cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Charge-Transfer Dipoles at the Si-SiO2 Interface and the Metal-Semiconductor Worfunction Difference In Mos Devices.

The magnitude of the dipole moment at the Si–SiO2 interface resulting from partial charge transfer that takes place upon the formation of interface bonds has been calculated. The charge transfer occurs because of the difference in electronegativity between silicon atoms and SiO2 molecules which are present across the interface. Results obtained for (100) and (111) silicon substrates indicate that the magnitude of the interface dipole moment is dependent on substrate orientation and the interface chemistry. Dipole moments at the Si–SiO2 and gate–SiO2 interfaces should be included in the definition of the fiatband voltage VFB of MOS structures. CV-based measurements of the metal-semiconductor workfunction difference ϕms on (100) and (111) silicon oxidized in dry oxygen and metallized with Al agree with the predictions of this model. Other types of interface dipoles and their processing dependence are briefly discussed.
On optimized prestressed trusses

Kashireninov, O. E., Kuznetsov, V. A., and Manelis, G. B., "The Kinetics of the Gas-Phase Reaction of Magnesium with Oxygen," AIAA Paper 74-145, Washington, D.C., 1974. Kashireninov, O. E., Kuznetsov, V. A., and Manelis, G. B., "Kinetic Parameters Calculation of the High-Exothermal, Fast Reactions Accompanied by a Condensing Products Formation from the Data of Diffusion Flame Method," Reports of the USSR Academy of Sciences, (in Russian), Vol. 215, Jan. 1974, pp. 908-911. Kuznetsov, V. A., Krestinin, A. V., Kashireninov, O. E., and Manelis, G. B., "Correctness of Temperature Measurements in a GasPhase Reaction Zone by a Thermocouple," Journal of Physical Chemistry (USSR), (in Russian), Vol. 49, Aug. 1975, pp. 2096-2098. Kashireninov, O. E. and Kuznetsov, V. A., "Kinetics of the Alkaline-Earth Metals Gas-Phase Reactions with Molecular Oxygen," Proceedings of the Fourth All-Union Symposium on Combustion and Exolosion (in Russian), Institute of Chemical Physics (Branch), USSR Academy of Sciences, Sept. 23-27, 1974; Science, Moscow, 1977. Kashireninov, O. E., Kuznetsov, V. A., and Manelis, G. B., "Kinetic Investigation of Magnesium Gas-Phase Reaction with Oxygen by the Diffusion Flame Method," Journal of Physical Chemistry (USSR), (in Russian), Vol. 49, April 1975, pp. 888-892. Mellor, A. M., Wittig, S. L. K., and Whitacre, R. F., "Spectrometric Study of Shock Tube Mg/MgO Particle Dispersions," Combustion Science and Technology, Vol. 4, Sept. 1971, pp. 31-36. Glushko, V. P., Ed., Thermodynamical Properties of Individual Substances, (in Russian), USSR Academy of Sciences Publishers, Moscow, 1961. 1 J Batalli-Cosmovici, C. and Michel, K.-W., "Reactive Scattering of a Supersonic O2 Beam on Ba Atoms," Chemical Physics Letters, Vol. 11, Oct. 1971, pp. 245-250. Batalli-Cosmovici, C. and Michel, K. W., "Dissociation Energy of SrO from a Crossed Beam Experiment," Chemical Physics Letters, Vol. 16, Sept. 1972, pp. 77-80. Kashireninov, O. E., Kuznetsov, V. A., and Manelis, G. B., "The Kinetic Investigation of Gas-Phase Reactions of Alkaline-Earth Metals with Oxygen by the Diluted Diffusion Flame Method," AIAA Paper 76-774, Palo Alto, Calif., 1976.
Design and testing of lightweight inexpensive motion-capture devices with application to clinical gait analysis

The advent of more portable and affordable sensing devices has facilitated the study of rehabilitation robotics. Critical to the further development of therapies and interventions are low-cost, easy-to-use devices that can be applied in clinical and home care settings. In this paper, we present a low-cost motion capture system that relies on the opensource Player/Stage software development environment, and can be used in conjunction with a socially assistive robotic agent (or a computer interface) for various types of motor task rehabilitation training. We describe the hardware and software development for the device, and the activity recognition algorithm we developed to capture the relevant motion data. We present the overall framework in which this system can be adapted to other motor task-based rehabilitation regimens. Finally, we present initial experimental data in the domain of gait rehabilitation, in which we use the system to estimate cadence, walking speed, and stride length.
A statistical approach for determining release time of software system with modular structure

An algorithmic procedure is developed for determining the release time of a software system with multiple modules where the underlying module structure is explicitly incorporated. Depending on how much the module is used during exception, the impact of software bugs from one module is distinguished from the impact of software bugs from another module. It is assumed that software bugs in one module have i.i.d. lifetimes but lifetime distributions can vary from one module to another. For the two cases of exponential and Weibull lifetimes, statistical procedures are developed for estimating distribution parameters based on failure data during the test period for individual modules. In the exponential case, the number of software bugs can also be estimated following H. Joe and N. Reid (J. Amer. Statis. Assoc., vol.80, p.222-6, 1985). These estimates enable one to evaluate the average cost due to undetected software bugs. By introducing an objective function incorporating this average cost as well as the time-dependent value of the software system and the cumulative running cost of the software testing, a decision criterion is given for determining whether the software system should be released or the test should be continued further for a certain period Delta . The validity of this procedure is examined through extensive Monte-Carlo simulation. >
An International Perspective on Technology and Theory: A Response to Philip Scranton

