cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectrally resolved infrared sea surface pyrometric measurements

Sea surface temperature measurements are reported using a high resolution spectroradiometer covering the longwave and midwave infrared regions viewing upwelling and down welling radiance. Measurements were collected on two different piers, one over the Atlantic Ocean (Duck, North Carolina) and the other over the Chesapeake Bay (Solomons, Maryland). The ocean salinity was 35‰ and the bay salinity was 15‰. Multiple viewing angles were examined. A method for removing reflected sky light at different angles is described. Also, a seawater emissivity model is described and applied in the data analysis. The goal is to find an optimal infrared filter pass band and viewing angle for accurate ocean surface pyrometry.
Listening to equity-seeking perspectives: how students’ experiences of pedagogical partnership can inform wider discussions of student success

Discussions in higher education have proliferated in recent years regarding not only how to recruit a greater diversity of students but also how to support their success. The voices of students the...
Physics of Sintering

The rich literature on physical sintering seems to be short of an interdisciplinary approach substantiated both mathematically and experimentally. The present Chapter represents an attempt to create such an approach to physical sintering based on logical analysis of fundamental laws. As to the methods, the Chapter is of primary interest for those who are interested in mathematical modeling of complicated phenomena realized through an interplay of several different physical mechanisms. Constructing self-similar solutions may also be instructive (Sections 4.3–4.5). The physical sintering is, in particular, important in its relation to the intriguing problem of crack reversibility and healing.
Humidification, Nebulization, and Bronchodilator Agents

These defense mechanisms include: (a) ciliary escalator system—the mucus carpet carrying microorganisms and small foreign particles at a normal rate of about 1 cm/min from bronchioles and bronchi to the larynx entrance, (b) coughing, and (c) phagocytosis—macrophages in alveoli clearing via interstitial spaces (lymphatics) and upward via the ciliary escalator system. Maintaining the soft mucus carpet of the ciliary escalator system requires systemic hydration and tracheal gas with 100% relative humidity (RH) at body temperature. Normally, the nasal mucosa warms even cold dry gas to 37°C and fully humidifies it (100% RH; 44 g H2O/m3). The oropharynx is less efficient in this regard. Bypassing the nose with a tracheal tube and inhaling dry gas brings movement of the carpet to a halt. Thus when the nasal air passages are bypassed, inhaled gas should be supplied with at least 100% RH at 37°C.
CNS Stimulants: Cocaine

Cocaine (benzoylmethylecgonine) is a CNS stimulant whose effects greatly resemble those of amphetamines. It is a naturally occurring alkaloid extracted from the leaves of the Erythroxylon coca plant and has been used for its stimulant effects for hundreds of years. The coca plant was originally found mainly along the Andes in Bolivia and Peru. Andes Indians chewed coca leaves, and during the rule of the Incas (11th to 15th century), myths of the time suggested cocaine was of divine origin.1–2
Antibiotics and respiratory infections: do antibiotic prescriptions improve outcomes?

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Antibiotics are frequently prescribed for respiratory infections though most of these infections are viral. To determine whether this practice contributes to patient health and patient satisfaction, we studied the effect of antibiotic prescriptions on outcomes at 7 to 10 days. We also studied the effect of antibiotic prescriptions upon the accuracy of patients' beliefs about viruses. METHODS One hundred thirteen patients with a respiratory infection completed questionnaires before and after their visit with their primary care doctor. A phone interview was completed 7 to 10 days later. Questions elicited their expectations for antibiotics, their beliefs about the efficacy of antibiotics, and satisfaction with the doctor. The phone interview asked whether they felt better, whether they had returned to the doctor about the same illness, satisfaction, and whether they would expect antibiotics for the same disease in the future. The doctors provided information about their diagnosis and treatment. RESULTS No correlation was found between prescription of antibiotics and patient satisfaction, feeling better, return physician visits, or phone calls. Receiving antibiotics increased the likelihood the patients would expect antibiotics the next time they had an upper respiratory infection and made them more likely to have an inaccurate belief, that antibiotics kill viruses. CONCLUSIONS The study found no evidence that antibiotics improve patient outcome in upper respiratory infections by making patients feel better at 7 to 10 days. Nor did it find evidence that antibiotics help physicians by reducing return visits or increasing patient satisfaction. Doctors are invited to reconsider their policies for prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory infection.
Theoretical and experimental explorations in atomic force microscopy

