cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Manufacturability Versus Reliability Issues Relevant to Interconnect Metallizations

Interconnections on silicon-based integrated circuits are almost exclusively aluminum alloys (Al-Si, Cu and various other solutes, e.g., Pd, Sc). The effects of film microstructure (grain size, grain size distribution, crystallographic texture and precipitate distribution) on the reliability of single level Al metallization has been well established. The final film microstructure obtained is dependent on both the deposition conditions and the thermal history during the manufacturing process. This paper will consider the role of microstructure in multi-level interconnects consisting of (1) AI(Cu) lines (in SiO2) with W and/or AI(Cu) studs and (2) an all Cu/polyimide multi-level structure. Methods for microstructure optimization during manufacturing of both Al and Cu based multilevel structures are explored. The variables important in determining the reliability of submicrometer single level versus multi-level structures and reliability testing methods (e.g., samples with versus without reservoirs and wafer level techniques) will be reviewed. Two relevant questions raised are; (1) What can be done during manufacturing to “build-in” reliability?, and (2) What are the trade-offs between manufacturing complexity (i.e., cost) and inherent reliability?
Viscoelastic properties of electrochemically deposited protein/metal complexes.

The interfacial gelation of proteins at metallic surfaces was investigated with an electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (QCM). When Cr electrodes were corroded in proteinaceous solutions, it was found that gels will form at the Cr surfaces if molybdate ions are also present in the solution. Gelation is reversible and can also be controlled with the electrochemical potential at the electrode. Further, a method was developed to characterize the viscoelastic properties of thin films in liquid media using the QCM as a high-frequency rheometer. By measuring the frequency and dissipation at multiple harmonics of the resonance frequency, the viscoelastic phase angle, density–modulus product, and areal mass of a film can be determined. The method was applied to characterize the protein films, demonstrating that they have a phase angle near 55° and a density-modulus product of ≈107 Pa·g/cm3. Data imply that the gels are composed of a weakly cross-linked proteinaceous network with properties similar to album...
Low-Loss Impedance-Matched Optical Metamaterials with Zero-Phase Delay

Metamaterials have dramatically expanded the range of available optical properties, enabling an array of new devices such as superlenses, perfect absorbers, and ultrafast switches. Most research has focused on demonstrating negative- and high-index metamaterials at terahertz and optical wavelengths. However, far less emphasis has been placed on low-loss near-zero-index metamaterials that exhibit unique properties including quasi-infinite phase velocity and infinite wavelength. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a free-standing metallodielectric fishnet nanostructure that has polarization-insensitive, zero-index properties with nearly ideal transmission at 1.55 μm. This goal was achieved by optimizing the metamaterial geometry to allow both its effective permittivity and permeability to approach zero together, which simultaneously produces a zero index and matched impedance to free space. The ability to design and fabricate low-loss, near-zero-index optical metamaterials is essential for new devices such as beam collimators, zero-phase delay lines, and transformation optics lenses.
Unpacking the monad : Leibniz's theory of causality

Etude de la theorie de la causalite developpee par Leibniz afin de determiner la cause du changement dans la perception des monades. Examinant les perspectives du developpement conceptuel et de la perception efficace, l'A. montre que seule l'approche de l'action monadique offre une interpretation pertinente des remarques de Leibniz sur le changement monadique
Analysis of monitoring results of aluminum contamination in foods in Ruian

Objective To understand the contamination situation of aluminum in foods in Ruian,and put forward proposals and measures for the aluminum pollution control. Methods The samples were collected from large supermarket,breakfast stalls and other places to detect the aluminum content according to the national standard method GB 5009. 182- 2003,and then the detection results were evaluated according to GB 2760- 2011. Results Aluminum contents in 800 food samples of 8 kinds were monitored in the past two years,and the qualified rates showed no significant difference in different years(χ2= 1. 045,P 0. 05). According to sample category,the lowest qualified rate was found in fried flour products(48. 0%),followed by the steamed bread and the puffed foods,the qualified rates were 68. 0% and 69. 0%,respectively. Significant difference was found in the qualified rates of aluminum contents in fried flour products from different producers.(χ2= 33. 013,P 0. 05). Conclusion The contents of aluminum in major dietary components are safe in Ruian district,most of them were below the national standards. But both in the fried flour products and some puffed food,the aluminum residue exceeds the standard seriously,so the monitoring and targeted measures should be adopted to safeguard the public health.
Nida's Approaches to Translation: Review and Implications

Abstract: A review of Nida' s academic career indicates that he has established himself as a linguist andtranslation theorist rather than a top - flight translator. His approaches to translation have been open tomodification and improvement but no "substantial change " has ever been made in his translation theory asa whole befoe it has been justified. His present skepticism aboat the need for theories of translation revalssimply the inadequacy of his theory of translation as well as the complexity of translation issues. It also im-plies the necessity of distinguishing applied theory of translation han general theory of translation and theurgency of establishing translatology.
ON THE PHOTOELECTRON SPECTRUM OF LI4

