cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impedance-matched Marx generators

We have conceived a new class of prime-power sources for pulsed-power accelerators: impedance-matched Marx generators (IMGs). The fundamental building block of an IMG is a brick, which consists of two capacitors connected electrically in series with a single switch. An IMG comprises a single stage or several stages distributed axially and connected in series. Each stage is powered by a single brick or several bricks distributed azimuthally within the stage and connected in parallel. The stages of a multistage IMG drive an impedance-matched coaxial transmission line with a conical center conductor. When the stages are triggered sequentially to launch a coherent traveling wave along the coaxial line, the IMG achieves electromagnetic-power amplification by triggered emission of radiation. Hence a multistage IMG is a pulsed-power analogue of a laser. To illustrate the IMG approach to prime power, we have developed conceptual designs of two ten-stage IMGs with $LC$ time constants on the order of 100 ns. One design includes 20 bricks per stage, and delivers a peak electrical power of 1.05 TW to a matched-impedance $1.22\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\Omega}$ load. The design generates 113 kV per stage and has a maximum energy efficiency of 89%. The other design includes a single brick per stage, delivers 68 GW to a matched-impedance $19\text{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\Omega}$ load, generates 113 kV per stage, and has a maximum energy efficiency of 90%. For a given electrical-power-output time history, an IMG is less expensive and slightly more efficient than a linear transformer driver, since an IMG does not use ferromagnetic cores.
Shame and Necessity Redux

Heidi Maibom investigates the phenomenon of practical necessity against the background of the phenomenon of shame in order to establish the centrality of taking the third-person perspective on oneself and one’s actions to practical necessity. She illustrates the importance of shame in our lives with others using a population in which emotional connection appears to be absent: psychopaths. Psychopaths lack the ability to view themselves as others see them. This ability is also central to responsibility. The literature on autobiographical memory shows that this third-person perspective is associated with understanding our actions in terms of their larger meaning or significance. Maibom points out that this is exactly what is central to practical necessity. She argues that it is a mistake to think of practical necessity as being some peculiar force that we feel merely concerns ourselves. If we were alone in the world, it is unlikely that we would feel either the pull of practical necessity or shame. The necessity that is felt is connected to our social identities, our identity as one being among others. Personal practical necessities thus have to be interpreted as social practical necessities. Maibom’s chapter contributes to a better understanding of practical necessity and its connection to identity, morality, and responsibility.
Evolution of sinonasal symptoms and mucosal healing after minimally invasive pituitary surgery.

Background Minimally invasive pituitary surgery (MIPS) via endoscopy has become widely accepted as the surgical paradigm of choice for pituitary pathology. The objective of the current study was to analyze the evolution of symptom scores and mucosal healing after MIPS. Methods The 22-item Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) scores and objective endoscopic data of 52 patients were reviewed in a longitudinal manner. Scaled averages of the SNOT-22 and endoscopic scores from different time points were compared with baseline scores by using nonparametric testing. The time to baseline for endoscopic examinations was also analyzed by using Kaplan-Meier curves. Results The rhinologic symptoms subdomain of the SNOT-22 scores showed statistically significant worsening between baseline and 2 weeks after surgery (p = 0.03). Follow-up SNOT-22 scores after 2 weeks showed no significant differences compared with baseline scores, with an overall trend toward improvement in patient symptoms during the subsequent period. Similar analysis for the endoscopic data illustrated statistically significant differences from the baseline scores up to 16 weeks after surgery. The overall trend showed a worsened endoscopic examination, initially with a spike at ∼8 to 10 weeks (p = 0.03) and with a subsequent return to baseline. The Kaplan-Meier estimate curve demonstrated a median time to return to baseline endoscopy at 18.9 weeks (95% confidence interval, 14.9-38.3 weeks). Conclusion The longitudinal data exhibited subjective improvement of patient outcomes based on SNOT-22 scores within 2-4 weeks after MIPS. However, the objective endoscopic data revealed a lag in improvement of the examination, typically at 16-20 weeks, which underscores ongoing careful endoscopic assessment and management to ensure proper mucosal healing beyond just subjective symptoms as the gauge to postoperative recovery.
Childhood ADHD and Negative Self-Statements: Important Differences Associated With Subtype and Anxiety Symptoms

The current study examined the role negative self-statements have on the comorbidity between anxious symptomatology and ADHD-combined presentation (ADHD-C) and ADHD-predominantly inattentive (ADHD-I). A total of 114 children and adolescents with ADHD (M age = 10.15; SD = 2.30; range = 7-16) from a clinic-referred sample were grouped based on a semistructured diagnostic interview and consensus approach (ADHD-C, n = 62; ADHD-I, n = 52). Negative self-statements were measured using the Children's Automatic Thoughts Scale and the total score from the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children was used to measure anxious symptomatology. Findings indicated youth diagnosed with ADHD-C, compared to those diagnosed with ADHD-I, had more frequent personal failure (Cohen's d =.40) and hostile intent negative self-statements (Cohen's d =.47). The association of ADHD subtype and negative self-statements was moderated by anxiety; negative self-statements of personal failure were highest in anxious ADHD-C children (β =.31). A second sample of 137 children and adolescents (M age = 10.61; SD = 2.26; range = 7-16) from a larger clinic-referred sample was utilized to replicate our results dimensionally. Results indicated that both hyperactivity/impulsivity (β = .23, p < .01) and the interaction of hyperactivity/impulsivity and anxiety (β = .17, p < .05) were significant predictors of negative self-statements regarding personal failure, while holding child age, child gender, oppositional symptoms, and inattention constant. In all, negative self-statements should be considered in the treatment and assessment of ADHD with particular attention paid to ADHD subtype and internalizing comorbidity.
Genome Sequence of Geothermobacter sp. Strain EPR-M, a Deep-Sea Hydrothermal Vent Iron Reducer.