My discomfort upon reading Philip Scranton's essay was only in part caused by his frequent reference to works I had never heard of, much less read, and by my knowledge that I would not be able to read them in preparation for this reply. I also squirmed in my seat because I recognized much truth in his argument. Scranton is certainly correct that our choices of which workers to study often reflect unexamined biases that "privilege" some groups (often skilled males) at the expense of others. In the idiom of the workers I have studied, upon reading this, "my ears hurt." But I can console myself that at least I looked at workers who, in their own time, belonged to the Third World.1 I would add to Scranton's other criticisms of contemporary practice in American labor history, that the vast majority (perhaps 90 percent?) of the labor history written in the West focuses exclusively on the experiences of workers in Europe and North America, and is both empirically and theoretically poorer as a result. To readers of a journal with "international" in its title, this may be preaching to the converted, but it probably still bears repeating. Before American labor historians spend weeks or months engaging in the theoretical retooling Scranton recommends, I believe they have much to gain simply by transcending the single-nation focus and spending some time reading the history of labor outside ofthe First World. The American historian who writes the labor history of Africa, Asia, Latin America, or the Middle East almost inevitably in his or her training has cultivated a sense of problem informed by the historiogra phy of American and European labor. This sometimes allows us to compensate for our lack of indigenous roots and arrive at insights that native historians of these areas do not achieve. In similar fashion, I am certain that non-Western historians can offer arresting perspectives on American or European labor. But in addition, U.S. historians of American labor must themselves cultivate a broader compara tive sense of problem, as well as a more acute sense of theory. In attempting, for example, to measure the peculiar significance of race as a factor shaping the experience of American labor, it would be helpful to know how historians have understood the experience of workers in otherwise similar contexts with monora cial populations, and a similar insight could be gained from comparing processes of "gendering" across national lines. Scranton makes sense in arguing that the historian's narrative mode can
Vacuum Insulator Flashover Measurements For Microsecond Pulses

The flashover characteristics of the water/vacuum insulator assembly of the Gamble II pulsed power generator at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) were investigated to determine the insulator's applicability for use with the recently assembled Hawk generator, which features inductive store/plasma opening switch (POS) technology. Hawk produces a 1-/spl mu/s voltage pulse with a peak value of 265 kV at the vacuum insulator during the POS conduction time. When the POS opens, a voltage pulse as high as 1.5 MV can be produced at the switch. The Gamble insulator was originally designed for /spl sim/2 MV, 75 ns voltage pulses. Gamble II was re-configured for a long-pulse mode to produce a 1 MV, 1.5 /spl mu/s wide output pulse for these tests. Flashover data will be presented for voltage pulses of 556 to 843 kV with the time from the beginning of the pulse to flashover ranging from 0.8 to 2.25 /spl mu/s. It was found that the results did not follow the familiar t/sup -1/6/ relationship for flashover. Nevertheless, the performance was more than adequate for this application and an identical insulator has been used successfully on Hawk for nearly a year.
Stochastical Mathematics for Engineering Applications

The concepts of stochastical mathematics are applied to two classes of engineering problems of interest: one for which a known physical-mathematical model exists; and one for which only experimental data exists with no underlying physical model. These disparate applications serve to demonstrate the flexibility and extensibility of stochastics as well as engender a sense of robustness of the methodologies. For the case of the known physical model, the numerical solution of the model provides a benchmark to compare the stochastical estimates. However, for the case in which only data exists, probabilistic stochastics, in the sense of most likely estimates, may be used to capture the data trends and magnitudes of the data inferentially. In both cases, the stochastical models exhibit excellent agreement to the data. The stochastical concepts are therefore demonstrated to be robust and widely applicable to many engineering problems of interest.
Crustal structure of the southern Calaveras fault zone, central California, from seismic refraction investigations

