cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
pH Swing Cycle for CO2 Capture Electrochemically Driven through Proton-Coupled Electron Transfer

We perform a thermodynamic analysis of the energetic cost of CO2 separation from flue gas (0.1 bar CO2(g)) and air (400 ppm CO2) using a pH swing created by electrochemical redox reactions involving proton-coupled electron transfer from molecular species in aqueous electrolyte. In this scheme, electrochemical reduction of these molecules results in the formation of alkaline solution, into which CO2 is absorbed; subsequent electrochemical oxidation of the reduced molecules results in the acidification of the solution, triggering the release of pure CO2 gas. We examined the effect of buffering from the CO2–carbonate system on the solution pH during the cycle, and thereby on the open-circuit potential of an electrochemical cell in an idealized four-process CO2 capture-release cycle. The minimum work input varies from 16 to 75 kJ molCO2−1 as throughput increases, for both flue gas and direct air capture, with the potential to go substantially lower if CO2 capture or release is performed simultaneously with electrochemical reduction or oxidation. We discuss the properties required of molecules that would be suitable for such a cycle. We also demonstrate multiple experimental cycles of an electrochemical CO2 capture and release system using 0.078 M sodium 3,3′-(phenazine-2,3-diylbis(oxy))bis(propane-1-sulfonate) as the proton carrier in an aqueous flow cell. CO2 capture and release are both performed at 0.465 bar at a variety of current densities. When extrapolated to infinitesimal current density we obtain an experimental cycle work of 47.0 kJ molCO2−1. This result suggests that, in the presence of a 0.465 bar/1.0 bar inlet/outlet pressure ratio, a 1.9 kJ molCO2−1 thermodynamic penalty should add to the measured value, yielding an energy cost of 48.9 kJ molCO2−1 in the low-current-density limit. This result is within a factor of two of the ideal cycle work of 34 kJ molCO2−1 for capturing at 0.465 bar and releasing at 1.0 bar. The ideal cycle work and experimental cycle work values are compared with those for other electrochemical and thermal CO2 separation methods.
Psychometric and Normative Information on the Child and Adolescent Behavior Inventory in a Nationally Representative Sample of United States Children.

Objective: Psychometric and normative information is provided for the Sluggish Cognitive Tempo, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Inattention, ADHD Hyperactivity/Impulsivity, Oppositi...
Globalization, Yankee Imperialism, and Machismo in the Mexican Narco-Narrativa

Rather than existing in a parallel, disconnected manner from the licit transnational circuits of the global capitalist economy, the transnational drug trade is in fact a core component of this system and one that has to a considerable extent dictated the terms of Mexico’s into this system, as well as the shape of contemporary Mexican society. This has given rise to a sizeable body of narco-narrativas (‘narco-narratives’) which serve as means of textually exploring Mexico’s immediate ‘street-level’ experiences of the transnational flows of capital and goods comprising globalization and the social consequences of the shift towards neoliberal political economy. This essay argues that in doing so these narratives variously confront the shifting social dynamics of neoliberal globalizing Mexico, a U.S. imperialism that takes new forms for a new era, and the culture of machismo that animates Mexican drug cartels. Martin Solares’s Don’t Send Flowers poses this period of rising cartel violence as a second major crisis transforming Mexican society, after the economic collapse and subsequent IMF-mandated structural reforms of 1982, one that runs the risk of simply producing more uneven and socially marginalizing capitalist development. Elmer Mendoza’s The Acid Test, on the other hand, sees a sad inevitability in continuing drug violence and an exiled but not effaced possibility of moral action and leftist populist social reform, while Yuri Herrerra’s Kingdom Cons uses the figure of the drug trafficking kingpin to allegorizes the relationship of art to worldly power and stress the need of art to distance itself from capitalist criminality and propagandistic social functioning.
Memorization and Generalization in Neural Code Intelligence Models.

Deep Neural Networks (DNN) are increasingly commonly used in software engineering and code intelligence tasks. These are powerful tools that are capable of learning highly generalizable patterns from large datasets through millions of parameters. At the same time, training DNNs means walking a knife's edges, because their large capacity also renders them prone to memorizing data points. While traditionally thought of as an aspect of over-training, recent work suggests that the memorization risk manifests especially strongly when the training datasets are noisy and memorization is the only recourse. Unfortunately, most code intelligence tasks rely on rather noise-prone and repetitive data sources, such as GitHub, which, due to their sheer size, cannot be manually inspected and evaluated. We evaluate the memorization and generalization tendencies in neural code intelligence models through a case study across several benchmarks and model families by leveraging established approaches from other fields that use DNNs, such as introducing targeted noise into the training dataset. In addition to reinforcing prior general findings about the extent of memorization in DNNs, our results shed light on the impact of noisy dataset in training.
Does An ERAS Protocol Reduce Postoperative Opiate Prescribing in Plastic Surgery

