cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Statics of phase transformation in Ni-Al, Ni-Ti and Cu-Zn: A first principles study

We show that the interplay between electronic structure properties, crystalline effects and local chemical order is quite distinct for Ni-Al, Ni-Ti and Cu-Zn, although they all exhibit a first order displacive transformation upon cooling from a high temperature partially ordered B2 phase. For this purpose, electronic structure and phase stability properties of these three alloys are investigated with a first principles approach. The study is based upon the Generalized Perturbation Method applied to the Korringa-Kohn-Rostoker multiple scattering description of the Coherent Potential Approximation, and temperature effects are taken into account within a generalized mean field approach.
Engineering systems in the gable home: A passive, net-zero, solar-powered house for the U. S. Department of Energy's 2009 Solar Decathlon

The Solar Decathlon is a biannual competition sponsored by the U. S. Department of Energy, where twenty university teams are selected to design, build and operate a sustainable, energy-efficient, solar-powered house. This paper describes the design and performance of the electrical systems deployed in the house constructed by the University of Illinois: a 9 kW solar photovoltaic system, custom power monitoring system, and a power-line communication based home control and automation system.
Alveolar macrophage immunosuppression is maintained in rabbit models of hypersensitivity pneumonitis

In established experimental models of hypersensitivity pneumonitis and, perhaps, in exposed, asymptomatic humans, continued aerosol exposure to protein antigen results in waning disease and a state of desensitization. The mechanisms causing such unresponsiveness are not well understood, but a possibility is enhanced immunosuppression by alveolar macrophages or other bronchoalveolar cells. Similarly, a loss of immunosuppressive function could result in the appearance of alveolitis. We therefore compared the ability of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells to augment or suppress antigen-specific lymphocyte blastogenesis in rabbit models of acute and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonitis, desensitized animals, and control animals. We found that BAL cells from all treatment groups suppressed antigen-specific lymphocyte blastogenesis at BAL:lymph node cell ratios of 1:1 to 1:8. BAL cells from some animals were suppressive at high BAL concentrations and, at lower concentrations, augmented the blastogenic response. Additional studies revealed no significant differences in the ability of mitomycin C-treated BAL cells to suppress or augment autologous lymphocyte blastogenesis at any ratio tested. Low-density, macrophage-enriched BAL cells obtained by Percoll fractionation maintained suppressive function. Addition of indomethacin to cultures only partially abrogated BAL-mediated suppression of antigen-specific blastogenesis. We conclude that the development of alveolitis in this model cannot be attributed to loss, nor can desensitization be explained by augmentation, of alveolar macrophage immunosuppressive function.
Seventh-order design of a reflecting optical system

We determine the radii of the spherical mirrors in an optical system of reversed Cassegrain type with a given focal length in such a manner that the seventh-order approximation to the spherical aberration, associated with the ray from an axial object at a fixed distance from the system that makes a given angle with the axis, vanishes.
The College of Optometrists in Vision Development checklist related to vision function: expert opinions.

Abstract Background The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) Quality of Life (QOL) checklist has been reported to have good test-retest reliability. Symptom scores measured by this instrument have demonstrated validity by showing a significantly improved score with optometric vision therapy. The COVD-QOL scores inversely correlate with academic achievement on standardized tests, and the instrument has been shown to differentiate between attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder children. The individual items on the COVD-QOL have not, however, been studied as to their relationship to general areas of vision investigated by the optometric examination. Methods To ascertain if COVD-QOL symptoms can be related to areas of vision function, a group of 28 practicing optometrists from all parts of the United States were surveyed for their opinions. The venue was a conference whose theme was vision therapy and the functional use of lenses and prisms. All the participants offered vision therapy within their practices. They were asked to rank 5 general areas of vision skills (orientation, ocular motor, binocular, accommodation, and perception) as to whether these areas might relate to individual symptoms contained in the COVD-QOL. A frequency distribution was developed based on these results. A Likert scale was also used to compare the specific symptom (COVD-QOL item) to the opinion of the clinicians who participated. A Likert scale assumes equal separation among the 5 levels of symptom severity. Results Thirteen items were found to have high agreement, and 11 were considered in moderate agreement when the opinions of these experts were compared. Each of the 5 areas of vision had at least 1 item with high or moderate agreement. Conclusions Expert opinion is a reasonable first step in investigating symptoms as they relate to signs, but more study is needed to verify if these subjective relationships actually exist.
Physiologic correlates of distal lung inflammation in asthma.

