cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Surface and Bulk Passivation of Crystalline Silicon Solar Cells

太陽電池の本格的な実用化に向けての動きが非常に活発になってきている。今後更に低コスト化が図られ太陽光発電が地球環境問題を打開する新エネルギーとして一役を担う時代が到来するであろう。まずは結晶系シリコン太陽電池が先導役を担っていくであろうが,それには更に高効率化と低コスト化を達成しなければならない。高効率化には多くの手法があり多種にわたる研究が行われている。特にパッシベーション技術は今後の薄膜化に向けても非常に重要な技術として位置づけられている。本稿では,結晶系シリコン太陽電池のパッシベーションの種々の技術について述べてある。パッシベーション技術には表面パッシベーション技術とバルクパッシベーション技術がある。表面パッシベーション技術は大きく分けて熱酸化による方法と薄膜を表面に形成する方法があり,表面再結合速度としてエミッタでは102 cm/s以下,裏面では10cm/s以下を目指した研究が進められている。また,バルクパッシベーション技術は色々な手法が検討されているが本質的にはどれも水素によるパッシベーションである。表面パッシベーションにより表面でのキャリア再結合を減らし,バルクパッシベーションによりシリコン基板のライフタイムを向上させることができる。
A plasmonic liquid junction photovoltaic cell with greatly improved power conversion efficiency

A plasmonic liquid junction photovoltaic cell with greatly improved power conversion efficiency is described. When illuminated with simulated sunlight, the device (Au–TiO2/V3+(0.018 M), V2+(0.182 M)/Pt) reproducibly and sustainably produces an VOC of 0.50 V and a JSC of 0.5 mA cm−2, corresponding to a power conversion efficiency of 0.095%.
Qigong Exercise May Reduce Serum TNF-α Levels and Improve Sleep in People with Parkinson’s Disease: A Pilot Study

Background: Inflammatory cytokine levels are often elevated in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). People with PD often experience sleep disturbances that significantly impact quality of life. Past studies suggest inflammatory cytokines may be associated with various symptoms of PD. Benefits of Qigong, a mind–body exercise, have been shown in different neurological conditions, but there is still a lack of clinical evidence in the PD population. Methods: Ten people with PD were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups receiving six weeks of Qigong (experimental group) or sham Qigong (control group) intervention. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in subjects’ serum and sleep quality were measured before and after the intervention. Results: After the intervention, the serum level of TNF-α in the experimental group was significantly decreased in all subjects, while the level in the control group showed a trend to increase. Qigong exercise significantly improved sleep quality at night. There was a strong correlation between changes in the level of TNF-α and sleep quality. Conclusion: Qigong exercise decreased TNF-α level in people with PD and helped improve sleep quality. TNF-α may have a potential to influence the sleep quality in people with PD.
Influence of Roundup Ready Soybean Production Systems and Glyphosate Application on Pest and Beneficial Insects in Narrow-Row Soybean

Roundup Ready® soybeans, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, in narrow-row planting systems were investigated in 1998 in Mississippi to evaluate the effects of the transgenic crop and glyphosate herbicide on pest and beneficial insects. Insects found in sufficient numbers for meaningful analysis included adult bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata (Forster); adult three-cornered alfalfa hopper, Spissistilus festinus (Say); adult big-eyed bug, Geocoris punctipes (Say), and; larvae of green cloverworm, Plathypena scabra (F.), and velvetbean caterpillar, Anticarsia gemmatalis (Hubner). Populations of C. trifurcata, S. festinus, P. scabra and A. gemmatalis were not reduced in genetically altered Roundup Ready soybean, or by recommended (by label) or delayed applications of glyphosate. Numbers of G. punctipes also were not reduced in Roundup Ready soybean, but were reduced by recommended applications of glyphosate during weeks three and four following the second recommended herbicide application. Geocoris punctipes dens...
AGE-RELATED CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IN-VITRO ACCUMULATION OF 3H-NE

Abstract Mechanisms accounting for age-specific responses to centrally acting drugs have not been well defined. In the present paper we analyzed the age-related characteristics of the in-vitro accumulation of 3 H-norepinephrine in tissue from control and reserpine-treated animals in order to evaluate the contribution of the ongoing changes within catecholamine neurons to responses to pharmacologic manipulation developmentally.
Transparency Communication for Machine Learning in Human-Automation Interaction

Technological advances offer the promise of autonomous systems to form human-machine teams that are more capable than their individual members. Understanding the inner workings of the autonomous systems, especially as machine-learning (ML) methods are being widely applied to the design of such systems, has become increasingly challenging for the humans working with them. The “black-box” nature of quantitative ML approaches poses an impediment to people’s situation awareness (SA) of these ML-based systems, often resulting in either disuse or over-reliance of autonomous systems employing such algorithms. Research in human-automation interaction has shown that transparency communication can improve teammates’ SA, foster the trust relationship, and boost the human-automation team’s performance. In this chapter, we will examine the implications of an agent transparency model for human interactions with ML-based agents using automated explanations. We will discuss the application of a particular ML method, reinforcement learning (RL), in Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP)-based agents, and the design of explanation algorithms for RL in POMDPs.
Greater Burden of ESRD among Immigrants: Kwa nini?

