cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
0.35-um i-line poly processing with a bottom antireflective coating (BARC)

The manufacturing of high performance integrated circuits requires tight control of critical dimensions (CD) at poly pattern. Achieving these CD requirements forces process engineers to eliminate linewidth variation caused by reflective notching and thin film effects. Implementation of a bottom antireflective coating (BARC) can reduce or eliminate linewidth variations caused by reflective notching and thin film effects. With the additional process complexity, a number of issues must be resolved to obtain the true benefits of using a BARC material. The following paper discusses the characterization of a commercially available BARC material for 0.35 micrometers i-line poly patterning. Initial characterization of gratings and isolated lines on flat poly test wafers shows the resist process with BARC to have equal and in some cases better process capability compared to a conventional resist process. An 800 angstrom BARC film thickness on flat silicon wafers reduces the amplitude of the resist swing curve by 75%. On topography wafers an 800 angstrom BARC thickness eliminates reflective notching although for some small feature sizes, thin film effects still cause linewidth nonuniformity. Evaluations of BARC thicknesses ranging from 800 angstrom to 2,400 angstrom demonstrate the capability of the BARC to eliminate the swing effect in the resist by optimization of the BARC thickness. Cross sections of the resist profiles before and after etch demonstrate the ability for a repeatable pattern transfer. Wafer-to-wafer data and lot- to-lot data show the successful development of an etch process with a 0.03 micrometers bias. The data presented demonstrates the implementation of an optimized BARC process enhances the CD control capability at poly patterning for 0.35 micrometers i-line processing.
Screening soybean (grain and vegetable) genotypes for nutrients and anti-nutritional factors.

Fifty six genotypes of grain-type soybean and 17 genotypes of vegetable-type soybean collections were analyzed for protein and oil content, trypsin inhibitor, and lipoxygenase activities. The protein and oil content ranged from 36.9 to 47.9% and from 13.3 to 23.0% for different accessions in grain- and vegetable-type soybeans, respectively. Trypsin inhibitor and lipoxygenase activities ranged from 22.0 to 47.0 trypsin inhibitor units/mg meal and from 482 to 6265 lipoxygenase units/min/mg meal for grain- and vegetable-type soybeans, respectively. Significant correlations (r=−0.62 and −0.52,P<0.05) were found between protein and oil, and between protein and trypsin inhibitor. A significant positive correlation (r=0.42,P<0.05) was also calculated for oil and lipoxygenase activity. Several genotypes of soybean and vegetable soybean (plant introductions 423905, 417330, 417223, 171451, 200506, 200523, 417124, 227687, 203402, 445842, 203399, 423852, 416771, FC31927, Avoyelles, and Sooty) showed good nutritional potential and may be useful in a breeding program to improve the nutritional quality of soybean. Screening for essential amino acids, fatty acids, and trace minerals for selected genotypes is underway.
Symptomatic presentation of an enlarged, ossified triticeal cartilage

(Editorial Comment: The reporters describe an unusual source of cervical pain; removal of the source resulted in symptomatic relief.) There are many reported cases of symptomatic stylohyoid ligament calcification or stylohyoid process elongation in the medical literature: however, similar reports that involve symptomatic enlargement or ossification of other infrahyoid musculature, ligaments, or cartilages are limited.’ Case reports of stylohyoid calcification include patients who present with symptoms of dysphagia, cervical and craniofacial pain, otalgia, ossification that mimics submandibular sialadenopathy, difficult intubation, and radiologically misdiagnosed foreign bodies. 2-5 Several researchers have investigated this process, and although symptomatic stylohyoid ossification is quite rare, asymptomatic ossification or elongation has been reported to be present in up to 40% of children and 84% of adults.“17 Eagle’s syndrome is a well-described condition of a post-traumatic, elongated, ossified styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament that results in dull cervical and facial pain secondary to a presumed compression of trigeminal or glossopharyngeal cranial nerves.6 This pain is often temporarily relieved by the injection of local anesthetic into the tonsillar fossa, and permanent relief may be obtained by resection of the involved calcified segments. Kehrl and Hartwein2 describe a series of syndromic patients with dysphagia and craniofacial or cervical pain who underwent either transoral or external resection of their
Chronic neonatal nicotine exposure increases excitation in the young adult rat hippocampus in a sex-dependent manner

Abstract Smoking during pregnancy exposes the fetus to nicotine, resulting in nicotine-stimulated neurotransmitter release. Recent evidence suggests that the hippocampus develops differently in males and females with delayed maturation in males. We show that chronic nicotine exposure during the first postnatal week has sex-specific long-term effects. Neonatal rat pups were chronically treated with nicotine (6 mg/kg/day) (CNN) from postnatal day 1 to 7 or milk only (Controls), and hippocampal slices were prepared from Control- and CNN-treated young adults. Field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) or population spikes (PSs) were recorded from the CA1 hippocampus following CA1 s. radiatum stimulation. Input/Output curves constructed from fEPSP data indicated that CNN-males, but not females, had significantly increased excitatory responses compared to Controls (p
Workplace characteristics, career/vocation satisfaction, and existential well-being in Episcopal clergy

