cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms for plasma and reactive ion etch-front roughening

Through extensive $(2+1)$-dimensional numerical integration and Monte Carlo simulations, we compute the scaling exponents of a flux redistribution model that is proposed to describe plasma etching and reactive ion etching of surfaces. It is found that, while the surface morphology depends on the etching conditions, the roughness exponent \ensuremath{\alpha}, the growth exponent \ensuremath{\beta}, and the dynamic exponent z are universal with regard to the details of the re-emission mechanism and are given by $\ensuremath{\alpha}\ensuremath{\approx}\ensuremath{\beta}\ensuremath{\approx}z\ensuremath{\approx}1.$ These exponents are in agreement with recent experiments on plasma etch-front roughening.
Effects of particle drifts on the solar modulation of galactic cosmic rays

Gradient and curvature drifts in an Archimedean-spiral magnetic field are shown to produce a significant effect on the modulation of galactic cosmic rays by the solar wind. The net modulation, heliocentric radial gradient, and average energy change of particles which reach the inner solar system are significantly reduced. The effects of drifts are due to the fact that cosmic rays for which the drift velocity is comparable to the wind velocity or larger, have more rapid access to the inner solar system than in the absence of drifts.
Traumatic Brain Injury: Mechanical Response of Porcine Brain Under High Strain Rate Tests

The brain is one of the most critical organs of the human body during life-threatening and injury sustaining accidents. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to mechanical insult of the head is a leading cause of death and life-long disability in the United States. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) has estimated that, on average, 1.4 million Americans sustain TBI every year, 20% of which are the result of motor vehicle-traffic accidents. Nearly 50,000 people die of TBI each year. Around 5.3 million Americans currently have long-term disabilities after sustaining a TBI. Some of these long-term disabilities are linked to functional changes affecting thinking, sensation, language and emotions [1]. Direct and indirect medical costs related to TBI amounted to an estimated $60 billion in the United States in 2000 [2]. TBIs have a deep impact on our society and require effective protective measures to curb consequent injuries and disabilities [3].Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Morphology of Semicrystalline Block Copolymers of Ethylene-(Ethylene-alt-propylene)

The morphology of a series of ethylene-(ethylene-alt-propylene) diblock copolymere (E/EP), in which microphase separation is driven by crystallization, has been investigated. The E/EP diblock were prepared by catalytic hydrogenation of narrow-distribution butadiene-isoprene diblocks. All the diblocks crystallized from single-phase melts so that the morphology and domain size were not restricted by «freezing» of a microphase-separated melt. The E/EP diblock adopted a lamellar morphology over the full range of compositions studied (E block fractions ranging from 0.12 to 0.56), and also exhibited spherulitic superstructure
Stability, bounds and approximation in asymmetric buffered aloha-type systems

Random access protocols have been studied since 1970 when Norman Abramson proposed the simplest version of the protocol called ALOHA protocol. Since that time ALOHA-type protocols have received a tremendous amount of attention, both from theoreticians and from engineers. Three types of problems have been always associated with the protocol, namely: stability, (exact) analysis and approximations. The behavior of the original ALOHA protocol with unbuffered users is more or less understood, however, there are still some open problems. In this paper we focus our attention on an asymmetric buffered ALOHA system, i.e., we assume that users have buffers of infinite capacity. So far a good analytical model for the protocol is not available. The stability problem (ergodicity of the associated Markov chain) is still open, however, some progress has been noticed recently. The queue length and waiting time analyses are very scarce, and only some approximations and bounds are known. This paper is a limited survey paper on stability problems, bounds and approximation in the asymmetric buffered ALOHA system.
Late pleistocene paleotemperature oscillations defined by silicoflagellate changes in a subantarctic deep-sea core

Abstract Paleotemperature oscillations have been examined in a late Pleistocene subantarctic core (E 33-22) using silicoflagellates and planktonic foraminifera. A paleotemperature record of 450,000 years is inferred. High frequency peaks of the silicoflagellate genus Dityocha alternate with intervals made up almost exclusively of the genus Distephanus and lacking Dictyocha. Dictyoch peaks closely correspond with peaks of warm-water foraminifera, and intervals of Distephanus correspond with cooler planktonic foraminiferal assemblages. Silicoflagellate, foraminiferal and calcareous nannofossil trends correspond in most cases, although two important discrepancies occur. The potential of the silicoflagellates as Pleistocene paleotemperature indicators has been shown.
Blood serum cholesterol levels in turtles.

