cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
15μm Silver flip-chip technology with solid-state bonding

Formation of pure silver (Ag) flip-chip interconnect of silicon (Si) chips on copper (Cu) substrates is reported. In this research, we first demonstrate that Ag joints of 40μm in diameter can be fabricated between Si chips and Cu substrates, and later successfully push the dimension of the Ag joints down to 15μm in diameter. For 40μm Ag joints, arrays of 50×50 Ag columns, and for 15μm Ag joints, arrays of 125×125 Ag columns, are fabricated on 2-inch Si wafers which are first coated with chromium (Cr)/gold (Au) dual layers. The Si wafers are diced into 6mm×6mm chips, each having 50×50 or 125×125 Ag columns. The Si chip with plated Ag columns is directly bonded to Cu substrate at 260°C in 80 millitorr vacuum to inhibit oxidation. The static pressure for 40μm Ag bonding can be achieved as low as 680 psi, corresponding to a load of 0.021oz per column. The pressure for 15μm Ag bonding is 800 psi at initial try, but we believe that it can be further reduced. During bonding, the Ag columns deform and conform to the Cu substrate. They are well bonded to the Cu. No molten phase is involved in the bonding process. The joints consist of pure Ag only. The ductile Ag joints are able to accommodate the thermal expansion mismatch between Si and Cu. It is well known that in nearly all soldering processes used in electronic industries, intermetallic compound (IMC) formation is essential to make a solder joint. In the pure Ag interconnect, no IMCs exist. Thus, reliability issues associated with IMCs are eliminated. Compared to tin-based lead-free solders, pure Ag joints have superior electrical and thermal properties.
Cloacal exstrophy: a report of 34 cases.

AbstractA clinical review is presented on 34 patients with cloacal exstrophy who were seen between 1963 and 1986. The patients were separated into 2 main groups: classical cloacal exstrophy (type I) and variant cloacal exstrophy (type II). In the classical cases 3 surface patterns were recognized: A—hemibladders confluent cranial to the bowel, B—hemibladders lateral to the bowel and C—hemibladders confluent caudal to the bowel. Surgical reconstruction was performed in 24 patients, with a 50 per cent survival rate. However, there was marked improvement in survival from 22 per cent between 1963 and 1978 to 90 per cent between 1979 and 1986.
Anchoring bias in a case of recurrent abdominal pain

A 43-year-old man with a history of idiopathic acute pancreatitis and pancreatic pseudocysts presented to the hospital with acute abdominal pain, vomiting and hypotension. He had been hospitalised on multiple occasions for recurrent, self-limited abdominal pain accompanied by hypotension. Given his history, the symptoms were typically attributed to acute chronic pancreatitis, despite absence of lipase elevation and pancreatic pathology on cross-sectional imaging. He had received multiple imaging studies and was scheduled for an elective cholecystectomy as biliary colic was a suspected aetiology for his symptoms. On hospital presentation, lipase level was 12 U/L (10–65 U/L) and a CT of the abdomen demonstrated ascites and intestinal oedema without pancreatic inflammation or calcification (figure 1). Empiric antibiotics were initiated. On further enquiry, the patient described intermittent swelling of his extremities …
Theoretical potential for low energy consumption phase change memory utilizing electrostatically-induced structural phase transitions in 2D materials

Structural phase-change materials are of great importance for applications in information storage devices. Thermally driven structural phase transitions are employed in phase-change memory to achieve lower programming voltages and potentially lower energy consumption than mainstream nonvolatile memory technologies. However, the waste heat generated by such thermal mechanisms is often not optimized, and could present a limiting factor to widespread use. The potential for electrostatically driven structural phase transitions has recently been predicted and subsequently reported in some two-dimensional materials, providing an athermal mechanism to dynamically control properties of these materials in a nonvolatile fashion while achieving potentially lower energy consumption. In this work, we employ DFT-based calculations to make theoretical comparisons of the energy required to drive electrostatically-induced and thermally-induced phase transitions. Determining theoretical limits in monolayer MoTe2 and thin films of Ge2Sb2Te5, we find that the energy consumption per unit volume of the electrostatically driven phase transition in monolayer MoTe2 at room temperature is 9% of the adiabatic lower limit of the thermally driven phase transition in Ge2Sb2Te5. Furthermore, experimentally reported phase change energy consumption of Ge2Sb2Te5 is 100–10,000 times larger than the adiabatic lower limit due to waste heat flow out of the material, leaving the possibility for energy consumption in monolayer MoTe2-based devices to be orders of magnitude smaller than Ge2Sb2Te5-based devices. Theoretical calculations reveal that the electrostatically driven phase transition of monolayer MoTe2 is accompanied by little heat waste. Phase change materials have enormous potential for thermal and information storage applications, as they can switch between different phases (and properties) with external stimuli. The amount of heat dissipated during these transitions can however limit the operation and further miniaturization of devices. A team from Stanford University has now modeled heat dissipation during the phase transition in electrostatically driven MoTe2 and thermally driven Ge2Sb2Te5: MoTe2 could consume 100‐10,000 times less energy per unit volume than Ge2Sb2Te5, as in the latter case most of the energy becomes heat waste. The small amount of heat that enters and leaves the system in the case of MoTe2 makes it very promising for low‐energy and low‐dimension devices.
Narcotics Control by Government Clinics in England