Summary Background Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are effective at reducing inpatient opiate use. There is a paucity of studies on the effects of an ERAS protocol on outpatient opiate prescriptions. The aim of this study was to determine whether an ERAS protocol for plastic and reconstructive surgery would reduce opiate use in the outpatient postoperative setting. Methods A statewide (Massachusetts, USA) controlled substance prescription monitoring database was retrospectively reviewed to assess the prescribing patterns of a single academic plastic surgeon performing common plastic surgical outpatient operations. The time period prior to implementation of the ERAS protocol was then compared with the time period following protocol implementation. An additional three months of post-implementation data were then compared with those of each of the previous time periods to investigate whether the results were sustained. Results A comparison of opiate prescriptions in pre-ERAS, immediate post-ERAS procedures, and follow-up ERAS implementation procedures revealed a statistically significant decrease in opiate prescriptions after ERAS protocol implementation. This decrease in the quantity of opiates prescribed was sustained over time. Conclusions ERAS protocols are effective at reducing outpatient opiate prescriptions after a variety of plastic surgery operations. Appropriate patient and physician education is paramount for success.
The strength of formal weak ties: The vital role of formal institutional networks for America's disconnected youth

Abstract This article examines social networks of disconnected youth in rural and peri-rural California to provide an improved theoretical understanding of how social networks moderate the association between social capital and youth disconnection. Our analysis finds the formation of formal institutional networks built through young people's weak ties to community organizations are important in facilitating linking capital that can both support disconnected youth in coping with the effects of disconnection while also supporting opportunities for economic subsistence. Our results offer a theoretical point of departure from existing understandings of social capital and social networks of older youth and marginalized older youth by excavating the nature and extent of social networks constructed by disconnected youth and illustrating the role that broader structural realities in rural communities have in shaping the formation of social networks by disconnected youth and these young adults' insertion into these networks.
Assessment of Postural Sway with a Pendant-Mounted Wearable Sensor

Abstract Background Body-worn inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensors have been widely used in postural stability and balance studies because of their low cost and convenience. In most of these studies, a single IMU sensor is attached to a waist belt near the body’s center of mass. Some populations such as pregnant women, however, may find a waist belt challenging in terms of fit and comfort. For this reason it may be useful to identify an alternative location for placement of an IMU and a more comfortable means for attaching the sensor to the body. Research question Does placing an IMU sensor in a pendant worn around the neck permit discrimination between conditions with varying postural stability? Methods Twenty-six healthy participants performed three standing tasks (double-leg, tandem, and single-leg standing) under eyes-open and eyes-closed vision conditions to preliminarily assess the ability of the pendant sensor to discriminate between balance conditions. Discrimination based upon data from a belt-mounted IMU was assessed in the same trials. Differences in standard deviation of acceleration components, sway area, and jerkiness due to trial condition and sensor were evaluated using analysis of variance followed by post hoc comparisons. These data were also incorporated into receiver-operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to assess the effectiveness of each sensor at discriminating between conditions. Results Stability was found to vary across conditions, but there was no interaction between stability and sensor location (all p ≥ 0.323). ROC curve analysis showed that sensors in both locations were good discriminators between conditions. Significance Placing an IMU in a pendant may be feasible for studying and monitoring postural instability. This approach may be especially valuable when considering populations for which wearing a belt is uncomfortable.
Advanced Technologies for Future Spacecraft Cockpits and Space-based Control Centers

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is embarking on a new era of Space Exploration, aimed at sending crewed spacecraft beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO), in medium and long duration missions to the Lunar surface, Mars and beyond. The challenges of such missions are significant and will require new technologies and paradigms in vehicle design and mission operations. Current roles and responsibilities of spacecraft systems, crew and the flight control team, for example, may not be sustainable when real-time support is not assured due to distance-induced communication lags, radio blackouts, equipment failures, or other unexpected factors. Therefore, technologies and applications that enable greater Systems and Mission Management capabilities on-board the space-based system will be necessary to reduce the dependency on real-time critical Earth-based support. The focus of this paper is in such technologies that will be required to bring advance Systems and Mission Management capabilities to space-based environments where the crew will be required to manage both the systems performance and mission execution without dependence on the ground. We refer to this concept as autonomy. Environments that require high levels of autonomy include the cockpits of future spacecraft such as the Mars Exploration Vehicle, and space-based control centers such as a Lunar Base Command and Control Center. Furthermore, this paper will evaluate the requirements, available technology, and roadmap to enable full operational implementation of onboard System Health Management, Mission Planning/re-planning, Autonomous Task/Command Execution, and Human Computer Interface applications. The technology topics covered by the paper include enabling technology to perform Intelligent Caution and Warning, where the systems provides directly actionable data for human understanding and response to failures, task automation applications that automate nominal and Off-nominal task execution based on human input or integrated health state-derived conditions. Shifting from Systems to Mission Management functions, we discuss the role of automated planning applications (tactical planning) on-board, which receive data from the other cockpit automation systems and evaluate the mission plan against the dynamic systems and mission states and events, to provide the crew with capabilities that enable them to understand, change, and manage the timeline of their mission. Lastly, we discuss the role of advanced human interface technologies that organize and provide the system md mission information to the crew in ways that maximize their situational awareness and ability to provide oversight and control of aLl the automated data and functions.
Elevated Genetic Diversity in the Emerging Blueberry Pathogen Exobasidium maculosum

