cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical studies on the electronic spectra of substituted aromatic molecules

A simple Pariser-Parr-Popleπ-electron SCF method (i.e. one in which parameter variation with charge densities and bond orders is neglected) is used to predict the first three electronic transitions and the ionization potentials of polysubstituted benzenes and five-membered ring heterocyclics containing nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur. The parameters were chosen to fit results for the monosubstituted benzenes and then tested on the polysubstituted compounds, using charge transfer data and oxidation potentials to estimate the ionization potentials. No serious deviations other than those which could be ascribed to steric effects for the ortho disubstituted compounds were found, indicating that penetration integrals and non-nearest-neighbor effects can be absorbed into the semi-empirical parameters. For the five-membered ring heterocyclics it is shown that it is unsatisfactory to use the simple parent compounds, pyrrole, furan, and thiophene as reference molecules in choosing parameters, since satisfactory choices for these molecules often give quite unrealistic results for the corresponding benzo and dibenzo derivatives. Sets of parameters which give consistent results for the parent and the benzo and dibenzo derivatives are given for the nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur heterocyclics.
Caring for Pregnant Women with Opioid Use Disorder

The US opioid epidemic continues historic trends of disproportionately affecting women. However, attention to the rise in neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) and other types of neonatal care often overshadow the urgent need for improved and more wide-ranging maternal treatment in the peripartum period. This review aims to highlight the trends in maternal morbidity and mortality related to substance use disorder (SUD), to discuss the under-funding of woman-focused interventions, and to discuss medication-assisted treatment (MAT) options for women with SUD. We found that the rates of pregnancy-related mortality are highest for SUD-related deaths and remains at crisis levels. Women continue to face barriers to treatment access, and there is a critical need to provide new mothers in recovery with more comprehensive and supportive care in the peripartum period.
THE HANDLING CHARACTERISTICS OF SURGICAL SUTURES

The flexural rigidity of four sizes of fourteen different types of sutures were measured using Peirce's ring loop method. The suture materials were ranked according to the lowest value of flexural rigidity. This ranking strongly correlated (r=0.93) with the ranking of handling characteristics obtained thru a survey of practicing surgeons. Thus flexural rigidity can be used as a significant criterion for quantifying the handling characteristics of surgical sutures.
Removing of the Administrative Barriers in the Economy (the Conditions and Possibilities of Global Institutional Transformation)

The existing trend to increase the administrative barriers in Russia is analyzed in the article. The factors of stable reproduction of the administrative barriers and the possibilities of their destruction are examined. The general institutional approach to overcoming administrative barriers is formulated. The recommendations for the debureaucratization policy are elaborated on the basis of the analysis of formal procedures and regulation forms and instruments in Australia.
24. EARLY EXPOSURE TO BEHAVIORAL, MENTAL, AND ADOLESCENT HEALTH IN GENERAL PEDIATRICS

Background For residents entering general pediatrics, graduate surveys revealed a desire for increased behavioral health and psychiatry exposure early in training. Moreover, current residents requested earlier adolescent experience to better prepare them for continuity. Presently, interns spend 9-12 weeks in general pediatrics providing exclusive acute, newborn, and well child care. The majority of adolescent training is during third year, and there is no dedicated time spent with psychology nor psychiatry. Given the many competing interests in residency training, implementing a robust curriculum to better prepare residents for all aspects of general pediatrics is imperative. Objective Increase early exposure to behavioral psychology, psychiatry, and adolescent health in general pediatrics without compromising other educational priorities nor patient access. Methods We developed multiple half day experiences for interns during general pediatrics rotations while ensuring adequate clinic staffing for patient access. Over the course of the year, each intern spends approximately 4-6 half days in each of the following clinics: behavioral health, psychiatry, and adolescent health. To ensure that the experiences were useful and adequate patient access was maintained, we surveyed faculty and residents after each rotation. Results For those exposed to the new curriculum, all 18 interns, 3 of 6 senior residents, and 10 of 16 faculty members responded to surveys. For interns, 40% found outpatient psychiatry useful; 90% found the behavioral health clinic useful; and 94% found the adolescent clinic useful. Of all interns, 81% felt that these experiences did not jeopardize other learning in general pediatrics. For faculty and senior residents, 100% felt that having interns intermittently missing from clinic did not adversely affect the educational priorities of clinic nor clinic staffing. Conclusion The early addition of experiences such as behavioral health, outpatient psychiatry, and adolescent training is valued by residents and does not jeopardize patient access nor other educational priorities.
Radar-derived precipitation climatology for wind turbine blade leading edge erosion

Abstract. Wind turbine blade leading edge erosion (LEE) is a potentially significant source of revenue loss for wind farm operators. Thus, it is important to advance understanding of the underlying causes, to generate geospatial estimates of erosion potential to provide guidance in pre-deployment planning, and ultimately to advance methods to mitigate this effect and extend blade lifetimes. This study focuses on the second issue and presents a novel approach to characterizing the erosion potential across the contiguous USA based solely on publicly available data products from the National Weather Service dual-polarization radar. The approach is described in detail and illustrated using six locations distributed across parts of the USA that have substantial wind turbine deployments. Results from these locations demonstrate the high spatial variability in precipitation-induced erosion potential, illustrate the importance of low-probability high-impact events to cumulative annual total kinetic energy transfer and emphasize the importance of hail as a damage vector.
Anomalous origin of left main coronary artery from right coronary artery in a patient presenting with inferior wall myocardial infarction: a case report and literature review.

