cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Utility of Motivational Interviewing in Domestic Violence Shelters: A Qualitative Exploration

This pilot study examined the use of motivational interviewing (MI) with 20 women receiving services at a domestic violence shelter, using qualitative and quantitative research methods. The experimental group (n = 10) received regular treatment services from shelter counselors trained in MI, whereas the control group (n = 10) received regular treatment services only. The quantitative findings related to readiness for change were published separately (Rasmussen, Hughes, & Murray, 2008). The qualitative findings suggest MI is an effective intervention for enhancing the impact of regular treatment services in survivors of intimate partner violence and increasing their self-efficacy about ending violence and avoiding violent relationships.
Impressions of a promisor after social deprivation or satiation

In an attempt to gain further knowledge of impression formation under actual interaction conditions, male Ss were either socially isolated or satiated prior to an interaction with a simulated promisor in a prisoner’s dilemma game that was modified by a message. The results indicated that a 100% credible promisor was evaluated more positively than a 0% credible promisor, isolated Ss perceived the simulated other as less potent than did satiated Ss, and Ss in the isolation-100% credibility condition liked the simulated other less than Ss in any other condition.
Direct determination of the timing of sea level change during termination II.

An outcrop within the last interglacial terrace on Barbados contains corals that grew during the penultimate deglaciation, or Termination II. We used combined 230Th and231Pa dating to determine that they grew 135.8 ± 0.8 thousand years ago, indicating that sea level was 18 ± 3 meters below present sea level at the time. This suggests that sea level had risen to within 20% of its peak last-interglacial value by 136 thousand years ago, in conflict with Milankovitch theory predictions. Orbital forcing may have played a role in the deglaciation, as may have isostatic adjustments due to large ice sheets. Other corals in the same outcrop grew during oxygen isotope (δ18O) substage 6e, indicating that sea level was 38 ± 5 meters below present sea level, about 168.0 thousand years ago. When compared to the δ18O signal in the benthic V19-30/V19-28 record at that time, the coral data extend to the previous glacial cycle the conclusion that deep-water temperatures were colder during glacial periods.
Finite time analysis of a geothermal heat engine driven air conditioning system

A geothermally powered, low temperature Rankine cycle used to operate a conventional mechanical compression air conditioning cycle is analysed using a finite-time thermodynamic approach to determine the optimum performance of such a system. The system is considered to be endoreversible. That is, the only irreversibilities are those associated with the heat transfers between the system and the surrounding thermal reservoirs. This approach provides a more conservative prediction of the performance than does the Carnot theoretical heat engine and air conditioning unit.
Simultaneous monoamine histofluorescence and neuropeptide immunocytochemistry: VI. Catecholamine innervation of vasopressin and oxytocin neurons in the rhesus monkey hypothalamus

The co-localization patterns of catecholamine varicosities and peptide-specific neuronal perikarya were assessed within the supraoptic and paraventricular nuclei in the rhesus monkey, Macaca mulatta. Formaldehyde-induced histofluorescence was coupled with the unlabelled antibody technique for the demonstration of neuropeptides. Hormone-specific neurophysin staining served to identify vasopressin and oxytocin-containing neurons in these hypothalamic nuclei. Catecholamine varicosities were seen in juxtaposition to vasopressin- and oxytocin-containing perikarya and proximal dendrites. The densest catecholamine innervation patterns were seen in the ventrolateral portion of the supraoptic nucleus; the dorsomedial portion of this nucleus received a considerably less dense innervation pattern. Oxytocin neurons were clustered in this relatively catecholamine poor region, whereas the vasopressin-containing neurons were more abundantly found in the catecholamine rich region. The paraventricular nucleus presented a considerably more complex pattern, perhaps reflecting the more diverse organization of this nucleus. Nevertheless, some separation of the oxytocin neurons, in a region less densely innervated by catecholamine varicosities, was noted. These observations confirm our earlier reports, in rat hypothalamus, that the norepinephrine innervation of the hypothalamic magnocellular neurons as seen with catecholamine histofluorescence favors the vasopressin-containing neurons over those located within the same nuclei which synthesize another neurohyphysial principal, oxytocin.
Patterns of Information Source usage among Durable Goods Buyers

