cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nanocrystalline materials: recent advances in crystallographic characterization techniques

Most properties of nanocrystalline materials are shape-dependent, providing their exquisite tunability in optical, mechanical, electronic and catalytic properties. An example of the former is localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), the coherent oscillation of conduction electrons in metals that can be excited by the electric field of light; this resonance frequency is highly dependent on both the size and shape of a nanocrystal. An example of the latter is the marked difference in catalytic activity observed for different Pd nanoparticles. Such examples highlight the importance of particle shape in nanocrystalline materials and their practical applications. However, one may ask `how are nanoshapes created?', `how does the shape relate to the atomic packing and crystallography of the material?', `how can we control and characterize the external shape and crystal structure of such small nanocrystals?'. This feature article aims to give the reader an overview of important techniques, concepts and recent advances related to these questions. Nucleation, growth and how seed crystallography influences the final synthesis product are discussed, followed by shape prediction models based on seed crystallography and thermodynamic or kinetic parameters. The crystallographic implications of epitaxy and orientation in multilayered, core-shell nanoparticles are overviewed, and, finally, the development and implications of novel, spatially resolved analysis tools are discussed.
An Evaluation of a Coast Guard “Live-Aboard” Concept: Can Crews Adapt to a Restricted Living and Operational Environment?

The present evaluation was conducted to assess whether crews can cope and adapt to a restricted living and work environment. Two United States Coast Guard small boat stations with similar environmental conditions, mission profiles, and workload levels were selected for this evaluation. At one station, shore-side facilities were replaced with a 50-foot live-aboard boat (NORCREW). The second station, maintained shore-side facilities (COMP). Survey and daily log data on human factors variables, which have been used to predict adaptation to work environments, were collected from 18 crew members. Analysis of these data did not reveal any significant adverse psychophysiological effects associated with the live-aboard concept. Data revealed time-of-day effects consistent with conventional thought and chronobiological theory which leads the authors to conclude that the live aboard concept does not appear to disrupt circadian cycles. Overall, the consistent failure to detect any differences between NORCREW and COM...
Genetic diversity contribution to errors in short oligonucleotide microarray analysis.

Summary DNA arrays based on short oligonucleotide (≤ 25-mer) probes are being developed for many species, and are being applied to quantify transcript abundance variation in species with high genetic diversity. To define the parameters necessary to design short oligo arrays for maize (Zea mays L.), a species with particularly high nucleotide (single nucleotide polymorphism, SNP) and insertion-deletion (indel) polymorphism frequencies, we analysed gene expression estimates generated for four maize inbred lines using a custom Affymetrix DNA array, and identified biases associated with high levels of polymorphism between lines. Statistically significant interactions between probes and maize inbreds were detected, affecting five or more probes (out of 30 probes per transcript) in the majority of cases. SNPs and indels were identified by re-sequencing; they are the primary source of probe-by-line interactions, affecting probeset level estimates and reducing the power of detecting transcript level variation between maize inbreds. This analysis identified 36 196 probes in 5118 probesets containing markers that may be used for genotyping in natural and segregating populations for association gene analysis and genetic mapping.
A multi-resolution approach toward robust fluorescent molecular tomography: Experimental phantom results

We propose a method to improve depth resolution and accuracy of fluorescent molecular tomography (FMT) by applying a spatial constraint to obtain a low-resolution fluorophore presence map. Results are verified using a CW FMT system.
Modeling and mitigation of harmonic resonance between wind turbines and the grid

Harmonic resonance can happen in traditional power systems between power factor correction (PFC) capacitors and transformer leakage inductance. In a distribution network with high penetration of renewable generation sources, inverter PWM harmonic currents can be a source of harmonic excitation for system resonance. This paper discusses harmonic resonance problems caused by impedance interactions between the wind inverter and the grid. An impedance-based analysis approach is used to characterize such resonance. Modeling of inverter output impedance directly in the phase domain to enable such analysis is presented. Possible mitigation methods by active damping and grid synchronization design are presented, and their effectiveness demonstrated by simulations and experiments.
Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition of InSb on Gaas and InSb in an Inverted Stagnation Point Flow Geometry

Several properties of InSb such as high mobility and narrow bandgap make it an attractive candidate for many unique devices. We have examined the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of InSb on GaAs and InSb substrates under a variety of conditions using trimethylindium and trimethylantimony sources. The absolute metal-organic partial pressures above the susceptor were monitored using in-situ uv absorption spectroscopy. X-ray studies of the homoepitaxial growth of InSb on InSb substrates (100) indicates good crystalline epitaxial growth while the x-ray peak for the InSb grown on GaAs (100) is broadened due to defects. Room-temperature Hall mobility measurements performed on the heteroepitaxial InSb layer on GaAs substrates indicates that the mobility of the InSb increases with increasing layer thickness. Mobilities range from 12,000 cm/sup 2//V sec for 0.8 microns to 38,000 cm/sup 2//V sec for 7.4 micron layers. The carrier concentrations are relatively constant (2 to 4 x 10/sup 16/ cm/sup -3/) for the n type InSb deposited layers. 4 refs., 9 figs.
Sex differences in running mechanics and patellofemoral joint kinetics following an exhaustive run