Abstract 1. 1. Determination of spectrophotometric methods of the blood serum cholesterol of 10 species of turtles representing 2 families yielded total cholesterol values ranging from 78 to 480 mg/100 ml of serum. 2. 2. Differences in serum cholesterol levels between the 2 families suggest a phylogenetic aspect.
Transcription: the epicenter of gene expression

The complexity of a living organism is not driven by gene number but gene regulation. Controlling which genes to express and to what extent dictates the subsequent cell identity. Transcription, the critical initial stage in gene expression, is regulated delicately to maintain the cell status. Recent developments in the genomic approaches provided unparalleled coverage of the study of transcription. Still, basic molecular biology and biochemistry are providing mechanistic insights into how the regulation is achieved. In this feature “Regulation of transcription: mechanisms and biological functions”, the latest advances in epigenetics, mRNA processing, RNA quality control, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transactivation are discussed.
Disruption of model cell membranes by carbon nanotubes

Abstract Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have one of the highest production volumes among carbonaceous engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) worldwide and are have potential uses in applications including biomedicine, nanocomposites, and energy conversion. However, CNTs possible widespread usage and associated likelihood for biological exposures have driven concerns regarding their nanotoxicity and ecological impact. In this work, we probe the responses of planar suspended lipid bilayer membranes, used as model cell membranes, to functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, and a control organic compound, melittin, using an electrophysiological measurement platform. The electrophysiological measurements show that MWCNTs in a concentration range of 1.6–12 ppm disrupt lipid membranes by inducing significant transmembrane current fluxes, which suggest that MWCNTs insert and traverse the lipid bilayer membrane, forming transmembrane carbon nanotubes channels that allow the transport of ions. This paper demonstrates a direct measurement of ion migration across lipid bilayers induced by CNTs. Electrophysiological measurements can provide unique insights into the lipid bilayer–ENPs interactions and have the potential to serve as a preliminary screening tool for nanotoxicity.
Patterns of IgG subclass deposits in membranous glomerulonephritis in renal allografts.

Abstract Background Membranous glomerulonephritis (MGN) may develop in the renal allograft either de novo or as a recurrence. These 2 forms of MGN may have different pathogenic mechanisms, with different IgG subclass profiles in the immune deposits. This study examined IgG subclass distributions in recurrent and de novo MGN in allograft kidneys. Methods We identified allograft kidneys with MGN, including 7 with recurrent MGN, 2 with de novo MGN, and 2 atypical/indeterminate, and determined the relative intensity of IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 staining in capillary wall deposits by immunofluorescence microscopy. Results IgG4 was the dominant or codominant IgG subclass in capillary loop deposits in all 7 cases of recurrent MGN. IgG1 staining was dominant in 3 of 4 de novo or atypical MGN cases and codominant with IgG4 in the fourth. Conclusions Although pretransplantation kidney biopsies were not available for comparisons, these findings suggest that all allograft recurrences represent idiopathic MGN and that de novo MGN cases had a different pathogenic mechanism.
Inert matrix fuel neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and transient behavior in a light water reactor

Currently, commercial power reactors in the United States operate on a once-through or open cycle, with the spent nuclear fuel eventually destined for long-term storage in a geologic repository. Since the fissile and transuranic (TRU) elements in the spent nuclear fuel present a proliferation risk, limit the repository capacity, and are the major contributors to the long-term toxicity and dose from the repository, methods and systems are needed to reduce the amount of TRU that will eventually require long-term storage. An option to achieve a reduction in the amount, and modify the isotopic composition of TRU requiring geological disposal is ‘burning’ the TRU in commercial light water reactors (LWRs) and/or fast reactors. Fuel forms under consideration for TRU destruction in light water reactors (LWRs) include mixed-oxide (MOX), advanced mixed-oxide, and inert matrix fuels. Fertile-free inert matrix fuel (IMF) has been proposed for use in many forms and studied by several researchers. IMF offers several advantages relative to MOX, principally it provides a means for reducing the TRU in the fuel cycle by burning the fissile isotopes and transmuting the minor actinides while producing no new TRU elements from fertile isotopes. This paper will present and discuss the results of amore » four-bundle, neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and transient analyses of proposed inert matrix materials in comparison with the results of similar analyses for reference UOX fuel bundles. The results of this work are to be used for screening purposes to identify the general feasibility of utilizing specific inert matrix fuel compositions in existing and future light water reactors. Compositions identified as feasible using the results of these analyses still require further detailed neutronic, thermal-hydraulic, and transient analysis study coupled with rigorous experimental testing and qualification.« less
Transfer of riboflavin by the perfused human placenta.

ABSTRACT: The transfer of radioactive riboflavin across the human term placenta has been studied in an in vitro perfusion system. The clearance index (clearance riboflavin:clearance antipyrine) toward the fetus averaged 0.69 and the transfer index (clearance riboflavin:clearance Lglucose) averaged 3.40. The respective indices in the reverse direction were 0.25 and 0.87. Stepwise increases in the concentration of riboflavin in the maternal perfusate were associated with parallel increases in transfer rates, expressed as ng/min, up to concentrations approximating 100 ng/ml. Above that concentration, the transfer rates continued to increase at a slower rate. Concurrently, there was a reduction of the transfer index from 2.7 to 1.1 at 1000 ng/ml. With the fetal circulation closed, the placenta established a gradient toward the fetus over a period of 150 min of 1.7. The transferred radioactivity was identified as riboflavin by high-performance liquid chromatography, whereas that retained within the placenta was metabolized to flavin mononucleotide (33-75%). The observations indicate a very effective active transport system directed toward the fetus which is limited in capacity to low concentrations of riboflavin.
Surface land mine detection in airborne images using the circular harmonics transform

