cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A request-driven secure interoperation framework in loosely-coupled multi-domain environments employing RBAC policies

Multi-domain environments where distributed multiple organizations interoperate with each other are becoming a reality as witnessed by emerging Internet-based enterprise applications. Ensuring secure interoperation in such multi-domain environments has drawn considerable research works in the past, especially in tightly coupled, federated environments. However, methods applied to such environments are not suitable in emerging loosely-coupled environments where the inter-domain interactions are transient and based on specific requirements within a given context (e.g., time, location), which is typical in Web service, P2P and grid-based applications. In this paper, we propose a request-driven secure interoperation framework to facilitate secure interoperation in loosely-coupled environments where the individual domains employ role-based access control policies. In particular, our proposed framework is driven by the service requirements and dynamically integrates relevant policy components between interacting domains.
Fungal malignant otitis externa: Pitfalls, diagnosis, and treatment

HypothesisOral voriconazole is a viable alternative modality treatment to traditionally used intravenous vancomycin in the treatment of malignant otitis externa (MOE).BackgroundThe incidence of MOE is on the rise, more so in Saudi Arabia where diabetes mellitus is endemic. Although Pseudomonas aerug
Synthesis of hyaluronic acid is decreased and synthesis of proteoglycans is increased when cultured mouse epidermal cells differentiate.

Abstract Newborn mouse epidermal cells proliferate when cultured in 0.05 mm Ca ++ medium and terminally differentiate when the Ca ++ is increased to about 1.2 mm, the level found in most cell culture media. We found that hyaluronic acid and proteoglycans were synthesized by isolated cultured newborn mouse epidermal cells and that quantitative and qualitative changes in these macromolecules appeared when proliferating epidermal cultures were induced to differentiate by calcium. A major change that occurred with differentiation was a reduction in synthesis of hyaluronic acid while synthesis of proteoglycans and glycoproteins increased. The proteoglycans synthesized in these cultures were heparan sulfate-proteoglycan (90%) and chondroitin sulfate-proteoglycan (10%), regardless of the calcium level.
Progesterone in experimental permanent stroke: a dose-response and therapeutic time-window study

Currently, the only approved treatment for ischaemic stroke is tissue plasminogen activator, a clot-buster. This treatment can have dangerous consequences if not given within the first 4 h after stroke. Our group and others have shown progesterone to be beneficial in preclinical studies of stroke, but a progesterone dose-response and time-window study is lacking. We tested male Sprague-Dawley rats (12 months old) with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion or sham operations on multiple measures of sensory, motor and cognitive performance. For the dose-response study, animals received intraperitoneal injections of progesterone (8, 16 or 32 mg/kg) at 1 h post-occlusion, and subcutaneous injections at 6 h and then once every 24 h for 7 days. For the time-window study, the optimal dose of progesterone was given starting at 3, 6 or 24 h post-stroke. Behavioural recovery was evaluated at repeated intervals. Rats were killed at 22 days post-stroke and brains extracted for evaluation of infarct volume. Both 8 and 16 mg/kg doses of progesterone produced attenuation of infarct volume compared with the placebo, and improved functional outcomes up to 3 weeks after stroke on locomotor activity, grip strength, sensory neglect, gait impairment, motor coordination and spatial navigation tests. In the time-window study, the progesterone group exhibited substantial neuroprotection as late as 6 h after stroke onset. Compared with placebo, progesterone showed a significant reduction in infarct size with 3- and 6-h delays. Moderate doses (8 and 16 mg/kg) of progesterone reduced infarct size and improved functional deficits in our clinically relevant model of stroke. The 8 mg/kg dose was optimal in improving motor, sensory and memory function, and this effect was observed over a large therapeutic time window. Progesterone shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent and should be examined for safety and efficacy in a clinical trial for ischaemic stroke.
Humoral hypercalcemia caused by a rat Leydig-cell tumor is associated with suppressed parathyroid hormone secretion and increased urinary cAMP excretion.

We studied the effect of a transplantable Leydig-cell tumor (Rice H-500) on serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and urinary cAMP in intact Fischer-344 rats. The tumor caused rapid and severe hypercalcemia (control = 10.5 +/- 0.1 mg/dl [mean +/- S.E.] vs. 14.6 +/- 0.9 at day 12 post tumor inoculation) without evidence of metastasis. Progressive renal impairment and death generally occurred within 15 days of tumor inoculation. Serum PTH declined from control values before hypercalcemia occurred and was significantly reduced in tumor-bearing hypercalcemic rats (mean = 60 +/- 8% of control values). Urinary cAMP excretion was increased in tumor-bearing rats (mean at day 12 post inoculation = 12.2 +/- 1.4 nmol/dl creatinine clearance vs. control = 6.2 +/- 0.2) and correlated positively with serum calcium. The Rice H-500 Leydig-cell tumor appears to secrete a humoral factor capable of causing hypercalcemia. This factor may also increase urinary cAMP excretion in a manner analogous to PTH, but it is not detected by PTH radioimmunoassay.
Essential fatty acids of normal and atherosclerotic aortas from chickens receiving differently saturated fats for three years.

