cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Low-Bandgap Thiophene Dendrimers for Improved Light Harvesting

This article follows our previous work on the synthesis and characterization of pi-conjugated dendrimers for use in organic solar cells. Here we discuss five new thiophene-based dendrimers that were synthesized in order to study the relationship between their chemical structures and electronic properties. Three of these dendrimers incorporate acetylene spacers, included to relieve steric strain, between the thiophene arms and phenyl cores used in previous studies. Only a small effect on the electronic properties is observed upon inclusion of the acetylene spacer in the three-arm dendrimer, 3G1-2S-Ac. In contrast, a decrease in the bandgap is observed for the four-arm dendrimer, 4G1-2S-Ac, due to a reduction of interactions between the arms in the more sterically congested 1,2,4,5-arrangement around the phenyl core, resulting in delocalization of the exciton through the phenyl core. Incorporation of electron-withdrawing cyano groups on the phenyl core of the three-arm dendrimer, 3G1-2S-CN, resulted in a very large (∼0.5 eV) decrease in the bandgap, due to stabilization of the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, and the low energy absorption band in this material is attributed to a transition with significant intramolecular charge-transfer character. The electronic properties of three- and four-arm dendrimers with electron-donating dibutylaniline moieties attached to the end of the thiophene dendron, 3G1-2S-N and 4G1-2S-N respectively, are almost identical, indicating that they are dominated by the arms, with no through-core communication allowed, even for the para-linked arms of 4G1-2S-N. However, there is a significant increase in the molar absorptivity of these materials, concomitant with significant broadening of the absorption spectrum, which is an important attribute in light-harvesting applications.
Unconjugated bilirubin inhibits in vitro major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted cytotoxicity of human lymphocytes.

Abstract Septic complications have been major problems in the management of patients with obstructive jaundice and neonatal jaundice. This study investigates effects of unconjugated bilirubin on lymphocyte-mediated cytotoxicity against human tumor target cells. In vitro exposure of human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) with bilirubin IX α in bovine albumin solution resulted in a dose-dependent decrease of both natural killer activity and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity. Inhibition of both activities correlated with the amounts of intracellular bilirubin. Expression of cell surface CD16, CD56 antigen, and IL-2 receptor β chain was unchanged in bilirubin-treated PBL as compared to bilirubin-untreated PBL. When bilirubin-treated PBL were cultured with interleukin-2 (IL-2), a dose-dependent decrease of lymphokine-activated killing activity, ADCC activity, and DNA synthesis was observed. Expression of CD56 antigen and IL-2 receptor α chain was unchanged in bilirubin-treaed PBL following IL-2 stimulation as compared to bilirubin free control. These results suggest that bilirubin inhibits major histocompatibility complex-unrestricted cytotoxicity in both unstimulated and IL-2 stimulated lymphocytes. These observations may help explain the increased susceptibility to infection observed in hyperbilirubinemic patients.
On the rigidity of Hardy submodules

In contrast with the one-variable case, there is a large number of distinct submodules of the Hardy module over the polydisk algebra in the multi-variable use. We show that under hypotheses on the zero sets, two submodules which are equivalent in any reasonable sense must be equal. This is the rigidity referred to in the title.
Impact of Georgia’s Teenage and Adult Driver Responsibility Act

Study objective In 1997, the Georgia General Assembly enacted the Teenage and Adult Drivers Responsibility Act (TADRA), a comprehensive legislative package that attempted to reduce fatal crashes of teenaged drivers by introducing graduated driver's licensing, "zero tolerance" of underage impaired drivers, and automatic license revocation for speeding greater than 25 miles per hour over the posted limit and other dangerous driving behaviors. To determine whether TADRA reduced teen driving fatalities, we examine fatal crash rates involving various age groups before versus after the law was enacted. Methods Data from the Fatal Accident Reporting System were used to calculate annualized fatal crash rates of various age groups of drivers during an 11-year interval 5½ years before TADRA was enacted and 5½ years afterwards. To identify potential historical effects, Georgia's experience was compared to that of Alabama, South Carolina, and Tennessee, states that did not adopt equally comprehensive legislation during the study period. Results During the preenactment period, 317 Georgia drivers aged 16 were involved in a fatal crash (57/100,000 person-years) compared to 230 in the postenactment period (36/100,000 person-years; risk ratio [RR] 0.63; 95% confidence interval 0.53 to 0.75). Speed-related fatal crashes were cut by 42%, and alcohol-related fatal crashes decreased nearly 60%, without displacing fatal crashes to older age groups. These reductions greatly exceeded those noted in 2 of 3 comparison states and the nation overall. Conclusion TADRA markedly reduced fatal crash rates among 16-year-old Georgia drivers. Fatal crashes were not displaced to older age groups.
Intertarget interval does not affect P300 within oddball series.