Background Anomalous origin of the coronary arteries is seen in less than 1% of the general population. Single coronary artery (SCA) is a congenital anatomic abnormality identified by a single coronary ostium giving rise to one coronary artery. We present an extremely rare variant of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) branching off from the right coronary artery (RCA) and following a prepulmonic course. Case summary A 72-year-old woman presented due to ongoing chest pain with associated ST-segment elevation involving the inferior leads. Emergent cardiac catheterization revealed a 99% ulcerated lesion in distal RCA, which was intervened on with angioplasty and stent placement. The RCA was noted giving rise to LMCA, which followed a prepulmonic course (anterior to pulmonary artery) before trifurcating into a small caliber left anterior descending, ramus intermedius, and hypoplastic left circumflex arteries. The non-malignant course of the aberrant LMCA was confirmed on the coronary computed tomography angiogram. The patient was discharged home on guideline-directed medical therapy. Discussion The patient illustrated congenital SCA with type RIIA pattern of the aberrant vessel based on the Lipton anatomic classification for SCA. The prepulmonic course of SCA is usually benign and can be managed conservatively.
Skeletal Muscle Constructs Engineered from Human Embryonic Stem Cell Derived Myogenic Progenitors Exhibit Enhanced Contractile Forces When Differentiated in a Medium Containing EGM-2 Supplements

Three-dimensional (3D) skeletal muscle constructs engineered from myogenic progenitors derived from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) have a wide range of applications, but to date, such constructs generate lower specific tetanic force than adult human muscles. Methods enhancing functional muscle differentiation and force generation of these constructs are highly desirable. The finding of this study is that addition of the supplements in the endothelial cell growth medium-2 (EGM-2) to the myogenic differentiation medium can substantially enhance contractile force generation. For constructs differentiated for 4 weeks, addition of the EGM-2 supplements in the first 2 weeks leads to tenfold and sevenfold increases in twitch and tetanic forces, respectively. The specific tetanic force generated by these constructs is 33 mN mm-2 , which is significantly higher than previously reported. These constructs show wider myotubes and higher gene expression levels for all skeletal muscle-specific myosin heavy chain isoforms, suggesting that a more mature differentiation stage of the cells underlies the greater contractile force generation. The constructs exposed to these supplements for 4 weeks do not generate as high contractile forces, suggesting that prolonged treatment is not beneficial. These results suggest that temporal conditioning with the EGM-2 supplements assists functional development of hPSC-derived skeletal muscle constructs.
Meta-analysis of RDX biotransformation rate by bacteria and fungi

Abstract Royal Demolition Explosive (RDX; hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine) is a highly oxidized explosive compound commonly used in military and industrial operations. RDX is known to cause neurological dysfunction in exposed human subjects. Several bacterial and fungal species have the metabolic capability to transform RDX into less toxic, non-cyclic and de-nitrated compounds. Although the biodegradation pathways used by bacteria and fungi to transform RDX are well studied, far less is known about the kinetics. This meta-analysis uses published data from 46 independent research studies in 31 publications to calculate first-order rate coefficients (k) and half-life (t1/2) values as common metrics for the comparison of RDX degradation rates by three groups of microorganisms: aerobic bacteria; anaerobic bacteria and aerobic fungi. Relative degradation rates are statistically fastest for aerobic bacteria and slowest for fungi among the three groups. This analysis is the first attempt to characterize and compare RDX degradation kinetics by bacteria and fungi using a meta-analytical approach. Meta-analysis offers a useful method for comparing findings from a large and diverse body of published literature.
COPEPTIN LEVELS IN ACUTE HEART FAILURE ARE ASSOCIATED WITH A HIGHER RISK PHENOTYPE, BUT NOT DIURETIC RESPONSE

Copeptin is a known predictor of mortality and re-hospitalization in patients with heart failure. We sought to investigate the relationship between copeptin levels, diuretic responsiveness, and various heart failure phenotypes in the setting of acute heart failure (AHF). Using patients enrolled in
Variation in long-term oncologic outcomes by type of cancer center accreditation: An analysis of a SEER-Medicare population with pancreatic cancer.