A magnitude 5.7 earthquake on 6 August 1979, within the Calaveras fault zone, near Coyote Lake of west-central California, motivated a seismic-refraction investigation in this area. A northwest-southeast profile along the fault, as well as two fan profiles across the fault were recorded to examine the velocity structure of this region. The analysis of the data reveals a complicated upper crustal velocity structure with strong lateral variations in all directions. The near-surface layers consist of recent sediments with seismic P-wave velocities of 2.6 to 3.2 km/sec. These are underlain by rocks of the Great Valley Sequence which have an average velocity of 4.5 km/sec. The Great Valley Sequence is present along the whole profile; depths range from 4.3 to 4.8 km in the northwest near Anderson Lake and in the southeast of the profile line near Hollister. In the middle of the profile near Coyote Lake, however, this layer thins and we find a laterally limited higher velocity layer (5.1 km/sec) between depths of 2.8 to 4.8 km. The high-velocity zone, which coincides with a gravity high, also correlates spatially with the hypocentral area of the 6 August earthquake and its aftershocks and may therefore represent an asperity on the fault. Velocities within the fault zone were determined from the fan profiles. Near Anderson Lake, a pronounced delay of first arrivals on the fan records indicates a vertical 1- to 2-km-wide near-surface, low-velocity zone along the fault. Near Coyote Lake, the delays observed in the fan records correlate with two subsurface en-echelon fault planes which have been previously identified from lineations in the seismicity pattern. The structure of the lower crust is similar to the neighboring Diablo Range: a 8- to 9-km-thick upper crustal layer with a seismic velocity of 5.7 to 6.3 km/sec is underlain by a 3-km-thick layer with velocity 6.8 km/sec. In accordance with previous studies of the Diablo Range, there are indications of a pronounced lower crustal low-velocity zone between a depth of 17 and 23 km. The presence of this low-velocity zone suggests that higher velocity (igneous?) rocks of the middle crust have been thrust over sedimentary rocks.
Notes On Early Collections and the Distribution Of the Red Alga Cumathamnion sympodophyllum

Abstract Specimens (in FH and PC) of Cumathamnion sympodophyllum M.J. Wynne and K. Daniels (Delesseriaceae, Rhodophyta) made by C. G. Pringle at Cape Mendocino, northern California in 1882 are the first known collections of this rare monospecific genus. A collection (US) made by E.Y. Dawson from Trinidad Head, Humboldt County, and reported in 1965 as a “very compact, short-bladed” form of Delesseria decipiens J. Agardh is re-determined to be C. sympodophyllum. Records of C. sympodophyllum from Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia (Canada) are based on one collection from British Columbia, which cannot be verified. This taxon is most likely restricted to very exposed lower littoral rocky outcrops of Sonoma, Mendocino, and Humboldt counties in California.
Hydrothermal Growth of ZnO Nanostructures on Nylon Fabrics

We present a facile approach for growing radially oriented and dense ZnO nanorods and nanoneedles on the commercially available nylon fabrics by a simple, two-step wet chemical route. The samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), UV-Vis transmission spectroscopy, and wettability measurements. It was observed that the morphology of the resulting ZnO nanostructures strongly depended on the hydrothermal growth conditions. Excellent UV blocking activities were observed for ZnO nanorods containing nylon textiles in the wavelength region of 280-400 nm. Superhydrophobicity was achieved, for both ZnO nanorods and nanoneedles treated nylon fabric, upon 10mM 1-dodecanethiol treatment. ZnO nanostructures were durably attached to the nylon fabric after stirring 2 h in deionized water.
Computing the representation polynomial for directed acyclic graphs using subgraph detection and simplification

The representation polynomial, developed by Johnson, is a mathematical equation corresponding to a directed acyclic graph. Johnson's algorithm is based on decomposing the graph into a set of chain graphs which have a known equation for the representation polynomial. However, the analysis time and computer memory requirements for calculating the representation polynomial for an arbitrary graph of more than ten vertices, from previous implementations (Jackson and Pennington, 1994) of Johnson's algorithm, is beyond reasonable bounds. Consequently, modifications are made to the implementation of Johnson's algorithm to decrease the required computation time as well as optimize the allocation of available computer memory. The approach and related results described include antichain graph detection, enhanced chain graph detection, dynamic memory allocation, and graph simplification. >
Carrier-selective contacts in silicon solar cells

A basic but comprehensive theory and terminology that applies to all different types of contacts in silicon solar cells has, thus far, been elusive. In this paper, we show that, while there are many desirable characteristics that make a good contact, passivation and low majority-carrier resistance are the two crucial criteria. Since all solar cells have a high density of defects that cannot be reduced at the outer metallic surfaces, limiting minority-carrier transport through the contact remains the only method of passivation. Additionally, when current is extracted from the solar cell, low power loss is achieved through uninhibited majority-carrier transport, which requires a low majority-carrier resistance in the contact. We show that carrier selectivity is automatically achieved when these two criteria are met. Furthermore, we show that selectivity can come from the selectivity of a fabricated layer as well as an induced selectivity in the bulk. We apply these principles to describe a few popular contact technologies and suggest that the same may be done for novel contacts.
Longitudinal assessment of quality of life after surgery, conformal brachytherapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy for prostate cancer.

Purpose We evaluated quality-of-life changes (QoL) in 907 patients treated with either radical prostatectomy (open or laparoscopic), real-time planned conformal brachytherapy, or high-dose intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) on a prospective IRB-approved longitudinal study.
The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of congenital dislocation and dysplasia of the hip.

