cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Voltage measurement in GaAs Schottky barriers using optical phase modulation

What are thought to be the first measurements of applied voltage in a GaAs Schottky-barrier diode using optical phase modulation are presented. A theoretical model, based on the refractive-index perturbation in a Schottky-barrier depletion region, describing these measurements was derived and gives good agreement with the observe results. The large signal response and large frequency response of the measurement system are illustrated. This technique facilitates high-sensitivity measurements of voltages in integrated Schottky diodes. >
Solution of the growth equations of a sector of a polymer crystal including consideration of the changing size of the crystal

Abstract We obtain a solution for the nucleation-controlled growth of a sector of a polymer single crystal that treats directly the changing size of the crystal. The problem is treated by solving a pair of differential equations with moving boundary conditions. A steady-state solution is obtained for the case in which the two boundaries move apart at the same rate. The steady-state solution is inherently regime II for all possible values of the model parameters. The growth-front profile is a section of an ellipse.
Bilateral neuropathologic changes in a child with hemimegalencephaly

Evaluation of a 7-month-old girl with developmental delay and intractable seizures revealed hemispheric asymmetry and an enlarged right cerebral hemisphere. Because of a history of seizures refractory to medical therapy, she was admitted for right hemispherectomy, but died of complications of surgery. Postmortem brain examination revealed asymmetric enlargement of the right cerebral hemisphere but no gross abnormalities in the left hemisphere. Microscopic examination demonstrated bilateral neuropathologic changes consistent with severe cortical dysplasia in the right cerebral hemisphere and mild cortical dysplasia in the left. Although white matter abnormalities in the unaffected hemisphere have been reported in hemimegalencephaly, bilateral cortical abnormalities, not reported previously in patients with hemimegalencephaly, may account for the varied clinical outcome with medical therapy or after hemispherectomy.
Synthesis of Studies on Speed and Safety

Studies on the relationship between speed and safety are compiled, and an overview of research interests in the United States and elsewhere is presented. Aspects that affect speed and safety are considered. Techniques for speed management are summarized. The studies are summarized, and conclusions are drawn.
Guidelines for successfully transferring government-sponsored innovations☆

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to develop guidelines that managers of government-sponsored R&D could use in identifying appropriate technology transfer strategies for specific innovations. The paper begins with a description of six types of commercialization strategies that have been successfully used by federal agencies: contracting R&D to industrial partners, working with industrial consortia, licensing to industry, influencing key decision makers, working with broker organizations, and generating end-user demand. Next the results of nine case studies of innovations are summarized: five have been fully commercialized and four have been semi-com-mercialized. These case studies illustrate the need to tailor commercialization strategies to specific innovations. Three ways of classifying innovations (based on technological, market, and policy criteria) are proposed. Technological criteria evaluate inventions on scientific and technical grounds, while market criteria evaluate inventions with respect to characteristics of the marketplace. Policy criteria refer to a government agency's resources and goals. Once these evaluations are completed, the choice of a commercialization mode is facilitated. Finally, guidelines for selecting a technology transfer strategy are developed, based primarily on the five fully commercialized innovations. These guidelines are summarized in a matrix which presents the relationships between the evaluation criteria and appropriate technology transfer strategies. The guidelines are tested by applying them to the semicommercialized innovations. The consistency between the recommended strategies and the strategies actually used is examined.
Suckers in the morning, skeptics in the evening: Time-of-Day effects on consumers’ vigilance against manipulation

Persuasion knowledge is defined as a consumer’s vigilance against manipulative persuasion. In this paper, we explore the relationship between persuasion knowledge and consumer’s diurnal preference. It is proposed that evening-type consumers display enhanced persuasion knowledge relative to morning types. Also, heightened persuasion knowledge is exhibited during their respective optimal times of day for both morning-type and evening-type consumers. We propose cognitive resource availability as the key underlying mechanism for this relationship. Finally, we also demonstrate an analogous relationship between consumer skepticism and diurnal preferences. Over three studies we find supportive evidence for our claims.
Photoionization Studies of Chromophore-Labeled Amino Acids and Peptides†

The photoionization characteristics of a naphthol chromophore covalently tethered to a few different amino acids and small peptides are investigated. To isolate the chromophore from the biological molecules the linkage between them is constructed from saturated alkyl chains of up to 12 carbons in length. Experimental results are compared with those of previous studies that explored the photoionization of macromolecules.
Somatostatin-28 Effects on Central Nervous System Regulation of Vasopressin Secretion and Blood Pressure

Somatostatin-28 (SS-28) acted within the central nervous system (CNS) to produce a dose-dependent elevation of mean arterial pressure (MAP), a reduction of heart rate (HR), and an elevation of the pla
Small Blob Identification in Medical Images Using Regional Features From Optimum Scale