At this time in our global history, when immigration policies are under frequent review, an understanding of the health status of immigrants has become increasingly important. In this issue of the Journal of the American Society of Nephrology , Perl et al. [1][1] provide the first comprehensive
Hypnotically Induced Hallucinations: Their Diagnostic and Therapeutic Utilization

Hypnosis may he defined as a state manifested by an inward turning of the mind, facilitating the enhancement of the creative imagination [1,2]. The resulting reciprocal inhibition of the part of the mind which deals with the exigencies of outer reality [3, 4] reduces the need for reality testing, thus providing a mental setting which favors inductive over deductive reasoning and in which, with appropriate suggestions, ideas can he perceived and experienced in such vivid manner as to allow their revivification to the point of actual hallucinations. This can he utilized both for exploration of important dynamic issues as well as for therapy.
Angiotensin AT1 receptor signal transduction

The octapeptide hormone, angiotensin II (Ang II) binds to type 1 angiotensin (AT1) receptors in target tissues and through a number of signal transduction pathways, elicits its effects on blood pressure control and fluid and electrolyte homeostasis. AT1 receptor antagonists are widely used to treat hypertension and associated cardiovascular and renal disease. In this review, we focus on the signal transduction mechanisms of AT1 receptors. The list of known effectors through which the AT1 receptor can signal has dramatically increased over the past 10 years and points to the complexity of receptor signaling to this effector. This complexity, however, may not be surprising given the various actions of Ang II at the cellular level.
Two defective forms of reverse transcriptase can complement to restore retroviral infectivity.

Abstract Retroviral DNA synthesis requires both the DNA polymerase and the RNaseH activities of reverse transcriptase (RT). To test whether two defective RTs--one carrying a mutation in the RNaseH domain and the other with a mutation in DNA polymerase--could work together to complete viral DNA synthesis, we generated phenotypically mixed virions of Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) that contained two kinds of mutant RTs. One RNaseH catalytic site mutant complemented both tested DNA polymerase mutants and small amounts of intact viral DNA were generated. This demonstrates that retroviral DNA synthesis can be completed--albeit inefficiently--when DNA polymerase and RNaseH activities are provided by separate RT molecules. Other RNaseH mutants failed to complement, suggesting that some aspects of the RNaseH domain are essential to RT's DNA polymerase function. Phenotypically mixed virions were also used to demonstrate that RT and integrase (IN) can be provided by separate polyprotein precursors and complete the early stages of retroviral replication.
Present Weather and Climate: Average Conditions

The Southwest straddles the mid- and subtropical latitudes, with mountains, land-surface contrasts, and proximity to the Pacific Ocean, Gulf of California, and Gulf of Mexico having substantial impacts on climatic conditions (Sheppard et al. 2002). Much of California has a Mediterranean-like climate characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters with episodic, but occasionally intense rainstorms. The interior, southern, low-elevation portion of the region, which includes the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts (see Chapter 3 for a geographic overview of the Southwest), contains the hottest (based on summertime maximum temperatures) and driest locations in the United States, a result of persistent subtropical high pressure and topographic effects. Interior northern and eastern portions of the Southwest have lower mean annual temperatures and see a larger seasonal temperature range, greater weather variability, and more frequent intrusions of cold air from the higher latitudes due to increased elevation and distance from the Pacific Ocean and Gulf of Mexico.
GROWTH AND NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT OF PEDIATRIC PATIENTS AFTER ORTHOTOPIC LIVER TRANSPLANTATION

SUMMARY The overall results of pediatric liver transplantation continue to be increasingly encouraging and rewarding. The careful development of long-term follow-up protocols addressing nutrition and growth are vital components of the comprehensive care of this patient population.
John Rawls: Reticent Socialist

It was commonplace following the 1971 publication of A Theory of Justice to treat John Rawls as a defender of capitalism. Many philosophers did so, including big names like Carol Pateman, Brian Bar...
Outdoor Field Testing: Environmental and System Stress Factors

Abstract In this chapter, we will explore the operational environment experienced by photovoltaic modules. We will begin by introducing the stress factors that exist due to the climate in which photovoltaic modules are deployed and the unique stress factors that are introduced from the system design. To understand how photovoltaic modules respond to operational conditions in the field, we will discuss the methods for evaluating the module and system performance during and after field deployment. Finally, we will provide insights derived from existing work tolook at how unique environments impact the reliability and durability of photovoltaic modules.
Stress Disrupts Human Hippocampal-Prefrontal Function during Prospective Spatial Navigation and Hinders Flexible Behavior

