cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Phase and scattering behavior of disordered aqueous surfactant solutions as the binary limit of ternary microemulsions

Abstract A three-component lattice model of oil-water-amphiphile mixtures is applied to a limiting case of an aqueous surfactant solution. Both the phase and scattering behavior observed in the system C 12 H 25 (OCH 2 CH 2 ) 8 OH and water are reproduced qualitatively. The scattering intensity shows a peak whose amplitude varies non-monotonically with amphiphile concentration and is sensitive to the details of the phase diagram. Much less sensitive is the peak position which increases with increasing concentration of amphiphile, just as is observed in ternary microemulsions.
Early Hominid Dental Pathology: Interproximal Caries in 1.5 Million-Year-Old Paranthropus Robustus From Swartkrans

Carious lesions on the mesial and distal aspects of a RM1 of a young adult 'robust' australopithecine. Paranthropus robustus, are described. The specimen is from Member 1 sediments of the Swartkrans cave, which are dated to between about 1.8 and 1.5 million years before present. The mesial lesion, located cervically, had progressed further than the two distal lesions, which were situated along the cervix and in the enamel of the interproximal contact facet. This is the third specimen of P. robustus to be discovered with dental caries, but the other two cases were associated with occlusal and buccal enamel hypoplasia. Caries is present in less than about 3.0% of the approx. 116-128 P. robustus specimens at Swartkrans, and this incidence is noticeably lower than in the small Homo erectus sample from the same site. While this difference may simply be a sampling artefact, it may reflect dietary differences between these two synchronic and presumably sympatric early hominid species.
Primary monolayer cultures of postnatal rat liver cells with extended differentiated functions

Monolayers of liver cells cultured from postnatal rats were grown in two types of media. One set of cultures was grown in selective medium which contained ornithine but was deficient in arginine: the other set was grown in nonselective medium which contained arginine but no ornithine. The cultures that were grown in the nonselective medium contained primarily a mixture of two cell types found in the liver: parenchymal hepatocytes and fibroblast-like cells. The fibroblast cells tended to overgrow the hepatocytes after several days in culture. In contrast, fibroblast overgrowth was inhibited in cultures grown in the selective, arginine-deficient medium, thereby resulting in relatively pure cultures of functional parenchymal hepatocytes. Comparative studies of sulfobromophthalein (BSP) uptake showed that the cultures grown in selective medium continued to be active much longer than the cultures grown in the nonselective medium. Pyruvate kinase assays revealed that the cultures grown in selective medium contained primarily the L-isoenzyme type which is characteristic of parenchymal hepatocytes. Cultures grown in nonselective medium contained a mixture of L- and M-isoenzymes which is indicative of nonparenchymal liver cells. The reported results indicate that selective, arginine-deficient medium permits primarily the growth of parenchymal hepatocytes found in neonatal rat liver.
The mammalian respiratory system and critical windows of exposure for children's health

The respiratory system is a complex organ system composed of multiple cell types involved in a variety of functions. The development of the respiratory system occurs from embryogenesis to adult life, passing through several distinct stages of maturation and growth. We review embryonic, fetal, and postnatal phases of lung development. We also discuss branching morphogenesis and cellular differentiation of the respiratory system, as well as the postnatal development of xenobiotic metabolizing systems within the lungs. Exposure of the respiratory system to a wide range of chemicals and environmental toxicants during perinatal life has the potential to significantly affect the maturation, growth, and function of this organ system. Although the potential targets for exposure to toxic factors are currently not known, they are likely to affect critical molecular signals expressed during distinct stages of lung development. The effects of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during critical windows of perinatal growth are provided as an example leading to altered cellular and physiological function of the lungs. An understanding of critical windows of exposure of the respiratory system on children's health requires consideration that lung development is a multistep process and cannot be based on studies in adults.
Voltage-Gated K+ Channel β Subunits: Expression and Distribution of Kvβ1 and Kvβ2 in Adult Rat Brain

Recent cloning of K+ channel β subunits revealed that these cytoplasmic polypeptides can dramatically alter the kinetics of current inactivation and promote efficient glycosylation and surface expression of the channel-forming α subunits. Here, we examined the expression, distribution, and association of two of these β subunits, Kvβ1 and Kvβ2, in adult rat brain. In situhybridization using cRNA probes revealed that these β-subunit genes are heterogeneously expressed, with high densities of Kvβ1 mRNA in the striatum, CA1 subfield of the hippocampus, and cerebellar Purkinje cells, and high densities of Kvβ2 mRNA in the cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and brainstem. Immunohistochemical staining using subunit-specific monoclonal and affinity-purified polyclonal antibodies revealed that the Kvβ1 and Kvβ2 polypeptides frequently co-localize and are concentrated in neuronal perikarya, dendrites, and terminal fields, and in the juxtaparanodal region of myelinated axons. Immunoblot and reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation analyses indicated that Kvβ2 is the major β subunit present in rat brain membranes, and that most K+ channel complexes containing Kvβ1 also contain Kvβ2. Taken together, these data suggest that Kvβ2 is a component of almost all K+channel complexes containing Kv1 α subunits, and that individual channels may contain two or more biochemically and functionally distinct β-subunit polypeptides.
The decays Z → Wπ, Z → γπ, and the pion form factor

