cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamic limits of nanophotonic light trapping in thin film silicon solar cells1

We have extended an earlier thermodynamic treatment of light-trapping in lattice-textured solar cells to higher absorptances. This treatment is used to calculate the quantum efficiency spectra and short-circuit current densities JSC for thin-film silicon solar cells with ideal lattice textures. An optimal triangular lattice period of 900 nm yields a calculated JSC that is 2 mA/cm2 larger than for ideal random textures in a 1000 nm thick cell. We compare the calculations to recent experiments with periodically textured cells. While the experimental cells give JSC values that are comparable to the best cells with conventional textures, they do not show the features associated with the prediction of higher JSC. We discuss the role of imperfections in the periodic texturing, and suggest that cells used with solar tracking may realize the predicted JSC improvement.
Libertarianism and Free Determined Decisions

Free determined decisions are free decisions that are causally determined by the character of the agent. Robert Kane is a libertarian about free will who believes some of our free decisions are determined in this way. According to Kane, for a determined decision to be free it must proceed from the agent's character and the agent must have shaped that character through previous undetermined free decisions. In recent writings, Mark Balaguer has argued that human beings may well possess libertarian freedom, but he rejects Kane's view that free determined acts must proceed from a character that is constructed from prior undetermined free decisions. This essay explains Balaguer's argument for rejecting the Kanean view and critically responds to it in defense of Kane's position on free determined decisions.
Long Distance Caregiving: An Evaluative Review of the Literature

A comprehensive and evaluative review of empirical research published between 2000 and 2010 specific to long distance caregiving is provided to identify what is known about this subgroup of caregivers and to identify gaps in knowledge. We searched peer-reviewed journals included in the following databases: Academic Search Premier (EBSCO), PROQuest Direct, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and PsychInfo. Searches were restricted to English language publications between 2000 and 2010. Search terms included: ‘review + caregiving + dementia’, ‘meta-analyses + caregiving + dementia,’ ‘caregiving + dementia + not institutional,’ ‘informal + caregiving,’ ‘family + caregiving’, ‘caregiving + technology’. Any searches including the term ‘dementia’ were repeated without that term. These same searches were repeated with the term ‘distance’ added to each. Empirical research specific to long distance caregiving is reviewed in detail. A brief review is provided of other closely related research. Long distance caregivers report being heavily involved in the care of their family member, regardless of distance and surprisingly, are often the only or primary caregiver. The specific needs for future research to inform best practice that goes beyond description of this important subgroup of caregivers is discussed.
Reflection of an electromagnetic plane wave with 0 or π phase shift at the surface of an absorbing medium

An electromagnetic plane wave incident obliquely from a transparent medium onto the surface of an absorbing medium can be reflected with 0 or π phase shift if (i) the wave is p (TM) polarized, and (ii) the complex relative dielectric function ∊ is such that 0⩽|∊|2/2Re(∊)⩽1. Furthermore, the locus of ∊ such that the reflection coefficient for the p polarization is real at the same angle of incidence, is a circle, and that of ∊1/2 (the complex relative refractive index) is Bernoulli’s lemniscate.
Neurological examination of the newborn

Sophisticated technology for neurodiagnosis supplements, but does not replace, the neurological examination. Physical examination remains the standard for assessing the normal or abnormal function of the nervous system, the localization of neurological injury, and the severity of impairment. An experienced examiner can rapidly perform this assessment and then exercise the best judgement in selecting laboratory investigations.
Nonmesonic Decay of a Helium Hyperfragment

