cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
GaN CVD Reactions: Hydrogen and Ammonia Decomposition and the Desorption of Gallium

Isotopic labeling experiments have revealed correlations between hydrogen reactions, Ga desorption, and ammonia decomposition in GaN CVD. Low energy electron diffraction (LEED) and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) were used to demonstrate that hydrogen atoms are available on the surface for reaction after exposing GaN(0001) to deuterium at elevated temperatures. Hydrogen reactions also lowered the temperature for Ga desorption significantly. Ammonia did not decompose on the surface before hydrogen exposure. However, after hydrogen reactions altered the surface, N15H3 did undergo both reversible and irreversible decomposition. This also resulted in the desorption of N2 of mixed isotopes below the onset of GaN sublimation, This suggests that the driving force of the high nitrogen-nitrogen bond strength (226 kcal/mol) can lead to the removal of nitrogen from the substrate when the surface is nitrogen rich. Overall, these findings indicate that hydrogen can influence G-aN CVD significantly, being a common factor in the reactivity of the surface, the desorption of Ga, and the decomposition of ammonia.
Latent Variable Model Predictive Control for Trajectory Tracking in Batch Processes: Internal Model Control Interpretation and Design Methodology

In this paper, a theoretical analysis of the latent variable model predictive control (LV-MPC) algorithm, originally proposed by Flores-Cerrillo and MacGregor,1 is presented. The properties of the algorithm in terms of stability, robustness, and control performance are analyzed. An off-line design methodology, using Internal Model Control framework (IMC), to determine the adequate range of the LV-MPC parameters is proposed. The excellent control performance and robustness of the off-line design methodology is illustrated for the temperature tracking of an emulsion polymerization process and an exothermic chemical reaction system.
Synthesis of 2-Amino-3-cyano-4-aryl-5-methyloxycarbonyl-4H-pyrans on Thermosensitive Copolymer

Amino-3-cyano-4-aryl-5-methyloxycarbonyl-4H-pyrans were synthesized in aqueous medium using thermosensitive copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide and its derivative as a supporter for phase separation adjusting temperature. Their structures were determined by 1H NMR, IR and elemental analysis.
Herbivory and Fire Influence White Oak (Quercus alba L.) Seedling Vigor

We manipulated arthropod and mammalian herbivory levels on white oak seedlings using a combination of insecticide applications and fencing and employed a split-split-plot design to assess the impact of single- and multiple-year burns on seedling growth over a 2 yr period. Herbivory levels increased over time on all sites, but there was no significant difference in herbivore pressure on seedlings in single-year burned, multiple-year burned, and nonburned plots. Insecticide-treated seedlings suffered less herbivore pressure than did noninsecticide treated seedlings, and mammalian herbivory was significantly reduced by the presence of a fence. Seedling height growth, shoot elongation, diameter growth, and specific leaf mass were greatest on once-burned sites, intermediate on twice-burned sites, and least on nonburned sites. Bud expansion was the only seedling performance parameter unaffected by burn treatment. Arthropod feeding was the greater component of overall herbivory, but this herbivory did not impede seedling growth. Seedling height growth and shoot elongation were more closely linked to mammalian herbivory. These results suggest that the observed herbivory may play a negligible role, and prescribed fire may be a beneficial component of a management program designed to enhance oak regeneration. FOR. SCI. 47(3):331-337.
The Research on the Issue of the Education of Aadvonced Nature of Party Members of Graduate Students

The Party members of graduate students form a group that has higher quality of culture,independent and mature mind.Therefore,it is an essential topic for the work of Party building in higher education under the new situation to maintain the education of advanced nature of Party members of graduate students.This paper is intended to reveal the necessity and importance of the research topic.What's more,the article also suggests the implications for advanced education,and presents some effective solutions.
Silicon Valley meets the ivory tower: Searchable data repositories for experimental nanomaterials research

Abstract Centralized data repositories have proven useful in promoting reproducibility and transparency in many fields of research, particularly the life sciences. Nanomaterials research is frequently difficult to reproduce because of the complexity of the systems under study and a lack of standardization due to the exploratory nature of the field. One system that exemplifies this problem is that of the poly(3-hexylthiophene)-based organic field effect transistor, a platform used to study the process-structure-property relationships in semicrystalline polymeric semiconductors. Performance in this system is judged principally by charge carrier mobility, a fitted model parameter that describes how quickly charge can move through the active layer of a given transistor. Reported values of this electrical property vary by over six orders of magnitude for one material and are impacted by intrinsic material properties, processing conditions, device architectures and calculation methods. A database containing over 200 of these devices from 19 studies was compiled to demonstrate the impact of these parameters on reported performance as well as the utility of having such a database to search and explore. We confirm well-known trends such as the effect of polymer molecular weight, transistor channel length and thin film deposition method before going on to identify a standard device that can be compared across multiple studies. We find that an organized database of process-property information can be used to identify unpublished heuristic knowledge, to help authors standardize their reporting of methods, and to guide hypothesis generation and experimental design. A repository of the data used in this study is available at [ http://www.github.com/Imperssonator/OFET-Database] .
Human milk and breastfeeding: An intervention to mitigate toxic stress

