cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Growth behavior of co-electrodeposited CZTS precursor thin films from acidic baths containing tartaric acid

Abstract We synthesized Cu 2 ZnSnS 4 precursor thin films on Molybdenum-coated soda lime glass substrates using a single-step co-electrodeposition process. The as-deposited films, however, were severely Zn-poor, Sn-rich and S-poor, possessing rough, powdery surface morphologies. In this study, the effects of deposition potential, deposition time, and bath composition on the stoichiometries and morphologies of the as-deposited films are systematically investigated, with the aims to understand the growth behavior and to improve the film properties. The poor morphologies of the initial films are attributed to diffusion-limited growth modes and hydrogen co-evolution. Removal of the tartaric acid from the bath increases the bath pH, decreases the hydrogen evolution reaction, and significantly improves the film compositions and morphologies. Possible mechanisms to describe the observed deposition behavior, morphology trends, and composition trends are discussed.
The Effect of U.S. Economic Policies on the Rate of Business Failure

Using 92 quarters of data, the authors attempt to determine if federal government economic policies are the cause of unexplained variations in the rate of business failure. The three policy variables, money supply, volume of bank loans, and interest rates are investigated with a Cochran-Orcutt regression model utilizing lagged explanatory variables. The authors conclude that variations in the money supply and the volume of bank loans have an inverse, lagged effect on the rate of business failure. A statistically significant relationship was not established for interest rates.
Sealing Effects on the Storage Stability of the Cyanide Antidotal Candidate, Dimethyl Trisulfide

Background Dimethyl trisulfide (DMTS) is a highly lipid-soluble cyanide (CN) antidote candidate molecule. In prior studies with various US FDA-approved co-solvents, surfactants, and their combinations, aqueous solutions containing 15% polysorbate 80 (Poly80) were found to effectively solubilize DMTS in formulations for intramuscular administration. However, DMTS formulated in 15% aqueous Poly80 solutions showed gradual losses over time when stored in vials with septum-based seals.
From Starting Stories to Staying Stories to Leaving Stories: The Experiences of an Urban English as a Second Language Teacher.

This narrative inquiry examines why a well-respected English as a Second Language teacher quit teaching in an urban middle school in advance of her retirement. The work provides interpretive accoun...
Peering beneath the surface: juxtacortical tumors of bone (part II)

Juxtacortical or surface tumors of bone are neoplasms arising from or just outside the cortex, and are composed of different histologic types. Although the imaging appearances of these lesions have similarities to their intramedullary counterparts, their location alters their radiographic and MR characteristics, creating difficulties in diagnosis. Meanwhile, several non-neoplastic lesions, such as stress reaction/stress fracture and indolent infectious processes, compound the differential diagnosis. Neoplastic juxtacortical lesions of bone have been classified into five categories: cartilaginous, fibrous, lipomatous, osseous, and metastatic tumors. Our goal in part two of this review is to illustrate the characteristic radiographic, CT and MR imaging features of various juxtacortical neoplasms, including pathognomonic imaging findings that can aid in diagnosis, and to develop an appropriate differential diagnosis for surface lesions based on imaging characteristics, lesion location and patient age.
Estrous cycle-dependent modulation of in vivo microvascular dysfunction after nanomaterial inhalation

Preconceptive health encompasses male and female reproductive capability. In females, this takes into account each of the stages of the estrous cycle. Microvascular reactivity varies throughout the estrous cycle in response to hormonal changes and in preparation for pregnancy. Microvascular alterations in response to engineered nanomaterial (ENM) exposure have been described within 24-h of inhalation; however, the impact upon the uterine vasculature at differing estrous stages and at late-stage pregnancy is unclear. Female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (virgin and late stage pregnancy [GD 19]) were exposed to nano-TiO aerosols (173.2 ± 6.4 nm, 10.2 ± 0.46 mg/m3, 5 h) 24-h prior to experimentation leading to a single calculated deposition of 42.2 ± 1.9 μg nano- TiO2 (exposed) or 0 μg (control). Animals were anesthetized, estrous status verified, and prepared for in situ assessment of leukocyte trafficking and vascular function by means of intravital microscopy, Uterine basal arteriolar reactivity was stimulated using iontophoretically applied chemicals: acetylcholine (ACh, 0.025 M; 20, 40, 100, 200 nA), sodium nitroprusside (SNP, 0.05 M; 20, 40, 100 nA), phenylephrine (PE, 0.05 M; 20, 40, 100 nA). Finally, adenosine (ADO, 10-4 M) was superfused over the tissue to identify maximum diameter. In situ vessel reactivity after exposure was significantly blunted based on estrous stage, but not at late-stage pregnancy. Local uterine venular leukocyte trafficking and systemic inflammatory markers were also significantly affected during preparatory (proestrus), fertile (estrus), and infertile (diestrus) periods after ENM inhalation. Overall, these deficits in reactivity and increased inflammatory activity may impair female fertility after ENM exposure.
Setting the stage and keeping sane: Implementing archivesspace at the University of Minnesota

