cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Triple patterning aware routing and its comparison with double patterning aware routing in 14nm technology

As technology continues to scale to 14nm node, Double Patterning Lithography (DPL) is pushed to near its limit. Triple Patterning Lithography (TPL) is a considerable and natural extension along the paradigm of DPL. With an extra mask to accommodate the features, TPL can be used to eliminate the unresolvable conflicts and minimize the number of stitches, which are pervasive in DPL process, and thus smoothen the layout decomposition step. Considering TPL during routing stage explores a larger solution space and can further improve the layout decomposability. In this paper, we propose the first triple patterning aware detailed routing scheme, and compare its performance with the double patterning version in 14nm node. Experimental results show that, using TPL, the conflicts can be resolved much more easily and the stitches can be significantly reduced in contrast to DPL.
Sharp penetrating injuries to the hymen

Abstract Study Objective: To describe the features of sharp penetrating injuries of the hymen and by using illustrative cases to describe how the appearance of such injuries differs from injuries caused by blunt penetrating trauma. Design and Participants: Four illustrative case reports of children who sustained genital injuries caused by sharp objects, as suggested by the physical findings and corroborated by the history in all four cases as provided by the patient and witnesses to the accidents. Setting: The patients were seen by the Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Service at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. Interventions: One patient required surgical repair of an accompanying vaginal laceration. The hymeneal injuries healed by secondary intention. Results: All injuries healed without complications. Fenestration of the hymen was noted in the three patients in whom the injury involved only the hymeneal tissue. In all four patients the hymeneal edge remained intact. Conclusions: Sharp penetrating injury to the hymen has a typical appearance different from that caused by blunt penetrating trauma.
Evaluation and electrochemical analyses of cathodes for lithium-air batteries

Abstract The performance of cathodes for lithium-air cells is evaluated from an automotive perspective. Unique aspects of this work include the following. Novel cathode structures are fabricated to improve cell performance operating on air. Convective air flow, critical to automotive operation, is used to evaluate cathode performance, and techniques to mitigate the resulting solvent evaporation from the electrolyte are discussed. The peak power is measured using the standard USABC test procedure, a benchmark for evaluating automotive performance. The importance of the kinetic, ionic, and mass transfer impedances as a function of discharge current density is identified using Tafel slopes, reaction orders, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data. The distinct processes in the EIS data are identified as the anode–separator interface and the cathode. For the lithium-air cells used in this work, the discharge is controlled by a combination of the ionic transfer impedance at the anode–separator interface and the kinetic and mass transfer impedances in the cathode. Finally, impedance data establish the importance of performing EIS during discharge, not at open circuit voltage, to accurately determine the processes controlling the discharge reaction. The implication of these results to automotive applications for lithium-air batteries is discussed.
NASA's Proposed Budget Sees Small Dip, Emphasizes Innovation and Autonomy in Space

NASA's proposed federal budget for fiscal year (FY) 2015, released on 4 March, includes new plans to send a probe to Jupiter's icy moon Europa, a ramp up in funding for a mission to redirect an asteroid into near-Earth orbit, funds to extend the life of the International Space Station (ISS) by at least a decade, and plans to return to the United States the capability to launch astronauts into space, among other highlights.
Understanding hotel employees’ service sabotage: Emotional labor perspective based on conservation of resources theory

Abstract Although hospitality employees’ service sabotage behavior in service encounters is not only, more seriously prevailed than generally presumed but also detrimental to the organizations’ growth, and profitability, the topic has not been a major topic in hospitality research. Thus, this study aims to, provide answers to the questions “Why do hospitality employees engage in service sabotage, behaviors?” and “What can hospitality organizations do to mitigate them?” Based on conservation of, resources (COR) theory, we hypothesized hospitality employees’ emotional labor, specifically, emotional dissonance, to be a major source of service sabotage. We also hypothesized burnout to have, a mediating effect, while emotional intelligence has a buffering effect on the mediated relationship, between emotional dissonance and service sabotage via burnout. The results of moderated mediation, regression analyses of the data from 309 customer-contact hotel employees in the U.S. supported all, the hypotheses in this study. The implications of the findings and future research directions were, discussed.
A functional outcome swallowing scale for staging oropharyngeal dysphagia.

Objective: To develop a simple and straightforward functional outcome swallowing scale (FOSS) for patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia to determine the severity of the disorder and the effectiveness
The mast cell as an effector of connective tissue degradation: a study of matrix susceptibility to human mast cells.

Abstract The susceptibility of connective tissue elements to degradation by human mast cells was explored using purified mast cell tryptase and sonicated mast cell preparations. The R-22 strain of smooth muscle cells from rat heart was used for preparation in vitro of a labelled anchored matrix. Digestion of 11.9 ± 1.2% (n=5) of this matrix was observed after overnight incubation with the mast cell sonicates. Pretreatment of the sonicate with a tryptase inhibitor TLCK reduced the digestion by 42%. Digestion of 12 ± 1% (n=4) of the matrix was observed with purified tryptase. The susceptible substrate within this anchored insoluble matrix resided in the glycoprotein compartment as defined by enzymatic characterization of the residual matrix. Mast cells may play a role in mediating connective tissue degradation through the release of proteases specifically synthesized by this cell.
Muscarinic down-regulation of cAMP-stimulated potassium ion secretion by rabbit distal colon.