The American Academy of Nursing has identified toxic stress in childhood as a health policy concern of high priority. Adult diseases (e.g., obesity, diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease) should be viewed as developmental disorders that begin early in life that could be reduced with the alleviation of toxic stress in childhood. The provision of human milk/breastfeeding is an evidence-based intervention that may hold the greatest potential to mitigate the effects of toxic stress from the moment of birth. Assisting families to make an informed choice to initiate and continue breastfeeding from birth has the potential to address both the disparity in the quality of nutrition provided infants and the economic stress experienced by families who purchase formula. The Expert Panel on Breastfeeding endorses initiatives to improve the initiation, duration, and exclusivity of breastfeeding to mitigate the effects of toxic stress in this call to action for research to build the evidence to support these critical relationships.
Title IX and the education of teen mothers

Abstract Title IX of the 1972 Educational Amendments to the Civil Rights Act (Title IX) made it illegal for an institution receiving Federal funding to exclude pregnant/parenting teens from the classroom. During the 1970s, education outcomes improved for all women but especially for teen mothers. I examine whether Title IX can explain any part of the advances for teen mothers. Opportunity costs of staying in school decrease for a larger fraction of teens in areas where teen motherhood rates are higher prior to Title IX. I use this variation to test whether teens in areas with higher pre-Title IX teen motherhood rates exhibit larger educational gains than teens in other areas. Next I examine whether these gains are higher for teen mothers versus individuals who are not teen mothers. My results suggest that Title IX improved teen mothers’ education outcomes and that these effects are most pronounced for black teen mothers.
Challenge with LPS or TNF-α Demonstrates Unique Differences in Primary Arterial Endothelial Cells Pretreated with Recombinant Human Activated Protein C.

A human recombinant form of the endogenous anticoagulant APC (rhAPC) has been approved for treatment of severe sepsis, a condition with 30-50% mortality and affecting 750,000 US patients per year. Clinical and in vitro studies show that rhAPC has pro-fibrinolytic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In order to better understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of rhAPC and its receptor EPCR on primary murine aortic endothelial cells (EC), responses were compared between wild type (WT) and low-expressing endothelial protein C receptor (EPCRδ/δ) EC by total RNA for specified endothelial inflammatory markers. The purpose was to determine the effect of rhAPC and low expression of EPCR on murine arterial EC responses to tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or endotoxin (LPS). EC from C57BL/6 mice aorta, WT or EPCRδ/δ, were isolated, cultured, and positively selected for EC markers (CD105, CD106). EC in serum free media were pretreated with 5ug/mL rhAPC (Eli Lilly) for 16 hours followed by challenge with 100ng/mL TNF-α or 10ug/mL LPS for 8 hours. Total RNA was analyzed by Quantitative Real-time PCR (QRT-PCR) for CXC chemokines MIP-2 and KC, adhesion markers E-Selectin or ICAM-1, cytokines MCP-1 and IL-6, and NFκB-1. Mean +/− standard error of the mean for the time points (T0, 0.5hr, 1hr, 2hr, 4hr, and 8hr) after TNF-α or LPS were compared between treatment groups. Both TNF-α and LPS produced expected characteristic fold changes of RNA expression over the eight hour time period in the murine EC. Without rhAPC EPCRδ/δ EC showed a similar response compared to WT EC. When pretreated with rhAPC for 16 hours followed by LPS challenge, EC RNA transcript levels for CXC chemokines and adhesion markers were suppressed more in EPCRδ/δ compared to WT EC. When pretreated with rhAPC for 16 hours followed by TNF-α challenge, RNA transcript levels for CXC chemokines and adhesion markers were elevated or showed little change in WT EC and EPCRδ/δ EC compared to EC not given rhAPC. Nuclear factor NFκB-1 RNA was suppressed in both WT EC and EPCRδ/δ EC with rhAPC pretreatment and subsequent inflammatory agent (LPS or TNF-α). Most striking was the unexpected suppressed response of rhAPC pretreated EPCRδ/δ EC compared to WT EC after addition of either inflammatory agent. Further studies suggested that surface EPCR protein did not appear to be enhanced with any treatment combination, or with rhAPC alone. These results are consistent with previously reported endothelial cell specific rhAPC response of CXC chemokines and the ability of rhAPC to suppress other TNF-α mediated inflammatory responses (eg. MCP-1 and NFkB-1). In addition, rhAPC pretreatment appeared to suppress LPS mediated inflammatory responses, including CXC chemokines. The enhanced suppression of inflammatory responses seen in arterial EPCRδ/δ EC compared to WT EC remains unexplained. Results from this study also indicate primary murine arterial endothelial cells treated with rhAPC respond differently to challenge with TNF-α versus LPS.
Abstract 114: Selective Activation of the Renin-Angiotensin System in the Subfornical Organ is Sufficient to Elicit Fluid and Sodium Intake Behaviors

