cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
CuAlSe2 Inclusions Trigger Dynamic Cu+ Ion Depletion from the Cu2Se Matrix Enabling High Thermoelectric Performance.

Atomic-scale incorporation of CuAlSe2 inclusions within the Cu2Se matrix, achieved through a solid-state transformation of CuSe2 template precursor using elemental Cu and Al, enables a unique temperature-dependent dynamic doping of the Cu2Se matrix. The CuAlSe2 inclusions, due to their ability to accommodate a large fraction of excess metal atoms within their crystal lattice, serve as a "reservoir" for Cu ions diffusing away from the Cu2Se matrix. Such unidirectional diffusion of Cu ions from the Cu2Se matrix to the CuAlSe2 inclusion leads to the formation, near the CuAlSe2/Cu2Se interface, of a high density of Cu-deficient β-Cu2-δSe nanoparticles within the α-Cu2Se matrix and the formation of Cu-rich Cu1+yAlSe2 nanoparticles with the CuAlSe2 inclusions. This gives rise to a large enhancement in carrier concentration and electrical conductivity at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, the nanostructuring near the CuAlSe2/Cu2Se interface, as well as the extensive atomic disorder in the Cu2Se and CuAlSe2 phases, significantly increases phonon scattering, leading to suppressed lattice thermal conductivity. Consequently, a significant improvement in ZT is observed for selected Cu2Se/CuAlSe2 composites. This work demonstrates the use of in situ-formed interactive secondary phases in a semiconducting matrix as an elegant alternative approach for further improvement of the performance of leading thermoelectric materials.
Physical human–robot interaction for clinical care in infectious environments

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted key challenges for patient care and health provider safety. Adaptable robotic systems, with enhanced sensing, manipulation and autonomy capabilities could help address these challenges in future infectious disease outbreaks.
Effect of Parturition Induction of Term Pregnancies on Calf Survival, Production and Reproduction in Holstein Dairy Cows

Longer gestations are correlated with higher birth weights, and larger calves are correlated with an increased rate of stillbirths and dystocias. Cows that experience stillbirths have a higher risk for periparturient diseases such as retained placenta (RP), downer cow syndrome, metabolic diseases, lower milk production, decreased fertility and higher risk of dying or being culled. Preventing long gestations via parturition induction may prevent delivery of larger calves and dystocia in cows. Parturition induction has been reported as a management tool to maximize utilization of pastures in Australia and New Zealand. In that situation, all cows are induced to calve or abort independent of their gestation length, causing high incidence of RP and lower milk production in the subsequent lactation. We hypothesize that a single dose of dexamethasone given to induce parturition in cows that are past the average due date (1) will decrease perinatal calf and dam mortality; (2) will decrease the incidence of RP; and (3) will have no negative effect on milk production in the subsequent lactation when compared to non-induced cows.
Electron Born Self-Energy Model for Dark Energy

Dark Energy, a form of repulsive gravity, is causing an accelerated expansion of the Universe. Recent astrophysical measurements have confirmed this accelerated expansion where the ΛCDM model provides a quantitative description of this expansion rate. As is well known there are a number of free parameters of unknown origin in the ΛCDM model. In particular, the cosmological constant Λ (or Dark Energy (DE)) forms one of these free parameters. In this contribution we describe a recent model that attributes DE to the Born self-energy contained within the electric field which surrounds a finite-sized electron within the WHIM (Warm-Hot Intergalactic Medium). Upon using readily available literature values for the intergalactic (IG) baryon density, IG hydrogen ionization fraction, the best estimate for the electron radius, as well as, Hubble parameter data many properties associated with DE can be quantitatively explained. In particular, our model provides an explanation for (i) the magnitude of DE today, (ii) the DE to ordinary matter mass ratio today, (iii) has an equation of state of w = −1, as expected for DE, and (iv) exhibits a deceleration-acceleration transition at a redshift of z~0.8 in agreement with Hubble parameter observations. (v) Finally, the model provides a viable candidate for Dark Matter; the CDM in the ΛCDM model.Further details regarding this DE model can be found in Astrophys. Space Sci 2020, 365, 64.
Nitrogen-doped graphene nanomaterials for electrochemical catalysis/reactions: A review on chemical structures and stability

Abstract The electronic structure of the carbon-based nanomaterials can be modulated by doping heteroatoms into them. When nitrogen is doped into the graphene structure with different bonding configurations, it changes the material's electronic properties in a variety of ways. Because of the tuned electronic properties, nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) is applicable in electrochemical systems as catalyst. Despite having tremendous prospects, a holistic view of the structural and functional properties of N-G is still unclear. Moreover, to our knowledge, significant findings on the properties of N-G are not well documented yet, which creates an obstacle to the further improvement of this nanomaterial. Keeping our focus on the catalytic activities, in this paper, we presented an in-detailed review of the overall chemical structure and functional properties of N-G nanomaterials. Starting from the structural properties of major precursor materials for N-G synthesis, we reviewed the physical features and its dependence on the synthesis parameters. Also, a detailed study has been conducted on the key nitrogen functional groups' structural properties, favorable formation environment, influence on the electronic structure of N-G, and role in the catalytic activity. Current progress on the stability of N-G nanocatalysts is reported with an insight into the degradation mechanism.
MAKING PROGRESS IN LEGAL EDUCATION: LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT TRAINING IN LAW SCHOOLS

