cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Hyperuricemia and gout following pediatric renal transplantation.

Hyperuricemia and gout are common complications in adult renal transplant recipients. In pediatric recipients, however, hyperuricemia seems to be rare, but data are scarce. Thirty-two children (21 males, 11 females) were investigated for a median time of 4.8 years (range: 0.4–11.2 years) following renal transplantation. The median age of this pediatric study group was 13.9 years (range: 5.7–20.3 years), and the calculated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was 61 ml/min per 1.73 m2 (range:12–88 ml/min per 1.73 m2). All patients were given calcineurin inhibitors, with 22 and ten children receiving cyclosporine A (CSA) and tacrolimus (TAC), respectively. The median plasma uric acid was 385 μmol/l (range: 62–929 μmol/l); 15 children (47%) were above the age-related normal range. Only one patient experienced gouty arthritis. There was a significant correlation between plasma uric acid concentration and both time span after transplantation and plasma creatinine, and an inverse correlation to GFR (p<0.05). No significant correlation was found between plasma uric acid and body mass index (BMI). Plasma uric acid concentrations were neither different among CSA- and TAC-treated children, nor did they correlate with drug exposure or blood trough levels of CSA or TAC. Plasma uric acid concentration was not different when compared to children with chronic renal failure (CRF) of a similar degree in native kidneys. We conclude that hyperuricemia is common among pediatric renal transplant recipients and rather a consequence of chronic renal transplant dysfunction than the use of calcineurin inhibitors. Gout, however, is rare.
Strain compatibility and shear zones: is there a problem?

Abstract In analyzing deformation in rocks, it is important to ensure that the solutions obtained satisfy strain compatibility. This creates a challenge to understanding patterns of strain associated with shear zones, in which measured strain may appear incompatible with the strain in the shear zone walls. Flattening strains are common in natural shear zones with locally straight and parallel boundaries: to satisfy compatibility conditions such strains require volume loss across the shear zone or deviations from plane strain, with or without discontinuities between the shear zone and the wall rock. In the case of shear zones for which there is no evidence of volume loss or discontinuities along the shear zone walls, problems of strain compatibility may be resolved if individual shear zones are linked together in an appropriate fashion. Shear zones commonly occur in anastomosing arrays, and simple configurations of such arrays and the strains associated with them are examined. It is shown that local transpression with strain compatibility can be accounted for in this way. Quite complex local strain patterns can develop in simple arrays.
Variational method in the stability analysis of nonconservative problems

Das Stabilitatsproblem eines Voigt-Kelvin-Korpers, welcher nichtkonservativen und gyroskopischen Kraften unterworfen ist, wird — ahnlich der bekannten klassischen Methode — als Variationsaufgabe formuliert. Zwei Variationsprinzipien, basierend auf beschrankten zulassigen Verschiebungen, werden aufgestellt und in einem Naherungsverfahren verwendet, das als Verallgemeinerung des vielverwendeten Ritzschen Verfahrens als konservatives Problem gelten kann. Zur Instruktion wird ein Beispiel gegeben.
A wideband injection locking scheme and quadrature phase generation in 65nm CMOS

A novel technique for wideband injection locking in an LC oscillator is proposed. PLL and injection locking elements are combined symbiotically to achieve wide locking range while retaining the simplicity of the latter. This method doesn't require a phase frequency detector or a loop filter to achieve phase lock. 13.4GHz - 17.2GHz locking range and an average jitter tracking bandwidth of up to 400 MHz was measured in a high-Q LC oscillator. This architecture is used to generate quadrature phases form a single clock without any frequency division, and to provide high frequency jitter filtering while retaining the low frequency correlated jitter essential for clock forwarded receivers.
Patterning to enhance activity of cultured neuronal networks

Embryonic rat hippocampal neurons were cultured in order to gain insights into how small networks of neurons interact. The principal observations are the electrical activities recorded with the electrode arrays, primarily action potentials both spontaneous and evoked. Several lithographic techniques were developed for controlling with micrometer precision the patterns of surface molecules in order to control neuronal attachment and growth. Cytophilic polylysine against protein repellent and hence cytophobic polyethylene glycol were used. By combining the cellular lithography with the microelectrode arrays it was possible to guide neurons preferentially to electrodes and to begin to investigate the question as to whether the geometric pattern of a neuronal network influences the patterns of its neuroelectric activity. It is clear that the techniques are adequate to ensure contact of neurons to electrodes but not to ensure the recording of signals, even when neurons lie directly on top of electrodes. The maturation of neuroelectric activity depends on the growth of glia within the culture, such that spontaneous activity appears to become robust when the number of glia is roughly the same as the number of neurons.
Pharmacological evaluation of the natural constituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene and its modulation by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol☆

