cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Primary Care Diagnosis and Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in School-aged Children: Trends and Disparities During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Importance: Little is known about changes in health care in the first year of the pandemic for the large population of school-aged children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), who were especially impacted by lockdowns, school closures, and remote learning. Objective: To assess temporal trends in rates of primary care provider (PCP) diagnosis and treatment of school-aged children with ADHD in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic as compared to pre-pandemic years, and to investigate disparities in care. Method: We retrospectively analyzed electronic health records from all primary care visits (in-person and telehealth) of children ages 6-17 years seen between 01/2016 and 03/2021 in a community-based primary healthcare network in California (n=77,298 patients). Study Outcomes: (1) # of primary care visits, (2) # of visits with ADHD diagnosis (ADHD-related visits), (3) # of first ADHD diagnoses, (4) # of PCP prescriptions for ADHD medications (stimulants, alpha-2 agonists, atomoxetine), (5) # of first PCP prescriptions of ADHD medications. Interrupted time-series analysis evaluated changes in rates of study outcomes during 4 quarters of the pandemic year (3/15/2020-3/15/2021) compared to pre-pandemic years. Patient demographic characteristics were compared pre-pandemic to pandemic year. Results: In the first quarter (Q1) of the pandemic year, all primary care visits dropped by 62% (CI 54.9-67.2%); ADHD-related visits dropped by 33% (95% CI 22.2-43.6%). In Q2-4, while all primary care visits remained significantly below pre-pandemic rates, ADHD-related visits returned to pre-pandemic rates. Conversely, rates of first ADHD diagnoses remained at half of pre-pandemic rates throughout the year (Q1-4). ADHD medication prescription rates remained stable throughout the pandemic year. The proportion of patients living in low-income neighborhoods who received ADHD-related care (ADHD-related visits and first ADHD diagnoses) were lower during the pandemic year compared to pre-pandemic years. Females comprised a higher proportion of first ADHD diagnoses compared to pre-pandemic years (34% vs. 28%, absolute standardized difference=0.13, p=0.03). Conclusion: Ongoing treatment for school-aged children with ADHD was maintained during the pandemic, especially in children from high-income families. Socioeconomic differences in ADHD-related care emphasize the need to improve access to care for all children with ADHD in the ongoing pandemic and beyond.
Decreased sleep spindles and spindle activity in midlife women with fibromyalgia and pain.

OBJECTIVES: To compare sleep-spindle incidence (number of spindles per minute of non-rapid eye movement [NREM] stage 2 sleep) and duration, spindle wave time (seconds per epoch in NREM stage 2 sleep), spindle frequency activity, and pain measures (pressure pain threshold, number of tender points, skinfold tenderness) between midlife women with fibromyalgia (FM) and moderate to high pain to a control group of sedentary women without pain. A second goal was to explore the extent to which pain pressure thresholds, age, and depression explain the variance in spindle incidence. DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study. SETTING: A university-based sleep research laboratory and a referral clinic for chronic fatigue and pain. PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-seven medication-free women with FM (mean age, 44.9 +/- 8 years) and 30 women with self-reported good sleep and no pain (mean age, 44.1 +/- 7.7 years) completed a psychiatric interview and the Beck Depression Inventory prior to 2 consecutive nights of polysomnography, with pain measures obtained in the morning. Time domain analysis of spindle incidence and spectral analysis of spindle frequency activity were conducted on night 2 of polysomnography recordings. INTERVENTIONS: NA. RESULTS: Women with FM had fewer mean spindles per minute of NREM stage 2 sleep and lower mean spindle time per epoch of NREM stage 2 sleep (both P values < .02), but mean spindle duration, although slightly shorter, was not statistically significantly different (P < .06) compared to control women. Women with FM had a lower mean pressure pain threshold, a higher average number of positive tender points, and higher skinfold tenderness compared to control women (all P values < .001). Group differences in spindle frequency activity were found after controlling for age, depression, and psychiatric diagnosis in a general linear model (P < .02). One-way analysis of variance revealed significantly lower spindle activity in the 3 frequency bins (12-12.5 Hz, 13-13.5 Hz, 14-14.5 Hz) at C3 (all P values < .04), Fz (all P values < .02), and Cz (all P values < .02). Finally, after controlling for age and depression, pain pressure threshold significantly predicted spindles per minute and spindle time per epoch of NREM stage 2 sleep (r2 = .26; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Women with FM and pain have fewer sleep spindles and reduced electroencephalogram power in spindle frequency activity compared to control women of similar age. These data imply that some aspect of thalamocortical mechanisms of spindle generation might be impaired in FM.
Digital Life after Death: The Issue of Planning for a Person’s Digital Assets after Death

