cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic ellipsometry for analysis of polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic devices and prediction of external quantum efficiency

Abstract Complete polycrystalline thin-film photovoltaic (PV) devices employing CuIn1−xGaxSe2/CdS and CdS/CdTe heterojunctions have been studied by ex situ spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). In this study, layer thicknesses have been extracted along with photon energy independent parameters such as compositions that describe the dielectric function spectra e(E) of the individual layers. For accurate ex situ SE analysis of these PV devices, a database of e(E) spectra is required for all thin film component materials used in each of the two absorber technologies. When possible, database measurements are performed by applying SE in situ immediately after deposition of the thin film materials and after cooling to room temperature in order to avoid oxidation and surface contamination. Determination of e(E) from the resulting in situ SE data requires structural information that can be obtained from analysis of SE data acquired in real time during the deposition process. From the results of ex situ analysis of the complete CuIn1−xGaxSe2 (CIGS) and CdTe PV devices, the deduced layer thicknesses in combination with the parameters describing e(E) can be employed in further studies that simulate the external quantum efficiency (EQE) spectra of the devices. These simulations have been performed here by assuming that all electron-hole pairs generated within the active layers, i.e. layers incorporating a dominant absorber component (either CIGS or CdTe), are separated and collected. The active layers may include not only the bulk absorber but also window and back contact interface layers, and individual current contributions from these layers have been determined in the simulations. In addition, the ex situ SE analysis results enable calculation of the absorbance spectra for the inactive layers and the overall reflectance spectra, which lead to quantification of all optical losses in terms of a current density deficit. Mapping SE can be performed given the high speed of multichannel ellipsometers employing array detection, and the resulting EQE simulation capability has wide applications in predicting large area PV module output. The ultimate goal is an on-line capability that enables prediction of PV sub-cell current output as early as possible in the production process.
Control of pH- and temperature-responsive behavior of mPEG-b-PDMAEMA copolymers through polymer composition

ABSTRACTA series of poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether-block-poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (mPEG-b-PDMAEMA) diblock copolymers were synthesized using atom transfer radical polymerization to achieve controlled polymer molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distribution. The thermoresponsive properties of the mPEG-b-PDMAEMA diblock copolymers in aqueous buffered solutions were determined using UV-Visible spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. The cloud point, a soluble-to-insoluble transition, was observed for all mPEG-b-PDMAEMA diblock copolymer solutions. Increasing either the mPEG or PDMAEMA molecular weight resulted in a decrease in observed cloud points as a function of pH and polymer concentration. Changing the mPEG molecular weight determined whether a second, higher temperature, thermal transition was observed as a function of pH and polymer concentration. Controlling the thermoresponsive properties of mPEG-b-PDMAEMA diblock copolymers through polymer composition, concentra...
Habitat-specific differences alter traditional biogeographic patterns of life history in a climate-change induced range expansion.

Range shifts and expansions resulting from global climate change have the potential to create novel communities with unique plant-animal interactions. Organisms expanding their range into novel biotic and abiotic environments may encounter selection pressures that alter traditional biogeographic patterns of life history traits. Here, we used field surveys to examine latitudinal patterns of life history traits in a broadly distributed ectotherm (mangrove tree crab Aratus pisonii) that has recently experienced a climate change-induced range expansion into a novel habitat type. Additionally, we conducted laboratory and field experiments to investigate characteristics associated with these life history traits (e.g. fecundity, offspring quality, and potential selection pressures). We compared these characteristics in native mangrove habitats in which the species has historically dwelled and novel salt marsh habitats into which the species has recently expanded its range. Consistent with traditional biogeographic concepts (i.e. Bergmann’s clines), size at maturity and mean body size of reproductive females increased with latitude within the native habitat. However, they decreased significantly in novel habitats at the highest latitudes of the species’ range, which was consistent with habitat-specific differences in both biotic (predation) and abiotic (temperature) selection pressures. Although initial maternal investment (egg volume and weight) did not differ between habitats, fecundity was lower in novel habitats as a result of differences in size at reproduction. Offspring quality, as measured by larval starvation resistance, was likewise diminished in novel habitats relative to native habitats. These differences in offspring quality may have enduring consequences for species success and persistence in novel habitats. Life history characteristics such as those investigated here are fundamental organismal traits; consequently, understanding the potential impacts of climate change responses on latitudinal patterns of these traits is key to understanding climate change impacts on natural systems.
Spontaneous Activity in a Large Neural Net: Between Chaos and Noise

In what follows I would like to discuss the intrinsic oscillatory dynamics of a large network of neurone-like analog units. Using an appropriate entropie quantity called the ∈-entropy, the spontaneous activity of the net will be shown to be intermediate between low-dimensional chaos and random noise. This kind of network dynamics seems to reflect some aspects of the ground-state fluctuations of the mammalian brain systems during wakefulness.
A scientific evaluation of an organization and its leadership and administrative prastices: Report of management

