cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Plasma-assisted cleaning by electrostatics (PACE)

As feature sizes shrink, particle contamination on EUV masks used in the fabrication process of semiconductor chips is an increasingly difficult problem that leads to lower wafer throughput and higher costs of chip production. Current practices to remove particulates off of masks include using a sulfuric acid bath, ultrasonic cleansing, and rinsing in de-ionized water. However, nanometer-scale etching occurs through this cleaning process in addition to the presence of residual contamination due to the chemicals used, which leads to feature devolution. Currently, pellicles are used to protect the reticle with the pellicle being transparent to 193 nm light; however with current EUV technology being developed for 13.5 nm light, the pellicle is no longer transparent at this wavelength and thus cannot be used. Other mask-cleaning processes such as laser-induce plasma cleaning (LIP) run the risk of substrate damage due to potentially destructive methods. Plasma-assisted electrostatic cleaning involves using a potential drop in a plasma sheath electric field and charge imbalance between the particle and the substrate to propel the nanoparticles off the surface. Through applying a positive bias to the substrate and using a weak local plasma to charge the particles, the contamination is removed from the surface. As the particle size decreases the amount of time to charge the particle is longer thus leading to a longer removal period. However, as long as the particle is in the plasma sheath region, there is no theoretical limit on the size of the particle removed.
A Robust Adaptive Control Design for Gliders Subject to Actuator Saturation Nonlinearities

Range, endurance and cross-country speed of a glider can be considerably improved by efficient soaring methods. Recent static soaring research assumes known linear glider dynamics which do not change with flight conditions, and the mechanical limits such as actuator saturation nonlinearities are simply ignored. In this paper we allow large parametric uncertainties in the dynamics of the glider as well as actuator saturation limits. We propose a robust adaptive linear quadratic (LQ) control design with an adaptive anti-windup compensator to handle both the unknown time varying parameters and the saturation nonlinearities. We demonstrate that the glider tracks the optimal soaring trajectory generated by our decision algorithm despite the parametric uncertainties and the control input constraints.
ULTRASONIC PATTERNS OF CANINE HEPATIC LYMPHOSARCOMA

Three ultrasonic patterns of canine hepatic lymphosarcoma were found. The first pattern reflected a normal hepatic parenchymal appearance or a slight reduction in echogenicity. The second pattern consisted of anechoic or hypoechoic, poorly marginated lesions. A third pattern was characterized by multiple, round echodensities surrounded by areas of sonolucency. It was concluded that ultrasound is helpful for diagnosis and staging of canine lymphosarcoma with liver involvement and is useful for monitoring the response to chemotherapy.
Semiconducting and Metallic Polymers: The Fourth Generation of Polymeric Materials (Nobel Lecture).

When asked to explain the importance of the discovery of conducting polymers, I offer two basic answers: first they did not (could not?) exist, and second, that they offer a unique combination of properties not available from any other known materials. The first expresses an intellectual challenge; the second expresses a promise for utility in a wide variety of applications.
Education, age at first birth, and the timing of fertility in the United States: recent trends.

Data from the June 1985 Current Population Survey show that child spacing patterns vary by womens education and age at 1st birth and that these patterns have recently changed. Education considered alone has a strong inverse relationship with the timing of the 1st and 2nd birth for each age group; the association with the timing of the 3rd birth is weaker for younger women. Controlling for age at 1st birth reduces the effect of womens education on the timing of fertility though it is still related to child-spacing patterns. Education has a weaker relationship with the timing of the 2nd birth among younger women; little difference was found in the timing of the 3rd birth by womens age. Age at 1st birth is negatively related to the timing of the 2nd and 3rd birth among older but not younger women indicating a convergence in the effect of this variable on the timing of fertility. That education and age at 1st birth are more strongly related to the timing of the 2nd birth among older women may mean that these variables are better predictors of timing of fertility in societies with medium or high rather than low fertility levels. Although there has been some convergence in the timing of fertility by education this variable may be helpful in predicting the timing of fertility since education is related to child-spacing patterns. (authors)
The speed of focal attention in early vision

Previous investigations reported the speed of focal attention to be at least as fast as 33.3 msec per item (for 1-4 items displayed serially). In this study, the speed of presentation was increased to 16.7 msec per item (RS-170 standard field rates) using an advanced digital real-time image video system. Four observers participated in this study. Performance was based on the percentage of correct responses. Using stimulus onset asynchronies (SOAs) of 16.7, 33.3, and 50 msec, the authors found that performance decreased with faster SOAs. All subjects performed well above the theoretical chance level, even for four objects displayed in a sequence. Therefore, the authors conclude that the speed of focal attention is at least 12 times as fast as the saccadic scanning rate of the human eye. >
An update on the safety of long-acting β-agonists in asthma patients using inhaled corticosteroids