This study considers the association of workplace conditions with the well-being of individuals in a profession that is highly imbued with the sacred – ordained ministry. Data from 1202 Episcopal clergy were collected on measures of workplace conditions (meaningfulness; safety; and cognitive, emotional, and physical availability) along with well-being (career/vocation satisfaction, and spiritual well-being). Hierarchical OLS regression analyses indicated that workplace conditions were strong predictors of well-being. Men reported slightly higher career/vocation satisfaction, and gender also moderated the relationships between workplace conditions and well-being. The results suggest that perceived workplace conditions, such as meaningfulness, safety, and resource availability can have strong links with career satisfaction and existential well-being, especially in those occupations where work and spirit are intertwined.
The latex fixation test for rheumatoid arthritis using patients' own gamma globulin.

The originators of the “latex fixation test” for rheumatoid arthritis have observed that modifications of their original procedure can increase the number of positive results to 90 per cent of rheumatoid patients without increasing the frequency of false positive reactions. An ammonium sulfate fraction of the patient's own serum serves as the “reactant,” eliminating the necessity of using commercially prepared gamma globulin. Le originators del “test de fixation a latex” pro arthritis rheumatoide ha observate que modificationes de lor technica original pote augmentar le numero del resultatos positive a 90 pro cento del patientes rheumatoide, sin augmentar le frequentia de reactiones falsemente positive. Un fraction a sulfato de ammonium obtenite ab le sero del patiente mesme servi como “reactante,” eliminante le requirimento de globulina gamma de preparation commercial.
Image information systems

Recent advances in hardware technology have made feasible the design of sophisticated image information systems. There is need for image information systems in many application areas. A survey of commercial systems that are currently available indicates the diversity of product orientations, nonuniformity, and lack of integration in their capabilities. A survey of R & D efforts indicate that many sophisticated techniques and concepts have been developed, but lack of integration again prevents their immediate applications. Based upon these considerations, an approach to software design for image information systems to achieve system integration is suggested, which emphasizes program portability and modularity, self-descriptive data structures, unified image processing language and programming environment, and flexible user interface. The concept of generalized icons is proposed as a means to help achieve such system integration.
Electromagnetically Coupled Dipole Antennas in Nonreciprocal Microstrip

ABSTRACT An integral equation approach is used to study the radiation and matching characteristics of an electromagnetically coupled dipole antenna. The dipole is located on top of a generalized anisotropic superstrate, which is itself on top of a grounded isotropic substrate. The feeding transmission line lies at the interface between these two layers. The integral equation is solved rigorously using the method of moments to find the current distribution on both conductors. Nonreciprocal transmission line analysis is then used to quantify how well the microstrip dipole and transmission line are matched based on the current distribution. Special considerations and advantages in the design of this type of antenna are discussed.
Compressive sensing based intercell interference channel estimation for heterogeneous network

Heterogeneous network (HetNet) uses two-tier network architecture in which an unplanned femtocell layer is randomly deployed with no coordination between the coexisting macrocell layer. Both layers share the same spectrum so that spontaneous intercell interference is unavoidable and needs to be identified and canceled afterwards. In order to address the subsequent interference management, this paper proposes an intercell interference channel estimation scheme for HetNets using compressive sensing (CS). Applying CS to analog orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) signals not only achieves lower cost sub-Nyquist sampling but also reduces interference by spreading out the energy of reference symbols of interference link that overlaps data symbols of desired link. Our scheme enhances both desired data symbols and interference channel by canceling the estimations of each other from the received signal in turn iteratively. Simulation results show that our scheme obtains accurate estimation of interference channel and is robust to variations in multipath number and signal-to-interference ratio (SIR).
Directional effect of hydrocortisone acetate on the free amino acids of Neurospora crassa

Abstract Neurospora crassa was used in an attempt to clarify the mode of action of hydrocortisone upon protein and amino acid metabolism. Simple synthetic media containing various single amino acids as nitrogen source were used. Irrespective of the nitrogen source, hydrocortisone acetate caused the concentration of individual free amino acids to approach a base-line value regardless of whether control values were above or below the base line. This was referred to as a “directional effect.”
Fast delayed coincidence technique: The XP1020 photomultiplier and limits of resolving times due to scintillator characteristics

Abstract Tests of the new XP1020 photomultipliers in a delayed coincidence apparatus using plastic scintillators are described. Prompt resolution curves were measured as a function of energy loss in the scintillators and triggering levels of the fast discriminators used to process the multiplier outputs. The best resolution obtained with ∼1 MeV loss in each scintillator was 2.1×10 −10 sec. (fwhm). The effect of finite growth and decay times of the light output from commonly used scintillators on the ultimate resolving time is considered. It is shown that the growth time, due to finite transfer times in the scintillator, has a drastic effect upon the available time resolution and is probably the limiting factor in obtainable resolution with the new photomultipliers.
A Primate Model of Monotypism in Atherosclerotic Lesions