Abstract The decay rate for Z → Wπ can be calculated in the standard model using a combination of the operator product expansion and current algebra. The decay amplitude can be calculated in a perturbation series in sin 2 θ w . The first term in this series is determined in terms of ƒ π ; the prediction for the decay rate is δ ( Z 0 → W + π − ) = (3.6±0.3) × 10 −10 GeV . A similar calculation for the decay Z → γπ has an expansion parameter of order one. The first term in the expansion provides the order of magnitude estimate δ ( Z 0 → γπ 0 ) ≈ 10 −11 GeV . The decays Z 0 → ( W , γ ) ( B , D , K , ϱ , ψ , η c ), etc. can be computed as well. The analysis presented here is related to a calculation of the pion form factor by Lepage and Brodsky, and the results are compared.
Discrimination Distress among Chinese American Adolescents

This paper addresses contradictions between common perceptions of Asian Americans as a “model minority” and growing evidence of discrimination and its negative psychological implications for this group. The current study examined Chinese American early adolescents’ distress from experiences of discrimination, its relationship with mental health and social functioning, and what factors may support their healthy development in the face of discrimination. The sample consisted of 158, 6th–8th grade, Chinese American youth. Study findings provided evidence for a relationship between distress from discrimination and social emotional health variables of depression and cooperation (a social competence construct). Results also revealed that peer support buffered the negative effects of discrimination on cooperation. These findings highlight the interpersonal context of discrimination among early adolescents, and the importance of developmentally and culturally appropriate supports.
Exposure to Sun and Precipitation of Migraine

SYNOPSIS Incidence of exposure to sun as a precipitating factor in headaches was evaluated in 263 patients. In 30% exposure to sun was found to trigger attacks of migraine compared to 7% of patients with muscle contraction headaches. Exposure to sun, therefore, is a more frequent precipitating factor in migraine than diet and hormonal changes which are more often mentioned and discussed in the literature.
An effect of corticotropin on urea formation in adrenalectomized-nephrectomized rats.

Corticotropin has been found to share with growth hormone the capacity to diminish the accumulation of blood urea nitrogen consequent to the intravenous infusion of an amino acid solution (protein hydrolysate) into acutely adrenalectomized nephrectomized rats maintained with hjdrocortisone. Milligram for milligram ACTH is as active as growth hormone. The nitrogen retaining action of ACTH is abolished by boiling in 0.1N NaOH but not by more gentle treatment with NaOH. ACTHactivity is destroyed by oxidation with hydrogen peroxide but can be restored by incubation with cysteine, in keeping with other adrenal and extra-adrenal activities of ACTH.Growth hormone activity is not definitely destroyed by H2O2 treatment. It is concluded that the above action of ACTH on nitrogen metabolism is another extra-adrenal action of ACTH which is sharedwith growth hormone but cannot be accounted for by contamination of the ACTH with growth hormone, or vice versa.
High efficiency Cu 2 ZnSn(S x Se 1−x ) 4 thin film solar cells by thermal co-evaporation

We report on the device results of thermally evaporated high efficiency Cu 2 ZnSn(S x Se 1−x ) 4 (CZTSSe) thin film solar cells with power conversion efficiencies of 7.1% (x=1.0) and 7.5% (x=0.34). We have carried out extensive electrical and structural characterization of CZTSSe solar cells to identify major factors that limit the efficiency. Bias-dependent quantum efficiency measurements revealed ineffective collection of charge carriers photo-generated deep in the absorber layer suggesting a short minority carrier diffusion length, which was confirmed by time-resolved photoluminescence measurements. Temperature-dependence of the series resistance of the devices is consistent with the presence of a Schottky-type barrier in the back contact, likely caused by secondary phases near the CZTS/Mo interface and/or an interfacial MoS x layer.
Positional agreement between 3U1706+32 and the cluster of galaxies A2241

UNIDENTIFIED X-ray sources at high galactic latitudes have been the subject of much discussion (see ref. 1 and refs therein). We call attention here to the existence of a rich Abell cluster of galaxies in the error box of the Uhuru high galactic latitude source 3U1706+32. The X-ray error box is rather large (9.8 square degrees), and the apparent intensity of the source is Rx=4.1+0.6 counts s−1 in Uhuru counts2. The cluster, Abell 2241, is located at 16 h 57.8 min+32°37′ (1950)3; it belongs to distance group 3 and has an estimated redshift, z ≈ 0.07 (ref. 3). The cluster is of richness group 0 (ref. 3) and has been classified4 as an irregular (I) cluster. The positional agreement between this cluster and 3U1706+32 was not reported in the survey of positional correlations between 3U X-ray sources and Abell clusters of galaxies of distance groups, D≤3, (ref. 5). The cluster A2241 should, therefore, be added as a possible identification to the list5 of 21 clusters which have been tentatively identified with X-ray sources; no additional Abell cluster of distance group 3 or nearer lies within Uhuru2 high galactic latitude error boxes.
Adenosine and renal tubular function.

