cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma-graphene interaction and its effects on nanoscale patterning

Scalable and precise nanopatterning of graphene is an essential step for graphene-based device fabrication. Hydrogen-plasma reactions have been shown to narrow graphene only from the edges, or to selectively produce circular or hexagonal holes in the basal plane of graphene, but the underlying plasma-graphene chemistry is unknown. Here, we study the hydrogen-plasma etching of monolayer graphene supported on $\mathrm{Si}{\mathrm{O}}_{2}$ substrates across the range of plasma ion energies using scale-bridging molecular dynamics (MD) simulations based on reactive force-field potential. Our results uncover distinct etching mechanisms, operative within narrow ion energy windows, which fully explain the differing plasma-graphene reactions observed experimentally. Specific ion energy ranges are demonstrated for stable isotropic ($\ensuremath{\sim}2\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$) versus anisotropic hole growth ($\ensuremath{\sim}20--30\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$) within the basal plane of graphene, as well as for pure edge etching of graphene ($\ensuremath{\sim}1\phantom{\rule{0.28em}{0ex}}\mathrm{eV}$). Understanding the complex plasma-graphene chemistry opens up a means for controlled patterning of graphene nanostructures.
Absolute Reconstructions Using Rotational Electrical Impedance Tomography for Breast Cancer Imaging

A rotational Electrical Impedance Tomography (rEIT) methodology is described and shown to produce spatially accurate absolute reconstructions with improved image contrast and an improved ability to distinguish closely spaced inclusions compared to traditional EIT on data recorded from cylindrical and breast-shaped tanks. Rotations of the tank without altering the interior conductivity distribution are used to produce the rEIT data. Quantitatively, rEIT was able to distinguish two inclusions that were 1.5 cm closer together than traditional EIT could achieve for inclusions placed 2 to 3 cm from the center for the cylindrical tank, and rEIT was able to distinguish two tumor-like inclusions where traditional EIT could not reliably do so. Mathematical analysis showed that rEIT improves the number of stable singular vectors by up to 4.2 and 4.7 times than that of traditional EIT for the cylindrical and breast-shaped tanks, respectively, which is an indication of improved resolution. Direct investigations into measurements revealed minimum rotation angles that should yield data uncorrupted by noise. Two inverse approaches (one that inverts then fuses the data (I/DF) and one that fuses the data then inverts (DF/I)) and two mesh modeling approaches were considered. It was found that DF/I produces far better results compared to I/DF and a rotated-mesh approach produces further improvements. The ability to obtain improved absolute reconstructions using rEIT on a practical clinical scenario (breast-shaped tank experiment) is an important step towards using rEIT to improve previous EIT results in medical applications.
Automata theory meets approximate dynamic programming: Optimal control with temporal logic constraints

We investigate the synthesis of optimal controllers for continuous-time and continuous-state systems under temporal logic specifications. The specification is expressed as a deterministic, finite automaton (the specification automaton) with transition costs, and the optimal system behavior is captured by a cost function that is integrated over time. We construct a dynamic programming problem over the product of the underlying continuous-time, continuous-state system and the discrete specification automaton. To solve this dynamic program, we propose controller synthesis algorithms based on approximate dynamic programming (ADP) for both linear and nonlinear systems under temporal logic constraints. We argue that ADP allows treating the synthesis problem directly, without forming expensive discrete abstractions. We show that, for linear systems under co-safe temporal logic constraints, the ADP solution reduces to a single semidefinite program.
National Election Results: The Potential Impact on the ACC, Its Members, and Our Patients.

![Figure][1] The new year ushered in a major shift in U.S. politics. On January 3, 2016, the Republican-led 115th Congress, which includes 56 new members of the House of Representatives and 7 new members of the Senate, took their seats on Capitol Hill. On January 20, 2016, Donald Trump was
Antifungal Dosing Strategies for Critically Ill Patients

This article provides updates on antifungals, dosing strategies for safe and effective therapy in the critically ill, including special populations, and the understanding of resistance over the last 5 years. Reports of adverse effects with echinocandins have risen while antifungal resistance to this class has increased, especially in Candida glabrata. New formulations of posaconazole and isuvaconazole have been developed. Alternative dosing strategies including combination therapy are being evaluated for difficult to treat fungal infections. Other highlights include additional data on dosing patients with severe organ dysfunction, including those on continuous renal replacement therapy, and new breakpoints for individual Candida species being established for the echinocandins and triazole classes. Increasing resistance in Candida spp. has made susceptibility testing a standard of care for critically ill patients. New formulations of the triazole antifungals have made prevention and treatment of mold infections more of a reality. There are many implications that must be considered when treating critically ill patients due to alterations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in order to ensure adequate treatment. This article exposes the need for further clinical research in treating invasive infections in this patient population.
VEGF-VEGF Receptor 1 (Flt-1) Interactions Significantly Modulate Endothelial Progenitor Cell (EPC) Migration but Have Only Minor Effects on the Migration of Differentiated Endothelial Cells.