Abstract. This article intends provide an evaluation of an organization based on organizational theories, developed largely by W. Edwards Deming, Jerry B. Harvey, and other theorists. Drawing from these theories, the authors apply different methods to conduct an organizational study, evaluating a mid-size organization located in the United States, and make recommendations for improvement to upper management. Keywords. Organizational study, Abilene paradox, Phrog farms, Feararchy, Deming’s diseases, Leadership. JEL. A10, A13, A14.
Improved stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells with submicron flexible barrier films deposited in air

We report on submicron organosilicate barrier films produced rapidly in air by a scalable spray plasma process that improves both the stability and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. The plasma is at sufficiently low temperature to prevent damage to the underlying layers. Oxidizing species and heat from the plasma improve device performance by enhancing both interfacial contact and the conductivity of the hole transporting layer. The thickness of the barrier films is tunable and transparent over the entire visible spectrum. The morphology and density of the barrier are shown to improve with the addition of a fluorine-based precursor. Devices with submicron coatings exhibited significant improvements in stability, maintaining 92% of their initial power conversion efficiencies after more than 3000 h in dry heat (85 °C, 25% RH) while also being resistant to degradation under simulated operational conditions of continuous exposure to light, heat, and moisture. X-ray diffraction measurements performed while heating showed the barrier film dramatically slows the formation of PbI2. The barrier films also are compatible with flexible devices, exhibiting no signs of cracking or delamination after 10 000 bending cycles on a 127 μm substrate with a bending radius of 1 cm.
Enhanced Recovery via Peripheral Nerve Block for Open Hepatectomy

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols are now commonplace in many fields of surgery, but only limited data exists for their use in hepatobiliary surgery. We implemented standardized ERAS protocols for all open hepatectomies and replaced thoracic epidurals with a transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block. We performed a retrospective cohort study of all patients undergoing open hepatectomy during the 14 months before and 19 months after implementation of an ERAS protocol at our institution (January 2014–September 2016). Trained abstractors reviewed charts for patient demographics, perioperative details, and healthcare utilization. All nursing-reported visual analog scale pain scores were sampled to identify patients with uncontrolled pain (daily mean score > 5). Outcomes included length of stay (LOS), costs, and 30-day readmission. A total of 127 patients (mean age 54.6 ± 13.0 years, 44% female) underwent open liver resection (69 [54%] after ERAS implementation). ERAS protocols were associated with significantly lower rates of ICU admission (47 vs. 13%, p < 0.001), shorter LOS (median 5.3 vs. 4.3 days, p = 0.007), and lower median costs ($3566 less, p = 0.03). Readmission remained low throughout the study period (5% pre-ERAS, 4% during ERAS, p = 0.83). Rates of uncontrolled pain were either the same or better after ERAS implementation through post-operative day #3 (41% pre-ERAS, 23% during ERAS, p = 0.03). The use of TAP block for hepatectomy as part of an ERAS protocol is associated with improved quality and cost of care. Surgeons performing liver resections should consider standardization of evidence-based best practices in all patients.
Medical Family Therapy in Endocrinology

Endocrinology is the study the body’s endocrine system, which is responsible for the production of hormones that serve a variety of functions. The endocrine system normally controls the homeostasis of bodily systems and is responsible for growth, development, reproduction, and responses to various internal and external stimuli. Common types of disorders as a result of endocrine complications (e.g., diabetes mellitus, thyroid disease, Addison’s disease, Cushing’s disease, Grave’s disease) are often related to improper functioning of the pancreas and/or pituitary, thyroid, and adrenal glands. These disorders can affect widespread complications such as increased heart rate, abnormal bone growth, skin changes, elevated blood glucose levels, and severe fatigue and weakness (Melmed, Polonsky, Larsen, & Kronenberg, 2015; Nelson, 2005). Life-threatening effects may include diabetic ketoacidosis, hypoglycemic coma, thyroid storm, acute pancreatitis, and pituitary apoplexy (National Adrenal Diseases Foundation, 2016; Savage, Mah, Weetman, & Newell-Price, 2004).
Human Stem Cell–Derived Models: Lessons for Autoimmune Diseases of the Nervous System:

Autoimmunity of the peripheral and central nervous system is an important cause of disease and long-term neurological disability. Autoantibodies can target both intracellular and extracellular neur...
Chronic Illness and Impairment

It is generally assumed that in the course of illness the acute phase is followed by a period of recovery and rehabilitation. Some patients, however, undergo slow deterioration over a protracted period; others remain at the same level of incapacitation for many years. Many patients need help leaving the chronic sick role and becoming independent and productive. Even a minor injury without organic defect can be converted into a permanent disability.
Epilogue: The Wider View

