cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Organic solar cell optimizations

This paper presents recent experimental and theoretical approaches for optimizing organic solar cell efficiencies in both space and energy/time domains. Specifically, in spatial domain, a ‘tertiary’ block copolymer supra-molecular nano structure has been designed, and a series of –DBAB- type of block copolymers, where D is a conjugated donor block, A is a conjugated acceptor block, and B is a non-conjugated and flexible bridge unit, have been synthesized and preliminarily examined for target photovoltaic functions. For instance, in comparison to simple donor/acceptor (D/A) blend film, a corresponding –DBAB- block copolymer film exhibited much better photoluminescence (PL) quenching (from less then 70% to over 90%), biased conductivity (2–3 orders of magnitude better), and photo conductivity (100% increase). These are attributed mainly to spatial domain improvement for charge carrier generation and transportation. In energy level domain, the photo induced charge separation appears most efficient when the donor/acceptor frontier orbital energy offset is close to the sum of two major energy costs: the charge separation reorganization energy and the exciton binding energy. Other donor/acceptor frontier orbital energy offsets are also identified where the charge recombination becomes most severe, and where the charge separation rate constant over charge recombination rate constant become largest. These energy offset values are very critical for designing high efficiency organic solar cells.
Finite difference solution of infinite arrays of two-dimensional microstrip structures

Abstract Infinite arrays of two-dimensional microstrip elements are analyzed using the finite difference method. The method is used to study the behavior of three configurations of planar strips over a dielectric substrate in an infinite array environment. These configurations include the “dipole” element, the “microstrip” element over an inhomogeneous substrate. For each configuration, calculated results are presented with special attention given to antenna characteristics such as input impedance and scan performance. Verification of the finite difference approach for these problems is achieved by comparing its results with those obtained using other methods available in the literature.
Kir2.1 Channels Compensate for the Loss of KATP Channels in SUR1 Null Islets

Pancreatic islets of SUR1-/- mice exhibit electrical oscillations even though they lack KATP channels. However, while we confirmed that electrical oscillations persisted in freshly isolated SUR1-/- islets, after overnight culture in media containing 11.1 mM glucose, SUR1-/- islets exhibited continuous spiking in place of oscillations, as has been observed in human congenital hyperinsulinemia (CHI). Microarray analysis suggested upregulation of kcnj2, the gene encoding the inward rectifier Kir2.1, in SUR1-/- islets. To test whether Kir2.1 was upregulated in SUR1-/- islets islet lysates were immunoblotted for Kir2.1 protein. Kir2.1 was expressed in mouse and human islets and increased in lysates from freshly isolated SUR1 islets. Using patch clamping, we found that an inwardly rectifying K current was present in freshly isolated SUR1-/- islets that was absent in wild type islets. This current was sensitive to the Kir2.1 inhibitors ML133 and barium. Notably, rectifying current, enhanced Kir2.1 protein levels, and the expected Kir2.1 drug sensitivity were all lost along with oscillations after overnight culture in media with 11.1 mM glucose. Similar results were found using fura-2 loaded islets to examine Ca2+ oscillations. To test whether the suppression of Kir2.1 activity in cultured islets was a response to culture in high glucose, islets were cultured in 5 mM instead of 11.1 mM glucose. Lowering glucose preserved Kir2.1 protein and maintained the islet oscillations. These results show that the loss of KATP channels produced by deleting SUR1 is at least partially compensated for by the upregulation of Kir2.1 channels in mouse beta cells. We propose pharmacological activation of compensatory Kir2.1 channels as a novel way to inhibit the unrestrained insulin secretion characteristic of beta cells from human CHI patients.
The Chemical Origin of Behavior is Rooted in Abiogenesis

We describe the initial realization of behavior in the biosphere, which we term behavioral chemistry. If molecules are complex enough to attain a stochastic element to their structural conformation in such as a way as to radically affect their function in a biological (evolvable) setting, then they have the capacity to behave. This circumstance is described here as behavioral chemistry, unique in its definition from the colloquial chemical behavior. This transition between chemical behavior and behavioral chemistry need be explicit when discussing the root cause of behavior, which itself lies squarely at the origins of life and is the foundation of choice. RNA polymers of sufficient length meet the criteria for behavioral chemistry and therefore are capable of making a choice.
Alternative interpretation of the double atomic-field bremsstrahlung experiment

A recent experiment reported a two-order-of-magnitude enhancement of the cross section for double atomic-field bremsstrahlung when compared to various theoretical formulations. In this paper we propose to explain the observed coincidence rate in terms of the coherent emission of two thick-target bremsstrahlung photons from the Mylar vacuum window by electrons elastically scattered in the target. The photon energy dependence of the coincidence rate predicted by this thick-target double bremsstrahlung (TTDB) model is estimated and compared to the previous experimental results for a gold target. Fairly good agreement is obtained with both the order of magnitude of the coincidence rate and its photon energy dependence, even though a crude approximation is used to estimate the TTDB distribution from the better known thick-target single bremsstrahlung spectrum.
Patient rotation and resolution of unilateral cornual obstruction during hysterosalpingography.