Multi-band medium wave infrared (MWIR) image data collected from the Lightweight Airborne multispectral Minefield Detection-Interim (LAMD-I) program is examined for the detection of surface landmines. Because the orientation of the image acquisition from aircraft with respect to the mine and the minefield is unknown, there is a need to develop an orientation invariant-based approach for landmine and minefield detection. A rotation invariant circular harmonics transform (CHT)-based approach is presented for surface landmine detection. The magnitude information from the CHT is used for finding mine-like regions within the MWIR images. A three-tiered hierarchical thresholding technique provides the basis for highlighting potential surface landmines. Mine shape and size information are used for generating landmine confidence values. Surface landmine detection capability is presented for 82 MWIR broadband images with sand and short and long grass terrain conditions for daytime and nighttime acquired MWIR image data. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves are used for comparing experimental results from this technique with an existing an adaptive multi-band CFAR detector (RX approach).© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Small Firm Bankruptcy

From the results of a survey we compare the demographics and potential problem situations of 57 bankrupt firms to 55 nonbankrupt firms in an attempt to identify root causes of bankruptcy. Results indicate that the most serious problems of bankrupt firms can be condensed into three categories: lack of knowledge, inaccessibility to debt, and economic climate. Bankrupt firms also appear to be older, more likely to be in the retail industry, and organized as proprietorship or partnership than nonbankrupt firms. They are also less likely to use the Internet in their business operations than the nonbankrupt firms. One surprising finding is that while both subsamples found knowledge important, the nonbankrupt sample found it significantly more important than the bankrupt firms. This evidence provides insights for governments and academic institutions in their efforts to provide resources that may help reduce the incidence of bankruptcy, especially during times of declining economic health.
HCl Yield from OH + ClO: Stratospheric Model Sensitivities and Elementary Rate Theory Calculations

Compared to measurements, atmospheric models have overestimated [ClO]/[HCl] and [ClONO2]/[HCl] in the upper and middle stratosphere, respectively, and consequently have predicted lower [O3] than observed. It is believed that a minor branch that produces HCl from the OH + ClO reaction can account for these discrepancies. Recent laboratory studies have indicated a 5 ( 2% yield for this channel. 1 By performing box model sensitivity analysis calculations using the output from the LLNL-2D diurnally averaged stratospheric model, we quantitatively confirm that this reaction is the most prominent contributor to the model [ClO]/ [HCl] and [ClONO2]/[HCl] uncertainties in the upper stratosphere and that it is most effective in increasing [O3] at higher latitudes during winter. Using theoretical methods, we examine the OH + ClO reaction mechanism, in which an initially energized HOOCl* complex is formed that can dissociate to HO2 + Cl (major) or HCl + O2( 1 ¢) (minor) products, redissociate to reactants, or be collisionally stabilized. Multichannel RRKM calculations guided by ab initio electronic structure calculations and the available kinetic data are presented. We show that the four-center transition state (TS3) for HCl production must lie at least 2 kcal/ mol below the reactants for the HCl yield to exceed 5%. Our ab initio relative energy of -2.3 ( 3 kcal/mol for TS3 demonstrates that this minor HCl channel is mechanistically feasible. We also predict small pressure, temperature, and H/D isotopic dependencies for the minor channel yield and insignificant rates of complex stabilization under atmospheric conditions.
Quantum efficiency enhancement techniques for CCDs in the UV and near-IR bands

While large area scientific CCD imagers have high resolution and sensitivity in the visible region, the UV and near IR wavelength regions typically have a decreased response. Therefore, modified designs and advanced techniques are used to broaden the range for high quantum efficiency. For the UV band, deposition of a very thin polysilicon gate allows transmittance of shorter wavelength photons, and frontside coating a completed device with lumogen absorbs lower wavelength photons and re-emits them near the peak sensitivity of the CCD. For the near IR band, high-resisitivity, thick epitaxial material is used for collection of longer wavelength photons. Overall broad spectral band QE is enhanced with backside thinning and antireflective coatings of various dielectric layers. QE has been predicted by calculating the transmission, reflection, and absorption over a cross section of the CCD. Data is presented to confirm the QE increase from 120 to 1000 nm. Design and fabrication are discussed for each improvement technique, as well as trade-offs in cost, device performance, and yield.
High‐Temperature Plastic Deformation of Polycrystalline Beryllium Oxide