Abstract Increasing interstimulus interval or decreasing target probability of an oddball series increases P300 amplitude. These findings serve as one of the key underpinnings for the context updating hypothesis of P300. This hypothesis argues that by increasing the average amount of time elapsing between targets, decay of the neural model occurs and there is greater need for updating the model's accuracy. The amount of updating is reflected by increased P300 amplitude. To date, most comparisons have been made between P300 elicited by targets in different oddball series which vary in their mean intertarget interval. The current study examined P300 responses to within-series targets grouped according to how much time had elapsed since the previous target. No differences were found between P300 responses elicited by targets occuring 5–20 s since the previous target. This indicates that P300 amplitude does not vary with the amount of time passing between targets. Therefore, the context updating hypothesis may require some revision.
Computer control systems in organizations

The purpose of this paper is to present an overview of control systems in organizations, with the emphasis on computer control systems. Specifically, the paper will present a model of organizational control systems, discuss the responsibility for internal control systems, present a model of computer security and control points, and categorize the security and control points by specific internal control objectives.
Diagnosis of a Pathogenic Fungus (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) of German Cockroaches, Blattella Germanica (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae)

Abnormal morphological effects of a fungal infection (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) lethal to German cockroaches, Blattella germanica , were studied. Infected adults had shortened antennae (ca. 6 mm long) and increased separation of forewing apices (by ca. 2.2 mm), corresponding to an internal mycosis of ca. 106 yeast cells/ml hemolymph. The examination of wing veins for yeast cells provided a simple yet reliable and nondestructive method for detecting the mycosis in adults. Short, curled antennae and reduced insect movement were satisfactory indicators for detecting most infected nymphal instars.
Studies on the structure and function of 16S ribosomal RNA using structure-specific chemical probes

Recent technological developments permit us to examine the accessibility of specific atoms on any nucleotide in any large RNA molecule to certain chemical probes. This can provide detailed information about the higher order structure of large RNA molecules, including secondary and tertiary structure, protein-RNA contacts, binding sites for functional ligands and possible biologically significant conformational changes. Here, we summarize recent studies on (i) the conformation of naked 16S rRNA under a variety of ionic conditions, and (ii) the behaviour of 16S rRNA in active and inactive 30S subunits, as defined by Zamir, Elson and their colleagues. The latter study reveals a reciprocal conformational change in the vicinity of the decoding region of 16S rRNA in 30S ribosomal subunits. This conformational change appears to be a rearrangement of tertiary and/or quaternary structure involving several universally conserved nucleotides. No reproducible effects are seen elsewhere in the molecule, suggesting that the active-inactive transition is a result of the observed conformational change.
Economic Geography By William P. Anderson London and New York: Routledge, 2012.

A decade ago, I had a conversation with a colleague about a new introductory course on urban economic geography. One of the concerns we both had was the lack of contemporary textbooks appropriate f...
Percutaneous Intraportal Application of Adipose Tissue–derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Using a Balloon Occlusion Catheter in a Porcine Model of Liver Fibrosis

Abstract Purpose To investigate the safety and effectiveness of a novel endovascular approach for therapeutic cell delivery using a balloon occlusion catheter in a large animal model of liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods Transcatheter arterial embolization with ethiodized oil (Ethiodol) and ethanol was used to induce liver damage in 11 pigs. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were harvested from adipose tissue and engineered to express green fluorescent protein (GFP). A balloon occlusion catheter was positioned in the bilateral first-order portal vein branches 2 weeks after embolization to allow intraportal application of MSCs in six experimental animals. MSCs were allowed to dwell for 10 minutes using prolonged balloon inflation. Five control animals received a sham injection of normal saline in a similar fashion. Hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) was measured immediately before necropsy. Specimens from all accessible lobes were obtained with ultrasound-guided percutaneous 18-gauge biopsy 2 hours after cell application. All animals were euthanized within 4 weeks. Fluorescent microscopy was used to assess the presence and distribution of cells. Results Liver injury and fibrosis were successfully induced in all animals. MSCs (6–10 × 10 7 ) were successfully delivered into the portal vein in the six experimental animals. Cell application was not associated with vascular complications. HVPG showed no instances of portal hypertension. GFP-expressing MSCs were visualized in biopsy specimens and were distributed primarily within the sinusoidal spaces; however, 4 weeks after implantation, MSCs could not be identified in histologic specimens. Conclusions A percutaneous endovascular approach for cell delivery using a balloon occlusion catheter proved safe for intraportal MSC application in a large animal model of liver fibrosis.
The flux of soluble organic-iron(III) complexes from sediments represents a source of stable iron(III) to estuarine waters and to the continental shelf