Public policy produces a humane societal response to the problem of addiction and an acceptable way to deal with it but not necessarily to eliminate it
THE ACTION OF 2-AMINOTETRALIN (2-AT) DERIVATIVES ON HUMAN PLASMA CHOLINESTERASE (HPC)

2,2-Dimethyl-AT and 1-alkyl-1,3-tetra- (or penta-)methylene-ATs have affinity for an opiate receptor site in HPC; also, all but one of these compounds are analgesics. Correlations are sought between structure and affinity, and between affinity and analgesic potency.
Structural Insight into the Substrate Specificity of Phosphodiesterases

Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) share a highly conserved catalytic domain that hydrolyzes cAMP, cGMP, or both nucleotides. However, the mechanism that allows the PDE catalytic sites to specifically recognize these nucleotides and distinguish between their subtle differences is still unclear. An early model, called the “glutamine switch”, proposed that the side chain of an invariant glutamine adopts two different conformations to allow for formation of two hydrogen bonds with cAMP and cGMP, thereby differentiating these nucleotides. However, the structure of PDE4D2 in complex with cAMP shows that Gln369 forms only one hydrogen bond with the substrate. In addition, the structures of PDE10A in complex with cAMP and cGMP reveal that cAMP and cGMP bind to the active site in different orientations and have different interactions with PDE10A residues. These structures suggest that the invariant glutamine does not appear to be a key residue to differentiate between cAMP and cGMP, although it is important for substrate binding. The structure-based sequence alignment shows that most of the active site residues change across PDE families. These residues may not only contribute differently to the substrate specificity, but also generate slightly different shapes and sizes of the active sites in different PDE families. Therefore, the substrate specificity of PDEs is likely to be determined jointly by multiple elements at the active site, yet the detailed mechanism needs further study.
Determination of optimal endotracheal tube tip depth from the gum in neonates by X-ray and ultrasound.

Background/objective: Proper placement of endotracheal tube (ETT) in the midtrachea is essential. Initial depth of placement of oral ETT from the lips is commonly estimated based on weight (“7-8-9 ...
Bacterial taxonomic composition of the postpartum cow uterus and vagina prior to artificial insemination1.

The current study characterized the taxonomic composition of the uterine and vaginal bacterial communities during estrous synchronization up to timed artificial insemination (TAI). Postpartum beef cows (n = 68) were subjected to pre-synchronization step 21 d prior to TAI (day -21), followed by an industry standard 7 Day Co-Synch on day -9 and TAI on day 0. Uterine and vaginal flushes were collected on days -21, -9, and -2 of the protocol and pH was immediately recorded. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal ultrasound on day 30. Bacterial DNA was extracted and sequenced targeting the V1 to V3 hypervariable regions of the 16S rRNA bacterial gene. Results indicated 34 different phyla including 792 different genera present between the uterus and vagina. Many differences in the relative abundance of bacterial phyla and genera occurred between resulting pregnancy statuses and among protocol days (P 1% abundance of nonpregnant cows but 0.05). Overall, our study indicates bacterial phyla and genera abundances shift over time and may potentially affect fertility by altering the reproductive tract environment.
Robotic-assisted repair of pelvic organ prolapse: a scoping review of the literature

The purpose of this article is to perform a scoping review of the medical literature regarding the efficacy, safety, and cost of robotic-assisted procedures for repair of pelvic organ prolapse in females. Sacrocolpopexy is the "gold standard" repair for apical prolapse for those who desire to maintain their sexual function, and minimally-invasive approaches offer similar efficacy with fewer risks than open techniques. The introduction of robotic technology has significantly impacted the field, converting what would have been a large number of open abdominal sacrocolpopexy (ASC) procedures to a minimally-invasive approach in the United States. Newer techniques such as nerve-sparing dissection at the sacral promontory, use of the iliopectineal ligaments and natural orifice vaginal sacrocolpopexy may improve patient outcomes. Prolapse recurrence is consistently noted in at least 10% of patients regardless of route of mesh placement. Ancillary factors including pre-operative prolapse stage, retention of the cervix, type of mesh implant, and genital hiatus (GH) size all adversely affect surgical efficacy, while trainees do not. Minimally-invasive apical repair procedures are suited to early recovery after surgery protocols but may not be appropriate for all patients. Studies evaluating longer-term outcomes of robotic sacrocolpopexies are needed to understand the relative risk/benefit ratio of this technique. With several emerging robotic platforms with improved features and a focus on decreasing costs, the future of robotics seems bright.
Effect of Hypercapnia, an Element of Obstructive Respiratory Disorder, on Pancreatic Cancer Chemoresistance and Progression.