Emerging diseases caused by fungi are increasing at an alarming rate. Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot of blueberry, caused by the fungus Exobasidium maculosum, is an emerging disease that has rapidly increased in prevalence throughout the southeastern USA, severely reducing fruit quality in some plantings. The objectives of this study were to determine the genetic diversity of E. maculosum in the southeastern USA to elucidate the basis of disease emergence and to investigate if populations of E. maculosum are structured by geography, host species, or tissue type. We sequenced three conserved loci from 82 isolates collected from leaves and fruit of rabbiteye blueberry (Vaccinium virgatum), highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum), and southern highbush blueberry (V. corymbosum hybrids) from commercial fields in Georgia and North Carolina, USA, and 6 isolates from lowbush blueberry (V. angustifolium) from Maine, USA, and Nova Scotia, Canada. Populations of E. maculosum from the southeastern USA and from lowbush blueberry in Maine and Nova Scotia are distinct, but do not represent unique species. No difference in genetic structure was detected between different host tissues or among different host species within the southeastern USA; however, differentiation was detected between populations in Georgia and North Carolina. Overall, E. maculosum showed extreme genetic diversity within the conserved loci with 286 segregating sites among the 1,775 sequenced nucleotides and each isolate representing a unique multilocus haplotype. However, 94% of the nucleotide substitutions were silent, so despite the high number of mutations, selective constraints have limited changes to the amino acid sequences of the housekeeping genes. Overall, these results suggest that the emergence of Exobasidium leaf and fruit spot is not due to a recent introduction or host shift, or the recent evolution of aggressive genotypes of E. maculosum, but more likely as a result of an increasing host population or an environmental change.
Nucleotides. III. Synthesis and effects with cells in culture of 131-I-labeled 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine-5'-phosphate.

Abstract lodination of 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-phosphate has given a 60 per cent yield of 131I-labeled 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine 5'-phosphate. This nucleotide was significantly less effective than 5-iodo-2'-deoxyuridine as an exogenous source of 5-iodouracil in the deoxyribonucleic acid of human cervical carcinoma cells, strain H.Ep. 1, growing in culture. 5-Iodo-2'-deoxyuridine-5 '-phosphate was dephosphorylated by the horse serum present in the culture medium and also by H.Ep. 1 cells in a protein-free medium.
IMF-Related Announcements, Fundamentals, and Creditor Moral Hazard: A Case Study of Indonesia

Previous tests of creditor moral hazard cannot distinguish between two types of investor behavior: expectations of implicit guarantees or better future economic fundamentals due to a prospective IMF program. The novelty of our approach lies in the inclusion of the forward foreign exchange rate in the empirical tests of creditor moral hazard, which reflects investors' expectations about the country's future fundamentals and allows us to separate the effects of fundamentals from those of moral hazard. Using Indonesian financial markets as a case study, we first conduct tests of creditor moral hazard in the Indonesian bond and stock markets. Then, we use the forward exchange rate to confirm the interpretation of the bond and stock market results. Our results show that IMF-program related news, especially, the announcement of program negotiations, brings about higher stock returns and lower bond spreads, even though the bath sells at a forward discount on the same day. These results suggest creditor moral hazard in the Indonesian bond and equity markets.
Abstract 54: Reduction in time to Imaging and intravenous Thrombolysis by in-field Evaluation and Treatment in a Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit

Background: A Mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) with on-site treatment team can provide thrombolysis successfully in a pre-hospital setting more quickly than traditional treatment in the hospital. We compared our experience of patients treated with the mobile stroke unit to treatment of patients brought to emergency department via a traditional ambulance Methods: We implemented a MSTU at our institution starting July 18, 2014. The unit includes a registered nurse, paramedic, emergency medical personnel, and CT technologist. A stroke physician evaluated each patient via telemedicine and a neuroradioloigst and stroke physician remotely assessed images obtained by CereTom mobile CT (Neurologica, Danvers, USA). Data were entered in medical records and a prospective registry. The evaluation and treatment in the first 3 weeks of implementation of MSTU was compared to a control group of patients brought to the emergency department via a traditional ambulance in the preceding 3 months. The time of alarm was the...
Hurdles to Technology Diffusion: What are Expectations for PET?