The ability to anticipate and flexibly plan for the future is critical for achieving goal-directed outcomes. Extant data suggest that neural and cognitive stress mechanisms may disrupt memory retrieval and restrict prospective planning, with deleterious impacts on behavior. Here, we examined whether and how acute psychological stress influences goal-directed navigational planning and efficient, flexible behavior. Our methods combined fMRI, neuroendocrinology, and machine learning with a virtual navigation planning task. Human participants were trained to navigate familiar paths in virtual environments and then (concurrent with fMRI) performed a planning and navigation task that could be most efficiently solved by taking novel shortcut paths. Strikingly, relative to non-stressed control participants, participants who performed the planning task under experimentally induced acute psychological stress demonstrated (1) disrupted neural activity critical for mnemonic retrieval and mental simulation and (2) reduced traversal of shortcuts and greater reliance on familiar paths. These neural and behavioral changes under psychological stress were tied to evidence for disrupted neural replay of memory for future locations in the spatial environment, providing mechanistic insight into why and how stress can alter planning and foster inefficient behavior.
Child Care Preparedness

Many families in the United States depend on child care services, and a significant number of children who are 5 years of age and younger are in the care of someone other than their parents/guardians during the day throughout the work week. Although children who attend child care are one of the most vulnerable populations during a disaster/emergency, gaps exist in child care center/home preparedness, putting these children at an even greater risk. The inclusion and implementation of key disaster/emergency preparedness and response components into child care center/home disaster plans can address these gaps and help protect children in the child care setting.
Learnings to Operate LTC Better from the COVID-19 Crisis

• Following is our ALC/LTC column titled - Learnings to Operate LTC Better from the COVID-19 Crisis from Drs. Stefanacci & Riddle.
Physiological electric fields induce directional migration of mammalian cranial neural crest cells

During neurulation, cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs) migrate long distances from the neural tube to their terminal site of differentiation. The pathway traveled by the CNCCs defines the blueprint for craniofacial construction, abnormalities of which contribute to three-quarters of human birth defects. Biophysical cues like naturally occurring electric fields (EFs) have been proposed to be one of the guiding mechanisms for CNCC migration from the neural tube to identified position in the branchial arches. Such endogenous EFs can be mimicked by applied EFs of physiological strength that has been reported to guide the migration of amphibian and avian neural crest cells (NCCs), namely galvanotaxis or electrotaxis. However, the behavior of mammalian NCCs in external EFs has not been reported. We show here that mammalian CNCCs migrate towards the anode in direct current (dc) EFs. Reversal of the field polarity reverses the directedness. The response threshold was below 30 ​mV/mm and the migration directedness and displacement speed increased with increase in field strength. Both CNCC line (O9-1) and primary mouse CNCCs show similar galvanotaxis behavior. Our results demonstrate for the first time that the mammalian CNCCs respond to physiological EFs by robust directional migration towards the anode in a voltage-dependent manner.
Healthcare across Boundaries: Urban-Rural Differences in the Financial and Healthcare Consequences of Telehealth Adoption

We study the impacts of telehealth adoption on geographic competition among urban and rural healthcare providers, and associated quality of care implications. To causally identify these effects, we consider a quasi-natural experiment: states' entry into the Telemedicine Licensure Compact, wherein participating states coordinate to streamline licensing for physicians wishing to provide telehealth services across state lines. We first show that affected physicians receive more state licenses and earn higher Medicare payments, thereby establishing the Compact entry shock's validity and its positive effect on telehealth adoption. We then examine the heterogeneous effects on provider earnings and quality of care across urban and rural areas. We report evidence that urban providers are systematically more likely to respond to the policy change and financially benefit from it by expanding their service scope to a wider geographic market. As urban providers begin to offer their services to rural patients, rural physicians and hospitals experience a decline in patient volumes, and a revenue loss in turn. We subsequently consider parallel impacts on patient quality of care, and we discuss the implications of our results for healthcare providers and government.
Transparency and Context in Legal Communication: Pragmatics and Legal Interpretation

This chapter analyzes pragmatics in relation to the concepts of transparency and context in legal communication. First, the basic argument offered in Marmor’s The Pragmatics of Legal Language is critiqued. Second, I use Dascal’s Transparency and Doubt: Understanding and interpretation in Pragmatics and in Law to both critique and extend the agenda of a pragmatics of law. Third, I introduce two recent US Supreme Court cases, Smith and Bailey to give an example of dispute over the meaning of the word “use” in American statutory law. Finally, the analysis will be completed though the investigation of a more pragmatic conception of pragmatics. The argument will have two parts. First, it is ultimately argued that Marmor’s claim that law, because it is largely a domain of strategic action, does not benefit from “supplemental” pragmatic analysis, ignores complexities in the legal realm as well as the resources offered within a pragmatic pragmatics for a much more substantial understanding of law and legal discourse. Second, I argue to the contrary that a broader and more contextualized conception of pragmatics as exemplified by Dascal in “Transparency and Doubt,” and supplemented by insights from Peirce and Dewey, offers important tools useful in analyzing the domain of law and legal discourse.
Multi-Layer and Recursive Neural Networks for Metagenomic Classification

