cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
FORO DE REFLEXIÓN Y DEBATE: EMPRESAS SOSTENIBLES, AFRONTANDO EL CAMBIO CLIMÁTICO

Se presentan los resultados y conclusiones de un foro de reflexion y debate entre profesionales de distintos ambitos para debatir y definir indicadores relevantes y significativos que faciliten la identificacion, diferenciacion y promocion de las empresas sostenibles. En coherencia con una revision bibliografica previa, se organiza el debate a traves de cinco ejes: empresas sostenibles, cambio climatico, medio ambiente, movilidad y responsabilidad social corporativa. e destacan una serie de caracteristicas diferenciales de las empresas sostenibles en cuatro ambitos: a) Minimizacion del consumo y promocion de las energias renovables: transformacion de sectores contaminantes; internalizacion del impacto; energias renovables; productos reciclables y reutilizables gestion de la demanda energetica; segregacion y gestion de residuos. b) Movilidad: almacenamiento de la energia; aumento de ocupacion de vehiculos; bicicleta; electrificacion del transporte; mejora del transporte de mercancias; transporte y movilidad a demanda; vehiculos electricos. c) Gestion empresarial ambiental, economica y social: contribucion a la mejora del entorno; economia colaborativa; ecosistemas innovadores; estrategias empresariales sostenibles flexibilidad; Igualdad de oportunidades; innovacion colaborativa; teletrabajo transparencia, y d) Administracion publica: concienciacion; c) reduccion de las emisiones de entre un 7 y 8% anual; fiscalidad positiva; gestion estrategica del territorio; promocion de certificaciones ambientales; promocion de las estrategias sostenibles a largo plazo, y transporte publico eficiente y asequible. La definicion de indicadores cuantitativos y cualitativos permitira disponer de una herramienta de direccion empresarial entorno a la gestion sostenible de las empresas. La reflexion, el debate y el conocimiento generado en este foro de expertos persigue la investigacion cualitativa y la posterior transferencia de conocimiento sobre tres ambitos: la educacion, el emprendimiento y la empresa.
The human auditory brainstem response to high click rates: aging effects.

In the December 2001 issue (Vol. 10, No. 2), "The Human Auditory Brain-stem Response to High Click Rates: Aging Effects" by Robert F. Burkard and Donald Sims was incorrectly classified as a viewpoi...
Subperiosteal new bone formation with the distal tibial classic metaphyseal lesion: prevalence on radiographic skeletal surveys

The classic metaphyseal lesion (CML) is a strong indicator of infant abuse, and the distal tibia is one of the most common sites for this injury. To determine the prevalence of subperiosteal new bone formation accompanying the distal tibial CMLs identified on infant skeletal surveys. Skeletal surveys performed for suspected infant abuse (2005–2017) were reviewed. Inclusion criteria were 1) anteroposterior (AP) and lateral radiographs of a distal tibial CML from the initial survey, 2) AP radiograph from the 2-week follow-up survey, 3) additional fractures, 4) child protection team consults and 5) mandated report filing for suspected abuse. We identified 22 distal tibial CMLs from 16 infants. Radiographs of these lesions were shown on the picture archiving and communication system to two blinded pediatric radiologists. Readers indicated the presence/absence of subperiosteal new bone formation on individual and combinations of images. Inter-reader agreements were fair (kappa=0.47). The prevalence of subperiosteal new bone formation on initial AP radiograph was 34%. Significant increases in the prevalence were found with the addition of follow-up AP radiograph (57%; P<0.001), initial lateral radiograph (57%; P=0.002) and follow-up AP plus initial lateral radiographs (71%; P<0.001). Statistically significant increases in prevalence were also noted when the third view was added to the other two views (increase of 14%; P=0.024). Even when skeletal surveys include initial AP, lateral and follow-up AP radiographs of the tibia, nearly one-third of distal tibial CMLs will fail to demonstrate subperiosteal new bone formation.
Optical diagnostic methods for monitoring the poling of thin-film lithium niobate waveguides

We demonstrate two non-destructive methods of studying the gradual poling of thin-film lithium niobate waveguides by the application of a sequence of high-voltage pulses, and we show the transition from under-poling to over-poling and the identification of the optimal stopping point of the poling process. The first diagnostic method is based on changes in continuous-wave light transmission through a hybrid waveguide as it is gradually poled by using a second set of monitoring electrodes fabricated alongside the principal poling electrodes. The second method is based on confocal back-reflected second-harmonic microscopy by using femtosecond optical probe pulses. The results from the two methods are in agreement with each other and may be useful as non-destructive in situ diagnostic methods for optimized poling of integrated waveguides.
Reducing US Cancer Burden and Disparities Through National and Targeted Food Price Policies (P04-101-19)