Ecologically unequal exchange denotes a seemingly inexorable process whose impetus is both global and planetary. The logic underlying ecologically unequal exchange suggests that rather than moving toward a reconciliation of society and nature, the history of modern capitalist society is pointing toward nature being turned into a “function” of society. Modern society thus appears as a type of socio-economic organization that is characterized by corresponding modes of politics and culture in whose context “nature” is being supplanted, to an ever greater extent, by artificial substitutes. Paradoxically, social, political, and cultural forms are being replaced by modes of “human” and “social” interaction (and corresponding, new institutional structures) that replicate and reinforce organizational, technological, and economic patterns at the heart of capitalism. It may be possible to avert this prospect; if so, equalizing ecological exchange around the globe will be a necessary step along the way. Such equalizing may well be the necessary first step in remedying the world-system’s impetus toward maintaining and amplifying existing forms of inequality that nation-states no longer can contain or alleviate.
"Brainstem Death," "Brain Death" and Death: A Critical Re-Evaluation of the Purported Equivalence

The author challenges brain-based diagnoses of death by re-examining the concept of death, its definition, the anatomical criterion, and the clinical signs or tests. Dr. Shewmon challenges the fundamental assumptions underlying brain death: (1) that the brain is the body's "critical system"; and (2) that the body even has a localized "critical system." He does not redefine death, but shifts the anatomical criterion from a single focus (the brain) to the entire body. The clinical tests correspondingly shift from those implying loss of brain function to those implying thermodynamically supracritical microstructural damage diffusely throughout the body. He concludes that the notion of "brain death" as bodily death is logically and physiologically incoherent, and that its replacement by something scientifically more credible would promote not only the sanctity of life, but ironically even transplantation as well.
Spawning performance and egg quality of wild-caught and first generation southern flounder Paralichthys lethostigma broodstock induced with piscine and mammalian GnRH analogs

Abstract Spawning performance and egg quality were compared in wild-caught and F1 generation southern flounder broodstock following induction with mammalian mLHRHa or piscine sGnRHa at different doses. Forty F1 and 33 wild vitellogenic females (mean oocyte diameter ≥ 0.385 mm) were implanted with an 80% cholesterol-20% cellulose pellet at doses (μg/kg bw) of 0 (control), 5 (low), 25 (mid) and 50 (high) mLHRHa, or with similar doses of sGnRHa. Ovulated females (N = 5–8 per treatment) were strip-spawned and eggs were fertilized in vitro with sperm from two males. Egg quality was categorized according to fertilization and hatching success: 75–100% (high), 50–75% (medium-high), 25–50% (medium-low), and 0–25% (low). Egg production (number of eggs/kg female bw × 103) was highest at the low dose of mLHRHa in F1 females (146.4) and sGnRHa in wild females (128) and was lowest at the intermediate dose sGnRHa in F1 females (61.9) and the high dose sGnRHa in wild females (40.6). Number of fertilized eggs produced per kg bw (× 103) was highest at the low dose mLHRHa in F1 females (113.5) and sGnRHa in wild females (95.4) and lowest at the high dose sGnRHa in F1 females (18.7) and sGnRHa in wild females (7.8). Number of yolksac larvae produced per kg bw (× 103) was highest at the low dose of mLHRHa in F1 females (74) and sGnRHa in wild females (73.5) and was lowest at the high dose of sGnRHa in F1 females (2.0) and in wild females (1.2). Number of larvae per kg bw (× 103) surviving to 96 h post-hatching was highest at the low dose mLHRHa in F1 females (67.5) and sGnRHa in wild females (66.5) and was lowest at the high dose sGnRHa in F1 (0.72) and sGnRHa in wild females (0.68). In F1 females, larval production was significantly greater (P
Inquiring into the Nature of STEM Problems

Around the world, there is a growing interest in integrated STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) education. Many of the calls for integrated STEM emphasize the need for students to engage with complex STEM problems that cut across multiple fields. Yet there is a need to clarify the nature of those problems and differentiate STEM problems from those of different kinds. This conceptual work examines the nature of STEM problems in order to inform pre-college educational efforts in STEM. A typology is introduced that situates STEM problems within a broader space of problems within STEM and non-STEM fields, and the characteristics of STEM problems are described. The typology and characteristics are then applied to different approaches to STEM instruction. A key conclusion is that many integrated STEM education efforts tend to focus on STEM problems that are narrowly framed and that do not include attention to social, cultural, political, or ethical dimensions. However, alternative instructional approaches exist that re-introduce those missing dimensions. If STEM education is to prepare students to grapple with complex problems in the real world, then more attention ought to be given to approaches that are inclusive of the non-STEM dimensions that exist in those problems.
Characteristics of critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This study's primary objective was to describe the clinical characteristics of patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 admitted to the ICU at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi On admission to ICU, lymphocytopenia was common (73%) Ferritin, C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 were all elevated The median initial PaO2/FiO2 ratio was 82 [64-128] mmHg and improved on day 3 Forty patients (73%) required mechanical ventilation (MV) The median initial tidal volume was 6 5 [5 8-7 0] mL/kg predicted body weight and the median initial positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) was 12 [12-14] cm H2O Neither value changed during the first 3 days Thirty-three patients (82%) had a plateau pressure 40 mL/cmH2O was observed in 4 patients (10%) on day 1, 3 patients (7%) on day 2, and 5 patients (12%) on day 3 The median PaO2/FiO2 in the 15 patients treated with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC)/non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and did not require MV was 89 [54-156] mmHg at ICU admission Also, in these patients, the mean respiratory rate was 37 +/- 7 breath/min at ICU admission As of June 20, 2020, 43 patients were alive (mortality rate: 22%);among them, 34 (79%) were discharged from the hospital The majority of patients were younger males;a large proportion had typical ARDS and received MV
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC EFFECTS ON PULSED YOUNG STELLAR OBJECT JETS. I. 2.5D SIMULATIONS

