cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanoscale optical pulse limiter enabled by refractory metallic quantum wells

The past several decades have witnessed rapid development of high-intensity, ultrashort pulse lasers, enabling deeper laboratory investigation of nonlinear optics, plasma physics, and quantum science and technology than previously possible. Naturally, with their increasing use, the risk of accidental damage to optical detection systems rises commensurately. Thus, various optical limiting mechanisms and devices have been proposed. However, restricted by the weak optical nonlinearity of natural materials, state-of-the-art optical limiters rely on bulk liquid or solid media, operating in the transmission mode. Device miniaturization becomes complicated with these designs while maintaining superior integrability and controllability. Here, we demonstrate a reflection-mode pulse limiter (sub-100 nm) using nanoscale refractory films made of Al2O3/TiN/Al2O3 metallic quantum wells (MQWs), which provide large and ultrafast Kerr-type optical nonlinearities due to the quantum size effect of the MQW. Functional multilayers consisting of these MQWs could find important applications in nanophotonics, nonlinear optics, and meta-optics.
Upper Bound Performance of Shipboard Power and Energy Systems for Early-Stage Design

Shipboard power systems that service large-scale dynamic loads and electric propulsion can significantly improve their performance by adding controllable energy storage. These systems require power management controls that consider dynamics like generator ramp rates, along with energy storage capacity and location. In the early-stage design process, many alternative designs are considered, and each requires a unique controller. This article describes a numerical optimization technique that establishes an upper bound performance criteria without manually designing controllers for each system. The solution is a best case performance that assumes perfect future knowledge of the time-varying load. While unrealistic in real-time, this technique yields a fair comparison between competing architectures without the variability of different control methods. To demonstrate the concept, a notional multi-bus power system architecture is evaluated on a representative set of operational duties to illustrate comparisons between system attributes like energy storage power and efficiency ratings. A design trade study shows that the success rate for a baseline ship can improve from under 60% to nearly 100% by increasing generator power by 10% and energy storage capacity by 100%. These automated architecture benchmarks fit into a broader total ship optimization process, or can be used in human-driven trade studies.
Gaps in infection prevention practices for catheter-associated urinary tract infections and central line-associated bloodstream infections as identified by the Targeted Assessment for Prevention Strategy.

Abstract Background Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI) and central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) represent a substantial portion of health care-associated infections (HAIs) reported in the United States. The Targeted Assessment for Prevention Strategy is a quality improvement framework to reduce health care-associated infections. Data from the Targeted Assessment for Prevention Facility Assessments were used to determine common infection prevention gaps for CAUTI and CLABSI. Methods Data from 2,044 CAUTI and 1,680 CLABSI assessments were included in the analysis. Items were defined as potential gaps if ≥33% respondents answered Unknown, ≥33% No, or ≥50% No or Unknown or Never, Rarely, Sometimes, or Unknown to questions pertaining to those areas. Review of response frequencies and stratification by respondent role were performed to highlight opportunities for improvement. Results Across CAUTI and CLABSI assessments, lack of physician champions ( Conclusions These data suggest common gaps in critical components of infection prevention and control programs. The identification of these gaps has the potential to inform targeted CAUTI and CLABSI prevention efforts.
Subsystem selection for digital twin development: A case study on an unmanned underwater vehicle

Abstract Digital twins are virtual representations of subsystems within a system of systems. They can be utilized to model and predict performance and condition degradation throughout a system's life cycle. Condition based maintenance, or the performance of system maintenance based on the subsystem states, is often facilitated by the implementation of digital twins. An open challenge is selecting the subsystems that require digital twins. We establish a generic process for determining a set of priority-based system components requiring digital twin development for condition based maintenance purposes. The priority set, which we term the “triage” set, represents the set of components that when monitored through a digital twin lead to the greatest increase in total system reliability and simultaneously represent the minimal cost set of components for implementing a digital twin. While we focus our process on an unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV), where we frame the design problem as a multiobjective optimization problem utilizing experimentally determined data and metrics from the model of a real UUV system, the process is generic enough that it could be utilized by any system looking at cost and reliability estimates for leveraging digital twin technology.
Ferroelectric HfO2-based synaptic devices: recent trends and prospects

Neuro-inspired deep learning algorithm has shown promising futures for artificial intelligence (AI). Despite the remarkable progress on software-based neural network, the traditional von-Neumann hardware architecture has suffered from limited energy efficiency while facing unprecedented large amount of data. In order to meet the performance requirement of neuro-inspired computing, the large-scale vector-matrix multiplication is preferred to be performed in-situ, namely compute-in-memory (CIM). Non-volatile memory devices with different materials have been proposed for weight storage as synaptic devices. Among them, the HfO2-based ferroelectric devices have obtained great attention because of their low energy consumption, good CMOS compatibility and multi-bit per cell potential. In this review, recent trends and prospects of the ferroelectric synaptic devices are surveyed. First, we present the three-terminal synaptic devices based on ferroelectric field effect transistor (FeFET), and discuss the switching physics of the intermediate states, the back-end-of-line (BEOL) integration and the 3D NAND architecture design. Then, we introduce hybrid precision synapse concept that leverages the volatile charges on the gate capacitor of FeFET and the non-volatile polarization on the gate dielectric of FeFET. Lastly, we review two-terminal synaptic devices using ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) and ferroelectric capacitor (FeCAP). Design margins of the crossbar array with FTJ and FeCAP are analyzed.
Interactions between Two Species

