cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Scattering and diffraction of plane SH-waves by two-dimensional inhomogeneities: Part I*

A wave expansion technique is presented for the analysis of scattered and diffracted plane SH-waves by two-dimensional inhomogeneities. Comparison of this approximate method with exact series solutions suggests that the proposed method may become a useful tool in predicting the local site amplification patterns in earthquake engineering applications which deal with the estimation of site specific spectra and in the problems involving earthquake response of long structures with multiple supports.
An optimal nonblocking multicast virtual circuit switch

This paper describes an architecture for a multicast virtual circuit switch using cell recycling. This is the first nonblocking switch architecture that is optimal in both the switching network complexity and the amount of memory required for routing cells in multicast virtual circuits. Furthermore, it is optimal in the amount of effort required for multicast virtual circuit modification. This architecture makes it both technically and economically feasible to construct the large switching systems that will ultimately be needed for wide scale deployment of broadband ISDN to residential users. >
Single Particle Orientation and Rotational Tracking (SPORT) in biophysical studies

The single particle orientation and rotational tracking (SPORT) techniques have seen rapid development in the past 5 years. Recent technical advances have greatly expanded the applicability of SPORT in biophysical studies. In this feature article, we survey the current development of SPORT and discuss its potential applications in biophysics, including cellular membrane processes and intracellular transport.
Modulation of plasmid DNA vaccine antigen clearance by caspase 12 RNA interference potentiates vaccination.

The magnitude of the immune responses elicited by plasmid DNA vaccines might be limited, in part, by the duration of vaccine antigen expression in vivo. To explore strategies for improving plasmid DNA vaccine efficacy, we studied the apoptotic process in myocytes of mice vaccinated intramuscularly. We found that after vaccination, the proapoptotic protein caspase 12 (Casp12) was upregulated in myocytes coincident with the loss of vaccine antigen expression. To harness this observation to improve plasmid DNA vaccine efficacy, we used RNA interference technology, coadministering plasmid DNA expressing a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) of Casp12 with plasmid DNA vaccine constructs. This treatment with shRNA Casp12, administered twice within the first 10 days following vaccine administration, increased antigen expression 7-fold, the antigenspecific CD8 T cell immune response 6-fold, and antigen-specific antibody production 5-fold. This study demonstrates the critical role for Casp12 in plasmid DNA vaccine-induced immune responses and shows that increased antigen expression mediated by down-modulation of Casp12 can be used to potentiate vaccine efficacy. While there are many benefits to using plasmid DNA as a vaccine immunogen, the utility of this vaccine modality has been limited by its failure to elicit sufficiently potent immune responses (26, 40). The immunogenicity of viral or bacterial vectors can be limited in humans by anti-vector immunity, either preexisting or generated as a consequence of repeated vaccine administration (28, 33). In contrast, vector backbone immunity is not generated against plasmid DNA immunogens. Therefore, repeated administration of plasmid DNA immunogens can induce increasing immune responses. Nevertheless, the immune responses elicited by repeated administration of plasmid DNA vectors are limited in nonhuman primates and humans. This limited immunogenicity may be a consequence of the relative brief duration of vaccine antigen expression in vivo. Approximately 14 days after intramuscular (i.m.) administration of plasmid DNA, an adaptive immune response that mediates the apoptotic destruction of vaccine antigen-expressing myocytes is generated (10). In the present study, we investigated the apoptotic process in the vaccine antigen-expressing myocytes of plasmid DNA-inoculated mice. We reasoned that a disruption of the apoptotic pathway through the use of RNA interference (RNAi) might prolong vaccine antigen expression, which might increase T cell and antibody responses. In fact, we found that RNAi targeting of caspase 12 (Casp12), a major proapoptotic protein activated 14 days after plasmid DNA vaccination, led to increased in vivo antigen expression and the augmentation of antigen-specific CD8 T cell and antibody responses.
Investigating a Moche Cast Copper Artifact for Its Manufacturing Technology

A Moche cast copper alloy object was investigated with focus on three main areas: the alloy composition, the casting technology, and the corrosion process. This complex artifact has thin connective arms between the body and the head, a situation that would be very difficult to cast. The entire artifact was mounted and polished allowing for complete microstructural and microchemical analysis, providing insight into the forming technology. In addition, gigapixel x-ray spectrum imaging was undertaken to explore the alloy composition and the solidification process of the entire sample. This process used four 30 mm2 SDD-EDS detectors to collect the 150 gigabyte file mapping an area of 46 080 × 39 934 pixels. Raman analysis was performed to confirm the corrosion compounds.
Comparative analysis of conventional and statistical design techniques

We explore the power benefits of changing a microprocessor path histogram through circuit sizing based on statistical timing analysis and optimization (STAO) versus a deterministic timing approach that uses statistical design to establish a global guardband followed by conventional optimization (SDGG). Using an analytical modeling approach, we quantify the differences in total power between the two approaches while maintaining an equivalent performance distribution. For a relative1sigma random WID stage delay variation of 5% and representative microprocessor critical paths, the analysis indicates that the STAO approach enables ~2% power reduction over the SDGG approach. To achieve a 4% and 6% power reduction through the STAO approach, the process variation needs to increase by a factor of 2x and 4x, respectively.
Laparoscopic appendectomy and cholecystectomy versus open: a study in 1999 pregnant patients.