Disparities in cancer among low-income Americans in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are well documented. While policies to alter food prices (taxes, subsidies) have demonstrated success at changing dietary intakes, the effectiveness of these policies on reducing cancer burdens and disparities has not been quantified. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of population strategies on reducing US cancer burdens and disparities through national or targeted food price policies. A Comparative Risk Assessment (CRA) model was used to assess the effectiveness of 9 different potential policies for reducing cancer burden and disparity among US adults in 2015. These included (1) 5 policies with varying levels (10%, 30%) of subsidies on fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, with and without 10% taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages and processed meats for the general US population, (2) a targeted 30% subsidy in SNAP, and (3) combinations of the general policies and targeted SNAP policy. Data inputs included national demographic and dietary data on the US adult population and SNAP participants from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2009–2014, cancer incidence from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER), and policy effects and diet-cancer effects from meta-analyses. Cancer disparities were quantified as the difference in cancer incidence between SNAP participants and higher-income individuals. Uncertainty in each parameter was jointly incorporated using probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) with 1000 simulations. All policies reduced cancer burdens, with between ∼5 to 40 new cases per million adults prevented annually (Figure 1). The national 30% subsidy +10% tax produced largest overall benefits, averting an estimated 6875 new cancer cases (28 cases per million US adults) per year. The 10% national tax +30% SNAP-targeted food subsidies produced the largest reduction in cancer disparities (14 more cases averted per million among SNAP vs. higher-income individuals) (Figure 2). All national food price policies meaningfully reduced cancer burdens, while SNAP-targeted food price policies, alone or in combination with national policies, reduced cancer disparities. This study was supported by NIH/NIMHD.
Characterization of organic compounds and oxidative potential of aqueous PM2.5 suspensions collected via an aerosol-into-liquid collector for use in toxicology studies

Abstract In this study, we investigated the organic constituents and toxicological characteristics of PM2.5 liquid suspensions collected by the means of a modified versatile aerosol concentration enrichment system (VACES)/aerosol-into-liquid collector tandem technology. Filter and slurry PM2.5 samples were collected during warm (spanning from mid-August 2019 to early-September 2019) and cold (from mid-December 2019 to early-January 2020) seasons at an urban site in central Los Angeles. The collected samples were chemically analyzed for their total organic carbon (TOC) as well as individual organic species, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hopanes and steranes, n-alkanes, and organic acids. In addition, the oxidative potential of PM2.5 samples was quantified by means of the 2′,7′-dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH) in vitro assay. Overall, our findings revealed a very good agreement between the mass fractions of organic compounds in the collected PM2.5 slurries and filters, judging by the average slurry-to -filter ratios of 1.17 ± 0.15, 1.13 ± 0.14, 1.13 ± 0.15, and 1.16 ± 0.22 for PAHs, hopanes and steranes, n-alkanes, and organic acids, respectively. Moreover, comparable (Pvalue = 0.2) oxidative potential levels were observed between the collected filters and PM2.5 liquid suspensions. The aqueous PM suspensions collected by the VACES/aerosol-into-liquid collector exhibited slightly higher (although not statistically significant) capture of some semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), probably due to less sampling artifacts and better preservation of these SVOCs collected directly into aqueous suspensions compared to the filter samplers. The outcomes of this study confirm the efficient collection of PM-bound organic species in aqueous slurries by the aerosol-into-liquid collector, further corroborating the ability of this sampler to be used as an attractive alternative to filter samplers for collection of PM2.5 for toxicological studies.
Distribution of KRASG12C Somatic Mutations across Race, Sex, and Cancer Type.

KRASG12C Somatic Mutations in Various Cancers A survey of more than 32,000 cancers in the GENIE registry detected differences in the distribution of KRASG12C mutations in various cancer types and i...
Discount Point Concessions and the Value of Homes with Conventional versus Nonconventional Mortgage Financing

This is an empirical investigation on the impacts of certain seller concessions on home prices. Specifically, we examine the impacts of two seller concessions: discount point concessions (DPCs) and closing cost concessions (CCCs) on home prices. Using hedonic analysis, we find that DPCs are capitalized into home prices. We do not find that CCCs produce capitalization effects. DPCs appear to work in a manner similar to other creative financing techniques such as a buydown mortgage. DPCs enhance affordability by lowering interest costs and debt service payments. DPCs thus lead to increases in effective demand. CCCs will reduce out of pocket expenses but will not necessarily enhance long-term affordability, thus their price effects are less certain. We show that these price premiums are prevalent only when conventional mortgage financing is used. When FHA and VA loans are used, premiums disappear. Of course, governmental insured/guaranteed loans are much more subject to regulation than conventional loans, which may prevent homesellers from price premium maximization. The study establishes the relative significance of discount points versus closing costs as marketing incentives. It appears that the use of discount points as a marketing incentive produces more capitalization effects. The presence of such capitalization effects is consistent with results found in other creative financing studies.
Micro-electromechanical-system-tuned resonant filters spanning the 8-12 µm band.