In this paper, we explore the dynamics of radiative axisymmetric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) jets at high resolution using adaptive mesh refinement methods. The goal of the study is to determine both the dynamics and emission properties of such jets. To that end, we have implemented microphysics enabling us to produce synthetic maps of Hα and [S II]. The jets are pulsed either sinusoidally or randomly via a time-dependent ejection velocity which leads to a complicated structure of internal shocks and rarefactions as has been seen in previous simulations. The high resolution of our simulations allows us to explore in great detail the effect of pinch forces (due to the jet's toroidal magnetic field) within the working surfaces where pulses interact. We map the strong Hα emission marking shock fronts and the strong [S II] emission inside cooling regions behind shocks as observed with high-resolution images of jets. We find that pinch forces in the stronger field cases produce additional emission regions along the axis as compared with purely hydrodynamic runs. These simulations are a first step to understanding the full three-dimensional emission properties of radiative MHD jets.
In search of a function for the invariant chain associated with Ia antigens.

The class II antigens of the major histocompatibility complex, also called Ia antigens, are highly polymorphic cell surface proteins expressed primarily on antigen-presenting cells and lymphocytes. Ia antigens are required in the recognition of soluble foreign antigens by T lymphocytes. They consist of two noncovalently associated glycoproteins, the ~and 13-chains with respective molecular weights of approximately 34,000 and 29,000. 5 years ago, analysis of Ia antigens by twodimensional gel electrophoresis after immunoprecipitation from labeled cells revealed the presence of an additional polypeptide, distinct from the polymorphic aand [3chains [1]. This new chain did not show electrophoretic polymorphism and was therefore called 'invariant'. The availability of monoclonal antibodies against Ia antigens made it possible to show definitively that the invariant chain is associated intracellularly with the cq3-dimer [2]. More recently the isolation of monoclonal antibodies directed against the invariant chain [3, 4] and of eDNA clones encoding the invariant chain [5-7] has greatly contributed to the analysis of its structure and expression. However, despite extensive studies, the role of the invariant chain remains unclear. I will review here what is currently known about the invariant chain and I will also discuss what is not, namely its functional role. During the short history of the invariant chain many names have been used to describe it. In the mouse it has been mostly referred to as the "Ii' chain [1], whereas in man the name '7' has become somewhat popular [8-10]. 'p31' [11], "MI' [12], "XMI' [13], 'p33" [5] and 'In' [14] have also been used. For the purpose of this review the original name 'invariant' has been kept, with the abbreviation 'In', in order to describe both the human and the murine chains with the same designation.
Toward efficient single-atom catalysts for renewable fuels and chemicals production from biomass and CO2

Abstract Transformation of biomass and CO2 into renewable value-added chemicals and fuels has been identified as a promising strategy to fulfill high energy demands, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and exploit under-utilized resources. Cost-effective and performance-efficient catalysts are of great importance to lowering the conversion cost of biomass and CO2. Significant progress has been made to advance the catalyst design for these processes, with metal catalysts playing a critical role in many involved catalytic reactions. Traditional nanoparticle-based metal catalysts still require improvement in metal utilization rates, stability, and selectivity tunability. Single-atom catalysts, which have maximum atomic efficiency and a uniform and tunable metal center, as well as an adjustable metal-support interaction, provide potential opportunities to boost catalyst efficiency and thermal stability. Their well-defined and uniform structure also provides advantages to fundamental studies for understanding of the intrinsic reaction mechanism and site requirement in biomass and CO2 conversion. Here, we summarize and highlight the recent advances in converting biomass and CO2 to renewable fuels and chemicals using single-atom catalysts. We discuss the design principles of single-atom catalysts and their potential applications to biomass and CO2 upgrading as well as the origins of catalytic activity. Moreover, we compare the catalytic efficiency of various catalysts reported thus to provide a fair assessment of these catalysts. Finally, perspectives are given on the interesting fields that may guide future studies.
Melanopsin-driven pupil response in summer and winter in unipolar seasonal affective disorder

