cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Direct-liquid-evaporation chemical vapor deposition of smooth, highly conformal cobalt and cobalt nitride thin films

By a direct-liquid-evaporation chemical vapor deposition (DLE-CVD) method, we deposited smooth low-resistance cobalt (Co) and cobalt nitride (CoxN) thin films with excellent conformality at low temperatures down to 200 °C. In the DLE process, a cobalt amidinate precursor solution, bis(N,N′-diisopropylacetamidinato)cobalt(II) dissolved in tetradecane, was vaporized as it flowed smoothly, without boiling, inside heated tubing. This DLE process avoids creating unwanted particles that are generated when droplets from a nebulizer evaporate in a conventional direct-liquid-injection (DLI) process. The vapor then mixed with ammonia (NH3) and hydrogen (H2) and flowed over substrates in a tubular CVD reactor, resulting in metallic Co or CoxN films by tuning the NH3/H2 co-reactant ratio. This process deposited pure and highly conformal Co or CoxN films in trenches with 60:1 or 45:1 aspect ratio respectively. The good conformality is crucial towards realizing potential applications, such as in 3D contacts and interconnects in microelectronics.
LLSuperCloud: Sharing HPC systems for diverse rapid prototyping

The supercomputing and enterprise computing arenas come from very different lineages. However, the advent of commodity computing servers has brought the two arenas closer than they have ever been. Within enterprise computing, commodity computing servers have resulted in the development of a wide range of new cloud capabilities: elastic computing, virtualization, and data hosting. Similarly, the supercomputing community has developed new capabilities in heterogeneous, massively parallel hardware and software. Merging the benefits of enterprise clouds and supercomputing has been a challenging goal. Significant effort has been expended in trying to deploy supercomputing capabilities on cloud computing systems. These efforts have resulted in unreliable, low-performance solutions, which requires enormous expertise to maintain. LLSuperCloud provides a novel solution to the problem of merging enterprise cloud and supercomputing technology. More specifically LLSuperCloud reverses the traditional paradigm of attempting to deploy supercomputing capabilities on a cloud and instead deploys cloud capabilities on a supercomputer. The result is a system that can handle heterogeneous, massively parallel workloads while also providing high performance elastic computing, virtualization, and databases. The benefits of LLSuperCloud are highlighted using a mixed workload of C MPI, parallel MATLAB, Java, databases, and virtualized Web services.
Sealing effect of fibrin glue on the healing of gastrointestinal anastomoses: implications for the endoscopic treatment of leaks.

The adoption of advanced laparoscopic techniques for complex surgical procedures has raised the concern that the leak rate might be higher than for open surgery, particularly in the surgeon's early experience or in difficult cases. In this study, the sealing effect of fibrin glue on leaking gastrointestinal anastomoses was evaluated in an experimental swine model. A standardized gastrojejunostomy was performed on 20 female pigs (mean weight, 47.7 ± 5.7 kg). A leak was created on the anterior surface of the anastomosis. The animals were randomized to either fibrin glue or no treatment of the leak. Clinical conditions and vital signs, including body temperature, heart rate and, respiratory rate, were collected three times a day. Preoperative and postoperative complete and differential blood count and lactate dehydrogenase levels were determined. Postmortem analysis was performed when the animals were killed. Clinical signs of peritonitis developed in the control animals by the second or third postoperative day. Findings that confirmed the presence of an anastomotic leak at the postmortem examination were the presence of food or gastrojejunal juices in the abdominal cavity, a localized abscess, or a positive air leak test. Fibrin glue treatment prevented the development of peritonitis in all the animals. Complete sealing of the leak was observed on postoperative day 7 in all treated animals, except one in which an asymptomatic contained leak developed. The postoperative total white blood count was significantly increased in the untreated group (24.69 ± 5.5 vs 12.74 ± 3.7 103/ul p < 0.001, paired t-test), as compared with the treated group (15. 55 ± 2.4 vs 14.89 ± 2.7 103/ul; p = 0.24). In this study, fibrin glue showed reproducible sealing effects on leaking gastrojejunal anastomoses. Fibrin glue application may be a valuable approach for the treatment of gastrointestinal anastomotic leaks.
Silent mutations: physical-digital interactions in spaces

Many installations research efforts today explore how to engage participants with embedded digital content and applications in interactive environments. Yet the interactive design is largely determined by the constraints and requirements of the underlying sensing technologies. Such constrains result in a limited dialog between the user and the interactive installations. Silent Mutations is an interactive installation that is controlled by participants/users moving throughout the space. The installation has been conceived as a material and immaterial reflection of our relationship with physical environments and embedded technologies. The goal of developing the installation was to offer a valid questioning of the current responsiveness of interactive installations and advance a designed interactive environment towards engaging narrative conversations of people with physical spaces. Between analog and digital, using simple hardware systems coupled with sensing technologies, a cognitive space was created with conversational emerging behaviors for human communication.
A hale farewell: The state of leadership research