Populations of two different species that coexist within the same geographic area may be viewed as two separate population systems which interact with each other through their common environment. In this way, the numbers of one population modify the favorability of the environment for the other (Figure 4.1). This interaction creates an additional feedback loop, shown as a bold line in the figure, which passes through both population systems. This loop may be positive or negative depending on the signs of the interspecific interactions.
Shifting Branchless Banking Regulation from Enabling to Fostering Competition

Branchless banking solutions in most countries tend to be dominated by a few large players, and exhibit low levels of innovation. The paper argues that there is a need to evolve the regulatory framework for branchless banking from one that enables participation by banks and telcos to one that fosters competition by a broader range of players. Regulations on e-money issuers, retail agents and account opening need to be recast so as to reduce the cost of entry and give much more scope for service and business model innovation. In addition, there is a growing need for policymakers to ensure there is a level playing field across all players, and that mobile operators do not exploit their dominance in the mobile communications market to gain advantage in the new market for mobile financial services.
On the Anatomy of the Temporomandibular Joint and the Muscles That Act Upon It: Observations on the Gray Whale, Eschrichtius robustus

The temporomandibular joint and its associated musculature are described in a neonate gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus) and serve as the basis for direct anatomical comparisons with the temporomandibular region in other clades of baleen whales (Mysticeti). Members of the right whale/bowhead whale clade (Balaenidae) are known to possess a synovial lower jaw joint, while members of the rorqual clade (Balaenopteridae) have a nonsynovial temporomandibular joint characterized by a highly flexible fibrocartilaginous pad and no joint capsule. In contrast, the gray whale possesses a modified temporomandibular joint (intermediate condition), with a vestigial joint cavity lacking a fibrous capsule, synovial membrane, and articular disk. In addition, the presence of a rudimentary fibrocartilaginous pad appears to be homologous to that seen in balaenopterid mysticetes. The intrinsic temporomandibular musculature in the gray whale was found to include a multibellied superficial masseter and a single-bellied deep masseter. The digastric and internal pterygoid muscles in E. robustus are enlarged relative to the condition documented in species of Balaenoptera. A relatively complex insertion of the temporalis muscle on the dentary is documented in the gray whale and the low, knob-like process on the gray whale dentary is determined to be homologous with the prominent coronoid process of rorquals. Comparison with the anatomy of the temporomandibular musculature in rorquals reveals an increased importance of alpha rotation of the dentary in the gray whale. This difference in muscular morphology and lines of muscle action is interpreted as representing adaptations for suction feeding.
Parsing the players: 2-arachidonoylglycerol synthesis and degradation in the CNS

The endogenous cannabinoid signalling system, composed of endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors and the enzymes that synthesize and degrade the endogenous cannabinoids, is much more complex than initially conceptualized. 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid and plays a major role in CNS development and synaptic plasticity. Over the past decade, many key players in 2-AG synthesis and degradation have been identified and characterized. Most 2-AG is synthesized from membrane phospholipids via sequential activation of a phospholipase Cβ and a diacylglycerol lipase, although other pathways may contribute in specialized settings. 2-AG breakdown is more complicated with at least eight different enzymes participating. These enzymes can either degrade 2-AG into its components, arachidonic acid and glycerol, or transform 2-AG into highly bioactive signal molecules. The implications of the precise temporal and spatial control of the expression and function of these pleiotropic metabolizing enzymes have only recently come to be appreciated. In this review, we will focus on the primary organization of the synthetic and degradative pathways of 2-AG and then discuss more recent findings and their implications, with an eye towards the biological and therapeutic implications of manipulating 2-AG synthesis and metabolism. Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Cannabinoids 2013. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-6
Early goal-directed therapy in patients with end-stage renal disease

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on dialysis are at increased risk for infection, yet few studies in sepsis focus on this population. The current study evaluates early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) for ESRD patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.
Summary of Adaptive Optics at Stanford

The status of adaptive optics at Stanford is summarized. Particular focus is given to the fabrication and testing of segmented, micro-mirror SLMs developed under the CCIT (Coherent Communications, Imaging, and Targeting) project [1]. Square and hexagonal “5 s 5” and “32 s 32” arrays have been fabricated using MEMS technology, and “5 s 5” arrays have been characterized.
Vascular Anatomy of the Counter-Current Heat Exchanger of Skipjack Tuna

