cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Logical analysis of hybrid systems: a complete answer to a complexity challenge

Hybrid systems have a complete axiomatization in differential dynamic logic relative to continuous systems. They also have a complete axiomatization relative to discrete systems. Moreover, there is a constructive reduction of properties of hybrid systems to corresponding properties of continuous systems or to corresponding properties of discrete systems. We briefly summarize and discuss some of the implications of these results.
The relationship between regional compactness and regional innovation capacity (RIC): Empirical evidence from a national study

Abstract Innovation has become a key driver of economic growth, benefitting from knowledge production and technological advancements. Existing literature on the geography of innovation examines agglomeration economies, density, and the diversity of knowledge intensive firms, yet often overlooks the role of urban form. Generally, compact urban form, as opposed to sprawling regions, offers rich amenities, accessibility to public transit and a higher quality of places. Since such features attract educated millennial, the driving force behind knowledge-based and innovation economy, compact regions could be conducive to the innovation capacity. This study builds on Metropolitan Compactness Index (MCI) and examines the relationship between regional compactness and Regional Innovation Capacity (RIC) in the US. Findings indicate that all three indicators of RIC – the average number of patents, firm innovations, and the number of innovative small firms – are positively associated with MCI, while their relationships were significant in two models. Policy implications suggest that sprawling regions could hinder the innovation capacity, while compact regions could remove the physical barriers to innovation generation through offering high quality places and accessibility to urban amenities. This could facilitate social interactions and enhance social capital, while minimizing poverty and segregation. Investment in compact urban forms, thus, deserves greater attention.
The effect of topology in Lewis pair functionalized metal organic frameworks on CO2 adsorption and hydrogenation

We have used density functional theory and classical grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations to identify two functionalized metal organic frameworks (MOFs) that have the potential to be used for both CO2 capture from flue gas and catalytic conversion of CO2 to valuable chemicals. These new materials based on MIL-140B and MIL-140C functionalized with Lewis pair (acid and base) moieties, which are integrated into the framework linkers. We show that the Lewis pair functional groups are capable of catalyzing heterolytic dissociation of H2 and subsequent hydrogenation of CO2 through concerted 2-H addition. We have examined the effect of pore size and framework topology on the competitive binding of H2 and CO2. We show that the small pore size of functionalized MIL-140B stabilizes the formation of a pre-activated CO2 species and that this pre-activated CO2 has a lower overall reaction barrier for hydrogenation of CO2 to formic acid than a competing pathway in the same material that does not go through a pre-activated complex. We demonstrate that steric hindrance can potentially break energy scaling relationships, which limit the ability to optimize traditional heterogeneous catalysts, by independently changing one part of the CO2 hydrogenation pathway, without negatively impacting other parts of the pathway. Specifically, we show that steric effects can reduce the CO2 hydrogenation barrier without impacting the H2 dissociation barrier or binding energy.
Studies on silk secretion in the Trichoptera (F. Limmephilidae). II. Structure and amino acid composition of the silk.

The ultrastructure and amino acid composition of the secreted silk of two species of trichopteran larvae, Pycnopsyche guttifer (Walk.) and Neophylax concinnus McL., were investigated. The spinnerets of these two animals were also examined by scanning electron microscopy. The silk consists of double-stranded, flat ribbons (1–4 μ wide), composed of bundles of 15–25 A filaments. There are two components of the silk: the fiber proper and a surrounding coat thought to be a silk “gum”. Only the outer coat is positive to the EM PATP technique of Thiery (1967), which indicated the presence of neutral sugars. Amino acid analyses of Pycnopsyche silk show that, like other silks, two predominant amino acids are glycine and serine. Arginine, unexpectedly, is the third most abundant and there are a large number of basic and long side-chain amino acids. X-ray diffraction studies of the silk indicate that it has a less crystalline, more amorphous structure than that of other silks.
Weyl bound for GL(2) in t-aspect via a simple delta method

Abstract We use a simple delta method to prove the Weyl bound in t-aspect for the L-function of a holomorphic or a Hecke-Maass cusp form of arbitrary level and nebentypus. In particular, this extends the results of Meurman and Jutila for the t-aspect Weyl bound, and the recent result of Booker, Milinovich and Ng to Hecke cusp forms of arbitrary level and nebentypus.
Experimental and computational investigation of PVDF– $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{{3}}$$ BaTiO 3 interface for impact sensing and energy harvesting applications