Nanotechnology is the capability to build by controlling the arrangement of individual atoms and molecules. Such a technology would be founded on the ability to control, manipulate and investigate matter at the atomic scale. The invention of atomic force microscope (AFM) and the advances in microcantilever based scanning probe technology have significantly enhanced the experimental capability to probe and modify matter at the nanoscale. However, it is still severely limited in achieving the necessary bandwidth, sensitivity and resolution. To further the advances in this field an in-depth understanding of the nature and effects of the tip-sample interactions is imperative. A complementary approach involving theoretical investigations and experimental advances is best suited to overcome the current limitations of this technology. This thesis investigates the atomistic phenomena associated with material modification at the tipsample contact theoretically because such information is inaccessible to experimental observation. Molecular dynamics studies of nanoindentation of crystalline silicon and gold, representative of semi­ conductor and metallic substrates, shed light on the mechanics of plastic deformation and defect forma­ tion. Silicon undergoes a densification transformation to amorphous phase in the deformed region via the formation of interstitials. In gold a pyramidal defect structure is formed via a three step mechanism consisting of nucleation, glide and reaction of dislocations. This mechanism dictates the dependence of defect structure on the crystallography of the indented surface as observed in experimental studies performed by other researchers. The experimental studies develop a new small amplitude non-contact AFM technique. In this frequency modulation method, changes in the cantilever's resonance induced by the tip-sample inter­ actions are detected from its thermal noise response. By eliminating the need for positive feedback it enables maintaining an extremely small tip-sample separation for extended periods of time at room temperatures. Consequently, this technique is particularly suited for studying highly localized slowly evolving atomic or molecular scale phenomena at ambient temperatures. The experiments performed in ambient room conditions have achieved tip-sample separations less than 2 nm for time periods in excess of 30 min. At such small separations a narrowband signal at 250 Hz is imaged with a force sensitivity of 14 fN in a bandwidth of 0.4 Hz.
UNCOMMON COURAGE—RODERICK JACKSON AS SINE QUA NON FOR THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR RETALIATION UNDER TITLE IX

In 1999, Roderick Jackson was hired by the Birmingham City Schools to teach drivers’ education and coach the girls’ basketball team at Ensley High School. Soon after arriving and preparing for his first season, Coach Jackson began to notice things that did not sit right with him; things that had nothing to do with the team but rather, with how the team was treated. The girls’ team did not receive the same funding, and they did not have the same access to facilities and equipment as the boys. Upset by the discriminatory treatment of his team, Jackson expressed his concerns to his superiors, who told him to “Just play ball!” Being true to his mother’s admonition that he should always stand up for what he believed, Jackson continued to press his complaints up the chain of command. Subsequently, he was fired from his coaching position in 2001, but unwilling to accept either the unfair treatment of his players or the backlash he received for complaining about it, Jackson sued the Birmingham Board of Education under Title IX, the federal statute that prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex. Both the trial and appeals courts ruled against Jackson, saying that Title IX did not provide a private right to sue for retaliation for complaints of sex discrimination. On March 29, 2005, however, the Supreme Court, in a 5-4 decision, ruled in his favor, saying that “Teachers and coaches such as Jackson are often in the best position to vindicate the rights of their students because they are better able to identify the discrimination and bring it to the attention of administrators.” The case, Jackson v. Birmingham Board of Education, stands for the proposition that an * Associate Professor of Sport Management and Director of the Center for International Sport Business at Western New England University. The author, in collaboration with Roderick Jackson, is writing a book on Jackson’s fight to end gender-based discrimination against the girls’ basketball team at Birmingham’s Ensley High School. The book is tentatively titled, “Standing Up: The Coach Roderick Jackson Story.”
Individual Level Results: Mexican Americans

This chapter presents the findings associated with the individual level outcomes for Mexican Americans. The next chapter will present similar results for Mexican immigrants. Several models have been developed; as noted, this chapter deals specifically with those estimated for the Mexican American population in the Southwest United States. Hypotheses are presented in reference to this population along with a discussion of the populations selected for comparison, namely, Blacks, Whites, and Asians. Summary statistics are presented for each population as are the details associated with variable construction, and operationalization, for the models.
Validation of agronomic UAV and field measurements for tomato varieties

Abstract Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) have been recognized as excellent tools to provide real time feedback of temporal and spatial conditions found in agricultural fields throughout the growing season. UAVs have also allowed accelerating breeding programs by screening varieties or by selecting agronomic traits that confer resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses and selecting the best management practices that optimize the management of soil and water resources. The main objectives of this study were to assess the potential use of UAVs to determine crop height, canopy cover, and NDVI during the tomato growing season for three tomato varieties; to validate tomato height obtained with a UAV; and evaluate the correlation between leaf area index and canopy cover determined with the UAV. The UAV was flown over a tomato trial planted with 90 plots that contained eight different tomato varieties; 3 roma and 5 round replicated three times per row and planted in three rows. The plots of the tomato varieties TAM-HOT, Shourouq, and Mykonos were selected for validation with the UAV. Commitment field measurements of plant height, leaf area index, and NDVI were collected weekly (from April 27 to June 22, 2017). All the tomato varieties were healthy without diseases and the NDVI values estimated with the UAV peaked between 90 and 110 days after transplanting (DAP). A coefficient of determination of 0.72 was observed between canopy cover estimated with the UAV and leaf area index measured with the ceptometer. The coefficient of correlation between the estimated and measured crop heights were 0.9845, 0.9766 and 0.9949 for the TAM-HOT, Shourouq and Mykonos, respectively. In addition, the calculated paired t test statistic showed no significant difference (P ≥ 0.05) between the estimated, the UAV and manually measured crop heights. In the future, UAV crop growth and NDVI monitoring could be improved through temporally dense data acquisition, increasing the number of ground samples and their geometric coincidence with the grids in UAV images, removal of weather effects, and other systematic errors caused from image quality and grid size.
The Future of Neuroimplantable Devices: A Materials Science and Regulatory Perspective