Abstract A retinal subsensitivity to environmental light may trigger Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) under low wintertime light conditions. The main aim of this study was to assess the responses of melanopsin-containing retinal ganglion cells in participants (N= 65) diagnosed with unipolar SAD compared to controls with no history of depression. Participants attended a summer visit, a winter visit, or both. Retinal responses to light were measured using the post-illumination pupil response (PIPR) to assess melanopsin-driven responses in the non-visual light input pathway. Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to test a group*season interaction on the Net PIPR (red minus blue light response, percent baseline). We observed a significant group*season interaction such that the PIPR decreased from summer to winter significantly in the SAD group while not in the control group. The SAD group PIPR was significantly lower in winter compared to controls but did not differ between groups in summer. Only 60% of the participants underwent an eye health exam, although all participants reported no history of retinal pathology, and eye exam status was neither associated with outcome nor different between groups. This seasonal variation in melanopsin driven non-visual responses to light may be a risk factor for SAD, and further highlights individual differences in responses to light for direct or indirect effects of light on mood.
Patient and Physician Perspectives of Deprescribing Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Older Adults with a History of Falls: a Qualitative Study.

High-risk medications pose serious safety risks to older adults, including increasing the risk of falls. Deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults who have experienced a fall is a key element of fall reduction strategies. However, continued use of PIMs in older adults is common, and clinicians may face substantial deprescribing barriers. Explore patient and clinician experiences with and perceptions of deprescribing PIMs in patients with a history of falls. We led guided patient feedback sessions to explore deprescribing scenarios with patient stakeholders and conducted semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians (PCPs) to explore knowledge and awareness of fall risk guidelines, deprescribing experiences, and barriers and facilitators to deprescribing. PCPs from Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) and patient members of the KPSC Regional Patient Advisory Committee. We used maximum variation sampling to identify PCPs with patients who had a fall, then categorized the resulting PIM dispense distribution for those patients into high and low frequency. We analyzed the data using a hybrid deductive-inductive approach. Coders applied initial deductively derived codes to the data, simultaneously using an open-code inductive approach to capture emergent themes. Physicians perceived deprescribing discussions as potentially contentious, even among patients with falls. Physicians reported varying comfort levels with deprescribing strategies: some felt that the conversations might be better suited to others (e.g., pharmacists), while others had well-planned negotiation strategies. Patients reported lack of clarity as to the reasons and goals of deprescribing and poor understanding of the seriousness of falls. Our study suggests that key barriers to deprescribing include PCP trepidation about raising a contentious topic and insufficient patient awareness of the potential seriousness of falls. Findings suggest the need for multifaceted, multilevel deprescribing approaches with clinician training strategies, patient educational resources, and a focus on building trusting patient-clinician relationships.
Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) for SUD recovery: a promising practice innovation to combat the opioid crisis

The purpose of this study is to examine the psychological self-sufficiency (PSS) process among low-income individuals participating in the Transforming Impossible into Possible (TIP) program and explore the implications of TIP as a SUD recovery intervention. A sample of 622 individuals from 9 local job training programs in a large Midwestern city was used to examine the group differences in substance abuse barrier and employment hope as they relates to economic self-sufficiency (ESS). Individuals in the TIP program (n = 315) had statistically significant path coefficients between substance abuse barriers, employment hope and ESS while the non-TIP counterpart (n = 307) showed a significant path only between employment hope and ESS. Also, the time difference score in substance abuse barrier and ESS was greater for the TIP group compared to the non-TIP comparison group. Results provide implications for social work practice among persons with SUDs. While the traditional employment programs focused only on the interview and job skills, TIP allowed participants to discover their resources to address the inner obstacles that have been holding them back. TIP could serve as a promising model to treat SUDs and support the recovery process.
Machine learning-enabled phenotyping for GWAS and TWAS of WUE traits in 869 field-grown sorghum accessions

Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) is a model C4 crop made experimentally tractable by extensive genomic and genetic resources. Biomass sorghum is studied as a feedstock for biofuel and forage. Mechanistic modeling suggests that reducing stomatal conductance (gs) could improve sorghum intrinsic water use efficiency (iWUE) and biomass production. Phenotyping to discover genotype-to-phenotype associations remains a bottleneck in understanding the mechanistic basis for natural variation in gs and iWUE. This study addressed multiple methodological limitations. Optical tomography and a machine learning tool were combined to measure stomatal density (SD). This was combined with rapid measurements of leaf photosynthetic gas exchange and specific leaf area (SLA). These traits were the subject of genome-wide association study and transcriptome-wide association study across 869 field-grown biomass sorghum accessions. The ratio of intracellular to ambient CO2 was genetically correlated with SD, SLA, gs, and biomass production. Plasticity in SD and SLA was interrelated with each other and with productivity across wet and dry growing seasons. Moderate-to-high heritability of traits studied across the large mapping population validated associations between DNA sequence variation or RNA transcript abundance and trait variation. A total of 394 unique genes underpinning variation in WUE-related traits are described with higher confidence because they were identified in multiple independent tests. This list was enriched in genes whose Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) putative orthologs have functions related to stomatal or leaf development and leaf gas exchange, as well as genes with nonsynonymous/missense variants. These advances in methodology and knowledge will facilitate improving C4 crop WUE.
Psychometric Curves Reveal Three Mechanisms of Vigilance Decrement