In an emulsion stack exposed in an equatorial balloon flight, we have observed an event which is most simply interpreted as the disintegration of a ${\mathrm{He}}^{4*}$ hyperfragment according to the scheme ${\mathrm{He}}^{4*}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+d+n+Q$, where $Q=167.6\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.9$ Mev. The fragment, emerging from a star of type $11+7\ensuremath{\alpha}$, traveled 633 \ensuremath{\mu} before coming to rest. All the measurements, including those on the fragment track, are consistent with the foregoing decay scheme. Other interpretations are considered and shown to be untenable or very unlikely. From the $Q$-value and the relevant masses, the binding energy of the ${\ensuremath{\Lambda}}^{0}$ in the fragment is 1.9\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}2.9 Mev, in agreement with values from mesonic disintegrations of ${\mathrm{He}}^{4*}$. This low binding energy may be compared to the much larger value, 20.6 Mev, with which the "last neutron" is bound in normal ${\mathrm{He}}^{4}$.
Neuroinvasiveness of pseudorabies virus injected intracerebrally is dependent on viral concentration and terminal field density.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV), a neurotropic swine α herpesvirus, has been used extensively for transneuronal analysis of multisynaptic circuitry after peripheral injection. In the present analysis, we examined the influence of viral concentration and neuronal architecture on the invasiveness, replication, and transynaptic passage of an attenuated strain of PRV (PRV-Bartha) injected into rat striatum. Different concentrations of PRV-Bartha were injected into the striatum at a constant rate of infusion (10 nl/minute), and animals were killed 50 hours later. Viral concentration was manipulated by either altering the volume of the inoculum (100, 50, 20 nl) or by diluting the inoculum within a constant volume of 100 nl. Immunohistochemical localization of infected neurons revealed dramatic differences in the progression of infection that were dependent directly on the concentration of injected virus. In every case, the pattern of infection was consistent with preferential uptake of virions by axon terminals and retrograde transynaptic passage of virus from the injection site. The known topographically organized corticostriatal projections permitted a precise definition of the zone of viral uptake. This analysis demonstrated that the “effective zone of viral uptake” (i.e., the zone within which viral uptake led to productive replication of virus) varied in relation to the concentration of injected virus, with the highest concentration of PRV invading terminals within a 500 μm radius of the canula. Concentration-dependent changes in the progression of retrograde transynaptic infection also were observed. The highest concentration of virus produced the most extensive infection. The distribution of infected neurons in these cases included those with known afferent projections to striatum as well as those that became infected by retrograde transynaptic infection. Lesser concentrations of PRV-Bartha produced an increasingly restricted infection of the same circuitry within the same postinoculation interval. It is noteworthy that neurons known to elaborate dense striatal terminal fields were less sensitive to reduction in viral concentration than those giving rise to terminal fields of lesser density. Collectively, the data indicate that the onset of viral replication after intracerebral injection of PRV is directly dependent on virus concentration and terminal field density at the site of virus injection. J. Comp. Neurol. 1999;407:438–452. © 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Insight into the Catalytic Reduction of NO by Methane: The Reaction of Nitromethane on Oxidized Mo(110)

The reactions of nitromethane (CH3NO2) on a thin-film oxide grown on Mo(110) are investigated to gain insight into the role of nitromethane in the catalytic reduction of NO by methane. Using a combination of temperature programmed reaction and infrared reflection-absorption spectroscopy, we find that nitromethane reacts by dissociation of the N-O bonds below 300 K, to yield methylimido (CH3Nads) and terminally-bound oxygen (MoO). Methylimido is stable on the surface up to ∼550 K. Dehydrogenation of CH3N to form HCN and H2O is the major pathway; homolytic C−N bond fission to yield gaseous methyl radicals and formaldehyde are minor pathways. Formaldehyde is proposed to form from addition of some methyl radicals to surface oxygen, forming transient methoxy (CH3O), which dehydrogenates to form formaldehdye. Overall, C−N bond retention is favored in the reaction of nitromethane on the thin-film oxide on Mo(110). These results are discussed in the general framework of the CH4-assisted reduction of NO.
Reorientation Dynamics of Rhodamine 640 in Normal Alcohols: Measurement of the Length and Time Scale of Transient Local Heating in Solution

We report on the rotational diffusion dynamics of Rhodamine 640 (R640) in the series of normal aliphatic alcohols methanol through n-decanol. By performing these measurements for excitation of both...
A peripheral giant-cell granuloma manifestation of primary hyperparathyroidism: report of case.

Profuse granuloma to us masses of the gingival frequently occur in patients with gingival and periodontal disease. A 33-year-old female was seen for followup of a previously treated peripheral giant-cell granuloma. Two years earlier, a mass had been removed from the gingiva between the maxillary right central and lateral incisors. Current laboratory test results indicated hyperparathyroidism, and led to the discovery of a parathyroid adenoma. After the gingival lesion, adjacent teeth, and parathyroid adenoma were removed, the patient had no further recurrence of the lesion or signs of hyperparathyroidism.
Evaporite-hosted native sulfur in Trans-Pecos Texas: Relations to late-phase Basin and Range deformation

Major deposits of biogenic native sulfur are associated with narrow, northeast-trending grabens and normal faults that disrupt the gently tilted, east-dipping Upper Permian evaporite succession of the western Delaware Basin in Trans-Pecos Texas. Orebodies are restricted to geologic traps in the fractured and dissolution-modified downfaulted blocks of the grabens. Other parallel, regionally distributed grabens and normal faults are commonly the sites of noncommercial sulfur deposits and genetically related secondary-replacement (diagenetic) limestone bodies. The sulfur-bearing structures probably formed during the later of two episodes of Basin and Range extension that have not previously been differentiated in Texas but are well defined elsewhere in the western United States. In Texas several lines of evidence collectively support the existence of late-phase, northwest-directed extension that was initiated in the middle Miocene.
Oral contraceptive use and risk of vulvodynia: a population‐based longitudinal study

