cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Mechanism of Reversible Lithium Insertion into Anti-NASICON Fe2(WO4)3.

The gram-scale preparation of Fe2(WO4)3 by a new solution-based route and detailed characterization of the material are presented. The resulting Fe2(WO4)3 undergoes a reversible electrochemical reaction against lithium centered around 3.0 V with capacities near 93% of the theoretical maximum. Evolution of the Fe2(WO4)3 structure upon lithium insertion and deinsertion is probed using a battery of characterization techniques, including in situ X-ray diffraction, neutron total scattering, and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS). A structural transformation from monoclinic to orthorhombic phases is confirmed during lithium intercalation. XAS and neutron total scattering measurements verify that Fe2(WO4)3 consists of trivalent iron and hexavalent tungsten ions. As lithium ions are inserted into the framework, iron ions are reduced to the divalent state, while the tungsten ions are electrochemically inactive and remain in the hexavalent state. Lithium insertion occurs via a concerted rotation of the rigid polyh...
The association between fear of cancer recurrence and quality of life among Chinese cancer survivors: main effect hypothesis and buffering hypothesis

Purpose The aim of the present study is to examine whether fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is related to health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among Chinese cancer survivors, an understudied population (i.e., main effect hypothesis). Also, we investigated whether the FCR–HRQOL link is moderated by two coping strategies, avoidance and positive reappraisal (i.e., buffering hypothesis).
Exploring Culturally Sustaining Writing Pedagogy in Urban Classrooms

We examine how culturally sustaining pedagogy that fosters linguistic and cultural pluralism might be taken up in writing instruction. Using data collected through semistructured interviews with ni...
Adrenergic modulation of choroidal blood flow in the rabbit.

PURPOSE To determine whether the choroidal pressure-flow is altered by the alpha-adrenergic antagonist, phentolamine, or the beta-adrenergic antagonist, propranolol. METHODS In two groups of pentobarbital- anesthetized rabbits, the choroidal pressure-flow relationships were determined by raising the intraocular pressure (IOP) at mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 50, 60, 70, and 80 mm Hg before and after phentolamine (0.5 mg/kg, intravenously, n=7) and propranolol (0.25 mg/kg intravenously, n=7) administration. Hydraulic occluders on the thoracic aorta and inferior vena cava were used to control MAP, which was measured in the central ear artery. The eye was cannulated with two 23-gauge needles, one to manipulate the ocular volume and the other to measure the IOP. Choroidal blood flow was measured by laser Doppler flowmetry with a probe positioned over the posterior retina. The protocol consisted of setting the MAP, then infusing saline into the eye at 30 microliters/minute until the IOP increased from baseline to 100 mm Hg. RESULTS At the MAP of 70 mm Hg, alpha-adrenergic blockade caused an upward shift in the choroidal pressure-flow relationship; beta-blockade shifted the relationship downward. CONCLUSIONS In the pentobarbital-anesthetized rabbit, alpha- and beta- adrenergic blockade cause choroidal vasodilation and vasoconstriction, respectively. Results indicate the presence of alpha- and beta-adrenergic receptors in the rabbit choroid and a tonic level of adrenergic vascular tone in this preparation.
Quality improvement efforts in the intensive care unit: development of a new heparin protocol

In April 1997, the intensive care units (ICUs) of Baylor University Medical Center (BUMC) began a process of identifying and implementing breakthrough projects that would improve patient outcomes quickly and reduce costs (1). The initial impetus for this project came from Dr. John Anderson, senior vice president for clinical integration; Remy Tolentino, chief nursing officer; and myself. A team was formed consisting of the director of the ICU, hospital administrators, nurse administrators, pharmacists, dietitians, and information system professionals. The physician champions promoted evidence-based medicine, use of protocols, and best practices. The nursing champions promoted changes in bedside practice, continued evolution of work redesign, and appropriate staffing for patient needs. Administrative champions worked to remove or reduce barriers to change and to share the results within the hospital. The team internalized the following assumptions from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement: 1) we cannot settle for the status quo; 2) rapid change can occur; 3) we need to enlist the right people and find champions for each project; 4) work in small groups with regular meetings is very important to progress; and 5) measurements have to be made at each implementation point (2, 3). The quality improvement team made use of the plan-do-study-act cycle to implement changes (4). This model states that, after a plan is created for a specific change, a small trial is implemented, sometimes consisting of only a handful of patients. The group studies the results by reviewing several key measurements that show success or failure and then acts on the results by implementing the change or beginning the process again (5). At BUMC, part of the plan was to streamline the approval process for changes: after results were in, approval was required only by the ICU committee, the Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee if the study involved a drug, and the medical staff officers. This methodology for implementing changes to improve quality differs significantly from that for large research projects. In bringing about change, the aim is improvement, whereas in publishing research, the aim is new knowledge. Methods also differ: in care-improvement projects, tests are observable instead of blinded; bias is stabilized rather than eliminated; there are just enough data rather than extra data “just in case”; the study adapts with change rather than testing a fixed hypothesis; and sequential tests are used rather than one large test (6). Collecting data on small numbers of patients may not be sufficient to show statistical significance but does allow the team to achieve improvement, which is the designated goal. The ICU Breakthrough Quality Improvement Committee has 11 ongoing projects; it has completed 12 projects (Table ​(Table11). This article focuses on one of those projects: the development of a new heparin protocol. Table 1 Projects of the ICU Breakthrough Quality Improvement Committee
Masked Repetition Priming Treatment for Anomia.