Abstract The most stable structure for Li 4 − is found to be the rhombus. Electron detachment from this structure does not seem able to fully explain the experimental photoelectron spectrum. The computed results are consistent with those of Rao, Jena, and Ray, who have proposed that the experimental spectrum consists of a superposition of detachment from the Li 4 − rhombus ( 2 B 2u ) and tetrahedron ( 4 A 1 ), forming the singlet and triplet states of Li 4 , respectively.
Crystal Structure of the Unliganded form of Cyclic Nucleotide Binding Domain (CNBD) from HCN2 Channel

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-regulated channels (HCN) are allosterically regulated by cAMP via their cytoplasmic cyclic nucleotide binding domain (cNBD). Although the crystal structures of cAMP-bound form of cNBDs from several HCN channels have been solved, the exact mechanism of the allosteric regulation remains elusive and the differences in biochemical properties between cNBDs from different channels cannot be readily explained by the available structure. In part, this is because a unique conformation of the unliganded cNBD has not been previously crystallized. We now report a crystal structure of the apo form of cNBD from mouse HCN2 (residues 494-640) fused to maltose binding protein. The structure, obtained at 2.1 A resolution, clearly shows the protein in the open conformation of the cAMP binding pocket and suggests a plausible pathway for a conformational change upon ligand binding. A P-helix in the binding site retains its helical conformation in the crystal. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations over the course of 1 μs on the holo and apo crystal structures in the absence of cAMP support the notion that P-helix does not unwind in solution.
Pulsed Photothermal Heating of One-Dimensional Nanostructures

Pulsed lasers are used in tandem with one-dimensional nanostructures in a wide range of contemporary physical chemistry experiments, including four-dimensional transmission electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and laser-assisted atom-probe tomography (APT). In this work, closed-form solutions for the pulsed photothermal heating of one-dimensional nanomaterials are compared with experimental time-of-flight APT ion spectra from both amorphous and crystalline silicon targets. Analytical results are given for targets with either a uniform cylindrical morphology or an arbitrary degree of conical tapering. Counterintuitively, increasing a conical specimen’s taper-angle is shown to lead to increases in the maximum temperature reached at the tip of the specimen. In particular, the heat source for tapered targets is affected by internal morphology-dependent cavity resonances that increase the maximum tip temperature relative to an untapered cylindrical structure. Experimental time-of-flight ion spectra ...
SoC FPAA IC, PCB, and tool demonstration

This demonstration presents live hands-on experience of the System on Chip (SoC) large-scale Field Programmable Analog Array (FPAA) IC [1] through a complete PC Board and high-level tool interface [2]. Figure 1a shows the demonstration requires only basic power connection to the laptop The hardware includes an FPAA demonstration board and a Digilent USB device to enable a scope / function generator functionality.
Self-Powered Forward Error-Correcting Biosensor Based on Integration of Paper-Based Microfluidics and Self-Assembled Quick Response Codes

This paper extends our previous work on silver-enhancement based self-assembling structures for designing reliable, self-powered biosensors with forward error correcting (FEC) capability. At the core of the proposed approach is the integration of paper-based microfluidics with quick response (QR) codes that can be optically scanned using a smart-phone. The scanned information is first decoded to obtain the location of a web-server which further processes the self-assembled QR image to determine the concentration of target analytes. The integration substrate for the proposed FEC biosensor is polyethylene and the patterning of the QR code on the substrate has been achieved using a combination of low-cost ink-jet printing and a regular ballpoint dispensing pen. A paper-based microfluidics channel has been integrated underneath the substrate for acquiring, mixing and flowing the sample to areas on the substrate where different parts of the code can self-assemble in presence of immobilized gold nanorods. In this paper we demonstrate the proof-of-concept detection using prototypes of QR encoded FEC biosensors.
Effects of K-IBA on the Rooting of Stem Cuttings of 15 Taxa of Snowbells (Styrax spp.)

Abstract Currently, information regarding asexual propagation of Styrax L (snowbells) is lacking in the literature. In this study, the influence of K-IBA treatment on root production was investigated on stem cuttings of 15 different taxa of Styrax. Softwood or semi-hardwood stem cuttings dipped in 0, 3000, or 8000 ppm (0, 0.3, or 0.8%) K-IBA were evaluated for percent rooting and root number per rooted cutting. Cuttings were allowed to root under intermittent mist in a perlite:peat (3:1 by vol) rooting substrate for 9 weeks. Percent rooting and the response to K-IBA varied by species and by cultivar within a species. All 15 taxa rooted to some extent. Auxin application improved percent rooting for S. dasyanthus, S. japonicus ‘Carillon’, S. japonicus ‘Pink Chimes’, S. japonicus ‘Snowfall’, and S. tonkinensis, and decreased percent rooting for S. formosanus, S. japonicus ‘Issai’, S. japonicus ‘Pink Cascade’, and S. serrulatus (clone B). Application of K-IBA increased the number of roots produced per rooted ...
OC03.01: Abnormal cardiovascular 24‐segment sphericity index of the right and left ventricles in fetuses with growth restriction

