cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Molecular-Scale and Nanoscale Morphology of P3HT:PCBM Bulk Heterojunctions: Energy-Filtered TEM and Low-Dose HREM†

The performance of bulk heterojunction organic photovoltaic devices is critically dependent on the morphology of the active layer. Here we describe the combination of two electron microscopy techniques to quantitatively examine the molecular level structure and mesoscopic domain morphology of the active layer of poly(3-hexylthiophene):[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester P3HT:PCBM bulk heterojunction solar cells. Energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) revealed the nanoscopic, interpenetrating fibrillar structure of the phase separated blend, providing unique assignments of the P3HT-rich and PCBM-rich regions. Low-dose high-resolution electron microscopy (LD-HREM) provided direct images of the P3HT crystals and their orientation within the P3HT-rich domains. The high mobility [010] crystallographic direction of these crystals coincides with the P3HT fibril axis. Additionally, the width of the P3HT crystallite coincides with the width of the P3HT-rich fibril, and is less than that of...
Petrology of amphibolite-facies mafic and ultramafic rocks from the Catalina Schist, southern California: metasomatism and migmatization in a subduction zone metamorphic setting

The Catalina Schist of southern California is a subduction zone metamorphic terrane. It consists of three tectonic units of amphibolite-, high-P greenschist- and blueschist-facies rocks that are structurally juxtaposed across faults, forming an apparent inverted metamorphic gradient. Migmatitic and non-migmatitic metabasite blocks surrounded by a meta-ultramafic matrix comprise the upper part of the Catalina amphibolite unit. Fluid-rock interaction at high-P, high-T conditions caused partial melting of migmatitic blocks, metasomatic exchange between metabasite blocks and ultramafic rocks, infiltration of silica into ultramafic rocks, and loss of an albitic component from nonmigmatitic, clinopyroxene-bearing metabasite blocks. Partial melting took place at an estimated P=˜8–11 kbar and T=˜640–750°C at high H2O activity. The melting reaction probably involved plagioclase + quartz. Trondhjemitic melts were produced and are preserved as leucocratic regions in migmatitic blocks and as pegmatitic dikes that cut ultramafic rocks. The metasomatic and melting processes reflected in these rocks could be analogous to those proposed for fluid and melt transfer of components from a subducting slab to the mantle wedge. Aqueous fluids rather than melts seem to have accomplished the bulk of mass transfer within the mafic and ultramafic complex.
Visually evoked cortical potentials in renal failure: Transient potentials☆

Transient visually evoked cortical potentials (VECPs) were recorded from patients with renal disease. Changes in VECP latencies are described for undialyzed patients, patients receiving dialysis therapy, and patients who received kidney transplants. Characteristics of VECP latencies in these patient groups as well as examples of changes in latency values with respect to time for two individual patients are examined. The basic overall finding is that the VECP latencies increase as a patient's clinical condition deteriorates and normalize as the condition improves.
Subclinical cardiac dysfunction and exercise performance in childhood cancer survivors

Background Although anthracycline cardiotoxicity is clearly related to the cumulative dose administered, subclinical cardiac dysfunction has been reported across a wide range of treatment regimens, and its clinical significance is still unclear. Purpose of this study is to investigate by exercise echocardiography for subclinical cardiac dysfunction in survivors of pediatric cancer treated with low-moderate anthracycline doses, and to evaluate whether it may alter the response of the cardiovascular system to dynamic exercise. Procedure Post-exercise left ventricular end-systolic wall stress (ESS), left ventricular posterior wall dimension and percent thickening at end systole, and cardiopulmonary exercise test-derived indexes of cardiac function were examined in 55 apparently healthy patients (mean age 13.5 ± 2.9 years, median anthracycline cumulative dose 240 mg/m2) and in 63 controls. Results Subclinical cardiac dysfunction was identified in 17 patients (30%) presenting reduced left ventricular posterior wall dimension or percent thickening, or increased values of left ventricular ESS as compared to controls (group A), while the remaining patients formed group B. Reduced oxygen consumption at peak exercise in both groups of patients was the only cardiopulmonary exercise test variable resulting significantly different between patients and controls: no differences were found among the groups of patients. Conclusions Our results confirm that even patients treated with a median anthracycline dose of 240 mg/m2 (range 100–490) are at considerable risk of exhibiting subclinical cardiac dysfunction that, however, does not seem to alter the physiologic response of the cardiovascular system to dynamic exercise. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:122–126. © 2010 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Cutaneous presentation of posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder

Posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a known complication of solid organ and bone marrow transplantation. However, cutaneous manifestation is an extremely rare phenomenon of this disorder. We describe a lung transplantation patient with cutaneous PTLD who presented with bilateral extremity nodules and fever.
An examination of undetected typing errors

Abstract We examine the effect of increasing word list size on the error rate of spelling correctors. An experiment on a large body of text shows that an increase in the word list size decreases the error rate.
ANALYZING POWERS IN 208Pb(p,t)206Pb TRANSITIONS

