cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regulating Domestic Carbon Outsourcing: The Case of China and Climate Change

The vast majority of the growth in greenhouse gas emissions in the coming decades is expected to come from outside of the developed world. Yet on the whole, scholars have made only modest headway in identifying the distinctive features of effective environmental regulation in the developing world. This Article argues that a particular feature of the emerging economies — sharp regional economic disparities — need not be a barrier to climate change regulation. Instead, these disparities can be harnessed to make climate change regulation more effective.Taking China as its focus, this Article notes that both international law and Chinese domestic regulation have attempted to manage economic disparities according to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities (CBDR). Building on these examples, it proposes a domestic CBDR approach for confronting China’s climate change risks. Such an approach includes more stringent mitigation obligations for China’s developed coastal provinces to the east, coupled with fiscal and technical support for developing provinces in China’s interior. This Article contends that features of the Chinese sociopolitical context offer advantages in policy development and implementation that render a domestic CBDR approach more likely to succeed than its international counterpart. These advantages include normative legitimacy and confluence with other domestic policy objectives, in particular. Interest group influence and institutional capacity factors offer potential benefits, but also serious challenges.In the end, this Article aims to achieve two main goals: to highlight the importance of differentiated regulation in China’s existing regulatory regime, and to argue that more extensive use of the approach can benefit policy formation and on-the-ground implementation alike.
Ontologies for information retrieval

The goal of this review is to describe ontologies used for information retrieval (IR). We will begin with an overview of IR and its processes, followed by a description of how ontologies are used for IR, with particular emphasis on biomedical systems. Ontologies in general, the Gene Ontology (GO), and the Unified Medical Language System (UMLS) have been described in previous chapters. The explosion of data from new genomics and related research technologies provide a strong use case for the better understanding and improvement of IR systems. Keywords: information retrieval; indexing; search engine; text retrieval conference (TREC); thesaurus; medical subject headings (MeSH)
The dependence of slow crack growth in a linear polyethylene on test temperature and morphology

The slow crack growth behavior of a linear polyethylene with different morphologies was studied by using three point bending with a single edge notched specimen at testing tem-peratures from 30 to 80°C. The morphology was varied by annealing the quenched material at temperatures from 86°C to 135°C. It was found that at test temperatures of 60°C or less, the changes in failure time with annealing temperature are very similar to the change in density with a maximum at 130°C. At testing temperatures above 60°C, the relationship of between failure time and annealing temperature is altered when the test is in the range of the α transition temperature. These results indicate that with respect to slow crack growth in the case of a homopolymer the strength of the crystals is relatively more important than the number of tie molecules. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Writers die young: The impact of work and leisure on longevity

Abstract Empirical analysis based on a large sample of diverse creative artists (880 individuals among 11 occupations) suggests strongly that writers live significantly fewer years than do their peers in other creative professions. These vivid results are not inconsistent with the few extant studies dealing with longevity among creative individuals, although very little by the way of explanation is offered in this limited body of evidence. In this paper a tentative theory is presented, wherein the interaction of work and leisure are seen as impacting on the artists' health and consequent longevity. For the writer, as much and usually more so than other artists, work is seen as providing little immediate pleasure, and often a significant amount of plain. Leisure choices, which are complementary with the writer's work, are not conducive to long life. An initial review of academic and bibliographic writing on life-style, the nature of work, and artistic temperament, offers support for these speculations. ▶ ‘Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be novelists.’ Constance Casey, book editor, 1988. ▶ ‘A judicious parent would be far more anxious to give his children a taste for natural history, than for literature…’ Charles Turner Thackrah, English physician, philosopher and writer, 1832. ▶ ‘When I first informed [my parents] that I had decided to become a writer they were horrified; it was as though I had announced that I was going to become a criminal Henry Miller, writer, 1946.
Optical performance and durability of solar reflectors protected by an alumina coating

Solar thermal electric power systems use large solar reflectors to concentrate sunlight to generate electricity. The economic viability of these systems depends on developing a durable, low-cost reflector. The goals for such a reflector are specular reflectance above 90% for at least 10 years under outdoor service conditions and a large-volume manufacturing cost of less than $10.8/m{sup 2} ($1.00/ft{sup 2}). Currently, the best candidate materials for solar reflectors are silver-coated, low-iron glass and silvered polymer films. Polymer reflectors are lighter in weight, offer greater system design flexibility, and have the potential for lower cost than glass reflectors. A promising low-cost reflector consists of a silvered polymer protected by an optically transparent alumina coating. The coating is deposited by an ion-beam-assisted physical vapor deposition (IBAD) technique. Samples of this reflector have maintained high optical performance in accelerated testing at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory for more than 3000 hours. Solar reflectors produced using this technique may represent an opportunity to bring solar power generation to reality.
Antibody mediated targeting of radioisotopes, drugs and toxins in diagnosis and treatment.

