cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Uplink Geographic Transmission Scheme for Mesh Networks

We consider communication in the uplink of a wireless mesh or sensor network. A group of mobile radios or sensors (hereafter called "nodes") have information to transmit to one or more access points (APs) (or "sinks"). When the channels from the nodes to the APs suffer from fading, direct transmissions to the APs may fail with a high probability, and packets may need to be relayed through other nodes. Under the conventional approach, routing, the relaying node is pre-selected, and fading may also cause a high probability of failure at the router. Thus, we propose a geographic approach, in which the relay is selected from those nodes that have received the packet correctly and can move it toward the AP. In this paper, we consider the design of a scheme to select which nodes should compete to relay the packet, and we develop and evaluate a protocol for this purpose. The results show that the geographic approach provides better performance than direct transmission, routing, and a previously developed geographic transmission scheme, especially when the signal-to-noise ratios are low and APs are sparse.
Mechanisms governing transients from the batch incineration of liquid wastes in rotary kilns

Abstract When "containerized" liquid wastes, bound on sorbents. are introduced into a rotary kiln in a batch mode, transient phenomena in-volving heat transfer into, and waste mass transfer out of, the sorbent can oromote the raoid release of waste vaoor into the kiln environment. This raoid vaoor release can cause depletion and displacement of the excess oxygen from the primary flame, and formation ofa "puff," which can result in a temporary Failure orthe incinerator system. Parametric studies on a specially designed rotary kiln incinerator simulator showed that puffs are easily generated even with very small quantities of surrogate wastes and at excess air values exceeding 100 percent. Furthermore, their magnitudes and intensities increase with increasing kiln temperature and kiln rotation speed. A theoretical model describing simultaneous heat and mass transfer through a sorbent aggregate, coupled with vapor pressure driven waste vaporization within the sorbent aggregate, was combined with a fragmcntau...
Digitization scheme that assures faithful reconstruction of plane figures

In the present extensive work, we propose a digitization scheme for a broad class of plane figures. It includes arbitrary polygons (possibly, non-convex and with holes) and plane sets whose boundary consists of smooth curves or straight segments. Our approach is based on an appropriate scaling of the original continuous real object so that the obtained magnified object and its (appropriately constructed) digitization feature analogous geometric properties. As a bi-product of the presented theory we prove the strong NP-hardness of the problem of obtaining an optimal (i.e., with a minimal number of facets) polyhedral reconstruction in which the facets are trapezoids or triangles. This result implies the strong NP-hardness of the general polyhedral reconstruction problem, which was a long-standing open problem. As another major result, we show that the proposed digitization scheme allows faithful reconstruction of plane figures from the considered general class. The reconstructed set features the basic properties of the original object, such as location of curve and straight segments and inflection points of its boundary.
Hacia la universidad colaborativa. Promoviendo un debate sobre el modelo organizativo académico

The goal of this article is to promote an open debate on the future of public universities and their organizational model. Current archetype of universities is under question. Though many factors contribute to these strains, this article focuses on the distinctive organization structure of universities and its struggle to adapt to societal challenges. Recently, growing pressures toward higher bureaucratic control on the promise to improve efficiency and productivity are observed. However, the pursuit of the administrative model would lead to a focus on conformity and consistency at the expense of innovation and responsiveness. In that regard, this study offers a proposal for a new organizational system open to stakeholders and the wider society through the adoption of more collaborative organizational practices.
Purified IgGs from Type 2 Diabetes with Atrial Fibrillation Induce Intracellular Calcium Release in Cardiomyocytes through IP3 Pathway

Higher risk of developing life threatening cardiac arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation (AF) has been found in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but the mechanism underlying the association is largely unknown. Our previous studies showed that circulating IgGs from certain advanced T2DM patients displayed anti-endothelial effects and often induced intracellular Ca release in endothelial cells. The present study is to test the hypothesis that circulating IgGs from T2DM patients with AF perturb intracellular Ca homeostasis in atrial cardiomyocytes which in turn trigger AF. Protein A-purified IgGs were obtained from a cohort of T2DM subjects with AF and subjects without AF or other cardiovascular complications. The data show that IgG (1 µg/mL) from T2DM AF patients caused acute intracellular Ca release in cultured mouse atrial cardiomyocytes HL-1 cells compared to control groups (p < 0.001). The IgG-mediated Ca release was insensitive to verapamil (20 µM), mibefradil (25 µM) or BTP-2 (5 µM), indicating that the Ca release is not through voltage-gated Ca channels or store-operated Ca entry. On the other hand, application of Xestospongin C (10 µM) or 2-APB (100 µM), two membrane-permeable IP3 receptor antagonists, or knockdown of IP3 receptor, significantly decreased Ca release stimulated by the IgGs from T2DM AF patients (p < 0.01). Taken together, our data suggest that circulating IgGs alter intracellular Ca homeostasis in cardiomyocytes through IP3 pathway in T2DM AF patients. Our studies may provide the mechanistic understanding on a causal role of circulating IgGs in T2DM patients with AF and other symptomatic cardiac conduction diseases. The IgGs may serve as a biomarker for identifying a subset of T2DM patients with increased risk for development of AF.
Vapour deposited cone formation during fabrication of low voltage field emitter array cathodes