ABSTRACT Geothermobacter sp. strain EPR-M was isolated from a hydrothermal vent on the East Pacific Rise and has been shown to participate in the reduction of Fe(III) oxides. Here, we report its 3.73-Mb draft genome sequence.
InfixOWL: An Idiomatic Interface for OWL.

The Ontology Web Language (OWL) provides a powerful framework for describing the semantics and constraints of a particular domain described in RDF. Along with that power comes the burden of a learning curve that is often inherited by the tools used to manage OWL ontologies. The Manchester OWL syntax introduced an intuitive syntax for the presentation and editing of OWL ontologies that attempted to address some of this burden for the benefit of authors. One of the major design decisions of this syntax was the adoption of an infix notation. The primary contribution of this paper is a native, idiomatic API for constructing and manipulating OWL in Python that builds on the strengths of the Manchester OWL syntax. It is called InfixOWL.
Ru/Ni Dual Catalytic Desulfinative Photoredox Csp2–Csp3 Cross-Coupling of Alkyl Sulfinate Salts and Aryl Halides

A mild Ru/Ni dual catalytic desulfinative photoredox Csp2–Csp3 cross-coupling reaction of alkyl sulfinate salts with aryl halides has been developed. The optimized catalyst system, consisting of Ru(bpy)3Cl2, Ni(COD)2, and DBU, smoothly mediates the coupling of a diverse set of secondary and primary nonactivated alkyl sulfinate salts with a broad range of electron-deficient aryl bromides, electron-rich aryl iodides, and heteroaryl bromides under irradiation with blue light. The procedure is ideal for late-stage introduction of alkyl groups on pharmaceutical intermediates, and the Csp2–Csp3 cross-coupling reaction allowed the rapid synthesis of caseine kinase 1δ inhibitor analogues via a parallel medicinal chemistry effort.
Marijuana and Bacterial Infections

Many studies in rodent models have demonstrated that Δ9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can modulate the function of the immune system (1). Either injecting the drug into rodents or adding the drug to cultures of rodent T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells or macrophages (1,2,3,4,5) has been consistently reported to be associated with suppressing cellular functions. However, as compelling as these reports are, the question still remains whether these drug-induced immune alterations lead to a heightened state of susceptibility of the animals to bacterial infections. A few reports have attempted to address this question and have examined the influence of cannabi- noids on in vitro infection models and on resistance to challenge infections with various bacteria. Huber et al., (6) reported that the addition of marijuana smoke to pulmonary alveolar macrophage cultures resulted in the suppression of the bactericidal capacity for Staphylococcus albus and recently we reported (7) a similar finding in THC treated peritoneal macrophage cultures infected with Legionella pneumophila. Regarding drug effects on challenge infections, Bradley et al., (8) reported an enhanced susceptibility of mice to combination injections of THC and living or killed gram-negative bacteria and Morahan et al., (9) reported similar findings in a murine infection model with Listeria monocytogenes. In both of these studies, however, drug doses in excess of 100 mg/kg were found to be most effective therefore frustrating attempts to extrapolate these findings to the human drug abuse situation. Also, although these studies showed that drug treatment suppressed host resistance, little is known concerning the immune cellular and humoral defects involved.
Concentration Effects of a Biopolymer in a Microfluidic Device

This paper builds upon our previous effort exploring the behavior of biological macromolecules subjected to a microfluidic flow; here we focus on concentrated solutions of macromolecules. Epifluorescence microscopy and a fluorescent probe were used to visualize λ-DNA molecules flowing through a silicon-fabricated microfluidic device. The flow path consisted of an inlet reservoir, contracting into a long straight channel, and then expanding into an outlet reservoir. Macromolecules in the flow experienced an elongational flow at the channel contraction along the channel centerline and a shear flow at the channel walls. Previous results on dilute solutions with concentration c = 0.001c* indicated that both types of flow can stretch a macromolecule. Generally, stretching increases with the Deborah number (De) and a prolonged exposure to high De may lead to chain scission. In this study, the concentration of λ-DNA in solution was increased to c = 0.1c*, and all other variables were held constant. Although both flow types stretched λ-DNA molecules, the deformation in the more concentrated solution was less than that in dilute solution. Furthermore, in contrast to dilute solution at the same or slightly higher De, no evidence of molecular degradation was observed as the macromolecules traveled through the channel. These findings are relevent when designing microfluidic systems for conducting biochemical analyses.
A non-parametric statistical dominance operator for noisy multiobjective optimization