In contrast to the numerous reports on the pharmacological effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the pharmacological activity of another substituent of Cannabis sativa, cannabichromene (CBC) remains comparatively unknown. In the present study, we investigated whether CBC elicits cannabinoid activity in the tetrad assay, which consists of the following four endpoints: hypomotility, antinociception, catalepsy, and hypothermia. Because cannabinoids are well documented to possess anti-inflammatory properties, we examined CBC, THC, and combination of both phytocannabinoids in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) paw edema assay. CBC elicited activity in the tetrad that was not blocked by the CB1 receptor antagonist, rimonabant. Moreover, a behaviorally inactive dose of THC augmented the effects of CBC in the tetrad that was associated with an increase in THC brain concentrations. Both CBC and THC elicited dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects in the LPS-induced paw edema model. The CB2 receptor, SR144528 blocked the anti-edematous actions of THC, but not those produced by CBC. Isobolographic analysis revealed that the anti-edematous effects of these cannabinoids in combination were additive. Although CBC produced pharmacological effects, unlike THC, its underlying mechanism of action did not involve CB1 or CB2 receptors. In addition, there was evidence of a possible pharmacokinetic component in which CBC dose-dependently increased THC brain levels following an i.v. injection of 0.3 mg/kg THC. In conclusion, CBC produced a subset of behavioral activity in the tetrad assay and reduced LPS-induced paw edema through a noncannabinoid receptor mechanism of action. These effects were augmented when CBC and THC were co-administered.
phenomenology in america

Democracy as compared with other ways of life is the sole way of living which believes wholeheartedly in the process of experience as end and as means; as that which is capable of generating the science which is the sole dependable authority for the direction of further experience and which releases emotions, needs, and desires so as to call into being the things that have not existed in the past. For every way of life that fails in its democracy limits the contacts, the exchanges, the communications, the interactions by which experience is steadied while it is enlarged and enriched. The task of this release and enrichment is one that has to be carried on day by day. Since it is one that can have no end till experience itself comes to an end, the task of democracy is forever that of creation of a freer and more humane experience in which all share and to which all contribute.
Photochechemistry of transition-metal polyhydrides: dimerization of OsH4 (PMe2Ph)3 following photodissociation of dihydrogen

Abstract UV (254 nm) photolysis of OsH4P3 (P  PMe2Ph) proceeds, by photodissociation of H2, to give the transient OsH2P3. This species exchanges deuterium with C6D6, reacts with phosphine to give cis-H2 OsP4, and with OsHxP3 to give us Os2H2(μ-H)2P6, whose structure was determined by X-ray diffraction. This OsOs dimer participates in a unique reversible (25°C) phosphin dissociation equilibrium to produce Os2H4P5, containing an OsOs bond. A structural analog of this dimer was produced by acidolysis of Os2H4P6 to give Os2H3P6+, which X-ray diffraction reveals to have a P3Os(μ-H)3OsP3+ structure.
Dimensional interactions and the structure of psychological space: the representation of hue, saturation, and brightness.

The perception of color has traditionally been characterized by the subjective dimensions of hue, brightness, and saturation. In the present study we reexamined this view by investigating whether the dimensions of color stimuli are psychologically independent in dissimilarity judgment, spontaneous classification, and instructed classification tasks. Dissimilarity judgments analyzed within the framework of the additive difference measurement model (Beals, Krantz, & Tversky, 1968; Krantz & Tversky, 1975; Tversky & Krantz, 1969, 1970) reflected violations of psychological independence for hue-chroma, hue-value, and value-chroma stimulus sets. Spontaneous classifications of each color set revealed that subjects were not sensitive to shared dimensional relations of color stimuli, but rather responded to the holistic, overall similarity relations of the stimuli. In the instructed classification task, both untutored undergraduates and "color experts" (artists specially tutored in the Munsell color system), instructed to classify according to shared dimensional relations, could extract dimensional information about either value or chroma when each was varied with hue, but could not extract dimensional information about hue. Color experts were superior to nonexperts in the extraction of dimensional information about chroma only with moderately or highly saturated stimuli. The implications of these results are considered in relation to current thinking about the perceptual organization of color and current thinking about the identification of appropriate diagnostics for independent psychological dimensions.
Determination of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans in environmental samples by gas chromatography—mass spectrometry

Abstract An analytical procedures has been developed for the simultaneous determination at ppt (10 12 ) level of tri-, tetra-, hexa-, hepta- and octachlorodibenzo- p -dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs) in solid environmental samples and water condensate from urban incinerators. The benzene extract was gas chromatographes on both silica capillary and packed columns, coupled with a high-resolution mass spectrometer equipped with a time-programmable power supply for selected ion detection. Specific detection of various PCDDs and PCDFs with the same chlorine atom content is accomplished by recording in the same time their three most characteristic ions. By sequentially switching the m/e values stored on seven programs of selected ion detection, it is possible to record in the same chromatographic run PCDDs and PCDFs having a content of chlorine atoms ranging from four to eight. The use of a relatively high mass spectral resolving power ( M ΔM = 5000) permits an accurate determination of these compound without use of sophisticated clean-up procedures.
A Network of “Molecular-Switches” Control the Activation of Key Bacterial Signaling Protein