Background The distal lung is an important site of inflammation in asthma. Maximal midexpiratory flows and the ratio of maximal:partial flows are purported to reflect distal lung function. Objective We obtained contemporaneous transbronchial biopsy, spirometry, and plethysmography to describe more accurately the relationship between physiology and distal lung inflammation in asthma. Methods Ten patients with severe, persistent asthma with mean ± SE FEV1 of 2.8 ± 0.2 L and overnight fall in FEV1 of 22.8% ± 3.8% underwent transbronchial biopsy, spirometry, maximal midexpiratory flows, maximal:partial ratio, and lung volumes, all at 4 am . Morphometric analysis was performed after immunohistochemistry for eosinophils, lymphocytes, macrophages, mast cells, and neutrophils. Results Maximal midexpiratory flows, maximal:partial ratio, FEV1, and forced vital capacity were not significantly correlated with alveolar tissue inflammation. However, the degree of eosinophilic alveolar inflammation was significantly and positively correlated with both total lung capacity (Spearman ρ = 0.70; P = .03) and thoracic gas volume (ρ = 0.62; P = .05). Correlation between eosinophils and other lung volumes was not observed. Other inflammatory cell types did not correlate with lung volumes. Conclusion Purported physiologic measures of distal lung function are poorly correlated with histopathologic evidence of distal lung inflammation. Measurement of lung volumes more accurately reflects eosinophilic distal lung inflammation.
Self-Involving Versus Self-Disclosing Counselor Statements During an Initial Interview

This study examined the hypothesis that positive self-involving and self-disclosing counselor responses would be rated more favorably by subjects than negative self-involving and self-disclosing counselor responses (Andersen & Anderson, 1985). The differential effectiveness of the counselor responses during the initial interview was discussed, and some implications of the findings for counseling practice were considered.
A Health Promotion Intervention for Families in a Medicaid Managed Care Plan

OBJECTIVE To determine whether implementation of an intervention based on a model of health promotion will encourage patients to seek care from their primary care provider (PCP) and reduce visits to the pediatric ED (PED) for minor illness. METHODS Prospective, randomized, controlled study in the PED of an urban children's hospital (CH). Children <13 months old, enrolled in a Medicaid managed care plan, who identified the CH as their site for primary care and presented to the PED for evaluation of minor illness were enrolled after being seen by the triage nurse, before being seen by a physician. Subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention (I) group or control (C) group. Parents of all enrollees completed a survey about health care utilization habits. Each family in the I group received health promotion teaching from a single investigator. The intervention consisted of a review of the child's medical record with the parents, an explanation of what to expect at future well-child visits, and a discussion of the role of the PCP. A follow-up appointment was also provided prior to discharge from the PED. The C group received usual care. Use of health care by all subjects was tracked for one year by medical record review and phone interviews at six and 12 months. RESULTS 102 subjects in the I group and 93 in the C group (mean +/- SD ages 6.4 months +/- 3.8 and 7.2 months +/- 3.9, respectively, p = 0.15) were enrolled from March 1996 to November 1996. The two groups were similar with respect to demographics and overall health status at enrollment. At study entry: 94 of 102 (92%) subjects in I and 87 of 93 (94%) in C had made at least one visit to the PED in the previous 12 months (p = 0.11); 95 of 102 (93%) in I and 75 of 93 (81%) in C had seen their PCP at least once for well-child care (p = 0.24). Twelve-month follow-up by medical record review was completed for all subjects; phone interviews were completed in 90 of 102 (88%) in I and 80 of 93 (86%) in C. At 12-month follow-up: 84 of 102 (82%) in I and 73 of 93 (78%) in C had made at least one visit to the PED (p = 0.59); 81 of 102 (79%) in I and 77 of 93 (83%) in C had made at least one visit to their CH PCP (p = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS There was no difference in health care utilization between the intervention and control groups at 12-month follow-up. The health promotion intervention did not alter utilization habits.
Global existence of weak solution to Navier–Stokes equations with large external force and general pressure

We study the 3-D compressible Navier–Stokes equations with an external potential force and a general pressure. We prove the global-in-time existence of weak solutions with small-energy initial data and with densities being positive and essentially bounded. No smallness assumption is made on the external force. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Theoretical analysis of the surface wave along a metal-dielectric interface

The metal-dielectric interface supports surface plasmons. But the metal-dielectric interface with defects has not only surface plasmons but also residual waves. In this paper we calculate the fields along the metaldielectric interface with defects from Maxwell’s equations analytically using the surface impedance approximation and study the asymptotic behavior of the residual waves. These analytic results set up a solid foundation to understand various phenomena such as beaming and extraordinary optical transmission.
Regulation of LH Secretion in Aged Female Rats