Purpose of reviewIntrarenal adenosine is present in the cytoplasm of renal epithelial cells and in the extracellular space. Adenosine is generated at high levels in response to imbalance between energy demand and supply (e.g. increased tubular sodium chloride transport or hypoxia) and activates cell
Ablation of Protein Kinase A or Calmodulin Kinase II Phosphorylation Sites on Phospholamban Confer Arrhythmia Resistance in Sinoatrial Nodal Pacemaker Cells

Phospholamban (PLN) is a negative regulator of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPase (SERCa). PLN is phosphorylated by Protein Kinase A (Ser16) or Calmodulin Kinase II (Thr17). These phosphorylations reduce the inhibitory effects of PLN on SERCa. Phosphorylation at PLN Ser16 and Thr17 are important for catecholamine effects on excitation-contraction coupling in ventricular myocytes, but their role in sinoatrial nodal (SAN) cells is unknown. We isolated SAN cells from wild type (WT) controls and from transgenic mice where Ser16Ala or Thr17Ala PLN mutants are expressed in lieu of WT PLN. We recorded spontaneous action potentials by perforated patch clamp at 35±1°C. SAN cell automaticity rates (‘beats’/min) were not significantly different between Ser16Ala, Thr17Ala or WT at baseline: WT (n=18) 269±12; T17A (n=9) 264±23; S16A (n=16) 256±17. No early (EAD) or delayed (DAD) afterdepolarizations were observed at baseline. EADs and DADs were induced by isoproterenol (1-5 μM) in WT SAN cells (cells with afterdepolarizations/total cells tested: 10/13) but not in Ser16Ala (0/6) and Thr17Ala (0/5) SAN cells (p<0.01 in both cases compared to WT). These results suggest that catecholamine induced EADs and DADs require phosphorylation of PLN Ser16 or Thr17 and highlight the importance of the intracellular Ca2+ cycling machinery for determining SAN cell vulnerability to adverse effects of catecholamine stimulation.
Numerical Simulation of Incidence and Sweep Effects on Delta Wing Vortex Breakdown

The structure of the vortical flowfield over delta wings at high angles of attack was investigated. Three-dimensional Navier-Stokes numerical simulations were carried out to predict the complex leeward-side flowfield characteristics, including leading-edge separation, secondary separation, and vortex breakdown. Flows over a 75- and a 63-deg sweep delta wing with sharp leading edges were investigated and compared with available experimental data. The effect of variation of circumferential grid resolution grid resolution in the vicinity of the wing leading edge on the accuracy of the solutions was addressed. Furthermore, the effect of turbulence modeling on the solutions was investigated. The effects of variation of angle of attack on the computed vortical flow structure for the 75-deg sweep delta wing were examined. At moderate angles of attack no vortex breakdown was observed. When a critical angle of attack was reached, bubble-type vortex breakdown was found. With further increase in angle of attack, a change from bubble-type breakdown to spiral-type vortex breakdown was predicted by the numerical solution. The effects of variation of sweep angle and freestream Mach number were addressed with the solutions on a 63-deg sweep delta wing.
Cross-calibration of the Landsat-4 and Landsat-5 thematic mappers

The Landsat Thematic Mappers have obtained imagery of the Earth's surface since 1982 with the launch of Landsat 4. However, the absolute calibration of this first instrument, as well as it's cross-calibration to the other two thematic mappers on Landsat 5 and 7, remains in question. The objective for this work was to provide an absolute radiometric calibration of the Landsat 4 instrument. Landsat 4's internal calibrator, while still useful, does not provide an absolute calibration; it does provide a relative calibration of the instrument's responsivity over the lifetime of the mission. The same is true for the Landsat 5 internal calibrator; however, Landsat 5 has been cross-calibrated to Landsat 7's Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus, which is believed to be absolutely calibrated to within 5%. Therefore, by cross-calibrating Landsat 4 to Landsat 7 through Landsat 5, an absolute calibration for Landsat 4 can be determined. This study provides only the Landsat 4 and 5 cross-calibration models. To determine these models, Landsat 4/Landsat 5 scene pairs were studied. Within each pair, 8 400x400-pixel sub-regions were selected from the image. The exact geo-located sub-region was located from both instruments and an assumption was made that the ground and the atmosphere did not change between image dates. Therefore, any difference between the images may be attributed to the difference in the instruments. Results of this cross-calibration using multiple dates were consistent to within 2%. Once the cross-calibration points were determined, they were used to correct the relative lifetime-calibration model from the internal calibrator, hence producing an absolute lifetime-calibration model.
Thalamostriate Vasculopathy in Neonates in the MAGnet Trial: Association with Placental Funisitis and Intraventricular Hemmorrhage

Thalamostriate Vasculopathy in Neonates in the MAGnet Trial: Association with Placental Funisitis and Intraventricular Hemmorrhage
Numerical approach for axisymmetric piezoceramic geometries towards fluid control applications

AbstractPiezoceramics have been increasingly popular and utilized for the purpose of micro-actuation. The choice of material internal poling directions for such geometries depends upon the type of actuation desired in each application. There are no generalized analysis procedures that have been developed to be able to predict the response of such actuator geometries. In this work, a finite element model has been developed to analyse axisymmetric piezoceramic actuators with arbitrary internal poling. The finite element methodology is verified by demonstrating favourable agreement between the numerical results obtained in this study with the results published for an inkjet printer application. In addition, the design of a piezoceramic nozzle is investigated with both single-layer and stacked axisymmetric piezoceramic geometries. Such piezoceramic nozzles and orifices can be effectively employed in various sensitive fluid control applications.
Case report 746