The spectral band covering ∼8−12µm is atmospherically transparent and therefore important for terrestrial imaging, day/night situational awareness systems, and spectroscopic applications. There is a dearth of tunable filters spanning the band. Here, we propose and demonstrate a new, to the best of our knowledge, tunable-filter method engaging the fundamental physics of the guided-mode resonance (GMR) effect realized with a non-periodic lattice. The polarization-dependent filter is fashioned with a one-dimensional Ge grating on a ZnSe substrate and interrogated with a ∼1.5mm Gaussian beam to show clear transmittance nulls. To expand the tuning range, the device parameters are optimized for sequential operation in TM and TE polarization states. The theoretical model exhibits a tunable range exceeding 4 µm, thus covering the band fully. In the experiment, a prototype device exhibits a spectral range of 8.6–10.0 µm in TM and 9.9–11.7 µm in TE polarization or >3µm total. With additional efforts in fabrication, we expect to achieve the full range.
Postcolonial M/Othering: Poetics of Remembering and Writing as an Invitation to Rememory:

To open up possibilities in inquiry, the authors write in a manner that extends a lens of postcolonial m/Othering through poetic autoethnography. They draw on the conceptualization of rememory to w...
Incidental corrective feedback provision for formulaic vs. Non-formulaic errors: EFL teachers’ beliefs and practices

Research on corrective feedback (CF) and language teachers’ beliefs and practices on the provision of CF has been mainly limited to learners’ non-target-like use of grammar, vocabulary, pronunciati...
Consonant Structure and Prevocalization

This monograph proposes a new interpretation of the intrasegmental structure of consonants and provides the first systematic intra- and cross-linguistic study of consonant prevocalization. The proposed model represents consonants as inherently bigestural and makes strong predictions that are automatically relevant to phonological theory at both the diachronic and synchronic levels, and also to the phonetics of articulatory evolution. It also clearly demonstrates that a wide generalization of the notion of consonant prevocalization provides a uniform account for many well-known processes generally considered independent – from asynchronous palatalization in Polish to intrusive [r] in nonrhotic English, to vowel epentheses in Avestan, and to pre-/s/ vowel prothesis in Welsh. Consonant prevocalization has not played a significant role in the development of modern phonological theory to date, and this work is the first to highlight its broad theoretical significance. It develops important theoretical insights, with a wealth of supporting data and a rich bibliography. No doubt, this book will be of great interest to phonologists, phoneticians, typologists, and historical linguists.
State-dependent performance of rats on a complex maze task

State-dependent learning occurs when information acquired in one chemical state fails to transfer or only partially transfers to another state. Thirty-five Long-Evans rats learned to run the Hampton Court maze and then were tested in an ABA design, alternating between administration of one of three doses of morphine sulfate (6, 10, or 15 mg/kg) and saline. At the two highest drug doses, regardless of direction of switch (saline to morphine or vice versa), the subjects’ running time increased significantly after the first switch, but not at all or to a much lesser degree after the second switch, indicating possible state-dependency effects. Analysis of errors indicated that, after the first state change only, rats that had switched from morphine to saline committed errors immediately after the change under all three dose conditions, but those that switched from saline to morphine continued to run the maze without error. The results of this study indicate that morphine-related state changes can create temporary disruptions in performance—independently of direct drug effects—on a task with a long learning curve such as this one.
Lipid emulsion and exercise reduce the development of hepatic steatosis in mice fed high-dextrose parenteral nutrition formula (642.9)

Lipid emulsions (LE) are used to prevent essential fatty acid (EFA) deficiency in patients receiving parenteral nutrition (PN), which contains a high percentage of dextrose related to the occurrence of hepatic steatosis. We have previously shown, in 4-5-week studies, that LE given either orally or i.v. ameliorates triacylglycerol (TG) accumulation in the liver of nonobese mice fed PN formula orally. Currently, we have conducted a short-term study (8-d) to determine whether administration of LE and exercise (Ex, voluntary running), modulates the expected increased expression level of genes associated with fatty liver disease. 5-wk-old male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into 5 groups: normal reference group (NC, fed rodent chow); PN only (with 0.5% EFA to assure adequacy); PN+Ex; PN+ 13.5 (en-%) LE; or PN+LE+Ex. Oil Red O staining and TG analysis showed that hepatic TG contents were increased after 8 d in the PN and PN+Ex groups (P<0.05), compared to NC. The addition of LE suppressed the TG increase caused b...
Relaxin, the third ovarian hormone: its experimental use in women.

