cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Correspondence between spin-dynamic phases and pulse program phases of NMR spectrometers

Abstract Spin state selective experiments have become very useful tools in solution NMR spectroscopy, particularly in the context of TROSY line narrowing. However, the practical implementation of such pulse sequences is frequently complicated by unexpected instrument behavior. Furthermore, a literal theoretical analysis of sequences published with specific phase settings can fail to rationalize such experiments and can seemingly contradict experimental findings. In this communication, we develop a practical approach to this ostensible paradox. Spin-dynamic design, rationalization, and simulation of NMR pulse sequences, as well as their confident and reliable implementation across current spectrometer hardware platforms, require precise understanding of the underlying nutation axis conventions. While currently often approached empirically, we demonstrate with a simple but general pulse program how to uncover these correspondences a priori in the general case. From this, we deduce a correspondence table between the spin-dynamic phases used in NMR theory and simulation on the one hand and pulse program phases of current commercial spectrometers on the other. As a practical application of these results, we analyze implementations of the original 1 H– 15 N TROSY experiment and illustrate how steady-state magnetization can be predictably, rather than empirically, added to a desired component. We show why and under which circumstances a literal adoption of phases from published sequences can lead to incorrect results. We suggest that pulse sequences should be consistently given with spin-dynamically correct (physical) phases, rather than in spectrometer-specific (software) syntax.
Post-Gay Collective Identity Construction

Falling under the rubric of “post-gay,” recent changes in gay life challenge theoretical accounts of collective identity by creating effects that, while acknowledged, have not yet been articulated using a parsimonious and portable framework. Consistent with conventional wisdom, LGBT activists construct collective identity using an oppositional “us versus them” formation during those times when they strategically deploy their differences from heterosexuals. But what happens when activists seek to emphasize their similarities to straights, as they are motivated to do during a post-gay moment? Drawing on interview and archival data of a college LGBT student organization, this article argues that in a post-gay era, activists construct collective identity using an inclusive, distinction-muting logic of “us and them.” The shift from opposition (“versus”) to inclusion (“and”) implies that activists today are motivated less by drawing boundaries against members of the dominant group and more by building bridges toward them. The article concludes with critiques of and implications for post-gay politics.
VALENCE ELECTRON EXCITATIONS AND PLASMON OSCILLATIONS IN THIN FILMS, SURFACES, INTERFACES AND SMALL PARTICLES

Abstract Plasmon oscillation is a collective excitation of electrons in a valence band of a solid material. The motion and polarization of valence electrons under the impact of a fast moving charged particle directly reflect the solid state properties of the material. Oscillations of surface charges depend sensitively on dielectric properties of the material and, more importantly, on the geometrical configuration of the media. The advances of electron microscopy techniques have made it possible to study local excitations from each individual particle smaller than a few nanometers in diameter. Dielectric response theory has shown remarkable success in describing the observed valence-loss spectra and resonance modes. This review gives a systematic description on the classical electron energy-loss theory and its applications in characterizing interband transition and plasmon excitations in thin films, surfaces, interfaces, isolated particles and supported particles of different geometrical configurations. These fundamental studies are important for characterizing many advanced nanophase and nanostructured materials of technological importance. This article is focused on quantitative calculation of valence-loss spectra acquired from different geometrical configurations of dielectric objects. The classical energy-loss theory is equivalent to the quantum mechanical theory, provided all the scattered electrons are collected by the spectrometer. The hydrodynamic model is also described to include fluctuation of electron density in metallic particles smaller than 10 nm in diameter. Applications of valence electron excitation spectroscopy are demonstrated using numerous experimental results.
Ti2NAI in L12 AI3Ti- base alloys

A detailed study has been carried out to determine the crystal structure of a stable Ti-rich second phase seen in Ll2 Al3Ti-base alloys and the effect of the phase on the mechanical properties. As determined by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis in a scanning electron microscope (SEM), the phase contains not only Ti and Al in a 2:1 ratio, but also N. Using the X-ray powder diffraction technique and computer simulations, the phase was identified to be Ti2NAl, which has a hexagonal structure (Cr2CAl-type) with lattice parametersa = 2.995 A andc = 13.61 A. The formation of the phase does not seem to be dependent on the Al/Ti ratio but appears to be controlled by the amount of N existing in the Ti starting material. Based on experimental observations of cracks formed in Ll2 Al3Ti specimens deformed in compression or fracturedin situ in an Auger microscope, it was found that a small volume fraction of the Ti2NAl precipitates plays an important role in the early stages of brittle failure: cracks often initiate within the second phase or at the interface between the second phase and the Ll2 matrix.
Thermal transformations of akaganéite and lepidocrocite to hematite: assessment of possible precursors to Martian crystalline hematite