Abstract Objective Unilateral obstruction of the proximal fallopian tube is identified in 10–24% of patients undergoing hysterosalpingography for evaluation of infertility. Upon further testing, this obstruction spontaneously resolves 16–80% of the time. We hypothesized that patient rotation during hysterosalpingography might resolve proximal tubal obstruction in some cases by altering either the location of intrauterine air bubbles or the spatial relationship of the tube to the uterine fundus. Methods In patients in whom unilateral proximal tubal obstruction was detected during hysterosalpingography performed for standard clinical indications, the patient was rotated on her hip approximately 45° such that the obstructed tube was first superior (ventral) to the patent tube, and dye was reinjected. If obstruction did not resolve, the patient was rotated in the opposite direction so that the obstructed tube was inferior (dorsal) to the patent tube and dye reinjected. Results Unilateral tubal obstruction was found in 15% of cases (24 of 156). Rotating the patient with obstructed tube superior to the patent tube never resulted in tubal patency, whereas rotating the patient with the obstructed tube inferior resulted in resolution of tubal patency in 63% of cases (15 of 24). Conclusion Unilateral cornual obstruction during hysterosalpingography is often resolved by rotating the patient such that the obstructed tube is more inferior. Although this observation may be the result of dislodging smaller air bubbles, from a fluid dynamics perspective a more likely explanation is unkinking of the more inferior tube.
A new framework of multiphase segmentation and its application to partial volume segmentation

We proposed a novel framework of multiphase segmentation based on stochastic theory and phase transition theory. Our main contribution lies in the introduction of a constructed function so that its composition with phase function forms membership functions. In this way, it saves memory space and also avoids the general simplex constraint problem for soft segmentations. The framework is then applied to partial volume segmentation. Although the partial volume segmentation in this paper is focused on brain MR image, the proposed framework can be applied to any segmentation containing partial volume caused by limited resolution and overlapping.
CPT Invariance, the Spin-Statistics Connection, and the Ontology of Relativistic Quantum Field Theories

CPT invariance and the spin-statistics connection are typically taken to be essential properties in relativistic quantum field theories (RQFTs), insofar as the CPT and Spin-Statistics theorems entail that any state of a physical system characterized by an RQFT must possess these properties. Moreover, in the physics literature, they are typically taken to be properties of particles. But there is a Received View among philosophers that RQFTs cannot fundamentally be about particles. This essay considers what proofs of the CPT and Spin-Statistics theorems suggest about the ontology of RQFTs, and the extent to which this is compatible with the Received View. I will argue that such proofs suggest the Received View’s approach to ontology is flawed.
Rapid flow cytometric method for measuring lymphocyte subset activation

Standard in vitro methods for assessing T-cell activation have typically measured either the proliferative responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures to various provocative stimuli employing tritiated thymidine incorporation or the secretion of specific cytokines from activated cells. These bulk assay methods suffer the drawback of being lengthy assays, and, in addition, they do not provide information about functional responses of individual lymphocyte subsets. This report describes a three-color flow cytometric method for the rapid analysis (4 hours) of individual T-cell subsets in whole blood responding to various provocative stimuli, including pokeweed mitogen, the comitogenic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) CD2/CD2R, the superantigen staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), and the specific antigen Candida albicans. After 4 hours, CD69 expression in response to CD2/CD2R paralleled thymidine incorporation measured after 72 hours. Variations in the proportions of CD4+ and CD4− T cells expressing CD69 were observed with different stimuli. These observations demonstrate the potential of multiparameter flow cytometry for the investigation of functional responses of individual T-cell subsets to a variety of stimuli in whole blood. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Identifying Critical Factors of Community Privacy

Just as an individual is rightly concerned about the privacy of their personally identifying information, so also is a group of people, a community, concerned about the privacy of sensitive information entrusted to their care. Our research seeks to better understand the factors contributing to the sensitivity of community information, the privacy threats that are recognized by the community, and the means by which the community attempts to fulfill their privacy responsibilities. We are also interested in seeing how the elements of a community privacy model which we developed are related to the findings from the studies of actual communities. This paper presents results from three focus group interviews conducted with participants from two information technology companies and one group from our university. In this paper we report how the studied communities acted to confine sensitive information. These studies capture the character and complexity of community privacy and expose breakdowns in current approaches. We also find significant relationship between these results and the key elements of our community privacy model.
The Interplay between Literacy and Relationships in Early Childhood Settings

