cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
"Do I Have a Memory Problem? I Can't Recall": An Evaluation of Measurement Invariance in Subjective Reporting of Memory Symptoms among Persons with and without Objective HIV-Associated Memory Impairment.

Objective Memory symptoms and objective impairment are common in HIV disease and are associated with disability. A paradoxical issue is that objective episodic memory failures can interfere with accurate recall of memory symptoms. The present study assessed whether responses on a self-report scale of memory symptoms demonstrate measurement invariance in persons with and without objective HIV-associated memory impairment. Method In total, 505 persons with HIV completed the Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire (PRMQ). Objective memory impairment (n = 141) was determined using a 1-SD cutoff on clinical tests of episodic memory. PRMQ measurement invariance was assessed by confirmatory factor analyses examining a one-factor model with increasing cross-group equality constraints imposed on factor loadings and item thresholds (i.e., configural, weak, and strong invariance). Results Configural model fit indicated that identical items measured a one-factor model for both groups. Comparison to the weak model indicated that factor loadings were equivalent across groups. However, there was evidence of partial strong invariance, with two PRMQ item thresholds differing across memory impairment groups. Post hoc analyses using a 1.5-SD memory impairment cutoff (n = 77) revealed both partial weak and partial strong invariance, such that PRMQ item loadings differed across memory groups for three items. Conclusions The PRMQ demonstrated a robust factor structure among persons with and without objective HIV-associated memory impairment. However, on select PRMQ items, individuals with memory impairment reported observed scores that were relatively higher than their latent score, while items were more strongly associated with the memory factor in a group with greater memory impairment.
A Korean immigrant child’s identity negotiation in multicultural book club and critical dialogue as third space

This study investigates how a Korean immigrant child in the United States negotiates a sense of herself through the participation in a multicultural book club and critical dialogues in an out-of-sc...
Corporate Philanthropy, Agency Problems, and Shareholder Wealth

In a large sample of publicly traded firms during 1998-2006 we find that companies donating to charity display weaker governance, excess free cash flow, lower market-adjusted returns and a higher propensity to be defendants in class action fraud lawsuits. Giving CEOs receive $1.4 million in additional compensation and extra perquisites but are less likely to be dismissed for poor performance. Consistent with Jensen and Meckling (1976), our results indicate that corporate philanthropy proxies for residual agency problems: when managers have discretion to give the firm’s money away to charities, firms face severe agency problems.
Maxwell homogenization scheme as a rigorous method of micromechanics: Application to effective conductivity of a composite with spheroidal particles

Abstract Maxwell’s homogenization scheme (MHS) is formulated in terms of the dipole moments and property contribution tensors of the representative volume element (RVE) of actual composite and of the equivalent inclusion. Provided interactions between the inclusions taken into account, this scheme is rigorous in the sense that the effective properties converge to their exact values with increasing RVE size. To demonstrate its potential, the conductivity problem for a composite with aligned spheroidal inclusions is considered. The convergence of the solution is explored and an effect of structural parameters on the effective conductivity of the composite has been evaluated. The methodological issues of MHS application are discussed including an appropriate shape of the composite RVE and of the equivalent inclusion. It is shown that intelligent (accounting for microstructure of composite) shape choice accelerates convergence of the solution. Practical importance of the developed approach consists in its direct applicability to the images of microstructure obtained by the experimental methods. This makes MHS a convenient tool for estimating effective properties of composites from the observed fragments of microstructure.
WE-AB-303-03: A Scheme for Real-Time, Marker-Less and Low-Dose Tumor Tracking Using Scattering Imaging: Monte Carlo Simulation Study

Purpose: In-treatment tumor localization is critical for the management of tumor motion in lung cancer radiotherapy. Conventional tumor-tracking methods using a kV or MV x-ray projection has limited contrast. To facilitate real-time, marker-less and low-dose in-treatment image tumor tracking, we propose a novel scheme using Compton scatter imaging. This study reports Monte Carlo (MC) simulations on this scheme for the purpose of proof-of-principle. Methods: A slit x-ray beam along the patient superior-inferior (SI) direction is directed to the patient, intersecting the patient lung at a 2D plane containing majority part of the tumor motion trajectory. X-ray photons are scattered due to Compton effect from this plane, which are spatially collimated by, e.g., a pinhole, on one side of the plane and then captured by a detector behind it. The captured image, after correcting for x-ray attenuation and scatter angle variation, reflects the electron density, which allows visualization of the instantaneous anatomy on this plane. We performed MC studies on a phantom and a patient case for the initial test of this proposed method. Results: In the phantom case, the contrast-resolution calculated using tumor/lung as foreground/background for kV fluoroscopy, cone-beam CT, and scattering image were 0.0625, 0.6993, and 0.5290, respectively. In the patient case, tumor motion can be clearly observed in the scatter images. Compared to fluoroscopy, scattering imaging also significantly reduced imaging dose because of its narrower beam design. Conclusion: MC simulation studies demonstrated the potential of the proposed scheme in terms of capturing the instantaneous anatomy of a patient on a 2D plane. Clear visualization of the tumor will probably facilitate ‘marker-less’ and ‘real-time’ tumor tracking with low imaging dose. NIH (1R01CA154747-01, 1R21CA178787-01A1 and 1R21EB017978-01A1)
Sphingosine and the transient receptor potential channel kinase(s)

Transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) is a multifunctional ion channel playing crucial roles during development. TRPM7 is a member of the highly diverse TRP ion channel family. Most TRP channels are regulated by membrane phospholipids, especially phosphoinositides. In this issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology, Qin et al. describes the regulation of TRPM7 and its close homologue TRPM6 by a different kind of membrane lipid: sphingosine. The study finds that sphingosine is a potent and specific inhibitor of TRPM7 and TRPM6 channels. This commentary briefly summarizes the findings of the study, their potential significance and discusses open question and future directions. Linked Article This article is a commentary on Xin Qin et al., pp. 1294–1312 of this issue. To view this paper visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.12012
Proposal for anatomical classification of the superior pole in thyroid surgery.

Objective To propose a distinct anatomical classification for the superior thyroid pole that may serve as a surgical landmark and could help reduce complications in thyroid surgery. Materials and Methods A comprehensive anatomical study based on existing literature and surgical observations. Results The proposed superior pole classification is based on two parameters that closely interact: one is the shape of the superior pole and the other is the structure of the vascular pedicle of the superior pole. We have come up with three distinct types of superior thyroid pole anatomical structure that may be predictive of the risk for both hemorrhage and nerve injury. Conclusions Superior pole classification may serve as a guiding tool during thyroid surgery in order to reduce complications such as bleeding and injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve. J. Surg. Oncol. 2015 111:15–17. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ISS Destiny Laboratory Smoke Detection Model

Smoke transport and detection were modeled numerically in the ISS Destiny module using the NIST, Fire Dynamics Simulator code. The airflows in Destiny were modeled using the existing flow conditions and the module geometry included obstructions that simulate the currently installed hardware on orbit. The smoke source was modeled as a 0.152 by 0.152 m region that emitted smoke particulate ranging from 1.46 to 8.47 mg/s. In the module domain, the smoke source was placed in the center of each Destiny rack location and the model was run to determine the time required for the two smoke detectors to alarm. Overall the detection times were dominated by the circumferential flow, the axial flow from the intermodule ventilation and the smoke source strength.
Models of iron speciation and concentration in the stratified epipelagic ocean

[1] Surface ocean iron speciation is simulated using a time-dependent box-model of light-mediated redox cycling over a range of aeolian inputs of soluble iron in the stratified epipelagic ocean. At steady-state, Dissolved iron (DFe) concentration increases with aeolian input of soluble iron up to 0.1 μmol m−2 d−1, and is limited by the solubility of ferric hydroxide at higher fluxes which causes the formation of colloidal iron. We demonstrate that even in the presence of ample excess ligand, rapid conversion of dissolved iron between oxidized and reduced forms in the tropical surface ocean exposes DFe to colloid formation and scavenging. This result provides an explanation for the much smaller range of interregional variability in DFe measurements (0.05–0.4 nM) than soluble Fe fluxes (0.01–1 μmol m−2 d−1) and dust fluxes (0.1–10 g m−2 yr−1) predicted by atmospheric models. We incorporate the critical behavior of the full chemical speciation model into a reduced, computationally efficient model suitable for large scale calculations.
Maternal marijuana use and neonatal morbidity

Objective Marijuana use is becoming increasingly common in the obstetric population; however, it is unknown whether it is associated with poor neonatal outcomes. We sought to determine the prevalence and risk factors for marijuana use in pregnancy and to evaluate whether marijuana use is independently associated with poor neonatal outcomes. Study Design This was a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive, nonanomalous, term deliveries at 1 institution over a 4-year study period. Women with marijuana use during pregnancy, either by self-report or positive urine drug screen, were compared with women who did not use marijuana. The primary outcome was a composite neonatal morbidity including birthweight less than 2500 g, neonatal intensive care unit admission, 5-minute Apgar score less than 7, and umbilical artery pH less than 7.10. Univariate, bivariate, and multiple logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Among the 8138 women in the cohort, 680 (8.4%) used marijuana during pregnancy. Women who used marijuana were younger; more likely to be of African American race; have inadequate prenatal care; and use tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Medical comorbidities did not differ between groups. After adjusting for smoking, other drug use, and African American race, the composite and all individual markers of poor neonatal outcome were not significantly higher among women who used marijuana during pregnancy. Conclusion Marijuana use is common in pregnancy but may not be an independent risk factor for poor neonatal outcomes in term pregnancies.
Selected nucleic Acid precursors in studies of aquatic microbial ecology.