Durable goods buyers’ prepurchase information search activities were studied to determine whether distinctive patterns of information source usage could be identified. A method based on canonical a...
Thrombotic Complications Increase after Percutaneous Site/Pocket Infection in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices: An INTERMACS Analysis

Purpose Previous studies suggest infection may confer risk for thrombotic complications (TC) after LVAD. We hypothesized that in discharged (disch) LVAD patients (pts), there is an increased rate of TC within 6 weeks (wks) after a major infection. Methods and Materials We reviewed INTERMACS (4/2008 to 6/2012) to identify disch pts with continuous flow LVAD, with ≥1 infection after disch. INTERMACS definitions were used. Infection was categorized as: 1) pump infection (pump); 2) percutaneous site/pocket infection (device related); 3) sepsis; and, 4) localized non-device infection (non-device). TC were: 1) neurological dysfunction; 2) pump thrombosis; 3) arterial non-central nervous system and, 4) hemolysis (plasma free hemoglobin >40 mg/L). TC rates (TC per 100 mo of pt exposure) 6 wks pre-infection were compared to rates 6 wks post-infection. P-values were calculated with McNemar’s test. Results Of 4124 disch LVAD pts, 1253 (30%) had a major infection post-disch (pump, n=5; device related, n=517; sepsis, n=203; non-device, n=528). Key features of infected pts (mean±SD and %) were: age (54.6±8.3 yrs.), male (75.4%), diabetes (43.8%), destination therapy (27.9%). Last INR prior to TC was 2.1±1.3. There was no significant difference in TC rate after an infection vs pre-infection (6.63 vs 6.27; p=0.67). When analyzed by category of infection, there was a higher rate of TC after device related infection. Conclusions In disch LVAD pts there was a significantly higher rate of TC driven by neurological dysfunction and pump thrombosis within 6 wks of a device related infection. There was no significant association between other infections and TC. This data suggests increased risk of TC following device related infection. Percutaneous Site/Pocket Infection Pre-infection (n; rate) Post-infection (n; rate) p-value Total TC 12; 1.8 33; 4.9 0.005 Neurological dysfunction 6; 0.9 18; 2.7 0.01 Pump thrombosis 2; 0.3 7; 1.0 0.06 Non-CNS TC 0; 0.0 1; 0.2 -- Hemolysis 4; 0.6 7; 1.04 0.48
Self-Consistent Warped-Muffin-Tin-Potential Energy Bands of γ − F e with Various Exchange Approximations

Using a modified augmented-plane-wave expansion recently developed by us, we have calculated the energy bands and the binding energy of fcc $\ensuremath{\gamma}\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{F}\mathrm{e}$. From a self-consistently calculated muffin-tin charge density, we obtained a warped-muffin-tin potential. We used the full, $\frac{7}{9}$, and $\frac{2}{3}$ Slater exchange potentials. All gave reasonable energy bands but when the "Koopmans corrections" recently suggested by Herman et al. were added, the $d$ levels were driven below the $s$ levels at all points in the Brillouin zone and an unphysical type of $s\ensuremath{-}d$ hybridization was obtained.
Making America More Resilient toward Natural Disasters: A Call for Action

Hurricane Sandy caused an estimated $65 billion in economic losses to residences, business owners, and infrastructure owners. 1 It is the second most costly natural disaster in recent years in the ...
Defining the active site of cytochrome P-450: the crystal and molecular structure of an inhibitor, SKF-525A.