The recent resurgence of interest in site specific delivery of radioisotopes, chemotherapeutic drugs and toxins for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, and for the selective manipulation of the immune system, can be directly related to the need for improved diagnosis and the fact that for many cancers, for example lung, colon and gastric, the conventional treatments of surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy have reached a plateau in terms of the number of patients cured. To date, because of their specificity, the major emphasis has been on the use of antibodies as carriers and extensivein vitro, in vivo preclinical and clinical evaluation is underway. The aim of this article is to review recent progress, highlight avenues being explored to overcome limitations and to indicate new approaches that are evolving in antibody mediated targeting.
Family Farmers' Reactions to Their Work: A Job Diagnostic Survey:

Responses of family farmers to the Job Diagnostic Survey were examined to assess the internal rewards farmers receive from their work. It is suggested that family farmers' high motivation and commitment to farming are largely influenced by the positive job characteristics associated with farming.
Physical optics solution for the scattering of a partially coherent wave from a circular cylinder

Abstract The physical optics solution for the scattering of a partially coherent wave from a circular cylinder is presented. The derivations of the far-zone scattered fields are presented and discussed. Scattering width relations are developed from the physical optics fields that are functions of the coherence of the incident field. The scattering width relations are evaluated asymptotically to show the behavior of the backscattered and forward scattered energy in the incoherent- and coherent-field limits. Results are presented comparing and contrasting the physical optics results to those obtained using a previously published exact series solution approach. A physical discussion of the results is included.
Hemodynamic Evaluation of Lillehei-Kaster and Starr-Edwards Prostheses

Abstract The central-flow low profile disc-valve prosthesis has been offered as an alternative to ball- and tissue-valve prostheses. Extensive laboratory investigation with both pulse duplicator and experimental animals has been reported for the Lillehei-Kaster prosthesis. A series of patients receiving this prosthesis underwent postoperative cardiac catheterization to better define the hemodynamic function of this prosthesis in vivo. Because of the variations in reports of hemodynamic data from various institutions, the results of postoperative studies in an earlier group of patients with Starr-Edwards prostheses were used as a standard for comparison. Good hemodynamic function was found with the pivoting-disc prosthesis in all but the smallest valve sizes. Lillehei-Kaster and early model Starr-Edwards prostheses with equivalent tissue annulus dimensions were found to have nearly equal valve areas in vivo in the aortic position. The Lillehei-Kaster mitral valves provided larger areas than Starr-Edwards prostheses in large tissue annulus sizes.
Cloning and analysis of chicken acetylcholinesterase transcripts from muscle and brain.

Abstract We have isolated cDNA clones from an embryonic chicken muscle cDNA library which encodes the complete catalytic T subunit of acetylcholinesterase. The deduced polypeptide comprises 767 amino acids, shows ∼60% homology to acetylcholinesterases from other vertebrates and contains a 155 amino acid sequence inserted into the middle of the peptide which is unique to the chicken enzyme. Northern blots of embryonic chicken muscle and adult brain show three transcripts approximately 4.5, 5.5, and 6.0 kb hybridizing to a cDNA fragment of AChE. The 6.0 kb transcript is expressed transiently in embryonic muscle and is a major transcript in adult brain.
Frontal lobe γ-aminobutyric acid levels during adolescence: associations with impulsivity and response inhibition.

Background The brain undergoes major remodeling during adolescence, resulting in improved cognitive control and decision-making and reduced impulsivity, components of behavior mediated in part by the maturing frontal lobe. γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA), the main inhibitory neurotransmitter system, also matures during adolescence, with frontal lobe GABA receptors reaching adult levels late in adolescence. Thus, the objective of this study was to characterize in vivo developmental differences in brain GABA levels. Methods Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used at 4 T to acquire metabolite data from the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and the parieto-occipital cortex (POC) in adolescents ( n =30) and emerging adults ( n = 20). Results ACC GABA/creatine (Cr) levels were significantly lower in adolescents relative to emerging adults, whereas no age differences were observed in the POC. Lower ACC GABA/Cr levels were significantly associated with greater impulsivity and worse response inhibition, with relationships being most pronounced for ACC GABA/Cr and No-Go response inhibition in adolescent males. Conclusions These data provide the first human developmental in vivo evidence confirming frontal lobe GABA maturation, which was linked to impulsiveness and cognitive control. These findings suggest that reduced GABA may be an important neurobiological mechanism in the immature adolescent brain, contributing to the reduced yet rapidly developing ability to inhibit risky behaviors and to make suboptimal decisions, which could compromise adolescent health and safety.
Fiscal Federalism and the Politics of Immigration: Centralized and Decentralized Immigration Policies in Canada and the United States

Abstract Why would immigration policy be centralized or decentralized in a federal system? What incentives do political actors at the central and sub-central levels of government possess vis-a-vis immigration policy? Taking account of the growing need to make sense of the unique features of immigration policy in a federal system (e.g. the mobility of labor, regional and national identities), and the unique challenges to federalism posed by immigration (e.g. public policy co-ordination, social cohesiveness), this paper advances a general theory of immigration politics in federations. It then illustrates this theory through discussion of two empirical cases: Canada and the United States.
Gender Differences in Na/Ca Exchanger Current and β-Adrenergic Responsiveness in Heart Failure in Pig Myocytes