Regulatory and economic hurdles to the introduction and the diffusion of expensive new medical instrumentation have changed substantially over the past decade. The process of diffusion has been slowed by the introduction of new hurdles and by the gradual shift in their relative importance. FDA approval, affirmative coverage decisions, and the setting of appropriate levels of reimbursement greatly influence the diffusion and utilization of major new technologies. Positron emission tomography (PET) is not an exception. This paper examines the mechanics of these hurdles and their impact on the availability of PET.
The plant vigor hypothesis applies to a holoparasitic plant on a drought-stressed host

Parasitic plants extract resources from host vascular tissues but their responses to environmental fluctuation experienced by the host are poorly studied. Three frequently-cited hypotheses for effe...
Buccal misoprostol to prevent hemorrhage at cesarean delivery: a randomized study.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of buccal misoprostol to decrease uterine atony, hemorrhage, and the need for additional uterotonic agents during cesarean delivery. Study design Patients who underwent cesarean delivery were assigned randomly to either 200-μg misoprostol or placebo placed in the buccal space. A dilute intravenous oxytocin infusion was given to all patients at delivery of the placenta. The primary outcome variable was the need for additional uterotonic agents. Results A total of 352 women received random assignments. Demographic and intrapartum characteristics were similar between the groups. More women in the placebo group required 1 additional uterotonic agent (43% vs 26%; P Conclusion Buccal misoprostol reduces the need for additional uterotonic agents during cesarean delivery.
Invited commentary: Looking beyond bare survival.

THE AUTHORS OF ‘‘Neoadjuvant Chemoradiotherapy for Esophageal Carcinoma: A Meta-analysis’’ have evaluated our current therapy for esophageal carcinoma and, consistent with all of our preconceived notions, they acknowledge that we are not doing very well. In an attempt to assemble all of the randomized trials comparing neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) to esophagectomy alone, the authors have evaluated 21 trials and identified 6 that met their inclusion criteria (which are not specified). By this aggregation, they have assembled 374 patients who underwent NCRT followed by esophagectomy and 364 patients who underwent surgery alone. Shortcomings or inconsistencies in reporting among the studies are compensated by mathematical estimation; their bottom line of relative risk reduction with a 95% confidence interval is reported as RR = 0.86, CI = 0.74 – 1.01, P = .07. The authors’ conclusion that this represents a ‘‘small, non-statistically significant improvement in overall survival’’ is appropriate. Unfortunately, this improvement is buoyed in large part by a single study in which the benefit of NCRT was borne out of an unusually low survival in the group receiving surgery alone. This meta-analysis is necessary, in part, due to the poor accrual and subsequent early closure of a large intergroup trial (CALGB C9781), which held hope of overcoming type II error as well as histologic, staging, and follow-up heterogeneity. In our desire to eradicate cancer and in our patient’s desire to be well, most seem to choose the therapeutic arm with possible yet unclear benefit.
In-situ optical breakdown: Studies for a large CO2 laser amplifier

We study optical breakdown from target reflected optical pulses in the Gemini laser system. We measure the retropulse fluence (or illuminance) leaving the amplifier in terms of the energy entering the breakdown region and find qualitative agreement but no quantitative agreement with theory. Particulates were observed on nucleopore filters through which gas samples were drawn.
193-nm Photodissociation of ions from saturated and unsaturated aliphatic molecules.

To determine the analytical utility of photodissociation as a general fragmentation technique for tandem mass spectrometry of organic ions, the ability to fragment those ions considered least likely to absorb photons efficiently was investigated. To this end, the ability to photodissociate ions of aliphatic compounds by using 193-nm photons has been studied. Three fragment ions, the C4H9+ ion from n-hexane, the C4H7+ ion from 2-hexene, and C4H5+ from 2-hexyne, have been photodissociated. The fragmentation efficiencies for all three ions studied were between 25 and 45%. The photofragment ion spectrum for each precursor ion studied is made up of characteristic fragments. These spectra demonstrate the ability to photodissociate aliphatic ions that originate from both saturated and unsaturated molecules. This provides substantial hope that virtually all organic ions will be able to be photodissociated by using 193-nm photons.
Measurement of transient phenomena in rheology

A Weissenberg Rheogoniometer was used to study time dependent and time independent phenomena. For successful data recording, commonly used strip chart recorders and analog filters were replaced by a special synchronizing circuit and a microcomputer data acquisition system. The special circuit along with digital filtering techniques was able to remove a 1 KHz carrier frequency and 60 Hz noise from the signal without effecting the data signal.
A generalized topological degree for S-A-proper mappings and its applications

On construit un degre topologique pour une classe d'applications qui sont plus generales que des applications A-propres, les applications S-A-propres, par des methodes d'approximation et on applique cette theorie du degre aux operateurs accretifs qui sont definis sur des espaces (π) 1
Flow cytometry Coulter volume analysis of lead- and cadmium-induced cellular alterations in bone marrow obtained from young adult and aged Balb/c mice.

