cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Polyimide films from vapor deposition: Toward high strength, NIF capsules

The focus of recent efforts at LLNL has been to demonstrate that vapor deposition processing is a suitable technique to form polyimide films with sufficient strength for current National Ignition Facility target specifications. Production of polyimide films with controlled stoichiometry was acccomplished by: 1) depositing a novel co-functional monomer and 2) matching the vapor pressure of each monomer in PMDA/ODA co-depositions. The sublimation and deposition rate for the monomers was determined over a range of temperatures. Polyimide films with thicknesses up to 30 μm were fabricated. Composition, structure and strength were assessed using FTIR, SEM and biaxial burst testing. The best films had a tensile strength of approximately 100 MPa. A qualitative relationship between the stoichiometry and tensile strength of the film was demonstrated. Thin films (∼3.5 μm) were typically smooth with an rms of 1.5 nm.
A Century of Stock Market Liquidity and Trading Costs

I assemble an annual time series of bid-ask spreads on Dow Jones stocks from 1900-2000, along with an annual estimate of the weighted-average commission rate for trading NYSE stocks since 1925. Spreads are cyclical, especially during periods of market turmoil. The sum of half-spreads and one-way commissions, multiplied by annual turnover, is an estimate of the annual proportional cost of aggregate equity trading. This cost drives a wedge between aggregate gross equity returns and net equity returns. This wedge can account for only a small part of the observed equity premium, but all else equal the gross equity premium is perhaps 1% lower today than it was early in the 1900's. Finally, I present evidence that the transaction cost measures that also proxy for liquidity - spreads and turnover - predict stock returns one year or more ahead. High spreads predict high stock returns; high turnover predicts low stock returns. These liquidity variables dominate traditional predictor variables, such as the dividend yield. The evidence suggests that time-series variation in aggregate liquidity is an important determinant of conditional expected stock market returns.
Changes in neurocognitive functioning following lung transplantation.

Although neurocognitive impairment is relatively common among patients with advanced lung disease, little is known regarding changes in neurocognition following lung transplantation. We therefore administered 10 tests of neurocognitive functioning before and 6 months following lung transplantation and sought to identify predictors of change. Among the 49 study participants, native diseases included chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (n = 22), cystic fibrosis (n = 12), nonfibrotic diseases (n = 11) and other (n = 4). Although composite measures of executive function and verbal memory scores were generally within normal limits both before and after lung transplantation, verbal memory performance was slightly better posttransplant compared to baseline (p 1 standard deviations on at least 20% of tests) from baseline to posttransplant. Patients who declined were older (p < 0.004) and tended to be less educated (p = 0.07). Lung transplantation, like cardiac revascularization procedures, appears to be associated with cognitive decline in a subset of older patients, which could impact daily functioning posttransplant.
Measurement of apolipoprotein A-I in rat high density lipoprotein and in rat plasma by radioimmunoassay.

A double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) for rat apolipoprotein A-I is reported. The ApoA-I isolated from delipidated HDL by gel filtration yielded a single band on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis in sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and its amino acid composition resembled that reported by others. ApoA-I was iodinated by lactoperoxidase and the resulting 125I-apoA-I was purified by gel filtration. Up to 93% of 125I-apoA-I was precipitable by antibody and > 99% of bound 125I-apoA-I was displaced by “cold” apoA-I. Other rat lopoproteins and apolipoproteins did not react in this system. Human plasma were also not reactive, nor were dog, goat, and sheep plasmas. Rat intact HDL displaced 125I-apoA-I in parallel with “cold” apoA-I; however, only about 10% of the apoA-I in intact HDL reacted in the assay. Removal of the lipid from HDL by extraction with ether-ethanol solutions increased the reactivity of apoA-I to levels expected from studies of the apeA-I content of HDL by column chromatography and SDS disc gel electrophoresis. Plasmas from Sprague-Dawley male and female rats also displaced counts in parallel with apoA-I. Apparent plasma levels of apoA-I ranged from 2 to 7 mg/dl in unextracted plasma. When assay incubations were carried out for two hours a t 37°C at theb eginning of the assay and again right after the addition of the second antibody, similar low results were obtained. Lipid extraction increased apparent levels about 9-fold to 39 ± 8 mg/dl for Sprague-Dawley males (n = 14) and 47 ± 6 mg/dl for females (n = 5). ApoA-I was not lost during extraction. Heating of plasmas to 52°C before assay yielded levels of 26 ± 4 mg/dl. Thus, extraction of plasmas appears to be necessary to obtain accuralteev els of apoA-I in this assay system.
Retinal Blood Flow Measurements in Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion Using Scanning Laser Doppler Flowmetry

