cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An automated tool deployment for ESD (electrostatic-discharge) correct-by-construction strategy in 90 nm process

Continuous device scaling adhering to Moore's law imposes a greater challenge to the product design envelop. The complexity of ESD protection design can be enormous due to high degree of integration, including high signal count and mix-signal considerations. It is likely to take several design iterations before the specified ESD requirements can be guaranteed (Dabral and Maloney, 1998; Amerasekera and Duvvury, 1995). In view of a shorter design cycle coupled with overwhelming technological challenges in the leading edge 90nm process, an automated tool (RVCAT-ESD) has been deployed for the verification of ESD design rules during the product development stage. The tool can effectively verify both local and global ESD protection rules on the design database. The tool is also capable of providing a panoramic view of the ESD violation nodes in the design layout using the "overlay" feature. This helps to efficiently pin-point ESD design weaknesses in the design layout, such as current congestion, insufficient metal width and etc. This allows ESD design rules compliance in the early design stage, thus enhancing the approach of "correct-by-construction" on ESD design.
On the physical realizability of singular structural systems

Abstract Analytical models of structural systems allow for exceptional, singular geometric configurations, characterized by rank deficiency of the equilibrium and kinematic matrix. The feasibility of physical and numerical realization of such configurations depends on the type of singularity–generic vs. nongeneric. It turns out that some interesting, theoretically predicted and thoroughly studied, types of singular configurations (systems with simultaneous statical and kinematic indeterminacy; unprestressable first-order mechanisms; all higher-order mechanisms; singular configurations of finite mechanisms; and kinematically mobile closed polyhedral surfaces) are nongeneric, hence, physically unrealizable and noncomputable (except for exact or symbolic calculation). Thus, in spite of their sometimes remarkable theoretical features, these systems and configurations are just purely formal constructs. Moreover, their attempted implementation would produce a generic prototype with `essentially' different properties, including structural response. A few of the somewhat unexpected implications of this observation are discussed and a complete set of analytical criteria for the four statical-kinematic types of realizable structural systems is presented.
Effects of interrun interval on serial learning

Two groups of five rats each received a decreasing quantity of food reward, 14-7-3-1-0 .045-g food pellets, over successive runs in a runway. The interrun interval (IRI) separating runs within each of two daily pattern repetitions (trials) was 10 sec (short, S) or 4–5 min (long, L) and varied over four successive phases of training in the order indicated by the group names, that is, Groups SLSS and LLLS. Anticipation of the 0-pellet element developed more rapidly in Group SLSS than in Group LLLS, but did eventually occur at the long IRI. Anticipation was eliminated by the increase in IRI experienced by Group SLSS in Phase 2 and by the decrease in IRI experienced by Group LLLS in Phase 4. The results are discussed with reference to the effects of changes in stimulus context accompanying IRI shifts on retrieval of task-specific knowledge and with reference to the possible signal value established to IRI-specific stimuli.
Crystal Engineered Supramolecular Metal Phosphonates: Crown Ethers and Iminodiacetates

Three classes of metal phosphonates will be described in this brief review. First, we describe the zirconium derivatives of N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid, H2O3PCH2N(CH2COOH)2. The acid itself is a zwitterion formed by transfer of a phosphonic acid proton to the nitrogen. Consequently, the acid forms a phosphonic acid dimer (O···O, 2.61 A). Each carboxyl group then hydrogen bonds with phosphonate oxygens to form a three-dimensional network of short hydrogen bonds. A linear chain compound is formed when the phosphonic acid was combined with Zr(IV), but the addition of phosphoric acid as a spacer molecule results in the formation of layered compounds. When limited amounts of phosphoric acid were added, the layer that formed was of a new type embodying features of both the α- and γ-type zirconium phosphate layers. Increased addition of H3PO4 allowed the layers to revert to the α-type. A series of N-(phosphonomethyl) aza-crown ethers were prepared and reacted with M(IV) and M(II) ions. With zirconium, ...
OPTIMIZING THE MATRIX MULTIPLICATION PARALLEL ALGORITHMS ON A DISTRIBUTED-MEMORY MIMD MULTIPROCESSOR

In the past few years, there have been significant developments in the area of distributed and parallel processing. More powerful and new hardware architectures are being produced at a rapid rate, such as distributed-memory MIMD computers, which have provided enormous computing power to the software engineers. These multiprocessors may provide a significant speed-up over the serial execution of an algorithm. However, this requires careful partitioning and allocation of data and control to the processor set. Matrix multiplication is a fundamental parallel algorithm which can be effectively executed on a distributed-memory multiprocessor and can show significant improvement in the speed-up over the serial execution. Ideally, we should be able to achieve a linear speed up with increase in the number of processors, but in practice the speed up is much less, and in fact increasing the number of processors beyond a certain number may result in degradation of the completion time. This degradation is caused by in...
Calvinism and Religious Exile During the Revolt of the Netherlands (1568–1609)