Background Chronic obstructive respiratory disorders (ORDs) are linked to increased rates of cancer-related deaths. Little is known about the effects of hypercapnia (elevated CO2) on development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and drug resistance. Study Design Two PDAC cell lines were exposed to normocapnic (5% CO2) and hypercapnic (continuous/intermittent 10% CO2) conditions, physiologically similar to patients with active ORD. Cells were assessed for proliferation rate, colony formation, and chemo-/radiotherapeutic efficacy. In a retrospective clinical study design, patients with PDAC who had undergone pancreatic resection between 2002 and 2014 were reviewed. Active smokers were excluded to remove possible smoking-related protumorigenic influence. Clinical data, pathologic findings, and survival end points were recorded. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were performed. Results Exposure to hypercapnia resulted in increased colony formation and proliferation rates in vitro in both cell lines (MIA-PaCa-2: 111% increase and Panc-1: 114% increase; p Conclusions PDAC cells exposed to hypercapnic environments, which is common in patients with ORD, showed tumor proliferation, radioresistance, and chemoresistance. Patients with a history of ORD had a worse overall prognosis, suggesting that hypercapnic conditions play a role in the development and progression of PDAC and stressing the need for patient-tailored care.
Prophylactic Intravitreal Bevacizumab After Plaque Radiotherapy for Uveal Melanoma: Analysis of Visual Acuity, Tumor Response, and Radiation Complications in 1131 Eyes Based on Patient Age.

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to determine the impact of age on radiation complications after plaque radiotherapy and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab for uveal melanoma. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. METHODS Retrospective single-center study of plaque-irradiated uveal melanoma with prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab at 4-month intervals from July 2000 to January 2018. RESULTS Of 1131 eyes in 1131 patients, age was 70 years (n = 243). Comparison by age category ( 70 years) revealed the oldest group presenting with greatest tumor basal diameter (11.3 vs 11.3 vs 12.1 mm, P = 0.03) and worst visual acuity (20/40 vs 20/40 vs 20/50, P = 0.02). After plaque (mean follow-up 40 vs 42 vs 32 months, P < 0.001), radiation complications were most common in the youngest age group, including maculopathy (48% vs 39% vs 28%, P < 0.001), extramacular retinopathy (30% vs 25% vs 16%, P = 0.002), and papillopathy (21% vs 18% vs 12%, P = 0.03). The youngest age group had the highest Kaplan-Meier estimated 48-month cumulative probability for radiation maculopathy (62% vs 46% vs 47%, P = 0.001), extramacular retinopathy (36% vs 34% vs 29%, P = 0.03), and papillopathy (29% vs 26% vs 22%, P = 0.13). On subanalysis, the youngest age group had increased 48-month risk of developing radiation maculopathy when compared with the middle [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.5, P = 0.001] and older (HR = 1.6, P = 0.005) age groups and increased 48-month risk of developing extramacular radiation retinopathy compared with the older age group (HR = 1.5, P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS After plaque radiotherapy for uveal melanoma and prophylactic intravitreal bevacizumab at 4-month intervals, patients younger than 50 years old have an increased 48-month risk of radiation maculopathy.
A network-based toolkit for evaluation and intercomparison of weather prediction and climate modeling.

Abstract Model evaluation is a critical component in the development and applications of environmental modeling systems. Conventional metrics such as Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient (r), root-mean-square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE), albeit process-based and limited to point-to-point statistical comparison, have been widely used in model evaluations. In this study, we propose a network-based toolkit for evaluation of model performance and multi-model comparisons with applications to weather prediction and climate modeling. The model outputs are topologically quantified through a range of network metrics to provide a holistic measure of system dynamics. We first use this toolkit to evaluate the performance of air temperature simulated by the Weather Research and Forecasting model with station measurements over the contiguous United States (CONUS). Results of network analysis suggest a good match between simulation and measurement, as indicated by conventional metrics (r, RMSE, and MAE) as well. The sensitivity of these network metrics is then analyzed based on CONUS station measurements with additive random errors using Monte Carlo simulations. Network metrics show more sensitive and highly nonlinear responses to increasing random errors as compared to conventional ones. Moreover, we use the new toolkit for intercomparison of the downscaled historical air temperature outputs from four global climate models. The similarity in both metrics and spatial structure highlights the capability of network analysis for capturing system dynamics in models alike. The network theory is therefore promising for evaluation and intercomparison of various environmental modeling systems with complex dynamics.
Ventral motion parallax enhances fruit fly steering to visual sideslip