Abstract Seveny-eight patients and experimental subjects were treated by relaxin intramuscularly or intravenously. Nine were checked for ureteral dilatation and symphyseal separation. In one subject, minimal separation of the symphysis and elongation of the ureter was produced. These results could not be reproduced despite modifications of the dosage schedule. Five patients were treated for dysmenorrhea, but no conclusions can be drawn. Depot (repository gelatin) relaxin was used alone in 2 subjects, and in conjunction with solution relaxin in 4 additional ones. Injections are painful, and the latent period is apparently too great to be of value in the current research in the present state of our knowledge. As new depot material becomes available, with a more immediate and prolonged response, these problems should be reopened for further study. The most gratifying results were in modifying labor. Intravenous and intramuscular relaxin was used on 15 patients in active labor. There is a latent period in the response of relaxin of approximately one to one and one-half hours regardless of the route of administration except when rapid intravenous medication is given in large quantities. We were able to modify and slow labor in all patients to whom adequate dosage could be given for over two hours preceding delivery. Depot relaxin, which could obviate the use of excessive quantities of this relatively unavailable hormone, has too great a latent period to be of value as yet. A second favorable response which warrants further study is the definite softening of the cervix which occurred in almost all patients. This was noted to a moderate or more extensive degree in 30 of the 39 subjects studied for cervical softening. It was marked in those who failed to progress in active labor after the start of relaxin therapy. The apparent effacement and dilatation diagnosed by rectal examination were not always confirmed by vaginal examination. Yet several primigravidas went from 3 to 4 cm. dilatation to delivery within two to three hours after contractions recurred. Certain types of labor associated with disorganized contractions (inertia) responded with normal labor and rapid delivery. More work must be done in an attempt to find the key which will unlock this enigma of cervical softening, and its effect on induced labor. In no patient did relaxin interfere with the action of pituitary extract.
Animal Minds: Beyond Cognition to Consciousness

This text takes the reader on a guided tour of scientific research concerning animal mentality. Are animals consciously aware of anything, or are they merely living machines incapable of conscious thoughts or emotions? How can we tell? Such questions have fascinated the author, Donald Griffin, for decades, and his years spent at the forefront of research in animal cognition make him one of the leading behavioural ecologists of the 20th century. This revised and expanded version of his book moves beyond considerations of animal cognition to argue that scientists should and can investigate questions of animal consciousness. Using examples, ranging from chimpanzees to dolphins to birds and bees, Griffin demonstrates how communication between animals can serve as a "window" into what animals think and feel. He even shows how the reader can learn when there is no verbal communication from the animal, instead look at the actions the animal is taking, and how they respond to their surrounding and adapt or die. Griffin also considers the up-and-coming research on animal consciousness, its pros and cons, and explores the philosophical and ethical implications of the research.
Consciousness and epilepsy: why are patients with absence seizures absent?

Epileptic seizures cause dynamic, reversible changes in brain function and are often associated with loss of consciousness. Of all seizure types, absence seizures lead to the most selective deficits in consciousness, with relatively little motor or other manifestations. Impaired consciousness in absence seizures is not monolithic, but varies in severity between patients and even between episodes in the same patient. In addition, some aspects of consciousness may be more severely involved than other aspects. The mechanisms for this variability are not known. Here we review the literature on human absence seizures and discuss a hypothesis for why effects on consciousness may be variable. Based on behavioral studies, electrophysiology, and recent neuroimaging and molecular investigations, we propose absence seizures impair focal, not generalized brain functions. Imapired consciousness in absence seizures may be caused by focal disruption of information processing in specific corticothalamic networks, while other networks are spared. Deficits in selective and varying cognitive functions may lead to impairment in different aspects of consciousness. Further investigations of the relationship between behavior and altered network function in absence seizures may improve our understanding of both normal and impaired consciousness.
Differential susceptibility: the genetic moderation of peer pressure on alcohol use

Although peer pressure can influence adolescents’ alcohol use, individual susceptibility to these pressures varies across individuals. The dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) is a potential candidate gene that may influence adolescents’ susceptibility to their peer environment due to the role dopamine plays in reward sensation during social interaction. We hypothesized that DRD4 genotype status would moderate the impact of 7th-grade antisocial peer pressure on 12th-grade lifetime alcohol use (n = 414; 58.7 % female; 92.8 % White). The results revealed significant main effects for antisocial peer pressure, but no main effects for DRD4 genotype on lifetime alcohol use. Adolescent DRD4 genotype moderated the association between peer pressure and lifetime alcohol use. For individuals who carried at least one copy of the DRD4 7-repeat allele (7+), antisocial peer pressure was associated with increased lifetime alcohol use. These findings indicate that genetic sensitivity to peer pressure confers increased alcohol use in late adolescence.
Using eye gaze to identify reinforcers for individuals with severe multiple disabilities

