cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hiring is Broken: What Do Developers Say About Technical Interviews?

Technical interviews—a problem-solving form of interview in which candidates write code—are commonplace in the software industry, and are used by several well-known companies including Facebook, Google, and Microsoft. These interviews are intended to objectively assess candidates and determine fit within the company. But what do developers say about them?To understand developer perceptions about technical interviews, we conducted a qualitative study using the online social news website, Hacker News—a venue for software practitioners. Hacker News posters report several concerns and negative perceptions about interviews, including their lack of real-world relevance, bias towards younger developers, and demanding time commitment. Posters report that these interviews cause unnecessary anxiety and frustration, requiring them to learn arbitrary, implicit, and obscure norms. The findings from our study inform inclusive hiring guidelines for technical interviews, such as collaborative problem-solving sessions.
Facilitating Hyperspectral Single Pixel Lifetime Imaging via deep-learning

We report on Net-FLICS, a deep-learning framework that enables inverse solver free image formation in Hyperspectral Single Pixel Lifetime Imaging at faster acquisition and processing times than conventional methods.
Aldosterone in Congestive Heart Failure

Aldosterone (ALDO) was discovered more than 50 years ago. It is a mineralocorticoid hormone with well-known endocrine properties in epithelial cells of kidneys, colon, and sweat and salivary glands that contribute to the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure. This includes sodium (Na+) resorption at the expense of potassium (K+) excretion. Magnesium (Mg2+) excretion is likewise enhanced by ALDO, whereas adrenal ALDO secretion is regulated by extracellular Mg2+. An emerging body of information continues to identify other endocrine actions of ALDO receptor–ligand binding, including promoting an efflux of cytosolic-free Mg2+, in exchange for Na+, in nonepithelial cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells; endothelial cell function; and its central nervous system actions involving regulation of cerebrospinal fluid composition produced by epithelial cells of the choroid plexus, activity of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus involved in Na+ appetite, Na+ and water (H2O) excretion and sympathetic nerve activity, and the regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production from central and/or peripheral sources. The past decade or so has witnessed a revival of interest in this steroid molecule, and in years to come an even broader understanding of ALDO's contribution to the pathophysiology of congestive heart failure will undoubtedly emerge.
Effect of proton pre-irradiation on corrosion of Zr-0.5Nb model alloys with different Nb distributions

Abstract The effect of proton irradiation on corrosion rate of α-annealed and β-quenched Zr-0.5Nb alloys is investigated. The major focuses of this study are to understand i) if the nucleation of irradiation-induced platelets (IIPs)/nanoclusters requires dissolution of Nb-rich native precipitates, ii) if the irradiated native precipitates and interlaths are stable in the oxide, and iii) how much Nb content in the solid solution is suitable to lower the corrosion rate for Zr-Nb alloys. To answer these questions, the major characterization techniques used in this study are APT and (S)TEM/EDS to study the microstructure and microchemistry evolution following irradiation and oxidation.
Perfectionism and English Learners’ Self-efficacy

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between students’ English selfefficacy and the three types of perfectionism (adaptive, maladaptive, and non-perfectionists). A sample of 114 high-intermediate and advanced ESL students completed two self-reported surveys: the Questionnaire of English Self-Efficacy (QESE) scale and the Revised Almost Perfect Scale (APS-R). Pearson correlation, the hierarchical cluster analysis, MANOVA, and independent samples t-test were run. The main results showed that the total English self-efficacy scale and its four subscales correlated significantly with the Order and High Standards subscales. However, the Discrepancy subscale did not significantly correlate with the total English self-efficacy scale or with any of the four selfefficacy subscales. In addition, there was a significant main effect for perfectionism on students’ English self-efficacy: adaptive perfectionists scored higher than both maladaptive perfectionists and non-perfectionists while the non-perfectionists scored the lowest. However, there was not any significant interaction between English levels and perfectionism.
Lived Religion and Female Informal Authority in a Neighborhood in Stuttgart, Germany

This chapter examines neighborhood encounters where women negotiate pious Muslim practices and attempt to informally guide each other to adopt the best possible Muslim practices. I discuss moments when a sense of neighborly control, authority and supervision causes anxieties among those who occasionally fail to live up to vaguely shared standards. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in a working class/immigrant neighborhood in the southern German state capital of Stuttgart, I illustrate the significance of small urban spaces in the working of informal Muslim religious authority and the casual negotiation of everyday Muslim practices. I argue that informal religious authority debated and exercised among friends, relatives, neighbors and strangers in everyday encounters constitute a vital element in the articulation of pious urban lifeworlds. Theoretically, this chapter analyzes the power of informal authority and how individuals mediate aspects of conformity and defiance in the making of lived religion/Islam.
Syphilitic Reinfections During the Same Pregnancy-Florida, 2018.