There is a growing body of data demonstrating that vasculogenesis, whereby bone marrow -derived circulating progenitor cells (EPCs) home to sites of neovascularization, results in significant contribution to blood vessel formation during tumor growth, ischemic injury and wound healing. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) has recently been shown to augment vasculogenesis. In the current study, we examined if VEGF/VEGF Receptor (VEGFR) interactions are important for EPC recruitment. Both VEGFR1 (flt-1) and VEGFR2 (flk-1) are strongly expressed, as detected by immunofluorescent and FACS analysis, on EPCs obtained by ex vivo expansion of human peripheral blood. In a modified Boyden chamber migration assay, EPCs showed dose dependent migration to VEGF. To examine receptor specificity, EPCs were preincubated with receptor blocking anti-VEGFR1 or -VEGFR2 prior to the migration assay. Level of inhibition by VEGFR1 blocking antibody was commensurate with blocking VEGFR2. Furthermore, migration in response to a VEGFR1-specific agonist, PlGF, was comparable to that induced by VEGF and was completely ablated by preincubation with VEGFR1 blocking antibody. By contrast, differentiated endothelial cells had diminished migration in response to PlGF as compared to VEGF. Furthermore, blocking VEGFR1 only mildly disrupted VEGF-induced migration of differentiated endothelial cells in vitro. Hence, unlike differentiated endothelial cells, EPC migration in vitro was mediated by both VEGF receptors. By quantitative RT-PCR, we examined the level of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2 mRNA transcripts in EPCs versus differentiated endothelial cells. VEGFR1 transcripts in EPCs were expressed 3-fold higher than in differentiated endothelial cells. VEGFR2 and neuropilin transcript levels in EPCs, however, were lower than in differentiated endothelial cells. These results suggest that VEGF/VEGFR1 interactions are important in EPC migration in vitro. We have subcloned VEGFR1 cDNA into a retrovirus vector and have shown by western blot that we can direct increased cellular expression of VEGFR1. In further experiments, we will examine the role of VEGFR1 in human EPC recruitment using murine xenotransplant models of hindlimb ischemia and wound healing. These studies will provide valuable insight towards developing EPCs as cellular therapy to augment blood vessel formation.
Simulations, Imaging, and Modeling: A Unique Theme for an Undergraduate Research Program in Biomechanics

As the reliance on computational models to inform experiments and evaluate medical devices grows, the demand for students with modeling experience will grow. In this paper, we report on the 3-yr experience of a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) based on the theme simulations, imaging, and modeling in biomechanics. While directly applicable to REU sites, our findings also apply to those creating other types of summer undergraduate research programs. The objective of the paper is to examine if a theme of simulations, imaging, and modeling will improve students' understanding of the important topic of modeling, provide an overall positive research experience, and provide an interdisciplinary experience. The structure of the program and the evaluation plan are described. We report on the results from 25 students over three summers from 2014 to 2016. Overall, students reported significant gains in the knowledge of modeling, research process, and graduate school based on self-reported mastery levels and open-ended qualitative responses. This theme provides students with a skill set that is adaptable to other applications illustrating the interdisciplinary nature of modeling in biomechanics. Another advantage is that students may also be able to continue working on their project following the summer experience through network connections. In conclusion, we have described the successful implementation of the theme simulation, imaging, and modeling for an REU site and the overall positive response of the student participants.
From electron transfer to cholesterol transfer; molecular regulation of steroid synthesis in the mitochondrion

Mitochondria in steroidogenic cells (in adrenal cortex, ovaries, and testis) convert cholesterol to pregnenolone via cytochrome P450scc under hormonal control. It is now recognized that an equivalent process also occurs in other tissues, including specialized cells in the brain. Steroidogenic cells have specialized mechanisms for uptake and transfer of cholesterol to the mitochondria as well as across the mitochondrial membranes. Cytochrome P450scc functions in these mitochondria via an electron transfer process driven by NADPH that utilize a ferredoxin and a flavoprotein reductase. This process can also support other mitochondrial P450 cytochromes. Mitochondrial cholesterol transfer is mediated by a 37kDa protein, StAR, which undergoes phosphorylation, intra-mitochondrial transfer, and processing. While the 37 kDa precursor can mediate this transfer, there is evidence for a more active process that requires the intra-mitochondrial action of the mature p30 StAR. The structure of these mitochondria is central to these processes and exhibit unusual features, including a complex inner membrane. The transition from normal mitochondria to steroidogenic mitochondria is hormonally regulated in adrenal cells.
Growth factors in gliomas: antisense and dominant negative mutant strategies.