The use of radiolabeled nucleosides and nucleic acid bases to estimate the rates of RNA and DNA synthesis in naturally occurring microbial assemblages requires numerous assumptions, several of which are evaluated herein. Comparative time series analyses of the uptake and incorporation, labeling specificity, and extent of catabolism of [2-3H]adenine, [methyl-3H]thymidine, and [5-3H]uridine were performed with pure bacterial and algal cultures, as well as with environmental samples. [3H]thymidine yielded the most variable results, especially with regard to the extent of nonspecific macromolecular labeling. The pathways of [3H]thymidine and [3H]adenine metabolism were further evaluated by isotope dilution methods and by comparing incorporation patterns of thymidine labeled at different sites of the molecule. The advantages, uncertainties, and limitations of the use of radiolabeled nucleic acid precursors in studies of aquatic microbial ecology are discussed and a prospectus for future studies presented.
Language, Culture and Institutions: Evidence from a New Linguistic Dataset

Kashima and Kashima’s (1998) linguistic dataset has played a prominent role in the economics of culture, providing the instrumental variables used in two seminal works to identify the causal effect of culture on institutional quality. However, for economists, this dataset has a number of weaknesses, including poor overlap with a key cultural dataset and reliance on sources of linguistic information of uneven quality. We address these issues by constructing a new linguistic dataset based on authoritative source of linguistic information, the World Atlas of Language Structures. The resulting dataset has greater overlap with key sources of cultural information, is arguably less subject to selection bias, and provides more refined information regarding key dimensions of linguistic variation. We show that the variables in this dataset are significantly correlated with commonly used measures of individualism and egalitarianism. In addition, we reexamine the key results from the literature on culture and institutions, showing the causal relationship between culture and institutions is robust to the use of the new linguistic instruments.
Computer analyses of acoustical parameters in hypopituitary children before and after growth hormone treatment

The effect of growth hormone treatment on voice quality, glottal frequency and articulatory pause was studied by computer analyses in 13 growth hormone-deficient children and age-matched controls. Each of the acoustical parameters when evaluated prior to the administration of growth hormone showed a deviation from the control subjects. Following treatment, improvement was noted in each of the parameters studied. It is concluded that growth hormone-deficient children have acoustical parameters which vary from age-matched controls, and that growth hormone plays a definite role in maturation of the phonatory apparatus.
Software decoys for insider threat

Decoy technology and the use of deception are useful in securing critical computing systems by confounding and confusing adversaries with fake information. Deception leverages uncertainty forcing adversaries to expend considerable effort to differentiate realistic useful information from purposely planted false information. In this paper, we propose software-based decoy system that aims to deceive insiders, to detect the exfiltration of proprietary source code. The proposed system generates believable Java source code that appear to an adversary to be entirely valuable proprietary software. Bogus software is generated iteratively using code obfuscation techniques to transform original software using various transformation methods. Beacons are also injected into bogus software to detect the exfiltration and to make an alert if the decoy software is touched, compiled or executed. Based on similarity measurement, the experimental results demonstrate that the generated bogus software is different from the original software while maintaining similar complexity to confuse an adversary as to which is real and which is not.
Measurement problems in official and survey crime rates

Abstract This paper analyzes sources of error in the two major methods we use to measure crime in America—official police statistics and victimization surveys. The two produce quite different pictures of the volume and distribution of crime, but it is not clear that this is because victim-based statistics are “accurate.” Each measurement procedure has its characteristic errors, some of which it shares with the other. Comparisons of official and survey data on crime are helpful in revealing the dimensions of these error terms, and they point out the analyses which must be conducted if we are to specify their exact proportions.
Astatine-211-tellurium radiocolloid cures experimental malignant ascites

An investigation of the efficacy of astatine-211--tellurium colloid for the treatment of experimental malignant ascites in mice reveals that this alpha-emitting radiocolloid can be curative without causing undue toxicity to normal tissue. By comparison, negatron-emitting phosphorus-32 as colloidal chromic phosphate had no antineoplastic activity. The most compelling explanation for this striking difference is the dense ionization and short range of action associated with alpha-emission. These results have important implications for the development and use of alpha-emitters as radiocolloid therapy for the treatment of human tumors.
Topic Models over Spoken Language

Virtually all work on topic modeling has assumed that the topics are to be learned over a text-based document corpus. However, there exist important applications where topic models must be learned over an audio corpus of spoken language. Unfortunately, speech-to-text programs can have very low accuracy. We therefore propose a novel topic model for spoken language that incorporates a statistical model of speech-to-text software behavior. Crucially, our model exploits the uncertainty numbers returned by the software. Our ideas apply to any domain in which it would be useful to build a topic model over data in which uncertainties are explicitly represented.
Cystic adenocarcinoma of the kidney mimicking multilocular renal cyst.