A line-of-sight vapour deposition process is used to form a low-voltage field emission cathode structure on the surface of an oxide-metal eutectic composite etched to expose arrays of single-crystal tungsten fibres. A SiO2 insulating film is first deposited, forming cone-shaped deposits on the tips of the exposed fibres. These cones act as a shadow mask for the subsequent deposition of a metal film. After removal of the cones, the metal film forms a grid-like structure with concentric apertures centered on each fibre tip. Application of a potential of less than 100 V between the metal grid and the base of the fibres produces an electric field at the fibre tips of sufficient intensity to produce field emission. The equilibrium geometry of the deposits which form on the fibre tips (cathode cones) is such that there is a linear relationship between the height of the cone and its diameter. There is also a direct correlation between the cathode cone angle, which depends on the material being deposited, and the cone angle of the insulator film. For SiO2, the cathode cone angle was determined to be 37°, while the cone angle of the insulator film was 26°. Comparison of the theoretical values of the lateral growth velocity of the cathode cones with values determined from experimental measurements indicated that the maximum sticking coefficient was independent of the growth angle, η, for SiO2, but varied as a function of cos η for molybdenum. A multiple deposition process was developed which permitted independent control of the interelectrode spacing and insulator film thickness.
Modeling of Distributions by Value for Multi-Item Inventory

Abstract This paper outlines a formal description for the distribution by value curve (DBV), which is widely employed to represent size distributions of multi-item inventories. It gives a convenient mathematical expression for the often used lognormal DBV curve and reveals its symmetrical nature when represented on a unit square. A Pareto DBV curve that has been used in the literature is detailed and shown to be skewed to one direction. Two alternative forms for the DBV curve are suggested: symmetric-Pareto and power, which may be more suited to mathematical manipulation. The latter can also represent a wider class of inventories.
On solutions of algebraic differential equations whose coefficients are entire functions of finite order

We determine bounds for the growth of entire solutions of first order equations whose coefficients are entire functions of finite order.
A Hybrid Model for Automatic Image Annotation

In this work, we present a hybrid model (SVM-DMBRM) combining a generative and a discriminative model for the image annotation task. A support vector machine (SVM) is used as the discriminative model and a Discrete Multiple Bernoulli Relevance Model (DMBRM) is used as the generative model. The idea of combining both the models is to take advantage of the distinct capabilities of each model. The SVM tries to address the problem of poor annotation (images are not annotated with all relevant keywords), while the DMBRM model tries to address the problem of data imbalance (large variations in number of positive samples). Since DMBRM does not work well with high-dimensional data, a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model is used to reduce the dimensionality of vector quantized features before using it. The hybrid model's results are comparable to or better than the state-of-the-art results on three standard datasets: Corel-5k, ESP-Game and IAPRTC-12.
Effects of RIE Tuning on the Electrical and Temperature Characteristics of Quartz SAW Resonators

Abstract : In recent years, Surface Acoustic Wave Resonators have been developed to the point of being useful in oscillator circuits used in the VHF and UHF ranges. The advantages of operating an oscillator at final frequency, as opposed to using a low frequency bulk crystal with multiplier circuits, are well known. If it is desired to cover an entire band with custom frequency sources, a multitude of masks (since each mask produces a single frequency resonator) or an effective tuning procedure is required. To minimize the number of masks required, the tuning procedure should have a wide tuning range with minimal effect on the other characteristics of the device. Reactive Ion Etching of the quartz meets these criteria. (Author)
The ultrastructure of red cells infected by Plasmodium falciparum in man

Abstract Red cells from a patient who had P. falciparum transfusion malaria were studied by transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Two characteristic alterations of the membrane of infected red cells were: 1. 1. Spur-shaped distortion similar to that observed in P. falciparum in the night monkey and in P. knowlesi in the rhesus monkey. The inability of the spur-shaped red cells to engage in rouleaux probably indicates decreased deformability of the red cell membrane. Since red cells must deform in order to pass through capillaries, obstruction of cerebral capillaries by infected red cells in cerebral malaria may be caused by this rheologic abnormality. 2. 2. Multiple focal electron dense knob protrusions similar to those observed on the red cell membrane in P. falciparum in the night monkey and P. coatneyi in the rhesus monkey. It is proposed that the knob protrusions are associated in some manner with adhesion to venous endothelium (deep vascular schizogony).
Clinician Perspectives Regarding the Do-Not-Resuscitate Order