Objective To assess whether the risk of vulvodynia is associated with previous use of oral contraceptives (OCs). Design Longitudinal population-based study. Setting Four counties in south-east Michigan, USA. Population A population-based sample of women, aged 18 years and older, enrolled using random-digit dialling. Methods Enrolled women completed surveys that included information on demographic characteristics, health status, current symptoms, past and present OC use, and a validated screen for vulvodynia. The temporal relationship between OC use and subsequent symptoms of vulvodynia was assessed using Cox regression, with OC exposure modelled as a time-varying covariate. Main outcome measure Vulvodynia, as determined by validated screen. Results Women aged <50 years who provided data on OC use, completed all questions required for the vulvodynia screen, and had first sexual intercourse prior to the onset of vulvodynia symptoms were eligible (n = 906). Of these, 71.2% (n = 645) had used OCs. The vulvodynia screen was positive in 8.2% (n = 74) for current vulvodynia and in 20.8% (n = 188) for past vulvodynia. Although crude cross-tabulation suggested that women with current or past vulvodynia were less likely to have been exposed to OCs prior to the onset of pain (60.7%), compared with those without this disorder (69.3%), the Cox regression analysis identified no association between vulvodynia and previous OC use (HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.81–1.43, P = 0.60). This null finding persisted after controlling for ethnicity, marital status, educational level, duration of use, and age at first OC use. Conclusion For women aged <50 years of age, OC use did not increase the risk of subsequent vulvodynia.
Changes in measured resting energy expenditure after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for clinically severe obesity.

Background. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) results in sustained weight loss and amelioration of comorbid conditions in patients with clinically severe obesity. The mechanism of weight loss after RYGB is not well defined. The objective of this study was to document the changes in measured resting energy expenditure (MREE) over time in patients with clinically severe obesity after RYGB. Methods. We prospectively studied MREE in 70 patients (11 male, 59 female; body mass index [BMI], 40 to 80 kg/m2) treated by RYGB. MREE was measured by indirect calorimetry before operation and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months after operation. Patients were stratified to hypometabolic ([HM] MREE less than 85% of Harris-Benedict [HB] predicted; n = 22) or normal metabolic rate ([NM] MREE ±15% HB predicted; n = 48) before operation; mean BMIs were HM, 53.4 ± 11.0 kg/m2; NM, 51.4 ± 9.8 kg/m2; p = not significant. MREE, weight loss, percent excess body weight loss (EWL), and energy intake were determined at each time point. Results. Overall, MREE was significantly less than HB-predicted REE before operation (90 ± 28%), but rose to become equal to the HB-predicted REE by 6 weeks (96 ± 15%) and remained so. When stratified by initial metabolic rate, MREE increased significantly in the HM patients by 6 weeks, from 1329 ± 604 kcal/day (55% of HB predicted) to 1882 ± 398 kcal/day (88% of HB predicted) (p < 0.001), and MREE remained normal (2332 ± 484 kcal/day to 2029 ± 410 kcal/day) in the NM patients. Percent EWL was similar in both groups at each time. Energy intake was 2603 ± 982 kcal/day before operation and fell to 815 ± 196 kcal/day at 3 months, 969 ± 241 kcal/day at 6 months, 1095 ± 307 kcal/day at 12 months, 1259 ± 466 kcal/day at 18 months, and 1373 ± 620 kcal/day at 24 months, and was similar between the groups at each time point. Percent HB-predicted REE increased significantly after operation despite a significant decrease in energy intake. Conclusions. RYGB is associated with significant changes in MREE over time. In NM patients MREE fell over time consistent with weight loss but remained normal, whereas patients who were hypometabolic exhibited increases in MREE toward normal. These changes in MREE occurred despite reduced energy intake comparable to a very low calorie diet. This paradoxical effect on MREE may contribute to the enhanced weight loss associated with RYGB.
Electronic transport in doped poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) near the metal-insulator transition

Abstract The temperature dependences of the conductivity and magnetoconductivity of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with PF6, BF4 and CF3SO3 in the metallic and critical regimes have been studied. Doped films exhibit a weak temperature dependence of the resistivity, ϱ(T), with the characteristic resistivity ratio ϱr = ϱ(1.4 K)/ϱ(291 K) = 1.5–20; i.e. close to the metal-insulator transition. For metallic samples (ϱr 2.1. In both cases (negative and positive TCR), the low-temperature conductivity of metallic samples is well described by a T1/2 dependence, both in the presence of a magnetic field and with the magnetic field equal to zero. The magnetoconductance of samples in metallic and critical regimes is negative, Isotropic, and, for metallic samples, exhibits H2 and H1/2 dependences at low and high magnetic fields, respectively. The results for metallic samples are explained as resulting from the influence of electron-electron interactions on the lowtemperature conductivity.
Introduction to Journal of Image Guided Surgery

It is with great pleasure that I present Issue 1, Volume 1 of the Journal of Image Guided Surgery. In this age of exponential growth in knowledge and a resulting proliferation of journals, a new publication is not necessarily met with surprise or enthusiasm. Many academicians regard another journal as just more intellectual clutter rather than as a new opportunity. In spite of these harsh realities, the birth of the Journal of Image Guided Surgery has been exciting and challenging. The particular challenge of this Journal is its two very disparate goals. The first goal is to report and encourage the development of image guidance during invasive therapy. The second goal of the Journal is to define a new form of publication employing the most recent advances in telecommunications to accelerate the dissemination of peer-reviewed information in both electronic and printed formats. To appreciate the breadth of these goals, we must first define the concept of image-guided therapy and then explore the means to expedite medical communication. J Image Guid Surg 1:1–3 (1995). © 1995 Wiley-Liss Inc.
Encapsulation of pyrene within self-assembled peptide amphiphile nanofibers