Flow cytometry Coulter volume analysis was used to examine the effects of an acute exposure to cadmium or lead on subpopulations of Balb/c bone marrow cells. A significant shift in the volume of Balb/c bone marrow cells was detected in response to a single i.p. injection of cadmium acetate (Cd) or lead acetate (Pb) compared to sodium acetate (Na)-treated mice. An increase in the relative number or size of myeloid/monocytic cells was noted in the bone marrow of cadmium or lead-treated mice. This effect was more pronounced in aged Balb/c mice than in young adults. These studies suggest the flow cytometry Coulter volume analysis may be a useful and sensitive technique for the assessment of cellular changes that occur in the bone marrow in response to xenobiotic exposure.
KINETICS OF OXIDATION OF DEHYDRATED FOOD AT LOW OXYGEN PRESSURES

Thesis (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Nutrition and Food Science; and, (M.S.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Chemical Engineering, 1983.
FIRMNESS OF CANNED CARROTS AND RED BEETS DURING STORAGE

Firmness of canned, diced carrots (‘Royal Chantenay’ and ‘Spartan Fancy’) and red beets (‘Ruby Queen’ and ‘Detroit Dark Red’) was measured by an extrusion method over a period of 600 days storage at 18°C and 38°C. There was a slight but significant increase in firmness of carrots during storage but no difference due to storage temperature. In contrast, there was a highly significant decrease in firmness of beets with storage time (860 Newtons to 660 Newtons) and the rate of loss in firmness was four times as rapid at 38°C as at 18°C. The rate of loss in firmness at 18°C was not sufficient to be detrimental to quality during normal holding periods. There were highly significant differences in firmness of cultivars of both crops.
Ideal Two‐Dimensional Electron Gas in a Magnetic Field and at Non‐Zero Temperatures. An Alternative Approach

A new exact expression is derived for the free energy of an ideal two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) in a uniform magnetic field and at low, but finite, temperatures. The approach eliminates a 2D-peculiarity that neither the weak nor the strong magnetic field limit can be easily taken in the result derived from the standard Sondheimer-Wilson treatment. In the strong magnetic field limit, the result reduces to an existing one, for which a misunderstanding needs to be clarified. In the weak field limit, it agrees with a result obtainable through Euler's summation formula. The conditions are discussed under which the nondegenerate situation may occur. Es wird ein neuer exakter Ausdruck fur die freie Energie eines idealen zweidimensionalen Elektronengases (2DEG) im gleichformigen Magnetfeld und bei niedrigen, jedoch endlichen Temperaturen abgeleitet. Das Verfahren eliminiert eine 2D-Besonderheit, so das weder der Grenzfall des schwachen noch des starken Magnetfelds sich leicht fur das Ergebnis verwenden last, das aus dem Sondheimer-Wilson-Standardverfahren abgeleitet wird. Im Grenzfall des starken Magnetfeldes reduziert sich das Ergebnis auf ein bisher existierendes, fur das ein Misverstandnis geklart werden mus. Im Grenzfall des schwachen Feldes stimmt es mit einem Ergebnis uberein, das mit der Eulerschen Summationsformel erhaltlich ist. Die Bedingungen, unter denen der nichtentartete Fall auftreten kann, werden ebenfalls diskutiert.
The induction of immunologic tolerance in guinea pigs infused with dimethylbenz(a)anthracene.

The infusion of 7,12 dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) dissolved in DMSO:glycofurol into adult guinea pigs rendered most recipients unresponsive to the induction of contact sensitization with DMBA, either by injection in adjuvant or topical application. The results were similar when guinea pigs infused with DMBA dissolved in Upjohn fat emulsion, were challenged with DMBA in adjuvant, but studies attempting topical sensitization to demonstrate unresponsiveness were inconclusive. Mam-mary tumors appeared after a latent period of 8 to 11 mo in 4 guinea pigs infused with DMBA in fat emulsion in which topical sensitization with DMBA was attempted.
Spinors over a Cone, Dirac Operator, and Representations of Spin(4, 4)

Abstract The representations of Spin (4, 2) e seem to be of particular physical interest since its quotient SO (4, 2) e is the conformal group of the spacetime. Kostant [7] has considered the Laplacian on a projective cone in R 8 and has shown that the kernel H of the Laplacian is an irreducible unitary representation of SO (4, 4) e . Moreover, it is known [9] that there is a Howe pair ( SO (2), SO (4, 2) e ) in SO (4, 4) e and that the weight spaces of SO (2) in H are irreducible representations of SO (4, 2) e . He conjectured that the analogous facts should hold for the Dirac operator acting on the spinor fields on S 3 × S 3 ⊆ R 8 . We introduce a hitherto unknown embedding of the bundle of spinors on S 3 × S 3 in the bundle of spinors on R 8 . This embedding makes it possible to obtain a particularly convenient expression for the Dirac operator on S 3 × S 3 in terms of spinors and vector fields on the underlying R 8 in particular the conformal invariance is manifest. We explicitly describe the kernel F of the restriction of the Dirac operator to even spinor fields and show that it is an irreducible representation of Spin (4, 4) e . We also show that it has an invariant sesquilinear scalar product (with is not, however, positive definite). The existence of this scalar product can also be established by showing that F ⊆ S + ⊗ H where S + the vector space of even spinors. We identify within Spin (4, 4) e a Howe pair consisting of SO (2) and Spin (4, 2) e and show that the weight spaces of SO (2) in F are irreducible representations of Spin (4, 2) e .
Structure and modification of silver halide thin films using scanning tunneling and atomic force microscopy

Atomic force and scanning tunneling microscopy were used to determine the surface morphology of vapor-deposited thin films of AgBr and AgCl. The film structures were consistent with epitaxial growth. Scanning tunneling microscope was found to produce significant modification of the Ag halide films. One type of modification appeared as a slight etching of the surface in the vicinity of the tunneling tip. Another was the production of protrusions extending far above the original surface of the film. Models to explain each of these modifications are presented.
Inhibition of polymerization of tobacco mosaic virus protein by modification of carboxyl groups.

