cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Copper Catalyzed Oxidative Arylation of Tertiary Carbon Centers

We describe herein a Cu(OTf)2 catalyzed oxidative arylation of a tertiary carbon-containing substrate including aryl malononitriles, 3-aryl benzofuran-2-ones, and 3-aryl oxindoles. In some cases, the nitrile groups of the aryl malononitriles undergo further reactions leading to lactones or imines. These reaction conditions are applicable for a range of arenes, including phenols, anilines, anisoles, and heteroarenes. Mechanistic studies support the formation of a cationic intermediate via a two-electron oxidation.
High-quality large-scale electron-beam-written resonant filters for the long-wave infrared region

We present new, to the best of our knowledge, large-scale, high-quality spectral filters operating in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectral region. We employ high-spatial resolution nanofabrication techniques to achieve large-area (12mm×12mm) spectrally tunable notch filters. Filter operation is based on the guided-mode resonance effect. The device structure consists of a germanium waveguide grating on top of a zinc selenide substrate. The filters reflect the incident broadband light at one (or more) narrow spectral bands while fully transmitting the rest. We tune the reflected wavelength by tilting the filter. Filters based on one-dimensional gratings are polarization sensitive. We fabricate prototype filters and characterize their polarization dependence and spectral tuning performance using a tunable quantum cascade laser system that spans the ∼7-13µm spectral band. We obtain an excellent agreement between the theoretical and experimental results.
Quantifying the Effects of Aging on Morphological and Cellular Properties of Human Female Pelvic Floor Muscles

Age-related pelvic floor muscle (PFM) dysfunction is a critical defect in the progression to pelvic floor disorders (PFDs). Despite dramatic prevalence of PFDs in older women, the underlying pathophysiology of age-related PFM dysfunction remains poorly understood. Using cadaveric specimens, we quantified aging effects on functionally relevant PFM properties and compared PFMs with the appendicular muscles from the same donors. PFMs, obturator internus, and vastus lateralis were procured from younger (N = 4) and older (N = 11) donors with known obstetrical and medical history. Our findings demonstrate that PFMs undergo degenerative, rather than atrophic, alterations. Importantly, age-related fibrotic degeneration disproportionally impacts PFMs compared to the appendicular muscles. We identified intramuscular lipid accumulation as another contributing factor to the pathological alterations of PFMs with aging. We observed a fourfold decrease in muscle stem cell (MuSC) pool of aged relative to younger PFMs, but the MuSC pool of appendicular muscles from the same older donors was only twofold lower than in younger group, although these differences were not statistically significant. Age-related degeneration appears to disproportionally impact PFMs relative to the appendicular muscles from the same donors. Knowledge of tissue- and cell-level changes in aged PFMs is essential to promote our understanding of the mechanisms governing PFM dysfunction in older women.
Meiosis: The elusive sister chromatid repair

Meiotic double-strand break repair is a highly regulated process usually occurring between homologs. Assessing repair in metazoans using the sister chromatid has previously been technically challenging. Two new studies show that, while rare, sister chromatid repair occurs in Caenorhabditis elegans.
Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors During COVID-19: Associations with Psychological Distress Among Mothers.

Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic increased mothers' caregiving demands, potentially placing them at increased risk for reduced engagement in healthful behaviors and high psychological distress. Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe perceived changes in moderate-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sedentary behaviors and the prevalence of different measures of psychological distress (depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, and positive and negative affect) among mothers. We also evaluated the associations of perceived change in MVPA and sedentary behaviors with measures of psychological distress. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey with 317 mothers living with children (0-20 years old) at home. Mothers self-reported perceived changes in MVPA and sedentary behaviors from before the pandemic to during COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and early reopening, and levels of depression and anxiety symptomatology, perceived stress, and positive and negative affect during the pandemic. Results Compared to pre-pandemic levels, 39% of mothers reported engaging less in MVPA, and 63% reported engaging in more sedentary activities. One-quarter and 31% of mothers reported moderate/severe depressive and anxiety symptoms, respectively, and 78% medium/high levels of perceived stress. Adjusted linear regression analyses revealed that reduced MVPA and increased sedentary behaviors were associated with high average scores of depressive and anxiety symptoms, perceived stress, negative affect, and low scores of positive affect. Conclusion A large proportion of mothers reported being less physically active and more engaged in sedentary behaviors, which were associated with increases in psychological distress. Clinical and public health intervention efforts should consider how to improve mothers' physical and mental health as the country emerges from this crisis.
Geofuels: Energy and the Earth

1. Introduction 2. The living Earth 3. Warmed from above: solar energy 4. Wind, water, and waves: energy from the fluid Earth 5. Covered with green: biofuels basics 6. Fossil farming: the geologic underpinnings of biofuels 7. The light of an ancient sun: fossil fuel origins 8. Digging for daylight: coal and oil shale 9. Skimming the cream: conventional oil and gas 10. Stuck in the mud: fossil fuels that fail to flow 11. Petrified petroleum: oil sand and gas hydrate 12. Water, water, everywhere 13. Primordial power: geothermal and nuclear 14. Out of sight, out of mind: geologic waste disposal 15. How long is forever?: energy and time 16. Conclusions.
HUMAN TRAMPLING EFFECTS ON REGENERATION AND AGE STRUCTURES OF PINUS EDULIS AND JUNIPERUS MONOSPERMA