Purpose Masked priming has been suggested as a way to directly target implicit lexical retrieval processes in aphasia. This study was designed to investigate repeated use of masked repetition primi...
A godly friendship: Thomas Gataker and William Bradshaw

ABSTRACTAdding to the scholarship on early modern friendships, this article examines the friendship between the puritan preacher Thomas Gataker and the nonconformist cleric William Bradshaw. Despite their divergent careers and their distinct roles in puritan historiography, Gataker and Bradshaw shared an enduring affection and common concerns, with both men writing on the nature of magistracy, the international Protestant community, and the promotion of unity within the godly community. Outliving Bradshaw by thirty-six years, Gataker eventually turned to print to memorialize their friendship and to address wrongs inflicted on Bradshaw and his reputation. Gataker’s interventions included polemical pieces in the 1640s and a notable contribution to seventeenth-century biography or life writing. As in other early modern friendships, Gataker acted from a deep affection and a desire to protect his friend’s legacy, yet inseparable from these motives was his intent to edify the godly.
Single-Facet Designs

Throughout this chapter it is assumed that the universe of admissible observations and the universe of generalization involve conditions from the same single facet, usually referred to as an item facet. Also, it is usually assumed that the population consists of persons. For a single-faceted universe, there are two designs that might be employed in a G study: the p × i or the i:p design, where the letter p is used to index persons (or examinees), i indexes items, “×” is read “crossed with,” and “:” is read “nested within.” For the p × i design, each person is administered the same random sample of items. For the i:p design, each person is administered a different random sample of items. Similarly, there are two possible D study designs: p × I and I:p, where uppercase I is used to emphasize that D study considerations involve mean scores over sets of items.
Gore TAG Multicenter Phase II Trial

The Gore excluder thoracic endoprosthesis (Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was the first thoracic endograft to enter clinical trials in the United States in 1998 with a feasibility trial. This was followed by the pivotal study in 1999. The Gore TAG excluder device gained FDA approval in March 2005 for the commercial use for the treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) (Fig. 23.1).
Detection of cancer antigens (CA-125) using gold nano particles on interdigitated electrode-based microfluidic biosensor

Integrating microfluidics with biosensors is of great research interest with the increasing trend of lab-on-the chip and point-of-care devices. Though there have been numerous studies performed relating microfluidics to the biosensing mechanisms, the study of the sensitivity variation due to microfluidic flow is very much limited. In this paper, the sensitivity of interdigitated electrodes was evaluated at the static drop condition and the microfluidic flow condition. In addition, this study demonstrates the use of gold nanoparticles to enhance the sensor signal response and provides experimental results of the capacitance difference during cancer antigen-125 (CA-125) antigen–antibody conjugation at multiple concentrations of CA-125 antigens. The experimental results also provide evidence of disease-specific detection of CA-125 antigen at multiple concentrations with the increase in capacitive signal response proportional to the concentration of the CA-125 antigens. The capacitive signal response of antigen–antibody conjugation on interdigitate electrodes has been enhanced by approximately 2.8 times (from 260.80 to 736.33 pF at 20 kHz frequency) in static drop condition and approximately 2.5 times (from 205.85 to 518.48 pF at 20 kHz frequency) in microfluidic flow condition with gold nanoparticle-coating. The capacitive signal response is observed to decrease at microfluidic flow condition at both plain interdigitated electrodes (from 260.80 to 205.85 pF at 20 kHz frequency) and gold nano particle coated interdigitated electrodes (from 736.33 to 518.48 pF at 20 kHz frequency), due to the strong shear effect compared to static drop condition. However, the microfluidic channel in the biosensor has the potential to increase the signal to noise ratio due to plasma separation from the whole blood and lead to the increase concentration of the biomarkers in the blood volume for sensing.
Molecular Electronics: Toward the Atomistic Modeling of Conductance Histograms

Reliability in molecular electronics break-junction experiments has come from statistically sampling thousands of repeat measurements. Here we discuss the computational challenges in reproducing th...
Drypetes (Euphorbiaceae) in Madagascar and the Comoro Islands

Une nouvelle espece d'Euphorbiaceae de Mayotte, Drypetes darcyana, est decrite et une cle des Drypetes de Madagascar et des Comores est presentee.
Low Power Design From Moore to AI for nm Era : Invited Paper

This paper reviews key developments and the continuation of low power techniques needed from the Moore to AI eras. SRAM with a wider range of operation, from extreme low to high voltages, is enabled using novel circuit techniques and demonstrated for edge or data centric accelerators. These techniques exploit interconnect as well as inductor and capacitor coupling for boosting on demand. Several chips fabricated in 14nm SOI technology show functional 8T SRAM down to 0.24V–0.30V These new techniques can lead to lower voltage operation of cognitive and neural network for IoT and data centric applications.
HIV and carotid atherosclerosis: a mediational model.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death in the US and is a significant contributor to morbidity and mortality for people living with HIV (PLWH). This study examined the associati...
Genetically Encoded Inverse Bolaamphiphiles.