Importance While data exist regarding the frequency and timing of the do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order in children, little is known about clinician attitudes and behaviors regarding this order. Objective To identify clinician attitudes regarding the meaning, implication, and timing of the DNR order for pediatric patients. Design Physicians and nurses from practice settings where advance care planning typically takes place were surveyed regarding their attitudes and behaviors about DNR orders. Results In total, 107 physicians and 159 nurses responded to the survey (N = 266). There was substantial variability in the interpretation of the DNR order. Most clinicians (66.9%) believe that a DNR order indicates limitation of resuscitative measures only on cardiopulmonary arrest. In reality, however, more than 85% believe that care changes beyond response to cardiopulmonary arrest, varying from increased attention to comfort to less clinician attentiveness. In addition, most clinicians reported that resuscitation status discussions take place later in the illness course than is ideal. Conclusions and Relevance Clinicians use the DNR order not only as a guide for therapeutic decisions during a cardiopulmonary arrest but also as a surrogate for broader treatment directives. Most clinicians believe that DNR discussions should take place earlier than they actually do. Interventions aimed at improving clinician knowledge and skills in advance care discussions as well as the development of orders that address overall goals of care may improve care for children with serious illness.
The role of tissue Doppler and strain imaging in predicting response to CRT.

Aims Several echocardiographic methods have been proposed to assist in patient selection for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The prevailing hypothesis is that echocardiography may be superior to the electrocardiogram to qualify abnormalities in regional mechanical activation, because QRS widening is only a surrogate for ventricular dyssynchrony. Methods and results This review will focus on tissue Doppler (TD) and strain imaging, including their advantages and disadvantages for patient selection for CRT. Colour-coded TD remains to be one of the most promising means to quantify dyssynchrony. Tissue Doppler velocity data have a more favourable signal-to-noise ratio compared with TD strain or strain rate imaging. However, velocity data are affected by Doppler angle of incidence and passive or tethering motion. A newer promising method is speckle-tracking echocardiography to calculate strain. An opposing wall delay in peak TD velocity � 65 ms has been associated with clinical and ventricular response to CRT. The initial experience with speckle tracking used the short-axis view to calculate radial strain. An anterior-septal to posterior wall peak strain delay � 130 ms has been associated with an ejection fraction response to CRT. Conclusion Although no ideal echo-Doppler method has yet been discovered to select patients for CRT, technical refinements and advances in understanding of pathophysiology continue to favourably impact on potential clinical applications.
Damage propagation modeling for aircraft engine run-to-failure simulation

This paper describes how damage propagation can be modeled within the modules of aircraft gas turbine engines. To that end, response surfaces of all sensors are generated via a thermo-dynamical simulation model for the engine as a function of variations of flow and efficiency of the modules of interest. An exponential rate of change for flow and efficiency loss was imposed for each data set, starting at a randomly chosen initial deterioration set point. The rate of change of the flow and efficiency denotes an otherwise unspecified fault with increasingly worsening effect. The rates of change of the faults were constrained to an upper threshold but were otherwise chosen randomly. Damage propagation was allowed to continue until a failure criterion was reached. A health index was defined as the minimum of several superimposed operational margins at any given time instant and the failure criterion is reached when health index reaches zero. Output of the model was the time series (cycles) of sensed measurements typically available from aircraft gas turbine engines. The data generated were used as challenge data for the prognostics and health management (PHM) data competition at PHMpsila08.
Combination syndrome: classification and case report.

Abstract Combination syndrome (CS) is a dental condition that is commonly seen in patients with a completely edentulous maxilla and partially edentulous mandible with preserved anterior teeth. This syndrome consists of severe anterior maxillary resorption combined with hypertrophic and atrophic changes in different quadrants of maxilla and mandible. This makes it a challenging condition in dentistry that requires significant experience along with advanced restorative and surgical skills. The causes of maxillary bone resorption and ways to correct it are discussed in this article. Conventional treatment with full upper and partial lower dentures for the CS patients is not always adequate or satisfying for patients and it often requires multiple remakes due to continuing bone resorption. Dental implant rehabilitation challenges conventional treatment with bone-anchoring techniques to provide improved retention and stability for implant-retained and supported prostheses. This article presents a successful im...
Phase stabilization of sub-two-cycle pulses from prismless octave-spanning Ti:sapphire lasers