Recent advances in medical imaging technology have greatly enhanced imaging-based diagnosis which requires computational effective and accurate algorithms to process the images (e.g., measure the objects) for quantitative assessment. In this research, we are interested in one type of imaging objects: small blobs. Examples of small blob objects are cells in histopathology images, glomeruli in MR images, etc. This problem is particularly challenging because the small blobs often have inhomogeneous intensity distribution and an indistinct boundary against the background. Yet, in general, these blobs have similar sizes. Motivated by this finding, we propose a novel detector termed Hessian-based Laplacian of Gaussian (HLoG) using scale space theory as the foundation. Like most imaging detectors, an image is first smoothed via LoG. Hessian analysis is then launched to identify the single optimal scale on which a presegmentation is conducted. The advantage of the Hessian process is that it is capable of delineating the blobs. As a result, regional features can be retrieved. These features enable an unsupervised clustering algorithm for postpruning which should be more robust and sensitive than the traditional threshold-based postpruning commonly used in most imaging detectors. To test the performance of the proposed HLoG, two sets of 2-D grey medical images are studied. HLoG is compared against three state-of-the-art detectors: generalized LoG, Radial-Symmetry and LoG using precision, recall, and F -score metrics. We observe that HLoG statistically outperforms the compared detectors.
Mediatorless Immunoassay with Voltage-Controlled Intrinsic Amplification for Ultrasensitive and Rapid Detection of Microorganism Pathogens

A mediator-less immunodetection method for microorganisms is realized by incorporating the newly developed field-effect enzymatic detection (FEED) technique with the conventional electrochemical immunosensing approach. The gating voltage of FEED facilitates the transduction of electrical signal through the bulky immune complex so that the detection does not rely on the use of mediators or other diffusional substances. The voltage-controlled intrinsic amplification provided by the detection system allows detection in low-concentration samples without target pre-enrichment, leading to ultrasensitive and rapid detection. The detection approach is demonstrated with E. coli O157:H7, a model microorganism, in milk with an estimated detection limit of 20 CFU mL−1 (where CFU is a colony-forming unit) without performing sample pre-enrichment and centrifugation of sample followed by the resuspension of the pellet in a buffer solution, resulting in a significantly shortened assay time of 67 min. Optimizing the gating voltage resulted in the detection of 12 CFU mL−1 of the bacterium in milk. The novel detection approach can be used as a detection platform for ultrasensitive, specific and rapid detection of microorganism pathogens.
Regulation of Interleukin‐6 Production by Prostaglandin E2 in Fetal Rat Osteoblasts: Role of Protein Kinase A Signaling Pathway

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is an abundant eicosanoid in bone that has been implicated in a number of pathological states associated with bone loss. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a cytokine that plays a critical role in bone remodeling and appears to act as a downstream effector of most bone-resorbing agents. In light of the evidence that PGE2 induces IL-6 in the bone environment, this study was designed to investigate whether PGE2 regulated IL-6 expression by osteoblasts. Here we demonstrate that PGE2 is a potent inducer of IL-6 production by fetal rat osteoblasts and synergizes with lipopolysaccharide to enhance IL-6. We show that PGE2 stimulates the activity of the IL-6 promoter in osteoblasts, suggesting that PGE2 controls IL-6 gene expression at least at the transcriptional level. Moreover, we show that PGE2-mediated IL-6 induction is prevented by the cAMP antagonist, Rp-cAMP, and the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitors, KT5720 and H89. Thus, our data indicate that PGE2 involves the cAMP–PKA signaling pathway to regulate IL-6 gene expression in osteoblasts.
Estimation of the 2DEG layer location in quantum-well structures

Abstract Simple analytical relations for the average two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) distance from the top heterointerface and the average effective spread of the 2DEG have been developed for double-heterojunction high electron mobility transistors (DH-HEMTs). In this model, the triangular well approximation is employed.
Testing Economic Knowledge

I have general admiration for the Third Edition of the Test of Understanding in College Economics (TUCE III) (Saunders 1991). But testing economic understanding of students in principles courses or, for that matter, of professors of economics is clearly difficult and often controversial. Students who miss questions frequently conclude that the questions were something they had never been taught or were unduly confusing. Faculty who miss questions have, on the other hand, very different reactions. Particularly as the TUCE III is designed for beginning students, it is embarrassing to miss questions. One defense mechanism for missed questions is simply to declare them to be "bad." I followed a different route, looking at the test in the privacy of my office and convincing myself that I could answer all of the questions if I seriously took the test (much the same strategy I use when looking at copies of the Ph.D. comprehensive exam in macroeconomics). My comments focus on three major areas: the test per se, the research use of the tests, and external validity and further research/test development.
Conjoined nerve roots of the lumbar spine.

