cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Inactivation in the potassium channel KcsA.

Abstract Inactivation, the slow cessation of transmission after activation, is a general feature of potassium channels. It is essential for their function, and malfunctions in inactivation leads to numerous pathologies. The detailed mechanism for the C-type inactivation, distinct from the N-type inactivation, remains an active area of investigation. Crystallography, computational simulations, and NMR have greatly enriched our understanding of the process. Here we review the major hypotheses regarding C-type inactivation, particularly focusing on the key role played by NMR studies of the prokaryotic potassium channel KcsA, which serves as a good model for voltage gated mammalian channels.
The dark side of Tinder: The Dark Triad of personality as correlates of Tinder use.

Abstract. Tinder is the leading online dating application. This study (N = 271) explored the Dark Triad personality traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and sociosexuality a...
Impact of pharmacy services on cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator modulator prescribing at a pediatric cystic fibrosis center

BACKGROUND This study was undertaken to determine if the presence of a clinical pharmacy team impacted patients' access to cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators. METHODS A retrospective chart review of electronic medical records from the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC) was conducted. Data were collected regarding the timing of prior authorization (PA) submissions and approvals from 2012 to 2018. The Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare the meantime (days) between prescription and PA submission dates, and PA submission and approval date for all patients included in the analysis. Comparisons were made for pre- and postpharmacy services eras as well as the UIHC Specialty Pharmacy versus a non-UIHC Specialty Pharmacy. RESULTS Sixty-three patients were included in the final analysis. The average time between prescription date and PA submission was 12.5 days (standard deviation [SD] = 17.4 days) in the preclinical pharmacy services era and 3.5 days (SD = 5.8 days; P = .028) in the postclinical pharmacy services era. The average time to PA submission significantly decreased from 9.8 days (SD = 13.1 days) to 1.3 days (SD = 4.2 days; P < .0001) when prescriptions were filled by the UIHC Specialty Pharmacy vs a non-UIHC Specialty Pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS There was a significant benefit to CFTR modulator prescribing when clinical pharmacy services were incorporated in our cystic fibrosis (CF) care team, which will become increasingly important with the anticipation of new CF medications in the near future.
Late Presentation of a Retained Stingray Spine in the Plantar Medial Hindfoot

In the United States, approximately 2000 stingray injuries occur annually. The majority of reports on stingray injuries to the foot and ankle reflect acute injuries. Delayed presentation after stin...
Security Vulnerabilities in Consumer IoT Applications

Extensive penetration testing to IoT applications was conducted in this work to discover the vulnerabilities. In addition to the study the most vulnerable security flaws defined by the Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP), this work also tested a set of man-in-the-middle attacks exploiting found vulnerabilities. It is discovered that a wide range of IoT apps in smart homes, security system, health-care and connected cars are susceptible to a set of attacks, and some of those apps have over 1 million downloads. Countermeasures were proposed as recommendations to secure the apps for IoT devices.
An Acute Pain Service experience initiating methadone for opioid use disorder in hospitalized patients with acute pain.

Objective: Inform readers of the use of a clinical pathway that includes initiation of methadone in hospitalized patients with acute pain who have untreated opioid use disorder (OUD). Design: A retrospective chart review with frequency distributions and descriptive statistics calculated to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of the sample. Setting: Urban academic hospital. Patients: One hundred twenty consecutive patients with untreated OUD cared for by the Acute Pain Service (APS). Interventions: APS leadership spearheaded development of a clinical pathway to standardize pain management and optimize outcomes. The authors outline pathway development and describe 120 patients managed using this pathway, initiated on methadone for OUD. Results: The sample included patients, average age 40 years, predominantly non-Hispanic white (74.2 percent), male (61.7 percent), unemployed (88.2 percent), and on Medicaid (84.2 percent). 96.7 percent had a history of heroin use, and 52.1 percent had engaged in previous medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Methadone or other opioids were held for signs of intoxication/sedation in 10.9 percent or for prolonged corrected QT interval in 1.7 percent. The majority received at least one other analgesic agent. For those prescribed opioids upon discharge, the average maximum morphine equivalent dose was 68.2 mg/day for approximately 3 days. 68.3 percent agreed to schedule post-discharge MAT, and of these, 68 percent attended their intake appointment. A small percentage (4.7 percent) left the hospital against medical advice. Conclusion: This pathway provides an example of an effective and safe response to address the opioid epidemic and provide quality care to patients with OUD and pain.
Tricuspid Valve Disease

Increasing interest in the tricuspid valve has been stimulated by numerous outcomes studies showing the significant role of tricuspid regurgitation (TR) on outcomes. Primary TR represents a small number of the patients presenting with symptomatic disease. Understanding of the anatomy of the right heart and tricuspid valve helps elucidate the multiple mechanisms that result in secondary TR. Echocardiography remains a primary imaging modality for the assessment of disease morphology and severity.
A CM Filter Configuration for Grid-Tied Voltage Source Converters