Recent advances in machine learning, specifically in deep learning with neural networks, has made a profound impact on fields such as natural language processing, image classification, and language modeling; however, feasibility and potential benefits of the approaches to metagenomic data analysis has been largely under-explored. Deep learning exploits many layers of learning nonlinear feature representations, typically in an unsupervised fashion, and recent results have shown outstanding generalization performance on previously unseen data. Furthermore, some deep learning methods can also represent the structure in a data set. Consequently, deep learning and neural networks may prove to be an appropriate approach for metagenomic data. To determine whether such approaches are indeed appropriate for metagenomics, we experiment with two deep learning methods: i) a deep belief network, and ii) a recursive neural network, the latter of which provides a tree representing the structure of the data. We compare these approaches to the standard multi-layer perceptron, which has been well-established in the machine learning community as a powerful prediction algorithm, though its presence is largely missing in metagenomics literature. We find that traditional neural networks can be quite powerful classifiers on metagenomic data compared to baseline methods, such as random forests. On the other hand, while the deep learning approaches did not result in improvements to the classification accuracy, they do provide the ability to learn hierarchical representations of a data set that standard classification methods do not allow. Our goal in this effort is not to determine the best algorithm in terms accuracy—as that depends on the specific application—but rather to highlight the benefits and drawbacks of each of the approach we discuss and provide insight on how they can be improved for predictive metagenomic analysis.
Costs of Performance Pricing Loans

We examine how monitoring costs and costs of financial distress affect the use of performance pricing provisions in bank loan contracts. We find that firms that are easier to monitor, such as those with better accounting quality, lower information opacity, or a stronger prior relationship with the lender are more likely to have performance pricing loans. The likelihood of using performance pricing is significantly reduced after financial restatement events. Conditional on using performance pricing loans, firms with lower (higher) accounting quality are more likely to have credit rating (accounting) based performance pricing loans. Finally, we find that the use of performance pricing decreases in the likelihood of financial distress. Our results are robust to various alternative measures of accounting quality, information opacity, as well as default risk. Our results are consistent with the notion that the quality of accounting information has a significant influence on the design of financial contracts.
Field-assisted bonding of glass to Si-Au eutectic solder for packaging applications

A new approach for high-yield bonding of Pyrex 7740 glass to a silicon wafer using field-assisted glass to Si-Au eutectic bonding is presented. It is found that by applying an anodic bias, as is typically used in direct Si-glass wafer bonding, in a standard Si-Au eutectic bond, one can obtain a significant improvement in bond quality, uniformity, and reproducibility. Experimental results obtained from bonded silicon wafers and Pyrex 7740 glass wafers using silicon-gold eutectic solder on planar and non-planar surfaces are presented. Samples bonded at 410/spl deg/C show bond strengths of >5.24MPa which falls within the range 2 to 25MPa reported for direct Si-Pyrex anodic bonding. Other samples bonded at 450/spl deg/C show a bond strength >31.4MPa.
The Linear Programming Polytope of Binary Constraint Problems with Bounded Tree-Width

We show how to efficiently model binary constraint problems (BCP) as integer programs. After considering tree-structured BCPs first, we show that a Sherali-Adams-like procedure results in a polynomial-size linear programming description of the convex hull of all integer feasible solutions when the BCP that is given has bounded tree-width.
Modeling Firms' Choice of Public Issuance

In this paper, we evaluate external capital issuance from the perspective of an optimizing agent in a static choice framework. Thus, the issue choice affords a glimpse into the decision-making process of public companies. In the context of this decision, we examine the extent to which we are able to quantify the heterogeneity across firms. To this end, we estimate a hierarchical choice model where the utility derived from each alternative depends only on characteristics (e.g., costs) of that alternative. In the model, firm's responses to these characteristics are functions of that firm's attributes. We find that the higher the cost of an alternative, the lower is the indirect utility derived from that alternative (in a manner that is fully consistent with choice theory). Furthermore, this budget constraint effect is significantly influenced by firm attributes. For instance, more profitable firms are less cost-sensitive in their issuance choices.
Mind-Body Therapy: Attitudes, Beliefs and Practices of Graduate Faculty and Students from Accredited Marriage and Family Therapy Programs in the U.S. and Canada

Context Interest in CAM and mind-body therapies (MBT) among mental health professionals has increased over the last decade. Individuals seeking treatment for mental health concerns often use MBTs and expect clinicians to be aware of such treatments. Yet, current data reveal a critical gap in training, practice, and the needs of those seeking treatment. Objective To determine the attitudes, beliefs, and practices of marriage and family therapists regarding MBTs. Design Electronic survey method using Likert-type scale questions. Participants Clinical faculty members and graduate students (N = 140) from accredited Marriage and Family Therapy programs in the United States and Canada. Results Findings revealed that a majority of respondents believed that graduate programs should introduce MBT topics during course of training and that MBTs are valuable in the treatment of various clinical problems. Respondents were familiar with at least one form of MBT and reported using such in personal and professional settings.
Modeling Pollutant Dispersion within a Tornadic Thunderstorm