The sustained effects of the cholinergic agonist carbachol (CCh) on electrolyte transport across the isolated, short-circuited rabbit distal colon were examined in the absence and presence of secretagogue (di-butyryl cyclic-adenosine monophosphate, dB-cAMP). Steady-state, basal absorption of 22Na+, 42K+ (86Rb+), and 36Cl– were not significantly altered by addition of the CCh (10–4 mmol/l) to the serosal reservoir. Stimulation with dB-cAMP (1.0 mmol/l, serosal) promoted K+ (or Rb+) and Cl– secretion across the colon, without significantly affecting the unidirectional or net fluxes of Na+. Serosal (but not mucosal) addition of CCh to dB-cAMP-stimulated tissues reduced the serosal to mucosal flux of Rb+ (\(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) ) in a concentration-dependent manner with a half-maximum concentration ≅5 µmol/l. Pretreatment with CCh (100 µmol/l, serosal) inhibited dB-cAMP-induced K+ secretion, but had no significant effect on the steady-state unidirectional fluxes of Na+ or Cl–. Serosal histamine (20 µmol/l) also inhibited \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) in dB-cAMP-stimulated tissues. Serosal epinephrine (10 µmol/l) promoted a decrease in short-circuit current (Isc) and transepithelial potential (VT) that was mirrored by increases in \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) . Both Isc and VT became more positive and \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) was reduced when CCh was added to the epinephrine-stimulated tissues. Serosal muscarine (50 µmol/l) mimicked the CCh-induced inhibition of \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) , but serosal nicotine (50 µmol/l) had no effect. In atropine-treated tissues (1 µmol/l, serosal), CCh failed to block dB-cAMP-stimulated increases in \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) . The inhibitory action of CCh was observed in tissues that had been pretreated with 50 µmol/l serosal hexamethonium (a ganglionic transmission blocker) or 2 µmol/l serosal tetrodotoxin (a voltage-gated Na+ channel blocker), indicating that the inhibitory action of this cholinergic agonist does not depend on remnant enteric neural pathways. Rubidium ion transport across confluent monolayers of T84 cells was similarly affected by dB-cAMP and CCh, supporting the notion that enteric neural pathways are not required. Serosal charybdotoxin (20 nmol/l) mitigated the inhibitory action of CCh on \(J_{SM}^{Rb} \) in dB-cAMP-stimulated tissues, suggesting a role for basolateral, Ca2+-dependent K+ channels in the actions of CCh. It is concluded that basolateral muscarinic receptors (and possibly other Ca2+-dependent receptor pathways) of secretory colonocytes mediate the down-regulation of potassium ion secretion by rabbit distal colon, possibly by increasing basolateral membrane K+ conductance.
Imaging for percutaneous vertebral augmentation

The objective of this review is to describe and visually depict techniques of percutaneous vertebral augmentation for treatment of painful vertebral compressive fractures. During those vertebral augmentation techniques (kypho- or vertebroplasty), bone cement, frequently polymethylmethacrylate, is injected into the vertebral body. In addition, during kyphoplasty, inflated balloons called “tamps” are placed in the vertebral body, creating the cavity before the cement injection. These procedures are most often performed in a percutaneous fashion on an outpatient basis. The mechanism of pain relief is unknown, but it is likely that stabilization of the fracture and destruction of the nociceptors lead to analgesia. Complications of such procedures are few, but some of them can be serious. Those include severe spinal canal stenosis from leaking cement with possible spinal cord or nerve root compression and venous and pulmonary embolism. Patient selection is very important and is discussed below.
Hybrid Meson Potentials and the Gluonic van der Waals Force

The chromoelectric polarizability of mesons governs the strength of the gluonic van der Waals force and therefore of non-quark-exchange processes in hadronic physics. We compute the polarizability of heavy mesons with the aid of lattice gauge theory and the Born--Oppenheimer adiabatic expansion. We find that the operator product expansion breaks down at surprisingly large quarks masses due to nonperturbative gluodynamics and that previous conclusions concerning J/{psi}--nuclear matter interactions and J/{psi} dissociation in the quark-gluon plasma must be substantially modified.
Focus on qualitative methods. Notes on Transcription

The ontology of the transcript is both realistic and constructed. There is a theory and ethic implicit in the transcription process. Transcripts are accurate and useful to the extent that the researcher understands their constructed reality, the need to be selective concerning what about the interview event must be preserved, the potential uses for transcripts that will influence the selection process, and the need for a consistent notation system.
Variation of the Canonical Height On Elliptic Surfaces III: Global Boundedness Properties

Abstract Let E → C be an elliptic surface defined over a number field K, let P: C → E be a section, and for each t ∈ C(K), let ĥ(Pt) be the canonical height of Pt ∈ Et ( K ). Tate has used a global argument to show that, up to a bounded quantity, the function t ↦ ĥ(Pt) is equal to a Weil height function hC(t) on C. In this paper we precisely describe the behavior of the difference ĥ(Pt) − hC(t) as a function of t.
Feminisms and Social Work in the United States: An Intertwined History:

This article explores the interlocking historical trajectories of feminisms and the social work profession in the United States. Bringing these two histories together, the article examines the ideas, practices, and people that have shaped the complicated organism that is ‘‘feminist social work,’’ from the civic involvement of 19th- and early 20th-century women to 21st-century efforts to craft more global, fluid, and inclusive feminist theories and practices. Structured around the three ‘‘waves’’ of feminist activism and theory building, it focuses in particular on changes and continuities in U.S. feminist social work theorizing.
Mathematical analysis of transport and exchange in skeletal muscle

A new approach to modelling microcirculatory transport and exchange is introduced and developed with specific reference to skeletal muscle. The objective is to describe the large-scale interaction of a great number of differently perfused capillary groups and to interpret phenomena observed in a whole organ in terms of processes occurring within individual capillaries. We consider fluid exchange and the associated macromolecular transport, the exchange of small metabolites carried in the plasma, and oxygen transport to tissue.
Professional Development Schools: Looking Ahead.

I have been asked to speculate on the future of Professional Development Schools (PDSs). It could be that the opportunity to participate in and observe numerous PDSs as director of a reform network qualifies me for such a task. Nonetheless, despite these privileged opportunities and a relatively extended career in teacher education and concomitant school reform, I am not at all confident about what the future holds for these evolving partnership endeavors. However, as I reflected on how to approach this task, I decided that I could speak with some confidence to what a more ideal PDS than what typically exists in current practice might look like. In addition, I could identify specific actions that might enable the realization of such an ideal. I should note that the ideal in many respects derives from exemplary practices that I have observed at numerous PDS sites, along with my own views about needed new directions in schools and teacher education. In
Apollonius coordinates, theN-body problem, and continuation of periodic solutions

This paper treats theN-body problem and its relation to various restricted problems. For each solution of the Kepler problem a generalization of the pulsating coordinates used to express the Hamiltonian of the elliptic restricted three-body problem is given. These coordinates are called Apollonius coordinates. The method of symplectic scaling is used to give a precise derivation of the elliptic restricted problem showing the precise asymptotic relationship between the restricted problem and the full three-body problem. This derivation obviates the proof of the fact that a nondegenerate periodic solution of the elliptic restricted three-body problem can be continued into the full three-body problem under mild nonresonance assumptions. Also, the method of symplectic scaling is used to give a precise derivation of the elliptic Hill lunar equation showing the precise relationship between the elliptic Hill lunar equation and the full three-body problem. A similar continuation theorem is established.
Milton in Yosemite: Paradise Lost and the National Parks Idea

Abstract“Milton in Yosemite” investigates the reasons why certain English and American visitors to Yosemite so often described the valley in religious terms, particularly in terms of an Eden. Refor...
EBIT AS A VERSATILE EXPERIMENTAL FACILITY

The Electron Beam Ion Trap (EBIT) produces ions, confined within the electron beam, with charges ranging up to U92+ at near rest energies. This allows to study the interaction of a monoenergetic electron beam with any trapped ion to a high degree of precision via X-ray spectroscopy. The development of the EBIT into an ion (trap) source enables the possibility to perform for the first time studies of the interaction dynamics in strong fields of ions with matter where the ions carry hundreds of keV potential energy at very low kinetic energies (eV).
Negotiation of mutualism: rhizobia and legumes

The evolution and persistence of biological cooperation have been an important puzzle in evolutionary theory. Here, we suggest a new approach based on bargaining theory to tackle the question. We present a mechanistic model for negotiation of benefits between a nitrogen-fixing nodule and a legume plant. To that end, we first derive growth rates for the nodule and plant from metabolic models of each as a function of material fluxes between them. We use these growth rates as pay-off functions in the negotiation process, which is analogous to collective bargaining between a firm and a workers' union. Our model predicts that negotiations lead to the Nash bargaining solution, maximizing the product of players' pay-offs. This work introduces elements of cooperative game theory into the field of mutualistic interactions. In the discussion of the paper, we argue for the benefits of such an approach in studying the question of biological cooperation.
Characterization of blocked nucleosides by mass spectrometry. Benzyl derivatives

The mass spectra of eleven model monobenzylated nucleosides were studied using low and high resolution mass spectrometry. Structural assignments to the major ions were made and several decomposition mechanisms proposed, with the goal of establishing the uses and limitations of mass spectrometry for the characterization of benzylaled nucleosides. Mass spectra generally permit determination of the extent and site of benzylation, with particular regard to base vs. sugar substitution, 0–2′ vs. 0–3′ or 0–5′, and in some cases 0–5′ vs. other isomers.
An Experimental Test of Epi- and Endozoochory of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Spores by Small Mammals in a Maryland Forest

Abstract Small mammals have been proposed as important dispersers of the spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), yet few data exist to support this hypothesis. We experimentally tested 2 models of small-mammal dispersal of AMF spores by quantifying their impact on the mycorrhizal inoculum potential of sterile soil flats in a northeast mesophytic forest in Maryland. Epizoochory did not provide a mechanism for spore dispersal in our study. However, our data demonstrated that endozoochory by several small-mammal species can be an effective dispersal mode for AMF. In the field experiment, inoculum potential of soil from plots that were accessible to Peromyscus leucopus (White-footed Mouse) was significantly higher than in control plots, which excluded small mammals. This study provides experimental evidence that White-footed Mice disperse AMF spores.
Atorvastatin effect on circulating and leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand concentrations in people with normal cholesterol levels: a pilot study.