The last six years have evidenced a renewed interest in leadership and leadership research. In this article, we examine the status of leadership research as it is reflected in the articles published in The Leadership Quarterly over this time frame. Initially, the status of The Leadership Quarterly as the premier journal in the area of leadership studies is reviewed. Subsequently, the status of the journal is assessed with regard to the four objectives: 1) international contributors, 2) diversity of perspectives, 3) quality of method, and 4) diversity of content. Implications for future research are discussed.
A Study of the Effect of Surface Metalization on the Thermal Conductivity Measurements by the Transient Thermo-Reflectance Method

This work is a numerical and experimental investigation of the effect of the use of a metallic absorption layer on the laser-based measurements of the thermal conductivity of dielectric, semiconductor, and highly-conductive materials. The numerical and supporting experimental results reveal the presence of behaviors associated with thermally-thin and thermally-thick absorption layers, depending on the ratio between the thickness of the absorption layer and the heat penetration depth. It is concluded that the TTR method performs optimally when the thickness of the metalization layer falls in the transition range between the identified thermally-thin and thermally-thick layers.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
The effect of pneumonia on short-term outcomes and cost of care after head and neck cancer surgery.

Background: The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has threatened to discontinue reimbursements for ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) as a preventable “never event.” We sought to determine the relationship between pneumonia and in-hospital mortality, complications, length of hospitalization and costs in head and neck cancer (HNCA) surgery. Study Design: Retrospective cross-sectional study. Methods: Discharge data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 93,663 patients who underwent an ablative procedure for a malignant oral cavity, laryngeal, hypopharyngeal, or oropharyngeal neoplasm from 2003 to 2008 were analyzed using cross-tabulations and multivariate regression modeling. Results: VAP was rarely coded. Infectious pneumonia was significantly associated with chronic pulmonary disease (odds ratio [OR], 1.5; P 80 years (OR, 2.0; P = .007), comorbidity (OR, 2.3; P < .001), and major procedures (OR, 1.6; P < .001), with increased in-hospital mortality for infectious (OR, 2.9; P < .001) and aspiration pneumonia (OR, 5.3; P < .001). Both infectious and aspiration pneumonia were associated with postoperative medical and surgical complications, increased length of hospitalization, and hospital-related costs. Conclusions: Postoperative pneumonia is associated with increased mortality, complications, length of hospitalization, and hospital-related costs in HNCA surgical patients. Variables associated with an increased risk of pneumonia are inherent comorbidities in HNCA and known risk factors for VAP, making this a high-risk group for this never event. Caution must be used in the institution of reforms that threaten to inadequately reimburse the provision of care to this vulnerable population. Aggressive preoperative identification and treatment of underlying pulmonary disease, weight loss, and dysphagia may reduce morbidity and mortality. Laryngoscope, 2012
Is bulimia nervosa a heterogeneous disorder? Lessons from the history of medicine

What causes bulimia nervosa? Most authorities would respond that this question cannot be answered simply, in that bulimia nervosa has a multifactorial etiology in which psychological, sociocultural, biological, and other factors combine in different ways in different individuals to produce the syndrome. In other words, it has seemed axiomatic to many of us that bulimia nervosa is far too complex and heterogeneous to permit a simple, reductionistic explanation. However, a minority of researchers have argued, against the weight of opinion, that the etiology of bulimia may ultimately be explained more simply. Notable among these individuals are Drs. Harrison Pope and James Hudson, who are well known for their research on eating disorders in recent years. Accordingly, we have asked Drs. Pope and Hudson to present this “minority position,” as an exercise that may help to bring into relief the facts and philosophies behind some of the current controversies regarding the nature of bulimia nervosa. We are also pleased to present an equally thought-provoking counterpoint on the heterogeneity of bulimia authored by P. J. V. Beumont of the University of Sydney, well known for his distinguished record of scholarly research in this field.
Oxonolytic cleavage of authentic and pancreatic dolichyl mannopyranosyl phosphates: Determination of sugar configuration in the fragments with α- and β-mannosidases

Abstract Exposure of authentic dolichyl α-D-[14C]mannopyranosyl phosphate ( I ) or calf pancreas dolichyl [14C]mannopyranosyl phosphate ( II ) to ozone at −70° in pentane followed by treatment with triphenylphosphine gave water-soluble fragments in 65–95% yield. The radioactive products obtained were similar; the major fragment had a mobility on tlc greater than that of mannose but lower than that of citronellyl β-D-mannopyranosyl phosphate. The electrophoretic behavior of the fragments indicated that they possessed intact phosphodiester linkages. α-Mannosidase released [14C]mannose from the fragments of I but not from the fragments of II ; however, the latter were susceptible to β-mannosidase indicating that the pancreatic mannolipid contains a β-linked mannosyl residue.
Emergency physicians' patterns of treatment for presumed gonorrhea and chlamydia in women: one center's practice.