Abstract PURPOSE: To determine capillary blood flow measurements in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion using a scanning laser Doppler flowmeter. METHODS: Retinal capillary blood flow in branch retinal vein occlusion areas and corresponding ipsilateral nonbranch retinal vein occlusion areas, 11 equivalent areas of the contralateral fellow eye of 12 consecutive untreated branch retinal vein occlusion patients, and 16 eyes of 11 age-matched normal control subjects were measured with scanning laser Doppler flowmetry. A template consisting of eight squares, each with a field of 100 × 100 μm (10 × 10 pixel) with space interval of 500 μm equidistant horizontally and vertically was used to obtain blood flow measurements in all subjects. Mean blood volume, flow, and velocity were obtained by averaging the mean values measured in each field. We avoided measurement over large retinal vessels to prevent the aliasing artifact of blood cells from moving faster than the sampling frequency. RESULTS: Branch retinal vein occlusion areas have significantly decreased microvascular blood volume (P = .0009), flow (P = .02), and velocity (P = .016) compared with ipsilateral nonbranch retinal vein occlusion areas in the same eye. Branch retinal vein occlusion areas also have decreased blood volume (P = .001), flow (P = .0042), and velocity (P = .0044) compared with areas of contralateral fellow eyes of branch retinal vein occlusion subjects. Branch retinal vein occlusion areas have significantly decreased blood volume (P = .0012), flow (P = .008), and velocity (P = .02) compared with age-matched normal areas. CONCLUSION: Average retinal blood volume, flow, and velocity in areas of branch retinal vein occlusion are significantly lower than in healthy retinas. The ability to noninvasively measure hemodynamic changes in the retinal capillary bed may be relevant to development of new therapies for retinovascular disease.
Performance implications of outsourcing for technological innovations: managing the efficiency and adaptability trade‐off

We explore how increasing efficiency compromises adaptability when a firm outsources during the emergent stages of a technological innovation. Since efficiency -related problems differ in complexity and structure from those associated with adaptability, their optimal governance differs. While the former benefits from outsourcing, the latter is better off managed within organizational boundaries. In addition, a firm's ability to engage in complex problem solving buffers the efficiency-adaptability trade-off that occurs with increasing levels of outsourcing. In this study, we find support for our theses. Although outsourcing yields efficiency gains up to a certain point, it hurts adaptability. However, a firm's absorptive capacity mitigates this trade-off. Our data on outsourcing for Internet banking is both archival and based on two surveys conducted with 100 U.S. banks. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Practical active antenna evaluation using the two-stage MIMO OTA measurement method

This paper discusses practical and cost-effective ways of evaluating the performance of active antenna array systems (AAS) using the two-stage MIMO OTA measurement method. The paper first introduces the concept of the two-stage method which is based on a first stage of antenna pattern measurement followed by a second stage of throughput measurement using a signal generated by convolving the device antenna pattern with the desired spatial channel model. The resulting signal is applied to the DUT either through a conducted or radiated connection. The radiated version of the two-stage method was recently approved by 3GPP in Technical Report 37.977 v12.0.0 [1]. The primary advantage of the two-stage method is that arbitrary 2D or 3D spatial channel models can be emulated without the need for the conventional multi-probe anechoic chamber approach which is significantly more complex and expensive. The extension of the two-stage method to active antenna systems is possible due to the unique ability of the two-stage method to provide intermediate antenna pattern measurements as part of the process. By measurement of a finite set of possible antenna pattern states the performance of the device for any orientation in the chosen spatial channel model can be evaluated for each antenna state and the optimum performance identified. The antenna state which is shown to provide the best performance can then be compared with the state chosen by the device when a known channel is applied through any particular state. To allow active antenna analysis to work, a proprietary feedback mechanism between the device and the test system is necessary to indicate the device's chosen antenna pattern to the test system. The described concepts apply to both mobile devices and base stations, and are particularly suited to the latter due to the size of the device which makes evaluation in a 2D or 3D anechoic chamber impractical.
A Favorable Side Bet in Nevada Baccarat

Abstract A winning strategy is developed for the nine to one side bet on a Banker natural nine. Let n be the number of cards that remain for play. Let t be the number of nines that remain for play. If p(n, t) is the probability of a natural nine when n and t are given, then p(n, t) is greater than 0.1 frequently enough to make the counting of n and t the basis for a practical winning strategy. The Kelly criterion (play to maximize the expected value of the log of capital) is used to determine bet sizes for favorable situations. Similar strategies are developed for the side bets on Banker natural eight, Player natural nine, and Player natural eight. The relationships between the four side bets are analyzed. It is shown that the main (roughly 1:1) bets on Banker and Player occasionally favor the player. There are theoretical favorable strategies but none exists which is currently practical.
Electronic conduction in non-crystalline solids

Non-crystalline solids which exhibit electronic conduction include oxide glasses, the so-called chalcogenide glasses, glassy elements such as carbon and a large variety of amorphous films. The electrical resistivity encountered ranges from 10−3 ohm cm to greater than 1015 ohm cm at room temperature. The mechanisms of conduction can differ significantly. In this paper, the electrical properties of these various types of non-crystalline solids are reviewed with particular emphasis on the relationship between structure, experimental conditions during formation and electronic condition.
Ectodermal dysplasia: otolaryngologic manifestations and management.