Introduction Fetuses with growth restriction have been reported to have an abnormal sphericity index (SI) of the right and left ventricles of the heart when dividing the end-diastolic basal-apical length by the basal transverse width for each chamber. This study was conducted to evaluate the SI for 24 transverse segments distributed from the base (segment 1) to the apex (segment 24) of the right and left ventricles to determine if an abnormal SI occurs at locations other than the basal segment. Methods Thirty fetuses with growth restriction were evaluated between 25 and 37 weeks of gestation. The SI was computed for the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles by dividing the end-diastolic basal-apical length by each of the 24 end-diastolic transverse segmental widths from the base (segment 1) to the apex (segment 24). The Z-score and centile for the SI from each of the 24 segments from each ventricle were computed using the mean and standard deviation from published equations. The 24-segment method at which the SI was 90th centile was compared to the basal segment (1) using Chi-Square analysis to determine the number of fetuses with an abnormal SI. Findings In fetuses with growth restriction, an abnormal SI for any of the 24 transverse segments occurred in 73% (22/30) and was distributed as follows: 17% involved both ventricles, 23% involved only the right ventricle, and 33% involved only the left ventricle. Compared to the 24-segment model, using only the 1st basal segment from the right ventricle identified significantly fewer (58%, 7/12) fetuses with an abnormal SI (P<0.01). Similarly, using only the 12th segment in the mid-portion of the RV identified significantly fewer fetuses (50%, 6/12) with an abnormal SI (P <0.005). Combining measurements of both the 1st and 12th segments from the RV identified 83% of fetuses with an abnormal SI and was not significantly different from the 24-segment model. When compared to the 24-segment model, using only the 1st basal segment from the LV identified significantly fewer (63%, 10/16) fetuses with an abnormal SI (P<0.006). Similarly, using only the 12th segment in the mid-portion of the chamber identified (75%, 12/16), a significantly lower number of fetuses with an abnormal SI (P <0.03) when compared to the 24-segment model. Combining measurements of both the 1st and 12th segments identified 81% (13/16) of fetuses with an abnormal SI and was not significantly different from the 24-segment model. Conclusions The SI of 24-segments of the right and left ventricles provides a comprehensive method to examine the shape of the ventricular chambers and identifies more fetuses that are growth restricted with an abnormal SI than only using the basal segment.
Ratings of Perceived Exertion and Physiological Responses in Children During Exercise.

OMNI ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and physiological responses in children (n=7 boys, 8 girls, 11.1±1.0 years) were examined during estimation (graded exercise test [GXT] and steady-state) and production (steady-state) trials on a cycle ergometer. Peak oxygen consumption (VO2peak) was determined via a GXT with RPE estimated every 30 s. Later, two 6-min trials were completed: Participants 1) estimated RPE at ~75% of VO2peak, 2) produced a level of exertion corresponding to their RPE at ~75% of VO2peak during the GXT. Data analysis included a one-way MANOVA and a paired t-test. The target intensity during the GXT corresponded to 74.2±2.5% of VO2peak; the steady-state estimation and production trials were performed at 76.5±2.7% and 68.5±14.1% of VO2peak, respectively (p>0.05). Mean RPE at ~75% of VO2peak during the GXT and production trial was 6.7±1.5; during the steady-state estimation trial RPE was 5.8±2.0 (p>0.05). There were no differences (p>0.05) in the physiological responses. Participants estimated RPE similarly at ~75% of VO2peak during both graded and steady-state exercise, but when asked to produce a given RPE, marked variability was observed in physiological responses. These findings may have implications in optimizing exercise prescriptions for children.
Stress corrosion crack initiation in Alloy 690 in high temperature water

Abstract Initiation of stress corrosion cracks in Alloy 690 in high temperature water is a rare occurrence and depends on the method by which the sample is loaded. Only in dynamic straining experiments is crack initiation consistently observed. Stress relaxation in constant deflection tests, and lack of a means of rupturing the oxide film in constant load tests are the principle reasons for the difficulty of initiating cracks in these tests. These observations, combined with those from the much more susceptible Alloy 600 form the basis for a mechanism stress corrosion crack (SCC) initiation of Alloy 690. SCC initiation is proposed to occur in three stages: an oxidation stage in which a protective film of Cr2O3 is formed on the surface over grain boundaries, an incubation stage in which successive cycles of oxide film rupture and repair depletes the grain boundary of chromium, and a nucleation stage in which the chromium depleted grain boundary is no longer able to support growth of a protective chromium oxide layer, resulting in formation and rupture of oxides down the grain boundary. The mechanism is supported by the available literature on oxidation and crack initiation of Alloy 690 in hydrogenated primary water conditions.
Evolving together: the biology of symbiosis, part 2.

