cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A four-level crossing dc/dc converter based drive system

This paper introduces a novel crossing front-end dc/dc converter for a four-level drive system which provides a voltage boost as well as dc capacitor bank voltage regulation. The primary advantage of the proposed converter is that it simplifies the control of the four-level diode-clamped inverter since capacitor voltage balancing is not required by the inverter control. Furthermore, the inverter modulation index can be varied up to its physical limitation. An average-value model of the converter is derived and used for insight and analysis of the converter operation. Detailed simulations of the four-level drive system demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed system.
Adaptations in Electronic Structure Calculations in Heterogeneous Environments

Modern quantum chemistry deals with electronic structure calculations of unprecedented complexity and accuracy. They demand full power of high-performance computing and must be in tune with the given architecture for superior e ciency. To make such applications resourceaware, it is desirable to enable their static and dynamic adaptations using some external software (middleware), which may monitor both system availability and application needs, rather than mix science with system-related calls inside the application. The present work investigates scienti c application interlinking with middleware based on the example of the computational chemistry package GAMESS and middleware NICAN. The existing synchronous model is limited by the possible delays due to the middleware processing time under the sustainable runtime system conditions. Proposed asynchronous and hybrid models aim at overcoming this limitation. When linked with NICAN, the fragment molecular orbital (FMO) method is capable of adapting statically and dynamically its fragment scheduling policy based on the computing platform conditions. Signi cant execution time and throughput gains have been obtained due to such static adaptations when the compute nodes have very di erent core counts. Dynamic adaptations are based on the main memory availability at run time. NICAN prompts FMO to postpone scheduling certain fragments, ifmore » there is not enough memory for their immediate execution. Hence, FMO may be able to complete the calculations whereas without such adaptations it aborts.« less
Effect of substrate thickness on quality factor of mechanical resonators

This paper investigates effect of substrate thickness on energy drift from anchor of mechanical resonators. A finite element (FE) method is utilized to capture energy loss from the anchor. To eliminate wave reflection from the outer boundaries of the resonator substrate model, a perfectly matched layer is used. This artificial layer absorbs waves before they reach to the outer boundaries of truncated computational regions. Simulation results reveal that the resonators, which are connected to the thicker substrates show higher quality (Q) factor. It is found that among the modes, torsional mode is the most sensitive one to the substrate thickness. Such that as substrate thickness is increased 18 times, the Q-factor of the torsional mode is increased 6587 times. The results demonstrate that the Q-factor of the out-ofplane mode is also highly sensitive to the substrate thickness. However, the Q-factor of in-plane type modes is not as sensitive as other modes. The agreement between the simulation results and experimental data for anchor loss of cantilever type resonators validates the simulation method.
Fabrication and characterization of PMN-PT thin films

Lead-magnesium-niobate-lead-titanate thin films of the morphotropic phase boundary composition were prepared through the sol-gel spin-on technique. Both conventional and rapid thermal annealing were used. The rapid thermally annealed films showed a high dielectric constant of 2900, with a low dissipation factor of 0.02. The films were hysteretic with a remanent polarization of 11 mu C/cm/sup 2/ and a coercive field of 11 kV/cm. >
Collusion among asymmetric firms: The case of different discount factors

Abstract This study investigates collusive behavior among asymmetric firms. For this purpose, we develop a selection criterion for deriving a unique collusive outcome and apply it to the case when firms have different discount factors. Our analysis reveals that for collusion to be self-enforcing, it is unnecessary that all firms have sufficiently high discount factors but rather only that firms, on average, have a sufficiently long-run view. The optimal collusive outcome entails a strict ordering of output quotas in which firms with relatively low discount factors receive a disproportionate share of market demand. As found in the case of a common discount factor, a fall in a firm's discount factor reduces the likelihood of successful collusion. This effect reduces firm profits. On the other hand, in the event that firms can collude, a lowering of a firm's discount factor increases its output quota so that its profits rise.
Coordination Frictions and Heterogeneity in Markets with Bidding