The regulation of luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in aged female rats was investigated. No differences were seen in the responses to any of the treatments between aged rats which exhibited a constant estrous or a pseudopregnant-like state prior to ovariectomy. Following ovariectomy LH levels were significantly higher (p greater than .05) in the mature than in the aged rats. Treatment with estradiol benzoate (EB) reduced serum LH in both groups (p greater than .05). In mature ovariectomized-EB primed rats an LH-releasing dose of EB (25 mcg/100 g body weight) elevated LH levels at 24 and 26 hours following treatment when compared to pretreatment and oil-treated controls. This was not true in aged ovariectomized-EB primed rats. Gonadotropin releasing hormone induced an LH release in both mature and aged ovariectomized-EB primed rats. It is concluded that the cessation of reproductive cycles in the aged female rat appears to involve alterations within the positive estrogen feedback center of the anterior hypothalamus rather than in the pituitary or negative estrogen feedback center.
Characterization of chloroplast manganese by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy

Abstract A light dependent change of the manganese-electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (Mn-EPR) signal in chloroplasts has been attributed to the redox changes of Mn participating in photosynthetic water oxidation. This interpretation conflicts with many reports which show that the Mn associated with the water splitting complex is EPR silent. We show that chloroplast preparations from different plants vary in respect to the presence and magnitude of a Mn signal. The occasionally observed signal presumably arises from Mn nonspecifically associated with thylakoids which can be removed from the membrane by addition of other cations, or by chelation with EDTA. The relative ineffectiveness of monovalent cations in displacing Mn indicated that this process is not related to ion exchanges in the electrical double layer of thylakoids. Instead, it is suggested that there are some functional groups capable of binding Mn, for example phosphate ions in chloroplasts. This supported by experiments in which the adsorption of Mn by chloroplasts is mimicked in phosphate buffer containing Mn. The DCMU sensitive, light-dependent decrease of the Mn signal and its recovery in the dark can be ascribed to the well known chloroplast mediated oxidation and reduction of divalent and trivalent Mn respectively. It is concluded that the data reported previously reflect reactions involving unspecifically adsorbed Mn not functional in water oxidation.
Trehalose mobilization during early germination ofPilobolus longipes sporangiospores

Abstract Pilobolus longipes spores were activated by either exogenous glucose or 6-deoxyglucose. Trehalose content of glucose-activated spores increased and the substrate for trehalose synthesis was exogenous glucose. Addition of 6-deoxyglucose resulted in mobilization of trehalose, with about 20% of the reserve being consumed in the first hour. Little or no change in trehalase activity occurred during spore activation. Most of the trehalase activity associated with spores could be removed by washing with phosphate buffer. This extracellular enzyme was relatively stable, had a pH optimum of 5.6 and a Km of about 0.5 mM and was estimated to be 66,000 in molecular weight. The specific activity of the crude enzyme extracts fromP. longipes was not influenced by cAMP, but, under the same conditions, the regulatory trehalase fromSaccharomyces cerevisiae became activated. These experiments indicate that trehalase activity in germinatingP. longipes spores may not be regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation. Instead, the results suggest that trehalose is mobilized by a decompartmentation process.
Identification of antigenic determinants unique to the surfaces of cells transformed by Epstein–Barr virus

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) transforms human B lymphocytes in vitro and is associated with two human lymphoproliferative diseases, Burkitt's lymphoma and infectious mononucleosis. In contrast to the lymphoma, infectious mononucleosis is self-limiting and the finding by Svedmyr and Jondal1 of cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for EBV-transformed cell lines in mononucleosis patients' blood during the acute phase suggests that this self-limitation results, in part, from the cell-mediated immune response of the host. These workers termed the structure expressed on EBV-transformed cells and which was recognized by specific, cytotoxic T cells, LYDMA (lymphocyte determined membrane antigen). It has also been shown that with appropriate education in culture, cytotoxic T cells from healthy donors specifically kill autochthonous, EBV-transformed cell lines2. These target cells generally do not produce virus and bear no virion-associated antigens. We have now isolated monoclonal antibodies which detect antigenic determinants unique to the surfaces of EBV-transformed cells but are not associated with virus production. Quantitative assays for these determinants indicate that they are expressed strongly on cells transformed in vitro by EBV but are expressed at intermediate or undetectable levels on cell lines established from patients with Burkitt's lymphoma. These antigenic determinants may be among those recognized by autochthonous, cytotoxic T cells specific for EBV-transformed cell lines, and if they are, their diminished expression on tumour-derived cells may reflect a selective advantage in vivo for those tumour cells.
Measurement of the spontaneous fission neutron yield of natural uranium