Iron speciation in the Satilla River Estuary was investigated using competitive ligand equilibration–adsorptive cathodic stripping voltammetry (CLE-ACSV) with the ligand 1-nitroso-2-naphthol (1N2N). The blackwater Satilla River contains high concentrations of dissolved organic matter and iron, suggesting that it could provide a source of dissolved iron to the continental shelf. Total dissolved iron in the water column decreases along the estuary, likely due to flocculation and precipitation processes associated with the increase in salinity. Simultaneously, the percentage of dissolved organic-Fe(III) complexes measured by CLE-ACSV in overlying waters of sediment cores increases with salinity. The speciation of dissolved iron in the pore waters indicates that these complexes originate in the underlying sediments. Diffusive fluxes calculated from depth profiles in the sediments indicate that only 8% of the sedimentary flux of Fe(III) is delivered to the continental shelf during low riverine discharge. During normal flow conditions, however, the sediment flux of Fe(III) represents 63% of the total riverine flux of Fe(III). These findings suggest that the flux of dissolved iron to the continental shelf is controlled by the sedimentation of iron in the estuary and the remobilization of soluble organic-Fe(III) complexes produced either during iron reduction deep in the sediment or oxidation of Fe(II) close to the sediment–water interface. The Satilla River Estuary generates five to eight times higher concentrations of dissolved Fe(III) than the average major world rivers, suggesting that it is, along with other small blackwater rivers, currently underrepresented in world average river flux calculations. The importance of iron for primary productivity in the open ocean is well documented, and iron fertilization experiments have shown that iron additions can enhance primary productivity in high nutrient, low chlorophyll (HNLC) zones (Breitbarth et al. 2010). Iron is considered a limiting nutrient in marine waters, as the low solubility of Fe(III) limits the concentration of dissolved iron (, 0.4 mm)
Impact of the Political Context on Foreign Policy Decision-Making

One of the most pressing concerns in the study of international relations today is to develop a systematic account of the impact of domestic politics on foreign policy. This paper argues that domestic politics frequently influences foreign policy through a process of decisionmaking that grows out of the decision-maker's awareness of the requirements for effective action in the political context. It is therefore necessary to develop a theory that can explain how the political context's characteristic features affect decision-makers' thinking. In attempting to combine insights culled from the literature on political decision-making with psychological theories of decision-making processes, this paper offers a first step toward such a theory.
Differential Cellular and Subcellular Localization of AMPA Receptor-Binding Protein and Glutamate Receptor-Interacting Protein

Excitatory synaptic currents in the mammalian brain are typically mediated by the neurotransmitter glutamate, acting at AMPA receptors. We used immunocytochemistry to investigate the distribution of AMPA receptor-binding protein (ABP) in the cerebral neocortex. ABP was most prominent in pyramidal neurons, although it was also present (at lower levels) in interneurons. ABP and its putative binding partners, the GluR2/3 subunits of the AMPA receptor, exhibited prominent cellular colocalization. Under appropriate processing conditions, colocalization could also be documented in puncta, many of which could be recognized as dendritic spines. However, a sizable minority of GluR2/3-positive puncta were immunonegative for ABP. Because glutamate receptor-interacting protein (GRIP) may also anchor GluR2, we studied the relative distribution of ABP and GRIP. There was extensive colocalization of these two antigens at the cellular level, although GRIP, unlike ABP, was strongest in nonpyramidal neurons. Different parts of a single dendrite could stain selectively for ABP or GRIP. To further characterize this heterogeneity, we investigated punctate staining of neuropil using synaptophysin and the membrane tracer DiA to identify probable synapses. Some puncta were comparably positive for both ABP and GRIP, but the majority were strongly positive for one antigen and only weakly positive or immunonegative for the other. This heterogeneity could be seen even within adjacent spines of a single dendrite. These data suggest that ABP may act as a scaffold for AMPA receptors either in concert with or independently from GRIP.
Ethical Issues Related to Clinical, Translational, and Health System Research

In 2005, a charge was created to update the the American College of Clinical Pharmacy's 1993 white paper on Ethical Issues in Clinical Pharmacy Research. In that paper, emerging threats to scientific integrity were identified, and guidance was provided to investigators to minimize their risk for impropriety. The committee charged with this task considered a variety of issues pertaining to research, including those that are related to patients, pharmacogenomics, economics, and study design and oversight. Objectivity and integrity are the foundations on which all researchers should base their scientific endeavors. One's desire for acclaim, promotion, or financial reward must be closely monitored so that these factors do not impair a researcher's judgment and objectivity. The ethical line can become easily blurred. Therefore, the constructs of scientific integrity should be integral to pharmacy education and scientific training programs, and their principles applied throughout one's career.
Chelation of Zinc Amplifies Induction of Growth Hormone mRNA Levels in Cultured Rat Pituitary Tumor Cells

Zinc is thought to be an integral part of nuclear receptor proteins, stabilizing them in a conformation required for binding to target genes. However, we have recently shown that restriction of zinc availability with a chelator (diethylenetriaminepenta-acetic acid, DTPA) enhances, rather than inhibits, the ability of thyroid hormone to induce growth hormone mRNA expression in GH3 rat pituitary tumor cells. In this report, we have extended these observations by showing that a prolonged (48 h) exposure to DTPA is required to see these effects. The induction by DTPA can be reversed by subsequent addition of zinc, but again, this reversal is slow. A second chelator, EDTA, can also induce growth hormone gene expression in the presence of thyroid hormone, though it is less potent than DTPA. Other agents which act via the nuclear receptor pathway, all-trans and 9-cis retinoic acid, also induce expression of growth hormone mRNA. Addition of DTPA amplifies these effects in a zinc-dependent manner. Thus chelation of zinc potentiates the action of ligands acting via nuclear receptors on growth hormone gene expression. The delayed nature of the response suggests an indirect effect.
Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy: What Does Sleep Have to Do With It?