Patellofemoral joint pain (PFP) is a common running-related injury that is more prevalent in females and thought to be associated with altered running mechanics. Changes in running mechanics have been observed following an exhaustive run but have not been analyzed relative to the sex bias for PFP. The purpose of this study was to test if females demonstrate unique changes in running mechanics associated with PFP following an exhaustive run. For this study, 18 females and 17 males ran to volitional exhaustion. Peak PFJ contact force and stress, PFJ contact force and stress loading rates, hip adduction excursion, and hip and knee joint frontal plane angular impulse were analyzed between females and males using separate 2 factor ANOVAs (2 (male/female)×2 (before/after exhaustion)). We observed similar changes in running mechanics among males and females over the course of the exhaustive run. Specifically, greater peak PFJ contact force loading rate (5%, P=.01), PFJ stress loading rate (5%, P<.01), hip adduction excursion (1.3°, P<.01), hip abduction angular impulse (4%, P<.01), knee abduction angular impulse (5%, P=.03), average vertical ground reaction force loading rate (10%, P<.01) and step length (2.1cm, P=.001) were observed during exhausted running. These small changes in suspected PFP pathomechanical factors may increase a runner׳s propensity for PFP. However, unique changes in female running mechanics due to exhaustion do not appear to contribute to the sex bias for PFP.
Abductive metareasoning for truth-seeking agents

My research seeks to answer the question of how any agent that is tasked with making sense of its world, by finding explanations for evidence (e.g., sensor reports) using domain-general strategies, may accurately and efficiently handle incomplete evidence, noisy evidence, and an incomplete knowledge base. I propose the following answer to the question. The agent should employ an optimal abductive reasoning algorithm (developed piece-wise and shown to be best in a class of similar algorithms) that allows it to reason from evidence to causes. For the sake of efficiency and operational concerns, the agent should establish beliefs periodically rather than waiting until it has obtained all evidence it will ever be able to obtain. If the agent commits to beliefs on the basis of incomplete or noisy evidence or an incomplete knowledge base, these beliefs may be incorrect. Future evidence obtained by the agent may result in failed predictions or anomalies. The agent is then tasked with determining whether it should retain its beliefs and therefore discount the newly-obtained evidence, revise its prior beliefs, or expand its knowledge base (what can be described as anomaly-driven or explanation-based learning).
Integrating Concepts in Biology: A Model for More Effective Ways to Introduce Students to Biology

This is a review of Integrating Concepts in Biology, an innovative electronic textbook intended for either or both semesters of a typical introductory biology sequence. The e-book is an excellent e...
Design Considerations for Submicron-Scale GaAs MESFETs

To obtain information for the design of GaAs MESFET’s which are affected by velocity overshoot, a two-dimensional computer simulation which involves energy transport analysis of carrier dynamics has been carried out. The indices of performance gm, Cgs, and fT are evaluated as functions of geometry, doping and applied bias and are compared with experimental data and the results of other hydrodynamic and Monte Carlo two-dimensional models. It is shown that the energy transport computer simulation used here can be a very useful CAD tool for optimizing the design of submicron-scale GaAs MESFET’s.
Impact of Pressure Relief Holes on Core Coolability for a PWR During a Large-Break Loss-of-Coolant Accident with Core Blockage Using RELAP5-3D

During a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA), fibrous debris and other particles generated by the jet impingement may be transported to the sump, accumulate, or even penetrate through the strainers, re...
Einfluß von Bisphosphonaten auf die Knochendichte

Bisphosphonate, fruher auch als Diphosphonate bezeichnet, sind synthetisierte Analoge von Pyrophosphaten, welche anstelle der Phosphat-Sauerstoff-Phosphat- eine Phosphat-Kohlenstoff-Phosphat-Brucke aufweisen [1]. Bisphosphonate reichern sich im Knochen an — bei Langzeitbehandlung zu einer bisphosphonathaltigen Zone von etwa 50 μm [2] — und blockieren die Osteoklastenaktivitat weitgehend. Der Mechanismus dieser Wirkung ist noch weitgehend unerforscht und mag auch fur verschiedene Bisphosphonate unterschiedlich sein [2]. Zwei unterschiedliche Mechanismen der Resorptionsunterdruckung sind postuliert worden [31: Bei Reduzierung der Aktivierungshaufigkeit mineralisieren die Osteoblasten die bereits vorhandenen Resorptionslakunen, so das sich uine Periode von vielleicht einem halben bis zu einem Jahr das Resorptionsdefizit auf einen neuen niedrigeren Wert einstellt. Entsprechend ware klinisch zu erwarten, das die anfaliche Zunahme des Knochenmineralgehalts (KMG) zunehmend geringer ausfallt und allmahlich in ein Plateau ubergeht. Dieses Plateaumuster ist bei den meisten bisherigen Studien beobachtet worden — im ubrigen, wie zu erwarten, auch bei den ubrigen als Resorptionsblocker wirkenden Osteoporosemedi- kamenten, wie Ostrogenen, Kalzitonin etc. [3]. Zum zweiten konnte der Wirkungsmechanismus auf einer Veranderung des Knochenumbaugleichgewichtes beruhen: wurde die Resorptionstiefe vermin dert ohne das die Knochenanbauschiehtdicke abnahme, so konnte eine langanhaltende Zunahme des KMG erreicht werden. Ob Bisphosphonate dies leisten konnen ist ungewis, wenn auch vereinzelt bereits langanhaltende Mineralgehaltszunahmen in Wirbelkorpern berichtet wurden [4].
A mast‐seeding desert shrub regulates population dynamics and behavior of its heteromyid dispersers