This article serves to introduce to articles in the Baylor Law Review Leadership Symposium issue which is the fourth annual leadership symposium connected with the work of the American Association of Law Schools Section on Leadership. Included in this issue are articles from speakers at the 2020 Vision for Leadership Conference held at Baylor Law on September 14-17, 2020. This article summarizes important conversations at the virtual Conference, including discussions about leadership in periods of normalcy and in crisis, lessons of leadership, suggested paths to overcome barriers to teaching leadership, and personal reflections offering advice to law students, lawyers, and law schools. Part II of this article describes the progress over the last five years to increase the leadership development programming in legal education. The remainder of this article weaves together highlights from the articles in this issue as well as quotes and discussion points from the Conference to advocate for incorporating more leadership development into law school programming. Part III provides support for the creation of leadership development programs. Part IV offers suggestions to law schools for how to better prepare law students for the important leadership roles they will assume after graduation. Finally, Part V encourages law schools to embrace the Juris Doctor as a degree in leadership.
Globalizing Democracy and Human Rights

Acknowledgements Introduction: between the personal and the global Part I. Theoretical Considerations: 1. Hard questions in democratic theory: when justice and democracy conflict 2. Two concepts of universality and the problem of cultural relativism Part II. Democracy and Rights, Personalized and Pluralized: 3. Embodied politics 4. Racism and democracy 5. Cultural identity, group rights, and social ontology 6. Conceptualizing women's human rights Part III. Globalizing Democracy in a Human Rights Framework: 7. Evaluating the claims for a global democracy 8. Are democracy and human rights compatible in the context of globalization? 9. The global democratic deficit and economic human rights Part IV. Current Applications: 10. Democratic management and the stakeholder idea 11. Democratic networks: technological and political 12. Terrorism, empathy, and democracy Index.
Taking a Selective Bite Out of Methane

A clever experiment enables the selective cleavage of a specific bond in a surface reaction.
Welfare State Growth and the Current Crisis in Portugal: Social Spending and its Challenges

Author(s): Glatzer, Miguel | Abstract: This paper focuses on the deep transformation of the Portuguese state under democracy and charts the development of very substantial welfare state. It examines the very substantial investments in social protection, social transfers, education and health and finds remarkable results in some areas but only partial success in others. The paper also looks at changes in employment and the growth of the state as a provider of jobs. The paper then turns to an analysis of the current crisis, examining both long-term factors and current dynamics asPortugal turns from initial stimulus to austerity to structural reform.
The Effect of Cholecystectomy On Gastric Acidity

Excerpt Much has been written concerning the influence of the various diseases of the gallbladder on gastric acidity, and it has usually been contended that there is a tendency to lowered acid valu...
Du Pont: The Birth of the Modern Multidivisional Corporation

Du Pont's realization in 1921 that its "U-form" corporate structure was ill-suited its new diversification strategy led to a pioneering new kind of organization - the "M" or multidivisional form - that has been called the most important innovation of capitalism in the 20th century. This case examines how and why this pivotal transformation took place, and what its implications may be for corporations that are trying to align their structure with their strategy as they undergo rapid growth and change.
Other duties as required: efficient use of human resources in Mozambique

Method To improve vaccine supply chain management in Mozambique a Dedicated Logistics System (DLS) was trialled. This system works through providing dedicated personnel to consolidate supply chain functions at the provincial level where limited resources are more likely to be available. These dedicated personnel distribute vaccines directly to health centres based on actual consumption, collects data, provides supportive supervision and cold chain preventive maintenance.
Arterial vs venous blood gas differences during hemorrhagic shock

AIM: To characterize differences of arterial (ABG) and venous (VBG) blood gas analysis in a rabbit model of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Following baseline arterial and venous blood gas analysis, fifty anesthetized, ventilated New Zealand white rabbits were hemorrhaged to and maintained at a mean arterial pressure of 40 mmHg until a state of shock was obtained, as defined by arterial pH ≤ 7.2 and base deficit ≤ -15 mmol/L. Simultaneous ABG and VBG were obtained at 3 minute intervals. Comparisons of pH, base deficit, pCO2, and arteriovenous (a-v) differences were then made between ABG and VBG at baseline and shock states. Statistical analysis was applied where appropriate with a significance of P < 0.05. RESULTS: All 50 animals were hemorrhaged to shock status and euthanized; no unexpected loss occurred. Significant differences were noted between baseline and shock states in blood gases for the following parameters: pH was significantly decreased in both arterial (7.39 ± 0.12 to 7.14 ± 0.18) and venous blood gases (7.35 ± 0.15 to 6.98 ± 0.26, P < 0.05), base deficit was significantly increased for arterial (-0.9 ± 3.9 mEq/L vs -17.8 ± 2.2 mEq/L) and venous blood gasses (-0.8 ± 3.8 mEq/L vs -15.3 ± 4.1 mEq/L, P < 0.05). pCO2 trends (baseline to shock) demonstrated a decrease in arterial blood (40.0 ± 9.1 mmHg vs 28.9 ± 7.1 mmHg) but an increase in venous blood (46.0 ± 10.1 mmHg vs 62.8 ± 15.3 mmHg), although these trends were non-significant. For calculated arteriovenous differences between baseline and shock states, only the pCO2 difference was shown to be significant during shock. CONCLUSION: In this rabbit model, significant differences exist in blood gas measurements for arterial and venous blood after hemorrhagic shock. A widened pCO2 a-v difference during hemorrhage, reflective of poor tissue oxygenation, may be a better indicator of impending shock.
Assessment of Experimental Designs