The past two decades have seen unprecedented progress in the development of novel materials, form factors, and functionalities in neuroimplantable technologies, including electrocorticography (ECoG) systems, multielectrode arrays (MEAs), Stentrode, and deep brain probes. The key considerations for the development of such devices intended for acute implantation and chronic use, from the perspective of biocompatible hybrid materials incorporation, conformable device design, implantation procedures, and mechanical and biological risk factors, are highlighted. These topics are connected with the role that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) plays in its regulation of neuroimplantable technologies based on the above parameters. Existing neuroimplantable devices and efforts to improve their materials and implantation protocols are first discussed in detail. The effects of device implantation with regards to biocompatibility and brain heterogeneity are then explored. Topics examined include brain-specific risk factors, such as bacterial infection, tissue scarring, inflammation, and vasculature damage, as well as efforts to manage these dangers through emerging hybrid, bioelectronic device architectures. The current challenges of gaining clinical approval by the FDA-in particular, with regards to biological, mechanical, and materials risk factors-are summarized. The available regulatory pathways to accelerate next-generation neuroimplantable devices to market are then discussed.
Strategic, Organizational, and Managerial Impacts of Business Technologies

Introduction The History and Future Roles of Technology in Business Utilizing Technologies with Teamwork Managing the Change of Technology Technology's Influence on Relationships: Internal and External Entrepreneurs and Technology The Influence of Technology on Marketing Managing Employees: New Challenges and Opportunities through Technology Technological Synergy: The Organizational Integration of Information Systems Resource Expenditure Strategies: Anticipating Future Directions New Technologies: New Problems and Solutions Conclusions: Opportunities and Risks of Technologies References Author Index Subject Index
A Preliminary Macro and Micro Theory of Employee Accountability

The external control of public organizations and their members for holding accountable, is an enduring theme in public administration. This article shifts attention from a traditional focus on acco...
Supercrystallography-Based Decoding of Structure and Driving Force of Nanocrystal Assembly.

Nanocrystal (NC) assembly appears as one promising method towards the controllable design and fabrication of advanced materials with desired property and functionality. The achievement of a “materials-by-design” requires not only a primary structural decoding of NC assembled supercrystal at a wide range of length scales, but also an improved understanding of the interactions and changeable roles of various driving forces over the course of nucleation and growth of NC superlattice. The recent invention of a synchrotron-based X-ray supercrystallographic approach makes it feasible to uncover the structural details of NC-assembled supercrystal at unprecedented levels from atomic through nano to mesoscale. Such structural documentations can be used to trace how various driving forces interact in a competitive way and thus change relatively in strength to govern the formation of individual superlattices under certain circumstances. This short review makes use of four single supercrystals typically made up of spherical, truncate, cubic and octahedral NCs, respectively, and provides a comparable description and a reasonable analysis of the use of a synchrotron-based supercrystallographic approach to reveal various degrees of translational and orientational ordering of NCs within various superlattices. In the connection of observed structural aspects with controlled environments of NC assembly, we further address how various driving forces interact each other to develop relatively changeable roles upon variation of the NC shape to respond to the nucleation and growth of various superlattices. With the guidance of such gained insights, we provide additional examples to illustrate how realistic environments are designed into delicate control of NC assembly to achieve particular interactions between NCs towards harvesting superlattice with NC translational symmetry and atomically crystallographic orientation as desired.
Commentary on the Null Results Special Issue

This commentary summarizes the three special issue articles by Robin Jacob et al., Heather Hill and Anna Erickson, and Jimmy Kim and discusses a number of broader questions and considerations for t...
Rice tolerance variation to long-term stagnant flooding and germination ability under an-aerobic environment

Erratic and unpredicted weather due to climate change cause flood in agriculture production area especially when it has poor drainage system. Flood during early season of crop establishment will induce anaerobic germination (AG) in the area where farmers practiced a direct seeding method, and the flood can be prolonged as a stagnant flooding (SF) stress if the water could not recede. AG and SF stress not only will affect the crop establishment but also reduce grain yield. The study on selection of tolerant lines to AG and SF based on phenotypic performance was conducted. We identified a total of 22 rice lines had ability to germinate under low oxygen after initial screening under 10 cm of flooding for 2 weeks. The survival rate was 82.5 – 100% with seedling growth rate about 0.9 – 1.5 cm per day. Eight lines had better performance and out yield the best check of SF. SF was increased the plant height, but reduce the panicle length and unfilled grain per panicle. Aerenchyma areas of tolerant variety were bigger than a sensitive variety. The results of study will increase the chance to developing of flood tolerant rice varieties to anticipate the climate change.
The balancing act of urban conservation.