Abstract Background context Conjoined nerve roots are a relatively uncommon finding but are frequently undiagnosed on preoperative imaging studies. The presence of a conjoined root anomaly represents a significant potential for neurologic injury when nerve root mobilization is necessary during spinal procedures. Purpose This comprehensive review of conjoined lumbar nerve roots encompasses preoperative diagnosis by physical examination and radiographic imaging studies, as well as the intraoperative management of conjoined nerve roots. Study design Systematic review of existing literature. Results Findings have been described on standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography imaging to increase preoperative diagnosis rates. The literature lacks concrete recommendations regarding intraoperative techniques for conjoined root identification and management. Conclusions Preoperative recognition and diagnosis of this anomaly has proven to be the best way to improve the chances of a successful procedure and avoid inadvertently damaging the nerve roots intraoperatively. Several radiographic signs of conjoined lumbar nerve roots have been described using standard MRI techniques including coronal T1- and T2-weighted sequences. Intraoperative management of conjoined nerve roots has not changed significantly since they were first identified, although diagnostic accuracy has improved with advanced MRI techniques.
How good is your screening library

Efficient library design is an ongoing challenge for investigators seeking novel ligands for proteins, whether for drug discovery or chemical biology. Strategies that add neglected chemistry or exclude unproductive compounds are two dominant recent themes, as is a growing awareness of molecular complexity and its implications. The choice of how complex molecules in screening libraries should be often amounts to how big they should be. Small, simple molecules have lower affinities and must be screened at high concentration, but they will also have higher hit rates. Larger compounds, on the other hand, will often more closely resemble final drugs, but because they are more highly functionalized and specific, they will have much lower hit rates. The best general-purpose screening libraries may well be those of intermediate complexity that are free of artifact-causing nuisance compounds.
Vertical gradients in photosynthetic light response within an old-growth Douglas-fir and western hemlock canopy

We examined needle-level light response of photosynthesis across a vertical light gradient within 45-55-m-tall western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg.) and Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco) trees growing in a 400-500-year-old mixed species stand. We determined: (1) whether light-saturated photosynthetic rates, light compensation points, and respiration rates varied from the upper to the lower canopy, and (2) if light-saturated photosynthetic rates, light compensation points, and respiration rates varied between Douglas-fir and western hemlock. Over a 25-m gradient from the canopy top to the lower canopy, mean light-saturated photosynthetic rates, light compensation points, and respiration rates declined in overstory Douglas-fir and western hemlock needles, paralleling a 65% decline in the mean daily photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD). At the canopy top, increasing light-saturated photosynthetic rates relative to lower canopy needles increased carbon uptake at high PPFD. In the lower canopy, reduced respiration rates relative to upper canopy needles increased carbon uptake at low PPFD by reducing the light compensation point. At all canopy positions, western hemlock had lower mean light-saturated photosynthetic rates, light compensation points and respiration rates than Douglas-fir. As a result, western hemlock had higher net photosynthetic rates at low PPFD, but lower net photosynthetic rates at high PPFD compared with Douglas-fir.
SU-FF-J-101: Optimized Field Shaping Strategy for Image Guided Radiation Therapy Treatments

Purpose: Reducing normal tissue irradiation is one goal of image guided external beam radiation therapytreatments. One approach is to adjust the patient position based on daily imaging so that the target is localized and margins used for setup uncertainty can be reduced. The field shapes are generally determined at the time of simulation based on expansions of the clinical target volume. This work studies whether there are alternative field shaping strategies to reduce the volume of normal tissue in the field given that daily image guided position adjustments will be made. Method and Materials: Daily port films were acquired during prostate treatments that used an endorectal balloon for both immobilization and localization of the prostate. The contour of the balloon on lateral films was used to represent the shape of a sensitive structure to be shielded from treatment. The effect of static optimized, static conformal, and adaptive blocking strategies on the area of balloon in the treatment field was studied assuming that a daily image guided shift was allowed before treatment.Results: The daily port films of 9 patients were analyzed. The endorectal balloon allows localization of the anterior rectal wall and indicates a variation in shape from day to day. For all patients there are optimal field shapes that include less balloon area in the field than a conformal field shape. Relative to the optimal field shape, conformal, average, and running average field shapes involved 63%, 20% and 22% more balloon in the field. Conclusion: For targets of sensitive structures that have interfraction shape changes, image guidance enables non‐conformal field shapes to provide better shielding than conformal fields. This blocking strategy may improve treatments without daily field shape adjustments.
Utilization of intramuscularly injected carotene.

Summary and DiscussionThese experiments show definitely that carotene administered parenterally may be effectively utilized provided the carotene has been water-solubilized by solution in Tween 80. In such a solution not only is there a much more rapid transport of carotene from the site of an intramuscular injection, but there also occurs an effective conversion to vitamin A as demonstrated by the resumption of growth in vitamin A-depleted rats. These findings offer further support to the accumulating evidence3,4 that the state of dispersion of the carotene is of importance for participation in the physiological processes of absorption, transport and enzymatic conversion to vitamin A.
Maya blue: a clay-organic pigment?