Clinical trials suggest females experience less heart failure (HF) progression, mortality, and arrhythmia frequency. HF increases Na/Ca exchanger (NCX) expression and activity contributing to both depressed contractility and ventricular arrhythmias, but whether gender modifies this effect is unknown. Left ventricular myocytes were isolated from control and from tachycardic pacing-induced failing swine hearts of both sexes. The Ni-sensitive NCX current (I(NCX)) was measured in voltage clamp after blocking other channels. In control myocytes there is no difference in basal I(NCX) and beta-adrenergic responsiveness between male and female animals. HF greatly increased I(NCX) and reduced beta-adrenergic responsiveness in males compared to females, an effect that was eliminated by PP1. Diuretic therapy (furosemide, 1 mg/kg/day) further enhanced I(NCX) and reduced beta-adrenergic responsiveness in females and eliminated the gender difference. Gender-specific differences in calcium handling may contribute to improved survival of females in HF.
Idomenian Vision: The Empirical Basis of Thomas Reid’s Geometry of Visibles

Thomas Reid (1720–1796) claims to have learned of Idomenians, “an order of beings” in “sublunary regions” whose visual system is very much like ours except that they could detect only the direction of rays reaching their eyes, not the distance of origin. The properties of Idomenian vision are here examined in the light of the physiological optics of Reid’s time and of the scientific developments that have since augmented our knowledge of the discipline.
Objective evidence of occult myocardial dysfunction in patients with frequent ventricular ectopy without clinically apparent heart disease

Abstract Eighteen asymptomatic persons without apparent cardiac disease were incidentally discovered to have frequent ventricular ectopic activity (VEA) (more than a mean of 100 b/hr during 24-hour ambulatory ECG examination) and were found by cardiac catheterization to have normal coronary arteriograms. Thirteen persons (72%) also demonstrated complex (multiform or repetitive patterns) VEA and eight persons were found to have undiagnosed hypertension. Examination of left ventricular (LV) angiographic and hemodynamic data of these persons showed elevated LV end-systolic volume index in 10 persons (56%), elevated LV end-diastolic volume index in 12 persons (67%) and elevated LV end-diastolic pressure in 11 persons (61%). Although ejection fractions of all but three persons were normal, impaired myocardial contractility, as measured by decreased mean velocity of circumferential fiber shortening (less than 1.0 circ/sec), was found in 10 persons (56%). Abnormalities of LV function were more prevalent in persons with higher mean frequencies of VEA (more than 300 b/hr), but did not seem related to the presence of complex types of VEA. Etiologic mechanisms of the frequent and complex VEA could not be defined. We conclude that subclinical evidence of myocardial dysfunction is present in some persons without apparent cardiac disease who have frequent VEA as evidenced by subtle abnormalities of increased LV volumes and end-diastolic pressure and decreased mean velocity of myocardial circumferential fiber shortening.
Gluon condensate and the effective gluon mass

Using massive gauge invariant QCD we show explicity how power like corrections to\(\Pi _{\mu v} \left( q \right) = i\int {dx} e^{iq'x} \left\langle {0\left| {j_\mu ^{em} \left( x \right)\bar j_v^{em} \left( 0 \right)} \right|0} \right\rangle \) arise. Using our result for the 1/q4 contribution, a one to one correspondence is made between the gluon condensate and the effective gluon mass. By relating this mass to,\(\langle 0|\frac{{\alpha _s }}{\pi }G_{\mu v}^2 |0\rangle \) a value ofmgluon=750 MeV is found at −q2=10 GeV2. In addition, within the context of dimensional regularization, a new technique for evaluating two loop momentum integrals with massive propagators is introduced. This method is a derivative of the Mellin transform technique that was applied to ladder diagrams in the days of Reggeisation.
Characterization of new transparent organic electrode materials

Abstract We characterize thin films of a new conductive copolymer, sulfonated poly(thiophene-3-[2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethoxy]-2,5-diyl) (S-P3MEET), with various chemical additives to determine if the films are suitable for use as a hole transport layer in organic electronic devices. Using atomic force microscopy, Kelvin probe, and contact angle measurements, we probe the surface morphology and composition of S-P3MEET thin films. We then use DC conductivity measurements and spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine how the additives change the bulk properties of the films. We find that the additives decrease conductivity, increase work function, and alter the complex refractive index. The resulting properties make some preparations of S-P3MEET advantageous for use in light emitting diodes.
Two-dimensional steady-state detonation waves

Exact relationships have been derived for the steady-state Zeldovich-von Neumann-Doering flow in a cylindrically symmetric detonation behind a curved shock. The equations of motion are integrated along the axis of symmetry without approximating the radial particlevelocity gradient to obtain conservation relationships as generalized Rankine-Hugoniot equations. The Chapman-Jouguet (C-J) condition is formulated with these relationships for a polytropic equation of state to obtain exact expressions for C-J parameters on the axis of symmetry. An inverse method is developed for constructing exact solutions for the axial reaction zone, as the diameter of the charge increases from its critical value to infinity and the flow becomes one dimensional. A particular solution is constructed and examined to demonstrate the dependence of the reaction zone on flow divergence in two-dimensional detonation.
Psychometric properties of the rey-osterrieth complex figure: Lezak-osterrieth versus denman scoring systems