Abstract A measurement of the spontaneous fission neutron yield of natural uranium has been made by the activation of approximately 15001. of KMnO 4 solution in a sub-critical assembly containing over 5000 lb of natural uranium. By filtering a large volume of this solution, sufficient manganese activity is removed as MnO 2 by the Szilard-Chalmers effect to provide an accuracy of 1·5 per cent in the result. However, since the total efficiency of the MnO 2 extraction process was not known to this high degree of accuracy, comparison of the activation by Pu-Be sources of known strength superimposed over the uranium was made. This provided the spontaneous fission neutron yield of natural uranium in terms of the Pu-Be source calibration. A value of (1·532 ± 0·061) × 10 −2 /sec per gramme was thus obtained.
New insights on fumed colloidal rheology—shear thickening and vorticity-aligned structures in flocculating dispersions

We investigate the rheology of dilute dispersions of fumed colloidal particles with attractive interactions in hydrocarbon liquids. Surprisingly, these systems display shear thickening due to the breakdown of densified flocs and a concomitant increase in the effective volume fraction of the fractal particles in the fluid. We show that this shear thickening is controlled by a critical stress and accompanied by a positive increase in the first normal stress difference, N 1, at the shear thickening transition. This is in contrast to the well-known hydrocluster mechanism of shear thickening in concentrated hard-sphere and repulsive systems. Gel elasticity depends strongly on the stress applied to suspensions in preshear, scaling roughly as $G'\sim\sigma_{\text{preshear}}^{2}$ . We propose a simple model to account for these results in terms of the cluster number density determined by the preshear stress. At low shear rates, vorticity-aligned aggregates are present at $\dot\gamma\approx 10^0 {\rm{s}}^{-1}$ . In this regime, the system displays a small but noticeable increase in viscosity on increasing shear rate. We investigate the effect of tool roughness and find that wall slip is not responsible for the observed phenomena. Instead, the increase in the apparent viscosity results from increased flow resistance due to the presence of gap-spanning log-like flocs in rolling flow.
Circumcision in Australia: An update

National health insurance statistics on neonatal and non-neonatal circumcisions in Australia and in individual Australian states are updated.
Detection and study of a cyclization step preceding the formation of a fluorescent product in tyrosinase-catalyzed adrenaline oxidation.

Abstract The fluorescent oxidation product formed in the tyrosinase-catalyzed oxidation of adrenaline has been shown, by a tritium tracer technique, to be formed via an intermediate cyclization step. This step was found to have the same time course relationship in respect to the fluorescent product formation as does the initial oxidation to the uncyclized o -quinone. Pertinent features of the mechanism were revealed by the action of catechol, dopamine, and related compounds on the system. Of significance was an activation effect of catechol and dopamine on the cyclization step and an inhibition effect of catechol on the fluorescence formation step. The latter effects were found to be due to the functioning of an electron carrier system produced from catechol or dopamine at an early stage of the reaction. A mechanism consistent with the results is presented.
Deep Brain Stimulation for Movement Disorders

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an implanted electrical device that modulates specific targets in the brain resulting in symptomatic improvement in a particular neurologic disease, most commonly a movement disorder. It is preferred over previously used lesioning procedures due to its reversibility, adjustability, and ability to be used bilaterally with a good safety profile. Risks of DBS include intracranial bleeding, infection, malposition, and hardware issues, such migration, disconnection, or malfunction, but the risk of each of these complications is low—generally ≤ 5% at experienced, large-volume centers. It has been used widely in essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease, and dystonia when medical treatment becomes ineffective, intolerable owing to side effects, or causes motor complications. Brain targets implanted include the thalamus (most commonly for essential tremor), subthalamic nucleus (most commonly for Parkinson’s disease), and globus pallidus (Parkinson’s disease and dystonia), although new targets are currently being explored. Future developments include brain electrodes that can steer current directionally and systems capable of “closed loop” stimulation, with systems that can record and interpret regional brain activity and modify stimulation parameters in a clinically meaningful way. New, image-guided implantation techniques may have advantages over traditional DBS surgery. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13311-014-0274-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Design and Analysis of Wind Turbine Blades: Winglet, Tubercle, and Slotted

Energy is the heart of today’s civilization and the demand seems to be increasing with our growing population. Alternative energy solutions are the future of energy, whereas the fossil-based fuels are finite and deemed to become extinct. The design of the wind turbine blade is the main governing factor that affects power generation from the wind turbine. Different airfoils, angle of twist and blade dimensions are the parameters that control the efficiency of the wind turbine. This study is aimed at investigating the aerodynamic performance of the wind turbine blade. In the present paper, we discuss innovative blade designs using the NACA 4412 airfoil, comparing them with a straight swept blade. The wake region was measured in the lab with a straight blade. All the results with different designs of blades were compared for their performance. A complete three-dimensional computational analysis was carried out to compare the power generation in each case for different wind speeds. It was found from the numerical analysis that the slotted blade yielded the most power generation among the other blade designs.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Rearrangements of N-acyl-2-aza-1,5-hexadienes: application to synthesis of traechelanthamidine and supinidine

Abstract Efficient syntheses of the pyrrolizidine bases traechelanthamide ( 4 ) and supinidine ( 5 ) via an N-acyliminium ion rearrangement-cyclization are described.
Concerns of patients seeking treatment for TMJ dysfunction.