A case report of cystic adenocarcinoma of the kidney, closely resembling benign multilocular cyst of the kidney radiologically, is presented. The implications of cases such as this regarding the management of multiloculated cystic renal lesions are stressed.
A Monte Carlo treatment of the decay of80mBr, a novel Auger electron emitting isotope with potential for therapy

Monte Carlo calculations were done to simulate the decay of80mBr in order to estimate the energies and distribution of Auger and Coster-Kronig electrons emitted in this de-excitation process. Results show that for an isolated atom, the average number of electrons emitted per decay is 6.926 and 8.016 for an atom in the condensed state. These values agree well with experimental results of Wexler and Anderson. The average calculated electron energies were 1122 eV and 991 eV with ranges of 8.02 A° and 6.71 A° in unit density matter for the isolated an condensed states, respectively. These results will be used to estimate localized energy deposition which will be correlated to the radiotoxic effects of80mBr-bromo-deoxyuridine as measured in experiments currently underway in our laboratory using cell cultures. Our aim is to assess the radiotoxicity of low energy, short range electrons for its eventual use in cancer therapy.
SIZE AND SURVIVAL OF INTERTIDAL PLANTS IN RESPONSE TO WAVE ACTION: A CASE STUDY WITH FUCUS GARDNERI

Hydrodynamic forces generated by breaking waves have been proposed to act as one of the primary physical mechanisms constraining the sizes to which wave-swept intertidal plants can grow. Plants inhabiting intertidal areas are generally small relative to subtidal and terrestrial plants, and within a species, plants on wave-exposed shores are usually smaller than those at wave-protected sites. However, although these relationships have been well documented, there have been no manipulative field experiments demonstrating that wave forces are directly responsible for limiting plant sizes. In this study, I examined the effects of wave forces on plant sizes in the field by reciprocally transplanting Fucus gardneri (rockweed) individuals between wave-exposed and wave-protected intertidal sites at Fogarty Creek Point, Oregon. Mean sizes of wave-exposed plants transplanted to protected sites increased significantly relative to exposed control transplants. Mean sizes of wave-protected plants transplanted to exposed sites decreased significantly relative to protected control transplants. These data support but modify an accompanying mathematical model that predicts size-dependent survivorship of Fucus under conditions of high and low wave exposure. This model incorporates the trade-off between higher reproductive capacity and lower probability of survival at larger plant sizes. “Optimal” plant sizes predicted by the model closely match the mean observed sizes of plants collected from exposed and protected locations. However, the match between observed and predicted plant sizes occurred not via differential survivorship, but by direct size modification resulting from plant tattering.
Random random walks on the integers mod n

Abstract This paper considers typical random walks on the integers mod n such that the random walk is supported on constant k values. This paper extends a result of Hildebrand to show that for any integer n , roughly n 2/( k −1) steps usually suffice to get the random walk close to uniformly distributed if the k values satisfy some conditions needed for the random walk to get close to uniformly distributed.
Effects of electron transfer mediators on the bioreduction of lepidocrocite (gamma-FeOOH) by Shewanella putrefaciens CN32.

Electron transfer mediators (ETMs) such as low-molecular-mass quinones (e.g., juglone and lawsone) and humic substances are believed to play a role in many redox reactions involved in contaminant transformations and the biogeochemical cycling of many redox-active elements (e.g., Fe and Mn) in aquatic and terrestrial environments. This study examines the effects of a series of compounds representing major classes of natural and synthetic organic ETMs, including low-molecular-mass quinones, humic substances, phenazines, phenoxazines, phenothiazines, and indigo derivatives, on the bioreduction of lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) by the dissimilatory Fe(III)-reducing bacterium Shewanella putrefaciens CN32. Although S. putrefaciens CN32 was able to reduce lepidocrocite in the absence of exogenous ETMs, the addition of exogenous ETMs enhanced the bioreduction of lepidocrocite. In general, the rate of Fe(II) production correlated well with the reduction potentials of the ETMs. The addition of humic acids or unfractionate...
Robust L 1 /H ∞ control of linear Markovian jump systems

In this paper, the problem of robust L 1 /H ∞ control for a class of linear continuous-time uncertain systems with randomly jumping parameters is investigated using linear matrix inequality (LMI) approach. The uncertainties are assumed to be norm-bounded. The transition of the jumping parameters is governed by a finite-state Markov process. The purpose is to design a linear state feedback controller which guarantees that the closed-loop system is asymptotically stable and has the different performance constraint corresponding to the different output channel. A sufficient condition for the existence of robust L 1 /H ∞ controller is given in terms of a group of LMIs. It is showed that this condition is equivalent to the feasible solution problem of LMI. Its solutions provide a parameterized representation of the controller. Furthermore, the controller design problem is converted into a convex optimization problem subject to LMI constraints, which can easily solved by standard numerical software. Finally, a numerical example is given to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed technique.
Asthmatic bronchitis in children; prognosis for 162 cases, observed 6-11 years.