Two heterogeneous buyers with commonly known preferences must choose which one of two di¤erent goodsa high value good and a low value goodto bid on when the goods are sold through simultaneously held rst-price auctions. We nd that e¢ ciency of equilibrium allocation depends on allowing sellers to announce and commit to reservation prices before the auctions are held. This is achieved by rst characterizing a unique buyer equilibrium for a generic subset of the parameter space when reservation prices are exogenously set to zero. This equilibrium exhibits coordination frictions and results in a potentially ine¢ cient allocation of the goods. The high value good is sold for sure, though it could be to either buyer and could even be at the reservation price. The low value good is either not sold or sold exactly at the reservation price to the buyer with a lower marginal valuation for the high value good. We then characterize buyer equilibria for all reservation prices. Endogenizing seller behavior by allowing sellers to announce and commit to reservation prices results in a unique market equilibrium of the game in which buyers perfectly coordinate, the e¢ cient allocation is achieved, and both allocation and payo¤s are equivalent to that of the price-posting case. The contrasting results between exogenous and endogenous reservation prices stems from the following: when the same side that searches (here, the buyer side) is responsible for price formation, coordination frictions are still present because buyers have incentive to compete over the higher value good and hence could both bid on it. However, when the passive side of the market (here, the seller side) is in e¤ect responsible (here, by setting binding reservation prices), the two-sided heterogeneity results in perfect coordination by the buyers in choosing their goods. JEL classi cation: C78, D44. I would like to thank Jan Eeckhout, Ken Burdett, Guido Menzio, Mike Peters, Roberto Burguet, George Deltas, George Mailath, Mark Satterthwaite, V. Bhaskar, Randy Wright, Andy Postlewaite, Steve Matthews, Philipp Kircher, Roberto Pinheiro, Ludo Visschers, Ben Lester, Larbi Alaoui, Manolis Galenianos, Eleanor Harvill, and participants at the Conference of the Society for the Advancement of Economic Theory (SAET) in Kos, Greece and the University of Pennsylvania Search and Matching Seminar for helpful comments. All errors are my own.
Medication history taking in emergency department triage is inaccurate and incomplete.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:102–104 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Medication error prevention has become a priority in health care. The Joint Commission recommends that a list of medications, dosages, and allergies be obtained from all patients. The authors sought to determine the accuracy of medication history taking in emergency department (ED) triage. The hypothesis was that there would be significant discrepancies between medications listed in triage and those the patient was actually taking. Methods: This was a prospective, cross-sectional survey of adult patients presenting to the ED. As a part of regular care, nurses recorded a medication list during triage in the electronic medical record (EMR). For this study, the triage medication list was rechecked during an independent patient interview. Results: Of 1,797 patients approached, 1,657 completed the survey (92%). The mean age was 39 years (standard deviation [SD] ±16 years). Discrepancies in medication lists obtained during triage were documented in 626 (37%) patients. Discontinued medications (163, 9.8%) were included, additional medications (463, 27.9%) were omitted, and 632 patients (38%) reported taking a nonprescription medication not listed in the EMR. Conclusions: Medication histories performed in ED triage are inaccurate and incomplete.
Bis(diethylaluminum) Sulfate

[13747-43-8] C8H20Al2O4S (MW 266.27) InChI = 1S/4C2H5.2Al.H2O4S/c4*1-2;;;1-5(2,3)4/h4*1H2,2H3;;;(H2,1,2,3,4)/q;;;;2*+1;/p-2 InChIKey = QUQFXGSBOLLGEU-UHFFFAOYSA-L (a Lewis acid catalyst for alkene polymerization1-4 and for promotion of allylstannane additions to various carbon electrophiles5, 6) Physical Data: none reported. Solubility: sol hexanes, benzene, and n-heptane. Form Supplied in: white solid; not widely available. Analysis of Reagent Purity: by elemental analysis. Preparative Method: the following procedure has proven most efficacious:3 a flask containing dry pulverized Na2SO4 is charged with a solution of Diethylaluminum Chloride (2 equiv) in n-heptane (or benzene). The stirred mixture is heated at reflux for 1 day. The liquid phase is removed by syringe and concentrated under reduced pressure to afford bis(diethylaluminum) sulfate as a white solid. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: decomposes in air and reacts violently with moisture with evolution of ethane.3 Use in a fume hood.
Management of recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma

Approximately 15% of soft tissue sarcomas are retroperitoneal. The occult location and anatomic complexity results in local recurrences in the majority of patients. Predictors of recurrence include histological subtype, completeness of resection, and the hospital case volume. The most significant predictor of outcome following local recurrence is the resectability of the recurrent disease. An understanding of the implication of tumor biology on outcomes is essential in determining optimal management for patients with recurrent retroperitoneal sarcoma.
Synthesis of some aromatic esters of the methyl D-glucopyranosides, and their stability to high-energy radiation