Antisense and dominant negative mutant strategies were developedas 'magic bullets' to suppress the function ofa particular gene while preserving the remaining cellularactivities. While experience with these techniques has dispelledsome of the 'magic', these strategies remain usefulfor understanding the function of particular gene products.Antisense strategies involve the administration of either asynthetic oligodeoxy-nucleotide or a plasmid construct which producesa sequence that is complementary to the DNAor mRNA of the gene of interest. Antisensebinding should inhibit transcription or translation of thegene, and thus decrease synthesis of the proteinfor which the gene encodes. Conversely, dominant negativemutations inhibit activity of a gene product byencoding for a second protein which suppresses thefunction of the gene of interest. For example,a single mutant subunit in a multimeric proteinmight allow normal assembly of the protein whileinhibiting its activity. The use of these techniquesfor investigating the role of various growth factorpathways in glial neoplasia and their potential therapeuticapplications are reviewed below.
The Approximate Functional Equation

In this chapter I solve the functional equation appropriate to the loop inequality of Chapter 8. I give the solution in two forms. The first has an asymptotic sense, so as to present the result and its proof in a more intelligible shape. The second is an inequality. It will appear as theorem (9.11). The treatment of this chapter may be read without a knowledge of the previous chapters of the present volume.
Thermal and transport properties of U3Si2

Abstract We have studied U3Si2 by means of the heat capacity, electrical resistivity, Seebeck and Hall effects, and thermal conductivity in the temperature range 2–300 K and in magnetic fields up to 9 T. All the results obtained point to delocalized nature of 5f-electrons in this material. The low temperature heat capacity is enhanced (γel ∼ 150 mJ/mol-K2) and shows an upturn in Cp/T (T), characteristic of spin fluctuations. The thermal conductivity of U3Si2 is ∼8.5 W/m-K at room temperature and we show that the electronic part dominates heat transport above 300 K as expected for a metallic system, although the lattice contribution cannot be completely neglected.
Quantitative sodium imaging and gliomas: a feasibility study

Recent advances in sodium brain MRI have allowed for increased signal-to-noise ratio, faster imaging, and the ability of differentiating intracellular from extracellular sodium concentration, opening a new window of opportunity for clinical application. In gliomas, there are significant alterations in sodium metabolism, including increase in the total sodium concentration and extracellular volume fraction. The purpose of this study is to assess the feasibility of using sodium MRI quantitative measurements to evaluate gliomas. Eight patients with treatment-naive gliomas were scanned at 3 T with a homemade 1H/23Na head coil, generating maps of pseudo-intracellular sodium concentration (C1), pseudo-extracellular volume fraction (α2), apparent intracellular sodium concentration (aISC), and apparent total sodium concentration (aTSC). Measurements were made within the contralateral normal-appearing putamen, contralateral normal-appearing white matter (NAWM), and solid tumor regions (area of T2-FLAIR abnormality, excluding highly likely areas of edema, cysts, or necrosis). Paired samples t test were performed comparing NAWM and putamen and between NAWM and solid tumor. The normal-appearing putamen demonstrated significantly higher values for aTSC, aISC, C1 (p < 0.001), and α2 (p = 0.002) when compared to those of NAWM. The mean average of all solid tumors, when compared to that of NAWM, demonstrated significantly higher values of aTSC and α2 (p < 0.001), and significantly lower values of aISC (p = 0.02) for each patient. There was no significant difference between the values of C1 (p = 0.19). Quantitative sodium measurements can be done in glioma patients and also has provided further evidence that total sodium and extracellular volume fraction are increased in gliomas.
A happy firmware/software development medium

In projects that are size, weight, and power (SWAP)-constrained, firmware and software development teams often negotiate trade-offs on complexity. Development efforts for radio firmware on the Frontier Radio, an APL Software Defined Radio (SDR) product, set a goal to improve the testability and integration between firmware and software. The Frontier Radio is baselined for the Europa Clipper project, a NASA mission in development jointly by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Radio firmware development aims to implement a regression testing pyramid approach in both the simulation and bench testing environments, building the infrastructure necessary to emulate flight software capabilities early-on in the firmware development cycle. Reaching this goal has entailed several key advancements spanning both the software and firmware teams. We've developed a custom command protocol designed for real-time control of a target processor bus, as well as implementation of DMA controllers to support this protocol. In the Ground Support Equipment (GSE), an expanded user testing interface in MATLAB has been built, providing the tools necessary to test flight software sequences in real-time over a debug link. Development of a custom VHDL testing suite has led to a solid base for simulation regression testing. Definition of a JAVA tool, the Register Map Tool, manages XML register map databases, and ties together dependencies across the different environments. This set of improvements has opened many new doors in development and testing capabilities on both the firmware and flight software sides, encouraging earlier flight software development/integration and reducing the risk of unforeseen integration efforts.
Proteomic Interrogation of Human Chromatin Protein States

Current epigenetic research encompasses studies on inheritance of stereotypic patterns of chromatin-associated histones and nonhistone proteins, their variant forms, modifications on the DNA as well as proteins and noncoding RNAs, relevant to nuclear-templated cellular events governing vertebrate gene function and differentiation. In recent years, the study of chromatin proteins and their interaction networks have evolved to grouping meaningful recurring marks into chromatin states. Major impetus in the study of chromatin states has been the outstanding improvements in analytical technology, including methodologies for efficient extraction of chromatin and its components, innovative preparatory chemistries, precision instrumentation, analytical layouts with better chemical discrimination, and retooled informatics capabilities. This chapter reviews some important recent developments in this growing field of interest and their potential for uncovering novel proteins and their modulatory roles in chromatin activity. We outline the global profiling of the most abundant of the chromatin proteins, the histones, and their modifications in several model organisms and cellular contexts, besides correlating particular histone marks and their turnover rates to specific chromatin states. A whole nuclear proteome description delineating an integrated workflow for protein preparation, interrogation of chromatin states, and data analysis is illustrated.
Role of platelet-activating factor in parturition.