Flies and other insects use incoherent motion (parallax) to the front and sides to measure distances and identify obstacles during translation. Although additional depth information could be drawn from below, there is no experimental proof that they use it. The finding that blowflies encode motion disparities in their ventral visual fields suggests this may be an important region for depth information. We used a virtual flight arena to measure fruit fly responses to optic flow. The stimuli appeared below (n = 51) or above the fly (n = 44), at different speeds, with or without parallax cues. Dorsal parallax does not affect responses, and similar motion disparities in rotation have no effect anywhere in the visual field. But responses to strong ventral sideslip (206° s-1) change drastically depending on the presence or absence of parallax. Ventral parallax could help resolve ambiguities in cluttered motion fields, and enhance corrective responses to nearby objects.
Switching sides but still fighting the Civil War in southern politics

It is well-established that the realignment of the past half-century sorted southern whites into the Grand Old Party (GOP) while southern blacks have remained stalwart Democrats. Surprisingly, howe...
British exceptionalism: pride and prejudice and Brexit

The root cause of the current crisis in the United Kingdom is British Exceptionalism which assumed its classic form in the wake of the Napoleonic Wars. During the nineteenth century, the British state focused upon the creation of a global empire and by the 1890s was in a state of ‘splendid isolation’ with respect to Europe. Simultaneously, the rise of Germany meant that Britain could not ignore Europe. During the first half of the twentieth century, Britain became involved in two major wars, which to a considerable extent revolved around the need to curb German power. After the First World War, Britain wanted to focus upon her global interests and this was reflected in her reluctance to embrace integrationist initiatives such as the Briand Plan. Although the Second World War destroyed the basis of Britain’s imperium, the feeling that British superiority had saved the world only reinforced the sense of exceptionalism by adding to it a sense of ‘pride’. After 1945 British power steadily waned and the British state came increasingly under pressure from Washington to join the European Economic Community. The potential of Germany to dominate this grouping and British apprehension of such a development led to prejudice in respect of Germany which later transmitted itself into prejudice against Europe as a whole. Once inside the European Community, Britain accordingly became an awkward partner. Never entirely comfortable within the European Union, a secessionist movement grew which ultimately forced the referendum of 2016.
Changes in the glucosinolate-myrosinase defense system in Brassica juncea cotyledons during seedling development.

Optimal defense theory (ODT) predicts that plant defenses will be allocated to plant organs and tissues in proportion to their relative fitness values and susceptibilities to attack. This study was designed to test ODT predictions on the myrosinase–glucosinolate defense system in Brassica juncea by examining the relationships between the fitness value of B. juncea cotyledons and the levels and effectiveness of cotyledon defenses. Specifically, we estimated fitness value of cotyledons during plant development by measuring plant growth and seed production after cotyledon damage or removal at successive seedling ages. Cotyledon removal within five days of emergence had a significant impact on growth and seed production, but cotyledon removal at later stages did not. Consistent with ODT, glucosinolate and myrosinase levels in cotyledons also declined with seedling age, as did relative defenses against a generalist herbivore, Spodoptera eridania, as estimated by bioassay. Declines in glucosinolates were as predicted by a passive, allometric dilution model based on cotyledon expansion. Declines in myrosinase activity were significantly more gradual than predicted by allometric dilution, suggesting active retention of myrosinase activity as young cotyledons expand.
Topological entanglement entropy in Euclidean AdS 3 via surgery

We calculate the topological entanglement entropy (TEE) in Euclidean asymptotic AdS3 spacetime using surgery. The treatment is intrinsically three-dimensional. In the BTZ black hole background, several different bipartitions are applied. For the bipartition along the horizon between two single-sided black holes, TEE is exactly the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy, which supports the ER=EPR conjecture in the Euclidean case. For other bipartitions, we derive an Entangling-Thermal relation for each single-sided black hole, which is of topological origin. After summing over genus-one classical geometries, we compute TEE in the high-temperature regime. In the case where k = 1, we find that TEE is the same as that for the Moonshine double state, given by the maximally-entangled superposition of 194 types of “anyons” in the 3d bulk, labeled by the irreducible representations of the Monster group. We propose this as the bulk analogue of the thermofield double state in the Euclidean spacetime. Comparing the TEEs between thermal AdS3 and BTZ solutions, we discuss the implication of TEE on the Hawking-Page transition in 3d.
Cellular quiescence in budding yeast