As investment in urban conservation grows, researchers must balance the needs of residents and conservation targets. We discuss some of the challenges we have encountered and the importance of taking a transdisciplinary approach informed by design and social knowledge.
An Examination of Information Behaviors Surrounding Controversial Sociopolitical Issues: Roles of Moral Emotions and Gender

Given the emotion-laden nature and moral considerations of controversial sociopolitical issues, this study examines two key antecedents of publics’ information behaviors about controversial sociopolitical issues. We focus on the underresearched emotional dimension by investigating the effects of moral emotions induced by such issues as well as a key demographic factor, gender, on publics’ information behaviors toward such issues. Results of this study highlight the significant influence of moral emotions and expand theoretical understanding of public advocacy on highly divisive issues.
Electrospun Hybrid Perfluorosulfonic Acid/Sulfonated Silica Composite Membranes.

Electrospinning was employed to fabricate composite membranes containing perfluorosulfonic acid (PFSA) ionomer, poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) reinforcement and a sulfonated silica network, where the latter was incorporated either in the PFSA matrix or in the PVDF fibers. The best membrane, in terms of proton conductivity, was made by incorporating the sulfonated silica network in PFSA fibers (Type-A) while the lowest conductivity membrane was obtained when sulfonated silica was incorporated into the reinforcing PVDF fibers (Type-B). A Type-A membrane containing 65 wt.% PFSA with an embedded sulfonated silica network (at 15 wt.%) and with 20 wt.% PVDF reinforcing fibers proved superior to the pristine PFSA membrane in terms of both the proton conductivity in the 30–90% RH at 80 °C (a 25–35% increase) and lateral swelling (a 68% reduction). In addition, it was demonstrated that a Type-A membrane was superior to that of a neat 660 EW perfluoroimide acid (PFIA, from 3M Co.) films with respect to swelling and mechanical strength, while having a similar proton conductivity vs. relative humidity profile. This study demonstrates that an electrospun nanofiber composite membrane with a sulfonated silica network added to moderately low EW PFSA fibers is a viable alternative to an ultra-low EW fluorinated ionomer PEM, in terms of properties relevant to fuel cell applications.
ON THE CHALLENGES FOR STRATEGIC INTELLIGENCE: COGNITIVE BIASES AND INFORMATION OVERLOAD

In the article on the basis of the contemporary Western literature were analyzed two main challenges for the analytical departments of strategic intelligence: cognitive biases and information overload. In the paragraph “Defining the core issue” it was stated that the problems of cognitive biases and informational overload are the permanent challenges, which have to be analyzed continuously. In the paragraph “Analysis of the latest publications” were pointed out the classic and contemporary works on psychology of intelligence and information overload. The main aim of the article is searching the ways of mitigating of negative consequences of the cognitive biases and information overload in strategic intelligence. In the paragraph “Exposition of the main material” were considered the typology of cognitive biases and essence of the information overload. In “Conclusions” were outlined possible ways of response to challenges of cognitive biases and information overload.
Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor Initiates Amniotic Membrane Rupture and Preterm Birth in a Mouse Model

OBJECTIVE Preterm premature rupture of membranes is associated with 30% of all preterm births. The weakening of amniotic membranes is associated with an increase in matrix metallopeptidases (MMPs) along with a decrease in their inhibitors, tissue inhibitor metallopeptidases (TIMPs). Additionally, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) has been shown to weaken fetal membranes in-vitro. We hypothesize pregnant mice treated with GM-CSF lead to increased MMPs:TIMPs resulting in membrane rupture and preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN Pregnant CD-1 mice on gestational day 17 received either an intrauterine injection of GM-CSF or vehicle control. A second series of mice were administered an intrauterine injection of Lipopolysaccharide along with either anti-mouse GM-CSF or control antibody. Mice were evaluated for rupture of membranes and/or preterm birth and the uterus, amniotic fluid, and serum were collected for analysis. RESULTS 87.5% of GM-CSF mice exhibited evidence of membrane rupture or preterm birth, compared with 0% in control mice (p < .001). Treatment with GM-CSF decreased the expression of TNFα (p < .05) while increasing the ratio of MMP2:TIMP1 (p < .05), MMP2:TIMP2 (p < .05), MMP2:TIMP3 (p < .001), MMP9:TIMP1 (p < .01), MMP9:TIMP2 (p < .05), MMP9:TIMP3 (p < .001), and MMP10:TIMP1 (p < .05). Mice treated with LPS and the GM-CSF antibody resulted in a decrease in the ratio of MMP2:TIMP1 (p < .0001) compared with controls. CONCLUSION These studies demonstrate GM-CSF will result in membrane rupture and preterm birth by increasing the ratio MMPs:TIMPs in our animal model. By increasing our understanding of the molecular pathways associated with GM-CSF, we may be able to develop future therapies to prevent preterm birth and reduce neonatal morbidity.
Deuteron polarization and neutron form factors