Platelet activating factor (PAF) has been implicated in a number of processes in reproductive biology including the synthesis and release of PAF by human spermatozoa,1 enhancement of sperm motility,2 ovulation4,5 and penetration into the oocyte. PAF has also been detected in the uterine tissue of a number of species6,7 and PAF receptors have been identified in endometrium,8 and myometrium.9 The relationship of PAF to implantation has received special attention. O’Neill and colleagues first reported10 that PAF was secreted by the embryo (for review see11) and that the implantation rate was increased in proportion to the PAF secreted into the media. A positive correlation was found also between the pregnancy outcome and PAF secretion by the embryo.11,12
Treatment of pediatric intracranial aneurysms: case series and meta-analysis

Background There are limited outcome data to guide the choice of treatment in pediatric patients with cerebral aneurysms. Objective To describe our institutional experience treating pediatric patients with cerebral aneurysms and to conduct a meta-analysis of available studies to provide the best current evidence on treatment related outcomes. Methods We identified pediatric patients with cerebral aneurysms evaluated or treated at our institution using a comprehensive case log. We also identified studies to include in a meta-analysis through a systematic search of Pubmed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. As part of both the local analysis and meta-analysis, we recorded patient characteristics, aneurysm characteristics, management, and outcomes. Statistical analysis was performed using Fisher’s exact test and the two tailed Student’s t test, as appropriate. Results 42 pediatric patients with 57 aneurysms were evaluated at our institution, and treatment specific outcome data were available in 560 patients as part of our meta-analysis. Endovascular and surgical treatments yielded comparable rates of favorable outcome in all children (88.3% vs 82.7%, respectively, P=0.097), in children with ruptured aneurysms (75% vs 83%, respectively, P=0.357), and in children with unruptured aneurysms (96% vs 97%, respectively, P=1.000). Conclusion Endovascular and surgical treatment yield comparable long term clinical outcomes in pediatric patients with cerebral aneurysms.
Modeling primary creep for Zircaloy claddings during load reversals and drops in BISON

Abstract It is desired to accurately predict creep strains in zirconium claddings, subjected to cases such as sudden load drops or reversals, using the BISON fuel performance code. It has been experimentally proven that primary creep reinitializes at sudden load drops and reversals, which is different than normal operating conditions, where stresses increase gradually. A new visco-elastic primary creep model is added to BISON, which is capable of handling situations of load drops or reversals. The model is coupled with secondary creep models namely Hayes-Hoppe and Limback-Anderson, available in BISON to make predictions on cladding creep strains. The results are compared to Halden in-pile experiments IFA-585 and IFA-699. Based on the comparison, it is recommended to use the visco-elastic primary creep model coupled with Hayes-Hoppe secondary model for consistency and performance.
Single-stranded DNA structural diversity: TAGGGT from monomers to dimers to tetramer formation.

Rationale DNA quadruplex structures have emerged as novel drug targets due to their role in preventing abnormal gene transcription and maintaining telomere stability. Trapped Ion Mobility Spectrometry-Mass Spectrometry (TIMS-MS), combined with theoretical modeling, is a powerful tool for studying the kinetic intermediates of DNA complexes formed in solution and interrogated in the gas phase after desolvation. Methods A TAGGGT ssDNA sequence was purchased and studied in 10 mM ammonium acetate using nanospray electrospray ionization (nESI)-TIMS-MS in positive and negative ion mode. Collisional cross section (CCS) profiles were measured using internal calibration (Tune Mix). Theoretical structures were proposed based on molecular dynamics, charge location and geometry optimization for the most intense IMS bands based on the number of TAGGGT units, adduct form and charge states. Results A distribution of monomeric, dimeric and tetrameric TAGGGT structures were formed in solution and separated in the gas phase based on their mobility and m/z value (e.g., [M + 2H]+2 , [2M + 3H]+3 , [M - 2H]-2 , [2M - 3H]-3 , [4M + 4H]+4 , [4M + 3H + NH4 ]+4 , [4M + 2H + 2NH4 ]+4 and [4M + H + 3NH4 ]+4 ). The high mobility resolution of the TIMS-MS analyzer permitted the observation of multiple CCS bands per molecular ion form. Comparison with theoretical candidate structures suggests that monomeric TAGGGT species are stabilized by A-T and G+ -G interactions, with the size of the conformer influenced by the proton location. In the case of the TAGGGT quadruplex, the protonated species displayed a broad CCS distribution, while six discrete conformers were stabilized by the presence of ammonium ions (n = 1-3). Conclusions This is the first observation of multiple conformations of TAGGGT complexes (n = 1, 2 and 4) in 10 mM ammonium acetate. Candidate structures with intramolecular interactions of the form of G+ -G and traditional A-T base pairing agreed with the experimental trends. Our results demonstrate the structural diversity of TAGGGT monomers, dimers and tetramers in the gas phase beyond the previously reported solution structure, using 10 mM ammonium acetate to replicate biological conditions.
Should Corporate Pensions Invest in Risky Assets? A Risk-sharing Perspective