Developing new protein-based materials with a programmable assembly is of great scientific interest and technological importance. Inspired by nature’s use of post-translational modifications (PTMs)...
An approach to remove homoepitaxially grown GaN layers by cleavage from the substrate surface

We demonstrate removal of homoepitaxially grown semi-polar gallium nitride (GaN) layers from the native substrates. The weak link at the interface of the epitaxial lateral overgrowth and cleavable m-plane of the respective native semi-polar plane is used to separate homoepitaxial GaN from its native substrate. Homoepitaxial GaN layers of the semi-polar planes, (101), (201), (301), (10), (20), and (30) are successfully removed. This approach allows the reuse of expensive semi-polar GaN substrates, eliminating one barrier to market introduction of superior optoelectronic devices grown with semi-polar orientations.
Study on the P2P Sharing Mode Operating Scheme of Consumer-side Distributed Energy Storage

At present, the popularization and application of consumer-side energy storage (ES) still have some problems, such as high cost, slow development of consumer-side energy storage technology and lack of business model for consumer- side distributed energy storage (DES). In this paper, a new distributed operation service model of peer to peer (P2P) is proposed. Users can share idle energy storage resources to gain profits. P2P sharing energy storage system (ESS) adopts a decentralized and flat transaction model. The concept and registration, publication, demand submission and contract signing, charge and discharge control, billing and settlement are studied. The rights and responsibilities of interest subjects are divided. Finally, this paper studies the billing and settlement mechanism, and carries out the benefit analysis of the sharing mode according to the actual case.
Barriers to Pretransplant Immunization: A Qualitative Interview Study of Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Stakeholders.

Objectives To describe the experiences and beliefs of pediatric transplant stakeholders regarding factors that contribute to low pre-transplant immunization rates. Study design Semi-structured interviews were conducted with transplant team members (hepatologists, cardiologists, nephrologists, transplant nurse coordinators and transplant infectious diseases physicians), primary care physicians, and parents of heart, liver and kidney transplant recipients at three geographically diverse large pediatric transplant centers in the United States. Interviews were conducted between July 2017 and February 2020 until thematic saturation was reached within each stakeholder subgroup. Content analysis methodology was utilized to identify themes. Results Stakeholders participated in 30-60-minute interviews (16 transplant subspecialists, 3 transplant infectious diseases physicians, 11 transplant nurse coordinators, 12 primary care physicians, and 40 parents). Five central themes emerged: (1) gaps in knowledge about timing and safety of pre-transplant immunizations, (2) lack of communication, coordination and follow-up between team members regarding immunizations, (3) lack of centralized immunization records, (4) subspecialty clinic functioning as the medical home for transplant candidates but unable to provide all needed immunizations and (5) differences between organ type in prioritization and completion of pre-transplant immunization. Conclusions There are multiple factors that contribute to low immunization rates amongst pediatric transplant candidates. New tools are needed to overcome these barriers and increase immunization rates in transplant candidates.
Chapter 12: “I’m Too Sexy for My Shirt”; The LPGA Dress Code

Women competing on the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Tour recently began wearing clothing that diverted from historic norms. Some LPGA stakeholders found the attire to be distasteful, resulting in the implementation of a dress code dictating what participants could wear. LPGA members and outside stakeholders were somewhat taken aback by the dress code, declaring that the guidelines were essentially policing the women’s bodies and that the LPGA was showing a lack of trust that players will wear athletically appropriate attire. Our findings uncovered divergent reactions to the dress code and indicated the female athlete paradox still significantly impacts women’s professional golf.
Who you gonna call

Truth Seekers comes from the duo who mashed keenly observed British comedy with horror to create cult hit Shaun of the Dead. Here's hoping the series rivals the success of the original Ghostbusters, says Emily Wilson
Autonomous Interpretation and its Limits: The Incorporation of the CISG into Domestic Sales Law

It is generally understood that the CISG is to be interpreted “autonomously” rather than through the lens of domestic law. Autonomous interpretation is required by the mandate of Article 7(1) that tribunals have regard for uniformity in the CISG’s application. There is, however, disagreement about the extent to which reference to domestic law can be consistent with autonomous interpretation. Some tribunals and commentators adopt a “weak” version that permits consideration of domestic law for limited purposes, while others adopt a “strong” version that rejects any use of domestic law to elucidate the meaning of the CISG’s provisions. In this article, we contend that reference to domestic law is consistent with autonomous interpretation to the extent that such reference enhances rather than detracts from uniform interpretation and thereby satisfies the objective of Article 7(1). We then illustrate the circumstances under which domestic law promotes uniform interpretation. We then address the issue of whether the CISG can be used to interpret domestic law. Using the Uniform Commercial Code as an example, we contend that, although there are numerous caveats that limit the utility of the CISG as a source for interpreting domestic law, there are typically no theoretical or doctrinal objections to the practice. We then explain the circumstances and conditions under which the CISG could clarify and improve interpretations of domestic law.
Parabolic oxidation kinetics of a plutonium alloy at room temperature