Abstract This study computes and compares interrater and internal consistency reliabilities of the Lezak and Denman scoring systems using three independent raters (N = 318; copy and recall phases). In general, interrater and internal consistency reliabilities for both scoring systems were high and equivalent. Based on the levels of discriminant indices, one item in the recall phase of both scoring methods failed to meet inclusionary criteria for scale retention. However, exclusion of the item would not meaningfully improve the reliability of either system; therefore, no changes in the present protocols are warranted. Selection of scoring method should be based on criteria such as availability of appropriate normative data, cost, or time in scoring.
Nutrient Enrichment on Coral Reefs: Is It a Major Cause of Coral Reef Decline?

Coral reefs are degrading worldwide at an alarming rate. Nutrient over-enrichment is considered a major cause of this decline because degraded coral reefs generally exhibit a shift from high coral cover (low algal cover) to low coral cover with an accompanying high cover and biomass of fleshy algae. Support for such claims is equivocal at best. Critical examination of both experimental laboratory and field studies of nutrient effects on corals and coral reefs, including the Elevated Nutrient on Coral Reefs Experiment (ENCORE) enrichment experiment conducted on the Great Barrier Reef, does not support the idea that the levels of nutrient enrichment documented at anthropogenically-enriched sites can affect the physiology of corals in a harmful way, or for most cases, be the sole or major cause of shifts in coral- algal abundance. Factors other than nutrient enrichment can be significant causes of coral death and affect algal cover, and include decreased abundance of grazing fishes by fishing, and of grazing sea urchins to disease; grazing preferences of remaining grazers; temperature stress that kills coral (i.e., coral bleaching) and creates more open substrate for algal colonization; sedimentation stress that can weaken adult corals and prevent coral recruitment; coral diseases that may be secondary to coral bleaching; and outbreaks of coral predators and sea urchins that may be secondary effects of overfishing. Any factor that leads to coral death or reduces levels of herbivory will leave more substrate open for algal colonization or make the effects of even low-level enrichment more severe. Factors that contribute to an imbalance between production and consumption will result in community structure changes similar to those expected from over- enrichment. Over-enrichment can be and has been the cause of localized coral reef degradation, but the case for widespread effects is not substantiated.
The costs and benefits of large-scale solar photovoltaic power production in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Abstract The potential for a 10 MW photovoltaic power plant in Abu Dhabi is examined in this paper using RETScreen modeling software to predict energy production, financial feasibility and GHG emissions reductions. Initial results show high energy production potential, generating 24 GWh and saving over 10,000 tons of GHG emissions annually, but poor financial prospects yielding a net present value (NPV) of −$51 million. Benefits of reducing GHG and air pollution emissions by replacing natural gas with PV generation are calculated to have a net present value of $47 million, with a large range of possible values. Results show that the high initial costs and low expected price for electricity generated are driving reasons why photovoltaic systems are not being implemented in Abu Dhabi. A feed-in tariff rate of $0.16/kWh is recommended to make large-scale PV systems profitable.
Personal Communication Networks and the Effects of an Entertainment-Education Radio Soap Opera in Tanzania

The personal networks of listeners and nonlisteners to an entertainment-education radio soap opera in Tanzania are examined to determine the effects of interpersonal discussion of the soap opera's educational themes of family planning and HIV prevention. Listeners are more likely to discuss these two educational issues in their personal communication networks and are also more likely to have other listeners to the radio program in their personal communication networks. Respondents demonstrate a relatively high degree of homophily with their network partners and are more likely to discuss matters arising from the radio program with their network partners who are of similar tribal membership, religious affiliation, and gender, and those who are equally or more highly educated than themselves.
Terminal respiration in minute mutants of Drosophila.

Oxidative phosphorylation was studied in mitochondria isolated from third instar larvae heterozygous for the following Minute mutations: M(2)S-10, M(2)l2, M(2)l, M(3)Y and M(3)l. The substrates utilized inculded α-ketoglutarate, pyruvate with malate, succinate, α-glycerophosphate and ascorbate. Mitochondria from an additional mutant, M(2)z, were also tested for their ability to metabolize α-glycerophosphate. Abnormalities associated with the cytochrome b-c site of phosphorylation were evident in all mutant genotypes. Additional lesions at the substrate level and at the DPN-DPNH site of phosphorylation in the electron transport system were also identified in one or more of the mutants analyzed.
Diagnostic value model for the evaluation of PACS: physician ratings of the importance of prompt image access and the utilization of a display station in an intensive care unit

Physician ratings of the importance of rapidly viewing images were compared with the frequency of using a 512 X 512 X 8 display station instead of film for the first viewing of chest images made in a medical intensive care unit. The overall utilization of the display station was 35%. Although there was a statistically significant correlation between utilization and the importance rating, it accounted for only a small part of the difference in the utilization of the display station and film.
Fine structure of the protonephridial system in Planaria. I. Flame cells.

