cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The TeraNova platform: An integrated testbed for ultra-broadband wireless communications at true Terahertz frequencies

Abstract Terahertz (THz)-band (0.1 THz to 10 THz) communication is envisioned as a key technology to meet the demand for faster, more ubiquitous wireless communication networks. For many years, the lack of compact, fast and efficient ways to generate, modulate, detect and demodulate THz-band signals has limited the feasibility of such communication systems. Recently, major progress within different device technologies is finally closing the so-called THz gap. For the time being, communication testbeds have been developed at sub-THz frequencies, i.e., at or near the boundary with millimeter-wave communication systems. Nonetheless, higher carrier frequencies and their associated bandwidth are needed to meet the demand for much higher data rates. In this paper, the TeraNova platform, i.e., the first integrated testbed for ultra-broadband wireless communications at true THz-band frequencies, is presented. The system consists of a transmitter and a receiver based on Schottky-diode frequency multiplying and mixing chains able to up & down-convert an information-bearing intermediate frequency (IF) signal up to 40 GHz-wide between 1 and 1.05 THz, i.e., the first absorption-defined transmission window above 1 THz. Guided by the experimental characterization of the THz channel in terms of path-loss and noise, tailored framing, time synchronization, channel estimation and single- and multi-carrier modulation techniques are implemented in software and realized by a state-of-the-art arbitrary waveform generator and a digital storage oscilloscope at the transmitter and the receiver, respectively. Experimental results are presented herein to highlight the opportunities and challenges to unleash the potential of the THz band.
Tensor Programs III: Neural Matrix Laws.

In a neural network (NN), *weight matrices* linearly transform inputs into *preactivations* that are then transformed nonlinearly into *activations*. A typical NN interleaves multitudes of such linear and nonlinear transforms to express complex functions. Thus, the (pre-)activations depend on the weights in an intricate manner. We show that, surprisingly, (pre-)activations of a randomly initialized NN become *independent* from the weights as the NN's widths tend to infinity, in the sense of asymptotic freeness in random matrix theory. We call this the Free Independence Principle (FIP), which has these consequences: 1) It rigorously justifies the calculation of asymptotic Jacobian singular value distribution of an NN in Pennington et al. [36,37], essential for training ultra-deep NNs [48]. 2) It gives a new justification of gradient independence assumption used for calculating the Neural Tangent Kernel of a neural network. FIP and these results hold for any neural architecture. We show FIP by proving a Master Theorem for any Tensor Program, as introduced in Yang [50,51], generalizing the Master Theorems proved in those works. As warmup demonstrations of this new Master Theorem, we give new proofs of the semicircle and Marchenko-Pastur laws, which benchmarks our framework against these fundamental mathematical results.
A Model of Technology Incidental Learning Effects

Increases in technology use, among youth and adults, are concerning given the volume of information produced and disseminated in the modern world. Conceptual models have been developed to understand how people manage the large volume of information encountered during intentional learning activities with technology. What, if anything, do people learn when they happen upon news and other information while using technology for purposes other than learning? Questions like this highlight the need to understand incidental learning, i.e., learning that occurs when people, who are pursuing a goal other than learning such as entertainment, encounter information that leads to a change in thinking or behavior. In this article, we integrate theory and research from multiple scholarly literatures into the Technology Incidental Learning Effects (TILE) model, which provides a framework for future research on how incidental learning occurs and what factors affect this process. Current research on incidental learning can be informed by educational psychology scholarship on dual-processing, motivation, interest, source evaluation, and knowledge reconstruction. The TILE model points to many promising future directions for research with direct implications for modern society, including the need to better understand how and why people move from merely noticing to engaging with incidentally exposed information as well as how to help people successfully manage the large amounts of information they encounter when using technology for purposes other than learning.
Discovery of a Binary Brown Dwarf at 2?pc from the Sun

I am using multi-epoch astrometry from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) to search for new members of the solar neighborhood via their high proper motions. Through this work, I have identified WISE J104915.57–531906.1 as a high proper motion object and have found additional detections in images from the Digitized Sky Survey, the Two Micron All-Sky Survey, and the Deep Near-Infrared Survey of the Southern Sky. I have measured a parallax of 0496 ± 0037 (2.0 ± 0.15 pc) from the astrometry in these surveys, making WISE J104915.57–531906.1 the third closest system to the Sun. During spectroscopic observations with the Gemini Multi-Object Spectrograph at Gemini Observatory, an i-band acquisition image resolved it as a 15 (3 AU) binary. A spectrum was collected for the primary, which I classify as L8 ± 1. The secondary is probably near the L/T transition as well given that it is only modestly fainter than the primary (Δi = 0.45 mag).
The business cycle implications of fluctuating long run expectations