In “Digital Life After Death: The issue of planning for a person’s digital assets after death,” author John Connor discusses the concept of a digital asset and what happens to these assets when the owner dies. First, Connor lays the foundation to define what a digital asset is and why these assets can create problems in estate planning. Next, the author examines how various social networking sites, e-mail providers, and blog hosting sites are dealing with the concept of digital assets. Connor then provides possible solutions for dealing with digital assets. These solutions include: planning for digital assets prior to death, leaving instructions (including usernames and passwords) on how to access digital assets in the event of death, setting up a trust in which the usernames and passwords can be stored and accessed by the trustee and eventual executor, and possibly providing some information about digital assets in a will. Finally, the author describes the consequences of failure to provide for your digital assets after death.
“Latina/o Political Thought: Exploring the Relationship Between Decentered Subjectivity, Coalition Building, and Sustained Political Solidarity”

Chicana feminists have contributed to numerous themes in Latina/o political thought. Two of the most significant of these themes are the multiplicity of subjectivity, and the view that political solidarity – i.e. the uniting of diverse peoples in common cause – should build upon the diversity among people rather than on the imposed or supposed sameness of a single identity. Numerous Chicana and Latina feminists have pointed to a strong connection between these two themes by emphasizing the role that inner diversity can play in solidaristic political movements. Within this conversation in Latina/o political thought, however, numerous questions remain as to the exact relationship between identity, the diversity of the self, and the everyday tasks of building political solidarity. In this paper, I contribute to the ongoing consideration of these concerns by addressing the question: via what specific mechanisms, if any, can the multiple identities within subjectivity play a role in creating diverse, yet cohesive, political coalitions or movements? I address this question in two parts. In part one, I survey the concepts of mestiza consciousness and solidarity as Chicana feminists have articulated them in recent decades. In part two, I employ these concepts in a case study analysis of the organizing strategies of the Farmworkers Movement as led by Cesar Chavez, Dolores Huerta, and others between 1962 and November of 1976. I conclude the paper by drawing an analytic inference from the case study suggesting five specific factors that are likely to serve as mediating mechanisms in the role that multiple identities play in diverse coalition building in general.
Mechanical unfolding intermediates in titin modules.

The modular protein titin, which is responsible for the passive elasticity of muscle, is subjected to stretching forces. Previous work on the experimental elongation of single titin molecules has suggested that force causes consecutive unfolding of each domain in an all-or-none fashion1,2,3,4,5,6. To avoid problems associated with the heterogeneity of the modular, naturally occurring titin, we engineered single proteins to have multiple copies of single immunoglobulin domains of human cardiac titin7. Here we report the elongation of these molecules using the atomic force microscope. We find an abrupt extension of each domain by ∼7 A before the first unfolding event. This fast initial extension before a full unfolding event produces a reversible ‘unfolding intermediate’. Steered molecular dynamics8,9 simulations show that the rupture of a pair of hydrogen bonds near the amino terminus of the protein domain causes an extension of about 6 A, which is in good agreement with our observations. Disruption of these hydrogen bonds by site-directed mutagenesis eliminates the unfolding intermediate. The unfolding intermediate extends titin domains by ∼15% of their slack length, and is therefore likely to be an important previously unrecognized component of titin elasticity.
Stochastic Differential Game Techniques.

Abstract : This development of readily computable strategies for differential games with noise corrupted measurements was hampered by the so called closure problem of stochastic differential games. The solutions required either an infinite dimensional dynamic system or the determination at each time t of the error in the opponent's state estimate. In this dissertation, solutions to different games with noise corrupted measurements were obtained that are readily computable. As a consequence of the stochastic aspects of such games, the discussion was restricted to linear-quadratic differential games which are analyzed using function space techniques. The solution to a linear-quadratic game with perfect information is obtained without the a prior assumption of a saddle-point solution and it is shown that the individual minimax and miximin solutions to such a game result in a set of strategies that satisfy the saddle-point condition, but with necessary and sufficient conditions that are more stringent than previously obtained. The concept of delayed commitment games is then extended to differential games where both players have noise corrupted state measurements and solutions are obtained that are readily computable, thus playing to rest the closure problem of stochastic differential games.
Laser rod holder during grinding and polishing

A technique for clamping a laser rod during optical surfacing and polishing is described which is superior to the commonly used method of cementing the rod into a hole in a metal block. (AIP)
Intrapartum fetal heart rate monitoring: III. Association of meconium with abnormal fetal heart rate patterns

Fetal heart rate (FHR) tracings of 284 fetuses with meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) and 1,672 fetuses without meconium staining were compared to investigate the significance of meconium associated with normal and abnormal FHR patterns. MSAF was found to be associated with significantly more low 1- and 5-minute Apgar scores and higher neonatal mortality rates than the control group without meconium. An increase in abnormal FHR patterns in the MSAF group over the control group as well as the postpartum sequelae of meconium itself was likely responsible for the unfavorable outcome. It is concluded that the presence of meconium should be viewed as a warning sign of fetal distress which warrants close intrapartum observation of the patient.
3‐(4‐Hydroxymethylphenoxy)propionic Acid