This paper describes and evaluates a new noise-aware dominance operator for evolutionary algorithms to solve the multiobjective optimization problems (MOPs) that contain noise in their objective functions. This operator is designed with the Mann-Whitney U-test, which is a non-parametric (i.e., distribution-free) statistical significance test. It takes objective value samples of given two individuals, performs a U-test on the two sample sets and determines which individual is statistically superior. Experimental results show that it operates reliably in noisy MOPs and outperforms existing noise-aware dominance operators particularly when many outliers exist under asymmetric noise distributions.
Combination anti-angiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibition and anti-PD1 immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A retrospective analysis of safety, tolerance, and clinical outcomes.

630Background: Emerging phase III data support combination antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) and immunotherapy (IO) as front line treatment for metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC)...
The Effect of Potassium/Sodium Lactate (Pl/Sl), Sodium Erythorbate (Nae), and Sodium Bicarbonate (Sb) on Quality of Aerobically Stored Beef Trimmings

ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to investigate various concentrations of solutions that can be applied to aerobically stored beef trimmings as a processing aid to prevent further deterioration of color, lipid, odor and/or microbial growth.Materials and MethodsBeef trimmings (∼15 kg) were fabricated from beef forequarters and aerobically stored (5°C) for 6 d in a plastic container covered with linear low-density polyethylene film (LLDPE; Oxygen Transmission Rate: 5,000 cc/m2 per 24 h at 25°C and 0% R.H.) to simulate the collection, storage, transportation and receipt of a combo of beef trimmings. A total of 12 treatments (4 solutions × 3 concentration levels) consisting of PL and SL at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.5 M; NaE at 1, 2, and 100 mM; and SB solutions at 0.1, 0.2 and 1.5 M; and a control (water). Concentrations of the solutions were based on previous research. After aerobic storage the beef trimmings (∼20% fat) were coarse ground (12 mm) and 9 mL of each treatment and control solution was applied to ∼454-g samples. The treated samples were reground (3 mm) placed into Petri dishes and overwrapped with LLDPE film. The patties (2 per treatment/control (13) × 2 storage d; N = 52 per replication) were stored under simulated retail conditions: 5°C under cool white fluorescent light (200 to 300 lux) and analyzed at 0 and 5 d of storage to assess the effectiveness of each treatment solution in preventing further quality deterioration. Objective color (L*, a*, b*; metmyoglobin concentration, MMB), 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) determinations, GC–MS identification of volatile compounds for off-odor assessment and aerobic plate counts (APC) were conducted. The results of 2 replications were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD with a significance level of P 0.05). Samples treated with varying concentration of PL did not significantly impact any quality factors evaluated (P > 0.05). Analyses of SL, SB and NaE treated patties at 5 d of retail storage exhibited differences in color, lipid oxidation and microbial growth (P < 0.05). Pattie samples treated with SB (1.5 M) exhibited the highest a* value (13.63) and lowest MMB content (33.92%) compared to other treatments (P < 0.05). Samples treated with NaE (100 mM) had the lowest TBA value (0.79) compared to other treatments and control. Samples treated with SL (0.4 M) exhibited the lowest AM and AP counts (8.4 and 7.4 log10 CFU/g, respectively) compared to other treatments and control.ConclusionIn conclusion, samples treated with the SB (1.5 M), NaE (100 mM), and SL (0.4 M), had the greatest effect on improving color stability, reducing lipid oxidation, and controlling microbial spoilage, respectively at 5 d of retail storage. Results of this study suggest that a solution could be developed as a processing aid using a combination of SB, NaE, and SL to prevent further deterioration of beef trimmings prior to use in the manufacturing of ground beef products.
Counterfactuals and laws with violations

Evaluating counterfactuals in worlds with deterministic laws poses a puzzle. In a wide array of cases, it does not seem plausible that if a non-actual event were to occur that either the past would be different or that the laws would be different. But it’s also difficult to see how we can avoid this result. Some philosophers have argued that we can avoid this dilemma by allowing that a proposition can be a law even though it has violations. On this view, for the relevant cases, the past and the laws would still hold, but the laws would have a violation. In this paper, I raise a problem for the claim that the laws and the past are preserved for all of the relevant counterfactual antecedents. I further argue that this problem undermines motivating the possibility of violations on the grounds that they allow us to hold that the past and the laws are typically counterfactually preserved, even if they are not always preserved.
Patient-reported financial toxicity in multiple sclerosis: Predictors and association with care non-adherence.

Background:Multiple sclerosis (MS) results in considerable financial burdens due to expensive treatment and high rates of disability, which could both impact care non-adherence.Objective:To measure...
The association of nicotine replacement therapy with outcomes among smokers hospitalized for a major surgical procedure.