Abstract I consider a DSGE model where consumption depends on the present discounted value of wage and capital income. The agent is uncertain if these variables are stationary or non-stationary and puts positive probability on both representations. The agent uses Bayesian learning to update his probability weights on each model and these weights vary over time according to how well each model fits the data. The model exhibits an improved fit to the data relative to a no-learning benchmark. It requires half the standard deviation of exogenous shocks to match the volatility of output and still matches the relative volatilities of key business cycle variables. The model lowers the contemporaneous correlation of consumption and wages with output and generates positive autocorrelation in growth rates. Impulse responses exhibit persistent responses and forecast errors are positively serially correlated. Finally, in contrast to the existing literature, the model endogenously generates observed time varying volatility and long run predictability of business cycle variables, especially for investment, without generating counterfactually high serial correlation of forecast errors.
How often is the placenta included in human pregnancy research? A rapid systematic review of the literature

Background: The placenta is a complex organ that plays a vital role not only in nutrient transfer but also in directing maternal and fetal physiological processes across pregnancy. Due to its multi-functionality, assessing the placenta can provide critical information about maternal and child health and risks of adverse outcomes. Objective: We aimed to quantify the percentage of human pregnancy studies that include placenta data. Methods: We conducted a rapid review of pregnancy studies conducted in the US that were published as original research in PubMed in 2018. Human studies conducted during the second trimester, third trimester, or labor and/or delivery were eligible. The systematic search produced 1,448 publications. After screening and full article review, 290 studies met all eligibility criteria. We then extracted data on study design, reporting of placenta data, time and type of data collection, and study objective categorization. Results: In total, 32% of studies were randomized controlled trials; the remaining were observational studies. Only 14% included placenta data of any kind. A total of 10% included placenta data during pregnancy and 7% included data after delivery; only 2% included both. Most data during pregnancy were collected by ultrasound and most data on the delivered placenta were from pathology exams. Study objectives were focused on maternal and/or infant outcomes (99.7%), while only one study had a placenta outcome. Conclusion: Based on this rapid review, a small proportion of pregnancy studies use placenta data in research. The placenta, an essential component of understanding healthy or adverse outcomes, deserves much more attention in pregnancy research.
Immunotherapeutic strategies to target vulnerabilities in the Ebolavirus glycoprotein

The 2014 Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in West Africa and the subsequent outbreaks of 2018-2020 in Equator and North Kivu provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo illustrate the public health challenges of emerging and reemerging viruses. EVD has a high case fatality rate with a rapidly progressing syndrome of fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding diathesis. Recently, two monoclonal-antibody-based therapies received United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, and there are several other passive immunotherapies that hold promise as therapeutics against other species of Ebolavirus. Here, we review concepts needed to understand mechanisms of action, present an expanded schema to define additional sites of vulnerability on the viral glycoprotein, and review current antibody-based therapeutics. The concepts described are used to gain insights into the key characteristics that represent functional targets for immunotherapies against Zaire Ebolavirus and other emerging viruses within the Ebolavirus genus.
Whole Genome Sequencing of SARS-CoV-2: Assessment of the Ion Torrent AmpliSeq Panel and Comparison with the Illumina-MiSeq ARTIC Protocol.

Fast and effective methods are needed for sequencing of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genome to track genetic mutations and to identify new and emerging variants during the ongoing pandemic. The objectives were to assess the performance of the SARS-CoV-2 AmpliSeq research panel and S5 plug-in analysis tools for whole-genome sequencing analysis of SARS-CoV-2 and to compare the results with those obtained with the MiSeq-based ARTIC analysis pipeline, using metrics such as depth, coverage, and concordance of single-nucleotide variant (SNV) calls. A total of 191 clinical specimens and a single cultured isolate were extracted and sequenced with AmpliSeq technology and analysis tools. Of the 191 clinical specimens, 83 (with threshold cycle [CT] values of 15.58 to 32.54) were also sequenced using an Illumina MiSeq-based method with the ARTIC analysis pipeline, for direct comparison. A total of 176 of the 191 clinical specimens sequenced on the S5XL system and prepared using the SARS-CoV-2 research panel had nearly complete coverage (>98%) of the viral genome, with an average depth of 5,031×. Similar coverage levels (>98%) were observed for 81/83 primary specimens that were sequenced with both methods tested. The sample with the lowest viral load (CT value of 32.54) achieved 89% coverage using the MiSeq method and failed to sequence with the AmpliSeq method. Consensus sequences produced by each method were identical for 81/82 samples in areas of equal coverage, with a single difference present in one sample. The AmpliSeq approach is as effective as the Illumina-based method using ARTIC v3 amplification for sequencing SARS-CoV-2 directly from patient specimens across a range of viral loads (CT values of 15.56 to 32.54 [median, 22.18]). The AmpliSeq workflow is very easily automated with the Ion Chef and S5 instruments and requires less training and experience with next-generation sequencing sample preparation than the Illumina workflow.
Ultrasound as a diagnostic aid in diseases of the pelvis.