The crystal and molecular structure of the cytochrome P-450 inhibitor, SKF-525A [2-(diethylamino)ethyl 2,2-diphenylpentenoate; proadifen hydrochloride] is described. Proadifen hydrochloride crystallized from an ethyl acetate and acetic acid mixture in the space group P2(1)/c with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. Cell constants are a = 18.716(4), b = 8.906(1), c = 14.201(3), beta = 109.41(1) degrees. The structure was solved using direct methods and was refined to an R value of 0.047; weighted R of 0.061 using 3757 reflections. From the crystal and molecular structure, it is seen that SKF-525A has two principal modes of complementary interactions with the enzyme available: polar and non-polar. Polar interactions that principally involve the chloride anion, the quaternary nitrogen atom and the carbonyl oxygen atom. In particular, there are two strong hydrogen bonds, one between Cl ... H-N, 3.090(1) A, the other between O2 ... H-C111 (one of the ethyl hydrogen atoms) at 3.411(2) A. The other is through non-polar interactions involving the phenyl and alkyl groups. Comparisons between proadifen hydrochloride and other inhibitors whose atomic coordinates are available reveal common features which correlate with their function. These include groups to provide necessary intermolecular contacts and bulk, such as a phenyl group and a hydrogen bond acceptor, as well as a tetrahedral atom, which allows for substrate flexibility.
Dynamics of Anilinium Radical α-Heterolytic Fragmentation Processes. Electrofugal Group, Substituent, and Medium Effects on Desilylation, Decarboxylation, and Retro-Aldol Cleavage Pathways

A single electron transfer (SET) photosensitization technique in conjunction with time-resolved, laser spectroscopy has been employed to generate and kinetically analyze decay processes of anilinium radicals derived by one-electron oxidation of α-anilinocarboxylates, β-anilinoalcohols, and α-anilinosilanes. In this manner, the rates of unimolecular decarboxylation of aniliniumcarboxylate radicals were determined to be in the range 106−107 s-1 and dependent upon solvent polarity, the nature of the metal cation, and substituents on the aniline ring, nitrogen, and α-carbon. In addition, kinetic analysis of base-induced retro-aldol fragmentations of cation radicals arising by SET oxidation of β-anilinoalcohols has shown that they occur with bimolecular rate constants which vary from 104 to 105 M-1 s1. These values are close to those for α-deprotonation reactions of related N,N-dialkylanilinium radicals. The retro-aldol fragmentation rates, like those for α-decarboxylation, also vary in a patterned way with ch...
Effects of an Integrated Prevention Program on Urban Youth Transitioning into High School

ABSTRACT The current study is a formative evaluation of an integrated, school-based program for urban minority youth transitioning into high school. The design of this pilot project was quasi-experimental in nature, with one freshman physical education class assigned to receive the intervention and one to receive no program or “treatment as usual.” The program consisted of a universal peer-led weekly group session plus selective adult mentoring provided to those deemed at risk of dropping out of school. Our findings point to program effects in terms of (a) increased ability to make friends, (b) increased ability to resist peer pressure to participate in negative behaviors, (c) decreased tolerance of friends' use of substances, and (d) decreased self-reported acts of school misconduct, when controlling for baseline academic risk status.
Standardized meteorological measurements for LTER sites

Standards have been established for meteorological measurements at Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Sites. The LTER program is designed to allow for coherence in research over the long term and to recognize that many parts of ecosystems operate over a long time scale and show directionality and periodicity in ecosystems. The following LTER sites are funded in 5-year renewable funding periods and overseen by a central coordinating committee, consisting of the principal investigators for all sites, that supplies normal National Science Foundation peer review procedures: H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest, Oreg.; Cedar Creek Natural History Area, Minn.; Central Plains Experimental Range, Colo.; Coweeta Hydrological Laboratory, N.C.; Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, Ill.; Jornada Experimental Range, N. Mex.; Konza Prairie, Kans.; Niwot Ridge/Green Lakes Valley, Colo.; North Inlet, S.C.; Northern Lakes, Wis.; Okefenokee Natural Wildlife Refuge, Ga.
Graphene: A two dimensional material in three dimensional structures

This work addresses the need for a closed form expression to calculate the two dimensional (2D) conductivity of graphene that allows researchers to include graphene either as a 2D or a 3D material in their theoretical and numerical electromagnetic analysis. The closed form expression is developed based on the Kubo formula and experimental results found in the literature. Numerical studies reveal that the maximum absolute error is less than 1 per cent for λ > 250 nm.
Indexing moving points (extended abstract)