ABSTRACT A key to supporting a child's emerging literacy is building relationships with adults and peers through interactions around literacy activities. The development of sustained relationships with adults who engage a child in authentic conversations increases the opportunities for the child to build literacy connections. Robust relationships with caring adults are especially important in meeting the social and emotional needs of children who may be unable to benefit from traditional, curriculum-driven, academic instruction. This article focuses on strategies that support social relationships around literacy learning in malleable environments that mold to the continually developing child, especially young children who struggle to learn the skills needed to read and write.
Diaphragm Plication for Eventration or Paralysis: A Review of the Literature

Although etiology and pathology of symptomatic diaphragm paralysis and eventration are distinct, their treatments are the same: to reduce dysfunctional caudal excursion of the diaphragm during inspiration by plication. Minimally invasive diaphragm plication techniques have emerged as equally effective and less morbid alternatives to open plication. This review focuses on the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment of diaphragmatic eventration or paralysis in adults.
Teaching with Cases

The use of cases as a teaching and learning tool has continued to increase and is now a widely accepted pedagogical tool, as the emphasis in higher education has changed from professor-centered learning to active student involvement and participation in the educational process. The goal is to graduate students who possess superior communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. By using the case method, the instructor's role changes from that of a dispenser of knowledge to one of democratic leader of a group of which he or she becomes an integral part, which fosters learning and results in improved teacher evaluations.
On the complexity of recognizing a class of generalized networks

The problem of determining whether a given linear programming problem can be converted to a generalized network flow problem having no unit-weight cycles is shown to be NP-hard. The same argument also shows that the problem of determining whether a gain matroid is bicircular is NP-hard.
Human Cystathionine β-Synthase Is a Heme Sensor Protein. Evidence That the Redox Sensor Is Heme and Not the Vicinal Cysteines in the CXXC Motif Seen in the Crystal Structure of the Truncated Enzyme†,⊥

Elevated levels of homocysteine, a sulfur-containing amino acid, are correlated with increased risk for cardiovascular diseases and Alzheimers disease and with neural tube defects. The only route for the catabolic removal of homocysteine in mammals begins with the pyridoxal phosphate- (PLP-) dependent β-replacement reaction catalyzed by cystathionine β-synthase. The enzyme has a b-type heme with unusual spectroscopic properties but as yet unknown function. The human enzyme has a modular organization and can be cleaved into an N-terminal catalytic core, which retains both the heme and PLP-binding sites and is highly active, and a C-terminal regulatory domain, where the allosteric activator S-adenosylmethionine is presumed to bind. Studies with the isolated recombinant enzyme and in transformed human liver cells indicate that the enzyme is ∼2-fold more active under oxidizing conditions. In addition to heme, the enzyme contains a CXXC oxidoreductase motif that could, in principle, be involved in redox sensin...
Life-cycle effects on social pressure to vote

Recent scholarship reveals social pressure can compel citizens to conform to social norms like voting in elections. In this study, we investigate heterogeneity in the impact of social pressure to vote. We find that age, a key demographic characteristic, moderates the impact of social pressure. Using evidence from a large-scale randomized field experiment conducted in August 2006, we show that older voters are significantly more responsive to social pressure compared to younger voters. Given the emerging consensus that social pressure can be marshaled effectively to stimulate voting in elections, such investigations yield critical insights of both practical and theoretical significance.
International Exchange Training in Genetic Counseling: An Exploration of the Value in Exchange Experiences

International exchange training in genetic counseling is increasing, but research examining these experiences is lacking. In this study 309 genetic counseling students and genetic counselors completed an anonymous survey investigating six major research questions: (1) How prevalent are international genetic counseling experiences? (2) What types are pursued and why? (3) What supports and barriers exist? 3) What are the demographic characteristics of individuals accruing international experience? (5) Does international experience promote professional development? and (6) Do genetic counseling students and professionals perceive international experiences as beneficial? Most respondents were Caucasian females born in one of 25 countries. The most prevalent experiences involved either clinical observation or clinical training. Common motivations for pursuing international experience were personal growth, exposure to a different healthcare system, and travel opportunities. Outcomes included professionally-relevant experience and personal growth. Barriers included finances, limited availability of opportunities, and for those without international experience, family responsibilities. Additional findings, practice and training implications, and research recommendations are provided.
Overeaters anonymous: Who goes and who succeeds?