No indicator reliably predicts if a woman has gonorrhea or chlamydia (sexually transmitted diseases [STDs]) during an Emergency Department (ED) visit. Before culture results return, emergency physicians (EPs) must choose whom to treat. We evaluated EP treatment of STDs within our institution. EPs voluntarily completed anonymous surveys while evaluating women requiring both a pelvic examination and STD cultures, except for sexual assault victims. The questionnaires asked for patients' demographics, history, physical examination, and in-ED laboratory tests, and whether any particular section of the encounter caused treatment. The treated and untreated groups' characteristics, as reported by the examining physicians, were compared. There were 145 questionnaires returned over a 6-month period; 41/145 patients (28%) were treated for presumed STD—28 (68%) based on physical examination, 8 (19.5%) on history, and 5 (12.5%) on in-ED laboratory tests. Comparison of treated vs. untreated groups revealed no difference in patient demographics. The treated group had more historical positives (3.92 vs. 2.84, respectively; p 0.05). In our institution, EPs chose to treat patients with more historical and physical examination findings, not based on demographics. Our EPs' presumptive STD treatment paradigms do not accurately distinguish patients with positive pelvic culture results from those with negative results, supporting the available literature that describes the difficulty of this diagnosis. Individual EDs must recognize this infection identification problem and, after assessment of their treatment population, institute either a liberal presumptive STD treatment regimen for all comers, or establish reliable and timely follow-up for women left untreated.
Reconfigurable monolithic quantum dot passively mode-locked lasers

The dynamical response of a quantum dot photonic integrated circuit formed with a combination of passive and active gain cells is investigated. When these cells are appropriately biased and positioned within the multi-section laser cavity, fundamental frequency and harmonic mode-locking at repetition rates from 7.2 GHz to 115 GHz are found. Carefully engineered multi-section configurations that include a passive waveguide section significantly lower the pulse width up to 34% as well as increase the peak pulsed power by 49% in comparison to conventional two-section configurations that are formed on the identical device under the same average power. In addition an ultra broad operation range with pulse widths below ten picoseconds is obtained with a 3 rd -harmonic mode-locking configuration. The fundamental design principles for using QDs in mode-locked lasers are presented to explain the observed results and to describe why QDs are particularly well-suited for reconfigurable laser devices.
Oxygen-18 Studies of Recent Planktonic Foraminifera: Comparisons of Phenotypes and of Test Parts

Oxygen isotopic comparisons of phenotypes of Recent Planktonic Foraminifera with both normal and diminutive final chambers are compatible with a model in which the latter develop as a response to environmental stress. Isotopic evidence shows that Spheroidinella dehiscens is probably not a late-stage, aberrant form of Globogerinoides sacculifer.
Low-temperature heat capacities of molybdenum tri- and tetrachlorides☆

Abstract No thermal anomalies were detected in the heat capacities of MoCl3 and MoCl4 determined by adiabatic calorimetry from 5 to 350 K. The heat capacity Cp(298.15 K), entropy {So(298.15 K) − So(0)}, and the function {G o (298.15 K) − H o (0) } 298.15 K are (for MoCl3) 22.66, 28.24, and −13.85; and (for MoCl4) 28.28, 37.58, and −18.62 calth K−1 mol−1. The Gibbs energies of formation for these compounds at 298.15 K are −111.4 and −137.2 kcalth mol−1, respectively.
Biofouling of Contaminated Ground-Water Recovery Wells: Characterization of Microorganisms

The taxonomy and physiology of microorganisms isolated from contaminated ground-water recovery wells prone to biofouling are characterized for an industrial site in Rochester, New York. Principal aquifer contaminants include acetone, cyclohexane, dichloroethane, dichloromethane, 1,4-dioxane, isopropanol, methanol, and toluene. These contaminants represent a significant fraction (up to 95%) of the total organic carbon in the ground water. Ground-water samples from 12 recovery wells were used to isolate, quantify, and identify aerobic and anaerobic bacterial populations. Samples from selected wells were also characterized geochemically to assess redox conditions and availability of essential and trace nutrients. Dominant bacteria, listed in order of descending numbers, including sulfate-reducers (Desulfovibrio desulfuricans), anaerobic heterotrophs (Actinomyces, Bacteriodes, Bacillus, Agrobacterium), aerobic heterotrophs (Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Nocardia, Citrobacter), iron-oxidizers (Gallionella ferruginea, Crenothrix polyspora), iron-reducers (Shewanella), and sulfur-oxidizers (Thiobacillus ferrooxidans). Fungi were also recovered in low numbers. Both aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophs were able to utilize all principal contaminants as sole carbon and energy sources except 1,4-dioxane. The prevalence of heterotrophic bacteria and their ability to use the available anthropogenic carbon suggests that aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophs contribute to the biofouling of wells at this site, in addition to the often cited fouling due to iron-oxidizing bacteria and sulfate-reducing bacteria.
Magnetic Field Effects on Axis-Switching and Instabilities in Rectangular Plasma Jets