Increased activity of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) within the brain results in polydipsia and hypertension, and various lines of evidence suggest that the subfornical organ (SFO) is an important region mediating these effects. We sought to verify a model of spatially- and temporally-inducible angiotensin (ANG) production, and to determine the sufficiency of ANG production within the SFO to elicit polydipsia and sodium intake. Mice expressing human renin via the neuron-specific promoter, synapsin (sR mice), were bred with mice expressing an inducible human angiotensinogen (hAGT) gene via the ubiquitous CAG promoter (A-Red mice) to generate sRA-Red mice. Exposure of the A-Red construct to Cre-recombinase results in excision of a dsRed reporter gene, and induction of hAGT expression. An adenovirus encoding Cre and GFP (AdCre) was injected into the lateral cerebral ventricle (ICV) of sRA-Red mice or control littermates (NT) to target the SFO. At baseline, fluid (NT: 0.18±0.03 vs sRA-Red: 0.19±0.04 mL/g/day) and sodium intakes (NT: 0.53±0.11 vs sRA-Red: 0.74±0.21 mEq/day) were similar between NT and sRA-Red mice. After 21 days sRA-Red mice receiving AdCre exhibited polydipsia (NT: 0.24±0.02 vs sRA-Red: 0.40±0.04 mL/g/day, P
Towards Explaining Other Aspects of Human Decision Making

In the previous chapter, we explained how bounded rationality ideas can explain seemingly irrational human decisions. In this chapter, we show that it can explain other not-easy-to-explain aspects of human decision making.
Equations defining the multi-Rees algebras of powers of an ideal

Abstract In this paper we describe the defining equations of the multi-Rees algebra R [ { I n i t i } 1 ≤ i ≤ r ] over a Noetherian ring R when I is an ideal of linear type. This generalizes a result of Ribbe and recent work of Lin–Polini and Sosa.
Real pseudo-orthogonal groups and the canonical commutation relations

Let \( {W}_{n} (\mathbb{R})\) be the Weyl algebra of index n over \( \mathbb{R} \) and let \( \tilde{\mathfrak{D}} \) (so(2,1)) be a certain extension of the skew field of fractions of U(so(2;1)), the universal enveloping algebra of \( \mathfrak{U} \)so(2,1). In a previous work we have established a skew field isomorphism between \( \tilde{\mathfrak{D}} \) (so(2,1)) and \( \mathfrak{D}_{(1,1)} (\mathbb{R}) \) where\( \mathfrak{D}_{(1,1)} (\mathbb{R}) \) is the fraction field of\( {W}_{1,1} (\mathbb{R})\simeq {W}_{1} (\mathbb{R})\bigotimes(\mathbb{R})_{(y)}\) with \( (\mathbb{R})_{(y)}\) being the ring of polynomials over \( \mathbb{R} \) in the indeterminate . Using this isomorphism, we were able to construct, out of unitary and irreducible representations of the universal covering group of SO0(2,1), representations of \( {W}_{1} (\mathbb{R})\) with all of the desired properties required by physics, including hermicity of the momentum and position operators. Thus, we have obtained the canonical commutation relations and acceptable representations of them out of the so(2,1) symmetry. In this work we investigate generalizations of the above results to higher dimensions. In particular, we describe generalizations with \( \mathfrak{D} \) (so(2,1)) replaced by \( \mathfrak{D} \) (so(p,q)) and \( \mathfrak{D}_{(1,1)} (\mathbb{R}) \) replaced by \( \mathfrak{D}_{p+q}-{2,1} (\mathbb{R}) \). As in the so(2,1) case, we make use of our results to obtain applications to representations.
Plowed Under: Food Policy Protests and Performance in New Deal America

Review of: "Plowed Under: Food Policy Protests and Performance in New Deal America," by Ann Folino.
Inner Products and Norms

The geometry of Euclidean space is founded on the familiar properties of length and angle. The abstract concept of a norm on a vector space formalizes the geometrical notion of the length of a vector. In Euclidean geometry, the angle between two vectors is specified by their dot product, which is itself formalized by the abstract concept of an inner product. Inner products and norms lie at the heart of linear (and nonlinear) analysis, in both finite-dimensional vector spaces and infinite-dimensional function spaces. A vector space equipped with an inner product and its associated norm is known as an inner product space. It is impossible to overemphasize their importance for theoretical developments, practical applications, and the design of numerical solution algorithms.
Cecal epiploic appendagitis mimicking appendicitis

Abstract Cecal epiploic appendagitis is a rare consideration in the differential diagnosis of acute right lower quadrant pain. We present an unusual case of a 12-year-old male with right sided abdominal pain who underwent laparoscopy and was found to have cecal epiploic appendagitis with secondary reactive appendicitis.
Prediction of Process-Induced Stresses for In-Situ Thermoplastic Filament Winding of Cylinders

Thermoplastic-matrix composites offer the possibility of combining the laydown, melting and consolidation steps of the impregnated tows in a continuous process, avoiding the curing steps which are necessary with thermosetting materials. One of the main issues in the fabrication of thermoplastic composites is the residual stresses that build up due to volumetric changes during solidification/ crystallization. In filament winding of thermoplastics, localized melting/ solidification can reduce the residual stresses and allow for improved dimensional stability and performance.
Symbolic surface descriptors