We reviewed all cases of syphilis reported among pregnant women in Florida during 2018 for syphilitic reinfection. Nineteen (7.3%) of 261 pregnant women with syphilis were reported as reinfected during the same pregnancy. Timely rescreening and treatment prevented six (31.6%) of nineteen reinfected women from delivering infants with congenital syphilis.
Canonical Basis for Quantum {\mathfrak{osp}(1|2)}

We introduce a modified quantum enveloping algebra as well as a (modified) covering quantum algebra for the ortho-symplectic Lie superalgebra $${\mathfrak{osp}(1|2)}$$ . Then we formulate and compute the corresponding canonical bases, and relate them to the counterpart for $${\mathfrak{sl}(2)}$$ . This provides a first example of canonical basis for quantum superalgebras.
Scavenger Receptor BI Attenuates IL-17A-Dependent Neutrophilic Inflammation in Asthma.

Asthma is a common respiratory disease currently affecting more than 300 million worldwide and is characterized by airway inflammation, hyperreactivity, and remodeling. It is a heterogeneous diseas...
Moving to a more restrictive transfusion protocol: Outcomes in head and neck free flap surgery.

PURPOSE To determine if a more restrictive transfusion protocol results in increased rates of adverse flap outcomes in patients undergoing free tissue transfer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Mixed retrospective and prospective cohort study. Patients who underwent surgery before the protocol change were collected retrospectively. Patients who underwent surgery after the protocol change were collected prospectively. RESULTS Of the 460 patients who underwent free tissue transfer, 116 patients in the pre-change cohort (N = 211) underwent transfusion (54.98%) and 78 in the post-change cohort(N = 249) (31.33%) (p < 0.001). The mean number of units transfused was 1.55 + 2.00 in the pre-change cohort, and 0.78 + 1.51 in the post-change cohort (p < 0.001). When separated temporally, the pre-change cohort received significantly more blood transfusions than the post-change cohort in the operating room (33.65% vs 18.07%) (p < 0.01), within 72 h of surgery (35.55% vs 15.66%) (p < 0.001), and after 72 h after surgery to discharge (16.59% vs 8.03%) (p = 0.018017). The rate of flap failure was 6.70% in the pre-change cohort, and 5.31% in the post-change cohort (p = 0.67). In a logistic regression model controlling for potential confounders, transfusion protocol was not significantly associated with flap failure (OR = 1.1080, 95% CI: 0.48-2.54). There were no significant differences between cohorts for medical morbidity, ICU transfer, or death. CONCLUSION Our data support the conclusion that patients undergoing free tissue transfer to the head and neck can be transfused following the same protocols as other patients, without increasing the rate of flap failure or other morbidities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3 (mixed retrospective, prospective cohort study).
Dosimetric characterization and image quality evaluation of the AIRO mobile CT scanner

Radiation dose and image quality from a recently introduced mobile CT imaging system are presented. Radiation dose was measured using a conventional 100 mm pencil ionization chamber and CT polymethylmetacrylate (PMMA) body and head phantoms. Image quality was evaluated with a CATPHAN 500 phantom. Spatial resolution, low contrast resolution, Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), and Normalized Noise Power Spectrum (NNPS) were analyzed. Radiation dose and image quality were compared to those from a multi-detector CT scanner (Siemens Sensation 64). Under identical technique factors radiation dose (mGy/mAs) from the AIRO mobile CT system (AIRO) is higher than that from a 64 slice CT scanner. Based on MTF analysis, both Soft and Standard filters of the AIRO system lost resolution quickly compared to the Sensation 64 slice CT. The Siemens scanner had up to 7 lp/cm for the head FOV and H40 kernel and up to 5 lp/cm at body FOV for the B40f kernel. The Standard kernel in the AIRO system was evaluated to have 3 lp/cm and 4 lp/cm for the body and head FOVs respectively. NNPS of the AIRO shows low frequency noise due to ring-like artifacts which may be caused by detector calibration or lack of artifact reducing image post-processing. Due to a higher dose in terms of mGy/mAs at both head and body FOV, the contrast to noise ratio is higher in the AIRO system than in the Siemens scanner. However detectability of the low contrast objects is poorer in the AIRO due to the presence of ring artifacts in the location of the targets.
Effects of Tagging and Location Error in Wildlife Radiotelemetry Studies

Publisher Summary Important benefits of radio tagging of animals are the accuracy, precision, and completeness of resulting observations. Accurate inference in radiotelemetry depends on unbiased observations. Remotely gathered location estimates differ in precision and accuracy from visual observations. Moreover, behavior is influenced by the act of tagging or tracking. A fundamental assumption in wildlife studies reliant on radiotelemetry is that radio-tagged animals are “moving through the environment, responding to stimuli, and behaving in a manner similar to noninstrumented animals.” This chapter summarizes the effects of transmitters on wildlife, makes recommendations for studying and minimizing effects, and investigates the magnitude and implications of location error resulting from conventional transmitters. It also discusses the importance of conducting site-specific beacon tests to better understand bias and error in specific studies. The chapter encourages all researchers using radiotelemetry to conduct two studies before beginning with the collection of data on actual study subjects. First, the effects of the transmitter and method of transmitter attachment on the study species must be studied. Second, if animal locations are to be estimated remotely, a thorough beacon study in the actual field site under expected field conditions must be conducted. The goal of a beacon study is to produce a spatially explicit map of tracking accuracy for the study area and to quantify the precision and accuracy of the telemetry system.
Inference for high-dimensional differential correlation matrices