Distal to the flame cells, the protonephridial tubules of fresh-water planarians are circumferentially composed of at least two cells attached by septate junctions; and may be divided, on the basis of morphological criteria, into three longitudinal regions. The cells of nonciliated ductules and ciliated collecting ducts appear to be absorbing material from the lumen; and a distinct proximal-distal polarity is present in each individual cell. At the proximal pole are concentrated micropinocytotic caveolae with amorphous and structural coats on the luminal and cytoplasmic surfaces, respectively. Proceeding distally, a Golgi complex is situated between the micropinocytotic vesicles and large, basophilic, paracrystaline granules. This unusual polarity is interpreted to be important to the resorptive function of the cells.
Targeted delivery of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide and small interference RNA into lung cancer cells.

Selective gene inhibition by antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) or by small interference RNA (siRNA) therapeutics promises the treatment of diseases that cannot be cured by conventional drugs. However, antisense therapy is hindered due to poor stability in physiological fluids and limited intracellular uptake. To address these problems, a ligand targeted and sterically stabilized nanoparticle formulation has been developed in our lab. Human lung cancer cells often overexpress the sigma receptor and, thus, can be targeted with a specific ligand such as anisamide. AS-ODN or siRNA against human survivin was mixed with a carrier DNA, calf thymus DNA, before complexing with protamine, a highly positively charged peptide. The resulting particles were coated with cationic liposomes consisting of DOTAP and cholesterol (1:1, molar ratio) to obtain LPD (liposome−polycation−DNA) nanoparticles. Ligand targeting and steric stabilization were then introduced by incubating preformed LPD nanoparticles with DSPE-PEG-...
Linkage group VI of fish of the genus Xiphophorus (Poeciliidae): assignment of genes coding for glutamine synthetase, uridine monophosphate kinase, and transferrin.

Electrophoretic variation ascribable to three protein-coding loci, coding for glutamine synthetase (GS), uridine monophosphate kinase (UMPK), and transferrin (Tf), was observed in three species of fish of the genus Xiphophorus. Electrophoretic patterns in interspecific F1 hybrid heterozygotes suggested monomeric subunit structures of UMPK and Tf and a multimeric structure of undetermined subunit number of GS. Linkage analyses in backcross hybrids indicated a recombination map of GS-0%-Tf-10.8%-UMPK. This group (designated Xiphophorus linkage group VI) was shown to assort independently from the 14 enzyme loci assigned to linkage groups I–V and from 19 other informative markers within the limits of the data.
Atmospheric pressure microwave induced plasma ionization source for molecular mass spectrometry

An atmospheric pressure microwave induced plasma ionization (AP-MIPI) source design for molecular analysis is presented. It consists of three sections: the torch, the microwave cavity, and the vacuum interface. The torch uses an oscillating capillary nebulizer for introduction of aqueous solutions into the afterglow of the MIP. Samples introduced into the afterglow of the plasma are ionized by protonated solvent molecules in a fashion similar to the chemical ionization process. The ions are then transported into the mass spectrometer using a heated capillary tube. The combination of an improved torch design and the heated capillary tube provides a stable ionization source for direct aqueous solution introduction with flow rates of up to 0.5 mL/min. The system works well with solvent compositions similar to those used in high performance liquid chromatography. For most samples studied, the protonated molecules were the base peaks of the mass spectra. A linear dynamic range of at least two orders of magnitude and an upper limit of quantitation of 5 ng were observed for alanine. The technique was shown to maintain reproducibility and moderate loss of sensitivity (33% reduction) when an amino acid solution containing a sodium phosphate buffer was analyzed. The optimization of experimental parameters with respect to the torch and vacuum interface is discussed.
Does a decade of elevated [CO2] affect a desert perennial plant community?

Summary Understanding the effects of elevated [CO2] on plant community structure is crucial to predicting ecosystem responses to global change. Early predictions suggested that productivity in deserts would increase via enhanced water-use efficiency under elevated [CO2], but the response of intact arid plant communities to elevated [CO2] is largely unknown. We measured changes in perennial plant community characteristics (cover, species richness and diversity) after 10 yr of elevated [CO2] exposure in an intact Mojave Desert community at the Nevada Desert Free-Air CO2 Enrichment (FACE) Facility. Contrary to expectations, total cover, species richness, and diversity were not affected by elevated [CO2]. Over the course of the experiment, elevated [CO2] had no effect on changes in cover of the evergreen C3 shrub, Larrea tridentata; alleviated decreases in cover of the C4 bunchgrass, Pleuraphis rigida; and slightly reduced the cover of C3 drought-deciduous shrubs. Thus, we generally found no effect of elevated [CO2] on plant communities in this arid ecosystem. Extended drought, slow plant growth rates, and highly episodic germination and recruitment of new individuals explain the lack of strong perennial plant community shifts after a decade of elevated [CO2].
Nucleation and Growth kinetics of Cu2O During Reduction of CuO Thin Films