Abstract Background Cancer center accreditation is designed to identify centers that provide high-quality cancer care. This also guides patients and referring physicians towards centers of excellence for specialized care. We sought to examine if cancer center accreditation was associated with improved long-term oncologic outcomes in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Methods Using the SEER-Medicare database, we identified patients who underwent pancreatectomy for pancreatic adenocarcinoma from 1996 to 2013. Hospitals were categorized into three groups: National Cancer Institute-designated (NCI-designated) centers, Commission on Cancer (CoC)-accredited centers, and “non-accredited” (NA) centers. Multilevel mixed-effects models were used to calculate adjusted examined lymph nodes, disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS). Results We identified 5,118 patients who underwent pancreatectomy at 632 hospitals (41.0% NA, 49.6% CoC, 9.4% NCI). NCI-designated centers had a greater median number of lymph nodes examined compared with CoC-accredited or NA centers (14 vs. 10 vs. 11.0 nodes, respectively; p Conclusion Patients with resected pancreatic cancer treated at NCI-designated centers were associated with improved long-term oncologic outcomes. There was no difference between CoC-accredited centers compared with NA centers. Meticulous validation of accreditation is warranted globally prior to implementation.
Why do Foreign Investors Demand Comparability? Evidence from Unsponsored ADRs

We study the sources of demand for accounting comparability. We hypothesize that U.S. investors interested in investing in a foreign firm potentially have two different types of demands for comparability: (i) comparability to U.S. firms which report under U.S. GAAP (which we label as U.S. comparability) and (ii) comparability to other foreign firms which the investor is interested in investing in (which we label as regional comparability). The findings in prior literature examining U.S. institutional investors are consistent with channel (i). We explore unsponsored ADRs as a setting where we expect channel (ii) to be particularly important. We find that regional (but not U.S.) comparability increases the ex-ante likelihood that a depository bank selects a foreign firm for the creation of unsponsored ADRs, and the ex-post trading in the unsponsored ADR by U.S. investors. Our results imply an implicit tradeoff in the costs and benefits of increased comparability and suggest that one has to consider not only if comparability matters in a specific context, but also to whom it is aimed for.
Asymptotic trace formula for the Hecke operators

Given integers m, n and k, we give an explicit formula with an optimal error term (with square root cancelation) for the Petersson trace formula involving the mth and nth Fourier coefficients of an orthonormal basis of $$S_k\left( N\right) ^*$$ (the weight k newforms with fixed square-free level N) provided that $$|4 \pi \sqrt{mn}- k|=o\left( k^{\frac{1}{3}}\right) $$ . Moreover, we establish an explicit formula with a power saving error term for the trace of the Hecke operator $$\mathcal {T}_n^*$$ on $$S_k\left( N\right) ^*$$ averaged over k in a short interval. By bounding the second moment of the trace of $$\mathcal {T}_{n}$$ over a larger interval, we show that the trace of $$\mathcal {T}_n$$ is unusually large in the range $$|4 \pi \sqrt{n}- k| = o\left( n^{\frac{1}{6}}\right) $$ . As an application, for any fixed prime p coprime to N, we show that there exists a sequence $$\{k_n\}$$ of weights such that the error term of Weyl’s law for $$\mathcal {T}_p$$ is unusually large and violates the prediction of arithmetic quantum chaos. In particular, this generalizes the result of Gamburd et al. (J Eur Math Soc 1(1):51–85, 1999) [Theorem 1.4] with an improved exponent.
Correction to: Working with Misspecified Regression Models

Unfortunately, the subjected Special Issue article has been inadvertently included in the regular issue volume 34, Issue 3, September 2018, of this journal. We apologize for the error.
Philosophy of PI

This chapter tries to answer the following questions: Why do we carry out performance improvement? What are our obligations as clinicians and stewards of medical resources? Why PI is the essence of beneficence? We also discuss how bias can shadow PI opportunities and how to avoid this issue. A PI program must always look toward continual improvement. This can often be difficult in situations where there is bias and hindsight. It is vital to triage issues appropriately in a trauma program so that excessive time and resources are not spent on trivial opportunities for improvement. Mortality and serious adverse events should always be the highest priority. Beyond that, are those opportunities with a high chance of recurrence that could affect large numbers of patients.
Sonic intimacies: performative erotics and African feminisms

In this essay I explore the sensuous dimensions of intimacies and erotics in ethnographic field research conducted among the Dagara in northwestern Ghana. I argue that sensuous perception reveals a...
Techniques for studying materials under extreme states of high energy density compression