ABSTRACTAs the University of Minnesota's Archives and Special Collections began the daunting task of migrating into ArchivesSpace over 5,000 finding aids from fifteen different units, a clearly defined workflow provided clarity and success. This article outlines how staff developed an implementation timeline and workflow, harnessed support from partners in IT, provided training, and what the benchmarks to success were. By sharing this well-documented and thought-out implementation workflow, it can provide guidance as others try to navigate the many moving parts of implementing new collection management technology.
Topology Optimization of the Interior Structure of Blades With an Outer Surface Determined Through Aerodynamic Design

This work performs a topology optimization of the interior structure of engine blades in compressors with any given geometry of the desired outer-surface shape that may be determined by CFD and aer...
Insulin Granule Biogenesis, Trafficking and Exocytosis

It is becoming increasingly apparent that beta cell dysfunction resulting in abnormal insulin secretion is the essential element in the progression of patients from a state of impaired glucose tolerance to frank type 2 diabetes (Del Prato, 2003; Del Prato and Tiengo, 2001). Although extensive studies have examined the molecular, cellular and physiologic mechanisms of insulin granule biogenesis, sorting, and exocytosis the precise mechanisms controlling these processes and their dysregulation in the developed of diabetes remains an area of important investigation. We now know that insulin biogenesis initiates with the synthesis of preproinsulin in rough endoplastic reticulum and conversion of preproinsulin to proinsulin. Proinsulin begins to be packaged in the Trans-Golgi Network and is sorting into immature secretory granules. These immature granules become acidic via ATP-dependent proton pump and proinsulin undergoes proteolytic cleavage resulting the formation of insulin and C-peptide. During the granule maturation process, insulin is crystallized with zinc and calcium in the form of dense-core granules and unwanted cargo and membrane proteins undergo selective retrograde trafficking to either the constitutive trafficking pathway for secretion or to degradative pathways. The newly formed mature dense-core insulin granules populate two different intracellular pools, the readily releasable pools (RRP) and the reserved pool. These two distinct populations are thought to be responsible for the biphasic nature of insulin release in which the RRP granules are associated with the plasma membrane and undergo an acute calcium-dependent release accounting for first phase insulin secretion. In contrast, second phase insulin secretion requires the trafficking of the reserved granule pool to the plasma membrane. The initial trigger for insulin granule fusion with the plasma membrane is a rise in intracellular calcium and in the case of glucose stimulation results from increased production of ATP, closure of the ATP-sensitive potassium channel and cellular depolarization. In turn, this opens voltage-dependent calcium channels allowing increased influx of extracellular calcium. Calcium is thought to bind to members of the fusion regulatory proteins synaptogamin that functionally repressors the fusion inhibitory protein complexin. Both complexin and synaptogamin interact as well as several other regulatory proteins interact with the core fusion machinery composed of the Q- or t-SNARE proteins syntaxin 1 and SNAP25 in the plasma membrane that assembles with the R- or v-SNARE protein VAMP2 in insulin granules. In this chapter we will review the current progress of insulin granule biogenesis, sorting, trafficking, exocytosis and signaling pathways that comprise the molecular basis of glucose-dependent insulin secretion.
Purine toxicity in human lymphoblasts.

The selective toxicity of adenosine to dividing lymphoid cells is considered a possible basis for a type of severe combined immunodeficiency disease in which there is absence of adenosine deaminase (ADA)1 activity, the enzyme which converts adenosine to inosine. Treatment of lymphoid cells with adenosine has been reported to lower intracellular pyrimidine nucleotide concentrations (1,2) and to transiently increase adenosine 3′,5′-cyclic phosphate (cAMP) concentration (3,4). We have recently shown that depletion of intracellular phosphoribosylpyrophosphate (PP-ribose-P) concentration in cultured human lymphoblasts is responsible for the decrease in concentration of nucleotides dependent on PP-ribose-P for their synthesis (5). It is not known which of these several effects are mediated by adenosine directly or by phosphorylated products of adenosine. We now present evidence that adenosine’s toxicity may not require its phosphorylation and does not depend upon change in cAMP concentration.
Multi-Directional G-Protection in Space Vehicles

Multi-Directional G-Protection in Space Vehicles. It is known that maximum human tolerance to G-loads is obtained if the accelerations are acting at right angles to the long axis of the body.
General method for the high-performance liquid chromatographic prefractionation of essential oils and flavor mixtures for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis : Identification of new constituents in cold pressed lime oil