When pregnant patients require surgery, whether to perform an operation open or laparoscopic is often debated. We evaluated the impact of laparoscopy for common general surgical problems in pregnancy to determine safety and trends in operative approach over time. Pregnant patients undergoing appendectomy or cholecystectomy were identified using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) database. We analyzed demographics, operative characteristics, and outcomes. Univariate comparison and multivariate regression analysis (MVA) were performed adjusting for confounding factors: age, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and smoking, and an additional MVA was performed for perforated cases. A total of 1999 pregnant patients between 2005 and 2012 were evaluated. Of 1335 appendectomies, 894 were performed laparoscopically (LA) and 441 open (OA). For 664 cholecystectomies, 606 were laparoscopic (LC) and 58 open (OC). There were no deaths. For LA versus OA, patient characteristics were not different {age: 27.7 vs. 28.2 years, p = 0.19; diabetes: 1.8 vs. 0.9 %, p = 0.24; smoking: 19 vs. 16.1 %, p = 0.2} except for BMI (27.9 vs. 28.4 kg/m2; p = 0.03). LA had shorter operative times (ORT), length of stay (LOS), and fewer postoperative complications compared to OA. In MVA, difference between approaches remained statistically significant for ORT ( 0.05). The percentage of LC cases appeared to increase over time (89 vs. 93 %, p = 0.06). While fetal events are unknown, LA and LC in pregnant patients demonstrated shorter ORT, LOS, and reduced complications and were performed more frequently over time. Even in perforated cases, laparoscopy appears safe in pregnant patients.
The Role of Information Technology in the Learning of Knowledge Work

Knowledge work is increasingly important in post-capitalist society (Drucker 1993, 1995) and is associated with new organizational forms and ways of working (Lucas 1996). These include flatter, less hierarchical organizational structures; more fluid job definitions and reporting structures; more competitive and faster paced work environments; and an increased reliance on information technology (IT) to perform work (Ruhleder, Jordan and Elmes 1996). Initiating knowledge workers into such firms and working environments and ensuring their continued performance and productivity will be critical to firms and may require new management practices. The purpose of the present research is to develop a theoretical framework which explores and describes how knowledge workers learn their jobs and the role that using IT plays in this process. Founded on the assumptions that learning and problem-solving are critical to knowledge work, and are socially constructed, situated in practice, and context-specific, the research presented here is part of an on-going interpretive case study based on theoretical underpinnings derived from the theory of legitimate peripheral participation (Lave and Wenger 1991). To develop this framework, one of the authors has gained access to a global strategic management consulting firm with offices in New York City where she is using ethnographic methods of interviewing and participant observation. This paper presents early results of the study, focusing specifically on how entry-level consultants, analysts and associates, learn and perform their jobs, and the role that using IT plays therein. The research is expected to have implications for training, mentoring and incentive policies for organizations operating in the IT-based, knowledge economy.
Impact of uncompensated dispersion on non-Gaussian statistics in duobinary transmission

We show through numerical simulation of 10.7- Gbits/s dense wavelength-division multiplexed DWDM duobinary transmission over 800 km of nonzero-dispersion- shifted fiber that uncompensated dispersion can introduce significant departures from Gaussian statistics in the re- ceiver current. © 2007 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Time and Power Based Positioning Scheme for Indoor Location Aware Services

Rapid growth in the number of wireless enabled devices has led to an increased interest in location-aware services. The core support for such services is provided by a location system. In this paper, we present a time and power based positioning scheme (TPPS) for indoor wireless local area network (WLAN) using an overlay sensor network. TPPS is based on time difference of arrival (TDoA) and received signal strength (RSS) using radio frequency and ultrasonic signals to measure and detect the range differences from the wireless mobile terminal to three sensor nodes. Mobile terminals can use TPPS to effectively estimate their locations based on the range differences. These range differences are averaged over multiple beacon intervals to counter interference and fading before they are combined to estimate the location of a mobile terminal through trilateration. TPPS requires low computation overhead and no time synchronization, as the location estimation algorithm involves only a simple algebraic operation.
Ca2+-binding proteins in the retina: From discovery to etiology of human disease