We examine the possibility that crystalline hematite (α-Fe2O3) deposits on Mars were derived from the precursor iron oxyhydroxide minerals akaganeite (β-FeOOH) or lepidocrocite (γ-FeOOH) and compare them to an earlier study of goethite (α-FeOOH) and magnetite (Fe3O4) precursors. Both the mid-infrared and visible/near infrared spectra of hematite are dependent upon the hematite precursor mineral and the temperature of transformation. Laboratory spectra are compared to spectra from the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer (MGS-TES) and the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Opportunity Mini-TES and Pancam experiments, allowing us to infer the formation environment of Martian crystalline hematite deposits. Akaganeite and lepidocrocite readily transform to hematite at temperatures of 300 and 500°C, respectively. The visible/near-infrared and mid-infrared spectra of akaganeite-derived hematite are poor matches to data returned from TES, Mini-TES, and Pancam. The spectra of lepidocrocite-derived hematite are slightly better fits, but previously published spectra of goethite-derived hematite still represent the best match to MGS and MER spectral data. The experiments demonstrate that hematite precursor mineralogy, temperature of formation, and crystal shape exert a strong control on the hematite spectra.
Keep Your Feet on the Ground When Moving Software into the Cloud

Cloud computing and Web 2.0 are the latest buzz words in the IT world. Cloud computing is on every software supplier’s website from Amazon to Yahoo!. Open any newspaper, business journal or computer magazine and you will find an article on cloud computing. The Gartner group reported that “Worldwide cloud services revenue is on pace to surpass $56.3 billion in 2009” [11]. What is cloud computing and what is all the hype about? There is a plethora of benefits with cloud computing but it is not without challenges. In this paper, we will explore what the term cloud computing means, and explore the advantages and disadvantages of migrating legacy applications into the cloud.
Observations and modeling of formaldehyde at the PROPHET mixed hardwood forest site in 2008

Abstract We report the first field measurements of gas-phase formaldehyde (HCHO) via laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) obtained August 1–8, 2008 at the PROPHET mixed hardwood forest site at the University of Michigan Biological Station. HCHO mixing ratios above the canopy ranged from a nighttime minimum of ∼0.5 ppb v to afternoon maxima of ∼4.2 ppb v . Daytime HCHO mixing ratios were compared to two zero-dimensional box models: one based on the Master Chemical Mechanism v3.2 (MCM), the other using a simplified treatment of HCHO production. Both models over-predicted HCHO relative to observations. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that increasing vertical dilution and/or decreasing OH concentrations would result in a significant reduction in this over-prediction for both models, as did reducing NO concentrations in the MCM based model. On average, the two models agreed to within 9%, though sensitivity analyses of changing NO and HO 2 concentrations result in significant deviation. This displays that modeled HCHO production is heavily-dependent on the yields and rates of RO 2 destruction pathways under low NO conditions, which may have implications for simplified mechanisms and global predictions of isoprene emission based on satellite HCHO measurements.
Imbalance of default mode and regulatory networks during externally focused processing in depression

Attentional control difficulties likely underlie rumination, a core cognitive vulnerability in major depressive disorder (MDD). Abnormalities in the default mode, executive and salience networks are implicated in both rumination and attentional control difficulties in MDD. In the current study, individuals with MDD (n = 16) and healthy controls (n = 16) completed tasks designed to elicit self-focused (ruminative) and externally-focused thinking during fMRI scanning. The MDD group showed greater default mode network connectivity and less executive and salience network connectivity during the external-focus condition. Contrary to our predictions, there were no differences in connectivity between the groups during the self-focus condition. Thus, it appears that when directed to engage in self-referential thinking, both depressed and non-depressed individuals similarly recruit networks supporting this process. In contrast, when instructed to engage in non-self-focused thought, non-depressed individuals show a pattern of network connectivity indicative of minimized self-referential processing, whereas depressed individuals fail to reallocate neural resources in a manner consistent with effective down regulation of self-focused thought. This is consistent with difficulties in regulating self-focused thinking in order to engage in more goal-directed behavior that is seen in individuals with MDD.
Accelerated A-V conduction associated with complete A-V block

Abstract HBE's were recorded in a 70-year-old female patient with complete heart block, narrow QRS, and past episodes of supraventricular tachycardia. The HBE revealed split His potentials with intra-His block. Atrial pacing at increased rates failed to increase the AH1 interval, suggesting an accelerated pathway between the atria and the proximal His bundle bypassing the A-V node. Below the site of block, the ventricles were paced by a distal His bundle (H2) with a resultant normal QRS interval.
Impaired Fetal Growth, Cardiovascular Disease, and the Need to Move on