We examined effects of human foot traffic on age structures and densities of seedlings and saplings of Pinus edulis (Colorado pinyon) and Junisperus monosperma (one-seed juniper) in a heavily used urban park, Garden of the Gods, Colorado. Age structures show no stand-destroying disturbances, but they do contain small peaks 85-95 yr ago (minimum age), which have been interpreted as responses to heavy grazing. For Pinus edulis reverse J-shaped age structures indicate a strongly reproducing population, while flat age structures of J. monosperma show low present reproduction. Young trees showed strong preferences for establishing under existing trees and shrubs and not among herbs or on bare soil. Pinus edulis seedling density was reduced by 73% in heavily trampled areas compared to lightly trampled areas. However, there were no differences in density when only the area protected by rocks, shrubs, or trees was considered. This indicates that direct effects such as physical damage and soil erosion kill young trees, and indirect effects, such as lower seed production, do not cause the lower densities in heavily trampled areas. Pinus edulis saplings and J. monosperma seedlings and saplings showed no differences in density across trampling intensities. In heavily trampled areas of Garden of the Gods Park, recent increases in use have apparently reduced Pinus edulis seedling establishment enough that long-term regeneration is threatened. Managers of all pinyon-juniper woodlands must recognize that in areas strongly impacted by foot traffic, and also presumably by similar disturbances such as vehicle traffic, sufficient regeneration likely does not occur to replace trees. The areal extent of severely disturbed areas should be limited, and managers should seek to avoid further degradation of less damaged areas.
The anatomy of a stream processing system

Data intensive applications such as network monitoring, financial applications; sensor-based applications etc. need to be supported by general-purpose systems rather than customized implementations. They have a continuous, unpredictable and unbounded flow of data as input, referred as streams. The fact that data comes as a stream with varying input rates (instead of accessing data stored on a disk in a predictable way) and that quality of service (QoS) requirements are stringent for these applications warrants a re-examination of the fundamental architecture of a DBMS. This paper describes the basic processing model and architecture of MavStream – a new Data Stream Management System (DSMS) being developed at UT Arlington. The architecture of MavStream is the primary focus of this paper. The user can give a continuous query from a graphical user interface (GUI), which is instantiated, scheduled, and executed by the MavStream server. We first provide an overview of the basic model and architecture and then describe some of the components of the system. We provide some experimental results to demonstrate the utility of the system and the effect of different scheduling strategies and buffer sizes on the performance and output.
Issues and Influences on Sexual Violence Within the Adolescent Population

Heidi Collins Fantasia, PhD, RN, WHNP-BC, is a postdoctoral fellow at Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing in Chestnut Hill, MA, and is a women’s health nurse practitioner for Health Quarters, Beverly, MA. As guest editors of this series, we are clinicians, researchers, scholars, and colleagues. Each of us currently cares for adolescent patients in our roles as women’s health nurse practitioners. Historically, we have practiced in hospital settings and a variety of community health, college health, and reproductive health centers.The one pervasive theme that has unfortunately followed us in our careers, regardless of practice site, location, or patient population, is the intersection of sexual health and violence, especially among adolescents. We know that our experiences as nurses caring for this population are not unique. Therefore, our objective for this In Focus series is to illuminate the salient issues that aiect adolescent patients within the context of safety and violence.
Baseline predictors of efavirenz‐containing antiretroviral regimen adverse experiences

Purpose We aimed to identify modifiable, routinely available patient characteristics associated with adverse experiences potentially attributable to efavirenz-based regimens in patients in Botswana.
Additional routes in the metabolism of nicotine to 3-pyridylacetate. The metabolism of dihydrometanicotine.

Abstract The metabolism of dihydrometanicotine was investigated in the rat and dog. In preliminary studies, dihydrometanicotine difumarate was administered to rats. The Rf values and retention times of methyl esters prepared from acidic Koenig-positive metabolites in the urine suggested the presence of 3-pyridylacetate and 4-(3-pyridyl)butyrate. Following administration of dihydrometanicotine difumarate to dogs, the pattern of excretion of acidic metabolites in the urine was similar to that found in the rat. Chemical conversion of the acidic metabolites to their methyl esters for separation by preparative gas chromatography afforded methyl 3-pyridylacetate and methyl 4-(3-pyridyl)butyrate. Methyl 3-pyridylacetate was identified by melting point, elemental analysis, and the infrared spectrum of its picric acid salt. Methyl 4-(3-pyridyl)butyrate was identified by mass spectroscopy and by the melting point, elemental analysis, and the infrared spectrum of the methyl ester picrate. Previous studies have provided evidence for the formation of 3-pyridylacetate from (-)nicotine via either (-)cotinine or (-)demethylcotinine. In view of the report (de Clercq, M., and Truhaut, R. (1962) Bull. Soc. Chim. Biol., 44, 227) that dihydrometanicotine is a metabolite of nicotine in the rat, the present findings in the rat and dog suggest a third alternate route (via dihydrometanicotine) to 3-pyridylacetate.
The Development of Civic Scientific Literacy in the United States