We describe and compare different configurations for the generation of carrier-envelope (CE) phase-stabilized sub-two-cycle pulses directly from prismless octave-spanning Ti:sapphire lasers without extracavity nonlinear optical processes significantly distorting or attenuating the main laser output. The spectral components necessary for f-2f interferometry are generated intracavity and independently coupled out from the main pulse through specially designed laser mirrors. This nonintrusive approach has many advantages compared to other more conventional methods that require a substantial amount of the full laser output to generate the f-2f components. We demonstrate the generation of CE phase stable sub-two-cycle pulses with high-quality temporal profiles and low CE phase noise.
Costs of duplex scanning and the impact of the changes in Medicare reimbursement

Abstract Purpose: To obtain objective cost data to use in a formal comment on the proposed changes in Medicare reimbursement, a mail survey of vascular laboratories was carried out. Methods: Data were received from 142 facilities. Patients receiving Medicare made up 64% of the volume, and duplex scanning accounted for 78% of the work. Results: The mean cost per scan, exclusive of physician payments, was $181. When compared with the mean allowable reimbursement under the 1992 Fee Schedule of $113, this represents a loss of $68 for each duplex scan performed on a patient receiving Medicare. In general, there was little difference in costs when the data were analyzed on the basis of type or size of facility. For laboratories providing data on 1991 Medicare reimbursements, the new fee schedule results in a 38% drop in payments. Conclusions: These data substantiate the impression that the Health Care Finance Administration has substantially undervalued the costs of performing duplex scanning. (J VASC SURG 1993;18:702-7.)
The interaction of hemispheric preference, laterality, and sex in the perception of emotional tone and verbal content

Twenty male and 20 female subjects, divided into those who showed a right or left hemispheric preference, listened to auditory messages with conflicting verbal content and emotional tone. The messages were presented to each ear to determine whether the effect of hemisphere of input on the evaluation of the messages was modified by hemispheric preference. Except for left preference males, subjects responded on the basis of preference rather than laterality.
Computer-Aided Orbital Reconstruction

Since the adoption of facial fracture plating systems in the 1980s, orbital fracture and reconstruction techniques have continued to evolve. Over the past 10 years, the introduction of new computer-based applications (i.e., pre-surgical planning software, intraoperative navigation, 3D printing, patient-specific implants, and intraoperative imaging) has changed the way reconstructive surgeons approach these complex procedures. This chapter will review the current literature highlighting the most recent advances in computer-aided orbital reconstruction.
Klebsiella and extended spectrum β-lactamases

During the past 14 years a rapid, world-wide increase in prevalence of Klebsiella pneumoniae resistant to late generation cephalosporins has occurred. A growing number of newly identified plasmid encoded beta-lactam hydrolyzing enzymes has broadened the spectrum of primitive beta-lactamases allowing inactivation of a wide variety of beta-lactam agents. The extrachromosomal genes which code for these enzymes often exist with genes expressing resistance to several other classes of antibacterial agents, potentially arming Klebsiella pneumoniae with resistance to all therapeutically available antibiotics. More focused surveillance studies and individualized strategies within institutions are necessary to reduce this insidious trend.
Bioorthogonal Chemoenzymatic Functionalization of Calmodulin for Bioconjugation Applications.

Calmodulin (CaM) is a widely studied Ca2+-binding protein that is highly conserved across species and involved in many biological processes, including vesicle release, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. To facilitate biophysical studies of CaM, researchers have tagged and mutated CaM at various sites, enabling its conjugation to fluorophores, microarrays, and other reactive partners. However, previous attempts to add a reactive label to CaM for downstream studies have generally employed nonselective labeling methods or resulted in diminished CaM function. Here we report the first engineered CaM protein that undergoes site-specific and bioorthogonal labeling while retaining wild-type activity levels. By employing a chemoenzymatic labeling approach, we achieved selective and quantitative labeling of the engineered CaM protein with an N-terminal 12-azidododecanoic acid tag; notably, addition of the tag did not interfere with the ability of CaM to bind Ca2+ or a partner protein. The specificity of our chemoen...
The Relationship Context for Sexual Activity and its Associations with Romantic Cognitions among Emerging Adults.

Few studies have examined the associations of sexual activity with romantic cognitions, particularly longitudinally. We used a multianalytic approach to examine the longitudinal, between-person, an...
“Since this is the editorial section I intend to express my opinion”: Inequality and expressivity in letters to the editor

ABSTRACTThis paper analyzes the argumentative style and the characteristics of writers of newspaper letters to the editor. Writers are more likely to be White, male, older, more politically active, and less likely to be politically moderate than the local population. Inequality in political participation persists in this forum. Gender and sense of local political efficacy influence how letter writers make their points. Letters to the editor mostly display inequalities similar to other forms of political participation.
How well do you use power

he highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it. -Thomas Babington, Lord Macaulay Power is neither good nor bad, moral nor immoral, acceptable nor unacceptable. Rather, power is the ability to get others to do what you want and also to avoid doing what is personally undesirable. Many nurses are either naive or cynical both about acquiring power and about using it. The naive believe that good intentions alone will ensure the proper use of power. Conversely, the cynical believe that anyone who seeks or uses power is a bad guy who wins only at others' expense. In truth, power reflects not only these extremes but all the points between. Some use power for selfish reasons. Some use it to achieve mutual benefits, or "win-win" outcomes. Some even use power to benefit others at their own ex-
Blarina brevicauda and Peromyscus leucopus Reduce Overwinter Survivorship of Acorn Weevils in an Indiana Hardwood Forest