Certain peptide amphiphiles (PAs) in aqueous media are known to form high-aspect-ratio cylindrical nanofibers with hydrophobic cores. Using cholesterol or palmitic acid as the hydrophobe and the biological adhesion epitope RGDS as the hydrophilic segment, we studied the encapsulation of pyrene, a small hydrophobic molecule, within the cores of the self-assembling PA nanofibers. Circular dichroism (CD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and fluorescence were used to characterize formation of the supramolecular structures. Pyrene excimer formation observed by fluorescence demonstrated the encapsulation and aggregation of pyrene within the hydrophobic cores. In addition, peptide amphiphiles covalently functionalized with pyrene linked to the hydrophobic portion of the molecule exhibited excimer formation upon self-assembly into nanofibers. Interestingly excimer formation was not observed in similar molecules that formed spherical aggregates rather than cylindrical nanofibers.
Experimental Economics From the Vantage‐point of Behavioural Economics

As a behavioural economist (an economist who brings psychological insights to bear on economic phenomena), preparing a controversy corner piece criticising experimental economics (the use of experimentation to address economic questions) is like working yourself up to enter the boxing ring against a friend. Experimental economics and behavioural economics have much in common. Both groups can trace their origins to psychology psychological theory in one case and experimentation in the other. Both subfields came of age in the last quarter of this century, and have gained growing acceptance within the discipline of economics as measured by almost any criterion: publications in mainstream journals, academic positions in top departments, prominence at meetings, etc.. In the current climate it is easy to forget that only 20 years ago the simple fact that an article reported experiments or discussed psychology was regarded by many editors as grounds for summary rejection. Perhaps more importantly, many behavioural economists (BEs) use economics-style experiments, and some experimental economists (EEs) embrace psychology. Indeed, some researchers would find it difficult to classify themselves into one group or the other, and would be embraced by both groups as one of their own. There is, therefore no inherent conflict between the two approaches; indeed, there is good cause for synergistic coexistence. Nevertheless, there is often value in obtaining another field's perspective on what one does. Some EEs have not been particularly reticent about providing BEs with such input (see, e.g., Smith, 199 1). In this essay I attempt to return the favour in a small way. There are, in fact, many differences between the two subfields, the most important of which is one of basic orientation. BEs are methodological eclectics. They define themselves, not on the basis of the research methods that they employ, but rather their application of psychological insights to economics. In recent published research, BEs are as likely to use field research as experimentation (see, e.g., Camerer et al., 1997; Babcock et al., 1996). EEs on the other hand, define themselves on the basis of their endorsement and use of experimentation as a research tool. Consistent with this orientation, EEs have made a major investment in developing novel experimental methods that are suitable for addressing economic issues, and have achieving a virtual consensus among themselves on a number of important methodological
Detrimental effect of protracted hyperglycaemia on beta-cell neogenesis in a mouse murine model of diabetes.

Abstract Aims/hypothesis. Previous studies have shown that new beta cells differentiate from intra-islet precursors in pancreatic islets of mice in which diabetes is induced by injecting a high dose of the beta-cell toxin streptozotocin. Moreover, the re-establishment of euglycaemia by insulin therapy 1 day after streptozotocin treatment improved the process of regeneration. We sought to assess whether a 1-week delay in the restoration of euglycaemia would affect beta-cell regeneration. Methods. Adult CD-1 mice were injected with 200 mg/kg of streptozotocin. One group of mice remained hyperglycaemic throughout the experiment while a second group became normoglycaemic following the administration of insulin therapy 1 week after the injection of streptozotocin. Pancreata removed at different times after treatment were processed for visualization ofβ precursor-cell markers and insulin by confocal microscopy. Results. New beta cells appeared in islets of streptozotocin-treated mice after restoration of normoglycaemia. Like islets of streptozotocin mice in which blood glucose concentrations were rapidly restored, islets of mice that became normoglycaemic 1 week after streptozotocin treatment also had two potential insulin precursor cell types. Protracted hyperglycaemia however, had several harmful effects on insulin cell neogenesis, such as a reduction in the number of euglycaemic mice with successful beta-cell regeneration and a decrease in the number and survival of the newly differentiated insulin-containing cells. Conclusion/interpretation. These results indicate that islets gradually lose their regenerative potential when they are exposed to high circulating glucose concentrations for an extended period of time.
Development and validation of a one-step immunoassay for determination of cadmium in human serum.

