cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the product of convex combinations and the Kantorovich inequality

Abstract Let λ i and μ i ( i = 1,2,…, N ) be real constants and θ i ( i = 1,2,…, N ) nonnegative variables satisfying Σθ i =1. It is shown that the ( N - 1)-dimensional extremum problem of finding the global maximum and minimum of the product (Σ θ i λ i )(Σ θ i μ i ) can be reduced to a one-dimensional problem defined on the boundary of the convex polygon spanned by the ordered pairs (λ i ,μ i ). For a given set of positive λ i ′s (λ 1 ⩾λ 2 ⩾ ⋯ ⩾λ N >0), the Kantorovich inequality states that max {(Σθ i λ i )(Σθ i μ i )}= (λ 1 +λ N ) 2 4λ 1 λ N and min{( Σθ i λ i )( Σθ i μ i )}=1 if μ i = 1 λ i ,i=1,2,…,N . It is shown that the above new technique can be used to identify exactly how far the μ i ′s can vary from the Kantorovich values μ i = 1/λ i without invalidating the Kantorovich bounds. Let ν max =sup ( x , x ) =1{( x , Ax )( x , Bx )} and ν min =inf ( x , x ) =1{( x , Ax )( x , Bx )}, where x is an N -dimensional complex vector, and A and B are two N × N positive definite Hermitian matrices. For the special case in which B = A -1 , the Kantorovich inequality implies that ν max ν min = [κ(A)+1] 2 4κ(A) , where κ( A ) is the spectral condition number of A . It is shown that, in general, ν max ν min ⩾ max {[κ(A)+1] 2 4κ(A) , [κ(B)+1] 2 4κ(B)} . The conditions under which equality occurs are also established.
EFFECTS OF AMPHIPATHIC DRUGS ON L-(3H)GLUTAMATE BINDING TO SYNAPTIC MEMBRANES AND THE PURIFIED BINDING PROTEIN

Four amphipathic molecules with known local anesthetic activity, dibucaine, tetracaine, chlorpomazine, and quinacrine, inhibited the binding ofl-[3H]glutamic acid to rat brain synaptic plasma membranes and to the purified glutamate binding protein. Neither haloperidol nor diphenylhydantoin had significant inhibitory effects on the glutamate binding activity of the membranes or of the purified protein. The amphipathic drugs apparently inhibitedl-[3H]glutamate binding to synaptic membranes by a mixed type of inhibition. The inhibitory activity of quinacrine on glutamate binding to the synaptic membranes was greater in a low ionic strength, Ca2+-free buffer medium, than in a physiologic medium (Krebs-Henseleit buffer). Removal of Ca2+ from the Krebs solution enhanced quinacrine's inhibition of glutamate binding. Quinacrine up to 1 mM concentration did not inhibit the high affinity Na+-dependentl-glutamate transport in these membrane preparations. The importance of Ca2+ in the expression of quinacrine's effects on the glutamate binding activity of synaptic membranes and the observed tetracaine and chlorpromazine-induced increases in the transition temperature for the glutamate binding process of these membranes, were indicative of an interaction of the local anesthetics with the lipid environment of the glutamate binding sites.
On Infrasound Standards, Part 1 Time, Frequency, and Energy Scaling

A standardized, self-similar, multiresolution algorithm is developed for scaling infrasonic signal time, frequency, and power within the framework of fractional octave bands. This work extends accepted fractional octave band schemas to 0.001 Hz (1000 s periods) to facilitate the analysis of broadband signals as well as the deep acoustic-gravity and Lamb waves captured by the global infrasound network. The Infrasonic Energy, Nth Octave (INFERNO) multiresolutionEnergy Estimator is applied to computing the total acoustic energy of the Russian meteor signature recorded in the 45mHz-9 Hz frequency band by IMS array 131KZ, Kazakhstan.
Toward a synthesis of the resource-based and dynamic-capability views of rent creation

Two distinct causal mechanisms—resource-picking and capability-building—have been proposed in the strategic management literature about how firms create economic rents. Under the resource-picking mechanism, managers gather information and analysis to outsmart the resource market in picking resources, similar to the way that a mutual fund manager tries to outsmart the stock market in picking stocks. Under the capability-building mechanism, managers design and construct organizational systems to enhance the productivity of whatever resources the firm acquires. These two rent-creation mechanisms are certainly not mutually exclusive, and it is likely that firms generally use both of them. It is therefore important to consider the interaction between these two rent-creation mechanisms: Do they complement each other? Or are they substitutes for each other? In other words, do they enhance each other's value, or detract from each other's value? Answering these questions is a necessary precondition to understanding how firms should allocate their time and effort between these two rent-creation mechanisms. The present paper develops a basic theoretical model to address these questions, and derives testable hypotheses from the model. The model predicts that the two rent-creation mechanisms are complementary in some circumstances but substitutes in others. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evolving behaviors in the iterated prisoner's dilemma