1. The anatomy of the counter-current heat exchanger of skipjack tuna is described and the pattern of blood flow is analysed. 2. The pattern of blood flow is from the dorsal aorta, through the exchanger to segmental arteries to the tissues, from the tissues to segmental veins and back through the exchanger to the post-cardinal vein. 3. The vessels in the exchanger are about the same size as systemic arterioles and venules and are about 10 mm long. There are about 125000 of each type in a 2 kg tuna. 4. The velocity of blood flow in the exchanger is about 1/80th of that in the dorsal aorta and post-cardinal vein allowing time for heat transfer. 5. There are many valves in the segmental veins which may be expected because of the resistance offered by the exchanger. 6. The vessels in the tuna heat exchanger are an order of magnitude larger than those in the swim-bladder rete, thus permitting heat transfer but preventing gas transfer. This investigation was supported by NIH research grant number HL 16716 to EDS.
Skeletal Muscle Contraction in Feedback Control

The presented work addresses the implementation of Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) into a closed-loop control system as a means of rehabilitation for patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). FES is a neuroprothesis technique applied to reinnervate the motor function in affected muscles. In clinical settings, FES is applied via an open-loop system which is not an efficient approach. Therefore, this study focuses on experimentally applying two model-free feedback controllers: a Proportional-Integral (PI) controller and a Model Reference Adaptive Control (MRAC) algorithm. A comparative study evaluating these controllers is carried out in vitro mimicking the knee-joint tracking system. The experimental setup is composed of a muscle-mass-spring system where the muscle is stimulated while forces are measured and the muscle position is tracked. Thus, the muscle’s instantaneous position is used as feedback signal. Consequently, the effectiveness of both controllers is evaluated to develop improved strategies for the system’s tracking.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
An analysis of the effects of higher education on wage differentials between blacks and whites by gender in the United States

Previous analyses that have examined the effect to higher education on the wage differences between blacks and whites have largely been focussed on males and failed to provide quantitative estimates of the impact that higher education has on discrimination and the black–white wage differential for both genders in 1980. In particular, we find that equalizing the years of college completed by black and white males reduces the wage differential by 14%. Conversely, equalizing the years of college completed by black and white females exacerbates wage inequality by increasing the wage advantage accruing to black females by nearly 24%. Hence the egalitarian policy mission of higher education in narrowing wage inequality between blacks and whites is complicated by the issue of gender.
Acute generalized pustular psoriasis, von Zumbusch type, treated in the burn unit. A review of clinical features and new therapeutics

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is an immune-mediated dermatologic condition that is characterized by a widespread eruption of sterile, subcorneal pustules. Cases of GPP may present to the burn intensive care unit (ICU), and they may be confused with toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) due to the generalized erythema and desquamation. GPP often benefits from admission to an ICU for management of fluid and electrolyte imbalances and for complications such as pneumonitis, renal dysfunction and sepsis. We present the case of a 42 year-old man who was transferred to the burn unit for presumed TEN where he was diagnosed with GPP and successfully treated with intravenous cyclosporine and supportive care. Our objective is to increase awareness of this condition in the critical care community, discuss clinical and laboratory findings, and to review the treatment guidelines published by the National Psoriasis Foundation in August 2012. We also discuss the latest reports utilizing biological response modifying drugs.
Passivation of type II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes

Abstract Recently, excellent infrared detectors have been demonstrated using Type II InAs/GaSb superlattice materials sensitive at wavelengths from 3 μm to greater than 32 μm. These results indicate that Type II superlattice devices may challenge the preponderance of HgCdTe and other state-of-the-art infrared material systems. As such, surface passivation is becoming an increasingly important issue as progress is made towards the commercialization of Type II devices and focal plane array applications. This work focuses on initial attempts at surface passivation of Type II InAs/GaSb superlattice photodiodes using PECVD-grown thin layers of SiO2. Our results indicate that silicon dioxide coatings deposited at various temperatures improve photodetector resistivity by several times. Furthermore, reverse-bias dark current has been reduced significantly in passivated devices.
A TEST OF THE TOPOLOGICAL STRUCTURE OF RIVER NETS

Abstract Two basically different models have been proposed in order to give a rational explanation of Horton's law of stream numbers: the “cyclic” model and the “random graph” model. In the cyclic model, a “Horton net” must be Hortonian in all its parts, and therefore channels of different (Strahler) order must be hierarchically arranged to form successive “generations” of rivers; in the random graph model, channels join in a completely random fashion, and a “Horton net” is simply a net in which Horton's law of stream numbers is numerically satisfied. In the present paper, these two models have been tested on a large stream population: the Wabash river system, in the continental U.S.A. This network is Hortonian, since the law of stream numbers is numerically satisfied with little scatter; but it shows no structural regularity at all. This seems to be a fairly general case. Therefore, the concept of structural regularity does not have its counterpart in nature; accordingly, the cyclic model does not corres...
Molecular simulation of thermal transport across hydrophilic interfaces