Common mode (CM) filters play a crucial role in determining adherence to conducted emissions (CE) standards for grid-tied voltage source converters. Design and implementation of such filters can be challenging since they depend on several factors like identification of CM noise paths, fidelity of passive components and discerning the frequency and amplitude of CM noise sources. In this article, a CM filter has been proposed, which uses passive components along with the converter's heat sink as a circulating return path for the CM currents. Based on the presented CM circuit models with the proposed filter, a detailed design process has been delineated for selecting the passive components required to realize the CM filter. Additionally, the heat-sink potential has been shown to be touch safe during both ideal and nonideal grid conditions with the proposed CM filter. CE spectral results measured using a commercially procured line impedance stabilization network and captured time domain converter operational wave forms for a 2-level, 3 $\phi$ grid-tied voltage source converter validate the functionality and effectiveness of the presented design.
Mean, uncommitted, and aggressive: Divergent associations between triarchic psychopathy, elements of love, and caustic relationship behaviors:

Two studies explored how the triarchic dimensions of psychopathy predicted relationship outcomes in nonclinical samples. In Study 1, using a predominantly student sample (N = 100, 24% men, 76% wome...
Sociodemographic Factors Associated With Adherence to Referrals From the Pediatric Emergency Department.

Abstract Background Outpatient referrals constitute a critical component of emergency medical care. However, barriers to care after emergency department (ED) visits have not been investigated thoroughly. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of sociodemographic variables on referral attendance after ED visits. Methods A retrospective cohort study was designed. Patients aged 0–17 years who visited the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital ED in 2016 and received a referral were included. Multiple referrals for 1 patient were counted as independent encounters for statistical analysis. Results Chart review was performed on 6120 pediatric ED encounters, producing a total of 822 referrals to University of Michigan Health System outpatient clinics. Referral attendance did not differ by race, ethnicity, language, or religion. Older age was associated with decreased attendance at referrals (p = 0.043). Patients who were black and female (p = 0.019), patients with public health insurance (p = 0.004), and patients residing in areas with either high rates of unemployment (p = 0.003), or lower high school education rates (p = 0.006) demonstrated decreased attendance. Patients referred to pediatric neurology had lower attendance rates (p Conclusions This study provides an overview of the impact of sociodemographic and departmental factors on attendance at outpatient follow-up referrals. Significant disparities exist with respect to referral attendance after emergency medical care. Informed resource allocation may be utilized to improve care for these at-risk patient populations.
8 – Plasma Retinol-Binding Protein

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) and describes the structure and chemistry, biochemistry, and metabolism of RBP. Vitamin A is transported normally in postabsorptive plasma as the lipid alcohol retinol bound to a specific transport protein plasma RBP. Human RBP is a single polypeptide chain with a molecular weight close to 21,000, α1-mobility on electrophoresis, and a single binding site for one molecule of retinol. In plasma, most of RBP normally circulates as the retinol-RBP complex. Vitamin A is mobilized from the liver and is delivered to peripheral target tissues as the retinol-RBP complex. Retinol mobilization and delivery are highly regulated processes that are particularly controlled by processes that regulate the rates of synthesis and secretion of RBP by the liver. Solutions of the retinol-RBP complex are highly fluorescent. The RBP molecule is a single polypeptide chain of about 180–185 amino acid residues containing three intramolecular disulfide bonds. RBP is cleaved by cyanogen bromide into five fragments; of these, the carboxy-terminal fragment represents slightly more than half the molecule.
Effect of prenatal transportation stress on DNA methylation in Brahman heifers

Abstract Prenatal stress in beef cattle has the potential to result in unexpected, long-term phenotypic changes to an animal's performance. One possible explanation for this phenomenon is stress-induced epigenetic alterations of the genome (e.g., methylation or histone modifications). The objective of this experiment was to identify differential DNA methylation patterns in prenatally stressed (PNS) Brahman females compared to control animals. Pregnant Brahman cows (n = 48) were transported for 2-h periods at 60 ± 5, 80 ± 5, 100 ± 5, 120 ± 5, and 140 ± 5 d. A non-transported group (n = 48) was maintained as a control (Control). Methylation of leukocyte DNA from 28-d old heifer calves born following the PNS exposure (Control n = 8, PNS n = 6) was assessed by reduced representation sodium bisulfite sequencing. Mean methylation ratios at locations across the genome in PNS and Control females were compared using Fisher's Exact t-tests. There were 16,377 CG sites, 309 CHG, and 612 CHH (C= cytosine; G= guanine; H = adenine, cytosine or thymine) sites that were differentially methylated in PNS females compared to the Control (P ≤ 0.05). Differentially methylated regions located in promoters of genes were analyzed to identify genetic pathways and biological functions potentially influenced by the alterations. Important pathways (P ≤ 0.05) included those involved in cell signaling, neurological development, cellular development, immune response, and metabolism. Alterations in expression of genes in pathways such as the “Axonal Guidance Signaling”, “Corticotrophin Releasing Hormone Signaling” and the Neurotrophin/TRK Signaling” pathways could change animal phenotypes.
Living with Bladder Cancer: Self-reported Changes in Patients' Functional and Overall Health Status Following Diagnosis.