Symbiotic trade-offs dominate the world of biology and medicine in colonist-host relationships and between separate, mutually dependent organisms of different species. Infectious and parasitic diseases can be better understood by exploring the dynamic continuum between pathogenicity and mutualism, between antagonism and cooperation—the sliding scale along which microorganisms can move in a moment's notice with a single nucleotide substitution. Organisms practicing piracy or pastoralism may be close genetic relatives. Mergers occur not only between cells but also between genomes; viruses co-opt host genes and in turn insert themselves into host genomes. Separate organisms, from ants to fungi to plants, establish symbiotic ties with each other that bind over deep time, generating much of the diversity we see in nature.
Engineering applications of Bayesian statistical methods

In scientific investigations, we frequently have data from computer experiment(s) as well as related physical experimental data on the same factors and related response variable(s). There may also exist one or more expert opinions regarding the response of interest. Traditional statistical approaches consider each of these sets of data sepa­ rately with corresponding separate analyses and fitted statistical models. A compelling argument can be made that better, more precise statistical models can be obtained if we simultaneously analyze the combined data using a hierarchical Bayesian integrated modeling approach. However, such an integrated approach must recognize important differences, such as possible biases, in these experiments and expert opinions. We illustrate the methodology by using it to model the thermodynamic operation point of a top-spray fluidized bed microencapsulation processing unit. Such units are used in the food industry to tune the effect of functional ingredients and additives. An
Intravital Microscopy for Molecular Imaging in Cancer Research

Molecular imaging is an important tool in life sciences research and for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Among numerous imaging modalities, intravital microscopy (IVM) provides the best imaging spatial resolution in vivo and allows visualization of cellular and subcellular structures and functions. Because of its high resolution and the large number of available imaging agents, IVM has been used increasingly for the study of in vivo processes in many different fields. The application of IVM in cancer research and cancer treatment response assessment has been particularly fruitful. These IVM studies have disclosed that the cellular and subcellular dynamics during tumor progression and drug treatment in vivo are very different from those under in vitro conditions. Since the findings from IVM studies are obtained directly from intact living organisms, they may provide much more relevant information helpful to drug discovery and evaluation in clinics. In this chapter, we will briefly introduce the concepts of molecular imaging and the unique features of IVM. We will then highlight the most current IVM research in cancer biology and cancer drug response at the tissue, cellular and subcellular levels. We will end this chapter by outlining the future directions of IVM research.
The role margin as the site for moral and social intelligence: The case of Germany and National Socialism

This study traces the origins and development of the crime of genocide using the Holocaust and its absolutist ideology and racist myth systems -s as developed by Nazi geneticists and sociologists – which has lead to euthanasia, killing squads and extermination camps such as Auschwitz-Birkenau, as a frame of reference. This inquiry further investigates how seemingly ``ordinary,'' indoctrinated and often intimidated people acted upon biddings of an unscrupulous leader assisted by cohorts who uncritically assumed assigned roles and externalized discretion in a totalitarian system. Individual discretion was externalized and delegated to the leader, Adolf Hitler, or to their immediate superiors. Following the orders of these leaders gradually paved the process of an escalation of violence into genocide. Reasons for this process are not merely politically and/or economically motivated, but are also to be sought in the society's pool and level of moral and social intelligence, as well as in frustrated expectations experienced by large segments of the populous. Individual and group response to powerful situational forces are examined. Human behavior is found to be represented on a broad spectrum ranging from altruism on one hand of the scale to authoritarianism and extreme destructiveness on the other. Special attention is given to moral integrity and accountability, its development and application.
Electron Transport in The Cytochrome B6F Complex

Cyclic photophosphorylation via the cytochrome b 6 f complex was proposed by Hind and Olsen (1) in 1966 to explain transient reduction of cytochrome b 6 following photostimulation of PS I. Oxidant-induced reduction experiments have provided a second explanation: transient reduction is due to a branched electron pathway at a pair splitter site (Qz) in the complex.
Physical Activity Intentions and Behavior Mediate Treatment Response in an Acceptance-Based Weight Loss Intervention.

BACKGROUND Acceptance-based treatment (ABT) for weight loss has shown promise for improving outcomes relative to standard behavioral treatment (SBT). One way in which ABT may improve outcomes is through increasing physical activity (PA) intentions and behavior but little research has examined these as mediators of ABT on weight change. PURPOSE This study sought to examine ABT's effects on intentions for PA and several objectively measured PA variables during treatment and analyze PA intentions and behaviors as mediators of ABT's effect on weight loss. METHODS Participants (N = 189) with overweight/obesity randomized to 1 year of either ABT or SBT completed ecological momentary assessment of PA intentions, accelerometer-based PA assessment, and had weight measured at baseline, mid-treatment, and end of treatment. RESULTS ABT had a significantly higher increase than SBT in PA intention minutes at mid-treatment and end of treatment (p < 0.001), and both groups had nonlinear increases in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) that were not significantly different. Sequential mediation models found that ABT's effect on weight loss was partially mediated by higher PA intention minutes at mid-treatment leading to increased MVPA minutes per week. Increased MVPA minutes were obtained by participants increasing the number of days with MVPA bouts. CONCLUSIONS ABT's effect on weight loss throughout treatment resulted, in part, from participants increasing their intentions for PA. Controlling for group, higher PA intentions were associated with more PA obtained through more days with exercise.
Case mixing impedes early lexical access: converging evidence from the masked priming paradigm