The vigilance decrement is a decline in signal detection rate that occurs over time on a sustained-attention task. The effect has typically been ascribed to conservative shifts of response bias and...
Investigation of Evolutionary Events in Corynebacteriaceae Involving Prenyltransferases in Corynebacterium glutamicum

Terpenoids, a class of compounds with 30,000 unique structures, are known to include antitumor compounds, pigments, vitamins, antibiotics, and flavor molecules. Prenyltransferases are the primary e...
Under-pressure: Right Ventricular Infarction

PRESENTATION When a 60-year-old woman’s electrocardiogram (ECG) indicated both anterior and inferior ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, it was unclear which artery was blocked until treatment with nitroglycerin and morphine rendered her hypotensive. The patient, who had a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypertension, arrived at the emergency department 30 minutes after acute onset of diaphoresis and shortness of breath. The ECG (Figure 1) showed atrial fibrillation, ST-segment elevations in the inferior leads, and reciprocal ST depressions in leads I and aVL. Marked ST-segment elevations were also visible in the anterior leads, V3 and V4. She had a heart rate of 119 beats per minute and a blood pressure of 116/56 mmHg. On physical examination, the patient was in mild distress and diaphoretic. Her cardiovascular examination was significant for tachycardia with an irregularly irregular heartbeat. She was treated immediately with aspirin, clopidogrel, and heparin. A few minutes later, she was given sublingual nitroglycerin and a bolus dose of intravenous morphine. Shortly after receiving the nitroglycerin and morphine, her blood pressure dropped to 72/49 mmHg. She was hydrated aggressively and taken to the cardiac catheterization laboratory for coronary angiography.
Serum albumin varies by tumor stage in cutaneous malignant melanoma (LB347)

High albumin adjusted serum calcium has been reported in several cancers but has not been studied in malignant melanoma. We examined the relationship between serum albumin, total and corrected calcium in malignant melanoma in a cross-sectional study. Two thousand three hundred six patients with cutaneous melanoma were identified between Jan. 2000 and Dec. 2010 and 644 met our inclusion criteria. At the time of diagnosis, total serum calcium was non-significantly lower in stage 4 (9.34 mg/dL) vs. stages 1-3 (9.48-9.51 mg/dL). Serum albumin was significantly lower in stage 4 (3.92 g/dL; p≤0.05) than stages 0-3 (4.09-4.15 g/dL). Higher albumin corrected serum calcium was observed with increasing melanoma stage (9.45-9.61 mg/dL). Men but not women showed a significant decrease in serum albumin in stage 4 when compared with stages 1-3 (p = 0.02). Patients >75 years had significantly lower serum albumin (3.98±0.33 vs 4.16±0.35 g/dL; p<0.001), but higher adjusted calcium (9.64±0.49 vs 9.53±0.43 mg/dL; p=0....
Fuel processor development for a soldierportable fuel cell system

The remarkable recent advances in wireless and portable communications devices (e.g., laptop computers, cellular phones, portable digital assistants) have fueled a need for high-energy-density portable power sources for consumer use. Similarly, interest in portable power sources has increased in the military and intelligence communities. Currently, portable military electronics are dependent on batteries to supply electrical power for long-duration missions. This poses two major problems which result from the low energy density of current battery systems: excessive weight/bulk, and reduced mission duration.
VLA: Methodological and Computational Requirements

The Very Large Array (VLA) is an aperture synthesis radio telescope consisting of 27 antennas, each of 25m diameter. See, for example Napier et. al. [1] for a detailed description of the instrument. An instrument of this power and versatility is capable of an extremely high rate of data acquisition as will be described. Worse still, the data collected are not in the form of images (the form required by astronomers), but their Fourier transform. Details of this Fourier transform relationship is given by Bracewell [2], and Fomalont and Wright [3]. These two circumstances conspire to produce a unique data processing problem of considerable magnitude. This paper first describes the computing problems posed by the VLA, then goes on to discuss the methodologies that have been used to tackle them. Finally there is an outline of unresolved problems, and possible paths open in the future to help solve them.
Sequences and Ker(R[X1,…,Xg] → R[tl])

Abstract Let I = ( b 1 ,…, b g ) R ( g ≥ 2) be an ideal in a Noetherian ring R , let K be the kernel of the natural homomorphism from R g = R [ X 1 ,…, X g ] onto S = R [ tI ] (the restricted Rees ring of R with respect to I ), and let J = ({ b i X j − b j X i ; 1 ≤ i j ≤ g }) R g . Then the main results in this paper strengthen two known results in the literature by showing: if b 1 ,…, b g is a regular sequence, then K = J and, for all n ≥ 1, Ass( R g J n ) = Ass( R g K ) ; and, if b 1 ,…, b g is an asymptotic sequence, then K a = J a and, for all n ≥ 1, Ass( R g (J n ) a ) = Ass( R g K a ) = {P;P is a minimal prime divisor of K} , where L a denotes the integral closure of the ideal L .
Site specificity of the chorionic gonadotropin N-linked oligosaccharides in signal transduction.