SINCLAIR'S suggestion1 that atherogenesis may be associated with a relative essential fatty acid deficiency has received considerable attention in many laboratories. On the basis of fatty acid analyses of atheromatous plaques, several investigators have concluded that Sinclair's hypothesis is not substantiated2,3. Very recently, Sinclair4 has joined issue with those who drew these conclusions by suggesting that the fatty acid analytical techniques employed do not differentiate between the essential fatty acids (linoleic and arachidonic) and non-essential fatty acids of similar unsaturation. Although in the present study no attempt was made to differentiate between linoleic and arachidonic acid on one hand, and other di- and tetra-enoic acids on the other, the results herein presented may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between essential fatty acids and plaque formation.
Integrated Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) – Ultrasound (US) Imaging System for Co-registered Intravascular Imaging

We report on an integrated intravascular optical coherence tomography (OCT) - ultrasound (US) imaging system. The dual-modality OCT-US probe combines OCT components with an ultrasound transducer, enabling OCT and ultrasound imaging at the same time.
Efficiently planning coherent visual discourse

A visual discourse is a series of connected visual displays. A coherent visual discourse is characterized by smooth transitions between displays, consistent design within and across displays, and successful integration of new information into existing displays. We use a topdown, hierarchical-decomposition, partial order planner to efficiently construct a visual discourse from scratch, taking advantage of parametrized primitive visual objects that serve as building blocks in the design process. Visual representations are modeled as visual objects, graphical techniques are employed as planning operators, and design policies are encoded as constraints. This approach not only improves computational efficiency compared to search-based approaches, but also facilitates knowledge encoding, and ensures global coherency.
Age criteria for the prenatal and immature mongoose in Hawaii.

Anatomical age markers are established in the small Indian mongoose (Herpestes auropunctatus) for embyronic, fetal, nestling and juvenile stages. Embryos and fetuses excised from living pregnant females and placed on a time scale of 49 days, the known gestation period, indicate that implantation is at approximately eight to ten days after insemination and that the transition from embryo to fetus occurs at about 14 to 28 days. The sequence of stages grossly discernible in prenatal development is highly similar to that in other mammals. Age in laboratory-reared pups was correlated with a regular sequence of tooth eruption and replacement. The full set of permanent teeth is present at the age of 22 weeks. M3 was found in 2.8% of 142 adult skulls examined. Prominent reductions occur in the slope of the growth curve during early fetal stages, and at birth, weaning and independence from the mother.
The nursing shortage: Its impact on the care of children

Abstract The nursing shortage is likely to have a serious impact on the various roles of pediatric nursing and the care of children. An earlier perception that there were too many “specialty” nurses is simply untrue. The future demand for pediatric nurses is expected to increase dramatically as the gap between the number of elderly people needing care and those available to provide services shifts resources away from children. Vulnerable pediatric populations at risk for poor outcomes will be adversely affected first. Short-term solutions to the nursing shortage will not directly impact pediatric nursing. Many of the roles pediatric nurses fill, such as the pediatric intensive care unit, require up to 2 years of experience. Pediatric nurses who work in the community in expanded roles require advanced practice training beyond the BSN. Given these particular workforce issues, recovery of pediatric nursing is expected to lag behind other nursing specialties. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.
Characterization of a newly emerged genetic cluster of H1N1 and H1N2 swine influenza virus in the United States

H1 influenza A viruses that were distinct from the classical swine H1 lineage were identified in pigs in Canada in 2003–2004; antigenic and genetic characterization identified the hemagglutinin (HA) as human H1 lineage. The viruses identified in Canadian pigs were human lineage in entirety or double (human–swine) reassortants. Here, we report the whole genome sequence analysis of four human-like H1 viruses isolated from U.S. swine in 2005 and 2007. All four isolates were characterized as triple reassortants with an internal gene constellation similar to contemporary U.S. swine influenza virus (SIV), with HA and neuraminidase (NA) most similar to human influenza virus lineages. A 2007 human-like H1N1 was evaluated in a pathogenesis and transmission model and compared to a 2004 reassortant H1N1 SIV isolate with swine lineage HA and NA. The 2007 isolate induced disease typical of influenza virus and was transmitted to contact pigs; however, the kinetics and magnitude differed from the 2004 H1N1 SIV. This study indicates that the human-like H1 SIV can efficiently replicate and transmit in the swine host and now co-circulates with contemporary SIVs as a distinct genetic cluster of H1 SIV.
Nocturnal Enuresis: An Approach to Assessment and Treatment

On the basis of strong evidence, although primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is common and most children will outgrow the condition spontaneously, the psychological effect to the child can be significant and represents the main reason for treatment of these children. On the basis of international consensus panels, treatment of PMNE should be targeted toward the specific type of bedwetting patterns the child has, using bladder diary, sleep history, and daytime elimination concerns as a guide (Table 3). On the basis of international consensus panels, it is important for the primary care physician to be able to differentiate children with PMNE from children with nonmonosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (NMNE) and secondary nocturnal enuresis. On the basis of international consensus panels, children with NMNE should have their underlying voiding or stool problem addressed before initiation of therapy for the nocturnal enuresis. On the basis of strong evidence, both the bedwetting alarm and desmopressin are considered first-line therapy for children with PMNE.
Gender and alcohol moderate caregiver reported child behavior after prenatal cocaine.