Summary One hundred and eighty five children with asthmatic bronchitis admitted to hospital during 1940–1945, were reviewed with an extensive questionaire in 1951, to see if asthma bronchiale had subsequently developed. One hundred and sixty six replies were received. The prognosis for asthmatic bronchitis as a result of an infection of the respiratory organs (e.g. pneumonia with prolonged expiration), is better than the prognosis for “pure” asthmatic bronchitis, and the prognosis is the same for both sexes. The older the child the more serious is the prognosis, especially among the allergically disposed; it is also worse among the nonallergically disposed than among children who have never had asthmatic bronchitis. It is not of any prognostic importance if the asthmatic bronchitis is associated with a temperature = 38°C on admission or not.
Orientation Dependent Strength and Cross-Slip Structure of Ordinary Dislocations in Single Crystal γ-Ti-56A1

The temperature as well as orientation dependence in anomalous hardening occurs in single crystal Ti-56AI between 673K and 1073K under single slip of ordinary dislocations. The ordinary dislocations (1/2<110]) are gliding not only on (111) plane but also on (110) plane in the temperature range where the anomalous hardening occurs in single crystal Ti-56A1. The TEM study shows that the (110) cross-slip of ordinary dislocations is a double cross-slip in nature in which first, the dislocations cross-slip from the primary (111) slip plane to (110) plane followed by cross-slipping again onto another primary slip plane. This double cross-slip leaves a pair of edge segments 'superjogs' in (110) planes. It appears that these superjogs are immobile in the forward direction and act as pinning points. Furthermore, these pinning points would act as a Frank-Read source for the double cross-slipped dislocations, which generate dislocation loops as well as dislocation dipoles. The pinning structure, multiplane dislocation loops, and dipoles of double cross-slip origin all contribute to anomalous hardening at high temperatures in this material.
DISCUSSION OF Schedule UTP: Stock Price Reaction and Economic Consequences

A bernathy, Davenport, and Rapley (2013) (hereafter, ADR) is a measured next step in understanding the effects of disclosing uncertain tax positions. It is the logical, chronological addition to FIN 48 and Schedule M-3 research and casts further doubt on the separation of tax and financial reporting. Thus, it may be of immediate use to policy makers. Schedule UTP is the IRS analog of FIN 48. However, with FIN 48, the tension is whether the additional information is more beneficial to the market than the cost of disclosing that information to governmental taxing authorities for use in the audit process. The twist, in this case, is that Schedule UTP contains no public information, but only gives private information to a governmental enforcement agency. The actual impact of Schedule UTP on a firm’s financial health is educated conjecture for the market. ADR address the impact of the development of the Schedule UTP private information requirement in a straightforward, conventional manner. With an unweighted sample, they find that the initial announcement of the disclosure requirement had a negative overall market impact. It was followed by a lesser, positive market response to the announcement modifying some of the more burdensome disclosures. Weighting the sample by tax aggressiveness, they find no significance to the initial announcement, but a positive market response to the later disclosure-reducing announcement. Finally, ADR find FIN 48 uncertain tax benefits disclosed after Schedule UTP are less than those disclosed before Schedule UTP for both magnitude and difference model specifications.
A case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis in an adult male.

We report a case of tubulointerstitial nephritis and uveitis (TINU) syndrome in an adult male. A 40-year-old man was found to have bilateral anterior uveitis and mild renal insufficiency with high urinary β-2 microglobulin. Work up for connective tissue and infectious diseases were negative. His kidney function normalized spontaneously and remained normal at 1 year without intervention. Uveitis responded completely to local corticosteroid treatment and has not recurred.
Dynamic localization of LIN-5 and GPR-1/2 to cortical force generation domains during spindle positioning.

Abstract G protein signaling pathways regulate mitotic spindle positioning during cell division in many systems. In Caenorhabditis elegans embryos, Gα subunits act with the positive regulators GPR-1/2 and LIN-5 to generate cortical pulling forces for posterior spindle displacement during the first asymmetric division. GPR-1/2 are asymmetrically localized at the posterior cortex by PAR polarity cues at this time. Here we show that LIN-5 colocalizes with GPR-1/2 in one-cell embryos during spindle displacement. Significantly, we also find that LIN-5 and GPR-1/2 are localized to the opposite, anterior cortex in a polarity-dependent manner during the nuclear centration and rotation movements that orient the forming spindle onto the polarity axis. The depletion of LIN-5 or GPR-1/2 results in decreased centration and rotation rates, indicating a role in force generation at this stage. The localization of LIN-5 and GPR-1/2 is largely interdependent and requires Gα. Further, LIN-5 immunoprecipitates with Gα in vivo, and this association is GPR-1/2 dependent. These results suggest that a complex of Gα/GPR-1/2/LIN-5 is asymmetrically localized in response to polarity cues, and this may be the active signaling complex that transmits asymmetries to the force generation machinery during both nuclear rotation and spindle displacement.
Model based drive signal optimization of CMUTs in non-collapse operation and its experimental validation