Abstract A general method for the high-performance liquid chromatographic profiling and separation of essential oils, especially those rich in mono- and sesquiterpenes, has been developed. This method was applied to the semi-preparative fractionation of several types of lime oil. The oils were fractionated on three different silica columns in tandem using a mobile phase of 8% ethyl acetate in hexane-methylene chloride (1:1), with refractive index detection. Fractions were collected, concentrated and analyzed directly by capillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method is simple, reproducible, easily scaled up, and requires no sample work-up. The results clearly demonstrate that normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography is valuable both as a profiling technique and as a prefractionation procedure prior to gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric identification. Twenty-three new constituents were tentatively identified in cold pressed lime oil using this technique. At least 40 yet unidentified new constituents, including many sesquiterpene alcohols, were well resolved by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of the high-performance liquid chromatographic fractions.
Use of hollow cannula technology in ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty

In this article, the author discusses the current technology behind ultrasound-assisted lipoplasty. He reviews the generator, interconnecting cable and handpiece, titanium probes or cannula, introducer sleeve, infusion pump, and evacuation cannulas. Clinical technique, including patient selection and indications, site preparation, hollow-cannula emulsification, evacuation, dressing, and postoperative care is discussed.
Recent Results in Retinal Transplantation Give Hope for Restoring Vision

Transplanting sheets of fetal retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) together with its neuronal retina offers potential as a viable technique to prevent blindness and restore vision. This chapter presents results of the first promising FDA-approved clinical trial with a limited number of patients, bringing cautious optimism to the evaluation of the results. The basic research with several rodent degeneration models shows that transplants restore visually evoked responses in the brain, in an area of the superior colliculus corresponding to the placement of the transplant in the retina. Retinal transplants can preserve vision in an optokinetic acuity test. The mechanism of functional restoration is still unclear, but research results indicate that likely both synaptic connectivity between transplant and host and rescue of host photoreceptors are involved. The conclusion can be drawn that cotransplants of RPE together with retinal sheets have a beneficial functional effect in several animal retinal degeneration models as well as in patients in the recent clinical trial.
Promote or Hire? Comparing make or buy and competing process views in a professional services firm

Whether jobs are filled by promotion or hiring is a decision that has important consequences for both firms and workers, but has been little studied. We use seven years of detailed personnel record...
Viscosity of a highly compressed methylated alkane via equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations

Abstract Recent experiments have established the glass-forming ability of methylated alkanes. While temperature effects on the glass transition have been extensively studied under ambient pressure, the impact of pressure on molecular mobility at ambient temperature has received less attention. In this work, we use a combination of equilibrium and nonequilibrium molecular simulation methods to determine the viscosity of 2,2,4-trimethylhexane at 293 K and for pressures ranging from 0.1 MPa to 1 GPa, shedding light on the interplay between structural, thermodynamic and transport properties, leading to the increase in viscosity by several orders of magnitude at high pressure.
Quantitative Measurements of Model Credibility

Abstract The field of modeling and simulation (MS systems that are yet to be built such as missile defense or nuclear reactors; or systems for which making changes in the real-life/runtime environment to study their impact is very expensive or dangerous, such as the process of patient care in a hospital emergency department (ED) or automotive control. Scientists, engineers, and domain experts utilize a number of different modeling approaches, such as discrete-event, continuous, system dynamics, etc., for developing their simulation models. Regardless of the process that is followed and the tools that are used to develop these models and simulations, they need to be properly verified and validated before their results can be trusted. Model credibility is typically ascertained by validating the model through the exercise of different validation techniques. Traditionally models are assigned a qualitative measure of trustworthiness based on domain experts’ opinions and other verification and validation activities performed on the model. In this chapter we discuss approaches toward computing and deriving quantitative measurements for model credibility. We show the application of such measurements and discuss their implications in the field of M&S.
Infrastructure vs. Community: Co-spaces Confront Digital Nomads' Paradoxical Needs

Co-working and co-living companies are rising globally and the increasing participation within the gig economy has extended the range of users of community-based spaces (co-spaces) and raised a set of different community models in considering how to support them. In this paper, we specifically focus on the needs of digital nomads in co-spaces who struggle to pursue their personal and professional freedom. In so doing, we raise awareness of existing tensions that currently hinder the social engagement of these individuals in co-space settings.
Use of Emergency Departments for Preventative Care Among Adults in the United States: Estimates From the 2017 National Health Interview Survey

Abstract Background Use of the emergency department (ED) for routine or preventative care has been an abiding concern for policy makers and public health practitioners. Objectives We utilized recent data to examine health-related, socioeconomic, and demographic factors associated with use of the ED for routine or preventative care using a national sample of adults. Methods Data from the 2017 National Health Interview Survey, a nationally representative sample of 26,742 adults ≥18 years of age was used for this investigation. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the association between reported use of EDs as a usual source of preventative care and health-related, socioeconomic, and demographic factors. Results In 2017, approximately 2 million adults nationwide reported the ED as their usual source of preventative health care. Individuals experiencing ≥2 health care–related barriers were more likely to use the ED as a source of usual preventative care (odds ratio = 2.78 [95% confidence interval 1.64–4.72]). Individuals without insurance had higher odds (odds ratio = 9.52 [95% confidence interval 5.60–16.19]) of using the ED for care compared with those who were privately insured. In addition, those using the ED for preventative care were more likely to be younger, poorer, less educated, to identify as Asian or African American, and to reside in the Northeast United States. Conclusion This study provides a current perspective into characteristics and factors contributing to use of the ED for preventative care. Overall, our findings suggest that the ED continues to provide crucial safety net services to a small subset of the population experiencing significant barriers to timely medical care.
A 77dB-SFDR Multi-Phase-Sampling 16-Element Digital Beamformer with 64 4GS/s 100MHz-BW Continuous-Time Band-Pass ΔΣ ADCs