A sensitive and simple one-step immunoassay was developed and validated for quantitative determination of Cd(II) in human serum. In this method, a monoclonal antibody that recognizes Cd(II)−EDTA complexes was directly immobilized onto microwell plates. The serum sample containing metallothionein(MT)-bound and non-MT-bound Cd(II) was acidified to displace the Cd(II) from MT. The sample was then treated with metal-free EDTA to convert Cd(II) to Cd(II)−EDTA complexes. A mixture of Cd(II)−EDTA complexes derived from serum samples and Cd(II)−EDTA conjugated with peroxidase enzyme was incubated in the wells to compete for binding sites of the immobilized antibody. After addition of peroxidase substrate, the bound fraction of the enzyme conjugate was measured by a microplate reader, and the signal was inversely proportional to the concentration of the Cd(II) in the sample. The assay limit of detection was 0.24 μg/L, and the effective working range at coefficient of variation of ≤10% was 0.24−100 μg/L. Analytical...
Gender differences in injury induced mesenchymal stem cell apoptosis and VEGF, TNF, IL-6 expression: Role of the 55 kDa TNF receptor (TNFR1)

Concomitant pro- and anti-inflammatory properties of bone marrow stem cells (BMSC) may be an important aspect of their ability to heal injured tissue. However, very few studies have examined whether gender differences exist in BMSC function. Indeed, it remains unknown whether gender differences exist in BMSC function and ability to resist apoptosis, and if so, whether TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) plays a role in these differences. We hypothesized that TNFR1 ablation equalizes gender differences in bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) apoptosis, as well as expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), TNF and interleukin (IL)-6. Mouse MSCs from male wild type (WT), female WT, male TNFR1 knockouts (TNFR1KO) and female TNFR1KO were stressed by endotoxin 200 ng/ml or 1 h hypoxia. MSC activation was determined by measuring VEGF, TNF and IL-6 production (ELISA). Differences considered significant if p<0.05. LPS and hypoxia resulted in significant activation in all experimental groups compared to controls. Male WT demonstrated significantly greater TNF and IL-6 and significantly less VEGF release than female WT MSCs. However, release of TNF, IL-6 and VEGF in male TNFR1 knockouts differed from male WT, but was not different from female WT MSCs. Similarly apoptosis in hypoxic male TNFRIKO differed from male WT, but it was not different from apoptosis from WT female. Female WT did not differ in TNF, IL-6 and VEGF release compared to female TNFR1KO. Gender differences exist in injury induced BMSC VEGF, TNF and IL-6 expression. TNFR1 may autoregulate VEGF, TNF and IL-6 expression in males more than females. MSCs are novel therapeutic agents for organ protection, but further study of the disparate expression of VEGF, TNF and IL-6 in males and females as well as the role of TNFR1 in these gender differences is necessary to maximize this protection.
Frozen Section-guided Surgical Debridement for Management of Rhino-orbital Mucormycosis

Purpose To present a new method of surgical treatment for rhino-orbital mucormycosis. Method We treated a patient with extensive surgical debridement of mucormycosis with intraoperative frozen section guidance. The patient did not require exenteration. Result Our patient survived with normal vision and no diplopia. Conclusions Frozen section-guided surgical debridement in rhino-orbital mucormycosis may provide an alternative to traditional radical surgical excision. In selected cases, this new method of treatment may cause less morbidity than do traditional treatments.
Theory, research and practice in treating obesity: are they really all the same?

Abstract Behavioral treatments for obesity, developed from a blend of the externality hypothesis and operant methodology, remain plagued by two significant research and clinical problems: subject response to treatment is variable and relatively short-lived. Recognition of these problems has led to re-examination of guiding conceptualizations and proposed alternative theories (e.g. the ponderostat hypothesis). Current attempts to develop cogent and generalizable theories may fail, however, because: (1) their validity is not challenged critically by competing rationales, and (2) statistical and research procedures seriously restrict the relevance of supporting data. Theory construction and clinical practice may require novel conceptualizations tested by new research tools.
Explaining differences between retrospective and traditional pretest self-assessments: competing theories and empirical evidence

Summarizing theory and results of empirical research, this article serves to illustrate why effects measured with retrospective pretests may be subject to bias and may not always be explained by response shift theory. It presents three contending theories to explain the difference between retrospective and traditional pretest results and considers how the evaluation environment may inform subject bias. Four recommendations are made for workforce education (WE) researchers and practitioners who employ retrospective pretest data to report programme outcomes. WE professionals should (a) consider the cognitive implications of tasking participants to recall information, (b) select a robust evaluation design to encompass the retrospective pretest, (c) provide validity evidence of retrospective pretest data, and (d) conduct additional research to evaluate how elements of the evaluation process moderate retrospective assessments.
War and Diplomacy in the Middle East

Book reviewed in this article: The Politics of Diplomacy: Revolution, War and Peace, 1989–1992, James A. Baker, III, with Thomas M. DeFrank The Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait: Saddam Hussein, his state and International Power Politics, Mussallam Ali Musallam
Evaluating Satellite Products for Precipitation Estimation in Mountain Regions: A Case Study for Nepal