Abstract Carboxyl groups of tobacco mosaic virus protein were modified by several amines using 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide. A high yield of soluble protein which did not extensively aggregate at pH 5 was obtained only with ethylenediamine. The extent of modification could be varied depending on the excess of carbodiimide used. Upon modification of 6 carboxyl groups per subunit with ethylenediamine a product was obtained differing slightly from unmodified tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) protein in its optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism spectra and in its ability to polymerize into virus-like particles. At pH 5 this protein had a sedimentation coefficient of 4 S and was thus a low molecular weight aggregate, probably a trimer. It was able to form virus-like particles in the presence but not in the absence of TMV RNA. Substitution of 2 additional carboxyl groups gives further depolymerization, preventing the formation of virus-like particles even in the presence of TMV RNA. The later product also differs slightly from unmodified TMV protein in its optical rotatory dispersion and circular dichroism spectra and at pH 5.0 has a sedimentation coefficient of 1.4 S and therefore appears to be a monomer.
Effect of central metal substitution on linear dichroism of porphyrins: evidence of out-of-plane transition moments

Absorption anisotropy and emission anisotropy measurements in poly(vinyl) alcohol (PVA) films of different porphyrin derivatives are reported. Wavelength dependent absorption anisotropy in oriented PVA films, and wavelength dependent excitation spectrum of emission anisotropy of fluorescent porphyrin derivatives in isotropic PVA films indicate the presence of multiple transition moments with different well-defined orientation. Comparison of linear dichroism and orientation behavior in stretched PVA films of deuteroporphyrin III (C2V symmetry) and its iron derivative reveals significant out-of-plane transition moment components. A considerable participation of out-of-plane polarized absorption components is also observed for metal derivatives of non-symmetrical protoporphyrin IX. It appears that central metal substitutions in porphyrin rings do not produce 'circular' degeneration of electronic transition moments. Instead, the presence of metal induces absorption components orthogonal to the porphyrin plane.
Equilibrium density of an electron-hole liquid in a strong magnetic field: A possibility of phase separation

The ground state of a model electron-hole liquid (EHL) in a strong magnetic field is investigated. In the regime when only a few Landau subbands are occupied the complex behavior of the equilibrium density leads to a possibility of phase separation. At certain magnetic-field strengths the EHL ground-state energy plotted as a function of the density has two local minima corresponding to two phases with different numbers of Landau subbands occupied. As a result the equilibrium density of EHL will have strong discontinuities as a function of the magnetic field, occurring whenever the relative strength of those minima changes. In a nonequilibrium system, such as a real electron-hole droplet, both phases may be present simultaneously. We discuss several luminescence and infrared absorption experiments, and suggest that they indicate such a phase separation.
Intramitochondrial crystals in Hydra.

Intramitochondrial crystals have been observed in sexual Hydra and in certain stages of regenerating Hydra . These unusual mitochondria are found specifically in epitheliomuscular cells. The crystals are located in the matrix of the mitochondria, are rhomboidal or rectangular, and their lattice pattern bears a strong resemblance to crystals observed in other organisms. The presence of these intramitochondrial crystals may be interpreted as a response to cellular damage or a temporary storage material. However, their significance is unknown.
A framework for a Catholic Stakeholder core

Despite extensive connections to ethics and philosophy, the literature on stakeholder theory has largely avoided direct linkages to religion and spirituality. At the same time, Catholic Social Teaching and other religious traditions have ignored any meaningful discussion of stakeholder theory. This paper connects the stakeholder literature and religion by presenting a framework that specifies macro-level core Catholic Social Teaching tenets and the normative business obligations derived from this doctrine. These obligations ground Catholic Stakeholder Thinking which represents the attendant meso-level responsibilities of managers and firms, as well as the priority rules for resolving stakeholder conflicts. The resulting articulation of Catholic doctrine to business expands not only the normative depth of stakeholder theory, but also the practicality and relevance of Catholic Social Teaching. Through their interactions with various stakeholders, firms and managers are encouraged to pursue the common good a...
Pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine in woodchucks and Pekin ducks.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine (Cy) in woodchucks (Marmota monax) and Pekin ducks. These data are needed to design rational dosing regimens. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from blood concentration-time data obtained following intravenous (i.v.) administration of 10 mg/kg body weight to woodchucks and Pekin ducks. Whole blood samples were collected in EDTA and assayed using a commercially available radioimmunoassay kit that employs a monoclonal antibody specific for Cy. The blood concentration-time profile best fitted an open, two-compartmental model in Pekin ducks. Compartmental analysis of data in woodchucks did not adequately describe the data. When non-compartmental pharmacokinetic analysis of the data was performed, the resulting mean (+/- SD) pharmacokinetic parameters in woodchucks and Pekin ducks, respectively, were as follows: volume of distribution at steady-state, 2.9 (+/- 0.8) and 2.7 (+/- 0.2) L/kg; systemic clearance, 10.2 (+/- 2.8) and 28.6 (+/- 6.1) mL/kg/min; mean residence time, 4.8 (+/- 1.1) and 1.6 (+/- 0.3). These data suggest that Pekin ducks clear Cy at a faster rate than do woodchucks and that a greater dose of Cy should be administered to Pekin ducks in order to achieve adequate immunosuppression.
Covariate measurement error and the estimation of random effect parameters in a mixed model for longitudinal data