Overeaters Anonymous (OA) participants completed a survey that examined characteristics of members who attend and succeed and also participated in a diagnostic interview. Results indicated that the...
The Recognition and Treatment of Late-Life Depression: A View from Primary Care

Objective:Efforts to improve the recognition and treatment of late-life depression in primary care are often based on the assumption that primary care physicians underutilize currently available and effective treatments. This article reviews the validity of this assumption and offers recommendations for future research.Methods:Clinical trials designed to improve the recognition and treatment of late-life depression in primary care are reviewed. Because studies limited to older adults are rare, we also include studies enrolling younger patients. These data are reviewed in the context of recent reviews on the prevalence of depression in primary care settings and the effectiveness of available treatments.Results:Although depressive symptoms are common among older adults, there is insufficient literature documenting the proportion of these patients who respond to currently available treatments. Patients with uncomplicated major depressive disorder constitute the minority of primary care patients with depressi...
Maximum-Likelihood Continuity Mapping (MALCOM): An Alternative to HMMs

We describe Maximum-Likelihood Continuity Mapping (MALCOM), an alternative to hidden Markov models (HMMs) for processing sequence data such as speech. While HMMs have a discrete "hidden" space constrained by a fixed finite-automaton architecture, MALCOM has a continuous hidden space--a continuity map--that is constrained only by a smoothness requirement on paths through the space. MALCOM fits into the same probabilistic framework for speech recognition as HMMs, but it represents a more realistic model of the speech production process. To evaluate the extent to which MALCOM captures speech production information, we generated continuous speech continuity maps for three speakers and used the paths through them to predict measured speech articulator data. The median correlation between the MALCOM paths obtained from only the speech acoustics and articulator measurements was 0.77 on an independent test set not used to train MALCOM or the predictor. This unsupervised model achieved correlations over speakers and articulators only 0.02 to 0.15 lower than those obtained using an analogous supervised method which used articulatory measurements as well as acoustics.
Mathematics: controlling our errors.

The Sato–Tate conjecture holds that the error term occurring in many important problems in number theory conforms to a specific probability distribution. That conjecture has now been proved for a large group of cases.
Impaired Germinal Center Responses and Suppression of Local IgG Production during Intracellular Bacterial Infection

Germinal centers (GCs) are specialized microenvironments in secondary lymphoid organs that facilitate the development of high-affinity, isotype-switched Abs, and immunological memory; consequently, many infections require GC-derived IgG for pathogen clearance. Although Ehrlichia muris infection elicits a robust expansion of splenic, IgM-secreting plasmablasts, we detected only very low frequencies of isotype-switched IgG-secreting cells in mouse spleens, until at least 3 wk postinfection. Instead, Ag-specific IgG was produced in lymph nodes, where it required CD4 T cell help. Consistent with these findings, organized GCs and phenotypically defined splenic GC B cells were found in lymph nodes, but not spleens. Ehrlichial infection also inhibited spleen IgG responses against a coadministered T cell-dependent Ag, hapten 4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl acetyl (NP)-conjugated chicken γ globulin in alum. NP-specific B cells failed to undergo expansion and differentiation into GC B cells in the spleen, Ab titers were reduced, and splenic IgG production was inhibited nearly 10-fold when the Ag was administered during infection. Our data provide a mechanism whereby an intracellular bacterial infection can compromise local immunity to coinfecting pathogens or antigenic challenge.
Spacing mutations between the Escherichia coli PBAD RNA polymerase binding site and the araC (I) induction site

Abstract Mutations in the Escherichia coli promoter PBAD have been constructed which alter the spacing of the adjacent RNA polymerase and araC inducer protein binding sites. While deletion of a single base-pair or small insertions do not detectably affect araC protein binding to DNA and they do not alter the conserved sequence of the RNA polymerase binding site, stimulation of PBAD in vivo is greatly reduced. The experiments suggest that the distance or angle between the two proteins on the DNA is critical for promoter function.
Imperfect Market Models

In this chapter we turn to the development, analysis, and computation of international financial models, both static and dynamic, in the case of market imperfections. This chapter constructs models that are extensions, respectively, of the static single country imperfect market models studied in Chapter 9 and their dynamic counterparts that were developed in Chapter 10. Moreover, here we no longer assume that the feasible set underlying each sector of each country contains only the budget constraints. Consequently, the models in this chapter can also be viewed as extensions of the financial models in preceding chapters that assumed more specialized feasible sets. We conclude this chapter with a discussion of how the models can be even further extended to a noncooperative game scenario.
A coaxial calorimeter and its use as a reference standard in an automated microwave power calibration system

The construction of a dc-substitution coaxial calorimeter having 7-mm-diameter input line is described and an evaluation of its uncertainty is presented. An automated procedure is then outlined for calibrating a power transfer standard against the calorimeter. The transfer standard consists of a directional coupler with a thermistor mount on its side arm. The power transfer standard can in turn be used for automated calibration of thermistor mounts and other power sensors. The overall estimated uncertainty (expressed as one standard deviation) of the measurement of the effective efficiency of a thermistor mount varies from 0.2 percent at 2 GHz to 0.4 percent at 18 GHz.
Exploring Cramming Student Behaviors, Beliefs, and Learning Retention in the Principles of Marketing Course