Abstract A three-dimensional numerical model has been developed to calculate ground-level air concentration and deposition of particles entrained in a tornadic thunderstorm. The rotational characteristics of the tornadic storm are within the larger mesoscale flow of the storm system and transported with the vortex. Turbulence exchange coefficients are based on empirical values. The quasi-Lagrangian method of moments is used to model the transport of concentration within a grid cell volume. Results indicate that updrafts and downdrafts, coupled with scavenging of particles by precipitation, account for most of the material being deposited closer to the site than anticipated. Approximately 5% of the pollutant is dispersed into the stratosphere.
MVAPICH2-MIC: A High Performance MPI Library for Xeon Phi Clusters with InfiniBand

Intel's Xeon Phi coprocessor, based on Many Integrated Core architecture, packs more than 1TFLOP of performance on a single chip and offers x86 compatibility. While MPI libraries can run out-of-the-box on the Xeon Phi coprocessors, it is critical to tune them for the new architecture and to redesign them using any new system level features offered in order to deliver performance. In this paper, we discuss the tuning and redesign of the MVAPICH2 MPI library for efficient intra-node and inter-node point-to-point communication on XeonPhi clusters with InfiniBand. We evaluate the designs using micro-benchmarks and application kernels. The results show significant improvements in performance of intra-MIC, intranode and internode communication. For the internode MIC-MIC path, the latency of 4M messages is reduced by 65% and the bandwidth for the same message size is improved by 5 times. The designs show 50% and 16% improvement in performance of 3DStencil communication kernel and P3DFFT library on 32 and 8 nodes, respectively. We discuss the challenges involved in providing a further optimized MVAPICH2 MPI library for Xeon Phi clusters.
Seed Dispersal in Heterogeneous Environments: Bridging the Gap between Mechanistic Dispersal and Forest Dynamics Models

Seed dispersal is an important determinant of vegetation composition. We present a mechanistic model of seed dispersal by wind that incorporates heterogeneous vegetation structure. Vegetation affects wind speeds, a primary determinant of dispersal distance. Existing models combine wind speed and fall velocity of seeds. We expand on them by allowing vegetation, and thus wind profiles, to vary along seed trajectories, making the model applicable to any wind-dispersed plant in any community. Using seed trap data on seeds dispersing from forests into adjacent sites of two distinct vegetation structures, we show that our model was unbiased and accurate, even though dispersal patterns differed greatly between the two structures. Our spatially heterogeneous model performed better than models that assumed homogeneous vegetation for the same system. Its sensitivity to vegetation structure and ability to predict seed arrival when vegetation structure was incorporated demonstrates the model's utility for providing realistic estimates of seed arrival in realistic landscapes. Thus, we begin to bridge mechanistic seed dispersal and forest dynamics models. We discuss the merits of our model for incorporation into forest simulators, applications where such incorporation has been or is likely to be especially fruitful, and future model refinements to increase understanding of seed dispersal by wind.
Lunar magnetic anomalies detected by the Apollo substatellite magnetometers

Properties of lunar crustal magnetization thus far deduced from Apollo subsatellite magnetometer data are reviewed using two of the most accurate available magnetic anomaly maps, one covering a portion of the lunar near side and the other a part of the far side. The largest single anomaly found within the region of coverage on the near-side map correlates exactly with a conspicuous light-colored marking in western Oceanus Procellarum called Reiner Gamma. This feature is interpreted as an unusual deposit of ejecta from secondary craters of the large nearby primary impact crater Cavalerius. The mean altitude of the far-side anomaly gap is much higher than that of the near side map and the surface geology is more complex; individual anomaly sources have therefore not yet been identified. The mechanism of magnetization and the origin of the magnetizing field remain unresolved, but the uniformity with which the Reiner Gamma deposit is apparently magnetized, and the north-south depletion of magnetization intensity across a substantial portion of the far side, seem to require the existence of an ambient field, perhaps of global or larger extent.
Effect of a controlled exercise program on serum lipoprotein levels in women on oral contraceptives

The effects of a 10-wk individualized bicycle ergometer interval training program were investigated in a group of 13 sedentary women on a specific oral contraceptive (50 micrograms mestranol, 1 mg norethisterone) to determine if, like men on physical training, their high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels would increase. Six additional women on the oral contraceptive served as a nonexercising control group. All subjects were between 18 and 30 yr and were nonsmokers. Diet and alcohol intake were stable throughout the study period, and were monitored throughout. The interval training program was three times per week, 30-min exercise per session, at 70% maximum heart rate reserve (resting heart rate + 0.7 x [maximum heart rate-resting heart rate]). Training produced increases (p < 0.05) in maximum oxygen uptake. Body weight was unchanged. However, unlike similar training programs with males, there were no significant changes in plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol or triglycerides. In women receiving estrogen progestin oral contraceptives, consistent exercise programs may fail to elevate high density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, consistent with an interaction of sex hormone-exercise effects and/or with the less marked effect of exercise on high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in women.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROTECTED WATER SUPPLIES ON THE SPREAD OF CLASSICAL/INABA AND EL TOR/OGAWA CHOLERA IN RURAL EAST BENGAL