The interfacial polarization between PVDF and $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{{3}}$$ was studied using density functional theory calculations and atomic charge density analysis. A comparative study of dielectric relaxation, thermodynamic properties and impact analysis of the electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and a 3 $$\%$$ $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{{3}}$$ –PVDF nanofibrous composite are presented. The frequency-dependent dielectric properties revealed the microstructural feature of the composite material. The impedance analysis and Nyquist plots showed a decrease in the bulk resistance of the composite compared to the pure PVDF. The temperature dependence of the electric modulus shows Arrhenius-type behavior. The electric loss modulus relaxation peak shifts towards the high frequency side which indicates a decrease in relaxation time and faster charge carrier dynamics. The observed non-Debye type dielectric relaxation in electric loss modulus follows a thermally activated process, which can be attributed to the polaron hopping effect. The particle-induced crystallization of the PVDF polymer is supported by thermodynamic properties from differential scanning calorimetric measurements. The observed increase in piezoelectric response from high strain rate impact sensing was attributed to the interfacial interaction between PVDF and $$\hbox {BaTiO}_{{3}}$$ .
Utilizing quantitative multiplex immunofluorescence to characterize paracrine interactions within the tumor-immune landscape of metastatic melanoma.

e15184Background: Clinical responses to anti-PD1 immunotherapy in patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) remain challenging to predict. This clinical heterogeneity is also reflected in the tumor-im...
Altered outer hair cell mitochondrial and subsurface cisternae connectomics are candidate mechanisms for hearing-loss in mice

Organelle crosstalk is vital for cellular functions. The propinquity of mitochondria, ER, and plasma membrane promote regulation of multiple functions, which include intracellular Ca2+ flux, and cellular biogenesis. Although the purposes of apposing mitochondria and ER have been described, an understanding of altered organelle connectomics related to disease states is emerging. Since inner ear outer hair cell (OHC) degeneration is a common trait of age-related hearing loss, the objective of this study was to investigate whether the structural and functional coupling of mitochondria with subsurface cisternae (SSC) was affected by aging. We applied functional and structural probes to equal numbers of male and female mice with a hearing phenotype akin to human aging. We discovered the polarization of cristae and crista junctions in mitochondria tethered to the SSC in OHCs. Aging was associated with SSC stress and decoupling of mitochondria with the SSC, mitochondrial fission/fusion imbalance, a remarkable reduction in mitochondrial and cytoplasmic Ca2+ levels, reduced K+-induced Ca2+ uptake, and marked plasticity of cristae membranes. A model of structure-based ATP production predicts profound energy stress in older OHCs. This report provides data suggesting that altered membrane organelle connectomics may result in progressive hearing loss.
E-Cigarette Device Types Used by Middle School Students and High School Students-The U.S., 2019.

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of e-cigarette device types used most often among youth currently using e-cigarettes in a nationally representative survey. Methods Data from the 2019 National Youth Tobacco Survey were used to estimate the proportion of middle school and high school e-cigarette users using different e-cigarette device types. Unadjusted logistic regression was used to test for differences in demographic characteristics and tobacco use patterns by device type (n = 3,608). Results The device types most often used by students were e-cigarettes with prefilled pods/cartridges (54.0%) and refillable tanks (24.3%), then mod systems (10.1%), unknown device types (8.9%), and disposable e-cigarettes (2.6%). Differences were observed between the use of closed (prefilled pods/cartridges, disposables) and open (tanks, mods) device types for noncigarette combusted tobacco product use, age first tried an e-cigarette, exclusive e-cigarette use, and use of flavors. Conclusions Most students used closed device types most often, especially e-cigarettes with prefilled pods/cartridges. The use of flavors and some tobacco use patterns differed by device type.
Virtual reality perspective-taking at scale: Effect of avatar representation, choice, and head movement on prosocial behaviors:

The present investigation examined the effect of avatar representation, choice, and head movement on prosocial behaviors and measures of presence after a virtual reality perspective-taking (VRPT) t...
Comparison of Ranges of Applicability of Predictions of Creep Buckling Time

The most rigorous theory of the creep buckling of initially imperfect columns (due to Hoff and Fraeijs de Veubeke) is examined for possible simplifications. It is found that the influence of plasticity on the life of a column can be ignored under certain conditions characterized by the proportional limit stress, a creep parameter, the applied stress, and the initial curvature. These conditions are conveniently presented in the form of graphs for steady creep as represented by the power and the exponen tial laws.
Radiopharmaceutical preparation of technetium-99m-labeled galactosyl neoglycoalbumin.

Publisher Summary The principal safety features of an injectable solution are sterility and apyrogenicity. A sterile solution does not contain living organisms; an apyrogenic solution does not contain metabolic products of living organisms or debris of dead organisms which can cause a pyretic response on injection. In humans the pyretic response illicits a sudden onset of chills and fever. The chapter describes a method for the laboratory-scale production of an injectable solution of a radiolabeled neoglycoalbumin. This method is applicable to any radiolabeled macromolecule and is directed toward the academic setting where moderate amounts of injectable material are required for testing “proof-of-principle” or a clinical hypothesis.
CONSTRUÇÃO CENTRAL DA ALMA: DO GNOSTICISMO AO MOVIMENTO DE TRANSFORMAÇÃO EM JUNG