High-density specimens were plastically deformed under four-point transverse bending. Tests were conducted in vacuum in the region 1400° to 1700°C under stresses of 1000 to 4500 psi. The activation energy for creep was 99.0 kcal/mole. Creep rate was directly proportional to the applied stress and inversely proportional to the square of the grain diameter. The deformation behavior is ascribed to a Nabarro-Herring type mechanism. Results show that creep was the same in tension and compression.
Regio- and stereoselective oxetane formation via paterno-buchi photocycloaddition

Carbonyl 2 + 2 photoaddition occurs selectively to the alkene moiety of 3-(4-methyl-3-pentenoxy)pyridine. Photolysis of alkene containing pyridines in acetophenone gives rise to an oxetane which is obtained with extremely high diastereoselectivity as shown by analysis of the major 2 + 2 photoproduct. A second photoproduct, 2,3-dihydroxy-2,3-diphenylbutane, is obtained as a result of acetophenone coupling.
Using a lipase as a high-throughput screening method for measuring the enantiomeric excess of allylic acetates.

This report describes a high-throughput method for measuring the enantiomeric excess of allylic acetates. Such methods are useful tools for screening libraries of potential catalysts for enantioselective reactions. This technique, which is called EMDee for an enzymatic method for determining enantiomeric excess, uses the lipase from Pseudomonas cepacia to hydrolyze the (R) enantiomer of an allylic acetate, while the (S) enantiomer does not react. The rate of the reaction is monitored by measuring the acetic acid that is produced during the hydrolysis reaction with a pH indicator. Using the Michaelis−Menten equation, the rate of the reaction can be correlated with the concentration of the (R) enantiomer. This method can process 88 samples in less that 30 min.
Prenatal testosterone exposure elevates maternal aggression in mice

Pregnant Rockland-Swiss (R-S) female mice were injected with oil, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 micrograms of testosterone propionate (TP) on days 12, 14 and 16 of gestation and the maternal aggressive behavior of their resulting female offspring was examined in adulthood. Prenatal exposure to 1 or 2 micrograms of TP, but not 0.5 micrograms of the steroid, significantly increased the number of attacks displayed by parturient mice toward adult male intruders. The behavioral effects on aggression were observed in the absence of effects on external morphology, body weight, or lactational performance. The findings support previous research showing that the development of feminine behavior may be sensitive to prenatal androgens. The possibility that the presence of fetal testosterone augments both male and female aggressive behavior is discussed.
Forces associated with non-linear non-holonomic constraint equations

Abstract A concise method has been formulated for identifying a set of forces needed to constrain the behavior of a mechanical system, modeled as a set of particles and rigid bodies, when it is subject to motion constraints described by non-holonomic equations that are inherently non-linear in velocity. An expression in vector form is obtained for each force; a direction is determined, together with the point of application. This result is a consequence of expressing constraint equations in terms of dot products of vectors rather than in the usual way, which is entirely in terms of scalars and matrices. The constraint forces in vector form are used together with two new analytical approaches for deriving equations governing motion of a system subject to such constraints. If constraint forces are of interest they can be brought into evidence in explicit dynamical equations by employing the well-known non-holonomic partial velocities associated with Kane's method; if they are not of interest, equations can be formed instead with the aid of vectors introduced here as non-holonomic partial accelerations. When the analyst requires only the latter, smaller set of equations, they can be formed directly; it is not necessary to expend the labor first to form the former, larger set and subsequently perform matrix multiplications.
Actin filament capping and cleaving activity of cytochalasins B, D, E, and H.

Abstract The concentration dependences of the activities of cytochalasin B, D, E, and H in capping and cleaving actin filaments have been assayed using fluorescence photobleaching recovery. Filament capping was detected by the increase in mobile G-actin. Cytochalasin D (CD) showed the strongest filament capping activity, with an apparent dissociation constant from filament ends of 50 n m . The order of capping activity was CD > CH > CE ⪢ CB. Filament cleavage was detected by the increase in the diffusion coefficients of actin filaments. By this criterion the order of filament cleavage activity was CD, CE > CH ⪢ CB. Cytochalasin B shows some activity in cleavage of filaments over a concentration range (0–100 μ m ) at which it shows no appreciable capping activity. This activity, together with results from other groups, is interpreted to mean that CB binds to protomers within the filament, but not to the barbed end. The reversal of activities for CH and CE, combined with the activity profile of CB, constitute the strongest evidence to date that there is more than one cytochalasin binding site on the actin molecule.
A High Density Anodized Aluminum Microstrip Structure For High Speed Interconnections

A new interconnect structure formed by the selective anodization of aluminum thin films is examined. Interconnect lines of aluminum embedded in anodic aluminum oxide dielectric were fabricated. Resistivity of the lines was determined to be - 3.1 μΩcm. This value compares well to the bulk value of 2.8 μΩ.cm Crosstalk is expected to be < 10%.
Linearized formulation of the Riemann problem for radiation magnetohydrodynamics.