[101366-61-4] C10H12O4 (MW 196.20) InChI = 1S/C10H12O4/c11-7-8-1-3-9(4-2-8)14-6-5-10(12)13/h1-4,11H,5-7H2,(H,12,13) InChIKey = WPWKJUVXEMKOHS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (acid-labile linker/handle used for solid-phase synthesis of peptide acids, and more general applications to solid-phase organic synthesis) Alternate Name: p-alkoxybenzyl (PAB) ester linker. Physical Data: mp 149–150 °C, analytically calculatedfor C10H12O4; C, 61.22; H, 6.17. Found: C, 61.08; H, 6.19. Solubility: soluble in most polar organic solvents. Form Supplied in: the title compound is a crystalline solid. The title compound and variations can be obtained on-resin with or without anchored protected amino acid moieties. See main text for further details. Analysis of Reagent Purity: NMR, elemental analysis, TLC, or other chromatographic criteria. Preparative Methods: it can be prepared by alkylation of 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde with 3-bromopropionic acid, followed by NaBH4 reduction of aldehyde to alcohol. Purification: recrystallization from minimal MeOH–EtOAc (1:1), adding chilled pentane. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: routine procedure is followed. Details depend on whether materials are solid organic compounds, are attached to a solid support, and/or include protected amino acid moieties. If possible, materials should be refrigerated to increase shelf life. Disposal: these materials are not particularly hazardous, and standard methods for solid organic waste disposal should be adequate.
Evolution and isoforms of V-ATPase subunits.

The structure of V- and F-ATPases/ATP synthases is remarkably conserved throughout evolution. Sequence analyses show that the V- and F-ATPases evolved from the same enzyme that was already present in the last common ancestor of all known extant life forms. The catalytic and non-catalytic subunits found in the dissociable head groups of both V-ATPases and F-ATPases are paralogous subunits, i.e. these two types of subunits evolved from a common ancestral gene. The gene duplication giving rise to these two genes (i.e. those encoding the catalytic and non-catalytic subunits) pre-dates the time of the last common ancestor. Similarities between the V- and F-ATPase subunits and an ATPase-like protein that is implicated in flagellar assembly are evaluated with regard to the early evolution of ATPases. Mapping of gene duplication events that occurred in the evolution of the proteolipid, the non-catalytic and the catalytic subunits onto the tree of life leads to a prediction of the likely quaternary structure of the encoded ATPases. The phylogenetic implications of V-ATPases found in eubacteria are discussed. Different V-ATPase isoforms have been detected in some higher eukaryotes, whereas others were shown to have only a single gene encoding the catalytic V-ATPase subunit. These data are analyzed with respect to the possible function of the different isoforms (tissue-specific, organelle-specific). The point in evolution at which the different isoforms arose is mapped by phylogenetic analysis.
Chest Wall and Lung Surface Viewing with Ultrasound

Dr Birnholz, Department ofRadiology, Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center Chicago 60612CHEST I94 6 DECEMBER, 1988 127513Willford ME, Hidalgo H,Putman CE, Korobkin M,Ram PC. 16Saito T,Kobayashi H,Sugama Y,Tamaki 5,Kawai T,KitamuraComputed tomography ofpleural disease. AJR 1983; 140:909- S.Ultrasonically guided aspiration biopsy inthe diagnosis of14 mediastinal masses. AmRevRespir Dis(inpress)14Sandweiss DA, Hanson JC,Gosink BB,Moser KM. Ultrasound 17Pedersen OM, Aasen T,Gulsvik A.Fine needle aspirationindiagnosis, localization, and treatment ofloculated pleural biopsy ofmediastinal andperipheral pulmonary masses guided
The Growing Role of Private Giving in Financing the Modern University.

Increased use of private funds to support public higher education is essential, but private funding undoubtedly shapes the university in ways that challenge academic traditions, creating a new paradigm for financing the modern university.
Measurement of the increase in endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins and genes in adipose tissue of obese, insulin-resistant individuals.

Here, we provide a detailed description of proteomic, Western blot and RT-PCR analyses performed to examine fat biopsy samples from lean insulin-sensitive and obese insulin-resistant nondiabetic individuals for evidence of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Subcutaneous fat biopsies were obtained from the upper thighs of six lean and six obese nondiabetic subjects. Fat homogenates were used for proteomic (two-dimensional gel (2DE) and MALDI-TOF/TOF), Western blot, and RT-PCR analysis. Proteomic analysis revealed 19 differentially upregulated proteins in fat of obese subjects. Three of these proteins were the ER stress-related unfolded protein response (UPR) proteins calreticulin, protein disulfide-isomerase A3, and glutathione-S-transferase P; Western blotting revealed upregulation of several other UPR stress-related proteins, including calnexin, a membrane-bound chaperone, and phospho c-jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK)-1, a downstream effector protein of ER stress; RT-PCR analysis revealed upregulation of the spliced form of X-box-binding protein-1s, a potent transcription factor and part of the proximal ER stress sensor inositol-requiring enzyme-1 pathway. These findings demonstrate of UPR activation in subcutaneous adipose tissue of obese human subjects. As JNK can inhibit insulin action and activate proinflammatory pathways, ER stress activation of JNK may be a link between obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
An automatic text-free speaker recognition system based on an enhanced art 2 neural architecture