When letters are presented in mixed case (e.g., “PlAnE), word recognition is slowed. This case-mixing effect has been used to argue that early stages of word recognition operate holistically (on the entire visual word form) rather than merely letter-by-letter. Contrary to this holistic view, however, a masked priming study (Perea, Vergara-Martinez, & Gomez, Cognition 142:39–43, 2015) with Spanish words argued that case mixing has no effect on early stages of visual word recognition. Their participants made lexical decisions on an uppercase target (e.g., “PLANE”) preceded by an identical prime (e.g., “plane”) or an unrelated prime (e.g., “music”), presented in lowercase or mixed case. Because priming effects (unrelated–identical) were unaffected by case mixing, they concluded that case mixing does not impede early lexical access. We examined whether this finding applies to English words, while also including lowercase targets to prevent a strong bias against holistic word recognition. We found larger priming effects from lowercase primes than mixed-case primes regardless of target case (lowercase vs. uppercase) and whether target case was varied within blocks (Experiment 1) or between blocks (Experiment 2). Contrary to Perea et al.’s findings for Spanish, our results suggest an early locus for the case-mixing effect, consistent with the holistic view of word recognition.
Evaluation of the Reuse of Baked-Alum Water Treatment Residual to Adsorb Phosphorous

AbstractExcess phosphorous in waterways is known to be a cause of harmful algal blooms. This research evaluated if baking water treatment residuals (WTRs) would increase the number of adsorption si...
Guided Healing of Damaged Microelectrodes via Electrokinetic Assembly of Conductive Carbon Nanotube Bridges

The subject of healing and repair of damaged microelectrodes has become of particular interest as the use of integrated circuits, energy storage technologies, and sensors within modern devices has increased. As the dimensions of the electrodes shrink together with miniaturization of all the elements in modern electronic devices, there is a greater risk of mechanical-, thermal-, or chemical-induced fracture of the electrodes. In this research, a novel method of electrode healing using electrokinetically assembled carbon nanotube (CNT) bridges is presented. Utilizing the previously described step-wise CNT deposition process, conductive bridges were assembled across ever-larger electrode gaps, with the width of electrode gaps ranging from 20 microns to well over 170 microns. This work represents a significant milestone since the longest electrically conductive CNT bridge previously reported had a length of 75 microns. To secure the created conductive CNT bridges, they are fixed with a layer of electrodeposited polypyrrole (a conductive polymer). The resistance of the resulting CNT bridges, and its dependence on the size of the electrode gap, is evaluated and explained. Connecting electrodes via conductive CNT bridges can find many applications from nanoelectronics to neuroscience and tissue engineering.
COVID-19 and substance use in adolescents

Studies have yielded mixed findings regarding changes in adolescent substance use during the COVID-19 pandemic; some report increased alcohol and cannabis use, others show less binge drinking and vaping behaviors, and others no change. In 2019, only 8.3% of the 1.1 million adolescents with a substance use disorder received specialized treatment. Treatment rates for 2020 have not yet been published. Stay-at-home orders and social distancing guidelines put into place in March 2020 caused the partial closure of many outpatient substance use clinics. The implications of this treatment suspension and special considerations for working with adolescents during stay-at-home orders are discussed.
Dutch-Roll Stability Analysis of an Air Mobility Vehicle Using Navier–Stokes Equations

Dutch-roll motions caused by sudden gusts are studied for a typical advanced air mobility vehicle. The selected lift+cruise configuration consists of a fuselage with high wing powered by lifting an...
Sleep Efficiency is Inversely Associated with Brachial Artery Diameter and Morning Blood Pressure in Midlife Adults, with a Potential Sex-Effect.

Purpose Sleep efficiency is inversely associated with cardiovascular risk. Brachial artery diameter and flow-mediated dilation (FMD) are noninvasive cardiovascular disease markers. We assessed the associations between sleep efficiency and these vascular markers in midlife adults, including people with sleep apnea. Patients and Methods Thirty (18 males) participants completed an in-laboratory 8-hour sleep opportunity beginning at their habitual bedtimes. Polysomnography was used to assess sleep patterns and sleep efficiency (time asleep/time in bed). We measured systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and baseline diameter, and FMD immediately upon awakening in the morning. Mixed model analyses, adjusting for apnea-hypopnea and body mass indices, were used to assess the relationship between overnight sleep efficiency and cardiovascular markers. We also explored sex differences. Results Sleep efficiency was negatively associated with baseline brachial artery diameter (p = 0.005), systolic BP (p = 0.01), and diastolic BP (p = 0.02), but not flow-mediated dilation or heart rate (p > 0.05). These relationships were confirmed with correlations between sleep efficiency and baseline diameter (r = -0.52, p = 0.004), systolic BP (r = -0.43, p = 0.017), and diastolic BP (r = -0.43, p = 0.019). There was a sex-specific interaction trend for sleep efficiency and arterial diameter (p = 0.07) and a significant sex-specific interaction (p < 0.05) for BP, such that the relationships between sleep efficiency and cardiovascular markers were significant in women but not in men. Conclusion In midlife adults, poor sleep efficiency is associated with increased brachial artery diameter and blood pressure, effects that were primarily driven by significant associations in women. These associations could underlie the observed increase in cardiovascular risk in adults with poor sleep and cardiovascular disease.
Wideband Terahertz Sensing And Spectroscopy with Electronic Sources and Detectors