Objective: To present the otolaryngologic manifestations and management of 12 patients with the rare presentation of ectodermal dysplasia. Study Design: A retrospective chart review combined with a patient evaluation by the specialties of genetics, dermatology, dentistry, and otolaryngology. Methods: A review of the head and neck manifestations of the spectrum of ectodermal dysplasia was undertaken by a retrospective chart review performed at a tertiary care children's hospital combined with a multidisciplinary evaluation by specialties of genetics, dermatology, dentistry, and otolaryngology. Results: All 12 patients had confirmed ectodermal dysplasia by genetic evaluation with strong familial manifestations of the spectrum. Seven of 12 patients presented with X-linked hypohidrotic ectodeimal dysplasia. Three of these seven were female patients and presented with variable expression. Common otolaryngologic manifestations included eczematoid skin changes, unusual facies, hypodontia, sparse scalp hair, chronic infections (rhinitis, pharyngitis, otitis media), epistaxis, ocular drying with corneal injury, dysphagia, hearing loss, and dysphonia. Immune evaluation was normal. Nasal cilia were deficient. Conclusions: Ectodermal dysplasia is a rare syndrome with heterogeneous manifestations secondary to hypoplasia of the mucous glands of the upper aerodigestive tract and ectodermal abnormalities. The spectrum is marked by hypohidrosis, recurrent ocular infections, chronic rhinitis, hypodontia, dystrophic nails, alopecia, and atypical facies. The recognition of this syndrome allows early management of ocular, dental, infectious, and dermatologic concerns with a multidisciplinary approach to management. Direct otolaryngologic management includes ocular and oral lubrication, treatment of infectious complications, and intervention to prevent and address hearing loss.
Radiative Bhabha scattering for singly tagged and untagged configurations

Abstract A method for simulating radiative Bhabha scattering for configurations where one or both electrons do not scatter appreciably is presented. Double radiative Bhabha scattering is included by using the equivalent photon approximation. Results from a Monte Carlo event generator are shown for two experimental configurations. When an electron and photon scatter at large angles, the contribution from order α 4 is large for low visible enegries. For the single photon configuration, the order α 4 correction is small.
Systemic Blood Pressure Response to Changes in Right Ventricular Function

The relationship between right ventricular and aortic pressure was studied in open-chest anesthetized dogs. A simultaneous increase in both pressures was observed in animals with an intact circulation and animals with the systemic circulation perfused at a constant rate and stroke volume by an extracorporeal pump. With gradual partial constriction of the main pulmonary artery, the increase in right ventricular systolic and aortic pressures occurred without consistent change in other measured parameters. Bilateral cervical vagotomy abolished the systemic vascular response. These observations are consistent with a pressor reflex which is mediated over vagal afferent fibers from the right ventricle. It is suggested that in animals under varying physiologic stimuli an increase in right ventricular pressure is associated with a reflex increase in systemic vascular resistance. In abnormal circumstances with increased resistance to right ventricular emptying, the increased total peripheral vascular resistance would be important in maintaining systemic blood pressure and blood flow.
Preference or Desperation? Distinguishing Between the Natal Habitat's Effects on Habitat Choice

While the effect of natal experience on habitat and host selection has long been of interest to evolutionary biologists, the adaptive consequences of this effect have only recently been explored. The natal habitat provides dispersing individuals with information that can potentially improve estimates of three parameters that are important in sequential habitat search: habitat quality, habitat encounter rate and total time available for search. The estimates that are changed by natal experience will determine the ecological consequences of the individual variation that results from natal experience. Here, I propose methods for examining habitat acceptance during sequential search that allow discrimination between the potential effects of natal experience. I then discuss the results of an experiment using these methods to determine which habitat search parameter estimates are most influenced by natal experience in the vinegar fly, Drosophila melanogaster. I found that the natal habitat's effect on estimates of time available for search was largely responsible for differences in breeding site acceptance between individuals from different natal habitats. This type of effect is likely to be common in nature, and future tests of how natal experience influences habitat selection should take care to distinguish between this and other potential effects of natal experience.
The distribution of progestin receptor mRNA in rat brainstem.

Abstract Hypothalamic sites wherein P4, through progestin receptor, (Pgr; commonly abbreviated PR), maximizes the expression of female sexual behaviors and gonadotropin surge release have been studied intensively. However, little is known regarding PR expression in brainstem regions likely to regulate changes in autonomic functions observed when P4 levels are elevated (i.e. pregnancy). Using in situ hybridization, we found PR mRNA-containing cells widely distributed throughout the brainstem of ovariectomized, estradiol-treated Sprague–Dawley rats, with high expression in regions including the medial vestibular nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract, substantia nigra (compact part), ventral tegmental area, hypoglossal nucleus, locus coeruleus, Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum and inferior olivary complex. We also detected moderate to high levels of PR gene expression in several regions, such as the trapezoid nucleus, facial nucleus, periaqueductal gray regions, and rostral ventrolateral medulla. These results demonstrate that PR expression is widespread in the brainstem and identify nuclei wherein P4 may act to influence a number of physiological functions during pregnancy.
Detection of dextransucrase and levansucrase on polyacrylamide gels by the periodic acid-Schiff stain: Staining artifacts and their prevention