Objective: The concurrence of prenatal alcohol exposure with other drug exposure, low socioeconomic status and environmental risk factors may obscure associations, if any, between prenatal cocaine exposure and child outcomes. This study evaluates the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on child behavior in analyses stratified by gender and prenatal alcohol exposure status. Methods: Maternal alcohol, cigarette, and illicit drug use were prospectively assessed by interview during pregnancy and postnatally. Maternal and neonatal urine were tested for drug exposure as clinically indicated. Caregiver report of child behavior was assessed with the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Dichotomous cocaine exposure was characterized as no (negative history and biologic markers), and any (positive history and/or biologic markers during pregnancy and/or positive urine screen at delivery from either mother or infant). Results: Prenatal cocaine exposure was associated with adverse effects on offspring behavior that were moderated by the gender of the offspring as well as prenatal alcohol exposure. For girls without prenatal alcohol exposure, 6.5% of the unique variance in behavior was related to prenatal cocaine exposure. For these girls, the odds of scoring in the abnormal range for Aggression was 17 times control levels (95% confidence limits 1.4 to 203). These findings, though significant, have wide confidence intervals and need to be replicated in larger cohorts and on longitudinal follow-up.
Slowly Modulated Baroclinic Waves in a Three-Layer Model

Abstract A coupled pair of envelope equations is derived which describe the nonlinear evolution of slowly varying wave packets in a three-layer model of baroclinic instability on a βplane. The equations are identical in form to those obtained by Pedlosky (1972) to study wave-packet evolution in a two-layer model. They are transformable to the Self-Induced Transparency equations of nonlinear optics for complex wave amplitude, and to the sine-Gordon equation for real wave amplitude. Both are known to possess solution solutions, with associated highly predictable behavior. The three-layer model therefore is another example of a mathematical model of baroclinic instability to exhibit solution behavior. The significance of such solutions to meteorology and oceanography is discussed.
A Bit-by-Bit Re-Writable Eflash in a Generic 65 nm Logic Process for Moderate-Density Nonvolatile Memory Applications

Embedded nonvolatile memory (eNVM) is considered to be a critical building block in future system-on-chip and microprocessor systems. Various eNVM technologies have been explored for high-density applications including dual-poly embedded flash (eflash), FeRAM, STT-MRAM, and RRAM. On the other end of the spectrum, logic-compatible eNVM such as e-fuse, anti-fuse, and single-poly eflash memories have been considered for moderate-density low-cost applications. In particular, single-poly eflash memory has been gaining momentum as it can be implemented in a generic logic process while supporting multiple program-erase cycles. One key challenge for single-poly eflash is enabling bit-by-bit re-write operation without a boosted bitline voltage as this could cause disturbance issues in the unselected wordlines. In this work, we present details of a bit-by-bit re-writable eflash memory implemented in a generic 65 nm logic process which addresses this key challenge. The proposed 6 T eflash memory cell can improve the overall cell endurance by eliminating redundant program/erase cycles while preventing disturbance issues in the unselected wordlines. We also provide details of special high voltage circuits such as a voltage-doubler based charge pump circuit and a multistory high-voltage switch, for generating a reliable high-voltage output without causing damage to the standard logic transistors.
Achieving cecal intubation in the very difficult colon.