A growing variety of reflection and transmission spectroscopy in the 1- 1000 GHz regime can be done with wideband all-electronic terahertz (THz) spectrometers. We have measured gas absorption spectra and energetic material reflection spectra with such instruments using phase-locked microwave sources to drive picosecond GaAs nonlinear transmission lines, enabling measurement of both wideband spectra and single lines with Hertz- level precision, a new mode of operation not readily available with optoelectronic THz techniques. We take two approaches to coherent measurements: (1) spatially combining the freely propagating beams from two coherent picosecond pulse generators (which have discrete spectra ranging from ~ 6 to < 500 GHz), or (2) using a more conventional coherent source/detector arrangement with sampling detectors. The first method employs a dual-source interferometer (DSI) modulating each harmonic of one source with a precisely-offset harmonic from the other source—both sources being driven with stable phase-locked synthesizers—the resultant beat frequency can be low enough for detection by a standard composite bolometer. Room-temperature detection possibilities for the DSI include antenna-coupled Schottky diodes. Finally, we have recently introduced a reflectometer based on serrodyne modulation of a linearized delay line, using a technique that is process-compatible with pulse generator circuits. Keywords: wideband electronic terahertz techniques, gas spectroscopy, reflection spectroscopy, nonlinear transmission lines, samplers, coherent measurements, dual source interferometer
Management of Healthcare Technology Literature (1979-97): A Multi-dimensional Introspection

This work takes an introspective look at the trends, patterns, and directions taken by the researchers in the field of management of healthcare technology (MHT) during the period 1979-97. A total of 333 publications are classified in six distinct categories. The major findings of this study include: (1) A very substantial number (55%) of researchers employed the "incremental" or ripple strategy as a primary strategy of research. (2) 69.7% of all publications were untested theory papers. While 38.1% of the publications claimed application status only 26% were found rooted in the real world. (3) Improvement in cost performance was the most pursued objective - 31.5% of the publications. (4) 28.5% of the publications used application and evaluation of information systems as the dominant MHT application setting. (5) Process, technology, and equipment was the preferred choice of operations strategy reflected in 33.9% articles. Lastly, (6) 45.6% of all publications led the hospital system category by choosing fiscal management as their research area. Furthermore, given that more than half the papers (56.1%) were published in the last four years of this nineteen-year study, we project that MHT is and will remain a vital and vibrant field for researchers and practitioners looking for ways to economize cost, improve quality, and enhance customization and speed through adroit management of healthcare technologies. Finally, our analysis supported the fact that vertical and virtual integration of care providers will continue using the technology management as its primary vehicle as projected by MHT experts. We hope that the findings of this work will provide useful insights into the anatomy of MHT publications and motivate further research on where the field is going and what course corrections are needed, if any, beyond those that have been proposed here.
How to Achieve a Robust Process Using Response Surface Methodology

Taguchi's experimental system is used to develop robust processes, that is, processes which are insensitive to variations in uncontrollable variables, such as environmental variables. Taguchi's recommended designs can be considered to be response surfac..
Kinetics and compartmentation of energy metabolism in intact skeletal muscle determined from 18O labeling of metabolite phosphoryls.

Analyses of isolated intact diaphragm muscle show that at rest only about 30% of the total cellular Pi is metabolically reactive as indicated by 18O incorporation from [18O]water, whereas up to 90% becomes metabolically active incrementally with contractile frequency. Kinetics of [gamma-18O]ATP appearance show that about 90% of the cellular ATP is metabolically active and suggest slowly and rapidly metabolizing compartments of ATP in resting muscle and only rapidly metabolizing compartments in contracting muscle. Rates of [18O]creatine phosphate [( 18O]CrP) appearance are consistent with creatine kinase-catalyzed phosphoryl exchange functioning in an obligatory phosphoryl shuttle system. In noncontracting muscle, ATP turnover rate was 83 nmol.mg protein-1.min-1, and the P/O ratio was determined to be 3.2. ATP utilization increases in direct proportion to contractile frequency with each contracture consuming the equivalent of 0.96 nmol of ATP.mg protein-1 or 2.5-3.5 molecules of ATP/myosin active site. Basal concentrations of nucleotide polyphosphates are not altered when ATP utilization rates increase during contraction. At high contractile frequencies, decreases in CrP concentration occur, but this accounts for less than 4% of total high energy phosphoryls consumed. If metabolic intermediates are free in the aqueous cellular cytosol, each twitch contracture would result in a decrease in ATP concentration of no more than 2% and increases in ADP and AMP concentrations of less than 20 and 7%, respectively. Thus, changes in metabolite concentration must be highly localized or metabolic regulation can be accomplished by a nonallosteric mechanism.
Paula Rice: The C-Suite via the Rabbit Hole