Abstract A 40 MeV polarized proton beam was used to induce ( p , t) transitions to the lowest 0 + , 2 + , 4 + and 6 + states in 206 Pb. The analyzing power of the L = 0 transition was well fit by zero-range DWBA, but only qualitative agreement was obtained for the L = 2, 4 and 6 transitions.
Scrotal hematocele as an unusual presentation of blunt abdominal trauma in three male infants

Three infants presented with bluish discoloration and swelling of the scrotum with no history of scrotal trauma. Sonography revealed unilateral hematoceles in 2 cases and bilateral hematoceles in the third. All 3 infants had intact testes. The communicating hematoceles were the result of hemoperitoneum due to splanchnic hematoma.
Oxidatively Modified Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) Inhibits TLR2 and TLR4 Cytokine Responses in Human Monocytes but Not in Macrophages

Inflammation characterized by the expression and release of cytokines and chemokines is implicated in the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Oxidatively modified low density lipoproteins, central to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, have been reported to signal through Toll-like receptors (TLRs), TLR4 and TLR2, in concert with scavenger receptors to regulate the inflammatory microenvironment in atherosclerosis. This study evaluates the role of low density lipoproteins (LDL) and oxidatively modified LDL (oxmLDL) in the expression and release of proinflammatory mediators IκBζ, IL-6, IL-1β, TNFα, and IL-8 in human monocytes and macrophages. Although standard LDL preparations induced IκBζ along with IL-6 and IL-8 production, this inflammatory effect was eliminated when LDL was isolated under endotoxin-restricted conditions. However, when added with TLR4 and TLR2 ligands, this low endotoxin preparation of oxmLDL suppressed the expression and release of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNFα but surprisingly spared IL-8 production. The suppressive effect of oxmLDL was specific to monocytes as it did not inhibit LPS-induced proinflammatory cytokines in human macrophages. Thus, TLR ligand contamination of LDL/oxmLDL preparations can complicate interpretations of inflammatory responses to these modified lipoproteins. In contrast to providing a proinflammatory function, oxmLDL suppresses the expression and release of selected proinflammatory mediators.
Monte Carlo simulation of triblock copolymer thin films

Abstract The morphologies of Am1B2nAm2 and AmBnCp triblock copolymer melt films confined between two hard walls are investigated via Monte Carlo simulations on simple cubic lattices. Depending upon the thickness of the film, parallel, perforated, mesh-like and normal lamellae can occur in A5B10A5 melts. Consequently, no sudden transition occurs between the parallel and normal lamellae. The ratio m1/m2 also affects the morphology of the Am1B2nAm2 melts. As the ratio is decreased, the microdomains become softer and the boundaries between different phases less sharp. In the AmBnCm systems, lamellar morphologies are present in a wide composition range, when the interaction energies between them and between each of them and vacancies (V) ϵAB=ϵAC=ϵBC=0.3, ϵAV=ϵBV=ϵCV=0, ϵAA=ϵBB=ϵCC=ϵVV=0 and the walls are neutral. By increasing the interactions between different kinds of segments from 0.3 to 1, major changes in morphology take place. The preference of the walls for various blocks greatly affects the morphologies and orientations of the microdomains.
Checks and balances in EU State aid procedures: should more be done to protect the rights of aid recipients and third parties?

A recent Advocate General’s Opinion in the long-running Scott Paper saga has again called into question the procedural fairness of the European Commission’s State aid procedures. This paper examines issues of due process in State aid cases and suggests that it may now be time to consider fundamental procedural reform. Issues discussed include the limited rights afforded to aid recipients and interested third parties, the often excessive length of State aid procedures, and the inadequacy of the appeals process. We submit that modern State aid enforcement calls for procedural reform.
Mechanisms by which lead depresses linear and ponderal growth in weanling rats.

Lead is known to reduce linear and ponderal growth in children, even at levels of exposure common in the general population. The mechanism involved is not known. The present study was conducted in order to establish the role of food consumption and insulin-like growth factor (IGFI), also commonly known as somatomedin C (SmC), in lead-induced reduction in growth in weanling rats. A further purpose was to test the hypothesis that depressed growth could be prevented by administration of growth hormone and thyroxine, a procedure which prevents arrested growth due to hypophysectomy. Treatment with growth hormone in combination with thyroxine had no effect on depressed growth or food consumption. The reduction in linear and ponderal growth due to lead (approximately 17%) could be largely though not completely accounted for on the basis of reduced food consumption, apparently by a mechanism not involving growth hormone or thyroxine (see above). Plasma SmC was reduced in proportion to reduced food intake, regardless of whether due to Pb or to restriction of food intake in a pair-feeding experiment thereby ruling out an effect of lead on SmC synthesis or activity other than through reduced food consumption. The experiments leading to these conclusions all involved administration of lead in the drinking water, suggesting the possibility that reduced food consumption was peripherally mediated as a result of contact of lead with appetite-depressant receptors in the gastrointestinal tract, e.g., taste receptors. An additional experiment therefore was conducted comparing food consumption and growth resulting from oral lead administration to subcutaneous administration. Similar depressant effects on food consumption and growth resulted at similar concentrations of lead and zinc protoporphyrin in blood. These effects were significantly greater following oral administration, however, suggesting that lead depresses appetite by both a systemic mechanism and one operating at the level of the gastrointestinal tract.
Sulfur-Induced Pentacoordination in Cyclic Silanes1

