cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Race to Understand Post-COVID-19 Conditions.

A substantial proportion of patients who have recovered from acute SARS-CoV-2 infection report persisting symptoms. The author discusses why understanding the basis of postinfectious syndromes is c...
Non-linear Independent Dual System (NIDS) for Discretization-independent Surrogate Modeling over Complex Geometries.

Numerical solutions of partial differential equations (PDEs) require expensive simulations, limiting their application in design optimization routines, model-based control, or solution of large-scale inverse problems. Existing Convolutional Neural Network-based frameworks for surrogate modeling require lossy pixelization and data-preprocessing, which is not suitable for realistic engineering applications. Therefore, we propose non-linear independent dual system (NIDS), which is a deep learning surrogate model for discretization-independent, continuous representation of PDE solutions, and can be used for prediction over domains with complex, variable geometries and mesh topologies. NIDS leverages implicit neural representations to develop a non-linear mapping between problem parameters and spatial coordinates to state predictions by combining evaluations of a case-wise parameter network and a point-wise spatial network in a linear output layer. The input features of the spatial network include physical coordinates augmented by a minimum distance function evaluation to implicitly encode the problem geometry. The form of the overall output layer induces a dual system, where each term in the map is non-linear and independent. Further, we propose a minimum distance function-driven weighted sum of NIDS models using a shared parameter network to enforce boundary conditions by construction under certain restrictions. The framework is applied to predict solutions around complex, parametrically-defined geometries on non-parametrically-defined meshes with solutions obtained many orders of magnitude faster than the full order models. Test cases include a vehicle aerodynamics problem with complex geometry and data scarcity, enabled by a training method in which more cases are gradually added as training progresses.
A space-frequency parallel ICI cancellation technique for OFDM systems

Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems work well if the subcarriers are orthogonal to each other. However, the orthogonality among subcarriers may not exist and result in inter-carrier interference (ICI) at the receiver. This may cause by residual carrier frequency offset, time variations due to Doppler shift or phase noise. Further developing the parallel cancellation (PC) scheme to mitigate the ICI of OFDM systems, we expand this OFDM symbol-based PC scheme into a space-frequency (SF) coded system. This new simple space- frequency parallel cancellation (SFPC) scheme is a technique that combines the SF and PC schemes together. Computer simulations indicate that OFDM systems using the SFPC scheme outperform the regular PC and SF systems in slow and fast frequency selective fading channels, specifically at a high signal-noise-ratio (SNR). Furthermore, the error floor of the SFPC-OFDM system is significantly lower than that of the PC and SF systems without increasing computational load. Additionally, the SFPC scheme is a simple multiple input and multiple output (MIMO) system.
Ethology in the teaching of obstetrics and gynecology.

Abstract At this time, when we see great emphasis on curriculum change in the teaching of obstetrics and gynecology, it would be short-sighted indeed if we did not recognize the urgent need to develop a new kind of doctor. Ethologic (behavioral science) techniques can lead to significant improvement in the ability to organize, comprehend, and communicate. They can lead to a greater self-awareness and thus enhance personal growth, creativity, and achievement. As a result, one will have a greater understanding of his psychological needs, the nature of conflict, how to eliminate frustrations and anxiety, and most important, the methods for self-motivation. Not only will the individual be better able to relate to himself, but also he will have a greater ability to relate to others. This paper will discuss these techniques in depth and will contribute new thinking to the field of obstetric and gynecologic teaching that will help us to achieve our most optimistic goals.
Missing the Turn Toward “Philosophy Proper”

Dwayne Tunstall turns to Lewis Gordon's Africana existential phenomenology in an effort to untangle Marcel's “reflective method” from its involvements with colonial racism. Tunstall's book interprets Marcel's religious existentialism as a development of his attempt to resist modernity's burgeoning dehumanization but observes that Marcel's sociopolitical thought leaves antiblack racism unexamined, which amounts to a failure to attend to “the most noxious form of depersonalization existing in the twentieth century.” In this review I call into question both Marcel's conception of “philosophy proper” as well as Tunstall's appropriation of that conception in order to do philosophy personally. I am also hard pressed to accept Tunstall's implication that better responses to various manifestations of dehumanization are located in “extraphilosophical” practices or his more explicit claim that “theism” succeeds where philosophy proper has failed.
Helical structures in the nuclei of free-living amebas

Helical structures have been described in the Feulgen positive area of the nucleus of Amoeba proteus (1, 2) and more recently in the nuclei of Pelomyxa carolinensis (Chaos chaos). The helices are usually in clusters arranged radially from a central axis. Clusters of helices are found in the area of the nucleus subadjacent to the peripheral ring of “ nucleoli” or dense granules characteristic of these two species.
Chapter 2 – Basic Sockets