Recent successes in simulating protein structure and folding dynamics have demonstrated the power of molecular dynamics to predict the long timescale behavior of proteins. Here, we extend and improve these methods to predict conformational change pathways between active and inactive state of nitrogen regulatory protein C (NtrC). By employing unbiased Markov State Model based molecular dynamics simulations, we predict a new dynamic picture of the activation of a key bacterial signaling protein NtrC, involving a complex network of molecular switches. These results are consistent with experimental observations and predict new mutants that could be used for validation of the mechanism. Moreover, these results suggest a novel mechanistic paradigm for conformational switching.
Selective potentiation of opioid analgesia by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

Opioids are often used in conjunction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the treatment of moderate to severe pain. In this study we have examined interactions between these two classes of drugs. NSAIDs are inactive in the radiant heat tail-flick test, an assay of moderate to severe pain in which opioids are effective. In this assay, ibuprofen potentiated the analgesic actions of hydrocodone and oxycodone, shifting their ED(50) values by 2.5-fold and 4.6-fold despite its inactivity when given alone. These opioid/NSAID interactions were dependent upon both the opioid and the NSAID. Neither aspirin nor ketorolac influenced hydrocodone actions in this model and ibuprofen did not potentiate fentanyl or morphine analgesia. Together, these studies demonstrate potent interactions between selected combinations of opioids and NSAIDS and may help explain the clinical utility of combinations. However, the findings also illustrate differences between the drugs within each class.
SELF-ORGANIZED STATES IN CELLULAR AUTOMATA : EXACT SOLUTION

The spatial structure, fluctuations as well as all state probabilities of self-organized (steady) states of cellular automata can be found (almost) exactly and explicitly from their Markovian dynamics. The method is shown on an example of a natural sand pile model with a gradient threshold.
The final stage of cholinergic differentiation occurs below inner hair cells during development of the rodent cochlea.

To gain further insights into the cholinergic differentiation of presynaptic efferent terminals in the inner ear, we investigated the expression of the high-affinity choline transporter (ChT1) in comparison to other presynaptic and cholinergic markers. In the adult mammalian cochlea, cholinergic axons from medial olivocochlear (OC) neurons form axosomatic synapses with outer hair cells (OHCs), whereas axons from lateral OC neurons form axodendritic synapses on afferent fibers below inner hair cells (IHCs). Mouse brain and cochlea homogenates reveal at least two ChT1 isoforms: a nonglycosylated ∼73 kDa protein and a glycosylated ∼45 kDa protein. In mouse brain, ChT1 is preferentially expressed by neurons in periolivary regions of the superior olive consistent with the location of medial OC neurons. In the adult mouse cochlea, ChT1-positive terminals are located almost exclusively below OHCs consistent with a medial OC innervation. Between postnatal day 2 (P2) and P4, ChT1-positive terminals are below IHCs and occur after the expression of growth-associated protein 43, synapsin, and the vesicular acetylcholine transporter. By P15, ChT1-positive terminals are mostly on OHCs. Accounting for differences in gestational age, the developmental expression of ChT1 in the rat cochlea is similar to the mouse. However, in older rats ChT1-positive terminals are below IHCs and OHCs. In both rat and mouse, our observations indicate that the onset of ChT1 expression occurs after efferent terminals are below IHCs and express other presynaptic and cholinergic markers. In the mouse, but not in the rat, ChT1 may preferentially identify medial OC neurons.
FAMILIAL C4 DEFICIENCY WITH PROLIFERATIVE GLOMERULONEPHRITIS AND ELEVATED SWEAT ELECTROLYTE CONCENTRATIONS

Within a sibship of 5 having elevated sweat sodium (65-108 mEq/L) and chloride (33-84 mEq/L) concentrations, an 11 year old boy was found to have erythrocyte casts, proteinuria, hypertension, and isolated C4 deficiency. He has no skin rashes, angioedema or evidence of SLE Renal biopsy revealed diffuse mesangial hypercellularity and focal capillary wall thickening; immunofluorescent studies demonstrated mesangial and peripheral C3 deposition but no C4, IgG, IgM or IgA C4 was extremely low by functional (<0.1% normal) and immunochemical (42 μg/ml) assays; CH50 < 5U/ml. All other complement components of the classical and alternate pathway were normal by immunochemical and functional assays. Preliminary family studies indicate that the C4 deficiency was inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and was carried on the HLA-Al, B8 (Maternal) and HLA-A2, B5 (Paternal) haplotypes. Further study of the linkage of this deficiency to other HLA loci (HLA-D and B cell alloantigens) and sweat chloride levels is in progress.
Purification and characterization of histidyl-transfer RNA synthetase from Neurospora crassa.