Motivated by differential co-expression analysis in genomics, we consider in this paper estimation and testing of high-dimensional differential correlation matrices. An adaptive thresholding procedure is introduced and theoretical guarantees are given. Minimax rate of convergence is established and the proposed estimator is shown to be adaptively rate-optimal over collections of paired correlation matrices with approximately sparse differences. Simulation results show that the procedure significantly outperforms two other natural methods that are based on separate estimation of the individual correlation matrices. The procedure is also illustrated through an analysis of a breast cancer dataset, which provides evidence at the gene co-expression level that several genes, of which a subset has been previously verified, are associated with the breast cancer. Hypothesis testing on the differential correlation matrices is also considered. A test, which is particularly well suited for testing against sparse alternatives, is introduced. In addition, other related problems, including estimation of a single sparse correlation matrix, estimation of the differential covariance matrices, and estimation of the differential cross-correlation matrices, are also discussed.
Dual threshold voltage domino logic

Dual threshold voltage (DVT) domino logic utilizes dual V t 's to provide the performance equivalent of a purely low V t design with the standby leakage characteristic of a purely high V t implementation. DVT domino logic is an attractive circuit style compared to other dual V t techniques because there are no performance penalties, no difficult transistor sizing issues, and all gates (not just non-critical ones) can be compensated. In fact, any low V t domino design can easily be converted to a dual V t implementation with superior characteristics.
Dactinomycin treatment of murine lupus erythematosus. II. Dose and schedule of administration.

Abstract Dactinomycin has prolonged the survival of B/W female mice significantly, whether begun at 4 months of age, before renal manifestations were evident, or at 6–6.5 months after some mice had died and many had heavy proteinuria. In the present series of experiments, when treatment was further delayed until most of the surviving animals had heavy proteinuria, longevity was again significantly increased, with apparently improved renal function in some of the mice. Lower doses of the drug begun at 4 months were also effective. When the drug was begun at 4 months and discontinued at 12 months of age, most mice developed late severe renal disease but escaped the tumors found in mice whose treatment was continued.
Exact transient and steady state analyses of linear systems with periodic inputs

The calculation of the transient and steady state responses of linear systems to nonsinusoidal periodic inputs is of fundamental importance both from the practical and the theoretical points of view in electronic and power systems. The authors describe a new method for solving the problem. They review existing methods for computing the steady-state response and point out their limitations. A new method is presented which gives exact answers to the transient and the steady state responses in explicit forms. The method is extended to nth order linear systems, using the state variable approach. A complete numerical example of a second-order system with complex natural frequencies is included. >
A Descriptive Study of Television News Coverage of Tobacco in the United States: Frequency of Topics, Frames, Exemplars, and Efficacy.

There is a positive correlation between recall of tobacco-related television news and perceived risks of smoking and thoughts about quitting. The authors used Cision US, Inc., to create a sampling frame (N = 61,027) of local and national television news coverage of tobacco from October 1, 2008, to September 30, 2009, and to draw a nationally representative sample (N = 730) for content analysis. The authors conducted a descriptive study to determine the frequency and proportion of stories containing specified tobacco topics, frames, sources, and action messages, and the valence of the coverage. Valence was generally neutral; 68% of stories took a balanced stance, with 26% having a tenor supportive of tobacco control and 6% opposing tobacco control. The most frequently covered topics included smoking bans (n = 195) and cessation (n = 156). The least covered topics included hookah (n = 1) and menthol (n = 0). The majority of coverage lacked quoting any source (n = 345); government officials (n = 144) were th...
What is common among return anomalies? Evidence from insider trading decisions

Conventional wisdom suggests that corporate insiders buy underpriced and sell overpriced stocks. Considering litigation risk, however, insiders keep silent while anticipating future price drops. We find that this phenomenon of insider silence is systematically related to a broad set of anomalies, especially to their short legs, where persistent abnormal returns exist. Specifically, firms within the short legs whose insiders kept silent in the past experience significant negative future abnormal returns, which are even lower than when insiders net sold. On average, insider silence accounts for 64% of the short-leg abnormal returns. The results survive numerous robustness checks. In sum, we identify a significant common feature among return anomalies, which indicates investors underreact to insider silence information.
Sleep function: Toward elucidating an enigma