Study Objectives. To investigate whether atorvastatin decreases serum or leukocyte-produced CD40 ligand (CD40L) levels and whether these effects are dependent on reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) levels in people without overt dyslipidemia. Design. Prospective pilot study. Setting. University research center. Subjects. Twenty-five normocholesterolemic volunteers (mean age 32 ± 11 yrs; 15 women, 10 men) without cardiovascular disease. Intervention. After a 2-week drug-free run-in period, subjects received atorvastatin 80 mg/day orally for 16 weeks. Measurements and Main Results. All lipoprotein level measurements were performed with the subject in the fasting state. The CD40L concentrations were measured by immunofluorescence detection in serum and leukocyte culture supernates after 24-hour incubation, and treatment effect was analyzed. Baseline mean ± SD total cholesterol, LDL, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were 179 ± 33, 97 ± 29, 62 ± 20, and 102 ± 69 mg/dl, respectively. Mean changes in each of these levels, respectively, after 16 weeks of atorvastatin were −34%, −59%, +3%, and −23%. The median serum CD40L level was lower at 16 weeks (2.3 ng/ml, interquartile range [IQR] 1.2–5.0 ng/ml) than at baseline (3.0 ng/ml, IQR 2.1–3.7 ng/ml), but the change was not significant (p=0.24). However, atorvastatin significantly lowered CD40L produced from leukocytes by 57% (21 pg/mg of protein [IQR 10–38 pg/mg] vs 49 pg/mg [IQR 21–149 pg/mg], p=0.045). Effects were independent of reduction in cholesterol levels. Conclusion. Although atorvastatin did not significantly lower serum CD40L levels, significant reduction in leukocyte production was seen independent of degree of LDL reduction. These pilot data suggest a potential benefit in normocholesterolemic individuals that should be further investigated, and that leukocyte CD40L concentrations should be considered in the drug response.
Supramolecular assembly of collagen triblock peptides.

The relationship between primary sequence and collagen triple-helix formation is relatively well characterized, while higher levels of structural assembly from these sequences is poorly understood. To address this gap, a new collagen-like triblock peptide design was used to study the relationship between amino acid sequence and supramolecular assembly. Four collagen-like peptides with the sequence (Glu)5(Gly–Xaa–Hyp–Gly–Pro–Hyp)6(Glu)5 and corresponding to Xaa = alanine, proline, serine, or valine, and an analogous peptide without the glutamic acid end blocks, were solubilized in water at high concentrations (20–150 mg/mL) and analyzed in optical polarizing microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Some of the peptides self-assembled into supramolecular structures, the nature of which was determined by the core collagen-like sequence. The globular end blocks appeared necessary for these short triple-helix-forming peptides to spontaneously organize into supramolecular structures in solution and also provided enhanced thermal stability based on CD analysis. The results indicate a strong dependence of the peptide triblock assembly behavior on the identity of the guest residue Xaa; nematic order when Xaa was valine, no organization when Xaa was serine, and banded spherulites displaying a cholesteric-like twist when Xaa was proline or alanine. According to these results, the identity of the amino acid in position Xaa of the triplet Gly–Xaa–Yaa dramatically determined the type of supramolecular assembly formed by short triple helices based on collagen-triblock like sequences. Moreover, the structural organization observed for these collagen-triblock peptides was analogous to some assemblies observed for native collagen in vivo and in vitro. The amino acid sequence in the native collagen proteins may therefore be a direct determinant of the different supramolecular architectures found in connective tissues. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 70:435–444, 2003
Thin film piezoelectric energy scavenging systems for long term medical monitoring

For small, inexpensive, ubiquitous wireless sensors to be realized, all constituents of the device, including the power source, must be directly integratable. For long term application the device must be capable of scavenging power from its surrounding environment. An apparent solution lies in conversion of mechanical energy to electrical output via the growth and direct integration of piezoelectric thin film unimorphs with the wireless electronics.
Socioeconomic Status and Adolescent Mental Disorders

Objectives. Although previous research has shown that low socioeconomic status (SES) is associated with mental illness, it is unclear which aspects of SES are most important. We investigated this issue by examining associations between 5 aspects of SES and adolescent mental disorders.Methods. Data came from a national survey of US adolescents (n = 6483). Associations among absolute SES (parental income and education), relative SES (relative deprivation, subjective social status), and community level income variation (Gini coefficient) with past-year mental disorders were examined.Results. Subjective social status (mean 0, variance 1) was most consistently associated with mental disorder. Odds ratios with mood, anxiety, substance, and behavior disorders after controlling for other SES indicators were all statistically significant and in the range of 0.7 to 0.8. Associations were strongest for White adolescents. Parent education was associated with low risk for anxiety disorder, relative deprivation with hi...
Academic longevity and attrition of full-time orthopaedic faculty members.