Abstract Using molecular simulations, we have investigated heat transfer across the solid–fluid interface of a silica wafer in contact with water vapor. Our results show that the thermal or Kapitza resistance decreases significantly, as the surface becomes more hydrophilic. This is primarily due to increases in adsorption and absorption at the surface, which enhances the intermolecular collision frequency at the interface. Increasing this frequency also reduces the dependence of thermal transport on variations in the interfacial temperature and pressure. Decreasing the density diminishes the intermolecular collision frequency thus increasing the thermal resistance.
Modeling Image Appeal Based on Crowd Preferences for Automated Person-Centric Collage Creation

This paper attempts to model IA in personal photo collections through a user-centric perspective. To understand how users deemed an image as being more/less appealing, an extensive crowdsourcing experiment was conducted with 350 workers and five different albums. The significant variance in selection probabilities for the most and least appealing images indicated that images were not selected randomly, and there were underlying factors that influenced some images to be selected more often than others. We then employed nine low level image attributes to model the image selection process, and trained SVRs which could adequately predict image selections for the album-specific conditions. However, a generic SVR failed to model the selection patterns as adequately as the album-specific SVRs suggesting that context greatly influences the categorization of what is more and less appealing. Experimental results demonstrate that our approach is promising. However, more attributes (related to image semantics) are needed to accurately model image selection characteristics.
Berea Sandstone Reservoirs in Ashland and Medina Counties, Ohio: ABSTRACT

The Berea Sandstone is one of the better known rock formations in Ohio. It occurs at shallow depths throughout a broad belt in central Ohio and crops out to the north and west of these counties. Stratigraphically, the Berea Sandstone is part of the Waverly Group and is underlain by the red and gray Bedford Shale and overlain by the black Sunbury Shale, all of which are of Early Mississippian age. In Ashland and Medina Counties, the Berea may be divided into two separately identifiable units. The upper unit, called the "blanket" Berea in outcrop, is approximately equivalent to the "cap" Berea in the subsurface. The second unit, which lies below the "cap" Berea varies considerably in its thickness. The thickness of the Berea Sandstone (excluding the "cap") ranges from zero to over 125 ft (38 m) in the study area. The thickness changes occur within very short distances (i.e., 100-200 ft or 30-60 m) owing to the original depositional conditions responsible for the formation of the sand body. The traditional, long-standing, and generally accepted view is that the Berea Sandstone was deposited in Ashland and Medina Counties in southward-flowing river channels. More recent drilling in these counties has demonstrated that these sand channels are not continuous, but are isolated sandstone bodies in which petroleum has accumulated. The reservoir capacity of the Berea is between 8 and 22% with an average porosity of 15%. The sandstone consists of loosely cemented, medium to fine-grained quartz with only rare shale breaks below the "cap" Berea. In Ashland and Medina Counties, Berea wells generally produce oil. Initial production in this area ranges between 1 or 2 bbl and to 40 BOPD after treatment. Reservoirs in the Berea Sandstone generally are productive where the sandstones are thick. They are also productive where the sandstone is thinner, but high on structure. Although a high structural position is preferred, the critical consideration is the thickness of the sandstone body and the reservoir geometry. End_of_Article - Last_Page 1920------------
1635 EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE IN-HOSPITAL THERAPY ON LUNG FUNCTIONS AND EXERCISE TOLERANCE IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)

1635 EFFECTS OF INTENSIVE IN-HOSPITAL THERAPY ON LUNG FUNCTIONS AND EXERCISE TOLERANCE IN CYSTIC FIBROSIS (CF)
Sources and source variations for aerosol at Mace Head, Ireland

Abstract The sources and source variations for aerosol at Mace Head, Ireland, were studied by applying positive matrix factorization (PMF), a variant of factor analysis, to a 5-yr data set for bulk aerosol. Signals for the following six sources were evident year round: (1) mineral dust, (2) sea salt, (3) general pollution, (4) a secondary SO 4 2− –Se signal that is composed of both natural (marine) and pollution (coal) components, (5) ferrous industries, (6) and a second marine (possibly biogenic) source. Analyses of seasonally stratified data suggested additional sources for iodine and oil emissions but these were present only in certain seasons, respectively. The marine signal is particularly strong in winter. The main pollution transport from Europe to Mace Head occurs in May, but the influence of continental European emissions is evident throughout the year. Mineral aerosol evidently follows a transport pathway similar to that of pollution aerosol, i.e., recirculation via the westerlies brings pollutants mixed with dust to the site from nearby land, i.e., Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxemburg (Benelux) region, with some inputs from Scandinavia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, and even the Mediterranean region. Compared with Bermuda, aerosol at Mace Head has stronger marine sources (especially marine-derived secondary SO 4 2− and Se) but weaker crustal and oil signals. Transport across the North Atlantic, especially in winter, cannot be ruled out.
L-arginine uptake into renal brush border membrane vesicles.