Granivorous rodent populations in deserts are primarily regulated through precipitation-driven resource pulses rather than pulses associated with mast-seeding, a pattern more common in mesic habitats. We studied heteromyid responses to mast-seeding in the desert shrub blackbrush (Coleogyne ramosissima), a regionally dominant species in the Mojave-Great Basin Desert transition zone. In a 5-year study at Arches National Park, Utah, USA, we quantified spatiotemporal variation in seed resources in mast and intermast years in blackbrush-dominated and mixed desert vegetation and measured responses of Dipodomys ordii (Ord's kangaroo rat) and Perognathus flavescens (plains pocket mouse). In blackbrush-dominated vegetation, blackbrush seeds comprised >79% of seed production in a mast year, but 0% in the first postmast year. Kangaroo rat abundance in blackbrush-dominated vegetation was highest in the mast year, declined sharply at the end of the first postmast summer, and then remained at low levels for 3 years. Pocket mouse abundance was not as strongly associated with blackbrush seed production. In mixed desert vegetation, kangaroo rat abundance was higher and more uniform through time. Kangaroo rats excluded the smaller pocket mice from resource-rich patches including a pipeline disturbance and also moved their home range centers closer to this disturbance in a year of low blackbrush seed production. Home range size for kangaroo rats was unrelated to seed resource density in the mast year, but resource-poor home ranges were larger (P < 0.001) in the first postmast year, when resources were limiting. Blackbrush seeds are higher in protein and fat but lower in carbohydrates than the more highly preferred seeds of Indian ricegrass (Achnatherum hymenoides) and have similar energy value per unit of handling time. Kangaroo rats cached seeds of these two species in similar spatial configurations, implying that they were equally valued as stored food resources. Blackbrush mast is a key resource regulating populations of kangaroo rats in this ecosystem.
Modeling and Control of Scramjet-Powered Hypersonic Vehicles: Challenges, Trends, & Tradeoffs

In this paper, we provide an overview of scramjet-powered hypersonic vehicle modeling and control challenges. Such vehicles are characterized by unstable non-minimum phase dynamics with significant coupling and low thrust or FER (normalized fuel equivalency ratio) margins. Recent trends in hypersonic vehicle research is summarized. To illustrate control system design issues and tradeoffs, a generic nonlinear 3DOF longitudinal dynamics model capturing aero-elastic-propulsive interactions for wedge-shaped vehicle is used. The model is analyzed over a broad range of hypersonic flight conditions (i.e. operating points). The paper highlights how vehicle level-flight static (trim) and dynamic properties change over the trimmable air-breathing corridor (∼ Mach 4.75-12.6, 70-115 kft). Particular attention is paid to thermal choking constraints imposed on control system design as a direct consequence of having a finite FER margin. The dependence of FER margin on altitude, Mach, and the bow flow turning angle is discussed. The latter depends on Mach, altitude, angle-of-attack (AOA), and forebody flexing. It is (briefly) discussed how FER margin can be estimated on the basis of Mach, altitude, and AOA if a flexing upper bound is assumed. The implication of this state-dependent nonlinear FER margin constraint as well as that of the right half plane (RHP) zero, associated with the elevator-flight path angle (FPA) map, on control system bandwidth (BW) and FPA tracking are discussed. It is argued that while the non-minimum phase zero limits the achievable closed loop FPA BW, FER coupling into FPA can be used to address this. This, however, is limited by FER margin limits and may impose constraints on the size of the FPA (and velocity) commands that can be followed. This is particularly important because the vehicle is inherently unstable which implies a closed loop system (with a finite downward gain margin) that can become destabilized if driven sufficiently deep into control saturation. A consequence of this is that designers must take note of the fact that FPA commands which are sufficiently large and/or rapid may be impossible to follow with the desired level of fidelity. This is quantified within the paper. Speed command following issues are also discussed.
Fecundity of and Hatch of Eggs from Banded Cucumber Beetles Treated With Three Aziridines: Preliminary Tests

Metepa-fed female adults of the banded cucumber beetle, Diabrotica balteata LeConte, laid significantly fewer eggs in laboratory cages than untreated beetles. Apholate, metepa, and tepa fed to male adults gave significant but varying degrees of sterility. There was little relationship between material concentration and effectiveness. Fresh residues of 0.25 and 4% apholate on glass were highly effective; 1-and 4-day-old residues were only partially effective. No appreciable mortality was noted when males were exposed 1–60 minutes to dried 4% apholate residues on glass. Residues of 4% apholate on plastic were highly effective, but very toxic to the insects; those of 2% apholate were only partially effective.
Studies on lactams—VII : A new synthesis of β-amino-β-lactams