Cecal intubation is defined as insertion of the colonoscope tip into the cecal caput so that the medial wall of the cecum proximal to the ileocecal valve can be fully inspected. Although colonoscopists outside the United States sometimes undertake colonoscopy without intending to intubate the cecum, 1 the intent to achieve full cecal intubation or reaching an ileocolonic anastomosis is the norm in the United States. The U.S. Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer 2 and a combined task force of the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and the American College of Gastroenterology 3,4 have made recommendations on quality indicators for the technical performance of colonoscopy. Targets for successful cecal intubation rates are 90% for all colonoscopies and 95% for screening colonoscopies. 3,4 Patients with procedures aborted for poor preparation, severe colitis, or when the intention of the procedure is to treat a known lesion distal to the cecum (and the cecum has been previously intubated) need not be counted in the denominator when cecal intubation rates are calculated. The recommended rates for cecal intubation are based on published experience from both academic 5-9 and community 10-12 colonoscopists. That the recommended rates are not 100% obviously reflects that complete colonoscopy either is not or may not be possible in every patient. However, maximizing cecal intubation rates results in positive outcomes. Patients with incomplete colonoscopy incur the cost, risk, and inconvenience of other procedures, usually barium enema 13 or CTcolonography, 14,15 to complete the colorectal examination. If radiographic studies show lesions proximal to the extent of incomplete colonoscopy, another attempt at colonoscopy may be needed. Such patients may severely test the skills of even the most experienced colonoscopists. This review discusses an approach to patients with technically difficult colons, with a goal of guiding experienced colonoscopists to techniques and equipment that allow successful intubation in even the most difficult cases. METHODS A MedLine review of English articles was performed using the terms ‘‘failed colonoscopy,’’ ‘‘incomplete colonoscopy,’’ and ‘‘colonoscopy technique.’’ Reference lists of identified articles and book chapters on colonoscope insertion were reviewed to find additional references. I also relied on his personal experience, including performing colonoscopy in patients in whom colonoscopy had been previously attempted by others but was incomplete, as described in previous publications. 16,17
Inhibition of the activity of SRC and Abl tyrosine protein kinases by the binding of the Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein.

The Wiscott-Aldrich syndrome protein, WASP, is an effector through which cdc42, a Rho family GTPase, regulates the actin cytoskeleton in hematopoietic cells. We have found that WASP binds readily to a number of tyrosine protein kinases including the Src kinases and the Abl kinase when the proteins are coexpressed during transient transfection. Binding inhibited the activity of each of these kinases strikingly, both in vitro and in vivo. Surprisingly, the binding was not due to an interaction between the proline-rich domain of WASP and the SH3 domain of these kinases. Rather, residues 83-93 in WASP were found to bind to the catalytic domains of the kinases. Binding did not decrease the affinity of Src kinases for either ATP or a peptide substrate noticeably. Rather, the V m a x of substrate phosphorylation was reduced by the binding of the peptide. This inhibition represents a novel form of regulation of protein kinase activity and suggests that that the isolation of small molecules that exploit this inhibitory mechanism may be possible.
Nonlitigation Risk and Pricing Audit Services

In this study we expand the audit fee model introduced by Simunic (1980) and extended by Houston et al. (1999) by adding a third factor, nonlitigation risk, which refers to general business risks and/or opportunities that extend beyond litigation risk or the conduct of the audit (e.g., opportunities for future audit and nonaudit revenues, potential damage to the auditor's reputation from involvement with a client). In an experiment, we ask audit partners and managers to assess various risks and develop an audit plan after reviewing one of four risk‐increasing audit scenarios—the discovery of an error, the discovery of a GAAP inconsistency, a client buyout where the audited financial statements are used in the determination of the exchange price, and the loss of a major client customer. We find that, in the error and buyout cases, audit fee increases are explained only by the planned increase in audit investment; in the GAAP inconsistency case, the audit fee increase is explained in part by the planned inc...
Projected Hartree Product Wavefunctions. V. Density Matrices and Operators Containing Spin

Formulas are given to allow the calculation of the various spin components of the first‐order density and transition density matrices from one spatial component of a pure spin‐state wavefunction and certain reduced operators. Similar expressions are given for the second‐order density for singlet and doublet systems. These results are useful for the calculation of matrix elements of operators containing the spin.
An interpretation of snail-trematode infection rates: Specificity based on concordance of compatible phenotypes

Abstract A formula is proposed that bases host-parasite specificity upon genetically determined characters for compatibility in both snail and trematode. Individual snails are thereby considered to be susceptible or resistant to individual miracidia and infections rates are controlled by the relative frequencies of relevant genes in the particular populations concerned. The biological evidence for this hypothesis stems from published geographic, genetic, and histological studies in the Biomphalaria-Schistosoma host-parasite complex. The specific mechanism of incompatibility probably resides in the host cellular reaction to parasites recognized as foreign. The principles governing snail-trematode specificity are considered applicable to all combinations and underlie regional and evolutionary adaptations in these groups. The hypothesis of Donges that snail populations are homogeneous with regard to susceptibility is discussed.
A model for the Barkhausen frequency spectrum as a function of applied stress

We derive a two parameter multi-exponential model to describe the frequency spectrum of Barkhausen noise in bulk steel under high excitation rates and applied tensile stress. We show how the amplitude and shape of the frequency spectrum depend on two directly measurable quantities, Barkhausen voltage and effective magnetic permeability, respectively, and how these change with stress. By incorporating frequency and depth dependence components into our model, we provide a framework for identifying stress variations along depth, which can be used for the purposes of non-destructive characterization.
Understanding Changes in Board and Director Roles in a Nonprofit Organization: The Need for Paradigm Synthesis and Elaboration

This article presents a case study examining nonprofit board and director roles in the first 5 years of an organization’s life, using 3 organizational change approaches: contingency, life-cycle, and cognitive-interpretive. Data include monthly board meeting minutes and director’s reports for the first 5 years of a nonprofit human service agency’s existence. The article concludes that although all 3 theoretical approaches are productive explanatory frameworks for organizational change, each one, on its own, is incomplete. The findings point to the need for further theoretical synthesis and paradigm elaboration to inform our understanding of nonprofit director and board relationships.
In situ Raman Measurement of an Individual Silicon Nanowire Trapped Using Optoelectronic Tweezers (OET)

We demonstrate in-situ Raman measurement of individual silicon nanowires (100 nm diameter, 10-20 μm in length) which are trapped using optoelectronic tweezers (OET).
Compensation for loss of ligand activity in surface plasmon resonance experiments.