Osteoporosis is a disorder characterized by osteoclastic dysfunction. The bones of afflicted patients become sclerotic and show modeling defects resulting in either a decrease or obliteration of the marrow cavity and resultant pancytopenia. Other clinical manifestations include bony deformities, cranial nerve palsies from bony overgrowth, pathological fractures, osteomyelitis, and hepatosplenomegaly secondary to extramedullary hematopoiesis. In the skull, the diploic space is usually decreased or obliterated. Absent or decreased marrow space is observed on plain films. On MRI, the marrow cavity very likely will be obliterated with low signal intensity on T1- and T2-weighted images. We report a case of osteopetrosis in which the diploic space is markedly increased, giving a hair-on-end appearance resembling thalassemia major. Perhaps some local factor within the diploic space prevented the expected osteoclastic dysfunction, allowing remodeling and expansion of the cranial vault.
Comparison of systemic and local methamphetamine treatment on acetylcholine and dopamine levels in the ventral tegmental area in the mouse

Acetylcholine (ACh) is an important mediator of dopamine (DA) release and the behavioral reinforcing characteristics of drugs of abuse in the mesocorticolimbic pathway. Within the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the interaction of DA with ACh appears to be integral in mediating motivated behaviors. However, the effects of methamphetamine on VTA ACh and DA release remain poorly characterized. The current investigation performed microdialysis to evaluate the effects of methamphetamine on extracellular levels of ACh and DA. Male C57BL/6J mice received an i.p. injection (saline, 2 mg/kg, or 5 mg/kg) and an intra-VTA infusion (vehicle, 100 microM or 1 mM) of methamphetamine. Locally perfused methamphetamine resulted in no change in extracellular ACh compared with vehicle, but caused a strong, immediate and dose-dependent increase in extrasynaptic DA levels (1240% and 2473% of baseline, respectively) during the 20-min pulse perfusion. An i.p. injection of methamphetamine increased extrasynaptic DA to 275% and 941% of baseline (2 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg, respectively). Systemic methamphetamine significantly increased ACh levels up to 275% of baseline for 40-60 min (2 mg/kg) and 397% of baseline for 40-160 min (5 mg/kg) after injection. ACh remained elevated above baseline for 2-3 h post injection, depending on the methamphetamine dose. Methamphetamine-induced locomotor activity was dose-dependently correlated with extrasynaptic VTA ACh, but not DA levels. These data suggest that methamphetamine acts in the VTA to induce a robust and short-lived increase in extracellular DA release but acts in an area upstream from the VTA to produce a prolonged increase in ACh release in the VTA. We conclude that methamphetamine may activate a recurrent loop in the mesocorticolimbic DA system to stimulate pontine cholinergic nuclei and produce a prolonged ACh release in the VTA.
Vitamin C in plasma: A comparative study of the vitamin stabilized with trichloroacetic acid or metaphosphoric acid and the effects of storage at − 70°, − 20°, 4°, and 25° on the stabilized vitamin

Abstract Vitamin C concentration in human plasma was shown to be affected by storage time and temperature as well as by the kind of stabilizer used. Samples were stored for periods of time up to 21 days at temperatures of 25°, 4°, − 20°, and − 70°. Stabilizers employed in this study included trichloroacetic acid (TCA) and metaphosphoric acid (MPA). Plasma vitamin C demonstrated maximum stability in TCA or MPA when stored at − 70°. Other storage conditions tested yielded less accurate vitamin C values.
Abnormalities in the thalamus and prefrontal cortex during episodic object recognition in schizophrenia.

Abstract Background: Many patients with schizophrenia demonstrate memory deficits. We studied patterns of brain activity during episodic recognition of new and previously seen three-dimensional objects. Methods: We used 15 O positron emission tomography to study regional cerebral blood flow in eight normal subjects and nine patients with schizophrenia during a visual object recognition task. Results: In comparison with control subjects, patients with schizophrenia showed less regional cerebral blood flow increases in the pulvinar region of the right thalamus and the right prefrontal cortex during the recognition of new objects and significantly greater left prefrontal cortex regional cerebral blood flow increases during the recognition of previously seen objects. Patients with schizophrenia exhibited alarm rates to new objects similar to those of control subjects, but significantly lower recognition rates for previously seen objects. Conclusions: Schizophrenia is associated with attenuated right thalamic and right prefrontal activation during the recognition of novel visual stimuli and with increased left prefrontal cortical activation during impaired episodic recognition of previously seen visual stimuli. This study provides further evidence for abnormal thalamic and prefrontal cortex function in schizophrenia.
Chronic Effects of a Salmonella Type III Secretion Effector Protein AvrA In Vivo