Abstract The esters obtained by complete esterificatlon of methyl D-glucopyranosides with, respectively, 2-furoyl chloride (β-, 1: α-, 2), 2-furanacryloyl chloride (β-, 3: α-, 4) 5-bromo-2-furoyl chloride (β-, 5: α-, 6) 2-thenoyl chloride (β-, 7: α-, 8) 5-methyl-2-thenoyl chloride (β-, 9: α-, 10) 5-bromothiopheneacryloyl chloride (β-, 11: α-, 12) and 2-thiopheneacryloyl chloride (β-, 13: α-, 14) were subjected to irradiation (2.8 x 1019 eV/gh) in the solid state to a dosage of 7.1 x 1020 eV/g. The e.s.r. spectra of irradiated (irr.) methyl α- and β- d -D-glucopyranoside and irr. esters 1-14 were examined to determine the nature of the radiation damage: those of the unsubstituted d -glucopyranosides contain one very strong doublet and one very strong singlet, indicating that cleavage of the C-I-O bond (doublet) and dehydrogenation of the C-I-H bond (singlet) had occurred. The e.s.r. spectra of irr. furoates 1 and 2 contain strong doublets. but those of 3-6 have none, showing that the glycosidic bonds in the latter are highly stable to radiation damage, but those in 1 and 2 are stable compared to that in methyl α- d -glucopyranoside. The e.s.r. spectra of the irr. thenoic esters indicated that glycosidic bonds to 11 and 12 are highly stable to radiation initiated cleavage (absence of doublets), those in 7-10 are fairly stable (weak doublets), and those in 13 and 14 are more stable (strong doublets) than that in methyl α- d -glucopyranoside (very strong doublet) Radiation-initiated, dehydrogenation reactions were decreased for 7 and 8 (very weak singlets), 9 and 10 (very weak, and weak singlets), and 11 and 12 (strong singlets). compared with those of methyl α- d -glucopyranoside, 13, and 14 (very strong singlets). The radiation stability of these esters may arise from intramolecular transfer of energy to the ester groups, and be followed by dissipation of the energy. The anomeric form of methyl d -glucopyranoside has no influence on the localization of the energy.
A sensitive colorimetric assay for mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase

Abstract A simple reproducible assay for mitochondrial α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) has been described. It takes advantage of the ability of 2- p -iodo-3- p -nitro-5-phenyl tetrazolium chloride (INT) to directly accept electrons from the dehydrogenase. The assay will accurately measure the enzyme using 20 μg of mitochondrial protein, but it could be scaled down further using smaller volumes and microcuvettes.
Some aspects of chemical ionization mass spectroscopy using ammonia as reagent gas: A valuable technique for biomedical and natural products studies

Abstract The use of ammonia as reagent gas increases considerably the utility of chemical ionization mass spectroscopic (ci-ms) analysis: compounds of biological interest, such as steroid hormones, bile acids, prostaglandins, phospholipids, alkaloids, antibiotics, etc., display strong pseudomolecular ions (mostly M + + 18). The need for derivatization and/or chromatographic purification of many types of compounds is sharply reduced. Ammonium carbonate or 15 NH 4 Cl can be introduced into the direct probe for obtaining satisfactory ci-ms(NH 3 ) spectra. Bile salts and some bile acid conjugates can be studied without derivatization. Potassium penicillanate gives a strong peak corresponding to the free acid + NH 4 + . Deproteinized blood samples provide a detailed picture of individual components, such as triglycerides, lysolecithins, cholesterol esters, etc. Frag-mentation patterns for structural information can be generated by adding argon to ammonia. One shortcoming of the ci-ms(NH 3 ) method is the progressive replacement of halogen with hydrogen.
INTERNAL CONVERSION IN THE L AND M SUBSHELLS

The relative internal conversion of electric and magnetic transitions in the $L$ and $M$ subshells has been calculated nonrelativistically with neglect of screening. In the approximations employed, the relative conversion coefficients are functions of the parameter $\frac{{Z}^{2}}{\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}}$, where $Z$ is the atomic number, and $\ensuremath{\hbar}\ensuremath{\omega}$ the nuclear transition energy. For the $L$ shell, these quantities have been evaluated over the entire range of practical interest, while for simplicity, the $M$ shell has been considered only for vanishing electron momentum. Results are given for transitions of multipole order 1 through 5.
Whiteness in academia: counter-stories of betrayal and resistance

Preston’s Whiteness in Academia: Counter-Stories of Betrayal and Resistance follows the parable tradition of Critical Race Theory (CRT) captured by Derrick Bell (1987, 1992), a tradition that provi...
Local elastic properties of carbon nanotubes in the presence of Stone-Wales defects

Carbon nanotubes are being contemplated as reinforcements for the next generation of composite materials. Stress and strain measures at an atomic scale are required to study the effect of inhomogeneities in nanotube based structures. In this work, we have adapted three different stress measures at atomic scales and introduced strain measures as energetically conjugate quantities. These measures are validated for defect free nanotubes and are then used to study the mechanics of 5-7-7-5 topological defects in various single wall nanotubes. It is observed that there is a decrease in the load carrying capacity in the defected region, and this decrease can be attributed to the changes in the kinetics and kinematics in the vicinity of the defects.
The use of support-bonded silicones for the extration of organochlorines of interest from water

Abstract Water was spiked with various types of chlorinated organics at trace levels, in an effort to demonstrate the pontential of support-bonded silicones to collect these pollutants from natural aqueous systems. Greater amounts of the spiked water were pumped through a bed of a silicone phase, followed by a small amount of pentane. The pentane eluted the collected organochlorines, ready for determination by electron capture gas chromatography. This approach proved successfl for most model compounds of parts per trillion levels.
Permanence and coexistence in a diffusive complex ratio-dependent food chain