Object recognition plays a very important role in many stages of manufacturing. In this paper, we discuss our approach to recognizing objects in range images using CAD databases. The models in the databases will be used to generate recognition strategies. We present some results on symbolic surface descriptors that will play an important role in both the generation of the strategy and in the recognition of objects. Symbolic surface descriptors represent global features of an object and do not change when the object is partially occluded, while local features (such as corners or edges) may disappear entirely. We have developed a technique to segment surfaces and compute their polynomial surface descriptors. In this paper we present results of our study to determine which different types of surface descriptors (such as cylindrical, spherical, elliptical, hyperbolic, etc.) can be reliably recovered from biquadratic equation models of various surfaces.
Numerical Computation of Transonic Flows with Shock Waves

Some recent developments in numerical methods for calculating solutions to the transonic potential flow equation are reviewed, including (1) the construction of stable coordinate independent difference schemes; (2) the use of conservation form to insure proper shock jump conditions; (3) analysis of the relaxation method by the time dependent analogy; (4) accelerated iterative schemes.
Gambling behavior of ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese college students in the United States

This study examined gambling activity and risk for gambling problems among ethnic Chinese- and Vietnamese- American college students. The Canadian Adolescent Gambling Inventory (CAGI) was administe...
The Future of Environmental DNA in Forensic Science

DNA sequencing technologies continue to improve, and there has been a corresponding expansion of DNA-based applications in the forensic sciences. DNA recovered from dust and environmental debris can be used to identify the organisms associated with these sample types, including bacteria, plants, fungi, and insects. Such results can then be leveraged to discern sample origin or geolocation and investigate individual identification. Here, we take a critical look at the current DNA-based technologies using microbiome and environmental sample sources that are focused on the generation of some investigative tools for use in forensic science. We discuss the pitfalls and contentions associated with the use of these techniques and highlight some of the future research required to expand the utility of these methods in the forensic sciences.
Cost containment: an experience with surgeon education and universal preference cards at two institutions.

As the cost of health care increases in the US, focus has been placed upon efficiency, cost reduction, and containment of spending. Operating room costs play a significant role in this spending. We investigated whether surgeon education and universal preference cards can have an impact on reducing the disposable supply costs for common laparoscopic general surgery procedures. General surgeons at two institutions participated in an educational session about the costs of the operative supplies used to perform laparoscopic appendectomies and cholecystectomies. All the surgeons at one institution agreed upon a universal preference card, with other supplies opened only by request. At the other, no universal preference cards were created, and surgeons were free to modify their own existing preference cards. Case cost data for these procedures were collected for each institution pre- (July 2014-December 2014) and post-intervention (February 2015–November 2017). At the institution with an education only program, there was no statistically significant change in supply costs after the intervention. At the institution that intervened with the combined education and universal preference card program, there was a statistically significant supply cost decrease for these common laparoscopic procedures combined. This significant cost decrease persisted for each appendectomies and cholecystectomies when analyzed independently as well (p = 0.001 and p < 0.001 respectively). In this study, surgeon education alone was not effective in reducing operating room disposable supply costs. Surgeon education, combined with the implementation of universal preference cards, significantly maintains reductions in operating room supply costs. As health care costs continue to increase in the US and internationally, universal preference cards can be an effective tool to contain cost for common laparoscopic general surgery procedures.
Pandemonium Versus Paralysis: The Internal Experience of Adolescent Girls with Headaches

Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs) have been shown to be successful in treating mood disorders in adolescents. However, the application of MBI treatments for non-clinical populations may be a missed opportunity. Globally, headache affects 54 percent of school-age girls, and headaches are often correlated with poor mental health. In order to better understand the internal experience of teen girls with headaches, we conducted a modified grounded theory exploring two adolescent samples totaling 39 girls (ages 13-18). This study led to a theory of Pandemonium versus Paralysis - a cycling between feeling “cluttered,” or “unable to think” and feeling “dead” or “incapable of functioning.” This theory illustrated the teens’ internal experience of managing their stress and headaches. We then confirmed our theory within existing literature, current media, and anecdotal experience. We propose that teens oscillating between the polarities of pandemonium versus paralysis would greatly benefit from building their awareness through evidence-based therapies such as mindfulness-based stress reduction which may in turn reduce their headaches.
Association of Clostridioides difficile with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with acute diverticulitis: A nationwide study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM Acute diverticulitis (AD) is a common gastrointestinal disease with a significant health care-associated burden. Patients hospitalized with AD have many risk factors for developing Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI). CDI is associated with poor outcomes in many diseases but has yet to be studied in AD. METHODS We utilized data from the National Inpatient Sample from January 2012 to October 2015 for patients hospitalized with AD and CDI compared with AD alone. Primary outcomes, which were mortality, length of stay, and hospitalization cost, were compared. Secondary outcomes were complications of diverticulitis and need for surgical interventions. Risk factors for mortality in AD and risk factors associated with CDI in AD patients were analyzed. RESULTS Among 767 850 hospitalizations for AD, 8755 also had CDI. A propensity score-matched cohort analysis demonstrated that CDI was associated with increased risk of inpatient mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.30, 5.95), prolonged duration of hospitalization by 4.27 days (P < 0.0001), total hospital cost by $33 271 (P < 0.0001), need for surgery (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.22, 1.71), and complications of diverticulitis (OR 1.45, 95% CI 1.21, 1.74). Predictors of CDI among patients with AD included female gender (1.12 OR, 95% CI 1.01, 1.24), three or more comorbidities (1.81 OR, 95% CI 1.57, 2.09), and admissions to teaching hospitals (1.44 OR, 95% CI 1.22, 1.70). CONCLUSIONS Clostridioides difficile infection in AD is associated with increased mortality, length of stay, and hospital cost. Preventative measures should be made for at-risk patients with AD to decrease infection rate and poor outcomes.
Track Acquisition of Sub-Pixel Targets