Abstract One use of the periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) stain is to detect dextransucrase and levansucrase activities on polyacrylamide gels by staining their polysaccharide products, dextran and levan. When gels with heavy dextran or levan bands were PAS stained, proteins other than dextransucrase and levansucrase also were stained, and a high background developed during storage. The staining of proteins other than dextransucrase and levansucrase is caused by the diffusion of the periodateoxidized carbohydrate before and after staining. This diffusion could be greatly slowed, and the staining artifact decreased, by following the PAS stain by a crosslinking treatment of the carbohydrate-dye complex. Protein staining artifacts could be prevented by using chymotrypsin to remove the protein from the gel at the stage after polysaccharide synthesis but before the PAS stain.
SUMS OF EXPONENTIALS OF RANDOM WALKS WITH DRIFT

For many time series in empirical macro and finance, it is assumed that the logarithm of the series is a unit root process. Since we may want to assume a stable growth rate for the macroeconomics time series, it seems natural to potentially model such a series as a unit root process with drift. This assumption implies that the level of such a time series is the exponential of a unit root process with drift and therefore, it is of substantial interest to investigate analytically the behavior of the exponential of a unit root process with drift. This paper shows that the sum of the exponential of a random walk with drift converges in distribution, after rescaling by the exponential of the maximum value of the random walk process. A similar result was established in earlier work for unit root processes without drift. The results derived here suggest the conjecture that also in the case when the Dickey-Fuller test or the KPSS statistic is applied to the exponential of a unit root process with drift, these tests will asymptotically indicate stationarity.
Effects of tillage and nitrogen management on soil chemical and physical properties after 23 years of continuous sorghum

Long-termtillageand nitrogen(N) managementpracticescanhaveaprofoundimpact onsoilproperties andnutrientavailability. A great deal of research evaluating tillage and N applications on soil chemical properties has been conducted with continuous corn (Zea Mays L.) throughout the Midwest, but not on continuous grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench). The objective of this experiment was to examine the long-term effects of tillage and nitrogen applications on soil physical and chemical properties at different depths after 23 years of continuous sorghumunder no-till (NT) and conventional till (CT) (fall chisel-field cultivation prior to planting) systems. Ammonium nitrate (AN), urea, and a slow release form of urea were surface broadcast at rates of 34, 67, and 135 kg N ha 1 . Soil samples were taken to a depth of 15 cm and separated into 2.5 cm increments. As a result of lime applied to the soil surface, soil pH in the NTand CT plots decreased with depth, ranging from 6.9 to 5.7 in the NT plots and from 6.5 to 5.9 in the CT plots. Bray-1 extractable P and NH4OAc extractable K was 20 and 49 mg kg 1 higher, respectively, in the surface 2.5 cm of NT compared to CT. Extractable Ca was not greatly influenced by tillage but extractable Mg was higher for CT compared to NT below 2.5 cm. Organic carbon (OC) under NT was significantly higher in the surface 7.5 cm of soil compared to CT. Averaged across N rates, NT had2.7 Mg ha 1 moreCthanCTin thesurface 7.5 cmofsoil. Bulkdensity (Db) ofthe CTwas lower at1.07 g cm 3 while Db of NT plots was 1.13 g cm 3 . This study demonstrated the effect tillage has on the distribution and concentration of certain
Improved Parametric Representation of Water Dielectric Data for Lifshitz Theory Calculations

Abstract Calculations of van der Waals interactions using Lifshitz theory require the availability and convenient mathematical representation of dielectric data for the materials involved, especially in the ultraviolet region of the spectrum. The UV representation of water is especially frequently needed in Lifshitz theory calculations in view of the ubiquitous appearance of aqueous media in the intervening space between solid surfaces, both macroscopic and colloidal. We present here a modified parameter set to describe the UV dielectric behavior of water. It fits the original reflectivity data much more closely than the set usually used, and leads to significant changes in calculated Hamaker constants—for materials interacting across water, a reduction of as much as 40% is seen. These results illustrate the importance of accurate spectral information, or conversely, the potential uncertainties in calculated properties in the absence of extensive and accurate data.
Integrated Sustainable Life Cycle Design: A Review

Product design is one of the most important sectors influencing global sustainability, as almost all the products consumed by people are outputs of the product development process. In particular, early design decisions can have a very significant impact on sustainability. These decisions not only relate to material and manufacturing choices but have a far-reaching effect on the product’s entire life cycle, including transportation, distribution, and end-of-life logistics. However, key challenges have to be overcome to enable eco-design methods to be applicable in early design stages. Lack of information models, semantic interoperability, methods to influence eco-design thinking in early stages, measurement science and uncertainty models in eco-decisions, and ability to balance business decisions and eco-design methodology are serious impediments to realizing sustainable products and services. Therefore, integrating downstream life cycle data into eco-design tools is essential to achieving true sustainable product development. Our review gives an overview of related research and positions early eco-design tools and decision support as a key strategy for the future. By merging sustainable thinking into traditional design methods, this review provides a framework for ongoing research, as well as encourages research collaborations among the various communities interested in sustainable product realization.
Therapy for a Patient With Oligodontia: Case Report