The spin state of the deuteron following elastic scattering of electrons is studied in impulse approximation through the one-photon exchange. It is found that a measurement of the deuteron polarization in the final state can be used to evaluate the form factors of the neutron with some advantage. It is also shown that inclusion of theD-state of the deuteron does not substantially change our results.
Opening Doors to Information Technology - Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 508 of the US Rehabilitation Act of 1973 has the potential to make the biggest impact on reducing barriers to technology for many people with disabilities. Although it only applies to the U. S. Federal government, its impact is being felt in the U. S. state governments, the private sector, and around the world.
Dual switch-mode regulator IC

This IC eliminates two linear regulators and replaces them with precision switch mode regulators (SMPS). The chip also combines circuitry for two stepper motors, and a DC motor driver. Precision voltage regulation is achieved using an EEPROM programmable trim, allowing in-package voltage adjustment to 1% and oscillator trim of 1.5%. The chip uses a 1 /spl mu/m power IC process that incorporates both 60 and 40 V DMOS structures, 10 V CMOS, and 5 V CMOS and n-p-n bipolar devices. This device incorporates a two-process-step EEPROM option for programming capability. The IC is available with two variants of SMPS, a conventional buck regulator and a burst or ripple type hybrid regulator.
Removing Blinders from the Judiciary: In Re Artt Brennan, Kirby as an Evolutionary Step in the United States-United Kingdom Extradition Scheme

Within the extradition treaty between the United States and the United Kingdom, there exists an exemption for fugitives who have allegedly committed crimes that are political in nautre. The political offense exemption has resulted in complications when dealing with the thorny issue of alleged terrorists from Northern Ireland who flee to the United States. This Note traces the history of the political offense exemption and scrutinizes the results of a recent Ninth Circuit decision, In re Artt, Brennan, Kirby, in which the court concluded that federal courts may inquire into systemic bias when considering whether or not a defendant'S conviction in the Northern Ireland judicial system was tainted by prejudice.
Impossibility Theorems And Voting Paradoxes In Collective Choice Theory

This article provides an introduction to several of the most well known impossibility theorems in voting theory, including Arrow's theorem, May's theorem, Sen's liberal paradox, and the Gibbard–Satterthwaite theorem. It concludes with a discussion of various widely known voting paradoxes, including Condorect's paradox, Ostrogorski's paradox, and the Alabama paradox. Keywords: preference aggregation; Arrow's theorem; Gibbard–Satterthwaite theorem; May's theorem; Condorcet cycle; Alabama paradox
Fuzzy Sets, Uncertainty and Information

(1990). Fuzzy Sets, Uncertainty, and Information. Journal of the Operational Research Society: Vol. 41, No. 9, pp. 884-886.
Role of lipoxins, antiflammins and serum amyloid A signaling via the common ALXR receptor in joint tissue inflammation

Serum amyloid A (SAA) is an acute-phase protein and inflammatory marker of rheumatoid arthritis, which has recently become recognized as a cytokine-like reactant. SAA has been shown to bind to the ALXR (FPRL1/LXA4R) receptor and to elicit proinflammatory activities. Indeed, we have determined that SAA elicits the proinflammatory activation of human fibroblast-like synoviocytes, with a profile of activity similar to that of IL-1β. Uteroglobin is a ubiquitously expressed secretory protein with anti-inflammatory properties that shares specific sequence motifs with annexin-1, a steroid-induced anti-inflammatory peptide that is also capable of interacting with ALXR. Data obtained by flow cytometry, ELISA and plasmon resonance, using ALXR stably transfected CHO cells, suggest that uteroglobin can downmodulate SAA proinflammatory effects by specifically interfering at the ALXR receptor level. In agreement with the ability to bind to the same receptor used by SAA, a functional antagonism between uteroglobin and SAA was observed, with uteroglobin causing inhibition of SAA-induced release of both IL-8 and IL-6, and blockage of SAA-induced PLA2 activation. Beside the receptor antagonism between proinflammatory ALXR ligands (SAA, urokinase proteolytic plasminogen peptides [uPA], MK1, etc.) and anti-inflammatory ALXR ligands (LXA4, annexin-1, uteroglobin) so far identified, results also suggest that each of these mediators can modify ALXR expression levels as well as other genes. In fact, present studies suggest that SAA acts in a positive autoregulatory feedback mechanism by increasing SAA 1 + 2 expression, while maintaining unchanged levels of its constitutively expressed isoform SAA4, as demonstrated by RT-PCR. Following SAA treatment, upregulation is extended to the expression of the ALXR mRNA, a response common to LXA4 and IL-1β. The antagonistic activities of SAA, uPA, uteroglobin, annexin-1 and LXA4 might constitute a novel complex signaling mechanism by which these mediators sharing a common receptor could achieve opposing roles in the regulation of the joint inflammatory processes.
Recommendations for Improving the Health System: Academics Speak Out