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) refers to the sudden unexpected death of a seemingly healthy individual with epilepsy. A recently published article recommending a unified definition and classification for SUDEP defines it as a “sudden, unexpected, witnessed or unwitnessed, nontraumatic and nondrowning death, occurring in benign circumstances, in an individual with epilepsy, with or without evidence for a seizure and excluding documented status epilepticus (seizure duration 30 minutes or seizures without recovery in between) in which postmortem examination does not reveal a cause of death.” SUDEP is the commonest cause of death directly attributable to epilepsy, andmost oftenoccurs at or around the time of a seizure and during sleep. This article reviews the current medical literature on the epidemiology, risk factors, and preventive measures for SUDEP in people with epilepsy, and also discusses the roles of sleep, respiration, impaired autonomic functioning, and nocturnal seizures in SUDEP.
Markov chain models for genetic algorithm based topology control in MANETs

We analyze the convergence properties of our force based genetic algorithm(fga) as a decentralized topology control mechanism distributed among software agents. fga guides autonomous mobile agents over an unknown geographical area to obtain a uniform node distribution. The stochastic behavior of fga makes it difficult to analyze the effects of various manet characteristics over its convergence rate. We present ergodic homogeneous Markov chains to analyze the convergence of our fga with respect to changing communication range of mobile nodes. Simulation experiments indicate that the increased communication range for the mobile nodes does not result in a faster convergence.
The importin-beta family member Crm1p bridges the interaction between Rev and the nuclear pore complex during nuclear export

Abstract Background: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) uses the viral protein Rev to regulate gene expression by promoting the export of unspliced and partially spliced viral transcripts. Rev has been shown to function in a variety of organisms, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae . The export activity of Rev depends on a nuclear export signal (NES), which is believed to interact either directly or indirectly with the nuclear pore complex to carry out its export function. Crm1p is a member of the importin-beta protein family, other members of which are known to be directly involved in nuclear import. Crm1p has recently been shown to contribute to nuclear export in vertebrate systems. Here, we have studied this mechanism of nuclear to cytoplasmic transport. Results: Viable mis-sense mutations in the CRM1 gene substantially reduced or eliminated the biological activity of Rev in S. cerevisiae , providing strong evidence that Crm1p also contributes to transport of Rev NES-containing proteins and ribonucleoproteins in this organism. Crm1p interacted with FG-repeat-containing nuclear pore proteins as well as Rev, and we have demonstrated that the previously described two-hybrid interaction between Rev and the yeast nuclear pore protein Rip1p is dependent on wild-type Crm1p. Conclusions: We conclude that Crm1p interacts with the Rev NES and nuclear pore proteins during delivery of cargo to the nuclear pore complex. Our findings also agree well with current experiments on Crm1p orthologs in Schizosaccharomyces pombe and in vertebrate systems.
NI LabView data acquisition system design using hydrogen fuel cell

Fuel cell stacks containing hundreds of individual cells are capable of generating high voltage and current values needed for transportation, commercial, residential, portable and industrial power applications. Although majority of hydrogen produced today comes from reformulated natural gas generated through a process that creates a significant amount of carbon dioxide, fuel cell is still a viable energy source for the future electrical power applications. One of the hard cases of the fuel-cell power systems is proper monitoring, instrumentation and data acquisition of system parameters such as fuel flow into the system, AC and DC voltage values, load current, humidity, power, pressure, temperature, fuel utilization, overall system efficiency, noise, etc. Fuel cell test systems must precisely monitor and control the aforementioned hundreds of measurements in real-time. It is necessary to have an instrumentation system which is able to monitor and control fuel cell operation under varying conditions and accurately get information relating to real-time performance and operational characteristics to calculate fuel cell efficiency correctly. Instrumentation and interface systems must also provide flexible data acquisition, monitoring, and control capability to precisely control fuel cell operation. Therefore, a typical fuel cell test system requires high-resolution, highvoltage input, isolation, and waveform acquisition capability. The objective of this applied research project is design and implementation of a high-resolution data acquisition and interface module for a 500 W Hydrogen fuel cell power station using LabVIEW™ PDS v8.20 software and field point based data acquisition modules.
Ultra-wideband multichannel receiver test bed