Abstract Background Bladder cancer affects life quality, overall health, and mortality negatively. The effect of bladder cancer on activities of daily living (ADLs) is not well established. Objective To examine the effect of bladder cancer diagnosis on ADLs, in addition to physical, mental, and overall health measures. Design, setting, and participants Using data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-Medicare Health Outcomes Survey (MHOS) registry, responses regarding ADLs and overall health were evaluated in bladder cancer patients over time. The Short Form 12 health survey responses were analyzed to determine the change in physical and mental health scores following bladder cancer diagnosis. Outcome measurements and statistical analysis Changes in self-reported ability to perform ADLs and health outcomes following bladder cancer diagnosis were evaluated. Chi-square statistics were used to determine whether the baseline and follow-up surveys were statistically independent for each ADL. Composites scores for physical health (PCS12) and mental health (MCS12) were compared with two-sample t test. Results and limitations A total of 498 patients with surveys before and after bladder cancer diagnosis were identified. An increased percentage of patients reported difficulty in all ADL tasks following bladder cancer diagnosis; this increase was statistically significant for bathing (p = 0.02) and using the toilet (p = 0.03). These patients also reported a significant decline in overall health status (p = 0.0002). A significant reduction in the mean PCS12 and mean MCS12 composite scores was observed (p Conclusions Patients with bladder cancer report a significant decline in functional status and overall health, including both physical and mental well-being after diagnosis. Further study is needed for factors that may be most predictive of the decline in functional independence for this population. Patient summary There is a decreased ability to perform daily activities following bladder cancer diagnosis, and patients report a decrease in their physical and mental health. This information can help patients and their caregivers anticipate patient needs following bladder cancer diagnosis, in addition to helping manage their expectations when making decisions regarding treatment options.
A Comparison of Tertiary Drug Resources' Consistency Regarding Drug-Drug Interactions of Adjunctive Analgesics.

Background: Health care providers routinely rely on tertiary drug information resources to affirm knowledge or proactively verify the safety and efficacy of medications. Though all patient care are...
Predictors of Injury to Youth Associated with Physical Restraint in Residential Mental Health Treatment Centers

The restraining of children is a pervasive but controversial practice that has resulted in the injury and death of children. Despite this threat of harm, little research has explored what factors contribute to the risk of a child becoming injured during a restraint event. This study examined multiple child and restraint factors to better understand what predicts the injury of a child during a restraint event. Longitudinal data (794 youth, 13,339 restraint events) from six residential treatment centers in the Midwest were utilized to predict injury associated with restraint using nested hierarchical logistic regression models. Injuries to the child are a frequent outcome following the use of restraints on a child. Findings show that a child being male and older contributed to the likelihood of an injury, but the race of the child did not predict injury. In addition, three physical hold types—prone, supine, and settle—were associated with a greater likelihood of injury. Results suggest those who use restraints on children should reevaluate their behavior management plans to reduce their risk of hurting children by restraints. Eliminating or greatly reducing the use of prone, supine, and settle holds will likely lead to a drop in injuries of children.
Hypertriglyceridemia induced pancreatitis complicated by compartment syndrome and managed by surgical decompression and plasmapheresis

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) is an uncommon but well-established cause of acute pancreatitis. The patients with pancreatitis are at risk for both local and systemic complications. Abdominal compartment syndrome is underdiagnosed and undertreated in this patient population. We report a case of 39-year-old male with medical history of diabetes mellitus who presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with HTG induced pancreatitis, complicated by abdominal compartment syndrome requiring surgical decompression and plasmapheresis.
Personality Effects in Participative Budgeting: An Experimental Investigation

We conduct a laboratory experiment to investigate the effect of individual personality traits on decision making in a participative budget setting. We predict that two personality characteristics from the HEXACO-100 scale, honesty-humility and conscientiousness, explain differences between individual misreporting decisions. We test our predictions in a participatory budgeting environment under three incentive structures to evaluate the pervasiveness of findings. Results suggests conscientiousness is significantly correlated with budgetary slack, and honesty-humility only reaches traditional levels of significance when interdependency is present. Specifically, conscientiousness scores are positively correlated with budgetary slack in a full model as well as each individual model for each incentive condition. Honesty-humility is not significant in a full model. However, evaluation of each individual incentive conditions finds honesty-humility is significant in conditions of interdependency. Supplemental analysis reveals gender acts similarly and separately from honesty-humility with significant results only in the incentive condition with interdependency. In addition, evidence indicates that older people request less budgetary slack than younger people.
Do Firms Prefer Leverage Over Cash