Reaction of dichlorosilanes with diols in the presence of Et3N in toluene solution gave the monocyclic silanes S[(t-Bu)2C6H2O]2Si(Ph)Me (1), S[(t-Bu)2C6H2O]2SiPh2 (2), S[t-BuMeC6H2O]2Si(Ph)CHCH2 (3), and S[Me2C6H2O]2SiPh2 (4). X-ray structural analysis revealed that the silanes 1−3 exhibited varying degrees of sulfur−silicon donor coordination, giving geometries intermediate between a tetrahedron and a trigonal bipyramid. The eight-membered ring, common to 1−3, which contained the sulfur atom as a bridge between two aryl groups, resided in a syn or boatlike conformation. For the cyclic silane 4 having the same type of ring composition, X-ray analysis showed no sulfur−silicon interaction, and the ring in this case was in an anti or chairlike conformation. Similar to that observed with pentaoxyphosphoranes possessing the same type of sulfur-containing eight-membered ring, sulfur donor ability increased with an increase in alkyl substitution on the ring aryl components (t-Bu > Me). Sulfur coordination in the...
Cure Parameters and Phase Behavior of An Ultraviolet-Cured Polymer-Dispersed Liquid Crystal

Abstract Using calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy we have investigated the formation energetics and kinetics as well as the phase behavior of an ultraviolet-cured polymer-dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) system. The purpose of this work was to determine those cure conditions which lead to liquid crystal microdroplet formation. We have found that a range of cure temperatures exists in which the degree of polymer cure is highest. In this range phase separation of liquid crystal from the polymer is maximized, and the best droplet microstructure occurs. Samples cured in the optimum temperature range also have the highest nematic-isotropic transition temperature. Results of calorimetric and electron microscopic studies are presented.
Relating spatial patterns of sugar maple reproductive success and relative deer density in northern New York State

Abstract Previous studies of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) reproduction and its potential controlling factors have been performed on fine spatial scales (e.g. 10,000 m, high deer densities were not necessarily associated with poor maple reproductive success. Lack of a broad-scale relationship between deer densities and SMRS does not preclude relationships at fine spatial scales (
Current experience with computed tomographic cystography and blunt trauma.

We present our experience with computed tomographic (CT) cystography for the diagnosis of bladder rupture in patients with blunt abdominal and pelvic trauma and compare the results of CT cystography to operative exploration. We identified all blunt trauma patients diagnosed with bladder rupture from January 1992 to September 1998. We also reviewed the radiology computerized information system (RIS) for all CT cystograms performed for the evaluation of blunt trauma during the same time period. The medical records and pertinent radiographs of the patients with bladder rupture who underwent CT cystography as part of their admission evaluation were reviewed. Operative findings were compared to radiographic findings. Altogether, 316 patients had CT cystograms as part of an initial evaluation for blunt trauma. Of these patients, 44 had an ultimate diagnosis of bladder rupture; 42 patients had CT cystograms indicating bladder rupture. A total of 28 patients underwent formal bladder exploration; 23 (82%) had operative findings that exactly (i.e., presence and type of rupture) matched the CT cystogram interpretation. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CT cystography for detection of bladder rupture were 95% and 100%, respectively. For intraperitoneal rupture, the sensitivity and specificity were 78% and 99%, respectively. CT cystography provides an expedient evaluation for bladder rupture caused by blunt trauma and has an accuracy comparable to that reported for plain film cystography. We recommend CT cystography over plain film cystography for patients undergoing CT evaluation for other blunt trauma-related injuries.
Critical current pulling and differential resistance of two coupled superconducting weak links

The differential resistance of two indium microbridges connected in series is investigated and the observed variations are interpreted in terms of various interaction effects between the superconducting weak links. The locking of critical currents and the sharpening of the resistive transition observed in an earlier experiment are now explained on the basis of an ac quasiparticle effect.
Assessment of NARCCAP model in simulating rainfall extremes using a spatially constrained regionalization method

Capturing the intensity and return period of extreme rainfall events in the historic record and projecting them into the future are essential to managing, planning, and designing infrastructure. In this study, we assess the performance of the combination of four General Circulation Models (GCMs) and six Regional Climate Models (RCMs) that comprise the North American Regional Climate Change Assessment Program (NARCCAP) and evaluate their performance in simulating rainfall extremes in the continental United States. We adopt a regionalization method to objectively delineate 12 regions in the continental United States with relatively homogenous annual maximum 24-h rainfall patterns from the North American Regional Reanalysis (NARR) data set. We then compare the Intensity–Duration–Frequency (IDF) curves generated from control simulations of NARCCAP models with those from NARR in each of these regions. We find significant spatial variability of model performance. The models perform reasonably well in many parts of the country, but poorly in the southeastern United States. The GCM providing boundary conditions strongly influences results – output from those RCMs driven by the Community Climate System Model (CCSM) and Canadian Global Climate Model version 3 (CGCM3) matched the NARR data best. Performance of individual RCMs also varied, often in response to nudging, wherein the regional model is constrained by the GCM fields. We also measure changes in bias-corrected IDF curves generated from NARCCAP projections of the future. In most regions, most models project intensified 24-h rainfall events in the future (exceptions include some model-projected decreases in southern California, the extreme north-central US, Florida, and the Texas Plains). This study provides a valuable means of assessing NARCCAP models' performance in simulating rainfall extremes at the regional scale and understanding how the GCMs, RCMs, and spatial variability affect model performance.
Efficient and flexible simulation of phase locked loops, part I: Simulator design