Developing a test bed for the study of UWB (Ultra Wide Band) MIMO (Multi Input Multi Output) systems requires unique capability not necessarily found in common commercially available devices. Some of the characteristics attractive to research test beds are impractical when applied to commercial solutions, this is especially true of UWB where commercial devices targeting accepted applications and changing government standards dictate fairly narrow confines for the operation of UWB signals. This paper is an overview of the techniques, challenges and solutions adapted to a custom receiver front end allowing minimum distortion, noise and interferences while providing the researcher with the most adaptable platform we could provide for the research being performed on the Tennessee Technological University UWB MIMO test bed. In addition, phase noise in the distributive clock is discussed as well. Finally, we introduce the digital section built on a customized multichannel digitizer that is capable of processing data in real time.
Improving Representation in the Canadian House of Commons

Canada's single-member plurality (SMP) rules for elections to the House of Commons have a number of disadvantages, including their tendency to promote severe underrepresentation of the governing party in some regions, reward regionally concentrated parties, lead to single-region dominance of the governing party caucus and underrepresent women, Aboriginal peoples and visible minorities. Electoral reforms proposed to weaken these effects, especially proportional representation and “mixed-member corrective” systems, generally make single-party majority governments almost impossible. After reviewing alternatives, this article presents a simulation of the effects of a system featuring a limited number of compensation seats designed to award most of these seats to the parties that garner the most votes nationwide. This system could help rectify many of the problems associated with the current SMP system while only modestly lowering the prospects for single-party majority government.
Three Potato Centromeres Are Associated with Distinct Haplotypes with or Without Megabase-Sized Satellite Repeat Arrays

We report discoveries of different haplotypes associated with the centromeres of three potato chromosomes, including haplotypes composed of long arrays of satellite repeats and haplotypes lacking the same repeats. These results are in favor of the hypothesis that satellite repeat-based centromeres may originate from neocentromeres that lack repeats.
Multi-frame super-resolution algorithm for complex motion patterns

Multi-frame super-resolution algorithms offer resolution enhancement for sequences of images with sampling limited resolution. However, classical approaches have been constrained by the accuracy of motion estimation while nonlocal approaches that use implicit motion estimation have attained only modest resolution improvement. In this paper, we propose a new multi-frame optical flow based super-resolution algorithm, which provides significant resolution enhancement for image sequences containing complex motion. The algorithm uses the standard camera image formation model and a variational super-resolution formulation with an anisotropic smoothness term adapting to local image structures. The key elements enabling super-resolution of complex motion patterns are the computation of two-way optical flow between the images and use of two corresponding uncertainty measures that approximate the optical flow interpolation error. Using the developed algorithm, we are able to demonstrate super-resolution of images for which optical flow estimation experiences near breakdown, due to the complexity of the motion patterns and the large magnitudes of the displacements. In comparison, we show that for these images some conventional super-resolution approaches fail, while others including nonlocal super-resolution technique produce distortions and provide lower (1-1.8 dB) image quality enhancement compared to the proposed algorithm.
Atomistic and Coarse-Grained Modeling Strategies for Thin Film Nucleation and Growth on Quasicrystalline Surfaces

Strategies are described for modeling the kinetics of non-equilibrium film growth during deposition of metals on quasicrystalline substrates. We review previous atomistic-level lattice-gas modeling and Kinetic Monte Carlo simulation for pseudomorphic (or commensurate) submonolayer growth based on a “disordered or irregular bond-network” (DBN) of neighboring adsorption sites. We describe extensions to treat strain effects and multilayer growth, and discuss a type of commensurate-incommensurate transition expected around 2-3 layers. We also describe a coarse-grained “step dynamics” modeling which tracks the dynamics of island edges in each layer rather than individual atoms. Step dynamics models can also include key aspects of the physics such as layer-dependent energetics, including quantum size effects, and strain effects.
An Exploratory Framework for Future E-Government Research Investments

After more than a decade of e-government research, little work has been done to envision the longer term future of government and society and the unanswered questions associated with such a vision. This paper reports the results of a survey of thirteen future-oriented research themes generated by an international research partnership. The survey generated responses from 383 experts in 54 countries. It revealed strong consensus on the overall importance of future e-government research, as well as a small number of differences among regions and stakeholder groups regarding the relative importance of individual themes. The study also produced a four-factor framework for organizing and classifying e-government research that comprises relevance, confidence, interoperability, and innovation as interacting elements of any future vision of e-government.
Some unsteady motions of a diffusion flame sheet

A study is made of the response of a diffusion flame sheet to perturbations of reactant concentration which are introduced, either as changes in the free streams, or as appropriate initial distributions throughout the field. Species’ and energy conservation requirements are approximated by linearized boundary-layer equations; general solutions are derived for species, enthalpy and temperature distributions, as well as for the flame sheet shape, and a number of specific problems are solved.
Capturing the Complexity of Intergenerational Relations: Exploring Ambivalence within Later-Life Families