Amid record levels of corporate cash and debt, this study finds that firms acquire cash, then subsequently increase debt instead of reducing debt after the Homeland Investment Act of 2003. Two possible motives for this change are 1) increasing tax benefits of debt and 2) the role of cash as debt collateral. Using all firm panel observations from 2003-2019 (ex. financials and utilities), I find one dollar of cash has 3x more predictive ability for future debt than one dollar of financing deficit. Larger multinationals have increasing debt preferences over cash, a convex relation predicted by the repatriation tax motive. Surprisingly, domestic-only firms also prefer debt irrespective of hedging needs, and financially constrained firms (identified by sentiment analysis and Altman's Z) increasingly benefit from using cash as debt collateral. Persistently low corporate borrowing rates likely alleviated debt and hedging costs, inducing a new trade-off paradigm where firms may increasingly prefer to finance with debt instead of cash.
Early Abdominal Wall Reconstruction with Biologic Mesh is Feasible after Catastrophic Abdominal Wall Disruption from Blunt Trauma.

Introduction Traumatic abdominal wall hernias (TAWHs) after blunt trauma, while rare, are typically associated with severe injuries, particularly those involved with the seatbelt triad of abdominal wall disruption. The aim of this study is to present a case series of patients with TAWHs that were managed at an early stage post injury with a biological mesh. Materials and methods Patients with TAWH undergoing complex abdominal wall reconstruction (CAWR) between 2017 and 2020 were identified from our institutional database. All patients underwent definitive reconstruction using advanced surgical techniques including a posterior component separation with biological mesh (STRATTICE™, Allergan, Inc., Dublin, Ireland) placed in a sublay fashion. Results Seven patients underwent definitive TAWH repair during their index admission: the median age was 56 years (range 20-77) and the median Injury Severity Score (ISS) was 34 (29-50). The most common mechanism of injury was motor vehicle crash (MVC) at 86%, while the most common intra-abdominal concomitant injury was small bowel. Traumatic hernia location was on the right side of the abdominal wall in three patients, left in three patients, and bilaterally in one patient. There were no hernia recurrences or deaths in this small cohort. Conclusion Traumatic abdominal wall disruption can be safely reconstructed using advanced surgical techniques with a biological mesh during the acute phase or same index hospitalization.
Coronary Angioplasty and Guidewire Diagnostics

Percutaneous coronary transluminal angioplasty (PTCA) is an interventional procedure most widely used to revascularize diseased coronary vessels. Since its inception in 1964, modern-day PTCA involves the use of cutting edge devices that have vastly improved the usefulness of this procedure, with minimal damage to coronary vessels such as left anterior descending, left circumflex, and right coronary arteries. In this article, the authors give an overview of key devices and instruments that have become synonymous with coronary angioplasty. Additionally, the authors present a summary of their past work on coronary diagnostics using customized guidewires, a key component of coronary angioplasty. Guidewires are commonly used to measure two hemodynamic indices, myocardial fractional flow reserve and coronary flow reserve, to evaluate the degree of success achieved in opening up a diseased (or blocked) coronary vessel. However, the presence of guidewire introduces an additional flow obstruction effect, which necessitates that some correction be applied to myocardial fractional flow reserve and coronary flow reserve. This process would enable estimation of true severity of coronary lesion, and its possible treatment using PTCA. This article provides these corrections through simple correlations that could be useful for diagnosis of focal coronary lesions under clinical settings. Keywords: PTCA; guidewire; guiding catheter; balloon catheter; vessel closure device
407 ONTOGENY OF RAT LIVER MICROSOMAL UDP-GLUCURONOSYL TRANSFERASE (UDP-GT) ACTIVITY TOWARD FUROSEMIDE(F)

Disposition of F depends on its renal tubular secretion and its metabolic conjugation with glucuronic acid. It has been suggested that decreased F clearance in the neonatal period is due to immaturity of these dispositional pathways. The development of UDP-GT activity in the perinatal period falls into two substrate specific groups: a “late fetal” group of activities that attain adult levels just before term and an “early neonatal” group that shows minimal activity during pregnancy but increases rapidly after birth. The “late fetal” group correlates with activities that are induced by 3-methylcholanthrene (3MC) type inducers while the “early neonatal” group correlates with phenobarbital (Pb) induction in adult rats. We have studied the ontogeny and inducibility of UDP-GT activity toward F (F-UDP-GT) in fully activated rat liver microsomal preparations. During days 18 and 20 of gestation and third and sixth postnatal days, liver F-UDP-GT activities were 3%, 9%, 57% and 80% of adult activity (373±21 pmoles/mg protein/min), respectively. After treatment of adult rats with F, Pb, SMC or pregnenolone-16-alpha-carbonitrile (PCN), F-UDP-GT activity was 310±24; 617±84; 864±185 and 1010±73 pmoles/mg protein/min respectively. It is concluded that F-UDP-GT activity develops in the early neonatal period, and is inducible by not only Pb, but even more so by 3MC and PCN.
MEASUREMENTS OF HDO BETWEEN 4719 AND 5843 CM-1