O presente artigo discorre sobre os possiveis significados do termo gnostico, as possiveis razoes do interesse de Carl Gustav Jung pelo mesmo, e questiona se o gnosticismo esta relacionado com a mensagem do Jesus andarilho. Tendo confirmado o conteudo gnostico do evangelho segundo Tome, objeto do interesse de Jung, e feita uma exegese do seu quadragesimo-segundo versiculo, discorrendo sobre uma possivel assercao de Jesus para sermos andarilhos conotativa e denotativamente. O encorajamento dado por Jesus no evangelho segundo Tome e ampliado por exemplos de viajantes do seculo I, obtidos de autores gregos e romanos que lhe foram contemporâneos. Conclui-se que Jesus pregou sua mensagem como andarilho, seguindo uma pratica comum em sua epoca, e que conteudos gnosticos tem uma mensagem relevante para a Igreja hodierna. Palavras-chave: Carl Gustav Jung. Gnosticismo. Evangelho de Tome. Transitoriedade na Vida, Viagens de Jesus. Viagens no Seculo I.
La ganadería y el acceso al mercado en una región lejana, Mato Grosso, Brasil, c. 1900 a 1940

Resumen es: Por decadas historiadores economicos de America Latina han estudiado las materias primas, para expli- car el caracter de las conexiones comerciales inter...
Human Factors in Medical Devices

In this article, we initially discuss human factors as defined by the FDA followed by three classic case studies. The ramifications of legal issues are then presented. Concurrent good human factors methods are then described, followed by some key topic areas including alarms, labeling, automation, and reporting. Future issues regarding human factors and medical devices are subsequently offered with conclusions and future directions of this field depicted. First, it is instructive to review the present state of affairs on how the FDA defines human factors engineering within the context of when humans interact with medical devices. The term human factors engineering is a persuasive term in the literature describing present FDA standards. Keywords: human factors engineering; FDA; device failure hazard; methods; alarms; labeling; telemedicine
Heparin Modulates the Binding of Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) Binding Protein-5 to a Membrane Protein in Osteoblastic Cells

Osteoblast-like cells secrete insulin-like growth factor (IGF) binding protein-5 (IGFBP-5), which may act to enhance IGF-stimulated osteoblast function. We recently demonstrated that carboxyl-truncated IGFBP-5 (IGFBP-51-) binds to the osteoblast surface and stimulates mitogenesis by a pathway that is independent of IGF action. The present study was conducted to determine the mechanism of osteoblast binding of IGFBP-5, beginning with the assumption that cell surface glycosaminoglycans may mediate the binding of this heparin binding protein. Intact 125I-IGFBP-5 and 125I-IGFBP-51- exhibited one-site binding to mouse osteoblast monolayers with dissociation constants of 28 and 6 nM for intact 125I-IGFBP-5 and 125I-IGFBP-51-, respectively. Osteoblast binding of intact 125I-IGFBP-5 was inhibited by low heparin concentrations, while 125I-IGFBP-51- binding was stimulated by heparin. Treatment of cells with heparinase or chlorate to decrease surface glycosaminoglycan density failed to reduce the binding of either form of IGFBP-5. In contrast, pretreatment of cells with IGFBP-5 caused down-regulation of 125I-IGFBP-5 binding. Cross-linking studies revealed that both intact 125I-IGFBP-5 and 125I-IGFBP-51- bind to proteins in Triton extracts of osteoblast membranes, which were absent in osteoblast-derived matrix. Purification of membrane extracts by IGFBP-5 affinity chromatography revealed a 420-kDa band on reduced SDS-polyacrylamide gels. While the membrane protein internalized both forms of IGFBP-5, heparin treatment inhibited the internalization of intact 125I-IGFBP-5 but stimulated 125I-IGFBP-51- internalization. These data indicate that IGFBP-5 binds to and is internalized by an osteoblast membrane protein, which does not appear to be a proteoglycan. Glycosaminoglycans, however, modulate the binding and internalization of IGFBP-5 in a way that may preferentially favor the intracellular accumulation of the carboxyl-truncated form.
Results of a Galactic Survey for the Ring Molecule Cyclopropenylidene (C 3 H 2 )

A survey for the organic ring molecule, cyclopropenylidene (C3H2) in 100 Galactic sources indicates that the molecule is widespread with abundances relative to H2 as large as 10-8 in dark cloud environments. Gas phase chemical models are consistent with observations.
On the Influence of Tube Diameter on the Development of Gaseous Detonation