This article reports on a study that incorporates two dimensions of complexity in intergenerational relations. First, the article focuses on ambivalence: the simultaneous existence of positive and negative sentiments in the older parent–adult child relationship. Second, the research described here applies a within-family design to the study of ambivalence, using a data set that includes 566 older mothers' assessments of ambivalence toward all of their adult children. The findings provide general support for our conceptual approach to parental ambivalence that highlights conflict between norms regarding solidarity with children and expectations that adult children should become independent. Lower ambivalence was related to an adult child's being married. Children's problems were positively associated with ambivalence, as was the mother's perception that exchange in the relationship was inequitable in the child's favor. Mother's health status and her perception that she and the child shared the same values were negatively associated with ambivalence. Finally, Black mothers reported higher levels of ambivalence than did White mothers, but the multivariate models explaining ambivalence did not vary by race.
Towards cavity QED with crystalline microcavities

We demonstrate crystalline resonators with optical Q factor of (5.3plusmn0.1)times1010. We also demonstrate cavities smaller than 100 microns in diameter. High Q and small volume allow these resonators to be used in quantum optics experiments.
A multiprotein occupancy map of the mRNP on the 3′ end of histone mRNAs

The animal replication-dependent (RD) histone mRNAs are coordinately regulated with chromosome replication. The RD-histone mRNAs are the only known cellular mRNAs that are not polyadenylated. Instead, the mature transcripts end in a conserved stem-loop (SL) structure. This SL structure interacts with the stem-loop binding protein (SLBP), which is involved in all aspects of RD-histone mRNA metabolism. We used several genomic methods, including high-throughput sequencing of cross-linked immunoprecipitate (HITS-CLIP) to analyze the RNA-binding landscape of SLBP. SLBP was not bound to any RNAs other than histone mRNAs. We performed bioinformatic analyses of the HITS-CLIP data that included (i) clustering genes by sequencing read coverage using CVCA, (ii) mapping the bound RNA fragment termini, and (iii) mapping cross-linking induced mutation sites (CIMS) using CLIP-PyL software. These analyses allowed us to identify specific sites of molecular contact between SLBP and its RD-histone mRNA ligands. We performed in vitro crosslinking assays to refine the CIMS mapping and found that uracils one and three in the loop of the histone mRNA SL preferentially crosslink to SLBP, whereas uracil two in the loop preferentially crosslinks to a separate component, likely the 3'hExo. We also performed a secondary analysis of an iCLIP data set to map UPF1 occupancy across the RD-histone mRNAs and found that UPF1 is bound adjacent to the SLBP-binding site. Multiple proteins likely bind the 3' end of RD-histone mRNAs together with SLBP.
Examining ethnic differences for bevacizumab-induced hypertension and proteinuria

21168 Background: Bevacizumab is an increasingly used anti-cancer treatment with common side effects including hypertension (htn) and proteinuria which occur in approximately 10% and 20% of the pat...
Field annealing of metallic glass ribbons for fiber-optic sensors

Fiber-optic magnetic sensors utilize the magnetostriction of a ferromagnetic material to produce a field-dependent change in optical path length in one arm of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.1 Metallic glass ribbons are highly efficient in transforming magnetic energy into mechanical strain energy and, therefore, make excellent candidates for magnetic sensing elements. Bonding an optical fiber to the ribbon allows the field-dependent strain in the metallic glass to be transferred to the fiber core.
Thermal Surface Treatment Using Intense, Pulsed Ion Beams

Surface treatment experiments using intense pulsed ion beams have demonstrated new capabilities for materials surface treatment. These experiments have confirmed corrosion resistance, surface hardening, amorphous layer and nanocrystalline grain size formation, metal surface polishing, controlled melt of ceramic surfaces, surface cleaning and oxide layer removal by rapid melting and resolidification. Deposition of beam energy in a thin surface layer allows melting of the layer with relatively small energies (1-10 J/cm 2 ) and allows rapid cooling (10 9 -10 10 K/sec) and resolidification of the melted layer by thermal diffusion into the underlying substrate. At higher intensities (≥20 J/cm 2 ), this technology can provide rapid ablation of material from targets followed by rapid, congruent deposition of polycrystalline thin films on substrates. This technology uses high energy pulsed (40–400 ns) ion beams to directly deposit energy in the top 2–20 micrometers of the surface of materials.
Pervasive Computing Moves In

Researchers have studied pervasive computing in many domains, but few are as complex as the home. Decades of early-adopter use of smart home technologies have blazed the path and highlighted numerous research challenges. Today, the long-standing vision of pervasive computing, commonly referred to as the Internet of Things, is finally starting to come to fruition in people's homes. The articles in this special issue showcase the diverse range of research in domestic pervasive computing.
Degradation Analysis of $k$ -out-of- $n$ Pairs:G Balanced System With Spatially Distributed Units

Many systems are composed of spatially distributed units which are subject to different operating conditions. The reliability of such systems depends not only on the reliability of individual units but also on their configurations. In this paper, we develop a degradation model for systems where units are spatially distributed and balanced. More specifically, we consider $k$ -out-of- $n$ pairs:G Balanced systems. The effect of operating conditions on the units is considered and the corresponding reliability estimate is obtained. The degradation path of every unit is modeled based on collected observations of the degradation indicators and its physics or statistics degradation rate. We investigate the effect of the system configuration on the overall system reliability. We also estimate the pdf of time to a specified failure.
Bioequivalence study of voriconazole tablet in healthy Chinese male volunteers