Abstract The uphill uptake of l -arginine by renal brush border membrane vesicles was found to be energized by a Na + gradient (extravesicular > intravesicular) in the presence of a membrane potential (inside negative). The uptake was specific for Na + . Either a K + -diffusion potential, generated by valinomycin, or a H + -diffusion potential, generated by the mitochondrial uncoupler, carbonyl cyanide p -trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone, provided the electrical driving force. The Na + gradient-dependent l -arginine transport system was shared by specific basic amino acids and l -cystine, but not by d -arginine nor other classes of amino acids. The molecular structure of the basic amino acid recognized by the carrier was postulated.
Effects of Low and High Concentrations of Potassium on the Simultaneously Recorded Purkinje and Ventricular Action Potentials of the Perfused Pig Moderator Band

The use of the perfused pig moderator band has allowed us to study the rapid simultaneous changes in Purkinje and ventricular action potentials induced by perfusing solutions of high (10 to 12 mM) and low (0.6 to 0.8 mM) K concentrations. High K shortened the plateau more in Purkinje fibers than in ventricular fibers and decreased the difference between the action potential durations of the two fiber types. Low K prolonged the plateau in Purkinje fibers but shortened it in ventricular fibers and increased the difference between the action potential durations. Low K initially hyperpolarized both Purkinje and ventricular fibers. However, the resting potential of the Purkinje fiber subsequently decreased as phase-4 depolarization increased. The decreased maximum repolarization potential associated with low K-induced pacemaker activity was time rather than voltage dependent. When the perfusate was changed from low K to control (K = 4.8 mM), phase-4 depolarization was rapidly suppressed and the action potential of the Purkinje fiber was shortened to less than that produced by high K, and then changes in amplitude of the resting and action potentials occurred. Our observations help to explain some of the effects of low and high K on rhythm and conduction.
CIRCULAR DICHROISM OF CHROMIUM(III) SEXADENTATE EDTA-TYPE COMPLEXES, PART I (S, S)-Ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinatochromate(III) and Ethylenediamine-N, N '-Diacetato-N, N'-Di-3-Propionatochromate(III) Ions

Abstract New sexadentate Cr(III) complexes with (S, S)-ethylenediamine-N, N'-disuccinic acid (S, S-H4EDDS) and ethylenediamine-N, N'-diacetic-N, N'-di-3-propionic acid (H4EDDDA) are reported. With both ligands only trans(Os) geometrical isomers have been prepared. Infrared, electronic absorption, and CD spectra were used for characterizing the complexes. Because of the stereospecificity of the S, S-EDDS ligand the absolute configuration of the trans(O5)-Cr(S, S-EDDS)− is known. The (-)589-isomer of the trans(O5)-Cr(EDDDA)− complex, having a positive CD peak at lowest energy in the first spin-allowed d-d absorption band region, is tentatively assigned the A configuration, by comparison of its CD spectrum to the CD spectrum of the corresponding trans(Os)-Co(EDDDA)− and trans(O5)-Cr(S, S-EDDS)− complexes of known absolute configurations.
A TAD better for myeloma therapy

In this issue of Blood, Lokhorst and colleagues report on the results of HOVON-50, a phase 3 randomized trial designed to evaluate the effects of thalidomide during induction treatment and as maintenance in patients with multiple myeloma. There were 556 patients randomly assigned either to 3 cycles of VAD or to TAD. All patients were to receive high-dose melphalan with autologous stem cell support followed by maintenance with interferon for the VAD arm or thalidomide for the TAD arm.(1) This study together with other randomized and nonrandomized trials establish a definitive role for thalidomide as induction therapy in conjunction with dexamethasone, anthracyclines, and alkylating agents.
Spin-state tuning at pseudotetrahedral d(7) ions: examining the structural and magnetic phenomena of four-coordinate [BP3]CoII-X systems.