Although phase-locked loops (PLLs) are arguably the most ubiquitous control loop designed by humans, system theory analysis seems to lag behind the practice of implementation. In particular, full simulation of PLLs is rare. This paper will explain the reasons for this and offer an efficient and flexible simulator for PLLs. This part presents the simulator requirements and design. Part II presents post processing methods and shows a design example.
An evaluation of airborne spacing in the terminal area

This paper describes a simulation conducted at NASA Ames Research Center to evaluate the feasibility and benefits of time-based airborne spacing and merging operations in terminal radar approach control (TRACON) airspace. Certified professional air traffic controllers managed simulated traffic in a rich future operational environment with flight management system (FMS) and automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipped aircraft flying charted FMS routes to final approach. A 2/spl times/2 repeated-measures design evaluated controller and pilot decision support tools (DSTs) for spacing and merging operations. In conditions with airborne spacing tools, 75 percent of the aircraft were equipped for airborne spacing, including single-piloted simulators flown by commercial pilots using cockpit display of traffic information (CDTI)-based DSTs. In conditions with ground-side spacing tools, controllers used standard terminal automation replacement system (STARS) displays augmented by a runway scheduler and timeline display, spacing advisories, and spacing feedback information. In all conditions, controllers maintained responsibility for separation. This research was conducted as part of the Advanced Air Transportation Technologies (AATT) project's distributed air ground traffic management (DAG-TM) element, with funding from the NASA Airspace Systems Program. DAG-TM research has been conducted at NASA Langley, Glenn, and Ames Research Centers.
Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Sequences Responsible for Activating Cellular Oncogenes

Integration of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) near the int genes results in the inappropriate expression of these proto-oncogenes and initiates events that lead to the formation of mammary adenocarcinomas. In most cases, the MMTV provirus integrates in a transcriptional orientation opposite that of the int genes. We have used a novel, vector-based system designed to recapitulate the integration of MMTV upstream of the int-2 promoter. Compared to a cellular promoter or another retroviral promoter, the MMTV long terminal repeat (LTR) in this configuration is particularly efficacious at activating the int-2 promoter. The sequences responsible for enhancing the activity of the int-2 promoter map to two domains in the 5' end of the MMTV LTR. One domain is a previously defined element; the second is an element delineated by these studies that acts synergistically with the first. Both of these elements display mammary cell-specific activity. Thus, even though the MMTV promoter itself is weak without hormonal stimulation, viral integration can position the 5' LTR elements to efficiently activate transcription from cellular proto-oncogenes. Other functional elements in the LTR have little effect on the activation of the int-2 promoter. Even stimulation of the MMTV promoter with steroid hormones only modestly activates transcription from the int-2 promoter, suggesting that the 5' elements of the LTR are the predominant determinants of the tissue- and orientation-specific activation of cellular promoters by MMTV.
The Process of Ending Abuse in Intimate Relationships A Qualitative Exploration of the Transtheoretical Model

This article explores the suggestion that the transtheoretical model of behavior change is a promising conceptual framework for understanding how women end abuse in their intimate relationships. In-depth interviews were conducted with 78 women who were either currently in or had recently left abusive relationships. Women talked about the following five stages of behavior change: (a) nonrecognition (precontemplation), (b) acknowledgment (contemplation), (c) consideration of options (preparation), (d) selection of actions (action), and (e) use of safety strategies to remain free from abuse (maintenance). These results suggest that the model is consistent with how women describe surviving their abusive situations, and they have implications for both research and practice.
High resolution Sm–Nd garnet geochronology reveals the uneven pace of tectonometamorphic processes

Abstract Chemically zoned garnets provide a record of the changing conditions within the tectonically evolving crust where metamorphic mineral growth occurs. Recent advances in Sm–Nd geochronology of zoned garnets now permit the measurement of a higher resolution temporal record than previously attainable. Here, we present precise ( P – T changes. These data show that tectonometamorphic processes leading to garnet growth (such as exhumation, fluid flow, and/or heating) were pulse-like in nature, rather than slow and steady, during the waning stages of the Alpine orogeny 28–20 million years ago.
Neuromuscular activation and motor-unit firing characteristics in cerebral palsy