The purpose of this study was to replicate Fleming et al. (2010) by examining the use of eye gaze in identifying reinforcers for 3 individuals with severe multiple disabilities. Preference was measured in a paired-choice stimulus preference assessment using duration of eye gaze to determine stimulus selection. A subsequent reinforcer assessment used a reversal design to test the reinforcing effects of the high- and low-preference stimuli. The results replicated Fleming et al., indicating that using eye gaze as a selection method successfully identified reinforcing stimuli.
Bacterial biofilms and the bioelectric effect

Bacterial biofilms are acknowledged to be a major factor in problems of ineffective sterilization often encountered in clinics, hospitals, and industrial processes. There have been indications that the addition of a relatively small direct current electric field with the sterilant used to combat the biofilm greatly increases the efficacy of the sterilization process. The results of the experiments reported in this paper support the concept of the "bioelectric effect" as reported by J.W. Costerton, B. Ellis, K. Lam, F. Johnson, and A.E. Khoury (Antimicrob. Agents Chemother, 38:2803-2809, 1994). With a current of 1 mA flowing through the chamber containing the biofilm, an increase in the killing of the bacteria of about 8 log orders was observed at the end of 24 h (compared with the control with the same amount of antibacterial agent but no current). We also confirmed that the current alone does not affect the biofilm and that there appear to be optimum levels of both the current and the sterilant that are needed to obtain the maximum effect.
Traumatic Transitions Homeless Women’s Narratives of Abuse, Loss, and Fear

This article presents traumatic experiences among 21 women residing in budget hotels after housing displacement. Framed in feminist and cumulative trauma theories, the purpose of this study was to explore types of trauma and adversity prior to and during housing at budget hotels. In this qualitative study, narrative and categorical content-analysis approaches were conducted to identify common themes across women’s narratives. Findings revealed trauma narratives of physical and emotional abuse, childhood maltreatment, loss, financial exploitation, sexual intimidation, eviction anxiety, environmental stress, crime exposure, and systematic subjugation. Trauma-informed intervention approaches for social work practice are outlined to promote women’s empowerment.
Histochemical studies on the spinal cords of rats chronically poisoned with carbon tetrachloride.

Thiolacetic esterase, alkaline phosphatase and desoxribonuclease II has been studied in the spinal cord of rats with chronic carbon tetrachloride poisoning.
Communication and Cultural Change in University Technology Transfer.

Faculty culture and communication networks are pivotal components of technology transfer on university campuses. Universities are focused upon diffusing technology to external clients and upon building structure and support systems to enhance technology transfer. However, engaging faculty members in technology transfer requires an internal diffusion of new ideas that are largely dependent upon faculty culture. New policies, structures, and support staff help to promote technology transfer ideologically, but are of little use if faculty researchers avoid involvement because of more intangible factors. The current study investigates this internal diffusion on one campus, using interviews with faculty members, administrators, technology transfer office personnel, licensees, and spin-off company administrators. Results show that faculty culture concerning technology transfer is dependent upon informal communication networks, principles of diffusion, history, and social interaction.
Prospective comparison of short-term convalescence: laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus open radical retropubic prostatectomy.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate and compare prospectively the convalescence of patients after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) and open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) in a standardized clinical care pathway at a single institution by two surgeons of equal experience and training. METHODS The study included all 60 patients undergoing LRP and RRP by two fellowship-trained surgeons in their first year of practice. The postoperative care of these patients was uniform and standardized. The medical records were reviewed and convalescence data obtained by an independent urologist and physician's assistant. RESULTS Of the 60 patients, 24 underwent RRP and 36 underwent attempted LRP; 3 patients were converted from LRP to RRP. The differences in mean age, preoperative prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, in-hospital morphine equivalent requirement, time to oral intake, and hospital stay were not statistically significant between the LRP and RRP groups. The operating room time was significantly longer (5.8 +/- 1.2 hours versus 2.8 +/- 0.55 hours, P <0.0001) and the estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the LRP group (533 +/- 212 mL versus 1473 +/- 768 mL, P <0.0001) than in the RRP group. Pain medication use at home was significantly less in the LRP group (9 +/- 13 versus 17 +/- 15 oxycodone tablets, P <0.04), as was the time to complete convalescence (30 +/- 18 days versus 47 +/- 21 days, P <0.002). CONCLUSIONS Although LRP took almost twice as long to complete as RRP in our initial clinical experience, the patients had a similar hospital course. LRP patients required less pain medication after discharge and had a shorter time to complete recovery than did RRP patients. Additional studies are needed to address long-term cancer control, potency, and continence outcomes to determine the precise role of LRP in the treatment of men with clinically localized prostate cancer.
Regional Characteristics of the Northern Hemisphere Wintertime Circulation: A Comparison of the Simulation of a GFDL General Circulation Model with Observations