Abstract One hundred fifty-seven patients, 126 women and 24 men, 10 to 75 years of age, completed a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained questions asking about the patients' chief complaint, treatment received before coming to the clinic, the patients' view of their problem, and who informed them of the possible end result of an untreated “TMJ problem.” The results revealed that pain was the most commonly reported complaint (54%), discomfort and headache came second and third (52.2% and 46.5%, respectively). A significant correlation was found between inability to chew and pain, discomfort, tightness in the masticatory muscles, and locking and clicking of the joint. Most patients had received three or more types of treatment before coming to the University of Michigan, TMJ and Oral Facial Pain Clinic. A significant correlation was found between an increased number of reported symptoms and an increase in the number of treatments. The most frequently used treatment methods were pain medication, mouth guard (appliances), and occlusal adjustment. Most patients (84.1%) were referred to the TMJ and Oral Facial Pain Clinic by dentists because of clicking, locking, and limitation of movement, with or without pain.
Matrices diagonally similar to a symmetric matrix

Abstract Let F be field, and let A and B be n × n matrices with elements in F . Suppose that A is completely reducible and that B is symmetric. If the principal minors of A determined by the 1- and 2-circuits of the graph of B and by the chordless circuits of the graph of A are equal to the corresponding principal minors of B, then A is diagonally similar to B; and conversely.
Consumer Boycotts: A Conceptual Framework and Research Agenda

Although consumer boycotts have been of considerable interest to theorists and practitioners, social scientific knowledge about them is limited. This article seeks to advance scholarly understanding by developing a taxonomy of boycott actions, and by identifying factors believed likely to influence their effectiveness in furthering the consumer interest as well as other interests. The analytical framework draws distinctions between media-oriented and marketplace-oriented boycotts as well as those against surrogate targets vs. nonsurrogate targets. The article presents an action-oriented research agenda and an assessment of the likely future for consumer boycotts in advancing the consumer interest.
Parasites of the Asian tiger mosquito and other container-inhabiting mosquitoes (Diptera:Culicidae) in northcentral Florida.

Seven microorganisms including 4 protozoans, 2 fungi, and a bacterium infected Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae collected from 12 counties in northcentral Florida. Ae. albopictus and 14 other species of mosquitoes were collected from tires, flower-holding vases in cemeteries, other types of artificial containers, and treeholes. Ascogregarina taiwanensis (Lien & Levine) was the most common parasite of Ae. albopictus throughout the year. The microsporidium Vavraia culicis (Weiser) infected Aedes aegypti (L.), Ae. albopictus, Aedes triseriatus (Say), and Orthopodomyia signifera (Coquillett). A vibrio bacterium and 2 fungi (Leptolegnia sp. and Smittium culisetae Lichtwardt), infected Ae. albopictus larvae but were observed infrequently. A. taiwanensis, S. culisetae, and the vibrio bacterium previously have been reported from Ae. albopictus. This is the 1st report of the other 4 microorganisms parasitizing Ae. albopictus larvae.
Factor structure and psychometric characteristics of the beck depression inventory-II

The present study evaluated the factor structure and psychometric properties of the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II; Beck, Steer, & Brown, 1996) in the nonclinical sample of 230 young adults. The BDI-II is a revised version of the BDI-IA. We evaluated the fit of three alternative models to the sample data, using confirmatory factor analysis. Results provided support for the fit of the oblique three-factor model. The BDI-II and factor scales had satisfactory coefficient alpha indices. We obtained gender differences on the BDI-II item, total, and factor scale scores. We examined the relations of the BDI-II with demographic variables and with other self-report measures of social desirability, anxiety, depression, stress, and self-esteem. We also examined the issue of whether specific self-report measures of anxiety and depression assess separate or different constructs. We discuss the limitations of the present study.
Vasovagal syncope in patients with reduced left ventricular function.