Abstract Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) was used to characterize the oxide scale formed on an ∼0.5 wt. % Ga plutonium metal alloy. Analysis of changes to the characteristic Auger transitions for Pu and O during sputter depth profiles were used in combination with previously measured sputter yields to determine the thickness of the oxide scale and provide insight into its chemistry. From this data, the parabolic kinetics for the Pu-Ga alloy were determined as a function of relative humidity, RH = 14–92%, and oxygen partial pressure, p(O2) = 31–157 Torr, at 25 °C. For each relative humidity investigated, the parabolic rate constant was found to be independent of oxygen partial pressure. Power-law fits to the relative humidity effect on the rate constant was found to have a power of n = 1.265, indicating the diffusion species which rate-limits the reaction isn’t molecular water, which subsequent dissociates at the oxide-metal interface, or hydroxyl from dissociation at the gas-surface interface.
Show (and tell) trials: competing narratives of Turkey’s Democrat Party era

Are show trials always one-sided affairs? In looking at Turkey, this article argues that they can be venues where competing versions of the past are offered to the public and outcomes need not be p...
Mental health and general psychological processes among asexual, bisexual, and gay/lesbian college students in the United States

Sexual minorities are at greater risk for mental health difficulties than their heterosexual peers, and bisexual and asexual individuals may be at particularly heightened risk. However, the majorit...
Documenting UNICEF’s response to COVID-19: applied tools and practices

Learning from experience has been recognized as an essential source of organizational growth, particularly for the multilateral organizations working on development issues across the globe. Within these organizations, collective learning happens when their members: (a) understand the strategic value of documenting lessons, (b) share the lessons widely within and beyond the organization, and (c) invest in incorporating and using the lessons in future situations. Keeping these three principles in mind, this case study explores key practices and challenges from UNICEF’s effort in documenting its response to COVID-19 and seeks to contribute to the global dialogue on organizational learning.
Testing Steel Corrosion in Reinforced Concrete

This paper describes how the corrosion of steel reinforcement used in concrete structures can lead to major problems in terms of reduced safety and serviceability and increased rehabilitation costs. Reliable evaluation of the level of reinforcement corrosion in concrete structures by non-destructive techniques is key to the identification of cost-effective solutions to stop or delay its damaging effects. The assessment of reinforcement corrosion is a complex process and requires extensive experience and consideration of several interrelated factors. A better understanding of the factors causing reinforcing steel corrosion, the basic principles of corrosion and the advantages and limitations of the different techniques will significantly improve the accuracy and reliability of corrosion assessment of reinforced concrete structures.
The NASA Astrophysics Data System: Free Access to the Astronomical Literature On -line and through Email

The Astrophysics Data System (ADS) provides access to the astronomical literature through the World Wide Web. It is a NASA funded project and access to all the ADS services is free to everybody world-wide. The ADS Abstract Service allows the searching of four databases with abstracts in Astronomy, Instrumentation, Physics/Geophysics, and the LANL Preprints with a total of over 2.2 million references. The system also provides access to reference and citation information, links to on-line data, electronic journal articles, and other on-line information. The ADS Article Service contains the full articles for most of the astronomical literature back to volume 1. It contains the scanned pages of all the major journals (Astrophysical Journal, Astronomical Journal, Astronomy & Astrophysics, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, and Solar Physics), as well as most smaller journals back to volume 1.The ADS can be accessed through any web browser without signup or login. Alternatively an email interface is available that allows our users to execute queries via email and to retrieve scanned articles via email. This might be interesting for users on slow or unreliable links, since the email system will retry sending information automatically until the transfer is complete. There are now 9 mirror sites of the ADS available in different parts of the world to improve access. The ADS is available at: http://ads.harvard.edu
H2B ubiquitylation and de-ubiquitylation in gene activation

Previous models for the role of histone modifications suggest that adding and removing modifications, such as acetylation/deacetylation in gene regulation, are functionally antagonistic. We have investigated a transcriptional role of H2B C-terminal ubiquitylation and de-ubiquitylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. H2B ubiquitylation is required for optimal transcription of SUC2 and GAL1 genes. The ubiquitin hydrolase Ubp8 is a stable component of SAGA but not ADA complexes, and is not required for overall integrity of SAGA. Biochemical and genetic evidence indicates that Ubp8 targets H2B for deubiquitylation. The dynamic balance of H2B ubiquitylation/deubiquitylation is important for GAL1 transcription since either substitution of the ubiquitylation site in H2B (Lys123), or loss of Ubp8, lowers GAL1 expression. Further, this balance of ubiquitylation appears to set the balance of histone H3 methylation at Lys4 relative to Lys36. Thus, unlike acetylation/deacetylation whose functions are mutually opposing, both ubiquitylation and de-ubiquitylation are required for gene activation. These results suggest that ubiquitylation of histones has a unique role among histone modifications, possibly to orchestrate an ordered pathway of chromatin alterations.
Capacity Demands in Short-Term Memory for Synthetic and Natural Speech