The combination of 16 O (α, α) 16 O oxygen resonance measurement and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) provides an unique and effective method to study the kinetics of nucleation and growth of Cu 2 O phase during reduction. In situ TEM observation showed that isolated and large Cu 2 O grains emerge from the small CuO grain matrix and the growth of Cu 2 O grains is linear with time. We propose that the discontinuous morphology of grain growth of Cu 2 O is due to the migration of the Cu 2 O-CuO phase boundary induced by oxygen out-diffusion along the moving phase boundary. Based on the classical analysis of phase transformation by Johnson, Mehl and Avrami, the activation enthalpy of nucleation of Cu 2 O phase in the CuO matrix has been deduced as Δ E n =2.3 eV. The specific interfacial energy between CuO and Cu 2 O phases has been estimated as 0.5 eV/atom.
Class of Photostable, Highly Efficient UV Dyes: 2-Phenylbenzoxazoles

The photophysics and lasing properties of 2-phenylbenzoxazole,2-(4'-methoxyphenyl)benzoxazole and 2-(4'-diethylaminophenyl)-benzoxazole in nonpolar solvents are reported. This class of 2-phenylbenzoxazoles provides near-UV laser generation with a wide range of tunability (330-380 nm). The efficient laser output and extreme photostability of this class of dyes make their practical application feasible when pumped by a nitrogen laser (337 nm), XeCl excimer laser (308 nm), or Nd:YAG laser (fourth harmonic, 266 am).
Zylka et al. reply

Replying to S. Shohat & S. Shifman , 10.1038/nature13583 (2014) Shohat and Shifman’s analysis1 indicates that long autism spectrum disorder (ASD) genes are overrepresented in the SFARI Gene/AutDB database (as of 11 December 2013) owing to the discovery method. We agree with their analysis and with the need to consider the strength of evidence behind each candidate gene. When our study was underway2, SFARI Gene provided the only comprehensive list of autism candidate genes with confidence values. Subsequent to our publication, more genes have been added to this database and scored, highlighting the rapid pace of advances in the ASD field and the changing confidence behind each ASD gene.
e-Portfolios For Librarians: myMAPP—Mapping Academic Performance through e-Portfolios

Academic librarians face increasing accountability. Reappointment, promotion, tenure, and annual reviews document the achievements of library faculty. Administrators are concerned not only with individual accomplishments but also with outcomes of the organization as a whole. The University of Nebraska at Omaha has developed myMAPP, an electronic portfolio for faculty. The University Library has been one of the first departments to use myMAPP. This articles describes myMAPP implementation in the University Library.
Update on excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center: two-year experience

Our two year experience with excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy for the correction of myopia on 160 eyes of 128 patients is described. All eyes were treated with a VISX Twenty- Twenty excimer laser, with the following parameters: radiant exposure 160 mJ/cm2, frequency 5 Hz, ablation zone diameter 5.0 to 5.5 mm, and stromal ablation rate 0.18 to 0.33 (mu) /pulse. A suction fixation ring was used in all cases either with nitrogen flow (79 eyes) or without nitrogen flow (81 eyes) across the cornea. Follow-up ranged from one month (152 eyes) to 24 months (12 eyes). The results are stable between 3 and 24 months with less than 0.25 D change in the mean postoperative spherical equivalents. In eyes with a follow-up of 6 to 24 months, 77% to 100% were 20/40 or better uncorrected, and 84% to 92% were corrected to within +/- 1 D of emmetropia. Further follow-up is needed to assess the long term safety and efficacy of the procedure.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Exploring the role of prospective memory in location-based reminders

Ubiquitous technology has prompted the use of location-based reminders (LBRs) to help people remember to do things while being away from their desks. However LBRs are still not an effective tool for mobile users. Our work explores how to make LBRs better by using theories of memory, in particular prospective memory, and treating the system that captures the LBRs as an external memory aid. With the knowledge from these two pre-existing literature (prospective memory and external memory aids), we set out to explore how to influence the design and the use of LBRs. In this paper, we propose a framework that uses knowledge and principles from cognitive psychology and present how we might be able to improve LBRs. Our ultimate goal is to facilitate human memory recall for prospective tasks.
On the benefits and pitfalls of analogies for innovative design : Ideation performance based on analogical distance, commonness, and modality of examples

Drawing inspiration from examples by analogy can be a powerful tool for innovative design during conceptual ideation but also carries the risk of negative design outcomes (e.g., design fixation), depending on key properties of examples. Understanding these properties is critical for effectively harnessing the power of analogy. The current research explores how variations in analogical distance, commonness, and representation modality influence the effects of examples on conceptual ideation. Senior-level engineering students generated solution concepts for an engineering design problem with or without provided examples drawn from the U.S. Patent database. Examples were crossed by analogical distance (near-field vs. far-field), commonness (more vs. less-common), and modality (picture vs. text). A control group that received no examples was included for comparison. Effects were examined on a mixture of ideation process and product variables. Our results show positive effects of far-field and less-common examples on novelty and variability in quality of solution concepts. These effects are not modulated by modality. However, detailed analyses of process variables suggest divergent inspiration pathways for far-field vs. less-common examples. Additionally, the combination of far-field, less-common examples resulted in more novel concepts than in the control group. These findings suggest guidelines for the effective design and implementation of design-by-analogy methods, particularly a focus on far-field, less-common examples during the ideation process. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
The impact of minimally invasive spine surgery on perioperative complications in overweight or obese patients.