The determination of equilibrium binding constants is an important aspect of the analysis of protein-protein interactions. In recent years surface plasmon resonance experiments (e.g., with a BIAcore instrument) have provided a valuable experimental approach to determining such constants. The standard method is based on measuring amounts of analyte bound at equilibrium for different analyte concentrations. During the course of a typical surface plasmon resonance experiment the measured equilibrium levels for a given analyte concentration often decrease. This appears to be due to a loss of activity of the protein coupled to the sensor chip or other phenomena. The loss in signal can lead to an erroneous determination of the equilibrium constant. A data analysis approach is introduced that aims to compensate for the loss of activity so that its influence on the results of the experiments is reduced.
Myoblast-Mediated Ex Vivo Gene Transfer to Mature Muscle

A major barrier to the application of gene therapy to skeletal muscle is the inability of viral vectors to efficiently transduce mature muscle fibers. Results from our laboratory and others have sh...
Environmental conditions to achieve low adhesion and low friction on diamond surfaces

The adhesion and friction of both diamond and diamond-like carbon coatings can be dramatically changed by active gases in the environment, such as hydrogen, water vapor and humid air, due to tribochemical reactions. To understand the atmospheric effects and to predict the optimized environmental conditions (gas species, pressure and temperature), the tribochemical reactions on diamond surfaces are modeled from first principles thermodynamics. The results show that both H2 and a mixture of H2O plus O2 (such as humid air) can effectively achieve low adhesion and low friction with a fully –H or –OH passivated surface at very low partial pressures. Water vapor itself can passivate diamond (1 1 1) and (1 0 0) surfaces into half –H and half –OH terminated surfaces, but only at unrealistically high partial pressures. Even a trace amount of oxygen combined with water vapor can significantly reduce the water partial pressure for passivation. In all tribochemical reactions considered, the partial pressure required to reach low adhesion and low friction increases rapidly with temperature, and diamond (1 0 0) surface requires less partial pressures than (1 1 1) surface for surface passivation.
Right projective semigroups with 0

Abstract We describe the semigroups S with 0 that are projective in the category of right S -objects, i.e. of centered right S -operands. Among them are the free semigroups with an adjoined zero, and several characterizations of this subclass are given. Two other classes, one of them close to free semigroups with 0, the other rather far apart, are discussed in detail. The first class consists of semigroups of finite and infinite sequences, with multiplication based on concatenation. The second is formed by the projectives in the category of ( S , S )-biobjects.
Estimating the roughness of rock fractures and geomorphic surfaces by multiresolution analysis of terrestrial LiDAR data

Exposed natural surfaces such as landslides, stream beds and fault scarps can provide us with valuable insight into natural processes and their interaction with the Earth’s surface. By studying the texture left behind on geological media, we can improve our models for natural processes and our estimation of risk. Research on the surface morphology of natural materials has been substantially aided in the past decade through the application of remote geodetic data collection methods including Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) which provides high resolution surface geometry information. Terrestrial LiDAR scanning (TLS) instruments are particularly suited to geological targets due to portability and high measurement rates. It has long been understood that natural surface roughness is a scale variant phenomenon. Therefore, accurate modeling of the processes responsible for its generation relies upon accurate morphological information at the scales under study, without contamination of the data by other morphological scales. Empirical analysis of the application of TLS to the task of natural surface roughness estimation has indicated that the standard deviation of surface heights orthogonal to a local planar datum, a commonly employed descriptor of roughness, lacks stationarity across changes in scan parameters and target scene geometry. A scale dependent bias resulting from underestimation of surface asperity heights has been found to reduce measured roughness by over 20% of its expected value. In order to minimize biases imposed on estimated roughness values by scale dependent aspects of the TLS data collection process multiresolution analysis is applied. A two-dimensional discrete wavelet transform extracts surface height information present at distinct scales within the data. Roughness is estimated from the reconstructed dataset, with high frequency noise removed and low frequency surface topography preserved. Using this approach, results show that surfaces may be compared on the basis of smallest acceptable common textural wavelength and roughness at scales appropriate to the phenomena being modeled can be isolated and estimated with enhanced accuracy.
Nanosecond time-resolved emission spectroscopy of a fluorescence probe bound to L-α-EGG lecithin vesicles