In this paper, the problem of automatic identification of sub pixel sized (unresolved) targets moving against a cluttered background is discussed. One possible scenario for such a system is the earth as observed from a geosynchronous satellite. In this scenario, no a priori information is assumed regarding target position or velocity. Hence, such systems are properly called “track acquisition” algorithms rather than “trackers.”
Comparing Minority and Human Rights Discourse in Social Science Textbooks: Cross-National Patterns, 1970-2008

Over the twentieth century the celebration of both human rights and the rights of minorities have become central features of an emerging world culture. Although related in some respects, ideas of human and minority rights differ in their fundamental conception of society as made of either heterogeneous social groups or universally equivalent individuals. I posit that the contradiction between universality and diversity in world culture leads to divergent patterns of diffusion into nation-states and provide evidence of this trend. The data consist of 523 high school social science textbooks from 74 countries published between 1970 and 2008 coded for content relevant to human and minority rights. Using multilevel modeling, I find that increases in minority rights discussions occur mainly in stable democracies, in contrast to a worldwide rise in discussions of human rights. These findings contribute to studies of globalization, education, and minority and human rights by documenting the spread of global models of citizenship into national education systems and identifying limits to the diffusion of global principles.
Brief of Professors of Jurisdiction in Support of Respondents, Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court, No. 19-368 (U.S.)

In Ford Motor Co. v. Montana Eighth Judicial District Court and Ford Motor Co. v. Bandemer, the Supreme Court granted certiorari to consider the interpretation of the “arise out of or relate to” requirement in the Court’s specific personal jurisdiction jurisprudence. This brief explains the distinct purposes that the different parts of specific personal jurisdiction jurisprudence serve. The brief also explains that Petitioner’s interpretation of the “arise out of or relate to” requirement improperly conflates two aspects of the Court’s jurisprudence: the first, which considers the defendant’s connection to the forum, and the second, which considers the forum’s interest in adjudicating claims.
In Vivo Bioengineering of Beta Cells with Immune Checkpoint Ligand as a Treatment for Early-Onset Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease caused by autoreactive T cells targeting the insulin-producing beta (β) cells. Despite advances in insulin therapy, T1DM still leads to high...
Evaluation of Website Accessibility and Content for all Glaucoma Fellowship Programs in the United States.

Abstract Fellowship program websites are a critical information source for applicants. Our results demonstrate that information on glaucoma fellowship websites is inconsistent and incomplete. Our study provides a basis for improving glaucoma fellowship website content.
Work: The shift from empathy to sympathy in The york play of the crucifixion

Abstract: The raising of the cross in the The York Play of the Crucifi xion shift s the empathic connection of the audience with the soldiers to a sympathetic bond with Christ. The mirror neuron system and theory of the mind have been used to defi ne and draw a distinction between the concepts of empathy and sympathy. Given that Bacon’s theory of perception provides a historical fr ame of reference for such emotional responses, this paper analyzes the language, the props and the staging of the play to explore the nature of the audience’s relationship with the characters. The conclusion reached is that the immediate impact of the raising of the cross has been largely disregarded: it is the end of the soldiers’ work that brings about the shift fr om empathy to sympathy. Work is not only the alienating force that enables the soldiers to carry out the crucifi xion with indiff erence, but also the main connection between the spectators, the characters and the actors.Keywords: empathy, sympathy, York, pageant, play, mystery cycle, crucifixion, audience, spectators, affective piety, compassion, work
Persuasive avatars

Transformed social interaction (TSI) suggests that virtual environments have unique advantages over traditional forms of interpersonal communication. Recent research has demonstrated that a persuasive speaker can use these advantages to create a more persuasive message. However, little has been done to establish how a receiver of a persuasive message in a virtual, interactive environment might also use these advantages. Giving individuals the ability to customize a persuasive source may empower them and affect their perceptions of the persuasive message. In a 2(forewarned or not)×2(customize source or watch customization) experiment, participants were forewarned or not forewarned that they would be hearing a persuasive message about buying a new energy drink. Participants were then allowed to customize (or watch someone customize) the appearance of the speaker's avatar before the sales pitch. Participants who had the opportunity customize the speaker's appearance liked the product more and had higher purchase intentions than those who did not have control, regardless of forewarning. Findings suggest a new application for TSI, and that both users and sources may benefit when users have the power to customize the appearance of a virtual salesperson. Virtual environments (VEs) offer new opportunities for persuasion.Message sources and receivers can utilize affordances of interactive media.Allowed users in VE to customize avatar of a persuasive speaker before speech.Customizers liked product and had higher purchase intention than non-customizers.
Looking Beyond the Word 'Trade': A Closer Look at the Human Rights and WTO Relationship