Evolutionary programming experiments are conducted to investigate the conditions that promote the evolution of cooperative behavior in the iterated prisoner's dilemma. A population of logical stimulus-response devices is maintained over successive generations with selection based on individual fitness. The reward for selfish behavior is varied across a series of trials. Simulations indicate three distinct patterns of behaviors in which mutual cooperation is inevitable, improbable, or apparently random. The ultimate behavior can be reliably predicted by examining the payoff matrix that defines the reward for alternative joint behaviors.
Animal models of intestinal inflammation: ineffective communication between coalition members

The microbiota, epithelial cells, and mucosal immune cells in the intestine comprise an important gastrointestinal coalition. The intestinal microbiota can exert both beneficial as well as deleterious effects on their animal hosts. They interact with the innate defenses provided by epithelial cells through microbial recognition receptors. This communication, under normal conditions, results in a state of controlled inflammation. This article will focus on several animal models of intestinal inflammation, in which spontaneous or induced mutations or other genetic manipulations result in severe alterations in one of the members of the gastrointestinal coalition. These animal models of colitis have shown that alterations in communication between members of this coalition ultimately lead to gastrointestinal disease.
Differential Pulse Polarography of Some Degradation Products of Tetracycline

In an attempt to develop a more rapid, convenient, and precise method for the direct detection and analysis of the degradation products of tetracycline, a study of those products utilizing differential pulse polarography was initiated. The investigation was concentrated on the subject of the kinetics of the epimerization of anhydrotetracycline to 4-epianhydrotetracycline in acetate buffer. The reaction was followed at 25 and 50°. Duplicate experiments were run at each temperature. The apparent rate constants obtained were 4.17 ± 0.13 × 10−1/hr (25°) and 6.97 ± 1.00 × 10−2/hr (50°).
Inferring emotional reactions in social situations: differences in children with language impairment.

Anticipating and responding to a partner’s emotional reactions are key components in the comprehension of daily social discourse. Kindergarten children with language impairment (LI) and age-matched...
Creating Future Networks: Designing, Implementing and Operating Advanced Experimental Network Research Testbeds

For many years, experimental network research test beds have been designed and implemented to explore theoretical concepts at scale, progressing beyond ideas that initially may have been explored through lab simulation and modeling. However, traditionally, such test beds almost always were created for specific, highly defined projects, and they were designed to last for fairly short periods of time. More recently, network research communities have been designing, implementing, and operating new types of large scale experimental network test beds, including those global in scope, which are intended to be long term persistent resources and can support multiple types of experiments. These test beds reflect recent innovations in architecture and in core technologies and also the declining cost curves of basic components, a trend which is reducing the economic barriers to developing test beds. This paper presents several key ideas motivating the creation of next generation test beds and it describes design concepts, core technologies, and operational issues. This paper also describes a number of recent and current large scale test beds that have been created to advance the state of communications, especially those designed to assist in providing a transition to the future Internet.
Effects of level of socialization on electrodermal detection of deception.

Fifteen college students attempted to deceive a professional polygraph examiner, while 15 others who had nothing to hide also submitted to the examination. The examiner was blind as to whether each subject was deceptive or truthful. Using the skin conductance response (SCR), significant discrimination was made between deceptive and truthful subjects with both “guilty person” and “guilty knowledge” polygraph tests. On both types of test, however, subjects who were not detected were significantly less socialized (Socialization Scale of the California Psychological Inventory) than those who were detected. This reduced susceptibility to detection was mediated by a reduced SCR to deception among low-socialization subjects. Among innocent subjects the highly socialized were more responsive electrodermally throughout the test, leading some of them to be misclassified as deceptive on at least one test. Implications of the results for both detection of deception and the construct of socialization are discussed.
Characterization of wastewater treatment plant microbial communities and the effects of carbon sources on diversity in laboratory models

We are developing a laboratory-scale model to improve our understanding and capacity to assess the biological risks of genetically engineered bacteria and their genetic elements in the natural environment. Our hypothetical scenario concerns an industrial bioreactor failure resulting in the introduction of genetically engineered bacteria to a downstream municipal wastewater treatment plant (MWWTP). As the first step towards developing a model for this scenario, we sampled microbial communities from the aeration basin of a MWWTP at three seasonal time points. Having established a baseline for community composition, we investigated how the community changed when propagated in the laboratory, including cell culture media conditions that could provide selective pressure in future studies. Specifically, using PhyloChip 16S-rRNA-gene targeting microarrays, we compared the compositions of sampled communities to those of inocula propagated in the laboratory in simulated wastewater conditionally amended with various carbon sources (glucose, chloroacetate, D-threonine) or the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([C2mim]Cl). Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Actinobacteria were predominant in both aeration basin and laboratory-cultured communities. Laboratory-cultured communities were enriched in γ-Proteobacteria. Enterobacteriaceae, and Aeromonadaceae were enriched by glucose, Pseudomonadaceae by chloroacetate and D-threonine, and Burkholderiacea by high (50 mM) concentrations of chloroacetate. Microbial communities cultured with chloroacetate and D-threonine were more similar to sampled field communities than those cultured with glucose or [C2mim]Cl. Although observed relative richness in operational taxonomic units (OTUs) was lower for laboratory cultures than for field communities, both flask and reactor systems supported phylogenetically diverse communities. These results importantly provide a foundation for laboratory models of industrial bioreactor failure scenarios.
The No-Miracles Argument, reliabilism, and a methodological version of the generality problem