Cellular quiescence, the temporary and reversible exit from proliferative growth, is the predominant state of all cells. However, our understanding of the biological processes and molecular mechanisms that underlie cell quiescence remains incomplete. As with the mitotic cell cycle, budding and fission yeast are preeminent model systems for studying cellular quiescence owing to their rich experimental toolboxes and the evolutionary conservation across eukaryotes of pathways and processes that control quiescence. Here, we review current knowledge of cell quiescence in budding yeast and how it pertains to cellular quiescence in other organisms, including multicellular animals. Quiescence entails large-scale remodeling of virtually every cellular process, organelle, gene expression, and metabolic state that is executed dynamically as cells undergo the initiation, maintenance, and exit from quiescence. We review these major transitions, our current understanding of their molecular bases, and highlight unresolved questions. We summarize the primary methods employed for quiescence studies in yeast and discuss their relative merits. Understanding cell quiescence has important consequences for human disease as quiescent single-celled microbes are notoriously difficult to kill and quiescent human cells play important roles in diseases such as cancer. We argue that research on cellular quiescence will be accelerated through the adoption of common criteria, and methods, for defining cell quiescence. An integrated approach to studying cell quiescence, and a focus on the behavior of individual cells, will yield new insights into the pathways and processes that underlie cell quiescence leading to a more complete understanding of the life cycle of cells. TAKE AWAY: Quiescent cells are viable cells that have reversibly exited the cell cycle Quiescence is induced in response to a variety of nutrient starvation signals Quiescence is executed dynamically through three phases: initiation, maintenance, and exit Quiescence entails large-scale remodeling of gene expression, organelles, and metabolism Single-cell approaches are required to address heterogeneity among quiescent cells.
Safety of liver biopsy at the time of bariatric surgery: an analysis of the MBSAQIP database

The majority of patients undergoing bariatric surgery have hepatic steatosis. Liver biopsy is not technically difficult to perform at the time of metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS), but there may be concerns for bleeding complications. The safety of liver biopsy (LBx) at the time of MBS has been studied in single institutional studies but has not been studied on a national level. The MBSAQIP database for 2015–2018 was examined. The codes for Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) of 43644 and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) 43775 were used along with 47000 (percutaneous liver biopsy), 47001 (percutaneous liver biopsy at time of other procedure), and 47379 (unlisted laparoscopic procedure, liver). Outcomes such as operative time, complications, and length of stay were examined. Propensity-matched analysis was performed to evaluate for adjusted associations. There were 546,532 patients that met our inclusion criteria. Of those, 21,367 (3.9%) underwent LBx. Only 5.5% (8012) of patients undergoing RYGB had a LBx and 3.3% (13,355) of SG patients. Patients who underwent a LBx had a longer operative time before (103 min vs 84 min, p < 0.001) and after propensity matching [regression coefficient (RC): 10.7 (8.87, 12.5)]. There was no increase in length of stay. There was an increased risk in mortality in the unadjusted analysis (prevalence ratio = 1.61, p = 0.02), but when propensity-matched analysis was done, there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Concerning bleeding or transfusion, there was no difference in bleeding or rates of transfusion (p= 0.22, p = 0.21). Liver biopsy at the time of MBS is safe. It adds operative time, but there is no increase in length of stay, bleeding complications, morbidity, or death.
A House Divided: Legislative Competition and Young Firm Survival in the United States

Research Summary Features of the institutional environment influence the performance of firms. In this research, I examine how one aspect of the institutional environment, competition between parties within legislatures, relates to young firm mortality. I argue that higher legislative competition provides legislators with more power to reward favored interests and thus contributes to a competitive environment that benefits well‐connected incumbents and imposes negative consequences on young firms. Using data on state legislature composition in the United States and both an ordinary least squares and instrumental variables empirical strategy, I find that legislative competition has a positive relationship with young firm mortality and this relationship is partially mediated by incentives that favor incumbents. In doing so, I highlight that political competition can have negative consequences for some firms. Managerial Summary In this research, I examine how competition between parties within state legislatures affects the survival of young firms. I argue that higher interparty competition provides legislators with greater bargaining power to obtain policy rewards for favored constituents and that this can lead to a competitive environment that favors well‐connected incumbent firms and disadvantages younger firms. I find that interparty legislative competition has a positive relationship with young firm mortality and that this relationship is partially accounted for by the use of subsidies and incentives that favor incumbents. Through this research, I show that political competition may be harmful to some firms and highlight the importance of government institutions on firms and markets.
Can telemedicine address neurologic health disparities in rural Guatemala: a health promotor educational intervention study.

The global burden of neurologic disease is high and its impact manifests in health disparities observed in rural communities of limited resources like those surrounding San Lucas Toliman, Guatemala. Telehealth may be one method to close these gaps by offering a virtual neurology curriculum. The goal of this project was to determine the pervasiveness of neurologic disease in San Lucas Toliman and to increase interest and knowledge in neurology topics for local health promotors. A neurologic needs assessment was performed during the initial site visit. This information was subsequently used to create monthly health promotor neurology-based workshops and remote consultations delivered via a telehealth platform over the following year. The 29 health promotors were surveyed before and after the neurology course to measure self-reported knowledge of variable topics as well as their interest in neurology and how effective the remote lectures were. The needs assessment identified at least 68 different patients with neurologic diseases, the most common being headaches and seizures. The health promotors' knowledge of several neurologic diseases as well as their comfort level diagnosing a condition based on a description of neurologic symptoms significantly increased following the year-long neurology course. The lectures were convenient, easy to see and hear virtually, and increased the health promotors' interest in neurology. Telehealth is an acceptable and feasible method of delivering educational neurology topics relevant to rural communities. Future, longer-term studies are needed to determine if telehealth interventions such as these impact neurologic patient outcomes.
The dynamic nature of interpersonal conflict and psychological strain in extreme work settings.