The final step in the acceptance of a new medical hypothesis is often the approval of significant funding to investigate it. In the case of developmental programming (ie, the notion that the in utero environment determines susceptibility to many diseases later in life), this has recently come in the form of support by the US Congress for the National Children’s Study, a $3 billion project to follow the impact of environmental factors before, during, and after pregnancy on disease manifestation in some 100 000 children up to the age of 25 years.1 This initiative will, no doubt, yield a wealth of correlative data and identify many new factors potentially affecting developmental programming. Article p 405 Much of the concept underlying the National Children’s Study stems from the pioneering work of Barker and colleagues,2 whose epidemiological observation of increased cardiovascular risk in children with low birth weight has spurred a large number of retrospective studies during the past 30 years. Despite some conflicting results, most of these studies support the notion that reduced birth weight is indeed associated with increased hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and cardiovascular disease. However, the strong correlation between birth weight and duration of gestation, plus the fact that a short gestation also may be associated with cardiovascular risk,3 poses the question to what extent low birth weight is truly responsible. In this issue of Circulation , an article by Kaijser and coworkers4 at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm provides a convincing answer. By scanning 250 000 records of birth at 4 major delivery units in Sweden between 1925 and 1949, they identified a cohort of 6437 subjects, which included 2937 children born preterm (<37 weeks of gestation) and 2181 with a birth weight <2000 g for girls or <2100 g for boys. During the …
Effect of pile irradiation on the dynamic mechanical properties of polyethylene

The affects of pile irradiation on the damping and resonant frequency of a high pressure'' polyethylene were investigated over a temperature range from 80 to 550 deg K in the audiofrequency region using an apparatus which drives rod- like specimens in their transverse modes. Using irradiation dosages which result in approximately 4% cross-linking or greater, the mechanical loss peaks found at about 166, 265, and 355 deg K in polyethylene are altered. Definite changes in the resonant frequency or modulus-temperature plots also occur. The 355 deg K peak, attributed to the melting of the crystalline portions of the sample, decreases in height and shifts to lower temperatures with increasing irradiation dose. A decrease in the height of the 265 deg K peak accompanied by a shift to higher temperatures takes place. The 165 deg K peak initially increases in height and peak temperature but at higher dosages a marked decrease in the damping maximum occurs. The damping behavior in the 165 and 265 deg K regions is discussed in terms of diffusional motion of chain segments in the amorphous polymer portions. (auth) The usefulness of the biological thermal column of the Brookhaven Reactor in carrying studies of the effect ofmore » scavenging agents on radiation chemical reactions produced by very densely ionizing radiations has been demonstrated. It has been shown that a 10% increase in the yield for oxidation of ferrous ion by the recoil radiations from the B/sup 10/(n, alpha )Li/ sup 7/ reaction accompanies an increase in ferrous sulfate concentration from 0.26 to 10 mM. This is in contraet to the negligible change in yield observed over this same concentration region for reactions produced by gamma -radiation. These studies further stress the importance of scavenging processes in the case of densely ionizing radiations. (auth)« less
Low-temperature process to increase the grain size in polysilicon films

The letter describes a novel process for increasing the grain size in polycrystalline silicon films at temperatures near 500°C. This process, once perfected, could lead to mono-crystalline or large-grain, uniformly oriented polysilicon films on amorphous surfaces.
Oil, Islam, and Women

Women have made less progress toward gender equality in the Middle East than in any other region. Many observers claim this is due to the region's Islamic traditions. I suggest that oil, not Islam, is at fault; and that oil production also explains why women lag behind in many other countries. Oil production reduces the number of women in the labor force, which in turn reduces their political influence. As a result, oil-producing states are left with atypically strong patriarchal norms, laws, and political institutions. I support this argument with global data on oil production, female work patterns, and female political representation, and by comparing oil-rich Algeria to oil-poor Morocco and Tunisia. This argument has implications for the study of the Middle East, Islamic culture, and the resource curse.
Cascaded optical nonlinearities: Microscopic understanding as a collective effect

A general microscopic theory that treats cascading of a wide range of nonlinear optical processes as a collective effect is developed. Important practical implications are discussed.
NF-κB driven cardioprotective gene programs; Hsp70.3 and cardioprotection after late ischemic preconditioning

Abstract It has been shown that the transcription factor NF-κB is necessary for late phase cardioprotection after ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in the heart, and yet is injurious after ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). However the downstream gene expression programs that underlie the contribution of NF-κB to cardioprotection after late IPC are incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to delineate the specific genes that are regulated by NF-κB immediately after a late IPC stimulus and validate the methodology for the identification of NF-κB-dependent genes that contribute to cardioprotection. A directed microarray analysis identified 238 genes as up or downregulated in an NF-κB-dependent manner 3.5 h after late IPC. Among these are several genes previously implicated in late IPC. Gene ontological analysis showed that the most significant group of NF-κB-dependent genes are heat shock response genes, including the genes encoding Hsp70.1 and Hsp70.3. Though an Hsp70.1/70.3 double knockout failed to exhibit cardioprotection, late IPC was intact in the Hsp70.1 single knockout. After I/R, the Hsp70.1/70.3 double knockout and the Hsp70.1 single knockout had significantly increased and reduced infarct size, respectively. These results delineate the immediate NF-κB-dependent transcriptome after late IPC. One of the major categories of NF-κB-dependent genes induced by late IPC is the heat shock response. The results of infarct studies confirm that Hsp70.3 is protective after IPC. However, though Hsp70.1 and Hsp70.3 are coordinately regulated, their functions are opposing after I/R injury.
Historical Archaeology of the Chesapeake, edited by Paul A. Shackel and Barbara J. Little. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington. 1994