Americans and other citizens of modern industrial societies live in an age of science and technology. Most adults in the industrialized world live in homes heated and cooled by a combination of thermostats and microcomputer chips. They watch pictures of world events transmitted by satellite unfold on their color television screen, and eat foods prepared and preserved by a wide array of technologies unknown to their parent’s generation. When they become ill, they are treated with new pharmaceutical products that reflect 20th century advances in antibiotics, virology, or genetic engineering. For work, play, or family reasons, millions of Americans routinely take commercial air transportation to destinations around the planet.
Detection of endocytic vesicle fusion in vitro, using assay based on avidin-biotin association reaction.

Publisher Summary Endocytosis and phagocytosis are the two primary mechanisms employed by eukaryotic cells to internalize macromolecules from the extracellular milieu. The most comprehensively studied endocytic pathway is receptor-mediated endocytosis via clathrin-coated pits and subsequent transport to lysosomes. In the early endosome, ligandreceptor dissociation and sorting occur. Soon afterward, receptors recycle to the plasma membrane, while free ligand progresses to another population of vesicles termed, “late endosomes.” Contrary to endocytosis, phagocytosis is a function of specialized cells. In vertebrates, mononuclear macrophages and polymorphonuclear granulocytes are the primary phagocytes. The biochemical mechanisms that regulate phagolysosome biogenesis are very complex. As evidenced by a number of investigations, both membrane fusion and membrane recycling play important roles in this process. Therefore, to better understand the mechanisms employed by phagosomes to process and traffic internalized material, development of probes and cell-free assays.
Effects of environmental aerosols on airway hyperresponsiveness in a murine model of asthma.

Increased morbidity in persons suffering from inflammatory lung diseases, such as asthma and bronchitis, has been associated with air pollution particles. One hypothesis is that particles can cause an amplification of the pulmonary inflammation associated with these diseases, thus worsening affected individuals' symptoms. This hypothesis was tested in a murine model of asthma by inhalation exposure to (1) concentrated air particles (CAPs), (2) the leachate of residual oil fly ash (ROFA-S), and (3) lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Allergen-sensitized mice (ip ovalbumin, OVA) were 21 days old when challenged with an aerosol of 3% OVA in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) for 10 min (controls were challenged with PBS only) for 3 days. On the same days, mice were further exposed to 1 of 3 additional agents: CAPs (or filtered air) for 6 h/day; LPS (5 mug/ml, or PBS) for 10 min/day; or ROFA-S (leachate of 50 mg/ml, or PBS) for 30 min on day 2 only. At 24 h later, mice challenged with OVA aerosol showed airway inflammatio...
Naturally large tan β

Abstract We show that if there are only two Higgs doublets in the supersymmetric standard model, large tan β requires a fine tuning in the parameters of the Lagrangian of order ( 1 tan β ), which cannot be explained by any approximate symmetry. With an extended Higgs sector, large tan β can be natural. We give an explicit example with four doublets in which it is possible to achieve large tan β as a result of an approximate symmetry, without any light superpartners. The approximate symmetry can be extended to explain all the hierarchies in the quark mass matrix.
Sspice-a symbolic SPICE program for linear active circuits

Sspice, a symbolic SPICE circuit simulator, is described. Input files are in the SPICE format, and the program performs a symbolic AC analysis. In addition menu options are available for evaluating second-order active RC circuits. These include identifying and solving ideal filter formulas and approximating pole shift due to finite op-amp gain-bandwidth product. >
Nanoscale Mechanisms of Evaporation, Condensation and Nucleation in Confined Geometries

Capillary condensation, evaporation, and nucleation have been extensively studied for decades, but many fundamental questions remain unresolved. Compared to capillary condensation (e.g., pore filling), the reverse phenomenon of capillary evaporation (e.g., pore emptying) has received little attention, mainly due to a lack of suitable experimental techniques. We present the first detailed angstrom-level measurement of evaporation of a cyclohexane condensate (liquid bridge) in a slitlike nanopore bounded by two mica surfaces of adjustable gap separation. As the separation is increased beyond the equilibrium (Kelvin) diameter, the liquid condensate evaporates, but we also find that the density becomes nonuniform across the condensatefalling significantly over a few microns from the edge of the meniscus. As the evaporation proceeds in time, the nonuniform density falls gradually and continuously from liquid to vapor, ultimately attaining that of the vapor. If the gap distance is decreased before the condensat...
EVALUATION OF OCULAR SAFETY: TIRAPAZAMINE PLUS CISPLATIN IN PATIENTS WITH METASTATIC MELANOMAS