Three experiments were performed that compared recall for synthetic and natural lists of monosyllabic words. In the first experiment, presentation intervals of 1, 2, and 5 s per word were used. Alt...
The effects of sevoflurane and isoflurane on recovery from outpatient surgery

This randomized, open-label study compared the investigational inhalational anesthetic sevoflurane with isoflurane in 47 healthy women undergoing elective ambulatory surgery. The women were randomized to receive either sevoflurane or isoflurane in 60% nitrous oxide-oxygen. Induction with thiopental 3-6 mg/kg was followed by vecuronium 0.1 mg/kg and fentanyl 0-200 micrograms. Duration of anesthesia, time to emergence, orientation, length of stay in the surgical unit, and hospital discharge were recorded. The emergence, length of stay, and discharge times after discontinuation of sevoflurane were 9.7 +/- 0.7, 120.6 +/- 8.0, and 244 +/- 15 minutes, respectively, and for isoflurane were 11.9 +/- 1.4, 106.8 +/- 7.1, and 282 +/- 24 minutes, respectively (NS). The isoflurane group had a higher frequency of postoperative cough. At the end of surgery, the sevoflurane group received a deeper level of anesthesia (minimum alveolar concentration 1.5 vs 1.3), however, these patients were oriented earlier (13.6 +/- 1.1 min vs 17.0 +/- 1.5 min isoflurane; p = 0.02) after discontinuation of anesthesia, although this difference is of little clinical significance.
A disposable anaerobic system designed for field and laboratory use.

Abstract A disposable anaerobic system which is characterized by its light weight and its compactness is described. The system consists of a multilayer plastic bag with a unique sealing device. A collapsible impregnated cardboard container is fitted with a catalyst and holders for a disposable hydrogen generator and an anaerobic indicator. The catalyst is active at room temperature and requires no heat activation. This system, which lends itself readily to compact storage, quick assembly, and ease of operation, is disposable after use.
A Practical and Prescriptive Approach to Validity—Commentary

We applaud the authors' substantial validity investigation of their Mathematics Knowledge for Teachers (MKT) assessment and careful examination of the underlying theory and characteristics of the v...
Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Microstructures With Nanostructured Sidewalls Designed to Maximize Giant Liquid Slip

Superhydrophobic hierarchical structures can not only enhance stability against wetting transition but, if well designed, also produce a larger slip compared to single-scale microstructures. Selective, rather than unilateral, roughening of the microstructure surfaces is desirable to realize increased slip and to study the role of nanoscale roughening; our superhydrophobic hierarchical structures are microscale posts and grates whose top surfaces are kept smooth while sidewall surfaces are etched into nanostructures. To obtain such two-scale micro-nano structures, we have combined two recent microfabrication techniques — gold coating by galvanic displacement and gold-assisted porous etching of silicon. As a result, we have obtained a slip length as large as ∼400 μm on micro-nano structures, which is a ∼100% increase from the previous record of ∼200 μm obtained on micro-smooth structures. Preservation of the microscale geometric parameters was what differentiated our hierarchical samples from others, which showed enhanced stability but would not result in an increased slip. The paper presents the process details developed to fabricate the micro-nano hierarchical structures.Copyright © 2009 by ASME
Comparison of simulated and observed beam profile broadening in the Proton Storage Ring and the role of space charge

Transverse beam profiles are observed to broaden with increasing intensity in the Proton Storage Ring at the Los Alamos Neutron Scattering Center. Measured profiles are simulated with an ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ injection model that includes a 2D particle-in-cell space charge calculation. Inclusion of space charge effects in the simulation improves the agreement between the experimentally observed profiles and the calculated profiles. The comparisons are made for a range of injected intensities.
A Theory of Corporate Civic Giving

This article analyzes one corporate boundary at which legitimation problems may arise: The relation between the corporation and the local community. I indicate how ideology and a form of symbolic behavior, corporate giving, may work as a strategy of social control for corporations. This analysis leads to a theory of corporate giving as one form of corporate civic involvement. In the theory I specify the characteristics of firms and features of their environments that make corporate giving a rational strategy for increasing corporate legitimacy. The theory is presented in the form of 10 multivariate propositions. Where it exists, the research evidence on corporate giving is used to indicate the empirical plausibility of the hypotheses.
Searching the fluorescent protein color palette for new FRET pairs