The properties of materials under extreme conditions of pressure and density are of key interest to a number of fields, including planetary geophysics, materials science, and inertial confinement fusion. In geophysics, the equations of state of planetary materials, such as hydrogen and iron, under ultrahigh pressure and density provide a better understanding of their formation and interior structure [Celliers et al., “Insulator-metal transition in dense fluid deuterium,” Science 361, 677–682 (2018) and Smith et al., “Equation of state of iron under core conditions of large rocky exoplanets,” Nat. Astron. 2, 591–682 (2018)]. The processes of interest in these fields occur under conditions of high pressure (100 GPa–100 TPa), high temperature (>3000 K), and sometimes at high strain rates (>103 s−1) depending on the process. With the advent of high energy density (HED) facilities, such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF), Linear Coherent Light Source, Omega Laser Facility, and Z, these conditions are reachable and numerous experimental platforms have been developed. To measure compression under ultrahigh pressure, stepped targets are ramp-compressed and the sound velocity, measured by the velocity interferometer system for any reflector diagnostic technique, from which the stress-density of relevant materials is deduced at pulsed power [M. D. Knudson and M. P. Desjarlais, “High-precision shock wave measurements of deuterium: Evaluation of exchange-correlation functionals at the molecular-to-atomic transition,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 118, 035501 (2017)] and laser [Smith et al., “Equation of state of iron under core conditions of large rocky exoplanets,” Nat. Astron. 2, 591–682 (2018)] facilities. To measure strength under high pressure and strain rates, experimenters measure the growth of Rayleigh–Taylor instabilities using face-on radiography [Park et al., “Grain-size-independent plastic flow at ultrahigh pressures and strain rates,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 114, 065502 (2015)]. The crystal structure of materials under high compression is measured by dynamic x-ray diffraction [Rygg et al., “X-ray diffraction at the national ignition facility,” Rev. Sci. Instrum. 91, 043902 (2020) and McBride et al., “Phase transition lowering in dynamically compressed silicon,” Nat. Phys. 15, 89–94 (2019)]. Medium range material temperatures (a few thousand degrees) can be measured by extended x-ray absorption fine structure techniques, Yaakobi et al., “Extended x-ray absorption fine structure measurements of laser-shocked V and Ti and crystal phase transformation in Ti,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 92, 095504 (2004) and Ping et al., “Solid iron compressed up to 560 GPa,” Phys. Rev. Lett. 111, 065501 (2013), whereas more extreme temperatures are measured using x-ray Thomson scattering or pyrometry. This manuscript will review the scientific motivations, experimental techniques, and the regimes that can be probed for the study of materials under extreme HED conditions.
IgE-Mediated Reaction to Levamisole: Evaluation of a Patient With Severe Anaphylaxis

Levamisole has been used as adjuvant immunomodulatory therapy for certain conditions such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We present a case of a 70-year-old man with ALS who was started on levamisole with adequate response. Within 10 days of treatment, he developed a maculopapular non-pruritic rash on his extremities, and the medication was discontinued. However, two days later, he developed angioedema of the face and hands, urticaria in the extremities and torso, and throat closing sensation that was successfully treated in the emergency department with epinephrine, systemic corticosteroids, and antihistamines. Eight hours later, he presented with recurrent facial angioedema. He was transferred to the ICU and received two more doses of epinephrine and intravenous methylprednisolone. The patient fully recovered within 72 hours and was discharged with the indication to avoid levamisole. One month after the reaction, skin tests (prick and intradermal) with 10-fold dilutions of 550 mg/mL levamisole were positive at a concentration of 55 mg/mL (1:10 dilution). Since the patient developed anaphylaxis and tested positive for levamisole on intradermal testing, and after discussing the options with him, we decided to advise against using this medication since the benefits did not outweigh the risks of administration. This case highlights that IgE-mediated reactions to levamisole, while rare, can occur and be life-threatening. Shared decision-making should be done between patients and physicians after open, evidence-based discussions.
Expression of the gene for the beta subunit of mouse thyrotropin results in multiple mRNAs differing in their 5'-untranslated regions.

Abstract The gene encoding the beta subunit of mouse thyrotropin (TSH beta) has been isolated from a mouse genomic library, and its nucleotide sequence has been determined. Blot hybridization analysis of restriction enzyme digests of mouse DNA indicates that there is a single mouse TSH beta gene. The gene is 4.8 kilobases in length and contains five exons, which are 27, 47, 41, 163, and 328 base pairs long. Exons 1, 2, and 3 encode only 5'-untranslated mRNA sequences and are separated by introns that are 150 and 380 base pairs long. The protein-coding mRNA sequences are found in exons 4 and 5 and are interrupted by a 460-base pair intron. The position of this intron, between the codons for amino acids 34 and 35, has been conserved in all the known glycoprotein hormone beta subunit genes. Exons 3 and 4 are separated by a large 3.2-kilobase intron. When primer extension analysis, using an oligonucleotide primer complementary to exon 4 sequences, was employed to locate the transcription start site, four products were obtained. Nucleotide sequencing of these products showed that they were derived from separate TSH beta mRNAs that differed in the lengths of their 5'-untranslated regions. These 5'-untranslated mRNA sequences are derived from different combinations of exons 1, 2, and 3, each spliced to exons 4 and 5. The longest 5'-untranslated sequence, 116 nucleotides long, includes exons 1, 2, and 3 and the first base of exon 4; the shorter 5'-untranslated regions, 75, 69, and 28 nucleotides long, arise by splicing out the second and/or the third exon sequences. In contrast to the mouse TSH beta gene, transcription of the rat TSH beta gene from the analogous start site has been reported to give only a single mRNA, with a 5'-untranslated region of 28 nucleotides. Divergence of the mouse and rat TSH beta gene sequences at RNA splice sites can account for the absence of exon 2, but not exon 3, sequences in rat TSH beta mRNA. Primer extension and RNase protection analyses also showed that the mouse TSH beta gene contains a second transcription start site, located 43 base pairs upstream of the first start site, in a position corresponding to that in the rat TSH beta gene. Each start site in the mouse gene is flanked by characteristic TATAA box and CAAT box sequences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Multiple stressor effects on benthic biodiversity of Chesapeake Bay: implications for ecological risk assessment.