We propose three indexing schemes for storing a set S of N points in the plane, each moving along a linear trajectory, so that a query of the following form can be answered quickly: Given a rectangle R and a real value tq, report all K points of S that lie inside R at time tq. We first present an indexing structure that, for any given constant e > 0, uses O(N/B) disk blocks, where B is the block size, and answers a query in O((N/B)1/2+e + K/B) I/Os. It can also report all the points of S that lie inside R during a given time interval. A point can be inserted or deleted, or the trajectory of a point can be changed, in O(log2B N) I/Os. Next, we present a general approach that improves the query time if the queries arrive in chronological order, by allowing the index to evolve over time. We obtain a trade off between the query time and the number of times the index needs to be updated as the points move. We also describe an indexing scheme in which the number of I/Os required to answer a query depends monotonically on the difference between tq and the current time. Finally, we develop an efficient indexing scheme to answer approximate nearest-neighbor queries among moving points.
The Political Economy of Social Science Funding

This article examines recent economic and political trends constraining the production of social science knowledge. Particular attention is given to the Reagan Administration's attempt to contract public sector programs and curtail financial support for social science research. Trends in the private economy, especially within the publishing industry, that affect the production of social science knowledge are also discussed. Over the past few years, the market for social science knowledge has seriously eroded. The erosion of this market is examined within the larger framework of a shift in public policy from legitimation to capital accumulation, a shift that has accompanied right-wing ascendancy in American politics. This shift has created political and economic incentives encouraging the social science community to align more closely with conservatives.
Improv: a system for scripting interactive actors in virtual worlds

Improv is a system for the creation of real−time behavior−based animated actors. There have been several recent efforts to build network distributed autonomous agents. But in general these efforts do not focus on the author’s view. To create rich interactive worlds inhabited by believable animated actors, authors need the proper tools. Improv provides tools to create actors that respond to users and to each other in real−time, with personalities and moods consistent with the author’s goals and intentions. Improv consists of two subsystems. The first subsystem is an Animation Engine that uses procedural techniques to enable authors to create layered, continuous, non−repetitive motions and smooth transitions between them. The second subsystem is a Behavior Engine that enables authors to create sophisticated rules governing how actors communicate, change, and make decisions. The combined system provides an integrated set of tools for authoring the "minds" and "bodies" of interactive actors. The system uses an english−style scripting language so that creative experts who are not primarily programmers can create powerful interactive applications.
Analytical Honeycomb Geometry for Raster and Volume Graphics

In this paper we investigate the advantages of using hexagonal grids in raster and volume graphics. In 2D, we present a hexagonal graphical model based on a hexagonal grid. In 3D, we introduce two honeycomb graphical models in which the voxels are hexagonal prisms, and we show that these are the only possible models under certain reasonable conditions. In the framework of the proposed models we design the 2D and 3D analytical honeycomb geometry of linear objects as well as of circles and spheres. We demonstrate certain advantages of the honeycomb models and address algorithmic and complexity issues.
Intra-genomic variation in the ribosomal repeats of nematodes.

Ribosomal loci represent a major tool for investigating environmental diversity and community structure via high-throughput marker gene studies of eukaryotes (e.g. 18S rRNA). Since the estimation of species’ abundance is a major goal of environmental studies (by counting numbers of sequences), understanding the patterns of rRNA copy number across species will be critical for informing such high-throughput approaches. Such knowledge is critical, given that ribosomal RNA genes exist within multi-copy repeated arrays in a genome. Here we measured the repeat copy number for six nematode species by mapping the sequences from whole genome shotgun libraries against reference sequences for their rRNA repeat. This revealed a 6-fold variation in repeat copy number amongst taxa investigated, with levels of intragenomic variation ranging from 56 to 323 copies of the rRNA array. By applying the same approach to four C. elegans mutation accumulation lines propagated by repeated bottlenecking for an average of ~400 generations, we find on average a 2-fold increase in repeat copy number (rate of increase in rRNA estimated at 0.0285-0.3414 copies per generation), suggesting that rRNA repeat copy number is subject to selection. Within each Caenorhabditis species, the majority of intragenomic variation found across the rRNA repeat was observed within gene regions (18S, 28S, 5.8S), suggesting that such intragenomic variation is not a product of selection for rRNA coding function. We find that the dramatic variation in repeat copy number among these six nematode genomes would limit the use of rRNA in estimates of organismal abundance. In addition, the unique pattern of variation within a single genome was uncorrelated with patterns of divergence between species, reflecting a strong signature of natural selection for rRNA function. A better understanding of the factors that control or affect copy number in these arrays, as well as their rates and patterns of evolution, will be critical for informing estimates of global biodiversity.
Numerical generation of three-dimensional coordinates between bodies of arbitrary shapes