Streak photographs of the transition from slow-burning to detonation have been obtained by self-light photography of the flame using a rotating drum camera. Experiments were performed with stoichiometric hydrogen-oxygen mixtures contained in plastic tubes closed at one end and ignited by pilot flames. The investigation included the effect of tube diameter and distance of ignitor from closed end on the development of detonation. The plots of detonation induction distances and times as a function of tube diameter indicate the existence of asymptotes. Above a certain value of tube diameter there should be no further increase of induction distance and time with increasing tube diameter. A graph of average detonation induction velocity, that is, the ratio of average induction distance to time, shows that wall effects are noticeable only for tubes with a diameter smaller than about 1 cm. Maximum observed flame velocities, attaining the value of 3.1 km/sec, have been observed immediately following the onset of retonation before the combustion front settles down to the Chapman-Jouguet detonation with a velocity of 2.8 km/sec. The plot of world lines on the log-log scale revealed that the development process can be bracketed between two asymptotes, one corresponding to an acceleration which decreases, or is sometimes even negative, and the other with acceleration that increases with time. The average value of observed accelerations was of an order of 106 m/sec2.
Megadose intranasal methylphenidate (Ritalin) abuse in adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is commonly co-occurring with other psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders. Stimulants have proven to be the pharmacological treatment of choice of ADHD along the life span. Contrary to media hype which compared the addictive potential of methylphenidate (MPD) to cocaine, only a handful of case studies on the abuse of prescription MPD by ADHD patients have been published. This case study centers on the treatment management and aftercare implications of an adult ADHD patient who abused 700 mg of prescribed MPD intranasally during a 3-day binge.
Modeling Soot Formation Using Reduced Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Chemistry in n-Heptane Lifted Flames With Application to Low Temperature Combustion

A numerical study of in-cylinder soot formation and oxidation processes in n-heptane lifted flames using various soot inception species has been conducted. In a recent study by the authors, it was found that the soot formation and growth regions in lifted flames were not adequately represented by using acetylene alone as the soot inception species. Comparisons with a conceptual model and available experimental data suggested that the location of soot formation regions could be better represented if polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) species were considered as alternatives to acetylene for soot formation processes. Since the local temperatures are much lower under low temperature combustion conditions, it is believed that significant soot mass contribution can be attributed to PAH rather than to acetylene. To quantify and validate the above observations, a reduced n-heptane chemistry mechanism has been extended to include PAH species up to four fused aromatic rings (pyrene). The resulting chemistry mechanism was integrated into the multidimensional computational fluid dynamics code KIVA-CHEMKIN for modeling soot formation in lifted flames in a constant volume chamber. The investigation revealed that a simpler model that only considers up to phenanthrene (three fused rings) as the soot inception species has good possibilities for better soot location predictions. The present work highlights and illustrates the various research challenges toward accurate qualitative and quantitative predictions of the soot for new low emission combustion strategies for internal combustion engines.
Novel regulations of glutamate and aspartate uptake by HeLa cells

Pathways of L-glutamate and L-aspartate import by HeLa S3 cells were investigated before and after the cells were depleted of internal amino acids by starvation. Two new regulations of transport were observed in starved cells. Aspartate entered nonstarved cells by two routes, one non-saturable and one, an apparent analog of saturable system X-AG, that was sodium-dependent and competitively inhibited by glutamate. Starvation for one hour in saline increased the efficiency of saturable aspartate import, increasing Vmax and decreasing Km, an effect not previously reported for system X-AG. Glutamate uptake by nonstarved cells appeared to occur through system X-AG; through an analog of system X-C, which was sodium-independent, cystine- and quisqualate-inhibitable; as well as through one or more nonsaturable pathways. Starvation in saline for one hour resulted in the appearance of a new low-affinity saturable glutamate uptake system. This new system was sodium-dependent but not inhibited by aspartate.
The Role of Peer Stress and Pubertal Timing on Symptoms of Psychopathology During Early Adolescence

Stress is known to amplify the link between pubertal timing and psychopathology. However, few studies have examined the role of peer stress as a context for this link. The present study examined the interaction between perceived pubertal timing and peer stress on symptoms of psychopathology in early adolescence. The sample consisted of 264 students (63% female; M age = 12.40, SD = 1.00; 55% Caucasian, 23% African American, 7% Latino, 11% biracial and 4% other). Higher peer stress was associated with symptoms of anxiety/depression; this effect did not vary by timing or gender. However, early-maturing girls with high peer stress demonstrated higher rates of relational and overt aggression compared to other girls. Findings also suggested that late-maturing boys with high stress are at risk for aggression problems; however, due to the small number of boys, analyses were exploratory. Overall, results suggest that developmentally salient contexts as indicated by stressful peer experiences may pose unique threats to early maturing girls and possibly late-maturing boys.
Exocytosis and directed movement of cytoplasmic vesicles toward the plasma membrane.