This volume is a good attempt at presenting an overview of the land-based historical archaeology that has been on-going in the Chesapeake region over the last fifteen years. It brings together articles by academic. CRM. and public sector archaeologists. and includes work by both well established and promising young researchers focused on the Chesapeake region. The volume is organized into four thematic and chronologi­cal sections, covering time periods from the earliest European settlement of the region to the nineteneth century.
Electrical-resistance-based damage self-sensing in carbon fiber reinforced cement

Damage self-sensing (to be distinguished from strain self-sensing) by electrical resistance measurement is effective in carbon fiber reinforced cement below the percolation threshold, as shown under uniaxial compression. Major damage that is accompanied by irreversible strain is indicated by irreversible resistivity increase ranging from 10% to 30%. Minor damage in the elastic regime is indicated by this increase ranging from 1% to 7%. The irreversible resistivity fractional change per unit irreversible strain is higher in the transverse direction than the longitudinal direction. The origin of the damage self-sensing ability is attributed to the fracture of fibers that bridge microcracks and the consequent resistivity increase. The fracture of a bridging fiber occurs upon microcrack opening or shear.
Counterpoint: Vancomycin and Staphylococcus aureus—An Antibiotic Enters Obsolescence

The efficacy of vancomycin for the treatment of patients with infections due to Staphylococcus aureus is impaired by its poor tissue penetration and by its relatively weak antibacterial activity--an activity that is declining as S. aureus evolves. Neither dose escalation nor use of vancomycin in combination with other antibiotics that have antistaphylcoccal activity has been demonstrated to safely enhance its therapeutic efficacy. Although no clinical trials suggest superiority of vancomycin over any comparator, some have provided evidence of its inferiority. Strong consideration should be given to the use of alternative agents in the treatment of serious S. aureus infections.
Fourier Transform Infrared Absorbance and Photoluminescence Spectroscopy Studies of CdSe Colloidal Quantum Dot/Conducting Polymer Nanocomposites for Application to Infrared Photodetectors

In this paper we investigate the optical properties of four CdSe colloidal quantum dot/conducting polymer nanocomposites deposited on GaAs substrates using photoluminescence and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy absorbance. The purpose of this investigation is to find an appropriate electron-conducting polymer for use in a photoconductor that utilizes intraband transitions in the conduction band to detect mid- to long-wave-infrared radiation. As a feasibility demonstration, we fabricate a two-terminal photoconductor and characterize its dark current and spectral responsivity (at 125 K), demonstrating intraband peaks at 0.465 and 0.527 eV, which correspond to 2.67 and 2.35μm.
A 2GHz-to-7.5GHz quadrature clock-generator using digital delay locked loops for multi-standard I/Os in 14nm CMOS

A highly digital quadrature clock generator using a digital DLL that employs a digital loop filter and digitally-calibrated replica-based regulator is presented. The proposed DLL combines the advantages of both analog and digital loop-filters of conventional architectures to implement a wide-range, energy efficient, highly digital, and high performance quadrature clock generator. To suppress supply-noise, we propose an LDO that combines fast/slow paths with a replica-load to achieve better than 20dB rejection with small area and low power. Fabricated in Intel's 14nm CMOS process, the proposed digital DLL operates over a wide range of output frequencies (2GHz-to-7.5GHz). At 7GHz, it achieves 176fs rms /2.7ps pp long-term jitter while consuming 4.4mW. The DLL is 4X smaller than state-of-the art designs and occupies an active area of 0.0024mm 2 .
An enhanced occupancy map for exploration via pose separation

We develop a new occupancy map that respects the role of the sensor measurement bearing and how it relates to the resolution of the existing occupancy map. We borrow an idea from Konolige for recording and tracking, in an occupancy-like map, the bearing at which sensor readings originate with respect to a given cell. Our specific contribution is in the way we process the sensor pose information, which is the bearing of the sensor readings when it indicates the presence of an obstacle in a particular cell. For each cell in the occupancy map, we calculate the greatest separation of incident poses, and then store that information in a new two-dimensional array called a pose map. A cell in the pose map measures the quality of information contained in the corresponding cell of the occupancy map. We merge the new pose map with the existing map to generate an enhanced occupancy map. Exploration plans derived from the enhanced occupancy map are more efficient and complete in that they do not guide the robot around phantom obstacles nor incorrectly classify narrow openings as closed commonly found in conventional occupancy maps.
Enabling the Use of Broadband Tissue Equivalent Liquids for Specific Absorption Rate Measurements