Examination of the role of Ca 2a -binding proteins (CaBPs) in mammalian retinal neurons has yielded new insights into the function of these proteins in normal and pathological states. In the last 8 years, studies on guanylate cyclase (GC) regulation by three GC-activating proteins (GCAP1^3) led to several breakthroughs, among them the recent biochemical analysis of GCAP1(Y99) mutants associated with autosomal dominant cone dystrophy. Perturbation of Ca 2a homeostasis controlled by mutant GCAP1 in photoreceptor cells may result ultimately in degeneration of these cells. Here, detailed analysis of biochemical properties of GCAP1(P50L), which causes a milder form of autosomal dominant cone dystrophy than constitutive active Y99C mutation, showed that the P50L mutation resulted in a decrease of Ca 2a -binding, without changes in the GC activity profile of the mutant GCAP1. In contrast to this biochemically well-defined regulatory mechanism that involves GCAPs, understanding of other processes in the retina that are regulated by Ca 2a is at a rudimentary stage. Recently, we have identified five homologous genes encoding CaBPs that are expressed in the mammalian retina. Several members of this subfamily are also present in other tissues. In contrast to GCAPs, the function of this subfamily of calmodulin (CaM)-like CaBPs is poorly understood. CaBPs are closely related to CaM and in biochemical assays CaBPs substitute for CaM in stimulation of CaM-dependent kinase II, and calcineurin, a protein phosphatase. These results suggest
Salesforce Compensation: An Empirical Investigation of Factors Related to Use of Salary versus Incentive Compensation:

The transaction cost analysis framework is integrated with prescriptions from the sales management literature to develop a model that indicates the role of salary in a sales compensation plan for i...
Translational regulation of mitochondrial gene expression by nuclear genes of Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We describe several yeast nuclear mutations that specifically block expression of the mitochondrial genes encoding cytochrome c oxidase subunits II (COXII) and III (COXIII). These recessive mutations define positive regulators of mitochondrial gene expression that act at the level of translation. Mutations in the nuclear gene PET111 completely block accumulation of COXII, but the COXII mRNA is present in mutant cells at a level approximately one-third of that of the wild type. Mitochondrial suppressors of pet111 mutations correspond to deletions in mtDNA that result in fusions between the coxII structural gene and other mitochondrial genes. The chimeric mRNAs encoded by these fusions are translated in pet111 mutants; this translation leads to accumulation of functional COXII. The PET111 protein probably acts directly on coxII translation, because it is located in mitochondria. Translation of the mitochondrially coded mRNA for COXIII requires the action of at least three nuclear genes, PET494, PET54 and a newly discovered gene, provisionally termed PET55. Both the PET494 and PET54 proteins are located in mitochondria and therefore probably act directly on the mitochondrial translation system. Mutations in all three genes are suppressed in strains that contain chimeric coxIII mRNAs with the $5'$ -untranslated leaders of other mitochondrial transcripts fused to the coxIII coding sequence. The products of all three nuclear genes may form a complex and carry out a single function. A direct demonstration that the wild-type nuclear gene products act in the coxIII $5'$ -leader has been obtained by showing that they are all required for translation of apocytochrome b from a novel mRNA consisting of the coxIII $5'$ -leader attached to the cytochrome b coding sequence. The site (or sites) of action maps at least 172 bases upstream from the coxIII initiation codon in the 600 base coxIII leader. Others have reported evidence which suggests that coxIII translation is repressed by glucose. Consistently with the possibility that the nuclear genes described here may play a role in modulating mitochondrial gene expression, we have found that PET494 expression is glucose-repressed.
Structure and Tensile Strength of LaS1.4

The tensile strength of LaS(1.4) has been estimated by diametral stress testing at room temperature, 800 and 1300 K. Brittle, tensile-type failures were obtained at all temperatures when the crosshead speed was 0.0021 mm/s; however, a 1300 K test at 0.00085 mm/s produced plastic flow. The microstructure of LaS(1.4) consisted of two phases with beta-La2S3 comprising about 15 vol percent of the structure and gamma-La2S3 the remainder. Because of the limited amount of material available for testing, no correlation between microstructure and mechanical strength could be drawn.
Adaptive Laplacian eigenfunctions as bases for regression analysis

Regression or least squares fitting is an important problem in statistics, data mining and many other applications. In recent years, basis functions derived from the underlying geometry of data, primarily Laplacian eigenfunctions, have attracted much interest. In this paper, we present a new framework based on adaptive Laplacian eigenfunctions and show the benefit of using a time-varying basis in regression analysis.
A cross-layer framework for multi-layer-video multicast with QoS requirements in multirate wireless networks

We propose a cross-layer framework for efficient multi-layer-video multicast with rate adaptation and quality-of-service (QoS) requirements in multirate wireless networks. We employ time division multiple access at the physical layer to transmit different video layers' data. The multicast sender then dynamically regulates the transmission rate and time-slot allocation based on the channel state information (CSI) and loss QoS requirements imposed by upper protocol layers. Under our proposed cross-layer framework, we first design a rate adaptation algorithm to fulfill the diverse loss QoS requirements for all video layers while achieving high multicast throughput. We then develop a time-slot allocation scheme which synchronizes data transmission across different video layers. Also conducted are simulation results to validate and evaluate our designed adaptive multicasting schemes under the proposed cross-layer framework.
Distribution of metastases in stage I carcinoma of the cervix; a study of 66 autopsied cases.