This paper tackles the fundamental limitation of distortion in large-scale digital beamforming. SNR improves by 3dB for every doubling of array size; however, distortion is correlated and so is not improved by the array gain. This work introduces the concept of multiple ADCs per element, with each sampling at a different phase, to both reduce distortion of the ADCs and RF frontend. A further advantage is that multi-phase-sampling with continuous-time band-pass delta-sigma modulators (CTBPDSMs) reduces the ADC clock-jitter sensitivity. A prototype 16-element 1GHz-IF digital beamformer employs four multi-phase-sampling sub-ADCs per element. The prototype beamformer IC integrates 64 4GS/s sub-ADCs and digital processing to generate four simultaneous beams. Bit-stream digital beamform processing efficiently handles the aggregate 0.256TS/s from the entire ADC array. The measured beamformer SNDR and SFDR are 56dB and 77dB, respectively. Multiphase sampling improves measured HD3 by 9dB.
States Should Conform to GILTI, Part 3: Elevator Pitch and Q&A

This essay argues that the states should conform to the post-2017 federal tax law's provision for Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (or “GILTI”). This essay is directed at state legislators and their staffs and presents the argument as succinctly as possible. Our argument can be summarized in three sentences. First, states should conform to GILTI because there is significant evidence that profit shifting is substantially eroding their corporate tax bases. Second, GILTI is a tool for identifying shifted profits. Third, there are many legally and analytically sound ways to apportion GILTI income to a state. We also - briefly - counter the standard objections to state conformity with GILTI. For those wanting more policy analysis, please see this essay: Shanske, Darien and Gamage, David, Why States Should Tax the GILTI (March 4, 2019). 91 State Tax Notes 751 (2019). Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=3374987 For those wanting more legal analysis, please see this essay: Shanske, Darien and Gamage, David, Why States Can Tax the GILTI (March 18, 2019). 91 State Tax Notes, March 18, 2019, p.967. Available at SSRN: http://ssrn.com/abstract=3374991
Contractile Properties of Vaginal Tissue

The vagina is an important organ of the female reproductive system that has been largely under- studied in the field of biomechanics. In recent years, some research has been conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties of the vagina, but much has focused on characterizing the passive mechanical prop- erties. Because vaginal contractions play a central role in sexual function, childbirth, and development and treatment of pelvic floor disorders, the active mechanical properties of the vagina must be also quan- tified. This review surveys and summarizes published experimental studies on the active properties of the vagina including the differences in such properties determined by anatomic regions and orientations, neural pathways, life events such as pregnancy and menopause, pelvic floor disorders such as prolapse and surgical mesh treatment. Conflicting experimental findings are presented, illustrating the need for further research on the active properties of the vagina. However, consensus currently exists regarding the negative impact of surgical mesh on vaginal contractility. This review also identifies knowledge gaps and future research opportunities, thus proving a firm foundation for novice and experienced researchers in this emerging area of biomechanics and encouraging more activity on women's sexual and reproductive health research.
Outcomes after Standalone Use of Gore Excluder Iliac Branch Endoprosthesis for Endovascular Repair of Isolated Iliac Artery Aneurysms.

Background The aim of our study was to describe outcomes of stand-alone use (i.e., without concomitant implantation of an aortic stent graft) of the Gore Excluder iliac branch endoprosthesis (IBE) for elective endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms. Methods We evaluated all consecutive patients electively treated for isolated iliac artery aneurysms using standalone Gore Excluder IBE (January 2014–December 2018). Early (i.e., 30-day) endpoints were technical success, mortality, major adverse events (MAEs), and major access-site complications. Late endpoints were survival, freedom from aortic-related mortality (ARM), internal iliac artery (IIA) primary patency, IIA branch instability, graft-related adverse events (GRAEs), secondary interventions, endoleaks (ELs), aneurysm sac behavior, and new-onset buttock claudication (BC). Results A total of 11 consecutive patients (10 men; median age 75 years) were included. The technical success rate was 100%. At 30 days, mortality, MAEs, and major access-site complications were all 0%. Survival and freedom from ARM were 91% and 100%, respectively; only one nonaortic related death was recorded during follow-up. At a median follow-up of 14 months, IIA primary patency, IIA branch instability, and GRAEs were 100%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. No instances of graft migration ≥10 mm were detected. No graft-related secondary interventions were recorded, and 2 patients required a procedure-related secondary intervention 3 months after the index procedure (1 common femoral artery endarterectomy and 1 external iliac artery stenting). Although new-onset type 1 or type 3 ELs were never noted, one patient developed a new-onset type 2 EL. Aneurysm sac regression ≥5 mm was noted in 6 patients (55%), whereas in the remaining ones, the sac size was stable. No instances of new-onset BC were noted. Conclusions Use of standalone Gore Excluder IBE for elective endovascular repair of isolated iliac artery aneurysms is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment option. These results may support use of the technique as an effective means of endovascular reconstruction in patients with suitable anatomy.
Methods for Macromolecular Modeling (M3): Assessment of Progress and Future Perspectives