We have characterized the expression of allelic variants of X-linked glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) in aorta from homozygous, hemizygous, and heterozygous baboons (Papio hamadryas). Fibrous plaques from heterozygous baboons fed a high cholesterol, saturated fat diet contained distributions of G6PD allelic variants that differed from those of normal arterial wall and fatty streaks. The skewed allelic expression patterns in fibrous plaques of heterozygotes reflect decreased cellular heterogeneity in advanced vascular lesions. The tendency toward cellular monotypism in fibrous plaques is similar to that present in advanced human atherosclerotic lesions. Our results suggest that G6PD heterozygous baboons are a unique primate model for investigating the cellular origin of proliferating smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques.
A Phylogeny of Caenorhabditis Reveals Frequent Loss of Introns During Nematode Evolution

Since introns were discovered 26 years ago, people have wondered how changes in intron/exon structure occur, and what role these changes play in evolution. To answer these questions, we have begun studying gene structure in nematodes related to Caenorhabditis elegans. As a first step, we cloned a set of five genes from six different Caenorhabditis species, and used their amino acid sequences to construct the first detailed phylogeny of this genus. Our data indicate that nematode introns are lost at a very high rate during evolution, almost 400-fold higher than in mammals. These losses do not occur randomly, but instead, favor some introns and do not affect others. In contrast, intron gains are far less common than losses in these genes. On the basis of the sequences at each intron site, we suggest that several distinct mechanisms can cause introns to be lost. The small size of C. elegans introns should increase the rate at which each of these types of loss can occur, and might account for the dramatic difference in loss rate between nematodes and mammals.
Coping with ambiguity and uncertainty in patient-physician relationships: II. Traditio argumentum respectus.

A methodology of argumentation and a perspective of incredulity are essential ingredients of all intellectual endeavor, including that associated with the art and science of medical care.Traditio argumentum respectus (tradition of respectful argumentation) as a principled system of assessing the validity of beliefs, opinions, perceptions, data, and knowledge, is worthy of practice and perpetuation, because assessments of validity are susceptible to incompleteness, incorrectness, and misinterpretation. Since the latter may lead to ambiguity, uncertainty, anxiety, and animosity among the individuals (patients and physicians) involved in such dialogue, objective analyses and criteria are desirable. A tradition of respectful argumentation is a means to this end—to maximize objectivity and minimize subjectivity as part of decision-making processes and to preserve the integrity of the participants in a patient-physician relationship. During such discourse one must always be cognizant of fallacious arguments—material, verbal, and formal fallacies—since they compromise the validity of assertions. This essay summarizes a classification of fallacious arguments, by definition and by example, predicated upon the intellectual tradition of Occidental Society; and advocates a tradition of respectful argumentation to nullify them.
An Image-Based Method for Determining Bulk Density and the Soil Shrinkage Curve

12 Current laboratory methods for determining volume and bulk density of soil clods include 13 dipping saran-coated clods in water (a destructive process due to the permanent coating), 14 performing physical measurements on samples with well-defined geometries, or using expensive 15 equipment and proprietary software (such as laser scanners). We propose an alternative method 16 for determining the volume and bulk density of a soil clod, which is non-destructive, low-cost 17 and utilizes free and open-source software. This method (the clodometer method) uses a standard 18 digital camera to image a rotating clod, which allows for reconstruction of its three-dimensional 19 surface and subsequent calculation of its volume. We validated the method through comparison 20 to the standard displacement method, and then used the method to create a soil shrinkage curve 21 for the Waldo silty clay loam soil. The method had acceptable precision (relative standard errors 22 of the mean between 0.4 – 1.6%), which may be further improved through future software 23 development. 24 25 Abbreviations: coefficient of linear extensibility (COLE); soil shrinkage curve (SSC) 26
Variable regulation by insulin of insulin gene expression in HIT-T15 cells.