OBJECTIVE: Open lumbar spinal surgery in overweight or obese patients has been associated with increased risk of perioperative complications. The impact of minimally invasive spinal (MIS) surgery on the incidence of perioperative adverse events in overweight or obese patients, however, has not been well evaluated. METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing lumbar MIS surgery from January 2006 to April 2007 was performed. Of the 77 patients identified, 56 had a body mass index (BMI) of 25.0 kg/m 2 or greater. RESULTS: Of the 56 patients with a BMI of 25 kg/m 2 or greater, 32 (57.1%) were men; the mean age was 54.1 years. The mean BMI was 31.0 kg/m 2 (range, 25.1-43.8 kg/m 2 ). Using a broad definition of an adverse event, eight (14.3%) complications were identified. In the discectomy/laminotomy subgroup (31 patients), two (6.5%) adverse events were noted. In the fusion subgroup (25 patients), six (24%) adverse events were noted, most of which were minor. Of the 21 patients with a BMI less than 25 kg/m 2 , eight (38.1 %) were men, and the mean age was 43.7 years. The mean BMI was 22.5 kg/m 2 (range, 16.8-24.6 kg/m 2 ). Three (14.3%) complications were noted overall. In the discectomy/laminotomy subgroup (17 patients), two (11.8%) adverse events occurred. One (25%) complication developed in the four patients making up the fusion subgroup. There was no statistically significant difference in complication rates between groups. Logistic regression also found no statistically significant relationship between BMI and perioperative complications. CONCLUSION: There does not appear to be an increased risk of developing perioperative complications in overweight or obese patients undergoing MIS surgery, which may reflect a potential benefit of the MIS approach.
On the Mechanism of the Conversion of Methanol to 2,2,3-Trimethylbutane (Triptane) over Zinc Iodide

Methanol is converted to a mixture of hydrocarbons by reaction with zinc iodide at 200 °C with one highly branched alkane, 2,2,3-trimethylbutane (triptane), being obtained in surprisingly high selectivity. Mechanistic studies implicate a two-stage process, the first involving heterogeneously catalyzed formation of a carbon−carbon-bonded species, probably ethylene, that undergoes homogeneously catalyzed sequential cationic methylation to higher hydrocarbons. The first stage can be bypassed by addition of olefins, higher alcohols, or arenes, which act as initiators. Rationales for the particular activity of zinc iodide and for the selectivity to triptane are proposed.
Modernizing the Geneva Conventions

The Geneva conventions are outdated, but simply ignoring them is not the answer, nor should the solution focus solely on the terrorist threat. Instead, Washington should take the lead in revitalizing the conventions to account for the full range of challenges posed by modern wars.
Evolution of type C viral genes: origin of feline leukemia virus

Reiterated gene sequences related to the RNA of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are detected in all tissues of domestic cats and their close Felis relatives but not in more distantly related Felis species. Partially homologous viral gene sequences are found in rodent, and particularly rat, DNA. Together with the immunologic relationships observed between FeLV and endogenous rodent type C viruses, the results lead to the conclusion that FeLV-related genes were transmitted from a rodent to cat ancestor and have been perpetuated in the germ line of cats.
The stability of the hydronium tetrafluoroborate dimer determined by theoretical calculations. Implications for water protonation in nonpolar solvents and on solid acids

Upon geometry optimization with no constraints (MP2/6-31G*), hydronium fluoroborate decomposed, but the dimer (H3O+·BF4−)2 was stable. In the dimer, the anions face each other and create a cavity containing the two cations. Density functional theory calculations (B3LYP/6-31G* to /6-31++G**) gave somewhat different arrangements of clusters and ion geometries. The MP2/6-31G* geometry was symmetrical, with a boron to boron distance of 4.650 A and the closest interionic fluorine to fluorine distance of 2.783 A. Hydrogen bonds connect ions of opposite sign. Two groups of equivalent hydrogens generate an AX2-type 1H NMR spectrum, as found for a hydronium salt in Freon solution; dimeric clusters should also be present in nonpolar solvents. In concentrated aqueous solution, however, the 17O NMR spectrum indicates the presence of ion pairs. The double cluster is stable at B···B distances of 5.00, 5.50 and 6.00 A (F···F distances of 3.10, 3.91 and 4.55 A), but decomposes to a solvated ion pair at B···B of 6.50 A. Cooperation of acid sites inside porous solids should also facilitate water protonation, to form double anion–hydronium ion clusters. Whether sites of equal strength protonate water at stoichiometric ratio depends upon the channel size and disposition of sites in it. The expectation of narrowly defined spectral properties for protonated water in solid acids is not warranted. The protonating ability is determined by intrinsic strength, distance between, and relative orientation of sites.
Chemical bonding in two-dimensional islands of silver and gold on graphite surfaces