Publisher Summary Although clients and servers differ in some aspects of their use of the application programming interface (API), other aspects are common across clients, and servers and across Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) sockets. This chapter deals with these common aspects and presents the details through an example. A program begins by asking the operating system to create an instance of the socket abstraction. The function that accomplishes this is a socket; its parameters specify the flavor of socket needed by the program. When an application is finished with a socket, it calls close, giving the descriptor for the socket that is no longer needed. Applications using sockets need to be able to specify Internet addresses and ports to the kernel. The distinction between client and server is important because each uses the socket interface differently at certain steps in the communication. The job of client is to initiate communications with a server that is passively waiting to be contacted. The server's job is to set up a communication endpoint and passively wait for a connection from the client. As with clients, the setup for a TCP and UDP server is similar. Creating the socket, sending, receiving, and closing are the same as in the client. The differences in the server have to do with binding an address to the socket and then using the socket as a channel to “receive” other sockets that are connected to clients.
Cloning, expression, and regulation of rabbit cyclooxygenase-2 in renal medullary interstitial cells

Prostaglandin synthesis requires cyclooxygenase-1 (COX1) or -2 (COX2), which mediate the conversion of arachidonate to prostaglandin H2. COX1 is the predominant constitutive isoform, whereas COX2 expression is typically low. In the present studies we cloned rabbit COX2 and determined its distribution in unstimulated tissues. Screening rabbit eye and uterine libraries yielded two cDNAs containing identical inserts with a 1,812-nucleotide open-reading frame. This encoded a 604-amino acid polypeptide, 90% identical to human, rat, and mouse COX2. Expression of the rabbit COX2 in HEK-293 cells enhanced prostanoid synthesis. Constitutive COX2 mRNA expression was highest in kidney and urinary bladder. COX2 expression was primarily in renal outer medullary interstitial cells with cortical expression in macula densa. In cultured medullary interstitial cells, COX2 mRNA predominated, with little COX1 expression. Interstitial cell COX2 mRNA but not COX1 was induced by phorbol ester and epidermal growth factor but suppressed by dexamethasone. Phorbol ester also upregulated immunoreactive COX2. Constitutive COX2 in these tissues has important implications for side effects of COX2-selective inhibitors.
MUSICAL MIGRATIONS: A CASE STUDY OF THE TERESA CARREÑO PAPERS

When we focus on the migration of collections, we generally think of the movement of these collections into our own repositories, typically in North America. But as we widen our focus, we see other types of collection migrations, including those from America to other countries. What is more, we can even see cases where both of these movements—to and from America—apply to a single collection. Though less frequent than single migrations, multiple migrations raise a variety of key issues for scholars, librarians, and others. The papers of Teresa Carreno, the Venezuelan pianist, composer, and teacher, provide a case in point.
Accurate calculation of isotropic-plastic and isotropic-nematic transitions in the hard-ellipsoid fluid.

Presentation d'une theorie de fonctionnelle de densite pour les phenomenes du titre. Calculs de correlations directes avec des techniques variationnelles basees sur l'equation de Percus-Yevick pour les fonctions de correlation. Comme l'anisotropie croit par rapport au cas des spheres dures, la densite de transition isotropique-plastique croit, comme le montrent les simulations sur ordinateur. Pour les grandes anisotropies, les correlations directes sont modifiees par rapport aux formes precedemment supposees et les densites de transition isotropique-nematique sont en accord avec les simulations
Detailed analysis of early immunopathologic events during lesion formation in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Abstract To investigate early immunopathologic events, SJL/J mice were challenged for acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and sampled between 12 hr and 14 days postinoculation (PI). Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-inoculated mice served as controls. T cells, T cell subsets, Class II major histocompatibility (MHC) antigen (Ia)-positive and immunoglobulin (Ig)-positive cells, albumin and Ig deposits, and myelin antigens were localized in frozen sections of central nervous system (CNS) and non-CNS tissue (heart, liver, kidney) by immunocytochemical techniques. In both experimental groups, a few Ia-positive endothelial cells and lowgrade diffuse infiltration by T cells, T cell subsets, and Ia + and Ig + cells were seen from 12hr PI onward in CNS and non-CNS tissue. Only in acute EAE but not in CFA-challenged mice were these early changes followed at 10 days PI by extensive inflammation which was restricted to the CNS and was accompanied by Ia-positive astrocytes. Thus, in acute EAE, immunopathologic changes appear to develop in two stages. During the early low-grade generalized phase, recirculation of lymphocytes is moderately enhanced while during the late phase, extensive immunopathology is focused upon the target organ, the CNS.
Lab relocation roulette: it's your move.

Whether your lab lease has expired or it's simply time for more space, moving entails more than just boxes and duct tape.
Spectra and Structure of Silicon-Containing Compounds. XII. Infrared and Raman Spectra of Trimethylvinylsilane and Trimethyl-d 9 -vinylsilane

The Raman spectra (0 to 3300 cm-1) of (CH3)3Si(CHCH2) and (CD3)3Si(CHCH2) in the gaseous, liquid and solid states have been recorded. The infrared spectra (20 to 3300 cm-1) of the same two compounds in the gaseous and solid states have also been recorded. A vibrational assignment based upon depolarization ratios, frequency shifts with isotopic substitution, infrared band contours, and group frequencies is proposed. The SiC3 torsion was observed at 55 and 50 cm-1 for the
The diagnostic value of the D-xylose absorption test in horses with unexplained chronic weight loss.