Background There are concerns that starting nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the immediate perioperative period may negatively impact wound healing. We investigated the association of NRT with postoperative outcomes among smokers hospitalized for a surgical procedure. Methods This was a retrospective study in 552 hospitals of active smokers hospitalized between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2016 for a major surgical procedure (Medicare Severity Diagnosis-Related Group expected length of stay, ≥ 2 days). We analyzed the association of receipt of NRT within 2 days of admission with a composite outcome of inpatient complications and with other outcomes. We developed a propensity score for receipt of NRT and examined differences in outcomes in a propensity-matched cohort. Results Of 147,506 active smokers, 25,651 (17.4%) were prescribed NRT within 2 days of admission. Patients treated with NRT were younger; less likely to be black or Hispanic; more likely to have Medicaid; and more likely to have a diagnosis of alcohol or other substance use disorder, or COPD, compared with those who were not treated. In the propensity-matched analysis, there was no association between receipt of NRT and in-hospital complications (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.93-1.05), mortality (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.68-1.04), all-cause 30-day readmissions (OR, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.97-1.07), or 30-day readmission for wound complications (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.86-1.07). Conclusions This is the first large observational study of surgical patients to demonstrate that perioperative NRT is not associated with adverse outcomes after surgery. These results strengthen the evidence that NRT should be prescribed routinely in the perioperative period.
Unsupervised Clustering of Time Series Signals Using Neuromorphic Energy-Efficient Temporal Neural Networks

Unsupervised time series clustering is a challenging problem with diverse industrial applications such as anomaly detection, bio-wearables, etc. These applications typically involve small, low-power devices on the edge that collect and process real-time sensory signals. State-of-the-art time-series clustering methods perform some form of loss minimization that is extremely computationally intensive from the perspective of edge devices. In this work, we propose a neuromorphic approach to unsupervised time series clustering based on Temporal Neural Networks that is capable of ultra low-power, continuous online learning. We demonstrate its clustering performance on a subset of UCR Time Series Archive datasets. Our results show that the proposed approach either outperforms or performs similarly to most of the existing algorithms while being far more amenable for efficient hardware implementation. Our hardware assessment analysis shows that in 7 nm CMOS the proposed architecture, on average, consumes only about 0.005 mm2 die area and 22 μW power and can process each signal with about 5 ns latency.
Reflection by Distributed Microflaws in a Diffusion Bond

Ultrasonic methods have shown considerable promise for the evaluation of solid state welds. The interaction of an ultrasonic signal with the geometrical and material configuration in the bond plane produces a reflected signal which can, in principle, be used to separate a good from a poor bond. The details of such an evaluation would be greatly assisted by a physical model.
Contribution of pH-dependent group II phospholipase A2 to chemical hypoxic injury in rat hepatocytes

Numerous studies have suggested that enhanced membrane phospholipid degradation contributes to hypoxic and ischemic injury. Recently, acidosis has been found to potently protect against hypoxic and ischemic injury. To investigate the interrelationships of these two events in hypoxic injury, we studied the role of a pH-dependent group II phospholipase A2 (PLA2, E.C. 3.1.1.4) in chemical hypoxic injury in rat hepatocytes. Northern blot analysis of RNA extracted from normoxic and hypoxic rat hepatocytes with group II rat liver PLA2-specific oligonucleotide cDNA probes revealed a 0.9 kb transcript whose abundance was significantly increased in rat hepatocytes within 15 min after initiation of chemical hypoxia and remained high until cells lost viability. Immunofluorescence staining of hepatocytes with polyclonal antibodies that recognize group II PLA2 demonstrated a substantial increase in the level of PLA2 protein in hypoxic rat hepatocytes within 30 min of initiation of hypoxic injury. Treatment of hepatocytes with group II PLA2-specific anti-sense DNA oligonucleotides: 1) abolished accumulation of PLA2 protein in hypoxic rat hepatocytes as assessed by immunofluorescence staining with anti-PLA2 antibodies; 2) decreased the enzymatic activity of PLA2 manifested as decreased arachidonic acid release in hypoxic hepatocytes; and 3) significantly delayed cell death evoked by chemical hypoxia as indicated by a decrease in propidium iodide uptake. These findings suggest that pH-dependent group II PLA2 plays an important role in chemical hypoxic injury of rat hepatocytes.
Unauthorized migrants in the United States

This report discusses methods of measuring unauthorized migration to the United States. The “residual method” involves comparing an analytic estimate of the legal foreign-born population with a survey-based measure of the total foreign-born population. The difference between the two population figures is a measure of the unauthorized migrant population in the survey; it can then be corrected for omissions to provide a measure of the total unauthorized population. The report includes a detailed description of the residual methods and the underlying data and assumptions as it has been applied to recent data from the Current Population Survey (CPS) and decennial censuses. The paper presents new results of estimates derived from the march 2006 CPS which show that the unauthorized population in the U.S. has reached 11.5 million; of these, 6.5 million or 57% are from Mexico. The report also presents derived data on a range of social and economic characteristics of the unauthorized population developed with an extension of the residual estimates. Finally, historical data on trends in unauthorized migration and several alternative estimation methods are presented and discussed.
Understanding the Effects of Sampling on Healthcare Risk Modeling for the Prediction of Future High-Cost Patients