Ninety-six patients with metastatic melanoma treated with two consecutive tirapazamine-cisplatin combination chemotherapy regimens were followed for signs of therapy-related ocular toxicity. Baseline and follow-up data were obtained such that each patient acted as his own control. A battery of vision-related tests was performed. These included: best corrected visual acuity, color vision, retinal fundus examination and electro-oculograms (EOG). A brief health-related quality of vision test was administered at each follow-up visit to detect and evaluate self-perceived changes in visual status. In the first study, 48 patients received i.v. tirapazamine over 2 h at 260 mg/m2 (group 1) while in the second study 48 patients (group 2) received i.v. tirapazamine at 390 mg/m2. Visual system assessment was conducted at three timepoints: first at baseline, then at 6 weeks post-baseline, i.e. after two courses of chemotherapy and visit two upon discontinuation of therapy. There was no difference in visual acuity between group 1 and group 2 at baseline, follow-up 1 or at follow-up 2. Grouped data indicate that visual acuity was not affected by either dosage of chemotherapy. Group 1 at baseline found 15% below the normal EOG cutoff point, increasing to 23% at follow-up 1 and increasing at follow-up visit 2 to 33%. Group 2 demonstrated the same EOG findings, but the results were more magnified: baseline, 24%; follow-up 1, 44%; and follow-up 2, 44%. After eliminating those with abnormal color vision baselines, 21% (nine of 42) group 1 patients demonstrated abnormal color vision total error scores at follow-up 1 and 16.7% (four of 24) at follow-up 2. Few individuals showed changes in the higher dosage group. With the exception of one person in each dosage group, all changes were along the blue-yellow (tritan) axis, which is associated with acquired color defects. Of 96 patients examined, proven fundus changes were found in only four subjects. These fundus findings included retinal hemorrhages, retinal nerve fiber layer infarcts (cotton wool spots) and small retinal pigment epithelium detachments. There was no systematic statistical significant difference among the various measures of visual system outcome between groups or test times. Data from all tests for individual patients in both groups reveals a sporadic distribution of changes in visual system tests. If toxicity were pronounced, one would expect consistency in the findings and all or most of the assessment tests would be abnormal for a particular patient. However, patients who were abnormal on one measure of acuity were not necessarily abnormal on the other measures.
Fast graphene-based electronics and optoelectronics

We discuss the use of monolayer graphene as the channel of RF field-effect transistors (GFETs) and as the photoconductive element of photodetectors. GFETs with cut-off frequencies up to 100 GHz and wide wavelength range, ultrafast photodetectors are demonstrated. The electric field-induced bandgap opening in bilayer graphene is also demonstrated.
Sensory systems and behaviours which mediate hemipteran plant-feeding: A taxonomic overview

Abstract Half of all species in the order Hemiptera (suborders Homoptera and Heteroptera) are phytophagous, representing a diverse and agriculturally important group. However, despite this importance, and the uniqueness of their piercing-sucking feeding style, relatively little is known about the sensory mechanisms of hemipteran feeding, compared to other phytophagous orders. This paper reviews the behavioural sequences and sensory structures involved in hemipteran probing and ingestion behaviour subsequent to the arrival of the insect on the host plant. Emphasis is placed on a description of the feeding strategies, and patterns of movements of the stylets during probing, employed by different infraorders. A complete summary of the anatomy, numbers, arrangements and functions of the four major groups of sensilla (antennal, labial, stylet and precibarial) is given, for each host-selection behaviour and each taxonomic group. It is concluded that both phylogenetic inertia and optimization of feeding behaviour were involved in hemipteran sensory evolution. However, the severe lack of electrophysiological studies with this order hinders our further understanding.
Contamination cannot explain the lack of large-scale power in the cosmic microwave background radiation

Several anomalies appear to be present in the large-angle cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropy maps of the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe. One of these is a lack of large-scale power. Because the data otherwise match standard models extremely well, it is natural to consider perturbations of the standard model as possible explanations. We show that, as long as the source of the perturbation is statistically independent of the source of the primary CMB anisotropy, no such model can explain this large-scale power deficit. On the contrary, any such perturbation always reduces the probability of obtaining any given low value of large-scale power. We rigorously prove this result when the lack of large-scale power is quantified with a quadratic statistic, such as the quadrupole moment. When a statistic based on the integrated square of the correlation function is used instead, we present strong numerical evidence in support of the result. The result applies to models in which the geometry of spacetime is perturbed (e.g., an ellipsoidal universe) as well as explanations involving local contaminants, undiagnosed foregrounds, or systematic errors. Because the large-scale power deficit is arguably the most significant of the observed anomalies, explanations that worsen this discrepancy should be regardedmore » with great skepticism, even if they help in explaining other anomalies such as multipole alignments.« less
333. Focused Ultrasound-Induced Transgene Activation in Skeletal Muscles