Importance of the field: Pooled trial data have shown that long-acting β-agonists increase the risk for asthma hospitalizations and deaths by two to fourfold compared with placebo. Until recently, ...
Spongiosis Hepatis: Chemical Induction, Pathogenesis, and Possible Neoplastic Fate in a Teleost Fish Model

Spongiosis hepatis (SH), first reported as a distinct lesion associated with certain forms of hepatic neoplasia in rats, has also been induced with chemicals, in a predictable fashion, in small teleost fishes being studied as carcinogenesis research models. The sheepshead minnow (Cyprinodon variegatics), exposed to N-nitrosodiethylamine (DENA) in sea water, provided the model for this study. The fish developed SH and presented a spectrum of developmental or progressive stages of the lesion over a 140 week holding period following a 6 week exposure to @ 57 mg/L DENA. The origin of SH in the fish model is homologous to that in the rat model, both species having the perisinusoidal cell (stellate cells of Ito) in the space of Disse as the cell of origin. Light (LM) and electron microscopy (EM) studies characterized the different pathogenetic stages of SH in liver of the sheepshead minnow and revealed a possible late transition of SH to putative polymorphic cell neoplasms.-The possible preneoplastic or neoplastic nature of SH from its time of origin in chemically exposed fish to time ofappearance ofassociated presumptive neoplasms is discussed. SH may be a bioindicator of exposure to certain chemicals in some vertebrate species, from fishes to mammals.
Parental hypertension and proteinuria in Pima Indians with NIDDM.

To determine if parental hypertension is associated with proteinuria in offspring with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), 438 diabetic Pima Indians (172 men, 266 women) aged 20 years or more and both of their parents were examined. Hypertension was defined as a systolic blood pressure 140 mm Hg or more, diastolic blood pressure 90 mm Hg or more, or treatment with antihypertensive medicine. Sixty-three percent of the fathers and 80% of the mothers had diabetes at the time their blood pressure was measured. Families in which either parent had proteinuria, defined as a urine protein-to-creatinine ratio ≥ 0.5 g/g were excluded; 73 (16.7%) of the offspring had proteinuria. The prevalence rates of proteinuria in the offspring were similar if neither parent or only one parent had hypertension (8.9 and 9.4%, respectively), but was significantly higher if both parents had hypertension (18.8%), after adjustment for age, sex, duration of diabetes, and 2-h post-load plasma glucose concentration in the offspring and diabetes in the parents by logistic regression. The odds for proteinuria being present in the offspring if both parents had hypertension was 2.2 times (95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 4.2) that if only one parent had hypertension. When mean arterial pressure and blood pressure treatment in the offspring were added to the model the relationship remained (odds ratio =2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 4.3). Hypertension in both parents is associated with the development of proteinuria in offspring with NIDDM. This relationship was present even when controlled for the effects of blood pressure and its treatment in the offspring.
Giving an Inch to Win a Yard only to Lose a Mile: Muslim Activists’ Adapting to Liberalism in the UN

While religious actors in general — and Islamic actors in particular — have become significant players in the United Nations (UN), this greater participation does not mean religious voices and liberal-secular voices face an equal playing field at the UN. Buoyed by the UN’s dominant liberal values, the secular gatekeepers have effectively imposed the parameters of liberal discourse on these religious actors. The dominant understanding of liberalism still subscribes to the notions of individualism, progress, and a rights-based discourse. These demands require considerable adjustment for conservative religious actors, who typically tend to subscribe to the values of communitarianism, tradition, and a duty-based discourse. Thus, liberal expectations significantly limit religious actors’ complete integration and dilute their participation in the public debate. The adoption of liberal straight-jacket by religious groups makes them vulnerable as liberals set the parameters of their discourse. Moreover, Muslims, in particular, are in a more difficult position in a international liberal environment because of the widespread identification of Islam and Islamic actors with illiberal and authoritarian views. To support its claim, this paper elaborates on the campaign surrounding the anti-defamation of religions in the UN to argue that the UN is effective in forcing these actors to adopt a liberal language. This language empowers liberal-secular groups, as these groups hold the prerogative of defining the parameters of the liberal discourse and, thus, the religious discourse.
Finite-Rate Control: Finite-Horizon Performance Limitations

In this paper, we consider a set up in which the plant and controller are local to each other, but are together driven by a remote reference signal that is transmitted through a finite-rate noiseless channel. When control must be done over a communication channel, there is a fundamental tradeoff between allowing enough time for reconstruction of signals over the channel and achieving performance in finite-time. Most work in the area of control under communication constraints have addressed infinite-horizon control objectives (e.g., stability, disturbance rejection). In this paper, we compute lower and upper bounds on worst-case performance for a finite-horizon tracking objective. We achieve the lower bound with a noncausal coding scheme and show that imposing causality on the coding scheme severly limits achievable performance. We illustrate how the bounds behave under various scenarios and show tradeoffs between time and performance accuracy
Otolaryngological manifestations of cleidocranial dysplasia, concentrating on audiological findings.