The WTO is often considered to be a mercantilist organization based on principles that ignore human rights and trade and human rights are generally considered to be completely distinct with no effect on one another. These misapprehensions often lead to confusion and many people see the relationship between human rights standards and the WTO principles to be conflictual instead of mutually supportive. This paper aims to change these conceptions and to show how trade policy-makers and human rights defenders can actually work together. It looks at the context in which the GATT, and later the WTO, emerged; analyses the organization’s objectives and principles and it finds that the WTO is based on a human right pedestal. It then identifies and describes the human rights which are often affected by trade policies and it shows how the WTO implements mechanisms to reduce the negative impacts. The paper goes on to argue that human rights defenders should look beyond the word "trade" and try to understand the WTO’s principles and objectives and that trade policy-makers, especially those in developing countries, should always try to identify the effects of any policy that they adopt on human rights before implementation. The paper concludes that the WTO looks bad because governments lack good faith and do not respect their commitments.
Mfactor: A PC-based program for general spectral mismatch corrections (solar cell testing)

An IBM-PC-compatible computer program, called Mfactor, that uses a generalized procedure for making spectral mismatch corrections is described. The program operation is described, and several examples are given. A method to calibrate primary reference cells using a National Institute of Standards and Technology lamp in conjunction with Mfactor is presented. >
Resonant clock mega-mesh for the IBM z13 TM

The IBM z13TM microprocessor utilizes a large resonant “mega-mesh” global clock distribution saving 50% of the final-stage clock mesh power and 8% of the total chip power in the desired frequency range of 4.5 to 5.5 GHz compared to a simulated, non-resonant base-line design. The mega-mesh is driven by pulsed buffers. Measurement of the mega-mesh's robustness is enabled by skew gradients created by programmable delays. The design is implemented in IBM's high-performance 22nm high-k CMOS SOI technology with 17 metal layers [1].
Transient vibrational spectroscopy of ã1A1 CH2 v2 = 2

Abstract The 2ν2 level of a 1 A 1 CH2, generated by flash photolysis of ketene, has been characterized by using both stimulated emission pumping and hot-band laser-induced fluorescence. Spectroscopic analyses yield a vibrational term value of 2667.74(11) cm−1 and rotational constants A = 23.617(50)B = 11.384(11), and C = 6.8444(89) cm−1. Abnormally intense ΔKa = 3 transitions have also been observed in the a ← b , 2216 band.
Building a directory for the underdeveloped web: an experiment on the Arabic medical web directory

Despite significant growth of the Web in recent years, some portions of the Web remain largely underdeveloped, as shown in a lack of high quality content and functionality. An example is the Arabic Web, in which a lack of well-structured Web directories has limited users' ability to browse for Arabic resources. In this research, we proposed an approach to building Web directories for the underdeveloped Web and developed a proof-of-concept prototype called Arabic Medical (AMed) Web Directory that supports browsing of over 5,000 Arabic medical Web sites and pages organized in a hierarchical structure. We conducted an experiment involving Arab subjects and found that AMed directory significantly outperformed a benchmark Arabic Web directory in terms of browsing effectiveness and user ratings. This research thus contributes to developing a useful Web directory for organizing information of the Arabic medical domain and to better understanding of supporting browsing on the underdeveloped Web.
Chemo - Photometric evolution of star forming disk galaxy

The chemical and photometric evolution of star forming disk galaxies is investigated. Numerical simulations of the complex gasdynamical flows are based on our own coding of the Chemo - Dynamical Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamical (CD - SPH) approach, which incorporates the effects of star formation. As a first application, the model is used to describe the chemical and photometric evolution of a disk galaxy like the Milky Way.
A nearest neighbor method for predicting solenoid proteins

Solenoid proteins are proteins with repeats of 5 to 40 residues in length. Identifying solenoid proteins presents a big challenge because the repeat sequences are highly degenerated. Here, we present a nearest neighbor (NN) method for predicting solenoid proteins based on residue composition. The distance between proteins is calculated as a weighted Euclidean distance defined by the residue composition vector. The NN method predicts solenoid proteins with an overall accuracy of 95.5% with 94.3% sensitivity and 96% specificity, outperforming other methods in direct comparisons. We also demonstrate that combining the NN method with HHrepID and Trust, which are previously published methods for addressing the same problem, can dramatically reduce the false positive rates in predicting repeats.
Defect Properties in GaN: Ab Initio and Empirical Potential Calculations

The defect properties and atomic configurations in GaN have been comparatively investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics method with two representative potentials. The DFT calculations show that the relaxation of vacancies is generally small, but the relaxation around antisite defects is large. The N interstitials, starting from any possible configurations, eventually relax into a N+-N split interstitial. In the case of Ga interstitials, the most stable configuration is a Ga octahedral interstitial, but the Ga+-Ga split interstitial can bridge the gap between non-bounded Ga atoms. The formation energies of vacancies and antisite defects obtained using the Stillinger-Weber potential (SW) are in reasonable agreement with those obtained by DFT calculations, whereas the Tersoff-Brenner (TB) potential better describes the behavior of N interstitials.
Characterization of the oligomerization and aggregation of human Serum Amyloid A.