We use a modified corporate risk management framework (e.g., Froot and Stein, 1998) to understand how inefficient risk sharing between firms and employees leads to aggressive investment policies of defined corporate pensions as well as their declining popularity. For reasonable parameter values, our model matches key empirical patterns including pension’s risk allocation and the relations among pension investment risk, corporate bankruptcy probability, and pension funding. Further, we show that inefficient risk sharing may cause pensions to invest more aggressively than what employees choose for DC plans. By switching from DB plans to DC plans, firms may substantially reduce pension funding costs.
The Reversion of Okinawa, 1969, Part 1

On 26 November 1969 Satō returned to Tokyo following a meeting with American President Richard M. Nixon in Washington. In an emotional and heartfelt address to the nation, he announced that he had reached agreement on his long-cherished goal of securing the return of Okinawa to Japan. He also declared that nuclear weapons would be removed prior to reversion and that US military bases there would operate under the same restrictions as those in the rest of Japan.1 It was Satō’s greatest achievement; however, it was marred by Nixon’s linkage of the Okinawa agreement with a backroom deal on reducing the volume of Japanese textile imports into the United States and on the reintroduction of nuclear weapons should an emergency require it. Despite Satō’s achievement, historians, loath to give him the credit he deserves, have focused on the shortcoming of the deal. Michael Schaller and Walter LaFeber, for example, fail to give adequate praise to Satō but are on firmer ground when they condemn Nixon for his woefully misjudged attempt to link agreement on Okinawa with a deal on textile imports.2 John Welfield gives credit to the Satō administration for securing the return of Okinawa without incurring any new overseas defence obligations but argues that had the Japanese negotiated more firmly and been prepared to wait two years longer, they could have received more favourable terms, particularly with regard to the nuclear question.3
What matters to teachers if evaluation is meant to help them improve

Abstract In 2013, school districts in Connecticut were requested to adopt or develop a system parallel to the System for Educator Evaluation and Development (SEED) model, which highlighted both teacher evaluation and support for teachers’ continuous professional development. This study sought to investigate teachers’ experiences with, perceptions of, and attitudes toward SEED. The particular interest was teachers’ perception of professional feedback received for instructional improvement, with emphases on feedback format, content, features, evaluator capacity, and support. Survey data were analyzed using multiple approaches including descriptive analysis and ordered logistic regression. Results suggest a majority of teachers do not perceive feedback received as effective in helping improving instruction. In addition, teachers value feedback that is specific, frequent, evidence-based, and related to professional development opportunities. Likewise, for teachers to appreciate feedback fully, evaluators must have knowledge of content, instructional practices, and the evaluation system.
Trends of Nontraumatic Lower Extremity Amputation in End-Stage Renal Disease and Diabetes, United States, 2000–2015

OBJECTIVE Nontraumatic lower extremity amputation (NLEA) is a complication of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and diabetes. Although recent data show that NLEA rates in the U.S. ESRD population are declining overall, trends in diabetes and diabetes subgroups remain unclear. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We estimated annual rates of NLEA hospitalizations during 2000–2015 among >2 million adults (≥18 years) with ESRD from the U.S. Renal Data System. Age, sex, and race-adjusted NLEA rates were stratified by diabetes status, age, sex, race, and level of amputation (toe, foot, below the knee, and above the knee). Time trends were assessed using Joinpoint regression with annual percent changes (APC) reported. RESULTS Among adults with diabetes, NLEA rates declined 43.8% between 2000 and 2013 (from 7.5 to 4.2 per 100 person-years; APC −4.9, P CONCLUSIONS Despite an initial period of decline, this analysis documents a stall in progress in NLEA trends in recent years in a high-risk population with both ESRD and diabetes. Increased attention to preventive foot care in the ESRD population should be considered, particularly for those with diabetes.
Exfoliating Bark Does Not Protect Platanus occidentalis From Root-Climbing Lianas