Abstract The role of the human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) N-linked oligosaccharides in receptor binding and signal transduction was analyzed using site-directed mutagenesis and transfection studies. hCG derivatives with alterations at individual glycosylation sites were expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells. Receptor binding studies showed that absence of any or all of the hCG N-linked oligosaccharides had only a minor effect on the receptor affinity of the derivatives. Similarly, absence of the N-linked oligosaccharides from the beta subunit or a single oligosaccharide from Asn-78 of alpha had no effect on the production of cAMP or on steroidogenesis. However, the absence of carbohydrate at Asn-52 of alpha decreases both the steroidogenic and cAMP responses. Furthermore, absence of this critical oligosaccharide unit on alpha unmasks differences in the two N-linked oligosaccharides on beta; the beta Asn-13 oligosaccharide but not the beta Asn-30 oligosaccharide plays a more important role in steroidogenesis. Dimers containing deglycosylated beta subunit and an alpha subunit lacking either the Asn-52 oligosaccharide or both oligosaccharides fail to stimulate cAMP or steroid formation. Moreover, these derivatives bind to receptor and behave as competitive antagonists. The use of site-directed mutagenesis was critical in uncovering site-specific functions of the hCG N-linked oligosaccharides in signal transduction and reveals the importance of the Asn-52 oligosaccharide in this process.
Features Based on Auditory Physiology and Perception

It is well known that human speech processing capabilities far surpass the capabilities of current automatic speech recognition and related technologies, despite very intensive research in automated speech technologies in recent decades. Indeed, since the early 1980’s, this observation has motivated the development of speech recognition feature extraction approaches that are inspired by auditory processing and perception, but it is only relatively recently that these approaches have become effective in their application to computer speech processing. The goal of this chapter is to review some of the major ways in which feature extraction schemes based on auditory processing have facilitated greater speech recognition accuracy in recent years, as well as to provide some insight into the nature of current trends and future directions in this area. We begin this chapter with a brief review of some of the major physiological and perceptual phenomena that have motivated feature extraction algorithms based on auditory processing. We continue with a review and discussion of three seminal ‘classical’ auditory models of the 1980s that have had a major impact on the approaches taken by more recent contributors to this field. Finally, we turn our attention to selected more recent topics of interest in auditory feature analysis, along with some of the feature extraction approaches that have been based on them. We conclude with a discussion of the attributes of auditory models that appear to be most effective in improving speech recognition accuracy in difficult acoustic environments.
College-Readiness and Academic Preparedness: The Same Concepts?

The purpose of this literature review is to examine the issue of college-readiness as it relates to the concept of academic-preparedness. With President Obamaâ€™s emphasis on changing the No Child Left Behind Act to a focus on college- and career-readiness, an examination of college-readiness is merited. Within the last several decades, academically rigorous curriculum and stringent accountability measures have been mandated by state and federal legislation in hopes of increasing the likelihood of students graduating from high school college-ready. A question that remains unanswered is the extent to which high school graduates are more academically prepared based on core curriculum and a one-size-fits-all standardized testing regime rather than being college-ready. The politics of education, including national reports and legislative acts, was examined and discussed to shed light on the issue of college-readiness. In a review of the plethora of college-readiness literature, college-readiness should, in all likelihood, be defined as academic preparedness.
Marginal leakage with different composite restorative materials in vitro. Effect of cavity design.

Summary In this preliminary study the degree of marginal leakage was assessed for different cavity designs using both ultra violet-curing and self-curing composite restorative materials and sealants. Butt joint restorations placed in etched and sealant primed cavities failed to prevent leakage. Both saucer-shaped and funnel-shaped cavities and cavities with rounded margins were able to prevent leakage when the restorations were bonded to etched and sealant primed peripheral enamel. Further, less than 1 mm of gingival enamel available for bonding seemed to be sufficient in most instances to prevent leakage.
Leadership in Undergraduate Mathematics Education: An Example.

Lynn Arthur Steen, Professor Emeritus of Mathematics at St. Olaf College and former President of the Mathematical Association of America, is recognized widely for the extraordinarily valuable leadership he has given in undergraduate mathematics education, at his college, nationally, and internationally. This article outlines some of his remarkable contributions, shares some of his thinking about his experience, and includes a few further reflections.
Antisocial behavior at age 37: developmental trajectories of marijuana use extending from adolescence to adulthood.