Abstract 1. 1. A study is presented of 66 cases of cervical cancer in which the patients died of causes unrelated to the cervical lesion, which was classified as Stage I in extent on the basis of microscopic examination of the cervix. 2. 2. Spread of the disease was demonstrated in: (a) 3 of 22 untreated cases with the primary lesion of 1 cm. or less in diameter; (b) 6 of 27 untreated cases with the primary lesion of more than 1 cm. in diameter; (c) 4 of 17 treated cases with the extent of the primary lesion estimated on the preirradiation records. 3. 3. Cancer cells, regardless of the site of the primary lesion, the histologic grade, and the age and parity of the patient, can spread in any direction. The direction and the degree of spread are not predictable. 4. 4. The anterior and posterior spread is almost as frequent as the lateral extension. Thus, any attempt to remove all possible cancer-bearing tissue must include these areas. 5. 5. A peristalsis-like action of the lymphatic vessels was noted and its importance in the dispersal pattern of cervical cancer emphasized. 6. 6. The response of lymph nodes to irradiation is discussed, but the equivocal observations continue to becloud the true effectiveness of this form of therapy. 7. 7. The importance of new observations on the relation of mitotic activity to cancer cell susceptibility as a possible new approach in therapy is discussed. 8. 8. The errors inherent in the present methods of comparing the effectiveness of surgery and irradiation are noted with the suggestion that new ground rules be provided.
Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates from Nasopharyngeal Samples: Use of an Algorithm Combining Microbiologic, Serologic, and Sequential Multiplex PCR Techniques

We evaluated nasopharyngeal carriage of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci) in nine Alaskan communities and used an algorithm combining microbiologic, serologic, and sequential multiplex PCR (MP-PCR) techniques to serotype the isolates. After microbiological identification as pneumococci, isolates (n 1,135) were serotyped using latex agglutination and Quellung tests (LA/Q) as well as a series of six sequential MP-PCR assays. Results from the two methods agreed for 94% (1,064/1,135) of samples. Eighty-six percent (61/71) of the discordant results were resolved. Discordant results occurred because (i) the MP-PCR gel was misread (31/61 [51%]), (ii) the LA/Q agglutination was misinterpreted (13/61 [21%]), (iii) two serotypes or sets of serotypes were identified by MP-PCR and only one of the two was identified by LA/Q (9/61 [15%]), (iv) different serotypes or sets of serotypes were identified by LA/Q and MP-PCR and both were correct (7/61 [11%]), and (v) the capsular polysaccharide locus (cps) did not amplify during the initial MP-PCR but was present upon retesting (1/61 [2%]). Overall, isolation of pneumococci followed by MP-PCR quickly and accurately identified pneumococcal serotypes in >97% of samples and made available isolates for additional tests such as antimicrobial susceptibility. Misinterpretation of the MP-PCR gel was identified as the main source of discordance. Increasing the number of MP-PCRs from six to seven and reducing the number of serotypes in each reaction may reduce this error. This method may be of use to laboratories characterizing large numbers of S. pneumoniae samples, especially when antimicrobial susceptibility data are needed.
Changing audit risk characteristics in the public client market

Abstract Financial audit services have changed in the US over the last half century, resulting in distinct cyclical patterns of relative audit risk. The purpose of this project is to describe changing patterns in the economic and institutional risk environment over time and investigate differences using empirical surrogates as measures of relative audit risk. Economic, competitive, and regulatory differences are analyzed over the period of study. Particularly important events included the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (likely reducing audit risk), the elimination of rules against advertising and direct solicitation in 1979 (increasing audit risk), the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (increasing risk), and the collapse of Arthur Andersen and Sarbanes–Oxley Act (2001–2002, reducing risk). Empirical models are used to evaluate financial risk (Altman’s Z -score), earnings manipulation risk (Sloan’s measure of accruals), and litigation risk (litigation index). Averages by year suggest cyclical patterns of relative audit risk that parallel regulatory, economic and institutional changes over the period.
Abstract 25: Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor - δ Agonist GW501516 Restores Bioavailability Of Tetrahydrobiopterin And Prevents Cerebral Vascular Dysfunction In Tg2576 Mice Overexpressing Amyloid Precursor Protein