Objective: To evaluate the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of two kinds of voriconazole tablets in healthy Chinese male volunteers.Methods: Nineteen healthy male volunteers were given a single crossover oral dose of voriconazole test preparation and reference preparation(200 mg).The blood samples were collected at 0,0.25,0.5,0.75,1,1.5,2,3,4,6,8,12,24,36 hours after administration.The concentrations of voriconazole in plasma were determined by HPLC.The pharmacokinetic parameters and the relative bioequivalence were calculated by DAS Ver 3.0 software.Results: The main pharmacokinetic parameters of test tablet and reference tablet of voriconazole were as follows: AUC0-t(5 304.967±3 072.252),(5 130.968±2 985.462) ng.mL-1.h;AUC0-∞(5 683.143±3 438.261),(5 445.115±3 181.161) ng.mL-1.h;Cmax(925.728±356.11),(1 040.251±448.929) ng.mL-1;tmax(1.566±0.975),(1.382±0.959) h;t1/2(6.316±2.938),(5.966±2.276) h,respectively.The relative bioavailability of test tablet was(100.5±3.4)%.Conclusion: Two kinds of voriconazole tablets are bioequivalent in healthy Chinese male volunteers.
Long-Term Results of Surgical Treatment of Posttraumatic Posterior Urethral Strictures by Solovov’s Method

AbstractThe long-term results of surgery for post-traumatic strictures of the posterior urethra by means of surgical invagination are presented. The most frequent complications and their management are discussed. Convalescence was uneventful in 47.76 per cent of the patients. Analysis of particular parameters, such as the width of the urinary stream, ability to retain the urine and urethrographic evaluation, revealed good results in 83.5, 67.15 and 76.11 per cent of the patients, respectively. The method of invagination as modified by Michalowski and Modelski is one of the most efficient for posterior urethral stricture repair.
Butterfly Rays (Gymnuridae) of North Carolina

Abstract Sampling two Onslow Bay sites bi-weekly from 1975–2010 using semi-balloon otter trawls 950 times collected two species of butterfly rays Gymnura altevala and Gymnura micrura: 37 were G. altevala and 244 were G. micrura. All but one male G. altevala were collected at the inshore site. Most specimens of both species were less than 1,000 mm disc width (DW). Most specimens were collected in April and October. Both species remain infrequent visitors of North Carolinian waters.
Synergism Among Crops to Improve Dryland Crop Production

Water supply is a major constraint for crop production in dryland ­agriculture across the world, and extensive research has been conducted to improve water use. In the grass steppe of the United States, water use has improved through a series of management advancements, such as preservation of crop residue on the soil surface, no-till, and crop diversity. We have observed an additional advancement after several years of no-till rotations; some crops synergistically improve water-use-efficiency (WUE) of following crops. For example, proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) produces 24% more grain with the same water use following corn (Zea mays L.) than following winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). The presence of corn and dry pea (Pisum sativum L.) in the rotation also improves WUE of winter wheat. Furthermore, synergism among crops increases tolerance of weed interference. The cause of synergism is not known, but identifying synergistic crop sequences and designing rotations to include these sequences can improve water conversion into grain for dryland agriculture. Because of no-till, crop diversity, and synergism, producers in the U.S. steppe have doubled land productivity with the same water supply.
Thirteen years of automated code analysis at microsoft

Modern program analysis and model-based tools are increasingly complex and multi-faceted software systems. They analyze models and programs using advanced type systems, model checking or model finding, abstract interpretation, symbolic verification or a combination thereof. In this talk I will discuss and compare 10 program analysis tools, which MSR build during the last 10 years. They include theorem provers, program verifiers, bug finders, malware scanners, and test case generators. I will describe the need for their development, their innovation, and application. These tools had both had considerable impact on the research community, as well as being shipped in Microsoft products such as the Static Driver Verifier or as part of Visual Studio and other, widely-used internal software development tools. I highlight that many of these analyzers build on generic infrastructure, most of which is available outside of Microsoft as well. With every analyzer build there is a new opportunity, and with every solution there is a new challenge problem. Thus, I will conclude with 10 challenges in program analysis which hopefully triggers new aspiring directions in our joint quest of delivering predictable software that is free from defect and vulnerabilities.
Accuracy of the Air Flow Sphincter Locator system in identifying the lower esophageal sphincter for placement of pH catheters.