The No-Miracles Argument (NMA) is often used to support scientific realism. We can formulate this argument as an inference to the best explanation (IBE), but doing so leads to the worry that it is viciously circular. Realists have responded to this accusation of circularity by appealing to reliabilism, an externalist epistemology. In this paper I argue that this retreat fails. Reliabilism suffers from a potentially devastating difficulty known as the Generality Problem and attempts to solve this problem require adopting both epistemic and metaphysical assumptions regarding local scientific theories. Although the externalist can happily adopt the former, if he adopts the latter then the Generality Problem arises again, but now at the level of scientific methodology. Answering this new version of the Generality Problem is impossible for the scientific realist without making the important further assumption that there exists the possibility of a unique rule of IBE. Doing this however would make the NMA viciously premise circular.
Strategies to Prevent Clostridium difficile Infections in Acute Care Hospitals

Previously published guidelines are available that provide comprehensive recommendations for detecting and preventing healthcare-associated infections. The intent of this document is to highlight practical recommendations in a concise format designed to assist acute care hospitals in implementing and prioritizing their Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) prevention efforts. Refer to the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America “Compendium of Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections” Executive Summary and Introduction and accompanying editorial for additional discussion.1. Increasing rates of CDIC. difficile now rivals methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) as the most common organism to cause healthcare-associated infections in the United States.a. In the United States, the proportion of hospital discharges in which the patient received the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision discharge diagnosis code for CDI more than doubled between 2000 and 2003, and CDI rates continued to increase in 2004 and 2005 (L. C. McDonald, MD, personal communication, July 2007). These increases have been seen in pediatric and adult populations, but elderly individuals have been disproportionately affected. CDI incidence has also increased in Canada and Europe.b. There have been numerous reports of an increase in CDI severity.c. Most reports of increases in the incidence and severity of CDI have been associated with the BI/NAP1/027 strain of C. difficile. This strain produces more toxins A and B in vitro than do many other strains of C. difficile, produces a third toxin (binary toxin), and is highly resistant to fluoroquinolones.
Supporting nested transactional memory in logTM

Nested transactional memory (TM) facilitates software composition by letting one module invoke another without either knowing whether the other uses transactions. Closed nested transactions extend isolation of an inner transaction until the toplevel transaction commits. Implementations may flatten nested transactions into the top-level one, resulting in a complete abort on conflict, or allow partial abort of inner transactions. Open nested transactions allow a committing inner transaction to immediately release isolation, which increases parallelism and expressiveness at the cost of both software and hardware complexity.This paper extends the recently-proposed flat Log-based Transactional Memory (LogTM) with nested transactions. Flat LogTM saves pre-transaction values in a log, detects conflicts with read (R) and write (W) bits per cache block, and, on abort, invokes a software handler to unroll the log. Nested LogTM supports nesting by segmenting the log into a stack of activation records and modestly replicating R/W bits. To facilitate composition with nontransactional code, such as language runtime and operating system services, we propose escape actions that allow trusted code to run outside the confines of the transactional memory system.
Strategies in In Vivo Molecular Imaging

After completing this article, readers should be able to: 1. Describe the emerging field of in vivo molecular imaging. 2. List the various imaging modalities that have been used to detect molecules and track cells in vivo and discuss the basic molecular strategies and principles. 3. Describe several of the selective events, such as binding, enzymatic activation, or molecular switches, that make in vivo imaging of cells and molecules possible. 4. Delineate the strengths and weakness of current imaging strategies. 5. List combined imaging modalities and their use in molecular imaging. Following cells and molecules in vivo has been a fundamental difficulty in biomedical research. The technologies in the field of in vivo molecular imaging are aimed at obtaining spatiotemporal information about in vivo processes as they occur; that is, monitoring cellular and molecular changes in response to a variety of stimuli in intact animals and eventually in humans. Understanding basic biologic and biochemical mechanisms is required to develop the tools that will enable access to this information. Traditional imaging modalities largely depend on physical parameters, such as absorption in ultrasonography, x-ray attenuation, or optical scattering, which reveal primarily structural information. For molecular imaging, unique signatures are generated using molecular biology methods that distinctly label host cells, microbial pathogens, tumor cells, or transplanted tissues. These can be detected in vivo by conventional and novel imaging modalities and can be used to examine molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis, facilitate earlier disease detection, and permit evaluation of therapeutic outcomes. The molecular targets for imaging may include DNA, RNA, protein, or protein function. Imaging of inherent levels of DNA, RNA, and protein is difficult, but protein function can be exploited readily for imaging and can be used in reporter gene approaches to create surrogate markers for processes such as messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein synthesis.1,2, …
Usability grows up: the great debate