This article examines the Calvinist refugee community in the German city of Wesel during the Revolt of the Netherlands (1568–1609) as a test case to understand how refugees lived out their Calvinist ideology of exile in practice. It argues that while they understood their trials in terms of established Christian models of suffering and redemption, what it meant to live up to those models changed significantly according to the historical context. In this case, a dramatic shift in the war encouraged social elites among the exiles to alter their behaviour as they realised that they may never return home. They increasingly engaged in civil society and with their hosts, while at the same time heightening their regulation of moral behaviour among ordinary members of their community.
A theorem and some consistency results in partition calculus

Demonstration d'un theoreme et de quelques resultats de consistance dans le calcul des partitions
Mineral Resources, Environmental Issues, and Land Use

Contrary to predictions from the 1950s through the mid-1980s, persistent shortages of nonfuel minerals have not occurred, despite prodigious consumption, and world reserves have increased. Global availability of raw materials is relevant to policy decisions regarding mineral development and land use. Justification for environmental protection may exceed that for mining a specific ore body. Demand for environmental accountability is rising worldwide, and new technologies are enabling internalization of costs. Mineral-rich developing nations plagued by inefficient state-owned mining enterprises, high population growth rates, and environmental degradation could realize substantial benefit by reforming government policies to encourage foreign investment in resources and by appropriate allocation of mineral rents.
Soil depth and soil production

Soil column depth is predicted over time scales up to a million years based on dynamics at the pore scale. The power law result integrates result for solute transport from percolation theory with typical flow velocities. Verification was based on studied soils from 14 regions worldwide over time scales from decades to a million years. The time derivative of the soil depth generates the soil production function as a function of depth. Comparison with soil production data from five locations, over similar time scales, verifies the accuracy of the predicted power to within 2%. The prediction thus unites within one framework time scales of seconds with a million years. The results allow calculation of the effects of physical soil removal on the rates of silicate weathering at the base of the column, important inputs to the global carbon cycle, neotectonics, and drainage basin evolution. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2015
Effects of neutral three-dimensional turbulence in the gas blanket regime for divertors

Abstract It is shown that 3D neutral fluid turbulence of toroidal flow over cavities leads to much enhanced heat flux to the toroidal sidewalls. For ITER-like divertors, this turbulent convection will very significantly lengthen the gas blanket detachment region — which from laminar heat conduction would be totally inadequate.
Methamphetamine-Induced Neurotoxicity Disrupts Pharmacologically Evoked Dopamine Transients in the Dorsomedial and Dorsolateral Striatum

Phasic dopamine (DA) signaling, during which burst firing by DA neurons generates short-lived elevations in extracellular DA in terminal fields called DA transients, is implicated in reinforcement learning. Disrupted phasic DA signaling is proposed to link DA depletions and cognitive-behavioral impairment in methamphetamine (METH)-induced neurotoxicity. Here, we further investigated this disruption by assessing effects of METH pretreatment on DA transients elicited by a drug cocktail of raclopride, a D2 DA receptor antagonist, and nomifensine, an inhibitor of the dopamine transporter (DAT). One advantage of this approach is that pharmacological activation provides a large, high-quality data set of transients elicited by endogenous burst firing of DA neurons for analysis of regional differences and neurotoxicity. These pharmacologically evoked DA transients were measured in the dorsomedial (DM) and dorsolateral (DL) striatum of urethane-anesthetized rats by fast-scan cyclic voltammetry. Electrically evoked DA levels were also recorded to quantify DA release and uptake, and DAT binding was determined by means of autoradiography to index DA denervation. Pharmacologically evoked DA transients in intact animals exhibited a greater amplitude and frequency and shorter duration in the DM compared to the DL striatum, despite similar pre- and post-drug assessments of DA release and uptake in both sub-regions as determined from the electrically evoked DA signals. METH pretreatment reduced transient activity. The most prominent effect of METH pretreatment on transients across striatal sub-region was decreased amplitude, which mirrored decreased DAT binding and was accompanied by decreased DA release. Overall, these results identify marked intrastriatal differences in the activity of DA transients that appear independent of presynaptic mechanisms for DA release and uptake and further support disrupted phasic DA signaling mediated by decreased DA release in rats with METH-induced neurotoxicity.
The association between survey timing and patient-reported experiences with hospitals: results of a national postal survey

Research on the effect of survey timing on patient-reported experiences and patient satisfaction with health services has produced contradictory results. The objective of this study was thus to assess the association between survey timing and patient-reported experiences with hospitals. Secondary analyses of a national inpatient experience survey including 63 hospitals in the 5 health regions in Norway during the autumn of 2006. 10,912 (45%) patients answered a postal questionnaire after their discharge from hospital. Non-respondents were sent a reminder after 4 weeks. Multilevel linear regression analysis was used to assess the association between survey timing and patient-reported experiences, both bivariate analysis and multivariate analysis controlling for other predictors of patient experiences. Multivariate multilevel regression analysis revealed that survey time was significantly and negatively related to three of six patient-reported experience scales: doctor services (Beta = -0.424, p< 0.05), information about examinations (Beta = -0.566, p < 0.05) and organization (Beta = -0.528, p < 0.05). Patient age, self-perceived health and type of admission were significantly related to all patient-reported experience scales (better experiences with higher age, better health and routine admission), and all other predictors had at least one significant association with patient-reported experiences. Survey time was significantly and negatively related to three of the six scales for patient-reported experiences with hospitals. Large differences in survey time across hospitals could be problematic for between-hospital comparisons, implying that survey time should be considered as a potential adjustment factor. More research is needed on this topic, including studies with other population groups, other data collection modes and a longer time span.
Characterization of Escherichia coli MoeB and Its Involvement in the Activation of Molybdopterin Synthase for the Biosynthesis of the Molybdenum Cofactor