Background Salmonella infection is a common public health problem that can become chronic and increase the risk of inflammatory bowel diseases and cancer. AvrA is a Salmonella bacterial type III secretion effector protein. Increasing evidence demonstrates that AvrA is a multi-functional enzyme with critical roles in inhibiting inflammation, regulating apoptosis, and enhancing proliferation. However, the chronic effects of Salmonella and effector AvrA in vivo are still unknown. Moreover, alive, mutated, non-invasive Salmonella is used as a vector to specifically target cancer cells. However, studies are lacking on chronic infection with non-pathogenic or mutated Salmonella in the host. Methods/Principal Findings We infected mice with Salmonella Typhimurium for 27 weeks and investigated the physiological effects as well as the role of AvrA in intestinal inflammation. We found altered body weight, intestinal pathology, and bacterial translocation in spleen, liver, and gallbladder in chronically Salmonella-infected mice. Moreover, AvrA suppressed intestinal inflammation and inhibited the secretion of cytokines IL-12, IFN-γ, and TNF-α. AvrA expression in Salmonella enhanced its invasion ability. Liver abscess and Salmonella translocation in the gallbladder were observed and may be associated with AvrA expression in Salmonella. Conclusion/Significance We created a mouse model with persistent Salmonella infection in vivo. Our study further emphasizes the importance of the Salmonella effector protein AvrA in intestinal inflammation, bacterial translocation, and chronic infection in vivo.
The sticking probability, dipole moment, and absolute coverage of CO on Ni(111)

Abstract The change in work function of a Ni(111) surface resulting from the adsorption of CO is measured continuously. Work function change is related to absolute coverage through thermal desorption measurements and LEED patterns. From the coverage-time curve, the sticking probability is determined, with an initial sticking probability of 0.91. From the relation between work function change and coverage, the dipole moment of an adsorbed CO molecule is determined to be 0.28 Debye with a negative end of the molecule projecting outward from the surface.
A dynamic model of a cement kiln

A cement kiln is a counter-flow type of process in which a complex series of exothermic and endothermic reactions take place. To understand its behavior and to provide a means of improving computer control, a dynamic partial differential model of the kiln has been developed. In this paper, the basic reactions and assumptions of the model will be discussed. A model of a coal/oil flame which takes into account the surrounding temperatures is developed. The dynamic behavior of the kiln as exhibited by this model is then indicated. In particular, it is shown that the interaction between the two exothermic reactions causes the kiln to be basically unstable with respect to regulating the position of the burning zone.
A Bayesian approach to strengthen inference for case-control studies with multiple error-prone exposure assessments

In case-control studies, exposure assessments are almost always error-prone. In the absence of a gold standard, two or more assessment approaches are often used to classify people with respect to exposure. Each imperfect assessment tool may lead to misclassification of exposure assignment; the exposure misclassification may be differential with respect to case status or not; and, the errors in exposure classification under the different approaches may be independent (conditional upon the true exposure status) or not. Although methods have been proposed to study diagnostic accuracy in the absence of a gold standard, these methods are infrequently used in case-control studies to correct exposure misclassification that is simultaneously differential and dependent. In this paper, we proposed a Bayesian method to estimate the measurement-error corrected exposure-disease association, accounting for both differential and dependent misclassification. The performance of the proposed method is investigated using simulations, which show that the proposed approach works well, as well as an application to a case-control study assessing the association between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma.
The inhibition of heme and globin synthesis by cobalt in rabbit reticulocytes and bone marrow.

Co2+ was employed as an inhibitor of heme synthesis in rabbit reticulocytes and bone marrow cells. Heme synthesis was measured using [2-14C]glycine and [4-14C]δ-aminolevulinate. Globin synthesis was measured using [2-14C]glycine, [14C]leucine and [14C]valine. Radioactive assays of partially purified globin revealed parallel rates of inhibition of heme and globin synthesis when the latter was labelled with [14C]leucine or [14C]valine. When [2-14C]glycine was used as the radioactive precursor of globin, globin synthesis was apparently stimulated by Co2+. However, when the amount of radioactivity in purified glycine labelled α-and β-globin chains was measured, it was found that globin synthesis was inhibited by Co2+. It was concluded that Co2+ does not dissociate heme and globin synthesis in erythroid cells when they are incubated in a medium optimal for hemoglobin synthesis, but rather inhibits both processes to the same extent. These results are relevant to the postulated regulatory role of heme in globin chain initiation.
The effect of molybdenum oxide interlayer on organic photovoltaic cells

Polymer solar cells (PSCs) have attracted increasing attention due to their inexpensive, flexible, light weight and large area device fabrication. However, the efficiency of PSCs is still not yet sufficient for large scale implementation. Many approaches have been proposed to enhance the efficiency of PSCs. In addition to using new materials and new device structure, the performance of polymer solar cells can also be improved using efficient interface layer between the electrode and active layer. Here, we studied the effect of MoO3 as an anode interlayer on both small molecule and polymer photovoltaic cells. Significant improvement has been observed in the performance of PSCs and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of the cell with a MoO 3 interlayer can be enhanced by ~15% comparing to the cells with a PEDOT:PSS interlayer. This improved device performance is attributed to the combined effect of efficient charge extraction and the reduction in series resistance of device.
A two-grid finite difference method for the primitive equations of the ocean