In this article, we study a complex ratio-dependent food chain model with diffusion in bounded habitat and various boundary conditions. As an extension of simple food chain models studied in earlier literature (Ko and Ahn, Math Biosci Eng 4:1–11, 2007; Kuang and Beretta, J Math Biol 36:389–406, 1998), this model has a more complicated (and general) dynamical structure where the super-predator consumes both the prey and predator. For Dirichlet, Robin, and Neumann boundary conditions, we obtain straightforward criterion for the existence of a positive global attractor which ensures the permanence effect in the ecological system and the presence of a positive steady-state solution. Sufficient conditions on the interaction rates are further given for the uniqueness and global stability of the coexistence state. Several examples give specific parameter sets which satisfy the permanence criteria, or violate the criteria with multiple coexistence states. Numerical simulations of the diffusive food-chain models are also provided to demonstrate and compare the asymptotic behavior of the time-dependent density functions.
NEXAFS studies of complex alcohols and carboxylic acids on the Si(111)(7×7) surface

The adsorption of formic acid (HCO 2 H), propanoic acid (CH 3 CH 2 CO 2 H), acrylic acid (CH 2 =CHCO 2 H), propiolic acid (HC≡CCO 2 H), and the corresponding alcohols on the Si(111)(7×7) surface have been investigated by NEXAFS. Studies of condensed layers of these molecules show that, in general, the NEXAFS spectrum of a polyfunctional molecule is simply the superposition of NEXAFS features expected of the individual functional groups in the molecule. An exception to this rule was observed for those molecules with conjugated π orbitals. Monolayer coverages of these molecules on silicon, bond strongly to the silicon surface via the carboxylic acid or alcohol group. In contrast, the C−C double and triple bonds do not react initially with the silicon surface. Upon heating, however, the C−C double and triple bonds attached to the silicon surface by the oxygen functional groups become reactive on silicon. These results illustrate the capabilities of NEXAFS to investigate the electronic structure and chemical reactivity of polyatomic adsorbates.
Vascular calcifications on screening mammography identify women with increased risk of coronary artery disease and diabetes.

Abstract Background Mammographic breast arterial calcifications (BAC) have been reported in women with diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). This prospective study further investigates the clinical significance of BAC, CAD, and diabetes. Methods Women undergoing screening mammography were prospectively evaluated for mammographic BAC. The association among BAC, CAD, and diabetes was statistically evaluated. Results Of 1,000 consecutive women undergoing screening mammography, 181 had a history of CAD and/or diabetes. Of those women without diabetes or heart disease, 86 of 819 (10.5%) had BAC. One hundred forty women had diabetes, of whom 57 (40.7%) had BAC, and 72 women had CAD, of whom 36 (50%) had BAC. The association among BAC, CAD, and diabetes was highly significant (P Comments This large prospective study indicated a significant association between BAC identified on screening mammography and a personal history of CAD and diabetes, indicating that screening mammography may identify women at increased risk for these diseases.
Effects of captions and time-compressed video on learner performance and satisfaction

Learners were exposed to one of six treatments varying Video Speed and the use of captions.Results showed no significant difference based on the Video Speed on learner performance.Results showed a significant negative effect on learner performance based on captions.Results showed a significant difference based on Video Speed on learner satisfaction. Digital video is becoming increasingly popular in higher education with faculty digitally recording and broadcasting lectures for students to learn-on-demand, such as iTunes University or YouTube. Students have discovered accelerated playback features in popular computer software and use it to reduce the amount of time watching video-enhanced instruction. In the current study, 147 undergraduate students were randomly assigned to one of six video treatments based on a 3 Video Speed (1.0=Normal vs. 1.25=Fast vs. 1.50=Very Fast)×2 Captions (Captions Present vs. Captions Absent)×2 Trial (Trial 1 vs. Trial 2) design. Results show no significant difference on learner performance across treatments based on Video Speed. Captions were found to have a significant negative effect on learner performance. A significant difference was found on learner satisfaction in favor of a normal Video Speed. The findings suggest that learners might be able to accelerate Video Speeds up to 1.5 times the normal speed, but are generally less satisfied with the learning experience.
A bio-inspired approach for in situ synthesis of tunable adhesive

Inspired by the strong adhesive produced by English ivy, this paper proposes an in situ synthesis approach for fabricating tunable nanoparticle enhanced adhesives. Special attention was given to tunable features of the adhesive produced by the biological process. Parameters that may be used to tune properties of the adhesive will be proposed. To illustrate and validate the proposed approach, an experimental platform was presented for fabricating tunable chitosan adhesive enhanced by Au nanoparticles synthesized in situ. This study contributes to a bio-inspired approach for in situ synthesis of tunable nanocomposite adhesives by mimicking the natural biological processes of ivy adhesive synthesis.
Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein as a Functional Ligand for the Nogo-66 Receptor