Glucose and insulin are generally considered to express opposite effects on insulin synthesis and secretion from pancreatic islets. For the most part this generalization has arisen from short-term experiments. Our studies focused on the chronic, long-term effects of variable insulin concentrations on insulin gene expression and secretion in cultures of HIT-T15 cells. From passage 70, HIT cells were split and passed weekly for 25 weeks in media containing either (A) 11.1 mmol/l glucose with no insulin added; (B) 11.1 mmol/l glucose with insulin added to maintain a level of approximately 4,000 μU/ml; (C) 0.8 mmol/l glucose with no insulin added; (D) 0.8 mmol/l glucose with insulin added to maintain a level of approximately 4,000 μU/ml; and (E) 0.8 mmol/l glucose with progressively less insulin added over time to mimic the gradual decrease in media insulin levels found in condition A. Our data indicate that during chronic passing of HIT cells, addition of exogenous insulin led to preserved levels of insulin mRNA, insulin content and insulin secretion in cells cultured in media containing 11.1 mmol/l glucose concentration. However, in media containing 0.8 mmol/l glucose concentration, addition of insulin diminished the levels of insulin mRNA, insulin content and insulin secretion. Nonetheless, in all cases exogenously added insulin sustained greater levels of insulin mRNA, insulin content and insulin secretion than the instance wherein media containing a high concentration of glucose only was used. These results indicate that short-term experiments assessing the effects of insulin on beta-cell function do not necessarily apply to chronic, more long-term experiments in which insulin can have variable time- and concentration-dependent effects on insulin gene expression and secretion.
Particulates Generated from Combustion of Polymers (Plastics)

This is an experimental study on the characterization of particulate (soot) emissions from burning polymers. Emissions of polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics were studied. Combustion took place in a laboratory-scale, electrically heated, drop-tube furnace at temperatures of 1300 and 1500 K, in air. The nominal bulk (global) equivalence ratio, phi, was varied in the range of 0.5-1.5, and the gas residence time in the nearly isothermal radiation zone of the furnace was approximately 1 sec. The particulate emissions were size-classified at the exit of the furnace, using a multi-stage inertial particle impactor. Results showed that both the yields and the size distributions of the emitted soot were remarkably different for the five plastics burned. Soot yields increased with an increasing bulk equivalence ratio. Combustion of PS yielded the highest amounts of soot (most highly agglomerated), several times more than the rest of the polymers. More soot was emitted from PS at 1500 than at 1300 K. Substantial amounts of soot agglomerates were larger than 9 microns. At 1500 and 1300 K, 35 and 29% of the soot mass, respectively, was PM2 (2 microns or smaller). Emissions from PE and PP were remarkably similar to each other. These polymers produced very low emissions at phi < or = 0.5, but emissions increased drastically with phi, and most of the soot was very fine (70-97% of the mass was PM2, depending on phi). Emissions from the combustion of PMMA were comparatively low and were the least influenced by the bulk phi, and 79-95% of the emissions were PM2. Combustion of PVC yielded the lowest amounts of soot; moreover, only 13-34% of the mass was PM2. On a comparative basis, at 1500 K, the following ranges of particulate yields were PM2: 19-75 mg/g of PS, 8-36 mg/g of PE, 1.5-47 mg/g of PP, 11-20 mg/g of PMMA, and 2-8 mg/g of PVC, depending on phi. These comparative results demonstrate that PS produces the highest amounts of fine particulates, followed by PP, PE, and PMMA, and then PVC. Burning these materials with excess oxygen drastically reduces the particulate emissions of PE and PP, substantially reduces those of PS, and mildly reduces those of PMMA and PVC.
Quiescent Observations of the WZ Sagittae-Type Dwarf Nova PQ Andromedae

We have obtained time series optical spectra of the cataclysmic variable PQ And in quiescence. The spectra show a white dwarf continuum with narrow Balmer emission superimposed over strong Balmer absorption. The emission lines have blue and red components whose strength changes with time. An analysis of the Hα emission line implies a short orbital period below the period gap. Given its lack of accretion disk features, its large and infrequent outbursts, and an orbital period below the period gap, PQ And is probably a low accretion rate object similar to WZ Sge. In addition, white dwarf model fits imply that PQ And is an excellent ZZ Cet candidate.
Steady-state quantum kinetic equation.

Starting from the Dyson equation in the Keldysh formulation, we derive a kinetic equation for steady-state quantum transport under the simplifying assumption that the inelastic scattering is caused by uncorrelated point scatterers, such as impurities with internal degrees of freedom. This assumption allows us to write a transport equation that involves only the electron density and not the spatial correlations of the wave function. Assuming local thermodynamic equilibrium we then simplify the transport equation to a form which resembles the B\"uttiker-Landauer formula extended to include a continuous distribution of probes.
Intra- and intermembrane pairwise molecular recognition between synthetic hydrogen-bonding phospholipids.

Multivalency and preorganization are fundamental aspects of molecular recognition at the lipid membrane−water interface and can render weak monomeric binding interactions selective and robust; this concept is important throughout biology, biotechnology, and materials science. Though hydrogen bonding is typically weakened in water, intramembrane hydrogen bonding between native lipids has been well-studied and is thought to contribute to lipid bioactivity and membrane function. We hypothesized that avidity and preorganization effects at the lipid−water interface could overcome solvent competition and allow for selective hydrogen-bond recognition between small, unstructured components. We have found that electrostatically identical vesicular membranes composed of cyanuric acid and melamine functionalized phospholipids 1 and 2 undergo selective apposition, fusion and adhesion in suspension and on solid support, indicating that their well-known low-dielectric hydrogen bonding properties translate effectively t...
To snitch or not to snitch, that is the question: Exploring the role of inmate informants in detecting inappropriate relationships between the keeper and the kept

This paper investigates the role inmate informants play in detecting inappropriate prisoner-guard relationships. Data for this exploratory study were collected as part of a larger project, where the author conducted 32 face-to-face interviews with prisoners who engaged in inappropriate boundary violations with correctional officers. Twelve of these respondents (38%) reported that their relationships were brought to an end due to an inmate informant. Based on the interviews, it is likely that inmate informants are motivated to violate the subcultural norm of silence when they perceive fellow prisoners are engaging in inappropriate behaviors with prison staff. Further research in this area is warranted.
Ovarian cancer metastatic to the breast.