Maya Blue, a pigment used by the Mayas in Yucatan, is remarkably stable: the color is not destroyed by hot concentrated mineral acids or by heating to about 250 degrees C. The principal constituent is the colorless mineral attapulgite. It is proposed that the pigment is an adsorption complex of attapulgite and natural indigo; a synthetic equivalent may be prepared from attapulgite and either indoxylester or indigo, or by applying the vat-dyeing technique, with reduced indigo.The low dye content of the pigment (less than 0.5 percent) indicates that the dye is absorbed only on the external surfaces of the attapulgite particles and not throughout the channels in their structures. The complex as such is not stable to acids, but the stability displayed by Maya Blue is achieved simply by heating the complex to from 75 degrees to 150 degrees C for several days. An analogous stable pigment can be prepared from sepiolite and indigo. No stable pigments could be prepared from clays with platelike structures or from zeolites.
Zeta functions of Lie rings of upper-triangular matrices

We prove a two-part theorem on local ideal zeta functions of Lie rings of upper-triangular matrices. First, we prove that these local zeta functions display a strong uniformity. Secondly, we prove that these zeta functions satisfy a local functional equation. Some explicit examples of these zeta functions are also presented. Finally, we consider certain quotients of these Lie rings, showing that the strong uniformity continues to hold, and that under certain circumstances the functional equation does too.
Computer-mediated persuasion in online reviews: Statistical versus narrative evidence

The current study examined the effects of online product reviews on individuals' credibility perceptions of the reviews and their attitudes about the product targeted in the reviews. Study 1 used a 2 (review type: statistical and narrative)x2 (review valence: negative and positive) design, and study 2 used a 2 (statistical review valence: positive and negative)x2 (narrative review valence: positive and negative) design. The findings of study 1 were consistent with those of study 2 and indicated that negative statistical reviews were perceived as more credible than negative narrative reviews, while the credibility of positive statistical reviews did not differ from that of positive narrative reviews. On the other hand, statistical reviews and narrative reviews did not differ in terms of affecting individuals' attitudes about the product. The current study also found that the vividness and valence of each review type had varying effects on review credibility and attitudes about the product. The implications of these and other findings are discussed in detail in the paper.
Understanding the Clinical Results From Contemporary Stereotactic Radiation Therapy

Results: In 140 patients treated with SABR, nervous system diseases accounted for 44%, primary lung cancer for 24%, pulmonary metastases for 11%, bone metastases for 15%, and others for 6%. In nervous system diseases, benign diseases accounted for 23%, primary intracranial meningiomas for 24%, brain metastases for 53%. Acoustic neuroma was seen in patients with skull base and intracranial benign diseases (64%, 9 of 14). A total of 37 lesions were found in 32 patients with brain metastases. There were 34 lesions in 33 primary lung cancer patients and there were 17 pulmonary metastases in 15 patients with primary extra-pulmonary tumor. The median survival time for patients was not achieved. Treated diseases, hypofractionated patterns, follow-up, selected adverse effects and efficacies are shown in the Table. Conclusions: Stereotactic ablative radiation therapy (SABR) had a good local control for relatively isolated lesions. The toxicities were low and hypofractionated doses did not result in a loss in quality of life. SABR ameliorated local tumor control and needed to be further study for longterm outcomes in these entities. Author Disclosure: J. Wang: None. T. Xia: None. L. Ma: None. B. Qu: None. L. Pan: None. G. Zhou: None. Z. Ju: None. C. Xie: None. Y. Guo: None.
Mylohyoid discharge of the in situ rat: a probe of pontile respiratory activities in eupnea and gasping

Our purpose was to characterize respiratory-modulated activity of the mylohyoid nerve. Since its motoneurons are in the trigeminal motor nucleus, mylohyoid discharge could serve as a probe of the role of pontile mechanisms in the generation of respiratory rhythms. Studies were performed in the decerebrate, perfused in situ preparation of the rat. Phrenic discharge was recorded as the index of the respiratory rhythm. In eupnea, the mylohyoid nerve discharged primarily during neural expiration, in the period between phrenic bursts. This expiratory discharge increased greatly in hypoxia and fell in hypercapnia. The hypoxia-induced increase in mylohyoid discharge was due, at least in part, to a direct influence of hypoxia on the brain stem. In ischemia, phrenic discharge increased, and then declined to apnea, which was succeeded by gasping. The mylohyoid nerve discharged tonically during the apneic period, but still declined during each of the phrenic bursts of gasping. This maintenance of a respiratory-modulation of the mylohyoid discharge in gasping supports the concept that a release of medullary mechanisms, rather than a ubiquitous suppression of pontile influences, underlies the neurogenesis of gasping. Results also provide additional support for our conclusion that activity of any single cranial nerve does not provide an accurate index of the type of respiratory rhythm, be it eupnea or gasping.
Influence of glycerol and sorbitol on thermally induced droplet aggregation in oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by β-lactoglobulin