Abstract An electrophoretic hypothesis is proposed to explain the movement of secretory vesicles toward the plasma membrane during the process of exocytosis. Stimulus-controlled regulation of ion flux is achieved by the selective localization of ion pumps or channels coupled to hormone receptors at the apical or basolateral regions of the plasma membrane. This regulation produces a transcytoplasmic voltage gradient which causes the electrophoresis of charged secretory vesicles toward their site of vesicle-membrane fusion and release of contents. The measured zeta potential of chromaffin granules (−14·4mV) was substituted into the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski equation of electrophoretic mobility. A potential gradient of −7·7 mV/μm could drive a vesicle at a velocity of 1 μm/s. The maximum particle velocity observed in axonal flow in neurons (4·7 μ/s) can be powered by a cytoplasmic potential gradient of −36 mV/μm. Predictions and experimental tests of the electrophoretic model of exocytosis are described.
SOME APPLICATIONS OF GALLAGHER'S THEOREM IN HARMONIC ANALYSIS

We present a simple example of an integrable function for which the integral is not differentiable almost everywhere in the strong sense. A first example of such a function was given by S. Saks in 1935. Our construction is considerably more simple, due to the use of a remarkable theorem of P. X. Gallagher.
Highly excited, normally inaccessible vibrational levels by sub-doppler modulated gain spectroscopy: The Na2 A1Σ+u state

Abstract Modulated gain spectroscopy is a sensitive, widely applicable, rovibronically state selective, sub-Doppler, triple resonance method for examining excited vibronic levels which are Franck—Condon inaccessible from thermally populated levels of the electronic ground state. A cw optically pumped molecular laser (OPL) prepares a steady-state population in a selected, vibrationally highly excited, rotation-vibration level of the electronic ground state (the lower level of the OPL transition). An intensity-modulated, single frequency dye laser excites part of this intracavity OPL-prepared population to the level of interest, thereby causing an increase in the OPL population inversion density, and, in turn, its output power. As the frequency of the dye laser is scanned, resonances are selectively detected by the appearance of modulation on the OPL output power; discrimination against dye laser excitations out of levels unconnected with the OPL is nearly perfect. Sub-Doppler (≈300 MHz FWHM) transitions are observed, thereby extending knowledge of the Na 2 A 1 Σ + u state from v =44 to 62.
Methods to Enhance Student Learning: A Student Appraisal of the 2007 Annual Learning Technologies Showcase

Purpose – To highlight the latest technologies that were showcased as this annual event of learning technologies in higher education.Design/Methodology/approach – Conference report.Findings – Several different technologies were emphasized that can be scaled with relative ease and others that require more commitment to learn and use creatively and appropriately. The range included very practical technologies as well as virtual reality platforms such as Second Life, now increasingly used for different collaborative exchanges and learning opportunities that promote visual queues and interactions.Originality Value – Most campuses today have such a technology forum to promote how technology can be used in new instructional and administrative capacities. This showcase emphasized the instructional methods and introduced attendees to podcasting, VOIP and other communication technologies that can be used in the classroom and in distance education programs.
Work in progress: Hands-on biomechanics lab for undergraduate universities

This paper discusses the development of a biomechanics lab course suitable for use at undergraduate engineering institutions who wish to expand their elective offerings or move towards developing a bioengineering degree program. The labs are designed to be low cost and feasible in a teaching environment with groups of students rotating through stationary lab setups. The biomechanics course at the University of Portland has nine labs. The six stationary labs are 1) Gait Force Profile Analysis, 2) Basketball Freethrow Arm Angle Analysis, 3) Biomechanical Arm Muscle Analysis, 4) Muscle Fatigue Analysis, 5) Occupational Biomechanics Glove Fatigue Analysis, and 6) Breathing, Heart Rate, and Knee Motion Analysis. The three labs performed as a class are 7) Sprint Acceleration and Terminal Velocity Analysis, 8) Auto Collision Analysis, and 9) Orthopaedic Implant Mechanical Testing. The remainder of this paper is a detailed description of each lab, its learning objectives, and how it was implemented. Other aspects, such as final projects, research reports, and student opinions of the course will also be discussed.
Contribution of tactile information to accuracy in pointing movements

We examined the contribution of tactile cues to accuracy during point-to-point movements. We used a task in which the experimenter guided either the left or right hand of the subject to a spatial location during the reference movement. During the subsequent test movement subjects were asked to point with the right hand to the remembered location without vision. Subjects contacted the target with their fingertip either during the reference movement, both the reference and test movements, or neither movement (i.e., the fingertip was held above the target surface). To differentiate between the contribution of tactile and proximal deep pressure information, the left index finger was anesthetized in a subsequent experiment. When subjects contacted the surface with the fingertip of the reference hand alone, error in movement direction decreased. When subjects made fingertip contact during the reference and test movements, gain error also decreased. Anesthesia of the fingertip degraded accuracy, suggesting that tactile information, independent of information from proximal deep pressure receptors, influenced movement accuracy. Thus, tactile information contributed to accuracy in pointing movements. We suggest that forces at fingertip contact may provide information regarding the orientation of the finger and forearm in space, which is used to replicate final arm posture. In addition, tactile cues at the beginning and end of the movement may be used to scale movement amplitude.
2.3 nm barrier AlN/GaN HEMTs with insulated gates

Ultra-shallow channel AlN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) structures with a 2.3 nm AlN barrier were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) on sapphire substrates. They exhibit 2-D electron gas densities of ∼ 1.4 x 1013 cm–2 and electron hall mobilities of ∼ 1600 cm2/Vs. Insulated-gate stacks of SiNx/Al2O3/Ni/Au were used to suppress the gate leakage current, which is found to largely stem from dislocation-assisted leakage paths. AlN/GaN HEMTs with 250 nm gate length showed DC output current densities of up to 1.6 A/mm, transconductances of ∼ 300 mS/mm, and extrinsic ft/fmax of 24/52 GHz. These performance metrics demonstrate that these ultra-shallow channel AlN/GaN heterostructures hold a lot of promises for high-power high-frequency device applications. (© 2008 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Worry propensity and the perception of risk.