Abstract This study is an evaluation of the usefulness of pulsed echo ultrasound as a diagnostic aid in diseases of the pelvis. The results of the use of this technique in 100 patients, with suspected gynecologic lesions, are presented. Ultrasound appears to be a valuable aid when used in conjunction with other diagnostic procedures. By this method it is possible to outline and define soft tissue pathology not easily detectable by x-ray, and it provides a cross-sectional presentation, thus giving information in a different dimension than is exhibited by other techniques. This procedure is particularly helpful in differentiating between solid and cystic tumors, benign and malignant disease, and free and encysted fluid in the abdominal eavity.
Heterogeneous integration of OE arrays with Si electronics and micro-optics

This paper describes recent developments of the smart pixel array (SPA) technology for massively parallel optical interconnect applications. Built on Honeywell's commercially successful 850 nm vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSELs) technology, the SPA technology employs 2-dimensional (2D) VCSEL array. It aims to push optical interconnect density and capacity to a new level, which brings a total optical IO capacity in the order of 100s, to 1000s of gigabit per second (Gbps) to the chip-level. This technology has following unique features that makes it not only technically feasible but also practical for low cost manufacturing. First, it employs optoelectronic (OE) array based on the new generation of oxide-confined VCSELs that have desired characteristics such as very high speed, high efficiency, and good array uniformity. Second, the OE array has monolithically integrated VCSEL's and photodetectors (PD's) which provides true chip scale bi-directional optical I/O solutions. Third, it uses hybrid integration techniques such as solder bump bonding and wafer scale integration, the 2D arrays of VCSEL/PD can be seamlessly integrated with beam shaping micro-optics array, and the state-of-the-art Si-based VLSI electronic ICs. Last, and perhaps most importantly, all of the technology implementations follow the guideline of being compatible with mainstream low cost manufacturing practices.
Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs): Development of a Program for Improving African American Representation

Ethnic minorities, especially African Americans, remain underrepresented in a number of occupations, including those which might be identified as high-technology areas. Engineering is one such area where African Americans and other minorities (defined here as Hispanics and Native Americans) have been traditionally underrepresented. In the United States, approximately 3.5% of all engineers are African American, while African Americans account for about 6.4% of the college degrees, 11% of the workforce, and 12% of the total population (National Science Foundation, 1992; U.S. Department of Commerce, 1993). In 1989, the year corresponding to the decision to initiate the program described in this paper, the minority rate had increased to 9.2%, although African Americans accounted for only about 4.5% of the Bachelor's degrees in engineering (Carter & Wilson, 1992; National Science Foundation, 1992). A similar pattern emerges when analyzing the fields in which dagrees were obtained, approximately 6% of the bachelor's degrees attained by African Americans were in engineering, compared to 9% for Whites and 20% for Asian Americans (National Center for Education Statistics, 1989). Thus, despite some recent progress, African Americans remain underrepresented in the engineering field. While a substantial body of literature now exists concerning the
Retinoic acid is a modulator of thyroid hormone activation of Ca2+-ATPase in the human erythrocyte membrane.

Abstract The thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and 3,3',5-L-triiodothyronine (T3) stimulate plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (EC 3.6.1.3) activity in human erythrocytes by a mechanism independent of the cell nucleus. The current studies were conducted to determine the effect of retinoic acid on the extranuclear activation by T4 and T3 of Ca2+-ATPase in the human red cell. The retinoid inhibited basal and T4-stimulatable activity of that enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. At the highest tested concentration (10(-6) M), retinoic acid inhibited basal enzyme activity by 25% and T4-stimulated activity by 72%. A concentration as low as 5 x 10(-10) M retinoic acid shifted the dose-response curve of both T4 and T3 so that the concentration of each associated with maximal enzyme stimulation was 10(-9) M instead of 10(-10) M. Retinoic acid displaced [125I]T4 binding to red cell membranes as effectively as unlabeled T4. Retinol failed to influence either basal or T4-stimulated enzyme activity or to displace T4 binding. These results indicate that retinoic acid can partially block the T4 and T3 stimulation of Ca2+-ATPase in human red cell membranes and suggest a physiologic role for the retinoid as a modulator of this peripheral action of thyroid hormone. They suggest that the red cell membrane is an important site of action for this active retinoid.
Mouse Embryonic Stem (ES) Cell Culture

Mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells are used to generate mouse mutants by gene targeting and blastocyst-mediated transgenesis. ES cells must be cultured under conditions that prevent differentiation to maintain their ability to transmit altered alleles by contributing to the germ line. This unit describes one of the most common methods for culturing ES cells using mouse embryo fibroblast (MEF) feeder layers and recombinant leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) to prevent differentiation.
Glutamate as transmitter of hippocampal perforant path.