The workshop on Methods for Macromolecular Modeling (M3), held at New York University on 12–14 October 2000, provided the 187 participants from Europe, Asia, the Americas, and the Middle East1, a forum for reviewing progress in the field, discussing promising developments for the future, and voicing concerns about multidisciplinary efforts. Inspired by these issues, we review progress in several key areas, discuss challenging problems in structural biology, and address scientific and cultural issues of mathematics/biology interface research. Specifically, we mention opportunities in structural genomics and more broadly structural biology (protein folding, protein folding disorders and disease, and energetic/conformational pathways in proteins); we also highlight emerging mathematical methods, unified molecular force fields, biomolecular dynamics simulations, and free energy computations. Finally, we discuss three obstacles to interdisciplinary research: quantitative problem formulations, formulation of benchmarks, and understanding the biological significance of research topics.
Long-Term Results of a Phase 1 Dose-Escalation Trial and Subsequent Institutional Experience of Single-Fraction Stereotactic Ablative Radiation Therapy for Liver Metastases.

Purpose We report long-term outcomes from our phase 1 dose-escalation study to determine the maximum tolerated dose of single-fraction liver SABR pooled with our subsequent single institutional experience with patients treated postprotocol at the highest dose level (40 Gy) established from the phase 1 study. Methods and Materials Patients with liver metastases from solid tumors located outside of the central liver zone were treated with single-fraction SABR on a phase 1 dose escalation trial. At least 700 cc of normal liver had to receive Results Median imaging follow-up for the combined cohort (n = 33, 39 lesions) was 25.9 months; 38.9 months for protocol patients and 20.2 months for postprotocol patients. Median lesion size was 2.0 cm (range, 0.5-5.0 cm). There were no dose-limiting toxicities observed for protocol patients, and only 3 grade 2 toxicities were observed in the entire cohort, with no grade ≥3 toxicities attributable to treatment. Four-year actuarial local control of irradiated lesions in the entire cohort was 96.6%, 100% in the protocol group and 92.9% in the subsequent patients. Two-year overall survival for all treated patients was 82.0%. Conclusions For selected patients with liver metastases, single-fraction SABR at doses of 35 and 40 Gy was safe and well-tolerated, and shows excellent local control with long-term follow-up; results in subsequent patients treated with single-fraction SABR doses of 40 Gy confirmed our earlier results.
Mass severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) testing of asymptomatic healthcare personnel - ERRATUM.

Mass asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid amplified testing of healthcare personnel (HCP) was performed at a large tertiary health system. A low period-prevalence of positive HCP was observed. Of those who tested positive, half had mild symptoms in retrospect. HCP with even mild symptoms should be isolated and tested.
Broadcasting on Trees Near Criticality: Perturbation Theory

Consider a setting where a single bit is broadcast down the d-ary tree, where each edge acts as a binary symmetric channel with a crossover probability δ. The goal is to reconstruct the root bit given the values of all bits at a large distance $h$ from the root. It is known the reconstruction is impossible iff (1 - 2δ)2d ≤ 1. In this paper, we show that in the regime where the latter product converges to 1 from the above, the distribution of the log-likelihood ratio (LLR) of the root bit given the far-away boundary (normalized by the square root of deviation of δ from criticality) converges to an explicit Gaussian distribution. This strengthens a similar result of Jain-Koehler-Liu-Mossel (COLT'2019) and enables us to resolve conjectures stated in Gu-Roozbehani-Polyanskiy (ISIT'2020) for the scaling of the probability of error and mutual information near criticality. Our results also provide a rationale for the ubiquitous $N$ (µ, 2µ) approximation of the LLR distribution in the EXIT-chart heuristics.
NMR Studies of Metabolism of Cells and Perfused Organs