Amino acid sequence comparisons ofEscherichia coli MoeB suggested that the MoeB-dependent formation of a C-terminal thiocarboxylate on the MoaD subunit of molybdopterin synthase might resemble the ubiquitin-activating step in the ubiquitin-targeted degradation of proteins in eukaryotes. To determine the exact role of MoeB in molybdopterin biosynthesis, the protein was purified after homologous overexpression. Using purified proteins, we have demonstrated the ATP-dependent formation of a complex of MoeB and MoaD adenylate that is stable to gel filtration. Mass spectrometry of the complex revealed a peak of a molecular mass of 9,073 Da, the expected mass of MoaD adenylate. However, unlike the ubiquitin activation reaction, the formation of a thioester intermediate between MoeB and MoaD could not be observed. There was also no evidence for a MoeB-bound sulfur during the sulfuration of MoaD. Amino acid substitutions were generated in every cysteine residue in MoeB. All of these exhibited activity comparable to the wild type, with the exception of mutations in cysteine residues located in putative Zn-binding motifs. For these cysteines, loss of activity correlated with loss of metal binding.
Recurrent stage I endometrial carcinoma: results of treatment and prognostic factors.

Recurrences of clinical Stage I endometrial carcinoma after initial treatment are rare. They are nonetheless a serious complication, uniformly associated with poor survival outcome. Between 1969–1980, 20 patients with clinical Stage I endometrial carcinoma were treated for recurrent tumor at the time of first relapse. Nonpapillary adenocarcinoma represented 70% of the primary tumors (pure adenocarcinoma, 50%; adenosquamous, 15%, clear cell, 5%) and papillary adenocarcinoma, 30%. The most common presenting symptom was vaginal bleeding, occurring in 95% of patients. The median time to recurrence after completion of primary treatment was 9.5 mo: Adenocarcinoma relapsed at a median time of 33 mo, adenosquamous, 6 mo and papillary adenocarcinoma, 4 mo. The vagina was the site of relapse in 65% of patients, the abdomen in 20%, the pelvis in 10% and the lung in 5%. Ninety-five percent of recurrences were treated with curative intent. Complications were seen in three patients, small bowel obstruction (2 pts) and vaginal vault necrosis (1 pt); however, these patients responded effectively to conservative treatment. Minimum follow-up of 4 years was available in 18 pts (90%). Actuarial 4 yr overall and NED survival was 50%, respectively, with a median survival of 39 mo to date. There have been no deaths from further recurrence of endometrial cancer beyond 39 mo. Significant prognostic factors for 4 year survival were 1) recurrence site-vagina, 82% (9/11 pts) vs extravagina, 0% (0/7 pts; median survival: 8 mo) [p = .0001]; and 2) histologic cell type-non-papillary carcinoma, 75% (9/12 pts) vs papillary adenocarcinoma, 0% (0/6 pts; median survival: 8 mo) lp = .002]. Our review suggests that: (1) Histology and site of relapse are important prognosticators of treatment outcome; (2) Long term survival may be achieved in vaginal recurrences with aggressive local treatment; and (3) There may be a role for multimodality ovarian type treatment in overall management of recurrent papillary adenocarcinoma, a cell type that appears to exhibit a tendency towards extrapelvic spread refractory to definitive loco-regional treatment.
Emelda's story: applying ethnographic insights to cultural assessment and cervical cancer control.

This article builds a bridge between cultural research and clinical practice by applying insights from an ethnographic study of cervical cancer in Iquitos, Peru, to a cervical cancer focused cultural assessment tool and teaching guide for use with immigrant patients. This application is grounded in Campinha-Bacote’s model of cultural competency. Ethnographic research is recommended as a source of knowledge from which insights can be drawn to build assessment skill in cross-cultural clinical encounters—insights into asking the right questions.
Impact of gamma radiation on range finding sensor performance

The effect of gamma radiation on common sensors in robots intended for nuclear remediation scenarios is examined. Rangefinders are chosen as an exemplar of the impact of gamma radiation on sensors and systems. This work extends previous work by calculating not just sensor failure point but changes in the sensor transfer function of three different types of commercial range-finding sensors (infrared (IR) triangulation using a position sensitive detector, sonar using time of flight, and laser range finder using triangulation and a CMOS camera) in response to gamma total radiation dose. Experimental results show significant changes in the IR sensor's static sensitivity with dose, abrupt failure of the laser range finder at low dose, and degradation and abrupt failure for the sonar detector. The input-output relationship of the IR sensor showed further variation after a period of room-temperature annealing. Significant part-to-part variation in radiation response is shown for both the sonar and IR sensor.
Rebel airways: Radio and revolution in Latin America

The analysis compares pre‐ and postrevolutionary radio broadcasting in Cuba and Nicaragua, with special attention to Radio Rebelde. Cuba has maintained tighter control over broadcasting than has Nicaragua, due to a variety of historical circumstances.
Effects of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate on pyruvate metabolism in rat adipose tissue.