Objectives/Hypothesis Cleidocranial dysplasia is an autosomal dominant skeletal syndrome characterized by open skull sutures and clavicular hypoplasia or aplasia. It results from mutations in the transcription factor CBFA1 required for osteoblast differentiation and normal bone formation. Therefore, mutations in CBFA1 would be expected to cause conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, or both. The objective of the study was to evaluate the auditory function and head and neck manifestations of patients with cleidocranial dysplasia. Study Design Case series. Methods Patients with cleidocranial dysplasia who were identified from the case records of the Craniofacial Anomalies Center at the University of California San Francisco (San Francisco, CA) gave medical and developmental history, underwent a general physical examination and a thorough head and neck examination, and completed a comprehensive audiological evaluation. Results Four families with eight affected individuals in all and one sporadic case were studied. The nine patients showed highly variable expression of abnormalities. Head and neck examination demonstrated abnormal cranial sutures, broad nasal root, clavicular hypoplasia or aplasia, and abnormally high arched palate. Although seven of nine patients showed eustachian tube dysfunction, recurrent otitis media in childhood requiring surgical intervention was not common. Hearing loss was present in three of nine patients (33%). One patient had a 40-dB mixed hearing loss, the second had a 25-dB low-frequency conductive hearing loss, and the third had a 45-dB high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss. Conclusion In patients with cleidocranial dysplasia, eustachian tube dysfunction, conductive hearing loss, and sensorineural hearing loss are common because of structural and functional changes of the temporal bone and palate. Therefore, patients with cleidocranial dysplasia should be evaluated routinely by an otolaryngologist and undergo complete audiological testing.
Effect of miscible polymer diluents on the development of lamellar morphology in poly(oxymethylene) blends

The development of lamellar morphology in poly(oxymethylene) (POM) and its miscible blends was studied by synchrotron time-resolved small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), during primary and secondary crystallization at temperatures near 150°C. The blends contained two different diluents: poly(vinyl 4-hydroxy styrene) [common name poly(vinyl phenol), (PVP)], which had a high glass temperature (Tg = 150°C), and styrene-co-hydroxy styrene oligomer (PhSO), which had a low glass temperature (Tg = −37°C). The SAXS data were analyzed by correlation function analysis to extract several lamellar parameters: long period (L), lamellar crystalline thickness (lc), amorphous layer thickness (la), and invariant (Q). The variation in Q defined the region where spherulites quickly grew and filled the entire space, and was referred to as the primary crystallization dominant regime. A rapid drop in L and lc was observed at early times, and this can be explained by defective lamellar stacks filling in space between primary stacks, as secondary crystals form during the nominal primary crystallization dominant regime. Lamellar thickening with time in the long-time secondary crystallization region was observed in neat POM and the blend with 10 % low Tg diluent, while this process was inhibited with the high Tg diluent due to the higher Tg of the interlamellar species. A decrease in la at long times confirmed the lamellar thickening. We refer to the lamellar thickening process as a type of secondary crystallization. Interlamellar inclusion or trapping was detected to different degrees with the high Tg diluent, while exclusion was found for the low Tg diluent. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 3115–3122, 1999
In-situ X-ray diffraction study of phase transitions in epitaxial KNbO3 thin films

Abstract Epitaxial and stoichiometric thin films of ferroelectric KNbO3 (110) were deposited on SrTiO3 (100) substrate by laser ablation. From X-ray diffraction, in the orthorhombic phase of KNbO3, KNbO3[1 0]//SrTiO3[010], [0 0], [001] or [00 ] which gives rise to polarization at 45° to the substrate plane. In the tetragonal KNbO3 phase, KNbO3 100//SrTiO3 . which gives rise to the polarization perpendicular to or in the substrate plane. The variation of lattice parameter with temperature was determined using in-situ X-ray diffraction measurements with temperature. The phase transitions show hysteresis of ∼ 10 to 25 with heating and cooling which is typical of first order transitions. The transition temperatures were determined to be in the range of 207± 12°C for orthorhombic-tetragonal transition and 410 ± 5°C for tetragonal-cubic transition. Evidence for in-plane biaxial stresses in the high temperature ferroelectric tetragonal phase of KNbO3 is observed.
When Do Analysts Impede Innovation

We re-examine the impact of analyst coverage on firm innovation and find that the negative relation between analyst coverage and innovation is driven by firms that are poor-quality innovators. In contrast, analysts do not hinder innovation in firms that are efficient innovators. These findings are robust when considering two different identification strategies that control for endogeneity. Our results hold for both innovation output (patents) and innovation input (R&D). Overall, our main findings indicate that analysts curtail wasteful innovation and play a beneficial role in resource allocation in the economy.
Sound frequency-invariant neural coding of a frequency-dependent cue to sound source location.