CERTAIN experimental manifestations of plasticity, such as habituation1–3 and long-term potentiation2,4–6, can be readily demonstrated at the perforant path-granule cell synapse in the fascia dentata, and these adaptations are believed to have behavioural counterparts. The perforant path–granule cell synapse may thus serve as a model for investigating the simplest components of behaviour and intellectual function. Detailed studies would, however, require knowledge of the transmitter used by the perforant path fibres. Quite apart from the problem of synaptic plasticity, identification of the perforant path transmitter would add substantially to our knowledge of excitatory transmitters in the central nervous system. Here we present pre- and postsynaptic evidence that these fibres use glutamate as their transmitter.
The Role of Extracellular Matrix and Activin-A in In Vitro Growth and Survival of Murine Preantral Follicles:

Extracellular matrix plays a key role in cell growth, survival, and differentiation in a wide array of tissue types through integrin-mediated signaling pathways and its interaction with growth factors. This study investigates the role of extracellular matrix and its interaction with activin-A on in vitro growth and survival of mouse preantral follicles. Preantral follicles isolated from 14-day-old immature mouse ovaries were cultured either 3 dimensionally using basement membrane matrix (growth factor - reduced matrigel) or 2 dimensionally on cover slips coated with a single component of extracellular matrix (fibronectin, collagen, or laminin), on polylysine (negative control), or in standard culture plates in a serum-free culture medium with or without activin-A for 7 days. Follicles cultured in matrigel maintained well their 3-dimensional structure compared to those cultured conventionally. This observation was confirmed by analyzing 3-dimensional images of follicles cultured in matrigel and standard culture plate using confocal microscopy. Furthermore, follicles displayed higher growth and survival rates and exhibited antral space formation as early as day 5 of culture when activin-A was added to matrigel; in contrast, the addition of activin-A had no effect on the growth and survival of follicles cultured on individual extracellular matrix components after 7 days of culture. These data may suggest that 3-dimensional culture with extracellular matrix and activin-A provides a better milieu for in vitro growth and survival of preantral follicles in immature mice.
Dry Reforming of Hydrocarbon Feedstocks

Developments in catalyst technology for the dry reforming of hydrocarbon feedstocks are reviewed for methane, higher hydrocarbons and alcohols. Thermodynamics, mechanisms and the kinetics of dry reforming are also reviewed. The literature on Ni catalysts, bi-metallic Ni catalysts and the role of promoters on Ni catalysts is critically evaluated. The use of noble and transitional metal catalysts for dry reforming is discussed. The application of solid oxide and metal carbide catalysts to dry reforming is also evaluated. Finally, various mechanisms for catalyst deactivation are assessed. This review also examines the various process related issues associated with dry reforming such as its application and heat optimization. Novel approaches such as supercritical dry reforming and microwave assisted dry reforming are briefly expanded upon.
A new MNOS charge storage effect

Abstract This paper describes a new charge storage effect occurring in MNOS tetrodes. The physical phenomenon used for charge storage is direct carrier injection over the Schottky barrier between silicon and gate insulator rather than tunnelling. This mechanism avoids the problem of high electrical fields and slow operating speeds inherent in previous MNOS structures. The basic memory cell is an n -channel MOS stacked gate tetrode which has the additional advantage of a built-in three dimensional bit selection. A simple physical model for the injection effect and the experimental results which characterize it are presented. The application of this effect to an electrically alterable read-only memory is described in detail.
THE MYTH OF NONACADEMIC EMPLOYMENT: OBSERVATIONS ON THE GROWTH OF AN IDEOLOGY

part-time?to be alarmed by the "present oversupply" in the administrative sectors of higher education. There a truly new sort of academic professional gains strength daily: the very expensive manager, employed chiefly to reduce costs elsewhere. Goldman's call for more attention to those variables that point toward full-time or part time employment such as race, sex, parent's education and occupation, and individual train ing must await further research, but I am cer tainly not indifferent to the egregious effect on women, denounced by Macke, Miller, and Wilk inson among others, the exploitation of part timers has often had. Moreover, I have often thought that my own lower middle class back ground, a feature I share with many of my part-time colleagues, significantly limited the success of the upward class shift my educa tional attainments would normally entail. In my extended family, mine is the first genera tion to acquire even undergraduate degrees; I am the only one who has sought to become a professional academic. My shortfall has, among other results, enhanced my class con sciousness and made me deeply suspicious of Storer's belief that "it is more merciful to provide some opportunity for the exercise of professional skills than none at all" (p. 211). I tend rather to think, with Deutsch, that such mercies betoken the cunning of academic man agers and manpower specialists, indifferent to the claims of justice or human needs, hell-bent on cost-reduction with minimal systemic re structuring. George Van Arsdale
Digitization of Selling Activity and Sales Force Performance: An Empirical Investigation:

Firms are creating a digitized selling capability by developing Web sites designed to provide information and conduct transactions with customers, replacing many routine sales force activities. The authors use the motivationability framework to shape a conceptual model that examines the effects of the digitization of selling activity on two salesperson outcomes: salesperson effectiveness and salesperson job-insecurity. Using data from salespeople in 168 firms, they assess the moderating effects of environmental-level motivational factors and firm-level ability factors on the impact of digitization of selling activity on salesperson effectiveness and job insecurity. The results reveal that digitization has the paradoxical effect of improving salesperson effectiveness and heightening job insecurity concerns, and also that managers can improve the technology-enabled multichannel capabilities of the firm by giving priority attention to human capital improvement, sales force control systems, and communication of the digitization strategy.
The Post-Kyoto

Abstract The Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force on 16 February 2005, commits developed countries to reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases by 5% in 2012 compared to 1990. Due to the abstention of the United States and the absence of constraint on Southern countries, the protocol establishes obligations only to countries that represent only 33% of global CO2 emissions. All the diplomatic effort is therefore to seek the commitment of discussion for the period after 2012 since it is likely that neither the United States nor China, nor India will adopt the Kyoto commitments. The participation of emerging countries is imperative. Europe has said his new commitment: at the European Council of 22 and 23 March 2005, Heads of State and Government of Member States concluded that should be considered for the group of developed countries, reduction profiles of about 15% to 30% by 2020. This new European order has nevertheless helped to advance the seminar which brought together in May in Bonn, stakeholders in the climate treaty. This meeting showed that progress was possible: two large southern states, Mexico and South Africa insisted that the next climate conference in Montreal in December adopts a negotiating mandate for a post-Kyoto agreement. The position of China has also evolved: climate change is a reality and a major concern but clean technology transfers from North to South are a prerequisite for engagement of the Southern countries. However, India remains on a more critical position, since it considers that the rich countries “continue to increase their emissions and violate their commitments in relation to financial assistance and technology transfer”. The president of the United States has estimated, July 7, 2005, that there was a consensus between members of the G8 on issues related to climate change, particularly on the need to start discussing commitments to be made for the period which succeed 2012 term of the Kyoto Protocol. This discussion of the future should involve the major emerging countries. The work started in 2005 by the “dialogue” on the long-term concerted action has produced promising results which at the Bali conference in December 2007, were the basis for the establishment of a special working group on the long term concerted action. The essential point of this second negotiation process is to search in the effort to integrate the developing countries and, more particularly, emerging economies such as China, India or Brazil, whose current emissions and/or projected should exceed those of developed countries during the first half of the twenty-first century. In retrospect, the progress obtained on this front is modest but significant, especially following the conference of Cancun in November-December 2010.
Mesozoic and Cenozoic extension recorded by metamorphic rocks in the Funeral Mountains, California

The Funeral Mountains metamorphic core complex, like so many of these complexes in the North American Cordillera, contains early ductile structures related to Mesozoic compressional tectonics that have been overprinted by structures related to later extension. The core-bounding detachment system formed in late Miocene time, and ductile extensional fabrics in its footwall have been viewed as evidence of a higher-temperature stage in the same event. Integrated structural analysis and geochronology, however, indicate that ductile fabrics with a transport direction similar to the northwest direction of movement on the detachment are part of an older extensional event of Late Cretaceous age. This event produced mylonitic fabrics, a dominant foliation, and well-developed mineral and stretching lineations. Mesoscopic folds and a widespread crenulation lineation that developed during a late stage in this event also are consistent with northwest-directed shear. Late Cretaceous mylonitic fabrics are related to extensional shear zones within the core complex that have small stratigraphic offsets but may represent significant structural and metamorphic discontinuities. Rocks in the footwall of the shear zones experienced mid-crustal depths that cannot be explained by the overburden available if the Funeral Mountains core rocks represent an intact block of Mesozoic crust. Instead, it appears that a significant section of mid-crustal material may have been excised in Late Cretaceous time by the combined Monarch Canyon and Chloride Cliff shear zones as the result of gravitational instability of an overthickened crust. In our interpretation, this early extension was made possible by a waning of compression within the Mesozoic thrust belt combined with a high regional heat flow due to the Sierran arc. This early extension took place 50 m.y. before development of the core-bounding detachment system, movement on which took place at low enough temperatures that deformation was predominantly brittle with some calc-mylonite fabric development. The youngest structures in the core are normal faults that cut the detachment and indicate a southwest transport direction orthogonal to those of both the earlier extensional events.
Minimal classification method with error-correcting codes for multiclass recognition