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) is mediated by arterial mechanoreceptors, resulting in reflexive changes in heart rate and vascular tone. The Bezold–Jarisch reflex was originally described as enhanced contraction and activation of left ventricular mechanoreceptors, but later studies implicated other triggers, including coronary, carotid, and cerebral arterial mechanoreceptors. VVS is uncommon in patients with left ventricular dysfunction. We hypothesized that VVS could occur in this subset and examined patient characteristics and hemodynamic responses during tilt table testing. From 1996 through 1998, 128 consecutive patients with ejection fraction 3 sec or heart rate 10% decrease in heart rate without a cardioinhibitory response) and 9 as vasodepressor type (≤10% decrease in heart rate). VVS occurs in patients who have clinically significant left ventricular dysfunction. Although this study had a small cohort size, the predominantly vasodepressor response without a cardioinhibitory component warrants further investigation into mechanisms of VVS in these patients.
A prospective randomized trial of the LoFric hydrophilic coated catheter versus conventional plastic catheter for clean intermittent catheterization.

ABSTRACTPurpose: We compared the incidence of hematuria, pyuria and clinical urinary tract infection in patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization using a hydrophilic coated LoFric (Astra Tech AB, Molndal, Sweden) or standard plastic catheter.Materials and Methods: A total of 62 male patients who performed intermittent self-catheterization to manage neurogenic bladder were randomized into 2 treatment groups at 3 American study sites. Outcome measures included urinary tract infection, microhematuria, pyuria and satisfaction rates.Results: Of the 62 enrolled patients 49 completed the 12-month study. The withdrawal rate was not different in the 2 groups. At the end of the study there was statistically significantly less hematuria in the hydrophilic coated catheter group compared with controls. In addition, there was a significant decrease in the urinary tract infection rate from baseline in the hydrophilic coated catheter group but not in controls.Conclusions: Use of the hydrophilic coated cath...
Intergenerational Cultural Transmission Among the Akan of Ghana

ABSTRACT Sociocultural transmission is a necessary ingredient in societal stability, cohesion, and continuity everywhere. For the Akan of central and southern Ghana, an important aspect of societal cohesion occurred through intergenerational solidarity which existed principally in the extended family, with the elders acting as the primary instruments in cultural transmission. The extended family, especially as represented in the Akan traditional household, was regarded as one family. Elders were viewed as the embodiment of the past as well as members with the largest store of memories from the past. Reminiscences, remembrances, and oral narratives were passed down to children in whose lives these elders were intimately involved, and stories always contained some moral values that children were expected to learn from and apply. What appears to be occurring in contemporary Ghana are processes of change and persistence, and the task of this study is to assess changes in the Akan family, particularly the exte...
Stress does not alter the conformation of a domain of the myosin cross-bridge in rigor muscle fibres

The force of muscle contraction is thought to be generated by a change in the effective angle of a myosin cross-bridge while it is attached to an actin filament. Thus studies of the relationship between this conformation and force provide insight into the mechanism of contraction. Recently it has been shown1 that paramagnetic probes can be attached selectively and rigidly to a reactive sulphydryl on the myosin cross-bridge and that their angular distribution can be measured with great accuracy. In rigor skeletal fibres the probes are highly ordered relative to the fibre axis. Here I show that forces of up to 0.2 N mm−2 cause no change in the angular distribution of the probes. Thus there is a domain of the cross-bridge whose conformation is not influenced by stress, and this result places restrictions on the location of elastic and force-generating elements within the cross-bridge.
Value of urethral wash cytology in the retained male urethra after radical cystoprostatectomy

ABSTRACTPurpose: We determined the outcome in patients who underwent urethrectomy after cystectomy followed by routine urethral wash cytology versus those not followed by urethral wash cytology who presented with bleeding or urethral discharge. We retrospectively evaluated the outcome in post-cystectomy urethrectomy cases at our institution from 1994 to 2000.Materials and Methods: A total of 24 patients with a median age of 70.5 years underwent urethrectomy after cystectomy, including 17 due to asymptomatic, positive urethral wash cytology (group 1) and 7 who were not followed by urethral wash and presented with bleeding/urethral discharge (group 2). Median time from cystectomy to urethrectomy was 11.4 months (range 6.7 to 67.1). Median followup after cystectomy and urethrectomy was 37 and 27.7 months, respectively.Results: Urethrectomy pathological evaluation showed pTis disease in cases 12 (50%), pT0 in 9 (37.5%) and pT1 in 3 (12.5%). Cystectomy pathology was organ confined (pT0, pTis and pT1-pT2b disea...
Medical Therapy for Chronic Reflux Esophagitis: Long-term Follow-up