One of the most promising imaging techniques for monitoring dynamic protein interactions in living cells with optical microscopy, universally referred to as FRET, employs the non-radiative transfer of energy between two closely adjacent spectrally active molecules, often fluorescent proteins. The use of FRET in cell biology has expanded to such a degree that hundreds of papers are now published each year using biosensors to monitor a wide spectrum of intracellular processes. Most of these sensors sandwich an environmentally active peptide between cyan and yellow fluorescent protein (CFP and YFP) derivatives to assay variables such as pH, calcium ion concentration, enzyme activity, or membrane potential. The availability of these sensitive indicators is growing rapidly, but many are hampered by a low dynamic range that often is only marginally detectable over the system noise. Furthermore, extended periods of excitation at wavelengths below 500 nm have the potential to induce phototoxic effects that can mask or alter the biological events under observation. Recent success in expanding the fluorescent protein color palette offers the opportunity to explore new FRET partners that may be suitable for use in advanced biosensors.
SNAP-15A Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator

In the output power range below one electrical watt, the combination of an isotope heat source with a metallic thermoelectric converter yields characteristics that are superior to systems employing other kinds of energy sources or conversion methods. When the output power is to be delivered at a high impedance, the metallic thermocouple shows a substantial advantage over the semiconductor thermocouples. The isotope-metal thermocouple system can be designed to yield other important power source characteristics such as the ability to withstand severe mechanical vibration and shock and to produce constant output power over a very wide range of temperature ambients. The design for the present (SNAP-15A) device allows for an ambient range of from -65° to + 165° F, but a much wider range can be accommodated. Transient response to ambient temperature change can be tailored to specific requirements for uniform power output. Finally, the device can operate under water, in air, or in vacuum. The device characteristics support a wide range of potential applications. Following are some of the applications under consideration: 1. Provide a steady reference voltage for long life applications. 2. Supply a network of radio beacons for the lunar landing area. 3. Power transmitters for remote weather and detection data. 4. Provide fail-safe ultrareliable long-life power in space satellites. 5. Power miniaturized communication sets. The degree to which the new device is competitive with other power sources for such applications depends on the detailed requirements.
KANT FINDS NOTHING UGLY

En reponse a l'article de D. Shier consacre a l'impossibilite du jugement de gout negatif dans l'esthetique de Kant («Why Kant finds nothing ugly», in «British journal of aesthetics», 38, 4, pp. 412-18), l'A. avance des fondements positifs a priori en faveur de la validite universelle subjective des jugements de gout negatifs. Distinguant la notion d'harmonie esthetique et d'harmonie cognitive, l'A. montre que la dysharmonie des facultes sous-jacentes au jugement negatif n'est pas si differente de l'harmonie esthetique, en ce sens qu'elles sont liees a la cognition en general qui permet d'affirmer la validite universelle des jugements positifs et negatifs
TU‐C‐213CD‐09: Dosimetric Impact of the Interplay Effect on RapidArc versus IMRT Delivery of Lung Cancer Treatment Using SBRT

Purpose: To evaluate the discrepancy between the delivered and planned doses in volumetric‐arc‐therapy (RapidArc) for lungSBRT, induced by the interplay effect between tumor, gantry and MLC motion, and to compare the effect to that of plans delivered with IMRT.Methods: For 6 patients receiving lungSBRT treatment and having respiratory‐induced tumor motion in the range 0.7 to 1.3 cm superior/inferiorly, 4DCT images and respiratory profiles, measured during CT simulation, were available. The ITV and PTV were contoured. Treatment plans using IMRT and RapidArc (with two arcs) were created using the free‐breathing CT (FBCT). Each of the arcs was divided into sub‐arcs, such that each single sub‐arc was delivered to a specific phase of the breathing cycle. The sub‐arcs were sorted and assigned to different phases by temporally associating gantry rotation with respiration. The doses delivered to individual phases were calculated using the sub‐arcs and CTimages of that phase. Doses were then mapped to the FBCT and accumulated, using Demons‐based deformable registration, between the FBCT and respective 4DCT dataset. To account for the interplay effect for IMRT, the dose to the individual phase was calculated by re‐computing the initial treatment plan on the dataset of the specific phase and weighting the dose according to delivery time of that phase. Results: ITV minimum and mean doses were reduced by 5.5±7.2% and 0.2±0.9% for RapidArc, and by 4.2±5.8% and 0.5±1.0% for IMRT, respectively, when the interplay effect was accounted for. Decreases in PTV minimum and mean doses were 25.1±27.9% and 2.3±2.4% for RapidArc, and 21.4±23.9% and 2.2±2.7% for IMRT, respectively. Conclusions: The interplay effect reduced the ITV and PTV minimum dose significantly in both RapidArc and IMRT plans. The impact on the ITV/PTV mean doses was minimal. RapidArc dose distributions were somewhat more degraded than those of IMRT.
Channel cracking during thermal cycling of thin film multi-layers