Abstract Lianas are structural parasites that depress growth, fertility, and survival rates of their hosts, but the magnitude to which they alter these rates differ among host species. We tested the hypothesis that Platanus occidentalis (Sycamore) would have fewer adventitiousroot climbing lianas than other tree species. We reasoned that because Sycamore possesses exfoliating bark, it would periodically shed newly-established lianas from the trunk. We investigated the distribution of lianas on the trunks of trees ≥10 cm DBH in floodplains in southwestern Ohio. Contrary to our predictions, Sycamore trees had significantly more lianas than expected at 3 of 5 sites, and significantly fewer than expected at 1 site. In contrast, Acer negundo (Boxelder) had less than half the lianas expected. We find no support for our hypothesis that bark exfoliation protects Sycamore trees from climbing lianas, and suggest possible mechanisms that might protect Box Elder from adventiti ous-root climbing lianas.
CHAPTER IX – ANTI-DIFFERENTIATION

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the problem of finding a function when its derivative is given. Finding a function from its known derivative is a common and important problem of both theoretical and applied mathematics. The chapter presents a list of rules and formulas of integration by considering the known rules and formulas for differentiation. The rules for integration are special formulas by which one can reduce an integral of a combination of functions to a combination of the integrals of each of the component functions. The chapter presents examples to illustrate the techniques for solving integrals reducible to the standard forms.
Fast Acoustic Steering Via Tilting Electromechanical Reflectors (FASTER): A Novel Method for High Volume Rate 3-D Ultrasound Imaging

The 3-D ultrasound imaging is essential for a wide range of clinical applications in diagnostic and interventional cardiology, radiology, and obstetrics for prenatal imaging. 3-D ultrasound imaging is also pivotal for advancing technical developments of emerging imaging technologies, such as elastography, blood flow imaging, functional ultrasound (fUS), and super-resolution microvessel imaging. At present, however, existing 3-D ultrasound imaging methods suffer from low imaging volume rate, suboptimal imaging quality, and high costs associated with 2-D ultrasound transducers. Here, we report a novel 3-D ultrasound imaging technique, fast acoustic steering via tilting electromechanical reflectors (FASTER), which provides both high imaging quality and fast imaging speed while at low cost. Capitalizing upon unique water immersible and fast-tilting microfabricated mirror to scan ultrafast plane waves in the elevational direction, FASTER is capable of high volume rate, large field-of-view (FOV) 3-D imaging with conventional 1-D transducers. In this article, we introduce the fundamental concepts of FASTER and present a series of calibration and validation studies for FASTER 3-D imaging. In a wire phantom and tissue-mimicking phantom study, we demonstrated that FASTER was capable of providing spatially accurate 3-D images with a 500-Hz imaging volume rate and an imaging FOV with a range of 48° (20 mm at 25-mm depth) in the elevational direction. We also showed that FASTER had comparable imaging quality with conventional mechanical translation-based 3-D imaging. The principles and results presented in this study establish the technical foundation for the new paradigm of high volume rate 3-D ultrasound imaging based on ultrafast plane waves and fast-tilting, water-immersible microfabricated mirrors.
Autonomy in Examination Reforms: A Case of American College

Academic autonomy provides ample space for innovation in curriculum designing and periodical curriculum renewal. Curriculum includes identification of learner needs and educational objectives, course-wise objectives, and learning inputs, modes of delivery, learning experiences, and testing. Testing is an important, inevitable component of learning experience and certification. It should also align with course objectives and learning inputs provided in the class. It is also a dynamic process and therefore it requires revisits and reforms. This article examines how autonomy at the American College, Madurai since 1978 enables the teaching community to experiment innovations in examination.
Informed Consent, Understanding, and Trust.

Valid Informed consent to medical treatment or research participation has traditionally been viewed as consisting of the following requirements: (1) the person (or their legal representative) has t...
Antibiotic Approvals in the Last Decade: Are We Keeping Up With Resistance?:

Objective:To review the spectrum of activity, efficacy, safety, and role in therapy of all antibiotics and related biologics approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the last decade.Da...
Anther Culture in Jatropha curcas L.: A Tree Species

The obstacles to breeding programs in Jatropha are the long reproductive cycle with a juvenile phase that lasts several months, the highly heterozygous nature of the genome, the large canopy size, and self-incompatibility that is a long-term process which requires multiple cycles of self-pollination to achieve complete homozygosity. In vitro plant tissue culture-based tools such as haploids and doubled haploid techniques can increase the selection efficiency, resulting into selection of superior plants with complete homozygosity in one generation. It bypasses the complications of greenhouse field evaluation or off-season generation advancement, which takes about 8-10 generations in traditional breeding with the time line of 10-12 years. The haploids have in fact a single set of chromosomes, which undergoes duplication spontaneously during in vitro culture conditions, and are further converted into doubled haploid plants. This represents a major biotechnological tool to accelerate plant breeding. Here, we have established a reproducible, unique anther culture protocol in Jatropha curcas to develop haploid and doubled haploid plants.
Apparatuses of observation and occupation: Settler colonialism and space science in Hawai'i:

This paper examines two space science infrastructures in Hawai'i, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) and the Hawai'i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation (HI-SEAS). It considers how scientific obs...
Auslander–Reiten Theory