Abstract A synthesis of β-amino-β-lactams has been achieved by the cyclo-addition of diphenylketene and N,N,N′-trisubstituted amidines. Since these β-lactams undergo facile decomposition in presence of a trace of moisture, their purification proved very difficult. However, it was possible to isolate four crystallinegb-amino-β-lactams. The hydrolysis of 3,3-diphenyl-4-amino-2-azetidinones proceeds along a different path from that of 3,3-dialkyl-4-amino-2 azetidinones. A mechanism involving the formation of a carbanion on carbon 3 stabilized by two phenyl groups is suggested.
Endoscopic Treatment of Posterior Urethral Obliteration: Long-Term Followup and Comparison with Transpubic Urethroplasty

AbstractWe compare our results with the endoscopic management of posterior urethral obliteration in 8 patients to our previous experience with transpubic urethroplasty in 6 patients. Although most patients who underwent an endoscopic procedure required 2 or 3 followup internal urethrotomies within the first 2 to 10 months after treatment, 6 have remained free of stricture for more than 2 years after this initial period of aggressive endoscopic management. This finding suggests that total obliteration of the posterior urethra can be managed effectively by endoscopic techniques. Comparison of endoscopic treatment with transpubic urethroplasty revealed a decrease in operative time, blood loss and hospital stay with endoscopic management. We recommend that transpubic urethroplasty be reserved for patients in whom urethral continuity cannot be re-established with relatively safe and simple endourological techniques.
Debating diversity: ethics and controversial public issues

Courses: Ethics, Organizational Communication, Political CommunicationObjectives: After completing this unit activity, students should be able to (1) apply multiple ethical perspectives to real-world diversity issues in a debate format, and (2) explain the role of informational and social category diversity in current controversies.
Europe Approaches the 1980s: The Dual Crises (1968–80)

World War II, the most shocking historical and demographic catastrophe in European history, undermined Europe's position in the world. About 40 million Europeans perished, and huge parts of the continent were left in ruins. At their postwar nadir, the combined Gross Domestic Product of Austria, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and France had declined to less than half its prewar level. Bombing and street fights fatally destroyed Berlin, Dresden, Hamburg, Leningrad, Warsaw, and Budapest. The population of the Soviet Union, Poland, and Yugoslavia was literally decimated, the European Jewry was nearly eliminated, and tens of millions of people were uprooted. Devastation, inflation, and starvation left Europe on its knees. Moreover, the clouds of a rising new conflict darkened the horizon at the end of the war. A creeping Cold War, with conflict and confrontation between wartime allies, brought uncertainty and fear to the shocked continent. The Soviet Union occupied and soon sovietized the countries east of the River Elbe that it had liberated from Nazi German and local fascist rule. The Eastern half of the continent was isolated from the West by a Soviet-type economic system and social-political regime and formed separate Soviet-led economic and military arrangements. In terms of trade, travel, and communication, exchange between the two halves of Europe was limited to a minimum. Several people believed that Stalin wanted to enlarge his buffer zone by occupying additional parts of the continent.
Predictive and Descriptive Models for Transient Photoconductivity in Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors

Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS) are important candidates for next generation display transistors, but instability under illumination with month-long transients is a significant drawback and may limit broader use. Several models have been developed to fit transient photoconductivity observed in AOS and relate it to a spectrum of weighted time constants, equivalent to either a density of states distribution of deep traps within the activated energy model, or to a time-dependent relaxation time constant in other models. In this work, we classify fits of the time constant spectrum to the transient data as either “descriptive” if they make no presumption about the spectral shape, or “predictive” if they assume a spectral shape a priori characterized by a few simple parameters. By fitting both descriptive and predictive models to simulated transients, it is observed that the best fit converges for the descriptive model if the measurement duration exceeds the mode (“peak”) value of the time constant distribution. The predictive models can converge orders of magnitude faster, but rely on a proper identification of the correct lineshape a priori. Therefore, it is recommended that first an unbiased descriptive model of sufficient measurement duration be performed. Then the known lineshape can be applied as a predictive model for future measurements, reducing subsequent measurement durations by orders of magnitude.
Characterization of tin(II) sulfide defects/vacancies and correlation with their photocurrent

The presence of defects/vacancies in nanomaterials influences the electronic structure of materials, and thus, it is necessary to study the correlation between the optoelectronic properties of a nanomaterial and its defects/vacancies. Herein, we report a facile solvothermal route to synthesize three-dimensional (3D) SnS nanostructures formed by {131} faceted nanosheet assembly. The 3D SnS nanostructures were calcined at temperatures of 350, 400, and 450 °C and used as counter electrodes, before their photocurrent properties were investigated. First principle computation revealed the photocurrent properties depend on the defect/vacancy concentration within the samples. It is very interesting that characterization with positron annihilation spectrometry confirmed that the density of defects/vacancies increased with the calcination temperature, and a maximum photocurrent was realized after treatment at 400 °C. Further, the defect/vacancy density decreased when the calcination temperature reached 450 °C as the higher calcination temperature enlarged the mesopores and densified the pore walls, which led to a lower photocurrent value at 450 °C than at 400 °C.
Effects of the miticide hexythiazox on biology of Galendromus flumenis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)