We tested the hypothesis that free-ranging white-footed mice ( Peromyscus leucopus ) and northern short-tailed shrews ( Blarina brevicauda ) reduce the survivorship of acorn weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) overwintering in forest soils. Field exclosures differentially excluding these and other vertebrate insectivores, in combination with translocation of individual shrews from one site to another, were employed over 2 winters. The presence of small mammals led to a significant reduction in survivorship of weevils, but no effect due to density of shrews or presence of other potential predators (e.g., birds) was detected. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that these small mammals, through their consumption of weevils, have a positive effect on oak populations, and thus can affect forest composition and functioning.
Mid-IR Fiberoptic Sensing and Mode Control in Distributed Feedback Quantum Cascade Laser

We present in water chemical spectroscopy by the use of a AgClBr fiber and a tunable mid-IR QCL. We will also show a new generation of multi-frequency DFB controlled by a monolithic phase section. Article not available.
Cyclical Transient Infection, An Explanation of Persistent Virus Infection

The relationship between LCM virus and a population of persistently infected cells has long been enigmatic. In the LCM virus-infected mouse, immunofluorescent examination of tissue sections has established (1,4, 12,13,24) that a considerable percentage of cells of any tissue type does not show fluorescence. This is explainable either in terms of an advancing but incomplete infection or as a result of partial eradication of the virus by the recovery mechanisms. But in the persistently infected, immunologically tolerant animal these modifying factors are inoperative; the infection has had plenty of time to reach saturation, and there is no detectable cellular or virus-neutralizing immune response. How, then, do significant numbers of cells remain free of antigens?
Female urethral obstruction after Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation

AbstractDuring the last 5 years 13 neurologically normal women were seen with urodynamically proved urethral obstruction after a Marshall-Marchetti-Krantz operation. These obstructed patients were treated by a simple transvaginal procedure consisting of complete urethrolysis followed by a needle urethrovesical resuspension procedure. Postoperatively, 12 patients experienced complete disappearance of the presenting symptoms, return to a normal voiding pattern and decreased residuals of urine to less than 50 cc. The remaining patient, although urodynamically unobstructed, had to remain on intermittent catheterization. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of this iatrogenic type of female urethral obstruction are discussed. (J. Urol., 138: 517–520, 1987)
Primary left ventricular rhabdomyosarcoma in a child: noninvasive assessment and successful resection of a rare tumor.

Rhabdomyosarcoma of the heart is a rare tumor, especially in childhood and particularly in the left ventricle. A primary tumor of this type was successfully resected after echocardiographic assessment alone in a young girl exposed prenatally to diphenylhydantoin. The patient is well and free of recurrence 2½ years later.
Voluntary participation and parents' reasons for enrollment in after-school programs: contributions of race/ethnicity, program quality, and program policies.

Using data from the state evaluation of Michigan 21st Century Community Learning Centers, this study employed multilevel modeling to examine racial/ethnic and programmatic factors relevant to two a...
Demyelinating Diseases: Multiple Sclerosis and Neuromyelitis Optica

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease that more commonly affects women; its occurrence is partially determined by ancestral background.
The Traditional Ritual Project

Orthodox and Confucian scholars in this volume look to a general account of ritual as the basis for (1) a critique of modern society, and (2) an apologetic for their traditional communities. I call the project advancing these two elements the traditional ritual project, and I call those who advance this project traditionalists. According to traditionalists, modern societies are deficient because they lack rituals or they have the wrong kinds of rituals. In contrast, traditional communities are seen as having the vital rituals necessary for human flourishing, and they also provide the language and cultural framework that is needed for appreciating the functions of ritual in human life. In this essay, I explore some tensions and problems integral to the traditional ritual project, especially tensions between universalizing and particularizing tendencies. I show that any resolution of these problems must depend on the specific, ritualized content integral to the particular communities, and that traditionalists cannot provide a general account of ritual without simultaneously moving beyond some of the strong claims about particularism and incommensurability.
Two-Mechanism Model for the Interaction of Etoposide Quinone with Topoisomerase IIα