Abstract The influence of polyol cosolvents (glycerol and sorbitol) on the flocculation stability of hydrocarbon oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by a globular protein was examined. Salt (150 mM NaCl) and polyols (0–40 wt%) were added to n -hexadecane oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by β -lactoglobulin ( β -Lg, pH 7.0) either before or after isothermal heat treatments (30–90 °C for 20 min). When salt was added to emulsions before heat treatment, appreciable droplet flocculation was observed below the thermal-denaturation temperature of the adsorbed β -Lg ( T m ∼70 °C), and more extensive flocculation was observed above T m . On the other hand, when salt was added after heat treatment, appreciable droplet flocculation still occurred below T m , but little flocculation was observed above T m . Addition of cosolvents to the emulsions increased the temperature where extensive droplet flocculation was first observed when they were heated in the presence of salt, which was attributed to their ability to increase T m and to reduce the droplet collision frequency, with sorbitol being more effective than glycerol. Our results are interpreted in terms of the influence of the cosolvents on protein conformational stability, protein-protein interactions and the physiochemical properties of aqueous solutions. This study has important implications for the formulation and production of protein stabilized oil-in-water emulsions for industrial applications, such as foods, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.
An Unpublished Letter of William Gilmore Simms

Smith uncovers a letter by the southern writer, William Gilmore Simms (1806â€“1870), in the Library collection. It describes his desperate attempt to republish some of his earlier works after the Civil War.Â Through his connections with fellow Fremasons in the north, he was able to.
Comparison of naltrexone, 6α-naltrexol, and 6β-naltrexol in morphine-dependent and in nondependent rhesus monkeys

Some opioid receptor ligands that appear to be neutral antagonists can have inverse agonist activity under conditions of increased constitutive activity (e.g., agonist treatment). This study compared the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone and its metabolites 6α-naltrexol and 6β-naltrexol in nondependent and morphine-dependent monkeys to see whether their potencies varied according to drug treatment and, presumably, to differences in constitutive activity of μ opioid receptors. In monkeys (n = 4) receiving 3.2 mg/kg per day of morphine and discriminating 0.0178 mg/kg naltrexone, naltrexone and each metabolite increased responding on the naltrexone lever in a dose-related manner with naltrexone being 8- and 71-fold more potent than 6α- and 6β-naltrexol, respectively. After 27 h of no-morphine treatment, monkeys responded on the naltrexone lever, and this effect was reversed by morphine. Naltrexone and each metabolite prevented morphine reversal of naltrexone-lever responding, and their rank order potency was the same as their substitution for naltrexone; however, the potency between naltrexone and each metabolite was slightly greater in morphine-dependent as compared to morphine-deprived monkeys. In a separate group (n = 3) of nondependent monkeys discriminating 1.78 mg/kg of morphine, all three compounds antagonized morphine with the same potency as in the reversal study (morphine-dependent monkeys), with Schild analyses showing no difference in apparent affinities (pA 2) between nondependent and morphine-dependent monkeys. Naltrexone and 6α- and 6β-naltrexol have qualitatively similar effects, and their potencies do not vary markedly with opioid treatment, suggesting that under these conditions, they do not vary with regard to inverse agonism.
Polymerization of methyl methacrylate and other polar monomers with alkylaluminum initiators bearing bidentate and tridentate N‐ and O‐donor ligands

Dimethylaluminum complexes bearing bidentate amidate, oxypyridine, and salicylaldimine N,O-ligands and tridentate N,N′,N″-pyridyliminoamide ligands were synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The complexes were investigated in both neutral and borane-activated cationic forms, along with bidentate N,N′-ligated aluminum amidinates, as catalysts for the polymerization of methyl methacrylate, ϵ-caprolactone, and propylene oxide. The neutral complexes generally did not carry out polymerization, but the polymerization/oligomerization of all three monomers was achieved when the various catalysts were activated with B(C6F5)3 or [Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]−. The N,O-ligated cations were much less active for polymerization than the analogous, more stable N,N′-ligated amidinate cations; both types of cationic complexes catalyzed the ring-opening cationic polymerization of tetrahydrofuran. B(C6F5)3 and [Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]− also independently carried out the oligomerization of propylene oxide. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 1633–1651, 2002
Properties of vibrationally excited polyatomic molecules and their energy variation : transition moment and energy spacing distributions