Objectives- Oxidative stress and endothelial dysfunction precedes cerebral β-amyloid deposits in human Alzheimer’s disease as well as in transgenic mouse models expressing mutations in amyloid precursor protein (APP). In the present study, we hypothesized that uncoupling of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) caused by loss of its essential co-factor, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH 4 ), in cerebral arteries and microvessels contributes, in part, to oxidative stress and cerebral vascular dysfunction in a APP transgenic mouse (Tg2576) that express the Swedish double mutation of human APP. In addition, we examined whether treatment with Peroxisome Proliferator Activated Receptor-δ (PPARδ) activator - GW501516 restores bioavailability of BH 4 and reverses oxidative stress in APP Tg2576 mice. Methods- APP Tg2576 mice (4-5 months old) were treated with GW501516, a selective PPARδ activator (2 mg/kg/day, po, 14 days). Following treatment, cerebral arteries and microvessels were obtained. Biopterin levels, enzymatic activity of GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I) and superoxide production were measured by HPLC and protein expression was studied by Western blotting. Results- Cerebral arteries and microvessels demonstrated increased expression of eNOS, while the bioavailability of its essential co-factor BH 4 was significantly reduced, suggestive of eNOS uncoupling in APP Tg2576 mice. Furthermore, expressions of catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) were decreased, while superoxide production was increased (P 4 /BH 2 ratio in cerebral arteries and microvessels of APP Tg2576 mice (P 0.05, n=6). PPARδ activation also prevented the attenuation in expressions of MnSOD and catalase, and inhibited the increased superoxide production (P Conclusion- Our results suggest that endothelial dysfunction in APP Tg2576 mice may be caused, in part, by reduced bioavailability of BH 4 and uncoupling of eNOS. Treatment of APP Tg2576 mice with PPARδ agonist GW501516 exerted cerebral vascular protection by multiple mechanisms: (a) by inhibiting eNOS uncoupling via increased expressions of MnSOD and catalase, as well as, (b) by attenuating the increased expression of APP in the cerebral microvessels of APP Tg2576 mice.
Women & Fluxus: Toward a feminist archive of Fluxus

This introduction presents the theme of the volume “Women and Fluxus” and provides historical background, as well as an overview of the existing scholarship on the subject. The author then introduces the contents, comprising of three essays, a dialogue, and a roundtable discussion, contextualizing them within the theme of the volume.
Topography Optimization of Shell Structures Under Transient Loading: A Comparative Approach

Topography optimization is an innovative technique that can significantly improve the response of certain type of structures. The most challenging aspect of topography optimization is the sensitivity analysis. In this manuscript two methods to approximate the sensitivities for problems in topography optimization are introduced. The gradient is supplanted with either a stochastic approximation, or a physical approximation. Initially, an overview of the state-of-the-art in topography optimization is presented, and some key issues are explored. Subsequently, the technique is outlined, and the proposed methods are introduced. Furthermore, a numerical example in which a structure composed of shell elements is subject to a blast load is provided. This example is solved employing stochastic gradient approximation, and approximate gradient. They are compared to the widely used finite differences approximation. It is possible to observe that the proposed method significantly reduces the computational effort required to solve the problem, while considerably improving the objective function.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Effects of Infestation Levels of Heliothis zea on Soybean

Field studies, 1974–78, were conducted to determine effects of populations of Heliothis Zea (Boddie) on soybean yields. Degree of feeding injury depended upon soybean growth stage at time of H. zea introduction, larval stage, and level of infestation. First and 2nd instars fed primarily on plant pubescence, with later stage larvae feeding on foliage. and young pods. All stages exhibited a preference for blooms, if available. Based on smgle infestations, no clearly defined yield reductions were obtained at the infestation levels tested. Plant compensation plays an important role in counter-acting feeding damage. Based on data from these studies, control recommendation for H. zea on soybean in Arkansas was elevated from 6.5 to 10 larvae/row m.
Isolation of two myosin light-chain kinases from bovine carotid artery and their regulation by phosphorylation mediated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase.

Myosin light-chain kinase was purifed from bovine carotid artery. Approx. 90% of myosin kinase was extracted in the supernatant fraction with buffer containing EDTA during myofibril preparation. The soluble fraction yielded two distinct peaks on DEAE-Sephacel chromatography. Peak I was eluted at a conductance of 11–12mmho and was completely dependent on Ca2+–calmodulin for its activity. Peak II was eluted at a conductance of 13–14mmho and showed approx. 15% Ca2+-independent activity. The myosin kinases I and II were further purified by affinity chromatography by using calmodulin coupled to Sepharose 4B, which resulted in 960-and 650-fold purification of type I and type II kinases respectively. Myosin kinase II activity was completely Ca2+-dependent after affinity chromatography on the calmodulin–Sepharose column. Myosin kinases I and II were phosphorylated by cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase. In the presence of bound calmodulin 0.5–0.7mol of phosphate was incorporated/mol of myosin kinases I and II. On the other hand, in the absence of bound calmodulin 1–1.4mol of phosphate was incorporated/mol of kinases I and II. Phosphorylation in the absence of calmodulin significantly decreased the myosin kinase activity of both enzymes, and the decrease in myosin kinase activity was due to a 3–5-fold increase in the amount of calmodulin required for half-maximal stimulation of both type I and type II kinases. The regulation of myosin kinase activity by cyclic AMP-dependent phosphorylation would suggest that β-adrenergic-mediated relaxation of vascular smooth muscle may be partly due to the direct interaction of cyclic AMP at the site of contractile proteins.
Photoemission of Energetic Hot Electrons Produced via Up-Conversion in Doped Quantum Dots

The benefits of the hot electrons from semiconductor nanostructures in photocatalysis or photovoltaics result from their higher energy compared to that of the band-edge electrons facilitating the electron-transfer process. The production of high-energy hot electrons usually requires short-wavelength UV or intense multiphoton visible excitation. Here, we show that highly energetic hot electrons capable of above-threshold ionization are produced via exciton-to-hot-carrier up-conversion in Mn-doped quantum dots under weak band gap excitation (∼10 W/cm2) achievable with the concentrated solar radiation. The energy of hot electrons is as high as ∼0.4 eV above the vacuum level, much greater than those observed in other semiconductor or plasmonic metal nanostructures, which are capable of performing energetically and kinetically more-challenging electron transfer. Furthermore, the prospect of generating solvated electron is unique for the energetic hot electrons from up-conversion, which can open a new door for ...
Michael Polanyi: Patriarch of Chemical Dynamics and Tacit Knowing.