A D-xylose absorption test was performed on 40 horses with chronic weight loss which could not be explained on history, physical findings, dietary evaluation, or initial laboratory data, i.e. unexplained weight loss. Six of the horses had D-xylose malabsorption and at post-mortem examination small intestinal lesions which accounted for the malabsorption were found in five. Five of the horses with normal absorption were examined post mortem and no lesions in any organs were found to account for the weight loss. The other 29 cases were still unexplained, and lost to follow-up.
SU‐FF‐J‐30: Quantification of Normal Organ Motion Due to the Respiratory and Cardiac Cycles

Purpose: To quantify the degree of normal organ motion due to the respiratory and cardiac cycles. Better definition of such motion may be useful in defining field margins and in assessing the utility of gating technologies. Method and Materials: Four healthy volunteers were serially scanned in the supine position with a GE 1.5T MRI scanner. T1-weighted sagittal and coronal localization scans were first performed to define the regions to be studied. Axial images through the heart, liver and pancreas were continuously scanned with fast cine MRI scans at three different gating settings: a). without either respiratory or cardiac gating, b). with respiratory gating but without cardiac gating, and c). with both respiratory and cardiac gating. The motions of heart, liver and pancreas were calculated at the organ edges with the maximum motions along the direction that is perpendicular to the edge. Results: For the scans without either respiratory or cardiac gating, the detected organ motions on the axial slices were 1.4 cm for heart, 1.1 cm for liver, and 1.0 cm for pancreas. For the scans with respiratory gating but without cardiac gating, the motions were 0.7 cm for heart, 0.5 cm for liver, and 0.4 cm for pancreas. For the scans with both respiratory and cardiac gating, all the motions were <0.2 cm. The AVI movie files were also created and showed significant differences in organ motions for three different gating settings. Conclusion: With respiratory gating only, significant organ motion is still present in heart, liver and pancreas. In some clinical settings, the application of both cardiac and respiratory gating may be therapeutically advantageous. Additional study is warranted to better understand this issue. Conflict of Interest: Authors received grant support from Varian Medical Systems.
Magnetic nanotubes and their potential use in neuroscience applications

This paper presents our study on the synthesis and properties of magnetic nanotubes and their potential in neuroscience applications. Magnetic nanotubes were prepared by solution filtration through a template followed by thermal annealing and reduction. SEM and TEM were performed to characterize the as-prepared materials. To explore the potential use of magnetic nanotubes in neuroscience applications, we cultured neurons on iron oxide nanotube mats, and tested the effects of magnetic nanotubes on the growth of neurons. Based on our preliminary result, three original approaches for investigating and modulating neuron activities using magnetic nanotubes are proposed. The progress in this area of investigation could help to find better treatment for diseases in nervous systems in the future.
Plant carbonic anhydrase

Abstract This article reviews the literature concerning plant carbonic anhydrase. The following topics are discussed: discovery, molecular weight and structure, zinc content, amino acid composition, mechanism and kinetics of catalytic activity, and function and localization in the plant. Where deficiencies exist in the literature on plant carbonic anhydrase reference is made to articles dealing with mammalian carbonic anhydrase. The theories of carbonic anhydrase function in plants are examined critically and evaluated in the light of existing evidence.
Carryover of Sampling Errors and Other Problems in Far-Infrared to Far-Ultraviolet Spectra to Associated Applications

The thin, smooth curves representing spectroscopic data suggest a high degree of accuracy. Yet, experimental uncertainties do exist, as in any measurement. Overlooked problems in data collection, processing, and interpretation have repercussions for applications in mineral physics, planetary science, and astronomy. Random errors (i.e., noise) are fairly obvious, and are not discussed here. The concern is subtle and overlooked errors that arise in acquisition, processing, and interpretation of spectral data. These types of errors are systematic, not random. This chapter identifies various systematic errors and problems that the author encountered in her efforts to provide absolute values of absorbance or reflectivity. Re-occurring issues in data collection include underestimating the importance of surface polish and not accounting for peak profiles depending on sample thickness relative to band strengths. Processing of emission spectra is problematic. Common instrumental problems are briefly described. Optical spectroscopy is the name generally attached to the visible region which we probe with our eyes, which are convenient built-in spectrometers, but can also include the infrared (IR) region wherein the type of vibrational mode known as “optical” is detected. Because some applications require very high frequency (ν) data, this chapter concerns ν from ~10 to 106 wavenumbers, which is equivalent to wavelengths (λ) of ~106 to 10 nm or of ~1000 to 0.01 μm). The X-ray region is included due to the extreme breadths of metal-oxygen charge-transfer bands of minerals which peak in the ultraviolet (UV). The author points out errors in her own results as well those of others. Mistakes provide opportunity for learning! Correct methodologies are discussed along with measurements needed to improve constraints on spectral parameters and hence to make interpretations more definitive. Ideal conditions are difficult to achieve, so another goal is enable the reader to recognize what is “sufficiently accurate” and/or “representative” …
Reduced order LQG design: Conditions for feasibility