Sleep function remains controversial. Individual perspectives frame the issue of sleep function differently. We briefly illustrate how sleep measurement and the evolution, tissue organization levels, molecular mechanisms, and regulation of sleep could influence one's view of sleep function. Then we discuss six viable theories of sleep function. Sleep serves host-defense mechanisms and conserves caloric expenditures, but these functions likely are opportunistic functions evolving later in evolution. That sleep replenishes brain energy stores and that sleep serves a glymphatic function by removing toxic byproducts of waking activity are attractive ideas, but lack extensive supporting experimental evidence. That sleep restores performance is experimentally demonstrated and has obvious evolutionary value. However, this hypothesis lacks experimentally verified mechanisms although ideas relating to this issue are presented. Finally, the ideas surrounding the broad hypothesis that sleep serves a connectivity/plasticity function are many and attractive. There is experimental evidence that connectivity changes with sleep, sleep loss, and with changing afferent input, and that those changes are linked to sleep regulatory mechanisms. In our view, this is the leading contender for the primordial function of sleep. However, much refinement of ideas and innovative experimental approaches are needed to clarify the sleep-connectivity relationship.
Task independent bounds on system performance with improved actuators that do not scale

A critical component of throughput for planar assembly and test systems is time spent moving from site to site. In general, it is difficult to assess the impact of actuator improvements on overall system performance. It may vary from product to product. Even for a specific product, it may depend on which of n factorial possibilities is chosen in moving amongst n locations. Ideally, one wants to minimize the total time required by all the movements. Since the improvement affects the time required to move from site to site, the optimal sequence may also change. It was shown that with proper single parameter actuator-scaling, the optimal sequence remains unaffected. Furthermore, the improvement in the system's performance is quantifiable, independent of the distribution of the distances that must be traversed. In a case that a proper single parameter actuator-scaling does not exist, it is shown here that bounds on system performance can still be obtained, even though the optimal sequence may change. The bounds are independent of the distribution of the distances that must be traversed.
Land, Love and Pain in Vallejo's Trilce: an Affective Approach

Scholars have often highlighted the inscrutability and self-referentiality of Trilce’s most inaccessible lines. Making use of recent reviews on the Theory of Affects, I will nonetheless try to prove that the trilcean Vallejo apprehends his immediate environment in a way that prioritizes the sensory and the affective experience over the intellectual; a hypothesis that would restore a key role in the book for the often underestimated physical dimension of experience.
6-Methylpurine-H3: intracellular localization in pea root tip cells.

6-Methylpurine-H3, a potent inhibitor, was detected by autoradiography in the nucleoli of pea root tip cells. Most of the radioactivity was in the nucleoli of growing cells in the meristematic region. Treatment of the labeled cells with ribonuclease indicates that 6-methylpurine-H3 is incorporated into nucleolar RNA which then moves from the nucleolus to the cytoplasm.
Perceptions of the First-Line Supervisor's Authority: A Study in Superior-Subordinate Communication

This study attempts to determine whether differences exist in the perception of the first-level manager's authority as seen by the first-level manager and his immediate superior. It also attempts t...
An extension of path analysis revisited

A method for analysing probabilistic models representing an extension of path analysis, and a model of mixed homogamy based on this method were introduced recently (Rao, Morton & Cloninger, 1979; Cloninger, 1980). However, constraints imposed by the method on linear models, or a rationale for and implications of the mixed homogamy model have not been clearly stated.A mathematical treatment of the extension of path analysis and of the mixed homogamy model is presented in this paper. Constraints on linear models imposed by the extension are obtained. It is demonstrated that the mixed homogamy model, when applied to analysing nuclear families in a population, implies the following mating system in the population: some individuals choose their mates strictly on the basis of group membership, others choose their mates strictly on the basis of phenotype, and no individual chooses a mate on the basis of both group membership and phenotype.
Niobium enrichment and environmental enhancement of creep crack growth in nickel-base superalloys

Abstract These initial results strongly suggest that the enrichment and segregation of niobium at grain boundary surfaces played an important role in the environmental enhancement of creep crack growth in the Inconel 718. The precise mechanism, however, still needs to be established. Available evidence suggests that the mechanism involves the formation and fracture of a brittle niobium oxide film on the boundary surfaces which reduces the alloy's crack growth resistance. Oxidation and decomposition of NbC particles at the crack tip surfaces and at the grain boundaries appear to be the principal source of niobium. The segregated niobium (in the form of Ni3Nb precipitates) at the grain boundaries is expected to also contribute to the embrittlement. The source of oxygen would be that of an external (pseudo-equilibrium) surface oxide. The mechanism would be consistent with the observed independence on oxygen pressure from 2.67 to 100 kPa. The rate controlling process would be identified with the reactions of oxygen with niobium carbides (266 versus 287 kJ/mol) or with the segregated niobium. The lower activation energy for crack growth in moist argon and air (about 190 kJ/mol) still needs to be understood. It may reflect the additional embrittlement contribution from hydrogen, and a transfer of the rate controlling process. Further studies are underway to critically examine this and other hypotheses in developing a more complete understanding. The important role of niobium in the enhancement of creep crack growth in nickel-base superalloys is demonstrated by the correlation between environmental sensitivity and niobium concentration in a series of commercial alloys. The detailed aspects of the interactions with niobium are under investigation and will be reported later.
The Effect of Resin Formulation on the Surface Appearance of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymers

This paper is concerned with the effect of resin formulation on the magnitude of fiber readout for polymers reinforced with continuous glass fiber mats. The observed fiber readout is the deformation of the surface with a pattern similar to the underlying fibers. In previous studies, it was established that one of the main factors responsible for fiber readout is the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE) of the resin in the direction normal to the cosmetic surface. In the current study, the differential thermal contraction (Delta-epsilon) between the resin and the glass fibers, a factor directly relatable to the magnitude of fiber readout, has been investigated. This direct relationship was examined by comparing the computed values for the Delta-epsilon with the measured magnitude of fiber readout for reinforced polyurethanes (filled with milled glass or hollow glass spheres) and polyesters (filled with calcium carbonate). For all experiments, the predicted values for Delta-epsilon were found to be consistent with the experimental measurements for fiber readout. 11 references.
Four-dimensional microglia response to anti-Aβ treatment in APP/PS1xCX3CR1/GFP mice.

Senile plaques, mainly composed of amyloid-β (Aβ), are a major hallmark of Alzheimer disease (AD), and immunotherapy is a leading therapeutic approach for Aβ clearance. Although the ultimate mechanisms for Aβ clearance are not well known, characteristic microglia clusters are observed in the surround of senile plaques, and are implicated both in the elimination of Aβ as well as the deleterious inflammatory effects observed in AD patients after active immunization. Therefore, analyzing the direct effect of immunotherapy on microglia, using longitudinal in vivo multiphoton microscopy can provide important information regarding the role of microglia in immunotherapy. While microglia were observed to surround senile plaques, topical anti-Aβ antibody administration, which led to a reduction in plaque size, directed microglia toward senile plaques, and the overall size of microglia and number of processes were increased. In some cases, we observed clusters of microglia in areas of the brain that did not have de...
Circadian neurotransmitter activity resets the endogenous annual cycle in a migratory sparrow

Abstract Daily injections of neurotransmitter‐affecting drugs induced spring migratory and reproductive conditions in white‐throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis, during the fall. Injections of DOPA (catecholamine precursor) 12 h after 5‐HTP (serotonin precursor) was most stimulatory for development of spring conditions. Summer and fall conditions followed during subsequent months in a manner similar to the natural sequence. Changes in the temporal relations of circadian neural activities may account for seasonal alterations of metabolism and behavior.
Pressure measurement: Electrical pressure transducers

Summary The principles of intravascular pressure detection and recording have been discussed. Accuracy of recording depends upon the dynamic response characteristics (frequency response and sensitivity), and the stability of the transducer system, as well as the response characteristics of the amplifier and recorder. Minimum requirements for the routine recording of intravascular pressures have been stated. Some recent applications of pressure recording demand a much higher order of recording accuracy, and a thorough knowledge of transducer performance. Performance characteristics of commercially available electrical transducers have been discussed. Pressure transducer design involves the sensing of a variation in electrical resistance, capacitance, or inductance in response to a displacement of a metal diaphragm. The limitations of the methods have been delineated. Where precise methodology is required in laboratory investigative work, performance of any of these instruments should be tested and stated.
Pharmacology of quinpirole-stimulated [35S]GTPγS binding: discrepancy with receptor binding profile

Abstract Functional consequences of receptor stimulation by quinpirole, a dopamine D 2 -like receptor agonist, were assessed using agonist-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding in rat striatal membranes. Dopamine receptor antagonists inhibited quinpirole-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding with the following rank order of potency: spiperone>haloperidol>clozapine>SCH 23390 ( R (+)-7-chloro-8-hydroxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1 H -3-benzazepine), consistent with a dopamine D 2 -like profile. In contrast, the monoamine oxidase inhibitors Ro 41-1049 ( N -(2-aminoethyl)-5-(3-fluorophenyl)-4-thiazolecarboxemide), and (+)- and (−)-deprenyl, which inhibit [ 3 H]quinpirole binding, had no effect on agonist-independent or quinpirole-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding. Clorgyline inhibited [ 35 S]GTPγS binding by a non-dopamine D 2 receptor-mediated mechanism. These findings demonstrate a notable discrepancy between the pharmacological profile of [ 3 H]quinpirole binding and quinpirole-stimulated [ 35 S]GTPγS binding.
MEMS-based fabrication and microfluidic analysis of three-dimensional perfusion systems

This paper describes fabrication and fluidic characterization of 3D microperfusion systems that could extend the viability of high-density 3D cultures in vitro. High-aspect ratio towers serve as 3D scaffolds to support the cultures and contain injection sites for interstitial delivery of nutrients, drugs, and other reagents. Hollow and solid-top tower arrays with laser ablated side-ports were fabricated using SU-8. Appropriate sizing of fluidic ports improves the control of agent delivery. Microfluidic perfusion can be used to continuously deliver equal amount of nutrients through all ports, or more media can be delivered at some ports than the others, thus allowing spatial control of steady concentration gradients throughout the culture thickness. The induced 3D flow around towers was validated using micro particle image velocimetry. Based on experimental data, the flow rates from the characteristic ports were found to follow the analytical predictions.
Mesoscale molecular network formation in amorphous organic materials