Abstract The monophoton counting technique was used to measure nanosecond time-resolved fluorescence emission spectra of 2-p-toluidino-naphthalene-6-sulfonate (2,6 p-TNS) adsorbed to lipid bilayer vesicles. A time-dependent red shift in the emission maximum was observed and the rate of this red shift was shown to be temperature dependent. Analysis of fluorescence decay curves obtained at different emission wavelengths indicates that the time-dependent spectral shifts are due to an excited-state reaction such as solvent relaxation or an excited-state interaction between the chromophore and a polar residue of the phospholipid.
Structures and properties of supramolecular assembled fullerenol/poly(dimethylsiloxane) nanocomposites

Supramolecular assembled fullerenol/poly(dimethylsiloxane) nanocomposites were prepared from the solution casting of the mixtures of multihydroxylated [60]fullerene (fullerenol) and bis(3-aminopropyl)-terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS-di-NH 2 ) in tetrahydrofuran at different molar ratios. Dynamic light scattering measurements reveal that the fullerenol-PDMS complexes could be formed due to the strong hydrogen bonding interactions between the hydroxyl groups of fullerenol and the amino groups of PDMS-di-NH 2 . The size and size distribution of the complex particles depend on the molar ratios of OH/NH 2 groups and the solution concentrations. Small-angle X-ray scattering results indicate that nanodomains of fullerenol aggregates are confined homogeneously in PDMS matrix. The higher fullerenol content in the composites leads to the larger size of fullerenol nanodomains. This novel structural feature of the nanocomposites together with the unique chemical structure and dielectric property of fullerenol molecules results in superior thermal and thermal mechanical stability, severely suppressed crystalline phase, elastic mechanical response, and attractive dielectric properties of the fullerenol-PDMS nanocomposites; i.e., the high content of fullerenol in the nanocomposites increases the permittivity but dramatically decreases the loss factor of the materials.
Notes on reflexivity and causativity in Lithuanian

This is an electronic version of an article published in Journal of Baltic Studies, v25, no.1 (Spring 1994). Publisher’s copy is available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/01629779300000361
Fiber-optic detector for real time dosimetry of a micro-planar x-ray beam

Purpose: Here, the authors describe a dosimetry measurement technique for microbeam radiation therapy using a nanoparticle-terminated fiber-optic dosimeter (nano-FOD). Methods: The nano-FOD was placed in the center of a 2 cm diameter mouse phantom to measure the deep tissue dose and lateral beam profile of a planar x-ray microbeam. Results: The continuous dose rate at the x-ray microbeam peak measured with the nano-FOD was 1.91 ± 0.06 cGy s−1, a value 2.7% higher than that determined via radiochromic film measurements (1.86 ± 0.15 cGy s−1). The nano-FOD-determined lateral beam full-width half max value of 420 μm exceeded that measured using radiochromic film (320 μm). Due to the 8° angle of the collimated microbeam and resulting volumetric effects within the scintillator, the profile measurements reported here are estimated to achieve a resolution of ∼0.1 mm; however, for a beam angle of 0°, the theoretical resolution would approach the thickness of the scintillator (∼0.01 mm). Conclusions: This work provides proof-of-concept data and demonstrates that the novel nano-FOD device can be used to perform real-time dosimetry in microbeam radiation therapy to measure the continuous dose rate at the x-ray microbeam peak as well as the lateral beam shape.
Clustering of technology tweets and the impact of stop words on clusters

Twitter, which started as a means of communicating with friends, became much more than its beginning. Now, Twitter is used by companies to promote their new products and by the movie industry to promote movies. A lot of advertising and branding is now tied to Twitter. Furthermore, and most importantly, the first place one goes to find any breaking news is to search it on Twitter. The focus of this paper is clustering with the TF-IDF weighted mechanism of daily technology news tweets of prominent bloggers and news sites using Apache Mahout and to evaluate the effects of introducing and removing stop words on the quality of clustering. This project restricts itself to only tweets in the English language.
Mass "Heat… Transfer Downstream of Blockages With Round and Elongated Holes in a Rectangular Channel

Turbulent forced convective mass (heat) transfer downstream of blockages with round and elongated holes in a rectangular channel was studied. The blockages and the channel had the same 12:1 (width-to-height ratio) cross section, and a distance equal to twice the channel height separated consecutive blockages. The diameter of the holes was either 0.5 or 0.75 of the height of the channel. Naphthalene sublimation experiments were conducted with four hole aspect ratios (hole-width-to-height ratios) between 1.0 and 3.4, two hole-to-channel area ratios (ratios of total hole cross-sectional area to channel cross-sectional area) of 0.2 and 0.3, and Reynolds numbers (based on the channel hydraulic diameter) of 7000 and 17,000. The effects of the hole aspect ratio, for each hole-to-channel area ratio, on the average mass (heat) transfer and the local mass (heat) transfer distribution on the exposed primary channel wall between consecutive blockages were examined. The results of the study showed that the blockages with holes caused the average mass (heat) transfer to be as high as about eight times that for fully developed turbulent flow through a smooth channel at the same mass flow rate. The elongated holes caused higher overall mass (heat) transfer and larger spanwise variation of the local mass (heat) transfer on the channel wall than round holes.
Splitting the Differences: A Structural Alignment View of Similarity