Oligodontia, the congenital absence of numerous teeth, presents many problems for both patient and therapist. Chief among these is the sequence and timing of orthodontic therapy, implant placement, and restorative dentistry. The absence of teeth can pose not only functional but psychosocial problems for young people. This report details a young woman who was diagnosed with oligodontia at age 9, treated using a multidisciplinary approach, and followed for 12 years.
Dryland soil nitrogen cycling influenced by tillage, crop rotation, and cultural practice

Management practices may influence dryland soil N cycling. We evaluated the effects of tillage, crop rotation, and cultural practice on dryland crop biomass (stems and leaves) N, surface residue N, and soil N fractions at the 0–20 cm depth in a Williams loam from 2004 to 2008 in eastern Montana, USA. Treatments were two tillage practices (no-tillage [NT] and conventional tillage [CT]), two crop rotations (continuous spring wheat [Triticum aestivum L.] [CW] and spring wheat-barley [Hordeum vulgaris L.] hay-corn [Zea mays L.]-pea [Pisum sativum L.] [W-B-C-P]), and two cultural practices (regular [conventional seed rates and plant spacing, conventional planting date, broadcast N fertilization, and reduced stubble height] and ecological [variable seed rates and plant spacing, delayed planting, banded N fertilization, and increased stubble height]). Nitrogen fractions were soil total N (STN), particulate organic N (PON), microbial biomass N (MBN), potential N mineralization (PNM), NH4–N, and NO3–N. Crop biomass N was 30 % greater in W-B-C-P than in CW in 2005. Surface residue N was 30–34 % greater in NT with the regular and ecological practices than in CT with the regular practice. The STN, PON, and MBN at 10–20 and 0–20 cm were 5–41 % greater in NT or CW with the regular practice than in CT or CW with the ecological practice. The PNM at 5–10 cm was 22 % greater in the regular than in the ecological practice. The NH4–N and NO3–N contents at 10–20 and 0–20 cm were greater in CT with W-B-C-P and the regular practice than with most other treatments in 2007. Surface residue and soil N fractions, except PNM and NO3–N, declined from autumn 2007 to spring 2008. In 2008, NT with W-B-C-P and the regular practice gained 400 kg N ha−1 compared with a loss of 221 kg N ha−1 to a gain of 219 kg N ha−1 in other treatments. No-tillage with the regular cultural practice increased surface residue and soil N storage but conventional tillage with diversified crop rotation and the regular practice increased soil N availability. Because of continuous N mineralization, surface residue and soil N storage decreased without influencing N availability from autumn to the following spring.
Antigenic Similarity of Some Trained Resistant Strains of Viridans Streptococci to Streptococcus faecalis

SummaryAntigens similar to those found in a strain of S. fecalis were found in all but one of the sulfathiazole, aureomycin, penicillin, and streptomycin-trained resistant strains of viridans streptococci. The antigens were not present in 5 of the parent strains with low sulfathiazole resistance but were present in 2 with higher resistance.
Pazopanib: A novel multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor

Pazopanib (GW786034) is a second-generation multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor against vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1,-2, and-3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α, platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β, and c-kit. Preclinical evaluation has revealed excellent antiangiogenic and antitumor activity, and synergism was observed in combination with chemotherapeutic drugs. Significant antitumor activity was found in animal models of a variety of tumors, accompanied by desirable pharmacokinetics and oral bioavailability. Phase I clinical trials have revealed manageable toxicities and desirable pharmacokinetics as well as activity in renal cancer and several other tumors. Ongoing trials are further evaluating pazopanib in a variety of malignancies.
Properties of the chiral-spin-liquid state.

It is shown that one of the class of variational spin-liquid wave functions recently derived by Wen, Wilczek, and Zee [Phys. Rev. B 39, 11413 (1989)] is identical to the fractional-quantum-Hall analog state proposed by Kalmeyer and Laughlin [Phys. Rev. Lett. 59, 2095 (1987); Phys. Rev. B 39, 11 879 (1989)] and Laughlin [Ann. Phys. (N.Y.) 191, 163 (1989)], and that the neutral spin-1/2 excitations of the two states are also the same. The 1/2 fractional statistics obeyed by these particles is demonstrated explicitly. The spin-spin correlation function and quasiparticle profile for the Wen-Wilczek-Zee states are calculated both numerically and by a hypernetted-chain procedure. Both are consistent with the idea that spontaneous breaking of time-reversal symmetry is an essential feature of any spin state lacking magnetic order. A version of this state for a three-dimensional spin system is reported and shown to have similar properties. A case is made that the neutral spin-1/2 excitations of the three-dimensional spin liquid behave like anisotropic monopoles.
Convenient annulation of bicyclo[6.3.0]undecanes†

Abstract A facile, albeit nonstereoselective, method for the construction of a bicyclo[6.3.0]undecane skeleton has been developed by sequential application of the Suarez cleavage and 5- exo radical cyclization on the readily available [4+3] cycloadducts of cyclic oxyallyls.
Analysis of scalability of high-performance 3D image processing platform for virtual colonoscopy