At CHI 2005, Eric Schaeffer, President, Human Factors International (HFI), who works from Mumbai, India, and Jared Spool, President, User Interface Engineering (UIE), Middleton, Massachusetts, invited me to moderate their debate about usability.
Storm-time meridional flows: a comparison of CINDI observations and model results

Abstract. During a large geomagnetic storm, the electric field from the polar ionosphere can expand far enough to affect the mid-latitude and equatorial electric fields. These changes in the equatorial zonal electric field, called the penetration field, will cause changes in the meridional ion flows that can be observed by radars and spacecraft. In general this E × B ion flow near the equator caused by the penetration field during undershielding conditions will be upward on the dayside and downward on the nightside of the Earth. Previous analysis of the equatorial meridional flows observed by CINDI instrument on the C/NOFS spacecraft during the 26 September 2011 storm showed that all of the response flows on the dayside were excess downward flows instead of the expected upward flows. These observed storm-time responses are compared to a prediction from a physics-based coupled model of thermosphere–ionosphere–inner-magnetosphere in an effort to explain these observations. The model results suggest that the equatorial downward flow could be attributed to a combined effect of the overshielding and disturbance dynamo processes. However, some discrepancy between the model and observation indicates a need for improving our understanding of how sensitive the equatorial electric field is to various model input parameters that describe the magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling processes.
The association between obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and microvascular complications in well-controlled diabetic patients.

ABSTRACTBackground: Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) may promote hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. Objective: We studied the link between sleep apnea and microvascular diabetic complications in veterans with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM-2). Design: A retrospective electronic chart of all veterans referred for sleep studies over a 1-year period was reviewed. Ninety-eight patients with a glycosylated hemoglobin <6.5% were included in the study. The degree of glycemia (HbA1c) and presence of macro- and microvascular complications were compared with OSAS variables. Method: Statistical analysis examined bivariate associations between OSAS variables and metabolic syndrome parameters. Results: The apnea hypopnea index was significantly related to diabetic microvascular complications, particularly retinopathy. Oxygen desaturation was significantly and inversely related to microalbuminuria, microvascular complications, retinopathy, and HbA1c . Conclusions: Sleep apnea is associated with microvascular co...
A simple method for construction of an articulating antibiotic-loaded cement spacer

Abstract A 2-stage exchange protocol has been used widely in North America for management of infected total hip arthroplasties. Many surgeons choose to use an antibiotic-loaded cement spacer in the interval before reimplantation of the final prosthesis. We propose a simple technique for the construction of an articulating antibiotic-loaded spacer for use as part of 2-stage exchange protocol for the treatment of infected total hip arthroplasties. Copyright 2002, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Auger electron spectroscopy and ion sputter profiles of oxides on aluminum

Abstract To check the validity of those assumptions needed to relate the Auger peak to peak height (APPH) to quantitative elemental concentrations in oxide films, oxide films on aluminum were monitored by AES during ion-sputter-etching. Before and after film profiling with AES, contour maps of film thickness were obtained with ellipsometry. Ion-sputter-AES profiles are entirely misleading if interpreted as quantitative concentration profiles, but are very informative as to qualitative analysis and when properly understood reveal physical and chemical non-isotropy within the films.
Internal strain measurement using pulsed neutron diffraction at LANSCE

The presence of residual stress in engineering components can effect their mechanical properties and structural integrity. Neutron diffraction in the only technique that can make nondestructive measurements in the interior of components. By recording the change in crystalline lattice spacings, elastic strains can be measured for individual lattice reflections. Using a pulsed neutron source, all lattice reflections are recorded in each measurement, which allows for easy examination of heterogeneous materials such as metal matrix composites. Measurements made at the Manuel Lujan Jr. Neutron Scattering Center (LANSCE) demonstrate the potential at pulsed sources for in-situ stress measurements at ambient and elevated temperatures.
An Event‐Level Analysis of Adding Exogenous Lubricant to Condoms in a Sample of Men Who Have Vaginal Sex with Women

Introduction. Little is known about the characteristics of sexual events during which individuals choose to use lubricant with condoms. Aims. The aims of this article were to evaluate the determinants of adding lubricant to condoms during baseline and at the event level, to assess the event-level variables' influence on adding lubricants to condoms, and to assess the event-level influence of using condoms with lubricant on event-level condom attitudes. Methods. A total of 1,874 men completed a 30-day Internet-based prospective daily diary study of sexual behavior and condom use. Main Outcome Measures. Baseline data included demographic variables and information about condom education. Daily diary data included reports of penile-vaginal sex regarding intercourse duration, intercourse intensity, intoxi- cation level, condom application method, partner contraceptive method, and partner and relationship characteristics. Results. Lubricant was added to 24.3% of the study-provided condoms and 26.2% of the condoms selected by study participants. Those with more education and those who were married were more likely to add lubrication to condoms. Adding lubricant to condoms, a female partner putting the condom on with her hands and using contraception, and the event occurring with a wife (vs. girlfriend) was significantly associated with longer intercourse. Event-level lubricant and condom use significantly predicted lower willingness to buy the condom it was used with, as well as to recommend the condom. Adding exogenous lubricant was not related to the participants' confidence in condoms as a method to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Conclusions. The event-level nature of this study provided for a more comprehensive assessment of the situational factors that are associated with applying lubricant to condoms. Findings from this study suggest that men are adding lubricant to condoms for reasons other than to increase condom efficacy. Reece M, Mark K, Herbenick D, Hensel DJ, Jawed-Wessel S, and Dodge B. An event-level analysis of adding exogenous lubricant to condoms in a sample of men who have vaginal sex with women. J Sex Med 2012;9:672-678.
Bearing accuracy and resolution bounds of high-resolution beamformers