Abstract Randomly selected children of a rura village in East Bengal had daily recta swabbing and pre and post epidemic vibriocidal-antibody titrations performed during two successive cholera epidemics. During the first epidemic (1968-69), caused by the Classical/Inaba strain, participants living in the immediate vicinity of tube-wells had a much lower rate of infection (1 out of 27, or 3.7%) than those living farther away (19 out of 75, or 25.3%). During an epidemic the following year (1969-70), caused by the El Tor/Ogawa strain, there was no difference in the rates of infection of these two groups (16 out of 53, or 29.6%, and 37 out of 149, or 26.4%, respectively). This suggests that the relatively simple expedient of providing safe supplies of drinking-water, found so useful in controlling the spread of Classical strains of the disease, may prove ineffective against the El Tor biotype.
Mimicking time evolution within a quantum ground state: Ground-state quantum computation, cloning, and teleportation

Ground-state quantum computers mimic quantum-mechanical time evolution within the amplitudes of a time-independent quantum state. We explore the principles that constrain this mimicking. A no-cloning argument is found to impose strong restrictions. It is shown, however, that there is flexibility that can be exploited using quantum teleportation methods to improve ground-state quantum computer design.
Amino Terminal Sequence of the Major Component of Human Lymphoblastoid Interferon

Homogeneous human lymphoblastoid interferon with an apparent molecular size of 18,500 daltons was characterized by its amino acid composition. Analysis of the amino terminal sequence by Edman degradation indicates that the sequence is unique.
Inhibition of brain respiration in vitro by bilirubin; reversal of inhibition by various means.

Summary and ConclusionsBilirubin added to the ambient fluid in concentrations above 20 to 25 mg % depresses the respiration of chopped rat brain by approximately 25%. This inhibition can be counteracted by oxidation of the bilirubin and by the action of methylene blue on the bilirubin. Cytochrome C also reverses the inhibition. The mechanisms of these reversals appear to be different.
A physiologic-based circuit model of the postsynaptic region at the neuromuscular junction

A metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) is used as the circuit analog to simulate a group of excitatory transmitter-gated ion channels. This analog is incorporated into a circuit model of the postsynaptic membrane at the neuromuscular junction. Simulation of the model yields an output representing the overall membrane potential of the postsynaptic region. Simulation is performed for the normal and pathologic (myasthenia gravis) states.
The role of malic enzyme in the carbohydrate metabolism of Trichinella spiralis spiralis and Trichinella spiralis pseudospiralis.

Abstract The role of malic enzyme in the carbohydrate metabolism of Trichinella spiralis spiralis and Trichinella spiralis pseudospiralis. International Journal for Parasitology 16: 435–440. The activities, intracellular localization and some regulatory properties of malic enzymes from homogenates of T.s. spiralis and T.s. pseudospiralis larvae have been studied. The malate saturation curves exhibit sigmoidicity. With increasing pH a ‘double sigmoidicity’ was observed in both NAD- and NADP-specific malic enzyme from T.s.spiralis and Trichinella malic enzymes resemble the Ascaris enzyme in their nondecarboxylation of oxaloacetate and in nucleotide and ammonium sulphate sensitivity, but the enzyme from T.s. pseudospiralis differs in its equal specificity for NAD and NADP. The cytoplasmic localizations and some properties of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase in both Trichinella species are similar to the characteristics of the same enzyme in Ascaris .
A Constant Factor Approximation for the Single Sink Edge Installation Problem

We present the first constant approximation to the single sink buy-at-bulk network design problem, where we have to design a network by buying pipes of different costs and capacities per unit length to route demands at a set of sources to a single sink. The distances in the underlying network form a metric. This result improves the previous bound of $O(\log|R|)$, where $R$ is the set of sources. We also present a better constant approximation to the related Access Network Design problem. Our algorithms are randomized and combinatorial. As a subroutine in our algorithm, we use an interesting variant of facility location with lower bounds on the amount of demand an open facility needs to serve. We call this variant load balanced facility location and present a constant factor approximation for it, while relaxing the lower bounds by a constant factor.
A novel markerless technique to evaluate daily lung tumor motion based on conventional cone-beam CT projection data