Connecting Science and the Humanities was the title of the symposium on Michael Polanyi that took place at the Technische Universitat Berlin (Technical University of Berlin) in October 2016. This essay, which appraises the scientific and philosophical contributions of Michael Polanyi, is based on the presentation given by Dr. Herschbach on this occasion. In the photograph: Polanyi in 1931.
Clinical Research Involving Pregnant Women: by Françoise Baylis and Angela Ballantyne, eds. Switzerland: Springer, 2016

I shall begin this review with a personal story. My wife was pregnant with our second child. She and I were dedicated to a natural childbirth. She was prescribed iron supplements by her obstetricia...
Hypothetical–actual bid calibration of a multigood auction

Abstract Evidence suggests the calibration of hypothetical and actual behavior is good-specific. We examine whether clustering commodities into mutual categories can reduce the burden. While we reject a common calibration across sets of commodities, a sport-specific calibration function cannot be rejected.
Downlink and Uplink Non-Orthogonal Multiple Access in a Dense Wireless Network

To address the ever increasing high data rate and connectivity requirements in the next generation 5G wireless network, novel radio access technologies (RATs) are actively explored to enhance the system spectral efficiency and connectivity. As a promising RAT for 5G cellular networks, non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) has attracted extensive research attentions. Compared with the orthogonal multiple access (OMA) that has been widely applied in existing wireless communication systems, NOMA possesses the potential to further improve the system spectral efficiency and connectivity capability. This paper develops analytical frameworks for NOMA downlink and uplink multi-cell wireless systems to evaluate the system outage probability and average achievable rate. In the downlink NOMA system, two different NOMA group pairing schemes are considered, based on which theoretical results on outage and achievable data rates are derived. In the uplink NOMA, revised back-off power control scheme is applied, and outage probability and per UE average achievable rate are derived. As wireless networks turn into more and more densely deployed, inter-cell interference has become a dominant capacity limiting factor but has not been addressed in most of the existing NOMA studies. In this paper, a stochastic geometry approach is used to model a dense wireless system, that supports NOMA on both uplink and downlink, based on which analytical results are derived either in pseudo-closed forms or succinct closed forms and are further validated by simulations. Numerical results demonstrate that NOMA can bring considerable system-wide performance gain compared with OMA on both uplink and downlink when properly designed.
Clinical medical education in rural and underserved areas and eventual practice outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Undergraduate medical students are enrolled in clinical education programs in rural and underserved urban areas to increase the likelihood that they will eventually practice in those areas and train in a primary care specialty to best serve those patient populations. Methods: MEDLINE and Cochrane Library online databases were searched to identify articles that provide a detailed description of the exposure and outcome of interest. A qualitative review of articles reporting outcome data without comparison or control groups was completed using the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). A meta-analysis of articles reporting outcome data with comparison or control groups was completed with statistical and graphical summary estimates. Results: Seven hundred and nine articles were retrieved from the initial search and reviewed based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of those, ten articles were identified for qualitative analysis and five articles included control groups and thus were included in the quantitative analysis. Results indicated that medical students with clinical training in underserved areas are almost three times as likely to practice in underserved areas than students who do not train in those areas (relative risk [RR] = 2.94; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.17, 4.00). Furthermore, medical students training in underserved areas are about four times as likely to practice primary care in underserved areas than students who do not train in those locations (RR = 4.35; 95% CI: 1.56, 12.10). Discussion: These estimates may help guide medical school administrators and policymakers to expand underserved clinical training programs to help relieve some of the problems associated with access to medical care among underserved populations.
Information Literacy and Learning in Higher Education: A Thought Experiment

The nature of the relationship between information literacy (IL) and learning is important for academic librarianship and higher education. This paper will use a philosophical tool to investigate this relationship – a thought experiment. This is a type of creative narrative meant to advocate for or against a certain idea. The thought experiment will provide evidence for a strong connection between IL and learning. This suggests that one’s theoretical IL position implies certain commitments with regard to what learning is and how it should be fostered in higher education. Therefore, one method to progress IL theory is to look to learning theory. Explicit considerations on the nature of learning can yield more nuanced understandings of IL.
A note on k-plane integral transforms