Abstract The effects of the dibutyryl derivative of adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) on pyruvate metabolism in segments of rat epididymal adipose tissue were evaluated. The oxidation of [1-14C]pyruvate and [1-14C]lactate to 14CO2 was accelerated by dibutyryl cyclic AMP at a concentration too low to activate lipolysis (0.30 mM). Higher, lipolytic concentrations further augmented oxidation of [1-14C]pyruvate. Oxidation of [3-14C]pyruvate was progressively increased by dibutyryl cyclic AMP while conversion to fatty acid was depressed. Total recovery of radioactivity from [3-14C]pyruvate in CO2 and triglyceride was increased by dibutyryl cyclic AMP. Cyclic AMP (10−5–10−3 M) increased the activity of pyruvate dehydrogenase in homogenates of adipose tissue. These data suggest that dibutyryl cyclic AMP increases the entry of pyruvate into the citric acid cycle, perhaps by activating pyruvate dehydrogenase. The data further suggest that dibutyryl cyclic AMP must exert some other direct or indirect action later in the metabolic scheme to curtail lipogenesis.
Reduction of exploratory behavior by intraperitoneal injection of interleukin-1 involves brain corticotropin-releasing factor.

Abstract The behavior of mice was scored in a multicompartment chamber one hour following intraperitoneal injection of recombinant human interleukin-1 (IL-1). Both IL-1α and IL-1β dose-dependently reduced the mean duration for which mice were in contact with novel stimuli without altering measures of locomotor activity, such as movements between the compartments or rears. These behavioral changes resemble those previously observed with prior restraint or intracerebroventricular (ICV) injection of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF). Effective doses were in the range 0.1–10 ng for IL-1α, and 1–10 ng for IL-1β. The reduction in stimulus-contact times induced by 1 ng of IL-Iβ was reversed by prior ICV injection of the CRF antagonist, alpha-helical CRF 9–41 , suggesting that IL-1 causes secretion of brain CRF which in turn elicits the behavioral changes. These results indicate that peripheral administration of IL-1α or IL-1β in low doses can alter behavior. They provide additional evidence that IL-1 administration stimulates brain CRF secretion, and that brain CRF can modulate exploratory behavior, and thus reinforces the concept that IL-1 administration can induce stress.
On the source of difluorocarbene in IRMPD of dichlorodifluoromethane

Abstract The nascent translational energy of difluorocarbene produced in the IRMPD Of CF 2 Cl 2 has been measured by an optical time-of-flight technique and decreases as the fluence of the infrared laser field increases. This is direct evidence for the secondary photolysis of the CF 2 Cl radical in the overall mechanism.
Efficacy of tissue plasminogen activator in the lysis of thrombosis of the cerebral venous sinus

Therapy for thrombo-occlusive disease of the cerebral venous sinuses remains controversial. Although several thrombolytic agents, such as urokinase and anticoagulants, are recommended for treatment, major significant risks include cerebral hemorrhage, especially in patients with venous infarction. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has shown a high affinity for fibrin-bound plasminogen, while exhibiting a low affinity for circulating plasminogen. The purpose of this study was to evaluate this drug for use in cerebral sinus thrombo-occlusive disease. Eleven adult male rabbits were chosen as experimental animals. All animals underwent microsurgical dissection of their major dural venous sinuses. Direct compression was used to form a thrombus within the sinus. The presence of significant venous thrombosis was confirmed radiographically by iohexol sinography. Subsequently, tPA was delivered systemically via the marginal ear vein at a dose of 3000 units/h; the result was total lysis of the clot documented by a sinogram 1 hour after the drug was administered. Postmortem pathological examination confirmed total lysis in seven of eight animals. One animal showed partial retained clot fragments. No significant coagulopathic state was observed. In three control animals, saline was infused without clot lysis. We conclude that tPA is a highly effective agent for the lysis of acute induced venous sinus thrombosis in an experimental model.
The Effects of Warning Smokers on Perceived Risk, Worry, and Motivation to Quit

Background Research concerning motives for smoking cessation has focused on beliefs (cognitions) that people have, especially risk perceptions, with less attention directed to worry (negative affect) concerning one’s smoking.
Structural model for oxygen permeability of a liquid crystalline polymer

This study examined the solid-state structure and oxygen transport properties of smectic poly(diethylene glycol 4,4‘-bibenzoate) (PDEGBB). The polymer was quenched from the isotropic melt to the smectic liquid crystalline glass and subsequently isothermally crystallized by heating above the glass transition temperature. Crystallized PDEGBB was characterized by thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. Gas transport properties were characterized by oxygen permeability, diffusivity, and solubility at 1 atm. Oxygen solubility decreased linearly with crystallinity as determined by the heat of melting. This result supported a simple two-phase model of impermeable crystals dispersed in a permeable liquid crystalline (LC) glass. Extrapolation to zero solubility gave a crystal density of 1.371 g cm-3; the corresponding heat of the crystal-to-smectic transition was 10.1 kJ mol-1. The solid-state morphology was examined by atomic force microscopy. A hierarchical structure was proposed for the smectic LC polymer in wh...
Dispersion vs. absorption (DISPA): A magic circle for spectroscopic line shape analysis