Axonal regeneration in the adult central nervous system (CNS) is limited by two proteins in myelin, Nogo and myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG). The receptor for Nogo (NgR) has been identified as an axonal glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI)-anchored protein, whereas the MAG receptor has remained elusive. Here, we show that MAG binds directly, with high affinity, to NgR. Cleavage of GPI-linked proteins from axons protects growth cones from MAG-induced collapse, and dominant-negative NgR eliminates MAG inhibition of neurite outgrowth. MAG-resistant embryonic neurons are rendered MAG-sensitive by expression of NgR. MAG and Nogo-66 activate NgR independently and serve as redundant NgR ligands that may limit axonal regeneration after CNS injury.
Climatic evolution of the eastern Canadian Arctic and Baffin Bay during the past three million years

The outer east coast of Baffin Island is characterized by a series of sedimentary forelands. These contain a variety of litho- and biofacies associated with glacial marine and marine deposition into sea levels higher than those of the present. These high relative sea levels were associated with glacial isostatic loading and unloading of the crust by the NE sector of the Laurentide Ice Sheet. On the basis of amino acid epimerization ratios, eleven chronologically distinct units are delimited. The youngest unit is less than or equal to 10 ka, but all others are at or beyond the limits of radiocarbon dating. Based on biostratigraphy and amino acid data, the oldest units exposed in the forelands may be Pliocene in age. Molluscs, Foraminifera, and the palynology of buried soils and organics, indicate that the vast bulk of the exposed sequences contain floras and faunas that represent environments warmer than those at present. An analysis of modern and fossil pollen spectra suggests a steady decrease in low arctic conditions throughout the Quaternary.
Prediction of solubility parameters using the group-contribution lattice-fluid theory

A formulation for the solubility parameter based on the group-contribution, lattice fluid equation of state was derived. The solubility parameters of pure liquid solvents, polymers, copolymers, and liquid mixtures were calculated and compared against the best available data. This investigation was conducted on pure components and mixtures of alkanes, alkenes, ketones, ethers, acetates, alcohols, chlorinated molecules, and cyclic and aromatic solvents. The capabilities of the model to distinguish between two isomers and to predict the solubility parameter of supercritical fluids and their mixtures were also studied. The predicted values are generally good, although the error increases when hydrogen bonding is present. A primary application of the procedure is for the prediction of the solubility parameters of polymers. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 197–206, 2001
Seeded growth of Tl 3AsSe3

Abstract A technique for seeded growth of Tl 3 AsSe 3 has been developed. The growth conditions were initially determined from calculations using a simple treatment of the thermal transfer during growth. The origin of optical opacity observed in some as-grown Tl 3 AsSe 3 boules is also discussed.
Gonadotropin stimulation of steroid synthesis and metabolism in the Rana pipiens ovarian follicle: sequential changes in endogenous steroids during ovulation, fertilization and cleavage stages.

Abstract Steroid synthesis and metabolism have been followed in Rana pipiens ovarian follicles, denuded oocytes and eggs during ovulation, fertilization and cleavage stages (blastula formation). Under physiological conditions, gonadotropin stimulation of the fully grown follicle leads to progesterone synthesis from [ 3 H]acetate as well as formation of much smaller amounts of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, pregnanedione and pregnanediol. Progesterone levels increase during completion of the first meiotic division, but by ovulation progesterone disappears from the egg. Plasma membrane-bound progesterone is taken up into the oocyte cortical granules and is largely metabolized to 5α-pregnane-3αol,20-one and 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20β-triol coincident with internalization of 60% of the oocyte surface (and >90% of bound progesterone) by the end of the hormone-dependent period. The principal steroid in the ovulated egg is 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20β-triol. There is a rapid efflux of 5β-pregnane-3α,17α,20β-triol into the medium immediately following fertilization and residual steroid levels remain low in the developing blastula. Dissociated blastulae cells prepared from stage 9 1/2 embryos concentrate both pregnenolone and progesterone from the medium with minimal metabolism. The results indicate that the ovarian follicle has the ability to synthesize and metabolize progesterone but that this ability disappears in the ovulated egg. The progesterone metabolites formed during meiosis are largely released at fertilization.
Thermodynamics of coherent interfaces under mechanical stresses. I. Theory

We present a thermodynamic theory of plane coherent solid-solid interfaces in multicomponent systems subject to nonhydrostatic mechanical stresses. The interstitial and substitutional chemical components are treated separately using chemical potentials and diffusion potentials, respectively. All interface excess quantities are derived using Cahn's (1979) generalized excess method without resorting to geometric dividing surfaces. We present expressions for the interface free energy as an excess quantity and derive a generalized adsorption equation and an interface Gibbs-Helmholtz equation that does not contain the interface entropy. The interface stress tensor emerges naturally from the generalized adsorption equation as an appropriate excess over bulk stresses and is shown to be generally nonunique. Another interface property emerging from the generalized adsorption equation is the interface excess shear. This property is specific to coherent interfaces and represents the thermodynamic variable conjugate to the shear stress applied parallel to the interface. The theory reveals a number of Maxwell relations describing cross effects between thermal, chemical, and mechanical responses of coherent interfaces. In Part II of this work, this theory will be applied to atomistic computer simulations of grain boundaries.
Introduction to the Current Commentaries