Abstract Let Π be a k -dimensional subspace of R n , n ⩾ 2, and write x = ( x ′, x ″) with x ′ in Π and x ″ in the orthogonal complement Π ⊥ . The k -plane transform of a measurable function ƒ in the direction Π at the point x ″ is defined by Lƒ(Π, x″) = ∝Πƒ(x′, x″) dx′ . In this article certain a priori inequalities are established which show in particular that if ƒ ϵ L p (R n ) , 1 ⩽ p $ n k , then ƒ is integrable over almost every translate of almost every k -space. Mapping properties of the k -plane transform between the spaces L p ( R n ), p ⩽ 2, and certain Lebesgue spaces with mixed norm on a vector bundle over the Grassmann manifold of k -spaces in R n are also obtained.
Total and Viable Cell Counts

It is essential for almost all experiments involving cells to count the exact cell number per milliliter suspension. In addition, it is frequently necessary to determine the number of viable cells in a cell suspension. Various procedures are available for this purpose. One of them, described here, requires a hemocyto-meter and a simple microscope.
1.123 – Degradable Polymers

This chapter reviews the working principles of biodegradable polymers and their medical applications using poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) copolymers and poly(phosphoester)s (PPE) as examples. From a structure-to-function relationship standpoint, we explore degradation behavior, drug release kinetics, and effects of length scales. As the device shrinks from the macro- to micro- and then to the nanoscale, the structure–property relationship of PLGAs may differ, which may impact their applications. After a brief review of the PLGAs, we discuss PPEs in comparison. Due to the pentavalency of phosphorous, the physicochemical properties of PPEs can be independently varied with respect to their backbone or side-chain structure. This affords a wealth of chemical structures and a greater variety of functionalities that can be applied to drug and gene delivery as well as tissue engineering. We again concentrate on the structure–property relationship of these polymers and their performance across different length scales. It is our hope that this focused review can offer a glimpse of the working principles and vast potential of biodegradable polymers in medicine.
Airway Management and Mechanical Ventilation in Pregnancy

Anesthesia-related maternal mortality rates have improved in the United States, but it still remains a prominent cause of maternal mortality. Anesthesia is the seventh leading cause of maternal mortality in the United States with the top six causes being embolism, hypertensive disorders, hemorrhage, infection, cardiomyopathy, and cerebrovascular accident (1). General anesthesia is more likely to be associated with maternal mortality than regional anesthesia in the obstetric patient for the following reasons: (1) airway management tends to be more difficult in pregnant patients due to altered anatomy and physiology; (2) general anesthesia is chosen in emergency surgeries when there is no time for adequate preoperative evaluation and aspiration prophylaxis; (3) conversion of regional anesthetic to general anesthesia for inadequate block, hemorrhage, etc., with the patient not in the optimal position for intubation; and (4) increased usage of regional anesthesia in obstetrics with minimal exposure of trainees to general anesthesia for cesarean sections, resulting in decreased airway management skills for training and maintenance in the obstetric patient.
Heidegger, Dreyfus, and the Intelligibility of Practical Comportment

Most scholars agree that meaning and intelligibility are central to Heidegger’s account of Dasein and Being-in-the-world, but there is some confusion about the nature of this intelligibilit...
The Impact of Technology on the Future of Human Learning.

The future of human learning will be shaped by technology, but in ways completely different from those of the past. Over the last four decades, the emergence and development of educational technolo...
Public relations and social morality as national identity: a cultural-economic examination of the US Government’s fight against venereal disease in the 1920s

A historical case study of how United States Public Health Service (USPHS) officials used public relations in an active attempt to construct meanings within cultural contexts both illuminates and e...
Amplification Due to the Two-Stream Instability of Self-Electric and Magnetic Fields of an Ion or Electron Beam Propagating in Background Plasma

Propagation of charged particle beams in background plasma as a method of space charge neutralization has been shown to achieve high degrees of charge and current neutralization and therefore can enable nearly ballistic propagation and focusing of charged particle beams. Correspondingly, use of plasmas for propagation of charged particle beams has important applications for transport and focusing of intense particle beams in electric propulsion, inertial fusion and high energy density laboratory plasma physics. However, the streaming of beam ions through a background plasma can lead to development of the two-stream instability between the beam ions and the plasma electrons [1, 2]. The electric and magnetic self-fields enhanced by the two-stream instability can lead to defocusing of the ion beam and fast scattering of an electron beam. Using particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations, we study the scaling of the instability-driven selfelectromagnetic fields and consequent defocusing forces with the background plasma density and beam ion mass. We identify plasma parameters where the defocusing forces can be reduced.
Pickering Emulsion-Templated Encapsulation of Ionic Liquids for Contaminant Removal.