Humanity will mount interplanetary exploration missions within the next two decades, supported by a growing workforce operating in isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) conditions of space. How will future space workers fare in a closed social world while subjected to persistent stressors? Using a sample of 32 participants operating in ICE conditions over the course of 30-45 days, we developed and tested a dynamic model of conflict and strain. Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, we investigated reciprocal relationships between different forms (i.e., task and relationship) of conflict, and between conflict and strain. Results demonstrated evidence for a resource threat feedback loop as current-day task conflict predicted next-day relationship conflict and current-day relationship conflict predicted next-day task conflict. Additionally, results indicated support for a resource loss feedback loop as current-day relationship conflict predicted next-day strain, and current-day strain predicted next-day relationship conflict. Moreover, we found that job conditions affected these associations as current-day relationship conflict was more associated with next-day task conflict when next-day workload was high, but not when next-day workload was low. Similarly, current-day relationship conflict was more associated with next-day strain when next-day workload was high; however, this association decreased when next-day workload was low. Therefore, the results suggest that workload plays a critical role in weakening the effect of these spirals over time, and suggests that targeted interventions (e.g., recovery days) can help buffer against the negative impact of relationship conflict on strain and decrease the extent that relationship conflict spills over into task disputes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
Coordinated Control of a New Pneumatic Gripper

This paper describes a new pneumatic grasping device, Intelligent Pneumatic Gripper (IPG) that was developed to achieve the primary objective to lift an object to a position without losing contact or slip as fast as possible. Recent developments in pneumatic actuators and valve allow them to be considered for application which previously only electric motors were suitable. Pneumatic system’s inherent low stiffness and direct drive capabilities enable smooth compliant geared electric motor systems. Moreover, pneumatic actuators can cost up to 10 times less than electric motors, while offering a higher power to weight ratio. Each joint of the IPG arms is revolute and actuated by a pneumatic actuators consisting of a low friction pneumatic cylinder and a regulator valve with a position sensor. Each valve supplies regulated pressure to a single chamber of pneumatic cylinder. The pneumatic cylinder extends gradually with the applied force-causing side arm to grasp. The grasping motion of IPG is produced by four pneumatic cylinders. As a result of the IPG physical configuration, the force exerted on the arms depends on the position of stroke of the right and left arms. In IPG, grasping motion is initiated by the pneumatic actuators with two touch sensors for ensured grasping of the object. Lifting motion is engaged after grasping motion. Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the grasping and lifting motion of the IPG gripper system. A nonlinear force feedback controller is designed to control both the position and velocity of the end effector and the constraint force between the gripper and the environment. Simulation studies were performed to illustrate the efficacy of the developed control method
Terrestriality and the Maintenance of the Disjunct Geographical Distribution in the lhoesti Group

This chapter presents a hypothesis for the maintenance of the current geographical distribution of the lhoesti group. I have synthesized recent studies of the behavioral ecology of members of the lhoesti group with biogeographical information and forest history data. The geography of the Congo Basin and the history of glaciation in the region created the disjunct distribution in this group. The lhoesti group retreated along with their forests to montane regions during cool, arid phases. I hypothesize that their behavioral and ecological distinctions have maintained the disjunct distribution pattern. Specifically, their adaptation to a terrestrial lifestyle and reliance on terrestrial herbs found in forests serves as a limiting factor in their distribution. Additional data are needed to develop this hypothesis, and an understanding of the biogeography and ecology of the lhoesti group will help us to predict the impacts of environmental change and to plan for the conservation needs of this group.
Disulfide bond formation in the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef protein.

Abstract Substitution of alanine for cysteine residues of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 LAI (BRU) and ELI Nef proteins was used to determine pairing of the cysteine residues present in each protein. The results show that under nonreducing conditions, alternative pairing of the cysteines occurs. The preferred pairing of cysteine residues of the LAI and ELI proteins differs. In the experimental system used, viruses carrying the ELI nef allele are found to express Nef proteins which accelerate virus replication. Mutation in critical cysteine residues of the protein reduce the rate of virus replication. In the same system, viruses harboring the LAI nef allele fail to replicate. These observations raise the possibility that differences in the observed biological activity of nef alleles may be attributed, at least in part, to differences in the secondary structure of the proteins.
Recurrent, Disseminated Mycobacterium marinum Infection Caused by the Same Genotypically Defined Strain in an Immunocompromised Patient