Abstract Fourier transform spectrometer data of heavy water vapor were obtained at resolutions of 0.01 and 0.02 cm −1 . The spectra were analyzed to obtain line center frequencies and line strengths of HD 16 O from 4719 to 5843 cm −1 . The analysis included 1700 assigned lines of the (011)–(000), (200)–(000), (120)–(000), and (021)–(010) bands. This is the first report of assignments in the weak (120)–(000) band which borrows much of its strength from the (200)–(000) band. The measurements provided in this work are a marked improvement over the HDO listing presently available on the HITRAN database in the spectral region.
Money for Nothing and Checks for Free: Recent Developments in US Subprime Mortgage Markets

After a number of warning signs, the U.S. "subprime mortgage crisis" became a headline issue in February 2007. Notwithstanding the bankruptcy of numerous mortgage companies, historically high delinquencies and foreclosures, and a significant tightening in subprime lending standards, the impact thus far on core U.S. financial institutions has been limited. This paper reviews the history and structure of the subprime market. The results suggest that new origination and funding technology appear to have made the financial system more stable at the expense of undermining the effectiveness of consumer protection regulation. Potential solutions to the management of this trade-off are then explored.
Flexibility and performance of branch store stock plans for a manufacturer's product line

Abstract This study examines the sales performance effects of flexibility in the branch store stock plans for a retailer of a manufacturer's product line. Arguably, stock turnover and manufacturer share of product category sales are two sales performance outcomes that are sensitive to this decision variable. The contingency theory of channel coordination implies that branch-flexible planning, although generally an effective policy, may be less effective for a volatile product category—one characterized by relatively greater numbers of line additions and deletions—than for a more stable product category. A simple structural equation model tests and supports these hypotheses using measures based on archival stock planning and sales performance data.
Further analysis of code generation for a single register machine

This paper presents a systematic development of the analysis of code generation for the single register machine, from linear to exponential time algorithms. A class of expressions with common subexpressions is introduced which can be optimally coded in quadratic time. A heuristic based on this development is shown to produce code size better than 5/4 that of an optimal coding, for any expression. A method is proposed which would improve this bound, but the most straightforward implementation is shown to require exponential time. Finally, a new analysis of the exponential time bound is presented which more closely describes the complexity of the task of producing optimal code.
Fear as a way of life

Fear is response to danger, but in Guatemala, rather than being solely a subjective personal experience, it has also penetrated the social memory.' And rather than an acute reaction it is a chronic condition. The effects of fear are pervasive and insidious in Guatemala. Fear destabilizes social relations by driving a wedge of distrust within families, between neighbors, among friends. Fear divides communities through suspicion and apprehension not only of strangers but of each other.2 Fear thrives on ambiguities. Denunciations, gossip, innuendos, and rumors of death lists create a climate of suspicion. No one can be sure who is who. The spectacle of torture and death and of massacres and disappearances in the recent past have become more deeply inscribed in individual bodies and the collective imagination through a constant sense of threat. In the altiplano fear has become a way of life. Fear, the arbiter of power-invisible, indeterminate, and silent. What is the nature of fear and terror that pervades Guatemalan society? How do people understand it and experience it? And what is at stake for people who live in a chronic state of fear? Might survival itself depend on a panoply of responses to a seemingly intractable situation? In this article, I examine the invisible violence of fear and intimidation through the quotidian experiences of the people of Xe'caj. In doing so, I try to
A New Look At The Organizational Implications of Automation

The article investigates the organizational changes brought about by the introduction of automation technology in a baking plant. Information related to the impact of automation on the amount of su...
A buffer storage resource allocation model for cellular manufacturing systems

Abstract Among other functions, buffer storage facilitates the decoupling of production and materials handling in a manufacturing system. This can yield higher utilization of materials handling resources and reduced disruptions to production operations associated with response times for materials handling transactions. However, buffer storage requires the allocation of capital resources for space, fixtures, and equipment. If it is not practical to flexibly reallocate these capital resources over the life cycle of a manufacturing facility, the initial allocation of these resources in the design of a manufacturing system warrants careful consideration. To address this problem, a model for the allocation of buffer storage resources is presented. The model is intended to serve as an analytical decision aid in facility design. A sample problem is used to illustrate the application of the model in the context of a cellular manufacturing system. Limited computational results for the sample problem are used to demonstrate how the model can be used in buffer storage resource allocation and related aspects of manufacturing facility design.
Air Parcel Motions during a Numerically Simulated Sudden Stratospheric Warming