Orthopaedic faculty members catalyze the renewal of the specialty. They may provide the strongest role model for a medical student's or resident's career2,8. Undoubtedly, all residents weigh the relative merits of accepting that role model for themselves, and some do become faculty members, at least for a portion of their careers. Many of the pros and cons of such a career choice differ by institution. The decision points are also subjective and intangible, and they vary over time. No objective data exist, either for those considering such a choice or for program directors offering such a position, regarding the anticipated longevity of an academic position. What is the likelihood of a faculty member spending an entire career at one institution as opposed to moving to another academic position or to private practice? Has the longevity changed over time? Does it differ by subspecialty? Are there gender differences? Such questions have national implications. Certainly, the opportunity, appeal, and pressures of serving as an orthopaedic teacher have changed over the approximately 100 years that orthopaedics has existed as a discipline and over the sixty-five years that it has existed as a board-certified specialty2-5,7,12. In the first half of the twentieth century, orthopaedic faculty members were predominantly volunteers who had private practices and contributed time at teaching hospitals18. There were seventy-seven medical schools in the United States from 1933 to 1948. By 1963, the addition of ten schools and the expansion of class size at the existing schools accounted for a 31 percent increase in the annual number of graduates compared with the number in 19488. An additional increase of 75 percent occurred between 1963 and 1975, following two federal government reports, in 1958 and 1959, that …
Mast cells and hypoxia drive tissue metaplasia and heterotopic ossification in idiopathic arthrofibrosis after total knee arthroplasty

Background Idiopathic arthrofibrosis occurs in 3-4% of patients who undergo total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, little is known about the cellular or molecular changes involved in the onset or progression of this condition. To classify the histomorphologic changes and evaluate potential contributing factors, periarticular tissues from the knees of patients with arthrofibrosis were analyzed for fibroblast and mast cell proliferation, heterotopic ossification, cellular apoptosis, hypoxia and oxidative stress.
A comparison of sticky traps for monitoring Asian citrus psyllid (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama)

Six types of sticky card traps differing in color and trapping adhesive were evaluated for monitoring Asian citrus psyllid in citrus in the United States (Florida and Texas). We coded the six traps as ASYellow, GLYellow, RWYellow, ASACP, ASGreen and MGGreen. The ASYellow, GLYellow and RWYellow traps were a bright yellow color to the human eye but the yellow color of these traps varied in intensity. To the human eye, the ASACP traps were a lime-green color, the MGGreen trap was a fluorescent yellow-green color, and the ASGreen trap was a green color. Spectral reflectance measurements were taken to categorize the color (wavelength) spectrum of each trap. Percent reflectance in the green and yellow wavelength regions was similar among the ASYellow, GLYellow, RWYellow and ASACP traps. Three of the six sticky traps (GLYellow, RWYellow and MGGreen) were treated with a traditional gluey adhesive material. The other three traps were treated with No Mess Sticky Card adhesive, a hot-melted, pressuresensitive adhesive material. Trapping studies were conducted in Florida and Texas during AprileMay comparing four of the traps and during SeptembereOctober comparing all six traps. Data collected during AprileMay indicated there were no significant differences in numbers of adults captured on ASGreen, ASYellow, ASACP and GLYellow traps. In seven comparisons of all six traps during SeptembereOctober, the GLYellow and RWYellow traps each captured significantly fewer adults in one comparison, the MGGreen trap captured fewer adults in two comparisons, and the ASGreen trap captured fewer in three comparisons. There was no evidence that any one of the six traps would be best at detecting psyllids when adult populations are scarce. There was no significant difference between the two adhesive materials with respect to numbers of adults captured on traps. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
Measurement of methemoglobin in neonatal samples containing fetal hemoglobin

Because of the potential for methemoglobinemia during nitric oxide therapy in newborns, methods are needed to accurately quantify methemoglobin (MetHb) in the presence of the high concentrations of fetal hemoglobin (Hb F), bilirubin, and lipids seen in these patients. Spectral differences between fetal and adult Hbs invalidate assumptions of conventional multiwavelength Hb photometry, so we evaluated an "overdetermined" system (Ciba-Corning Model 270), in which absorbances at seven wavelengths are measured to quantify four Hb derivatives. Adult and umbilical cord blood (Hb F 96%) samples were prepared to contain known MetHb fractions. Measured MetHb was linear in cord blood to > or = 15% MetHb. Within-run precision (CV) was < 2.2% (n = 10) at each of seven MetHb fractions between 5% and 100%. Measured (y) and expected (x) MetHb fractions in cord blood were in good agreement (y = 1.0200x + 0.100, Sylx = 0). Added bilibrubin (200 mg/L serum) and lipid (30 g/L) did not interfere. No significant differences were seen for adult and cord blood samples with identical MetHb fractions (P = 0.72), whereas a significant difference was noted with an exactly determined system (P = 0.0033). At clinically relevant MetHb fractions (< 15%), a trend towards increased values in cord blood was noted with an exactly determined system (y = 1.0520x + 0.7600). We conclude that this overdetermined system measures MetHb accurately in samples from patients with large concentrations of Hb F.
Surface Flux Observations on the Southeastern Tropical Pacific Ocean and Attribution of SST Errors in Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere Models