Abstract Background Metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast should be considered in the differential diagnosis for gynecologic cancer patients with a breast tumor. Despite early detection and treatment, the long-term prognosis for these patients is poor. Cases We present three ovarian cancer patients who developed metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast. All patients were heavily pre-treated prior to the development of metastatic disease. Currently, one patient is alive at 64 months following initial detection of her metastatic disease to the breast. The second and third patients are also alive for 30 and 3 months subsequent to their diagnosis of metastatic disease. Conclusion Although metastatic ovarian cancer to the breast following treatment for ovarian cancer is rare and associated with a poor prognosis, oncology physicians should be prepared to contend with disease metastatic to the breast. Additional investigation into the efficacy of surgery and novel chemotherapy agents is warranted.
Artificial neural network method for length-based vehicle classification using single-loop outputs

Classified vehicle volumes are important inputs for traffic operation, pavement design, and transportation planning. However, such data are not available from single-loop detectors, the most widely deployed type of traffic sensor in the existing roadway infrastructure. Several attempts have been made to extract classified vehicle volume data from single-loop measurements in recent years. These studies used estimated speed for length calculation and classified vehicles into bins based on the calculated vehicle lengths. However, because of the stochastic features of traffic flow, deterministic mathematical equations based on certain assumptions for speed calculation typically do not work well for all situations and may result in significant speed estimation errors under certain traffic conditions. Such errors accumulate when estimated speeds are used in vehicle-length calculations and degrade the accuracy of vehicle classification. To solve this problem, an artificial neural network method was developed to ...
Global urbanization: can ecologists identify a sustainable way forward?

The year 2007 was the first year in which more than half of humanity lived in cities. Over the next 25 years, the world will see the addition of nearly one million km2 of urban area, occurring in tens of thousands of cities around the globe. The form these new neighborhoods take will affect our planet's ecology profoundly. Here, I highlight the connection between urban form and ecosystem service generation and consumption. I also discuss how urban form controls energy use, and hence oil security and climate change. I argue that only by directly addressing the implications of urban growth as a research subject will ecologists meet their responsibility to provide a foundation for a sustainable biosphere, a mandate of the Ecological Society of America.
Rights-based indicators regarding non-discrimination and equity in access to water and sanitation

The declaration of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation by the UN General Assembly in 2010 is a significant achievement. Successfully implementing, enforcing and monitoring this right in various countries, contexts and scales will be an even greater achievement. Facilitating accountability for water and sanitation as a human right, The Water Institute at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights hosted a workshop to examine the translation of public health data into human rights indicators. Experts in water and sanitation policy and human rights law discussed and debated the challenges and ways forward in developing indicators for equity and non-discrimination that would assist with meaningful practice of the Human Right to Water and Sanitation. The discussion was framed by three main questions: what should be measured, where to find this information, and what additional information is needed. The workshop was convened at The Water Institute9s annual conference, Water and Health: Where Science Meets Policy on October 4, 2011.
Effect of iron-supplemented total parenteral nutrition in patients with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is common among hospitalized patients, and blood losses from diagnostic phlebotomy increase the likelihood of a negative iron balance. The role for iron supplementation of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) in these patients is unclear. Twenty-three patients with iron deficiency anemia were identified. Twelve patients were randomized to receive TPN without iron (group 1) and 11 received TPN supplemented with 10 mg of iron as iron dextran daily (group 2). Both groups were matched for age, serum iron studies, red cell indices, and hemogram. After a 7-d period, the mean serum iron in group 2 increased from 10 to 26 μg/dL, with an increased transferrin saturation from 7.3 to 15.3% (each, p < 0.05). No changes in total iron binding capacity, ferritin, reticulocyte count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or mean corpuscular volume were observed in the two groups. The incidence of infectious complications was not different between both groups. We conclude that iron supplementation of TPN appears safe and is effective in increasing serum iron levels. The use of iron-supplemented short-term TPN needs to be further studied given no change in red cell indices, hemoglobin, hematocrit, or transfusion requirement.
Third-order complete active space self-consistent field based generalized Van Vleck perturbation theory