The energy spacing distribution and the transition moment distribution of highly excited vibrational states are studied by numerical solution for a model of coupled Morse oscillators with typical molecular parameters. The results show the following: (a) The transition moment distribution differs considerably from the statistical (gaussian) Porter Model, even in the regime of strong coupling. Agreement of the numerical results with the statistical model improves for states that increasingly approach the dissociation limit (b) A much improved statistical model for the transition moment distribution can be constructed, using certain empirical statistical properties of the wavefunctions involved. (c) For states differing substantially in energy, the relevant transition moment distribution exhibits an energy gap dependence. (d) The energy spacing distribution for states in a small range of energies obeys the Brody form g(ω)∞ωβ exp [ - αω1+β]. β increases systematically with the energy of the states, with the d...
Dynamic hook-and-eye nanoparticle sponges

Systems in which nanoscale components of different types can be captured and/or released from organic scaffolds provide a fertile basis for the construction of dynamic, exchangeable functional materials. In such heterogeneous systems, the components interact with one another by means of programmable, noncovalent bonding interactions. Herein, we describe polymers that capture and release functionalized nanoparticles selectively during redox-controlled aggregation and disaggregation, respectively. The interactions between the polymer and the NPs are mediated by the reversible formation of polypseudorotaxanes, and give rise to architectures ranging from short chains composed of few nanoparticles to extended networks of nanoparticles crosslinked by the polymer. In the latter case, the polymer/nanoparticle aggregates precipitate from solution such that the polymer acts as a selective 'sponge' for the capture/release of the nanoparticles of different types.
Distributional limit theorems over a stationary Gaussian sequence of random vectors

Abstract Let { X j } j =1 ∞ be a stationary Gaussian sequence of random vectors with mean zero. We study the convergence in distribution of a n −1 ∑ j=1 n (G(X j )−E[G(X j )]), where G is a real function in R d with finite second moment and { a n } is a sequence of real numbers converging to infinity. We give necessary and sufficient conditions for a n −1 ∑ j=1 n (G(X j )−E[G(X j )]) to converge in distribution for all functions G with finite second moment. These conditions allow to obtain distributional limit theorems for general sequences of covariances. These covariances do not have to decay as a regularly varying sequence nor being eventually nonnegative. We present examples when the convergence in distribution of a n −1 ∑ j=1 n (G(X j )−E[G(X j )]) is determined by the first two terms in the Fourier expansion of G ( x ).
Selecting disorder-specific features for speech pathology fingerprinting

The general aim of this work is to learn a unique statistical signature for the state of a particular speech pathology. We pose this as a speaker identification problem for dysarthric individuals. To that end, we propose a novel algorithm for feature selection that aims to minimize the effects of speaker-specific features (e.g., fundamental frequency) and maximize the effects of pathology-specific features (e.g., vocal tract distortions and speech rhythm). We derive a cost function for optimizing feature selection that simultaneously trades off between these two competing criteria. Furthermore, we develop an efficient algorithm that optimizes this cost function and test the algorithm on a set of 34 dysarthric and 13 healthy speakers. Results show that the proposed method yields a set of features related to the speech disorder and not an individual's speaking style. When compared to other feature-selection algorithms, the proposed approach results in an improvement in a disorder fingerprinting task by selecting features that are specific to the disorder.
Autonomy and private ordering in contract law

This essay reviews Michael J. Trebilcock's book,The Limits of Freedom of Contract (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1993), examining crucial and controversial social issues within the rigorous framework of the law and economics of contract. The idea that private markets are the primary institutions for the allocation of limited resources is central to any private ordering model of contract law. Yet such a premise leaves a number of fundamental questions unanswered. Trebilcock is critical of the insufficiency and ambiguity of current contract theory in addressing fundamental legal issues relating to the limits of freedom of contract. Pushing the frontiers of current legal theory, Trebilcock revisits the slippery notion of freedom of contract and tests the actual reach of economic analysis in providing a coherent answer to compelling social questions. The author pursues his ambitious task by examining the conclusions reached by competing paradigms of analysis. In spite of his declared trust in the economic approach to law, Trebilcock pays close attention to alternative analytical traditions, comparing the conclusions of various intellectual perspectives with those suggested by an economic framework of private ordering. The book objectively examines strengths and weaknesses of competing views, affording the reader a balanced position from which to conclude for herself, by illustrating the practical implications of the various approaches. In a number of instances, Trebilcock shows how different theoretical premises may indeed be conducive to similar institutional outcomes.
High power monolithic AlGaN/GaN HEMT oscillator

A monolithic X-band oscillator based on an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) has been designed, fabricated, and characterized. A common-gate HEMT with 1.5 mm of gate width in conjunction with inductive feedback is used to generate negative resistance. A high Q resonator is implemented with a short-circuit low-loss coplanar waveguide transmission line. The oscillator delivers 1.7 W at 9.556 GHz into 50-/spl Omega/ load when biased at V/sub ds/=30 V and V/sub gs/=-5 V, with dc-to-RF efficiency of 16%. Phase noise was estimated to be -87 dBc/Hz at 100-kHz offset. Low-frequency noise, pushing and pulling figures, and time-domain characterization have been performed. Experimental results show great promise for AlGaN/GaN HEMT MMIC technology to be used in future high-power microwave source applications.
High‐density polyethylene melt elasticity—some anomalous observations on the effects of molecular structure