Topoisomerase II is an essential nuclear enzyme involved in regulating DNA topology to facilitate replication and cell division. Disruption of topoisomerase II function by chemotherapeutic agents is in use as an effective strategy to fight cancer. Etoposide is an anticancer therapeutic that disrupts the catalytic cycle of topoisomerase II and stabilizes enzyme-bound DNA strand breaks. Etoposide is metabolized into several species including active quinone and catechol metabolites. Our previous studies have explored some of the details of how these compounds act against topoisomerase II. In our present study, we extend those analyses by examining several effects of etoposide quinone on topoisomerase IIα including whether the quinone impacts ATP hydrolysis, DNA ligation, cleavage complex persistence, and enzyme/DNA binding. Our results demonstrate that the quinone inhibits relaxation at 100-fold lower levels of drug when compared to that of etoposide. Further, the quinone inhibits ATP hydrolysis by topoisome...
Enthalpy-Driven Stabilization of Dispersions of Polymer-Grafted Nanoparticles in High-Molecular-Weight Polymer Melts

Phase stability of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) composed of polymer-grafted SiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) blended with high-molar-mass host polymer chains is investigated. We focus on blends in which the particle-grafted polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the host—atactic poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA) or PMMA/oligo-PEG blends—exhibit favorable enthalpic interactions. Small-angle X-ray scattering measurements are used to evaluate the phase stability of the blends and to report on the structure of the materials at intermediate and long length scales. By exploring SiO2-PEG/PMMA and SiO2-PEG/PMMA-PEG systems covering a wide range of molecular weights (Mw) of PMMA (1.1 kDa ≤ Mw,PMMA ≤ 1.1 × 103 kDa) and tethered PEG (0.5 kDa ≤ Mw, PEG ≤ 2 kDa), we are able to develop a comprehensive stability map for PNCs based on hairy NPs. At low Mw,PEG, the phase behavior is dominated by entropic effects and the negative Flory–Huggins χ parameter between PEG and PMMA plays no role in phase stability. For higher Mw,PEO an...
Neurophysiology of Nerve Conduction Studies

The methodology for performing standard nerve conduction studies has been established by identifying the most helpful and consistent physiological data obtainable while being constrained by a variety of technical and practical limitations. Nerve stimulation occurs underneath the negatively charged anode of the applied stimulator and simultaneous hyperpolarization of the nerve occurs beneath the positively charged cathode. Referential or bipolar recording techniques are used for all types of measurements. Sensory conduction studies can be performed either antidromically or orthodromically, although, for technical reasons, the former are usually preferred; the recorded sensory nerve action potential is made up of the simultaneous depolarization of all of the cutaneous sensory axons. In motor studies, the compound motor action potential is recorded from the motor point of the muscle of interest and represents the depolarization of the underlying muscle fibers rather than the nerve itself and is, thus, of considerably greater amplitude and duration. F-waves and H-reflexes represent the two most commonly evaluated forms of late responses and assist with assessing the entire length of the neurons, from spinal cord to distal muscle.
TCAD analysis of SiGe channel FinFET devices

SiGe FinFET devices have many unique device elements which differ from conventional Si FinFET devices. Here we discuss their threshold voltage sensitivity, stress profiles, long channel mobility behavior, and the presence of traps at the gate oxide interface. In order to achieve a well-performing SiGe FinFET device it is important to understand the physical nature of these elements and incorporate them in a well-calibrated TCAD deck. In this paper, we examine each element with experimental data and calibrate the TCAD deck by introducing new boundary conditions, implementing a new Dit extraction method, and adjusting the material parameters. Special consideration is given to the treatment of interface traps since the readout of the trap density with the conductance method used in experiments does not represent the actual trap distribution. Finally, we review the short channel transistor performance and provide guidelines on how to achieve a high-performing device.
Conductivity and dissociation in liquid metallic hydrogen and implications for planetary interiors

Abstract Liquid metallic hydrogen (LMH) is the most abundant form of condensed matter in our solar planetary structure. The electronic and thermal transport properties of this metallic fluid are of fundamental interest to understanding hydrogen’s mechanism of conduction, atomic or pairing structure, as well as the key input for the magnetic dynamo action and thermal models of gas giants. Here, we report spectrally resolved measurements of the optical reflectance of LMH in the pressure region of 1.4–1.7 Mbar. We analyze the data, as well as previously reported measurements, using the free-electron model. Fitting the energy dependence of the reflectance data yields a dissociation fraction of 65 ± 15%, supporting theoretical models that LMH is an atomic metallic liquid. We determine the optical conductivity of LMH and find metallic hydrogen’s static electrical conductivity to be 11,000–15,000 S/cm, substantially higher than the only earlier reported experimental values. The higher electrical conductivity implies that the Jovian and Saturnian dynamo are likely to operate out to shallower depths than previously assumed, while the inferred thermal conductivity should provide a crucial experimental constraint to heat transport models.
Low bias, low dark current photodetection in silicon MZM embedded with vertical PN junction