Rapidly rising healthcare costs represent one of the major issues plaguing the healthcare system. Data from the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System, Arizona’s Medicaid program provide a unique opportunity to exploit state-of-the-art machine learning and data mining algorithms to analyze data and provide actionable findings that can aid cost containment. Our work addresses specific challenges in this real-life healthcare application with respect to data imbalance in the process of building predictive risk models for forecasting high-cost patients. We survey the literature and propose novel data mining approaches customized for this compelling application with specific focus on non-random sampling. Our empirical study indicates that the proposed approach is highly effective and can benefit further research on cost containment in the healthcare industry.
The Construction and Analysis of Cause Model for the Personal Qualities of Women Entrepreneurs

In this paper, we use a large number of cases to understand the growing process of women entrepreneurs. We use social learning theory and the entrepreneurial human capital theory and other related researches to explore the forming causes of women entrepreneurs’ personal qualities. Then we build a conceptual model to explain the causes of qualities. Finally, we analyze deeply of the factors of women entrepreneurs’ personal qualities from two aspects of home networking and human capital accumulation. The findings provide the role of inspiration and reference to form and improve the qualities of women entrepreneurs. Key words: Women entrepreneurs; Qualities cause model; Home networking; Human capital accumulation Resume: Dans ce papier, nous utilisons un grand nombre de cas pour comprendre le processus croissant de femmes entrepreneurs. Nous utilisons la theorie sociale d'apprentissage et de la theorie du capital humain et entrepreneurial d'autres recherches connexes afin d'etudier les causes formant des qualites des femmes entrepreneurs personnelles. Puis nous construisons un modele conceptuel pour expliquer les causes de qualites. Enfin, nous analysons profondement les facteurs de qualites des femmes entrepreneurs personnelle a partir de deux aspects 1 de la mise en reseau domestique et de l'accumulation du capital humain. Les resultats fournissent le role d'inspiration et de reference pour former et ameliorer les qualites des femmes entrepreneurs. Mots-cles: Les femmes entrepreneures; Modele des causes de qualites; Le reseautage a domicile; Accumulation de capital humain
Computer modeling of antennas using NEC and MININEC

The Numerical Electromagnetics Code-Method of Moments (NEC) is a code which has been globally accepted for several reasons, including: (1) continuity of support and personnel involved in its development; (2) systematic updating and extension of its capabilities; (3) extensive, user-oriented documentation; (4) ready availability; and (5) accessibility of its developers for user assistance in applications. The capabilities and features of NEC and MININEC, a smaller version of NEC which runs on a personal computer, are presented. Some typical results are included, along with comments about the future of computer-based electromagnetic modeling. >
A comparison of digital flight control design methods

Many variations in design methods for aircraft digital flight control have been proposed in the literature. In general, the methods fall into two categories: those where the design is done in the continuous domain (or s-plane), and those where the design is done in the discrete domain (or z-plane). This paper evaluates several variations of each category and compares them for various flight control modes of the Langley TCV Boeing 737 aircraft. Design method fidelity is evaluated by examining closed loop root movement and the frequency response of the discretely controlled continuous aircraft. It was found that all methods provided acceptable performance for sample rates greater than 10 cps except the 'uncompensated s-plane design' method which was acceptable above 20 cps. A design procedure based on optimal control methods was proposed that provided the best fidelity at very slow sample rates and required no design iterations for changing sample rates.
The simultaneous detection of thyroid and thyrotrophic hormones in vertebrate sera.

Although it is generally accepted that reciprocal regulatory control exists between the thyroid and pituitary glands (Aron, 1930; Loeb, Bassett, and Friedman, 1930; Houssay, Biasotti, and Magdalena, 1932; Kuschinsky, 1933; VanEck, 1939; Uotila, 1940; Galli-Mainini, 1941; Rawson and colleagues, 1942, 1943) the inadequacy of present methods for the detection of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in the circulating fluids continues to thwart complete understanding of anterior-pituitary-thyroid gland interaction in the vertebrate organism. Assays of pituitary thyrotrophin have been done extensively and with reasonably consistent results (Adams, 1946), nevertheless, these give no measure of the amounts of TSH released into the circulation. Aside from the recent reports of DeRobertis (1948) and Purves and Griesbach (1949), there is little information available which accurately defines the levels of thyrotrophin in blood in either normal, experimental, or clinical conditions. Bioassays utilizing treated as well a...
Lewis Acid-Mediated β-Hydride Abstraction Reactions of Divalent M(C(SiHMe2)3)2THF2 (M = Ca, Yb)