High-performance solution-processed organic semiconductors maintain macroscopic functionality even in the presence of microscopic disorder. Here we show that the functional robustness of certain organic materials arises from the ability of molecules to create connected mesoscopic electrical networks, even in the absence of periodic order. The hierarchical network structures of two families of important organic photovoltaic acceptors, functionalized fullerenes and perylene diimides, are analyzed using a newly developed graph methodology. The results establish a connection between network robustness and molecular topology, and also demonstrate that solubilizing moieties play a large role in disrupting the molecular networks responsible for charge transport. A clear link is established between the success of mono and bis functionalized fullerene acceptors in organic photovoltaics and their ability to construct mesoscopically connected electrical networks over length scales of 10 nm.
Gastric cancer in Africa: Current management and outcomes

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer and second most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Globally, gastric cancer poses a significant public health burden - both economically and socially. In 2008, the economic burden from premature cancer deaths and disability was $895 billion and gastric cancer was the second highest cancer responsible for healthy life lost. With the expected increase in cancer deaths and non-communicable diseases, these costs are expected to rise and impact patient care. World Health Organization, estimates a 15% increase in non-communicable disease worldwide, with more than 20% increase occurring in Africa between 2010 and 2020. Mali, West Africa, is ranked 15(th) highest incidence of gastric cancer worldwide at a rate of 20.3/100000, yet very scarce published data evaluating etiology, prevention or management exist. It is understood that risk factors of gastric cancer are multifactorial and include infectious agents (Helicobacter pylori, Epstein-Barr virus), genetic, dietary, and environmental factors (alcohol, smoking). Interestingly, African patients with gastric cancer are younger, in their 3(rd)-4(th) decade, and present at a late stage of the disease. There is sparse data regarding gastric cancer in Africa due to lack of data collection and under-reporting, which impacts incidence and mortality rates. Currently, GLOBOCAN, an International Agency for Research on Cancer resource, is the most comprehensive available resource allowing comparison between nations. In resource limited settings, with already restricted healthcare funding, data is needed to establish programs in Africa that increase gastric cancer awareness, curtail the economic burden, and improve patient management and survival outcomes.
Low temperature specific heat anomalies in melanins and tumour melanosomes.

THE melanins are of great interest because of their widespread presence in biological systems. In humans, melanin is found in nearly all areas where energy transduction occurs, for example, skin, inner ear, retina, as well as in several other areas such as the midbrain. The loss of melanin in the substantia nigra (midbrain) has been correlated with Parkinson's disease, and melanin–drug interactions in the stria vascularis (inner ear) have been implicated in deafness (ototoxicity)1–3. Study of the physical properties of the melanins has yielded considerable insight into possible functional roles in biological systems3–5, and has lead to the design of possible new treatments for the human malignant disease, melanoma, based on interactions between ultrasound and melanin binding drugs6,7. These observations have indicated that the melanins play an active, rather than passive, role in biological systems and intensive study of their properties should lead to better understanding of their functions in vivo. Such studies are also lending some insight into problems associated with the solid-state physics of amorphous materials2,5.
On the Bonding Nature of Ozone (O3) and Its Sulfur-Substituted Analogues SO2, OS2, and S3: Correlation between Their Biradical Character and Molecular Properties

We investigate the bonding mechanism in ozone (O3) and its sulfur-substituted analogues, SO2, OS2, and S3. By analyzing their ground-state multireference configuration interaction wave functions, we demonstrate that the bonding in these systems can be represented as a mixture of a closed-shell structure with one and a half bonds between the central and terminal atoms and an open-shell structure with a single bond and two lone electrons on each terminal atom (biradical). The biradical character (β) further emerges as a simple measure of the relative contribution of those two classical Lewis structures emanating from the interpretation of the respective wave functions. Our analysis yields a biradical character of 3.5% for OSO, 4.4% for SSO, 11% for S3, 18% for O3, 26% for SOO, and 35% for SOS. The size/electronegativity of the end atoms relative to the central one is the prevalent factor for determining the magnitude of β: smaller and more electronegative central atoms better accommodate a pair of electrons...
Rheology of solid–liquid suspensions in reduced gravity

Abstract Viscosity of settling suspensions was studied experimentally in a series of reduced gravity parabolic flights aboard NASA's KC-135 aircraft. Slurries were made using silica sand (0.150 mm
Magnetic susceptibility study of boron carbides.