The role of ultrasound in the diagnosis and management of congenital dislocation and dysplasia of the hip. H Harcke;S Kumar; The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
Practical Examples for Establishing an Externship Program Available to Every Student

This article focuses on thirty-eight law schools that are providing externship opportunities to a high percentage of their students. The article considers practical means for attaining high levels of student participation in externship learning experiences. The article also consider methods for providing effective faculty oversight of externships in law schools with such high levels of student participation, and offers suggestions for marshaling law school resources to maximize student participation in externships.
Stressors and coping strategies through the lens of Early Childhood/Special Education pre-service teachers

Abstract This mixed-methods study was designed to identify stressors, describe coping strategies, and pinpoint ways in which university supervisors can assist Early Childhood/Special Education (ECSP) pre-service teachers while they perform student teaching responsibilities. In that vein, participants were asked to identify stressors they experienced while teaching in the classroom setting. These stressors included three main ideas of work overload, communication, and classroom management and discipline. Participants were also asked to convey the coping strategies they used. Coping mechanisms were comprised of relationships, exercise, time management, and the ability to schedule “down time.” Finally, respondents were asked to state ways in which university supervisors could better support them. Answers evolved around the two concepts of effective communication and reassurance. Looking through the lens of ECSP pre-service teachers provides valuable insight for program improvement, student teacher success, and classroom teacher longevity.
Abstract 4700: Acrolein-deoxyguanosine DNA adduct formation and lung cancer

Proceedings: AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010‐‐ Apr 17‐21, 2010; Washington, DC Cigarette smoke (CS) contains 1,000-10,000 fold more acrolein (Acr) and crotonaldehyde (Crot) than polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These aldehydes can induce propanoldeoxyguanosine (propanol-dG) DNA adducts formation in cultured normal human lung epithelial cells. Previously, we have found that the distribution of Acr-dG in the p53 gene coincides with the lung cancer p53 mutational spectrum of cigarette smokers, and that Acr-dG induces similar level of G to T transversion and G to A transition mutations as in lung cancer of cigarette smokers. Hence, we have proposed that Acr is a major etiological agent of CS related lung cancer. We developed a 32P-postlabelling method in combination with 2D TLC/HPLC method to quantify propanol-dG formation in human lung tissue. To date we have determined Acr-dG and Crot-dG in the lung tissue of cigarette smokers (n=27) and nonsmokers (n=25) with lung cancer. We found that 1) both α- and γ-Acr-dG are formed in lung tissues of smokers and nonsmokers, and the level of these two types of adduct in lung tissue varies from 10-4,510, and 0-1,900 fmole/μmole, respectively; and 2) smokers appear to have a higher level of γ-Acr-dG than nonsmokers although the differences have not reached statistical significance (p=0.1854); 3) the level of Crot-dG in smokers is significant higher than that in nonsmokers (p=0.0279). These results indicate a substantial amount of Acr-dG and Crot-dG formed in lung tissue of lung cancer. Key words: α, β-unsaturated aldehydes, cigarette smoking, DNA adducts, lung cancer. Note: This abstract was not presented at the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010 because the presenter was unable to attend. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4700.
Properties of Polyether–polyurethane anionomers

Abstract Two series of polyether-polyurethane anionomers based on 4, 4′-diphenylmethane diisocyanate (MDI), methyl diethanolamine (MDEA), and polytetramethylene oxide glycol (PTMO) were synthesized. The system based on 1000-MW PTMO, which exhibits an interconnected hard domain morphology, showed a substantial decrease in the soft segment Tg upon ionization. The moduli of the corresponding anionomers were found to increase as the cationic charge of the neutralizing species was increased. The series based on 2000-MW PTMO, which exhibits an isolated hard domain morphology, showed little change in thermal or mechanical properties either upon ionization or in varying cationic charge.
Gene expression characterizes different nutritional strategies among three mixotrophic protists.

Mixotrophic protists, i.e. protists that can carry out both phototrophy and heterotrophy, are a group of organisms with a wide range of nutritional strategies. The ecological and biogeochemical importance of these species has recently been recognized. In this study, we investigated and compared the gene expression of three mixotrophic protists, Prymnesium parvum , Dinobyron sp. and Ochromonas sp. under light and dark conditions in the presence of prey using RNA-Seq. Gene expression of the obligately phototrophic P. parvum and Dinobryon sp. changed significantly between light and dark treatments, while that of primarily heterotrophic Ochromonas sp. was largely unchanged. Gene expression of P. parvum and Dinobryon sp. shared many similarities, especially in the expression patterns of genes related to reproduction. However, key genes involved in central carbon metabolism and phagotrophy had different expression patterns between these two species, suggesting differences in prey consumption and heterotrophic nutrition in the dark . Transcriptomic data also offered clues to other physiological traits of these organisms such as preference of nitrogen sources and photo-oxidative stress. These results provide potential target genes for further exploration of the mechanisms of mixotrophic physiology and demonstrate the potential usefulness of molecular approaches in characterizing the nutritional modes of mixotrophic protists.
Big Data Tools and Platforms

The fast evolving Big Data Tools and Platforms space has given rise to various technologies to deal with different Big Data use cases. However, because of the multitude of the tools and platforms involved it is often difficult for the Big Data practitioners to understand and select the right tools for addressing a given business problem related to Big Data. In this chapter we cover an introductory discussion to the various Big Data Tools and Platforms with the aim of providing necessary breadth and depth to the Big Data practitioner so that they can have a reasonable background to start with to support the Big Data initiatives in their organizations. We start with the discussion of common Technical Concepts and Patterns typically used by the core Big Data Tools and Platforms. Then we delve into the individual characteristics of different categories of the Big Data Tools and Platforms in detail. Then we also cover the applicability of the various categories of Big Data Tools and Platforms to various enterprise level Big Data use cases. Finally, we discuss the future works happening in this space to cover the newer patterns, tools and platforms to be watched for implementation of Big Data use cases.
Pineal Region Tumors