Collecting data as part of a designed experiment involves choices between different candidate designs. The criteria for choosing between these designs involves many competing objectives which frequently force us to make trade-offs based on which of these ideal characteristics of the design we think are most important. Optimality criteria are single-number summaries for the “goodness” of the design, which typically focus on the quality of estimation or prediction. In addition to these measures, the robustness of the design to model misspecification, problems with data collection during the experiment, or erroneous data are also important. A number of the characteristics of good designs are outlined and compared, and some graphical methods for better understanding the performance of a design are shown. While there is no single answer for how to choose a good design, an experimenter can make a better choice of which objectives are most important for a particular application by considering a variety of diverse criteria. Keywords: optimality criteria; robustness to misspecification; estimation; prediction; graphical methods
Pulmonary function in relapsing polychondritis

The pulmonary mechanics and bronchoscopic findings in 5 patients with relapsing polychondritis were studied to evaluate the mechanism of obstruction. Two of the patients did not have clinical sympt...
Racism and Gender in U.S. Health Care

T he impetus for this special issue was a session entitled "Inside Nursing: Issues of Race, Class and Gender," organized by Evelyn Barbee and Eileen Jackson for the American Anthropological Association's (AAA) meetings in 1991. These AAA meetings were established around the theme of racism. Three of the articles in this special issue (Barbee's, Clark's, and Jackson's) were presented at the session. Each article deals with some broadly defined aspect of nursing. Barbee points out that the nursing profession's valued attributes operate to maintain racism in a "caring" profession. Jackson deals with the contemporary consequences of the individual orientation for nursing research with Black families. Clark's focus on household health production serves to remind us of the immense amount of time that poor women spend "nursing" the sick. Because his article fit so well with the others, Dressler was invited to be part of the special issue. One thing that will be apparent to the reader is that each of the authors uses race differently. While different, these usages are all appropriate. Essentially, Barbee, Dressier, and Jackson are dealing with skin tone and the social significance of skin tone in the United States. Although its more obvious expressions have been muted or eliminated, in this country, racism remains a major problem. Others may take us to task because we do not deal with culture. For example, an anonymous reviewer of my article wrote: "This manuscript seems to be more directed at racism in nursing than to be an anthropological analysis with a central focus on culture or aspects of culture." One question we need to ask: How well do anthropological theories deal with racism? Barrett provides an answer:
The Life History Consequences of Resource Depression in Daphnia Pulex

The life history response of a clone of Daphnia pulex to nine concentrations of a defined food supply is described and combined with an energy analysis. Three features of this clone were essentially invariant with respect to food level: the length–mass regression, the durations of instars, and the size—specific fractions of net energy intake invested in reproduction. The main response to food limitation was a reduction in size—specific net energy intake and in egg size. Simple mathematical functions are fit to the data on these relationships and combined to produce a model that reconstructs the age—specific patterns of growth and reproduction quite accurately. The energy cost of molting is shown to be a major constraint on the evolution of body size in Daphnia. See full-text article at JSTOR
Adsorption on a random configuration of adsorptive heterogeneities

A monolayer model for gas adsorption on a random topology of heterogeneities is investigated using a numerical regularization method to obtain adsorptive energy distributions. The numerical method is applicable to both patchwise and random topology models of heterogeneity but may not be able to distinguish between them. The stability of the solution is investigated and the result for nitrogen/Spheron-6 (77 K) is compared to that determined by the HILDA algorithm. The random and patchwise heterogeneity models are compared by analyzing the Aristov and Kiselev [Colloid J. USSR 27, 246 (1965)] data for nitrogen/maximally hydroxylated silica (78 K). The results indicate that the surface may have a random distribution of adsorptive heterogeneities.
The effects of engine speed and injection characteristics on the flow field and fuel/air mixing in motored two-stroke diesel engines