The aim of this study is to determine a robust prediction algorithm for the change in SAR due to deviations in the complex permittivity of a homogeneous phantom from standardized reference values. Several antenna sizes and distances to the phantom are investigated so as to study a large range of SAR distributions. Simulations using the Moment Method are presented. Results are analyzed over a frequency range of 30 - 6000 MHz. It is demonstrated that the prediction algorithm, while developed using dipole antennas, also works well for realistic wireless devices. Employing the prediction algorithm reduces the SAR measurement uncertainty due to permittivity changes, thereby improving the reproducibility of SAR compliance assessment between laboratories. Another benefit of the algorithm is that it enables SAR measurement standards committees to relax their tolerances on the complex permittivity from defined targets, which allows for the use of broadband tissue equivalent liquids, thus reducing the cost of SAR measurement. The method presented in this paper has been adopted for inclusion in the next revisions of the IEEE 1528 and IEC 62209 measurement standards.
System identification via membership set constraints with energy constrained noise

In this paper the identification of constant unknown parameters of a linear system is studied. Rather than finding an estimate of the parameters vector, a membership set for this vector is constructed such that any vector in this set is consistent with the measurements and noise specifications. The usual statistical specification of the noise is replaced here by energy constraints. Convergence of the membership set to a single point (the "true" vector) is studied. The convergence results are related to the convergence of the identification algorithm in the probability sense.
NOX2 in lung inflammation: quantum dot based in situ imaging of NOX2-mediated expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1

Quantum dot (QD) imaging is a powerful tool for studying signaling pathways as they occur. Here we employ this tool to study adhesion molecule expression with lung inflammation in vivo. A key event in pulmonary inflammation is the regulation of vascular endothelial cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM), which drives activated immune cell adherence. The induction of VCAM expression is known to be associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, but the exact mechanism or the cellular source of ROS that regulates VCAM in inflamed lungs is not known. NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) has been reported to be a major source of ROS with pulmonary inflammation. NOX2 is expressed by both endothelial and immune cells. Here we use VCAM-targeted QDs in a mouse model to show that NOX2, specifically endothelial NOX2, induces VCAM expression with lung inflammation in vivo.
TEAD mediates YAP-dependent gene induction and growth control

The YAP transcription coactivator has been implicated as an oncogene and is amplified in human cancers. Recent studies have established that YAP is phosphorylated and inhibited by the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway. Here we demonstrate that the TEAD family transcription factors are essential in mediating YAP-dependent gene expression. TEAD is also required for YAP-induced cell growth, oncogenic transformation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition. CTGF is identified as a direct YAP target gene important for cell growth. Moreover, the functional relationship between YAP and TEAD is conserved in Drosophila Yki (the YAP homolog) and Scalloped (the TEAD homolog). Our study reveals TEAD as a new component in the Hippo pathway playing essential roles in mediating biological functions of YAP.
Gene transfer to muscle using herpes simplex virus-based vectors

The main goal of gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is to restore dystrophin into as many muscle cells as necessary to be therapeutic. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) represents a promising new viral vector capable of efficient transduction of myofibers in vivo. The viral genome is large and can accommodate multiple or large non-viral genes including the full-length dystrophin. Here we report on the use of a replication defective HSV-1 mutant vector (DZ) deleted for the essential immediate early (IE) gene ICP4 for studies of reporter gene transfer and expression following direct inoculation of mouse skeletal muscle. Our initial experiments showed that HSV-1 can efficiently infect and express a foreign reporter gene in myoblasts and myotubes in vitro. Furthermore, the intramuscular inoculation of HSV-1 resulted in transduction of a significant number of muscle fibers in newborn mice and some muscle fibers in adult animals. We have attempted to exploit these features to develop new HSV mutant vectors for dystrophin gene delivery to DMD muscle, however two impediments to using this virus for muscle gene delivery have to be overcome: namely viral cytotoxicity and the differential transducibility with HSV-1 throughout the development of muscle fibers. To solve the first problem, virus mutants deleted for the immediate early (IE) genes (ICP4, ICP22, ICP27 and UL41) were constructed and the multiple deleted virus was greatly reduced in cytotoxicity relative to our first generation HSV vector strains. Current work is aimed at incorporating full-length dystrophin under muscle specific promoter (muscle creatine kinase MCK) into these new viral vectors. To address the second problem we have analysed by immunohistochemistry the spreading of the HSV-1 in newborn versus adult muscles to determine whether mature basal lamina which surrounds the adult muscle fibers blocks the HSV-1 entry into the mature muscle fibers.
Elevated Levels of Transforming Growth Factors Beta 2 and Beta 3 in Lambdoid Sutures from Children with Persistent Plagiocephaly