Abstract The solution of the Riemann problem is one of the fundamental ingredients in the process of building higher order Godunov schemes for the numerical solution of hyperbolic problems. It has also been shown that linearized Riemann solvers work very well for several problems in hydrodynamics and magnetohydrodynamics. As a result we construct a linearized Riemann solver for radiation magnetohydrodynamics. It is shown that such a construction can be made in a simple and intuitively obvious way. Eigenvalues and eigenvectors that are very similar to those obtained for the original hyperbolic system for radiation magnetohydrodynamics have been derived. Explicit expressions have been obtained for the eigenvectors to facilitate their use in numerical schemes for radiation magnetohydrodynamics.
Thermal decomposition of RDX: evidence of a nitronylnitroxyl free radical intermediate

Abstract The thermal decomposition of RDX produces free radical intermediates which are detected by using ESR (electron spin resonance) spectroscopy. The assignment of certain ESR signals from thermally decomposed RDX and HMX to a nitroxyl radical (RNO·) has been discussed in earlier publications. Spectral data from isotopically labelled RDX (RDX-d6 and RDX-15NO2) supports a nitronylnitroxyl radical (R(N+−O−)NO·) assignment to the ESR signals detected during liquefaction of RDX at 200°C.
Effects of water and nitrogen availability on nitrogen contribution by the legume, Lupinus argenteus Pursh

Nitrogen-fixing species contribute to ecosystem nitrogen budgets, but background resource levels influence nodulation, fixation, and plant growth. We conducted a greenhouse experiment to examine the separate and interacting effects of water and N availability on biomass production, tissue N concentration, nodulation, nodule activity, and rhizodeposition of Lupinus argenteus (Pursh), a legume native to sagebrush steppe. Plants were grown in a replicated, randomized design with three levels of water and four levels of N. Additional water and N increased biomass except at the highest N level. All plants formed nodules regardless of treatment, but plants grown without N had the largest, most active nodules. Organic N was deposited into the rhizosphere of all plants, regardless of treatment, indicating that Lupinus can influence N availability while actively growing, even under water stress. High tissue N concentrations and low C:N ratios indicate that Lupinus also can provide substantial amounts of N through litter decomposition. The ability of Lupinus to affect N availability and cycling indicates that it has the potential to significantly influence N budgets and community composition within the sagebrush steppe.
Agricultural policies and human fertility: Some emerging connections

Increasing agricultural output and slowing population growth are important policy goals of many developing nations. This article explores the idea that fertility of farm families may be influenced by the policies and programs introduced in rural areas to increase agricultural output. Specifically, the article provides an initial framework for identifying the links between agricultural policy and fertility, and reviews empirical studies regarding connections between human fertility and policies designed to influence agricultural production in rural areas.
Proprioception in the posterior cruciate ligament deficient knee.

This study was undertaken to evaluate knee proprioception in patients with isolated unilateral posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) injuries. Eighteen subjects with isolated PCL tears were studied 1–234 months after injury. The threshold to detect passive motion (TTDPM) was used to evaluate kinesthesia and the ability to passively reproduce passive positioning (RPP) to test joint position sense. Two starting positions were tested in all knees: 45 ° (middle range) and 110 ° (end range) to evaluate knee proprioception when the PCL is under different amounts of tension. TTDPM and RPP were tested as the knee moved into flexion and extension from both starting positions. A statistically significant reduction in TTDPM was identified in PCL-injured knees tested from the 45 ° starting position, moving into flexion and extension. RPP was statistically better in the PCL-deficient knee as tested from 110 ° moving into flexion and extension. No difference was identified in the TTDPM starting at 110 ° or in RPP with the presented angle at 45 ° moving into flexion or extension. These subtle but statistically significant findings suggest that proprioceptive mechanoreceptors may play a clinical role in PCL-intact and PCL-deficient patients. Further, it appears that kinesthesia and joint position sense may function through different mechanisms.
Transmission ratio distortion in offspring of heterozygous female carriers of Robertsonian translocations

Robertsonian translocations are the most common structural rearrangements of human chromosomes. Although segregation of Robertsonian chromosomes has been examined in many families, there is little consensus on whether inheritance in the balanced progeny conforms to Mendelian ratios. To address this question, we have compiled previously reported segregation data, by sex of parent, for 677 balanced offspring of Robertsonian carriers from 82 informative families and from a prenatal diagnosis study on the risk of unbalanced offspring in carriers of chromosome rearrangements. Care was taken to avoid any source of ascertainment bias. Our analysis supports the following conclusions: (1) the transmission ratio is not independent of the sex of the carrier; (2) the transmission ratio distortion is observed consistently only among the offspring of carrier females; (3) the transmission ratio distortion does not appear to be dependent on the presence of a specific acrocentric chromosome in the rearrangement. The sex-of-parent-specific origin of the non-Mendelian inheritance, the finding that the rearranged ("mutant") chromosomes are recovered at significantly higher frequency than the acrocentric ("normal") chromosomes, and the similarities between these observations and the segregation of analogous rearrangements through female meiosis in other vertebrates strongly support the hypothesis that the transmission ratio distortion in favor of Robertsonian translocations in the human results from the preferential segregation of chromosomes during the first meiotic division. This non-Mendelian inheritance will result in increased overall risk of aneuploidies in the families of Robertsonian translocation carriers, independently of the origin of the transmission ratio distortion.
US shopping mall attributes: an exploratory investigation of their relationship to retail productivity