One of the key challenges in three-dimensional (3D) medical imaging is to enable the fast turn-around time, which is often required for interactive or real-time response. This inevitably requires not only high computational power but also high memory bandwidth due to the massive amount of data that need to be processed. For this purpose, we previously developed a software platform for high-performance 3D medical image processing, called HPC 3D-MIP platform, which employs increasingly available and affordable commodity computing systems such as the multicore, cluster, and cloud computing systems. To achieve scalable high-performance computing, the platform employed size-adaptive, distributable block volumes as a core data structure for efficient parallelization of a wide range of 3D-MIP algorithms, supported task scheduling for efficient load distribution and balancing, and consisted of a layered parallel software libraries that allow image processing applications to share the common functionalities. We evaluated the performance of the HPC 3D-MIP platform by applying it to computationally intensive processes in virtual colonoscopy. Experimental results showed a 12-fold performance improvement on a workstation with 12-core CPUs over the original sequential implementation of the processes, indicating the efficiency of the platform. Analysis of performance scalability based on the Amdahl's law for symmetric multicore chips showed the potential of a high performance scalability of the HPC 3D-MIP platform when a larger number of cores is available.
Spatial patterns of glutamate and thymidine assimilation in Bransfield Strait, antarctia during and following the austral spring bloom

Extensive temporal and spatial measurements of microheterotrophic metabolism obtained during the RACER (Research on Antarctic Coastal Ecossystem Rates) program were used to determine the importance of biological and physical characteristics of the water to microbial rates in situ. During the 4-month samppling period, the rate of [3H]thymidine incorporation into macromolecules ranged two orders of magnitude over the RACER study area; [3H]glutamate incorporation varied 170-fold. The highest mean values and greatest spatial variation in microheterotrophic activity occurred in January, during the decline of the seasonal phytoplankton bloom. Examination of relationships among hydrographic and biological variables was carried out through a study of spatial autocorrelation structure. Low-order positive, and high-order negative autocorrelations were associated with a gradient in biological activity from maxima in the northern Gerlache Strait to minima in Drake Passage. Primary factors correlated with microheterotrophic activity were total pigments (i.e. [Chl α + phaeopigment] concentration), total microbial biomass (i.e. ATP) and bacterial abundance. We also found evidence that the temperature history of a site had a stronger bearing on production than did contemporaneously measured temperature. The strength of interactions between microheterotrophs and other plankton components varied with time. The relationships that held during the phytoplankton bloom (December) were sttrengthened and modified during the period of most intensive microheterothroph activity (January), and then collapsed and were replaced by other relationships in late summer (March) when microheterotrophic activity was low throughout the study area.
Outcomes associated with cesarean section versus vaginal breech delivery at a university hospital

Outcomes associated with cesarean section versus vaginal breech delivery at a university hospital
Acetyl strophanthidin used as a measure to evaluate the status of digitalization

Abstract The experience with acetyl strophanthidin in 20 patients in whom the status of digitalization was in doubt is reported. The use of this cardiac glycoside of ultrashort action proved to be very accurate as a digitalis-tolerance test. No serious toxic effects were encountered.
Atomic physics experiments with the Cornell electron beam ion source

Abstract Over the past three years, a superconducting solenoid, cryogenic electron beam ion source has been designed, constructed and tested at Cornell University. The source is designed for atomic physics experiments requiring low energy, very highly charged ion beams. The present status of the source is discussed and its use in some preliminary atomic physics experiments is described.
Dysphasie et/ou psychose ?

Resume Il arrive qu’en institution specialisee, certains enfants presentant des troubles du langage soient diagnostiques psychotiques. Plus souvent, un retard de langage est evoque. L’objet de ce travail est de questionner les troubles du langage specifiques de la dysphasie au regard des troubles du langage psychotiques. Selon les classifications internationales, le diagnostic de dysphasie exclut les troubles psychotiques (ou les « troubles envahissants du developpement »). Pourtant, ce point de vue est loin de faire consensus. Apres avoir passe en revue quelques references francaises sur la question, nous verrons qu’une separation nette peut etre etablie entre dysphasie et psychose, meme si certains troubles du langage peuvent etre semblables ou tres proches dans l’un et l’autre cas. La seule symptomatologie des troubles du langage, communs aux deux categories cliniques, nous le verrons, n’est pas en mesure de guider le clinicien quant au diagnostic. A terme, nous etablirons un pont entre le concept de dysphasie et celui de « debilite » au sens original qu’en donne Lacan, et qui indique une position subjective tres particuliere du sujet dans son rapport au savoir.
Performance of convex underestimators in a branch-and-bound framework