In natural aquatic systems, there is frequently overlap in the spatial distribution of both natural and anthropogenic stressors, particularly at regional geographic scales. Yet the proportional risk associated with individual stressors, their cumulative effects and the manner in which they interact to affect aquatic ecology is frequently unknown, limiting the robustness of multiple-stressor ecological risk assessments (ERA). The current study used historical environmental monitoring data (1984–1999) to identify a combination of natural and anthropogenic stressors that best accounted for observed patterns of benthic biodiversity in Chesapeake Bay. Geographic information systems (GIS) were used to geographically link spatially heterogeneous databases for benthic biodiversity, water quality and sediment toxicant concentrations. Single and multiple variable regression techniques were subsequently used to develop a statistical model to explain observed patterns of benthic biodiversity. Combinations of natural stressors alone accounted for as much as 34% of the variation in benthic biodiversity, and combinations of anthropogenic toxicants accounted for as much as 48% of the variation. The consideration of both natural and anthropogenic stressors resulted in a statistical model that accounted for approximately 73% of the observed variation in benthic biodiversity of Chesapeake Bay. These results suggest that benthic biodiversity in Chesapeake Bay is a function of complex interactions among water quality characteristics and anthropogenic toxicants. Therefore, new risk assessment methodologies are required to assess the risk of multiple stressors at regional scales.
Scientific realism and the stratagema de divide et impera

In response to historical challenges, advocates of a sophisticated variant of scientific realism emphasize that theoretical systems can be divided into numerous constituents. Setting aside any epistemic commitment to the systems themselves, they maintain that we can justifiably believe those specific constituents that are deployed in key successful predictions. Stathis Psillos articulates an explicit criterion for discerning exactly which theoretical constituents qualify. I critique Psillos's criterion in detail. I then test the more general deployment realist intuition against a set of well-known historical cases, whose significance has, I contend, -been overlooked. I conclude that this sophisticated form of realism remains threatened by the historical argument that prompted it.
Areas with high concentrations of selenium in the soil and forage produce beef with enhanced concentrations of selenium.

Beef provides a significant portion of human dietary selenium (Se), and it is possible that modest portions of beef produced in areas with high-Se soil and forage could provide the entire Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for Se. The present study has addressed the environmental conditions that resulted in the production of high-Se beef. One hundred and thirty-eight cull cows were obtained from 21 ranches in five distinct geographic regions that, on the basis of soil parent material, reports of Se deficiency, and previous soil and forage Se surveys, were likely to have high or low Se concentrations in the soil. Grass and soil samples were taken from ranch sites, and hair, whole blood, skeletal muscle, diaphragm muscle, and liver samples were obtained from the animals. Hair and whole blood samples were taken 1 day prior to shipping. Selenium concentrations of all samples were determined by hydride generation atomic absorption spectroscopy. Geographic origin affected Se content of all samples (p 0.05). Results of this study suggest that the greatest source of variation in Se content of bovine skeletal muscle was the geographic region from which the beef originated and not production or management practices. Results also demonstrated that a 100 g serving of high-Se beef could provide 100% of the RDA for Se.
Valence states of the cyano radical Feynman's way

Scaled Feynman diagrams are proposed as perturbative corrections to the total energy. The proposal is tested by calculating potential energy curves for the valence states of the cyano radical. Unique features of the valence state are part of the starting approximation. The latter is computed with a standard quantum chemical method. For a particular method, the scale is independent of the valence state. At each bond distance, one set of quasiparticles and Feynman diagrams is used for all valence states. Scaling will be useful whenever perturbative corrections can be expressed with Feynman diagrams. In the cyano radical, competition for the odd electron between the σ and π orbitals produces a variety of valence states. Many are quasidegenerate. The 16 states investigated here are doublets and quartets with triple bonds, double bonds, ‘resonance’ bonds, bonds intermediate to double and triple bonds, and bonds intermediate to single and double bonds. Energy curves and spectroscopic constants are reported for the lowest lying quartets and two or more lowest doublets of Σ±, Π, and Δ symmetries, and also 12Φ symmetry. Inner and outer minima in the energy curve for 32Π are assigned to H and G, respectively. A more accurate assignment of a4Σ+ is made. Relative to experiment, maximum (average) errors in bond distance, frequency, and the adiabatic excitation energy are 1.6 pm (1 pm), 60 cm−1 (50 cm−1), and 19 kJ/mol (5 kJ/mol), respectively. The error in the ground state dissociation energy is 11 kJ/mol. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2002
Infrared optical absorption in imperfect parabolic quantum wells