• The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the long-term course of medically treated severe reflux esophagitis to determine if prolonged pharmacologic therapy was necessary to control symptoms. Twenty patients with chronic reflux esophagitis (mean duration, 13 years) achieved significant clinical improvement after acute intensive therapy with cimetidine and metoclopramide. During the 26-month follow-up period after remission, nine (45%) patients experienced a relapse of symptoms as drug dosages were tapered or discontinued, eight (40%) patients remained in remission, and three experienced a relapse of symptoms after a remission of longer than two years. Lower esophageal sphincter pressures were lower among patients who relapsed compared with patients with prolonged remission (4.9 vs 13.2 mm Hg). Drug requirements to maintain symptom control were antacids alone in five patients, bedtime H 2 -blocker in five, full-dose H 2 -blocker in four, and bedtime metoclopramide (10 mg) plus an H 2 -blocker in six. Moreover, the symptoms of three patients receiving full-dose H 2 -blocker therapy were controlled with antacids alone for two years, until relapse occurred. In conclusion, some patients with severe, long-standing reflux esophagitis will have a lasting response to short-term intensive medical therapy. Long-term intensive therapy may be unnecessary in many patients. Patients with lower sphincter pressures may have a higher likelihood of symptomatic relapse. ( Arch Intern Med 1987;147:1717-1720)
Societal Transformation in Norway and Change in the Life Course Transition Into Adulthood

Since World War I Norway has been transformed from a predominantly rural into a highly industrialized urban society, making it an ideal site for examining the relationship between industrial change and the temporal organization of the life course. This paper is part of a comprehensive effort to understand the histoncal and societal circumstances under which age becomes a more or less important basis of social organization. Using con tinuous event histories for ages 14 through 29 for cohorts born in 1921, 1931 and 1941, we analyze the allocation of person months to states that define markers of life course transitions into adulthood. Age-specific allocations of time activities are assessed, and the degree of age-grading and sequentialitv of life events such as being in school, being marned, and becoming a parent are compared for the three cohorts.
High Efficiency Sputtered CdS/CdTe Cells without CdCl 2 Activation

Polycrystalline thin-film CdS/CdTe PV cells nearly always require “activation” with vapors containing chlorine and oxygen near 400 oC in order to realize the highest cell performance, even when growth occurs near 600 oC. In this study we have used film growth near 270 oC by magnetron sputtering in an oxygen-free ambient and have studied the effects of post-deposition heat treatments for 20 minutes at 400, 425 and 450 oC without CdCl2 in a dry air ambient. The heat treatments enhanced grain growth and produced re-crystallization of the CdTe film at all three temperatures, but 450 oC was required to reach the best electrical performance. Grain size increased from a couple of hundred nanometers to more than a micron as the preferred (111) growth orientation decreased. Efficiencies up to 11.6% were achieved with no CdCl2 compared to ~13% with activation at 387 oC in the presence of CdCl2 vapors. X-ray diffraction and quantum efficiency measurements show interdiffusion of CdS and CdTe at 450 oC comparable with a standard CdCl2 treatment at 387 oC. The results are discussed in terms of CdSTe alloy gradients and minority-carrier diffusion lengths.
Aerobic plate counts and ATP levels correlate with Listeria monocytogenes detection in retail delis.

Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes an estimated 1,591 cases of illness and 255 deaths annually in the United States, the majority of which are attributed to ready-to-eat deli meats processed in retail delis. Because retail delis distribute product directly to consumers, rapid methods to validate cleaning and sanitation are needed to improve retail food safety. This study investigated the relationships among ATP levels, standard aerobic plate count (APC), and L. monocytogenes presence in fully operational delis. Fifteen full-service delis were concurrently sampled for ATP, APC, and L. monocytogenes during preoperational hours once monthly for 3 months. Fifteen additional delis were recruited for 6 months of operational sampling (n = 30). A 1-log increase in APC was equivalent to a 3.3-fold increase in the odds of detecting L. monocytogenes (P < 0.001) and a 1.9-log increase in L monocytogenes population (P = 0.03). An ATP level increase of 1 log relative light unit correlated to a 0...
Light-directing self-organized 1D and 3D chiral liquid crystalline nanostructures

A brief overview of recent research and developments in our laboratory toward the fabrication and application of photoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystals, microshells and microdroplets, and blue phase is presented here. We have designed and synthesized a variety of light-driven chiral molecular switches and doped into achiral nematic liquid crystals hosts to obtain photoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystals and blue phase. By irradiation with light of suitable wavelengths, it has been possible to tune the reflection color of cholesteric liquid crystals and blue phase over a wide range across the visible spectrum. By doping upconversion nanoparticles into photoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystals, the reflection color tuning has been accomplished by irradiation with near infrared light. Moreover, cholesteric microshells have been fabricated which exhibit omnidirectional lasing. Similarly, cholesteric microdroplets have been found to display omnidirectional selective reflection and photonic cross communication. Wide-range non-mechanical beam steering has been demonstrated in a phoresponsive cholesteric liquid crystal sample. This short summary of our recent research work shows that the century old fascinating cholesteric liquid crystals have diverse opportunities to offer.
Early angiosperm reproduction: An introductory report