A numerical analysis is presented on the effects of the engine speed, injection angle, droplet distribution function, and spray cone angle on the flow field, spray penetration and vaporization, and turbulence in a turbocharged motored two-stroke diesel engine. The results indicate that the spray penetration and vaporization, velocity, and turbulence kinetic energy increase with the intake swirl angle. Good spray penetration, vaporization, and mixing can be achieved by injecting droplets of diameters between 50 and 100 microns along a 120-deg cone at about 315 deg before top-dead-center for an intake swirl angle of 30 deg. The spray penetration and vaporization were found to be insensitive to the turbulence levels within the cylinder. The results have also indicated that squish is necessary in order to increase the fuel vaporization rate and mixing.
A note on interest on required reserves as an instrument of monetary control

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the potential role of interest on required reserves as a monetary control instrument. It is found that an increase in the interest rate paid on reserves held at the Federal Reserve has counteracting effects on the variability of the money stock. Hence, there is an optimal setting for the interest rate on required reserves that theoretically may include or lie anywhere between the extreme cases of no interest payment and the payment of interest at the maximum feasible level.
Motor variability is not noise, but grist for the learning mill

A study demonstrates that variability in how people perform a movement can predict the rate of motor learning on an individual basis. This suggests that motor 'noise' is a central component of motor learning.
Fibrates inhibit aldose reductase activity in the forward and reverse reactions.

Abstract Fibrates such as bezafibrate, gemfibrozil, clofibric acid, ciprofibrate and fenofibrate, are ligands for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), and are used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of hyperlipidemia. Synthesis and accumulation of sorbitol in cells due to aldose reductase (AR) activity is implicated in secondary diabetic complications. In pursuit of finding a lead compound identification to design an effective AR inhibitor employing fragment-based design-like approach, we found that this class of compounds and their nearest neighbors could inhibit AR. Bezafibrate and gemfibrozil displayed a mixed non-competitive inhibition pattern in the glyceraldehyde reduction activity and pure non-competitive inhibition pattern in the benzyl alcohol oxidation activity of AR. Clofibric acid, ciprofibrate and fenofibrate showed pure non-competitive inhibition patterns in the forward reaction. In the reverse reaction, clofibric acid displayed a non-competitive inhibition pattern while ciprofibrate and fenofibrate displayed competitive inhibition patterns. This finding reveals for the first time a novel attribute of the fibrates in the regulation of AR activity and may be useful as lead compounds to control the function of AR in the progression and treatment of secondary diabetic complications in addition to other clinical conditions. Alternatively, these findings demonstrate that AR plays a significant role in the fibrate metabolism under various scenarios.
A Quantitative Analysis of Photographs and Articles on espnW Positive Progress for Female Athletes

espnW is ESPN, Inc.’s first initiative developed specifically for female fans and female athletes. To date, no comprehensive analysis of photographs or articles on the espnW website has been publis...
The interdependence series matrix; a method for determining the serial dependence of neuronal interspike intervals.

In the present study we propose a new technique of analysis of neuronal interspike intervals which we termed the interdependence series matrix. This method is based on the concept of serial correlation, and gives an estimate of the relationship between a particular interval and an interval that is removed from it by a fixed number of other intervals specified by a particular lag value.
Correlation effects of single-wall carbon nanotubes in weak coupling

Single-wall carbon nanotubes with on-site interaction $U\ensuremath{\ll}t$ are studied by a controlled renormalization group method. When formulated as a system of ${N}_{f}$ flavors of interacting Dirac fermions, the effective model at generic filling resembles a set of quasi-1D Hubbard chains. For the undoped ${(N}_{y}{,N}_{y})$ armchair and the ${(N}_{x},\ensuremath{-}{N}_{x})$ zigzag with ${N}_{x}=3n,$ specific mappings to the two-chain Hubbard model at half filling with effective interaction ${u}_{\mathrm{eff}}{=U/N}_{y}$ and ${2U/N}_{x}$ are found from this more general equivalence. The phase diagrams of the (3,3) armchair and the $(6,\ensuremath{-}6)$ zigzag at generic fillings are studied and compared as an example.
Laparoscopic-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation is Safe for the Treatment of Enhancing Renal Masses Among Patients Prescribed Antithrombotic Agents

Patients undergoing laparoscopic-guided radiofrequency ablation (LRFA) for the treatment of a renal mass are commonly prescribed antithrombotic agents for the management of comorbid medical diseases. We retrospectively evaluated the safety of LRFA in this group. From October 2005 to June 2010, 109 patients underwent LRFA. Antithrombotic therapy was prescribed to 52 of these patients. Agents were managed the week of surgery per current practice guidelines from the American College of Chest Physicians. Intraoperatively, patients prescribed at least one antithrombotic agent lost a median of 10 mL of blood, while patients not on an antithrombotic agent also lost 10 mL of blood (P = .828). Both groups had a similar rate of procedure-related complications (intraoperative, P = 1.00; postoperative, P = .673). No patient required a blood transfusion or experienced a postoperative thromboembolic event. In conclusion, when current practice guidelines are followed, LRFA is safe among patients prescribed antithrombotic agents.
The Use of Hourly Model-Generated Soundings to Forecast Mesoscale Phenomena. Part II: Initial Assessment in Forecasting Nonconvective Strong Wind Gusts