In this work, we develop an efficient technique to transform a multiclass recognition problem into a minimal binary classification problem using the Minimal Classification Method (MCM). The MCM requires only log2 N classifications whereas the other methods require much more. For the classification, we use Support Vector Machine (SVM) based binary classifiers since they have superior generalization performance. Unlike the prevalent one-versus-one strategy (the bottom-up one-versus-one strategy is called tournament method) that separates only two classes at each classification, the binary classifiers in our method have to separate two groups of multiple classes. As a result, the probability of generalization error increases. This problem is alleviated by utilizing error correcting codes, which results only in a marginal increase in the required number of classifications. However, in comparison to the tournament method, our method requires only 50% of the classifications and still similar performance can be attained. The proposed solution is tested with the Columbia Object Image Library (COIL). We also test the performance under conditions of noise and occlusion.
Figure drawing size as a reflection of self‐concept or self‐esteem

In two independent studies, objective measures of self-concept and selfesteem were assessed relative to the primary indicators of self-esteem or selfconcept in human figure drawings, size, area, etc. The results of both studies showed that when groups were differentiated significantly on either self-concept or self-esteem, the size of a figure drawn was not related to the level of self-concept or self-esteem.
Design of the monolithic polymers used in capillary electrochromatography columns

Monolithic columns for capillary electrochromatography (CEC) are receiving quite remarkable attention. Both the simplicity of the in situ preparation and the large number of readily available chemistries make the monolithic separation media a vital alternative to capillary columns packed with particulate materials. This review summarizes the current state-of-the-art in this rapidly growing area of CEC with a focus on monolithic capillary columns prepared from synthetic polymers. Recent achievements in column technologies for both high-performance liquid chromatography and capillary electrophoresis are used as the starting point to highlight the influence of these well established analytical methods on the development of monolithic capillary columns for CEC. The effects of individual variables on the separation properties of monolithic capillaries are discussed in detail. The analytical potential of these columns is demonstrated with separations involving various families of compounds in different chromatographic modes.
Preventing Problem Behaviors in Young Children with Disabilities

Young children with disabilities acquire behavior problems as a result of many factors. When planning interventions, it is important to remember that all children may display stages of inappropriate behaviors at various times during their early development. In most cases, the problems are short-lived and typically improve with guidance and age. There are children with continuing or increasing problem behaviors that result in injury to self or others or that cause damage to the environment; interfere with development, learning, and acquisition of new skills; or socially isolate the child. We discuss interventions and prevention strategies for young children with persistent and consistent behavior problems and present directions for future research.
Changes in corporate performance associated with bank acquisitions

Abstract This paper examines the post-acquisition performance of large bank mergers between 1982 and 1987. On the whole, the merged banks outperform the banking industry. Their better performance appears to result from improvements in the ability to attract loans and deposits, in employee productivity, and in profitable asset growth. Further, we find a significant correlation between announcement-period abnormal stock returns and the various performance measures, showing that market participants are able to identify in advance the improved performance associated with bank acquisitions.
Effects of pudendal nerve stimulation on neurons in pericruciate cerebral cortex of male domestic cats

Abstract The pudendal nerve, which innervates the anogenital region, has been implicated in micturition and in male sexual behavior. Electrical stimulation of this nerve in chloralose-anesthetized male cats evoked activity thoughout the anterior and posterior sigmoid, anterior ectosylvian, and anterior marginal gyri. The influence was bilateral at every site examined; no contralateral focus was found on the dorsum of the anterior hemisphere. The influence was not only bilateral, but of the same magnitude and nearly the same latency in both hemispheres. Furthermore, the gross potentials evoked by stimulation of either pudendal nerve were similar in configuration and amplitude to those evoked by ipsilateral forepaw and ipsilateral hind paw stimulation. Single-neuron recordings from four sites—medial and lateral precruciate and postcruciate—revealed that 17% of the sa neurons, 55% of the sb neurons, and 98% of the m neurons could be excited by pudendal nerve stimulation. Of the neurons tested and found to respond to the contralateral pudendal nerve, fully 98% also responded to the ipsilateral pudendal nerve. Some sa neurons that failed to respond to pudendal nerve stimulation were rendered less excitable to paw stimulation by conditioning stimulation of that nerve. These same sa neurons were also rendered less excitable to paw stimulation by conditioning stimulation of any of the other (nonexcitatory) paws. The property of coadunate behavior among the m neurons clearly included their responses to pudendal nerve stimulation. The numerous sensory inputs to m neurons—cutaneous, visual, auditory, vestibular, thoracic and pelvic splanchnic, and now pudendal—arrive via markedly different pathways, suggesting that the mechanism underlying coadunate behavior is to be found within the cerebral cortex itself. It is argued that in the intact, behaving animal these disparate sensory influences onto cerebral m neurons function to modulate the excitability of these neurons, their effective driving input arriving via the local sa (small-field) neurons that reside in layers II and III. It is further argued that some of these m neurons act to depress the excitability of certain sa neurons in their neighborhood.
Effect of an electric field on microstructure coarsening in 60Sn40Pb solder joints