The divalent calcium and ytterbium compounds M(C(SiHMe2)3)2THF2 contain β-agostic SiH groups, as determined by spectroscopy and crystallography. Upon thermolysis, HC(SiHMe2)3 is formed. However, the SiH groups are hydridic. The compounds M(C(SiHMe2)3)2THF2 react with 1 and 2 equiv of the Lewis acid B(C6F5)3 to form MC(SiHMe2)3HB(C6F5)3)THF2 and M(HB(C6F5)3)2THF2, respectively. These species contain the anion [HB(C6F5)3]− from hydride abstraction rather than [(Me2HSi)3CB(C6F5)3]− from alkyl abstraction. The 1,3-disilacyclobutane byproduct initially suggested β-elimination [as the dimer of the silene Me2Si═C(SiHMe2)2], but the other products and reaction stoichiometry rule out that pathway. Additionally, Yb(C(SiHMe2)3)2THF2 and the weak Lewis acid BPh3 react rapidly and also give the H-abstracted products. Despite the strong hydridic character of the SiH groups and the low-coordinate, Lewis acidic metal center in M(C(SiHMe2)3THF2 compounds, β-elimination is not an observed reaction pathway.
Posttranscriptional Regulation of Osteocalcin mRNA in Clonal Osteoblast Cells by 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3

A well-established action of 1,25(OH)2D3 in bone is stimulation of osteocalcin synthesis. Here we show that osteocalcin mRNA regulation by 1,25(OH)2D3 in clonal osteoblast cells (ROS 17/2.8), besides occurring at a transcriptional level, is also regulated by a posttranscriptional mechanism. Transcriptional "run-on" assays performed after 1, 3, 4, and 24 h of treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 (50 nM) indicate an approximate twofold increase in the rate of osteocalcin transcription at each time point examined. Actinomycin D (AD) was used as a transcriptional inhibitor to measure the osteocalcin message half-life in ROS 17/2.8 cells. A 24-h treatment of ROS 17/2.8 cells with 1,25(OH)2D3 resulted in prolongation of osteocalcin half-life from 7.0 +/- 1.0 h in untreated cells to 28.0 +/- 0.7 h in the treated cells. Inhibition of protein synthesis by cycloheximide resulted in moderate stabilization of osteocalcin mRNA (t1/2 = 7.7 h in the absence and 14.0 h in the presence of cycloheximide) in ROS 17/2.8 cells. However, osteocalcin mRNA half-life in cells that had been treated with 1,25(OH)2D3 was not further prolonged in the presence of cycloheximide (t1/2 = 22.1 h in the absence and 22.6 h in the presence of cycloheximide). The osteocalcin poly(A) tail length was not altered by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment and, therefore, may not play a role in 1,25(OH)2D3-induced mRNA stabilization. Osteocalcin mRNA expressed by a cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter in transfected U937 cells was shown to be stabilized by 1,25(OH)2D3 (control cells, t1/2 = 5.0 +/- 0.6 h; treated cells, t1/2 = 22.0 +/- 0.2 h). This suggests that cellular events resulting in mRNA stabilization can operate independently from events that mediate transcriptional regulation of osteocalcin by 1,25(OH)2D3.
Silanized Polyaniline as an Electrochromic Material

An electrochromic film of polyaniline was electropolymerized from an acidic aqueous solution on a fluorine-doped, SnO 2 -coated glass precoated with an aniline derivative of a silane compound. The silane layer acted as a coupling agent to improve the surface adhesion of the electrochromic polyaniline film. The silanized polyaniline was found to possess good electrochromic properties, becoming blue upon electrochemical oxidation and near transparent upon reduction. The aging characteristics of the polyaniline film were found to be improved upon silanization
InnoScape: a creative artificial ecosystem model of innovation and boundary processes in epistemic communities

As the science enterprise becomes increasingly complex and interdisciplinary, implementing policies that foster collective creativity for science-based innovation emerges as a critical issue. In this paper, we introduce a general-purpose model to study dynamic processes of collective creativity in scientific communities. An exploratory study based on agent simulation is conducted to better understand how innovation capacity and sustainability of the innovation ecosystem relate to interaction topologies, culture and resource allocation strategies. Experimental results indicate that communities, by building highly connected clusters under low to moderate resource availability, can produce epistemic cultures with high degrees of sustainability. Additionally, priority-based investment coupled with technology transferring improves diversity within the science-based innovation ecosystem.
Vitrinite structure: alterations with rank and processing

Abstract The structure of vitrinite, or huminite in low rank coals, is reviewed with reference to the changes induced by metamorphism and those caused by thermal processing. The article considers the chemical composition of the structural elements, the interconnecting bonding and their spatial arrangement. Similarities between the structures of coals and carbons are discussed. The structure and properties of coal-derived carbons are strongly dependent upon those of the precursor and the extent of crosslinking reactions during the process of transformation. The role of functional groups in the formation of crosslinks, the ability to control crosslinking by its promotion or suppression, and its importance to coal utilization, particularly the production of carbons, are further considered.
LightWeight: wearable resistance visualizer for rehabilitation

People recovering from arm injuries are often prescribed limits to the amount of strain they can place on their muscles at a given point during the recovery process. However, it is sometimes difficult for them to know when a given activity creates strain in excess of these limits. To inform this process, we have developed a prototype, the LightWeight, and describe it here. The aim of the LightWeight is to inform users of the strain on targeted muscles as the activity occurs, and to display the relationship of that strain to the aforementioned limits. LightWeight is embedded within a compression sleeve that measures muscle strain through conductive fabric and EMG while displaying that information through an intuitive circular LED display.
Π10 classes and minimal degrees