Cramming for finals is common on college campuses, and many students seem to cram for their final in the Principles of Marketing course. This article addresses the question of defining and measuring a “cramming study strategy.” Scales are developed to assess (a) cramming for courses in general and (b) cramming specifically in the Principles of Marketing course relative to two other study strategies. Several research questions about cramming are addressed, including (a) How widespread is the practice? (b) How effective do students perceive it to be? (c) How effective is it actually, both in the short and long term, for students' GPA and grade in the Principles of Marketing course? and (d) Is there a deterioration in retention, as measured by a master test, of content learned in the Principles course from using more of a cramming study strategy? Implications are discussed, particularly in light of various pedagogical approaches to combating learning decay, and areas for future research are suggested.
Source Assessment Sampling System (SASS) Versus Dilution Tunnel Sampling

Two sampling methods have received increased attention recently because of their ability to collect particulate and organic emissions from combustion sources (Huisingh et al., 1978; Lewtas, in press). One method of sampling, represented by the Source Assessment Sampling System (SASS), is designed to collect and size-classify particulate and to collect nonparticulate organic and inorganic materials at source conditions. The second method, represented by various types of dilution tunnel, is designed to collect total particulate and particulate-bound organic material at conditions which approximate ambient environment.
Comparison of sevelamer and calcium carbonate on endothelial function and inflammation in patients on peritoneal dialysis.

SUMMARY Background Hyperphosphataemia is a known independent risk factor for cardiovascular mortality. The objective of the study was to compare the effects of two phosphate binders, sevelamer carbonate and calcium carbonate on endothelial function (EF) and inflammation in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods Fifteen subjects with hyperphosphataemia discontinued all phosphate binders to undergo a two-week washout and were assigned to sevelamer carbonate or calcium carbonate treatments for eight weeks. After a second two-week washout period, subjects crossed over to either of the alternate treatments for another eight weeks. At the beginning and end of each treatment, biomarkers of EF, pro-inflammatory cytokines, serum albumin, calcium, phosphate and lipids were measured. Results Sevelamer carbonate significantly improved lipid profile compared with calcium carbonate. Amongst the EF and pro-inflammatory biomarkers, sevelamer carbonate decreased serum endothelin-1, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, C-reactive protein and interleukin-6. Both phosphate binders were effective in decreasing serum phosphate but sevelamer had a positive effect on EF. Conclusions Treatment with sevelamer carbonate has beneficial effects compared with calcium carbonate in decreasing inflammation and improving EF in patients with T2DM on PD.
Interference prediction for deep space spacecraft from ground stations: interference to the Galileo deep space spacecraft from the GOMS geostationary network

A technique to predict the interference power spectral density from a ground station to a spacecraft in deep space is described. A computer simulation that performs the interference prediction throughout the complete mission is described. The distance between the ground station and the deep space spacecraft is computed. Off-axis antenna gains of the ground station and deep space spacecraft are used in the power spectral density computation. The simulation is used to predict the interference power spectral density from the Russian GOMS ground stations to the Galileo spacecraft. The time that the interference power spectral density is above the Galileo thermal noise density is predicted. >
Characterization of Proteoglycans Produced by Rat Pleural Mesothelial Cells in Vitro

The mesothelial cell envelops the surface of the parietal and visceral pleura. These cells are known to synthesize most of the protein constituents of the pleural basement membrane and interstitium. This study examined the ability of a rat pleural mesothelial cell line to synthesize proteoglycans in vitro. Cells were labeled with inorganic 35SO4 to label the glycosaminoglycan moiety of proteoglycans. The medium and combined cell membrane/extracellular matrix fractions contained 13 and 25% of the proteoglycan radioactivity, respectively. The medium contained a single chondroitinldermatan sulfate proteoglycan of approximately 190 kDa, consistent with biglycan. As determined by Northern analysis of steady-slate levels of messenger RNA, the cells contained message for biglycan. Stimulation of the cells with epidermal growth factor resulted in the appearance of a second chondroitinldermatan sulfate proteoglycan of approximately 97 kDa, characteristic of decorin. The cell membrane/matrix contained a biglycan-li...
Teaching Engineering through Design: A Novel Approach for a Department Level Reform Project

Engineering emphasizes human creation of products, processes and techniques aimed at making life better. The problem with traditional engineering education revolves around the use of stove-pipe curricula, using passive lectures and cookbook laboratories with apriori known results. Real-world engineering is open-ended and team-oriented requiring active participation. This paper describes our Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) departments ongoing reform project to develop curricula striving to change this model by helping students become creative designers through: (1) encouraging students to broaden their perspectives, (2) requiring innovation, not copying, (3) promoting a product orientation, (4) providing students insight both socially and psychologically as to the nature of creativity, (5) providing tools (both physical and cognitive) to aid in creativity (6) requiring and encouraging original and creative work. The paper outlines the process for developing the new curricula, getting faculty involved, and how open-ended design will be integrated into courses and the processes used to initiate implementation of the new programs.
Prognostic value of myocardial perfusion imaging in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease

Myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) provides important prognostic information in patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease (CAD). There is well-documented evidence that patients with a normal or near-normal MPI study have a low cardiac event rate in the subsequent 1‐2 years, whereas an abnormal MPI scan is indicative of increased risk (up to ten-fold) of such an event. Moreover, recent data indicate that MPI provides twice as much prognostic information compared with clinical and stress variables in these settings. Thus, MPI can be used as a ‘gateway’ to appropriate referral for invasive evaluation, enabling management to be targeted to high-risk patient groups to improve outcome.
Organopolymerization of naturally occurring Tulipalin B: a hydroxyl-functionalized methylene butyrolactone

The first successful polymerization of the naturally occurring, OH-containing, tri-functional monomer Tulipalin B (βHMBL) is established. N-Heterocyclic carbene and phosphazene superbase catalysts effectively polymerize βHMBL into polymers with Mn up to 13.2 kg mol−1. The possible polymer structure is thought to be a branched copolymer of poly(vinyl-ether lactone)s, derived from proposed crossovers between conjugate Michael and oxa-Michael additions, enabled by proton transfer.
Candidate Structure for Modeling Pilot Control Behavior with Sudden Changes in Vehicle Dynamics

A pursuit tracking model of the human pilot adapting to sudden changes in vehicle dynamics is developed and exercised. The current model is based upon a simplified representation of the human pilot in multi-axis tasks previously reported in the literature. A key feature of the adaptive model is the simplicity afforded by only varying two gain parameters in each control loop to accommodate pilot adaptation to rapidly changing controlled element dynamics. The model is first exercised in a single-loop task in which the controlled element dynamics are changed from rate-command to acceleration-command (with time delay), back to rate-command and finally, to position command. A second example applies the model to a simple two-axis task (two control inceptors) in which the controlled element dynamics in both control loops are changed simultaneously. The model employed for sudden changes in vehicle dynamics is applied to a single-axis task in which the controlled element dynamics change gradually over a 10 sec period. Finally, longitudinal control of a simplified model of a fighter aircraft undergoing sudden damage is considered.
Parallel Search Trie-Based Scheme for Fast IP Lookup

As data rates in the Internet increase, the Internet Protocol (IP) address lookup is required to be resolved in shorter resolution times. IP address lookup involves finding the longest matching prefix from a database of prefixes that better matches the destination address of a packet. The fastest IP-address lookup solutions are based on ternary content addressable memories (TCAMs), which can resolve the IP lookup in one memory-access time. However, TCAMs have a high power consumption and large complexity that may limit their scalability and storage capacity. An alternative is to use random access memory (RAM) that stores a forwarding table in a trie form. Proposed trie-based solutions for IP lookup require three or more memory-access times in the worst-case scenario. This makes them unattractive despite their reduced power consumption. In this paper, we propose a flexible and fast trie-based IP-lookup algorithm where parallel searching is performed. This algorithm performs lookup in two memory- access times whith a feasible amount of memory or three memory access times with reduced memory.
Matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization tissue profiling of secretoneurin in the nucleus accumbens shell from cocaine‐sensitized rats

Proteins in the nucleus accumbens mediate many cocaine-induced behaviors. In an effort to measure changes in nucleus accumbens protein expression as potential biomarkers for addiction, coronal tissue sections were obtained from rats that developed behavioral sensitization after daily administration of cocaine, or from daily saline-treated controls. The tissue sections were subjected to matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry (MS) profiling and tissue imaging. For profiling experiments, brain sections were manually spotted with matrix over the nucleus accumbens, a brain region known to regulate cocaine sensitization. Summed mass spectra (10 000 laser shots, grid) were acquired and spectra were aligned to reference peaks. Using bioinformatics tools, eight spectral features were found to be altered by cocaine treatment. Based on additional sequencing experiments with MALDI tandem MS and database searches of measured masses, secretoneurin (m/z 3653) was identified as having an increased expression. In addition, the distribution of m/z 3653 in the nucleus accumbens was determined by MALDI tissue imaging, and the increased expression of its precursor protein, secretogranin II, was verified by immunoblotting.
Iris-sutured intraocular lenses for ectopia lentis in children.