The Banks grass mite, Oligonychus pratensis (Banks) (Acari: Tetranychidae), is a major pest of dates. The miticide hexythiazox (Savey® 50 DF) is the current industry standard for Banks grass mite m...
Hunting black holes with Gaia

We predict the number of black holes with stellar companions that are potentially detectable with Gaia astrometry over the course of its five-year mission. Our model estimates that nearly 2$\times$10$^5$ astrometric binaries hosting black holes and stellar companions brighter than Gaia's detection threshold, G $\sim$ 20, should be discovered with 5$\sigma$ sensitivity. Among these detectable binaries, systems with longer orbital periods are favored, and black hole and stellar companion masses in the range M$_{BH} \sim$ 6-10 M$_\odot$ and M$_* \sim$ 1-2 M$_\odot$, respectively, are expected to dominate.
Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Silyl-Protected Methanol Catalyzed by an Oxorhenium Pincer PNN Complex

Reaction of the rhenium pincer PNN complex [(PNN)Re(O)2][OTf] (2) with Me2PhSiH results in addition of Si–H across the Re═O bond and a complex capable of reducing CO2 under mild conditions (ambient temperature and 100 psig) to silyl formate in 95% yield. Reaction of 2 with PhSiH3 yields a more reactive complex that catalytically reduces silyl formate to silyl formal (85% yield) and over longer times to silyl methanol (53% yield) with extrusion of siloxane. This system represents the unusual case of a high-valent metal oxo complex capable of reducing CO2 in a two-step, one-pot reaction to methanol.
Identification of the Ferredoxin-Binding Site of a Ferredoxin-Dependent Cyanobacterial Nitrate Reductase

An in silico model for the 1:1 ferredoxin (Fd)/nitrate reductase (NR) complex, using the known structure of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 Fd and the in silico model of Synechococcus sp. PCC 7942 NR, is used to map the interaction sites that define the interface between Fd and NR. To test the electrostatic interactions predicted by the model complex, five positively charged NR amino acids (Arg43, Arg46, Arg197, Lys201, and Lys614) and a negatively charged amino acid (Glu219) were altered using site-directed mutagenesis and characterized by activity measurements, metal analysis, and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies. All of the charge replacement variants retained wild-type levels of activity with reduced methyl viologen (MV), but a significant decrease in activity was observed for the R43Q, R46Q, K201Q, and K614Q variants when reduced Fd served as the electron donor. EPR analysis as well as the Fe and Mo analyses showed that loss of activity observed with these variants was not the consequence of ...
Prevalence and Predictive Value of Microvascular Flow Abnormalities after Successful Contemporary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Acute ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Background Although microvascular flow abnormalities have been observed following epicardial recanalization in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), the prevalence and severity of these abnormalities in the current era of rapid percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not been evaluated. The objective of this study was to assess microvascular perfusion (MVP) following successful primary PCI in patients with STEMI and how it affects clinical outcome. Methods In this single-center, retrospective study, 170 patients who successfully underwent emergent PCI for STEMI were assessed using real-time myocardial contrast echocardiography using a continuous infusion of intravenous commercial microbubbles (3% Definity). Three patterns of myocardial contrast replenishment were observed following intermittent high–mechanical index impulses: infarct zone replenishment within 4 sec (normal MVP), delays in contrast replenishment but normal plateau intensity (delayed MVP [dMVP]), and both delays in replenishment and reduced plateau intensity (microvascular obstruction [MVO]). Changes in left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months and clinical event rate at 12 months (death, recurrent infarction, need for defibrillator placement, or heart failure admission) were compared. Results Normal MVP was seen in 62 patients (36%), dMVP in 49 (29%), and MVO in 59 (35%). Left anterior descending coronary artery infarct location was the only parameter independently associated with dMVP or MVO, independent of age, cardiac risk factors, door-to-dilation time, pre-PCI Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade, and thrombus burden. A dMVP pattern had a similar reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction as MVO at hospital discharge but had recovery of left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months and a greater than fourfold lower event rate than the MVO group ( P Conclusions MVO and dMVP are frequently seen following contemporary successful PCI for STEMI, especially following left anterior descending coronary artery infarction. Despite a similar area at risk, a dMVP pattern has better functional recovery and clinical outcome than MVO.
Effect of intravascular contrast agent on diffusion and perfusion fraction coefficients in the peripheral zone and prostate cancer.