The effect of an external magnetic field on the evolution of rectangular plasma jets is examined. Specifically investigated is the influence of a primarily axial magnetic field on the uniquely characteristic axis-switching phenomenon of rectangular jets and flow instabilities. The results indicate that the magnetic field decelerates the jet (more rapid spreading), prevents axis-switching and inhibits instabilities. The key physical mechanisms underlying the changes are (1) the ability of the magnetic field to reverse the direction of vorticity and (2) transfer of energy from kinetic to magnetic forms. This study has important implications for magneto-hydro-dynamic flow control and propulsion applications.
Evidence for serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody responses in Macaca fascicularis identified by monoclonal antibodies to human IgG subclasses

This investigation determined the capacity of murine monoclonal antibodies directed to human immunoglobulin G (IgG) subclasses to identify molecules with conserved epitopes in the serum of the nonhuman primate, Macaca fascicularis. We subsequently utilized this cross-reactivity to document the characteristics of IgG subclass antibody responses in M. fascicularis to parenteral immunization with intact oral microorganisms, antigens from oral microorganisms, and finally a defined protein toxin, tetanus toxoid. The IgG response in nonhuman primates immunized with tetanus toxoid showed a 40-fold and 110-fold increase after primary and secondary immunizations, respectively. The major IgG subclass responses were IgG1 and IgG3, with little, though significant, responses in the IgG4 and IgG2 subclasses. Seventy-five to 94% of the natural IgG antibody in nonhuman primate sera to Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Campylobacter rectus was IgG1. IgG2 and IgG3 predominated to Bacteroides fragilis, IgG4 to Actinomyces viscosus and an equal distribution among the subclasses was noted in response to Fusobacterium nucleatum. Parenteral immunization of nonhuman primates with intact P. gingivalis elicited primarily IgG3 and IgG4, while the post-immunization IgG response to P. intermedia was largely IgG1. Nonhuman primates were also parenterally immunized with cell envelope antigens of P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, or a combination of cell envelope antigen from C. rectus and F. nucleatum and cell wall antigens of A. viscosus. The greatest IgG antibody response seen post-immunization was reactive with anti-human IgG1 for all of these antigens except to C. rectus which bound nonhuman primate antibody reactive with anti-human IgG2. It appears that the bacteria and their products exhibit unique differences in their induction of serum IgG subclass antibody responses. The characteristics of their immunogenicity as detected by the nonhuman primate may contribute to the ability of the immune responses to effectively interact with these pathogens.
There Are No Unfilled Shells in Unrestricted Hartree-Fock Theory

We prove that in an exact, unrestricted Hartree-Fock calculation each energy level of the Hartree-Fock equation is either completely filled or completely empty. The only assumption needed is that the two-body interaction is—like the Coulomb interaction—repulsive; it could, however, be more complicated than a simple potential; e.g., it could have tensor forces and velocity dependence. In particular, the Hartree-Fock energy levels of atoms and molecules, often called shells, are never partially filled.
Nitrogen fixation in lakes of the Lake Washington drainage basin

Abstract Biological nitrogen fixation rates have been measured periodically in the epilimnetic waters of four Washington lakes using the acetylene reduction technique. Nitrogen fixation was detected regularly during the summer in the mesotrophic lakes, Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington, but only occasionally in the oligotrophic lakes, Lake Chester Morse and Findley Lake. The contribution of fixed nitrogen in these lakes was estimated to be less than 1% of the total annual nitrogen input from other sources. Comparison of these lakes with others for which appropriate data are available suggest that the low rate of fixation is consistent with the types and abundance of the algal flora and the trophic conditions of the lakes.
Sparsity-Aware Sphere Decoding: Algorithms and Complexity Analysis

Integer least-squares problems, concerned with solving a system of equations where the components of the unknown vector are integer-valued, arise in a wide range of applications. In many scenarios the unknown vector is sparse, i.e., a large fraction of its entries are zero. Examples include applications in wireless communications, digital fingerprinting, and array-comparative genomic hybridization systems. Sphere decoding, commonly used for solving integer least-squares problems, can utilize the knowledge about sparsity of the unknown vector to perform computationally efficient search for the solution. In this paper, we formulate and analyze the sparsity-aware sphere decoding algorithm that imposes l0-norm constraint on the admissible solution. Analytical expressions for the expected complexity of the algorithm for alphabets typical of sparse channel estimation and source allocation applications are derived and validated through extensive simulations. The results demonstrate superior performance and speed of sparsity-aware sphere decoder compared to the conventional sparsity-unaware sphere decoding algorithm. Moreover, variance of the complexity of the sparsity-aware sphere decoding algorithm for binary alphabets is derived. The search space of the proposed algorithm can be further reduced by imposing lower bounds on the value of the objective function. The algorithm is modified to allow for such a lower bounding technique and simulations illustrating efficacy of the method are presented. Performance of the algorithm is demonstrated in an application to sparse channel estimation, where it is shown that sparsity-aware sphere decoder performs close to theoretical lower limits.
Afrikaans: Dit is ons ems