This paper examines how the tendency to worry impacts risk estimation for an upcoming, stressful event. Students in a statistics class completed worry, anxiety, and subjective risk questionnaires on the first day of class. State-anxiety and subjective risk questionnaires were again administered immediately before their first examination. Subjects showed significant increases in anxiety and the perceived risk of poor academic performance in the class. Risk domains unrelated to the examination (e.g., physical threats) remained stable across measurement periods. Regression analysis was used to determine the independent contribution of worry propensity in predicting elevations in the perceived risk of poor academic performance. The analysis showed that worry propensity predicted subjective risk bias, even after variance attributable to current mood and trait anxiety had been removed. Results from a second series of regression equations suggested subjective risk biases partially mediated the relationship between worry propensity and current mood. These results are used to argue that the elevations in state anxiety observed when worriers are confronted with a stressful event are largely a function of risk inflation.
Long term impact of emotional, social and cognitive intelligence competencies and GMAT on career and life satisfaction and career success

ABSTRACT Career scholars have called for a broader definition of career success by inviting greater exploration of its antecedents. While success in various jobs has been predicted by intelligence and in other studies by competencies, especially in management, long term impact of having intelligence and using competencies has not been examined. Even in collegiate outcome studies, few have examined the longer term impact on graduates’ careers or lives. This study assesses the impact of demonstrated emotional, social, and cognitive intelligence competencies assessed at graduation and g measured through GMAT at entry from an MBA program on career and life satisfaction, and career success assessed 5 to 19 years after graduation. Using behavioral measures of competencies (i.e., as assessed by others), we found that emotional intelligence competencies predict career satisfaction and success. Adaptability had a positive impact, but influence had the opposite effect on these career measures and life satisfaction. Life satisfaction was negatively affected by achievement orientation and positively affected by teamwork. Current salary, length of marriage, and being younger at time of graduation positively affect all three measures of life and career satisfaction and career success. GMAT (as a measure of g) predicted life satisfaction and career success to a slight but significant degree in the final model analyzed. Meanwhile, being female and number of children positively affected life satisfaction but cognitive intelligence competencies negatively affected it, and in particular demonstrated systems thinking was negative.
A fast Hermite transform

We present algorithms for fast and stable approximation of the Hermite transform of a compactly supported function on the real line, attainable via an application of a fast algebraic algorithm for computing sums associated with a three-term relation. Trade-offs between approximation in bandlimit (in the Hermite sense), and size of the support region are addressed. Numerical experiments are presented that show the feasibility and utility of our approach. Generalizations to any family of orthogonal polynomials are outlined. Applications to various problems in tomographic reconstruction, including the determination of protein structure, are discussed.
New AASHTO T336-09 Coefficient of Thermal Expansion Test Method: How Will It Affect You?

Although many papers were published during the past decade on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and its impact on concrete pavement design, an error was recently discovered in the AASHTO TP60-00 about the calibration of the testing equipment and, consequently, determination of the concrete CTE. The new AASHTO T336-09, even though based on the TP60-00, rectifies this calibration issue. This paper presents differences between the two test methods and implications for the Long-Term Pavement Performance database and for the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide and for its implementation by state departments of transportation. Recommendations are provided for improvements to the AASHTO T336-09 test method.
The Meaning of Myth in Ulysses and The Magic Mountain

In her article "The Meaning of Myth in Ulysses and The Magic Mountain" Susan V. Scaff discusses the proposition that Joyce and Mann combine in their novels myth and history and contradicts Joseph Frank's influential early view that modernist writers avoid history in favor of myth and the more recent verdict of Hayden White that this evasion amounts to an abrogation of civic responsibility mirroring fascism. Mann and Joyce recoil from the horrors of history while exploring the recovery of myth as amelioration. They realize that myths may lose their life bearing quality, and they portray a disoriented Europe lacking the creative power to reestablish connection with its grounding traditions. If humanity cared enough for its welfare, it would recall the regenerative myths of its heritage, yet the protagonists falter. While Hans Castorp, Stephen Dedalus, and Leopold Bloom are cast as heroes in ancient myths of return, in the present day no character completes his story. Just as disturbing, partisans like Joyce's Mr. Deasy and the citizen and Mann's Naphta and Settembrini defend dangerous ideological "myths." The novels balance these risks of unfulfillment and hostility with a theme of healing love represented most powerfully by Bloom: love creates attachments to family, home, and mythical heritage, the only hope for humanizing our lives and history. Susan V. Scaff, "The Meaning of Myth in Ulysses and The Magic Mountain" page 2 of 10 CLCWeb: Comparative Literature and Culture 11.2 (2009):
Appetite, Reason, and Education in Socrates' 'City of Pigs'