A model based transmit optimization method for Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) arrays operated in conventional imaging mode is presented. For the large signal analysis we used the transient CMUT array model presented in [1]. As an example, a 15 MHz, 60% FBW CMUT array element with 16 membranes and 70 nm gap is modeled, fabricated and tested. Through, fast iterative simulations, the transmit behavior of the transducer for the full range of different drive signals is explored as a function of DC bias, pulse width, and amplitude for unipolar and bipolar pulsed operation. It is shown that for a CMUT element operating in the non-collapse mode, the absolute maximum possible pressure output is generated when the transducer is driven with no DC bias and a very short unipolar pulse that results in full gap swing. By adjusting pulse width and amplitude, full gap swing can be achieved with small peak pulse voltages, maximizing the transmit sensitivity in Pa/V. In all cases, maximum achievable pressure is about 2 dB of the absolute maximum. The case where the TX and RX elements are the same is also investigated where the 95% of the collapse voltage is applied to the transmitting element for optimal receive sensitivity. In this case, a bipolar pulse is applied. The first part of the pulse adds to the DC bias force to pull the membrane down near the full gap and the second part effectively removes DC bias, releasing the membrane to achieve largest swing past its rest position. With this strategy, absolute maximum pressure can also be achieved with large DC bias levels.
In vitro study of the mechanical effects of shock-wave lithotripsy.

Impulsive stress in repeated shock waves administered during extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) causes injury to kidney tissue. In a study of the mechanical input of ESWL, the effects of focused shock waves on thin planar polymeric membranes immersed in a variety of tissue-mimicking fluids have been examined. A direct mechanism of failure by shock compression and an indirect mechanism by bubble collapse have been observed. Thin membranes are easily damaged by bubble collapse. After propagating through cavitation-free acoustically heterogeneous media (liquids mixed with hollow glass spheres, and tissue) shock waves cause membranes to fail in fatigue by a shearing mechanism. As is characteristic of dynamic fatigue, the failure stress increases with strain rate, determined by the amplitude and rise time of the attenuated shock wave. Shocks with large amplitude and short rise time (i.e., in uniform media) cause no damage. Thus the inhomogeneity of tissue is likely to contribute to injury in ESWL. A definition of dose is proposed which yields a criterion for damage based on measurable shock wave properties.
"Widowerhood": masculinities and spousal loss in the late-1960s.

This study examined the distinctly gendered experiences of young widowers. Using qualitative longitudinal data from the 1960's Harvard Bereavement Study, we evaluated the interview transcripts of 19 widowers (median age = 38) who had been interviewed 3 weeks, 8 weeks, 13 months, and 2-4 years after the wife's death. Our findings indicate that the off-time spousal loss ruptured the ontological security that marriage provided and created two types of difficult situations for the widowers. Coping with deep sadness and grief, the men divulged their unspoken dependency on their marriage and on their late wife. They also struggled as single fathers, especially if they tried to singlehandedly care for their children. Becoming an off-time widower in the 1960s compelled the men to reclaim their masculine identity. Men's identity-rebuilding strategies involved promptly returning to work, and many men began dating and repartnering to recoup the normalcy of being married.
An educational model for ensemble streamflow simulation and uncertainty analysis

Abstract. This paper presents the hands-on modeling toolbox, HBV-Ensemble, designed as a complement to theoretical hydrology lectures, to teach hydrological processes and their uncertainties. The HBV-Ensemble can be used for in-class lab practices and homework assignments, and assessment of students' understanding of hydrological processes. Using this modeling toolbox, students can gain more insights into how hydrological processes (e.g., precipitation, snowmelt and snow accumulation, soil moisture, evapotranspiration and runoff generation) are interconnected. The educational toolbox includes a MATLAB Graphical User Interface (GUI) and an ensemble simulation scheme that can be used for teaching uncertainty analysis, parameter estimation, ensemble simulation and model sensitivity. HBV-Ensemble was administered in a class for both in-class instruction and a final project, and students submitted their feedback about the toolbox. The results indicate that this educational software had a positive impact on students understanding and knowledge of uncertainty in hydrological modeling.
Fast Search of Sequences with Complex Symbol Correlations using Profile Context-Sensitive HMMS and Pre-Screening Filters

Recently, profile context-sensitive HMMs (profile-csHMMs) have been proposed which are very effective in modeling the common patterns and motifs in related symbol sequences. Profile-csHMMs are capable of representing long-range correlations between distant symbols, even when these correlations are entangled in a complicated manner. This makes profile-csHMMs an useful tool in computational biology, especially in modeling noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) and finding new ncRNA genes. However, a profile-csHMM based search is quite slow, hence not practical for searching a large database. In this paper, we propose a practical scheme for making the search speed significantly faster without any degradation in the prediction accuracy. The proposed method utilizes a pre-screening filter based on a profile-HMM, which filters out most sequences that will not be predicted as a match by the original profile-csHMM. Experimental results show that the proposed approach can make the search speed eighty times faster.
Synthesis and Properties of Heat-Stable Expanded Smectite and Vermiculite1

When aqueous dispersions of Na+-smectite or n-butylammonium-vermiculite react with sulfate salts of Fe(II), Co(II), or Ni(II) bipyridyl or 1, 10-phenanthroline complexes in excess of the cation-exchange capacities, intersalated phases with spacings of about 29.5 A are obtained. Thermal decomposition of the intersalated complex cations affords expanded phases with a d(001) spacing near 18 A for the smectites and near 28 A for the vermiculites. These phases are stable to temperatures of at least 550°C. Nitrogen surface areas of the fired products are as high as 400 m2/g.
Effect of cystine dimethylester on renal solute handling and isolated renal tubule transport in the rat: a new model of the Fanconi syndrome.