As this collection of commentaries clearly illustrates, the publication of the Kuehnle and Connell (2009) edited volume on child sexual abuse evaluations has engendered substantial discussion and d...
Porphyrin Nanofiber Bundles from Phase‐Transfer Ionic Self‐Assembly and Their Photocatalytic Self‐Metallization

synthesis of porphyrin nanotubes using ionic self-assembly of two oppositely charged porphyrins in aqueous solution. A significant advantage of the ionic self-assembly approach is the ability to vary the molecular subunits (tectons) to introduce the desired functionality. In the case of the porphyrin nanotubes, [12] a tin–porphyrin complex, which operates as a photocatalyst in homogenous solution, was used as one of the tectons. The nanotubes were shown to be capable of photocatalytically reducing metal complexes and depositing the metals selectively onto the nanotube surfaces to form unique composite nanostructures, [13] thus verifying that the photocatalytic activity of the tin–porphyrin tectons in the nanotubes is preserved. In this work, we demonstrate that other synthetic approaches can also be used to produce porphyrin nanostructures by ionic self-assembly. Specifically, phase-transfer reactions are used to generate porphyrin nanofiber bundles by the phase
Effects of chronic social stress on tyrosine hydroxylase mRNA and protein levels

Males housed in mixed sex groups quickly form dominance hierarchies; subordinates can be further subdivided into stress responsive subordinates (SRS) and non-responsive subordinates (NRS) based on corticosterone responses to a novel stressor. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA levels measured with in situ hybridization were elevated in locus coeruleus (LC) of NRS compared to singly or pair-housed controls; NRS also had higher TH levels than dominants. TH protein levels determined by immunoautoradiography were also higher in LC of NRS and SRS versus pair-housed controls.
“That’s not writing”: Exploring the Intersection of Digital Writing, Community Literacy, and Social Justice

Communities—and their literacies—exist within larger contexts, and writing has the potential to empower or oppress, to maintain the status quo, or to transform the collective community. School is one such context and, in recent years, the nature of writing has changed; digital writing skills needed to participate in contemporary society do not always resemble skills of traditional, school-based literacy. This article examines the teaching of digital writing as an issue of social justice by sharing the perspectives of several novice teachers who were challenged to alter their views of what writing is and how it should be taught.
State of the art and science for clinical translation of regenerative cardiac surgery

Abstract Cardiac surgery is entering a new era in which complex tissue reconstructions will be performed with bioengineered and tissue engineered constructs that reflect current discoveries in regenerative tissue methodologies. Cells of appropriate phenotype will be restored in well-designed functioning scaffolds using various methodologies including directed cell homing and seeding with pluripotent cells. Small children will benefit as hypoplastic vessels can be reconstructed with growth capable replacements obviating multiple reoperations. There has been a major need for pediatric heart valves that will allometrically grow and remodel synchronously with patient, somatic growth, this may be realized utilizing such technologies. The focus in this issue of Progress in Pediatric Cardiology is the clinical translation needed for the achievement of a tissue engineered heart valve. The numerous potential barriers are reviewed including scientific, surgical, logistical, regulatory challenges. Tissue engineered constructs will straddle the traditional definition of devices (the scaffold component) and biologics (the restored cell population component) and thus, may be defined as combination products. The central role of intellectual property in translational research may require different models of institutional research infrastructure and funding. Pediatric academic medical centers are adapting to these new realities, and instituting research programs, laboratories and collaborative science teams to tackle development of new regenerative surgical methodologies.
Challenges to improving the impact of worksite cancer prevention programs: Comparing reach, enrollment, and attrition using active versus passive recruitment strategies

Objective: The impact of worksite intervention studies is maximized when reach and enrollment are high and attrition is low. Differences in reach, enrollment, and retention were investigated by comparing 2 different employee recruitment methods for a home-based cancer-prevention intervention study. Methods: Twenty-two worksites (N = 10,014 employees) chose either active or passive methods to recruit employees into a home-based intervention study. Reach (e.g., number of employees who gave permission to be called at home), Enrollment (e.g., number of employees who joined the home intervention study), and Attrition (e.g., number who did not complete the 12- and 24-month follow-ups) were determined. Analysis at the cluster level assessed differences between worksites that selected active (n =12) versus passive (n = 10) recruitment methods on key outcomes of interest. Employees recruited by passive methods had significantly higher reach (74.5% vs. 24.4% for active) but significantly lower enrollment (41% vs. 78%) and retention (54% vs. 70%) rates (all ps = .0001). Passive methods also successfully enrolled a more diverse, high-risk employee sample. Passive (vs. active) recruitment methods hold advantages for increased reach and the ability to retain a more representative employee sample. Implications of these results for the design of future worksite studies that involve multilevel recruitment methods are discussed.
The Tenor of Our Times