The efficient determination of tight lower bounds in a branch-and-bound algorithm is crucial for the global optimization of models spanning numerous applications and fields. The global optimization method $$\alpha $$ -branch-and-bound ( $$\alpha $$ BB, Adjiman et al. in Comput Chem Eng 22(9):1159–1179, 1998b, Comput Chem Eng 22(9):1137–1158, 1998a; Adjiman and Floudas in J Global Optim 9(1):23–40, 1996; Androulakis et al. J Global Optim 7(4):337–363, 1995; Floudas in Deterministic Global Optimization: Theory, Methods and Applications, vol. 37. Springer, Berlin, 2000; Maranas and Floudas in J Chem Phys 97(10):7667–7678, 1992, J Chem Phys 100(2):1247–1261, 1994a, J Global Optim 4(2):135–170, 1994), guarantees a global optimum with $$\epsilon $$ -convergence for any $$\mathcal {C}^2$$ -continuous function within a finite number of iterations via fathoming nodes of a branch-and-bound tree. We explored the performance of the $$\alpha $$ BB method and a number of competing methods designed to provide tight, convex underestimators, including the piecewise (Meyer and Floudas in J Global Optim 32(2):221–258, 2005), generalized (Akrotirianakis and Floudas in J Global Optim 30(4):367–390, 2004a, J Global Optim 29(3):249–264, 2004b), and nondiagonal (Skjal et al. in J Optim Theory Appl 154(2):462–490, 2012) $$\alpha $$ BB methods, the Brauer and Rohn+E (Skjal et al. in J Global Optim 58(3):411–427, 2014) $$\alpha $$ BB methods, and the moment method (Lasserre and Thanh in J Global Optim 56(1):1–25, 2013). Using a test suite of 40 multivariate, box-constrained, nonconvex functions, the methods were compared based on the tightness of generated underestimators and the efficiency of convergence of a branch-and-bound global optimization algorithm.
Effect of antifoam agents and efficiency of cleaning procedures on the cross-flow filtration of microbial suspensions

The influence of several biocompatible antifoam agents on the performance of ultrafiltration membranes for yeast cell concentration is described. Flux rates of water solutions and cell suspensions decreased in the presence of the antifoam agents. The anti-foam fouling effect was cumulative. Water was ineffective as a cleaning substance, while 0.1 NaOH and ethanol were used successfully for membrane washing.
Applying flow tank measurements to the surf zone: Predicting dislodgment of the Gigartinaceae

Our understanding of how flow affects the survival of members of the Gigartinaceae has advanced considerably in recent years. In particular, methods have been developed that give phycologists a powerful tool with which to predict mechanistically the survival of wave-swept macroalgae. One limitation of such methods, however, is the lack of hydrodynamic data for macroalgae in surf-zone flows. The method instead relies upon the extrapolation of low-velocity flow tank measurements (< 3.5 m s–1) to velocities well beyond their measured range (10–20 m s–1). Such extrapolation is particularly tenuous for flexible organisms, such as macroalgae, that can reconfigure in flow. This study uses three members of the Gigartinaceae to evaluate two commonly used methods for extrapolation of flow tank data to high water velocities: one that allows for continued thallus reconfiguration at extreme water velocities and one that does not. Limitations of both models are evident and underscore the need for improved measures of force generation on macroalgae exposed to extreme flows. Additionally, the extent to which the mechanical design might influence life history traits of the Gigartinaceae is discussed.
Verapamil toxicity dysregulates the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway.

Objectives: Recent animal research and clinical case reports suggest benefit from high-dose insulin therapy (HDIT) for the treatment of calcium channel blocker (CCB) toxicity. One molecular signaling pathway, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, that contributes to CCB toxicity and the efficacy of HDIT, was examined for a role in this phenomenon. Methods: A differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocyte model system was utilized to characterize metabolic and molecular signaling events dysregulated in response to acute CCB toxicity. Glucose uptake assays were performed in the presence of representatives of three classes of CCB drugs, and the ability of HDIT to reverse observed inhibition was assessed. Western blot analyses were utilized to probe which insulin-dependent signaling pathway was inhibited by CCB toxicity. Results: Representative compounds from the dihydropyridine and phenylalkylamine classes of CCBs were more effective at inhibiting glucose uptake in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes than a representative from the benzothiazepine class. Phosphorylation at serine 473 of the Akt protein (P-Akt), a protein representing a common pathway for insulin receptors (IR), insulinlike growth factor receptors (IGFR), and hybrid receptors formed by IR and IGFR subunits, was abolished in the presence of toxic doses of the phenylalkylamine CCB verapamil. Phosphorylation at serine 473 of Akt was rescued in the presence high concentrations of insulin. Conclusions: These data suggest that dysregulation of the insulin-dependent PI3K pathway is partially responsible for insulin resistance and the hyperglycemic state observed in response to acute CCB toxicity.
Improving oxygen barrier and reducing moisture sensitivity of weak polyelectrolyte multilayer thin films with crosslinking

Thin films of polyethylenimine (PEI) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), deposited using layer-by-layer assembly, were studied to understand the influence of various crosslinking methods on their oxygen and water vapor barrier. Glutaraldehyde (GA), 1-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl]-3-ethylcarbodiimide methiodide (EDC) and thermal crosslinking were evaluated with respect to film thickness and barrier properties. The thickness of an 8 bilayer PEI/PAA assembly decreased from 640 to 551 nm after crosslinking with a 0.1 M aqueous GA solution and obtained an oxygen permeability one order of magnitude better than an SiOx thin film (<5.9 × 10−21 cm3 cm cm¬2 s¬1 Pa¬1) This same crosslinking treatment reduced the oxygen transmission rate (OTR), measured at 23 °C and 100% RH, from 0.61 to 0.09 (cm3 m−2 day¬1). Increasing the number of bilayers and heating time with thermal crosslinking also reduces the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR). These nanocoatings are a promising alternative to currently used barrier layers for flexible electronics and food packaging.
On-line architecture tuning using microcapture