Abstract A two-level method is proposed for the finite difference approximation of a class of dissipative systems including the primitive equations of the ocean. The two-level (or multilevel) method amounts to solving a nonlinear problem on the single coarsest grid; subsequent approximations are generated on a succession of refined meshes by solving a linearized problem about the solution on the previous level. The stability analysis for an Euler-type scheme shows that the multilevel method can allow larger time steps than the traditional one-level methods. Some numerical simulations of the primitive equations of the ocean using this new multi-scale algorithm are presented to illustrate the method.
The Border as Locator and Innovator of Vice

The proposition of this article is that the border is not merely the place where vice exists, but an active and dynamic force both in locating vice businesses and in innovating the type of and marketing of legal vice being offered. Gambling in Nevada and around Utah will be used to illustrate the hypothesis that the border is a powerful stimulus in determining the location of businesses which feature legal vice. Then the Mexican-American border will be used to demonstrate the adaptive and mercurial phenomenon of border and vice. While changes in social mores and laws in the United States have undermined traditional vice industries, entrepreneurs south of the border have adapted and repositioned themselves in order to capitalize on the legal advantages which proclaim "Welcome to Mexico." The long partnership between the border and vice in Northern Mexico will be described. Finally, the contemporary results of that partnership - prostitution, betting and gaming and teenage consumption of alcohol - will be analyzed.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION IN MICE : STRAIN DIFFERENCES IN RESPONSE TO SUPEROVULATION PROTOCOLS AND EFFECT OF CUMULUS CELL REMOVAL

Strain differences have proven to be crucial components in mouse in vitro fertilization (IVF) and superovulatory protocols. To maximize the yield of IVF-derived mouse eggs, a series of experiments was conducted using different injection timing intervals for administration of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and hCG to induce follicular development and ovulation. Strains were chosen that were representative of those commonly used in genetic engineering experimentation. These strains included ICR outbred, C57BL/6 inbred, and B6SJLF1 hybrid (C57BL/6J x SJL/J F1) mice. Females were superovulated using 4 PMSG/hCG/IVF timing regimens (group), with sperm obtained from males of the same strain. Group designations were based on the following PMSG/hCG and hCG/oocyte collection intervals, respectively: Group 1, 55 and 21.5 h; Group 2, 60 and 14.5 h; Group 3, 55 and 14.5 h; Group 4, 48 and 14.5 h. After overnight culture of ova, fertilization rates (development to the 2-cell stage) were assessed. A logistic regression was performed using indicator variables for both strain and group. There was a significant strain influence on ova fertilization rate, based on the coefficients of mouse strain (ICR, beta = -1.1067, P = 8E-17 and C57BL/6, beta = -0.5172, P = 8E-06). Additionally, group affected the proportion of fertilized ova obtained (coefficient of Group 1, beta = -1.3152, P = 0.00 and Group 3, beta = 0.9531, P = 3E-12). From the coefficients for the interaction terms, the effect of groups varies across mouse strain. Therefore, the treatment that produces the highest fertilization rate is related to and contingent upon the strain of mouse. In the second study, the Group 3 protocol was used to evaluate fertilization differences between cumulus-intact and cumulus-free oocytes. Again, there was a significant strain influence on ova fertilization rate based on the coefficients of mouse strain (ICR, beta = -2.6639, P = 0.00; C57BL/6, beta = -2.5114, P = 0.00). However, there was no difference between Cumulus and No Cumulus groups (cumulus coefficient, beta = 0.1640, P = 0.59872), indicating that there was no affect of cumulus presence on fertilization rate. In summary, responses to standardized mouse IVF protocols vary significantly. The efficiency of IVF procedures can be optimized between and within specific mouse strains by the timing of superovulatory regimens. However, absence of cumulus cells during the IVF procedure does not adversely affect fertilization rate.
Form Follows Form: Fine Tuning Artificial Intelligence Methods

This paper presents an updated approach to a form-based concept generation technique known as Form Follows Form (FFF). The technique allows a novice engineer or designer to use natural language to specify components envisioned within a product. Form follows form then develops the underlying functional structure by leveraging a repository of over 5500 artifacts. Existing computational conceptual design methods are then employed to automatically display a set of ranked concept alternatives to the user. Users can quickly create a functional model by specifying input components and answering questions regarding the intent of the product. In this paper we demonstrate the capabilities of the Form Follows Form method through a case study involving the redesign of a standard household fan. Through the case study it is shown that FFF is capable of suggesting creative alternatives for existing products. Additionally, we present data regarding the accuracy and usefulness of FFF gathered through a junior level design course at Oregon State University.© 2010 ASME
Modeling the Flying Characteristics of a Rough Magnetic Head Over a Rough Rigid-Disk Surface

The volumetric information storage density of rigid disk drives continues to increase through decreases in the slider-disk separation (i.e., the flying height). Reductions in slider-disk separations are achieved primarily through smoother surfaces on the magnetic media. The limiting factor in decreasing the slider-disk separation is the interactions that occur between the slider and the diminishing surface roughness and the impact that this roughness has on the transient and steady-state flying characteristics of the recording head. In this paper, we present a new finite element algorithm to solve the modified Reynolds equation that is specifically designed to utilize state of the art vector/parallel hardware. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first numerical simulation of the flying characteristics of a finite width slider over a rigid disk surface which directly incorporates three-dimensional surface roughness. The effects that the magnitude, orientation, shape, and location (i.e., roughness on the disk or slider) of the surface roughness has on the steady-state slider flying characteristics are presented.
The utility of an isolated mitochondrial fraction in the preparation of liposomes for the specific delivery of bioactives to mitochondria in live mammalian cells.