The century-old duplex theory of sound localization posits that low- and high-frequency sounds are localized with two different acoustical cues, interaural time and level differences (ITDs and ILDs...
"There's Still That Window That's Open": The Problem With "Grit".

This narrative analysis case study challenges the education reform movement’s fascination with “grit,” the notion that a non-cognitive trait like persistence is at the core of disparate educational...
Utilization of rice husk ash in green natural fiber-reinforced cement composites: Mitigating degradation of sisal fiber

This study aims to explore a novel approach to improve the durability of sisal fiber in cement composites by using by-products of biomass power plant: rice husk ash (RHA). The effects of two RHAs on the fiber's degradation were investigated indirectly by testing flexural behavior of sisal fiber-cement composite beams and directly by means of uniaxial tensile properties, thermal decomposition, crystallinity indices and microstructures of embedded fibers, after exploring up to 30 wetting and drying cycles. Allowing the distinction between pozzolanic activities, the efficiency of RHA was compared with two fly ashes and combinations of two clay minerals (metakaolin and nanoclay) with a cement substitution level of 30 wt.%. The durability of composites was improved considerably by incorporating RHA owing to the mitigation of fiber's degradation: the ultimate tensile strength and cellulose fraction of embedded fibers were improved by 384% and 45%, respectively. Fine RHA and the combination of metakaolin and nanoclay yield similar efficiency in mitigating degradation of sisal fiber, and are better than the coarse RHA and fly ashes. The correlations between cement hydration and sisal fiber degradation were analyzed. The results indicate that degree of hydration, calcium hydroxide content and alkalinity of the cement matrix play decisive roles in alkali attacks and mineralization of fiber's cell walls.
Origins of the Court of Appeals Research Staff

A defining characteristic of the Michigan Court of Appeals is its large central research staff. This anecdotal history of the research staff was written on the occasion of the court's 50th anniversary. It provides a first-hand account of how the court came to employ what became the largest research staff of any appellate court in the country and a model for other appellate courts struggling with expanding caseloads.
Using DVD Covers to Teach Weight of Authority

Using various examples, this essay explores how the movie critic quotes that companies select to grace the cover of DVDs (and ultimately help sell the product) can actually be used to teach students about weight of authority.
Corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma: a brief review and update of the literature.

Purpose of review The purpose of this article is to briefly review the literature of corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma, its risk factors, the pathophysiology, and treatment options. In particular, literature pertaining to glaucoma in response to intravitreal triamcinolone acetonide will be reviewed. Recent findings Primary open-angle glaucoma, status as a glaucoma suspect, and a family history of glaucoma are risk factors for an ocular hypertensive response with the use of corticosteroid therapy. Recent studies suggest that younger age may also be a risk factor in patients treated via the intravitreal route with corticosteroids. The mechanism of elevated intraocular pressure is increased aqueous outflow resistance owing to an accumulation of extracellular matrix material in the trabecular meshwork. Summary Corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma has been recognized for more than 50 years. Knowing the risk factors, prevalence, and pathophysiology can help the clinician prevent, monitor, and treat corticosteroid-induced ocular hypertension and glaucoma.
Concepts of cell lineage in mammalian embryos

Cell lineage is the framework for understanding cellular diversity, stability of differentiation, and its relationship to pluripotency. The special condition of in utero development in mammals has presented challenges to developmental biologists in tracing cell lineages but modern imaging and cell marking techniques have allowed the gradual elucidation of lineage relationships. Early experimental embryology approaches had limited resolution and relied of suboptimal cell markers and considerable disturbance to the embryos. Transgenic technology introduced genetic markers, particularly fluorescent proteins that, combined with sophisticated imaging modalities, greatly increase resolution and allow clonal analysis within lineages. The concept of cell lineage has also undergone evolution as it became possible to trace the lineage of cells based not only on their physical location or attributes but also on their gene expression pattern, thus opening up mechanistic lines of investigation into the determinants of cell lineage.
Mesoscopic structural length scales in P3HT/PCBM mixtures remain invariant for various processing conditions

Mesoscopic structural length scales in the photoactive layer of organic solar cells affect exciton dissociation into charges and thus device performance. It is currently hypothesized that these length scales are largely affected by processing conditions such as annealing temperature, annealing time, and casting solvent. In our study, we utilized grazing incidence small-angle X-ray scattering and energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy to characterize the in-plane morphology of poly(3-hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl)/[6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester mixtures and compared structural data with device performance. We found that the characteristic length scales of the mesostructures are dominated by the crystallization motif of the polymer and do not vary significantly for different processing conditions. For example, thermal annealing of films spun-cast from different solvents yielded similar in-plane morphologies; consequently, device performance was similar once thickness effects were accounted f...
Who is Afraid of I/O?: Exploring I/O Challenges and Opportunities at the Exascale