Abstract A new dataset synthesizes in situ and remote sensing observations from research ships deployed to the southeastern tropical Pacific stratocumulus region for 7 years in boreal fall. Surface meteorology, turbulent and radiative fluxes, aerosols, cloud properties, and rawinsonde profiles were measured on nine ship transects along 20°S from 75° to 85°W. Fluxes at the ocean surface are essential to the equilibrium SST. Solar radiation is the only warming net heat flux, with 180–200 W m−2 in boreal fall. The strongest cooling is evaporation (60–100 W m−2), followed by net thermal infrared radiation (30 W m−2) and sensible heat flux (<10 W m−2). The 70 W m−2 imbalance of heating at the surface reflects the seasonal SST tendency and some 30 W m−2 cooling that is mostly due to ocean transport. Coupled models simulate significant SST errors in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. Three different observation-based gridded ocean surface flux products agree with ship and buoy observations, while fluxes simulat...
Methanol Oxidative Dehydrogenation on Oxide Catalysts: Molecular and Dissociative Routes and Hydrogen Addition Energies as Descriptors of Reactivity

The oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of alkanols on oxide catalysts is generally described as involving H-abstraction from alkoxy species formed via O–H dissociation. Kinetic and isotopic data cannot discern between such routes and those involving kinetically-relevant H-abstraction from undissociated alkanols. Here, we combine such experiments with theoretical estimates of activation energies and entropies to show that the latter molecular routes prevail over dissociative routes for methanol reactions on polyoxometalate (POM) clusters at all practical reaction temperatures. The stability of the late transition states that mediate H-abstraction depend predominantly on the stability of the O–H bond formed, making H-addition energies (HAE) accurate and single-valued descriptors of reactivity. Density functional theory-derived activation energies depend linearly on HAE values at each O-atom location on clusters with a range of composition (H3PMo12, H4SiMo12, H3PW12, H4PV1Mo11, and H4PV1W11); both barriers and ...
Undoped AlGaN/GaN HEMTs for microwave power amplification

Undoped AlGaN/GaN structures are used to fabricate high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs). Using the strong spontaneous and piezoelectric polarization inherent in this crystal structure a two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) is induced. Three-dimensional (3-D) nonlinear thermal simulations are made to determine the temperature rise from heat dissipation in various geometries. Epitaxial growth by MBE and OMVPE are described, reaching electron mobilities of 1500 and 1700 cm/sup 2//Ns, respectively, For electron sheet density near 1/spl times/10/sup 13//cm/sup 2/, Device fabrication is described, including surface passivation used to sharply reduce the problematic current slump (dc to rf dispersion) in these HEMTs. The frequency response, reaching an intrinsic f/sub t/ of 106 GHz for 0.15 /spl mu/m gates, and drain-source breakdown voltage dependence on gate length are presented. Small periphery devices on sapphire substrates have normalized microwave output power of /spl sim/4 W/mm, while large periphery devices have /spl sim/2 W/mm, both thermally limited. Performance, without and with Si/sub 3/N/sub 4/ passivation are presented. On SiC substrates, large periphery devices have electrical limits of 4 W/mm, due in part to the limited development of the substrates.
Supporting Young Children’s Transitions to School: Recommendations for Families

Transition refers to the process of change and encompasses the events and experiences that occur when a child moves from one setting to another. It also marks the time when children are separated from a familiar routine and environment and placed into an environment of uncertainty, changing roles and expectations. Transitions are important because children who experience continuity with earlier educational experiences show increased motivation, improved relationships with peers and adults, and higher achievement. Recommendations outlined for children and families include at school practices, at home practices, increased advocacy for children, information sharing, school tours, classroom visits, and on-going communication between teachers and parents and among family members.
Second-derivative optical mammography

We present a second-derivative scheme of image processing to enhance the detection of regions of higher absorbance in optical mammograms. The second-derivative images facilitate a spectral analysis that estimates the oxygenation level of breast lesions.
Process-Property Relationships For a-Si1-xCx:H Deposition: Excursions in Parameter Space Guided by Real Time Spectroellipsometry

Real time spectroellipsometry (RTSE) has been applied to study the growth of a-Si1-xCx:H alloys (x~0.1; Eg=1.90-2.00 eV) for applications as i- and p-type layers in wide band gap solar cells. Two important material parameters, the optical gap and the relative bond-packing density (or void volume fraction), can be estimated from RTSE data collected during the growth of a sequence of layers onto the same substrate using different plasma-enhanced CVD conditions. In this way, large regions of parameter space have been scanned expeditiously, and an improved understanding of the effects of H2-dilution, substrate temperature (Ts), plasma power, gas pressure, and gas flow on the film properties has been obtained.
Enhanced lethality by methylxanthines in human bladder cancer cells treated with thiotepa.