Abstract The adaptive-resonance-theory (ART) architectures comprise a family of neural networks that efficiently self-organize stable recognition codes in response to arbitrary sequences of input patterns. This paper focuses on the ART 2 network architecture that is designed for the processing of both binary- and analog-valued patterns. The problems encountered in implementing the primary ART 2 architecture as originally presented by Gail Carpenter and Stephen Grossberg are discussed. An enhanced ART 2 architecture that receives its input from a functional-link preprocessor is proposed. Experimental results that demonstrate this architecture's superior performance over the previous ART 2 architecture are provided. Finally, a text-free speaker recognition system that employs the enhanced ART 2 architecture as its classifier is described.
Compact, fiber-based, fast-light enhanced optical gyroscope

It has been proposed that fast-light optical phenomena can increase the sensitivity of a Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) of a given size by several orders of magnitude. MagiQ is developing a compact fully-fibered fast light RLG using Stimulated Brillouin Scattering (SBS) in commercial optical fiber. We will discuss our experimental results on SBS pumped lasing in commercial fibers and analyze their implications to the fast light generation. Based on these results, we envision a fast light enhanced Ring Laser Gyroscope (RLG) that will use only a few meters of fiber and require moderate pump power (only a few 100’s of mW). We will present the design that is based on proven, commercially available technologies. By using photonic integrated circuits and telecom-grade fiber components, we created a design that is appropriate for mass production in the near term. We eliminated all free-space optical elements (such as atomic vapor cells), in order to enable a compact, high sensitivity RLG stable against environmental disturbances. Results of this effort will have benefits in existing applications of RLGs (such as inertial navigation units, gyrocompasses, and stabilization techniques), and will allow wider use of RLGs in spacecraft, unmanned aerial vehicles or sensors, where the current size and weight of optical gyros are prohibitive.
The influence of musculature on the mechnical impedance of the human ulna, an in vivo simulated study

Abstract The first-generation, viscoelastic beam model of in vivo mechanical impedance of the human ulna which Orne proposed earlier is modified to include the resistance to lateral vibration which is provided by the surrounding musculature. The musculature is represented as a continuous series of damped oscillators attached to the ulna and characterized by mass, spring and damping coefficients m D , k D and c D , respectively, per unit length of ulna. Using physically plausible values for the musculature parameters, the theoretical impedance response curves show close agreement with the experimental results of Thompson over a much wider range of forcing frequencies than is possible with the earlier model of Orne. Additional theoretical curves based on the modified model are generated to evaluate the sensitivity of ulnar impedance to changes in its modulus of elasticity, density and cross-sectional dimensions. A series of animal experiments is suggested which will provide a means of separately identifying and evaluating the various mechanisms which contribute to ulnar impedance. Recommendations are given for further improvements in modeling ulnar impedance. Some applications are suggested.
Universities/Research Institutes and Regional Innovation Systems: The Cases of Beijing and Shenzhen

Summary This paper explores the role of universities and research institutes (URIs) in the development of the Chinese economy through a comparison of the development of the Beijing and Shenzhen technology clusters. The two locations, while embedded in the same national innovation system, have exhibited completely different evolutionary trajectories. In the case of Beijing, the URIs have played an extremely important role in the development of largest high technology cluster in China. In contrast, in Shenzhen, which is now the third most important cluster in China, has in the last twenty years policy makers have consciously worked to establish and attract institutions of higher education. We suggest that the Chinese experience, though not without problems, provides an interesting model for other nations with strong URIs.
Algorithms for stochastic games — A survey

We consider finite state, finite action, stochastic games over an infinite time horizon. We survey algorithms for the computation of minimax optimal stationary strategies in the zerosum case, and of Nash equilibria in stationary strategies in the nonzerosum case. We also survey those theoretical results that pave the way towards future development of algorithms.
Tetranucleotide frequencies in microbial genomes

A computational strategy for determining the variability of long DNA sequences in microbial genomes is described. Composite portraits of bacterial genomes were obtained by computing tetranucleotide frequencies of sections of genomic DNA, converting the frequencies to color images and arranging the images according to their genetic position. The resulting images revealed that the tetranucleotide frequencies of genomic DNA sequences are highly conserved. Sections that were visibly different from those of the rest of the genome contained ribosomal RNA, bacteriophage, or undefined coding regions and had corresponding differences in the variances of tetranucleotide frequencies and GC content. Comparison of nine completely sequenced bacterial genomes showed that there was a nonlinear relationship between variances of the tetranucleotide frequencies and GC content, with the highest variances occurring in DNA sequences with low GC contents (less than 0.30 mol). High variances were also observed in DNA sequences having high GC contents (greater than 0.60 mol), but to a much lesser extent than DNA sequences having low GC contents. Differences in the tetranucleotide frequencies may be due to the mechanisms of intercellular genetic exchange and/or processes involved in maintaining intracellular genetic stability. Identification of sections that were different from those of the rest of the genome may provide information on the evolution and plasticity of bacterial genomes.
A sliding filament model for skeletal muscle: dependence of isometric dynamics on temperature and sarcomere length.