Abstract Theorem. There is a non-empty Π10 class of reals, each of which computes a real of minimal (Turing) degree. Corollary. WKL ⊢ “there is a minimal Turing degree”. This answers a question of H. Friedman and S. Simpson.
Ascending to the Concrete Teaching Complexity in a Counseling Psychology Program

This article describes learning in a human development class designed to enable counseling psychology students to hold a complex, sociocultural view of development. The class emphasizes student tra...
Diverticulum of ureter

Abstract A case of ureteral diverticulum in a child first seen at the age of two and a half years is reported. This patient is the youngest in whom the condition was recognized clinically and treated surgically. Usually, the lesion is a congenital malformation which forms either as a blind ending accessory ureteral stalk or as a blow-out secondary to peripheral ureteral obstruction. Pain and pyuria are the commonest symptoms. The diagnosis is established by pyelography. When possible, simple excision of the sac is the most satisfactory treatment, though in some instances ureteroneocystostomy must be employed in addition, or even ureteronephrectomy.
Nanoscale Nonlinear Optics Coupling Plasmonics to the Metal-Insulator Transition in Vanadium Dioxide

Nanostructured vanadium dioxide and oxide-metal composites exhibit unusual nonlinear optical and plasmonic effects, including size- and shape-dependent optical switching and extraordinary optical transmission controlled by either thermal or ultrafast laser-initiated metal-insulator transition in vanadium dioxide.
Mi‐2/NuRD chromatin remodeling complexes regulate B and T‐lymphocyte development and function

Mi-2/nucleosomal remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complexes are important epigenetic regulators of chromatin structure and gene expression. Mi-2/NuRD complexes are an assemblage of proteins that combine key epigenetic regulators necessary for (i) histone deacetylation and demethylation, (ii) binding to methylated DNA, (iii) mobilization of nucleosomes, and (iv) recruitment of additional regulatory proteins. Depending on their context in chromatin, Mi-2/NuRD complexes either activate or repress gene transcription. In this regard, they are important regulators of hematopoiesis and lymphopoiesis. Mi-2/NuRD complexes maintain pools of hematopoietic stem cells. Specifically, components of these complexes control multiple stages of B-cell development by regulating B-cell-specific transcription. With one set of components, they inhibit terminal differentiation of germinal center B cells into plasma B cells. They also mediate gene repression together with Blimp-1 during plasma cell differentiation. In cooperation with Ikaros, Mi-2/NuRD complexes also play important roles in T-cell development, including CD4 versus CD8 fate decisions and peripheral T-cell responses. Dysregulation of NuRD during lymphopoiesis promotes leukemogenesis. Here, we review general properties of Mi-2/NuRD complexes and focus on their functions in gene regulation and development of lymphocytes.
The smart stub as a software management tool

This note explains how the smart stub concept (also called a performance stub) can be used by management to improve its visibility and control during the top-down development of large, complex structured programming projects. Presently, program stubs are dummy segments of code that serve as place holders for lower level modules not yet completed as part of the present build. Smart stubs augment these dummies with segments of code that model the budgeted storage and timing resources that will be consumed by the to-be-completed module. How smart stubs can be integrated into the top-down, structured programming methodology to provide early visibility is discussed.
OPTICAL LIMITING IN SEMICONDUCTOR NANOCRYSTALS IN GLASS

Abstract Reported is optical limiting in the near-ir using composites consisting of quantum-confined nanocrystals of InP in porous Vycor glass. The nonlinear optical properties of the InP-doped glasses, investigated using the Z-scan technique, were characterized by a negative nonlinear index, absorption-induced negative refraction due to carriers, and nonlinear loss due to two-photon absorption and excited state absorption of carriers.
Cauchy formulae for functions analytic of order two on C 1 domains with applications to elastostatics and hydrostatics

This paper gives Cauchy-type formulae for functions analytic of order two on $C^1 $ domains obtained from the solutions of corresponding biharmonic problems. Functions analytic of order two are shown to be potentials for the solutions of systems of linear partial differential equations in two-dimensional elastostatics and hydrostatics. When combined with Cauchy formulae, integral representations are obtained for the traction problem and the linearized Stokes problem that are valid even for $C^1 $ domains.
Tracing interdisciplinarity of converging technologies at the nanoscale: A critical analysis of recent nanotechnosciences

Besides ‘innovation’, ‘interdisciplinarity’ is one of the most popular buzzwords frequently used in present-day science policy. At the same time, however, ‘interdisciplinarity’ is vague and misty; the term is not well defined. In order to clarify its meaning, I classify different types of interdisciplinarity. By making use of analytical classification I show that a specific type of interdisciplinarity is involved in the nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive science (NBIC) scenario on converging technologies (Roco–Bainbridge report of the US National Science Foundation). I argue that the NBIC scenario is based on a ‘technoobject-oriented interdisciplinarity’. This type of interdisciplinarity will be contrasted with the research program of the European Union on converging technologies (CTEKS) that widens the circles of convergence and aims to promote a different (‘problem-oriented’) type of interdisciplinarity.
Con: low-flow cardiopulmonary bypass is not the preferred technique for patients undergoing cardiac surgical procedures.