Abstract This paper presents results from pilot studies of the use of model-generated hourly soundings to forecast nonconvectively produced strong wind gusts. Model soundings from the operational Eta and Meso Eta Models were used for a period of 14 months in 1996 and 1997. Skill does exist in forecasting strong to damaging surface wind gusts, although the forecasts are at the mercy of the model-based boundary layer stability forecast. The wind gust forecasts are more accurate during the daytime, when the boundary layer depth and stability is more accurately forecasted and also more conducive to vertical mixing of boundary layer winds. The results of this preliminary evaluation show that the model sounding–based forecasts provide a reasonable prediction tool for nonconvective strong wind gusts. Additionally, the results warrant more complete evaluations once the dataset has grown to sufficient size.
Mesomorphous versus traces of crystallinity: The itraconazole example

Abstract Characterizing disordered pharmaceutical materials can be challenging, especially materials with partially disordered structures that lose one or two directional order (mesophases) and do not fit the traditional characterization categories of amorphous, crystalline or a combination of the two. Itraconazole, an antifungal agent, was chosen as a model compound that, when quench cooled, exhibits atypical disordered structure. Five different analytical tools were used to map out the molecular structure of this material and how it changes with changing temperature. X-ray diffraction showed some remnant crystallinity while dielectric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, DSC and hot stage microscopy gave more detailed molecular structure of the disordered material and explained all temperature related structural changes. The characterization of mesomorphous Itraconazole described here will help characterize a wide range of pharmaceuticals that exhibit thermotropic (temperature induced) mesomorphism at the molecular level.
The effectiveness of bootstrap methods in evaluating skewed auditing populations : A simulation study

This article describes a comparison among four bootstrap methods: the percentile, reflective, bootstrap-t, and variance stabilized bootstrap-t using a simple new stabilization procedure. The four methods are employed in constructing upper confidence bounds for the mean error in a wide variety of audit populations. The simulation results indicate that the variance stabilized bootstrap-t bound is to be preferred. It exhibits reliable coverage while maintaining reasonable tightness.
Cauda equina syndrome as a postoperative complication of lumbar spine surgery

Object The term “cauda equina syndrome” (CES) has been used to describe the signs and symptoms in patients with compressive neuropathy of multiple lumbar and sacral roots. This syndrome is well known as an indication for surgical intervention in treating lumbar spine disease, but relatively unknown as a postoperative complication following surgery for disease. In this study the author describes two cases of CES that occurred following uneventful lumbar spine procedures—one microdiscectomy and one decompressive laminectomy. Methods Preoperative, operative, and postoperative management is discussed and the relevant literature reviewed. One patient suffered perineal numbness and bowel and bladder difficulty following a decompressive laminectomy. Postoperative imaging studies were negative for residual lesion and the treatment goal pursued was partial long-term resolution of symptoms. The second patient had progressive numbness and weakness in the lower extremities. Results of urgent postoperative magnetic re...
Management of head and neck infections in the immunocompromised patient.

The term immunocompromised has traditionally been used to describe patients with a serious impairment of one or more aspects of their immune defense mechanisms. As a result, these patients are more susceptible than immunocompetent hosts to the establishment of bacterial and nonbacterial infections [1]. The number of patients classified as immunocompromised has increased in the last 15 years. Among the many factors contributing to the increased numbers of such patients is the fact that people are outliving once fatal diseases because of advances in modern treatment strategies [2]. The most common conditions leading to an immunocompromised state can be divided into four general categories: systemic conditions, congenital defects or primary immunodeficiencies, iatrogenic causes, and social factors (Box 1). The purpose of this article is to review three common causes of immunosuppression in the oral surgery patient: diabetes mellitus, alcoholism/substance abuse, and HIV/ AIDS, with emphasis on their impact on head and neck infections. Each of these conditions leads to a host environment that is more susceptible to severe pathogenic invasion, causing infections such as osteomyelitis, pan-facial abscesses, and necrotizing fascitis. Management of these infections requires accurate diagnosis, aggressive incision and drainage, proper antimicrobial therapy, and improved nutritional status to achieve resolution. Normal immune system
An anticodon change switches the identity of E.coli tRNAmMet from methionine to threonine

Recent evidence indicates that the anticodon may often play a crucial role in selection of tRNAs by aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases. In order to quantitate the contribution of the anticodon to discrimination between cognate and noncognate tRNAs by E. coli threonyl-tRNA synthetase, derivatives of the E. coli elongator methionine tRNA (tRNA(mMet)) containing wild type and threonine anticodons have been synthesized in vitro and assayed for threonine acceptor activity. Substitution of the threonine anticodon GGU for the methionine anticodon CAU increased the threonine acceptor activity of tRNA(mMet) by four orders of magnitude while reducing methionine acceptor activity by an even greater amount. These results indicate that the anticodon is the major element which determines the identity of both threonine and methionine tRNAs.
Solvent free fabrication of biodegradable porous polymers