The effects of possible imperfections on the infrared optical absorption and on the charge-density profile of wide parabolic quantum wells (WPQW's) are studied. We consider effects that can arise from the finite width of WPQW's, from the existence of a quartic component in the confining potential, and from the existence of a region of flat potential in the center of the well. Within the local-density approximation, we confirm that a perfect WPQW absorbs light only at the bare harmonic-oscillator frequency, and show that the effects of small imperfections of the types considered on the absorption spectrum are twofold: a shift in the location of the main peak and the appearance of new peaks nearby.
Performance implications of strategic fit between alliance attributes and alliance forms

This study extends the research on alliances by adopting the strategic fit paradigm in examining the factors affecting alliance performance. Using contingency theory and the theoretical arguments put forth by social exchange theory, we argue that the proper coalignment of alliance form with alliance attributes would positively influence alliance performance. Our findings generally confirm that an appropriate match between alliance forms and attributes has positive impact on alliance performance, which may not be achieved by having the alliance attributes or alliance form alone.
High-temperature and high-power operation of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers

We summarize recent development of terahertz quantum-cascade lasers (QCLs) based on a resonant-phonon active region design and metal-metal waveguides for mode confinement. Maximum pulsed operating temperature of 169 K is demonstrated for a 2.7 THz design. Lasers processed with the semi-insulating surface-plasmon (SISP) waveguides and the metal-metal (MM) waveguides are experimentally compared. Whereas the SISP waveguides have higher out-coupling efficiencies, the MM waveguides demonstrate improved temperature performance owing to their lower-loss and near unity mode confinement; however, this comes at the cost of poor radiation patterns and low output power. The beam quality and the out-coupling efficiency of the MM waveguides is shown to be significantly improved by abutting a silicon hyperhemispherical lens to the cleaved facets of ridge lasers. Whereas peak pulsed power of 26 mW at 5 K was detected from a 4.1 THz laser without the lens (device Tmax = 165 K), the detected power increased to 145 mW with the lens with only a 5 K degradation in the maximum operating temperature (device Tmax = 160 K).
A quantitating reagent for methanethiolation of protein sulfhydryl groups.

Abstract p-Nitrophenoxycarbonyl methyl disulfide has been synthesized for use as a quantitating agent for methanethiolation of protein sulfhydryl groups. This reagent reacts specifically and quantitatively with cysteine residues of proteins to yield an unsymmetrical disulfide containing a CH3S group and concomitantly releases the chromophore, p-nitrophenol. Titration of the sulfhydryl groups of glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (EC 1.2.1.12) with this reagent has been studied. Incorporation of CH3S as measured by the release of p-nitrophenol paralleled the loss of sulfhydryl group dependent activity of the enzyme. The enzyme was found inactive on modification of four of the eight sulfhydryl groups present in the enzyme. Stability of p-nitrophenoxycarbonyl methyl disulfide has also been studied in different buffer systems. The rate of decomposition of the p-nitrophenyl ester due to hydrolysis was found negligible below a pH of 8.0 compared to its rate of reaction with free sulfhydryl groups.
A chloroplast-associated fatty acid synthetase system in Euglena

Abstract Fatty acid synthetase activity in etiolated Euglena gracilis strain Z is independent of added ACP and associated with a high-molecular-weight complex of the type found in yeast. Cells grown in the dark and then greened by illumination in a resting medium develop a second enzyme system which is dependent on added ACP and generally resembles the corresponding E. coli and plant enzymes. Cycloheximide has no effect on the appearance of the ACP-dependent fatty acid synthetase in greening cells whereas chloramphenicol causes complete inhibition at concentrations which decrease chlorophyll synthesis by 66%. An induction of the ACP-dependent fatty acid synthetase in the absence of chloroplast development occurs on exposure of dark-grown cells to doses of ultraviolet light which selectively affect proplastid nucleoprotein. This enzyme induction by ultraviolet light is inhibited by chloramphenicol. The protein synthesis machinery of the chloroplast appears to be responsible, either directly or indirectly, for the appearance of the ACP-dependent fatty acid synthetase of Euglena.
TEST OF INTERACTION POTENTIALS FOR RARE GAS-HALIDE SYSTEMS

Abstract Ab initio, model and empirical potentials for the interaction of rare gas atoms and halide ions are tested by their ability to reproduce gaseous ion transport data. The ab initio potentials are in poor agreement with the data. The model potentials give good agreement with experiment for some systems, moderate agreement for others, and very poor agreement for Br − in Ar, Kr and Xe. The potentials that were directly determined in 1985 from gaseous ion transport data more closely match those data and newer transport data than do any of the potentials proposed subsequently, with the exception of potentials inferred from zero electron kinetic energy spectroscopy.
The Commonwealth Caribbean: The Integration Experience