We can't understand our current state of affairs without knowing the way we thought and acted in the past any more than we can fully understand a neighborhood without remembering the forces that shaped it. The Web extra at http://youtu.be/LbLKhMkWS7w is a video segment in which author David Alan Grier expands on his Errant Hashtag column, discussing the history of search and how he came to find that "innovation" describes the tenor of our times.
Influence of Liver Histopathology on Transaminitis Following Total Pancreatectomy and Autologous Islet Transplantation

Background In type 1 diabetics undergoing allogenic islet transplants, transaminitis and portal vein thrombosis (PVT) after transhepatic portal infusion of islets may be related to infusion pressure and the purity of islets. Complications of intraoperative portal infusion of islets in patients with chronic pancreatitis undergoing a total pancreatectomy (TP) and autologous islet transplant (AIT) and the relationship to liver histopathology have not been examined.
Ultrastructural localization of tartrate-resistant, purple acid phosphatase in rat osteoclasts by histochemistry and immunocytochemistry.

The intracellular localization of the tartrate-resistant purple acid phosphatase in osteoclasts of developing rat bone has been determined immunocytochemically using an antiserum to the purified bone-derived purple acid phosphatase. The localization of the immunoreactivity was compared with the results of enzyme histochemistry using p-nitrophenylphosphate as substrate and 10 mM tartrate. Both methods revealed the presence of the enzyme in numerous vesicles of various sizes up to 2–3 μm in diameter and in granules. There was no immunoreactivity in the Golgi apparatus, and tartrate completely inhibited the histochemical activity of this organelle. No consistent extracellular activity could be detected, nor was any reaction product observed at the ruffled border. The localization of the tartrate-resistant purple acid phosphatase in osteoclasts is consistent with an intracellular function for this enzyme.
Maternal and offspring xenobiotic metabolism haplotypes and the risk of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract Discovering genetic predictors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) necessitates the evaluation of novel factors including maternal genetic effects, which are a proxy for the intrauterine environment, and robust epidemiologic study designs. Therefore, we evaluated five maternal and offspring xenobiotic metabolism haplotypes and the risk of childhood ALL among 120 case-parent triads. Two of the five haplotypes were significantly associated with risk: GSTM3/GSTM4 (P = 0.01) and GSTP1 (P = 0.02). The EPHX1 haplotype was marginally associated with risk (P = 0.05), whereas haplotypes in CYP1B1 and GSTA4 were not. Our results suggest genetic variation in xenobiotic metabolism is important in childhood ALL etiology.
Model-set design, choice, and comparison for multiple-model estimation

This paper deals with the design, choice, and comparison of model sets in the multiple-model (MM) approach to adaptive estimation. Most representative problems of model-set choice and design are considered. As the basis of model-set choice and design, criteria for model-set comparison and choice based on base-state estimation, mode estimation, mode identification, hybrid-state estimation, and hypothesis testing are presented first. Several computationally efficient and easily implementable solutions of the model- set choice problems based on sequential hypothesis tests are presented. Some of these solutions are optimal. Their effectiveness is verified via simulation. How these criteria and result can be used for model-set design is demonstrated via several examples. It is also demonstrated how a probabilistic model of possible scenarios can be constructed.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Identifying monolingual respondents for cognitive interviewing

Previous studies have found monolinguals and bilinguals use different areas of the brain when solving problems, while bilinguals manifest a cognitive system with the ability to attend to more relevant information while ignoring distractions (Bialystok 2007; Hernandez and Bates 2001). Since the mental process that monolinguals experience when answering survey questions differs from that of bilinguals, they likely encounter different problems in understanding the meaning of questions even in their native language. Therefore, for cognitive interviews aimed at improving the quality of translated questionnaires targeting monolingual non-English speakers, it is crucial to conduct interviews with such respondents to elicit relevant information. However, there has been no standardized tool for identifying these speakers. By using different definitions of monolingual speakers: (1) based on self-rated English reading, (2) based on self-rated speaking, and (3) based on both, we investigate how similar or different t...
Relationship between soot volume fraction and LII signal in AC-LII: effect of primary soot particle diameter polydispersity

Theoretical analysis and numerical calculations were conducted to investigate the relationship between soot volume fraction and laser-induced incandescence (LII) signal within the context of the auto-compensating LII technique. The emphasis of this study lies in the effect of primary soot particle diameter polydispersity. The LII model was solved for a wide range of primary soot particle diameters from 2 to 80 nm. For a log-normally distributed soot particle ensemble encountered in a typical laminar diffusion flame at atmospheric pressure, the LII signals at 400 and 780 nm were calculated. To quantify the effects of sublimation and differential conduction cooling on the determined soot volume fraction in auto-compensating LII, two new quantities were introduced and demonstrated to be useful in LII study: an emission intensity distribution function and a scaled soot volume fraction. When the laser fluence is sufficiently low to avoid soot mass loss due to sublimation, accurate soot volume fraction can be obtained as long as the LII signals are detected within the first 200 ns after the onset of the laser pulse. When the laser fluence is in the high fluence regime to induce significant sublimation, however, the LII signals should be detected as early as possible even before the laser pulse reaches its peak when the laser fluence is sufficiently high. The analysis method is shown to be useful to provide guidance for soot volume fraction measurements using the auto-compensating LII technique.
Gateway synthesis of daphnane congeners and their protein kinase C affinities and cell-growth activities