Electronic structure, spin-state, and geometrical relationships for a series of pseudotetrahedral Co(II) aryloxide, siloxide, arylthiolate, and silylthiolate complexes supported by the tris(phosphino)borate [BP_3] ligands [PhBP_3] and [PhBP^(iPr)_3] ([PhB(CH_2PPh_2)_3]^- and [PhB(CH_2PiPr_2)_3]^-, respectively) are described. Standard ^1H NMR, optical, electrochemical, and solution magnetic data, in addition to low-temperature EPR and variable temperature SQUID magnetization data, are presented for the new cobalt(II) complexes [PhBP_3]CoOSiPh_3 (2), [PhBP_3]CoO(4-^tBu-Ph) (3), [PhBP_3]CoO(C_6F_5) (4), [PhBP_3]CoSPh (5), [PhBP_3]CoS(2,6-Me_2-Ph) (6), [PhBP_3]CoS(2,4,6-iPr_3-Ph) (7), [PhBP_3]CoS(2,4,6-^tBu_3-Ph) (8), [PhBP_3]CoSSiPh_3 (9), [PhBP_3]CoOSi(4-NMe_2-Ph)_3 (10), [PhBP_3]CoOSi(4-CF_3-Ph)_3 (11), [PhBP_3]CoOCPh_3 (12), [PhBPiPr_3]CoOSiPh_3 (14), and [PhBPiPr_3]CoSSiPh_3 (15). The low-temperature solid-state crystal structures of 2, 3, 5−10, 12, and 15 are also described. These pseudotetrahedral cobalt(II) complexes are classified as featuring one of two limiting distortions, either umbrella or off-axis. Magnetic and spectroscopic data demonstrate that both S = 1/2 and S = 3/2 ground-state electronic configurations are accessible for the umbrella distorted structure type, depending on the nature of the X-type ligand, its denticity (η^1 versus η^3), and the tripodal phosphine ligand employed. Off-axis distorted complexes populate an S = 1/2 ground-state exclusively. For those four-coordinate complexes that populate S = 1/2 ground states, X-ray data show two Co−P bond distances that are invariably shorter than a third Co−P bond. The pseudotetrahedral siloxides 2, 10, and 11 are exceptional in that they display gradual spin crossover in the solid state. The diamagnetic cobalt(III) complex {[PhBP_3]CoOSiPh_3}{BAr_4} ({16}{BAr_4}) (Ar = Ph or 3,5-(CF_3)_2−C_6H_3) has also been prepared and structurally characterized. Accompanying electronic structure calculations (DFT) for complexes 2, 6, and {16}^+ support the notion of a close electronic structure relationship between these four-coordinate systems and octahedral, sandwich, and half-sandwich coordination complexes.
Dynamic effects of vaporization with exothermic reaction in a porous catalytic pellet

A single catalytic pellet reactor was used to investigate dynamic multiphase reaction-transport interactions. The experiments permitted the simultaneous measurement of pellet weight (liquid holdup) and center temperature under conditions which mimic the unsteady, local events within a fixed-bed multiphase reactor. In the liquid-prefilled pellet experiments, the pellet (Pd/Al[sub 2]O[sub 3]-clay) was prefilled with liquid reactant (AMS or cyclohexene) and then exposed to a flowing gas containing hydrogen. In the gas-prefilled pellet experiments, the pellet was prefilled with hydrogen and then contacted by a liquid reactant pulse of prescribed flow rate and duration. The liquid-prefilled experiments revealed an acceleration in the drying rate due to the exothermic reaction. The pore emptying process was accompanied by a significant increase in the pellet temperature. The considerably slower dynamics observed for the AMS system compared to the cyclohexene system are attributed both to differences in liquid-phase volatility and to self-oligomerization of the AMS. In the gas-prefilled experiments, a pore filling with reaction process precedes the pore emptying step. The degree of catalyst overheating is highest for a liquid pulse of intermediate duration. A phenomenological mechanism of drying with exothermic reaction built on the well-accepted theory of drying of granular media is offered to explainmore » the trends in the data. Implications of the findings with regards to hot spot formation in the catalytic reactor are discussed.« less
Development of reactive Pd/Fe bimetallic nanotubes for dechlorination reactions

We described the synthesis and characterization of a new class of bimetallic nanotubes based on Pd/Fe and demonstrated their efficacy in the dechlorination of PCB 77, a polychlorinated biphenyl. One-dimensional iron metal nanotubes of different diameters were prepared by electroless deposition within the pores of PVP-coated polycarbonate membranes using a simple technique under ambient conditions. The longitudinal nucleation of the nanotubes along the pore walls was achieved by mounting the PC membrane between two halves of a U-shape reaction tube. The composition, morphology, and structure of the Pd/Fe nanotubes were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy, and X-ray powder diffraction spectroscopy. The as-prepared Pd/Fe bimetallic nanotubes were used in dechlorination of 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB 77). In comparison with Pd/Fe nanoparticles, the Pd/Fe nanotubes demonstrated higher efficiency and faster dechlorination of the PCB.
The effect of rehearsal-preventing task upon retention of CVC syllables