The Commonwealth Caribbean comprises twelve small, developing territories that are in the process of forging an integrated community. Bound by a common language and similar customs and colonial heritage, the community still faces many problems that derive partly from its small size, partly from economic fragmentation, and partly from the absence of a coordinated strategy for economic development. This book concentrates on the broad issues of regional integration and takes account of the national issues that impinge directly on the integration movement. Special attention is given to the central challenge of alleviating unemployment and to the potentially powerful mechanisms, such as regional programming and the productive sectors, that are crucial to the success of instruments like the Caribbean Free Trade Association and the Caribbean Common Market. Separate chapters examine in detail the process of harmonizing trade and monetary arrangements; the complex and potentially alarming outlook for population, manpower, and employment; and each of the four sectors on which the region's economy depends - transport, agriculture, tourism and industry. Each chapter evaluates the experience of the last decade, discusses the national and sectoral policy issues of current importance, and assesses the community's medium-term prospects. Where supporting evidence appears to be strong enough, the book suggests policies and programs to strengthen integration mechanisms and institutions.
Relationship between the Physical Nature of Mitochondrial Membranes and Chilling Sensitivity in Plants.

5. ETHERTON, B. AND N. HIGINBOTHAM. 1960. Transmembrane potential measurements of cells of higher plants as related to salt uptake. Science 131: 40910. 6. HODGKIN, A. L. AND -P. HOROWICZ. 1959. The influence of potassium and chloride ions on the membrane potential of simple muscle fibres. J. Physiol. 148: 127-60. 7. KNAUSS, H. J. AND J. W. PORTER. 1954. The absorption of inorganic ions by Chlorella pyrenoidosa. Plant Physiol. 29: 229-34. 8. LATIES, G. G. 1959. The generation of latent-iontransport capacity. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S. 45: 163-72. 9. MACDONALD, I. R. AND G. G. LATIES. 1963. Kinetic studies of anion absorption by potato slices at 00. Plant Physiol. 38: 3844 10. OLSEN, C. 1950. The significance of concentration for the rate of ion absorption by higher plants in water culture. Physiol. Plant. 3: 152-64. 11. WALKER, N. A. 1955. Microelectrode experiments on Nitella. Australian J. Biol. Sci. 8: 476-89.
Perceptions of climate change risks and resilient island planning in the Maldives

This article explores the drivers, benefits, and challenges facing climate change adaptation in the Maldives. It specifically investigates the “Integrating Climate Change Risks into Resilient Island Planning in the Maldives” Program, or ICCR, a four-year $9.3 million adaptation project being funded by the Least Developed Countries Fund, Maldivian Government and the United Nations Development Program, and nationally executed by the Ministry of Housing, Transport and Environment of the Maldivian Government. The article asks: what is the perception of coastal adaptation in the Maldives, and what are the potential contributions from the ICCR project? To answer this question, the article summarizes eight primary sectors vulnerable to climate change in the Maldives: human settlements, critical infrastructure, tourism, fisheries, health systems, water, food security, and coral reef biodiversity. It then describes the genesis and background behind the ICCR, which addresses many of these vulnerabilities by demonstrating coastal protection measures. Benefits to the ICCR include improving physical resilience by deploying “soft” infrastructure, institutional resilience by training policymakers and enhancing good governance, and community resilience by strengthening community assets and awareness. Challenges include ensuring that adaptation efforts are enough to truly respond to climate vulnerability, lack of coordination, and short-term thinking among business and community leaders.
The neural pathways mediating quiet‐biting attack behavior from the hypothalamus in the cat: A functional autoradiographic study

Electrical stimulation of the region of the lateral hypothalamus produced a consistent form of quiet-biting attack behavior in cats. In one series of experiments, cats, implanted with electrodes from which attack had been elicited, were anesthetized and then were injected with a bolus of 14C-2-deoxyglucose at the same time as electrical stimulation was delivered through the attack electrodes. Brains prepared for X-ray autoradiography revealed that lateral hypothalamic stimulation activated the classical medial forebrain bundle pathway supplying the septal region, diagonal band, lateral preoptic area, and ventral tegmental region. Stimulation of quiet-attack sites in perifornical hypothalamus resulted in the activation of a much more extensive projection system which included the central and lateral tegmental fields of the midbrain and pons, and central gray region, as well as the structures described above. In a second series of experiments, 3H-leucine was placed into the region of the electrode tip from which attack was elicited in order to identify more precisely the pathways arising from that site. In general, tritiated amino acid radioautography replicated the 14C-2-deoxyglucose findings. In addition, the amino acid radioautographic data revealed the presence of extensive projections from perifornical hypothalamus to such pontine structures as the nucleus locus coeruleus, motor nucleus of NV, and the lateral pontine tegmental field. The functional connections between the lateral hypothalamic “attack region” and lateral preoptic zone were also confirmed by electrophysiological methods.
Structural integrity of composite laminates with embedded micro-sensors

The study of the mechanical interaction among the host, interface, and a device embedded within a laminated composite is important. Embedding micro-sensors in composite laminates produces material discontinuity around the inclusions. This in turn produces stress concentrations at or near the inclusions. Both 2D plane strain and 3D FEM models are developed to analyze the stress/strain state surrounding the embedded micro-sensors within a unidirectional composite laminate. The objective of the present numerical effort is to take into account the observed resin-rich areas caused by embedment, and to determine their effects on the local stress field around the embedment and the corresponding potential failure modes.
Group differentiation of the tissues of the human hypophysis

An absorption method was used to investigate the A. B. M and N antigens in the tissues of human hypophysis. The data obtained demonstrate the group differentiation of these tissues with respect to the above-mentioned antigens.
The effect of quinidine on calcium accumulation by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum of skeletal and cardiac muscle.