This chapter documents the application of NMR spectroscopic methods to studies of the metabolism of cells and perfused organs. Progress in this area is attested to by the sheer number of publications. This area of research stands alone, as a means of shedding light on the metabolism and pharmacology of cells and organs, but also exists as a basis for the applications of NMR spectroscopic methods to in vivo and clinical situations. Methods of obtaining cellular extracts are included, but the bulk of the chapter is devoted to the methods that have been developed to obtain spectra from intact cells perfused in the NMR tube. Such methods as embedding in gels, use of microcarrier beads, hollow fibers, and spheroids are described and compared. Most of this work involves 31P-NMR, but some 13C-NMR tracer studies are also reported. A section is also devoted to the consideration of proton NMR as a means to monitor metabolism, and the necessity of not only suppressing the water signal, but also of removing all signals of extracellular origin, which has recently been accomplished. Finally some work on perfused organs is described and collated into a table that could prove useful for the reader. The question arises as to the relevance of the results with perfused organs relative to those in vivo. As clinical spectroscopy develops, future work must address this question.
Locational Advantage and the Impact of Scale: Comparing Local and Conventional Fruit and Vegetable Transportation Efficiencies

Some have suggested that in order for local foods to reach broader consumer segments and become price-competitive with foods sold in mainstream market channels, local farmers need to scale up their production and distribution operations to match the efficiencies of the conventional food system. In this study, we take a first step in evaluating how scaling up production and distribution could make locally produced foods more competitive with the conventional food system. We compare the transportation efficiencies of the conventional and local fruit and vegetable transportation networks in Knoxville, Tennessee, and determine the Knoxville-area food system's competitive transportation zones, defined as the region in which local farmers' shorter travel distances to market give them a locational advantage in transportation over their long distance, conventional food supply chain competitors. We analyze the extent to which local farmers' scales of production and distribution affect their transportation efficiencies, and we investigate factors that could improve their competitiveness with conventional distribution networks. We find that farms located within 25 miles (40 km) of the downtown market tended to deliver their produce to market at least as efficiently as conventionally distributed foods from California. More distant farms needed to scale up their production and distribution operations to remain within the competitive transportation zones. Investigating travel distance thresholds could provide policy-makers with useful information in planning land use and infrastructure investment projects for local food systems and in designating sustainable geographic boundaries for foodsheds and local food economies.
A CMOS-compatible plenoptic sensor for smart lighting applications

A CMOS-compatible, visible, plenoptic (angle, polarization and wavelength) detector, based on a grating-coupled waveguide structure, is demonstrated with an angular resolution of < 1° and a corresponding wavelength resolution of < 5 nm.
Efficient Processing of Declarative Rule-Based Languages for Datebases

In recent years, Deductive Databases have progressed from a subject of theoretical interest to an emerging technology area of significant commercial potential. The two main catalysts for progress have been a demand for advanced database applications and a rapid maturation of the enabling technology. Thus, Deductive Databases have now progressed beyond their initial Prolog-oriented beginnings and produced logic-based language, architectures and systems that support a declarative expression of knowledge through rules and their efficient processing on large databases. In this paper, we review the key concepts behind deductive databases, including language constructs, semantics issues, implementation techniques, architectures and prototypes. Then, we discuss key application areas driving the development of this technology, and current research directions in systems and theory.
Polio eradication : A success in sight

India took a giant step closer to eradicating polio through the strategy of National Immunization Days-PPI. In order to validate the reported coverage for 1999-2000, UNICEF had undertaken the CES for PPI on the request from GOI. The paper is a presentation of findings from 15 states, carrying the data as of Aug. 31, 2000. The modified cluster sampling has been used in this study. Data reveals that out of 15, 10 states have more than 95% coverage for at least 3 doses, MP and Gujarat at the top with 99% coverage. Despite this high coverage level, huge number of children is still unreached. Nearly 5 lakh children are left out in UP alone. Ironically, higher proportion of urban clusters have zero dose children. Apart from lack of awareness about date and need of additional doses, lack of positive attitude among parents are major cause of not getting any of the doses. Qualitative research pinpointed some more reasons for non-compliance--apprehension about side effect, knowledge and traditional barriers. According to the service providers and influencers, lack of proper training and monetary compensation are major demotivating factors.
Space Station Biological Research Project

To meet NASA's objective of using the unique aspects of the space environment to expand fundamental knowledge in the biological sciences, the Space Station Biological Research Project at Ames Research Center is developing, or providing oversight, for two major suites of hardware which will be installed on the International Space Station (ISS). The first, the Gravitational Biology Facility, consists of Habitats to support plants, rodents, cells, aquatic specimens, avian and reptilian eggs, and insects and the Habitat Holding Rack in which to house them at microgravity; the second, the Centrifuge Facility, consists of a 2.5 m diameter centrifuge that will provide acceleration levels between 0.01 g and 2.0 g and a Life Sciences Glovebox. These two facilities will support the conduct of experiments to: 1) investigate the effect of microgravity on living systems; 2) what level of gravity is required to maintain normal form and function, and 3) study the use of artificial gravity as a countermeasure to the deleterious effects of microgravity observed in the crew. Upon completion, the ISS will have three complementary laboratory modules provided by NASA, the European Space Agency and the Japanese space agency, NASDA. Use of all facilities in each of the modules will be available to investigators from participating space agencies. With the advent of the ISS, space-based gravitational biology research will transition from 10-16 day short-duration Space Shuttle flights to 90-day-or-longer ISS increments.
Proof of Theorem 4 [Part (ii)]