We have measured the magnetic susceptibility of several boron carbides, including B/sub 4/C, B/sub 15/C/sub 2/, and B/sub 9/C, over the temperature range 2--400 K with magnetic fields between 1 and 50 kOe. In general, the susceptibility follows a Curie law with a temperature-independent diamagnetic contribution. There is some ferromagnetic contribution to the susceptibility. However, the density of ferromagnetic impurities is considerably less in our samples than in commercial samples. The paramagnetic spin concentration is compared with the carrier concentration determined by transport measurements (conductivity, Hall effect, and Seebeck effect) on the same samples. The spin concentration is about 2 orders of magnitude smaller than the carrier concentration. We attribute the observed spins to defects and impurities. Thus, our results support the view that the charge carriers are spinless, small, singlet bipolarons.
The Prime and the Primitive Spectra of a Quantum Bruhat Cell Translate

Abstract The prime spectra of two families of algebras, S w , and S w , w ∈ W , indexed by the Weyl group W of a semisimple finitely dimensional Lie algebra g , are studied in the spirit of Joseph. The algebras S w have been introduced by Joseph. They are q -analogues of the algebras of regular functions on w -translates of the open Bruhat cell of a semisimple Lie group G corresponding to the Lie algebra g . We define a stratification of the spectra into components indexed by pairs ( y 1 , y 2 ) of elements of the Weyl group satisfying y 1 ≤ w ≤ y 2 . Each component admits a unique minimal ideal which is explicitly described. We show the inclusion relation of closures to be that induced by Bruhat order.
Viewer Aggression and Homophily, Identification, and Parasocial Relationships With Television Characters

This study examined the antecedents of viewer relationships experienced with television characters. Based on social cognitive theory, we considered how trait aggression helped explain identification, hornophily, and parasocial interaction with aggressive characters. Two hundred nineteen participants completed questionnaires measuring trait aggression and relationships with one of eight characters. We content analyzed portrayals of these characters to determine their levels of aggression. Results suggested viewer aggression predicted identification with aggressive characters, but did not predict hornophily and parasocial interaction beyond the variance explained by gender. We also observed relationships among the dependent variables and differences between physical and verbal aggression.
A statistical approach to computer performance modeling

Models of discrete systems are often utilized to assist in computer engineering and procurement. The tools for modeling have been traditionally developed using either analytic methods or discrete event simulation. The research presented here explores the use of statistical techniques to augment and assist this basic set of tools.
Abstract 5654: Novel changes in colonic epithelial junctional complexes precede onset of colitis in response toCitrobacter rodentiuminfection

Activation of β-catenin is recognized as a critical early factor in tumorigenesis. Citrobacter rodentium (CR) induces transmissible murine colonic hyperplasia (TMCH) and variable degrees of inflammation and necrosis depending upon the genetic background. Utilizing the CR-induced hyperplasia and/or inflammation in C3H/HeNHsd (C3H) inbred mice, we observed a dual phase wherein initially, an increase in proliferation at days 5 and 7 was followed by development of colitis at day 9 of TMCH. When sequential changes in proteins involved in adherens and tight junctions were analyzed in isolated colonic crypts, increasing levels of β-catenin, ZO-1, ZO-2 and claudin-2 were measured in TritonX100-soluble fraction at days 5 and 7 of TMCH, while E-cadherin and claudin-5 were mainly present in TritonX100-insoluble (cytoskeletal) pool. Interestingly, the cytoskeletal pools exhibited extensive degradation of β-catenin/E-cadherin/ZO-1 and ZO-2 but not of claudin-5 at days 5 and 7 of TMCH and preceded active colitis at day 9. Immunohistochemically, almost complete loss of membrane-bound β-catenin/E-cadherin and ZO-2 was recorded between 9 and 11 days post-infection. However, changes in permeability, as measured by increases in serum FITC-dextran levels, increased significantly at days 5 and 7 and peaked between day 9 and 11 post-infection paralleling bacterial dissemination to spleen and liver at these time points. Mechanistically, β-catenin translocated to the nucleus, interacted with increasing levels of T-cell factor-4 and upregulated downstream targets, cyclinD1 and c-myc thereby promoting crypt hyperplasia at days 5 and 7 of TMCH. When CR-infected mice were placed on: 6% pectin (source of colonic butyrate), 4% curcumin and 4% bael extract diets for 9 days starting 2 days post-CR infection, all three dietary interventions: i) reduced the morbidity and mortality of CR-infected C3H mice, ii) restored the junctional labeling of β-catenin/E-cadherin and ZO-2, iii) blocked increases in colonic permeability thereby preventing bacterial dissemination to distant organs and finally, iv) promoted β-catenin-independent increases in colonic crypt proliferation as was revealed by increased Ki-67 labeling. Thus, i) fragmentation of β-catenin/E-cadherin/ZO-1 and ZO-2 precedes loss of barrier function and onset of colitis and, ii) epithelial hyperproliferation in response to dietary interventions may facilitate epithelial recovery following inflammatory insult but may also promote mucosal priming for neoplasia. TMCH model therefore provides an excellent tool to separate the anti-inflammatory effects of dietary ingredients from pro-proliferatory functions in vivo. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 5654.
Imaging: BOLD assessment-effects of RAAS inhibition in CKD