The die swell behavior of polymeric melts is a manifestation of melt elasticity of these materials and is of considerable commercial as well as fundamental importance. Hence, knowledge of the effect of such molecular variables as molecular weight (MW) and molecular weight distribution (MWD) on melt elasticity is important from both commercial and basic rheological points of view. The effect of these variables on melt elasticity of broad-distribution polymers in the shear rate region of commercial interest is not unambiguously known, with most published theory and experiment being applicable to the low-shear behavior of narrow-distribution polymers and blends thereof. There is indication that die swell increases with increasing MW and broadening MWD. However, the current investigation of carefully characterized broad-distribution HDPE materials prepared specifically to examine the effects of various molecular variables on melt elasticity does not support this contention and, in fact, provides consistent evidence for the opposite result, i.e., decreasing die swell with increasing MW or broadening distribution. The various samples studies were prepared by fractionation removal or addition of component molecular species or by polymerization designed to provide systematic variation of molecular species or by polymerization designed to provide systematic variation of molecular parameters. Overall MWD's of the samples were characterized, and die swell behavior was determined at 200°C over a wide shear rate region in a high L/D capillary both with and without annealing of extrudates. The results are presented showing effects of specific molecular variables.
Organic constituents of cruds in Cu solvent extraction circuits.: I. Separation and identification of diluent-soluble compounds

Abstract Interfacial `cruds' from hydrometallurgical solvent extraction of copper ions were examined to assist in the establishment of potential causes of cruds. Diluent-insoluble, polar organics comprised the majority of the solid mass of crud; inorganic particulates and bacterial/fungi were not dominant. Procedures involving ultracentrifugation and acetone extraction were developed to separate these cruds into inorganic, soluble organic, and insoluble organic fractions, and were used to analyze 12 assorted extraction stage and strip stage cruds. UV–Visible and infrared spectroscopic comparisons of the materials with known standard alkarylhydroxyoxime (AAHO) reagents and hydrolysis products were made. Two cruds were further examined by thin layer chromatographic (TLC) separation. Cruds contained larger proportions of de-oximated AAHO than did the supernatant organic phase. Strip stage cruds contained more de-oximated AAHO, relative to the AAHO reagents, than did the respective extraction stage cruds. Cruds contained larger proportions of aliphatic carboxylic acids and aliphatic carboxylic esters, than did the respective supernatant organic solutions. Copper complexes of AAHO reagents were not concentrated in the crud. The polarity of the diluent-insoluble organics was reflected in TLC behavior. Diluent-insoluble organics contained large amounts of carboxylic acids and esters. In experimental trials of the reconstitution of crud from decanted organic and aqueous phases, added diluent-insoluble organics obtained from crud were required for the reconstitution of crud, whereas inorganic particulates were not required. Inorganic particulates were incorporated into the reconstituted crud, but did not reconstitute crud in the absence of diluent-insoluble organics. It was hypothesized that low-polarity, diluent-soluble compounds are less likely to cause crud episodes, or even to be accumulated in crud, than are the diluent-insoluble organics.
Wireless implantable microsystems for neural recording and stimulation

The combination of micromachined sensors (MEMS), low-power electronics, and wireless power and data transfer will have a profound impact on many aspects of our lives, from health care to environmental monitoring and homeland security. These Wireless Integrated Microsystems (WIMS) will especially play a major role in the biomedical arena, where they have been and will continue to be used for restoring function in individuals affected by deafness, blindness, paralysis, Parkinson, epilepsy, and other biological disorders. By directly interfacing with the body, it is possible to sense biological signals, use these signals as controls, and provide electrical/chemical stimuli to specific organs, where needed, to restore lost function. This talk will review research conducted at the University of Michigan on implantable biomedical devices for use in closed-loop neural prostheses. It will present the latest developments in micromachined microprobes for recording neural activity and electrical stimulation, the design of electronic circuits required for processing neural signals, the use of wireless transmission of power and data to/from implantable systems, and the development of hermetic and biocompatible packaging and encapsulation technologies compatible with long-term operation in the body. Future challenges as well as opportunities for implantable microsystems aimed at overcoming many biological disorders will be discussed.
Objectivity or advocacy: probability theory and capital costing at the Bell System