1 Dispersion and absorption spectra 261 1.1 Common origin of dispersion and absorption spectra 261 1.2 Dispersion from absorption: the Hilbert transform 262 2 Dispersion vs. absorption (DISPA) 263 2.1 Dielectric relaxation and the Cole-Cole plot 263 2.2 DISPA for spectroscopy 263 2.3 Extension of DISPA to Gaussian line shape ., ......... 264 3 Effect of various line broadening mechanisms on a DISPA plot 264 3.1 Peaks of different position or line width 264 3.2 Effect of noise on a DISPA plot 265 3.3 Other effects: baseline offset, time-domain truncation, zero-filling, modulation and power broadening, neighboring peaks, chemical exchange, magnetic field inhomogeneity ........ 265 3.4 Other DISPA-derived displays: linearized; radial-difference ... 4 Phasing: rotation of the DISPA plot 5 Applications.. 5.1 Algorithms for on-line DISPA data reduction 5.2 Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy 5.3 Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy 5.4 Ion cyclotron resonance mass spectroscopy 6 Conclusions and suggested future applications 7 Acknowledgments References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268 . . 269 . . 269 . 269 . . 270 . . 212 . . 273 . . 273 . . 273 . . 274
Dry Matter, Crude Protein, and Starch Degradability of Five Cereal Grains

Abstract Degradability of starch from corn, milo, wheat, barley, and oats was determined in vitro using a 60-min incubation in a glucoamylase enzyme. Grains were ranked oats, then wheat, barley, corn, then milo with 60-min starch degradabilities of 28, 24, 18, 13, and 9%, respectively. Six ruminally fistulated steers were used to determine in situ degradabilities of DM, CP, and starch in the five grains. Grains were incubated ruminally for 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, and 48h in dacron bags (50-μm pore size). With the exception of oats, grains were ranked similarly for DM, protein, and starch degradability. Based on ruminal availability calculated assuming 6%/h passage rate, grains were ranked: for DM, wheat, then oats, barley, corn, then milo with ruminal availability of 88, 87, 78, 54, and 38%, respectively; for CP: oats, then wheat, barley, corn, then milo with ruminal availability of 98, 95, 91, 70, and 57%, respectively; and for starch: oats, then wheat, barley, corn, then milo with ruminal availability of 98, 95, 90, 62, and 49%. respectively. This information may aid in synchronizing degradation of protein and starch in the rumen to improve lactation performance.
Arterial wall hyperplasia is increased in placental compared with myoendometrial radial uterine arteries from late-pregnant rats.

Objective This study compared myoendometrial versus placental radial uterine arteries from late-pregnant rats to evaluate differences in passive mechanical properties and arterial wall hyperplasia. Study design Myoendometrial and placental radial uterine arteries were dissected from late-pregnant (day 17-19) Sprague-Dawley rats (n=21) for determination of the lumen diameter and passive distensibility. Arterial wall hyperplasia was evaluated by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and histologic determination of mitotic indices of endothelial, smooth muscle, and adventitial cells. Nonpregnant radial uterine and mesenteric arteries were used as control cells. Results Both placental and myoendometrial uterine arteries were significantly larger than nonpregnant uterine arteries by 40% and 28%, respectively ( P P P P Conclusion These data demonstrate differential growth and remodeling of uterine arteries that supply the placenta versus the myoendometrium, which likely is facilitated by enhanced arterial wall hyperplasia in placental arteries.
The ELDer project: social, emotional, and environmental factors in the design of eldercare technologies

The ELDeR (Enhanced Living through Design Research) Project, comprised of a team of designers and behavioral scientists, conducted a four-month study at a seniors community near Pittsburgh, PA. The purpose of the project was to understand the experiences of elders and their caregivers in order to: 1) study the eldercare experience from the perspective of primary stakeholders; 2) to assess the importance of psychological and social factors in the eldercare experience; and 3) to identify implications for product, interface, and interaction design and opportunities for new products and technologies. Our findings show that social, emotional, and environmental factors play a key role in the eldercare experience and the adoption and use of new products. We argue that designing eldercare technologies to address all of these factors lowers social and economic barriers to universal usability.
Design, fabrication, and test of an on-chip micro flow cytometer with integrated out-of-plane microlenses

A micro flow cytometer with an integrated three-dimensional hydro-focusing unit and out-of-plane microlenses was successfully fabricated and tested. The entire system was fabricated with SU-8 ultra-violet lithography process. In the hydro-focusing unit, sheath flows pass through a trapezoid-shaped chamber with three 30° slopes to focus the sample flow in both horizontal and vertical directions. As an essential component in the on-chip optical detection system, integrated out-of-plane microlens was embedded in the sidewall of the fluid outlet channel in the detection area. A pre-aligned optical fiber holder was fabricated on chip to fix the output optical fiber in a position aligned to the microlens. Optical simulation and analysis were also conducted using commercial software Zemax. Numerical simulation results confirmed that the use of microlens substantially improved the detection efficiency by focusing the fluorescent light from the sample cells into the output optical fiber. Preliminary cell counting experiment was performed using the fabricated micro flow cytometer system and the experimental results proved the feasibility of the integrated micro flow cytometer design.
Influence of Hole-Sequestering Ligands on the Photostability of CdSe Quantum Dots