Precipitation in mountain regions is often highly variable and poorly observed, limiting abilities to manage water resource challenges. Here, we evaluate remote sensing and ground station-based gridded precipitation products over Nepal against weather station precipitation observations on a monthly timescale. We find that the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 3B-43 precipitation product exhibits little mean bias and reasonable skill in giving precipitation over Nepal. Compared to station observations, the TRMM precipitation product showed an overall Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency of 0.49, which is similar to the skill of the gridded station-based product Asian Precipitation-Highly Resolved Observational Data Integration Towards Evaluation of Water Resources (APHRODITE). The other satellite precipitation products considered (Global Satellite Mapping of Precipitation (GSMaP), the Climate Prediction Center Morphing technique (CMORPH), Precipitation Estimation from Remotely Sensed Information Using Artificial Neural Networks-Cloud Classification System (PERSIANN-CCS)) were less skillful, as judged by Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency, and, on average, substantially underestimated precipitation compared to station observations, despite their, in some cases, higher nominal spatial resolution compared to TRMM. None of the products fully captured the dependence of mean precipitation on elevation seen in the station observations. Overall, the TRMM product is promising for use in water resources applications.
Localization in NiTi tubes under bending

Abstract Nearly equiatomic NiTi can exhibit pseudoelastic behavior due to reversible solid-to-solid stress induced phase transformation at room level temperatures. In tension, the transformation leads to localized deformation of several percent that tends to spread at nearly constant stress. The deformation is recovered upon unloading while again localized deformation is exhibited. Under compression, while still pseudoelastic, the transformation strains are smaller, the stress is higher, the response is monotonic, and the deformation is essentially homogeneous. This study examines how this texture-driven, complex material asymmetry affects a simple structure: the bending of a tube. To this end, NiTi tubes are bent in a custom four-point bending facility under rotation control and isothermal conditions. The phase transformations lead to a closed moment-rotation hysteresis comprised of loading and unloading moment plateaus. During loading, localized nucleation of martensite results in a high curvature for the transformed sections of the tube and low curvature for the untransformed. Martensite, which corresponds to the higher curvature regime, spreads gradually while the moment remains nearly constant. The nucleation of martensite is in the form of bands inclined to the axis of the tube that organize themselves into diamond shaped deformation patterns on the tensioned side of the structure. The patterns are similar to those observed in bending of steel tubes with Luders bands, however, for NiTi they develop only on the tensioned side due to the material asymmetry. A lower moment plateau is traced upon unloading with similar localized bending and the erasure of the diamond deformation patterns. This complex behavior was found to repeat for a number of temperatures in the pseudoelastic regime of NiTi with the moment-rotation hysteresis moving to higher or lower moment levels depending on the temperature.
Strategies for Controlling the Conductivity of Wide-Band-Gap Semiconductors

Wide-band-gap semiconductors have numerous applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices. Progress is currently hampered by a lack of control over electrical conductivity: for instance, ZnO is typically n-type conductive, the cause of which has been widely debated. A first-principles investigation, based on density functional theory, shows that native defects are unlikely to be the cause of the unintentional n-type conductivity. An investigation of likely donor impurities reveals that hydrogen acts as a shallow donor. In contrast, hydrogen acts as an amphoteric impurity in most other semiconductors; calculations for hydrogen in ZnSe are included here to highlight this difference. Experimental results are discussed in light of these new insights.
Acquired airway obstruction from histologically normal, abnormally mobile supraglottic soft Tissues

In patients with nonmalignant upper aerodigestive tract abnormalities such as cysts, neoplasms, and laryngomalacia, airway obstruction has been described as a function of not only size and location of abnormal structures, but also of their mobility. This paper describes three patients who developed upper airway restriction with stridor due to abnormally redundant and mobile, but histologically normal, supraglottic mucosa. The specific mechanism of and structures involved in obstruction were clearly defined by videolaryngopharyngoscopy. Endoscopic microdissection and/or laser excision of the redundant supraglottic mucosa restored airway patency and completely relieved the obstructive respiratory symptoms. The pulsion effects of inspiratory airflow are postulated as the cause of these acquired lesions. Recommended treatment is reviewed.
A record of late Quaternary vegetation from Davis Lake, southern Puget Lowland, Washington

Pollen and macrofossil analyses of a core spanning 26,000 yr from Davis Lake reveal late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetational patterns in the Puget Lowland. The core ranges lithologically from a basal inorganic clay to a detritus gyttja to an upper fibrous peat and includes eight tephra units. The late Pleistocene pollen sequence records two intervals of tundra-parkland vegetation. The earlier of these has high percentages of Picea, Gramineae, and Artemisia pollen and represents the vegetation during the Evans Creek Stade (Fraser Glaciation) (ca. 25,000–17,000 yr B.P.). The later parkland interval is dominated by Picea, Tsuga mertensiana, and Gramineae. It corresponds to the maximum ice advance in the Puget Lowland during the Vashon Stade (Fraser Glaciation) (ca. 14,000 yr B.P.). An increase in Pinus ontorta pollen between the two tundra-parkland intervals suggests a temporary rise in treeline during an unnamed interstade. After 13,500 yr B.P., a mixed woodland of subalpine and lowland conifers grew at Davis Lake during a period of rapid climatic amelioration. In the early Holocene, the prolonged expansion of Pseudotsuga and Alnus woodland suggests dry, temperate conditions similar to those of present rainshadow sites in the Puget Lowland. More-mesic forests of Tsuga eterophylla, Thuja plicata, and Pseudotsuga, similar to present lowland vegetation, appeared in the late Holocene (ca. 5500 yr B.P.).
Exchange Rate Distortion and Economic Growth in Ghana