To help launch our new journal, the HMPI editorial board invited leading academics (mostly health economists) to make one or two recommendations for improving the health system in either the public or private sector. Twenty of our colleagues submitted their suggestions, which are included below. I have made minor revisions to achieve a consistent format and I have I have also highlighted specific text to bring out the main proposals in each essay. Otherwise, these are our colleagues’ own words.
Non-fullerene acceptors: exciton dissociation with PTCDA versus C60

Extensive development of new polymer and small molecule donors has helped produce a steady increase in the efficiency of organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices. However, OPV technology would also benefit from the introduction of non-fullerene acceptors. Unfortunately, efforts to replace fullerenes have typically led to significantly reduced efficiencies. A number of possible explanations for reduced efficiencies with non-fullerene acceptors compared to fullerene acceptors have been suggested, including the formation of unfavorable morphologies in non-fullerene systems and/or favorable excitation/carrier delocalization in fullerenes. In addition, enhanced exciton dissociation associated with fundamental characteristics of the fullerene molecular electronic states has also been suggested. We used time-resolved two-photon photoemission (TR-2PPE) to directly compare exciton dissociation at interfaces between zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) interfaces and the non-fullerene acceptor, perylene tetracarboxylic dianhydride (PTCDA) versus dissociation measured at the analogous interface with C60, and thus help discriminate between these potential explanations. Exciton dissociation rates are comparable for phthalocyanine interfaces with both acceptors, allowing us to suggest a hierarchy for the importance of various effects producing higher efficiencies with fullerene acceptors.
Endocarditis and myocardial abscess caused by group B Streptococcus

Introduction: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is a rare infectious endocarditis. Patients with GBS infective endocarditis have a high rate of local and systemic complications. Case presentation: A 30-year-old male presented to the Emergency Department with fever, chills, fatigue and a recent onset of symptoms suggestive of stroke following a bout of pyelonephritis. Echocardiography confirmed a diagnosis of endocarditis and blood cultures grew GBS. Antibiotic therapy was initiated with penicillin G and gentamicin. Urological evaluation revealed a urethral stricture. He was taken to the operating room on hospital day 10 for the debridement of his aortic annulus, reconstruction of his aortic root and replacement of his aortic valve. On post-operative day 7, he died of sudden cardiac arrest. A large myocardial abscess located within the interventricular septum was identified post-mortem. Conclusion: Recurrent or complicated urinary tract infections are rare among the young male population. Without evaluation and treatment for the underlying pathology, patients are at risk of developing antimicrobial-resistant infections, which may disseminate rapidly. Although a common pathogen of the urinary tract, GBS is a rare infectious agent for endocarditis. We propose urethral stricture as a risk factor for developing GBS endocarditis. Operative timing for these infections can be challenging; however, urgent and radical surgical debridement appears to yield favourable results.
Living Up to Rules: Holding Soldiers Responsible for Abusive Conduct and the Dilemma of the Superior Orders Defence

Recent world events underscore the importance of the dilemma of the superior orders defence and the question of how to prevent soldiers from undertaking abusive conduct or committing atrocities. This article examines the degree to which holding individual soldiers legally responsible for their actions can be seen to be an effective strategy for the prevention of atrocities and explores complementary strategies aimed at the prevention of abusive conduct by soldiers. The article surveys historical and legal materials to illustrate the ongoing debate over the scope of the superior orders defence in U.S. and international law. The author then surveys a range of social science literature that suggests why some people participate in atrocities, and illuminates how difficult it would be for individuals to understand and comply with a rule expecting compliance with all superior orders except those that are illegal. The author concludes that the evidence undermines the likelihood that a norm establishing individual responsibility would succeed in changing conduct. The author argues that it is important to restrict the application of the superior orders defence in order to uphold a symbolic ideal of individual responsibility, but that real prospects for preventing atrocities by soldiers depend on changing the organizational design and resources surrounding the soldier and specifying new obligations for those in command. The author recommends changes to military incentives, culture, and practices. Proposed strategies include the provision of meaningful and effective training programs for both soldiers and officers, the establishment of a military culture in which soldiers understand their superiors to care about violations of law and morality, and the integration of legal analysis into the daily operations of all levels of the military hierarchy so that the burden of understanding lawfulness does not rest solely on the shoulders of the ordinary soldier.
BIG JUMPERS CAN'T LAST