The paper compares the performance of two high-resolution beamformers, MUSIC and Modal Decomposition, to that of the Conventional Beamformer, under the constraints of small signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) and short observation times. In particular, the reliability of the methods in estimating and resolving the bearings of plane waves with a linear array is examined by way of simulation. The presence of a threshold SNR below which bearing estimates rapidly degrade is shown to increase by 2-3 dB for the high-resolution methods, although the threshold is relatively insensitive to an overestimation of model order.
Corrosive injury to the GI tract in adults: a practical approach

Corrosive injury to the GI tract still poses great challenges with regards to the initial evaluation triage, as well as the optimization of medical management. Although relatively uncommon in the adult population, these injuries can cause significant morbidity and serious sequelae of complications, such as esophageal strictures and cancer. Prompt recognition of the process and aggressive measures towards the stabilization of the patient are key to a favorable outcome.
Kompressoren, Druckluftwerkzeuge, mechanische Werkzeuge

Die Drucklufterzeugung mit Kompressoren hat in Baubetrieb vielseitige Anwendungsbereiche und Luftverbraucher. Dazu zahlen der Betrieb von Druckluftwerkzeugen im Bohr- und Abbruchbereich, die Luftversorgung von Betonspritzgeraten und der Antrieb von Rohrrammen und Erdraketen. Ein weiterer Schwerpunkt ist die Luftforderung von Zement und ahnlichen Stoffen. Eine besondere Bedeutung hat die Druckluftversorgung im Tunnelbau. Die ubliche Kompressor-Bauart ist der fahrbare Schraubenkompressor mit einem Arbeitsdruck von 7 bar.
Pricing Strategies and Fee Structures in Franchising Organizations

Franchising, as a popular form of small business, continues to grow at a phenomenal rate throughout the world. Two of the most important aspects of the franchisor/ franchisee relationship are the determination of pricing and a fee structure. These elements have a profound impact on the profitability and success of a franchise business. This study examined pricing strategies and fee structures across different types of franchising organizations. It was found that a variety of method s were used to determine pricing and fee structures.
A Dynamic Model of Investor Expectations and Financial Reporting

This paper examines the implications of investor expectations for earnings management and asset prices. I propose a dynamic stochastic model of financial reporting, in which a firm manager opportunistically shifts earnings in order to manipulate investor expectations, subject to a constraint on accumulated accruals. Three investor expectations schemes with different levels of rationality are considered: rational expectations, adaptive learning, and misspecified Bayesian learning. In a stationary rational expectations equilibrium, whether the manager manipulates earnings depends on the real earnings process. Under adaptive learning and regime-shifting beliefs, earnings management exists to the extent that there is discrepancy between investor beliefs and the actual process of reported earnings. This model provides testable predictions for the joint impact of managerial opportunism and investor expectations on accounting-based return regularities. It also sheds light on the descriptive validity of different investor expectations schemes.
One-year developmental stability and covariance among oddball, novelty, go/no-go, and flanker event-related potentials in adolescence: A monozygotic twin study

ERP measures may index genetic risk for psychopathology before disorder onset in adolescence, but little is known about their developmental rank-order stability during this period of significant brain maturation. We studied ERP stability in 48 pairs of identical twins (age 14-16 years) tested 1 year apart. Trial-averaged voltage waveforms were extracted from electroencephalographic recordings from oddball/novelty, go/no-go, and flanker tasks, and 16 amplitude measures were examined. Members of twin pairs were highly similar, whether based on ERP amplitude measures (intraclass correlation [ICC] median = .64, range = .44-.86) or three factor scores (all ICCs ≥ .69) derived from them. Stability was high overall, with 69% of the 16 individual measures generating stability coefficients exceeding .70 and all factor scores showing stability above .75. Measures from 10 difference waveforms calculated from paired conditions within tasks were also examined, and were associated with lower twin similarity (ICC median = .52, .38-.64) and developmental stability (only 30% exceeding .70). In a supplemental analysis, we found significant developmental stability for error-related negativity (range = .45-.55) and positivity (.56-.70) measures when average waveforms were based on one or more trials, and that these values were equivalent to those derived from averages using the current field recommendation, which requires six or more trials. Overall, we conclude that the studied brain measures are largely stable over 1 year of mid- to late adolescence, likely reflecting familial etiologic influences on brain functions pertaining to cognitive control and salience recognition.
SPUTTER-ETCHING EFFECT OF Si NITRIDE UNDERLAYERS IN Co/Pt MULTILAYERS