Abstract Objective: To analyze the pertinent history and physical findings specific to the subset of patients with a progressive posterior skull deformity, requiring surgery to correct their deformity. Patients: Since the Academy of Pediatrics issued its recommendation on supine positioning of infants to prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in 1992, 73 children have presented to the University of Virginia Craniofacial Anomalies Clinic with posterior-skull deformities. The majority were successfully managed with conservative therapy, but in six patients, the deformity was severe and persistent, requiring surgical correction. All six children were older (7.5–12 mo), presenting with more severe morphologic appearances and a higher incidence of associated neurodevelopmental delay. Three had family backgrounds of isolated craniosynostosis. Methods: Characteristics of these patients were examined to determine why they may have differed from those that responded to conservative management. Immunohistochem...
Item bank development, calibration and validation for patient-reported outcomes in female urinary incontinence

Current patient-reported outcomes for female urinary incontinence (UI) are limited by their inability to be tailored. Our objective is to describe the development and field testing of seven item banks designed to measure domains identified as important UI in females (UIf). We also describe the calibration and validation properties of the UIf-item banks, which allow for more efficient computerized adaptive testing (CAT) in the future. The UIf-measures included 168 items covering seven domains: Stress UI (SUI), overactive bladder (OAB), urinary frequency, physical, social and emotional health impact and adaptation. Items underwent rigorous qualitative development and psychometric testing across two sites. Items were calibrated using item response theory and evaluated for internal consistency, construct validity and responsiveness. A total of 750 women (249 SUI, 249 OAB and 252 mixed UI) participated. Mean age was 55 ± 14 years, and 23 % were Hispanic and 80 % white. In addition to face and content validity, the measures demonstrated good internal consistency (coefficient alpha 0.92–0.98) and unidimensionality. There was evidence for construct validity with moderate-to-strong correlations with the UDI (r’s ≥ 0.6) and IIQ (r’s = ≥0.6) scales. The measures were responsive to change for SUI treatment (paired t test p < .001, ES range 1.3–2.9; SRM range 1.3–2.5) and OAB treatment (paired t test p < .05 for all domains except social health impact and adaptation, ES range 0.3–1.5, SRM range 0.4–1.0). The measures were responsive based on concurrent changes with the UDI and IIQ (p < 0.05). CAT versions were developed and pilot-tested. The UIf-item banks demonstrate good psychometric characteristics and are a sufficiently valid set of customizable tools for measuring UI symptoms and life impact.
Real Time Sub-Micron Thermal Imaging Using Thermoreflectance

Thermal measurements on a sub-micron scale are non-trivial, but are important for the characterization of modern semiconductor and opto-electronic devices. In this paper we will discuss the application of the thermoreflectance method for real time sub-micron thermal imaging. By using light in the visible spectrum, the diffraction limit, and thus spatial resolution is improved over a traditional infrared camera based on blackbody emission. With active excitation of the sample and frequency domain filtering, thermal images with 100mK temperature resolution are obtained. Experiments performed on semiconductor micro-coolers and micro-heaters are presented.
Recruitment strategies and challenges in a large intervention trial: Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial

Background:The Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial is a multicenter, randomized clinical trial of 9361 participants with hypertension who are ≥50 years old. The trial is designed to evaluate the effect of intensive systolic blood pressure control (systolic blood pressure goal <120 mm Hg) compared to standard control (systolic blood pressure goal <140 mm Hg) on cardiovascular events using commonly prescribed antihypertensive medications and lifestyle modification.Objective:To describe the recruitment strategies and lessons learned during recruitment of the Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial cohort and five targeted participant subgroups: pre-existing cardiovascular disease, pre-existing chronic kidney disease, age ≥75 years, women, and minorities.Methods:In collaboration with the National Institutes of Health Project Office and Systolic Blood Pressure Intervention Trial Coordinating Center, five Clinical Center Networks oversaw clinical site selection, recruitment, and trial activities. Recr...
Habitat Manipulation in Hunting Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Species)

Abstract We used fixed videography to record the natural ambush foraging behavior of northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus) in central coastal California. We captured approximately 2,000 h of snake behavior over two field seasons. During this time we recorded two occurrences of an unusual behavior which has only been reported twice previously: after selecting sites at which to ambush prey, two different snakes used their anterior bodies to move vegetation away from their strike path. Both individuals used similar stereotyped behavior, forcibly jerking their head and neck upward in a rapid movement. The head jerks were either preceded or followed by head-scanning and lateral head movements. These observations suggest that hunting rattlesnakes may be able to anticipate future events and use past experiences to solve current problems. This report adds to the growing literature on reptile intelligence.
Electrochemical and photocatalytic reduction of perchlorate ion