Masses intrinsic to the pineal gland are uncommon and caused by a small number of tumor types, most of which are similar in imaging appearance. As a result, it is difficult to provide a specific diagnosis based on the imaging characteristics alone. Nonetheless, it is possible to narrow potential diagnostic considerations to a limited number of pathologic entities based on a careful analysis of the imaging. In this chapter we emphasize this systematic approach to pineal region masses by reviewing the anatomy and function of the pineal gland followed by a review of the epidemiology of pineal lesions, a discussion of imaging features of pineal region tumors, and last, an overview of treatment and prognosis of these lesions.
Abstract 080: Role of High-mobility Group Box 1 in Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 -Mediated Cardioprotective Effects in a Mouse Model of Myocardial Ischemia

Backgrounds: High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) activates inflammation process, and its elevation is associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Previous studies have demonstrated that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a key member of vasoprotective axis of the renin angiotensin system, provides protection against MI. However, the involvement of HMGB1 in ACE2-mediated protective effects in cardiovascular diseases has yet to be elucidated. Thus, we hypothesized that the cardioprotective effects of ACE2 are, in part, by inhibition of cardiac HMGB1 and inflammatory pathways. Methods and results: Transgenic (TG) mice that ubiquitously overexpress ACE2 were used for the study. ACE2 levels in the hearts of TG mice were 58-times higher than wild type (WT). Mice were subjected to coronary artery ligation surgery and cardiac functions were evaluated by echocardiography 4 weeks post MI. MI resulted in a 53% decrease in ejection fraction (EF) and a 42% infarct area of left free wall. However, ACE2 TG mice showed 60% improvement of EF over WT mice. This was associated with a 55% decrease in the infarct area. Additionally, MI caused a three times increase in plasma HMGB1 levels which was associated with elevated macrophage infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine levels. In comparison to WT-MI mice, ACE2 overexpression attenuated the increase in plasma HMGB1 by 25% and reduced the proinflammatory cytokine levels to normal in the TG mice. To investigate the modulatory effects of ACE2 on HMGB1, adult cardiomyocytes incubated with an ACE2 activator (DIZE), a selective ACE2 inhibitor (C16), and a combination of DIZE and C16 were exposed to hypoxic condition for three hours. Hypoxia (H) caused 35% cell death and 44% increase in the HMGB1 level (H: 23.6± 0.8 vs normoxia: 16.4± 1.2, ng/ml). DIZE significantly attenuated the cell death (2% cell death) and 37% decrease in HMGB1 levels (DIZE+H: 14.8± 2.5 ng/ml), which was blocked by a selective ACE2 inhibitor (C16+DIZE+H: 20.8± 2.9ng/ml). Conclusions: The protective effect of ACE2 against ischemia is correlated with decrease in HMGB1 and its downstream pro-inflammatory cascades. Thus, HMGB1 could be useful target for the development of novel treatment for MI.
Single Cell Width and Height Minimization

The three cell layout algorithms presented in Chapters 3 and 4 minimize the width of a functional cell but do not explicitly consider the cell’s height. This chapter addresses both width and height minimization for the case of dual series-parallel CMOS cells. We extend the theory of trail covering to deal with height, and present an algorithm HR-TrailTrace,which is a generalization of R-TrailTrace presented in Chapter 3. This algorithm generates for a given CMOS circuit modeled by a TTSPM M and its dual a layout of minimum height with respect to all layouts of minimum width for any reordering M’ of M, thus solving the WHR layout problem for series-parallel circuits.
Application of Hydrogel Nanoparticles for the Capture, Concentration, and Preservation of Low-Abundance Biomarkers

In the recent years, a lot of emphasis has been placed on the discovery and detection of clinically relevant biomarkers. Biomarkers are crucial for the early detection of several diseases, and they play an important role in the improvement of current treatments, thus reducing patient mortality rate. Because biofluids account to 60% of the body mass, they represent a goldmine of significant biomarkers. Unfortunately, because of their low concentration in body fluids, their lability, and the presence of high abundance proteins (i.e., albumin and immunoglobulins), low abundance biomarkers are difficult to detect with mass spectrometry or immunoassays. Nanoparticles made of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (NIPAm) and functionalized with affinity reactive baits allow researchers to overcome these physiological barriers and in one single step capture, concentrate, and preserve labile biomarkers in complex body fluids (i.e. urine, blood, sweat, CSF). Although hydrogel nanoparticles have been largely studied and used as a drug delivery tool, our application focuses on their capturing abilities instead of the releasing of specific drug molecules. Once the functionalized nanoparticles are incubated with a biological fluid, small biomarkers are captured by the affinity baits while unwanted high abundance analytes are excluded. The potentially relevant biomarkers are then concentrated into small volumes. The concentration factor (up to 10,000-fold) successfully enhances the detection sensitivity of mass spectrometry and immunoassays allowing the detection of previously invisible proteins.
Enjoying death among gamers, viewers, and users: A network visualization of Dark Souls 3’s trends on Twitch.tv and Steam platforms:

In current Game Research, gaming service platforms such as PlayStation Network, Steam, and Twitch.tv represent a still poorly investigated topic. Despite the millions of monthly viewers and members, little efforts have been done to shed light on their dynamics and trends. This article aims to address such a lack by presenting the findings of an empirical inquiry guided by the key concepts of “platform” and “actor–network theory” with the support of a novel network visualization technique. Specifically, the role-playing game Dark Souls 3–related activity on Steam and Twitch.tv was collected for the first 20 days from the release (12 April–1 May 2016). Targeted data concerned several variables among which: most viewed streamers, streaming types, debating topics and reviews’ highlights on Steam (etc.) through screenshots, user-generated content, and text gathering. Data were processed and then visualized with the network-oriented software Gephi for uncovering associations and patterns in the targeted online ...
In Vivo Short-Term Topical Application of BAY 11-7082 Prevents the Acidic Bile–Induced mRNA and miRNA Oncogenic Phenotypes in Exposed Murine Hypopharyngeal Mucosa

Abstract PURPOSE: Bile-containing gastroesophageal reflux may promote cancer at extraesophageal sites. Acidic bile can accelerate NF-κB activation and molecular events, linked to premalignant changes in murine hypopharyngeal mucosa (HM). We hypothesize that short-term in vivo topical application of NF-κB inhibitor BAY 11-7082 can prevent acidic bile–induced early preneoplastic molecular events, suggesting its potential role in disease prevention. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We topically exposed HM (C57Bl/6j wild-type) to a mixture of bile acids at pH 3.0 with and without BAY 11-7082 3 times/day for 7 days. We used immunofluorescence, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and polymerase chain reaction microarrays to identify NF-κB activation and its associated oncogenic mRNA and miRNA phenotypes, in murine hypopharyngeal cells in vitro and in murine HM in vivo. RESULTS: Short-term exposure of HM to acidic bile is a potent stimulus accelerating the expression of NF-κB signaling (70 out of 84 genes) and oncogenic molecules. Topical application of BAY 11-7082 sufficiently blocks the effect of acidic bile. BAY 11-7082 eliminates NF-κB activation in regenerating basal cells of acidic bile–treated HM and prevents overexpression of molecules central to head and neck cancer, including bcl-2, STAT3, EGFR, TNF-α, and WNT5A. NF-κB inhibitor reverses the upregulated “oncomirs” miR-155 and miR-192 and the downregulated “tumor suppressors” miR-451a and miR-375 phenotypes in HM affected by acidic bile. CONCLUSION: There is novel evidence that acidic bile–induced NF-κB–related oncogenic mRNA and miRNA phenotypes are generated after short-term 7-day mucosal exposure and that topical mucosal application of BAY 11-7082 can prevent the acidic bile–induced molecular alterations associated with unregulated cell growth and proliferation of hypopharyngeal cells.
EPL electron optics performance on test stand: 2. field distortion and stitching results

Nikon in collaboration with IBM has been developing electron projection lithography (EPL) as a promising candidate for 65 nm node technologies. In this paper, the latest performance of electron optics for a 65 nm R&D tool will be described with emphases on field stitching and distortions. For evaluation, data measured by a Nikon XY5i metrology tool, SEM pictures of visual vernier patterns, and other data will be presented to show field stitching results. These represent the first full main field stitching results achieved. To obtain stitching accuracy between any two adjacent subfields, it is critical to eliminate subfield distortion at each deflected position. Subfield distortion is mainly reduced by a combination of optimized curvilinear variable axis lens (CVAL) deflection optics and dynamic correction lenses adjustment. We will discuss an experimental method to minimize subfield distortion by adjusting the CVAL deflection optics at deflected positions. In addition, dynamic correction of the subfield image shape eliminates linear components of subfield distortion. Controllability of subfield shape will be discussed. As another important topic, we will present results of nonlinear distortion correction by a higher order dynamic correction lens system. By combining this with the above mentioned electron optical adjustment, we achieved less than 10 nm residual subfield distortion at the most deflected position. We will also present the wide 'tolerance' or 'margin' of nonlinear distortion correction adjustment.
The Role of Phase III Trials in Modern Drug Development

While the backbone of cancer treatment remains cytotoxic chemotherapy, modern cancer research has increased our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of cancer and, in some cases, identified driver oncogenes. The small molecule imatinib, for example, which specifically targets the BCR-ABL and CKIT kinases, has revolutionized the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal stromal tumors.
Propositions and the Meaning of ‘Ought’

Matthew Chrisman’s new book, The Meaning of ‘Ought’: Beyond Descriptivism and Expressivism in Metaethics, presents a semantic treatment of the deontic modal operator Ought designed to address the problem of subject-sensitivity: why, for example, “I ought to dance with you” might be true, while “You ought to dance with me” is false. Such sentence-pairs challenge the view that Ought is an operator on propositions—an assumption which is common ground amongst both classical and much contemporary work. Chrisman argues that rather than propositions, the operator Ought takes as its argument a non-propositional formal object called a practition. In this review, I discuss the inspiration and formal features of this treatment. While I argue that the distinction between practitions and propositions is not adequately characterized in Chrisman’s compositional semantics, subject-sensitivity raises interesting questions about the metaethical assumptions at play in the formal semantics—including the worry that treating Ought as a propositional operator illicitly begs the question in favor of broadly consequentialist views.
Advanced Monitoring, Diagnostics, Remote Indication and Testing of SPDs Connected to Telecommunications and Signalling Networks