Recall that the goal of representation theory is to classify the indecomposable modules and the morphisms between them. The Auslander–Reiten quiver is a first approximation of the module category. If the quiver is of finite representation type, then the Auslander–Reiten quiver gives a complete picture of the module category.
A comparison of numerical methods to obtain RCS using physical optics

For the solution of high frequency scattering by large complex objects the physical optics (PO) technique is well established. Of considerable interest is the accurate evaluation, using PO, of the RCS of curved patches, and to a lesser extent flat surfaces with curved boundaries. The application of PO to these geometries requires the solution of a double integral over the surface. In general the evaluation of this integral is not a simple task and approximate numerical techniques must be applied. In this paper a number of numerical techniques are investigated and their performance (computational speed and accuracy) is evaluated. The numerical techniques studied are: direct numerical integration, Gordon's method (1975), the stationary phase method (Madurasinghe and Anderson 1994), and solution by FFT. The geometry considered for this study is an infinitely thin perfectly conducting net disc. This surface shape is chosen because the PO integration can be reduced to a single variable and it represents a test case in which the accuracy of each method can be calculated for a given radius of curvature. The findings of this study can he easily extended to the analysis of curved patches and to geometries of varying curvature.
Boundary Objects for Participatory Group Model Building of Agent-Based Models

Boundary objects in participatory group processes help participants share their understanding of systems across disciplinary and social boundaries. We report development of a series of boundary objects in a group model building project in which stakeholders and modelers constructed agent-based models (ABMs) of health care seeking and delivery. We propose conventions for describing agent actions and interactions, and offer advice for effective use of boundary objects in a group process of building ABMs. We found that 1) an early boundary object was helpful for teaching stakeholders basic ABM concepts, 2) physical correspondence between boundary objects and model interfaces improved participant engagement, 3) group ownership of the model was threatened when the modeling team failed to capture needed model elements through the boundary object, 4) adherence to boundary object conventions improved when participants were given specific charges, 5) with hands-on exposure, the model graphical user interface became an effective boundary object.
A Floristic Study of the Vascular Plants of the Gypsum Hills and Redbed Plains Area of Southwestern Oklahoma

The vascular floras of gypsum and redbed soils in southwestern Oklahoma were collected and studied during the growing season (April-October) of 1975. A total of 359 taxa and 230 genera and 63 families were included in the study. Thirteen taxa are considered to be gypsophiles and indicators of gypsum soils in Oklahoma. Nine taxa are considered calicoles occurring only on gypsum and limestone derived soils. Two introduced species, Bromus catharticus Vahl (syn. = Bromus willdenowii) and Caesalpinia gilliesii, are believed to be new additions to Oklahoma’s flora. Editor’s note: The abstract and a brief summary of this thesis was published as “Floristic Components of the Gypsum Hills and Redbed Plains Area of Southwestern Oklahoma” in The Southwestern Naturalist 24(3):431- 437 September 15, 1979 and is included here by permission.
Adjoint formulation using auxiliary boundary equations (ABEs) demonstrated on the Stokes equations

A general method is presented for formulating proper boundary value problems from cost functionals considered “inadmissible” in the literature. In [Arian
Growth Cones Are Not Required for Initial Establishment of Polarity or Differential Axon Branch Growth in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Hippocampal neurons developing in culture exhibit two types of differential, seemingly competitive, process outgrowth in the absence of external cues. During the initial acquisition of polarity, one of several equivalent undifferentiated minor neurites preferentially grows to become the axon. Once the axon has formed, it typically branches, and the branches grow differentially rather than concurrently. In axons with only two branches, growth alternates between branches. In both axon establishment and branch growth alternation, growth among sibling processes or branches must be differentially regulated. We found that elaborate and dynamic growth cones were associated with growth, whereas diminished growth cones were associated with nongrowing processes or branches. To test whether growth cones were necessary for differential growth, growth cone motility was eliminated by application of cytochalasin E. Although cytochalasin treatment before axon formation yielded longer processes overall, a similar percentage of both treated and untreated neurons had one process that grew more rapidly and became much longer than its sibling processes. Immunostaining to visualize dephospho-tau, an axonal marker, demonstrated that these single dominant processes were axons. Axons that formed in cytochalasin were thicker and showed more intense anti-tubulin staining than their sibling processes. Branched axons deprived of growth cones retained a pattern of differential growth and often included alternation. These results indicate that neither formation of a single axon nor differential growth of branches are dependent on growth cone motility and suggest that the neuron can regulate neurite elongation at sites other than at the growth cone.
Supramolecular Assembly and Function of Subunits Associated with the Chlorophyll a-b Light-Harvesting Complex II (LHC II) in Soybean Chloroplasts

Utilisation de mutants pauvre et deficient en chlorophylle b ainsi que du type sauvage afin de determiner le nombre de complexes collecteurs de lumiere par unite PS II et le nombre de molecules de chlorophylle par complexe collecteur de lumiere
Respecting Intent and Dispelling Stereotypes by Reducing Unintended Pregnancy