In order to assess the effect of rehearsal-preventing task upon short-term memory, 12 S s, run in two sessions, were given either high- or low-association value CVCs to be recalled after varying amounts of rehearsal-preventing activity. Rehearsal-preventing activity consisted of 0, 3, 9, or 18 CVCs of high-, medium-, or low-association value or of three-digit numbers which were to be read off in time to a metronome and later tested for recognition. Each of the 16 conditions was repeated four times in a Latin square design. High-association value CVCs were well recalled under all experimental conditions. For low-association value CVCs, on the other hand, recall was a decreasing function of the length of delay interval, and steepness of the slope of the forgetting curve was related to the similarity of rehearsal-preventing material to the CVC to be learned. Two explanations for these findings were considered: one in terms of attention and one in terms of interference. The interference explanation was somewhat supported by qualitative analysis of errors in recall as well as by examination of recognition-test data.
High-level expression of an altered cDNA encoding human isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase in Escherichia coli

Isovaleryl-CoA dehydrogenase (IVD) catalyzes the conversion of isovaleryl-CoA to 3-methylcrotonyl-CoA in the leucine catabolism pathway. The cDNA encoding the mature human IVD polypeptide was cloned in a prokaryotic expression vector, but the level of expression in Escherichia coli was extremely low and attempts to purify the enzyme to homogeneity were unsuccessful. To enhance expression, the nucleotide sequence of 22 codons within the 111-bp region at the 5'-end of the cDNA was altered to accommodate E. coli codon usage without altering the amino-acid coding sequence. The altered IVD cDNA was synthesized by PCR, using a primer containing the desired modifications. Following overnight induction of the E. coli transformed with this cDNA, the enzyme was purified to homogeneity using diethylaminoethyl agarose and high-pressure ceramic hydroxyapatite resins. IVD activity was increased 165-fold in the crude extract of cells containing the modified cDNA, as compared to that containing the wild-type cDNA.
Perspectives on wellness self-monitoring tools for older adults

Abstract Purpose Our purpose was to understand different stakeholder perceptions about the use of self-monitoring tools, specifically in the area of older adults' personal wellness. In conjunction with the advent of personal health records, tracking personal health using self-monitoring technologies shows promising patient support opportunities. While clinicians' tools for monitoring of older adults have been explored, we know little about how older adults may self-monitor their wellness and health and how their health care providers would perceive such use. Methods We conducted three focus groups with health care providers ( n =10) and four focus groups with community-dwelling older adults ( n =31). Results Older adult participants' found the concept of self-monitoring unfamiliar and this influenced a narrowed interest in the use of wellness self-monitoring tools. On the other hand, health care provider participants showed open attitudes toward wellness monitoring tools for older adults and brainstormed about various stakeholders' use cases. The two participant groups showed diverging perceptions in terms of: perceived uses, stakeholder interests, information ownership and control, and sharing of wellness monitoring tools. Conclusions Our paper provides implications and solutions for how older adults' wellness self-monitoring tools can enhance patient-health care provider interaction, patient education, and improvement in overall wellness.
SimTool - An object based approach to simulation construction

The creation and maintenance of large complex simulations can be a difficult and error prone task. A number of interactive and automated tools have been developed to aid in simulation construction and maintenance. Many of these tools are based upon object oriented analysis and design concepts. One such tool, SimTool, is an object based integrated tool set for the development, maintenance, and operation of large, complex and long lived simulations. This paper discusses SimTool's object based approach to simulation design, construction and execution. It also discusses the services provided to various levels of SimTool users to assist them in a wide range of simulation tasks. Also, with the aid of an implemented and working simulation example, this paper discusses SimTool's key design and operational features. Finally, this paper presents a condensed discussion of SimTool's Entity-Relationship-Attribute (ERA) modeling approach.
Ozone and sulfur dioxide effects on the ultrastructure of the chloroplasts of hybrid poplar leaves

This report is concerned with the effects of ozone and sulfur dioxide, alone and in combination, on leaf chloroplasts of a deciduous woody plant. Populus deltoides represents one of the few deciduous plants to be studied for the effects of these two common air pollutants. This report details the results of these pollutants on hybrid poplar leaf mesophyll cells under similar experimental conditions as above, but processed for conventional transmission electron microscopy.
Multipath protocol for delay-sensitive traffic

Delay-sensitive Internet traffic, such as live streaming video, voice over IP, and multimedia teleconferencing, requires low end-to-end delay in order to maintain its interactive and streaming nature. In recent years, the popularity of delay-sensitive applications has been rapidly growing. This paper provides a protocol that minimizes the end-to-end delay experienced by inelastic traffic. We take a known convex optimization formulation of the problem and use an optimization decomposition to derive a simple distributed protocol that provably converges to the optimum. Through the use of multipath routing, our protocol can achieve optimal load balancing as well as increased robustness. By carrying out packet level simulations with realistic topologies, feedback delays, link capacities, and traffic loads, we show that our distributed protocol is adaptive and robust. Our results demonstrate that the protocol performs significantly better than other techniques such as shortest path routing or equal splitting among multiple paths.
Conditioned taste aversion produced by inhibitors of fatty acid oxidation in rats