Abstract A state-selective generalized Van Vleck perturbation theory (GVVPT), correct through third order, for the determination of the electronic structure of polyatomic molecules is presented. The method adapts Kirtman's GVVPT for use with complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF), and orthogonal complement, zeroth-order many-electron functions. The tenability of the method is demonstrated by calculations on several well-known “benchmark” molecules: the Be atom, using a (12s5p1d)/[7s3pld] basis set, double zeta (DZ) H2O; 6-31GN NH2; the singlet—triplet and singlet—singlet energy separations of DZP CH2; the excited states of DZP CH+2; and the dissociation of DZP + F2.
Thermal Degradation of Lateral Yield Strength of Nailed Wood Connections

This study investigated the effect of exposure to elevated temperature on the yield strength of single-shear nail connections when subjected to lateral loading. Solid sawn lumber and laminated veneer lumber were used as framing members and two different thicknesses of both oriented strand board and plywood were used as the sheathing members. The connection geometries evaluated were typical of those encountered in lateral force resisting systems such as shear walls or roof diaphragms. The connection geometries were (1) edge connection— nail positioned 19 mm from the panel edge, loaded parallel to the grain of the main member, and (2) plate connection—nail positioned 19 mm from the panel end, loaded perpendicular to grain of the main member. Data collected from monotonic tests on 480 nail connections, after exposure to elevated temperatures, were analyzed for yield strength. In addition, 210 dowel bearing strengths were evaluated for the same treatments. The results indicated that exposure to elevated temperature caused significant degradation in lateral yield strength after exposure. The highest degradation occurred when exposed to 200°C for 2 h. For example, for plywood (11.2 mm) and solid lumber connections, the decrease in yield strength after exposure to 200°C for 2 h was 26% for edge connections and 56% for plate connections. The results further indicated that, given thermal degradation of the dowel bearing capacity of a material, the existing yield models stipulated in National Design Specifications (NDS) can predict yield load values for nailed connections for a given sheathing and framing member combination under those thermal degradation conditions. Additionally, the yield models predicted a predominant yield mode (IIIs), consisting of a single plastic hinge being formed just beneath the surface of the thicker member. These predictions were consistent with observed yield modes. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)MT.1943-5533.0000233. © 2011 American Society of Civil Engineers.
Taking Modernity's Wager: Tocqueville, Social Capital, and the American Civil War

Alexis de Tocqueville watched with horror as American society and politics changed in the two decades following the publication of Democracy in America. During the 1840s and 1850s, the factors that Tocqueville had earlier identified as sustaining the republic—its land and location, its laws, and its mores—had begun to undermine it. Recent work on civil society, the public sphere, and social capital is congruent with a Tocquevillian analysis of the causes of the Civil War. The associational networks that had once functioned as bridging social capital fractured under the stress of slavery, becoming sources of divisive regional, bonding social capital.
Thematic Patterns in Children's Writing: Human Behavior Evoking Personal Meaning.

Observing young writers and emergent writing behavior is necessary in order to gather information on the child's processes of writing and constructing meaning. It is through the powerful process of writing that children—in fact, all human beings—can learn more about themselves and the world around them:
Purification of the heat-stable factor required for α-hydroxylation and β-oxidation of very long chain fatty acids in brain

Abstract The crude heat-stable factor, which is obtained from calf cerebellum and is required for α-hydroxylation and β-oxidation of lignoceric acid, has been further purified. After repeated CM-Sepharose column chromatography and Bio-Gel P-4 gel filtration, the factor was separated into two fractions named HSF-1 and HSF-2. Both fractions were inactive alone; however, full activity was recovered by combining the two fractions. After further purification by column chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and Affi-Gel 601, HSF-2 was found to be glucose 6-phosphate and mannose 6-phosphate in a ratio of 4:1. This conclusion was drawn from the results of the following: (1) high-performance liquid chromatography on three different columns, (2) treatment with alkaline phosphatase followed by gas-liquid chromatography, and (3) reduction of NADP after the addition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase with or without mannose-6-phosphate isomerase and glucose-6-phosphate isomerase. In addition, authentic glucose 6-phosphate was found to have HSF-2 activity. The mechanism of the involvement of the heat-stable factor in lignoceric acid metabolism is discussed.
The distribution of health care financing in the overall population and among the elderly

This paper focuses on the distribution of health care costs among the elderly. Four revenue sources are considered: income taxes, payroll taxes, user fees, and insurance premiums. The empirical work shows that the heavy reliance on direct payments as a means of collecting revenues among the elderly makes their contribution to the health care financing structure more regressive than for the nonelderly.
Prior distributions for spin and temperature measurements in individual and composite spin-1/2 systems

Abstract The nature and properties of various prior distributions for measurements in individual and composite spin- 1 2 systems are discussed. The priors are based in differing ways upon complex multinormal, uniform, univariate normal, binomial and multinomial distributions. the dual (Bayes) case of the Gibbs/Band-Park model of thermodynamic equilibrium is investigated in this context.
Ménétrier's disease associated with Kaposi's sarcoma.