We explore the effects of measurement error in a time-varying covariate for a mixed model applied to a longitudinal study of plasma levels and dietary intake of beta-carotene. We derive a simple expression for the bias of large sample estimates of the variance of random effects in a longitudinal model for plasma levels when dietary intake is treated as a time-varying covariate subject to measurement error. In general, estimates for these variances made without consideration of measurement error are biased positively, unlike estimates for the slope coefficients which tend to be ‘attenuated’ If we can assume that the residuals from a longitudinal fit for the time-varying covariate behave like measurement errors, we can estimate the original parameters without the need for additional validation or reliability studies. We propose a method to test this assumption and show that the assumption is reasonable for the example data. We then use a likelihood-based method of estimation that involves a simple extension of existing methods for fitting mixed models. Simulations illustrate the properties of the proposed estimators. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The abnormal outpatient chemistry panel serum alkaline phosphatase: analysis of physician response, outcome, cost and health effectiveness.

Abstract Physician response to, as well as outcome, cost and health effectiveness of the alkaline phosphatase component of an automated chemical screening panel in the primary medical care setting were studied. Out of 118 unexpected deviations, only one new diagnosis resulted—type A viral hepatitis. Because only one new diagnosis was made during the study period, estimates are tentative; however, when compared to other tests, the alkaline phosphatase component has a low health effectiveness (0.0298 Discounted Well-Years) and a low cost-effectiveness ($85,400 per Discounted Well-Years) and does not appear to be an economic way to make new diagnoses of therapeutically responsive diseases in the primary care setting.
Storytelling with Interactive Graphics: An Analysis of Editors’ Attitudes and Practices

A common dilemma faces today's news editors who must decide whether to devote time and resources to the production of interactive graphics for their websites. Are interactive graphics an important storytelling tool? Are they cost-effective in this digital age? This study finds that while editors value interactive graphics, few newspapers devote prime website real estate to graphics, making it difficult to assess their worth. The authors also use the results of a national survey, a content analysis, and personal interviews to determine the frequency with which graphics are produced and to identify the barriers to their production. Interactive graphics, once the “next hot thing” in multimedia content, now compete for time and attention with social media, news curation, and apps development projects. Directions for future research are also discussed.
Adsorbent storage of natural gas

Abstract The natural-gas vehicle represents a cost-competitive, lower-emission alternative to the gasoline-fueled vehicle. The immediate challenge that confronts the natural-gas vehicle is extension of its driving range. This paper addresses the question of driving range by reviewing the storage technologies for natural gas. Technical comparisons are made between storage systems for adsorbent, liquefied and compressed natural gas, and estimates are made of the costs associated with refueling with compressed and adsorbent natural gas. We discuss carbon adsorbents, vehicle emissions, designs of storage tanks, cost and safety. For storage-tank system design, we advance the concept that carbon adsorbents, when used with conformable-shaped tanks offer a means of increasing onboard fuel storage and, thereby, the driving range of the vehicle. The cost envelope being assigned to this technology is US$2000 or less per vehicle for 10 gallon gasoline-equivalent storage. For adsorbent natural-gas (ANG), this cost is based on 200 lbs of adsorbent at a purchase price of US$5 lb −1 , a US$600 conformable tank and US$400 for miscellaneous hardware. Because the volumetric storage density of ANG is similar to that of compressed natural-gas (CNG), the benefit of the former is its lower operating pressure. Lower pressures have the advantages of small refueling costs, the availability of conformable tanks and safety. Our suggested solution to the driving-range problem of a natural-gas vehicle is the use of improved adsorbents in a low pressure (500 psi) conformable-shaped storage tank.
Magnetic storm effects associated with the tail of the magnetosphere.

Solar wind interaction with magnetosphere, energy dissipation during magnetic storms and magnetic energy conversion in magnetospheric tail
Ischemic cardiomyopathy and the cellular renin-angiotensin system.