Purpose In this study, we present a novel markerless technique, based on cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) raw projection data, to evaluate lung tumor daily motion. Method and Materials The markerless technique, which uses raw CBCT projection data and locates tumors directly on every projection, consists of three steps. First, the tumor contour on the planning CT is used to create digitally reconstructed radiographs (DRRs) at every projection angle. Two sets of DRRs are created: one showing only the tumor, and another with the complete anatomy without the tumor. Second, a rigid two-dimensional image registration is performed to register the DRR set without the tumor to the CBCT projections. After the registration, the projections are subtracted from the DRRs, resulting in a projection dataset containing primarily tumor. Finally, a second registration is performed between the subtracted projection and tumor-only DRR. The methodology was evaluated using a chest phantom containing a moving tumor, and retrospectively in 4 lung cancer patients treated by stereotactic body radiation therapy. Tumors detected on projection images were compared with those from three-dimensional (3D) and four-dimensional (4D) CBCT reconstruction results. Results Results in both static and moving phantoms demonstrate that the accuracy is within 1 mm. The subsequent application to 22 sets of CBCT scan raw projection data of 4 lung cancer patients includes about 11,000 projections, with the detected tumor locations consistent with 3D and 4D CBCT reconstruction results. This technique reveals detailed lung tumor motion and provides additional information than conventional 4D images. Conclusion This technique is capable of accurately characterizing lung tumor motion on a daily basis based on a conventional CBCT scan. It provides daily verification of the tumor motion to ensure that these motions are within prior estimation and covered by the treatment planning volume.
Quantitative aspects of sperm transfer in Simulium decorum (Diptera: Simuliidae)

The mean number of sperm ejaculated into the spermatophore by the male black fly, Simulium decorum Walker, was 4048, as determined from 43 counts. The completeness and rate of sperm transfer were estimated by counts from the spermatophore and female spermatheca at selected times after copulation ended. The beginning of transfer occurred at the earliest about 4 min after copulation, but could be delayed until 30 min. Transfer rate was interpreted as constant at about 73 sperm/min and was usually completed by about 55 min after copulation. All spermatozoa appeared to be moved to the single spermatheca.
A Microtiter Plate Assay for Sulfonamides

Abstract Sulfamethoxazole, sulfisoxazole, and sulfadiazine are sulfonamides used in the treatment of several infectious diseases. Several studies have demonstrated that the amino substituent plays an important role in both the toxicity and the therapeutic effect of these drugs. In view of these findings, a rapid and convenient method of analysis would be useful for monitoring selected patients receiving these drugs. With the increasing use of microtiter plate methodology in the clinical laboratory, an assay based upon the Bratton-Marshall reaction with the amino substituent was adapted to the microtiter plate format. The results indicate that the microtiter plate assay for sulfonamides retains the sensitivity and linearity necessary for analysis of sulfonamides in biological fluids at clinically relevant concentrations. The assay is simple, rapid, convenient, and suitable for monitoring procedures where only the measurement of the active drug concentration is required.
Investigation of Reading Strategies: I. Manipulating Strategies through Payoff Conditions:

Reading strategies of several groups of college students were manipulated by using payoff structures which stressed speed vs. retention. The influence of four variables on reading speed and test performance was studied: existence of a payoff structure, type of payoff structure, clarity of payoff instructions, and presence or absence of questions after each passage. Reading rates varied substantially under these conditions, but test performance did not. The potential usefulness of payoff systems for the study of reading strategies is pointed out.
Optical coherence tomography-guided ranibizumab injection for cystoid macular edema in well-controlled uveitis: twelve-month outcomes.

Purpose: To determine whether serial ranibizumab injections are effective in the treatment of cystoid macular edema in patients with chronic controlled noninfectious uveitis. Methods: Five eyes of 5 patients were included in a prospective noncomparative therapeutic trial. They received intravitreal injections of ranibizumab at Day 0 and were followed monthly for 1 year. Injections were repeated monthly if persistent or new cystic edema manifested on optical coherence tomography. The primary outcome measure was the mean change in best-corrected visual acuity from baseline at 12 months. Secondary outcome measures included mean percentage change in central subfield retinal thickness (CST) and incidence of adverse events through Month 24. Results: Thirty-two injections were performed over the study period. At 1 year, the mean increase in acuity was 12.2 Early Treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy Study letters (P = 0.015). There was a statistically significant increase in visual acuity over time (P = 0.002). The CST decreased by 31.4%, 46.0%, 37.6%, and 45.4% relative to baseline at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, respectively (P = 0.003). One patient experienced recurrence of uveitis with subsequent cataract and glaucoma progression. Conclusion: Optical coherence tomography–guided monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections delivered over the course of 1 year resulted in improved vision and reduced central retinal thickness.
The presence of essential arginine residues at the NADPH-binding sites of β-ketoacyl reductase and enoyl reductase domains of the multifunctional fatty acid synthetase of chicken liver