The daphnane diterpene orthoesters constitute a structurally fascinating family of natural products that exhibit remarkable and potent biological activities. A gateway strategy designed to provide general synthetic access to and biological evaluation of natural and non-natural daphnanes is described and used for yuanhuapin analogues.
Gaining acceptance for anesthesia information management systems among anesthesiologists

To the Editor, I read with interest the recent review article by Stabile and Cooper that identifies the lack of clinician involvement in the implementation, planning, design, and installation of anesthesia information management systems (AIMS) as a barrier to the adoption of health information technology. Many challenges are associated with the implementation of new AIMS in the perioperative setting, including the perception that workload will increase or autonomy will decrease. Even if AIMS use were mandated and early acceptance occur, the negative consequences of resistance may surface over the long term if the information system were viewed as prone to error or slow. Medical directors and anesthesiology department chiefs must actively manage the change process and gain physician acceptance for the new information system. Failure to gain acceptance of the AIMS may result in the unsuccessful launch of the system and huge financial losses. The Technology Acceptance Model, the most widely accepted method of adopting information technology, focuses on interventions taken by managers to change employees’ attitudes toward information technology. The model identifies two main factors that influence an individual’s intention to use information technology, namely, the extent to which the user believes that the information technology will enhance their job performance (perceived usefulness) and require little effort (perceived ease of use). Perceived usefulness is determined by social influence and system characteristics, and perceived ease of use is determined by facilitating factors, individual differences, and system characteristics. Social influence variables include the opinions about use of information technology from people who are important to the user (subjective norm) and the extent to which the user’s standing among their peers will be maintained or raised (image). System characteristics are defined by the degree to which the user thinks the information technology is important to their work (job relevance), effective (output quality), able to deliver results that are easy to observe and share (result demonstrability), enjoyable (perceived enjoyment), and matches their desired level of effort (objective usability). Facilitating factors refer to the user’s belief that the organization supports the information technology and has committed resources to maintain its operation (perception of external control). Individual differences are defined by the degree to which the user believes in their computer skills (computer self-efficacy), is apprehensive about using a computer (computer anxiety), and is motivated to use new technology (computer playfulness). Managers should take well-defined steps to target the determinants of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use in order to improve the adoption of AIMS and influence acceptance of information systems among anesthesiologists.
Magnetization studies of the field induced transitions in (TMTSF)2ClO4

Abstract The metallic salt (TMTSF) 2 ClO 4 undergoes a series of magnetic field induced transitions at low temperatures above a threshold field H k . We present magnetization studies of this system which enablish the isotropic and anisotropic behavior of the two-dimensional charge system and which demonstrate the orbital nature of the transitions. Finally we discuss the theoretical progress in understanding this rich physical system, including some unusual possibilities to explain some of the observed behavior.
Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms: A new challenge? Report of a case

The case of a 64-year-old white man with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm infected with Salmonella is presented. Five points related to this case are addressed. It is feared that the vascular surgeon may face patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and abdominal aortic aneurysms infected with Salmonella with increasing frequency in the future. This case raises medical, ethical, and moral questions.
Non-linear modal coupling in planar and non-planar responses of inextensional beams

Abstract Non-linear inertia and curvature terms, as well as non-linear terms that couple flexural and torsional motions, can have a dominant role in the response of inextensional beams or beam-like structural members. In this paper the effect of modal coupling in the non-linear response of such members to a periodic excitation is analyzed and discussed. The analysis presented is based on a set of consistent differential equations of motion that take into account non-linear geometric effects. They include non-linear contributions from the beam's curvature and torsion expressions, and from inertia terms. Examples of amplitude-frequency response characteristics for cantilevers and for clamped-pinned/sliding beams are presented.
Respiratory symptoms among crab processing workers in Alaska: epidemiological and environmental assessment.

Background Crab processing workers may develop respiratory symptoms and specific IgE responses, but the risk factors have not been fully described. Methods In 1998, 107 workers at a crab processing facility completed a survey both at the beginning and end of the processing season. The surveys included standardized symptom questionnaires, spirometry, and serological testing, as well as measurement of workplace airborne crab allergens and microscopic analysis of aerosolized materials. Results Over the crab processing season, asthma-like symptoms developed in 26% of study participants and bronchitic symptoms in 19%. Only 9% of those with new asthma-like symptoms were IgE-sensitized to crab at the end of the season. Among the crab processing jobs, butchering and degilling workers had the highest incidence of respiratory symptoms. Conclusions Both personal and process-related factors appear to affect the development of respiratory symptoms in crab processing workers. In this study, crab specific IgE was not detected in most of the workers with new symptoms. Am. J. Ind. Med. 39:598–607, 2001. Published 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.