This paper starts with a discussion on the Projection of Dynamics-principle as a model reduction tool. This is exploited in modal approximations and reductions based on open loop balancing. Similar ideas can be employed for the reduction of the closed loop, terminal controller problem, in the presence of noise, leading to the LQG balanced realizations. An interpretation of the various terms in the optimal performance index leads to the motivation for this reduction technique. It is shown that several "natural" restrictions occur, constraining the faithfulness of this reduction technique. As in the open loop case, it illustrates the insufficiency of the canonical riccation towards the determination of the reduced order models.
Resonance formation in the symmetric Anderson model

Abstract We discuss the temperature dependence of the local d -electron spectral density function for the symmetric Anderson model in the local spin fluctuation limit. The present calculation provides a description of the rapid but continuous transition of the quasi-particle between the high and low temperature regimes.
Influence of prenatal x-radiation on brain lipid and cerebroside content in developing rats.

Lorsque des rats sont irradies par des rayons X au 14e jour de la gestation, le contenu en cerebrosides du cortex cerebral et du diencephale est plus eleve que chez les temoins. Or il est bien connu que ce traitement entraine d'une part une proliferation gliale et d'autre part une augmentation de la sensibilite du systeme nerveux central a une stimulation electrique. La possibilite d'une relation entre ces phenomenes est discutee.
Word frequency and verbal comparisons

The importance of word frequency in verbal performance is usually attributed to its effect on the evocation of words, but it may also have an effect on the comparison of words. One experiment involved simple comparisons of 5-letter groups and the other involved evaluation of 3-letter clues to 5-letter anagrams. In both experiments higher scores were made on high-frequency lists than low. Verbal comparison can be added to the list of verbal operations influenced by word frequency.
Genetically mapping a Tetrahymena cloned and sequenced gene: ASI1

The Tetrahymena thermophila ASI1 gene encodes a leucine zipper protein that is upregulated during post-zygotic development (Udani and Karrer 2002). AT-rich sequence flanking chromosome breakage junctions in T. thermophila frequently contain insertion/deletion polymorphisms between inbred strains B and C3 that are amenable to genetic mapping. ASI1 contains one intron, which likewise is AT-rich and presumably not under stringent selection. PCR-amplification with intron-flanking primers revealed a B-C3 PCR product size polymorphism. The segregation pattern of B and C3 alleles of ASI1 in meiotic segregant panels showed that it maps to the linkage group JO6 on micronuclear chromosome 3R. The segregation pattern in a terminal assortant panel showed that ASI1 does not co-assort with any previously mapped polymorphism. Comparison of the ASI1 sequence with the genome sequence database at TIGR showed that this locus is carried on a 0.98-Mb sequence scaffold. Therefore mapping the ASI1 polymorphism has identified one additional genetically mapped and sequence-tagged macronuclear chromosome and the corresponding sequence scaffold. DNA polymorphism-tagged MAC chromosomes and sequence scaffolds should accelerate the co-assortment mapping of mutant genes with interesting phenotypes to known sequence scaffolds, which will facilitate positional cloning and candidate gene identification. Supported by NIH grant RR02931. Preliminary sequence data were obtained from The Institute for Genomic Research website.
Computer simulations of California tectonics confirm very low strength of major faults

Recent improvements in the technique of modeling fault networks with thin-plate finite elements yield full convergence of the solutions, without any compromise in the representation of the frictional rheology of the upper crust or the transition to dislocation creep in the lower crust. We apply these techniques to model the California region, incorporating all faults with estimated slip rate over 1 mm/yr, as well as variations in elevation, heat flow, and crustal thickness. Velocity boundary conditions on the model sides are based on the NUVEL-1 plate model and an approximation of deformation in the Great Basin. The frictional and dislocation-creep rheologic constants of the crust are calibrated to reproduce the observed variations in the maximum depth of seismicity, which occurs at model temperatures of 350-410 °C. This leaves two free parameters: the (time-averaged) coefficient of friction on faults, and the apparent activation energy for creep in the lower crust. These parameters are systematically varied in three sets of 10, 81, and 64 experiments, respectively. The predictions of each model are tested against three published data sets: a set of 79 geologic limits on average slip rate on faults, a set of 221 principal stress directions, and a set of 841 secular rates of geodetic baselines (both trilateration and VLBI [very long baseline interferometry]). The patterns of model scores indicate that the time-averaged friction coefficient of major faults is only 0.17-0.25, or only 20%-30% of the value (0.85) that is assumed for the friction in the intervening blocks. (The laser trilateration data taken alone would indicate a preference for a high-stress model, but this model is one with very little fault slip and seismicity, which can be rejected on other grounds.) In the final three-parameter set of 64 models, we test whether the anomalous weakness of faults is uniform or proportional to net slip. With slip-dependent weakening, there is a general reduction in prediction errors, which supports the hypothesis. The geologic data and geodetic data agree in implying that fault weakness (that is, friction of 0.17) is general, with an additional 30% slip-dependent weakening of the San Andreas (to friction of 0.12, or 14% of normal). The stress data, however, are fit best if all weakness is slip dependent (effectively, only the San Andreas is weak). Thus, the hypothesis that all weakening is slip dependent should not be rejected. The best models predict all available data with RMS (root mean square) mismatch of as little as 3 mm/yr (6% of the relative plate velocity), so their predictions may be useful for seismic hazard estimation, at least along faults where no data are available. This study extends the finding of very low friction from subduction zones, where it was previously documented, to a dominantly strike-slip system in which underthrusting of wet sediment is not widespread. Return of previously subducted water from the mantle and its chemical or physical binding in fine-grained gouge are possible explanations for the very low friction.
Review of ophthalmic drug delivery by contact lenses