In light of several successful US mall repositionings, industry experts have encouraged other less productive properties to follow their lead. This study investigates the relationship between selected mall attributes and productivity. A mail survey was sent to a random sample of mall marketing managers. Chi‐square and correlation analysis was used to identify the attributes that were significantly related to productivity. Super‐regional malls located in large, densely populated cities with high income residents were the most successful properties. The results suggest that the attributes of successful malls cannot be transferred or adapted by lower performing malls. Market strategy variables that could be duplicated were not significantly related to high productivity.
Scaling Analysis of Thermal Behavior of Electrical Double Layers

Charging of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs) may cause significant heat generation. The resulting elevated temperatures lead to shortened cell life and increased self-discharge rates and cell pressure. Better understanding and accurate modeling of the fundamental physical phenomena involved are needed for developing thermal management strategies and for designing and optimizing the next generation of EDLCs. Existing thermal models of EDLCs rely on experimentally measured heat generation rates or cell electrical resistances. This makes them unsuitable for assessing new and untested designs. The present study aims to develop a physical model accounting for the dominant transport phenomena taking place in EDLCs. It accounts for the presence of the Stern layer, finite ion size, ion diffusion, and Joule heating. It solves the modified Poisson-Nernst-Planck model with a Stern layer and the heat diffusion equation. A dimensional analysis was performed and six dimensionless parameters governing electrodiffusion coupled with heat transfer were identified and physically interpreted. The scaling analysis was successfully validated numerically.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Magnetic resonance imaging of brain iron in health and disease

Brain iron is a major contributor to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast in normal gray matter, and its role in the pathogenesis of different neurological disorders has also become apparent. Non-heme brain iron is present in the brain mainly in the form of ferritin. The unique magnetic properties of ferritin determine different signal changes on both T1- and T2-weighted images, and the T2 relaxation rates have a linear dependence on applied field strength. This finding is typical for ferric oxyhydroxide cores. The resulting T2-shortening also depends on echo-spacing used in the imaging sequence as well as on the water diffusion coefficient and the size of the ferritin cluster. Quantitation of non-heme brain iron by MRI aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of different neurological diseases.
Election returns as a signal of changing regulatory climate

Abstract This paper considers the effects of changes in regulatory climate on the expected future profitability of regulated electric utilities. Previous researchers addressing issues relating to regulatory environment have examined the determinants of investor perceptions of regulatory climate, the effect that the method of commissioner selection in particular has on regulatory climate, and the effects of regulatory climate on the cost of capital to the regulated firm. This paper seeks to ascertain the importance of regulatory climate by examining the stock market performance of regulated electric utilities at the time of an unanticipated change in regulatory environment. These results indicate that in those states in which the change in regulatory climate was most clearly unanticipated, an adverse change in the regulatory environment did result in negative abnormal returns to utilities operating in those states, thereby indicating a reduction in the expected future profitability of the regulated firms. In addition our results provide support for the proposition that the firm's systematic risk is lower when enforcement of regulation is more stringent.
Layered interactive convergence for distributed clock synchronization

A clock synchronization service ensures that spatially dispersed and heterogeneous processors in a distributed system share a common notion of time. In order to behave as a single, unified computing resource, distributed systems have need for a fault-tolerant, clock synchronization service. One approach employs the interactive convergence (ICV) method, which is both fully distributed and inherently fault-tolerant. However, this approach suffers from limits in terms of system scalability due to resource overhead. In this paper, a new layered form of ICV is introduced, compared with basic ICV and other simpler alternatives via experimental analysis on a distributed system testbed, and shown to improve synchronization tightness, resource utilization, and scalability.
QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MYOCARDIAL BLOOD FLOW RESERVE USING DEFINITY DURING REGADENOSON VASODILATOR STRESS REAL-TIME MYOCARDIAL CONTRAST ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY FOR DETECTION OF LEFT ANTERIOR DESCENDING CORONARY ARTERY STENOSIS

To assess the feasibility and diagnostic accuracy of quantitative real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography (RTMCE) during regadenoson (Reg) (Astellas Pharma Inc) vasodilator stress for detection of significant Left anterior descending (LAD) stenosis (≥ 50% or ≥ 70% by quantitative coronary
Sex Differences in the Response of Children With ADHD to Once-Daily Formulations of Methylphenidate