The similarity of a pair increases with its commonalities and decreases with its differences (Tversky, 1977, Psychological Review, 79(4), 281-299). This research addresses how the commonalities and differences of a pair are determined. We propose that comparisons are carried out by an alignment of conceptual structures. This view suggests that beyond the commonality-difference distinction, there is a further distinction between differences related to the common structure (alignable differences), and differences unrelated to the common structure (nonalignable differences). In two experiments, subjects were asked to list commonalities and differences of word pairs and/or to rate the similarity of these pairs. Three predictions for this task follow from the structural alignment view: (1) pairs with many commonalities should also have many alignable differences, (2) commonalities and alignable differences should tend to be conceptually related, and (3) alignable differences should outnumber nonalignable differences. The data support the structural alignment proposal. The implications of these findings for theories of similarity and of cognitive processes that involve similarity are discussed.
Control system synthesis for a launch vehicle with severe mode interaction

The phenomenon of mode interaction between rigid-body and elastic motion of a large launch vehicle is described and illustrated. For severe interaction, control system synthesis by the usual approach of assuming pitch attitude and rate feedback and use of conventional servo analysis techniques is not suitable. By use of a new method based on the state variable formulations of modern control theory, a simple practical control system is synthesized without the trial and error associated with servo analysis methods. Specified closed-loop frequencies and damping ratios, including active control of structural mode dynamics, are achieved using only the booster thrust vector control. No frequency tracking filters or feedback signal discrimination is needed. The only feedback signals necessary are those provided by angular displacement and acceleration sensors. Five simple first-order passive filters are the only compensation network dynamic elements required.
Structure and variability of semidiurnal internal tides in Mamala Bay, Hawaii

[1] Moored current meter and temperature observations and results from a three-dimensional primitive equation model are used to examine the energetic semidiurnal internal tides present in Mamala Bay on the south coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The steady, harmonic component of the internal tide is characterized by large vertical displacements in the central region of the bay (35 m amplitude for the M2 constituent), and enhanced alongshelf baroclinic currents at the headlands on either end of the bay (0.27 m s−1). Seasonal changes in amplitude and phase are observed. The model captures the qualitative spatial structure of the observations. Baroclinic energy flux estimates, from the mooring observations and the numerical simulations, suggest that internal tide energy propagates into the bay and does not originate within the bay. The model indicates that internal wave generation occurs over the flanks (500–1000 m depth) of the ridge, predominantly on the east side, with perhaps some additional contribution on the west from an energetic internal tide generated north of Oahu. Wave superposition is believed to account for the alongshelf spatial structure of currents and displacements. Incoherent modulations of the internal tide occur that are not related to local changes in stratification, at least on superannual timescales. Factors contributing to this signal may include stratification variations at the deep generation sites, mesoscale activity, and/or the shoaling of a random internal wave field into the bay from the open ocean.
Echocardiographic diagnosis of clinically silent congenital coronary artery anomalies

Abstract Background The incidence of congenital coronary anomalies is mainly derived from autopsy series and pre-participation exams in athletes. Limited data exist regarding the spectrum of coronary anomalies that can be detected in asymptomatic patients. We sought to describe echocardiographically detected congenital coronary artery anomalies in asymptomatic children after implementing a screening protocol mandating identification of coronary artery origin and proximal course in all initial studies. Methods Our database was searched from 1/1/1993 to 3/31/2006 and all echocardiograms coded for coronary anomalies were identified. Clinically "silent" congenital coronary anomalies were culled from that group. Results Of the 168 "silent" coronary anomalies detected, 111 were anomalies of aortic origin, including 59 patients with "high coronary takeoff" and 30 patients with "wrong sinus" origin of either the left or right coronary artery. Small coronary fistulas were seen in 57. Associated congenital heart defects were found in 53% of individuals with coronary anomalies. Conclusions This study comprises the largest group of echocardiographically detected, "silent" but potentially clinically significant, congenital coronary anomalies in children. Prospective echocardiographic diagnosis of "high coronary takeoff", a risk factor for injury during cardio-pulmonary bypass, and asymptomatic intraseptal coronary stenosis are described for the first time.
On the Need for Convergence Between Design Validation and Test