Muscle strength, neuromuscular activation, and motor-unit firing characteristics (firing rate, recruitment, and short-term synchronization) were assessed during voluntary contractions of the medial gastrocnemius (GAS) and tibialis anterior (TA) muscles of 10 participants with spastic diplegic or hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP). The participants (six females, four males; age range 6 to 37y) walked with equinus gait at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels II to III. These were compared with 10 age-matched controls (five females; age range 7 to 35y). Neuromuscular activation was estimated by the ratio of surface electromyogram amplitude to M-wave amplitude elicited by supramaximal electrical nerve stimulation. Participants with CP produced significantly less torque (normalized by leg length) compared with controls (TA: mean 2.3, SD 1.6 vs mean 8.9, SD 3.4N m/m; GAS mean 13.7, SD 7.1 vs mean 28.6, SD 5.1Nm/m, p<0.001). Neuromuscular activation during maximum voluntary contraction was significantly reduced in the participants with CP compared with controls (mean 2.4, SD 1.5 vs mean 9.7, SD 2.7Nm/m for TA; mean 1.04, SD 0.41 vs mean 3.1, SD 1.2Nm/m for GAS, p<0.001). When compared at the same submaximal level of neuromuscular activation, motor-unit recruitment and firing rates were not different between the groups, although short-term synchronization in TA was reduced in the participants with CP. These data indicate that weakness, known to be an important component of the motor deficit in CP, has a strong central component. Although the relation between recruitment and firing rate remained substantially intact at the low and moderate force contractions tested, results suggest that the participants with CP were unable to recruit higher threshold motor units or to drive lower threshold motor units to higher firing rates.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 2 Plays a Role in the Activation of Aortic Endothelial Cells by Oxidized Phospholipids

Objective— Previous studies have shown that oxidized products of PAPC (Ox-PAPC) regulate cell transcription of interleukin-8, LDL receptor, and tissue factor. This upregulation takes place in part through the activation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and Erk 1/2. The present studies identify vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) as a major regulator in the activation of SREBP and Erk 1/2 in endothelial cells activated by Ox-PAPC. Methods and Results— Ox-PAPC induced the phosphorylation of VEGFR2 at Tyr1175 in human aortic endothelial cells. Inhibitors and siRNA for VEGFR2 decreased the transcription of interleukin-8, LDL receptor, and tissue factor in response to Ox-PAPC and the activation of SREBP and Erk 1/2, which mediate this transcription. We provide evidence that the activation of VEGFR2 is rapid, sustained, and c-Src–dependent. Conclusions— These data point to a major role of VEGFR2 in endothelial regulation by oxidized phospholipids which accumulate in atherosclerotic lesions and apoptotic cells.
Dynamic accommodation in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract The dynamics of Edinger–Westphal (EW) stimulated accommodation were studied in two young rhesus monkeys to understand the relationships between accommodative amplitude and rates of accommodation and disaccommodation. Accommodative responses were recorded with infrared photorefraction at five different amplitudes spanning the full EW stimulated accommodative range available to each eye. Combined exponential and polynomial functions were fit to the accommodation and disaccommodation responses. Derivatives of these functions provided the maximum rates of accommodation and disaccommodation as well as time constants for each amplitude. Maximum rates of EW stimulated accommodation and disaccommodation were found to increase linearly with amplitudes from 0.58 to 17.41 D in the two monkeys. The results suggests that the rate of EW stimulated accommodation is dictated by the amplitude. We conclude that if dynamic accommodative responses are to be compared in monkeys of different ages it is necessary to compare responses for the same accommodative amplitudes in order to draw conclusions about age related changes.
Balancing Between Empirically-Supported Methods and Individualized Treatment Design in the Case of Geoffrey

This is a response to the commentaries by Dr. Knight (2008) and Dr. Hyer (2008) on “The Case of Geoffrey” (Mohlman et al., 2008). The response focuses on three major themes: the notion of cultural competence in the psychotherapeutic setting; possible risks inherent in and alternatives to the medicalization of mental health treatment for older adults; and the growing use of cognitive remediation in the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We also address some of the other excellent issues raised by Drs. Knight and Hyer regarding cohort effects in the study of older therapy clients and missing elements in the case of Geoffrey.
Angiographic demonstration of inhibition of methyl‐ergonovine‐induced coronary vasospasm in a patient with sudden death

A case is presented illustrating the association of spontaneous coronary vasospasm with sudden death. Serial angiography and challenge with methyl-ergonovine were performed to document the effectiveness of medial therapy. The use and safety of ergonovine testing in patients with spasm-related sudden death are reviewed.
Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 film formation from selenization of mixed metal/metal-selenide precursors

For Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 films made by the selenization of metallic precursors, Ga accumulation at the back contact prevents the achievement of high voltage solar cells. In this work, selenization of mixed metal/metal-selenide precursors has been studied with respect to the composition distribution and device performance. Precursors consisting of Cu-Se/Ga/In and (In,Ga)-Se/Cu were reacted in H 2 Se at 450°C for 5, 15, and 90 minutes with metallic Cu 0.8 Ga 0.2 /In precursors as a control. Ga accumulation near the back contact in the selenized films was generally observed except for one precursor with a Cu-Se/Ga/In structure, which showed a hill-like Ga profile with the maximum Ga concentration in the middle of the film. Enhanced Ga incorporation into the Cu(In,Ga)Se 2 is shown by XRD for the precursors made from electrochemically deposited copper-selenium and changes in the bandgap were observed in the device behaviors.
Pollen–vegetation relationships along steep climatic gradients in western Amazonia