The dependence of microstructure and magnetic properties of Co/Pt multilayers sputtered on sputter-etched Si nitride underlayers were systematically investigated under varied conditions, The microstructure was determined using x-ray scattering and cross-sectional high-resolution electron microscopy. It was found that the characteristics of the underlayer surface and consequently the microstructure and magnetic properties of the multilayers are sensitive functions of the sputter-etching conditions. Uniaxial perpendicular anisotropy was found to initially increase as the underlayer was made smoother by sputter-etching, due to stronger interface anisotropy. However, with longer sputter-etching times and extremely smooth underlayers, it was found that the anisotropy peaks and decreases because there is a concomitant reduction in grain size which reduces the volume anisotropy. Coercivity was the largest for slightly etched samples. Static domain writing tests suggest that the multilayers deposited on etched underlayers have improved thermal conductivity.
STOCHASTIC MODELING OF SURFING CLIMATE

A continued increase in the popularity of surfing, coupled with the potential for adverse impacts by coastal construction projects on favored surfbreaks, has recently confronted engineers with the problem of defining and quantifying a 'good' surfbreak. A rudimentary analysis of surfing mechanics demonstrates that conditions can be examined in terms of the joint statistical climate of 1) breaker peel rate, and 2) attainable board speed as characterized by the Irribarren Number. Assuming a planar beach and using linear wave theory, two theoretical models for the joint probability density of peel rate and Irribarren Number can be used to appraise short-term surfing conditions. Results indicate that the shortcrested character of real waves plays a primary role in enhancing surfbreak. For practical calculations of longterm surfing climate at specific sites, offshore wave gage data can be transformed across a measured beach profile to predict breaker conditions in the outer surf zone. Application of such a numerical algorithm to the beach at Duck, North Carolina indicates that the waves are suitable for surfing roughly 25% of the time.
Study on HIV and five kinds of common STDs infection and its influencing factors among MSM in Nanchang City

Objective To understand HIV and prevalence of five kinds of common sexually transmitted diseases( STDs) and the influencing factors among men who have sex with men( MSM) in Nanchang City. Methods Enlarging respondent-driven sampling( RDS) method was performed,436 MSM were recruited to receive HIV and STDs screening,and a relevant questionnaire survey was conducted. SPSS 13. 0 software was used for statistical analysis. Results A total of 436 MSM were investigated. The rate of HIV infection was 9. 6%. Out of 436 MSM,342 MSM had received STDs screening and diagnosis,the positive rate was 23. 1%( 79 /342). The result of univariate analysis implied that infection of STDs,full awareness of AIDS knowledge,homosexual behavior,multiple sexual partners and HIV antibody detection were risk factors of HIV infection( all P 0. 05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis revealed that full awareness of AIDS knowledge( OR = 0. 401),HIV antibody detected in a year( OR = 0. 343),STDs infection( OR = 4. 498) and multiple sexual partners( OR = 3. 076) were the independent risk factors. Conclusions The HIV and STDs prevalence reached a high level among MSM in Nanchang. STD infections accelerated the spreading of HIV among MSM. Specific intervention measures should be undertaken to screen and control STDs,and reduce the occurrence of multiple sex partner behavior.
Mesoscopic simulations of coarsening kinetics within block-copolymer/homopolymer thin films

Abstract The simulated evolution of thin-film blends of immiscible AB diblock-copolymers and C homopolymers are presented and analyzed in terms of the time-dependent evolution of the three respective domains. In the current model, all polymer species are mutually incompatible, however the C homopolymers are considered to be less incompatible with the B-block of the diblock copolymer relative to the A-block, hence B-C interfaces develop rather than A-C interfaces. The collective phase-separation within these films leads to microdomains of the AB diblock copolymers along with macrodomains of C homopolymers, in which a growing disparity in domain length scales develops. Technologically, such films may be exploited to fabricate porous membranes with a bimodal distribution of through-thickness pore diameters.
Follow the leader: attending to the curriculum making potential of preschoolers

ABSTRACTThis research focused on making visible children’s funds of identity [Esteban-Guitart, M., & Moll, L. (2014). Funds of identity: A new concept based on the funds of knowledge approach. Culture & Psychology, 20(1), 31–48] and incorporating these resources into an inquiry-oriented, play-based, preschool curriculum. Participants in this collaborative action research included 4 co-investigators, 36 children aged 3–5 from diverse backgrounds, and 8 focal children and their parents/guardians. Data were gathered through observations, digital photographs, and photo-elicitation interviews. Through visual narratives and conversations guided by the children, the research team gained greater insight into children’s interests and the knowledge they bring with them from home into school. We came to recognize that our perspectives of the children’s interests and knowledge were limited by our inability to see their curriculum making potential and by our hesitation to offer the curriculum the children desire.
Time-dependent density functional theory for charge-transfer dynamics: review of the causes of failure and success*