En 1975 oni festis la centjaran datrevenon de la unua afrikanslingva asocio, la kvindek-jaran kunoficialecon de la afrikansa, kaj la inauguron de monumento al la lingvo. Estis jaro de lingvofesto, la unua tia jaro depost 1959, kiam oni festis la kvindekjar-igon de la Akademio. En tiu jaro disponigis jam la baza stoko da tehnikaj vortaroj. Poste venis stadio de maturigo, de elprovo kaj ampleksigo. La prezidanto de la atom-energia konsilantaro de Sudafriko, Roux, resumas tiun epokon kaj klarvide perceptas novan epokon de malfacilo por la afrikansa - nur jaron post la apero de la referajo eksplodis nigra protesto kontrau la deviga instruado pere de la afrikansa, kaj ce blanka poeto audigis priploro pri la perdo de la afrikansa favore al la angla, tra interstupo de intermiksigo.Per frapaj, trafaj ekzemploj Roux montras la avantagojn de planita lingvo. La afrikansa, per planado de fakuloj, povas krei science valorajn distingojn, kiuj ne ekzistas, ekzemple, en la angla. Gi forigas tradiciajn erarojn kaj misperceptojn, kiuj trovigas en la anlga. Tial gi permesas al la afrikanslingvuloj pensi kaj percepti en sia propra lingvo en la plej disvolviginta fako de la fizika scienco. En la artikolo de Roux parolas aktiva praktikanto de la lingvoplanado.La referajo de C.v.d.M. Brink statistike esploras la uzadon de la du oficialaj lingvoj en diversaj fakrevuoj kaj universitataj tekstoj. La afrikansa estas majoritata en agrikul-turo kaj psikologio. Inter la natursciencoj gi plej prosperas en la fizikoUnu grava artikolo, de E. Raidt, pritraktas la akre debatitan demandon pri la german-eco au kreoleco de la afrikansa. Sed pli taugus recenzi gin en iu lingvistika revuo.Fine, E.P. Groenewald montras la disvolvigon de la afrikansa kiel perilo de la biblio. La unua norma eldono de la biblio estas el 1933 sed jam parte eksmoda. Li ofertas specimenon de pli moderna traduko.Konklude, la Akademio per ci tiu kolekto pruvas la aserton, ke (lau la titolo) la afrikansa estas por gi serioza afero. Nun, gi devas subteni socilingvistikan esploron de la fakta lingvokonduto en multlingva lando.
Maximally Efficient Modeling of DNA Sequence Motifs at All Levels of Complexity

Identification of transcription factor binding sites is necessary for deciphering gene regulatory networks. Several new methods provide extensive data about the specificity of transcription factors but most methods for analyzing these data to obtain specificity models are limited in scope by, for example, assuming additive interactions or are inefficient in their exploration of more complex models. This article describes an approach—encoding of DNA sequences as the vertices of a regular simplex—that allows simultaneous direct comparison of simple and complex models, with higher-order parameters fit to the residuals of lower-order models. In addition to providing an efficient assessment of all model parameters, this approach can yield valuable insight into the mechanism of binding by highlighting features that are critical to accurate models.
An empirical evaluation of the kapferer‐laurent consumer involvement profile scale

The Consumer Involvement Profile (CIP) is tested across several samples of U.S. consumers. With one exception, the authors were able to successfully replicate the factor structure of the CIP, thereby concluding that the scale is a useful measure of several antecedents of involvement. However, two factors purporting to measure interest versus pleasure regularly merged into a single factor. The authors conclude that interest and pleasure cannot be distinguished from one another in the current applications. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Search engine for engineering education assessment instruments

Adoption research has guided the development of a classification and rating system for assessment instruments valuable to the engineering education community. The ASSESS website enables users to search for instruments that measure outcomes of interest and that possess desired characteristics. The website classifies instruments by outcomes assessed, technical features, instrument format, and administration parameters. Instrument descriptions and ratings are displayed in forms useful to both experienced and inexperienced users seeking instruments for specific needs. The user community contributes to ASSESS by rating instruments and suggesting others for development or inclusion. ASSESS developers invite user input to make ASSESS highly valuable to the engineering education community.
Determination of total arsenic concentrations in nails by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

The analysis of trace elements in biological samples will extend our understanding of the impact that environmental exposure to these elements has on human health. Measuring arsenic content in nails has proven useful in studies evaluating the chronic body burden of arsenic. In this study, we developed methodology with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination of total arsenic in nails. We assessed the utility of the washing procedures for removing surface contamination. Four types of preanalysis treatments (water bath, sonication, water bath plus sonication, and control) after sample decomposition by nitric acid were compared to evaluate the digestion efficiencies. In addition, we studied the stability of the solution over 1 wk and the effect of acidity on the arsenic signal. Arsenic content in the digested solution was analyzed by using Ar-N2 plasma with Te as the internal standard. The results suggest that washing once with 1% Triton Χ-100 for 20 min for cleaning nail samples prior to ICP-MS analysis is satisfactory. Repeated measurement analysis of variance revealed that there was no significant difference among the various sample preparation techniques. Moreover, the measurements were reproducible within 1 wk, and acidity seemed to have no substantial influence on the arsenic signal. A limit of detection (on the basis of three times the standard deviation of the blank measurement) of 7 ng As/g toenail was achieved with this system, and arsenic recoveries from reference materials (human hair and nails) were in good agreement (95–106% recovery) with the certified/reference values of the standard reference materials. ICP-MS offers high accuracy and precision, as well as highthroughput capacity in the analysis of total arsenic in nail samples.
Detection of Freeze-crack Using Digital Signal Processing

