT or QTC dispersion. Weight loss in obese ± overweight subjects produces significant decreases in these variables. © 2016 World Obesity
Quantum Confinement of Above-Band-Gap Transitions in Ge Quantum Dots

A number of research efforts have been focused on self-assembled germanium quantum dots in which indirect optical transitions take place across the band gap. However, many questions regarding the confined electronic state transitions of Ge quantum dots still remain unanswered. In the present report, we have deposited ten alternating layers of crystalline Ge quantum dots embedded in an Al 2 O 3 or an AIN matrix on sapphire substrates by pulsed laser deposition. The average dot sizes (73 A to 260 A) were controlled by the laser energy density, deposition time and substrate temperature. The spectral positions of both the E 1 and the E 2 transitions in the absorption spectra at room temperature and 77 K shift toward higher energy (ΔE 1 =1.19 eV, ΔE 2 =0.57 eV) as the Ge dot size decreases (73 A). Structural analysis using transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy and the interpretation of optical absorption measurements in terms of quantum confinement of carriers in both transitions are presented.
Abstract 820: The synthetic triterpenoids, CDDO-methyl ester and CDDO-ethyl amide, and the histone deacetylase inhibitor vorinostat delay carcinogenesis in a transgenic model of estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer

The incidence of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer has declined over the last several years; however, there has been no change in the incidence of ER-negative breast cancer. Novel drugs and drug combinations are needed for the chemoprevention of ER-negative breast cancer. We show that the methyl ester or ethyl amide derivatives of the synthetic triterpenoid 2-cyano-3,12-dioxooleana-1,9(11)-dien-28-oic acid (CDDO-ME and CDDO-EA, respectively) and the histone deacetylase inhibitor Vorinostat (suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA)) delay the formation of ER-negative mammary tumors in MMTV-Polyoma Middle T (PyMT) mice. Female PyMT mice were fed control diet, CDDO-ME (50mg/kg diet), CDDO-EA (400mg/kg diet), and SAHA (250mg/kg diet), or the combinations of each triterpenoid and SAHA, beginning at 4 weeks of age. To detect initial tumor development, mice were palpated twice a week. CDDO-ME, CDDO-EA, and SAHA each significantly delayed the development of ER-negative tumors, by an average of 4.3 weeks (p This work was supported by the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 820. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-820
Effects of nutrition on aspartic acid deaminase system of Bacterium cadaveris.

SummaryData are presented to show that certain variations in nutrition, while not affecting the initial activity of an enzyme system, may influence markedly the stability of this system to successive washings.
Assessment of sanitation efficacy against Escherichia coli O157:H7 by rapid measurement of intracellular oxidative stress, membrane damage or glucose active uptake

Abstract To reduce cross contamination with foodborne pathogens during washing procedures, sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) are widely used in the fresh produce industry. To ensure food safety and minimize excessive use of sanitizers and water during sanitation, it is critical to develop a rapid method to assess sanitation efficacy. This study examines the potential for employing oxidative stress, membrane damage and glucose uptake measurements to assess the antimicrobial efficacy of NaOCl (0–70.4 ppm) and H2O2 (0–1.6% v/v) toward Escherichia coli O157:H7. The relative amount of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was measured using Aminophenyl fluorescein (APF) and 2′,7′- dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (H2DCFDA) for cells treated with NaOCl and H2O2 respectively. Results from these ROS sensitive probes revealed a limited correlation between these oxidative stress measurements and inactivation of bacteria measured using the plate counting method. Sanitation experiments, conducted with contaminated pre-cut lettuce leaves in water, were also carried out. Measurement of the bacterial membrane integrity was assessed using the membrane permeable probe propidium iodide (PI) and by evaluating effects on active transport by the glucose transport system using 2-(N-(7-Nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)Amino)-2-Deoxyglucose (2-NBDG). The results demonstrate that the relative increase in membrane permeability using PI correlated with NaOCl, but did not correlate with H2O2 induced reduction of bacterial survival quantified by the plate counting method. In contrast to the other approaches, monitoring the loss of glucose transport system function by measuring the uptake of 2-NBDG displayed strong correlation with the reduction of bacterial survival for both NaOCl and H2O2 treatment. Overall, the study demonstrated potential of glucose uptake measurements with 2-NBDG to serve as surrogate method for the traditional plate counting, which is the current gold standard used by the Food and Drugs Administration, to provide a faster analysis of sanitation processes.