Focused ultrasound (FUS)‐induced gene activation in the skeletal muscles of a rat model was investigated. Plasmids that encode the luciferase gene under the control of hsp70B promoter were transfected into the skeletal muscles of the hind limbs of a rat model by electroporation. One day following the gene transfection, the left hind limb was treated with 3.3‐MHz FUS by raster scan of a 9×9‐mm3 area while the right hind limb was used as control. The output of the FUS transducer was adjusted to produce a rapid in vivo temperature rise ( °C, 50–60 °C, and 60–70 °C for a treatment duration up to 30 s. One day following FUS treatment, gene expression in vivo was analyzed and tissue injury assessed by H&E staining. It was found that in vivo gene activation and tissue damage were highly correlated with thermal dosage. The highest gene activation was produced by the FUS at 50–60 °C with an exposure time of 20 s, which was found to be s...
Plasma free testosterone in the diagnosis of adolescent polycystic ovary syndrome

We have employed plasma free testosterone concentrations to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescence after demonstrating that mature plasma free androgen levels are achieved by midpuberty. Among 43 female volunteers, 10 to 16 years of age, followed up in a mixed longitudinal-crosssectional study, we found that three (7%) had elevated plasma free testosterone levels in the absence of symptoms or signs of hyperandrogenemia. Of two who were followed up, the abnormality resolved on completion of sexual maturation in one, and in the other polycystic ovary syndrome was subsequently diagnosed. We diagnosed this syndrome in 14 adolescents as the basis of menstrual disorders associated with hirsutism, acne, or obesity. The diagnosis was based on finding elevated free testosterone values, which did not decrease after adrenal suppression by dexamethasone. Serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone were elevated in most but not all. In some of these patients further confirmation of polycystic ovary syndrome was obtained by laparoscopy or ultrasound examination. These studies demonstrate that measurement of plasma free testosterone before and after administration of dexamethasone appears to be the most sensitive single method for detecting polycystic ovary syndrome.
Versatile apoferritin nanoparticle labels for assay of protein

A versatile bioassay label based on marker-loaded apoferritin nanoparticles (MLANs) has been developed for sensitive protein detection. Dissociation and reconstitution characteristics at different pH as well as the special cavity structure of apoferritin provides a facile route to prepare nanoparticle labels and avoid the complicated and tedious synthesis process of conventional nanoparticle labels. The optical and electrochemical characteristics of the prepared nanoparticle labels are easily controlled by loading different optical or electrochemical markers. A fluorescence marker (fluorescein anion) and a redox marker [hexacyanoferrate(III)] were used as model markers to load into the cavity of apoferritin nanoparticles for microscopic fluorescence immunoassay and electrochemical immunoassay, respectively. Detection limits of 0.06 (0.39 pM) and 0.08 ng mL-1 (0.52 pM) IgG were obtained with fluorescein MLAN and hexacyanoferrate MLANs, respectively. The new nanoparticle labels hold great promise for multip...
A Unique ATP Hydrolysis Mechanism of Single-headed Processive Myosin, Myosin IX

Recent studies have revealed that myosin IX is a single-headed processive myosin, yet it is unclear how myosin IX can achieve the processive movement. Here we studied the mechanism of ATP hydrolysis cycle of actomyosin IXb. We found that myosin IXb has a rate-limiting ATP hydrolysis step unlike other known myosins, thus populating the prehydrolysis intermediate (M.ATP). M.ATP has a high affinity for actin, and, unlike other myosins, the dissociation of M.ATP from actin was extremely slow, thus preventing myosin from dissociating away from actin. The ADP dissociation step was 10-fold faster than the overall ATP hydrolysis cycle rate and thus not rate-limiting. We propose the following model for single-headed processive myosin. Upon the formation of the M.ATP intermediate, the tight binding of actomyosin IX at the interface is weakened. However, the head is kept in close proximity to actin due to the tethering role of loop 2/large unique insertion of myosin IX. There is enough freedom for the myosin head to find the next location of the binding site along with the actin filament before complete dissociation from the filament. After ATP hydrolysis, Pi is quickly released to form a strong actin binding form, and a power stroke takes place.
Pentachlorophenyl derivatives of silicon and tin

Abstract The preparations of some pentachlorophenyl derivatives of silicon and tin by the interaction of pentachlorophenylmagnesium chloride with various chlorosilanes and chlorostannanes were described. It was found that a halogen-metal exchange reaction was operating as well as the coupling reaction. The ultraviolet properties of these derivatives were studied and it was found that each of these pentachlorophenyl derivatives possessed an absorption band at about 200 mη with unusually high molar absorptivity. It was also observed that the molar absorptivities of these compounds increased as the number of pentachlorophenyl groups in the compounds increased. In general, the tin derivatives had higher molar absorptivities than those of the corresponding silicon derivatives.
Laminar film condensation in a vertical tube in the presence of noncondensable gas

Abstract A two-dimensional, steady state model of convective film-wise condensation of a vapor and noncondensable gas mixture flowing downward inside a vertical tube is developed. The mass transfer at the film and gas interface is treated as diffusion controlled process. The noncondensable effect on the condensation is taken into account through boundary layer analysis of species concentration and energy balance. Numerical predictions were obtained for the condensation heat transfer coefficient of turbulent vapor flow associated with laminar condensate. The predictions were compared with the experimental data in the literature to assess the model. Noncondensable mass fraction and vapor–noncondensable mixture temperature were presented in the form of radial and axial profiles.
Daily life, not markets: customer-centered design