![Figure][1] As animals that require substantial parental care, we cannot fathom the notion of being on our own from day one. Yet as spring arrives, this is the reality faced by many newborns. In such young, the selective pressure to escape predators is probably high from the moment they
Transition probabilities in the spectra of Ne i, Ar i, and Kr i

Transition probabilities have been computed for the following arrays: Ne i 3p–3d, Ar i 5s–4p, 4p– 4s, 5p–4s, 3d–5p, 4p–3d, and Kr i 5s–5p. Intermediate-coupling theory, including an effective operator, has been used. An absolute scale is obtained by use of the Coulomb approximation. The eigenvectors obtained in this manner give a better fit to the observed energies and Lande g values than eigenvectors obtained without the effective operator. There is also a significant improvement of agreement of the calculated transition probabilities to the few experimental values for these arrays.
SYSTEMATIC WIDESPREAD CLONAL ORGANIZATION IN CEREBRAL CORTEX

Abstract Cell lineage analysis in the cortex has revealed two clonal patterns, clustered and widespread clones. To determine the relationship of these patterns, progenitor cells were infected with a retroviral library encoding alkaline phosphatase, and cortical sibling cells were identified using PCR. Clones labeled at E15 consisted of single cells or small cell clusters (52%) or of wide-spread cells (48%). However, widespread clones consisted of multiple neuronal or glial cell types, spaced systematically at 2–3 mm intervals. The data suggest that migratory multipotential progenitors divide asymmetrically at intervals defined by cell cycle length, producing single cells or clusters of cells in different cortical regions. Transition from multipotentiality to more restricted potential may correspond to changes in migratory behavior.
ser31 tyrosine hydroxylase phosphorylation parallels differences in dopamine recovery in nigrostriatal pathway following 6-OHDA lesion

Compensatory mechanisms in dopamine (DA) signaling have long been proposed to delay onset of locomotor symptoms during Parkinson’s disease (PD) progression until ~80% loss of striatal DA occurs. Increased striatal dopamine turnover has been proposed to be a part of this compensatory response, but may occur after locomotor symptoms. Increased tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) activity has also been proposed as a mechanism, but the impact of TH protein loss upon site-specific TH phosphorylation in conjunction with the impact on DA tissue content is not known. The tissue content of DA was determined against TH protein loss in the striatum and substantia nigra (SN) following 6-OHDA lesion in the medial forebrain bundle in young Sprague-Dawley male rats. Although DA predictably decreased in both regions following 6-OHDA, there was a significant difference in DA loss between the striatum (75%) and SN (40%), despite similar TH protein loss. Paradoxically, there was a significant decrease in DA against remaining TH protein in striatum, but a significant increase in DA against remaining TH in SN. In the SN, increased DA per remaining TH protein was matched by increased ser31, but not ser40, TH phosphorylation. In striatum, both ser31 and ser40 phosphorylation decreased, reflecting decreased DA per TH. However, in control nigral and striatal tissue, only ser31 phosphorylation correlated with DA per TH protein. Combined, these results suggest that the phosphorylation of ser31 in the SN may be a mechanism to increase DA biosynthesis against TH protein loss in an in vivo model of PD.
Distinct domains of tRNA synthetase recognize the same base pair

Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases attach amino acids to tRNAs. Occasionally, an incorrect amino acid will attached to the wrong tRNA, and this must be reversed, or edited, to prevent the wrong amino acid from being incorporated into protein. This paper shows that the same base-pair in the tRNA that is important for the aminoacyl reaction is also important for editing, and that surprisingly, the proofreading site is in a different domain of the protein. Synthesis of proteins containing errors (mistranslation) is prevented by aminoacyl transfer RNA synthetases through their accurate aminoacylation of cognate tRNAs and their ability to correct occasional errors of aminoacylation by editing reactions1,2,3,4,5. A principal source of mistranslation comes from mistaking glycine or serine for alanine, which can lead to serious cell and animal pathologies, including neurodegeneration3. A single specific G·U base pair (G3·U70) marks a tRNA for aminoacylation by alanyl-tRNA synthetase6,7,8,9. Mistranslation occurs when glycine or serine is joined to the G3·U70-containing tRNAs, and is prevented by the editing activity that clears the mischarged amino acid. Previously it was assumed that the specificity for recognition of tRNAAla for editing was provided by the same structural determinants as used for aminoacylation. Here we show that the editing site of alanyl-tRNA synthetase, as an artificial recombinant fragment, targets mischarged tRNAAla using a structural motif unrelated to that for aminoacylation so that, remarkably, two motifs (one for aminoacylation and one for editing) in the same enzyme independently can provide determinants for tRNAAla recognition. The structural motif for editing is also found naturally in genome-encoded protein fragments that are widely distributed in evolution10,11,12. These also recognize mischarged tRNAAla. Thus, through evolution, three different complexes with the same tRNA can guard against mistaking glycine or serine for alanine.
Vitamin D deficiency associates with γ-tocopherol and quadriceps weakness but not inflammatory cytokines in subjects with knee osteoarthritis.