Abstract Cytotoxicity of thiotepa or doxorubicin hydrochloride in human bladder cancer cells was investigated alone and in combination with methylxanthines. Methylxanthines can potentiate cytotoxicity of some DNA-damaging agents used in cancer therapy by preventing DNA repair. However, the potential clinical utility of these drug combinations has not been defined. Nontoxic concentrations of two methylxanthines, theobromine and caffeine, markedly enhanced lethality in T-24 human bladder cancer cells treated with thiotepa. Thiotepa cytotoxicity was increased over 10-fold by continuous treatment with nontoxic concentrations of methylxanthines (0.5 mM), but the major enhancing effect was observed in the 1st 24 hours after thiotepa exposure. By contrast, no such enhanced lethality was observed using higher methylxanthine concentrations and equal or greater cytotoxic treatments with doxorubicin hydrochloride. The amount of enhanced lethality by methylxanthines correlated directly with growth rate of the cells in culture, suggesting that differential enhanced therapeutic effects could be achieved in the treatment of superficial bladder tumors based on the increased proliferative rate of neoplastic bladder cells compared to normal bladder urothelium.
Dissecting Virus Infectious Cycles by Cryo-Electron Microscopy.

In response to events such as receptor binding and endocytic triggers, viruses undergo large-scale, dynamic conformational changes necessary for cell entry and genome delivery. In later stages of the infectious cycle, replication machinery must read and synthesize nucleic acid strands to generate new copies of genetic material, and structural proteins must assemble and package the appropriate contents in order to produce new infectious particles. Structural elucidation of these events is key to understanding them and their inhibition by antiviral agents such as neutralizing antibodies and drugs. Electron microscopy is a versatile technique that offers the ability to resolve three-dimensional structures of individual viral proteins and whole virions in multiple functional states, even in cells at different stages of infection (Fig 1). Here we focus on the use of transmission electron microscopy of frozen-hydrated specimens, i.e., cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM). A major advantage of cryo-EM over other structural approaches is that samples of a broad range of sizes can be imaged under near-physiological conditions with native hydration intact. This approach does not require the specimen to be fixed, stained, or coaxed into a crystalline lattice. This versatility has enabled cryo-EM to expand the envelope of structural virology and opened new avenues for understanding the molecular and cellular processes of virus infection and pathogenesis. Fig 1 Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) enables one to gain insight into viruses over many levels of structural hierarchy, ranging from determination of near-atomic resolution structures of subunits and symmetrical virus assemblies to ultrastructural analysis ... In this micro-review, we examine general approaches and recent applications of cryo-EM to virology. The reader is referred to a number of excellent reviews for more in-depth discussion of current methodology (e.g., [1,2]). Electron microscopy and structural virology have a long, shared history dating to the first images of bacteriophages gathered using some of the earliest electron microscopes [3]. As the technique of cryogenically preserving unfixed samples was being developed, again, viruses were among the first test subjects that helped to demonstrate the utility of cryo-EM for characterizing structure of large biological assemblies [4–6].
The Transformation of European Social Democracy: Internal politics in socialist parties: Preference formation, aggregation, and strategic choice

The theory of party competition explored in the previous chapter can explain how party strategies translate into electoral payoffs within a competitive situation. But the theory only insufficiently illuminates the parties' choice of strategy itself. How do social democratic parties choose among the potential goals of oligopolistic competition, short-term vote seeking, and office seeking? And why are their strategies sometimes irrational in light of the feasible courses of action? In this chapter, I argue that intraparty decision-making processes and coalitions explain the parties' strategic appeal. Because systemic considerations account for the electoral consequences of parties' stances, my dependent variable here is the party strategy itself, not electoral performance. Once parties are viewed as miniature political systems with contending actors, electoral strategies may make sense when they would not if parties were unitary actors. Party organization and internal politics affect a party's effort to seek votes as well as its strategic view of office seeking and coalition building with other parties. Party organization affects two different attributes of party strategy that are often distinguished insufficiently, the substantive direction and the temporal stability, flexibility , or even volatility of party appeals. Organizational rules directly affect a party's temporal strategic flexibility vis-a-vis new competitive challenges. They determine how quickly “dominant coalitions” inside parties can be displaced by new contenders. The substantive direction of a party's strategic appeal, however, depends more on the distribution of political sentiments among party activists that are by and large shaped by the political setting in which a party operates.
17 – Corrosion monitoring in soil

Abstract Buried metal-loss coupons were used in the past, in addition to cathodic protection (CP) monitoring, to assess the effectiveness of corrosion control systems for buried structures. More recently, instrumented probes have been adapted for use in soils. When used in soil side applications, these probes are commonly referred to as “soil corrosion probes” (SCP) or coupon probes. Three different types of soil corrosion monitoring probes which have been adapted or developed for soil environments are discussed—electrical resistance (ER) probes, multifunction ER probes, and ultrasound testing (UT) probes. All three types can be configured with either additional CP and AC corrosion monitoring coupons, or with CP and AC corrosion monitoring capabilities built into the probe assemblies, to provide complete corrosion control system monitoring through corrosion growth rate/metal-loss measurements and CP and AC potential and current density measurements.
Tubular Reabsorption and Secretion