Abstract Purpose To determine whether water diffusion and the perfusion fraction coefficients in prostate peripheral zone (PZ) and prostate cancer (PCa) are affected by intravenous contrast injection and explore the potential mechanism behind previously reported differences between pre- and post-contrast ADC values. Methods Our institutional review board waived informed consent for this HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study, which included 32 patients (median age, 63 years; range, 47–77 years) with biopsy-proven, untreated PCa who underwent 3-Tesla MRI, including DW-MRI at b-values 0, 400, 700, 1000 s/mm2 before and after gadolinium injection. For regions of interest (ROIs) in presumed benign PZ and PZ PCa, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), perfusion fraction f, and diffusion coefficient D were estimated voxel-wise, and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise (CNR) were estimated. Pre- and post-contrast measurements were compared by Wilcoxon signed-rank test; P Results In PZ, f (P = 0.002) was significantly higher on post-contrast imaging than on pre-contrast imaging, but ADC and D values did not change significantly (P = 0.562 and 0.295 respectively). In PCa, all parameters differed significantly between post-contrast and pre-contrast imaging (P Conclusion After contrast injection, ADC and D declined significantly in PCa only, while f increased significantly in both PCa and PZ. Pre- and post-contrast diffusion parameters cannot be used interchangeably for diagnostic purposes that require quantitative diffusion estimates.
Dunford-Pettis like properties on tensor products

In this paper we study equivalent formulations of the DP * P p (1 < p < ∞). We show that X has the DP * P p if and only if every weakly-p-Cauchy sequence in X is a limited subset of X . We give sufficient conditions on Banach spaces X and Y so that the projective tensor product X ⨂ π Y , the dual ( X ⨂ ϵ Y )* of their injective tensor product, and the bidual ( X ⨂ π Y ) ** of their projective tensor product, do not have the DPP p , 1 < p < ∞ . We also show that in some cases, the projective and the injective tensor products of two spaces do not have the DP * P p , 1 < p < ∞ . Mathematics Subject Classification (2010): 46B20, 46B25, 46B28. Keywords: The Dunford-Pettis property of order p , the DP *-property of order p, p-convergent operator, injective and projective tensor products
Using a Game as a Teaching Device.

"Your numbers are whole numbers; their sum is 5, 10, or 20." The game begins with asking A, "Do you know my number?" Usually A will not know, for the initial information will not suffice. In the game illustrated, sup pose that A has 4 and has 6. Then of course A knows only that has 1, 6, or 16, so in this game A must pass. Then is asked by A, "Do you know my number?" We leave it to you to explain why should know now that A has 4. The game can be made as simple or as complex as one wishes by cleverly modi fying the initial conditions. Theoretically a game can be constructed so that each player gives many "no" responses before there is finally a sufficient accumulation of information so that one player knows the other's number. This fact is not intui tively evident. One would think that after a short string of "no" responses additional "no's" would not provide useful informa tion. But this is not the case. As a com
Coded MPSK Modulation for the AWGN and Rayleigh Fading Channels

This paper investigates two methods of constructing bandwidth efficient MPSK modulation codes for the AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels. The first method is the multilevel coding method devised by Imai and Hirakawa. The multilevel coding method is a powerful technique for constructing bandwidth efficient modulation codes systematically with arbitrarily large distance parameters from Hamming distance component (block or convolutional) codes in conjunction with proper bits-to-signal mapping through signal set partitioning. Particularly, it provides the flexibility to coordinate the distance parameters of a code such that the best performance for a given channel can be attained. Furthermore, the multilevel modulation codes constructed by this method allow the use of multistage decoding procedures that provide good trade-offs between performance and decoding complexity. The second method is to construct TCM codes using convolutional codes with good free branch distance in conjunction with the multilevel coding technique.
Oregon's Expansion of Prenatal Care Improved Utilization Among Immigrant Women.

Objectives To determine whether expanding Emergency Medicaid to cover prenatal care in Oregon affected maternal health outcomes for unauthorized immigrants. Methods This study takes place in Oregon from 2003 to 2015 and includes all Emergency Medicaid and Medicaid claims for women aged 12–51 with a pregnancy related claim. To isolate the effect of expanding access to prenatal care, we utilized a difference-in-differences approach that exploits the staggered rollout of the prenatal care program. The primary outcome was a composite measure of severe maternal morbidity and mortality. Additional outcomes include adequacy of prenatal care, detection of pregnancy complications and birth outcomes. Results A total of 213,746 pregnancies were included, with 35,182 covered by Emergency Medicaid, 12,510 covered by Emergency Medicaid Plus (with prenatal care), and 166,054 covered by standard Medicaid. Emergency Medicaid Plus coverage did not affect severe maternal morbidity (all pregnancies 0.05%, CI − 0.29; 0.39; high-risk pregnancies 2.20%, CI − 0.47; 4.88). The program did reduce inadequate care among all pregnancies (− 31.75%, 95% CI − 34.47; − 29.02) and among high risk pregnancies (− 38.60%, CI − 44.17; − 33.02) and increased diagnosis of gestational diabetes (6.24%, CI 4.36; 8.13; high risk pregnancies 10.48%, CI 5.87; 15.08), and poor fetal growth (7.37%, CI 5.69; 9.05; high risk pregnancies 5.34%, CI 1.00; 9.68). The program also increased diagnosis of pre-existing diabetes mellitus (all pregnancies 2.93%, CI 2.16; 3.69), hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (all pregnancies 1.28%, CI 0.52; 2.04) and a history of preterm birth (all pregnancies 0.87%, CI 0.27; 1.47). Conclusions for Practice Oregon’s prenatal care expansion program produced positive effects for unauthorized immigrant women and their children.
Tuning the biological activity of cationic anthraquinone analogues specifically toward Staphylococcus aureus.