Abstract The influence of an electrostatic field E=15 and 25 kV cm−1 on the microstructure coarsening in 60Sn40Pb solder joints annealed at 150 °C was determined. Without a field the following were found: (a) the eutectic Pb and Sn phase size distributions (PSDs) fit the Bitti–DiNunzio model, (b) the phase size coarsening time exponent m=0.25 and (c) the intermetallic compound (IC) growth time exponent p=0.33. The field had only a slight effect on the PSDs and on the time exponents m or p; it, however, retarded significantly the rates of phase coarsening and of IC growth. The mechanism by which the field produced the retarding effects is not clear. A likely possibility is that it reduced the governing diffusion coefficient.
Renal Insufficiency is an Independent Risk Factor for Complications After Partial Nephrectomy

Purpose: We identify and describe the postoperative outcomes of a single surgeon partial nephrectomy cohort. We performed univariate and multivariate analysis on preoperative patient characteristics, and their association with increased length of stay and postoperative complication rates.Materials and Methods: Perioperative characteristics of 146 consecutive patients undergoing partial nephrectomy were recorded. Postoperative complications were defined as those occurring within 30 days using the Clavien postoperative complication scale. We conducted logistic regression analysis to evaluate the development of complications and linear regression analysis to determine the effect on length of stay.Results: In a linear regression model patients with renal insufficiency had a mean of 1.7 ± 0.6 days longer length of stay compared to those with normal renal function (p = 0.006). Complications occurred in 48.5% in the renal insufficiency group compared with 16.8% in the other cohort (p = 0.0004). There were no mor...
Toxicokinetics of trifluralin in rainbow trout

Abstract Rainbow trout weighing 80 g were statically exposed at 12°C to 2 ng/ml 14C-trifluralin (TF), a widely used herbicide. After various exposure times, TF was determined in exposure water, plasma, and carcass homogenate; the total amount of metabolites formed was also estimated. A two compartment toxicokinetic model, that included gill plasma flow and the plasma/water distribution coefficient as model parameters, was used to analyze these concentration-time profiles. The value of the uptake clearance (33.3 ml·h−1·g−1) approximated the ventilation volume of the gills, an indication that TF uptake was water flow limited. The apparent volume of distribution was 3,240 ml/g. The model predicted BCF and depuration half-life were 2280 and 144 h. Five trout weighing between 238 and 1339 g received 1 mg/kg TF via intraaortic injection. The plasma concentration-time profile was characterized up to 240 h and analyzed using a three compartment model. TF distributed rapidly and extensively to tissues; its elimination half-life was variable, ranging from 54 to 290 h in three of the fish. In two fish, the plasma concentration-time profile showed no detectable decline between 50 and 240 h. A free fraction in plasma for TF of 0.39% was determined by equilibrium dialysis. Pretreatment of hepatic microsomes with TF in vitro and exposure of fish to TF in vivo prior to microsome preparation did not affect N-depropylase activity.
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of fluoxetine treatment for elderly patients with dysthymic disorder.

Objective The authors compared the efficacy and side effects of fluoxetine and placebo in elderly outpatients with dysthymic disorder. Methods Patients were randomly assigned to fluoxetine (20 mg–60 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks in a double-blind trial. Results Of 90 randomized patients, 71 completed the trial. In the intent-to-treat sample, random regression analyses of the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (Ham-D; 24-item) and Cornell Dysthymia Rating Scale (CDRS) scores at each visit produced significant time × treatment group interactions favoring the fluoxetine group. Analysis of percentage change in Ham-D scores yielded no effect for treatment group, but a similar analysis of percentage change in CDRS scores yielded a main effect for treatment group, favoring fluoxetine over placebo. In the intent-to-treat sample, response rates were 27.3% for fluoxetine and 19.6% for placebo. In the completer sample, response rates were 37.5% for fluoxetine and 23.1% for placebo. Conclusion Fluoxetine had limited efficacy in elderly dysthymic patients. The clinical features of elderly dysthymic patients are typically distinct from those of dysthymic disorder in young adults, and the findings suggest that treatments effective for young adult dysthymic patients may not be as useful in elderly dysthymic patients. Further research is needed to identify efficacious treatments for elderly patients with dysthymic disorder, and investigative tools such as electronic/computerized brain scans and neuropsychological testing may help identify the factors that moderate antidepressant treatment response and resistance.
Influence of growth temperature on fatty acids and phospholipids of Steinernema riobravis infective juveniles