This investigation studied the association between developmental trajectories of marijuana use extending from adolescence to age 32 and later antisocial behavior at age 37. Semi-parametric group-based modeling and logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the data. Five distinct trajectories of marijuana use were identified: never-users, quitters/decreasers, occasional users, chronic users, and increasing users. Being either a chronic user or an increasing marijuana user was associated with an increase in the risk of exhibiting antisocial behavior in adulthood. Both chronic and increasing use of marijuana may serve as predictors of adult antisocial behavior. Treatment programs to prevent antisocial behavior across the life course should include a component to address earlier and concurrent marijuana use. (Am J Addict 2011;20:509–515)
Iron Deficiency in Young Rats Alters the Distribution of Vitamin A between Plasma and Liver and between Hepatic Retinol and Retinyl Esters

We assessed whether iron deficiency alters the concentration of vitamin A (VA) in plasma or liver and the chemical distribution between hepatic unesterified and esterified retinol. Weanling male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n = 10/group) were allocated to one of four diet groups: low iron (ID3, 3 mg of elemental iron/kg diet), marginal iron (ID15, 15 mg/kg), control diet food-restricted to the 103 group (FR, 35 mg/kg), and control diet ad libitum consumption (AD, 35 mg/kg). Both ID3 and FR rats grew less than AD and 1015 rats. At the end of 5.5 wk, plasma retinol concentrations of the 1D3 and FR rats were reduced >40% compared to ID15 and AD rats [Kruskal-Wallis test (K-W), P P < 0.0042). Iron deficiency may cause changes in liver and plasma VA that are refractory to VA intake, and thus a benefit may be derived from combining iron and VA supplements during nutrition interventions.
Differentiating between Confrontive and Coercive Kinds of Parental Power-Assertive Disciplinary Practices.

In this essay, I differentiate between coercive and confrontive kinds of power assertion to elucidate the significantly different effects on children’s well-being of authoritarian and authoritative styles of parental authority. Although both parenting styles (in contrast to the permissive style) are equally demanding, forceful, and power-assertive, they differ from each other in the characteristic kind of power they assert on their children to obtain compliance with parents’ demands. The kind of power that characterizes authoritarian parents is coercive (arbitrary, peremptory, domineering, and concerned with marking status distinctions), whereas the kind of power that characterizes authoritative parents is confrontive (reasoned, negotiable, outcome-oriented, and concerning with regulating behaviors). I argue that the effects of power assertion are detrimental only when coercive, so that the common presumption that power-assertive disciplinary practices per se are harmful is unjustified.
STABILITY OF CHLAMYDOMONAS REINHARDI IN LIQUID NITROGEN STORAGE1

SUMMARY The procedure described is applicable to 11 mutant strains of C. reinhardi Dangeard. In general, freezing resulted in 3-log loss of viable cells. Nevertheless, the phenotypic response of the recovered viable cells to selected media was the same as before freezing. There was no further reduction in viability after 6–17 months storage at liquid N2 temperatures.
The role of electrolytes on protein adsorption at a hydrophilic solid-water interface.

Abstract The adsorption of four proteins, RNase A, HEWL, BSA, and β-Lac, was examined on the surface of a negatively charged SiO 2 /TiO 2 optical waveguide. The amount of adsorbed protein followed the salt series Mg 2+ > Li + > Na + > K + and for anions Cl − > Br − > I − . This ordering was attributed to protein adsorption being primarily influenced by changes in hydrophobic interactions between the surface and the protein resulting from differences in water structure arising from the presence of electrolytes.
Neurogenic bladder in acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)

This is the first report of incidence of neurogenic bladder in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and emphasizes that it is a significant cause of various voiding dysfunctions in these patients. Neurologic disease occurs in about one third of patients with AIDS. Both central and peripheral nervous systems may be involved. Urodynamic evaluation is necessary for assessment and management of neurogenic voiding disorders in this group of patients.
Identification of a Reduction Product of Aristolochic Acid: Implications for the Metabolic Activation of Carcinogenic Aristolochic Acid

Aristolochic acids are nephrotoxic and carcinogenic natural products that have been implicated both in endemic nephropathy in the Balkan region and in ailments caused by ingestion of herbal remedies. Aristolochic acids are metabolized to active intermediates that bind to DNA. In this study, reduction of aristolochic acid I with zinc in acetic acid afforded a new product that was characterized as 9-methoxy-7-methyl-2H-1,3-oxazolo[5',4'-10,9]phenanthro[3,4-d]-1,3-dioxolane-5-carboxylic acid, designated as aristoxazole, along with the expected aristolactam I. This new compound is a condensation product of aristolochic acid and acetic acid that may be related to the aristolochic acid-DNA adducts. The proposed mechanism of formation of aristoxazole involves nucleophilic attack of acetic acid on the nitrenium ion of aristolochic acid I. On the basis of these studies, a route to the metabolic activation of aristolochic acids and formation of adducts with DNA in in vitro systems is proposed and discussed.