Clear trends in the past and current petascale systems (i.e., Jaguar and Titan) and the new generation of systems that will transition us toward exascale (i.e., Aurora and Summit) outline how concurrency and peak performance are growing dramatically, however, I/O bandwidth remains stagnant. Next-generation systems are expected to deliver 7 to 10 times higher peak floating-point performance with only 1 to 2 times higher PFS bandwidth compared to the current generation.Data intensive applications, especially those exhibiting bursty I/O, must take this aspect into consideration and be more selective about what data is written to disk and how the data is written. In addressing the needs of these applications, can we take advantage of a rapidly changing technology landscape, including containerized environments, burst buffers, and in-situ/in-transit analytics? Are these technologies ready to transition these applications to exascale? In general, existing software components managing these technologies are I/O-ignorant, resulting in systems running the data intensive applications that exhibit contentions, hot spots, and poor performance.In this talk, we explore challenges when dealing with I/O-ignorant high performance computing systems and opportunities for integrating I/O awareness in these systems. Specifically, we present solutions that use I/O awareness (1) to make informed decisions on applications' allocations in containerized environments, (2) to reduce contentions in scheduling policies managing under provisioned systems with burst buffers, and (3) to mitigate data movements in data-intensive simulations. Our proposed solutions go beyond high performance computing and develop opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations.
Microleakage of resin composites with wet versus dry bonding.

Purpose To evaluate the effects of wet and dry bonding on microleakage of Class V composite restorations. Materials and methods Cavity preparations were made in the buccal and lingual surfaces of 25 extracted human third molars. Half of each preparation was in enamel and the other half was in cementum/dentin. The preparations were randomly assigned to five groups for bonding with Scotchbond Dual-Cure (control), Scotchbond Multi-Purpose, or All-Bond 2. Scotchbond Multi-Purpose and All-Bond 2 were applied using both wet and dry techniques. All preparations were restored with a microfill composite after bonding. The specimens were thermocycled 300 times between 5 degrees and 55 degrees C and were subjected to a silver nitrate staining technique to detect marginal leakage. Results Specimens bonded with All-Bond 2 and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose had significantly less leakage than the control. However, there was no statistically significant difference between wet and dry bonding techniques for either material.
Multiple Sclerosis and Other Demyelinating Disorders

Mental health problems are common in multiple sclerosis (MS). Clinically diagnosable depression occurs in about 50% of patients over their lifetimes, compared with only about 8% for the general population. Anxiety has been less well-studied, but it has also been found to be very common, with most studies suggesting that about 35% of patients experience clinically significant anxiety at any given time. In this article, we review factors that may contribute to anxiety and depression in MS. We also discuss some treatment research and provide guidelines for future investigations that may explore these mental health problems in MS.
Composite Raman Pulses

As demonstrated in Chap. 5, coherent pulses in the velocity-sensitive Raman system are subject to dephasing of atomic states. Dephasing is brought about by the presence of systematic variations in such system parameters as the intensity and detuning of the control field, and the velocities and angular momenta (Zeeman states) of the atoms (and hence the atom-light coupling strengths). For high-contrast interferometry and cooling we would like our experiment to exhibit robustness against these systematic errors, and, to this end, this chapter details our initial investigations into composite pulses for improving pulse efficiency in our system. These investigations represent a basic feasibility study of composite pulses for improving pulse fidelity in atom interferometric sensor applications.
Assessing Stability and Predicting Power Generation of Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvesters Using Bridge Vibration Data

This paper presents the use of the power harvesting ratio (PHR) approach for evaluating the power harvesting capabilities of an electromagnetic vibration energy harvester. This is done for different electrical loads and measured bridge vibration data displaying multiple frequency components. Bridge vibration data are collected and characterized. The modes of the bridge are determined using a model sledge hammer, and the response of the bridge to a single vehicle is measured. Analysis of the data reveals that several of the modes contribute toward a response with multiple non-negligible frequency components. Measured bridge time-series data are then replayed on an experimental setup with an electromagnetic vibration energy harvester. Six electrical loads are implemented on the experimental platform: four passive loads and two active loads. The PHR approach is used to predict the average power from each load. Experimentally measured average power is within 6% of the predicted average power. The PHR approach is also used to successfully predict harvester instability for the active load dictated by the maximum power transfer theorem and validated experimentally. This paper demonstrates the utility of the PHR approach in evaluating harvester stability and performance for multifrequency excitations and sophisticated electrical loads, including active loads.
Developing a Descriptor-Based Approach for CO and NO Adsorption Strength to Transition Metal Sites in Zeolites