The presence of perchlorate in water supplies may have deleterious human health effects. Electrochemical and electrophotocatalytic reduction of the perchlorate ion to the chloride ion were assessed at laboratory scale. Studies were carried out in two-chambered batch reactor systems in which the cathodic and anodic compartments were separated by an ion exchange membrane. Electrodes consisted of titanium coated with a thin film of small TiO 2 particles. Test water systems were buffered to an acid pH and a background electrolyte was added. Applied voltages ranged from −1.75 to −2.0 v. For photolytic systems, ultraviolet light was supplied. Initial perchlorate concentrations ranged from 5×10 −2 M to 5×10 −7 M. Reduction initially proceeded rapidly but slowed with time. The percentage of perchlorate electrochemically reduced after 2 h was found to range from less than 1% at the highest concentration to 30–35% at lower concentrations. The extent of photocatalytic reduction at high perchlorate concentrations was approximately five times greater than for electrochemical reduction at the same concentrations. An additional fourfold improvement in reduction percentage was noted when the electrode was doped with vanadium. A mathematical model suggested that the limiting factor in perchlorate reduction was competition among anions for active sites on the electrode surface. Application of this technology for decontamination of water supplies will require further advances in electrode technology and/or innovations in engineering design.
DISSOCIATION AND CULTIVATION OF CHICK EMBRYO CELLS WITH AN ACTINOMYCETE PROTEASE.

SummaryCells are liberated rapidly from minced pectoral muscles of 14-day chick embryos by treatment with a crystalline protease from S. griseus marketed under the name of Pronase. The treatment is carried out in a physiological salt solution. The dissociated cells grow in a standard tissue culture medium and fibroblast type cells predominate in the cultures.
Plasmonic halos: optical surface plasmon drumhead modes

We present the observation and systematic study of a novel optical phenomenon, a “plasmonic halo”, wherein surface plasmons optically excited on circular silver microcavities form confined drumhead modes that, under resonant conditions, emanate colorful far-field radiation from their perimeter boundaries. We demonstrate both experimentally and theoretically that such circular microcavities integrated with perimeter step gaps can generate surface plasmon cavity modes which modulate optical transmission/emission through/from the device, yielding the plasmonic halo effect. Via the tuning of geometric and/or material parameters, optical properties of this device can be manipulated in the visible range, leading to potential applications in biomedical plasmonics and discrete optical filtering, among others.
A 13C CP/MAS-Based Nondegradative Method for Lignin Content Analysis

Most current lignin content analysis methods require dissociation/degradation and/or preconditioning steps. A simple yet reliable method that can be used to analyze content of various lignocellulosic biomasses without destroying their native structure is needed. In this research effort, an improved nondegradative method for determining the content of lignin in native biomass was established. By extending the scope of the solid state 13C CP/MAS NMR technique, via homogeneous mixing of an internal standard (TMSP) with varying lignin contents, a standard curve was generated for calculating the lignin content of various biomasses without dissociation or degradation. The results showed good accuracy in the calculation of lignin content. Compared to chemical degradative methods, such as the acetyl bromide method, the relative difference was less than 5.00%. This method is applicable for estimating lignin content in certain samples (e.g., acid insoluble lignin) that are difficult to analyze accurately with chemi...
Moments for Transformation: The Process of Teaching and Learning

L'A. fait part de son experience de l'enseignement. Il utilise la pedagogie dialogique. Tous ses efforts convergent vers une finalite: rendre l'etudiant autonome, susciter un jugement libre des etudiants comme personnes faisant partie d'une communaute. Ce qui se passe dans la classe fait partie d'un systeme plus large de relations comprenant les amis, la famille, les relations de travail et enfin, la societe dans son ensemble. La religion et la philosophie posent des questions de valeur et de sens. A ce titre, ces disciplines permettent de soulever des problemes comme la relation de l'individu au reste du groupe
Ability of antibody-bound human sperm to penetrate zona-free hamster ova in vitro * †

Sera from men and women at risk for immunologic causes of infertility were screened for sperm-specific antibodies by a new test devised to assess directly the presence of immunoglobulins bound to the sperm plasma membrane. Passive antibody transfers to antibody-negative sperm of a fertile donor were performed with the use of sera that possessed iso- or auto-antibodies directed against the sperm head, including the acrosome and postacrosomal regions. The ability of these antibody-bound sperm to penetrate the zona-free hamster egg in vitro, a prerequisite for fertilization, was enhanced, as compared with the penetrating ability of antibody-free sperm of the same donor. These results indicate that the sperm-specific antibodies studied in these experiments, although bound to the sperm head, do not cause infertility by interfering with the acrosome reaction or gamete membrane fusion.
History and Development of Food-Based Attractants