Abstract Background Ischemic cardiomyopathy produced by non-occlusive coronary artery constriction is characterized by left ventricular failure and right ventricular dysfunction, but whether the local renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is implicated in myocyte dysfunction and cell death remains unclear. Methods Changes in single-cell mechanics, the localization of the various constituents of RAS in the myocardium, and the effects of angiotensin II (Ang II) stimulation on myocyte performance and cell death were measured. Results Chronic ischemia is coupled with alterations in the mechanical properties and calcium (Ca 2+ ) transients of the remaining viable myocytes. The abnormalities in myocyte mechanics consist of depression in peak shortening and velocity of shortening. Moreover, peak systolic Ca 2+ is significantly decreased in the cells. In vitro stimulation with Ang II ameliorates myocyte function and systolic Ca 2+ . Additionally, adult myocytes express genes for renin, angiotensinogen, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), and Ang II receptors. Renin, ACE, and Ang II receptors mRNAs increase under the setting of impaired coronary perfusion. Similarly, the percentage of myocytes containing renin, Ang I, and Ang II increases as well. In vitro studies of neonatal and adult ventricular myocytes indicate that Ang II triggers programmed myocyte cell death and this phenomenon is mediated by activation of the AT 1 receptor sub-type. Importantly, the AT 1 -receptor blocker, losartan, completely inhibits apoptosis. Conclusions These multiple observations are consistent with the notion that Ang II may exert 3 separate functions on the heart: (1) stimulation of myocyte hypertrophy, (2) amelioration of myocyte contractile performance, and (3) activation of the suicide program of myocytes.
The accuracy of equilibrium methods of slope stability analysis

Abstract Equilibrium methods of slope stability analysis all involve assumptions because the number of equilibrium equations available is smaller than the number of unknowns involved. Furthermore, a number of widely used methods do not satisfy all conditions of equilibrium, and thus do not employ all of the available equations of equilibrium. This paper discusses the inaccuracies which arise from these inevitable assumptions and these neglected conditions of equilibrium. Comparative analyses have shown that all of the methods which satisfy all conditions of equilibrium result in the same value of safety factor with an accuracy no worse than ± 5% , which is perfectly acceptable for practical purposes. Furthermore, within this range of accuracy, this may be considered to be the ‘correct’ answer. Bishop's modified method, which does not satisfy all conditions of equilibrium, has been found to be as accurate as the methods which do so, and thus to be an effective and simple means of analyzing circular slip surfaces. The ordinary method of slices, which satisfies only one condition of equilibrium, gives factors of safety which may be as much as 50% smaller than the correct value for flat slopes with high pore pressures. Force equilibrium procedures with ill-chosen side force assumptions may give factors of safety which are 30% larger than the correct value for slopes in cohesive soils. The results of the study show how equilibrium methods may be selected which avoid significant errors arising from the mechanics of the analysis, and thus allow the engineer performing the analysis to devote his attention and effort to correct evaluation of shear strength.
Transcanalicular Neodymium: YAG Laser for Revision of Dacryocystorhinostomy

Background: Laser-assisted dacryocystorhinostomy (OCR) has failed to match the success rates of external DCR. It has been suggested that this technology may be best suited for revision of failed DCR cases. The authors prospectively evaluated the efficacy of transcanalicular laser-assisted revision DCR (TCLARDCR). Methods: A neodymium:YAG (Nd:YAG) laser was used for transcanalicular revision of 24 failed DCRs. Failure had followed one (n = 15), two (n = 7), or three (n = 2) previous external DCRs. Results: Mean duration of the surgery was 78.2 minutes. Success was achieved in 11 cases (46%; mean follow-up, 20 months). There was no correlation between early loss of stents and failure. Three cases had partial relief of symptoms. Three of the failures unsuccessfully underwent further TCLARDCR. Conclusions: The authors' success rate of 46% with TCLARDCR compares poorly with the 85% success for external revision DCR. With TCLARDCR, specific anomalies like the sump syndrome cannot be addressed adequately. There is a theoretical risk of canalicular injury. Laser lacrimal surgery also is equipment dependent and more costly than external DCR. The TCLARDCR cannot be recommended for revision DCR using the Nd:YAG laser (Lasersonics, Milpitas, CA).
Effect of Interfacial Adhesion on Viscoelastic Relaxation Processes in Thin Polymer Film Indentation

Polymer coatings are dependent on strongly bonded buried interfaces to maintain adhesion and protective properties over long application lifetimes. In this work, we detail the detection of buried interfaces with deviations from perfect bonded or perfect slip interfaces using surface indentation on thin films with large contact areas. The interfacial interactions between photopolymerized methacrylate films and a glass substrate were tailored using silane chemistry to create an interface that either easily releases from or cross-links with the polymer network. Creep compliance measurements on the polymethacrylate films were compared with predicted contact measurements for literature models of ideal interfaces. Nonideal contributions from interfacial effects were detected during experiments with high confinement. The extent of these effects varied with polymer network structure and polymer/substrate interface strength, with fluorinated interfaces exhibiting up to a 25% increase in indentation contact area as...