Abstract The sliding filament model of A. F. Huxley is used to derive a formula for the rate constant for exponential increase of tension to the plateau value in an isometric tetanus. The formula agrees well with measured values of the rate constant for frog sartorius muscle at several temperatures when most sarcomeres have length in the range at which they develop maximum force. The comparison with data suggests that the distance over which an attached cross-bridge moves decreases markedly with increasing temperature, from about 100 A at 2°C to less than 5 A at 20°C. The relation of the analysis and its results to Hill's theory of the isometric myogram is discussed. The Huxley theory is extended to treat the rise of isometric force in a muscle fiber of such length that the number of cross bridges opposite thin filaments is less than maximum and changes with time. Predictions of the extended theory do not agree well with observed dynamics of muscle, probably because the extended theory neglects effects of inequalities in sarcomere length within the fiber.
Bioinorganic Chemistry: A Short Course. Rosette M. Roat-Malone. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley-Interscience, A John Wiley & Sons Inc. Publication, 2002, 366 pp., $89.95, softcover. ISBN 0-471-15976-X.

With several texts on bioinorganic chemistry now available on the market, the new offering by Roat-Malone offers a distinct perspective. Following the obligatory introductory chapters on the solution chemistry of metal ions, coordination chemistry, biochemistry, and physical methods, the author develops four topical chapters that include oxygen-binding proteins and models, copper enzymes, nitrogenase, and metals in medicine. A strong structure–function perspective underlies each of these themes. Chapter 1 presents a fairly concise and adequate coverage of the structural, kinetic, and thermodynamic principles that are required for an understanding of biological coordination chemistry. Chapter 2 introduces key structural concepts in protein and nucleic acid …
A Match for Alcestis: Plutarch Mor . 243 d

In the introductory remarks to his Mulierum Virtutes , Plutarch notes the value of comparisons for establishing the diverse manifestations of the same virtue: ‘Achilles was brave in one way, Ajax in another; and the intelligence of Odysseus differed from that of Nestor, nor were Cato and Agesilaus just in the same way, nor was Irene loving of her husband ( ) as Alcestis was, nor Cornelia high-minded in the manner of Olympias’ (243d). All the examples are well known, and quite apposite, except for Irene ( ). Who is this paragon of wifely love? A search through encyclopedias and mythological handbooks proves fruitless. Wyttenbach in his note ad loc. suggested the courtesan friend of a minor Ptolemy killed at Ephesus (Athen. 13. 593 a-b), yet this extremely obscure figure hardly merits mention in the same breath with Alcestis. The name must be corrupt.
Growth and characterization of evaporated thin films of Y1Ba2Cu3Ox

We have prepared thin films of Y-Ba-Cu-O by coevaporation in the presence of oxygen onto room-temperature substrates, followed by postannealing in oxygen. Films have been grown on (100) SrTiO3, (100) MgO, and LiNbO3. The films have been characterized by electrical resistivity, X-ray diffraction, and elastic backscattering (EBS) measurements.
Developing a computer program to facilitate language training

Abstract The present research demonstrates how an instructional program developer can be used as a subject in a series of experiments to determine optimum parameters for a computer program. The research included developing and testing a new training procedure for presentation of English to Spanish and Spanish to English word pairs. The experiments demonstrated that number of word pairs used per lesson (5, 10, or 15 pairs) did not influence how much was learned when lessons were repeated on 3 consecutive days. Constant as opposed to varied orders of pair presentation did not affect the rate at which pairs were learned. Tests with feedback on word pairs 5 and 15 days after training prevented an increase in errors 25 days after training. Repeating lessons on 3 consecutive days as opposed to just 1 day led to fewer errors during tests that occurred 5 or 15 days after training. It did not matter if Spanish to English pairs were presented before or after English to Spanish pairs during a daily training session. In addition, intermixing Spanish to English and English to Spanish pairs did not lead to better performance as compared to presenting English to Spanish or Spanish to English pairs first. The present experiments show how a software developer can be used as the subject in a series of experiments to determine parameters for an educational computer program.
DNA Microarrays in Analysis of Quorum Sensing: Strengths and Limitations

Quorum sensing in prokaryotic biology refers to the ability of a bacterium to sense information from other cells in the population when they reach a critical concentration (i.e., a quorum). In the context of this commentary the information sensed by some gram-negative bacteria is extracellular low-
Photoconductivity in insulating YBa2Cu3O6+x: From Mott-Hubbard insulator to Fermi glass via oxygen doping.