Summary form only given, as follows. High-level design languages and other design automation innovations have boosted designer productivity enabling designs which are more complex than ever before, allowing them to make full utilization of extra transistors afforded by Moore's Law. However, these designs pose daunting challenges for pre- and post-silicon validation, and manufacturing test. Three dominant trends are rendering design and silicon validation an increasingly difficult task: increasing design complexity, inability to accurately model various design and manufacturing process parameters, and ever-shrinking time-to-market windows. As a result, deficiencies in design validation manifest themselves as bug escapes in silicon and an increasing number of the silicon failures are showing up only during system-level validation and test. The process of diagnosing and fixing failures at the system level is complex, ad hoc and error-prone and can have unacceptable delay in the ramp for high-volume manufacturing. This talk will explore the commonalities between pre- and post- design validation, and manufacturing test, and the need to create new capabilities that exploit the synergy between these domains to ease the task of validation while improving the manufacturing test quality.
A distributed approximation algorithm for the bottleneck connected dominating set problem

Some of the most popular routing protocols for wireless sensor networks require a virtual backbone for efficient communication between the sensors. Connected dominating sets (CDS) have been studied as a method of choosing nodes to be in the backbone. The traditional approach is to assume that the transmission range of each node is given and to minimize the number of nodes in the CDS representing the backbone. A recently introduced alternative strategy is based on the concept of k-bottleneck connected dominating set (k-BCDS), which, given a positive integer k, minimizes the transmission range of the nodes that ensures a CDS of size k exists in the network. This paper provides a 6-approximate distributed algorithm for the k-BCDS problem. The results of empirical evaluation of the proposed algorithm are also included.
Forkhead box M1 transcriptional factor is required for smooth muscle cells during embryonic development of blood vessels and esophagus.

Abstract The forkhead box m1 (Foxm1 or Foxm1b) transcription factor (previously called HFH-11B, Trident, Win, or MPP2) is expressed in a variety of tissues during embryogenesis, including vascular, airway, and intestinal smooth muscle cells (SMCs). Although global deletion of Foxm1 in Foxm1−/− mice is lethal in the embryonic period due to multiple abnormalities in the liver, heart, and lung, the specific role of Foxm1 in SMC remains unknown. In the present study, Foxm1 was deleted conditionally in the developing SMC (smFoxm1−/− mice). The majority of smFoxm1−/− mice died immediately after birth due to severe pulmonary hemorrhage and structural defects in arterial wall and esophagus. Although Foxm1 deletion did not influence SMC differentiation, decreased proliferation of SMC was found in smFoxm1−/− blood vessels and esophagus. Depletion of Foxm1 in cultured SMC caused G2 arrest and decreased numbers of cells undergoing mitosis. Foxm1-deficiency in vitro and in vivo was associated with reduced expression of cell cycle regulatory genes, including cyclin B1, Cdk1-activator Cdc25b phosphatase, Polo-like 1 and JNK1 kinases, and cMyc transcription factor. Foxm1 is critical for proliferation of smooth muscle cells and is required for proper embryonic development of blood vessels and esophagus.
Strain softening, grain boundary migration and dynamic recrystallization of Ni during high temperature low cycle fatigue

Abstract The flow stress behavior and microstructural development of nickel polycrystals during high temperature low cycle fatigue were studied. All specimens exhibited a flow stress decrease at large cycle numbers, even at total strain amplitudes as low as 0.4% but distinctly before crack initiation. The microstructure revealed a tendency toward grain coarsening due to grain boundary migration, but locally grain refinement owing to dynamic recrystallization is the major softening mechanism at large cumulative strains and the cause of the observed flow stress maximum. Observations on Al, which does not recrystallize dynamically support this conclusion. After large cycle numbers the dislocations were arranged in a well recovered cell structure, and the average cell size scaled with the reverse flow stress. The results substantiate that dynamic recrystallization can be set off at drastically lower stress in cyclic deformation than in monotonie deformation. This supports the stipulation that occurrence of dynamic recrystallization is nucleation controlled.
Generative Grandfathering: A Conceptual Framework for Nurturing Grandchildren

Empirical research on grandfather–grandchild relationships is small and undeveloped and has not enjoyed systematic theory construction. The weak theory-research connections in the extant grandfather literature have resulted in a body of research that is not cohesive and lacks scope and depth. To address these criticisms, I propose here a conceptual framework for understanding and investigating grandfathering and grandfather–grandchild relationships. The generative grandfathering framework was developed as a result of reviewing and making extrapolations from the growing literature on grandparents and a limited grandfather literature. It is hoped that this framework will be useful to scholars, practitioners, and policymakers in capturing the contributions that grandfathers and aging men make to grandchildren's lives.
Gains For RF Tags Using Multiple Antennas

Backscatter radio systems, including high frequency radio frequency identification (RFID), operate in the dyadic backscatter channel - a two-way pinhole channel that has deeper small-scale fades than that of a conventional one-way channel. This paper shows that pinhole diversity is available in a rich scattering environment caused by modulating backscatter with multiple RF tag antennas - no diversity combining at the reader, channel knowledge, or signaling scheme change is required. Pinhole diversity, along with increased RF tag scattering aperture, can cause up to a 10 dB reduction in the power required to maintain a constant bit-error-rate for an RF tag with two antennas. Through examples, it is shown that this gain results in increased backscatter radio system communication reliability and up to a 78% increase in RF tag operating range.