The fibrillation of Serum Amyloid A (SAA) – a major acute phase protein – is believed to play a role in the disease Amyloid A (AA) Amyloidosis. To better understand the amyloid formation pathway of SAA, we characterized the oligomerization, misfolding, and aggregation of a disease-associated isoform of human SAA – human SAA1.1 (hSAA1.1) – using techniques ranging from circular dichroism spectroscopy to atomic force microscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, immunoblot studies, solubility measurements, and seeding experiments. We found that hSAA1.1 formed alpha helix-rich, marginally stable oligomers in vitro on refolding and cross-beta-rich aggregates following incubation at 37°C. Strikingly, while hSAA1.1 was not highly amyloidogenic in vitro, the addition of a single N-terminal methionine residue significantly enhanced the fibrillation propensity of hSAA1.1 and modulated its fibrillation pathway. A deeper understanding of the oligomerization and fibrillation pathway of hSAA1.1 may help elucidate its pathological role.
Shallow Acceptors in GaAs Grown from the Vapour Phase

The photoluminescent spectra from high-quality GaAs crystals grown from the vapour phase reveal a dominant Zn acceptor and a C acceptor, as well as an acceptor that would appear to have a smaller binding energy than C. We show that this shallowest acceptor is not a discrete chemical acceptor, having a smaller binding energy than C, but is rather due to a complex centre.
Ranking the Lacunary (Bu4N)9{H[α2-P2W17O61]} Polyoxometalate’s Stabilizing Ability for Ir(0)n Nanocluster Formation and Stabilization Using the Five-Criteria Method Plus Necessary Control Experiments

The primary goal of the present studies is to rank the monoprotonated, lacunary Wells−Dawson-type polyoxometalate {H[α2-P2W17O61]}9− as a stabilizing anion for the formation and subsequent stabilization of Ir(0)n nanoclusters in acetone using the five-criteria method developed previously (Ozkar, S.; Finke, R. G. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2002, 124, 5796). A related goal is to compare this potentially tetradentate, three W−O− plus one W−OH ligand {H[α2-P2W17O61]}9− system to the nanocluster formation and stabilization abilities of the present “gold standard” polyoxometalate, [P2W15Nb3O62]9−, with its established tridentate, three Nb−O−Nb ligating system. A comprehensive table of 54 references at present examining polyoxometalates (POMs) as additives/stabilizers of nanoclusters is also provided as Table S1 of the Supporting Information. To accomplish the above-noted two main goals, the organic-solvent-soluble tetrabutylammonium salts, (Bu4N)8.4{H1.6[α2-P2W17O61]}·1.4H2O, (Bu4N)9{H[α2-P2W17O61]}, and (Bu4N)9[P2W15Nb...
Efficient Estimation of Semiparametric Transformation Models for Two-Phase Cohort Studies

Under two-phase cohort designs, such as case–cohort and nested case–control sampling, information on observed event times, event indicators, and inexpensive covariates is collected in the first phase, and the first-phase information is used to select subjects for measurements of expensive covariates in the second phase; inexpensive covariates are also used in the data analysis to control for confounding and to evaluate interactions. This article provides efficient estimation of semiparametric transformation models for such designs, accommodating both discrete and continuous covariates, and allowing inexpensive and expensive covariates to be correlated. The estimation is based on the maximization of a modified nonparametric likelihood function through a generalization of the expectation–maximization algorithm. The resulting estimators are shown to be consistent, asymptotically normal and asymptotically efficient with easily estimated variances. Simulation studies demonstrate that the asymptotic approximati...
Transneuronally altered dendritic processing of tangle-free neurons in Alzheimer's disease.

In Alzheimer's disease (AD), changes in dendritic morphology can be regarded as a result of an inherent disease-specific process associated with the formation of neurofibrillary tangles. Using three-dimensional morphometrical techniques and neuropatholologically staged tissue (Braak classification) of 32 cases, we demonstrate alterations in the dendritic length, branch order and number of segments of a tangle-free neuronal population in the AD-afflicted hippocampus, i.e. parvalbumin-containing cells of the fascia dentata. These alterations occurred primarily on the apical dendritic tree, the target of the entorhinal input. Mean of relative dendritic length, branch order and number of dendritic segments of apical dendrites decreased significantly, by 40–70% comparing stage V to stages 0 or I. In contrast, basal dendrites receiving no entorhinal input did not show significant changes. Entorhinal neurons projecting to the hippocampus are the first to be affected in AD and the first to die, resulting in hippocampal deafferentation. Therefore, this input-specific dendritic alteration of tangle-free neurons suggests that AD is confounded with a transneuronal component resulting from deafferentation. Experiments showed that deafferentation results in altered dendritic geometry causing an impaired signal integration. Thus, transneuronally altered dendritic signal integration might occur in neurons devoid of the major intraneuronal hallmark of AD, i.e. the neurofibrillary tangle.
Reaction of Neuronal Nitric-Oxide Synthase with 2,6-Dichloroindolphenol and Cytochrome c3+: Influence of the Electron Acceptor and Binding of Ca2+-Activated Calmodulin on the Kinetic Mechanism†