Abstract Histidyl-tRNA synthetase ( l -histidine:tRNAHis ligase (AMP-forming), EC 6.1.1.21) has been purified 921-fold from crude extracts of lyophilized mycelia of Neurospora crassa. Sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis at pH 8.9 of the purified enzyme yields one band with an apparent M r of 62 500. The estimated M r by Sephadex gel filtration is 125 000. Thus the native histidyl-tRNA synthetase of N. crassa is a dimer, composed of two identical subunits. The K m values determined in the enzyme-catalyzed esterification of [14C]-histidine to tRNAHis are: for histidine, 5.8·10 −6 M , for ATP, 5.9·10 −4 M , and for tRNAHis, 1.2·10−7 M. Effects of various intermediates of the histidine, tryptophan and arginine biosynthetic pathways on histidyl-tRNA synthetase activity were studied. The K i values for imidazoleglycerol phosphate and histidinol (histidine intermediates and competitive inhibitors of the enzyme) are 1.1·10−2 M, 1.3·10−6 M, respectively. The K i for indoleglycerol phosphate (a tryptophan intermediate and non-competitive inhibitor) is 1.2·10−3 M.
A method for the spatial calibration of a commercial phase measuring interferometer — theoretical aspects

Abstract In a phase measuring interferometer (PMI) the interference pattern is focused on a charge coupled device (CCD) detector array and data points are sampled at the corresponding locations. In most commercially available systems, a zoom lens forms part of the optical configuration to suitably magnify the test optic to fill the detector. Thus, the spatial sampling conditions are variable and determined by the magnification of the optical system and the size and spatial locations of the elements of the CCD. For accurate assessment of the spatial properties of the test optic (including power spectra for example), an accurate determination of the sampling conditions must be made. A computer simulation has been developed that enables an investigation of the theoretical capabilities of sub-pixel calibration resolution. In this paper we demonstrate how sub-pixel measurements may be achieved and indicate some of the factors that influence the outcome of the measurement.
Comparison of intensive care unit mortality performances: standardized mortality ratio vs absolute risk reduction

The aim of this study was to assess the role of absolute risk reduction (ARR) to measure ICU performance as an alternative to the standardized mortality ratio (SMR).
Effects of physical activity and muscle quality on bone development in girls.

ABSTRACTIntroductionPoor muscle quality and sedentary behavior are risk factors for metabolic dysfunction in children and adolescents. However, because longitudinal data are scarce, relatively little is known about how changes in muscle quality and physical activity influence bone development.Purpos
Workplace problems, mental health and substance use

Little is known about how workplace problems may influence diagnosable mental health and substance use (MHSU) disorders. We examine the associations between three common workplace problems (experiencing problems with co-workers, job changes and perceived financial strain) and three MHSU disorders (mood, anxiety and substance abuse/dependence). The analysis utilizes longitudinal data on a sample of working-age adults from the National Epidemiological Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions. These data are well suited for our research objective as the survey was specifically designed to study MHSU disorders. Results show that experiencing these workplace problems is associated with an increased risk for mental health disorders, but not substance use disorders. Importantly, various robustness checks and sensitivity analyses demonstrate that our findings cannot be not fully explained by omitted variables, reverse causality or sample attrition.
Functionalization of OEP-Based Benzochlorins To Develop Carbohydrate-Conjugated Photosensitizers. Attempt To Target β-Galactoside-Recognized Proteins±

meso-(2-Formylvinyl)octaethylporphyrin on reaction with cyanotrimethylsilane in the presence of various catalysts {copper triflate [Cu(OTf)2], indium triflate [In(OTf)3], or magnesium bromide diethyl etherate (MgBr2·Et2O)} produced a mixture of the intermediate 3-hydroxy-3-cyanopropenoporphyrin, the corresponding trimethylsilyl ether derivative, and the unexpected propenochlorins. The yields of the reaction products were found to depend on the reaction conditions and the catalysts used. The intermediate porphyrins on treatment with concentrated sulfuric acid yielded the free-base cyanobenzochlorins in major quantity along with several other novel benzochlorins as minor products. Reduction of ethyl-3-hydroxy-1-pentenoate-porphyrin with DIBAL-H/NaBH4 and subsequent acid treatment provided the corresponding free-base 103-(2-hydroxyethyl)benzochlorin, which upon a sequence of reactions gave a free-base benzochlorin bearing a carboxylic acid functionality in good yield. It was then condensed with a variety of ...
The idea of conflict: A study of the development of story understanding

Children pass through four developmental stages as they acquire the idea of conflict in narratives.
“THINKING SHE COULD BE THE NEXT PRESIDENT”: WHY IDENTIFYING WITH THE CURRICULUM MATTERS

Researchers have demonstrated that Women's Studies courses can influence changes in beliefs about women, yet there is relatively little research on the impact of introducing material about women into mainstream curriculum. The current study examines the effects of introducing women exemplars into a course that is not identified as “Women's Studies.” Students enrolled in a political psychology course all attended the same lectures and were assigned the same readings; however, one-third of the discussion sections received a gender-inclusive curriculum. As hypothesized, female students in the gender-inclusive sections wrote more frequently about women and leadership intheir final exams, including the positive influence of female leaders on their own identities in terms of leadership and career opportunities. These findings suggest that female college students benefit significantly from female exemplars in mainstream course curriculum.
Crisis in a foster home: The need for a caring community☆☆☆★