This paper describes mechanisms that can lead to film channel cracking, even in scenarios when layer thickness is small. Computational models are used to illustrate conditions that lead to the introduction of channel cracks and their subsequent cycle- or time-dependent propagation. Results for elastic structures with periodic features are briefly reviewed to illustrate that small low-modulus sections promote cracking in adjacent layers because they allow for the release of strain energy in adjacent sections with high residual stress. Inelastic deformation in layers adjacent to the cracked layer may also act to increase the channel crack driving force, by allowing for increasing displacements that serve to release strain energy. Two inelastic mechanisms form the primary focus in this effort: rate-independent plasticity and creep. Analyses of a cracked film on an elastic-plastic layer reveal pronounced cyclic displacements (as known as ratcheting) when the misfit thermal strain amplitude in the ductile layer exceeds twice its yield strain. Similar behavior occurs in cracked films on layers susceptible to creep. Simulations are presented for both isolated cracks and periodic arrays of cracks, and illustrate that the likelihood of cracking grows dramatically with time. In both inelastic regimes, the upper limit on deformation is dictated by the residual stress in the elastic layer and the substrate dimensions. These results are discussed in the context of analytical models developed elsewhere and potential experiments.
Retrograde axonal transport mediates the onset of regenerative changes in the hypoglossal nucleus

The hypoglossal nucleus was assayed for [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake 24 h after axotomy with and without colchicine injections into the nerve proximal to the nerve transection. Colchicine effectively blocked the usual increase in [14C]2-deoxyglucose uptake seen after axotomy. The drug also blocked the transport of horseradish peroxidase from the tongue muscles to the hypoglossal nucleus which otherwise occurred within this time period. Distribution of [3H]colchicine showed that the drug remained localized within the nerve close to the injection point. These results suggest that retrograde axoplasmic flow is involved in the mechanism which initiates hypoglossal neuron regeneration.
Contrast enhancement of images using human contrast sensitivity

Study of contrast sensitivity of the human eye shows that our contrast discrimination sensitivity follows the weber law for suprathreshold levels. In this paper, we apply this fact effectively to design a contrast enhancement method for images that improves the local image contrast by controlling the local image gradient. Unlike previous methods, we achieve this without segmenting the image either in the spatial (multi-scale) or frequency (multi-resolution) domain.We pose contrast enhancement as an optimization problem that maximizes the average local contrast of an image. The optimization formulation includes a perceptual constraint derived directly from human suprathreshold contrast sensitivity function. Then, we propose a greedy heuristic, controlled by a single parameter, to approximate this optimization problem. The results generated by our method is superior to existing techniques showing none of the common artifacts of contrast enhancements like halos, hue shift, and intensity burn-outs.
Efficient Dynamic Bandwidth Re-allocation in Photonic Networks using SOI-based Microring Resonators

We propose a non-blocking, low-power, micro-ring resonator-based row-column switching matrix that can achieve dynamic bandwidth re-allocation by re-allocating bandwidth from under-utilized links to over-utilized links with less than 0.4% increase in power dissipation.
Printer Technology: Competition for the Ribbon Bangers

Most DP managers know that systems come with printers. They also know that when ordering a system, one must analyze the printed output requirements and order a sufficient number of printers to handle the load on schedule. The units are assumed to be reliable and, in view of the cost of the large volume of paper processed each month, not overly expensive. In most medium- and large-size installations, the cost of the paper exceeds the cost of the printers.
Taste aversion therapy with alcoholics: techniques and evidence of a conditioned response.

Summary Aversion therapy for alcoholism is based on the notion that aversion conditioning produces a conditioned response (CR) to alcohol that is antagonistic to subsequent alcohol ingestion. This study reports the first experimental evidence that aversion conditioning produces a CR to the taste and smell of alcohol. Two patients were given taste aversion therapy for alcoholism. While medically conservative, the taste-aversion procedures produced profound malaise and reliable emesis shortly after patients began drinking alcoholic beverages. Behavioral. attitudinal and psychophysiological indices all reflected the acquisition of an alcohol aversion as a function of conditioning.
Automatic object segmentation with 3-D cameras

Recently, active 3-D cameras, which provide streams of depth and color images, have become widespread and popular. The depth data provides useful information for identifying object boundaries, making automatic object segmentation possible. However, the depth images are extremely noisy, and due to different response time of the color and depth sensors, the depth and color information often lose synchronization when the object is moving fast. In this work, we show how to combine depth and color information to clean up the depth maps and produce an accurate segmentation of the object. On a large dataset, we show that our proposed techniques are effective.
Spectral contrast imaging microscopy

We introduce a new technique, spectral contrast imaging microscopy (SCIM), for super-resolution microscopic imaging. Based on a novel contrast mechanism that encodes each local spatial frequency with a corresponding optical wavelength, SCIM provides a real-time high-resolution spectral contrast microscopic image with superior contrast. We show that two microscopic objects, separated by a distance smaller than the diffraction limit of the optical system, can be spatially resolved in the SCIM image as different colors. Results with numerical simulation and experiments using a high-resolution United States Air Force target are presented. The ability of SCIM for imaging biological cells is also demonstrated.
Desmin/vimentin intermediate filaments are dispensable for many aspects of myogenesis.