The present study is an effort to unveil and characterize the failure and success of real-time Time-dependent density functional theory simulated charge transfer dynamics. To this aim, we study two distinct examples found in the literature: a dramatic failure is reported in [S. Raghunathan, M. Nest, J. Chem. Theor. Comput. 7, 2492 (2011)] whereas in [C.A. Rozzi et al., Nat. Commun. 4, 1602 (2013)] the simulations show good agreement with experiments. We find that the choice of Single Slater Determinant for the Kohn Sham initial state renders the simulation of charge transfer dynamics starting in the ground state very challenging. In contrast, starting the simulation in a photo-excited state facilitates the description and we show that even a simple functional can perform well. We formulate exact conditions to be satisfied by the exchange-correlation functional in order to keep the resonances of the system constant and relate the degree of their violation to the performance of a given functional approximation. We show that even the best possible ground state approximation to the exchange-correlation density functional violates the exact conditions, resulting in inaccurate dynamics.
Die Psychoanalyse als soziale Aktivität

Angenommen, man akzeptiert wie ich Grunbaums zentrale Behauptung, das der wissenschaftliche Wert der Psychoanalyse nicht im entferntesten nachgewiesen ist. Was folgt aus einer solchen Einschatzung fur die tatsachliche Praxis der Psychoanalyse? Wie sollen praktizierende Psychoanalytiker ihre Tatigkeit begreifen und wie sollen sie sie darstellen? Fur welche Art Aktivitat sollen gebildete Menschen die Psychoanalyse halten? Solche Fragen sind alles andere als trivial. Sie stehen in direktem Zusammenhang mit Fragen nach der Integritat und professionellen Verantwortlichkeit, mit der Frage, wie man die Psychoanalyse am ehesten als soziale Aktivitat begreifen kann, und der Frage, inwieweit man sie vom okonomischen Standpunkt aus bewerten sollte.
Fully-integrated CMOS-compatible Q-switched laser at 1.9μm using thulium-doped Al 2 O 3

A fully-integrated Q-switched laser is demonstrated at 1.9μm using thulium-doped aluminum oxide waveguides, with the potential for achieving an on-chip passively mode-locked laser. All components of the laser are fabricated in a CMOS-compatible silicon photonics process.
Immunity against fungi

Pathogenic fungi cause a wide range of syndromes in immune-competent and immune-compromised individuals, with life-threatening disease primarily seen in humans with HIV/AIDS and in patients receiving immunosuppressive therapies for cancer, autoimmunity, and end-organ failure. The discovery that specific primary immune deficiencies manifest with fungal infections and the development of animal models of mucosal and invasive mycoses have facilitated insight into fungus-specific recognition, signaling, effector pathways, and adaptive immune responses. Progress in deciphering the molecular and cellular basis of immunity against fungi is guiding preclinical studies into vaccine and immune reconstitution strategies for vulnerable patient groups. Furthermore, recent work has begun to address the role of endogenous fungal communities in human health and disease. In this review, we summarize a contemporary understanding of protective immunity against fungi.
Aqueous Processing for Printed Organic Electronics: Conjugated Polymers with Multistage Cleavable Side Chains

The ability to process conjugated polymers via aqueous solution is highly advantageous for reducing the costs and environmental hazards of large scale roll-to-roll processing of organic electronics. However, maintaining competitive electronic properties while achieving aqueous solubility is difficult for several reasons: (1) Materials with polar functional groups that provide aqueous solubility can be difficult to purify and characterize, (2) many traditional coupling and polymerization reactions cannot be performed in aqueous solution, and (3) ionic groups, though useful for obtaining aqueous solubility, can lead to a loss of solid-state order, as well as a screening of any applied bias. As an alternative, we report a multistage cleavable side chain method that combines desirable aqueous processing attributes without sacrificing semiconducting capabilities. Through the attachment of cleavable side chains, conjugated polymers have for the first time been synthesized, characterized, and purified in organic...
Exploring Differences in Business Undergraduate Perceptions by Preferred Classroom Delivery Mode.

The purpose of this study was to compare business undergraduate online/hybrid course perceptions across three different preferred classroom environment delivery modes: online, hybrid or face-to-face (F2F). Four different perceptions were measured: perceived favorability of online/hybrid courses (PFoOc); intent to recommend online/hybrid courses; perceived learning; and timely graduation. Undergraduates who were taking at least one online or hybrid class voluntarily completed an online survey. In the fall 2015 a complete-data sample n of 264 respondents was obtained and in the spring 2016 the complete-data sample n was 272. Consistent results across both samples were found for three of four outcomes. Undergraduates who preferred either online or hybrid classroom delivery had significantly higher PFoOC and intent to recommend online/hybrid courses than students preferring F2F. There were no differences in perceived timely graduation across the three classroom delivery mode groups, and inconsistent results were found for perceived learning. The fall sample showed no differences on perceived learning but for the spring sample, undergraduates preferring either an online or hybrid delivery mode perceived higher learning than F2F preferred-mode students. A new, short four-item measure of PFoOC was found to reliable. As universities increase their online and hybrid course offerings keeping course integrity or equivalence between F2F and online/hybrid course sections will be important. Ways to increase the PFoOC for undergraduates who prefer F2F are suggested. Increased PFoOC should lead to higher intent to recommend online/hybrid courses.
The Development of the Proteinoid Model for the Origin of Life