Abstract The phylogeny of angiosperms presented by various authors is based principally upon our knowledge of modern plants. The fossil history of flowering plants has had little influence upon current concepts of primitive features of the flower. Several reproductive characters of non-angiospermous plants demonstrate the diversity of flower-like characters common to some extinct major groups of plants. Various Lower and Middle Cretaceous angiosperm reproductive structures illustrate the nature of the early receptacles, carpels and perianth parts. Pteridosperms (seed ferns), which bore separate clusters of ovules and microsporangia are considered a likely ancestral source of the angiosperms. Probable radiations of both diclinous (unisexual), mainly wind-pollinated, and monoclinous (bisexual), mainly insect-pollinated, lines are suggested for the ancestral flowering plants. The primitive flower types are thought to be quite simple with subsequent elaboration and other modifications of the flower, resulting from the adaptive ecological strategies of reproductive mechanisms through time. Insects have played a major role in floral evolution but not to the exclusion of ancient wind-pollinated forms. There have been major and minor shifts of the reproductive ecology in various groups of angiosperms so that the diverse flowers and fruits seen today are the product of reticulate patterns of evolution.
Enhancing the Obsolescing Bargain Theory: A Longitudinal Study of Foreign Ownership of U.S. and European Multinationals

This research attempts to enhance the obsolescing bargain theory, for manufacturing companies, by statistically testing the effects of nine explanatory variables on the static and dynamic manifestations of bargaining success, with longitudinal, firm-level data. In order to highlight those effects, it develops a conceptual framework that provides a broader context in which the primary variables operate. It demonstrates that the obsolescing bargain took effect in India over a fifteen-year period following restrictive legislation. Unlike previous research, this study measures the effect of benefits received by multinationals from the host government in exchange for equity dilution. American companies are found to retain a smaller share of their foreign ownership over time than British and other European multinationals. Some explanatory variables that have previously been found to influence level of foreign ownership (static bargaining success) are found to be less important, or have a different effect, in explaining proportion of foreign ownership retained (dynamic bargaining success).
Conditions Associated with Childhood Asthma in North Texas

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to identify significant associations between asthma diagnosis, comorbid conditions, and social problems in children. Method. This study explored data collected in a unique, regional survey of children's health in north Texas originally administered in 2009 to a random sample of 21,530 households with children from 0 to 14 years of age. Descriptive statistics were compiled for the subsample of children with asthma, associations of interest were identified, and strengths of relevant associations were calculated. Results. The prevalence of asthma in school-aged children in the target area is 19-25%, which exceeds both national and state values. Statistically significant associations were found between asthma and allergies, sleep problems, and tonsillectomy. Significant associations were identified between asthma and school absences, academic problems, and behavior problems in school. There was a significantly greater prevalence of obesity/overweight among children with asthma than without asthma. Discussion. Children with asthma are at high risk for impairment in multiple dimensions. Thorough assessment, including comprehensive medical, social, and environmental histories, is critical in management of pediatric asthma.
Evaluation of the Avon Foundation Community Education and Outreach Initiative Community Patient Navigation Program

Introduction. Black women in the United States experience disproportionate breast cancer mortality. Culturally appropriate community education on the importance of breast health coupled with the availability of free or low-cost mammography screening services may help improve the use of mammography screening services among Black women. The Avon Foundation Community Patient Navigation Program seeks to fill this need. The current study presents a process and outcome evaluation of this program. Method. Trained and uniformed community patient navigators (PNs) host breast health education events where they recruit community members to complete a mammography interest form. Participants are referred to a nurse practitioner who determines eligibility for a free or low-cost mammogram. The community PN delivers telephone follow-up to encourage participants to make and keep their mammogram appointments. Results. Over a 15-month period, 22 community PNs hosted 207 breast health events, which included 9,601 attendees. ...
Culturally Sustaining Pedagogy A Needed Change in Stance, Terminology, and Practice

Seventeen years ago Gloria Ladson-Billings (1995) published the landmark article “Toward a Theory of Culturally Relevant Pedagogy,” giving a coherent theoretical statement for resource pedagogies that had been building throughout the 1970s and 1980s. I, like countless teachers and university-based researchers, have been inspired by what it means to make teaching and learning relevant and responsive to the languages, literacies, and cultural practices of students across categories of difference and (in)equality. Recently, however, I have begun to question if the terms “relevant” and “responsive” are really descriptive of much of the teaching and research founded upon them and, more importantly, if they go far enough in their orientation to the languages and literacies and other cultural practices of communities marginalized by systemic inequalities to ensure the valuing and maintenance of our multiethnic and multilingual society. In this essay, I offer the term and stance of culturally sustaining pedagogy ...