Abstract In Book II of the Republic (370c-372d), Socrates briefly depicts a city where each inhabitant contributes to the welfare of all by performing the role for which he or she is naturally suited. Socrates calls this city the ‘true city’ and the ‘healthy one’. Nearly all commentators have argued that Socrates’ praise of the city cannot be taken at face value, claiming that it does not represent Socrates’ preferred community. The point of this paper is to argue otherwise. The claim is that Socrates genuinely believes the city is a healthy and desirable city, and that he believes that the First City (the so-called ‘city of pigs’) is in fact superior to the Kallipolis.
Experience and the base-rate fallacy.

Abstract This study shows that decision makers can use the base rate to assess posterior probabilities when they have experienced the relationship between the base rate and the diagnostic information. When they experience only the base rate, they do not use it.
When two wrongs can make a right : Regulatory nonfit, bias, and correction of judgments

Abstract We propose that when people consider whether their judgments are accurate enough, feelings of wrongness from regulatory nonfit (inconsistency between regulatory state and strategic means) can suggest that the answer is no and enhance correction of judgments relative to feelings of rightness from regulatory fit. Results from two experiments supported that hypothesis. When we activated an accuracy motive, participants who experienced regulatory nonfit provided judgments more consistent with correction for bias when they experienced regulatory nonfit than when they experienced regulatory fit (Experiment 1). Drawing participants’ attention to an earlier event as a source of rightness feelings eliminated the effect of regulatory fit on apparent correction of judgments (Experiment 2), suggesting attribution of regulatory fit/nonfit feelings to the accuracy of those judgments.
Magnetic recording with acoustic waves

Abstract We demonstrate acoustically assisted magnetic recording (AAMR), a new paradigm in magnetic data storage. In this concept, otherwise unwriteable high-coercivity media, requisite for thermally stable high-density data storage, are made amenable to recording by lowering their coercivity via strain induced by surface acoustic waves. The basic principles of AAMR are proven using galfenol, a low-coercivity magnetostrictive material, as the recording medium. It is shown that the writing field needed to record data in the presence of acoustic strain is lower than the coercivity of the unstrained galfenol film. Further, it is demonstrated that interference between acoustic waves can be tailored to selectively address a bit on the recording medium.
A limiting infisup theorem

We show that duality gaps can be closed under broad hypotheses in minimax problems, provided certain changes are made in the maximum part which increase its value. The primary device is to add a linear perturbation to the saddle function, and send it to zero in the limit. Suprema replace maxima, and infima replace minima. In addition to the usual convexity-concavity type of assumptions on the saddle function and the sets, a form of semireflectivity is required for one of the two spaces of the saddle function. A sharpening of the results is possible when one of the spaces is finite-dimensional. A variant of the proof of the previous results leads to a generalization of a result of Sion, from which the theorem of Kneser and Fan follows.
A Re-Examination of Age and Attitudes toward Computers a Decade Later:

This study replicates an analysis by the co-author, Morris, that appeared in a 1988–89 Journal of Educational Technology Systems article. The more recent data were collected in 1999 as part of the ...
Deformation of Polycrystalline MgO at High Hydrostatic Pressure

Vacuum-hot-pressed MgO polycrystals were deformed in compression at hydrostatic pressures up to 1000 MPa in an effort to obtain gross plastic deformation at room temperature. Although transmission electron microscopy observations indicated an increase in dislocation density at pressures > 400 MPa, direct optical observations during deformation indicated that microfracturing persists as a mode of deformation throughout the stress-strain curves at even the highest test pressures. As in previous investigations, pressures > 400 MPa led to a transition from completely brittle to ductile behavior, as indicated by stress-strain plots, but direct optical observations suggested that the apparent transition is an effect of pressure on the mode of crack propagation.
The synthesis and characterization of nitrogen-containing ladder polymers and their model compounds

Abstract The linear polymers obtained by reacting 2,6-diaminotoluene with benzaldehyde or formaldehyde were condensed in polyphosphoric acid or aqueous HC1. The ladder polymers obtained were characterized by 1 H n.m.r., FT i.r., u.v.-vis. and g.p.c.
Pragmatism, Internalism, and the Authority of Claims

This paper develops and defends an internalist account of having authority for one's claim. It begins with Robert Brandom's pragmatist account of thinking which locates the root notion of reasoning in a primitive language game of asking for and giving reasons. The idea is that the authority of a claim can be spelled out by pragmatically in terms of the social practice of undertaking commitments and attributing entitlements. It is argued that this account fails to acknoledge the role of the subject's grasp of the higher-order concept of the evidence on which I base my claim
Force and stroke of a hydrogel actuator