Abstract Using an interpretive ethnographic framework, we investigate how being in a caring community benefits foster children and their families during a time of crisis. Through (re)telling the stories of the untimely death of Carl Connor, a parent of four foster children, we examine the community of Hope Meadows as the site where the activities of caring occurred. Presenting care as a set of relational and moral practices, we describe how care is facilitated by the purpose, as well as the physical and social dimensions, of Hope Meadows. The stories of Carl Connor's death provide a foundation for a gendered theory of moral community.
Are Facebook “Friends” Helpful? Development of a Facebook-Based Measure of Social Support and Examination of Relationships Among Depression, Quality of Life, and Social Support

Greater social support is predictive of lower depression and higher quality of life (QOL). However, the way in which social support is provided has changed greatly with the expanding role of social networking sites (e.g., Facebook). While there are numerous anecdotal accounts of the benefits of Facebook-based social support, little empirical evidence exists to support these assertions, and there are no empirically validated measures designed to assess social support provided via this unique social networking medium. This study sought to develop an empirically sound measure of Facebook-based social support (Facebook Measure of Social Support [FMSS]) and to assess how this new measure relates to previously established measures of support and two outcome variables: depression and QOL. Following exploratory factor analysis, the FMSS was determined to assess four factors of social support on Facebook (Perceived, Emotional, Negative, Received/Instrumental). The Negative Support factor on the FMSS was most strongly related to both depression and QOL with magnitudes (and direction of relationships) comparable to a traditional measure of perceived social support. However, two FMSS factors (Received/Instrumental and Perceived) were unrelated to both mental health outcomes. Contrary to expectations, elevations in one FMSS factor (Emotional) was associated with worse symptoms of depression and poorer psychological QOL. When taken together, only the absence of negative social support on Facebook is significantly predictive of mental health functioning. Consequently, those hoping to use Facebook as a medium for reducing depression or improving QOL are unlikely to realize significant therapeutic benefits.
An anterior temporal face patch in human cortex, predicted by macaque maps

Increasing evidence suggests that primate visual cortex has a specialized architecture for processing discrete object categories such as faces. Human fMRI studies have described a localized region in the fusiform gyrus [the fusiform face area (FFA)] that responds selectively to faces. In contrast, in nonhuman primates, electrophysiological and fMRI studies have instead revealed 2 apparently analogous regions of face representation: the posterior temporal face patch (PTFP) and the anterior temporal face patch (ATFP). An earlier study suggested that human FFA is homologous to the PTFP in macaque. However, in humans, no obvious homologue of the macaque ATFP has been demonstrated. Here, we used fMRI to map face-selective sites in both humans and macaques, based on equivalent stimuli in a quantitative topographic comparison. This fMRI evidence suggests that such a face-selective area exists in human anterior inferotemporal cortex, comprising the apparent homologue of the fMRI-defined ATFP in macaques.
Application of Infrared Spectroscopy in Polymer Degradation

Abstract Infrared (IR) spectroscopy has become a powerful tool for chemical and physicochemical characterization of polymeric materials. The growth in IR spectroscopy after 1945 was provided by development of reliable electronic amplifiers and radiation detectors. More recently new innovations have been made in this field with the commercial introduction of the computer-controlled Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer.
THE IMPACT OF A GASOLINE TAX ON AUTO EXHAUST EMISSIONS

The EPA implements its policy of exhaust emission control by setting standards specified in terms of grams of pollutants per mile traveled. As a result, the tax must first restrain the vehicle miles traveled (VMT) if it is to have an impact on emission at all. EPA's choice of miles traveled as the medium through which its policy of pollution control must run is unfortunate, because travel is an activity that people resist giving up. This is reflected in a low long-run price elasticity of travel demand. Consequently, it takes substantial increases in the gasoline tax to make an impact on long-run travel demand. Simulation results show that under an alternative policy option, where EPA's standards are specified in terms of grams of pollutant per gallon of fuel burned, the same long-run reduction in exhaust emissions achievable today can be achieved (at an even higher level of confidence) with less than one-tenth of the increase in gasoline price required under the existing policy regime.
Modeling and controlling variation propagation in mechanical assemblies using state transition models