Ophthalmic drugs are almost exclusively delivered through eye drops in spite of several deficiencies including low bioavailability and poor compliance. Contact lenses are ideally suited for delivery of drugs to the anterior chamber because of the placement directly on the cornea which results in a high bioavailability of at least 50 % compared to about 1–5 % for eye drops. The ten-fold increase in bioavailability reduces the amount of drug delivered, which in turn reduces the systemic loss of the drug, thereby reducing the potential for side effects. Additionally contact lenses can provide a most uniform release profile compared to the pulsatile delivery with eye drops, which can potentially result in improved therapeutic outcomes. Finally drug delivery via extended wear contact lenses can significantly improve the compliance. In spite of all these benefits, contact lenses are not yet available as drug delivery vehicles mainly because the earlier lens designs were not optimized for drug delivery. The interest in developing contact lenses for drug delivery has significantly increased in the last decade as several new techniques have been developed for designing contact lenses for extended drug delivery. The latest studies show that contact lenses can achieve extended release of a few weeks without any significant impact on critical lens properties. Also in vivo animal studies have proven safety, efficacy and increased bioavailability compared to eye drops. The future appears promising for drug eluting contact lenses but several challenges remain to be overcome regarding processing and storage issues, lack of use in the elderly population, regulatory issues, high costs of clinical studies and cost-benefit analysis.
Loading of PPy on the surface of transition metal coordination polymer modified polyoxometalate (TMCP/POM): a feasible strategy to obtain visible light active and high quantum yields POM based photocatalyst

To improve the photocatalytic activity of a transition metal coordination polymer modified polyoxometalate (TMCP/POM), polypyrrole (PPy) was loaded on its surface through a facile in situ chemical oxidation polymerization process. Under the irradiation of visible light, the PPy loaded TMCP/POM composite material exhibited better photocatalytic activity than TMCP/POM, PPy and their mechanically blended products with respect to the degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB). Optical and electrochemical tests illustrated that the enhancement of photocatalytic activity can be attributed to the high separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pair on the interface of PPy and TMCP/POM, which originates from a synergy effect between them. Furthermore, the influence of reaction temperature on the morphology, wettability, conductivity and photocatalytic performance of the resulting composite material was discussed and an optical temperature to fabricate the photocatalyst with high efficiency has been obtained. These results suggest that the loading of PPy on the surface of TMCP/POM would be a feasible strategy to enhance its photocatalytic activity.
The Oregon Paradox

When terminally ill people are given the option of legally hastening death, they often feel a sense of greater well-being and a desire to live longer. In my explanation of this paradox, a terminally ill person has two selves. The right-to-die empowers the future self to gain control of suffering at the end of life. That makes the present self, who has empathy with the future self, feel a surge in well-being and the desire to live a longer life.
Inequality, mobility, and the transmission of ability

Abstract In view of the empirical evidence supporting the role of inheritance of cognitive skills in the determination of economic status presented in this paper, we build a simple growth model with idiosyncratic ability modelled as a first-order Markov process. We find reasons not to expect a systematic relationship between inequality and mobility, a hypothesis we show is consistent with the existing literature.
Sufi Organizations and Structures of Authority in Medieval Nishapur

My aim here is to revise a common view of the development of Sufi organizations and practices. Sufis have generally been contrasted with the ulema to suggest that Sufism and law were incompatible and even hostile to each other: the elaboration and guardianship of Islamic law (fiqh) was the concern of the ulema; the inner, experiential dimension of Islam the concern of Sufis. In their quest for knowledge of God (macrifa) Sufis often bypassed and at times even flouted the sharica, until reconciliation between law and Sufism became necessary and was effected by Ghazzali in the 11th century. This supposed reconciliation allowed the spread of Sufism and the development of Sufi institutions, including in the late 12th and 13th centuries the Sufi brotherhoods (tariqas). Until then, Sufis had formed loose circles or groups that had no institutional structure or affiliation. In the 12th and 13th centuries, these groups crystallized and autonomous Sufi institutions and practices emerged. The Sufi brotherhoods spread Sufism until it became part of Muslim social and devotional life.
How many deaths can be prevented by newborn screening for congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Background/Aims: Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is increasingly being included in newborn screening programs. Screening can prevent neonatal mortality in children with salt-wa
Nanowires as semi-rigid substrates for growth of thick, InxGa1−xN (x > 0.4) epi-layers without phase segregation for photoelectrochemical water splitting