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint condition and a leading cause of physical disability in the United States. Quadriceps weakness and inflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of knee OA, and both of which, increase with vitamin D deficiency. Other micronutrients, such as vitamins C and E and β-carotene, modulate inflammatory cytokines and decrease during inflammation. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that vitamin D deficiency associates with quadriceps weakness, an increase in serum cytokines, and a decrease in circulating micronutrients in subjects with knee OA. Subjects (age, 48±1 y; serum 25(OH)D, 25.8±1.1 ng/mL) with knee OA were categorized as vitamin D deficient (n=17; serum 25(OH)D≤20 ng/mL), insufficient (n=21; serum 25(OH)D 20–29 ng/mL), or sufficient (n=18; serum 25(OH)D≥30 ng/mL). Single-leg strength (concentric knee extension–flexion contraction cycles at 60 °/s) and blood cytokine, carotene (α and β), ascorbic acid, and tocopherol (α and γ) concentrations were measured. Quadriceps peak torque, average power, total work, and deceleration were significantly (all p<0.05) impaired with vitamin D deficiency. Serum γ-tocopherol concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) increased with vitamin D deficiency. In the vitamin D sufficient group, γ-tocopherol inversely correlated (r=−0.47, p<0.05) with TNF-α, suggesting a pro-inflammatory increase with a γ-tocopherol decrease despite a sufficient serum 25(OH)D concentration. We conclude that vitamin D deficiency is detrimental to quadriceps function, and in subjects with vitamin D sufficiency, γ-tocopherol could have an important anti-inflammatory role in a pathophysiological condition mediated by inflammation.
Recycling of Fly Ash into Geopolymer Concrete: Creation of a Database

Abstract - Geopolymer concrete manufactured from several fly ash sources was evaluated. The analysis presented herein is based on the elemental chemical analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and particle size distribution (PSD) of fly ash samples collected from 16 different coal-fired power generation units. Geopolymer paste and concrete specimens were prepared for each fly ash sample. Paste specimens were subjected to XRD while concrete was evaluated for setting time, compressive and flexural strengths, elastic modulus and Poisson's ratio. A first order statistical analysis was undertaken to establish the ranges of values given by the chemical analysis, XRD and PSD of the various fly ash samples, and how they impact the behavior of the fresh mix as well as the mechanical characteristics of the resulting geopolymer concrete. This research is expected to serve as foundation for a more comprehensive analysis of fly ash-based geopolymer, including more fly ash samples and a thorough statistical analysis to determine correlations between fly ash characteristics and geopolymer concrete.
Ability of laypersons to estimate short time intervals in cardiac arrest

Abstract Study objective: Estimates of time intervals by bystanders are considered critical in cardiac arrest, and are often used in other disorders such as stroke and myocardial infarction. Because they have never been previously studied, we sought to determine their accuracy. Methods: This study was performed by prospective collection of bystander estimates (made at the time of the arrest) of the time from calling 911 to the arrival of urban fire department first responders, and comparison with actual measured response interval from computerized records, in all out-of-hospital cardiac arrests from January 1996 through June 1998. Results: The fire department responded to 1,015 patients in cardiac arrest during the study period. First responders arrived before advanced life support providers to 831 patients, who thus met study entry criteria. Bystander estimates were obtained in 497 of these 831 patients, who did not differ in key characteristics from those lacking estimates. The bystander's average estimated fire department response interval was 5.6 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] 5.2 to 5.9 minutes) and the actual measured interval to the patient's side from computer records was 6.1 minutes (95% CI 5.9 to 6.4 minutes). However, the median error of the bystander estimate (1.3 minutes) was 32% of the median of the actual measured on-scene interval, and there was no correlation between the bystander estimates and the measured interval in individual cases ( R ≤0.14), regardless of which intervals were examined. Seventy-five percent of the bystander estimates erred by 20% or more. When bystanders estimated a response interval as excessively long, they were almost invariably wrong, but they also usually failed to identify intervals that actually were long. Conclusion: Although many diagnostic and research conclusions are based on interval estimates from laypersons, we found no correlation between estimates and actual measured intervals in cardiac arrest. Current methodology may not be developed well enough to provide reliable data for research or quality assurance, and other clinical time estimates by patients and bystanders may be equally unreliable. [Isaacs E, Callaham ML. Ability of laypersons to estimate short time intervals in cardiac arrest. Ann Emerg Med. February 2000;35:147-154.]