In "Expectant Fathers, Abortion, and Embryos," Dara Purvis evaluates the concepts of intent and gender stereotypes in connection with "expectational fathers" in the related contexts of abortion and assisted reproductive technologies. This comment seeks to build upon Purvis's own analysis to obviate her concern that abortion discourse promotes harmful stereotypes of men as disinterested fathers. To the contrary, for men — no less than for women — a desire to avoid or terminate pregnancy is fully consistent with loving and shared parenthood of existing or future children. The same individuals who choose to become parents at other times in their long reproductive lives will use contraception and have abortions. In fact, most women who have abortions already have children. Policies that empower men and women to avoid unintended pregnancy are the sensible, win-win, front-line approach to avoid disputes over abortion.
Molecular evolution of the telomere-associated MAL loci of Saccharomyces.

The MAL gene family of Saccharomyces consists of five multigene complexes (MAL1, MAL2, MAL3, MAL4, and MAL6) each of which encodes maltose permease (GENE 1), maltase (GENE 2) and the trans-acting MAL-activator (GENE 3). Four of these loci have been mapped and each is located at or near the telomere of a different chromosome. We compare the physical structure of the MAL loci and their flanking sequences. The MAL loci were shown to be both structurally and functionally homologous throughout an approximately 9.0-kb region. The orientation of the MAL loci was determined to be: CENTROMERE . . . GENE 3-GENE 1-GENE 2 . . . TELOMERE. Telomere-adjacent sequences were found flanking GENE 2 of the MAL1, MAL3 and MAL6 loci. No common repeated elements were found on the centromere-proximal side of all the MAL1, loci. These results suggest that, during the evolution of this polygenic family, the MAL loci translocated to different chromosomes via a mechanism that involved the rearrangement(s) of chromosome termini.
Effect of damping on observation spillover instability

The control of a distributed-parameter system can be effected by a transformation to a finite-dimensional discrete system in terms of modal coordinates. If only a limited number of modal coordinates is controlled, then a phenomenon that has come to be known as control and observation spillover occurs. Observation spillover has been demonstrated to cause instability in undamped systems. This paper shows that a minimal amount of damping can eliminate the instability, at least for the case considered.
Root planing following short-term pocket distention.

This study evaluated the effectiveness of root planing following short-term pocket distention. Seventy-five single-rooted teeth with probing depths ≥ 5mm and ≤ 10mm were selected. The teeth were randomly divided into three treatment groups. In groups 1 and 2 a gingival retraction cord (aluminum sulfate-impregnated in group 1 and non-impregnated cord in group 2) was packed subgingivally for 30 minutes. Following removal of the cord, the teeth were scaled and root planed. In group 3 the teeth were root planed only. Following instrumentation, the teeth were extracted and examined under a stereomicroscope. The residual calculus on the root surface of each tooth was measured using a computerized image analysis system. The quantities were compared using a two-way ANOVA and Chi-square test. The results showed that 46.3% of all root surfaces had detectable residual calculus and that the mean percentage of residual calculus per root surface was 4.41% following root planing. Forty percent of the root surfaces in gr...
Role styles of women police officers

This study identified women patrol officers utilizing four styles in relating to male officers: neutral-impersonal, semimasculine, feminine, and mixed. The role styles were helpful in understanding how women cope with conflicts generated by the demands of gender and occupational role. Patterns of emphasizing aspects of each role, of assigning priorities, and of coping techniques emerged around the different styles. The women did not express attachment to any one style in relations with those who were not male co-workers.
Diffraction analysis of rough reflective surfaces

For ground metallic samples illuminated at various angles of incidence, optical transform patterns are determined theoretically and then verified both experimentally and using computer simulations. Surface roughness in the range from 0.025 to 3.2 μm is studied and means for categorizing surface roughness automatically are established. A noncontact optical method which provides a real-time display of Fourier transforms is compared to a computer-aided technique that models the optical system using profilometer data as an input. Also, the Fourier transforms for a periodic phase-reflection surface are presented at three angles of illumination to illustrate the effective increase in grating frequency and apparent decrease in roughness as the illumination angle is increased. Excellent results are obtained in accurately measuring roughened flat metallic surfaces remotely.
Strategic groups, exit barriers and strategy decision constraints in high-tech companies

Abstract Intensified global competition and advances in technology are shortening the life cycles of products and process innovations. As a result, firms have to reposition themselves in more profitable industries more frequently. However, exit barriers that result from the firm's technology decisions can constrain the firm's ability to make these decisions in a timely manner. There has been little prior research on the firm's decisions concerning technology and its relationship to strategy and timeliness. This paper addresses the issue of strategic group exit barriers as a moderating variable in the relationship between strategy and performance. Firm performance is hypothesized to be a function of strategic group exit barriers created by investments in product technology, process technology, and plant and equipment. Six strategic groups, defined previously by Miller [Strateg. Manage. J. 9 (1988) 239] provide the basis for seven testable propositions that explain firm performance and timeliness as a function of strategic decisions related to investments in technology and capital equipment.