Abstract Development of new antibacterial agents against drug resistant bacteria is an imminent task, especially against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). While MRSA can still be treated with broad spectrum antibiotics, the use of which often leads to the disruption of normal microbial flora leading to Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Herein, a new class of antibacterial agent, cationic anthraquinone analogues specifically against MRSA, has been developed. Through the variation and optimization of substituents, these agents are selective toward MRSA, and not Gram negative bacteria which may avoid the problem of CDI. In addition, newly discovered lead compounds also show significantly reduced cytotoxicity against normal mammalian cells than cancerous cells. This interesting finding can alleviate the toxicity and side effect problems often associate with the use of antibiotics.
Modeling the Effects of Uncertainty on the National Airspace System

This paper presents the first steps toward managing uncertainty and assessing risk within the national airspace system (NAS) by investigating the impact of uncertainty on “flight plan flexibility” (FPF) – a proposed quantitative measure of an aircraft’s ability to adapt its flight plan due to improbable events. First, an air traffic scenario derived from national flight plan data is simulated with an open source BlueSky air traffic control analysis centered on a busy airport. Next, state-space diagrams derived from the aircraft state parameters (i.e., speeds, altitudes, headings), spatial proximities, and surveillance signals are used to construct the FPF metric. Finally, a probabilistic analysis is used to propagate uncertainty in the aircraft positions through BlueSky to observe the resulting uncertainty in FPF through time. Future work will aggregate individual aircraft safety measures and additional metrics into a single system-wide indicator, transitioning from BlueSky to a gate-to-gate simulation for prognostics, and deriving probabilistic models of epistemic and aleatory sources of uncertainty in the NAS from available data.
A Literature Review of Software Test Cases and Future Research

Nowadays, software testing is becoming more critical to ensure that software will function properly in a dynamic environment. Consequently, different types of resources such as effort, time, and fund invested on software testing activities increase significantly. As such, managers have to allocate limited resources in software development to those critical test cases rather than the exhaustive set of test cases. In this paper, we describe the results of a literature search that explores the importance and value of software test cases as a preliminary to conducting further research on this topic.
Pharmacokinetics of a modified, compounded theophylline product in dogs

Theophylline is a commonly used bronchodilator drug for treatment of chronic canine bronchitis, but no formulations validated in dogs are currently available. An oral, modified and compounded theophylline product (MCT), which could fulfil this need, is available through a USP-compliant, veterinary compounding pharmacy; however, its pharmacokinetic properties are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics of MCT. Plasma drug concentrations were measured in seven healthy, fed dogs after single doses of intravenous aminophylline (8.6 mg/kg theophylline equivalent) and oral MCT (10 mg/kg). Systemic bioavailability of the MCT was 96.2 ± 32.9%. MCT times to maximum concentration, mean absorption time and terminal half-life were 8.85 ± 3.63, 6.95 ± 3.42, and 8.67 ± 1.62 hr, respectively. Based on simulations of 10 mg/kg and 12-hr dosing, steady-state plasma theophylline concentrations are expected to exceed the minimum therapeutic concentration for 71.7 ± 35.6% of the dosing interval. Overall, the MCT product investigated showed similar pharmacokinetic characteristics compared to previously validated extended-release theophylline products. An oral dose of 10 mg/kg q 12 hr is likely an appropriate dosage to begin therapy; however, therapeutic drug monitoring may be warranted because of inter-individual variation.
Dynamic System Identification For Guidance Of Stimulation Parameters In Haptic Simulation Environments

We develop a dynamic system identification model to identify relationships among simultaneously recorded electroencephalography (EEG), electromyography (EMG) and force signals measured from 12 participants performing haptic interactions with 3D printed surfaces having different textures. In the first stage, we solve for the maximum likelihood (ML) parameter vector of a parsimonious integrated vector autoregression model (VAR) to estimate the latency between endogenous time variables, utilizing a grid search over the log likelihood scores. In the second stage, we explore the modality dependencies between synchronized EEG, EMG and haptic interactions by training parsimonious VAR models of the same structure. We use our knowledge of signal latency, lag orders and modality dependencies to predict EEG and haptic forces from any provided different combination of EEG, EMG and force measurements. In our future work, this model will guide external stimulation parameters for haptic interaction simulation in scenarios, including teleoperations and virtual environments.
Deliberative Democracy and Citizenship: In Search of the Efficacy Effect

Enthusiasm for deliberative democracy has grown in recent years, as many believe that it can create better citizens generally, and particularly increase their perceptions of political efficacy. Although the “efficacy effect” is frequently touted as a rationale for engaging in deliberative processes, there is little empirical research on the subject. This study examines the impact on perceptions of internal and external political efficacy of participation in one manifestation of a deliberative democracy process, the AmericaSpeaks 21st Century Town Meeting. Using quasi-experimental, longitudinal survey data, the study finds partial support for the claim that deliberative democracy produces the efficacy effect. Implications of the findings and directions for future research are discussed.
Lead removal by a spiral-wound woven wire mesh rotating cylinder electrode: optimisation using Taguchi design method