Presents algorithms to propagate and control variation in mechanical assemblies using the state transition model approach. It exploits the modeling environment and uses concepts from control theory to model variation propagation and control during assembly. The assembly process is modeled as a multistage linear dynamic system. Two types of assemblies are addressed: Type-1 where the assembly process puts together parts at their pre-fabricated mating features and Type-2 where the process can incorporate in-process adjustments to redistribute variation. Algorithms are developed to determine and control variation in final assembly propagated through the combined effect of individual part variations and choice of assembly methods. Algorithms to propagate variation in the presence of adjustments are also presented. In-process adjustments in Type-2 assemblies are determined by the type of interface features between parts being assembled which are modeled as control inputs to the dynamic system. An optimal control problem is formulated to design these interfaces. Variation associated with final assembly dimensions, cost of making adjustments, and assembly sequence effects are included in the optimization procedure.
Conductive graphene nanoribbon (GNR) thin film as anti-icing /de-icing heater

Anti-icing and de-icing heaters layers are frequently used in covers of large radio frequency (RF) equipment, such as radar or communication antennas, to prevent ice accumulation or completely remove it avoiding possible structure damage or service disruption. Typically the de-icing structures are produced using a metal framework and inorganic insulator and generally bulky, heavy and costly. In this report, we disclose a new de-icing heater layer composite made using graphene nanoribbons (GNRs). We demonstrate that the conductive GNR film is thin enough to be transparent for broadband RF signal of any polarization with minimal impact on antenna scan performance. This metal-free, ultra-light, robust and scalable graphene-based RF transparent conductive coating could significantly reduce the size and cost of de-icing/anti-icing coating and could be important in many aviation and military applications. This is a demonstration of the efficacy and applicability of graphene to afford performances unattainable by conventional materials.
Geometric Morphometric Analysis of Patterns of Shape Change in the Ordovician Brachiopod Sowerbyella

Abstract The brachiopod genus Sowerbyella is an abundant component of many Ordovician paleocommunities of the eastern United States. Five successive populations from a limited geographic region in central Kentucky were tested for the response of brachial valve size and shape to alterations in paleoenvironmental conditions. The populations span the interval from Chatfieldian to Maysvillian (M5-C3), including the majority of an Ecological-Evolutionary (EE) subunit previously described for brachiopods in this area. A marked diminution in size occurs subsequent to maximum deepening in the M5 sequence, and is persistent for the remainder of the interval sampled. Shape follows a different pattern, with similar changes occurring each time deep-water facies occur in the area. Discriminant analysis shows a clear separation between populations sampled from nearshore and offshore facies along discriminant function 1. End member populations in both nearshore and offshore populations diverge significantly on discrimin...
Identifying variable-length meaningful phrases with correlation functions

Finding meaningful phrases in a document has been studied in various information retrieval systems in order to improve the performance. Many previous statistical phrase-finding methods had a different aim such as document classification. Some are hybridized with statistical and syntactic grammatical methods; others use correlation heuristics between words. We propose a new phrase-finding algorithm that adds correlated words one by one to the phrases found in the previous stage, maintaining high correlation within a phrase. Our results indicate that our algorithm finds more meaningful phrases than an existing algorithm. Furthermore, the previous algorithm could be improved by applying different correlation junctions.
An Exploration into Challenges Facing Public Sector Labor Relations: A Literature Review and Analysis

This analysis explores some of the challenges facing public managers in nurturing their relationship and partnership with public-sector unions. It begins with a discussion of the background that elaborates on union history, discussing the birth of unions, the fall of private-sector unions, and the rise of government unions. This is followed by a review of the relevant professional and scientific literature to better develop the topic and focus the analysis. As the field of government labor-management relations is complex, the unique characteristics of government labor-management relationships that are lacking in the private-sector context necessitate a practitioner approach and an integrated synthesis of the literature. The analysis concludes that when collective bargaining is applied to public-sector business, it must be tailored to achieve proper alignment with taxpayers, who are the major stakeholders in public-sector services.
The LMMSE estimate-based multiuser detector: performance analyses and adaptive implementation

Presented in this article are analytical expressions of the performance measure on the LMMSE estimate-based multiuser detector, including an error probability expression and its computationally and notationally efficient approximations, signal to interference-plus-noise ratio, and asymptotic efficiency. Also included in are adaptive implementation schemes of the LMMSE detector and the equivalent relation between them under appropriate assumptions. Simulations are included to show the tightness of approximate results over a wide range of near-far ratio and various combinations of SNRs of interfering multiple-access users.
Commodity production in Brazil: Combining zero deforestation and zero illegality

This article documents the degree of noncompliance of soy producers in the Amazon portion of Mato Grosso with Brazil’s Forest Code and addresses the importance of market demands in shifting agricultural production and land occupation towards zero deforestation. By using a sample composed of the boundaries of 9,113 properties (72.5% of soy in the region) we assessed: a) compliance with Forest Code legal reserve requirements (a percentage of the property must have its original vegetation kept undisturbed); and compared it to b) compliance with the zero deforestation criterion of the soy moratorium. We found that 82% of the sampled properties have not deforested since 2008, thus complying with the soy moratorium. However, approximately 65% out of these 82% are noncompliant with Forest Code legal reserve requirements. This situation is even worse in the Cerrado portion of Mato Grosso. Even though the soy moratorium criterion is only applicable to the Amazon biome, the Forest Code is applicable nationwide. Despite legal reserve requirements being much lower (35% of the property in the Cerrado, as opposed to 80% in the Amazon), almost 70% of sampled properties were noncompliant with the Forest Code. From this analysis we concluded that while there was a role for consumer-driven market demand for zero deforestation soy production, there is still a need (and opportunity) to implement purchasing and financing criteria to promote compliance with Forest Code requirements in regards to legal reserve deficits. We believe that if this succeeds, it will drive a process of restoration and compensation of Forest Code deficits, strengthening public policy as well as reducing economic distortions between those who have and have not complied with Forest Code requirements.
Effect of postoperative keratometry on quality of vision in the postoperative period after myopic wavefront-guided laser in situ keratomileusis