Question: How accurately do Amazonian montane forest pollen spectra reflect the vegetation? Can compositional changes observed in the vegetation along environmental gradients be identified in the pollen spectra? How well do herbarium collection data and bioclimatic envelopes represent abundance changes along elevation gradients? Location: Amazonian montane forests, Peru. Methods: Moss polsters collected along five altitudinal transects spanning over 3000 m a.s.l. were used to characterize pollen spectra. Vegetation plot data from a network of 15 1-ha permanent plots were used to correlate pollen spectra with present-day vegetation. Probability density functions (PDFs) fitted to pollen and plot data allowed comparisons using Spearman correlation coefficients. Ordination analyses were used to summarize changes in pollen spectra. Correlations between pollen-based PDFs and previously-published herbarium collection PDFs were also evaluated. Results: Pollen spectra closely reflected changes in species composition along elevation gradients. A mid-elevation shift in pollen spectra was identified using ordination analyses. Pollen spectra from the driest forest in our data set were statistically different from those of wet forests. Pollen abundance PDFs along the altitudinal gradient were significantly correlated (P<0.01) with PDFs fitted to plot abundance, basal area and herbarium collection data for ten out of 11 taxa analysed. Conclusions: Pollen spectra closely reflected the vegetation composition of Amazonian montane forests. The differentiation of pollen spectra from dry localities showed the potential of genus-level pollen data to reflect precipitation gradients. Pollen spectra also reflected mid-elevation compositional changes well along the lower elevation limit of ground cloud formation. Despite collection biases, herbarium-based bioclimatic envelope PDFs also represented well forest compositional changes along elevation gradients.
Modeling of Blue Phase Liquid Crystal Displays

We propose a numerical model based on Kerr effect for simulating the electro-optics of polymer-stabilized blue phase liquid crystal displays (BP-LCDs). Parameters affecting the electro-optics of BP-LCDs in in-plane-switching (IPS) structures, such as wavelength, temperature, electrode dimension, and cell gap are investigated. In addition, viewing angle and color shift of IPS BP-LCDs are studied.
A Direct Optimization Based Tool to Determine Orbit-Raising Trajectories to GEO for All-Electric Telecommunication Satellites

In this paper, we consider the development of an optimization solver that provides optimal low-thrust trajectories to the Geostationary Orbit, starting from an arbitrary orbit into which the satellite has been injected by an appropriate launch vehicle. Based on a direct optimization methodology, we formulate a minimum-time orbit-raising problem and use solvers like IPOPT and LOQO to solve the resulting non-linear programming problem. The tool allows for consideration of on-board energy storage system that helps the satellite to thrust in the Earth’s shadow during an eclipse. Furthermore, the tool allows for the investigation of new scenarios from the point of view of reducing radiation damage incurred by the satellite during its transit through the Van Allen belt. For instance, we consider the case in which the satellite starting from an inclined orbit, delays any out-of-plane maneuvers until it crosses the inner Van Allen belt. The tool enables us to analyze electric orbit-raising scenarios for a variety of injection orbits and different technology alternatives (electric engines, on-board energy storage). We illustrate with numerical examples the usage of the developed tool for different orbit-raising examples. The development of this solver is a first-step towards an elaborate study of new mission scenarios for all-electric telecommunication satellites.
Time-resolved UV–IR pump-stimulated emission pump spectroscopy to probe collisional relaxation of the 8p2P3/2 state of Cs I

Abstract We describe and use a time-resolved pump-stimulated emission pump spectroscopic technique to measure collisional relaxation in a high-lying energy level of atomic cesium. Aligned 8 p 2 P 3/2 cesium atoms were produced by a pump laser. A second laser, the stimulated emission pump, promoted the population exclusively to the 5 d 2 D 5/2 level. The intensity of the 5 d D 5 / 2 2 → 6 s S 1 / 2 2 cascade fluorescence at 852.12 nm was monitored. The linear polarization dependence of the 6 s S 1 / 2 2 → 8 p P 3 / 2 2 → 5 d S 5 / 2 2 transition was measured in the presence of argon gas at various pressures. From the measurement, we obtained the disalignment cross sectional value for the 8 p 2 P 3/2 level due to collisions with ground-level argon atoms.
The Role of Reciprocity in Laws of War Training: Examples from Historical and Contemporary U.S. Practice