Purpose To develop and evaluate liposomal formulations prepared with an isolated mitochondrial fraction as a mitochondria-specific delivery vehicle
An Integrative Model of Data-Based Decision Making for School Counseling

This article presents a model of data-based decision making based on five commonly used models from both within and outside the discipline of school counseling. This integrative model is tied explicitly to the ASCA National Model® concepts, terminology, and resources. It provides school counselors with a sequence to follow for engaging in data-based decision making. The article elaborates on and discusses facilitators and barriers to implementing data-based decision making in school counseling programs, as well as implications and future directions.
The detection of clinically relevant contact allergens with a standard screening tray of 28 allergens.

Background. A standard method for diagnosing allergic contact dermatitis in the United States is the Thin-layer Rapid Use Epicutaneous (TRUE) test (TRUE Test™), which consists of three panels containing 20 individual allergens and eight allergen mixes. Previous studies had raised concern regarding the adequacy of the initial two-panel TRUE Test™ system (16 individual allergens and seven allergen mixes) in fully assessing patients with possible allergic contact dermatitis. Objectives. We sought to investigate the effectiveness of the current three-panel TRUE Test™ as the sole diagnostic tool for detecting allergic contact dermatitis. Patients/materials/methods. This study was a retrospective analysis of 2088 patients who underwent patch testing between 1995 and 2010. Study groups were analysed to determine whether positive reactions were to allergens and/or mixes present in the TRUE Test™ panels. Results. Of the 2088 patch-tested patients, 1385 had at least one positive reaction. Among these 1385 patients, 27.6% were fully evaluated by use of only the TRUE Test™ series, 49.9% were partially evaluated, and 22.5% did not have any of their allergens detected. On assessment for clinical relevance, similar percentages were observed. Conclusion. In our study, the current TRUE Test™ series of 28 allergens would have completely identified allergens in only 27.6% of patients. Broadening the standard panel to include common allergens causing >50% of allergic contact dermatitis cases in a given geographical location and aim testing allergens on the basis of the patient's history will increase the test's sensitivity.
Ferromagnetic Resonance in Single-Crystal Nickel Films

Ferromagnetic resonance measurements have been carried out on single-crystal nickel films obtained by epitaxial evaporation on NaCl under various evaporation conditions. Resonance measurements on thin films by previous investigators have yielded anomalous values of 4πM which have tentatively been attributed to stress in the films. In this paper it is shown that there is a second factor which must be taken in consideration to explain the shift in resonance peak.
A four step synthesis from α-pinene of 7,7-dimethylbicyclo[4.1.1]octa-2,4-diene

α-Pinen (I) wird der Ozonolyse zum Keto-aldehyd (II) unterworfen und dieser mit Piperidin/ Eisessig zu (IIIa) cyclisiert.
Vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) inhibits potassium-induced release of cholecystokinin (CCK) from rat caudato-putamen but not from cerebral cortex

CCK release elicited by 40 mM potassium from slices of rat caudato-putamen (cp) was inhibited by VIP. The effect of VIP was maximal at 10(-7) M. VIP does not inhibit CCK release from cerebral cortex at either 10(-7) or 10(-6) M. VIP is known to elevate levels of cAMP in rat brain. VIP inhibition of CCK release appears to be independent of activation of adenylate cyclase because treatment of cp slices with forskolin (2 X 10(-6) to 10(-4) M) does not mimic the inhibitory action of VIP.
Fuzzy Optimal Associative Memory for Background Prediction of Near-Infrared Spectra

A fuzzy optimal associative memory (FOAM) has been devised for background correction of near-infrared spectra. The FOAM yields improved predicted background scans for calculation of near-IR absorbance spectra of glucose in plasma matrices from single-beam data. The FOAM is an enhanced optimal associative memory (OAM) that uses a fuzzy function for encoding the spectra. The FOAM can predict a matching reference spectrum for a near-IR absorbance spectrum with low glucose absorbances by using second-derivative spectra. Glucose concentrations were predicted from calibration models furnished by partial least-squares (PLS). The FOAM stored reference spectra obtained from either water/ phosphate buffer or plasma/glucose solutions. Both of these associative memories were evaluated. The standard error of prediction (SEP) for glucose concentration from an optimal PLS calibration model based on FOAM-corrected spectra was 0.60 mM for the water/phosphate buffer spectra. For FOAM-corrected spectra from plasma/glucose reference spectra, the SEP was 0.68 mM. The SEP of conventionally corrected double-beam second-derivative spectra was 0.81 mM. FOAM-corrected spectra generally furnish improved calibration models.
Central America's elusive economic recovery