Lead removal from a simulated wastewater was achieved using a spiral-wound woven wire mesh rotating cylinder electrode. The operating parameters for the cathodic deposition of lead were optimised by Taguchi approach. Three operating parameters were considered as control variables. These are: initial lead concentration (25–125 ppm), rotation speed (200–1,000 rpm) and current (0.1–0.5 A). Removal efficiency was considered as a response for the optimisation process. The results indicate that the current has the most significant influence on the removal efficiency than the other parameters. The optimum operating parameters were a current of 0.5 A, rotation speed of 600 rpm and Pb(II) initial concentration of 100 ppm, in which the initial lead concentration was deceased from 100 ppm to less than 5ppm resulting in a removal efficiency of 95.65% within 30 min of electrolysis while a complete removal was achieved at 50 min. Taguchi methodology was proved to be successful for optimising lead removal process.
Nitrogen Effects in Additively Manufactured Martensitic Stainless Steels: Conventional Thermal Processing and Comparison with Wrought

The microstructures of additively manufactured (AM) precipitation-hardenable stainless steels 17-4 and 15-5 were investigated and compared to those of conventionally produced materials. The residual N found in N2-atomized 17-4 powder feedstock is inherited by the additively produced material, and has dramatic effects on phase stability, microstructure, and microstructural evolution. Nitrogen is a known austenite stabilizing element, and the as-built microstructure of AM 17-4 can contain up to 90 pct or more retained austenite, compared to the nearly 100 pct martensite structure of wrought 17-4. Even after homogenization and solutionization heat treatments, AM 17-4 contains 5 to 20 pct retained austenite. In contrast, AM 15-5 and Ar-atomized AM 17-4 contain < 5 pct retained austenite in the as-built condition, and this level is further decreased following post-build thermal processing. Computational thermodynamics-based calculations qualitatively describe the observed depression in the martensite start temperature and martensite stability as a function of N-content, but require further refinements to become quantitative. A significant increase in the volume fraction of fine-scale carbide precipitates attributed to the high N-content of AM 17-4 is also hypothesized to give rise to additional activation barriers for the dislocation motion required for martensite nucleation and subsequent growth. An increase in the volume fraction of carbide/nitride precipitates is observed in AM 15-5, although they do not inhibit martensite formation to the extent observed in AM 17-4.
Preoperative Screening for Obstructive Sleep Apnea Prior to Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: A Survey of the North American Skull Base Society.

BackgroundObstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a commonly seen comorbidity in patients undergoing endoscopic skull base surgery and its presence may influence perioperative decision-making. Current pra...
On the complexity of fitted toral dynamics

Abstract In earlier work we defined a computational saddle transition problem which arises in the dynamics of certain hyperbolic toral automorphisms, and proved, using the shadowing lemma, that in an appropriate model of computation this problem is in Oracle NP , up to a highly restricted oracle. In this note we show similar methods can be extended to a far larger class of dynamical systems, a class which is dense in the C 0 -topology on Diff 1 ( T 2 ) . We adapt the fitted diffeomorphisms of Shub and Sullivan on the 2-Torus to a computational framework. Just as in their case, the resulting “well-fitted” toral automorphisms are structurally stable, and C 0 -dense, and we show the associated saddle transition problems are, in our model, in Oracle NP .
Concept of a Self-Phased Metasurface Pixel/Cell in Non-Reflective Mode

A transmission-type Huygens's metasurface allows electromagnetic waves to be both transmitted and manipulated with negligible reflection. This can be achieved by properly designing electric and magnetic resonances. In this paper, we present concept of a self-phased metasurface pixel/cell that offers a reconfigurable transmissive phase. The tunable phase can be realized by using constituent material as the substrate supporting the metasurface. As the constituent material permittivity changes, the resonance wavelength of metasurface also changes, which results in a phase change. The proposed unit cell design consists of three layers of a metallic ring surrounding a metallic patch, all are integrated in a constituent material used as substrates. Simulation results show that the designed unit cell can achieve over 180 degrees of tunable phase with insertion loss of less than 3 dB.
Alliance With an Unguided Smartphone App: Validation of the Digital Working Alliance Inventory:

The working alliance may be relevant in unguided smartphone-based interventions, but no validated measure exists. We evaluated the psychometric properties of the six-item Digital Working Alliance Inventory (DWAI) using a cross-sectional survey of meditation app users (n = 290) and the intervention arm of a randomized trial testing a smartphone-based meditation app (n = 314). Exploratory factor analysis suggested a single-factor solution which was replicated using longitudinal confirmatory factor analysis. The DWAI showed adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Discriminant validity was supported by a lack of association with social desirability, psychological distress, and preference for a waitlist condition. Convergent validity was supported by positive associations with perceived app effectiveness and preference for an app condition. Supporting predictive validity, DWAI scores positively predicted self-reported and objective app utilization. When assessed at Weeks 3 or 4 of the intervention, but not earlier, DWAI scores predicted pre-post reductions in psychological distress.