Abstract Conventional chemical bonding principles are shown to account for the experimentally observed rectangular and hexagonal lattices found in islands of silver and gold atoms deposited on the surface of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite. The rectangular-hexagonal lattice transition appears to be closely related to the Peierls metal-insulator transition found in one-dimensional metals.
Nonlinear partial differential systems on Riemannian manifolds with their geometric applications

We make the first study of how the existence of (essential) positive supersolutions of nonlinear degenerate partial differential equations on a manifold affects the topology, geometry, and analysis of the manifold. For example, for surfaces in R3 we prove a Bernstein-type theorem that generalizes and unifies three distinct theorems. In higher dimensions, we provide topological obstructions for a minimal hypersurface in Rn+1 to admit an essential positive supersolution. This immediately yields information about the Gauss map of complete minimal hypersurfaces in Rn+1. By coping with a wider class of nonlinear partial differential equations that are involved with (p)-harmonic maps and (p)-superstrongly unstable manifolds, we derive information on the regularity of minimizers, homotopy groups, and solutions to Dirichlet problems, from the existence of essential positive supersolutions.
Identification and partial characterization of a major gut proteinase from larvae of the hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)☆

A major digestive proteinase in the guts of larvae of biotype D of Mayetiola destructor is a chymotrypsin-like serine proteinase which can hydrolyze [3H]alpha-casein and benzoyl-l-tyrosine ethyl ester (BTEE). Hydrolysis of protein and ester by the gut proteinase were blocked by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and inhibited by l-1-tosylamide-2-phenylethyl chloromethyl ketone (TPCK). Optimum pH for hydrolysis of BTEE by gut proteinase is 7.8. Hydrolysis of [3H]alpha-casein by gut proteinase reaches a maximum at pH 8.4 and then maintains a plateau until pH 10.8. Proteolytic activity is located extracellularly in the lumen contents of the gut. The nature of proteolytic activity appears to be consistent in all larval stages examined. The Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI) from soybeans is a strong inhibitor of the proteolytic and esterolytic activities of the gut proteinase. These results are discussed in the context of the potential application of naturally occurring proteinase inhibitors as engineered host plant defences against larvae of the Hessian fly.
Fast correspondence of unrectified stereo images using genetic algorithm and spline representation

Spline representations have been successfully used with a genetic algorithm to determine a disparity map for stereo image pairs. This paper describes work to modify the genetic spline algorithm to use a version of the genetic algorithm with small populations and few generations, previously referred to as "Tiny GAs", to allow algorithm implementations to achieve real-time performance. The algorithm was also targeted at unrectified stereo image pairs to reduce preprocessing making it more suitable for real-time performance. To ensure disparity map quality is preserved, the two dimensional nature of images is maintained to leverage persistent information instead of representing the images as 1-D signals as suggested in the orignal genetic spline algorithm. Experimental results are given of this modified algorithm using unrectified images.
A striking new treehopper genus Mutilifolia (Hemiptera: Membracidae: Smiliinae: Telamonini), from Costa Rica.

A new treehopper genus from Costa Rica, Mutilifolia , based on M. nishidai , new species, is described and illustrated. Mutilifolia is considered a member of the subfamily Smiliinae, tribe Telamonini based on characteristics of the pronotum, fore- and hind wing venation, and female genitalia. This genus superficially resembles the telamonine genera Antianthe , Archasia , and Hemicardiacus due to the highly elevated, foliaceous, and largely green pronotum, but the male style clasp of Mutilifolia with two recurved teeth differs greatly from the styles of any other presently known telamonine. Further collecting of treehoppers in the mountainous regions of Central America and Mexico, areas often neglected by collectors, may yield additional new Telamonini taxa.
CPAP reduces inspiratory work more than dyspnea during hyperinflation with intrinsic PEEP.

Hyperinflation with intrinsic positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEPi) loads the respiratory muscles and causes dyspnea in obstructive lung disease. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has shown some efficacy in reducing inspiratory work and dyspnea. However, in obstructive lung disease, inspiratory work and dyspnea may be increased by additional factors that may not be affected by CPAP. Therefore, to study the effects of hyperinflation with intrinsic PEEP and CPAP in isolation, we used a mechanical analog of airway closure to increase end-expiratory lung volume in normal subjects. In five subjects in whom inspiratory work was measured, increasing end-expiratory lung volume by 1 and 2 L increased inspiratory work per breath from 0.42±0.04 J to 1.17±0.15 J (p 2 O CPAP (p=0.052). Inspiratory dyspnea was modestly reduced by CPAP during these endurance trials. We conclude that CPAP can substantially ameliorate the respiratory work load induced by hyperinflation with intrinsic PEEP. However, the effects of CPAP on dyspnea and endurance are more limited. This suggests that the limits to breathing at high lung volumes are related to factors in addition to respiratory muscle work, and that CPAP may be of more value in reducing the work than in relieving the distress of obstructive lung disease. (CHEST 1995; 108:432-40)