Purpose To determine whether postoperative keratometry is a predictor of patient-reported satisfaction and night-vision phenomena after wavefront-guided myopic laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). Setting Optical Express, Glasgow, United Kingdom. Design Retrospective case series. Methods Myopic eyes treated with wavefront-guided LASIK were analyzed in this study. All patients completed pre-operative and 1-month postoperative questionnaires, in which the satisfaction with visual outcomes and pre-operative and postoperative night-vision symptoms (glare, halos, starburst, ghosting/double-vision) were rated. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine factors associated with questionnaire outcomes. Results This study evaluated 8672 myopic eyes of 4602 patients. The mean pre-operative manifest spherical equivalent was −3.72 diopters (D) ± 2.00 (SD) (range −0.50 to −11.00 D) and the mean pre-operative keratometry (K) value was 43.64 ± 1.43 D (38.38 to 49.00). At 1 month after surgery, 93.7% and 99.1% of eyes were within 0.50 D and 1.00 D of emmetropia, and 94.6% and 98.3% of eyes achieved monocular and binocular uncorrected-distance visual acuity(UDVA) of 20/20 or better, respectively. There were 48.7% of eyes that had the flat corneal meridian (minimum K) of 40.0 D or less. Although postoperative keratometry was a significant predictor of patient-reported satisfaction and the change in halo reports in the regression analysis, its relative contribution was very low and accounted for less than 0.50% of the variance explained by either model. Postoperative keratometry was not a significant predictor of a change in reports of glare, starburst, and ghosting or double vision. Conclusion In this large cohort of patients, postoperative keratometry played a minimal and clinically insignificant role in predicting post-LASIK halo visual phenomena and patient-reported satisfaction. Financial Disclosure Dr. Schallhorn is a consultant to Abbott Medical Optics and Zeiss and a Global Medical Director for Optical Express. None of the other authors have a financial or proprietary interest in the products and materials presented in this paper.
Telecommuting: homework for the future

The introduction of uncomplicated global access to the Internet and the technology behind it has provided many new and exciting job opportunities. People can now choose when or where they work and people who were unable to work in the past now earn a steady income. Telecommuting, the term for the ability to work away from the place of employment, has opened these doors for many people, including working mothers, carefree men, and even the homebound.
Negative sonographic findings followed by rapid cervical dilatation due to cervical incompetence.

Un cas de dilatation cervicale rapide due a une beance du col, survenue dans les 20 mn apres une echographie negative, est presente. La surveillance echographique est inadaptee pour prendre une decision therapeutique chez les femmes presentant un tableau de beance du col
Aggressive Behavior of Dipodomys stephensi, an Endangered Species, and Dipodomys agilis, a Sympatric Congener

We studied aggression in the laboratory between two heteromyid rodents, Dipodomys agilis and Dipodomys stephensi , to determine if dominance behavior could produce nonoverlapping habitat associations. D. stephensi , which is heavier than its opponent, initiated more attacks and retreated less frequently than did D. agilis . The average level of aggression shown by individual D. stephensi increased with body mass. The level of aggression shown by individual D. stephensi in a trial did not vary with the size or sex of the opponent, and individuals did not respond differently to these attributes of the opponent. Because D. stephensi is behaviorally dominant, we concluded that interspecific dominance could contribute to the observed association of D. agilis with coastal-sage-scrub habitat, but could not, by itself, restrict D. stephensi to annual grassland habitat.
Differences in Spread of Dye in Skin of Normal and Tuberculous Guinea Pigs

In a study of the skin of guinea pigs, it has been found that the tuberculous animal reacts differently from the normal in regard to the spread of dye which has been injected intradermally.We have made tests to see if differences could be detected in the spread of dye in the skin around the zone of primary inoculation as contrasted with other areas. The work was started in the course of completing a study of the Koch phenomenon which had been begun by the late Henry Sewall. He had obtained evidence that there are differences in sensitivity in different areas of the skin of the tuberculous guinea pig.The dye used was pontamine sky blue which we obtained through the courtesy of Dr. P. D. McMaster, and in general we have followed his technique.1 We have used the dye as a 2.5%, approximately isotonic solution. The amount of solution injected was 0.025 cc, given with a Dewitt and Herz syringe which has an automatic guard on the plunger, assuring exact dosage. The injections were made under a binocular dissecti...
Weekly Two-Stage Robust Generation Scheduling for Hydrothermal Power Systems