We demonstrate an all-silicon photodetection inside a modulator. Due to the high electrical field in the vertical PN junction, a relatively high responsivity of 21.5 mA/W is observed at the low bias of −7 V and low dark current of 16 nA.
DKK1 as a serum biomarker for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of liver cancer. Most cases of HCC are secondary to either a viral hepatitis infection (hepatitis B or C) or cirrhosis secondary to chronic alcoholism (1). Etiological factors for HCC vary widely depending on geographic location. In regions where Hepatitis B (HBV) is endemic, such as the eastern hemisphere, this is uniformly the most common cause (2). It is estimated that chronic HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections account for an estimated 78% of global HCC cases (3).
Nonlinear mixed effects dose response modeling in high throughput drug screens: application to melanoma cell line analysis.

// Kuan-Fu Ding 1, 2 , Emanuel F. Petricoin 3 , Darren Finlay 5 , Hongwei Yin 4 , William P.D. Hendricks 4 , Chris Sereduk 4 , Jeffrey Kiefer 4 , Aleksandar Sekulic 4 , Patricia M. LoRusso 6 , Kristiina Vuori 5, 6 , Jeffrey M. Trent 4 and Nicholas J. Schork 1, 2, 4 1 J. Craig Venter Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA 2 University of California, San Diego, CA, USA 3 George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA 4 The Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, AZ, USA 5 Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA 6 Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA Correspondence to: Nicholas J. Schork, email: nschork@jcvi.org Keywords: high throughput drug screen, nonlinear mixed effect models, bioinformatics, cancer, drug response Received: June 22, 2017 Accepted: September 30, 2017 Published: December 15, 2017 ABSTRACT Cancer cell lines are often used in high throughput drug screens (HTS) to explore the relationship between cell line characteristics and responsiveness to different therapies. Many current analysis methods infer relationships by focusing on one aspect of cell line drug-specific dose-response curves (DRCs), the concentration causing 50% inhibition of a phenotypic endpoint (IC 50 ). Such methods may overlook DRC features and do not simultaneously leverage information about drug response patterns across cell lines, potentially increasing false positive and negative rates in drug response associations. We consider the application of two methods, each rooted in nonlinear mixed effects (NLME) models, that test the relationship relationships between estimated cell line DRCs and factors that might mitigate response. Both methods leverage estimation and testing techniques that consider the simultaneous analysis of different cell lines to draw inferences about any one cell line. One of the methods is designed to provide an omnibus test of the differences between cell line DRCs that is not focused on any one aspect of the DRC (such as the IC 50 value). We simulated different settings and compared the different methods on the simulated data. We also compared the proposed methods against traditional IC 50 -based methods using 40 melanoma cell lines whose transcriptomes, proteomes, and, importantly, BRAF and related mutation profiles were available. Ultimately, we find that the NLME-based methods are more robust, powerful and, for the omnibus test, more flexible, than traditional methods. Their application to the melanoma cell lines reveals insights into factors that may be clinically useful.
Reactions at Semiconductor Metal Interfaces

Metal-semiconductor interfaces are extremely important components of microelectronic devices. Various reactions can occur during processing or manufacture which influence profoundly the structure and properties. In this paper, we compare reactive interfaces, in which new compounds, such as silicides, are produced, with non-reactive interfaces for which a chemical reaction is unexpected. For the former, amorphous phase formation often precedes the equilibrium phases (e.g. Ti-Si), even for compound semiconductors, whereas for the latter, crystallization of the amorphous semiconductor can be induced at abnormally low temperatures (e.g., Al-Si). In situ high resolution electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry results are used to illustrate this behavior.
The Stress Response in Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain: Correlation of Tissue Culture Findings with in Vivo Models

A great deal of interest has been directed to the pathogenesis of brain injury after stroke in human disease. In the United States approximately 175,000 fatalities and many more disabled are directly attributed to stroke every year (Adams and Victor, 1993). Many metabolic and biochemical processes occur during and after the cessation of blood flow to specific areas of the brain which might directly affect the clinical outcome. In recent years studies in animal models have identified and described the heat shock or stress response in hypoxic-ischemic brain. This chapter summarizes the main findings of the stress response and HSP 70 in the brain after hypoxia-ischemia and then correlates those findings with work performed in cell culture models. Included is a discussion of the regulation of HSP 70, associated signal transduction pathways, cellular proteins and metabolites. Finally a brief discussion of future directions using new experimental models of stress proteins is presented.
Horizontal postrotatory nystagmus response in female subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis

Quantitative and qualitative assessment of vestibular function was made in 18 female subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and a control group of 25 female subjects without scoliosis. The Southern California Postrotary Nystagmus Test, which examines postrotatory nystagmus response, was used to assess the vestibular function of subjects in both groups. The results indicated that subjects with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis had a significantly decreased duration of postrotatory nystagmus as well as irregularities in nystagmus form. The recommendation was made that a neurological examination, including assessment of vestibular function, be incorporated into screening methods for scoliosis.
Does whom you know in the status hierarchy prevent or trigger health limitation? Institutional embeddedness of social capital and social cost theories in three societies.