Photoconductivity, σ ph (ω), and optical conductivity, σ(ω), are compared for insulating YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6+x (x<0.4) in the photon energy range from 0.6 to 2.1 eV. With x≃0, there is an energy gap with weak spectral features at 1.5 and 2.1 eV, in addition to the well-known 1.75 and 2.7 eV bands. The coincidence between σ ph (ω) and σ(ω) at the band edge implies the photogeneration of separated charge carriers; no significant exciton binding energy is observed. The spectral gap in stoichiometric YBa 2 Cu 3 O 6 is consistent with the electronic structure of a Mott-Hubbard insulator with a well-defined energy gap between the filled O 2p band and the empty Cu 3d upper Hubbard band
In search of correlates of learning underlying “learning disability” using a bio-ecological assessment system

A valid and consistent diagnosis of learning disability is constrained by many conceptual and methodological challenges. Chief among them is the lack of diagnostic efficiency of standardized tests to shed much light on the nature and quality of the “potential disability” underlying children's very poor academic achievement. In this paper, we make the point that any assessment measure of learning difficulty should do more than merely identify or confirm the presence of a problem. Rather, assessment in the service of learning should identify learning needs at a sufficient level of detail so as to inform adaptive pedagogical planning and intervention. Toward this end, a discussion of theoretical and empirical research on the correlates of learning from a sociocultural perspective is examined that provides the conceptual basis for a proposed bio-ecological assessment system. The components of the system are delineated and its feasibility explored in order to provide a richer source of information beyond what is possible with current standardized tests.
The Looks‐Personality Relationship: Global Self‐Orientations as Shared Precursors of Subjective Physical Attractiveness and Self‐Ascribed Traits1

A global self-orientations model of the relationship between subjective physical attractiveness and personality is described and tested. This model, which proposes that self-esteem and two types of social desirability (self-presentation and self-deception) are causal antecedents in the self-rated looks-personality link, was supported in two studies. In Studies 1 (n= 243 females) and 2 (n= 160 males), self-esteem and social desirability independently had an impact on self-judgments of both physical attractiveness and personality, and statistically controlling for the impact of the global self-orientations substantially reduced the covariation between subjective attractiveness and personality scores. In addition, consistent with previous research, self-rated attractiveness was found to be significantly correlated with a wider range of personality attributes than was objective attractiveness.
Interdisciplinary contributions in retail service delivery: review and future directions

Abstract Given the significance and growth of services in today’s economy, a number of different disciplines have directed their attention at studying the service phenomenon. Typically, marketing studies have focused on conceptual and measurement issues pertaining to customers’ perceptions of service quality. This paper builds on extant research by calling upon marketers to pay more attention to the actual delivery of service quality at retail outlets. Specifically, I suggest that researchers should attempt to link service quality backwards and broaden the focus of their investigation to encompass myriad issues affecting service delivery. To spur future research, I provide an expanded theoretical framework by critically reviewing the literature on service delivery from different disciplines. I conceptualize service delivery as an input-process-output scheme where the linkages among various stages have to be efficiently managed for the optimal delivery of quality. I discuss the managerial and research implications of this study and offer several suggestions for future research.
Electron-impact excitation of ions in the magnesium sequence. II. S v, Ar vii, Ca ix, Cr xiii, and Ni xvii

Collision strengths are presented for all transitions between the states (including fine structure) 3${s}^{2}$ ${}^{1}$${S}_{0}$, 3s3p(${}^{3}$${P}_{0}$,1,2,${}^{1}$P $_{1}$), 3${p}^{2}$(${}^{3}$${P}_{0}$,1,2, $^{1}D_{2}$,${}^{1}$${S}_{0}$), 3s3d(${}^{3}$${D}_{1}$,2,3,${}^{1}$D $_{2}$), and 3s4s(${}^{3}$${S}_{1}$,${}^{1}$${S}_{0}$) in Mg-like ions S v, Ar vii, Ca ix, Cr xiii, and Ni xvii. The calculations are carried out in LS coupling using the distorted-wave approximation with a ten-state eigenfunction expansion. Relativistic effects in the target states are taken into account using the Breit-Pauli Hamiltonian, and the term-coupling coefficients thereby obtained are employed to accomplish the transformation of the scattering matrices to intermediate coupling. Atomic effects involving autoionizing resonances in some transitions are considered, as well as the contribution of high partial waves to the transition 3${s}^{2}$ ${}^{1}$${S}_{0}$--3s3d ${}^{1}$${D}_{2}$. The problem of bound-channel correlation-type functions in the eigenfunction expansion is discussed in some detail.
Recent developments in chemiluminescence and photochemical reaction detection for capillary electrophoresis

Abstract The remarkable resolution and ability to analyze small samples make capillary electrophoresis (CE) an attractive technique. However, analysis in capillary dimensions makes detection a formidable challenge. Over the past decade there has been increased interest in coupling chemiluminescence (CL) detection and photochemical reaction detection (PCRD) with CE. Much of this appeal stems from the proven sensitivity and selectivity of CL detection and PCRD coupled to HPLC. The current state of CL and PCRD and the limitations of CE–CL and CE–PCRD are discussed.
On analytical solutions to boundary-value problems of doubly-curved moderately-thick orthotropic shells