Abstract The hemispheric distributions of a selected set of temporal mean, variance and covariance statistics produced by a general circulation model developed at the Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory are compared with observations. The fields presented include 1) the seasonally averaged 300 mb geopotential height and zonal wind speed, sea level pressure and 500 mb vertical velocity; 2) the root-mean-squares of 500 and 1000 mb heights, and of 850 mb temperature; 3) the correlation coefficient between the 1000 and 500 mb heights, and 4) the horizontal and vertical transports of heat by transient eddies in the lower troposphere, and the horizontal eddy transports of momentum and potential vorticity near the tropopause. The partitioning of the variance of 500 mb height according to fluctuations of different temporal and spatial scales is examined. By making use of time filters which retain fluctuations with periods between 2.5 and 6 days, the characteristics of synoptic-scale disturbances appearing in th...
The isolation and analysis of cell wall material from the alcohol‐insoluble residue of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Cell wall material (CWM) was isolated from the wet ball-milled alcohol-insoluble residue of cabbage by treatment with Pronase, phenol-acetic acid-water and 90% aqueous dimethyl sulphoxide to remove precipitated proteins, starch and other intracellular compounds. Some solubilisation (mainly of pectic material) occurred during the purification stages. Methylation analysis of the cold water-soluble polysaccharides showed that the main neutral glycosidic linkages in descending order of concentration, were: non-reducing terminal arabinose groups, 5-linked arabinose and 4-linked galactose. The CWM contained a high level of arabinose-containing pectic polysaccharides. The main linkages present in the non-cellulosic polysaccharides were 4-linked galacturonic acid, non-reducing terminal arabinose groups and 5-linked arabinose; doubly branched arabinose residues were also present. Sequential extraction of the CWM by aqueous inorganic solvents yielded further information on the types of polysaccharides present. The general structural features of the CWM are discussed in the light of these results.
North-south extension within the convergent Himalayan region

Recent work by Burg et al. (1984) indicates the presence of east-west-striking, gently north-dipping normal faults in the Higher Himalayas and southern Tibet that formed during postcollisional convergence of India and Tibet. These faults extend for at least 800 km along strike. We interpret these normal faults as probable late(?) Miocene extensional features with perhaps several tens of kilometres of down-to-the-north displacement. A simple elastic model suggests that these normal faults may have formed during gravitational collapse of the Miocene topographic front between India and Tibet. In this interpretation, gravitational collapse occurred by southward motion, relative to India and Tibet, of a wedge of crustal rocks bounded above by gently north-dipping normal faults and below by thrust faults that probably dip north. North-south extension produced in this way is probably confined to upper crustal levels only and does not reflect regional extension of the entire lithosphere.
Determination of shell deposition rates of Arctica islandica from the New York Bight using natural 228Ra and 228Th and bomb-produced 14C1

Shell deposition rates of specimens of Arctica islandica (Mollusca: Bivalvia) from the New York Bight were determined using natural /sup 228/Ra and /sup 228/Th and bomb /sup 14/C. The specimens from deep (>55 m) offshore waters show annual growth banding. A shell obtained from the inner bight at <30-m depth seems to be younger than indicated by band counting.
Who Owns the Image? Archiving and Retention Issues in the Digital Age

Patients are often confused with respect to the ownership of radiologic images and the extent to which they may exert rights over their own imaging. In general, a facility that generates imaging maintains "ownership" rights. Patients have a right to inspect their images and obtain copies but they may not have the images or reports modified or stricken. Facilities may use images not only for treatment purposes but also have rights to use images with respect to educational training, quality control, and research, subject to HIPAA requirements. A facility has statutory obligations with respect to record retention and may face financial penalty and malpractice consequences for failure to retain images. Bankruptcy and state laws address issues of transfer of ownership of a patient's images in cases in which a facility goes out of business. Future questions remain as to whether the length of time a facility maintains images should increase as digital storage media improve and whether the use of inter-facility image sharing via "cloud" technology should alter obligations with respect to which facility must retain the images.
Effect of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, synthetic progestins, tibolone, and tibolone metabolites on vascular endothelial growth factor mRNA in breast cancer cells