Abstract The effect of cystine dimethylester on the renal handling of phosphate, glucose, α-amino nitrogen, amino acids, and protein in vivo and on the uptake of lysine, glycine, taurine, and α-methyl glucoside by isolated renal tubules in vitro was studied in adult male rats. Parenteral administration of 400 μmol twice a day for four days of cystine dimethylester led to an increased urine volume, and excretion of phosphate, glucose, α-amino nitrogen, and the amino acids glutamine, proline, alanine, 1 2 cystine, orinithine, lysine, histidine, and glycine. Cystine dimethylester treatment did not affect the creatinine clearance nor were any renal anatomic abnormalities noted. Intracellular cysteine, but not cystine, was increased in the kidney after the four days of treatment. Pre-incubation of isolated renal tubules with 2 mmol/L cystine dimethylester for ten minutes markedly inhibited the uptake of 0.025 mmol/L lysine, 0.1 mmol/L glycine, 0.01 mmol/L taurine, and 2 mmol/L α-methyl glucoside. Incubation with 2 mmol/L cystine dimethylester for ten minutes did not affect the ability of the renal tubule to exclude trypan blue dye, although longer incubation times did lead to significant staining. The intracellular cystine concentration of the renal tubule did rise significantly after incubation with cystine dimethylester, a biochemical correlate of the human disease cystinosis. These studies indicate that cystine dimethylester can induce an experimental form of the Fanconi syndrome both in vivo and in vitro and offers a new model for investigating the mechanisms underlying this enigmatic disorder.
Metabolic balance study in a case of virilizing adrenal hyperplasia treated with prednisone.

VIRILISM due to bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, although a relatively rare condition, has been the subject of considerable interest and research. Wilkins and associates (1–5) first reported the use of cortisone and related compounds in depressing excessive urinary 17-ketosteroid excretion in patients with the adrenogenital syndrome. Regression of the characteristic virilizing features of the syndrome is often associated with the fall in 17-ketosteroid excretion. Others (6–11) have confirmed these observations.Although much has been done in an attempt to understand the various aspects of this form of virilism, there have been no reports of long-term metabolic balance studies in patients receiving steroid therapy. The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate, under strict metabolic balance conditions, the treatment of a case of virilizing adrenal hyperplasia with one of the newer steroids, prednisone (Meticorten). CLINICAL SUMMARY P. V. was a 29-year-old white housewife referred to the UCLA Medical ...
Organizational Ambidexterity: Towards a Multilevel Understanding

Although interest in the concept of organizational ambidexterity has increased during recent years, this line of inquiry remains unfocused and limited due to a lack of more encompassing conceptual efforts. As a first step, we begin by critically reviewing previous research on the conceptualization, antecedents, and consequences of ambidexterity. We then offer a model that specifies a more encompassing, multilevel explanation of ambidexterity. Finally, we trace research and managerial implications and suggest some potential research avenues.
Synthesis, Molecular Structure, and Properties of a Neutral Schiff Base Phenolic Complex of Magnesium.

Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer mediated by the MDR1 P-glycoprotein (Pgp), a 140--180 kDa plasma membrane protein, renders chemotherapeutic treatment ineffective by pumping a variety of natural product cytotoxic agents and xenobiotic compounds out of cancer cells. Pgp has been a major target for synthesis and development of both therapeutic antagonists that block its transport function and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals that are transported by the protein for use in functional imaging of Pgp transport activity in tumors in vivo. Most, but not all, compounds that interact with Pgp are hydrophobic and cationic at physiological pH. To further understand the Pgp targeting properties, the authors sought to directly evaluate the effect of charge of the complex on Pgp interactions. This could be done by comparing the cytotoxicity profile of a neutral complex to that of an identical, but positively charged, complex in both drug-sensitive and multidrug-resistant cancer cells. Thus, a neutral analogue of the Ga(III) and Fe(III) complexes was desired. Herein the authors describe the synthesis and structure of a novel neutral Schiff base Mg complex and evaluate its cytotoxic potency in human drug-sensitive KB-3-1 and multi-drug-resistant KB-8-5 tumor cells.
An analysis of the hydrogen bubble concerns in the three-mile island unit-2 reactor vessel☆