Abstract The three-dimensional mass motions in a mechanistic numerical model of a sudden stratospheric warming are investigated by tracing a large number of marked particles. The model is adapted from that described by Holton (1976). A sudden stratospheric warming is simulated by allowing a large amplitude, single harmonic wave forced at the lower boundary of the model to interact with the zonal mean flow. The results of a model simulation involving zonal wavenumber 2 are reported. Rings of marked particles are placed along latitude circles at the time when the forcing is turned on at the lower boundary and their motions are traced for a period of 30 days. The particle displacements near the level of maximum warming are described in detail, the trajectories of particles exhibit two different types of characteristics depending upon whether the particles originate from high or low latitudes. The particle motions are therefore described in terms of two regimes, the polar and the tropical regimes. The polar r...
Lead scandium tantalate-lead titanate materials for field-stabilized pyroelectric device applications

Abstract A preliminary evaluation of the pyroelectric response of selected compositions from the variable order-disorder [VOD] phase region of this system has been conducted under modest DC biasing conditions in order to assess the performance of these materials for application in small area pyroelectric devices. The figure of merit [FD] was observed to be significantly enhanced over that of the pure Pb(Sc½Ta½)O3 material due to the combined effects of Ti doping, ordering, and the application of a biasing field.
Cyclotron Resonance of Electrons and Holes in Silicon and Germanium Crystals

An experimental and theoretical discussion is given of the results of cyclotron resonance experiments on charge carriers in silicon and germanium single crystals near 4\ifmmode^\circ\else\textdegree\fi{}K. A description is given of the light-modulation technique which gives good signal-to-noise ratios. Experiments with circularly polarized microwave radiation are described. A complete study of anisotropy effects is reported. The electron energy surfaces in germanium near the band edge are prolate spheroids oriented along $〈111〉$ axes with longitudinal mass parameter ${m}_{l}=(1.58\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.04)m$ and transverse mass parameter ${m}_{t}=(0.082\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.001)m$. The electron energy surfaces in silicon are prolate spheroids oriented along $〈100〉$ axes with ${m}_{l}=(0.97\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.02)m$; ${m}_{t}=(0.19\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.01)m$. The energy surfaces for holes in both germanium and silicon have the form $E(k)=A{k}^{2}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{[{B}^{2}{k}^{4}+{C}^{2}({{k}_{x}}^{2}{{k}_{y}}^{2}+{{k}_{y}}^{2}{{k}_{z}}^{2}+{{k}_{z}}^{2}{{k}_{x}}^{2})]}^{\frac{1}{2}}.$ We find, for germanium, $A=\ensuremath{-}(13.0\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$, $|B|=(8.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.1)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$, $|C|=(10.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$; and for silicon, $A=\ensuremath{-}(4.1\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$, $|B|=(1.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.2)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$, $|C|=(3.3\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.5)(\frac{{\ensuremath{\hbar}}^{2}}{2m})$. A discussion of possible systematic errors in these constants is given in the paper.
The Effects of Entrapped Bubbles in Solder Used for the Attachment of Leadless Ceramic Chip Carriers

This study involves work associated with the effects of trapped gas pockets in solder joints formed by solder pastes used to attach leadless ceramic chip carriers (LCCC) to various substrates. The results indicate that the fatigue life of these joints is dramatically affected by the absence or presence of these bubbles. A somewhat informal survey of other investigators involved in the attachment of LCCC devices suggests that the solder voiding problem is widespread and may well be a leading factor in joint reliability. A motion picture analysis of the phenomenon of gasification will be shown to illustrate this problem.
Teaching engineering ethics by conceptual design: the somatic marker hypothesis

In 1998, a lead researcher at a Midwestern university submitted as his own a document that had 64 instances of strings of 10 or more words that were identical to a consultant’s masters thesis and replicated a data chart, all of whose 16 entries were identical to three and four significant figures. He was fired because his actions were wrong. Curiously, he was completely unable to see that his actions were wrong. This phenomenon is discussed in light of recent advances in neuroscience and used to argue for a change in the standard way engineering ethics is taught. I argue that engineering ethics is better taught in the form of a design course in order to maximize “somatic” learning.
Dots on the rocks: a comparison of percent cover estimation methods

Abstract Several percent cover estimation methods have become “standards” in ecological research conducted in rocky intertidal habitats. We compare the results of five methods for estimating cover (visual estimation, evenly spaced dots, random dots, and stratified random dots on transparent plastic plates, and electronic digitizing of photographic images) for repeatability (precision), robustness against observer bias, and sensitivity (ability to detect rare species). Digitizing of photographic images was found to be most precise for species covering > ≈30% of available space. The estimates derived from the other techniques were generally not significantly different from each other for percent coverage of this magnitude. The methods were not significantly different in their abilities to estimate percent cover of less abundant species although each of the dot methods frequently failed to detect species covering
The unsteady three-dimensional wake produced by a trapezoidal pitching panel

Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to investigate the three-dimensional wakes of rigid pitching panels with a trapezoidal geometry, chosen to model idealized fish caudal fins. Experiments are performed for Strouhal numbers from 0.17 to 0.56 for two different trailing edge pitching amplitudes. A Lagrangian coherent structure (LCS) analysis is employed to investigate the formation and evolution of the panel wake. A classic reverse von Karman vortex street pattern is observed along the mid-span of the near wake, but the vortices realign and exhibit strong interactions near the spanwise edges of the wake. At higher Strouhal numbers, the complexity of the wake increases downstream of the trailing edge as the spanwise vortices spread transversely and lose coherence as the wake splits. This wake transition is shown to correspond to a qualitative change in the LCS pattern surrounding each vortex core, and can be identified as a quantitative event that is not dependent on arbitrary threshold levels. The location of this transition is observed to depend on both the pitching amplitude and free stream velocity, but is not constant for a fixed Strouhal number. On the panel surface, the trapezoidal planform geometry is observed to create additional vortices along the swept edges that retain coherence for low Strouhal numbers or high sweep angles. These additional swept-edge structures are conjectured to add to the complex three-dimensional flow near the tips of the panel.
Conformation and dynamics of arylthiol self-assembled monolayers on Au(111).

We report a computational investigation of the conformation and the dynamics of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of a set of aromatic thiols arranged in the (√3 × √3)-R30° packing ratio on a Au(111) surface using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. It was found that the molecular conformations were better defined for the arylthiol with two phenyl groups as compared to those with a single phenyl group and that the chemical structure of the head and tail groups had a considerable influence on the system geometry. In line with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations of small thiol molecules, we found for the SAMs that the face-centered cubic (fcc) site on the Au(111) surface was the most preferred, followed by the hexagonal close-packed (hcp) site, while the bridge position showed the characteristics of a local energy maximum. The dynamics of thiol head groups on these three Au sites was found to govern the overall dynamics of SAMs as measured by the mean square displacement. We also report that bo...
Some Issues in Passive Impact Location Detection Triangulation in Composite Materials Using Embedded Piezoelectric Sensors

This paper studies some aspects of impact location detection in composites materials using triangulation methods with embedded piezoelectric sensors. The first step of any impact damage evaluation method is to ascertain if an impact has happened and its location. More sophisticated methods (not addressed in this paper) can then be used to determine the type and extent of damage and to estimate the residual life of the structure. We propose a novel sensor array that potentially reduces the number of computations required to locate the position of the impact and reduces the complexity of embedded sensor wiring. Reducing the computational complexity allows the use of lighter, cheaper and less energy consuming electronic devices. The new technique reduces the classical computation from a planar (two dimensional) search to an angular (one dimensional) search. The new technique is experimentally compared with a classical triangulation technique at moderate ballistic speeds (300 m/s). This paper shows that the new technique reduces the computational cost, but also reduces accuracy of impact location.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Development of a reactive force field for iron-oxyhydroxide systems.

We adopt a classical force field methodology, ReaxFF, which is able to reproduce chemical reactions, and train its parameters for the thermodynamics of iron oxides as well as energetics of a few iron redox reactions. Two parametrizations are developed, and their results are compared with quantum calculations or experimental measurements. In addition to training, two test cases are considered: the lattice parameters of a selected set of iron minerals, and the molecular dynamics simulation of a model for α-FeOOH (goethite)-water interaction. Reliability and limitations of the developed force fields in predicting structure and energetics are discussed.
Abstract B52: The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 enhances cisplatin-mediated cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells

Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy. The treatment of platinum resistance disease remains an urgent and unmet clinical need. Identification of bromodomain inhibitors to disrupt “reading” of aberrant protein acetylation marks in cancer, leading to down-regulation of lineage-specific oncogenes is an exciting development in epigenetic drug therapy. The oncogenic transcription factor c-MYC (MYC) is amplified in approximately 30-40% of high grade serous ovarian tumors and may be epigenetically deregulated via a “super enhancer” on chromosome 8q24. JQ1, an inhibitor of bromodomain binding, down-regulates MYC expression in MYC-amplified tumors. However, this mechanism appears to be tissue-specific and has not been tested as a method for chemosensitization in ovarian cancer. We hypothesized that JQ1 could be used to enhance cisplatin cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells, in part by repression of MYC. Ovarian cancer cell lines were selected after in silico evaluation of publically available, annotated cell line collections. Cell lines with relatively low expression of MYC (IGROV-1 and SKOV3) and relatively high expression, A2780 parental [A2780PAR] and isogenic cisplatin-resistant A2780CP20 cells) were treated with 0.1% DMSO, JQ1, cisplatin or the combination of drugs. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) and clonogenic assays were used to assess effects on cell viability. Apoptosis was evaluated by Western Blot detection of cleaved PARP. Expression of MYC was measured by QPCR and Western Blot. JQ1 reduced cell viability and clonogenicity at sub-micromolar concentrations in the ovarian cancer cell lines examined. Furthermore, JQ1 treatment sensitized ovarian cancer cells, including the resistant A2780CP20, to the growth inhibitory and pro-apoptotic effects of cisplatin. However, the cytotoxic effects of JQ1 were not directly correlated with down-regulation of MYC. First, A2780PAR and A2780CP20 cells expressed the highest basal levels of MYC in our panel, but were not the most sensitive to JQ1-induced anti-tumor effects. Second, JQ1 markedly inhibited MYC expression in A2780PAR, but not A2780CP20 cells, despite relatively similar reduction in growth inhibition by JQ1 alone and combined with cisplatin in these cell lines. Taken together, these novel findings suggest that JQ1 could be used to sensitize ovarian cancer cells to platinum-based therapy. Identifying oncogenic targets of JQ1 other than MYC in ovarian cancer is a priority for further development of bromodomain inhibitors in ovarian cancer. Citation Format: Dineo Khabele, Andrew J. Wilson, Jeanette Saskowski, Scott W. Hiebert. The bromodomain inhibitor JQ1 enhances cisplatin-mediated cytotoxicity in ovarian cancer cells. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research: From Concept to Clinic; Sep 18-21, 2013; Miami, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2013;19(19 Suppl):Abstract nr B52.
Testing for sex differences in the relationship between attributional style and depression

Two potential limitations of research on the attributional model of depression lie in relatively untested assumptions concerning the lack of sex differences in the attributional style-depression relationship and the linearity of the relationship across levels of depression. We tested these assumptions, finding no sex differences and an essentially linear relationship. Implications of these results for research on the attributional model of depression are discussed.
Ascaridia galli: effects of immunosuppressive drugs or bursectomy in chickens.

Abstract Immunosuppressive drugs significantly increasing numbers of A. galli and incidences of infection were: cortisone, cortisol, 9-α-fluorohydrocortisone, 2-methyl-9-α-fluorohydrocortisone, prednisone, prednisolone, 6-mercaptopurine, 2, 6-diaminopurine, 6-thioguanine, 5-bromodeoxyridine, 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate, chlorambucil, and actinomycin D. These drugs and/or worm burdens significantly suppressed weight gains of hosts, and neither altered the male:female ratio of worms nor their growth. The following drugs neither altered worm burdens nor increased incidences of infection: corticosterone, 2-azaadenine, 8-azaguanine, azathioprine, 6-azauridine, busulfan, thio-TEPA, triethylenemelamine, vincristine, acriflavine, reserpine, and l -phenylalanine. Worm burdens and incidences of infection were increased significantly in chickens surgically bursectomized when 3 or 14 but not 35 days old. Chicks bursectomized in ovo with testerosterone propionate on Day 5 or 14 of incubation and infected on Day 14 after hatching developed significantly increased worm burdens and incidences of infection. Applying the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test for goodness of fit to data on increased worm burdens showed that the immunosuppressive drugs or bursectomy had a normalization effect on the statistical distribution.
Structure/function relationships in the Escherichia coli mannitol permease : identification of regions important for membrane insertion, substrate binding and oligomerization

The Escherichia coli mannitol permease (EIIMtl) of the phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphotransferase system is a 68-kDa membrane protein that carries out the concomitant transport and phosphorylation of D-mannitol. Previous studies indicated that there are ca. 6 membrane-spanning helices within the N-terminal half of the protein, while the hydrophilic C-terminal half was shown to be exposed in the cytoplasm. In the present study, an analysis of C-terminally truncated EIIMtl mutants showed that proteins from which only the cytoplasmic domain has been deleted were present in the membrane at > or = 50% the amount of the intact protein. However, deletion proteins smaller than ca. 34 kDa were present in the membrane at only about 20% the amount of the intact protein. We also constructed a plasmid that encodes the first 43 amino acid residues of ELLMtl fused to residues 378 to 637 (the C-terminal domain). The corresponding protein was associated with the cytoplasmic membrane. These results show that the first 43 amino acid residues of the N terminus are sufficient for membrane localization, although the region comprising the last 2 membrane-spanning helices appears to be important for maximum stability and/or efficient membrane insertion of the complete N-terminal domain. Further studies of these deletion proteins showed that binding of mannitol to the permease occurs even if the entire cytoplasmic domain is absent, but is abolished if the last putative membrane-spanning region is removed. Finally, regions of the protein within the membrane-bound domain were identified that influence the oligomerization state of the protein. These results further define domains of this multifunctional transport protein that are important for membrane insertion, stability, substrate binding and oligomerization.
Political Economy and Globalization

Political Economy and Globalization Richard Westra (London: Routledge, 2010) Journal of Contemporary Asia editorial board member Richard Westra enjoys taking on big issues. In Political Economy and...