Objective To determine the effect of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, tibolone, and tibolone metabolites on vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms 121 and 165 mRNA in two breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 (estrogen receptor rich) and T47-D (progesterone receptor rich), in vitro. Design Prospective basic research study. Setting Basic research laboratory. Patient(s) None. Intervention(s) MCF-7 and T47-D cells were cultured to 80% confluence in vitro. After 24 hours' incubation in serum-free media, 1.0, 0.1, and 0.01 μM of 17β-estradiol, tibolone, 3α-hydroxytibolone and 3β-hydroxytibolone were added to MCF-7 cells. Progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, norethindrone, and Δ 4 tibolone at 1.0, 0.1, and 0.01 μM were added to T47-D cells. The cells plus steroids were incubated for a further 24 hours. Main Outcome Measure(s) Isolation and identification of VEGF isoforms 121 and 165 using semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, with cyclophilin as an internal control. Result(s) 17β-Estradiol, tibolone, 3α-hydroxytibolone, and 3β-hydroxytibolone had no effect on VEGF mRNA in MCF-7 cells. Progesterone, medroxyprogesterone acetate, levonorgestrel, and norethindrone increased VEGF mRNA in T47-D cells. Δ 4 -Tibolone also increased VEGF mRNA but to a lesser extent than the progestogens. Conclusion(s) 17β-estradiol, tibolone, and tibolone hydroxy-metabolites had no effect on VEGF mRNA in MCF-7 cells. Progesterone and progestins increased VEGF mRNA in T47-D breast cancer cells, but Δ 4 -tibolone was less effective than progestogens on this angiogenic gene in the T-47 D cells. This differential effect may be related to breast cancer growth.
Isoenzyme Patterns in Developing Xanthium Leaves

The isoenzyme patterns of individual Xanthium leaves at various stages of development were determined by acrylamid electrophoresis. The Leaf Plastochron Index was used to measure leaf and plant age. The nature of the changes occurring during leaf development differed from enzyme to enzyme and from gfrom isoenzyme to isoenzyme; for instance, one of the glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenases was peculiar to very young leaves, another to rapidly expanding leaves, and yet another to still older ones. On the other hand, the number of amylase isoenzymes merely increased with leaf age. Many of the changes in the isoenzyme patterns coincide with the cessation of cell division in the leaf or with the completion of leaf growth. The particular isoenzyme patterns of a given leaf depended on both leaf and plant age. While the isoenzyme patterns of leaves from maximum aldolase activity per unit protein and at a later stage than the leaves from the vegetative plants.
Differential responsiveness of vascular endothelial cells to different types of fluid mechanical shear stress

Early atherosclerotic lesions localize preferentially in arterial regions exposed to low flow, oscillatory flow, or both; however, the cellular basis of this observation remains to be determined. Atherogenesis involves dysfunction of the vascular endothelium, the cellular monolayer lining the inner surfaces of blood vessels. How low flow, oscillatory flow, or both may lead to endothelial dysfunction remains unknown. Over the past two decades, fluid mechanical shear (or frictional) stress has been shown to intricately regulate the structure and function of vascular endothelial cells (ECs). Furthermore, recent data indicate that beyond being merely responsive to shear stress, ECs are able to distinguish among and respond differently to different types of shear stress. This review focuses on EC differential responses to different types of steady and unsteady shear stress and discusses the implications of these responses for the localization of early atherosclerotic lesions. The mechanisms by which endothelial differential responsiveness to different types of flow may occur are also discussed.
Luminous efficacy of direct irradiance: Variations with insolation and moisture conditions

Abstract The present work is an experimental study of the relationship between the luminous efficacy of direct solar radiation and the following quantities: global and direct solar radiation, total water vapor content (as estimated from surface dew point), and solar zenith angle. This work will contribute to the development of a model to derive direct illuminance, a critical component in daylighting applications, from more commonly available direct irradiance. Direct luminous efficacy is defined as the ratio between the direct illuminance and direct irradiance. This varies with turbidity, water vapor content, cloud cover, and solar geometry. Insolation conditions were parameterized by global and diffuse irradiance and solar geometry in earlier work. We attempt here to account for atmospheric water content as an additional descriptor. This has an impact on luminous efficacy directly because of spectrally selective absorption and indirectly because of spectrally selective aerosol scattering. An important step of this work includes the determination of instantaneous total precipitable water (as a measure of water vapor absorption) from surface dew point temperature. The latter quantity is routinely measured, the former is not. The utilization of surface dew point temperature as an estimator of atmospheric water vapor content improves the determination of the visible radiation from solar radiation data. Experimental observations presented in this work are consistent with expected atmospheric physical processes.
Immortality and Boredom

In this paper, we aim to clarify and evaluate the contention that immortality would be necessarily boring (the Necessary Boredom Thesis). It will emerge that, just as there are various importantly different kinds of immortality, there are various distinct kinds of boredom. To evaluate the Necessary Boredom Thesis, we need to specify the kind of immortality and the kind of boredom. We argue against the thesis, on various specifications of “immortality” and “boredom.”
Conveying the sense-making corporate persona: The Mobil Oil “Observations” columns, 1975–1980