ALTHOUGH LOW-FLOW cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is sometimes necessary in adults, periods of reduced flow are undesirable and should not be the preferred technique for CPB. The appropriate flow for CPB has been a subject of debate since the earliest cardiac procedures were performed. In 1957, Kirklin et al1 at the Mayo Clinic stated: “No detail of the theory and practice of the extracorporeal circulation of blood for open intracardiac operations has excited more partisan discussion than flow rates.” In that report, the authors concluded that “. . .perfusion flows of approximately 2.2 to 2.5 liters per minute per meter of body surface are necessary.”
Specific molecular detection of Phytophthora sojae using conventional and real-time PCR.

Phytophthora rot, caused by Phytophthora sojae, is one of the most damaging diseases of soybean (Glycine max) worldwide. This disease can be difficult to diagnose and other Phytophthora species can infect soybean. Accurate diagnosis is important for management of Phytophthora rot. The objective of this study was to evaluate polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods for rapid and specific detection of P. sojae and diagnosis of Phytophthora rot. PCR assays using two sets of primers (PS and PSOJ) that target the ITS region were evaluated for specificity and sensitivity to P. sojae. Genomic DNA extracted from 11 species of Phytophthora and 19 other species of fungal and oomycete pathogens were used to test the specificity of each primer set. The previously published PS primers amplified DNA from P. sojae and from four other Phytophthora species using conventional PCR, indicating they are not specific for P. sojae. The new PSOJ primers amplified DNA only from P. sojae using conventional and real-time PCR and not from Phytophthora sansomeana, which has been found in soybean production areas, indicating that they are specific for P. sojae. The PSOJ primers were also used to detect P. sojae in diseased soybean tissue and infested soil. The PCR assays based on the PSOJ primers are specific, rapid, and sensitive tools for the detection of P. sojae.
Geometric graph homomorphisms

A geometric graph is a simple graph drawn on points in the plane, in general position, with straightline edges. A geometrichomomorphism from to is a vertex map that preserves adjacencies and crossings. This work proves some basic properties of geometric homomorphisms and defines the geochromatic number as the minimum n so that there is a geometric homomorphism from to a geometric n-clique. The geochromatic number is related to both the chromatic number and to the minimum number of plane layers of . By providing an infinite family of bipartite geometric graphs, each of which is constructed of two plane layers, which take on all possible values of geochromatic number, we show that these relationships do not determine the geochromatic number. This article also gives necessary (but not sufficient) and sufficient (but not necessary) conditions for a geometric graph to have geochromatic number at most four. As a corollary, we get precise criteria for a bipartite geometric graph to have geochromatic number at most four. This article also gives criteria for a geometric graph to be homomorphic to certain geometric realizations of K2, 2 and K3, 3. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Graph Theory 69:97-113, 2012
In-vivo real-time monitoring of nanoparticle clearance rate from blood circulation using high speed flow cytometry

The rapidly growing application of nanotechnology in medicine has placed new demands on monitoring the clearance rate of various nanoparticles with different shapes, compositions, and conjugations within blood circulation. No clinically relevant method has been developed for rapid and sensitive detection of nanoparticles in blood flow. Our laboratory has developed a laser-based platform with the purpose of in vivo real-time monitoring of nanoparticles using a highly advanced high-speed, multicolor photoacoustic flow cytometry (PAFC). As most nanoparticles have intrinsic absorption, PAFC is an ideal tool for real-time, label-free monitoring of nanoparticle pharmacokinetics. We used four laser wavelengths to verify the concept of in vivo multicolor PAFC, and hypothesize that the potential exists to increase the number of spectral channels. The capability of this platform was demonstrated for detection of magnetic nanobeads and gold nanorods of different sizes and conjugations in blood circulation of animal models. The advantages as well as potential limitations of the new technique are discussed in detail.
Effects of Aminophylline on the Pulmonary Circulation and Left Ventricular Performance in Patients with Valvular Heart Disease

The effects of aminophylline given intravenously on the pulmonary circulation and left ventricular performance were studied during combined right and transseptal left heart catheterization in 32 patients with mitral and aortic valvular disease. We recorded complete data on the changes of the pulmonary vascular distending pressure (PD) and the pulmonary blood volume (PBV) before and during aminophylline infusion in 28 patients. In 19 patients a fall in the PD was associated with a rise in the PBV. In eight patients a decline in the PD was accompanied by a fall (five patients) or no change (three patients) in the PBV. In a single case, both PD and the PBV rose. In the majority of cases, observation of decrease in PD and a discordant rise in PBV is new evidence suggestive of a direct active vasodilating effect of aminophylline on the pulmonary vasculature. Although the cardiac index was unaffected, a positive inotropic effect on the myocardium was documented by a decrease in left ventricular end-diastolic pr...
Probability, Hausdorff dimension, and fractional distribution

§0. We begin by stating a theorem of Jarnik [1]. Let m be a positive integer, 0 0. Let E be the set of points (x1, …, xm) for which the inequalityadmits infinitely many solutions q ≥ 1. Then, supposingJarnik proves that E has infinite Hausdorff β-measure.