Abstract Treatment of chicken liver fatty acid synthetase with the arginine-specific reagent phenylglyoxal resulted in the pseudo-first-order loss of synthetase β-ketoacyl reductase and enoyl reductase activities. The sum of the second-order rate constants for the two reductase reactions equalled that for the synthetase reaction, suggesting that inactivation of either reductase was responsible for the loss of fatty acid synthetase activity. Double-log plots of pseudo-first-order rate constant versus reagent concentration yielded straight lines with slopes of unity for all three activities tested, suggesting the reaction of one reagent molecule in the inactivation process. In parallel experiments, complete inactivation of synthetase activity was accompanied by the incorporation of 4.5 [ 14 C]phenylglyoxal, and the loss of 2.3 arginine residues per subunit. Reaction of essential sulfhydryl groups was not involved, since inactivation by phenylglyoxal was unaffected by reversible protection of these groups with 5,5′-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid). Inactivation of all three activities by phenylglyoxal was prevented by saturating amounts of the coenzyme NADPH, or its analogs 2′,5′-ADP and 2′-AMP, but not by the corresponding nucleotides containing only 5′-phosphate. Conversely, the ability of this enzyme to bind NADPH was abolished upon inactivation. These results are consistent with the presence of an essential arginine residue at the binding site for the 2′-phosphate group of NADPH at each of the two reductase domains of the multifunctional fatty acid synthetase subunit.
Concussion and football: a review and editorial

The issue of concussion in football is of substantial interest to players, coaches, fans, and physicians. In this article, we review specific cultural hindrances to diagnosis and treatment of concussion in football. We review current trends in management and identify areas for improvement. We also discuss the obligations that physicians, particularly neurosurgeons and neurologists, have toward brain-injured football players and the larger societal role they may play in helping to minimize football-associated brain injury.
A Strategy for the Risk Assessment of Human Genotoxic Metabolites

The role of metabolism in genotoxicity and carcinogenicity of many chemicals is well established. Accordingly, both in vitro metabolic activation systems and in vivo assays are routinely utilized for genotoxic hazard identification of drug candidates prior to clinical investigations. This should, in most cases provide a high degree of confidence that the genotoxic potential of the parent and associated metabolites have been characterized. However, it is well known that significant differences can exist between human metabolism and that which occurs with in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity tests. This poses challenges when considering the adequacy of hazard identification and cancer risk assessment if a human metabolite of genotoxic concern is identified during the course of drug development. Since such challenges are particularly problematic when recognized in the later stages of drug development, a framework for conducting a carcinogenic risk assessment for human genotoxic metabolites is desirable. Here, we propose a risk assessment method that is dependent upon the availability of quantitative human and rodent ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion) data, such that exposures to a metabolite of genotoxic concern can be estimated at the intended human efficacious dose and the maximum dose used in the 2-year rodent bioassay(s). The exposures are then applied to the risk assessment framework, based on known cancer potencies, that allows one to understand the probability of a known or suspect genotoxic metabolite posing a carcinogenic risk in excess of 1 in 100,000. Practical case examples are presented to illustrate the application of the risk assessment method within the context of drug development and to highlight its utility and limitations.
A comparison of Filippov sliding vector fields in codimension 2

We consider several possibilities on how to select a Filippov sliding vector field on a codimension 2 singularity surface @S, intersection of two codimension 1 surfaces. We discuss and compare several, old and new, approaches, under the assumption that @S is nodally attractive. Of specific interest is the selection of a smoothly varying Filippov sliding vector field. As a result of our analysis and experiments, the best candidates of the many possibilities explored are those based on the so-called barycentric coordinates. In the present context, one of these possibilities appear to be new.
Higher order JWKB expressions for the energy levels and the wavefunction at the origin

We derive an exact quantization condition for the energy levels of a particle in a radial potential assumed finite at the origin. This is used to derive corrections to the semiclassical JWKB quantization condition. We further relate the normalization integral of the wavefunction to the energy derivative of wavefunction at origin and use this expression to derive the corrections to the semiclassical JWKB expressions for the wavefunction at origin. An application to upsilon leptonic decay width is also given.
Factors related to medical help-seeking in women with menstrual discomfort.

Abstract Dysmenorrhea, or painful menstruation, is frequently reported by women, particularly those women in the 17–25 yr age range. However, a small percentage of these women actually seek help for their menstrual discomfort from health professionals. This study delineated some factors which were related to women's help-seeking behavior for menstrual discomfort. A model that has been used in general medical consultation was utilized in selecting the potentially discriminating variables, such as symptomatology, health beliefs and attitudes and maladjustment. The Ss were 383 college women between the ages of 17 and 25 yr. The independent variables were entered into a discriminant function analysis on a random subsample ( n = 192), the remainder of the sample ( n = 191) was reserved for cross-validation. The results indicated that symptomatology and health beliefs were important determinants of help-seeking in both samples. The maladjustment variable was not predictive of help-seeking for menstrual discomfort. Although the analyses resulted in a significant discrimination between those women who had sought help and those who had not, only 17–20% of the variance was accounted for. From this it was concluded that other variables needed to be considered, such as sociocultural factors and use of nonmedical coping strategies.