An 81-year-old male with myasthenia gravis developed a cutaneous infection with Mycobacterium marinum, which apparently resolved following local heat therapy. Five months later, the patient developed new skin lesions and pancytopenia. M. marinum was isolated from his bone marrow. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis was performed to determine if the skin and bone marrow isolates were clonally related. Digestion of the genomic DNA with the restriction enzymes SpeI and AseI yielded indistinguishable banding patterns. An epidemiologically unrelated control strain showed significant banding differences. The results suggest that the patient’s recurrent, disseminated infection was due to recrudescence of his initial infection rather than reinfection by another strain.
Four Models of Redemptive Education and Technology

This essay presents four models of how technology can be spiritualized rather than rejected: an aesthetic one based on the work of Dewey; a revealing one based on the work of Heidegger; a divinizing one based on the work of Buber; and a spiritual one derived from several sources. Further, it maintains that in each of the four models one can distinguish four stages of development, preparation, incubation, insight, and creation or verification. These four stages correspond to the traditional ones of purification, illumination, ecstasy, and praxis. Finally, it is claimed that the first stage, preparation, falls squarely within what schools can do to train their wards to deal with technology in a positive way.
Translating God: Derrida, Ricoeur, Kearney

The purpose of the present essay is to defend two related notions. The more specific notion that I seek to defend is Richard Kearneyâ€™s conception of God as posse , of God as a possible God. His position has recently been criticized for three separate reasons: that it is not radical enough, that it is crypto-metaphysical, and that it forecloses the most profound aims of ethics. At a broader level what seems to be at stake is the opposition between partisans of radical finitude, those who hold that the most profound questions are encountered at the limits of thought, and an alternative â€œinfiniteâ€ conception that Kearney shares with Paul Ricoeur, which maintains that fidelity to unpredictable events opens the way to what is most profound about the human condition. In response I argue that the criticisms fail to hit their mark because they presuppose a broadly Derridian or post-modern position in order to make their argument, when it is just those presuppositions that are in question.
Field-flow fractionation : Extending the molecular weight range of liquid chromatography to one trillion (1012)

The principal driving force for the explosive renaissance in liquid chromatography in the last decade can be found in the failure of gas chromatography to accommodate compounds of medium and high molecular weight. However, even liquid chromatography, including its subclass of exclusion chromatography, weakens at very high molecular weights and eventually becomes inapplicable. The primary difficulties stem from unbalanced phase distribution and interfacial adsorption. These problems are largely avoided in field-flow fractionation (FFF). FFF is a methodology resembling chromatography in its dynamical aspects. However, it is a one-phase system, and is therefore, technically, not chromatographic. In FFF, external fields or gradients in one phase replace the partition and adsorption forces that, in chromatography, distribute solute between differential flow regions. Working in one phase, one can virtually eliminate the distortion in phase distribution and the interfacial adsorption that eventually occur with increasing molecular weight in all forms of chromatography. FFF analysis can be extended freely into the polymer and even the particulate range. So far, a billionfold mass range has been explored, roughly from 103 to 1012 daltons. In this paper, the principles, applications, and characteristics of FFF are described; some limitations of exclusion chromatography are noted; and the basic factors involved in extending the tractable molecular weight range are discussed.
The amyloid precursor protein of Alzheimer’s disease associates with axoplasmic organelles (596.10)

The Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) is a causative agent in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) as the Aβ fragment of this protein builds up in brain lesions of AD patients and mutations in APP lead to herita...
High Resolution Electron Energy‐Loss Spectroscopy

The determination of the identity and structure of molecular species present in no more than monolayer quantities at solid surfaces is one of the more difficult tasks in interfacial science. In this regard, vibrational spectroscopy is an invaluable technique; in the evaluation of the molecular integrity of surface-bound compounds, it has few equals. Optical methods such as infrared spectroscopy, while rather uncomplicated for bulk materials, lack the high sensitivity needed for most surface species due to minuscule molecular amounts. A much more responsive alternative is based on the use of low-energy electrons to interact with the molecular oscillators on the surface. If inelastic interactions occur, the energy of the backscattered electrons will be lower than that of the incident electrons, and the energy loss will correspond to a vibrational-mode frequency. The present article briefly describes the fundamental principles of and instrumental considerations in high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy (HREELS), and cites seminal applications in the study of the adsorption of organic and inorganic molecules at metal and semiconductor surfaces. A limited list of HREELS work published since the turn of the century is added in the last section. Keywords: high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy; surface vibrational spectroscopy; dipole scattering; impact scattering; physisorption; chemisorption; surface coordination chemistry; surface organometallic chemistry
Systemic dissemination of viral vectors during intratumoral injection.