Chalcogenide nanocrystals or quantum dots (QDs) such as CdSe and PbSe have great potential as absorbers for QD-sensitized solar cells, but their practical utility is limited by fast degradation when exposed to ambient environments. Here we present results showing that small organic molecules acting as hole-accepting ligands can be very effective in reducing photooxidation of CdSe QDs. The aromatic amine, 4-dimethylaminothiophenol (DMATP), is shown to be especially effective in enhancing stability of CdSe QDs when illuminated in air or in aqueous environments. Using photoluminescence and density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we show that the enhanced stability results from hole transfer from the QD to the ligand and delocalization of the resulting positive charge on the aromatic ring and amino group instead of the sulfur atom that links the molecule to the CdSe.
Idealizing γ-Al2O3: In Situ Determination of Nonstoichiometric Spinel Defect Structure

The ideal γ-Al2O3 structure is elucidated by solving the defect reaction for alumina-rich magnesium aluminate spinel. The selective reduction of nickel from NixMg1−xAl2O4 spinel through reaction with hydrogen enables the in situ analysis of the defect reaction as it progresses. The reaction is described by the following equation: NixMg1−xAl2O4 + xH2 → xNi0 + Mg1−xAl2O4−x + xVNi′′ + xVO•• + xH2O. Rietveld refinement of neutron and X-ray powder diffraction data is used to determine the following: (1) the weight percents of the products, (2) the nickel occupancy in the spinel phase, and (3) the Mg1−xAl2O4−x lattice parameter. The weight loss during the hydrogen reaction is determined using in situ thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrogen reaction is generalized to describe the defect reaction for alumina-rich spinel: Al2O3 → VMg′′ + VO•• + 2AlAlx + 3OOx. Application of this defect equation to γ-Al2O3 predicts a significantly lower number of ions per unit cell than is commonly accepted. This defect model pred...
What I learned from Heinz von Foerster about the construction of science

Purpose – To report on an empirical study in psycholinguistics that revealed a difference between European and American patterns of thinking and to provide a brief history of a 30‐year effort to modify the philosophy of science in order to make it more suitable as a guide to doing research in the social sciences.Design/methodology/approach – Assesses the approach of Heinz von Foerster, who used a deductive approach to science rather than an American empirical approach. Furthermore, von Foerster was willing to modify not only science but also the philosophy of science. By proposing that scientists pay attention to the observer as well as the observed, he added a dimension to the philosophy of science, which affects all disciplines.Findings – Proposes an additional dimension that might be added to the philosophy of science. Paying attention to both the observer and the receiving society suggests a communication metaphor rather than the photograph metaphor, which has prevailed in the philosophy of science. E...
TREATMENT OF THE CARTOGRAPHIC LINE

Traditionally, cartographic generalization has been considered in the context of eliminating map detail. In recent situations, however, details have been introduced to enhance the map message, as an aid in visual recognition. Enhancements are increasingly prevalent in displays of computer-generated lines, surfaces, and landscapes: some of the better known examples of this technique are fractal representations. The justification cited for this enhancement centers on improving the efficiency with which such displays may be constructed; the arguments against it focus on the visual characteristics which a map reader expects to see. A reconsideration of trends in cartographic research is presented, to explain how the change in generalization from 'elimination' to 'enhancement' has developed. Traditionnellement la generalisation cartographique a ete consideree comme un allegement des details. Cependant, dans le but d'aider le reperage visuel, en certains cas recents on a ajoute des details pour accentuer le mes...
Optimizing multiple cropping systems: Simulation studies

Abstract Tsai et al . (1987) developed a combined network optimization—simulation model for optimal sequencing of multiple cropping systems. Essentially, simulations were used to generate a deterministic activity network. Then an optimization technique (K Longest Path algorithm) was applied to solve optimal sequences of multiple cropping. Using north Florida as a study region, the model was utilized to investigate optimal multiple cropping sequences in an irrigated or non-irrigated field. The results indicated that, for a non-irrigated farm, winter wheat followed by either soybean, maize or peanut was the most profitable cropping rotation in a multiple cropping sequence. Especially favorable was the double cropping of wheat—peanut. For an irrigated farm, a peanut crop was found to be prominent. In the case where peanut was not considered in the rotation, inclusion of irrigated wheat—maize cropping could not be recommended as a profitable multiple cropping system. Instead, double cropping of maize—soybean was the main scheme under irrigation with the possible substitution of a wheat—soybean crop sequence. To obtain higher, stable net returns, a north Florida farmer with no irrigation capability should plan his production system according to multiple cropping sequences SQ2 or SQ4 in the study. Use of these results for real-time decision making requires that the optimization be evaluated to select each new crop using current farm status and future expected weather and market conditions.
Impact of alcohol intoxication on hemodynamic, metabolic, and cytokine responses to hemorrhagic shock.