University of Arizona Renewable Energy Network; National Science Foundation (NSF) [60050502]; NSF [CMMI-1555983]; U.S. Department of Energy Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability
Public Goods and the Salience of Local Ethnic Diversity: The Case of Teacher Absenteeism in Africa

Scholars have identified ethnic diversity as a major impediment to the provision of public goods. Whether or not this depends on the salience of ethnic identification is unclear. I test this distinction in the context of primary education provision across districts in Africa, the most diverse continent in the world. Using several data sources and specifications, I find that local ethnic diversity is robustly associated with teacher absenteeism only where ethnic identification is salient. I investigate potential causal pathways using data from school visits in Uganda, finding suggestive evidence that the effectiveness of parent teacher associations and the strength of social networks between teachers play important roles. The results indicate that the deleterious effects of ethnic diversity on the provision of public goods could be mitigates by policies that reduce ethnic salience.
TeV γ-ray astronomy with ground-based air-shower arrays

The TeV energy band is a very exciting window into the origin of high energy cosmic radiation, particle acceleration, and the annihilation of dark matter particles. Above a few hundred GeV, ground-based experiments of very large effective areas open a new domain to study extragalactic sources at intermediate redshifts, galaxy clusters, gamma ray bursts, AGN and their flaring states, extended sources and galactic diffuse emission, and to indirect searches for dark matter. In particular, ground arrays of particle detectors -that operate with high duty cycles and large fields of view- can extend to multi-TeV energies the measurements made with experiments on satellites, and complement the observations done with air Cherenkov telescopes on the ground. Key science goals of ground arrays include performing unbiased all-sky surveys, monitoring of transient events from known (and unknown) sources, and detecting extended regions of diffuse emission. In this paper, the status and most recent results from ARGO-YBJ, Tibet AS, HAWC, and LHAASO are presented.
Heat and mass transfer enhancement in a double diffusive mixed convection lid cavity under pulsating flow

Abstract This work assess the effectiveness of the pulsating flow regime for the enhancement of heat and mass transfer in double diffusive problems by studying a two-dimensional, heated, lid cavity. The research characterizes the influence of pulsating parameters such as temporal frequency, wave number and amplitude in the process. Results show that the pulsating regime enhances heat/mass transfer within a square cavity up to a 14%/38% respectively with respect to the non-pulsating case, due to the promotion of additional shear stress fields. As Richardson number, Brownian diffusion or the solute/thermal buoyancy ratio increase or the cavity becomes narrower, heat/mass transfer increases.
Librarian-instructor partnerships: Empowering students to share their research with the community

In the fall of 2015 a George Mason University librarian and a graduate teaching assistant (GTA) in the English department, designed an extensive collaboration for a Composition 101 research project. Through this collaboration, not only did studentsA¢â¬â¢ research skills improve, but students also reported feeling empowered to reach out to the librarian directly to make appointments; to use the library independently (a resource most of them had not yet utilized in their time at Mason); and to approach librarians they did not know personally. Students designed a creative solution to a community problem, framed as a A¢â¬Aproposal for change.A¢â¬Â For extra credit, students had the option to A¢â¬Ago publicA¢â¬Â with their proposal, sending it to the community member with the ability to implement the suggested change, indicating a sense of pride and confidence in their work.AÂ This presentation will outline the logistics of the instructor/librarian collaboration; identify the elements to change in the future; and offer suggestions for instructors trying to form a similar partnership. Additionally, it will offer three perspectives on the success of the collaboration: the instructorA¢â¬â¢s, the librarianA¢â¬â¢s, and the studentsA¢â¬â¢, which were collected through written surveys and oral interviews. This session will appeal to GTAs, course coordinators, FYC instructors, gen-ed faculty, and librarians. At the conclusion of the session, the audience will have insight into the pros and cons of the A¢â¬Aproposal for changeA¢â¬Â assignment design, student reactions to this co-teaching strategy, and strategies for building a similar partnership in their own classroom.
Autonomous Electric Vehicle Sharing System Design

Car-sharing services promise “green” transportation systems. Two vehicle technologies offer marketable, sustainable sharing: Autonomous vehicles eliminate customer requirements for car pick-up and return, and battery electric vehicles entail zero-emissions. Designing an Autonomous Electric Vehicle (AEV) fleet must account for the relationships among fleet operations, charging station operations, electric powertrain performance, and consumer demand. This paper presents a system design optimization framework integrating four sub-system problems: Fleet size and assignment schedule; number and locations of charging stations; vehicle powertrain requirements; and service fees. A case study for an autonomous fleet operating in Ann Arbor, Michigan, is used to examine AEV sharing system profitability and feasibility for a variety of market scenarios.Copyright © 2015 by ASME