Biodegradable porous polymers with interconnected pores of sub-micrometers to a few hundred micrometers find many applications in emerging technology areas such as tissue engineering, controlled drug delivery, and biochemical sensors. However, most of the current fabrication processes involve organic solvents and chemical blowing agents that may cause environmental concerns and leave residues harmful to biological cells. This paper presents a solvent free fabrication approach for biodegradable porous polymers. Ultrasound cavitation is introduced after the solid state foaming process to produce open cell structures. The material used in this study is polylactic acid (PLA). It belongs to a family of biodegradable polymers that can be used for tissue engineering scaffolds. In order to identify suitable conditions to apply ultrasound, a saturation and foaming study is conducted for the PLA-CO2 gas polymer system. The effects of various process variables are discussed.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Regulation of Nonmuscle Myosin II by Tropomyosin Isoforms

Tropomyosin (Tm) regulates actin myosin interactions in eukaryotic cells ranging from yeast to mammalian muscle and nonmuscle cells. Tropomyosin is a α-helical coiled-coil actin binding protein that associates end-to-end to form continuous strands along both sides of the actin filament. Tropomyosins can inhibit or activate actomyosin MgATPase activity and motility depending on the myosin and Tm isoforms. In this study, we have attempted to determine whether activation or inhibition is specified by the Tm or the myosin isoform. We carried out in vitro motility assays with four myosin isoforms (skeletal muscle myosin, and nonmuscle IIA, IIB and IIC HMMs) in the presence of five Tm isoforms (skeletal muscle αTm, and nonmuscle isoforms, Tm2, Tm5a, Tm5NM1 and Tm4) and skeletal muscle actin. With skeletal muscle myosin, actin-Tm filament velocities were inhibited by αTm (∼60%) but activated by Tm5a and Tm5NM1 (30-60%) relative to actin alone, whereas Tm2 and Tm4 had little or no effect. In the case of nonmuscle IIA and IIC HMMs, all nonmuscle Tms activated filament velocities, whereas αTm had no effect, relative to actin alone. None of the Tm isoforms affected filament velocities with nonmuscle IIB HMM. Therefore, the primary determinant of the effect of Tm on actin filament velocities on myosin is the myosin isoform. The actin-activated MgATPase activities of IIA, IIB and IIC HMMs were measured to determine the mechanism of activation by a nonmuscle Tm, Tm5NM1. Tm5NM1 increased the Vmax of both IIA (26%), and IIC (19%), with a much smaller effect on IIB (12%) compared to actin alone thus supporting the motility data. Tm5NM1 also decreased the KATPase of IIA and IIB. Therefore, Tm5NM1 activates the MgATPase activity of IIA and IIB by increasing the Vmax and decreasing KATPase. Supported by NIH.
Possible Continental Rifting in Brazil and Angola related to the Opening of the South Atlantic

Two belts of Mesozoic subvolcanic ring complexes in Brazil and Angola form a striking pattern when plotted on the Bullard et al.1 computer fit of the South Atlantic continents (Fig. 1). The two belts intersect the juxtaposed continental margins at the same point, defining angles of 120° between each other and the Atlantic rift to the south. It would seem reasonable to infer that this geometry is not coincidental but rather developed in conjunction with the continental breakup.
Green Communications: A Call for Power Efficient Wireless Systems

Telecommunication usage has skyrocketed in recent years and will continue to grow as developing world reaches to wireless as the communication medium of choice. The telecommunications world is only now addressing the significant environmental impact it is creating as well as the incredible cost on power usage. This realization has led to a push towards Green Communications that strives for improving energy efficiency as well as energy independence of telecommunications. A survey of existing metrics for energy efficiency is discussed with specific adaptations for a communication centric viewpoint. This paper reviews recent energy efficient advances made at specific point within the communications cycle such as components, network operation and topology, and incorporating renewable and alternative energy into base stations. We further survey several holistic approaches that illustrate the dependencies between layers of the communications stack and operation/deployment. These approaches include cross layer design, cognitive radio, and wireless distributed computing.
ALX/FPR2 receptor for RvD1 is expressed and functional in salivary glands.

Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by chronic inflammation and destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands, leading to dry mouth, dry eyes, and the presence of anti-nuclear antibodies. Despite modern advances, the current therapies for SS have no permanent benefit. A potential treatment could involve the use of resolvins, which are highly potent endogenous lipid mediators that are synthesized during the resolution of inflammation to restore tissue homeostasis. Our previous studies indicate that ALX/FPR2, the receptor for RvD1, is expressed and active in the rat parotid cell line Par-C10. Specifically, activation of ALX/FPR2 with RvD1 blocked inflammatory signals caused by TNF-α and enhanced salivary epithelial integrity. The goal of this study was to investigate RvD1 receptor expression and signaling pathways in primary salivary cells. Additionally, we determined the role of the aspirin-triggered 17R analog (AT-RvD1, a more chemically stable RvD1 epimeric form) in prevention of TNF-α-mediated salivary inflammation in mouse submandibular glands (mSMG). Our results indicate that ALX/FPR2 is expressed in mSMG and is able to elicit intracellular Ca2+ responses and phosphorylation of Erk1/2, as well as Akt. Given that these signaling pathways are linked to cell survival, we investigated whether AT-RvD1 was able to prevent programmed cell death in mSMG. Specifically, we determined that AT-RvD1 prevented TNF-α-mediated caspase-3 activation. Finally, we show that ALX/FPR2 is expressed in human minor salivary glands with and without SS, indicating the potential therapeutic use of AT-RvD1 for this condition.
The toxicity of waterborne boron to Daphnia magna and Chironomus decorus and the effects of water hardness and sulfate on boron toxicity