This paper investigates the effects of exchange rate distortion on economic growth in a Less Developed Country (LDC)-Ghana. Using time series data from Ghana and a five equation simultaneous model, we find that exchange rate distortion, as measured by the black market premium, has a deleterious effect on economic growth rate. The negative effect is imparted through reduced investment and a constriction of international trade. The results imply that liberalized exchange rate policies will enhance the growth prospects of LDCs, especially those in Sub-Saharan Africa. [F 31,O 55]
The Problem With Polities: Some Problems in Forecasting Global Political Integration:

This article argues the importance to humanity of understanding processes of social, political, and cultural integration and of attempting to forecast the results. It outlines the theoretical grounds for expecting future global trends to be integrative rather than disintegrative. It summarizes past empirical efforts to forecast their ultimate consequence-global unification-and it introduces some methodological cautions about such forecasts. There are underexamined implications to what is meant by unification, what is defined as a polity, and what are taken as units in constructing the empirical trends used in forecasting. Finally, the article points out that different types of resources can be used to construct power relations (and hence integration) and that therefore there is probably no single global unification but only different types of global unification.
Extensive Phylogeographic and Morphological Diversity in Diporiphora nobbi (Agamidae) Leads to a Taxonomic Review and a New Species Description

Abstract Morphological and molecular information is invaluable in the description of cryptic diversity and the evolutionary processes driving diversification within closely related species that exhibit morphological homoplasy. We present a distribution-wide data set consisting of both molecular and morphological information, providing a taxonomic revision of the Diporiphora nobbi species group, and develop preliminary hypotheses regarding the evolutionary history of D. nobbi. We show deep molecular divergence between D. nobbi and a newly described sister lineage associated with divergence in meristic characters. Our molecular data also show large divergences among subclades within nominate D. nobbi associated with different habitats rather than specific biogeographc barriers. We further discuss potential diversification mechanisms within the D. nobbi species group.
Exobiology and the Exploration of Mars

Our limited understanding of the Martian environment, has stimulated much speculation on the possible existence of a Martian biota. This understanding is being steadily improved by ground-based observing techniques. Rapid advances have been made by the Mariner IV flyby and will be made by the Mariner 1969 flybys and the Mariner 1971 orbiters. In situ measurements, including some aimed at detecting manifestations of life, will be carried out on the Viking landers in 1973. We should then be in a position to discuss more quantitatively than at present the various questions related to indigenous Martian life forms.
Forward-current electroluminescence from GaN/ZnO double heterostructure diode

Abstract We report on the fabrication of n-GaN/n-ZnO/p-GaN double heterostructure-based light-emitting diodes and their electroluminescence (EL) properties. The current–voltage characteristics of the fabricated diodes revealed rectifying behavior with a leakage current of 1.62 × 10 −5 A at −9 V, a forward current density of 1.56 × 10 −2 A at 5 V bias, and threshold and breakdown voltages of ∼3.2 and ∼11 V, respectively. Under forward bias an intense EL was observed, the spectrum of which depended on the injection current. From the comparison of the electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectra of the double heterostructure layers we concluded that the observed EL emission is most probably a superposition of emissions originating from ZnO, n-GaN, and p-GaN layers of the double heterostructure.
Films of hydrocarbon—stearic acid mixtures☆

Abstract The formation of monomolecular layers on a barium buffer hypophase and of built-up Y-films is described for various mixtures of stearic acid with n-octadecane, n-octacosane, and n-hexatriacontane. The thickness of the resulting mixed films is interpreted with reference to their structure. The existence of a limiting proportion of 1 molecule of hydrocarbon to 2 molecules of stearic acid is explained by the crystal structure of the films. The relationship between three-dimensional and two-dimensional molecular compounds containing aliphatic acids is discussed.
Extracting Rayleigh Waves from Noise Using a Differential Optical Interferometer

This article introduces a new strategy for extracting Rayleigh waves from a noisy environment using a differential optical interferometer (DOI). The DOI consists of a bidirectional coupler; one arm, positioned over a test specimen, senses an acoustic signal immersed in noise while the other arm, positioned over an acoustic isolator, senses the noise alone. Analytical arguments show that when the coupler is designed properly, the phase shifts between the signals returning to a photodetector produce an intensity modulation that is directly proportional to the pure acoustic signal. The analysis is verified when the DOI is used to track the surface displacement of a piezoelectric transducer. Then, random noise is introduced into an aluminum test specimen using a motor equipped with a rotating eccentric cam. The DOI is used to subtract the relatively high-amplitude but low-frequency mechanical vibrations of the test surface from a combined signal that includes the desired Rayleigh wave. Finally, an experimental configuration is demonstrated which allows an acoustic signal to be extracted from noise of a similar frequency.
Parametric dependence in model epidemics. I: contact-related parameters.