Though reciprocity is often stated as a force influencing both observance and non-observance of the laws of war, the literature has yet to include a detailed analysis of its role in military training. Instead, a majority of the scholarly literature on the subject emphasizes a legal or treaty rule-based perspective. This presents two limitations. First, a substantial quantity of primary source material pertaining to state practice goes underutilized. Second, limiting analysis to treaty rules overlooks how the laws of war are disseminated and promulgated to soldiers during training. Thus, a potentially important variable in laws of war adherence remains under examined. This paper analyzes historical and contemporary military training material including manuals, pamphlets, circulars and films. Research results suggest that reciprocity interacts in a varied, nuanced and dynamic manner in laws of war training. Specifically, the emphasis on reciprocity remains a consistent message in post-Vietnam War laws of war training. Furthermore, positive reciprocity in the form of a “Golden Rule” rationale is often used to justify adherence and remains included in recent, post-9/11 training material.
Coherence of medullary unit activity and sympathetic nerve discharge

Analyses in the frequency and time domains were used to study the relationships between the discharges of single brain stem neurons and postganglionic sympathetic nerves in baroreceptor-innervated and -denervated cats anesthetized with 5,5-diallylbarbiturate-urethan. Spike-triggered averaging was used initially to identify single neurons with sympathetic nerve-related activity in the medullary lateral tegmental field, rostral ventrolateral medulla, and medullary raphe. The discharges of such neurons were correlated to the 2- to 6-Hz rhythm in sympathetic nerve discharge (SND). Frequency-domain analysis revealed that the relationship between medullary unit activity and the sympathetic nerve rhythm was not fixed from cycle to cycle. First, the coherence values relating the activity of these neurons to SND were closer to zero than to unity in most cases. Second, whereas most of the power in the autospectra of SND was contained between 2 and 6 Hz, that in the autospectra of medullary unit activity was more evenly distributed over a much wider frequency band. These and other observations indicate that the 2- to 6-Hz rhythm is an emergent property of a network of brain stem neurons whose discharges are probabilistically rather than strictly related to the phases of the population rhythm.
Local and bulk hydration of zwitterionic glycine and its analogues through molecular simulations.

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to characterize the differences in hydration between glycine and two of its zwitterionic analogues: N,N-dimethylglycine and N,N,N-trimethylglycine (glycine betaine). The hydration of dodecane and oligo(ethylene glycol) was studied for reference. Both structuring and dynamics of bulk and bound water were examined using a variety of properties and at multiple concentrations. Metrics, such as radial distribution functions and residence times, were used to characterize hydration. Also, we used more specialized metrics that can discriminate between subtle differences in hydration, such as condensed phase order parameters, Voronoi tessellations, and multidimensional pair−pair correlation functions. Trimethylglycine was found to have a unique hydration shell that extends across the entire molecule and has no specific interactions between solute molecules. Also, we found that dimethylglycine has a similar hydration structure to that of trimethylglycine despite its hydrogen...
An Improved Approach of Grounding Grid Corrosion Diagnosis by Adding Touchable Nodes

To convert the uncertain branches with wide possible resistance ranges into clear branches with determined resistances,an improved approach is presented by digging and converting a few untouchable nodes into touchable nodes,and supplementing the corresponding tests.The completeness of test and the performing steps of the proposed approach are described.A genetic algorithm based method to determine the position of digging and adding touchable nodes is proposed,taking the minimum number of needed digging spots as its objective function.The coding of chromosomes is described.The ways to avoid the unfeasible solutions in the processes of initial population forming,crossover and mutation operations are discussed.The experiment on a grounding grid with sixty branches verifies the feasibility of the present approach.
Feasibility and Outcomes of Fetoscopic Tracheal Occlusion for Severe Left Diaphragmatic Hernia.

OBJECTIVE:To evaluate feasibility and initial outcomes of fetoscopic tracheal occlusion for severe diaphragmatic hernia compared with a historical cohort who had not received fetal tracheal occlusion.METHODS:Outcomes in a prospective observational cohort who underwent fetoscopic tracheal occlusion f
Reconstructing Lifeways in Ancient California: Stable Isotope Evidence of Foraging Behavior, Life History Strategies, and Kinship Patterns

This volume is the 18th publication by the Center for Archaeological Research at Davis (or CARD), which has been publishing archaeological research focused on California and the Great Basin since 1...
Energy-efficient magnetic 4-2 compressor

Abstract In this paper, we present a hybrid MTJ/CMOS based low-power design of a 4-2 compressor. Furthermore, to gain more energy efficiency we implemented the proposed design with carbon nanotube field effect transistor (CNFET) technology and compared it with the MTJ/CMOS design. Simulations are performed at 45 nm and 32 nm CMOS technology with perpendicular anisotropy CoFeB/MgO MTJ model using Cadence Spectre simulator. Simulation results indicate that our hybrid MTJ/CMOS-based design has about two times lower power-delay product compared to the previous CMOS-based designs. Also, our MTJ/CNFET compressor has more than 3.5 times lower PDP compared to the CMOS based design.
Evaluating the Evidence for More Frequent Than Annual HIV Screening of Gay, Bisexual, and Other Men Who Have Sex With Men in the United States: Results From a Systematic Review and CDC Expert Consultation.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended in 2006 that sexually active gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (MSM) be screened for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) at least annually. A workgroup comprising CDC and external experts conducted a systematic review of the literature, including benefits, harms, acceptability, and feasibility of annual versus more frequent screening among MSM, to determine whether evidence was sufficient to change the current recommendation. Four consultations with managers of public and nonprofit HIV testing programs, clinics, and mathematical modeling experts were conducted to provide input on the programmatic and scientific evidence. Mathematical models predicted that more frequent than annual screening of MSM could prevent some new HIV infections and would be more cost-effective than annual screening, but this evidence was considered insufficient due to study design. Evidence supports CDC’s current recommendation that sexually active MSM...
Linear autonomous control of electric vehicles charging in distribution systems