Abstract Hitherto unknown analytical solutions to the boundary-value problems of shear-flexible doubly-curved orthotropic shells of rectangular planform are presented. Sanders' kinematic relations, extended to the first-order shear deformation theory, yield five coupled linear second-order partial differential equations with constant co-efficients. These are solved in conjunction with five admissible boundary conditions at each edge by utilizing a recently developed novel double Fourier series approach, which takes into account the ordinary discontinuities, if any, of the assumed solutions and/or their first derivatives. The numerical results presented herein, for the C4 and SS4 boundary conditions prescribed at all edges, contribute to our fundamental understanding of the complex deformation behavior of finite doubly-curved shear flexible orthotropic shells. These results should serve as bench-mark solutions for future comparison.
Moving singularities in elasto-diffusive solids with applications to fracture propagation

Abstract Solutions are derived for steady-state motion of a singularity class, which includes point sources and dislocations, through a medium in which the elastic stress-field can evolve with time due to the diffusion of an internal second-phase species, such as a pore-fluids and lattice impurity concentrations in a crystalline solid, or the transfer of heat. The technique is to integrate the known influence functions for a stationary singularity. Attention is focused on the most tractable aspect, namely the stress field on the trajectory of motion: this suffices for simulation of growing shear and tensile fractures (e.g. in a porous fluid-saturated solid). Continuous densities of fluid sources and point discontinuities (dislocations) are suitably distributed (as determined by solving the resulting singular integral equations) to satisfy solid stress and fluid pressure or flow conditions on the fracture surfaces. Alternative methods for finding the complete dislocation influence function are discussed and comparisons with existing source solutions are made. Substantial stabilization effects are found in fracture propagation.
Kenneth Burke's break with formalism

By the summer of 1922, Kenneth Burke adopted several philosophical assumptions which entailed a rejection of formalism and coincided with his move towards dramatism. This trend, which eventually placed the study of language at the center of understanding human relations, is revealed in an exchange of letters with Waldo Frank.
Comment on John Greco's Putting Skeptics in Their Place

In Putting Skeptics in Their Place, John Greco makes a number of important contributions to epistemology. He makes a compelling case against contemporary efforts to dismiss or blunt the force of arguments for skepti cism. He argues persuasively that skepticism can be avoided only by embrac ing reliabilism. He then develops his own agent reliabilism and uses it to make sense of a relevant contraries argument for skepticism while avoiding its conclusion.
Neuroendocrine (bag) cells of Aplysia: spike blockade and a mechanism for potentiation

Bag cell activity in Aplysia can be recorded intracellularly and extracellularly. Electrical stimulation anywhere along the connective nerves can produce prepotentials which are not synaptic potentials but represent the passive invasion of action potentials blocked in the neurites. Potentiation of these prepotentials results from progressive movement of the site of spike blockade toward the somata. This type of propagation plasticity may occur in many networks of low conduction safety.
A relative Kuznietsov trace formula on G2

In this paper, we set up the general formulation to study distinguished residual representations of a reductive group G by the relative trace formula approach. This approach simplifies the argument of [JR], which deals with this type of relative trace formula for a special symmetric pair (GL(2n), Sp(2n)) and also works for non-symmetric, spherical pairs. To illustrate our idea and method, we complete our relative trace formula (both the geometric side identity and the spectral side identity) for the case (G 2, SL(3)).
Symmetry of Ground States of Quasilinear Elliptic Equations

. We consider the problem of radial symmetry for non‐negative continuously differentiable weak solutions of elliptic equations of the form \( {\rm div}(A(\vert Du\vert)Du) + f(u) = 0,\quad x\in {\vec R}^n, \quad n\geq 2,\eqno(1)\) under the ground state condition \( u(x)\to 0 \mbox{ as } \vert x\vert\to\infty. \eqno(2)\) Using the well‐known moving plane method of Alexandrov and Serrin, we show, under suitable conditions on A and f, that all ground states of (1) are radially symmetric about some origin O in \({\vec R}^n\). In particular, we obtain radial symmetry for compactly supported ground states and give sufficient conditions for the positivity of ground states in terms of the given operator A and the nonlinearity f.
END ORGAN UNRESPONSIVENESS TO MINERALOCORTICOID HORMONES

End organ unresponsiveness to aldosterone (aldo) in the kidney, colon, sweat and salivary gland was demonstrated in a 7 m.o. male infant who suffered recurrent episodes of severe salt-wasting and hyperkalemia. On a very high sodium intake (250 meq/d) he continued to waste sodium and manifested hyperkalemia (K+ 7.0 meq/l) unless dietary K+ was restricted. These abnormalities in electrolyte balance were observed in the face of very high plasma aldosterone often exceeding 500 ng/dl. Blood pressure measured 80/40 mmHg. Sodium wasting was documented in urine, sweat, and saliva. Administration of aldo, (0.6 mg/6 hr by infusion) did not result in conservation of Na+ by salivary glands or kidney. Colonic-rectal electropotential also did not change. Administration of 9αFF in doses as high as 3 mg/d was ineffective in producing changes in urinary, salivary or sweat Na+ and K+ concentration. Plasma aldo remained markedly elevated (586.6 ng%) and the elevated plasma renin activity did not suppress. This patient represents the first report in which unresponsiveness to mineralocorticoids with excessive loss of Na+ and decreased excretion of K+ has been demonstrated in the kidney, colon, sweat and salivary glands. Since this patient probably has defective mineralocorticoid receptors in the major sodium conserving organs, the only therapy possible was administration of sodium to compensate for total sodium loss. This therapy is compatible with life and improved development.
MHD stagnation-point flows at a current sheet including viscous and resistive effects : general two-dimensional solutions