To protect telecommunications and signalling networks efficiently against man-made and lightning induced surges, reliable surge protective devices (SPDs) are needed. Sometimes SPDs get exposed to voltages and currents beyond their design limits. This can cause overheating in certain applications with relatively high prospective short-circuit currents. For the protection against overheating, new sophisticated thermal disconnect devices and new short-circuiting mechanisms got designed. During their commercial lifetime SPDs can degrade. It's highly desirable to monitor the ”State of Health” of SPDs in a way that ageing SPDs can be detected reliably. This allows to replace SPDs during preventive maintenance. In this paper advanced approaches to ”online” and ”offline” monitoring and to testing of SPDs are discussed - including Smart SPDs with integrated advanced monitoring features, network connectivity, cloud-based ”State of Health” evaluation and cloud-based monitoring of surge impulses.
Absence of native flower visitors for the endangered Hawaiian mint Stenogyne angustifolia: Impending ecological extinction?

Abstract If an organism becomes rare enough that it no longer participates in certain interspecific interactions, it can be said to have become ecologically extinct, even though it is still present. This form of extinction is much less recognized than global extinctions, although it may have ramifications for ecological community function. Here, we describe a case of possible or pending ecological extinction of an endemic Hawaiian plant. We performed over 120 h of systematic flower visitation observations of the endangered Hawaiian mint, Stenogyne angustifolia, in its wild habitat. The robust size and open shape of S. angustifolia flowers, along with their high accessibility, visibility, and nectar content, suggest that they are adapted to animal-mediated pollination. However, only one flower visitor was observed at our focal high-elevation study site: an individual of the non-native bee species Lasioglossum impavidum. Experimental pollination treatments indicate that S. angustifolia is self-compatible and demonstrates some autogamy, setting fruit and seed in the absence of pollinators. However, experimental additions of pollen increased fruit production, indicating that plants are pollen-limited and that lack of pollinators carries a reproductive cost for this species. Ecological communities throughout Hawaii are highly modified, and the distribution and diversity of the native pollinator community that occurred with S. angustifolia prior to these changes are wholly unknown. Nevertheless, the lack of visitation by native pollinators and extremely rare visitation by non-native pollinators suggest that this plant is today contributing little to pollination networks in its high-elevation habitat.
Starvation-dependent regulation of eIF6 through multisite phosphorylation by GSK3β

Eukaryotic translation initiation factor 6 is essential for the synthesis of 60S ribosomal subunits and for regulating the association of 60S and 40S ribosomal subunits. A mechanistic understanding of how eIF6 modulates protein synthesis in response to stress, specifically starvation-induced stress, is lacking. Our studies have uncovered a novel mode of eIF6 regulation by Glycogen Synthase Kinase-3 that is predominantly active in response to serum starvation. Human eIF6 is phosphorylated by GSK3β at a multisite motif in the C-terminal tail. Robust and sequential phosphorylation by GSK3β requires phosphorylation at a priming site. In response to serum starvation, eIF6 accumulates in the cytoplasm and this altered subcellular localization is dependent on GSK3 activity. Cells expressing the phosphodead mutant exhibit increased levels of free 60S subunits and display a further inhibition translation in response to serum starvation, which deregulates the cellular response to starvation. These results suggest that eIF6 regulation by GSK3β contributes to the attenuation of global protein synthesis that is critical for adaptation to starvation-induced stress.
Gatekeepers, the Internet, Democracy & Free Speech

This paper examines how "gatekeepers" have limited the scope of free speech, and how the Internet has the potential to revolutionize speech communication.
A History of Modern Iran: Reform, revolution, and the Great War

O Iranians! O brethren of my beloved country! Until when will this treacherous intoxication keep you slumbering? Enough of this intoxication. Lift up your heads. Open your eyes. Cast a glance around you, and behold how the world has become civilized. All the savages in Africa and negroes in Zanzibar are marching towards civilization, knowledge, labor, and riches. Behold Your neighbors the Russians, who a hundred years ago were in much worse condition than we. Behold them now how they possess everything. In bygone days we had everything, and now all is gone. In the past, others looked on us as a great nation. Now we are reduced to such a condition that our neighbors of the north and south already believe us to be their property and divide our country between themselves. We have no guns, no army, no secure finances, no proper government, no commercial law. All this backwardness is due to autocracy and to injustice and to want of laws. Also your clergy are at fault, for they preach that life is short and worldly honors are only human vanities. These sermons lead you away from this world into submission, slavery, and ignorance. The monarchs, at the same time, despoil you … And with all this come strangers who receive from you all your money, and instead furnish you with green, blue, and red cloth, gaudy glassware, and luxury furniture. These are the causes of your misery. Tehran Sermon (1907)
Analyzing Gait in the Real World Using Wearable Movement Sensors and Frequently Repeated Movement Paths.