Integrating a large number of electric vehicles (EVs) represent a huge challenge to the electric utility distribution system. Therefore, proper control of EV charging is crucial for smooth and practical operation in these systems. This paper proposes an autonomous charge controller that takes a number of these practical issues into consideration. The controller prevents grid under-voltage issues and shaves the system loading profile while achieving good charging levels among different EVs connected to the system. It also takes into consideration the customers' preferences. The proposed controller is based on linear and explicit formulas that are derived and presented in this paper. Moreover, the effect of increased EV penetration on the proposed controller, was studied. The performance of the developed controller was tested by means of simulation and compared with the presented ones in literature. The results showed that the controller can accommodate increased penetration of EVs in distribution systems.
Galileo on the Mathematical Physics of Terrestrial Extrusion

We have seen that the empirical astronomical objections and the scriptural theological objections were not the only arguments against the Copernican system. Equally important, strong, and consequential were the mechanical physical objections, involving such phenomena as falling bodies, the motion of projectiles, and the extruding power of whirling. They presupposed Aristotelian physics, based on the principles that rest is the natural state and motion requires a force; and their refutation required a new physics, based on the principles of inertia or conservation of motion and the composition of motion into independent components. Galileo took the physical objections as seriously as the astronomical ones, although he conceived the refutation of the former earlier than the refutation of the latter, since the answers to the physical difficulties were implied by his earlier research into a new physics, whereas the astronomical answers were the result of the telescope.
Goals in Personality, Emotion, and Subjective Well-Being

Yogi Berra once said, “If you don’t know where you’re going, you’ll wind up somewhere else.” The humor of this statement almost disguises its wisdom. Without goals, human behavior would be random and directionless, and we would all doubtless end up somewhere other than where we would like to be. As we have seen so far, social cognitive psychology assumes that most important human activity is planful and is directed toward the attainment of desired ends and the avoidance of unwanted ends. Indeed, few beliefs are more central to our conceptions of human nature than those concerning our capacity for goal setting and self-regulation. Our ability to set goals, develop plans or strategies, and implement those plans influences our emotional states, our relationships with other people, and our adaptation to life’s challenges. Piaget (1967–1971) stated, “Life is essentially autoregulation” (p. 26), and indeed, research on learning in animals provides evidence for their capacity to engage in goaldirected behavior (Rescorla, 1987; Tolman, 1932/ 1967). However, human beings have developed a capacity for goal setting and self-regulation that goes far beyond that of other life forms. Indeed, our capacity for envisioning possible futures and guiding ourselves toward them over long stretches of time can be viewed as a uniquely human ability. Even the different human emotions are associated with different, largely social, goals (Lazarus, 1991a; Roseman, Wiest, & Swartz, 1994; Frijda, 1988).
Assessing spatial navigation tools with instructional hypermedia for cognitive science

We investigated the influence of spatial visualization, spatial reasoning, and environmental cognition skills on students' use of instructional hypermedia navigation tools. Forty undergraduate cognitive science students were randomly assigned to one of two hypermedia system conditions: a map-like navigation tool ("spatial" representation) or a menu-like navigation tool ("less spatial"). All students performed a searching activity, then browsed freely through the system. Students then commented on their perceptions of the system and drew concept maps of the contents. Regression analyses indicate that performance with the map-like navigation tool is positively correlated with environmental cognition, whereas performance with the menu-like navigation tool is positively correlated with spatial visualization and reasoning. The general findings suggest that spatial navigation tools should be incorporated into instructional hypermedia with less spatial navigation methods to complement students' spatial cognitive abilities.
Unpredictable points and stronger versions of Ruelle–Takens and Auslander–Yorke chaos

Abstract In this paper we generalize the notion of an unpredictable point in a semiflow, introduced by Akhmet and Fen in 2016, to the case of semiflows with arbitrary acting topological monoids. We then introduce the notions of strong Ruelle–Takens and strong Auslander–Yorke chaoticity in semiflows. We use unpredictable points in some statements involving these notions.
Evaluating the response of the PIPER scalable human body model across child restraining seats in simulated frontal crashes

Objective: Booster seats ensure appropriate belt fit for children that a traditional vehicle seat belt cannot offer to small occupants. In this study, the responses of the PIPER 6-year-old human bo...
A Changing Climatology of Precipitation Persistence across the United States Using Information-Based Measures

AbstractThe sequencing, or persistence, of daily precipitation influences variability in streamflow, soil moisture, and vegetation states. As these factors influence water availability and ecosyste...