The concentrations of many elements, including boron, are increasing in aquatic ecosystems due to anthropogenic activities. Laboratory studies were undertaken to evaluate the toxicity of waterborne boron to two key fresh water macroinvertebrates and to evaluate the effects of water hardness and sulfate on boron toxicity. Acute toxicity evaluations of waterborne sodium tetraborate resulted in 48 h. LC50 values of 141 and 1376 mg B/L for neonateDaphnia magna and fourth instarChironomus decorus, respectively. Chronic sublethal studies demonstrated a significant decrease inC. decorus growth rate at 20 mg B/L. Further studies showed that increasing water hardness (10.6 to 170 mg/L as CaCO3) and sulfate (10.2 to 325.4 mg SO4−1/L) concentrations did not affect boron toxicity toD. magna. These results, in conjunction with a review of the literature, suggest that aquatic macrophytes may be more sensitive to boron than macroinvertebrates and thus would be better choices for aquatic risk assessment evaluations for this element.
Reciprocal inhibition post-stroke is related to reflex excitability and movement ability

Objective Decreased reciprocal inhibition (RI) of motor neurons may contribute to spasticity after stroke. However, decreased RI is not a uniform observation among stroke survivors, suggesting that this spinal circuit may be influenced by other stroke-related characteristics. The purpose of this study was to measure RI post-stroke and to examine the relationship between RI and other features of stroke.
SF6 photon echo polarization

Abstract The polarization of photon echoes from SF6 stimulated by the P(14) laser line of CO2 was measured and found to be in good agreement with the recent theory of Heer and Nordstrom for an R transition.
Sex Differences in Infants' Ability to Represent Complex Event Sequences

Prior research suggests that when very simple event sequences are used, 4.5-month-olds demonstrate the ability to individuate objects based on the continuity or disruption of their speed of motion (Wilcox & Schweinle, 2003). However, infants demonstrate their ability to individuate objects in an event-monitoring task (i.e., infants must keep track of an ongoing event) at a younger age than in an event-mapping task (i.e., infants must compare information from 2 different events). The research presented here built on these findings by examining infants' capacity to succeed on an event-mapping task with a more complex event sequence to determine if the complexity of the event interferes with their ability to form summary representations of the event, and, in short, individuate the objects. Three experiments were conducted with infants 4.5 to 9.5 months of age. The results indicated that (a) increasing the complexity of the objects' trajectories adversely affected infants' performance on the task, and (b) boy...
The Baculovirus Anti-apoptotic p35 Protein Promotes Transformation of Mouse Embryo Fibroblasts

The baculovirus p35 protein is a potent inhibitor of programmed cell death induced by a variety of stimuli in insects, nematodes, and mammalian cell lines. The broad ability of p35 in preventing apoptosis has led us to investigate its effect on mouse embryo fibroblasts in vitro and in vivo. For this purpose, we have used R- cells (3T3-like fibroblasts derived from mouse embryos with a targeted disruption of the insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) genes) and R508 cells (derived from R- and with 15 x 10(3) IGF-IRs per cell). Both cell lines grow normally in monolayer, but they do not form colonies in soft agar, and they are non-tumorigenic in nude mice. We show here that, in addition to its anti-apoptotic effect, p35 causes transformation of R508 cells, as evidenced by the following: 1) decreased growth factor requirements, 2) ability to form foci in monolayer and colonies in soft agar, and 3) ability to form tumors in nude mice. Since R- cells stably transfected with p35 do not transform, our observations suggest that in addition to its effect as an inhibitor of apoptosis, the baculovirus p35 protein has transforming potential that requires the presence of the IGF-IR. The possibility that these two properties could be separated was confirmed by demonstrating that R508 cells expressing another anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2, could not form tumors in nude mice.
Causal commutative arrows and their optimization

Arrows are a popular form of abstract computation. Being more general than monads, they are more broadly applicable, and in particular are a good abstraction for signal processing and dataflow computations. Most notably, arrows form the basis for a domain specific language called Yampa, which has been used in a variety of concrete applications, including animation, robotics, sound synthesis, control systems, and graphical user interfaces. Our primary interest is in better understanding the class of abstract computations captured by Yampa. Unfortunately, arrows are not concrete enough to do this with precision. To remedy this situation we introduce the concept of commutative arrows that capture a kind of non-interference property of concurrent computations. We also add an init operator, and identify a crucial law that captures the causal nature of arrow effects. We call the resulting computational model causal commutative arrows. To study this class of computations in more detail, we define an extension to the simply typed lambda calculus called causal commutative arrows (CCA), and study its properties. Our key contribution is the identification of a normal form for CCA called causal commutative normal form (CCNF). By defining a normalization procedure we have developed an optimization strategy that yields dramatic improvements in performance over conventional implementations of arrows. We have implemented this technique in Haskell, and conducted benchmarks that validate the effectiveness of our approach. When combined with stream fusion, the overall methodology can result in speed-ups of greater than two orders of magnitude.
Deweyan Multicultural Democracy, Rortian Solidarity, and the Popular Arts: Krumping into Presence