The discovery of new materials tailored for a given application typically requires the screening of a large number of compounds, and this process can be significantly accelerated by computational analysis. In such an approach the performance of a compound is correlated to a materials property, a so-called descriptor. Here we develop a descriptor-based approach for the adsorption of CO and NO to Cu, Ni, Co, and Fe sites in zeolites. We start out by discussing a possible design strategy for zeolite catalysts, define the studied test set of sites in the zeolites SSZ-13 and mordenite, and define a set of appropriate descriptors. In a subsequent step we use these descriptors in single-parameter, two-parameter, and multiparameter regression analysis and finally use a machine-learning genetic algorithm to reduce the number of variables. We find that one or two descriptors are not sufficient to accurately capture the interactions between molecules and metal centers in zeolites, and indeed a multiparameter approac...
Stability of Adsorbed Polystyrene Nanolayers on Silicon Substrates

The solid–polymer melt interface is of great scientific interest due to its vital importance in governing a wide array of physical and mechanical properties of polymer thin films. Recent studies have elucidated the coexistence of two different chain conformations of polymer chains adsorbed on a solid (i.e., loosely adsorbed chains and flattened chains). In this work, film stabilities of the polystyrene (PS) “interfacial sublayer” (composed of outer loosely adsorbed chains and inner flattened chains) and flattened layer (composed of the lone flattened chains) prepared on silicon (Si) substrates are investigated. The atomic force microscopy studies reveal that the as-rinsed PS flattened layer is subjected to spinodal-like dewetting during a post-thermal annealing process even at temperatures below the bulk glass transition temperature. Furthermore, it is found that the surface morphology of the flattened layer can be reversibly changed from a homogeneous pattern under good solvent conditions to spinodal-like droplets under poor solvent conditions. By contrast, it is found that the PS interfacial sublayer remains stable under both good and poor solvent conditions. These findings illuminate the role which density variations within the adsorbed layers play in the mechanism behind the wetting-dewetting transition.
Cosmopolitan Moral Enhancement

Cosmopolitans think that we have demanding moral duties to foreigners. But ethnocentrism, xenophobia, and other aspects of human nature leads us to violate these duties. So, we should change human nature in a more cosmopolitan direction. In this essay, Javier Hidalgo makes the case for cosmopolitan moral enhancements—biomedical enhancements that dispose us to satisfy our obligations to out-groups. Hidalgo argues that we have strong moral reasons to develop and use cosmopolitan moral enhancements.
A hybrid optimization algorithm to explore atomic configurations of TiO2 nanoparticles

Abstract In this paper we present a hybrid algorithm comprised of differential evolution, coupled with the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno quasi-Newton optimization algorithm, for the purpose of identifying a broad range of (meta)stable Ti n O 2 n nanoparticles, as an example system, described by Buckingham interatomic potential. The potential and its gradient are modified to be piece-wise continuous to enable use of these continuous-domain, unconstrained algorithms, thereby improving compatibility. To measure computational effectiveness a regression on known structures is used. This approach defines effectiveness as the ability of an algorithm to produce a set of structures whose energy distribution follows the regression as the number of Ti n O 2 n increases such that the shape of the distribution is consistent with the algorithm’s stated goals. Our calculation demonstrates that the hybrid algorithm finds global minimum configurations more effectively than the differential evolution algorithms, widely employed in the field of materials science. Specifically, the hybrid algorithm is shown to reproduce the global minimum energy structures reported in the literature up to n = 5, and retains good agreement with the regression up to n = 25. For 25 n 2 unit as the system size increases.
An Effective Bundled Approach Reduces Surgical Site Infections in a High-Outlier Colorectal Unit

BACKGROUND:Surgical site infections are the most common hospital-acquired infection after colorectal surgery, increasing morbidity, mortality, and hospital costs.OBJECTIVE:The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of preventive measures on colorectal surgical site infection rates in a
Development of interface using marker less AR for hydroponic culture managing systems in the distant place

In recent years, hydroponics has been attracted, that can perform high productivity to land scale. We propose hydroponics managing system that can manage the farm using robot from a remote location. However, user of this system is not necessarily familiar to robot. Therefore, it is necessary to build the interface that can manage and control intuitively robots. In previous study, the system is constructed by Web camera and AR marker. In this study, we propose an interface construction using RGB-D sensor. The propose method can realize recognition of the movement of the hand without using AR marker. Therefore, users can operate AR objects by only hands and can be realized more intuitive operation.
Phenotypic and genotypic differences in colorectal carcinoma among Caucasians, Asians, and Hispanics lack statistical significance

Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) has been shown to have both genetic and environmental factors that can promote carcinoma development. Previous studies have found ethnic differences in the distribution of molecular phenotypes of CRC. Very little specific data exist regarding Hispanic CRC, and these data primarily focus on epidemiology or location of carcinoma. Our retrospective study analyzed 562 Caucasian, Asian, and Hispanic CRC patients at the UCI Medical Center from 2004 to 2012. The results showed that there were no statistically significant differences with respect to mean age, gender or site of carcinoma among the three ethnic groups. There were no statistically significant differences among the three ethnicities with respect to rates of MSI, mutated BRAF, and mutated KRAS. The Caucasian group had a non-significant higher rate of MSI (15%) and BRAF mutation (12%) than the Asian and Hispanic groups. Hispanics had a non-significant higher rate of KRAS mutation (59%) than Caucasians (38%) and Asians (37%). The results of this study demonstrated a higher rate of MSI and BRAF mutation in the Caucasian group and a higher rate of KRAS mutation in the Hispanic group, however differences were not statistically significant.
The paradox of marrow adipose tissue in anorexia nervosa

Anorexia nervosa (AN) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by inappropriate nutrient intake resulting in low body weight. Multiple hormonal adaptations facilitate decreased energy expenditure in this state of caloric deprivation including non-thyroidal illness syndrome, growth hormone resistance, and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. Although these hormonal adaptations confer a survival advantage during periods of negative energy balance, they contribute to the long-term medical complications associated with AN, the most common of which is significant bone loss and an increased risk of fracture. In recent years, marrow adipose tissue (MAT) has emerged as an important potential determinant of the low bone mass state characteristic of AN. Unlike subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue depots which are low in AN, MAT levels are paradoxically elevated and are inversely associated with BMD. In this review, we discuss what is known about MAT in AN and the proposed hormonal determinants of this adipose tissue depot.
Motivations behind Consumers’ Organic Menu Choices: The Role of Environmental Concern, Social Value, and Health Consciousness

This study aimed to examine underlying motivations of consumers’ intention to visit a restaurant featuring organic menu items and willingness to pay (WTP) for organic menu items. In particular, thi...
Detection of factor XIIIa (active fibrin-stabilizing factor) in normal plasma.

Factor XIIIa (active fibrin-stabilizing factor) generated in heat- defibrinated plasma by the addition of thrombin can be measured by 14C- putrescine incorporation into casein. Modification of this assay be substituting 3H-putrescine of high specific activity as the donor amine permits measurement of amine incorporation by plasma even in the absence of added thrombin. Incorporation is calcium dependent, inhibited by iodoacetamide, and absent from congenital factor XIII- deficient plasma and from normal platelets. The transamidating activity detected by radioenzymatic assay catalyzed the formation of gamma-gamma dimers and alpha polymers of fibrin and was thus biologically functional. This fibrin cross-linking activity was absent from factor XIII-deficient plasma. These experiments show (1) some factor XIII is present in plasma as factor XIIIa; (2) this factor XIIIa can cross-link fibrin and thus has biologic activity as well; and (3) this activity is not present in factor XIII-deficient plasma. Factor XIIIa in normal plasma is possibly activated in vivo, perhaps by circulating thrombin, factor Xa, or other proteolytic enzymes.
Emojis and Intellectual Property Law

Everyone loves emojis, and why not? They are a fun and an increasingly ubiquitous way for people to express themselves. But despite their superficial frivolity, emojis can raise potentially complex and serious legal issues, including novel and complicated questions about intellectual property (IP). This essay surveys how United States IP law protects emojis, and why such protection may be problematic.
Occupation-Based treatment: Are We prepared

AbstractAim: The purpose of this study is to determine the readiness of occupational therapy clinics to address the occupations their clients’ may be interested in. Methods: A quantitative survey s...
The Role of Surgery in the Management of Acute Hematogenous Osteomyelitis

INTRODUCTION: Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis (AHO) is the most common form of osteomyelitis in children and treatment remains a challenge. Data regarding the timing and extent of surgical intervention of AHO is limited. The purpose of this study is to compare the short-term outcomes of two different surgical strategies in the treatment of AHO at Texas Children’s Hospital (TCH). METHODS: This retrospective, matched cohort study included patients admitted to TCH with a primary diagnosis of …
Beyond Posters and Pennants: College-Going Messaging at Three Racially and Economically Diverse Public Schools

ContextIt has been argued that high schools with a majority of students of color and from low-income backgrounds must be purposeful in fostering a college-going culture in order to address the chal...
Estimating Northern Fur Seal Pup Production: A case study of batch mark abundance estimation