Purpose – As companies try to gain a deeper understanding of consumers, they are increasingly turning to user-observation and ethnographic processes. However, because of this work is normally done in an informal manner, it tends to only have value for the small number of team members working on a particular project. This paper seeks to describe a method that is much more structured than normal processes, allowing companies to conduct observational research that is able to be large scale and reused. Design/methodology/approach – Ethnographic studies are not only heuristic in nature, usually requiring the research team to develop frameworks and descriptions that are idiosyncratic to a particular project. This makes comparing data from different studies and doing large-scale projects impractical. This paper describes a set of common frameworks and a research protocol that provides standards that are relevant across projects and teams. Findings – Descriptions of projects using this process show that it leads ...
Big Data and Science: Myths and Reality ✩

Abstract As Big Data inexorably draws attention from every segment of society, it has also suffered from many characterizations that are incorrect. This article explores a few of the more common myths about Big Data, and exposes the underlying truths.
Tissue variant effects of heme inhibitors on the mouse cytochrome c oxidase gene expression and catalytic activity of the enzyme complex

The in vivo effects of heme biosynthesis inhibitors, succinylacetone and CoCl2 on the cytochrome c oxidase (COX) gene expression and enzyme activity in different mouse tissues were investigated. Succinylacetone and CoCl2 showed tissue-specific differences in their ability to modulate heme aa3 content. A single dose of succinylacetone treatment for 8 h reduced the heme aa3 content of kidney mitochondria with no effect on the liver. CoCl2 treatment for 8 h, however, selectively affected the heme aa3 level in the liver. Reduced mitochondrial heme aa3 with both treatments was accompanied by approximately 50% reduced, mitochondrial genome-encoded COX I and II mRNAs and nuclear genome-encoded COX Vb mRNAs, but no change in COX IV mRNA level. Use of isolated mouse liver and brain mitochondrial systems showed a 50-80% reduction in mitochondrial transcription and translation rates in heme-depleted tissues. Blue native gel electrophoresis followed by immunoblot analysis showed that the complex from heme-depleted tissues contained a 30-50% reduction in levels of subunits I, IV, Vb and near normal levels of subunit VIc, indicating altered subunit content. Treatment of submitochondrial particles with protein kinase A and ATP resulted in partial dissociation of COX, suggesting a mechanistic basis for the reduced subunit content of the complex from heme-depleted tissues. Surprisingly, the enzyme from heme-depleted tissues showed twofold to fourfold higher turnover rates for cytochrome c oxidation, suggesting alterations in the kinetic characteristics of the enzyme following heme reduction. This is probably the first evidence that the tissue heme level regulates not only the mammalian COX gene expression, but also the catalytic activity of the enzyme, probably by affecting its stability.
An investigative model evaluating how consumers process pictorial information on nonprescription medication labels.

Abstract Currently, marketed over‐the‐counter (OTC) medication labels were simulated and tested in a controlled environment to understand consumer evaluation of OTC label information. Two factors, consumers’ age (younger and older adults) and label designs (picture‐only, verbal‐only, congruent picture‐verbal, and noncongruent picture‐verbal) were controlled and tested to evaluate consumer information processing. The effects exerted by the independent variables, namely, comprehension of label information (understanding) and product evaluations (satisfaction, certainty, and perceived confusion) were evaluated on the dependent variable purchase intention. Intention measured as purchase recommendation was significantly related to product evaluations and affected by the factor label design. Participants’ level of perceived confusion was more important than actual understanding of information on OTC medication labels. A Label Evaluation Process Model was developed which could be used for future testing of OTC m...
Identification and Characterization of HAOX1, HAOX2, and HAOX3, Three Human Peroxisomal 2-Hydroxy Acid Oxidases

Computer-based approaches identified three distinct human 2-hydroxy acid oxidase genes, HAOX1,HAOX2, and HAOX3, that encode proteins with significant sequence similarity to plant glycolate oxidase, a prototypical 2-hydroxy acid oxidase. The products of these genes are targeted to peroxisomes and have 2-hydroxy acid oxidase activities. Each gene displays a distinct tissue-specific pattern of expression, and each enzyme exhibits distinct substrate preferences. HAOX1 is expressed primarily in liver and pancreas and is most active on the two-carbon substrate, glycolate, but is also active on 2-hydroxy fatty acids. HAOX2 is expressed predominantly in liver and kidney and displays highest activity toward 2-hydroxypalmitate. HAOX3 expression was detected only in pancreas, and this enzyme displayed a preference for the medium chain substrate 2-hydroxyoctanoate. These results indicate that all three human 2-hydroxy acid oxidases are involved in the oxidation of 2-hydroxy fatty acids and may also contribute to the general pathway of fatty acid α-oxidation. Primary hyperoxaluria type 1 (PH1) is caused by defects in peroxisomal alanine-glyoxylate aminotransferase, the enzyme that normally eliminates intraperoxisomal glyoxylate. The presence of HAOX1 in liver and kidney peroxisomes and the ability of HAOX1 to oxidize glyoxylate to oxalate implicate HAOX1 as a mediator of PH1 pathophysiology.
Correlative Microscopy and Tissue Culture of Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy

A 4 1/2-year-old boy with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy underwent successful bilateral penetrating keratoplasties. Visual acuity in both eyes was restored to 6/18 (20/60). Correlative microscopic analysis of the corneal button obtained from the first transplant showed an irregular epithelium, a continuously thickened Bowman's layer, fragmentation and homogenization of the anterior stromal lamellae, a mildly enlarged stromal fibril diameter, abnormal collagen layers posterior to Descemet's membrane, atrophic paracentral corneal endothelium, and absent central endothelium. The endothelial cells from the second corneal button were placed in tissue culture and failed to demonstrate any growth characteristics or differentiation into normal appearing cells after 14 days. We concluded that the endothelial cells in congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy are functionally and morphologically abnormal. Early penetrating keratoplasty can be successful in such cases.
Preparation and structure of Nb3Cl8(CNCMe3)5

Abstract A trinuclear compound Nb3Cl8(t-BuNC)5·2C7H8 was obtained in ca. 30% yield by slow diffusion of t-BuNC into the solution of Nb2Cl6(SMe2)3 in toluene. It crystallizes in a monoclinic space group P21/c with a = 23.750(6), b = 9.099(2), c = 25.031(3) A, β = 95.59(2)°, V = 5383(3) A3 and Z= 4. The niobium atoms form an isosceles triangle with one short, 2.875(1) A and two long, 3.207(1) and 3.220(1) A edges. One t-BuNC acts as an η2·μ3 ligand while the others are terminal sigma donors. The molecule is paramagnetic with the formal positive charges on the niobium atoms being 2, 3 and 3. The reaction pathway leading to this trinuclear complex is proposed.
58.4: A Novel Handling Method of Ultra-Thin Flexible Glass Substrate for Thin and Flexible Displays

A novel handling method of ultra-thin flexible glass substrate (UTFGS) for thin and/or flexible displays is proposed. A rigid glass carrier-attached UTFGS (UTFGS module) with no adhesive layer is proposed for its good thermal and chemical durability. These UTFGS module can be processed through conventional display manufacturing process, such LCDs or OLEDs, and also can be mechanically and easily detached from the carrier substrate. Therefore this method enables to manufacture fragile, thin and flexible displays using conventional manufacturing equipment for LCDs or OLEDs, without chemical and/or mechanical thinning of thick display-cells and also without using of roll-to-roll process equipment for manufacturing of flexible displays.
Chloramphenicol sodium succinate kinetics in critically ill patients

Chloramphenicol sodium succinate (SCAP) kinetics were studied in 10 critically ill patients. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to assay SCAP and chloramphenicol (CAP) in serum and urine. Total body (ClTB), metabolic (ClM), and renal (ClR) clearances of SCAP were variable. Correlations were found between creatinine clearance (Clcr) and ClTB, ClM, and ClR of SCAP (r = 0.92, p less than 0.001; r = 0.84, p less than 0.005; and r = 0.84, p less than 0.005). Recovery of SCAP in the urine also demonstrated large interpatient variability. Between 6.5% and 43.5% of the SCAP dose was recovered in the urine of 6 patients. This variability could not be explained by incomplete urine collection or by differences in renal function. Renal excretion of SCAP was shown to influence CAP serum levels. CAP ClTB was diminished, but no relationship was found between routine liver function studies and CAP ClTB. Therefore we caution the use of such relationships in using CAP in critically ill patients.
Processing and characterization of solid and microcellular PHBV/coir fiber composites

Abstract Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV)/coir fiber composites were prepared via both conventional and microcellular injection-molding processes. The surface of the hydrophilic coir fiber was modified by alkali- and silane-treatment to improve its adhesion with PHBV. The morphology, thermal, and mechanical properties were investigated. The addition of coir fiber (treated and untreated) reduced cell size and increased cell density. Further decrease in cell size and increase in cell density was observed for treated fibers compared with PHBV/untreated-fiber composites. Mechanical properties such as specific toughness and strain-at-break improved for both solid and microcellular specimens with the addition of coir fibers (both treated and untreated); however, the specific modulus remained essentially the same statistically while the specific strength decreased slightly. The silane-treated coir fiber composites showed the greatest improvement in specific toughness and strain-at-break among the treated-fiber composites. In addition, adding coir fibers (treated and untreated) also increased the degree of crystallinity of the PHBV composites. PHBV with treated coir fibers showed a higher degree of crystallinity compared with untreated coir fibers.
Redox Signaling in Cancer Biology