Abstract On 30 March 1979, two days after the accident at the Three-Mile Island Reactor near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, press reports appeared about a non-condensable bubble in the reactor vessel. This bubble was said to consist mainly of hydrogen, and to grow rapidly, possibly due to the development of oxygen. Danger of explosion was reported to be imminent. We analyzed all possible sources of non-condensable gases, including radiolysis, and determined that a continuing growth of the bubble during several days after the accident was not possible. Our main conclusions were the following: (1) Most of the initial hydrogen in the bubble was produced by the reaction of the Zircalloy cladding with the super-heated water. (2) During the first 16 hr after shutdown, when boiling of the primary coolant water took place, in the worst case stoichiometric amounts of hydrogen and oxygen could have been produced by radiolysis, leading to a maximum amount of oxygen in the bubble, of 0.7% of the hydrogen, which is well below the explosion limit. (3) After this 16 hr period, when boiling had totally ceased, no further oxygen could have been produced by radiolysis of the primary cooling water. On the contrary, oxygen was recombined with hydrogen due to radiolysis at such a rate that the oxygen in the water was completely removed in less than five minutes. The subsequent rate of removal of oxygen from the bubble by dissolution and radiolysis depended essentially on the rate of dissolution.
Native defects and diffusion in amorphous silicon -- a revisit

Abstract Recent theoretical and experimental results are assessed as they relate to the structure and properties of the dominant native paramagnetic point defect (D center) and the mechanisms of H diffusion. These results lead us to propose that the D center is neither a dangling or a floating bond, but an intermediate configuration which we label “frustrated bond”. Experimental results by Jackson et al. set an upper bound for the diffusivity of D centers, but are not incompatible with D centers mediating H motion. Doping- and illumination-enhanced H diffusion can be accounted for in a unifying manner in terms of excess D centers that are mobile and mediate H motion via the kick-out mechanism, without any new assumptions.
Dielectric spectroscopy of high aspect ratio graphene-polyurethane nanocomposites

High aspect ratio graphene nanosheets (GNS), prepared via liquid exfoliation, are homogeneously dispersed in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU). Dielectric spectroscopy results are reported for these nanocomposites (up to 0.55 vol. % GNS) in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 5 MHz. The as-prepared GNS increased the AC conductivity 10–1000 times across the given frequency range. The dielectric constant is increased 5–6 times at 100 Hz for the maximum loading of GNS when compared with the pristine TPU, with subsequently high dielectric loss making them a suitable candidate for high energy dissipation applications such as EMI shielding. The temperature effects on the dielectric characteristics of 0.55 vol. % GNS/TPU nanocomposites beyond 400 K are more pronounced due to the interfacial and orientation polarization. Mechanical characteristics evaluation of GNS/TPU composites shows a marked increase in the ultimate tensile strength without compromising their ductility and stiffness.
Time dynamics of photon migration in semiopaque random media

The temporal behavior of femtosecond laser pulses propagating and scattering in random media was studied using an optical fiber probe and a streak camera. Information on the temporal profile of laser pulse scattering at 90° in semiopaque media was analyzed. Apparent ballistic transport was observed for both single and multiple scattering regimes. A phantom (hidden foreign object) was identified in a semiopaque environment using time resolved techniques with a total optical density of ~3.
A sensitive low artifact TMB procedure for the demonstration of WGA-HRP in the CNS

A TMB reaction with increased sensitivity and lower artifact can be obtained by dividing the Mesulam reaction into two stages. Use of the modified reaction with HRP conjugated wheat germ agglutinin (WGA-HRP) yields a powerful technique for anterograde and retrograde tracing.
Development of an Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay for the Veratrum Plant Teratogens: Cyclopamine and Jervine

Veratrum californicum was responsible for large losses of sheep grazing high mountain ranges in central Idaho in the 1950s. Veratrum induces various birth defects including the cyclopic-type craniofacial defect (monkey-faced lambs) that is specifically induced in lambs after pregnant ewes grazed the plant on the 14th day of gestation. The steroidal alkaloids cyclopamine (1) and jervine (2) were isolated from Veratrum and shown to be primarily responsible for the malformations. Cyclopamine (1) and jervine (2) are potent teratogens that inhibit Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling during gastrulation-stage embryonic development, producing cyclopia and holoprosencephaly. Although losses to the sheep industry from Veratrum are now relatively infrequent, occasional incidents of toxicoses and craniofacial malformations are still reported in sheep and other species. However, the benefits to biomedical research using cyclopamine (1) as a tool to study human diseases have greatly expanded. A competitive inhibition enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect and measure cyclopamine (1) and jervine (2) was developed using polyclonal antibodies produced in ewes. The limits of detection of the assay were 90.0 and 22.7 pg for cyclopamine (1) and jervine (2), respectively. This assay was used for the detection and measurement of cyclopamine (1) spiked into sheep blood. The simple extraction-ELISA methods developed in this study demonstrate the potential of using these techniques for the rapid screening of biological samples to detect the presence and concentration of cyclopamine (1) and jervine (2) and will be beneficial to pharmacological studies and livestock diagnostics.