An expression vector was prepared containing a cDNA coding for a truncated version of the intermediate filament (IF) protein desmin. The encoded truncated desmin protein lacks a portion of the highly conserved alpha-helical rod region as well as the entire nonhelical carboxy-terminal domain. When transiently expressed in primary fibroblasts, or in differentiating postmitotic myoblasts and multinucleated myotubes, the truncated protein induces the complete dismantling of the preexisting vimentin or desmin/vimentin IF networks, respectively. Instead, in both cell types vimentin and desmin are packaged into hybrid spheroid bodies scattered throughout the cytoplasm. Despite the complete lack of intact IFs, myoblasts and myotubes expressing truncated desmin assemble and laterally align normal striated myofibrils and contract spontaneously in a manner indistinguishable from that of control myogenic cells. In older cultures the spheroid bodies shift from a longitudinal to a predominantly transverse orientation and loosely align along the I-Z-I-regions of striated myofibrils (Bennett, G.S., S. Fellini, Y. Toyama, and H. Holtzer. 1979. J. Cell Biol. 82:577-584), analogous to the translocation of intact desmin/vimentin IFs in control muscle. These results suggest the need for a critical reexamination of currently held concepts regarding the functions of desmin IFs during myogenesis.
Textile Interfaces: Embroidered Jog-Wheel, Beaded Tilt Sensor, Twisted Pair Ribbon, and Sound Sequins

Electronic textiles (or e-textiles) attempt to integrate electronics and computing into fabric. In our efforts to create new e-textile interfaces and construction techniques for our Electronic Textile Interface Swatch Book (an e-textile toolkit), we have created a multi-use jog wheel using multilayer embroidery, sound sequins from PVDF film and a tilt sensor using a hanging bead, embroidery and capacitive sensing. In order to make capacitive sensing over long leads possible on the body, we have constructed twisted pair ribbon and demonstrated its effectiveness over more typical sensing techniques. We detail construction techniques and lessons learned from this technology exploration.
Disopyramide pharmacokinetics and bioavailability following the simultaneous administration of disopyramide and14C-disopyramide

The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of total (bound plus unbound) and unbound disopyramide were compared following the simultaneous administration of an oral dose of disopyramide and an intravenous dose of 14C-disopyramide in five normal volunteers and in 11 patients with congestive heart failure. The binding of disopyramide varied between 60 and 92% in patients and between 81 and 88% in normal subjects at postequilibrium drug concentrations of 10(-7) M. The binding of disopyramide to serum protein was concentration-dependent in all study subjects at serum concentrations achieved following drug administration. The association constant for the first binding site in serum from normal subjects and patients averaged 8.7 X 10(5) M-1 and 4.4 X 10(5) M-1, respectively (p less than 0.05). The unbound clearance of disopyramide averaged 277 ml/min and 209 ml/min in normal subjects and in patients (p less than 0.05). When normalized for body weight, the unbound clearance between patients and normal subjects was not significantly different. The elimination half-life of unbound concentrations in normal subjects and in patients averaged 4.9 and 6.1 h, respectively (p less than 0.05). The clearance and elimination half-life of total disopyramide was the same in both groups. Although the bioavailability of disopyramide averaged 0.85 in both groups, it was more variable in patients owing to the variability in the fraction of the dose absorbed. The unbound renal clearance and volume of distribution at steady state of disopyramide was related to cardiac index. The ratio of elimination half-lives of total and unbound disopyramide was related to the extent of serum protein binding.
Completely monotonic rational functions and Hall's marriage theorem

Abstract It is shown that the rational function given by ƒ( x ) = ∏ n i = 1 (( x + z i )/( x + p i )) is completely monotonic if 0 ≤ p 1 ≤ ··· ≤ p n , 0 ≤ z 1 ≤ ··· ≤ z n and for each k = 1, ..., n , ∑ k 1 z i ≥ ∑ k 1 p i .
Global dose rate assessment in ITER diagnostics ports based on the 3-D FEM ATTILA code

Abstract The USITER, through the Princeton Plasma Physics Lab (PPPL), is responsible for the delivery of several fully integrated upper, equatorial and lower port plugs dedicated for the diagnostics in ITER. Each port plug package consists of a generic port plug structure and a set of diagnostics and diagnostic housings. The shielding design of the integrated port plugs calls for maintaining a dose level not to exceed 100 μSv/h inside the interspace of each port; the room behind the port plug where maintenance personnel access the rear of the port. This is set as an upper target design in order to perform routine maintenance 1E6 sec (∼two weeks) following shutdown. Expensive remote handling robots and tooling are required otherwise. In this paper we present results from a parametric study aimed at providing initial assessment of the attainable dose rates in the diagnostics ports and their extension areas in order to properly address the duration time and frequency for the workers to perform the scheduled maintenance. The nuclear analysis is performed using both the serial version and the distributed memory parallel (DMP) version of the ATTILA-7.1.0, 3-D FEM Discrete Ordinates code, along with the FENDL2.1/FORNAX and ANSI/ANS-6.1.1-1977 data bases.