It is a pleasure to contribute an article commemorating seven full decades of Sidney W. Fox and two-and-a-half decades of the proteinoid theory. This article in part reviews some of Fox’s major research accomplishments, which have evolved to be known as the proteinoid model (or theory) for the origin of life. However, the range of his research and of his thinking are, I believe, better viewed after some focus on features of the unique arena in which the work is being done, and on some preconceptions and untested speculations that abound in that arena. Also, some ideas about the significances and the acceptance of the proteinoid model are presented.
Energy release rate approximation for edge cracks using higher-order topological derivatives

Topological derivatives provide the variation of a functional when an infinitesimal hole is introduced into the domain. In Silva et al. (J Mech Phys Solids 59(5):925–939, 2011), the authors developed a first-order approximation of the energy release rate associated with a small crack at any boundary location and at any orientation using a first-order topological derivative. This approach offers significant computational advantages over other methods because (i) it requires only a single analysis while other methods require an analysis for each crack size-location-direction combination, and (ii) it is performed on the non-cracked domain, removing the need to create very fine meshes in the vicinity of the crack. In the present study, higher-precision approximations of the energy release rate are developed using higher-order topological derivatives which allow the analyst to accurately treat longer cracks and determine the crack lengths for which the first-order approximation is accurate.
Consumer need for mobile app atmospherics and its relationships to shopper responses

Abstract This study developed and tested a conceptual model delineating the interrelationships among hedonic shopping orientation, consumer need for mobile app atmospherics, entertainment gratification, mobile irritation, and intention to reuse mobile apps for apparel shopping. A total of 216 U.S. mobile shoppers in the age range of 18–34 participated in the study. Consumers with a higher need for mobile app atmospherics tended to experience increased entertainment gratification and reduced irritation in using mobile apps. Hedonic shopping orientation was found to be an antecedent of consumer need for mobile app atmospherics. However, hedonic shoppers’ mixed emotions toward mobile apps were confirmed through the positive influences of hedonic shopping orientation on both entertainment gratification and irritation. Consumer need for mobile app atmospherics played a significant role in predicting the intention to reuse mobile apps for apparel shopping, along with entertainment gratification and mobile irritation. This study extended the research scope of mobile shopping behavior and provided implications for mobile app retailing.
Fibroblast Growth Factor 23 and Klotho Contribute to Airway Inflammation

Circulating levels of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)23 are associated with systemic inflammation and increased mortality in chronic kidney disease. α-Klotho, a co-receptor for FGF23, is downregulated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, whether FGF23 and Klotho-mediated FGF receptor (FGFR) activation delineates a pathophysiological mechanism in COPD remains unclear. We hypothesised that FGF23 can potentiate airway inflammation via Klotho-independent FGFR4 activation.FGF23 and its effect were studied using plasma and transbronchial biopsies from COPD and control patients, and primary human bronchial epithelial cells isolated from COPD patients as well as a murine COPD model.Plasma FGF23 levels were significantly elevated in COPD patients. Exposure of airway epithelial cells to cigarette smoke and FGF23 led to a significant increase in interleukin-1β release via Klotho-independent FGFR4-mediated activation of phospholipase Cγ/nuclear factor of activated T-cells signalling. In addition, Klotho knockout mice developed COPD and showed airway inflammation and elevated FGFR4 expression in their lungs, whereas overexpression of Klotho led to an attenuation of airway inflammation.Cigarette smoke induces airway inflammation by downregulation of Klotho and activation of FGFR4 in the airway epithelium in COPD. Inhibition of FGF23 or FGFR4 might serve as a novel anti-inflammatory strategy in COPD.
External cavity GaSb-based cascade diode lasers with tuning range of 280 nm centered near 3.13 μm

Cascade type-I quantum well GaSb-based laser heterostructures with broad optical gain demonstrated tuning from 2.99 to 3.27 μm (above 35 meV) in Littrow external cavity configuration. The devices generated up to 5 mW of the narrow spectrum output power in continuous wave regime at room temperature.
Novel Thermal Energy Conversion Technologies for Advanced Electric Air Vehicles

Future air vehicles will increasingly incorporate electrical powertrains that require very tight integration of power, propulsion, thermal, and airframe technologies. This paper provides an overview of a new category of thermal energy conversion technologies that can be used to provide highly efficient turbo-generation and electric propulsion, while synergistically managing and recycling both the low grade waste heat from electrical components and the high grade waste heat from engine components.