An acoustic method to characterize and quantify freeze-crack was developed. Mozzarella cheese, turkey-ham, cheesecake, and margarine, 38 ¥ 25 ¥ 25 mm (1.5 ¥ 1 ¥ 1 in.), at room temperature were directly immersed in liquid nitrogen and the event was tape recorded. Analog to digital conversion of the data was performed using a sound board and signal processing software (WaveSE). Transformation of the data from the time domain to the frequency domain was performed using Fast Fourier Transformation.
Neonatal differences in the induction of hepatic aminolevulinic acid synthetase.

Abstract The induction of hepatic aminolevulinic acid (ALA) synthetase, an enzyme postulated to be normally regulated by genetic repression, was studied in neonatal and adult rabbits. The basal activity in vitro of ALA synthetase in newborn rabbits is six to eight times that seen in adult animals. Subcutaneous treatment of each age group with the inducing agent, 3,5-dicarbethoxy-l,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC), demonstrated that the neonatal animals were relatively much less responsive to the inducing agent than the adult rabbits. The basal enzyme activity in newborn animals was only doubled while, in contrast, the synthetase activity in adult animals was increased 19-fold. These findings suggest that the regulation of the synthesis of hepatic heme in neonatal animals may be less strictly controlled than in adults. It is suggested that synthesis of ALA synthetase during the neonatal period is semiconstitutive.
Wear and Friction Studies of Neopentyl Polyol Ester Lubricants

Wear and friction properties of three representative neopentyl polyol esters, together with the common diester lubricant base, bis(2-ethylhexyl) sebacate, were studied with the four-ball wear machine at 266 F and 5–50 kg load in the presence and in the absence if tricresyl phosphate. The rubbing surfaces were 52100 steel, 440 C stainless steel and M-50 steel. With 52100 low-chromium steel balls, wear rates were largely independent of ester type. Percolated tricresyl phosphate reduced wear moderately at low loads only. Stainless steel 440 C and M-50 steel gave results significantly different from those with 52100 steel at all loads. In the case of the stainless steel wear was greatly increased at a load of 50 kg and tricresyl phosphate (1%) was ineffective at all loads. M-50 steel gave the lowest wear rates. It showed no response to tricresyl phosphate. Average friction coefficients of all the steels showed little change with the variables examined except for a small increase with load and for slightly low...
The Conflation of Purity and Prohibition: An Interpretation of Leviticus 18:19

In recent years, there has been a surge in the study of ritual impurity and its relationship to immorality (or, perhaps more accurately, prohibited activity) in biblical literature and early Judaism. Yet relatively scant attention has been paid to one of the most important topics pertaining to impurity—the menstrual laws of Leviticus (the laws of [niddah]) and their development in early Jewish texts. The niddah laws are uniquely important because they appear both in the context of ritual-impurity legislation (Leviticus 12 and Leviticus 15) and in the context of legislation concerning prohibited acts (Lev 18:19 and Lev 20:18). Or, to put it another way: biblical menstrual laws comprise both impurity and prohibition elements.
Regulation of intracellular calcium is closely linked to glucose metabolism in J774 macrophages

The effects of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2dGlc) and glucose deprivation were investigated in the J774 murine macrophage-like cell line. 2dGlc addition or glucose deprivation for 4 min led to an inhibition in the transient increase in cytoplasmic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) that otherwise occurs in response to three different agonists: IgG, ATP and platelet activating factor. This inhibition was preceded by a partial release of Ca2+ from intracellular, thapsigargin-sensitive stores. In contrast, the transition from 5 to 30 mM glucose caused a decrease in [Ca2+]i and a corresponding increase in thapsigargin-sensitive sequestered Ca2+. The effects of an alternate glycolytic inhibitor, NaF, and a mitochondrial inhibitor, rotenone, were also tested. These inhibitors caused neither a release of Ca2+ from intracellular stores nor an inhibition in any of the agonist responses. The capacitative influx of extracellular Ca2+ following depletion of intracellular stores was also found to be selectively inhibited by the prior addition of 2dGlc or with glucose deprivation. In addition, when an elevated plateau of [Ca2+]i was established by the irreversible depletion of intracellular Ca2+ stores, the addition of 2dGlc caused a decrease in the on-going capacitative entry of Ca2+.
Preparative regioselective acylation of glycols by enzymatic transesterification in organic solvents

Porcine pancreatic lipase can catalyze transesterification reac tions in organic solvents in a highly regioselective manner. Lipase powder was suspended in solutions of various diols in ethyl carboxylates, and the mixtures were shaken at 30°C; as a result, pri mary monoesters of glycols were produced on a preparative scale.
A vibrating mixer for agitation of suspension cultures of mammalian cells