Quinidine potentiates twitch tension and (at higher concentrations) causes contracture of skeletal muscle whereas the same drug reduces tension development of cardiac muscle. To gain insight into the possible differences in the excitation-contraction coupling mechanism of the two types of muscle the effect of quinidine on calcium accumulation by isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum from skeletal and cardiac muscle was investigated. In a medium containing ATP, Mg++, oxalate, and 45Ca, pharmacologically active concentrations of the drug inhibited calcium accumulation by both skeletal and cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. The inhibition of the rates of calcium, uptake by the skeletal muscle preparation ranged from 11% with 10-4M quinidine to 90% with 10-3 M quinidine. With the cardiac muscle preparation the inhibition ranged from 16% with 3 x 10-6 M quinidine to 100% with 10-3 M quinidine. With both preparations the inhibition of calcium transport was accompanied by an inhibition of the Ca++-activated ATPase activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum. The effect of quinidine on the skeletal sarcoplasmic reticulum supports the hypothesis that this compound produces twitch potentiation and contracture by interfering with intracellular calcium, sequestration. Its effect on cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum. has been interpreted in terms of the hypothesis that cardiac contractility is a function of the amount of calcium released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum which is in turn dependent upon the absolute calcium content of the reticulum. Hence, following inhibition of calcium transport there would be less calcium available for coupling.
Effect of T cell subset dose on outcome of T cell-depleted bone marrow transplantation

T cell depletion using the murine monoclonal antibody (moAb) T10B9 is unique in that the T cell receptor (TCR)gamma delta bearing subset is relatively spared compared to the TCR alpha beta + subset. We evaluated the probabilities of engraftment, acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), relapse, and survival in 273 recipients of marrow T cell depleted using T10B9. Sixty-two patients received marrow from an HLA-identical sibling, 54 patients received partially matched related donor marrow and 157 patients received unrelated donor marrow. Limiting dilution analysis (LDA) was used to estimate total clonable T cell dose in all patients and a modified LDA using moAb-coated immunomagnetic beads was used to estimate TCR alpha beta +, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells in a subset of patients. TCR gamma delta + cell dose was estimated by flow cytometry. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to assess the impact of T cell subset dose/kg of body weight on outcome. We found a significant association of TCR gamma delta + T cell dose (P = 0.004), but not TCR alpha beta + T cell dose or total clonable T cell dose, with the probability of engraftment. TCR alpha beta +, CD4+, CD8+ and total clonable T cell dose were significantly associated (P < 0.001) with the risks of grade 2-4 acute GVHD in recipients of marrow from related donors but not in recipients of marrow from unrelated donors. Neither total clonable T cell dose nor any T cell subset dose was found to be significantly associated with chronic GVHD, relapse or survival. The results confirm preclinical studies showing TCR gamma delta + T cells promote engraftment. TCR gamma delta + T cells are not associated with an increased risk of acute GVHD while TCR alpha beta T cells are associated with acute GVHD but not engraftment in recipients of marrow grafts T cell depleted using T10B9. These findings support the hypothesis that T cell subsets differentially contribute to alloengraftment and GVHD.
Interdiffusion and Phase Relations in Ti-Aluminide/NB/Ti-Aluminide Composite Structures

We have studied interdiffusion and phase relations in two titanium aluminide/Nb/titanium aluminide composite structures at 1100 °C using solid state diffusion approach. The composite structures were prepared with two practical intermetallic alloys, γ (Ti-48Al-2Nb-0.3Ta, in at.%) alloy and super-α2 (Ti-25Al-10Nb-3V-1Mo, in at.%) alloy, and pure Nb sheet by diffusion bonding technique. The interfacial microstructures evolved during thermal diffusion annealing were characterized using optical microscopy, SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction. The effect of Nb on the phase stabilities of two intermetallic alloys and the phase relations among different phases formed in the diffusion zone due to interdiffusion were analyzed in terms of rules of diffusion paths on the basis of the observed diffusion structures and experimental diffusion paths.
Tabs and Tabulations: Results of a Transaction Log Analysis of a Tabbed-Search Interface

The following study analyzes user search behavior using a tabbed-search interface. For this study, a transaction log was used to collect information about user searches and included tab used; search terms; date, time, and location of search (on campus or off campus); as well as a unique ID to identify the user session and another ID to identify each transaction. This article explains the process for examining 4,300 search queries conducted on the library homepage during an academic semester and presents findings from the analysis. The article also details enhancements that were made to the tabbed-search interface as a result of the transaction log analysis. Additionally, the article discusses the merits of using a transaction log as a method of ongoing assessment of a library Web site's search interface.