Adult tephrids require sugar and protein for survival and for development of eggs, and volatile chemicals from these substances are the basis for food-based lures developed as baits for these pests. In this chapter, we discuss food-based lures that mimic food sources for adults other than host fruit. These have been primarily nitrogen sources that provide the protein needed by adult flies, although non-nitrogen-containing volatile chemicals are also included in this category. After male lures, food-based lures have been the predominant attractants used in traps for tephritid fruit flies. Although typically not as powerful as male lures, food-based lures have several advantages over male-specific attractants. They can be used for species for which there are no male lures known; they capture both females and males of target species; they tend to be female-biased, that is, they capture a higher percentage of females than males; and, at least for the Mediterranean fruit fly, traps baited with food-based lures tend to capture flies earlier than traps baited with male lure. There has been a long history of research on the development of food-based attractants for pest tephritids. Several review articles have documented the early history, which started with investigations of sugar-based food lures and lead to the development of the liquid protein baits and synthetic protein-based food lures, the standard food-lures that are currently in use. In this chapter, we discuss the development of and, as much as possible, the diversity of food-based lures that have been tested and/or are used in traps for pest tephritids. Future research directions are also discussed.
Socrates and Philosophy in the Dialogues of Plato: Socrates and Plato in Plato's dialogues

SOCRATES IN PLATO'S DIALOGUES Consideration of Socrates' behavior in putatively doctrinal dialogues confirms so far my hypothesis that within the dialogues of Plato Socrates stays the same examining figure of the Apology . I do not say that my hypothesis is conclusively established. I think it at least as likely as the alternative hypothesis that Socrates speaks doctrine of a developing Plato. The hypothesis that the Socrates of Plato's dialogues is deeply the same explains, for the dialogues I have considered, what Socrates is doing – he is engaging in the activity in which, as he says in the Apology , he spent his life. In the Apology he calls it his philosophizing; he says it comprises asking whether people care for the condition of their souls, and examining or testing them to find out if they do if they say that they do. He discerns their care or lack of it by observing their reaction to being shown not to know what they think they know. He reproaches if they seem untroubled. And all of that, he says, is persuading people to care about the way they live. In the Theaetetus digression, the Republic , and the Phaedo we saw only a certain stage of the process of examination – the stage of the interlocutor's revealing himself by his reaction to Socrates' apparent teaching. Disclosing to his interlocutors what they are inclined to believe is the first step of the process of examination that he is always encouraging.
A Study of the Relationship Between Bar Admissions Data and Subsequent Lawyer Discipline

The research reported here uses information from the admissions files of lawyers admitted to the Connecticut bar from 1989 to 1992 to compare those who were disciplined with those who were not disciplined. It analyzes information reported during the bar admissions process that may predict later lawyer misconduct including, inter alia, prior criminal history, problem credit history, prior employment history, academic misconduct, substance abuse, and psychological history. The study reveals that many of the responses on the admissions application are statistically associated with an elevated risk of future discipline. Nevertheless, these variables nevertheless make very poor predictors of subsequent misconduct. The explanation for this seeming paradox is that the overall baseline likelihood of discipline is so low (only about 2.5% of the 6,159 lawyers in our cohort). Thus, even if some variable (e.g., having defaulted on a student loan) doubles the likelihood of subsequent disciplinary action — a very strong effect — the probability of subsequent discipline for someone with a student loan default is still only 5%. It seems highly unlikely that any regulator would be comfortable denying admission to an applicant who had only a 5% chance of subsequent discipline. Put differently, even knowing that an applicant has a substantially elevated risk of future discipline is probably not sufficient to justify some kind of corrective or preventative action, given the low baseline risk.
On-wafer measurement setups for on-chip antennas fabricated on silicon substrates

The paper presents the measurement setups of on-chip antennas for short range communications over free space (/spl mu/Node applications). To evaluate the on-chip antenna characteristics in realistic indoor and outdoor operating environments, two mobile microwave probe stands have been constructed using Delrin (a type of plastic, /spl epsiv//sub r/ /spl sim/3.7). Each stand is equipped with a probe holder and a cable connection to a test instrument. The stands can be connected to a network analyzer for 1-port or 2-port S-parameter measurements. By connecting a spectrum analyzer and a signal generator to these mobile probe stands, power gains between a pair of antennas as a function of separation can be measured. Simulation and measurement results suggest that the effects of probe stands on antenna characteristics are small.
Edoxaban had similar efficacy to and better safety than warfarin in AF, regardless of previous stroke or TIA

Source Citation Rost NS, Giugliano RP, Ruff CT, et al; ENGAGE AF-TIMI 48 Investigators. Outcomes with edoxaban versus warfarin in patients with previous cerebrovascular events: findings from ENGAGE...