A new type of mixer that utilizes the Bernoulli effect has been found highly useful for providing gentle agitation in suspension cultures of fragile mammalian cells in culture volumes up to 6 l.
Roles of p53 and p16 in triple-negative breast cancer

SUMMARY p53 and p16 are both tumor suppressors. This article summarizes the current investigation status on their roles and interaction in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) to explore their potential as prognostic, predictive and therapeutic targets. There is significant evidence implicating that p53 mutation as a driver plays an important role in tumorigenesis and progression of TNBC. p53 mutations are more frequently observed in TNBCs compared with ER-positive breast cancers. The presence of a p53 mutation is associated with poorer prognosis in TNBC patients. The status of p53 protein expression divides TNBCs into two biologically distinct subgroups (p53-positive vs p53-negative); p53-positive tumors have more aggressive behavior. p53 has clinical prognostic utility and is a promising target candidate for directed therapy for TNBC patients. p16 appears to play a significant role in tumorigenesis of TNBC through the Rb/p16 dysfunction pathway. A high level of p16 protein expression is associated with ...
Constitutively expressed Oct-2 prevents immunoglobulin gene silencing in myeloma × T cell hybrids

Abstract Recent experiments involving disruption of the Oct -2 gene have shown that this largely B cell-restricted transcription factor is not required in the early stages of B cell development. However, B cells that lack Oct-2 may be blocked from differentiation past the surface immunoglobulin-positive stage. To identify a possible function for Oct-2 in the late stage Immunoglobulin-secreting cell, we have used the method of somatic cell fusion. When the immunoglobulin-producing myeloma MPC11 is fused to a T lymphoma, Oct-2 production ceases, as does the expression of immunoglobulin, J chain, and several other B cell-specific gene products. In the present study, we show that by preventing the loss of Oct-2 in the hybrid cells, we can preserve expression of all other tested B cell-specific genes. These results establish a central role for Oct-2 in maintaining the genetic program of the immunoglobulin-secreting plasmacyte.
Lead poisoning in childhood—comprehensive management and prevention

A symposium was held at Happy Hills Hospital in Baltimore on April 24, 1967, to call attention to the need for a cooperative community approach to the social, environmental, and psychological aspects of the problems of children with lead intoxication. Comprehensive care is just as urgent for the asymptomatic child with an increased body burden of lead as it is for the child with manifest acute plumbism. While chelation therapy for the acute toxic episodes of chronic lead poisoning is deservedly emphasized, hospitalization in a chronic disease facility which has a positive program of child and family rehabilitation serves an important role in the total care of the affected child. Experience in Baltimore and other large cities has shown that coordinated and sustained efforts by health departments, pediatricians, medical social workers, and child guidance workers are essential for an effective program for the prevention and treatment of childhood lead intoxication.
Terahertz bandpass filters using double-stacked metamaterial layers.

Bandpass filters are reported based on double-stacked metamaterial layers separated by an air gap for operation at terahertz frequencies. Several stacking configurations were investigated designed for a ∼0.5 THz center frequency. The filters exhibited improved spectral transmission properties when compared with conventional ones based on single metamaterial layers. 3 dB bandwidth of ∼78 GHz and sidelobe suppression ratio >16 dB were determined when symmetric or asymmetric double layers were stacked. We demonstrate that superior frequency selectivity can be achieved when metamaterial layers with different unit cells are used. Good agreement was found between measured and simulated transmission response.
Design considerations in development of Active Mobile Substations

While conventional mobile substations are used to bypass the whole substation in case of loss or maintenance of power transformers, Active Mobile Substations (AMS) can be used in normal conditions as a power router and contingencies as a recovery transformer. The AMS is a mobile substation with integrated power electronics and by controlling its throughput power can be connected across different transformers of the grid. The AMS is expected to be at least 20MVA with 230kV and 69kV outputs. This paper proposes transmission-level active mobile substations that provide back-up in case of power transformer failure or forced reduced operation scenarios in addition to power flow control for seasonal renewable energy transmission. These functions altogether have been aggregated not only because of the technical merits but also to address the economic concerns regarding the cost of the power electronics for transmission applications. In this paper, design considerations in development of the AMS will be provided in terms of power electronics building blocks, converter system control and its effects, and required supervisory control. Throughout the paper, theoretical analyses and relevant results are presented.
Effect of cyclophilin A on gene expression in human pancreatic cancer cells.