Background Alcohol intoxication is associated with a high incidence of traumatic injury, particularly in the young healthy population. The impact of alcohol intoxication on the immediate pathophysiologic response to injury has not been closely examined. We hypothesized that acute alcohol intoxicatio
Cyclic AMP promotes axon regeneration, lesion repair and neuronal survival in lampreys after spinal cord injury

Axon regeneration after spinal cord injury in mammals is inadequate to restore function, illustrating the need to design better strategies for improving outcomes. Increasing the levels of the second messenger cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) after spinal cord injury enhances axon regeneration across a wide variety of species, making it an excellent candidate molecule that has therapeutic potential. However, several important aspects of the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which cAMP enhances axon regeneration are still unclear, such as how cAMP affects axon growth patterns, the molecular components within growing axon tips, the lesion scar, and neuronal survival. To address these points, we took advantage of the large, identified reticulospinal (RS) neurons in lamprey, a vertebrate that exhibits robust axon regeneration after a complete spinal cord transection. Application of a cAMP analog, db-cAMP, at the time of spinal cord transection increased the number of axons that regenerated across the lesion site. Db-cAMP also promoted axons to regenerate in straighter paths, prevented abnormal axonal growth patterns, increased the levels of synaptotagmin within axon tips, and increased the number of axotomized neurons that survived after spinal cord injury, thereby increasing the pool of neurons available for regeneration. There was also a transient increase in the number of microglia/macrophages and improved repair of the lesion site. Taken together, these data reveal several new features of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cAMP-mediated enhancement of axon regeneration, further emphasizing the positive roles for this conserved pathway.
Velocity of mammalian skeletal muscle contraction as a function of fiber type, activation, initial length and temperature

Multiple stepwise regression analyses techniques were applied to develop modifications of the Hill force-velocity equation. Specifically, predictive models of the Hill a coefficient, the Hill b coefficient, and isometric strength P0 were developed for the following set of variables: the fraction of slow-twitch fibers (X), the recruitment magnitude (A), the initial muscle length (L), and the muscle temperature (T). Results indicate that the Hill a and Hill b coefficients and isometric strength P0 can be predicted with a high degree of accuracy. The utility of the equation is that it would allow development of a computer program to control the velocity of contraction of muscles with differing fiber compositions and lengths such as are found in the leg.
Complete stereospecific repair of a synthetic dinucleotide spore photoproduct by spore photoproduct lyase

Spore photoproduct lyase (SP lyase), a member of the radical S-adenosylmethionine superfamily of enzymes, catalyzes the repair of 5-thyminyl-5,6-dihydrothymine [spore photoproduct (SP)], a type of UV-induced DNA damage unique to bacterial spores. The anaerobic purification and characterization of Clostridium acetobutylicum SP lyase heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, and its catalytic activity in repairing stereochemically defined synthetic dinucleotide SPs was investigated. The purified enzyme contains between 2.3 and 3.1 iron atoms per protein. Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy reveals an isotropic signal centered at g = 1.99, characteristic of a [3Fe–4S]+ cluster accounting for 3–4% of the iron in the sample. Upon reduction, a nearly axial signal (g = 2.03, 1.93 and 1.92) characteristic of a [4Fe–4S]+ cluster is observed that accounts for 34–45% of total iron. Addition of S-adenosylmethionine to the reduced enzyme produces a rhombic signal (g = 2.02, 1.93, 1.82) unique to the S-adenosyl-l-methionine complex while decreasing the overall EPR intensity. This reduced enzyme is shown to rapidly and completely repair the 5R diastereomer of a synthetic dinucleotide SP with a specific activity of 7.1 ± 0.6 nmol min−1 mg−1, whereas no repair was observed for the 5S diastereomer.
LECTIN-FREE DIET REDUCES INTRALUMINAL HYDROGEN (H 2 ) PRODUJCTION IN PATIENTS WITH BACTERAL OVERGROWTH SECONDARY TO INTESTINAL PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION (IP)

LECTIN-FREE DIET REDUCES INTRALUMINAL HYDROGEN (H 2 ) PRODUJCTION IN PATIENTS WITH BACTERAL OVERGROWTH SECONDARY TO INTESTINAL PSEUDO-OBSTRUCTION (IP)
Studies in Batch and Continuous Solvent Sublation. III. Solubility of Pentachlorophenol in Alcohol–Water Mixtures and its Effects on Solvent Sublation

Abstract The solubility of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in pure water and alcohol–water mixtures at pH = 2.5 and 5.0 at 25°C are reported. The use of the two-suffix Margules equation and UNIFAC to predict these effects is ascertained. The implications of these observations with respect to the solvent sublation of PCP in the presence of alcohol resulting from the redissolution of the organic solvent is also described.
Embolization Iatrogenic Hemorrhage after Paracentesis

Therapeutic paracentesis is a common procedure for patients with ascites and is commonly done without image guidance. The preferred site by many physicians is the right or left lower quadrant. Rarely, hemorrhage may occur due to inadvertent injury to a branch of the inferior epigastric artery.
A Thousand Points of Conflict: The Dark Side of China's Economic Miracle