In this installment of Life in the C-Suite, the author interviews Paula Rice, vice president of IT at Animal Health International, a large distributor of animal health products based in Greeley, Colorado.
The Legacy of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Part I. Shaping a Legacy: 1. Notes on a life Nina Totenberg 2. Ruth Bader Ginsburg: law professor extraordinaire Herma Hill Kay 3. Before Frontiero there was Reed: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the constitutional transformation of the twentieth century Linda K. Kerber 4. Struck by stereotype: Ruth Bader Ginsburg on pregnancy discrimination as sex discrimination (with a postscript by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg) Reva B. Siegel and Neil S. Siegel 5. Beyond the tough guise: Justice Ginsburg's reconstructive feminism Joan C. Williams Part II. Rights and Remedies: 6. 'Seg academies', taxes, and Judge Ginsburg Stephen B. Cohen 7. A more perfect union, sex, race, and the VMI case Cary Franklin 8. Barriers to entry and Justice Ginsburg's criminal procedure jurisprudence Lisa Griffin 9. A liberal justice's limits: Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the American criminal justice system Aziz Z. Huq Part III. Structuralism: 10. A revolution in jurisdiction Scott Dodson 11. Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the interaction of legal systems Paul Schiff Berman 12. The once-and-future federalist Deborah Jones Merritt Part IV. The Jurist: 13. Reflections on the confirmation journey of Ruth Bader Ginsburg, summer 1993 Robert A. Katzmann 14. Justice Ginsburg: demosprudence through dissent Lani Guinier 15. Justice Ginsburg at oral argument Tom Goldstein 16. Fire and ice: Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the least likely firebrand Dahlia Lithwick.
Late-life depression as a risk factor for mild cognitive impairment or Alzheimer's disease in 30 US Alzheimer's disease centers.

Identification of potentially modifiable risk factors for cognitive deterioration is important. We conducted a prospective study of 5,607 subjects with normal cognition and 2,500 subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) at 30 Alzheimer’s Disease Centers in the Unites States between 2005 and 2011. Cox regression was used to determine whether depression predicted transition from normal to MCI, or MCI to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Over an average of 3.3 visits, 15% of normal subjects transitioned to MCI (62/1000 per year), while 38% of MCI subjects transitioned to AD (146/1000 per year). At baseline, 22% of participants had recent (within the last two years) depression defined by clinician judgment; 9% and 17% were depressed using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS score ≥5) and the Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), respectively. At baseline, depressed subjects performed significantly worse on cognitive tests. Those always depressed throughout follow-up had an increased risk for progression from normal to MCI (RR = 2.35; 95% CI 1.93–3.08) versus never depressed. Normal subjects, identified as depressed at first visit but subsequently improved, were found to have an increased but lower risk of progression (RR = 1.40 (1.01–1.95)). The ‘always depressed’ had only a modest increased risk of progression from MCI to AD (RR = 1.21 (1.00–1.46). Results were similar using time-dependent variables for depression or when defining depression via the GDS or NPI-Q. We found no effect of earlier depression (>2 years past). The effect of recent depression did not differ by antidepressant treatment, APOE4 allele status, or type of MCI. In conclusion, late-life depression is a strong risk factor for normal subjects progressing to MCI.
Carbon dioxide fixation by isolated chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis: II. Inhibition of CO2 fixation by AMP☆

Abstract CO2 fixation in isolated Euglena chloroplasts is strongly inhibited by AMP. Adenosine, ADP, and adenine are also inhibitory, but to a lesser extent. Other nucleotide monophosphates including 3′-AMP are not inhibitory and all other purines tested, except those containing a 6-amino group, are ineffective. Euglena chloroplast preparations are found to contain an active adenylate kinase, and it appears that ADP is converted to AMP, which in turn causes the inhibition. AMP does not reduce the rate of photophosphorylation or of NADP photoreduction. Several enzymes of the reductive pentose phosphate cycle are apparently not inhibited by AMP, including 3-phosphoglycerate kinase, NADP-linked glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase, phosphoribulokinase, and ribose-5-phosphate isomerase. Under isotonic conditions there appears to be no interaction between internal and external adenine nucleotides, and the high energy phosphate produced in photophosphorylation cannot be directly transferred to the external adenine nucleotides.
Molecular Weight of Human Angiotensin I LUNG CONVERTING ENZYME

Human angiotensin I converting enzyme from lung tissues, when partially purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation followed by Sephadex G-200 gel filtration chromatography, has an estimated molecular weight of 480,000. With the techniques used it was possible to separate angiotensin I converting enzyme activity from angiotensinase activity. Evidence is provided for more than one angiotensin I converting enzyme.
Prostaglandin Dehydrogenase Activity of Rat and Rabbit Testicular Tissues and Accessory Glands before and after Castration