We describe a hierarchical N-mixture model for estimating northern fur seal pup production from batch mark-resight data. Our goal was to improve upon a traditional design-based estimation method used for over 50 years. To this end, we propose a hierarchical N-mixture model to account for differences in animal availability for resighting and observer detection probabilities. A Bayesian approach is used for inference with three separate methods proposed for necessary computations. First a straightforward posterior sample is drawn using MCMC. This was considered the gold standard for this analysis. However, we also consider an approximate model based on Gaussian approximation of the Poisson and binomial distributions used in the exact hierarchical model. By using the Gaussian approximations, analytic integration can be used to marginalize over latent components. Inference can then be made by maximizing the posterior to find the mode. Following this we investigate both delta-method and parametric bootstrap approaches for calculating abundance and the associated standard errors. Each of the three methods produced nearly identical estimates and standard errors, providing support for using Gaussian approximations in other latent abundance models where the abundance is relatively large.
The Elephant Problem

This paper is a symposium review of Gary Larson's and Guy Seidman's new book *"A Great Power of Attorney: Understanding the Fiduciary Constitution."* Lawson and Seidman argue that as a matter of original meaning the Constitution should be understood as analogous to a power of attorney, that interpretive devices applicable to powers of attorney should therefore be used in constitutional interpretation, and that interpreting the Constitution in that way would produce results congenial to modern libertarian preferences, such as the unconstitutionality of the Affordable Care Act and the invalidity on nondelegation grounds of much of the federal administrative state. The book fails to carry any of its central arguments. As a historical matter, there is virtually no evidence that the Founders thought of the Constitution on the model of a power of attorney. The book’s claim is about original meaning, so that ought to be the end of the matter. But to go on: the metaphor of the Constitution as a power of attorney nicely highlights the principle that governmental officials should act in the public interest rather than for their own personal benefit. But it's only a metaphor. The idea that the Constitution should be interpreted with the tools that would be used to interpret a power of attorney just doesn't follow, and without that interpretive consequence the metaphor has no resolving power in contested cases.
Advanced Cardiac Imaging for Complex Adult Congenital Heart Diseases

The population of patients with adult congenital heart disease has grown and is currently estimated to include approximately 1 million people in the United States. Cardiologists and imagers frequently encounter complex patients who have undergone multiple prior operations and interventions. A myriad of imaging tests are currently available, including echocardiography, cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging, and computed tomography, all of which collectively provide invaluable information on cardiac anatomy and hemodynamics. Advanced imaging plays a role in diagnosis and preprocedural planning and also determines the need and frequency of follow-up. This article provides a contemporary review of the current role of cardiac imaging in patients with complex congenital heart disease.
Examining the complexities of increasing park access in two Latinx neighbourhoods

Although research has shown that park resources and other open green spaces lead to numerous benefits, progress in increasing access to parks and open green space has also come with unexpected chal...
Examining women’s and men’s ideal criteria before forming families

In the United States, family formation decision-making is more complex than the predominant models that have been used to capture this phenomenon. Understanding the context in which a pregnancy occ...
Pathology of larvae and adults in dogs and cats.

Abstract Endoparasitism remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in puppies and kittens. The ascarids of dogs and cats (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina, Toxocara cati) cause significant pathology due to either larval migration or adult nematode burden within the gastrointestinal tract. This chapter will review the important pathologic events and lesions that are encountered during ascarid development in dogs and cats with emphasis given to the characteristic gross pathology lesions that are seen in affected animals.
Adaptation of Human Testicular Niche Cells for Pluripotent Stem Cell and Testis Development Research

Human testicular cells are greatly valuable to the research community as tools for studying testicular physiology and the effects of environmental pollutants. Because adult testicular cells have a limited self-organization capacity and life span, we investigated whether human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) can be used together with testicular cells to move a step closer toward making an optimal model of the human testis. We used in vitro culture of donor testicular cells under serum-containing and chemically defined conditions. CRISPR-Cas9 technology was applied to introduce fluorescent transgenes (mCherry2 and EGFP) into hPSCs and testicular cells. hPSC-derived spheroids were co-cultured with human testicular cells in mini-spin bioreactors. Traditional cell culture conditions used for maintenance of testicular somatic cells generally contain serum and pose limitations on evaluating the role of active molecules on cell functions. We established that chemically defined culture conditions can be used to maintain testicular cells without the loss of proliferative activity. These cultures demonstrate marker expression which is characteristic of common testicular cell types: Sertoli, Leydig, endothelial, myoid cells, and macrophages. In order to model testicular physiology, it is important to be able to perform live cell microscopy. Thus, we generated fluorescent protein-expressing human testicular cells and hPSCs and demonstrated that these cell types can be successfully co-cultured for prolonged periods of time in a three-dimensional microenvironment. Our research extends the possible applications of human testis-derived somatic cells and shows that they can be used together with hPSCs for further studies of human male reproductive biology.