ABSTRACT Objectives Studies of sex differences in methylphenidate response by children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder have lacked methodological rigor and statistical power. This paper reports an examination of sex differences based on further analysis of data from a comparison of two once-daily methylphenidate formulations (the COMACS study), which addresses these shortcomings. Method Children (184: 48 females; mean [SD]; age, 9.58 [1.83]; years) entered a double-blind, crossover trial of Concerta, MetadateCD/Equasym XL, or placebo. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms were recorded at seven time points across the school day on the seventh day of treatment, using a laboratory classroom setting. Results More females had comorbid anxiety disorder. Males and females did not differ with regard to other characteristics. Observed sex differences in pharmacodynamic symptom profiles persisted after controlling for placebo and time 0 hours attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder scores and the presence of an anxiety disorder. Females had a statistically superior response at 1.5 hours post-dosing and an inferior response at the 12-hour time point relative to their male counterparts, no matter which methylphenidate formulation was being assessed. Conclusions Dose titration of once-daily formulations of methylphenidate should ideally be based on systematic evidence of response at different periods across the day. The responses of female patients may require additional assessments later in the day to determine the optimal dose.
Monometallic europium, terbium, and neodymium complexes formed from the bridging ligand 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine: Crystal structure and temperature dependent luminescent properties

Abstract Lanthanide complexes of the form Ln(tdh)3dpp (where Ln = Nd(III), Eu(III) or Tb(III); tdh = 1,1,1-trifluoro-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-hexanedione and dpp = 2,3-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazine) have been structurally characterized. X-ray quality crystals were grown by the slow evaporation of concentrated solutions of the complexes. Each metal is 8-coordinate with 6 oxygens from the tdh ligand, 1-pyridyl nitrogen, and 1-pyrazine nitrogen from the dpp ligand. Luminescent studies show that the Nd complex undergoes non-radiative relaxation through solvent vibrational deactivation. In contrast, the Eu and Tb complexes emit in the visible region of the spectrum when solutions of the complex are excited at 388 nm associated with the π–π∗ transition of the tdh ligand. Emission lines corresponding to transitions from the 5D0 and 5D4 state to the 7FJ manifold of the Eu(III) and Tb(III), respectively, are observed. The intensity of these emissions decreases as temperature is increased.
WOMEN AND REPRESENTATION AT MAJOR PARTY CONVENTIONS, 1972–1992

The move by the two major parties to balance their national conventions by gender was based partially upon the assumption that women delegates would best represent women's opinions. However, a cross-sectional analysis of mass and elite opinion in the Democratic party reveals that on most issues, there is greater proximity between the views of male leaders and female followers, than between female leaders and female followers. Notable exceptions include issues of Sexual Harassment, Urban Unrest, Inflation, and the Environment. Longitudinally, the data suggest women serving as delegates from 1972 to 1992 were consistently more liberal than their male counterparts, and considerably more liberal than party followers of both sexes. In contrast, female Republican delegates held views closer to their party's rank-and-file than did male Republican delegates who were more conservative. The gender gap in political views among the leaders of both parties is not as pronounced among party followers.
Nétrine et cellules souches, attirance ou répulsion ?

> On denombrerait a l’echelle de la planete quelque 2,5 millions de personnes atteintes d’une lesion handicapante de la moelle epiniere (ME) causee par un accident. Chaque annee, on compte plus de 130 000 nouvelles victimes, principalement de jeunes adultes. Les handicaps fonctionnels varient selon le niveau de la blessure. Malgre des progres importants dans la comprehension des mecanismes de ces lesions, celles-ci demeurent permanentes, offrant tres peu d’espoir de rehabilitation [1]. Un traumatisme de la ME produit un kyste, c’est-a-dire une zone necrosee remplie de liquide, isolee du tissu sain par une cicatrice gliale, barriere physique et moleculaire formee par les astrocytes reactifs qui s’opposent a la regeneration axonale et au remplacement des cellules neurales perdues [2]. Les recherches actuelles visent a neutraliser les actions inhibitrices de la cicatrice gliale et a combler la zone cystique par la creation d’un substrat permissif [3]. Dans le systeme nerveux central, seules deux voies de migration ont ete definies : les cellules progenitrices nees des CSN de la zone sous-ventriculaire migrent suivant le courant de migration rostrale, route unidirectionnelle menant aux bulbes olfactifs, et celles nees de la zone sous-granulaire migrent sur une courte distance dans la couche de cellules granulaires du gyrus dentele [7]. Les mecanismes et les signaux qui orientent la migration des CSN adultes sont peu connus. Toutefois, lors du developpement du SN, la migration des neuroblastes est regulee par l’integration spatiotemporelle de signaux moleculaires attractifs ou repulsifs, dont les proteines des familles netrines, slit, ephrines et semaphorines [8, 9]. Or ces molecules continuent d’etre exprimees chez l’adulte.
A note on using the estimated versus the known propensity score to estimate the average treatment effect

We provide simple intuition why using the estimated versus known propensity score tends to increase, and never decreases, asymptotic efficiency. When a covariate is independent of response conditional on treatment, using the known score can have greater finite-sample efficiency.
One hundred useful references in pediatric cardiac intensive care: the 2012 update.