Abstract This study helps to reveal both the depth and seriousness of the institutional impediments to Central American economic recovery in the 1980s. It combines analysis of changes in the structure of the Central American export sector and overall recovery with survey results of Central American private sector leaders' perceptions about the successes and failures of institutional changes which might be supportive of recovery. It concludes that by the beginning of 1987, five years after attempts began to stimulate recovery efforts and strategic change, only Costa Rica and Honduras demonstrated weak economic recovery accompanied by preliminary changes in the structure of their export sector. The lack of either economic stabilization, recovery or institutional adjustment in El Salvador, Panama, Guatemala and Nicaragua and the threat of continued violence in those countries make overall regional economic recovery elusive in the 1980s in spite of the substantial donor resource inflows.
Development and Validation of the Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ) and Assessment of Sleep Inertia in Analogue and Clinical Depression

Sleep inertia is the transitional state from sleep to wake. Research on sleep inertia is important in depression because many people with depression report having difficulty getting out of bed, which contributes to impairment and can impede the implementation of interventions. The first aim was to develop and validate the first self-report measure of sleep inertia, the Sleep Inertia Questionnaire (SIQ). The second aim was to compare reports of sleep inertia across three groups: (1) No-to-Mild-Depression, (2) Analogue-Depression, and (3) Syndromal-Depression. The SIQ demonstrates strong psychometric properties; it has good to excellent internal consistency, strong construct validity, and SIQ severity is associated with less prior sleep duration. Sleep inertia is more severe in the Analogue-Depression and Syndromal-Depression groups compared to the No-to-Mild-Depression group. In conclusion, the SIQ is a reliable measure of sleep inertia and has potential for improving the assessment of sleep inertia in clinical and research settings.
Rates Of Major Obstetrical Complications Vary Almost Fivefold Among US Hospitals

Of the approximately four million women who give birth each year in the United States, nearly 13 percent experience one or more major complications. But the extent to which the rates of major obstetrical complications vary across hospitals in the United States is unknown. We used multivariable logistic regression models to examine the variation in obstetrical complication outcomes across US hospitals among a large, nationally representative sample of more than 750,000 obstetrical deliveries in 2010. We found that 22.55 percent of patients delivering vaginally at low-performing hospitals experienced major complications, compared to 10.42 percent of similar patients delivering vaginally at high-performing hospitals. Hospitals were classified as having low, average, or high performance based on a calculation of the relative risk that a patient would experience a major complication. Patients undergoing a cesarean delivery at low-performing hospitals had nearly five times the rate of major complications that p...
A new context for presidential politics: The Reagan legacy

This analysis of electoral politics in the U.S. during the Reagan years includes discussion of what hasnot happened, with particular attention to the fact that the American electorate hasnot become more conservative in recent years; the fact that the younger members of the electorate havenot led the national swing away from the Democrats in favor of the Republicans; and the fact that Republican political elites havenot become more representative of the issue preferences of the national electorate. The study also notes some of the generally recognized changes in political life, including the recent sharp decline of the Democrats' margin, or plurality, among parly identifiers and the new dominance of the right wing among Republican party elites. Finally, the study introduces some previously unexamined evidence concerning the nature of various changes relating to partisanship, issue voting, and political leadership that have implications not anticipated either by conventional or unconventional wisdom.
A possible 35-minute periodicity in the OJ 287 active galactic nucleus at 7-mm wavelength

BL Lacertids are a class of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) characterized in part by flat radio spectra and rapid flux variability on time scales of weeks to days, at centimetre to optical wavelengths1. One such object, OJ 287, exhibits very short time-scale (minutes) nonperiodic variations in infrared and centimetre flux, as well as in optical polarization2–4. Over the past fifteen years, there have also been reports of short term (tens of minutes) periodic5 – 8 modulation of the emission from OJ287 at a variety of wavelengths; these periodicities have proved elusive to confirm3,9, perhaps because they are inherently sporadic. Because the presence of periodic flux variations strongly constrains the nature of the central source within an AGN, the report of periodic variability in OJ287 with a stable 15.7-min period detected at multiple frequencies and using different telescopes8, prompted us to under-take observations of this object at 7-mm wavelength. In this letter, we report detection in February 1986 of a weak (4% amplitude), 35-min flux modulation of OJ 287, whose statistical significance we estimate to be ∼97%. Nearly one year later, observations of the same source revealed no periodicities between 4 and 300 min with amplitudes greater than 2%.
RKR Franck-Condon factors for blue and ultraviolet transitions of some metal oxides

Abstract RKR Franck-Condon factors and r -centroids are presented for eleven blue and ultraviolet systems in the oxides of B, Be, Ca, Sr, and Zr.
Stimulated Emission of Infrared Radiation from Ytterbium Activated Silicate Glass

The stimulated emission of Yb/sup 3+/ in a lithium-magnesium-- alumino-- silicate glass that was made to oscillate at a wavelength of 1.0l5 mu at liquid N temperature and lower is described. A Xe-filled helical flashtube was used as the optical pumping source. The lifetime for spontaneous mission apparently is at least as long as the rise time of the source. Variation-of the emission with temperature was noted, and the peak power density was about 12 w/cm/aup 2/. absorption bands at 914, 946, and 976 m mu apparently give most of the laser action, although bands at 310 and 220 m mu were present. The overall emission bandwidth was about 6 m mu with a shortest wavelength line at 1.0125 mu , while the longest wavelength line was at 1.0184 mu . (D.C.W.)