Over the last three decades, it is has become increasing clear that intracellular signaling pathways are activated via changes in intracellular metabolic oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions involving reactive oxygen species (ROS; i.e., superoxide and hydrogen peroxide). The initial proposals hypothesized that signaling through metabolic oxidation/reduction (redox) reactions involving ROS could contribute to carcinogenesis and progression to malignancy. Strong evidence for this hypothesis was obtained from studies showing that environmental insults (i.e., ionizing radiation) as well as xenobiotics (i.e., polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and phorbol esters) capable of inducing steady-state increases in free radical production and ROS could act as both initiators and promoters of carcinogenesis. This Forum is directed at understanding possible redox signaling mechanisms governing cellular radiation response, tumor growth, and response to therapy, as well as the role of nitric oxide in cancer biology.
A Data Gathering Algorithm Based on Energy-Aware Connected Dominating Sets to Minimize Energy Consumption and Maximize Node Lifetime in Wireless Sensor Networks

This paper develops an energy-aware connected dominating set based data gathering ECDS-DG algorithm for wireless sensor networks. The algorithm includes only nodes that have a relatively higher energy level in ECDS. For every round, a data gathering tree ECDS-DG tree rooted at the ECDS Leader, that is, the node with the largest available energy, which transmits the data packet to the sink, is formed by considering only the nodes in the ECDS as the intermediate nodes of the tree. The non-ECDS nodes are leaf nodes of the tree, and the upstream node of an intermediate ECDS node in the ECDS-DG tree is the closest ECDS node that is also relatively closer to the ECDS Leader. Performance comparison studies involving well-known LEACH and PEGASIS algorithms indicate that ECDS-DG incurs the lowest energy consumption per round and sustains the largest number of rounds before first node failure.
Intelligent control strategies for HVAC processes in buildings

Abstract Intelligent control strategies for heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) processes are studied by considering a single-zone air-handling unit (AHU) and a two-zone space-heating system (TZSHS). Temperature responses of the AHU with single and multiple input controls are given. Application of decentralized control to the TZSHS, with and without preview action, is described. The implementation of intelligent strategies such as variable cold-deck temperature and night setback are illustrated with examples.
Reply to Fumerton

It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to reply to such a distinguished critic as Richard Fumerton and to clarify both my position and why I am reluctant to accept the alternative account of direct awareness Fumerton offers to us. Here are my replies. First of all, Fumerton says that the problem of representation is the problem of accounting for the security from error of self-presenting states. That is not the problem of representation I was concerned with in my paper, though what I said had some relevance to that problem. What I said is the following:
Heat Treatment Variability Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Beta Solution Treated Ti-6Al-4V

Beta solution heat treatment is used to increase the fatigue crack growth resistance of Ti-6AL-4V. Unfortunately, the beta solution heat treatment is very sensitive to maximum temperature, time at temperature and cooling rate. In order to determine the effect of these parameters on mechanical properties, several different titanium billets and forgings were heat treated at various times and temperatures. The forgings had differing amounts of work, reflecting the potential for thermomechanical processing differences seen in a die forged component. Fracture toughness and tensile tests were conducted on the billets and forgings. In addition, sections of each work piece were excised and examined microscopically. The results from the study indicate there is a significant effect of heat treatment on thicker section components. In these cases, grains near the surface may grow large, while being barely transformed near the center. The change in microstructure has an effect on mechanical properties. Material with the larger grains tends to have worse ductility, while the fracture toughness properties of the material tend to decrease with grain size.
High-index nanocomposite photoresist for 193-nm lithography

In immersion lithography, high index fluids are used to increase the numerical aperture (NA) of the imaging system and decrease the minimum printable feature size. Water has been used in first generation immersion lithography at 193 nm to reach the 45 nm node, but to reach the 38 and 32 nm nodes, fluids and resists with a higher index than water are needed. A critical issue hindering the implementation of 193i at the 32 nm node is the availability of high refractive index (n > 1.8) and low optical absorption fluids and resists. It is critical to note that high index resists are necessary only when a high refractive index fluid is in use. High index resist improves the depth of focus (DOF) even without high index fluids. In this study, high refractive index nanoparticles have been synthesized and introduced into a resist matrix to increase the overall refractive index. The strategy followed is to synthesize PGMEA-soluble nanoparticles and then disperse them into a 193 nm resist. High index nanoparticles 1-2 nm in diameter were synthesized by a combination of hydrolysis and sol-gel methods. A ligand exchange method was used, allowing the surface of the nanoparticles to be modified with photoresist-friendly moieties to help them disperse uniformly in the resist matrix. The refractive index and ultraviolet absorbance were measured to evaluate the quality of next generation immersion lithography resist materials.
Is it tax competition or tax exporting

Abstract This paper extends the basic tax-competition model to a framework in which jurisdictions have market power over the price of the output produced within their borders. If firms within the jurisdiction are competitive, the jurisdiction can play the role of monopoly-rent collector by using taxes to restrict the level of output. It is shown that the basic tax competition model can be thought of as a special case of this more general framework. In this framework, the opportunity to export the tax burden can partially or fully offset the well-known effects identified by the tax competition model.