Binding of Ca(2+)-activated calmodulin (Ca(2+)-CaM) to neuronal nitric-oxide synthase (nNOS) increases the rate of 2,6-dichloroindolphenol (DCIP) reduction 2-3-fold and that of cytochrome c(3+) 10-20-fold. Parallel initial velocity patterns indicated that both substrates were reduced via two-half reactions in a ping-pong mechanism. Product and dead-end inhibition data with DCIP were consistent with an iso ping-pong bi-bi mechanism; however, product and dead-end inhibition studies with cytochrome c(3+) were consistent with the (two-site) ping-pong mechanism previously described for the NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase-catalyzed reduction of cytochrome c(3+) [Sem, D., and Kasper, C. (1994) Biochemistry 33, 12012--12021]. Dead-end inhibition by 2'-adenosine monophosphate (2'AMP) was competitive versus NADPH for both electron acceptors, although the value of the slope inhibition constant, K(is), was 25-30-fold greater with DCIP as the substrate than with cytochrome c(3+). The difference in the apparent affinity of 2'AMP is proposed to result from a rapidly equilibrating isomerization step that occurs in both mechanisms prior to the binding of NADPH. Thus, initial velocity, product, and dead-end inhibition data were consistent with a di-iso ping-pong bi-bi and an iso (two-site) ping-pong mechanism for the reduction of DCIP and cytochrome c(3+), respectively. The presence Ca(2+)-CaM did not alter the proposed kinetic mechanisms. The activated cofactor had a negligible effect on (k(cat)/K(m))(NADPH), while it increased (k(cat)/K(m))(DCIP) and (k(cat)/K(m))(cytc) 4.5- and 23-fold, respectively.
Eccrine nevus presenting as a hypopigmented patch

A 14-month-old Caucasian male presented with a hypopigmented patch associated with increased perspiration on the right side of his back, flank, and abdomen. Starch iodide test and biopsy revealed an eccrine nevus. The truncal presentation and light color both were unique presentations of this rare hamartoma.
Macrostructural Narrative Language of Adolescents and Young Adults With Down Syndrome or Fragile X Syndrome

Purpose To gain a better understanding of language abilities, the expressive macrostructural narrative language abilities of verbally expressive adolescents and young adults with Down syndrome (DS)...
Real-Time Measurement Systems For Colour CRT Characterization

For the assessment of human psychophysical and perceptual response to displays, fast and accurate radiometric measurements of display devices are needed. This paper reviews design criteria for spectroradiometers to be used for real-time colour CRT characterization, describing a possible system based on a 512-element photodiode array, a high-throughput spectrograph, and a microcomputer.
Generalized Amyloid in a Family of Swedish Origin: A Study of 426 Family Members in Seven Generations of a New Kinship with Neuropathy, Nephropathy, and Central Nervous System Involvement

We report a new kinship with systemic amyloid presenting as peripheral neuropathy in the fourth and fifth decades of life. A progressive sensory and motor loss starting in the lower extremities occurs from this disease, and there is subsequent renal, cardiac, gastrointestinal, ocular, and cutaneous involvement. Histologic studies show that amyloid deposition is mainly in connective tissue structures; there is an unusual infiltration of the meninges and central nervous system. Review of records of 426 family members in seven generations showed that this disease is inherited as an autosomal dominant. The absence of immunoglobulin disorders in two affected family members studied in depth suggests that this is not the primary type of amyloid in which the deposits are composed of fragments of immunoglobulin light chains. Similarly the absence of elevated levels of protein SAA (the serum precursor of secondary amyloid) suggests that this is not a secondary form of amyloid.
One-year follow-up evaluation of the Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND) dissemination trial.

Abstract Objective The aims of this trial, conducted 2004–2008, were to examine (1) the effectiveness of Project Towards No Drug Abuse (TND) at the one-year follow-up when implemented on a large scale; and (2) the relative effectiveness of two training approaches for program implementers. Method A total of 65 high schools from 14 school districts across the United States were randomized to one of three conditions: regular workshop training, comprehensive implementation support, or standard care control. Physical education and health teachers delivered the program to students (n = 2538). Program effectiveness was assessed with dichotomous measures of 30-day substance use at baseline and one-year follow-up. Results When the program conditions were considered in aggregate and compared to controls, the program showed a marginally significant effect in lowering marijuana use from baseline to the one-year follow-up. Significant program effects on hard drug use were achieved for baseline non-users only. There were no differences in the effects of the two program conditions. Conclusion Positive outcomes may be achieved by trained teachers when they implement Project TND in real-world high school environments; however, program effects are likely to be weaker than those achieved in efficacy trials. Training workshops may be adequate to build capacity for successful program implementation.