One of the interesting properties of nonlinear dynamical systems is that arbitrarily small changes in parameter values can induce qualitative changes in behavior. The changes are called bifurcations, and they are typically visualized by plotting asymptotic dynamics against a parameter. In some cases, the resulting bifurcation diagram is unique: irrespective of initial conditions, the same dynamical sequence obtains. In other cases, initial conditions do matter, and there are coexisting sequences. Here we study an epidemiological model in which multiple bifurcation sequences yield to a single sequence in response to varying a second parameter. We call this simplification the emergence of unique parametric dependence (UPD) and discuss how it relates to the model’s overall response to parameters. In so doing, we tie together a number of threads that have been developing since the mid-1980s. These include period-doubling; subharmonic resonance, attractor merging and subduction and the evolution of strange inv...
SIZE-FRACTIONATED PHYTOPLANKTON GROWTH AND MICROZOOPLANKTON GRAZING RATES IN THE UPPER ST. LAWRENCE RIVER

Chlorophyll-a-specific growth and grazing rates of phytoplankton in three size fractions (0.2 to 2 µm, 2 to 20 µm, and 20 to 153 µm) were determined using dilution assays (n = 38) that were conducted from May to December 2009 in the St. Lawrence River (discharge approx. 7135 m3 s−1) from its headwaters at Lake Ontario to 180 km downstream. There was no discernible difference in phytoplankton growth or grazing rates as a function of river reach sampled. At water temperatures below 20°C specific rates of growth and grazing were closely matched (0.43 day−1), suggesting tight coupling of phytoplankton grazing in the water column. However, specific phytoplankton growth rates exceeded specific grazing rates by 0.29 day−1 when river water temperature exceeded 20°C. Nevertheless, the greater specific growth rate did not manifest in greater phytoplankton biomass with transit downstream suggesting the importance of grazer organisms on benthic surfaces that graze phytoplankton in this reach of a large river. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polypeptides and Leuches' anhydrides from carbamic acid derivatives of C-activated amino acids

Durch katalytische Hydrierung von C-aktivierten Carbobenzoxyaminosaurederivaten, z. B. von gemischten Anhydriden und aktivierten Estern, werden via die Carbaminsaurederivate die entsprechenden Leuchsschen Anhydride und Polypeptide erhalten.
Comparative Politics and the Liberal Arts College: A Fragile Symbiosis

Comparative politics offers the integration of social scientific methods with knowledge of regions, history, culture, language, and foreign experience. This places comparative politics in a strategic position as liberal arts colleges redouble their efforts to internationalize the curriculum and promote the skills of “global citizenship.” But this symbiosis is fragile as comparativists at liberal arts colleges struggle to keep up with the fieldwork done by colleagues at research institutions. The essay concludes with some suggestions for repositioning comparative politics at liberal arts colleges so that it can fulfill its strategic potential.
Mill and Lewis on laws, experimentation, and systematization

Abstract Mill appears to be committed to two incompatible accounts of laws. While he seems to defend a Humean account of laws similar to Ramsey’s and Lewis’s, he also appears to rely on modal notions to distinguish lawful relations from accidental regularities. This paper will show that Mill’s two accounts of laws are in fact equivalent. This equivalence results from a proper understanding of the necessity involved in laws and a proper understanding of systematization. This equivalence reveals the true source of the intimate connection between laws and systematization. Mill also provides an account of natural necessity that makes clear why experimentation is essential for gaining knowledge of laws. In contrast, Lewis’s account will be shown to have counterintuitive consequences regarding the relationship between laws and experimentation. Moreover, it will be shown that Mill’s views about inference result in a distinction between two modes of systematizing: subsumption and derivation. This distinction is overlooked in contemporary accounts of systematization, but Mill rightly notes that the metaphysical implications and epistemic role of these two modes are importantly different.
Sequence analysis of the rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 of five species of South American human malaria mosquitoes.

The rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) was sequenced for 5 species of mosquitoes that may be important vectors of human malaria in certain regions of South America and are difficult to distinguish by morphology: Anopheles evansae, An. nuneztovari, An. rangeli, An. strodei and An. trinkae. ITS2 sequences from samples collected in Ecuador, Bolivia, Venezuela and Brazil were aligned and compared in order to determine the usefulness of this spacer for the elaboration of species specific primers and DNA probes. The lTS2 was found to be different in size (ranging from 333 to 397 bp) and sequence between all pairs of species. Highly variable regions were found primarily at the 3′ end of the spacer and were interspersed with relatively conserved sites. Instraspecific sequence variation was limited to a single transversion between specimens of An. rangeli from distant geographic locations suggesting concerted evolution and homogenization of the ITS2.