Objective:The specialty of pediatric cardiac critical care has undergone rapid scientific and clinical growth in the last 25 years. The Board of Directors of the Pediatric Cardiac Intensive Care Society assembled an updated list of sentinel references focused on the critical care of children with co
Synthesis, Structural and Optical Characterization of Zinc Chalcogentdes in Novel Solid State Hosts

Several series of sodalite analogues of unit cell composition M8X2(TO2)12, where M is Zn or Cd, X is a chalcogen, and T is a tetrahedral cation B, or Be in combination with Si or Ge, have been prepared. An M4X tetrahedron, which is the first coordination sphere of the bulk semiconductor MX, sits at the center of each sodalite cage. These materials have been structurally characterized by solid state 77Se and 125STe MAS NMR and by powder X-ray diffraction. Diffuse reflectance optical absorption spectra are reported for each series. The borates have optical properties similar to the bulk MX whereas the beryllosilicates and germanates exhibit large blue shifts in the absorption spectra.
Genetic polymorphism of (S)-mephenytoin 4'-hydroxylation in populations of African descent.

Aims The frequency of CYP2C19 poor metabolizers (PMs) in populations of African descent has been reported to range from 1.0% to 35.4%. In order to determine with greater certainty the frequency of CYP2C19 PMs in such black populations we have performed a meta-analysis of the studies. Methods Relevant data on the frequency of both the PM phenotype of probe drugs (mephenytoin, omeprazole, and proguanil), and the distribution frequencies of CYP2C19 alleles and genotypes in black populations were summarized and reanalysed using a meta-analytical approach. Results Of nine reported studies two were excluded because of significant heterogeneity (χ2=115, P<0.0001). The combined data from the remaining seven studies showed that the frequency of the PM phenotype in 922 healthy unrelated black Africans and black Americans ranged from 1.0% to 7.5% (n=7 for combined data) with an overall frequency being 3.9% (36 of 922; 95%CI: 2.7%–5.2%). The frequency of the PM genotypes in blacks was 3.7% (36 of 966; 95%CI: 2.5%–4.9%), in agreement with the frequency of the PM phenotype. In the extensive metabolizers (EMs) 29% (271 of 930) were heterozygotes (wt/m ). The observed frequencies of the three Mendelian genotypes were 0.68 for wt/wt, 0.28 for wt/m, and 0.04 for m/m. The allelic distribution was appropriate at 82.3% (95%CI: 80.5%-83.9%) for CYP2C19*1, 17.3% (95%CI:15.7%–19.0%) for CYP2C19*2 (m1 ), and 0.4% (95%CI: 0.1%–0.7%) for CYP2C19*3 (m2 ) in these populations. Conclusions We conclude that subjects of African ancestry have a low frequency of the CYP2C19 PM phenotype and genotype; that the defective CYP2C19 alleles are uncommon, and that a small proportion of heterozygotes exists in the EM subpopulation.
Study of surface passivation as a function of InP closed-ampoule solar cell fabrication processing variables

The effects of various surface preparation procedures, including chemical treatment and anodic or chemical oxidation, closed-ampoule diffusion conditions, and post-diffusion surface preparation and annealing conditions, on the passivating properties of InP have been investigated in order to optimize the fabrication procedures of n/sup +/p InP solar cells made by closed-ampoule diffusion of sulfur into p-type InP. The InP substrates used were p-type Cd-doped to a level of 1.7*10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/, Zn-doped to levels of 2.2*10/sup 16/ and 1.2*10/sup 18/ cm/sup -3/, and n-type S-doped to 4.4*10/sup 18/ cm/sup -3/. The passivating properties have been evaluated from photoluminescence and conductance-voltage characteristics data. Good agreement was found between the level of surface passivation and the composition of different surface layers as revealed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis. >
The Association of Contraceptive Use, Non-Use, and Failure with Child Health

Objective: To examine the association of contraceptive use in the interpregnancy interval with subsequent child health outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. Design: A cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative household samples was performed. A modified Poisson regression model was used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted relative risk ratios for high prevalence outcomes. Setting: Low- and middle-income countries. Population: Births to women aged 12-49 years for which this birth occurred 12-79 months prior to the interview were included. The sample for analysing infant mortality was comprised of 453,795 children from 35 low- and middle-income countries across 67 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted between 1990 and 2011. Main Outcome Measures: Infant mortality, stunting, underweight, wasting, diarrhoea, and anaemia. Results: Contraceptive use in the interpregnancy interval, even if contraceptive failure resulted in birth, had a positive effect on all child health outcomes compared to non-use of contraception in the interpregnancy interval. The positive effect of contraceptive use was the lengthening of the interpregnancy interval, but it also had a direct positive effect on child health, independent of birth interval. Conclusions: Extending the interval between births had a positive effect on child health outcomes, and contraceptive use had a positive effect on child health independent of the birth spacing effect. Additionally, contraceptive failure did not adversely affect child health outcomes.