Menetrier's Disease is a giant fold gastropathy whose precise etiology has remained enigmatic. However, mucosal changes characteristic of Menetrier's Disease have been linked to diverse pathologies, both infectious and malignant. Here, we describe a novel association: Menetrier's mucosa developing on top of underlying Kaposi's Sarcoma. Two male patients, ages 24 and 31, with HIV/AIDS underwent gastric biopsies that demonstrated Kaposi's Sarcoma. When the former patient expired, a more complete postmortem histologic examination of his stomach was undertaken. For each patient, endoscopic findings at the time of biopsy revealed thickened gastric mucosa overlying the Kaposi's changes. Microscopically, this thickened mucosa comprised hyperplastic foveolar cells that extended to the muscularis mucosa, characteristic of Menetrier's mucosa. In both cases, special stains confirmed this impression. Dissection of the 24 year-old patient's stomach at autopsy demonstrated that the Menetrier's mucosa was limited to areas where there was underlying Kaposi's Sarcoma, and that this mucosa was not present when the underlying stroma was normal. Our findings indicate, therefore, an association between Menetrier's mucosal changes and Kaposi's Sarcoma; such an association has not, to our knowledge, been described previously in the literature.
Russian aerospace MNCs in global competition: Their origin, competitive strengths and forms of multinational expansion

Abstract Russian aerospace multinationals are characterized by world-class R&D and engineering operations and state-of-the-art technology, but they lack the capital and marketing expertise necessary to sell their products in the global marketplace. Elenkov discusses how Russian MNCs must form strategic alliances with partners from Western industrialized countries to gain the necessary capital and marketing skills to compete globally.
Dual-Modality Imaging: Combining Anatomy and Function

The extensive development of image fusion techniques over the past 20 y has shown that the fusion of images from complementary modalities offers a more complete and accurate assessment of disease than do images from a single modality. Although software techniques have been successful in fusing images of the brain from different modalities, they have achieved rather limited success for other parts of the body. The recent introduction of technology that can acquire both anatomic and functional images in a single scan has addressed many of the limitations of software fusion. The combination of CT and PET was introduced commercially in 2001, followed by CT and SPECT in 2004. Clinical adoption of PET/CT has been surprisingly rapid, and despite continuing debate, the new technology has advanced the use of clinical molecular imaging, particularly for oncology.
Seeking something different? A model of schema typicality, consumer affect, purchase intentions and perceived shopping value

Abstract A study is presented that examines the effect of specific retail elements on deviations from the expected schema, or prototypicality, of a retail store. The results suggest that subtle differences in the store name, the location, and the appearance of its salespeople can evoke contrast in the form of variable typicality scores. A structural model is presented that shows the outcomes of this variance in a retail context involving women's apparel stores. Low typicality is associated with increased excitement and discomfort, and these emotions affect patronage intentions and perceived shopping value. This finding is counterbalanced by a direct, positive link between typicality and patronage intentions.
Cluster Management—An Organization for the '90S

ABSTRACTDriven by a need to remain competitive and a need to stay close to customers and markets, an organizational revolution is underway in U.S. corporations. A new, team-oriented organizational format known as the cluster organization focuses on staying close to customers, responding to their needs with agility, quickness, and innovation. The need for middle management is being reduced by the advent and adaption of information technology, which allows a communication-driven approach to running organizations.
UV microbeam irradiations of the mitotic spindle I. The UV-microbeam apparatus

We describe the assembly of a UV microbeam microscope based on a Zeiss IM35 inverted microscope. The important UV transmitting elements are standard UV epifluorescence attachments available from Zeiss; the main modification involves fitting an adjustable slit in place of the field diaphragm. We describe how to align and focus the UV source for optimal irradiations. Our current version of this machine is also fitted with a monochromator and using monochromatic UV light, we can reproduceably create Areas of Reduced Birefringence in spindle fibres with ca. 2–3 s irradiations, while continually observing the fibres. The microscope is stable and easy to set up, allowing many consecutive experiments to be done, including multiple irradiations on the one cell. In conjunction with video image processing techniques, the cells can be observed continuously using polarising, Nomarski or other optical systems. Some preliminary observations demonstrating the versatility of the machine are described.
Polar Localization of the CckA Histidine Kinase and Cell Cycle Periodicity of the Essential Master Regulator CtrA in Caulobacter crescentus