The chapter begins with comparing the filtered load of materials with the amount excreted and shows that in some cases all of the filtered load is reabsorbed, and in others it is added to by secretion. It introduces renal titration and considers the titration of inulin, glucose, phosphate, and PAH. It defines the transport maximum for either reabsorption or secretion and shows how the interpretation of the clearance depends on the renal handling of the material. It shows how the endogenous creatinine clearance approximates the GFR. The chapter then discusses the TF/ P ratio. The TF/ P ratio for inulin marks the reabsorption of water because inulin is filtered but not reabsorbed or secreted; The double ratio (TF/ P ) x /(TF/ P ) inulin marks reabsorption or filtration processes. The rest of the chapter discusses the mechanisms of reabsorption of glucose, amino acids, phosphate, bicarbonate, water, salt, urea, and proteins.
Simulating Chemical Reactions Using a Swarm of Miniature Robots

We wish to simulate basic rules of chemistry using a swarm of miniature robots, which mimic atoms and forming molecules. Atomic scale interactions are difficult to observe and computer simulations or ball-and-stick models capture either behavioral or embodied aspects, but not both. Miniature robots that are able to determine their orientation and position with respect to each other and provide audible, visual, and tactile feedback to a user could make such simulations both interactive and tangible. We describe a working prototype of our swarm-robotic chemistry simulation which demonstrates concepts including electronegativity, reaction spontaneity, the octet rule, and hybridization. Here, the key challenge is that once we go beyond the most simple set of atoms, the outcome of reactions cannot be calculated from first principles. We solve this problem by letting robots exchange local measurements, the nearby atoms, their geometry, and molecules that have formed and then using a compact look-up table implementation, which suggests avenues of further studies for both physical chemistry and swarm robotics. We also present preliminary data recorded from a high-school demonstration evaluating using a tangible simulation of chemistry reactions as a teaching tool.
Why the USA Is Doomed to Have Trade Deficits, and Why It Doesn't Matter

Various presidential candidates over the years have promised to reduce the U.S. trade deficit. Such arguments are based on the mistaken belief that trade deficits are bad. This paper explains why the United States is doomed to have trade deficits, and why it doesn’t matter.The paper also includes a bibliography of more than 100 articles about trade, with links that will take the reader to the article.
Bargaining or Backlash? Evidence on Intimate Partner Violence from the Dominican Republic

This essay explores the role of economic, political, and social factors in the incidence of intimate partner violence (IPV). It considers the extent to which two prominent theses on the determinants of IPV – (1) the household bargaining model (HBM), and (2) the male backlash model (MBM) – best explain this phenomenon in the case of the Dominican Republic. Drawing on the 2007 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), which differentiates between physical and sexual IPV, results from logistic regressions reveal that the HBM better explains physical IPV, while the MBM better predicts sexual IPV. Further, the HBM does better accounting for IPV among wealthier women, while the MBM best explains IPV among poorer women. The findings suggest the need to reconsider broad programs and policies intended to prevent and ameliorate IPV in the Dominican Republic, and to implement targeted initiatives focusing on the economic factors motivating them.
A Multiphoton QED Generator

A method to calculate higher order radiative corrections with an explicit representation of the photon variables is presented here. The method can correctly exponentiate 2-particle QED processes up to next-to-leading factorization. Possible future improvements are discussed.
NPAS2 Regulation of Anxiety-Like Behavior and GABAA Receptors

Abnormal circadian rhythms and circadian genes are strongly associated with several psychiatric disorders. Neuronal PAS Domain Protein 2 (NPAS2) is a core component of the molecular clock that acts as a transcription factor and is highly expressed in reward- and stress-related brain regions such as the striatum. However, the mechanism by which NPAS2 is involved in mood-related behaviors is still unclear. We measured anxiety-like behaviors in mice with a global null mutation in Npas2 (Npas2 null mutant mice) and found that Npas2 null mutant mice exhibit less anxiety-like behavior than their wild-type (WT) littermates (in elevated plus maze, light/dark box and open field assay). We assessed the effects of acute or chronic stress on striatal Npas2 expression, and found that both stressors increased levels of Npas2. Moreover, knockdown of Npas2 in the ventral striatum resulted in a similar reduction of anxiety-like behaviors as seen in the Npas2 null mutant mouse. Additionally, we identified Gabra genes as transcriptional targets of NPAS2, found that Npas2 null mutant mice exhibit reduced sensitivity to the GABAa positive allosteric modulator, diazepam and that knockdown of Npas2 reduced Gabra1 expression and response to diazepam in the ventral striatum. These results: (1) implicate Npas2 in the response to stress and the development of anxiety; and (2) provide functional evidence for the regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission by NPAS2 in the ventral striatum.