Blood-oxygen-level-dependent MRI enables noninvasive assessment of renal deoxyhaemoglobin levels and, therefore, hypoxia. As decreased tissue oxygenation might contribute to acute and chronic kidney disease (CKD), this tool has been examined in patients with CKD. Indeed, the benefits of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors might be partly conferred by increased oxygenation.
Isolation and quantification of ergovaline from Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) infected with the fungus Acremonium coenophialum by high-performance capillary electrophoresis

Abstract We developed an easy and sensitive high-performance capillary zone electrophoresis method for the determination of ergovaline in the seeds of Festuca arundinacea (tall fescue) infected with the endophytic, ascomycetous fungus Acremonium coenophialum . The seeds were extracted with chloroform, and the chloroform extract was filtered and evaporated with a Rotavapor. The concentrated extract was passed through a SM2 Bio-Beads and the alkaloids on the Bio-Beads were redissolved by methanol. A 60 cm × 75 μm I.D. fused-silica capillary was used for separation by capillary electrophoresis. A UV detector was used for detection, which was set at 250 nm. A 0.1 M sodium dihydrogenphosphate in 50% (v/v) methanol, pH 3.5, was used as a buffer. With this method, the ergovaline at low μg per kg seeds can be detected and quantified.
Orbital angular momentum modulation for fiber-optics communication

In this invited paper, we describe an approach to enable multi-Tb/s serial optical transport that is based on multidimensional coded-modulation by employing in-phase/quadrature channels, two orthogonal polarization states and several orbital angular momentum (OAM) states.
Inadequate bicarbonate resuscitation in trauma patients requiring crossclamping of the aorta

The use of bicarbonate in the management of metabolic acidosis is controversial. We present three patients who required crossclamping of the aorta for control of shock and whose metabolic acidosis was inadequately treated with bicarbonate. Within minutes of aortic declamping, all became hypotensive and two went into refractory ventricular fibrillation and died. Arguments supporting the role of adequate bicarbonate resuscitation in this setting are discussed.
K dependence of the Na-K pump is abnormal in erythrocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis and obligate heterozygotes.

The affinity of the Na-K pump for K was significantly (P<.001) lower in erythrocytes from patients with cystic fibrosis (Km 4.6±0.35 mM; n=26) or from heterozygotes (Km 3.9±0.57 mM; n=12) than in controls (Km 2.2±0.10 mM; n=20). The affinity of the Na-K pump for K was lower in normal erythrocytes than in normal fibroblasts which may explain the variability in the severity of involvement of different organs in cystic fibrosis. We have now shown in human skin fibroblasts and erythrocytes, that the K affinity of the Na-K pump is lower in patients with cystic fibrosis than in controls. Since the abnormality is also present in erythrocytes from heterozygotes who are clinically normal, it is likely that this abnormality is closely related to the genetic defect in cystic fibrosis.
Assay development and data analysis of receptor-ligand binding based on scintillation proximity assay.

Abstract In this paper, we described the optimization of a generic binding assay to measure ligand–receptor interactions for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). The assay is based on scintillation proximity assay, in which a protein is coated on scintillant-incorporated beads, and a radiolabeled ligand stimulates the beads to emit a signal by binding to the immobilized protein. An intrinsic binding affinity of unlabeled ligands is determined by competitive displacement of the radioligand. The protein coating and ligand binding are achieved in one step by simply mixing ligands, protein and beads in sequence. No additional steps of pre-coating and washing of beads are required. Protein is captured on beads effectively by electrostatic interactions, thus no affinity labeling of protein is required. In data analysis, ligands are grouped into two classes based on their binding affinities. For tight binding ligands, an equation is derived to accurately determine the binding affinity. Otherwise a general equation applies. This quantitative and high throughput assay provides a tool to screen a large library of molecules in search of potent ligands.
Ultrastructure of capillaries in acoustic neurilemmoma.

The microvasculature of normal acoustic nerve tissue and small intracanalicular and large extracanalicular neurilemmomas was analyzed by electron microscopy. The capillaries of normal acoustic nerve were nonfenestrated, but the microvasculature in nerve-sheath neoplasms was fenestrated. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of endothelial cells were observed only in the small lesions. The proliferated and enlarged endothelial cells often partially occluded the vascular lumen and formed multichannel vascular lumina. Many fenestrae of capillaries were found in small neoplasms, but these were rarely identified in the large extracanalicular lesions. The gap junctions of endothelium in small nerve-sheath neoplasms were long, wavy, and convoluted, had no openings, and differed from those of large lesions in which the tight junctions were short, straight, and occasionally patent. Additionally, heavy vascularization and erythrocytes within basement membranes were observed only in large neurilemmomas. These ultrastructural features may constitute a basis for differences between large and small acoustic neurilemmomas noted in cerebrospinal fluid findings.