The purpose of this chapter is to prove part (ii) of Theorem 4, which we restate for convenience: Theorem 4 [Part (ii)]. For each nonlexical sequence α = α0, α1,…,αk) e Ρ, the set C(α) is empty. Remarks. (a) For Lζ Rζ -sequences beginning with R ζ l (l ≥ 2) on the right, the proof of the theorem has already been given in the proof of Theorem 5 [see Eqs. (7.6)]. (b) The proof of this theorem draws on Theorems 4 [part (i)], Corollary 2 (see the Remarks at the end of Chapter 7), the results of the previous chapter summarized in Lemma 17, the notion of a maximal lexical sequence given in Definition 9 (Chapter 7), and properties of lexical and nonlexical sequences developed in Appendices B and D. Accordingly, its proof must be regarded as quite difficult. The proof is given in Lemmas 18–19 below, which assert important properties of the X-functions of nonlexical sequences.
Pioneers of Carbon‐rich Compounds

This chapter provides a historical perspective on the discovery of and classical approaches to carbon-rich molecules prior to 1970. Carbon-rich is defined here as a ratio of at least one C atom per H atom. Due to the tremendous amount of research in this field, this chapter focuses on the pioneering synthetic efforts and key successes thereafter and will not attempt to serve as an inclusive document on the subject. Several excellent references have been compiled which can provide further information [1]. Additionally, the overwhelming plethora of substituted variants, while important in relation to derivatization and molecular diversity, will not be addressed unless unique in application or properties. Examples include the numerous alkyl-substituted or partially reduced derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons described in detail by Clar [1a]. Finally, fused benzenoid structures are described with classical numerical nomenclature instead of the alphabetical IUPAC methodology used by Harvey [1c].
Effect of ascorbic acid nutriture on protein-bound hydroxyproline in guinea pig plasma.

This paper provides indirect evidence that ascorbate nutriture affects plasma concentrations of complement component C1q in the guinea pig. C1q is a protein with a hydroxyproline-rich region similar in structure to collagen. It is essential for complement-mediated lysis of pathogens and may also facilitate phagocytic activity of macrophages and neutrophils. Since C1q is the only hydroxyproline-containing protein in the euglobulin fraction of plasma, it can be quantified indirectly by precipitating this fraction, hydrolyzing it and estimating hydroxyproline colorimetrically. We investigated the effect of ascorbate nutriture on protein-bound hydroxyproline (PBH) in the euglobulin fraction of plasma of young male guinea pigs. The animals had been depleted of ascorbate for 3 wk to produce scurvy and then repleted (6 wk) as follows: 0.5, 2.0 and 10.0 mg ascorbate/100 g body weight per d or 10 g ascorbate per liter of drinking water. PBH values were significantly correlated (P less than 0.001) with dietary ascorbate (+ 0.74) and with liver ascorbate (+ 0.75). Plasma PBH was significantly higher (P less than 0.01, Scheffe's test) in guinea pigs fed ample ascorbate (10.0 mg/100 g body weight per day) or tissue-saturating levels (10 g/L of drinking water) than in those fed adequate (2.0 mg/100 g body weight) or suboptimal (0.5 mg/100 g body weight) levels. These data are consistent with the known biochemical role of ascorbic acid in hydroxyproline biosynthesis and suggest a possible link between ascorbate and the immune response via C1q.
On the Distribution of two Alternative Structural t Statistics

Abstract Two alternative structural t statistics for simultaneous equation models are derived. The statistics could be used to test hypotheses or construct confidence intervals for coefficients in econometric models. It is demonstrated that the exact distribution functions converge to Student's t-distribution function as the concentration parameter increases. Computations of the variance of the t-statistics indicate the degree of approximation afforded by the limiting distribution functions.
Aikido and software engineering

Aikido is a martial art whose core philosophy is about conflict resolution and taking care of our opponents and ourselves. My experience, and the experience of fellow aikidoists who work in software development, is that the practice and philosophy of aikido enhance our ability to be effective in the workplace. This paper discusses why this may be.
Matrix calculus and the sensitivity analysis of linear dynamic systems

The formulas for the derivatives of state transition matrices [3], [8] are extended in this note. The great usefulness of the matrix calculus [10], [12] is then demonstrated with alternative derivations of results in the theory of sensitivity analysis [8], [14] which are shorter and simpler than the original developments. It is anticipated that the formulas derived herein will be applied to parameter identification and feedback design methodologies.
Emerging roles for ribonucleoprotein modification and remodeling in controlling RNA fate