Abstract Since at least the early 20th century, the corporation has arisen in the US as an entity that attempts to help individuals make sense of the world through the use of public relations. Public relations scholarship, however, tends to focus on how corporations primarily articulated their worth through touting how the products and services they offered were constructive to society. This study, however, through a review of Mobil's “Observations” advertorials that ran from 1975 through 1980, reveals how a corporation attempted to build an influential persona by offering a corporate personality, that is an empathetic fellow traveler who is also believable and aspirational. This examination of the presence of the corporate persona points to lingering concerns, especially regarding how well the corporation can realize and communicate its corporate character in a world that is increasingly complicated by the rise of non-traditional information sources (e.g., social media), and interlocking, systemic concerns (e.g., climate change, economic/ecological sustainability). Public relations can assist in better understanding such factors so that the corporate persona can act in ways that benefit stakeholders and society.
Wave Propagation Control in Beams Through Periodic Multi-Branch Shunts:

Periodic, shunted piezoelectric patches are applied for the control of wave propagation in beams. The patches are shunted through resonant circuits featuring a single and multiple resonances. The p...
Astro-comb: revolutionizing precision spectroscopy in astrophysics

• A combination of a laser frequency comb with a Fabry–Perot cavity • 1 cm/s accuracy • Frequency defined by UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) − Long-term stability − Reproducibility − Comparison of data from all observatories over years • Uniform density and intensity of the calibration lines • Tunable to match the resolving power of the target astrophysical spectrograph. Astro-comb: revolutionizing precision spectroscopy in astrophysics Chih-Hao Li1,2; Alexander Glenday1,2; Cullen Blake1; Andrew Benedick3; Guoqing Chang3; Claire Cramer1,2; Sebastian Drave1; Peter Fendel3,4; Gabor Furesz1; Franz Kartner3; Sylvain Korzennik1; David Phillips1; Dimitar Sasselov1; Andrew Szentgyorgyi1 and Ronald Walsworth1,2 1 Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. 2 Department of Physics, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA. 3 Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Research Laboratory for Electronics, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts 02139, USA. 4 MenloSystems Inc., Newton, NJ 07860, USA
Access lecture: a mobile application providing visual access to classroom material

Following along with course lecture material is a critical challenge for low vision students. Access Lecture is a mobile, touch-screen application that will aid low vision students in viewing class notes in real-time. This paper presents the system overview, features, and initial feedback on the system. Current status and next steps are also presented.
U-Pb ages of uraniferous opals and implications for the history of beryllium, fluorine, and uranium mineralization at Spor Mountain, Utah

The U-Pb isotope systematics of uraniferous opals from Spor Mountain, Utah, were investigated to determine the suitability of such material for geochronologic purposes, and to estimate the timing of uranium and associated beryllium and fluorine mineralization. The results indicate that uraniferous opals can approximate a closed system for uranium and uranium daughters, so that dating samples as young as ∼1 m.y. should be possible. In addition, the expected lack of initial230Th and231Pa in opals permits valuable information on the initial234U/238U to be obtained on suitable samples of ≲10 m.y. age. The oldest207Pb/235U apparent age observed, 20.8 ± 1m.y., was that of the opal-fluorite core of a nodule from a beryllium deposit in the Spor Mountain Formation. This age is indistinguishable from that of fission-track and K-Ar ages from the host rhyolite, and links the mineralization to the first episode of alkali rhyolite magmatism and related hydrothermal activity at Spor Mountain. Successively younger ages of 13 m.y. and 8–9 m.y. on concentric outer zones of the same nodule indicate that opal formed either episodically or continuously for over 10 m.y. Several samples of both fracture-filling and massive-nodule opal associated with beryllium deposits gave207Pb/235U apparent ages of 13–16 m.y., which may reflect a restricted period of mineralization or perhaps an averaging of 21−and<13−m.y. periods of opal growth. Several samples of fracture-filling opal in volcanic rocks as young as 6 m.y. gave207Pb/235U ages of 3.4–4.8 m.y. These ages may reflect hot-spring activity after the last major eruption of alkali rhyolite.
Cooperation among national drug manufacturers: Asociación Latinoamericana de Industrias Farmacéuticas (ALIFAR)

Abstract This article examines the background to the establishment of the Latin American Association of Pharmaceutical Industries (ALIFAR) and describes its activities and achievements. The national firms in Latin America lacked an institutionalized organization to present their collective viewpoints to governments and international organizations when they held important deliberations affecting the development of the pharmaceutical industry. Transnational corporations, on the other hand, were supported very effectively by a global organization. The creation of ALIFAR was, therefore, a logical and a strategical step in the fight for survival of the national firms in Latin America. Since its establishment in November 1980, ALIFAR has shown significant results and encouraging promise, which are described in the article and which may serve as useful guidelines for action in other developing countries.