ABSTRACT Since 1980, China's economy has grown by almost 10% a year–doubling an astonishing three times. During its ascent, China has far outperformed Japan's 1980s “economic miracle.” It has also significantly outperformed the vaunted “Four Dragons”–Hong Kong, Korea, Taiwan, and Singapore–during a similar time frame. While China's rapid growth has helped to lift the country into a budding prosperity and provided numerous opportunities for Asian business activities, this article focuses on how China's growth is also putting the country into direct conflict with the rest of the world on a number of important fronts. The conflicts, each of which have with important implications for business and the broader global economy, include those over intellectual property, energy, raw materials, and both regional and global environmental resources. They also include a number of internal conflicts that may ultimately threaten the stability of the government. The overarching purpose of this article is to sensitize busi...
Simulation of Vapor−Liquid Equilibria for Alkane Mixtures

A newly proposed united-atom force field is used to predict the phase behavior of binary mixtures of long and short alkanes over wide ranges of temperature and pressure. Given the chemical similarity of the components, no adjustable binary parameters are introduced. In general, agreement with experiment is satisfactory. Two commonly used equations of state are also used to describe experimental coexistence curves. In the absence of binary data, it is found that molecular simulations provide a fairly reliable means of estimating thermodynamic properties for the highly asymmetric mixtures of short and long alkanes studied in this work.
Hepatotoxic Reactions in a Patient Treated With Etretinate

• Hepatotoxic reactions and eosinophilia developed in a 74-year-old woman who had been treated with an aromatic retinoid compound, etretinate, for severe psoriasis palmaris et plantaris. Rapid improvement in her condition followed discontinuation of the drug therapy. Liver enzyme elevations recurred after reinstitution of etretinate therapy; these levels quickly returned to normal after the drug therapy was again discontinued. Our patient's reaction to etretinate may have been a hypersensitivity reaction. ( Arch Dermatol 1984;120:104-106)
Sequence analysis of the rat Brca1 homolog and its promoter region

Since the identification of the human breast and ovarian cancer gene, BRCA1, a large spectrum of germline mutations has been characterized that predispose women to developing these diseases. We have determined the complete coding sequence for the rat BRCA1 homolog and compared it with those of the mouse, dog, and human to help identify the important functional domains of the BRCA1 protein. The overall rat Brcal amino acid identity compared with the predicted mouse, dog, and human gene products is 81%, 69%, and 58%, respectively. In spite of this low overall homology, the amino terminal RING finger domain and one of two nuclear localization signals are highly conserved among these species. In addition, two BRCT domains at the carboxy terminus and a highly acidic region are relatively well conserved. We have also identified several putative regulatory elements through comparison of the bidirectional BRCA1 promoter regions among the rat, mouse, and human genes. These include motifs for CCAAT and G/C boxes, as well as potential SP1, CREB, and NFkB transcription factor binding sites. Finally, analysis of splice variants from rat mammary gland, ovary, testis, spleen, and liver tissues revealed that, while alternative transcripts are detectable, full-length transcripts are the predominant steady-state form.
Characterization of small microsatellite loci for use in non invasive sampling studies of Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus)

Primers for 10 microsatellite loci were developed specifically to amplify low quantity and quality DNA for Gunnison Sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus), a species that has been petitioned for listing under the US Endangered Species Act. In a screen of 20 individuals from the largest population in the Gunnison Basin, Colorado, the 10 loci were found to have levels of variability ranging from two to seven alleles. No loci were found to be linked, although one locus revealed significant departures from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. These microsatellite loci will be applicable for population genetic analyses and for use in mark recapture studies that utilize DNA collected non invasively from feathers and fecal pellets, which will ultimately aid in management efforts.
IGF-I measurements in the diagnosis of adult growth hormone deficiency

Although serum insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) concentrations have utility as a screening test for growth hormone (GH) deficiency in children and young adults, they are less accurate for screening in adults over 40 years of age. There are two main limitations in the clinical use of IGF-I levels as a marker of GH secretion. First, IGF-I synthesis is not only regulated by GH but also by nutrient supply and by other hormones; second, low IGF-I levels in the presence of normal or increased GH secretion may reflect a peripheral resistance to GH action. Although serum IGF-I cannot be used as a stand-alone test for the diagnosis of adult GH deficiency, very low IGF-I levels in the context of documented hypothalamic or pituitary disease may be helpful in identifying patients with a high probability of GH deficiency. In the presence of two or more additional pituitary hormone deficiencies, an IGF-I level <84 microg/l (assayed by Esoterix Endocrinology, Inc. Calabasas Hills, CA, USA) indicates a 99% probability of GH deficiency. As this cut-off value has not been validated for other IGF-I assays, an IGF-I standard deviation score (SDS) of <-3 may be considered in adults over age 28; an even lower IGF-I SDS is needed for diagnosis in younger adults. In clinical practice, other causes of low serum IGF-I such as malnutrition, diabetes, hypothyroidism, liver disease, etc., should be excluded before applying these diagnostic criteria.