Abstract Background We previously found that cyclophilin A (CypA) is overexpressed in human pancreatic cancer cells and stimulates cell proliferation through CD147. In this study, we further investigated the effect of CypA on gene expression of several key molecules that are involved in pancreatic cancer cell proliferation. Methods Human pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc-1, MIA PaCa-2, and BxPC-3) and human pancreatic ductal epithelial (HPDE) cells were used. The messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of CypA, CypB, CD147, neuropilins (NRPs), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and VEGF receptors upon the treatment of exogenous recombinant human CypA were determined by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Results Exogenous human recombinant CypA reduced the mRNA levels of NRP-1 and VEGF, but not endogenous CypA, CypB, and CD147, in Panc-1, MIA PaCa-2, and BxPC-3 cells. In contrast, HPDE cells showed a decrease of endogenous CypA and CD147 mRNA, but not detectable changes of CypB, NRPs, and VEGF mRNA levels upon exogenous CypA treatment. Conclusions These data show that exogenous CypA downregulates NRP-1 and VEGF expression in pancreatic cancer cells. This effect is different in normal HPDE cells. Thus, soluble CypA may affect cell growth of pancreatic cancer.
Equilibria in the spatial stochastic model of voting with party activists

Stochastic models of elections typically indicate that all parties, in equilibrium, will adopt positions at the electoral center. Empirical analyses discussed in this paper suggest that convergence of this kind is rarely observed. Here we examine a stochastic electoral model where parties differ in their valences – the electorally perceived, non-policy “quality” of the party leader. It is assumed that valence may either be exogenous, in the sense of being an intrinsic characteristic of the leader, or may be due to the contributions of party activists, who donate time and money and thus enhance electoral support for the party. Theorem 1 shows that vote maximization depends on balancing these two opposed effects. Theorem 2 provides the necessary and sufficient conditions for convergence to the electoral mean when activist valence is zero. The paper then examines empirical electoral models for the Netherlands circa 1980 and Britain in 1979, 1992 and 1997 and shows that party divergence from the electoral mean cannot be accounted for by exogenous valence alone. The balance condition suggests that the success of the Labour party in the election of 1997 can be attributed to a combination of high exogenous valence and pro-Europe activist support.
Toward functional ultrasound-modulated optical tomography: a phantom study

We present the feasibility of functional ultrasound-modulated optical tomography (UOT) in tissue phantoms with two optical wavelengths. By using intense acoustic bursts and a CCD camera-based speckle contrast detection technique, we observe variations of UOT signal at different optical absorptions. In addition, the results from Monte Carlo simulations highly correlate with the experimental outcomes. By irradiating the sample at two optical wavelengths, we quantitatively estimate the total concentration and the concentration ratio of double dyes in inclusions inside tissue phantoms. Therefore, UOT is potentially able to supply functional imaging of the total concentration and oxygen saturation of hemoglobin non-invasively in biological tissues.
Closed-Loop Control of Mechanical Ventilation: Description and Classification of Targeting Schemes

There has been a dramatic increase in the number and complexity of new ventilation modes over the last 30 years. The impetus for this has been the desire to improve the safety, efficiency, and synchrony of ventilator-patient interaction. Unfortunately, the proliferation of names for ventilation modes has made understanding mode capabilities problematic. New modes are generally based on increasingly sophisticated closed-loop control systems or targeting schemes. We describe the 6 basic targeting schemes used in commercially available ventilators today: set-point, dual, servo, adaptive, optimal, and intelligent. These control systems are designed to serve the 3 primary goals of mechanical ventilation: safety, comfort, and liberation. The basic operations of these schemes may be understood by clinicians without any engineering background, and they provide the basis for understanding the wide variety of ventilation modes and their relative advantages for improving patient-ventilator synchrony. Conversely, their descriptions may provide engineers with a means to better communicate to end users.
To be or not to be (Hispanic or Latino): Brazilian Racial and Ethnic Identity in the United States

I use 1990 US census data and 22 semi-structured interviews with Brazilian immigrant youth in Boston to show how Brazilians are becoming racialized into the black-white binary of American society, but how over time they manage to escape the downward mobility of Hispanic/Latino categorization by becoming ‘American’ and playing off US natives’ Spanish-centered understanding of Hispanics/Latinos (which does not include them). Successful Americanization for Brazilians means not becoming part of a stigmatized Hispanic/Latino group associated with low socioeconomic status, racial discrimination and, on the heels of massive new immigration from Latin America, disempowered immigrant status - rather than becoming ‘Hispanic/Latino’ as part and parcel of becoming ‘American’. The Brazilian case exposes some of the assumptions behind dominant US racial/ethnic categories (particularly ‘white’ and ‘black’), and it lays bare the complexities and contradictions in the Hispanic/Latino ‘panethnic’ category, pinpointing anew...
Phase Slips in Oscillatory Hair Bundles

Hair cells of the inner ear contain an active amplifier that allows them to detect extremely weak signals. As one of the manifestations of an active process, spontaneous oscillations arise in fluid immersed hair bundles of in vitro preparations of selected auditory and vestibular organs. We measure the phase-locking dynamics of oscillatory bundles exposed to low-amplitude sinusoidal signals, a transition that can be described by a saddle-node bifurcation on an invariant circle. The transition is characterized by the occurrence of phase slips, at a rate that is dependent on the amplitude and detuning of the applied drive. The resultant staircase structure in the phase of the oscillation can be described by the stochastic Adler equation, which reproduces the statistics of phase slip production.