Abstract The aversive effects of mercaptoacetate (MA) and methyl palmoxirate (MP) were examined in the present experiment. We used a conditioned taste aversion (CTA) paradigm for Sprague–Dawley rats maintained on a low- or high-fat diet, and determined that MA and MP both produce profound aversions to a novel saccharin solution. Because it is known that the stimulation of food intake brought about by MA administration is blocked by destruction of vagal afferents, we repeated the CTA experiment in control and capsaicin-treated rats. Results show that although the capsaicin-treated rats did not increase food intake after MA administration, the CTA produced by MA remained. Therefore, the neural pathways for the aversive and orexigenic effects of MA are distinct. We conclude that MA and MP are aversive, and that the aversive signal generated by MA does not involve vagal afferents or other fibers damaged by capsaicin.
Novel Landscapes: Challenges and Opportunities for Educating Future Ecological Designers and Restoration Practitioners

In the context of changing climate regimes, new and modified chemical inputs, and introduced species, the interactions between biota and abiotic processes are being reconfigured. These new interactions result in novel communities, which are compositionally unlike communities observed previously, falling outside the conventional gradient of pristine to degraded ecosystems. For educators in college and university faculty in the ecological and design fields, two primary questions emerge in teaching restoration: how can design education engage landscapes not previously encountered, and how can educators and students acquire the necessary knowledge and experiences to be successful practitioners in no-analog communities? I first provide background about and examples of novel landscapes. I then describe the key complexities associated with novel systems made evident through research in the ecological sciences in order to understand the pedagogical challenges facing educators. I propose five pedagogical strategies that can facilitate exposure to and experience with the uncertainty and ecological dynamism that characterize novel systems. These changes include: making uncertainty central to the learning experience through creating future scenarios; using visualization and quantification technologies and playing digital game exercises; providing research opportunities for students through collaborations with municipalities and other experts, including natural and social scientists; and facilitating deliberations with ethicists, designers, and scientists about the political and ethical dimensions of interventions in hybrid and novel systems. I conclude with brief descriptions of three courses that integrate some of these pedagogical strategies while investigating novel systems.
Three-dimensional reconstruction of median eminence microvascular modules.

Abstract To test the hypothesis that the median eminence microvasculature has a direct regulatory role in the hormonal communication between the brain and the pituitary gland, it is necessary to determine whether the physical means for such control (e.g. smooth musele sphineters strategically located in the capillary plexus) actually exists. Our approach is to search for such structures in transmission electron micrographs of thin serial sections of the median eminence. The complexity of these images and the anticipated need to include large numbers of them in the study led us to consider computer reconstruction for this problem. We report here the successful three-dimensional reconstruction of capillary modules using digital image processing techniques for capillary feature detection extraction, for construction of montages (mosaies) of overlapping images of the same section, and for automatic image registration by two independent methods without the use of fiducial marks. These tasks have been performed manually in nearly all the published neurobiological reconstructions: here they are performed by programs using only the mathematical properties of the images. Methods like those deseribed here provide the only practical means for executing large scale reconstructions and gaining significant new information about the regulation of blood flow in this region of the brain.
Subcellular trafficking of the cytoplasmic expression system.

Cationic liposomes have provided many advantages over viral vector formulations; however, the problem of inefficient gene expression remains. This is due in part to the nuclear membrane, which limits DNA entry into the nucleus. Cytoplasmic expression systems using T7 RNA polymerase have been developed to express genes in the cytoplasm and avoid the need for nuclear import of DNA. Although these systems show improved transgene expression, little is known about how they function in transfected cells. Direct comparisons between a cytoplasmic and nuclear expression system were carried out with a 293 cell line stably expressing T7 RNA polymerase. A formulation for optimal reporter gene expression was developed and used in conjunction with a variety of subcellular trafficking inhibitors to study the process of DNA endocytosis. Transfected cells were also studied at different stages of the cell cycle to determine the dependence of each system on mitosis. These results showed that cytoplasmic and nuclear expression systems utilize similar endocytosis pathways to the point of endosomal release. Once DNA is released into the cytoplasm, the cytoplasmic expression system shows immediate expression that is proportional to the amount of DNA released. In contrast, DNA targeted for nuclear expression requires additional time for nuclear entry. The level of nuclear expression is also restricted by the limited amount of DNA that is imported into the nucleus. Finally, mitosis is required for effective nuclear expression but not for cytoplasmic expression. Therefore, the cytoplasmic expression system has considerable advantages over traditional nuclear expression systems and may be an effective method for transfecting nondividing cells.
Extinction, delay, and partial-reinforcement effects in paired-associate learning

Abstract A theoretical framework is presented for comparing human paired-associate learning (PAL) with animal instrumental learning. The informational aspects of reinforcement are emphasized and reinforcement is considered to be an internal event which derives from, but is not necessarily isomorphic with, E's feedback to S. Three experiments are reported which demonstrate extinction, delay of reinforcement, and partial-reinforcement effects in PAL.