Ionic liquids (ILs) have received attention for a diverse range of applications, but their liquid nature can make them difficult to handle and process and their high viscosities can lead to subopti...
Microbiología y medio ambiente: los microorganismos como indicadores de contaminación

Se efectuo una revision de los microorganismos utilizados como indicadores en contaminacion de aguas. Se analiza el papel que estos desempenan en los sistemas acuaticos, la presencia de patogenos en aguas contaminadas, y las caracteristicas ideales que debe presentar un buen indicador. Finalmente se discuten los indicadores microbianos mas utilizados, senalando las ventajas y desventajas de su aplicacion.
Dyslipidemia in Racial/Ethnic Groups

Some population groups in the United States have excess burdens of major risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and are more likely to have more risk factors than their white counterparts. Although the reasons for the excess CVD mortality among African-Americans remain controversial, it is evident that the high prevalence and suboptimal control of coronary risk factors and a greater degree of clustering of certain coronary risk factors contribute importantly. The predictive value of most conventional CVD risk factors appears to be similar for African-Americans and whites. Most population-based studies report that African-Americans have lower total serum cholesterol levels and a lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia, but low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were similar. Although African-Americans achieve a similar lowering of LDL-C with statin therapy, they are less likely to have increased cholesterol treated. Although low HDL as a CHD risk factor has been known for decades, only recently has clinical trial evidence addressed the benefits of raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C.
The Emotions: An Integrative Approach

Publisher Summary The emotions play a central role in most theories of personality. Yet, personality psychologists have shown a remarkable tolerance for ambiguity with regard to the nature of emotions. More often than not, emotional concepts are used in a global, undifferentiated fashion or else in a manner unique to each theory. There are six kinds of variables that have played important roles in psychological theories of emotion—(1) cognitive appraisals, (2) physiological change, (3) expressive reactions, (4) instrumental acts, (5) verbal behavior, and (6) feelings. The appraisal is itself a kind of response, an imposition of meaning on events. Psychological phenomena may become associated with physiological responses on the basis of shared symbolic meaning, rather than on any empirically demonstrated functional relationship. Expressive reactions, especially facial expressions, have played a crucial role in the study of emotion. The term facial expressions mean joy, surprise, sadness, anger etc. Verbal behavior can be described as what is said and the way it is said. The terms “feeling” and “emotion” are often used interchangeably. This has led some theorists to assume that emotions are really feelings or at least that feelings are essential features of emotions.
The Sensitivity of U.S. Inpayments and Outpayments to Real Exchange Rate Changes: Asymmetric Evidence From Africa

A strand of the literature concentrates on assessing the impact of exchange rate changes on a country’s inpayments from and outpayments to its trading partners. Most studies have considered the U.S...
SPS: Understanding the complexity.

Abstract Introduction Stiff-person syndrome (SPS), first described in 1956 by Moersch and Woltman, is a progressive autoimmune disorder with core features of chronic fluctuating progressive truncal and limb rigidity and painful muscle spasms leading to gait difficulties, falls and an appearance that resembles tin soldiers. The syndrome is a rare, highly disabling disorder of the central nervous and frequently results in significant disability. Understanding of the etiology, clinical spectrum, diagnostic workup and therapeutic modalities for this painful and disabling disorder has vastly evolved over the past few years with more confidence in classifying and treating the patients. The purpose of this review is to increase the awareness, early detection, and treatment of this disabling disease. Method PubMed was searched, all date inclusive, using the following phrases: stiff person syndrome,anti-Glutamic acid decarboxylase (Anti-GAD) antibody syndrome, Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM), and Paraneoplastic Stiff Person syndrome. No filters or restrictions were used. A total of 888 articles were identified. Results The results were narrowed to 190 citations after excluding non-English and duplicate reports. Clinical presentation, laboratory testing, treatment, and prognosis were categorized and summarized. Discussion In this article we will discuss the epidemiology, presentation and classification. Explain the pathophysiology of SPS and the autoimmune mechanisms involved. Discuss the diagnostic approach and treatments available, as well as, the prognosis and outcome.
Characterization of VUV sensitive SiPMs in LXe

Many future tons-scale noble liquid detectors depend on the advanced Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) that have good photodetection efficiency at the vacuum ultraviolet wavelength (VUV). The Next-generation Enriched Xenon Observatory (nEXO) experiment with a 5 tons liquid xenon time projection chamber (TPC) will use ~40,000 SiPMs for the direct detection of the 178 nm xenon scintillation light. We highlight the development works undertaken by the photodetector group in the nEXO collaboration on the performance characterization of Hamamatsu and FBK VUV sensitive SiPMs in purified liquid xenon.
A Content Analysis of Errors in MLIS Students' Online Searching Assignments.

Very few formal studies have documented the errors committed in online searching performances, and none have focused exclusively on students in library and information science programs. To fill thi...
Prevalence and diagnosis of sesame allergy in children with IgE-mediated food allergy.

Sesame allergy is estimated to affect 17% of children with IgE-mediated food allergy, and often co-occurs with peanut/tree nut sensitization and allergy. Sesame-specific IgE levels may have utility in the clinical management of these patients.
Clinical Implications of Respiratory Failure in Patients Receiving Durable Left Ventricular Assist Devices for End-Stage Heart Failure.

Background: The impact of respiratory failure on patients undergoing left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation is not well understood, especially since these patients were excluded from la...