Rat reproductive tissues contained both 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) and delta 13-reductase activities, while rabbit tissues exhibited only PGDH activity. In the rat, delta 13-reductase activity was absent in those tissues that had a high specific activity of PGDH and was present in those tissues with a low specific activity. Total specific activity of PGDH was greatest in the testicular capsule, whereas total activity was greatest in the testicular parenchyma of both species. Total PGDH activity was highest in rat seminal vesicles, where it was second only to the testicular parenchyma. Castration significantly increased PGDH activity of the epididymis, prostate, and seminal vesicles of rats, while delta 13-reductase activity disappeared from those tissues. The specific activity of PGDH was greater in the rat than in the rabbit, except for the testicular parenchyma of the rabbit. The greater PGDH activity in rat testicular capsules, compared to those of the rabbit, correlated well with diminished contractility of the rat capsule. PGDH activity of the interstitial cells correlated well with the role of prostaglandins in androgen synthesis.
Use of chromophoric ligands to visually screen co-crystals of putative protein-nucleic acid complexes.

Distinguishing between crystals of protein-nucleic acid complexes and those containing protein alone is a common problem in structural studies of protein-nucleic acid interactions. Currently there are several methods available for detecting nucleic acid in crystals, including gel electrophoresis, SYBR Gold fluorescence dye staining and methyl violet staining. However, they require either that the crystals be sacrificed or access to a fluorescence microscope. In this protocol, we describe an approach that allows direct visualization of either the presence or absence of oligonucleotides in crystals grown from solutions containing both protein and nucleic acid – labeling with the Cy5 dye. In addition to offering the advantage of being able to distinguish between crystals of complex and protein alone with the naked eye or a light microscope, crystals of covalently Cy5-labeled DNA can be directly used for X-ray diffraction data collection.
Nitric therapy in preterm infants: Rationalised approach based on functional neonatal echocardiography

Aim Use of inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in preterm infants is not supported by current evidence. In 2013, in Australia and New Zealand, 14% infants' ≤25 weeks of gestations were administered iNO. Within the cohort administered iNO, we aimed to identify subgroups where it may be more efficacious and compared characteristics before and after the set-up of the functional echocardiography (fEcho) programme. Methods A retrospective audit for the period 2000–2013 involving preterm infants administered iNO in the first four weeks of life was performed. Comparisons were made between the two time epochs: up to 2007 and post-2007. Results Eighty-five infants fulfilled the inclusion criteria; 62 (73%) were ≤28 weeks of gestation; 51 (60%) survived. Amongst survivors, gestation and birthweight were higher and oxygenation index (OI) was lower. Fourteen (16.5%) infants weighed small for gestation age; survival was lower in this subgroup (6/14, 43%, p = 0.0005). The fEcho programme increased prenitric assessments for a definitive diagnosis and monitoring; iNO was started earlier, at a lower OI with a trend towards reduced usage (hours). Conclusion Characteristics of subgroups (within the cohort of infants ≤34 weeks of gestation) more likely to benefit from iNO therapy were identified. Use of fEcho could rationalise usage.
The effect of phonetic complexity on speaker height and weight identification.

Our purpose was to determine the effect of phonetic complexity on speaker height and weight identification in an attempt to establish the minimal acoustic cues necessary for distinguishing speakers' heights and weights. A total of 28 speakers, 14 females and 14 males, recorded 16 utterances representing four levels of phonetic complexity: isolated vowels, monosyllabic words, bisyllabic words and sentences. Eight master tapes were constructed, one for each of the four levels of phonetic complexity and the two sex groups. Twenty-four female judges participated in four experimental sessions, one for each level of phonetic complexity. In each session they heard the female and male tapes of one kind of stimulus and were asked to make direct estimations of the speakers' heights and weights. Results show that listeners are capable of accurate height and weight identification at all levels of phonetic complexity investigated. Differences in listener accuracy are, on average, only 0.41 inches and 1.44 lbs. Moreove...
A single-phase D-STATCOM inverter for distributed energy sources

Currently many utilities are resistant to the idea of increasing the penetration of distributed energy sources on distribution systems. The majority of distribution systems in the United States are radial and provide utilities with no communication or feedback on the low-voltage side of the substation. This makes the dynamic control of feeder lines very limited with time steps that are well above the variable power output of wind turbines and solar installations. This is in part due to the added technical difficulties associated with maintaining compliance with IEEE standards. This paper presents the design of a unique inverter with D-STATCOM capability for small to mid-sized (10kW–20kW) permanent magnet wind installations. The proposed inverter can actively regulate VARs on individual feeder lines at a programmable output while providing the variable output power of the renewable energy source. The aim is to provide utilities with distributive control of VAR compensation and power factor correction on feeder lines. The designed inverter utilizes a multi-level voltage-source converter (VSC) topology. Reactive power control is achieved by modulation index control. Active power control is achieved by phase-shift-angle control and VSC harmonics are eliminated by the optimized harmonic stepped waveform technique (OHSW). All simulations were done in MATLAB.