Exact solutions are presented of two-dimensional steady-state incompressible stagnation point flows at a current sheet separating two colliding plasmas. They describe the process of resistive field annihilation (zero reconnection) where the magnetic field in each plasma is strictly parallel to the current sheet, but may have different magnitudes and direction on its two sides. The flow in the (x, y) plane toward the current sheet, located at x = 0, may have an arbitrary angle of incidence and an arbitrary amount of divergence from or convergence towards the stagnation point. We find the most general form of the solution for the plasma velocity and for the magnetic field. For the z compenents of the flow and field, solutions in the form of truncating power series in y are found. The cases obtained in this study contain the solutions obtained by Parker, Sonnerup & Priest, Gratton et al. and Besser, Biernat & Rijnbeek as special cases. The role of viscosity in determining the flow and field configurations is examined. When the two colliding plasmas have the same viscosity and density, it is shown that viscous effects usually are important only in strongly divergent or convergent viscous flows with viscous Reynolds number of the order of unity or smaller. For astrophysical applications the viscous Reynolds number is usually high and the effects of viscosity on the interaction of plasmas of similar properties are small. The formulation of the stagnation-point flow problem involving plasmas of different properties is also presented. Sample cases of such flows are shown. Finally, a possible application of the results from this study to the earth's magnetopause is discussed briefly.
Apoptosis and JNK activation are differentially regulated by Fas expression level in renal tubular epithelial cells.

Apoptosis and JNK activation are differentially regulated by Fas expression level in renal tubular epithelial cells. Background In chronic renal disease, renal tubular epithelial cell (RTC) Fas expression is up-regulated, leading to apoptotic RTC deletion and tubular atrophy. In vitro, cytokine- or hypoxia-induced up-regulation of Fas expression is associated with RTC apoptosis. In contrast, constitutively expressed, low level RTC Fas does not mediate apoptosis, suggesting that Fas may be coupled to expression level-dependent RTC signaling pathways. Fas is known to signal through JNK in many systems, but the requirement of JNK activation for apoptosis remains controversial. Methods To determine if RTC Fas regulates JNK activity and apoptosis, human RTC were transfected with graded concentrations of a eukaryotic expression vector for murine Fas. Apoptosis was measured by annexin V, TUNEL and PARP cleavage assays. JNK activity was determined by immune complex kinase assay and/or immunoblots with phospho-specific JNK antibodies, in the presence or absence of co-expressed dominant negative JNK constructs. Results Fas antibody stimulation of RTC with high Fas expression levels (to model RTC phenotype in renal disease) caused a tenfold increase in apoptosis, while RTC with low level Fas expression (to model normal RTC phenotype) were apoptosis-resistant. Fas ligation activated JNK in RTC expressing low levels of Fas, but not in apoptosis-sensitive RTC with increased Fas expression. Dominant negative JNK co-expression failed to inhibit apoptosis in RTC expressing high levels of Fas, suggesting that JNK is neither necessary, nor sufficient, for Fas-dependent apoptosis. Conclusions At high levels of expression, RTC Fas promotes apoptosis in a JNK-independent manner. At low basal expression, Fas induces JNK activation, but not apoptosis, consistent with novel roles for RTC Fas as a mediator of cell stress or chronic inflammation.
A pH-tunable peptide ligase.

A chemical ligation system is reported, in which a highly acidic coiled-coil peptide was used to template two basic peptide fragments and catalyze their condensation, in a pH-tunable fashion, to generate a coiled-coil product. This template showed a high catalytic efficiency (with single turnover) under neutral conditions. Under acidic conditions, however, its catalytic efficiency was reduced by approximately 4500-fold. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Biopoly 51: 370–375, 1999
New results from the ORASIS/NEMO compression algorithm

We present results from an improved ORASIS (Optical Real-time Adaptive Spectral Identification System) hyperspectral-data compression-algorithm that is being implemented on the Naval EarthMap Observer (NEMO) satellite. The algorithm is shown to produce results that are statistically improved from previous findings. To augment the statistical testing, the re-inflated data are run through analysis programs such as unsupervised classification. ORASIS compression is a series of algorithms. The first algorithm, the exemplar selector process (ESP), is a variation of Learned Vector Quantization (LVQ) that builds up a relatively small set of spectra to represent the full data set. Subsequent algorithms find approximate endmembers for the exemplar set and project the set into the space defined by the endmembers. Both the ESP and the projection process contribute to the compression of the data. The obtainable compression ratios vary with scene content and other factors but ratios between 10:1 and 30:1 are possible. The compressed data format is designed to allow direct access to individual pieces of the data without reinflation of the entire data set. Details of the hardware implementation of the Imagery On-Board Processor (IOBP) of NEMO is discussed, as well as the use of the compressed data on the ground.© (1999) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.