Here, we show that GaN nanowires (diameter <30 nm) can be used as strain relaxing substrates for the heteroepitaxial growth of stable InxGa1−xN alloys of controlled composition and thickness. Thinner nanowires with their smaller interfacial area reduce the heteroepitaxial stress. Also, the limited adatom diffusion length scales on the thinner nanowires aid in reducing the kinetic segregation effects. In addition to being single crystal templates for heteroepitaxial growth, these thick single crystal overlayers on nanowire substrates can provide suitable architectures for photoelectrochemical applications. The stability and crystallinity of the InxGa1−xN layers are preserved by the nanowires acting as compliant substrates. Photoelectrochemical water splitting requires InxGa1−xN alloys with a 2.2–1.6 eV band gap (i.e. 0.45 < x < 0.65) and 150–200 nm film thickness for efficient light absorption and carrier generation. At such compositions, the InxGa1−xN alloys are inherently unstable, the thickness-dependent stress builds up during the commonly employed heteroepitaxial growth methods, and adds to the instability causing phase segregation and property degradation. A dependence of the growth morphology on the GaN nanowire growth orientation was observed and a growth mechanism is presented for the observed orientation dependent growth on a-plane and c-plane GaN nanowires. Photoactivity of GaN and InxGa1−xN films on GaN nanowires is also investigated which shows a distinct difference attributable to GaN and InxGa1−xN, demonstrating the advantages of using nanowires as strain relaxing substrates.
Replacement of Leu227 by Pro in Thyroxine-Binding Globulin (TBG) Is Associated with Complete TBG Deficiency in Three of Eight Families with This Inherited Defect*

The T4-binding globulin (TBG) gene is a single copy located on the X-chromosome. Previous studies have failed to elucidate the molecular defect in individuals with complete TBG deficiency (TBG-CD). Indeed, no major deletions, insertions, or other rearrangements were observed in the TBG gene of six unrelated males with this defect. To clarify the molecular basis of TBG-CD, we have cloned and sequenced the TBG gene of an affected male (CD5) of French Canadian origin. The sequence of the exons encoding the mature protein, adjacent introns, and the promoter region revealed two nucleotide substitutions: CTA(Leu)----CCA(Pro) at codon 227 and TTG(Leu)----TTT(Phe) at codon 283. The Leu----Phe substitution, a relatively conservative replacement, is a TBG polymorphism present in 16% (3 of 19) of French Canadian males. It has no effect on the serum concentration or properties of the common type TBG (TBG-C). The new Leu----Pro substitution, which is predicted to alter the higher order of TBG structure, is probably responsible for the TBG-CD phenotype of the individual studied and two other families with TBG-CD. It possibly impairs TBG biosynthesis or secretion or perhaps alters TBG structure to such a degree that the molecule is not recognized by antibodies against native or denatured TBG and does not bind T4.
A linear formulation model for pipe network components

A new model and efficient formulation for the incorporation of various essential network components such as bends, tees, expansions and contractions, diffusers, valves, and booster pumps into the analysis of pipe distribution networks is presented. The solution technique is based on the linearized nodal flow and head equations. The technique has a unique feature of formulating a general scheme for handling all network components. The linear formulation model results were compared with the results of a linear theory model. The correlation in terms of values of junction pressures and element flow rates was high. The advantages of the technique include reduced computer space requirement, implementation through existing matrix inversion or finite element codes, simplicity of application to large networks, the ability to model and incorporate all essential network components into the analysis, and ease of use with large and small computers. The technique has potential applications to municipal water supplies, irrigation pipe networks, food and material handling and transportation, complicated hydraulic control systems, fuel distribution networks, and engine cooling systems.
Large mirage effect in supercritical CO2

Abstract A laser beam is bent when it passes through a region that has a gradient of refractive index lying perpendicular to its path. This effect is responsible for common ‘mirages’. We created a refractive index gradient in supercritical CO 2 by means of a vertical temperature gradient. For this highly compressible fluid, a small temperature gradient implies a large density gradient, which in turn, leads to a large refractive index gradient. Thus the bending is much larger than that from normal liquids. We used a He–Ne laser to demonstrate this large effect in pure supercritical CO 2 and modeled it with the use of well-established physical parameters.
Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for stage I and II nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors

OBJECTIVES: Open retroperitoneal lymph node dissection has been traditionally used for the management of patients with nonseminomatous germ-cell tumors (NSGCTs). Over the last decade, laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection (LRPLND) has gained popularity in several highly specialized centers. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the English-language literature with regard to LRPLND. The perioperative and oncologic outcomes for patients with low stage NSGCTs who underwent LRPLND are summarized in this review with particular emphasis on contemporary studies. RESULTS: Initially only used for staging, LRPLND has evolved to a therapeutic procedure capable of replicating the templates used for open RPLND. Perioperative outcomes including operative time, conversion rates and complications improve with surgeon experience and are acceptable at high volume centers. Oncologic outcomes are promising, but require longer term follow-up and the administration of adjuvant chemotherapy in many studies limits comparison to that of the open technique. CONCLUSION: LRPLND has been demonstrated to be feasible and safe at large volume institutions with experienced laparoscopic surgeons. LRPLND was originally performed as a staging procedure in patients with NSGCTs but has evolved into a therapeutic operation with early reports demonstrating short hospital stays and minimal morbidity. Further studies in larger cohorts of patients with longer term follow up are required to define the exact role of LRPLND.
On the use of Hamacher's t-norms family for information aggregation

Combination of pieces of information issued from different sources plays a central role in several engineering as well as academic applications. The challenge that was usually addressed in these topics is how to deal with uncertainty and imperfection pervading the different sources of knowledge as well as with conflictual pieces of information. The theory of t-norms and t-conorms have been intensively investigated by many authors (see, for instance [E.P. Klement, R. Mesiar, E. Pap, Triangular Norms, Kluwer Academic Publisher, Dordrecht, 2000]) because of their appealing properties to model and manage the basic combination modes referring to a conjunctive and a disjunctive modes. Hamacher's family of t-norms [E.P. Klement, R. Mesiar, E. Pap, Triangular Norms, Kluwer Academic Publisher, 2000] offers a special interest because it supplies a wide class of t-norm operators ranging from the probabilistic product to the weakest t-norm. Dubois and Prade [Data Fusion in Robotics and Machine Intelligence, Academic Press, New York; Contr. Eng. Practice 2 (1994) 812] have proposed an interesting setting for dealing with conflict based on the adaptiveness property that allows a gradual moving from a conjunctive mode to a disjunctive mode as soon as the conflict increases. This paper attempts to capture the basic ideas of the adaptiveness in order to build new combination rules based on Hamacher's family. Particularly, certainty based qualification [R.R. Yager, Expert systems using fuzzy logic, in: R.R.Yager, L. Zadeh (Eds.), Intelligent Systems, Kluwer Academic Publisher, 1992, 27] will be reviewed and, accordingly, two families of rules will be put forward and compared to the adaptive rule of Dubois' and Prade's.
The effects of early tectal lesions on development in the retinal ganglion cell layer of chick embryos

The possibility that the arrival of retinal ganglion cell axons in their efferent target field could influence the subsequent progress of cytomorphogenesis in the ganglion cells was tested by destroying all or portions of the primordial optic tectum at four or five days of incubation. The lesions were made essentially prior to the outgrowth of axons from the eye. Complete bilateral or unilateral destruction of the primordial tectal field did not detectably alter the morphogenesis of the inner retina or of the ganglion cells until 11 days of incubation. After this time, extensive loss of ganglion cells occurred within the retinas contralateral to the projection fields that were destroyed. The cytology of this degeneration is described as seen with the light and electron microscope. After smaller lesions involving the anterior or posterior half-tectum on one side, however, variable results occurred both in tectal development and in the retinal locus of ganglion cell degeneration observed in flat mount preparations. Many partial or punctate lesions, in fact, resulted in no detectable loss of cells from the ganglion cell layer. These results are discussed in regard to specification and possible regulatory capabilities of the tectum. Cell death in normal retinas, not previously reported in the chick, is also considered in relation to the experimental results.
Photic entrainment of circadian activity rhythms by direct brain illumination in the cockroach Blaberus craniifer

Abstract The activity rhythms of male Blaberus craniifer adults having a small glass ‘window’ implanted in the vertex were studied in contrast to the rhythms of surgical control and untreated cockroaches. Results indicate that entrainment occurred in insects having a ‘window’ in the absence of functional cephalic photoreceptors when exposed to a 12L : 12D photoperiod. Activity rhythms of cockroaches possessing the ‘window’ were comparable to the rhythms of the surgical control and untreated insects.
Criticality in reactors under domain or external temperature perturbations

The conditions for the onset of thermal runaway in reactors with small non uniformities is investigated. The reaction is modelled by an Arrhenius heat generation term with a finite activation energy and the dimensionless temperature, u_o, is taken to satisfy a nonlinear equation of the form Δu_0+λ_0F(u_0) = 0, xєD; ∂_vu_0+bu_0 = 0, xє∂D. We investigate three classes of perturbations of this problem. First, we treat a small temperature variation maintained on the boundary of the domain. Secondly, we consider a small distortion of the boundary of a circular cylindrical domain, and thirdly, we analyse the effect of a small hole in the domain. In each case we derive asymptotic expansions for the critical Frank-Kamenetskii parameter, λ_c(є), where є is a measure of the size of the perturbation. A numerical scheme is then used to determine numerical values for the coefficients in the asymptotic expansion of λ_c. Finally, some of the asymptotic results are compared with corresponding numerical results obtained from a full numerical solution of the perturbed problem.
Knowledge of Mathematical Equivalence in Children with Specific Language Impairment: Insights from Gesture and Speech.