Purpose To compare outcomes and complications of pars plana lensectomy–vitrectomy (PPL–PPV) for the management of ectopia lentis in children with and without a foldable iris-sutured intraocular lens (IOL). Setting Department of Ophthalmology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA. Methods This study comprised 22 eyes of 12 consecutive pediatric patients with ectopia lentis who had PPL–PPV by the same vitreoretinal surgeon with (12 eyes; Group L) or without (10 eyes; Group A) insertion of a foldable iris-sutured IOL between June 1998 and October 2006. Outcome measures included the proportion of eyes achieving visual acuity of 20/40 or better, mean logMAR visual acuity, and complications. Results There was no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups in the proportion of eyes achieving a visual acuity of 20/40 or better (Group A: 5/10; Group L: 10/12) ( P = .17) or the mean postoperative best corrected logMAR visual acuity (Group A: 0.41 [20/52]; Group L: 0.24 [20/35]) ( P = .18). Complications included IOL dislocation in 4 (33%) of 12 eyes in Group L (95% confidence interval, 11%-65%). Eyes with dislocated IOLs had retrieval with resuturing of the IOL to the iris and had a mean visual acuity of 20/27 at the last follow-up. No retinal detachment was observed. Conclusion Pars plana lensectomy–vitrectomy with iris-fixation of a foldable IOL for the management of ectopia lentis yielded visual outcomes as least as good as those of optically corrected aphakia with a significant risk for dislocation.
Trends in Treatment Patterns and Outcomes for Ductal Carcinoma in Situ

BACKGROUND Impact of contemporary treatment of pre-invasive breast cancer (ductal carcinoma in situ [DCIS]) on long-term outcomes remains poorly defined. We aimed to evaluate national treatment trends for DCIS and to determine their impact on disease-specific (DSS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) registry was queried for patients diagnosed with DCIS from 1991 to 2010. Treatment pattern trends were analyzed using Cochran-Armitage trend test. Survival analyses were performed using inverse probability weights (IPW)-adjusted competing risk analyses for DSS and Cox proportional hazard regression for OS. All tests performed were two-sided. RESULTS One hundred twenty-one thousand and eighty DCIS patients were identified. The greatest proportion of patients was treated with lumpectomy and radiation therapy (43.0%), followed by lumpectomy alone (26.5%) and unilateral (23.8%) or bilateral mastectomy (4.5%) with significant shifts over time. The rate of sentinel lymph node biopsy increased from 9.7% to 67.1% for mastectomy and from 1.4% to 17.8% for lumpectomy. Compared with mastectomy, OS was higher for lumpectomy with radiation (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.76 to 0.83, P < .001) and lower for lumpectomy alone (HR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.13 to 1.23, P < .001). IPW-adjusted ten-year DSS was highest in lumpectomy with XRT (98.9%), followed by mastectomy (98.5%), and lumpectomy alone (98.4%). CONCLUSIONS We identified substantial shifts in treatment patterns for DCIS from 1991 to 2010. When outcomes between locoregional treatment options were compared, we observed greater differences in OS than DSS, likely reflecting both a prevailing patient selection bias as well as clinically negligible differences in breast cancer outcomes between groups.
The Impact of Foreign Production Activities: Firm-Level Evidence from Taiwan's Multinationals

A prominent phenomenon characterizing the increasing level of globalization is that many firms move some or all of their production activities abroad for different reasons. One of the main concerns is that the domestic industries will be hollowed out, and only the most skilled labor will survive. On the other hand, some people argue that firms' foreign production activities may be a complement to domestic production and even raise the domestic employment level. Must foreign production activities result in job-exportation? Using firm-level data from Taiwan, this paper finds that while increasing the proportion of foreign output has a negative impact on both the domestic manufacturing and R&D workers, most of the negative impact on R&D workers is nullified when the foreign production activities are carried out in developing countries. Nevertheless, this is not the case for manufacturing workers. Since over three quarter of the Taiwanese multinationals engage in foreign production activities in developing countries, the empirical results suggest that there exists a geographical fragmentation of R&D and manufacturing activities.
ReCAP: Detection of Potentially Avoidable Harm in Oncology From Patient Medical Records

QUESTION ASKED:Although medical record–based measurement of adverse events (AEs) associated with cancer care is desirable, condition-specific triggers in oncology care are needed. We sought to develop a screening tool to facilitate efficient detection of AEs across settings of cancer care via medical record review. We hope to use this tool to understand the frequency, spectrum, and preventability of AEs with the goal of helping improve the quality and safety of cancer care.SUMMARY ANSWER:We developed a cancer-specific screening tool to help identify candidate preventable AEs that occur during cancer care from patients’ medical records. Our oncology screening tool consists of 76 triggers—readily identifiable findings to screen for possible AEs that occur during cancer care (Table 1).METHODS:We sought to develop a screening tool to facilitate the detection of AEs across settings of cancer care via medical record review. We obtained structured and unstructured input from clinical experts to develop our tool,...
Acute phase response to endotoxin: rise in plasma alpha-MSH and effects of alpha-MSH injection