Intratumoral injection is a routine method for local viral gene delivery that may improve interstitial transport of viral vectors in tumor tissues and reduce systemic toxicity. However, the concentration of transgene products in normal organs, such as in the liver, may still exceed normal tissue tolerance if the products are highly toxic. The elevated concentration in normal tissues is likely to be caused by the dissemination of viral vectors from the tumor. Therefore, we investigated transgene expression in the liver, the serum, and a mouse mammary carcinoma (4T1) in mice after intratumoral injection of adenoviral vectors for mouse interleukin-12, luciferase, enhanced green fluorescence protein, or β-galactosidase. We also performed numerical simulations of virus transport in tumors after intratumoral injection, based on the Krogh cylinder model. Our experimental data and numerical simulations demonstrated that virus dissemination was significant in mice and it occurred mainly during the intratumoral injection. To reduce virus dissemination, we mixed these vectors with a viscous alginate solution and injected the mixture into the tumors. Our data showed that the alginate solution could significantly reduce virus dissemination while having minimal effects on transgene expression in tumors and on interleukin-12-induced tumor growth delay. These data suggest that virus dissemination is a potential problem in local viral gene therapy of cancer and that the dissemination could be significantly reduced by the alginate solution without compromising the efficacy of gene therapy.
Leiomodin and tropomodulin in smooth muscle

Evidence is accumulating to suggest that actin filament remodeling is critical for smooth muscle contraction, which implicates actin filament ends as important sites for regulation of contraction. ...
Continuous systemic 5-fluorouracil infusion in refractory prostatic cancer

Abstract Twenty patients with metastatic prostatic cancer were treated on an ambulatorybasis with continuous 5 fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion 250–300 mg/M 2 per day through a chronic indwelling central venous catheter. All patients had symptomatic, progressive disease despite previous standard therapies. Partial remission was seen in 2 of 20 patients (10%), stable disease in 9 of 20 (45%), and progressive disease in 9 of 20 (45%); mean duration of benefit in responding and stable disease patients was six months. Improvement in pain and ECOG performance status were seen in most of the patients in the responding and stable disease categories. Forty percent of the patients experienced no significant drug toxicity; treatment interruption was necessary for stomatitis in 6 patients (30%), hand/foot syndrome in 3 patients (15%), and diarrhea in 1 patient (5%). No significant myelosuppression or other significant organ toxicities were encountered, Continuous systemic venous infusion of 5-FU may provide significant palliative effect for some patients with symptomatic, refractory carcinoma of the prostate.
Simulation of ultrafast heating induced structural dynamics using a one-dimensional spring model

We developed a one-dimensional spring model to study the dynamics of lattice motion upon ultrafast laser heating. Using this model, we simulated atomic positions as a function of time in a free-standing thin monoatomic metal film as well as in a thin film on a substrate. In particular, we studied how the electronic thermal stress influences lattice expansion after the ultrafast laser heating. The simulation results agree very well with experimental data obtained with femtosecond electron diffraction.
pH and pCO2 microelectrode measurements and the diffusive behavior of carbon dioxide species in coastal marine sediments

The performance of a polymeric membrane-based pH microelectrode and a new pCO2 microelectrode in marine sediments is evaluated for the purpose of collecting fine-scale and undisturbed porewater profiles of carbon dioxide parameters. Both microelectrodes have a precision of 0.01–0.02 logarithmic units. A fine-scale porewater profile of total dissolved inorganic carbon (TCO2) is calculated from the pH and pCO2 data and is in good agreement with coarse-scale TCO2 profiles measured in squeezed porewater. The measuring uncertainty for TCO2 is within 5%. The measurements of the pH microelectrode also agree in general with those of a glass mini-electrode. The mini-electrode, however, measures smaller pH changes as a result of mixing the sediments. Very low pH values (<6.0) are measured in this salt marsh-influenced sediment and are correlated to the oxidation of Mn2+, Fe2+, and possibly, solid sulfides. Concentration profiles and fluxes of TCO2, CO2, HCO3− and CO32− are calculated from the pH and pCO2 data. These millimeter-scale profiles demonstrate that the calculation of benthic flux of TCO2 based on porewater TCO2 profiles and on a HCO3− (or a concentration “weighted”) diffusion coefficient can be erroneous. When porewater pH is very low (<7.0) in the near-surface sediment, as is the case in many organic-rich coastal sediments, TCO2 transport is accomplished significantly through the diffusion of CO2 and can be greatly enhanced due to a sharp concentration gradient and a large diffusion coefficient of CO2.
An overview of the history, present status, and future direction of solidification/stabilization technologies for hazardous waste treatment☆

Abstract Solidification/stabilization (S/S) technology processes are currently being utilized in the United States to treat inorganic and organic hazardous waste and radioactive waste. These wastes are generated from operating industry or have resulted from the uncontrolled management of hazardous waste. This paper will overview the development to date of this technology and its future direction which is strongly influenced by industry needs and/or government regulations. Key areas where knowledge is limited and factors impacting future utilization will be identified.