Purpose This study investigated understanding of mathematical equivalence in children with and without specific language impairment (SLI). Method A total of 34 children (ages 8;1 [years;months] to ...
Atlas of cholinergic neurons in the forebrain and upper brainstem of the macaque based on monoclonal choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry and acetylcholinesterase histochemistry

Abstract Choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry was used to map the cholinergic cell bodies in the forebrain and upper brainstem of the macaque brain. Neurons with choline acetyltransferase-like immunoreactivity were seen in the striatal complex, in the septal area, in the diagonal band region, in the substantia innominata, in the medial habenula, in the pontomecencephalic tegmentum and in the occulomotor and trochlear nuclei. The ventral striatum contained a higher density of cholinergic cell bodies than the dorsal striatum. All of the structures that contained the choline acetyltransferase positive neurons also had acetylcholinesterase-rich neurons. Choline acetyltransferase positive neurons were not encountered in the cortex. Some perikarya in the midline, intralaminar, reticular and limbic thalamic nuclei as well as in the hypothalamus were rich in acetylcholinesterase but did not give a positive choline acetyltransferase reaction. A similar dissociation was observed in the substantia nigra, the raphe nuclei and the nucleus locus coeruleus where acetylcholinesterase-rich neurons appeared to lack perikaryal choline acetyltransferase activity.
Design and field experiments of a ground‐penetrating radar for Mars exploration

[1] We developed a wideband, low-power, lightweight, prototype ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for subsurface exploration for Mars. The transmitter and receiver subsystems were constructed using a commercially available radio frequency (RF) and digital integrated circuits, connectorized components, and evaluation boards. The transmit/receive system, antennas, laptop controller, and batteries are all accommodated on a 2.5-m sled. Field experiments were conducted in Kansas and Alaska. The experiments in Kansas tested the operation of the system. The primary objective of the Alaska experiments was to investigate the ability of a GPR to detect and distinguish between subsurface deposits of ice and ice-cemented soils. The investigation depths of these experiments ranged from 1 m to 30 m, and the subsurface geology included near-surface thaw, discontinuous permafrost, water-saturated soils, and lenses of pure ice. Dielectric contrasts within the ground were detected with near-meter resolution; however, identifying the geologic context of an interface was difficult due to ambiguities associated with reflection data. These investigations demonstrate some of the difficulties associated with inverting reflection data to obtain dielectric properties of the subsurface. Fortunately, previous geophysical investigations such as drilled cores and seismic surveys helped to constrain the geology, and numerical simulations provided an additional resource for the interpretations. On Mars, additional geological context will be limited and numerical simulations will become extremely important for data interpretation. Due to these difficulties, we demonstrate in one experiment how dielectric information can be obtained directly from bistatic measurements with a fixed transmitter and mobile receiver. Finally, a comparison with a commercially available Geophysical Survey Systems, Inc. (GSSI) radar system is presented, and we discuss how the system can be modified and improved for future exploration on Mars.
On the manifolds of total collapse orbits and of completely parabolic orbits for the n-body problem

Abstract In this paper we show for most choices of masses in the coplanar n-body problem and for certain masses in the three-dimensional n-body problem that the set of initial conditions leading to complete collapse forms a smooth submanifold in phase space where the dimension depends upon properties of the limiting configuration. A similar statement holds for completely parabolic motion. By a proper scaling, these two motions become dual to each other in the sense that one forms the unstable set while the other forms the stable set of a particular set of points in the new phase space. Most of the paper is devoted to solving the Painleve-Wintner problem which asserts that these types of orbits cannot enter in an infinite spin.
Organization of 'nanocrystal molecules' using DNA

PATTERNING matter on the nanometre scale is an important objective of current materials chemistry and physics. It is driven by both the need to further miniaturize electronic components and the fact that at the nanometre scale, materials properties are strongly size-dependent and thus can be tuned sensitively1. In nanoscale crystals, quantum size effects and the large number of surface atoms influence the, chemical, electronic, magnetic and optical behaviour2—4. 'Top-down' (for example, lithographic) methods for nanoscale manipulation reach only to the upper end of the nanometre regime5; but whereas 'bottom-up' wet chemical techniques allow for the preparation of mono-disperse, defect-free crystallites just 1–10 nm in size6–10, ways to control the structure of nanocrystal assemblies are scarce. Here we describe a strategy for the synthesis of'nanocrystal molecules', in which discrete numbers of gold nanocrystals are organized into spatially defined structures based on Watson-Crick base-pairing interactions. We attach single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides of defined length and sequence to individual nanocrystals, and these assemble into dimers and trimers on addition of a complementary single-stranded DNA template. We anticipate that this approach should allow the construction of more complex two-and three-dimensional assemblies.