The Air Flow Sphincter Locator (AFSL) is marketed as an alternative method to manometry for localizing the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) for pH probe placement. Such a system is desirable due to the additional time, cost, and discomfort associated with dual nasal intubation, but its accuracy has never been assessed. To assess the accuracy of the AFSL in localizing the LES. Fifty consecutive outpatients presenting for pH and manometry studies were included. The upper border of the LES was determined using HRM and the AFSL by two technicians independently. LES locations measured by technicians using AFSL versus manometry, as well as the manometrically determined LES locations by technicians versus MDs were compared. Differences in LES locations determined by HRM as read by MDs versus technicians were small; none were >3 cm, and 92% were within 2 cm. Comparison between LES locations determined by technicians using HRM versus the AFSL revealed that 52% had a difference of 2-3cm and 32% had a difference of >3 cm. Hiatal hernia was associated with a difference in LES location of >3 cm. Excluding patients with hiatal hernia, nonetheless, still produced a >3 cm difference in 24% of studies. Prior reports have suggested that a difference greater than +/-3 cm in pH probe placement is considered unacceptable for clinical studies. Based on our study, the AFSL placed the LES outside of this range in 32% of patients, and may be particularly inaccurate in the setting of a hiatal hernia. This suggests that the device may not be an acceptable alternative to manometry in determining LES location for pH probe placement.
Description of a New Hadal Notoliparis from the Kermadec Trench, New Zealand, and Redescription of Notoliparis kermadecensis (Nielsen) (Liparidae, Scorpaeniformes)

The genus Notoliparis (family Liparidae) includes five species (one provisionally included) of the deepest known living fishes, distributed in four Southern Hemisphere trenches at depths from 5400 to 7554 m. A key to the species is included herein. The Kermadec Trench north of New Zealand has the deepest known species, N. kermadecensis. In 2011, seven specimens were collected in traps by the R/V Kaharoa at depths from 7000 to 7261 m. Another 41 Notoliparis were collected in 2014 at depths down to 7554 m. Examination of these individuals showed that seven represent a new species, and the others are N. kermadecensis, originally described in 1964 from five specimens taken by HMDS Galathea in 1952. At that time, the types were in such poor condition that the original description was of necessity incomplete; a redescription is included here. Examination of the new specimens showed that N. kermadecensis has several undescribed characters, including one that is apparently unique in the family.
Expression of Human Amyloidogenic Immunoglobulin Light Chains in Mice Leads to Organ Toxicity.

Recent evidence from the study of different amyloidogenic proteins challenges the dogma that tissue damage is solely the result of amyloid fibril deposition. To examine whether amyloidogenic human immunoglobulin light chains (LCs) may cause acute toxic effects prior to the development of fibrillar tissue deposits in vivo , we have generated amyloidogenic LC-expressing cell lines and transplanted them into mice. A full length lambda-6 light chain was cloned from cDNA prepared from bone marrow of a patient with aggressive multi-organ AL amyloidosis. The LC was subcloned into an expression vector with a CMV promoter and transfected into SP2/0 plasmacytoma cells. Stably transfected cells were injected into syngeneic Balb/c and RAG−/− mice. Four-six weeks later, echocardiograms were performed and the mice were euthanized and serum, urine, and tissues were collected. Mice injected with LC-producing cells, but not control untransfected SP2/0 cells, had detectable circulating human LC in their serum, and 6 of 9 RAG−/− mice excreted LC and albumin in the urine. These mice had evidence of bradycardia by echocardiography, with 4 of 12 mice having heart rates lower than 500 bpm while no controls had heart rates that low, and upregulation of markers of cell stress in the heart. In the kidney, there was evidence of amorphous protein deposits and early glomerulopathy by electron microscopy in two mice examined, but no fibril deposition. Thus, short-term expression of human amyloidogenic LC in mice in vivo produces alterations in heart and kidney function prior to the development of fibrillar deposits.
Multiple quantile regression analysis of longitudinal data

The objective of this paper is two-fold: to propose efficient estimation of multiple quantile regression analysis of longitudinal data and to develop a new test for the homogeneity of independent variable effects across multiple quantiles. Estimating multiple regression quantile coefficients simultaneously entails accommodating both association among the multiple quantiles and association among the repeated measurements of the response within subjects. We formulate simultaneous estimating equations using basis matrix expansion which accounts for the above-mentioned associations. The empirical likelihood method is adopted to estimate multiple regression quantile coefficients. Theoretical results show that the proposed simultaneous estimation is asymptotically more efficient than separate estimation of individual regression quantiles or ignoring the within-subject dependency. The proposed method also offers an empirical likelihood ratio test examining the homogeneity of the independent variable effects across the multiple quantiles. The Wilk's theorem holds for the test statistic, and thus the test is easy to implement. Simulation studies and real data example of a multi-center AIDS cohort study are included to illustrate the proposed estimation and testing methods, and empirically examine their properties.
‘We are Ourselves Too Polemical’: Formation of a Rhetorical Pugilist

Cortes begins Chapter 7 by noting the prevalence of religious mobility in the early republic. He then shows how Brownson was transformed into a Catholic sectarian by Boston Bishop John Fitzpatrick during the years 1844–1854. Consideration is given to the reception of Brownson’s polemical writing among readers of the Brownson Quarterly Review. Cortes stresses that Brownson’s argumentativeness is largely representative of the Review, but also a response to the surge of nativist sentiment in the 1850s.