The phosphorylated form of the response regulator CtrA represses DNA replication initiation and regulates the transcription of about 100 cell cycle-regulated genes in Caulobacter crescentus. CtrA activity fluctuates during the cell cycle, and its periodicity is a key element of the engine that drives cell cycle progression. The histidine kinase CckA controls the phosphorylation not only of CtrA but also of CpdR, whose unphosphorylated form promotes CtrA proteolysis. Thus, CckA has a central role in establishing the cell cycle periodicity of CtrA activity by controlling both its phosphorylation and stability. Evidence suggests that the polar localization of CckA during the cell cycle plays a role in CckA function. However, the exact pattern of CckA localization remains controversial. Here, we describe a thorough, quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal distribution of a functional and chromosomally produced CckA-monomeric green fluorescent protein fusion that affects current models of cell cycle regulation. We also identify two cis-acting regions in CckA that are important for its proper localization and function. The disruption of a PAS-like motif in the sensor domain affects the stability of CckA accumulation at the poles. This is accompanied by a partial loss in CckA function. Shortening an extended linker between β-sheets within the CckA catalysis-assisting ATP-binding domain has a more severe effect on CckA polar localization and function. This mutant strain exhibits a dramatic cell-to-cell variability in CpdR levels and CtrA cell cycle periodicity, suggesting that the cell cycle-coordinated polar localization of CckA may be important for the robustness of signal transduction and cell cycle progression.
A case application of a signaling system (SAM) to the assessment and modification of selected problems of marital communication

Reported is a pair of experiments using an electromechanical signaling system (SAM) to alter aspects of one couple's marital communication problems. In Experiment I, client signaling and speaking behavior were studied in pre- and postintervention discussions of two topics. The intervention consisted of corrective feedback and instruction designed to increase parity in the use of signals and in the signal control exercised over speaking and listening by the husband and wife. For both topics and in contrast to the baseline discussions, parity was substantially achieved after intervention. Experiment II focused on the effects of an intervention consisting of instruction plus signal feedback from the therapist to try and increase the level of denotative specificity in the couple's discussion of their money problems. Compared to a baseline discussion, specificity did increase substantially during the intervention discussion. Each experiment is viewed as having contributed information for evaluating the clinical applicability of SAM.
Relative roles of spatial and intensive cues in the discrimination of spatial tactile stimuli

Two psychophysical measures of tactile sensitivity—grating-orientation (GO) and smooth-grooved (SG) discrimination—were used to determine tactile spatial acuity with and without an intermediate surface (latex glove) interposed between the contactor and the skin. Measures were made at three locations that varied in sensitivity and in density of innervation of the primary afferent fibers: the index fingerpad (fingertip), palmar surface of the proximal phalanx (fingerbase), and the thenar eminence (palm). Neurophysiological studies have suggested that the density of innervation of SAI fibers is a limiting factor in spatial acuity. In the present study, without a glove, the GO thresholds varied as a function of location. With the glove, increases in the GO thresholds were relatively uniform and modest. Without a glove, however, the SG thresholds were well below the GO thresholds, and changing the site of stimulation had little effect on the threshold. With a glove, the SG thresholds increased by 100% to more than 300% as in comparison with those in the no-glove condition. The largest increases occurred at the less sensitive locations. The results of the GO task are consistent with the view that GO is a valid measure of spatial acuity. The results of the SG task, however, are inconsistent with previous results and suggest that both spatial and intensive factors are involved in this task.
Purine-nucleoside phosphorylase expression in Eleutherodactylus and Leptodactylus frogs.

Abstract 1. 1. Purine-nucleoside phosphorylase expression as ascertained electrophoretically is discussed for seven species of Eleutherodactylus and one species of Leptodactylus frogs from Costa Rica. 2. 2. Eleutherodactylus angelicus, E. bransfordii, and E. podiciferus exhibit intraspecific variation unlike the samples of the other five species 3. 3. In E. angelicus, heterozygotes form a four-banded pattern on starch gels consistent with a trimeric enzyme structure. 4. 4. Heterozygotes of E. bransfordii and E. podiciferus are characterized by a two-banded pattern as the heterotrimeric isozymes are apparently not expressed. 5. 5. Such differences in gene expression are discussed in terms of their potential phylogenetic and systematic application and significance.
Offensive and defensive uses of alliances

Abstract This paper focuses on the relationship between learning, skill acquisition, and strategic alliances to build competitive advantage. In particular, we focus on how senior management can structure their alliances as learning platforms to assimilate new technologies and skills to revitalize their core operations and to find new uses for existing skills. Firms that enter strategic alliances without recognizing how to knowledge and skills form the basis for future competitive advantage are likely to lose not only their technologies and skills, but also their ability to shape future products in that industry. Co-operation or interaction with an alliance partner to enter new markets or to develop new products also leads to competition in learning new skills and insights from one another.
Spectrophotometry of seventeen comets. II - The continuum

One-hundred-twenty IDS scans of the continua in 17 comets are analyzed to determine dust production rates and color as a function of heliocentric distance. Improved theory indicates that the dust loading of gas typically varies between 0.05 and 0.3 by mass (assuming a geometric albedo of 0.05 and oxygen expansion at 1 km/s) except during outbursts, when it rises much higher. P/Encke near perihelion falls much lower yet, to 0.004 or less. Dust loading is not always constant as a function of time in a given comet. Dust color is typically reddish, as has often been noted before.