Abstract 1. 1. The entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema riobravis grows and reproduces over a wide temperature range (15, 20, 25, and 30°C) in the insect host Galleria mellonella . 2. 2. The lipid content of S. riobravis varied in amount and composition. PE and PC were the two major constitutive classes of polar lipids whereas triglycerols were the major constitutive classes of neutral lipids. Lipid content of nematodes grown at 15°C was marginally lower than at other growth temperatures. Nematodes accumulated higher proportions of saturated fatty acids when grown at high temperature (30°C). 3. 3. The ability of S. riobravis to adjust its lipid and fatty acid composition in response to growth temperature could contribute to thermal tolerance. We recommend culturing S. riobravis at 25–30°C. At these temperatures more lipids are accumulated which may improve the physiological quality of S. riobravis compared to nematodes produced at lower temperatures (15–20°C). In addition, the growth and development cycle at high growth temperature in the insect cadaver is shorter compared to low temperature, which reduces the cost of mass production if applied in fermentation.
Thermal pretreatment of kudzu biomass (pueraria lobata) as filler in cost-effective pla biocomposite fabrication process

This article aims on the fabrication of cost-effective polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposites using kudzu biomass derivatives as new filler. In this way, it has been realized that pretreatment of the filler was an essential requirement. We demonstrated thermal pyrolysis process that targeted to extraction and isolation of all extractable and unnecessary compounds such as intracellular water and bio-oil from the biomass. Also, to further improve the compatibility of the filler with PLA, noncatalytic thermal esterification reactions of kudzu after thermal pyrolysis (called char) were carried out as second pretreatment stage in the presence of phthalic anhydride. Kudzu derivatives obtained from either first or second pretreatment reactions were melt-blended with PLA in various rates. The blends were then compression molded into dumbbell specimens. Physicomechanical properties of the prepared biocomposites were evaluated using several analytical techniques. It was found that biocomposites containing treated biomass had higher values of physicomechanical properties than untreated ones. The final rate of filler to PLA with acceptable properties was set up to 50%. Obviously, the cost of PLA can be reduced using higher rates of low-cost filler on a finished-product basis. Extracted valuable compounds from biomass via thermal pyrolysis could be another benefit of the process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:340–348, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Subepidermal Calcified Nodule in a 7-Month-Old Boy

A 7-month-old healthy white boy presented for evaluation of a papule on his right ear. His mother reported a small cut-like lesion at this site shortly after birth that had gradually grown over time. The patient was born full term via repeat cesarean section. On physical examination, located on the right superior helix, there was a 5-6 mm, pink, firm papule with a rough scaly surface and peripheral erythema (Figure 1). The lesion was shave excised and sent for histologic analysis. Microscopic examination revealed a defect of the epidermis with underlying fibrin deposits (Figure 2). Subjacent to the ulcer, there was chondroid tissue, granulation tissue with prominent vascularity, and an extensive amount of amorphous calcified material throughout the dermis extending to the base of the specimen (Figure 3). The clinical and pathologic findings were consistent with a subepidermal calcified nodule (SCN), an uncommon idiopathic calcinosis. The lesion was surgically removed with good results.
Metabolism of digestive products in the tsetse fly, Glossina morsitans

Abstract The metabolism of amino acids during early stages of the hunger cycle in the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans was investigated by the use of 14 C-labelled amino acids. Three types of amino acid were distinguished on the basis of utilization pattern. Amino acids of the first type, of which leucine is an example, were rapidly metabolized with the bulk of radioactivity appearing in carbondioxide. The early appearance of substantial radioactivity in proline suggests that their oxidation may in part involve a preliminary conversion to proline. Amino acids of the second type, with serine as an example, were less rapidly metabolized and the bulk of radioactivity appeared in uric acid. The supply of serine and glycine carbon for uric acid synthesis was supplemented by conversion of alanine, and other amino acids contributed to uric acid carbon to the extent that they constituted a source of alanine or of carbondioxide. The metabolism of the third type of amino acid, exemplified by proline and glutamate, was very much slower, apparently due to the sequestration of these substrates in the fat body. Amino acids of all categories were found to provide raw material for the synthesis of triglyceride stores to the extent that they contributed to the pool of acetyl CoA.
Some issues in the indexing of images

This article discusses some of the intellectual issues involved in the indexing of visual or pictorial images, postulating that the indexing of images should provide access to images based on the attributes of those images, and provide access to useful groupings of images, not simply access to individual images. The attributes of images can be divided into four categories: “Biographical” attributes, Subject attributes, Exemplified attributes, and Relationship attributes. When creating groupings of images, it is important to consider the following issues or questions: When should the grouping occur? What are the groupings based on? What level of detail is necessary? and What groupings will be useful? More research is needed into the ways images are sought and the reasons that they are useful. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.