Assessing interventions for mobility disorders using real-life movement remains an unsolved problem. We propose a new method combining the strengths of traditional laboratory studies where environment is strictly controlled, and field-based studies where subjects behave naturally. We use a foot-mounted inertial sensor, a GPS receiver and a barometric altitude sensor to reconstruct a subject’s path and detailed foot movement, both indoors and outdoors, during days-long measurement using strapdown navigation and sensor fusion algorithms. We cluster repeated movement paths based on location, and propose that on these paths, most environmental and behavioral factors (e.g., terrain and motivation) are as repeatable as in a laboratory. During each bout of movement along a frequently repeated path, any synchronized measurement can be isolated for study, enabling focused statistical comparison of different interventions. We conducted a 10-day test on one subject wearing athletic shoes and sandals each for five days. The algorithm detected four frequently-repeated straight walking paths with at least 300 total steps and repetitions on at least three days for each condition. Results on these frequently-repeated paths indicated significantly lower foot clearance and shorter stride length and a trend toward decreased stride width when wearing athletic shoes vs. sandals. Comparisons based on all straight walking were similar, showing greater statistical power, but higher variability in the data. The proposed method offers a new way to evaluate how mobility interventions affect everyday movement behavior.
McGregor's slope and slope of line of sight: two surrogate markers for Chin-Brow vertical angle in the setting of cervical spine pathology

Abstract BACKGROUND CONTEXT Chin-Brow Vertical Angle (CBVA) is not routinely measured on radiographs even though it is a strong assessor of horizontal gaze. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective cohort study of patients with full-body stereoradiographs and a primary cervical diagnosis at the time of presentation. PURPOSE Assess the utility of McGregor's Slope (McGS) and Slope of Line of Sight (SLS) as surrogate markers for the CBVA in cervical spine pathology. METHODS A retrospective review of patients with full-body stereoradiographs was performed. Patients were ≥18 years of age with a primary cervical diagnosis. Analysis of CBVA, McGS, and SLS was conducted as markers of horizontal gaze. Sagittal alignment was characterized by: pelvic tilt (PT), pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), T1-pelvic angle (TPA), sagittal vertical axis (SVA), T2-T12 thoracic kyphosis, C2-C7 SVA (cSVA), C2-C7 Cervical lordosis, T1-Slope minus Cervical Lordosis (TS-CL), and C2-Slope (C2S). A subgroup analysis was performed in patients with cervical deformity. Independent sample t tests and paired t tests compared radiographic alignment. Pearson correlations characterized linear relationships. Linear regression analysis identified relationships between the parameters. RESULTS In all, 329 patients were identified with primary cervical spine diagnoses. Chin-Brow Vertical Angle was visible in 171 patients (52.0%), McGS in 281 (85.4%), and SLS in 259 (78.7%). Of the 171 patients with visible CBVA, the mean CBVA was 2.30±7.7, mean McGS was 5.02±8.1, and mean SLS was −1.588±2.03. Chin-Brow Vertical Angle strongly correlated with McGS (r=0.83) and SLS (r=0.89) with p CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that McGS and SLS serve as strong, positive correlates for CBVA. The reported mean differences between these measurements provide a useful conversion, broadening CBVA's use as a radiographic assessment of horizontal gaze.
Sex, Gender, and Sex Hormones in Pulmonary Hypertension and Right Ventricular Failure

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) encompasses a syndrome of diseases that are characterized by elevated pulmonary artery pressure and pulmonary vascular remodeling and that frequently lead to right ventricular (RV) failure and death. Several types of PH exhibit sexually dimorphic features in disease penetrance, presentation, and progression. Most sexually dimorphic features in PH have been described in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a devastating and progressive pulmonary vasculopathy with a 3-year survival rate <60%. While patient registries show that women are more susceptible to development of PAH, female PAH patients display better RV function and increased survival compared to their male counterparts, a phenomenon referred to as the "estrogen paradox" or "estrogen puzzle" of PAH. Recent advances in the field have demonstrated that multiple sex hormones, receptors, and metabolites play a role in the estrogen puzzle and that the effects of hormone signaling may be time and compartment specific. While the underlying physiological mechanisms are complex, unraveling the estrogen puzzle may reveal novel therapeutic strategies to treat and reverse the effects of PAH/PH. In this article, we (i) review PH classification and pathophysiology; (ii) discuss sex/gender differences observed in patients and animal models; (iii) review sex hormone synthesis and metabolism; (iv) review in detail the scientific literature of sex hormone signaling in PAH/PH, particularly estrogen-, testosterone-, progesterone-, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-mediated effects in the pulmonary vasculature and RV; (v) discuss hormone-independent variables contributing to sexually dimorphic disease presentation; and (vi) identify knowledge gaps and pathways forward. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:125-170, 2020.
Comparing Teacher and Student Report of Behavioral Risk in Predicting Elementary Student Math Outcomes

Universal screening is a promising and proactive method to detect emotional and behavioral risk in schools. To date, most of the research on screening has evaluated teacher report formats. Despite ...