In the cell, mRNAs and non-coding RNAs exist in association with proteins to form ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Regulation of RNP stability and function is achieved by alterations to the RNP through poorly understood mechanisms into which recent studies have now begun to provide insight. This emerging body of work points to chemical modification of RNPs at the RNA or protein level and ATP-dependent RNP remodeling by RNA helicases/RNA-dependent ATPases as central events that dictate RNA fate. Some RNP modifications serve as tags for recruitment of regulatory proteins, with RNP modifiers and recruited proteins analogous to the writers and readers of chromatin modification, respectively. This review highlights examples in which RNP modification and ATP-dependent remodeling play key roles in the control of eukaryotic RNA fate, suggesting that we are only at the beginning of uncovering the multitude of ways in which RNP modification and remodeling impact RNA regulation.
Distribution Coefficients and Diffusivities in Three Polymers for Nineteen Aqueous Nonvolatile Solutes

Experimental results at 25°C are reported for infinite-dilution distribution coefficients for 19 nonvolatile solutes between aqueous solution and three kinds of polymer films, and for their diffusion coefficients in the polymer matrix. The experiments were performed by coupling UV spectroscopy and gravimetric measurements with mass balances. The solutes are aromatic nonvolatile compounds that are of interest in environmental technology and may serve as model compounds for drug-delivery systems. The polymers are ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers with 33 (EVAc33) and 45 (EVAc45) weight percentage vinyl acetate, and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) widely used in drug-delivery devices. For PVAc, a long time is required to reach equilibrium. Because the required time is too long for reasonable experimental studies, equilibrium distribution coefficients were calculated from finite-time data by using a diffusion model. The contribution of surface adsorption is shown to be negligible. Infinite-dilution distribution coefficients Ks, defined as the volume fraction of solute in the polymer divided by that in water, tend to increase with vinyl acetate content; they range from near unity to several hundred. Diffusion coefficients, determined from time-dependent sorption data, are significantly larger in EVAc copolymers (10−10 to 10−8 cm2/s) than in PVAc (10−12 cm2/s). These data may be useful for design of membrane processes, for controlled delivery of drugs, and for application in packaging and storage of food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2041–2052, 2002
Prolonged, Severe Intrathecal Baclofen Withdrawal Syndrome: A Case Report

Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) withdrawal is a well-recognized complication when drug delivery is disrupted for any reason. ITB withdrawal varies widely in its severity and poses the very real possibility of death if not promptly managed. Cases of withdrawal lasting greater than 1 or 2 weeks, however, are sparse. We report the case of an 11-year-old girl with spastic quadriplegic cerebral palsy who developed an infected pump and subsequent meningitis, prompting the removal of her pump and catheter. She subsequently developed a severe, prolonged baclofen withdrawal syndrome marked by increased spasticity, agitation, hypertension, and tachycardia that lasted nearly 2 months, requiring intensive care and continuous intravenous sedation with benzodiazepines and opiates. Her pump was eventually replaced on hospital day 56 and within 24 hours her symptoms dramatically improved. She was eventually weaned off sedating medications and returned to baseline functional status. Typical management of baclofen withdrawal is reviewed. To date, the literature has not discussed the potential role for opiates in managing baclofen withdrawal, yet a growing body of literature is examining the interplay between opiates and gamma-aminobutyric acid B pathways. A potential role for opiates in managing severe baclofen withdrawal is proposed.
A Child-Centered Refugee Resettlement Program in the United States

ABSTRACT Refugee children are exposed to numerous risk factors resulting from war, genocide and resettlement, and are facing multiple difficulties to cope with the resettlement process. These challenges set refugee children apart from the mainstream community and can stifle their overall adjustment and development. Unfortunately, policy makers have paid little attention to the caring for refugee children during their initial resettlement. This paper examines systematic barriers to refugee children's successful resettlement in the U.S., and presents a child-centered framework as an option to better address the needs of refugee children, and offers recommendations for policy changes and effective social work practice.
In search of psychology: A response to Bunge

In his provocative essay, Mario Bunge asks, “What kind of discipline is psychology?” In particular, Bunge decomposes the inquiry into three smaller questions: (1) Is psychology autonomous from or dependent upon other disciplines? (2) Is psychology a humanistic or scientific discipline? (3) Is psychology a biological or sociological science! Bunge’s answers to these three questions are summarized in Table 1. The first question concerns the relation of psychology to other disciplines. In answering the first question, Bunge concludes that “there is no merit in the autonomy thesis” because “isolation of a discipline from the total system of the sciences is a ieliable indicator of its nonscientific character.” Without citing convincing scientific evidence, Bunge concludes that psychology is a “distinct and very special discipline but not one detached from other sciences.” Without providing evidence concerning the degree of consensus among psychologists, Bunge defines psychology’s subject matter (namely, the study of behavior, affect, and cognition) and methods (namely, observation, and experimentation). Finally, Bunge observes that psychology “is theoretical as well as experimental, and it rejects no genuine psychological phenomenon.” Thus, psychology should be placed within a grouping of academic disciplines rather than as an isolated discipline. The second question narrows the focus by asking whether psychology belongs with the arts and humanities or with the sciences. In answering the second question, Bunge asserts that “the dominant view is that basic psychology is a