Endotoxins, cell wall components of bacteria, cause a number of biological effects, presumably via induction of potent cytokines. Previous research suggests that the neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alpha-MSH) and its COOH-terminal tripeptide reduce the effects of cytokines. These molecules evoke antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effects in vivo. Localization of alpha-MSH within lymphocytes and recent observations that alpha-MSH receptors are widespread and that circulating alpha-MSH increases after systemic injection of endogenous pyrogen, a cytokine-containing extract, suggest that the peptide modulates host defense reactions. One aim of the present experiments was to learn whether a rise in circulating alpha-MSH occurs in synchrony with aspects of the acute phase response (APR) in conscious rabbits given endotoxin. A second aim was to learn whether administration of a single large dose of alpha-MSH inhibits all aspects of the APR induced by a low dose of endotoxin. The results indicate that the concentration of circulating alpha-MSH in rabbits does increase along with other changes in the APR (e.g., increase in corticosterone), which suggests that the peptide is widely available to modulate cytokine effects after endotoxin. Contrary to expectations based on previous results, a large dose of the peptide given intravenously inhibited only fever and not other aspects of the APR. The results suggest that the rise in circulating alpha-MSH is an aspect of the APR and that an acute increase in the circulating peptide caused by intravenous injection does not inhibit all other aspects of the host response to endotoxin.
Surveys on iodine nutritional status and thyroid related diseases among adults in areas with different water iodine levels in Tianjin

Objective To understand iodine nutritional status and prevalence of thyroid related diseases among adults in areas with different water iodine levels in Tianjin. Methods A multi-stage random sampling method was used to enroll 506 adults from high iodine and non-high iodine areas in Tianjin into the study.B-ultrasound was performed,thyroid biochemical parameters and urinary iodine levels were determined.Salt and water samples were also collected for iodine test. Results The median iodine concentration of water samples from high and non-high iodine areas were 155.7μg/L and 8.0μg/L,the overall median iodine concentration of salt was 23.30 mg/kg.Meanwhile,the median iodine concentration in urine samples from high iodine area was higher than that from non-high iodine area(168.10μg/L vs 146.20μg/L,P=0.048).In non-high iodine area,the positive rates of TGAb and TPOAb(22.5%,19.3%)were higher than that of high iodine area(11.8%,9.8%),while the prevalence of chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis and thyroid nodules were both lower(1.03%vs 5.02%,15.09%vs 32.48%). Conclusions The prevalence of adult thyroid nodules and chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis in high iodine area are higher than that of in non-high iodine area.
Avoiding Run-Time Infeasibility In Systems Containing Coupled Tasks

AbstractThis paper investigates the problem of guaranteeing stability and run-time feasibility in real-time systems containing coupled tasks, in the context of non-preemptive priority scheduling. Instability is the result of so-called multiprocessor timing anomalies, where deadlines can be missed due to the reduction in task durations. Such reductions can also result in run-time infeasibility of coupled task pairs due to the inherent intertask timing constraints. A scheduling environment, feasibility conditions and a general algorithm are presented that avoid both phenomena at run-time.
Multifunctional facets of retrovirus integrase

The retrovirus integrase (IN) is responsible for integration of the reverse transcribed linear cDNA into the host DNA genome. First, IN cleaves a dinucleotide from the 3' OH blunt ends of the viral DNA exposing the highly conserved CA sequence in the recessed ends. IN utilizes the 3' OH ends to catalyze the concerted integration of the two ends into opposite strands of the cellular DNA producing 4 to 6 bp staggered insertions, depending on the retrovirus species. The staggered ends are repaired by host cell machinery that results in a permanent copy of the viral DNA in the cellular genome. Besides integration, IN performs other functions in the replication cycle of several studied retroviruses. The proper organization of IN within the viral internal core is essential for the correct maturation of the virus. IN plays a major role in reverse transcription by interacting directly with the reverse transcriptase and by binding to the viral capsid protein and a cellular protein. Recruitment of several other host proteins into the viral particle are also promoted by IN. IN assists with the nuclear transport of the preintegration complex across the nuclear membrane. With several retroviruses, IN specifically interacts with different host protein factors that guide the preintegration complex to preferentially integrate the viral genome into specific regions of the host chromosomal target. Human gene therapy using retrovirus vectors is directly affected by the interactions of IN with these host factors. Inhibitors directed against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) IN bind within the active site of IN containing viral DNA ends thus preventing integration and subsequent HIV/AIDS.
Education and the Public Sphere in New Orleans, 1803–2005

In the nearly 10 years since Hurricane Katrina, the educational landscape of New Orleans has largely transformed from what can be referred to as a traditional public school system to one that is operated under the valence of public institutions, but is run by a variety of different non-governmental organizations.1