This paper investigates the Bell Telephone System’s blending of depreciation knowledge and probability theory in order to control debate before government regulators in the early 1900s. By combining statistics and accounting, Bell created a system for estimating capital cost expiration firmly grounded in mathematical science, developing methodologies which used averaging techniques to determine trends in asset life obscured by random fluctuations in actual retirements. Concurrently, complexity derived from the application of probability theory gave the telephone company significant advantages in regulatory debates. The advanced mathematics employed formed a knowledge barrier, inhibiting potential encroachments by regulators on corporate prerogatives. This study expands our understanding of the acquisition and use of knowledge within the firm by investigating advocacy’s role in the development of depreciation accounting. As depreciation knowledge spread beyond Bell, regulators examined equity issues related to the firm’s depreciation practices, resulting in some relatively minor changes to Bell’s depreciation policies.
Is It Real for All Kids? A Framework for Equitable Assessment Policies for English Language Learners

Many people in education hope that reform will bring positive change for all students in the United States. However, Mark LaCelle-Peterson and Charlene Rivera argue in this article that, unless educational reformers reflect seriously on the implications of assessment reform for specific groups of students, among them students whose first language is not English, little meaningful change will occur. The authors present a demographic profile of English language learners, propose a definition of educational equity and excellence, and outline the range of educational goals the definition implies. They argue that it is erroneous to assume that changes that affect monolingual English students favorably will automatically do the same for English language learners, and offer options and recommendations for more appropriate assessment policy and practice for English language learners.
Early calculi formation around a double J stent in a baby

The Sri Lanka Journal of Surgery, August 2013 Volume 31, No. 2, Page 19-20 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljs.v31i2.5957
A 10-bit 50-MS/s Pipelined ADC With Opamp Current Reuse

Power and area saving concepts such as operational amplifier (opamp) bias current reuse and capacitive level shifting are used to lower the analog power of a 10-bit pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to 220 muW/MHz. Since a dual-input bias current reusing opamp performs as two opamps, the opamp summing nodes can be reset in every clock cycle. By using only N-channel MOS (NMOS) input stages, the capacitive level shifter simplifies the gain-boosting amplifier design and enables fast opamp settling with low power-consumption. The prototype achieves 9.2/8.8 effective number of bits (ENOB) for 1- and 20-MHz inputs at 50 MS/s. The ADC works within the temperature range of 0deg to 85 degC and the supply voltage from 1.62 to 1.96 V with little measured loss in the ENOB. The chip consumes 18 mW (11 mW for the analog portion of the ADC and 7 mW for the rest including buffers) at 1.8 V, and the active area occupies 1.1 times 1.3 mm2 using a 0.18-mum complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) process.
Application of Independent Component Analysis With Adaptive Density Model to Complex-Valued fMRI Data

Independent component analysis (ICA) has proven quite useful for the analysis of real world datasets such as functional resonance magnetic imaging (fMRI) data, where the underlying nature of the data is hard to model. It is particularly useful for the analysis of fMRI data in its native complex form since very little is known about the nature of phase. Phase information has been discarded in most analyses as it is particularly noisy. In this paper, we show that a complex ICA approach using a flexible nonlinearity that adapts to the source density is the more desirable one for performing ICA of complex fMRI data compared to those that use fixed nonlinearity, especially when noise level is high. By adaptively matching the underlying fMRI density model, the analysis performance can be improved in terms of both the estimation of spatial maps and the task-related time courses, especially for the estimation of phase of the time course. We also define a procedure for analysis and visualization of complex-valued fMRI results, which includes the construction of bivariate t-maps for multiple subjects and a complex-valued ICASSO scheme for evaluating the consistency of ICA algorithms.
Marine chemical ecology: chemical signals and cues structure marine populations, communities, and ecosystems.

Chemical cues constitute much of the language of life in the sea. Our understanding of biotic interactions and their effects on marine ecosystems will advance more rapidly if this language is studied and understood. Here, I review how chemical cues regulate critical aspects of the behavior of marine organisms from bacteria to phytoplankton to benthic invertebrates and water column fishes. These chemically mediated interactions strongly affect population structure, community organization, and ecosystem function. Chemical cues determine foraging strategies, feeding choices, commensal associations, selection of mates and habitats, competitive interactions, and transfer of energy and nutrients within and among ecosystems. In numerous cases, the indirect effects of chemical signals on behavior have as much or more effect on community structure and function as the direct effects of consumers and pathogens. Chemical cues are critical for understanding marine systems, but their omnipresence and impact are inadequ...
A SAXS study of a single crack and craze in plasticized polystyrene

Small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) was used to study the structure along a single craze that had broken down to form a crack along part of its length. This study was made possible by use of radiation from the synchrotron source CHESS which is sufficiently intense to permit examination of just a single craze. The total scattering from the craze was in excellent agreement with that expected from a knowledge of its dimensions and fibril volume fraction and width. This fact adds confidence to the interpretation of the scattering pattern of the craze as part diffraction, part reflection, and demonstrates that SAXS is a technique that may be used to measure craze volume within a sample. The craze was shown to grow in width by surface drawing with a constant structure, and then the fibrils broke to form a crack. The broken fibrils contracted and their diameters increased but they appeared to stay parallel with a constant fibril-axis radial distribution function.