Hydrogels that undergo a volume phase transition in response to an external stimulus are of great interest because of their possible use as actuator materials. The performance of an actuator material is normally characterized by its force–stroke curve, but little is known about the force–stroke behavior of hydrogels. We use the theory of the ideal elastomeric gel to predict the force–stroke curves of a temperature-sensitive hydrogel and introduce an experimental method for measuring the curve. The technique is applied to PNIPAm hydrogels with low cross-link densities. The maximum force generated by the hydrogel increases with increasing cross-link density, while the maximum stroke decreases. The force–stroke curves predicted by the theory of the ideal elastomeric gel are in very good agreement with the experimental curves.
Impact energy absorption of unidirectional glass fiber‐epoxy composites

The influence of resin and fiber properties on the impact behavior of composites can be assessed in a three-point drop-weight impact test by varying the length-to-thickness ratio of the specimen. The fracture initiation energy per unit deformed volume, wi, can be described by the expression: where τ11 is the tensile stress, τ12 is shear stress; E11 is tensile modulus; and G12 is shear modulus. A unidirectional glass fiberepoxy composite was tested at impact velocities of 2.2 m/s (5 mph) and 4.5 m/s (10 mph). The energy to initiate fracture, wi, was in the range of 2 to 3.5 MJ/m3, apparently independent of impact velocity. The total energy absorbed by the impacted composite was also found to be independent of impact rate but very sensitive to the length to thickness ratio: about 13 and 3.5 MJ/m3 at the corresponding ratios of 4.6 and 23. It was generally observed that high fracture energy is associated with extensive specimen delamination, i.e. failure in shear.
The effect of ecdysterone on cyprids of Balanus eburneus Gould

Abstract Synthetic ecdysterone in concentrations from 0.02 to 250 · 10−6 causes developmental abnormalities in the cyprids of Balanus eburneus Gould. These cyprids are unable to attach themselves to the substratum, but readily metamorphose into barnacles with recognizable adult shell structures; these remain encased within the cyprid valves, but live only for a short time. The possible involvement of an ecdysone system in the metamorphosis of cirripedes is discussed.
Growth, equality, and history☆

Abstract Complex policy issues deserve frequent reassessment, and the relationship between economic growth and equality is undeniably complex. Policymakers who care about trade-offs between the two goals continue to press the scientific limits of empirical economics. It takes an enormous sample of long-term national experiences to approximate the data base necessary to move debate from allegation to evidence. Fortunately, the sample continues to expand. Since the 1950s dozens of countries have produced evidence on income distribution and growth, and the records of some currently developed countries have been extended back into the 17th century. This article assesses the empirical harvest. Most of our inferences, however, are based on American and British history.
Sponge-like nanostructured conducting polymers for electrically controlled drug release

An electrically controlled drug release (ECDR) system based on sponge-like nanostructured conducting polymer (CP) polypyrrole (PPy) film was developed. The nanostructured PPy film was composed of template-synthesized nanoporous PPy covered with a thin protective PPy layer. The proposed controlled release system can load drug molecules in the polymer backbones and inside the nanoholes respectively. Electrical stimulation can release drugs from both the polymer backbones and the nanoholes, which significantly improves the drug load and release efficiency. Furthermore, with one drug incorporated in the polymer backbone during electrochemical polymerization, the nanoholes inside the polymer can act as containers to store a different drug, and simultaneous electrically triggered release of different drugs can be realized with this system.
The EAR-motif of the Cys2/His2-type Zinc Finger Protein Zat7 Plays a Key Role in the Defense Response of Arabidopsis to Salinity Stress

Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins, which contain the EAR transcriptional repressor domain, are thought to play a key role in regulating the defense response of plants to biotic and abiotic stress conditions. Although constitutive expression of several of these proteins was shown to enhance the tolerance of transgenic plants to abiotic stress, it is not clear whether the EAR-motif of these proteins is involved in this function. In addition, it is not clear whether suppression of plant growth, induced in transgenic plants by different Cys2/His2 EAR-containing proteins, is mediated by the EAR-domain. Here we report that transgenic Arabidopsis plants constitutively expressing the Cys2/His2 zinc finger protein Zat7 have suppressed growth and are more tolerant to salinity stress. A deletion or a mutation of the EAR-motif of Zat7 abolishes salinity tolerance without affecting growth suppression. These results demonstrate that the EAR-motif of Zat7 is directly involved in enhancing the tolerance of transgenic plants to salinity stress. In contrast, the EAR-motif appears not to be involved in suppressing the growth of transgenic plants. Further analysis of Zat7 using RNAi lines suggests that Zat7 functions in Arabidopsis to suppress a repressor of defense responses. A yeast two-hybrid analysis identified putative interactors of Zat7 and the EAR-domain, including WRKY70 and HASTY, a protein involved in miRNA transport. Our findings demonstrate that the EAR-domain of Cys2/His2-type zinc finger proteins plays a key role in the defense response of Arabidopsis to abiotic stresses.