Abstract Does whom you know in the status hierarchy prevent or trigger health limitation (life disruption due to health problems)? Does that effect vary by society? To addresses these two questions, this study applies five theories and analyzes nationally representative data from three societies (the United States, urban China, and Taiwan). Social capital theory expects accessed status (network members’ status) to prevent health limitation, while social cost theory as proposed here asserts the opposite. The collectivistic advantage explanation anticipates social capital theory to apply more to urban China and Taiwan but social cost theory to apply more to the United States, while the collectivistic disadvantage explanation predicts the opposite. The inequality structure explanation expects social capital theory to apply more to Taiwan and social cost theory to apply more to the United States and urban China. This study measures accessed status on the occupational dimension. Results support social capital theory in Taiwan, social cost theory in the other two societies, and the inequality structure explanation across the three societies.
Introduction to OML

The OML language is formulated to handle matrix operations, and scientific and engineering applications are a major target. But the OML language includes powerful operators for manipulating a large variety of basic objects.
Ecology of the threatened Harbison’s dun skipper ( Euphyes vestris harbisoni ) for conservation efforts within a habitat conservation plan

Southern California is a biodiversity hotspot, an area with high species richness and where many species are threatened with extinction. Six lepidopteran taxa are of conservation concern, including three listed on the United States Endangered Species Act. The Harbison’s dun skipper (Euphyes vestris harbisoni) may also have an elevated risk of extinction; however, little is known about its ecology or current status. Due to this conservation concern, we conducted surveys for the skipper to more fully describe its distribution, assess the interannual variation in adult population sizes, and further describe its natural history and habitat requirements (including threats). The known distribution now includes western Riverside County and northern Baja California, Mexico, with the historically reported Orange and San Diego counties. We were able to document 33 historic and/or current skipper locations on public lands and another six historic records on inaccessible private lands. Just over half of the 39 locations were extant populations, about a quarter have been extirpated, with the remainder of unknown status. For extant populations, population sizes appear to be relatively small. We also provide information on efficient monitoring protocols for the skipper. The information obtained from this study is necessary to make data-driven management decisions so that conservation efforts can be effective and efficient.
Enabling IC Traceability via Blockchain Pegged to Embedded PUF

Globalization of IC supply chain has increased the risk of counterfeit, tampered, and re-packaged chips in the market. Counterfeit electronics poses a security risk in safety critical applications like avionics, SCADA systems, and defense. It also affects the reputation of legitimate suppliers and causes financial losses. Hence, it becomes necessary to develop traceability solutions to ensure the integrity of supply chain, from the time of fabrication to the end of product-life, which allows a customer to verify the provenance of a device or a system. In this article, we present an IC traceability solution based on blockchain. A blockchain is a public immutable database that maintains a continuously growing list of data records secured from tampering and revision. Over the lifetime of an IC, all ownership transfer information is recorded and archived in a blockchain. This safe, verifiable method prevents any party from altering or challenging the legitimacy of the information being exchanged. However, a chain of sales record is not enough to ensure provenance of an IC. There is a need for clone-proof method for securely binding the identity of an IC to the blockchain information. In this article, we propose a method of IC supply chain traceability via blockchain pegged to embedded physically unclonable function (PUF). The blockchain provides ownership transfer record, while the PUF provides unique identification for an IC allowing it to be linked uniquely to a blockchain. Our proposed solution automates hardware and software protocols using blockchain-powered Smart Contract that allows supply chain participants to authenticate, track, trace, analyze, and provision chips throughout their entire life cycle.
A reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification assay for the rapid detection of N gene of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was reported in China firstly. A rapid, highly sensitive, specific, and simple operational method was needed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Here, we established a real-time reverse-transcription recombinase-aided amplification assay (RT-RAA) to detect SARS-CoV-2 rapidly. The primers and probe were designed based on the nucleocapsid protein gene (N gene) sequence of SARS-CoV-2. The detection limit was 10 copies per reaction in this assay, which could be conducted within 15 min at a constant temperature (39 °C), without any cross-reactions with other respiratory tract pathogens, such as other coronaviruses. Furthermore, compared with commercial real-time RT-PCR assay, it showed a kappa value of 0.959 (p < 0.001) from 150 clinical specimens. These results indicated that this real-time RT-RAA assay may be a valuable tool for detecting SARS-CoV-2.