Curiously, while the efficacy of the arts for the development of multicultural understandings has long been theorized, empirical studies of this effect have been lacking. This essay recounts our combined empirical and philosophical study of this issue. We explicate the philosophical considerations that shaped the development of the arts course we studied, which was grounded in rather traditional humanist educational thought, informed by Deweyan considerations for pedagogy and multiculturalism. We also provide an overview of the course and of the study design: the ways in which the course worked to teach aesthetic theory through a combination of popular and canonical works, and the ways in which it sought to instill a sense of cross-cultural appreciation and solidarity among students through the inclusion of art from different cultures and generations. We then share our research findings and our return to the realm of philosophy to interpret them. Our postcolonial analysis incorporates emerging discussions of the arts as a tool for resistance and dialogue within the system of public education, and revisit and reconsider the very concept of education for pluralistic democracy. This approach problematizes traditional conceptions of pluralism, in which an attempt is made to dissolve difference in a common understanding, and instead advocates that works from among the contemporary popular arts and works drawn from the artistic “canon” alike must be considered and employed for their instrumental value to the educational process—especially for their ability to prompt an intersubjectivity that is accompanied by a heightened awareness of difference.
Revisiting an operational graphic design system

In 1968 we described an experimental multitasking monitor for the IBM 1130 system.(1) In 1970 we described a logic design and analysis application using the multitask monitor as a base.(2) This application supports interactive graphic design on the IBM 1130/2250 system. The emphasis in both of these papers was placed on what we had done. This paper will instead attempt to answer the question “how was it done?”.The system consists of three major subsystems which interact to achieve a common goal. These groups are:•The development group. These are the people who will design and implement the tool.•The user group. These are the people who will directly use the tool to design and analyze computer components (or other product) and who require computer-aid (whether they know it or not).•The third (and most often overlooked) group are the users of the system's output. These people are the assembly technician, production control specialist, quality inspector, manufacturing engineer, or other party who uses the system generated data in his day-to-day work.Traditionally the design automation process has been tailored to satisfy the needs of the second group. It is our feeling that if design automation is to be useful it must address the needs of the data consumers as well as the data generators.
Normal and pion-condensed states in neutron star matter in a relativistic field theory constrained by nuclear bulk properties, II

Abstract A relativistic field theory of isospin asymmetric matter and of neutron star matter in particular, which is compatible with nuclear matter bulk properties, was formulated in Part I of this series and treated in mean-field approximation. The self-consistent solutions include the σ, ω, and ϱ-fields for both the normal and pion-condensed states. The bulk properties of nuclear matter such as saturation density and energy, compressibility and asymmetry energy impose rather stringent restrictions on meson-nucleon coupling constants and the parameters of the nonlinear interactions in the σ-model. The numerical results include the equation of state, particle densities as functions of charge and baryon density and the composition of a neutron star. Based on these results, we discuss neutron star cooling for various equations of state.
Vibrational frequencies and structural determination of tetrafluoroformaldazine.

Abstract The normal mode frequencies and corresponding vibrational assignments of tetrafluoroformaldazine (F 2 CNNCF 2 ) are examined theoretically using the Gaussian98 set of quantum chemistry codes. Each of the vibrational modes was assigned to one of nine types of motion predicted by a group theoretical analysis (CF stretch, CN stretch, NN stretch, CCN bend, CF 2 wag, CF 2 rock CF 2 scissors, CF 2 twist, and CNNC torsion) utilizing the C 2h symmetry of the molecule. Uniform scaling factors was derived for each type of motion. Predicted infrared and Raman intensities are reported.
The Political Economy of the Welfare State in Developed Capitalist Countries

The article analyzes the social, economic, and political changes taking place in developed capitalist countries that are affecting their welfare states, in particular the changes in the family, in people's life cycles, in economic and social structures, and, most importantly, in the political contexts. The author shows how these changes take place and how the ways in which various countries respond to them depend mainly on the correlation of forces (of which class forces continue to be of great importance) and their expression in the political space. The dominant theoretical frame (promoted by international agencies and many governments) assumes that all governments, regardless of their political coloration, are forced to follow the same policies because of the need to be competitive in the globalized economy, where international markets (whether financial or commercial) determine what governments can and must do. Questioning this economic determinism, the article recovers the importance of politics, putting politics at the center of the explanation of what is happening in the welfare states of the developed capitalist countries, including the neoliberal aggression against them.