The modification or tuning of the micro-code in a computer that utilizes a writable control store is one method whereby a program's execution time can be improved. A method for automatically performing a microcode tuning or synthesis has been developed by Drs. Karl-gaard and Abd-Alla and is discussed in detail in [1]. Presented is an extension of this effort which allows the microcode tuning to be performed on-line on program loops. This is accomplished by gathering data on characteristics of the program during its execution, utilizing this data to generate the information required to tune the microprogram, initiating the on-line tuning procedure, and transferring to the tuned routine to complete the execution.
Effect of Feeding Frequency and Romet‐Medicated Feed on Survival, Antibody Response, and Weight Gain of Fingerling Channel Catfish Ictalurus punctatus after Natural Exposure to Edwardsiella ictaluri

Abstract The efficacy of restrictive feeding regimes and Romet®-medicated feed (formulated at 40.5-mg Romet-30 premix/kg feed) fed at 2.0% body weight was evaluated under field trial conditions for the treatment of naturally induced Edwardsiella ictaluri infections in fingerling channel catfish. After detection of an Edwardsiella ictaluri epizootic, fish were fed medicated and non-medicated feed every day, every other day and every third day for the duration of the experiment. In addition, experimental treatments also included fish that were completely withheld from feed and those provided Romet-medicated feed for five consecutive days followed by non-medicated feed fed daily. Feeding frequency and diet significantly affected survival and weight gain. Survival was greatest among fish that were completely withheld from feed or that were fed medicated feed every other or every third day. The use of non-medicated feed every other or every third day was equally as effective for reducing Edwardsiella ictaluri associated mortalities as feeding Romet-medicated feed on a daily basis. Feeding fish Romet-medicated feed for five consecutive days was not an effective treatment. Agglutinating antibody titers against Edwardsiella ictaluri were significantly lower in all groups of fish fed Romet-medicated feed for the duration of the experiment. These data indicate that feeding frequency is a primary factor affecting the severity of Edwardsiella ictaluri infection and that prolonged consumption of Romet-medicated feed may suppress antibody production.
Optimizing an electronic nose for analysis of volatiles from printing inks on assorted plastic films

Abstract Volatiles from inks present in food packaging films could pose a quality problem in food products. The food industry is interested in determining a single set of optimum values for the system parameters to maximize detection levels on assorted plastic packaging films. Volatiles from ink used on nine plastic food-packaging films were analyzed using an electronic nose with six resonating quartz sensors. A response surface analysis was used to determine if the system parameters (sample temperature, equilibration time, sensor temperature and pressurization time) significantly affected the detection levels of volatile compounds. Sample temperature, equilibration time and sensor temperature were significant (α=0.05) for each of the sensors and the optimum settings for these parameters to maximize detection levels were 80 °C, 20 min, and 40 °C, respectively. The results of this study indicate potential for this electronic nose to be used as a discriminatory tool in quality control for packaging films.
Interrelationship of Career Choice Competencies and Career Choice Attitudes of Ninth-Grade Pupils: Testing Hypotheses Derived from Crites' Model of Career Maturity.

Abstract This paper presents the results of a study designed to determine whether or not the two dimensions of Career Choice Attitudes and Career Choice Competencies are interrelated as hypothesized in the Crites (1965, 1973a) model of career maturity. To test six associational hypotheses derived from the Crites model, three different career maturity instruments which provide a total of 10 separate scores were administered to a sample of ninth-grade pupils (N = 90). The 10 scores were intercorrelated and factor analyzed. Fairly strong support was found for four of the six hypotheses. The correlation between the Career Maturity Inventory Attitude Scale and the variables classified as career choice competencies were found to be higher than predicted by the model. The factor analysis yielded two factors, one defined by the Career Maturity Inventory Attitude Scale, the Information and Decision-Making Scale of the Career Development Inventory, and the six subtests of the Cognitive Vocational Maturity Test; the other factor was defined by the Planning Orientation and Resources for Exploration Scales of the Career Development Inventory.
Popular induction: When is consensus information informative?1

An experiment was conducted in which information regarding a target persons evaluation of a target object was presented either in written form or via video tape, and information regarding the evaluations of four other people was also presented either in written form or via video tape. The results indicated that the effect of consensus on both person and object attribution was significantly weaker when the target-person information was video taped (concrete) and the other-people information was written (abstract) than in the other three conditions created by the combination of the two informational variables. It is argued that, in contrast to earlier speculation in the literature, type of consensus and its mode of presentation represent conceptually orthogonal dimensions. Further research is urged to map out the boundary conditions of consensus information; it is demonstrated that current work has largely concentrated upon only a portion of this attributional domain due to the prevalent confounding of these two independent dimensions.