Abstract : This paper is devoted to the numerical solution of a set of second order elliptic partial differential equations for the generation of three-dimensional curvilinear coordinates between two arbitrary shaped bodies. The central idea of the method is to generate a series of surfaces between the given inner and the outer boundary surfaces and then to connect these surfaces in such a manner so as to have a sufficiently differentiable three-dimensional coordinate net in the enclosed region. It is important to state here that the proposed equations for the numerical solution form a consistent set of second order elliptic equations which are a consequence of the equations of Gauss for a surface. Additional constraints are then imposed which, besides yielding the simplest form of equations for numerical purposes, also preserve the essential geometric properties of the generated surfaces. (Author)
Optimal pressure conditions for unbiased external ion accumulation in a two-dimensional radio-frequency quadrupole for Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.

When combined with on-line separations (e.g., capillary liquid chromatography (LC)), Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FTICR-MS) provides a powerful tool for biological applications, and particularly proteomic studies. The sensitivity, dynamic range, and duty cycle provided by FTICR-MS have been shown to be increased by ion trapping and accumulation in a two-dimensional (2D) radio-frequency (rf)-only multipole positioned externally to an FTICR cell. However, it is important that ions be detected across the desired m/z range without a significant bias. In this work we found that pressure inside the accumulation rf-quadrupole plays an important role in obtaining ‘unbiased’ ion accumulation. Pressure optimization was performed in both pulsed and continuous modes. It was found that unbiased accumulation in a 2D rf-only quadrupole could be achieved in the pressure range of 5 × 10−4 to 5 × 10−3 Torr. External ion accumulation performed at the optimal pressure resulted in an increase in both the spectrum acquisition rates and dynamic range. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The inactivation of ribonuclease A by Fe2+ + H2O2 (Fenton's reagent)

Abstract Ribonuclease A (ribonucleate pyrimidine-nucleotido-2′-transferase (cyclizing), EC 2.7.7.16) was treated with Fe2+ and H2O2 (Fenton's Reagent), a chemical source of hydroxyl radicals (OH·). H2O2 alone had little or no effect on ribonuclease A activity at low H2O2/ribonuclease A molar excesses. As the molar ratio increased (H2O2/ribonuclease A > 100) ribonuclease A was inactivated by H2O2; the magnitude of this effect increased with increased in H2O2 concentration and was enhanced with time. Fe2+ and Fe3+ alone had no effect on ribonuclease A activity. In an attempt to isolate the OH· effect, ribonuclease A was inactivated by Fe2+ and H2O2 using a minimum excess of H2O2 and very short reaction time. Inactivation was a function of Fe2+ concentration and was attributed to hydroxyl radicals. There was a nonlinear but reproducible relationship between molar ratio Fe2+/ribonuclease A and degree of enzymic inactivation.
The fractionation of transfer ribonucleic acid from roots of pea seedlings

Isoaccepting transfer RNA species for several amino acids were fractionated by reverse phase column chromatography. Transfer RNA from dividing cells of pea ( Pisum sativum ) root was compared to that from nondividing cells, and no relative quantitative or qualitative differences were noted for the transfer RNA species for leucine, lysine, proline, threonine, methionine, serine, and phenylalanine. However, certain artifactual differences for serine and phenylalanine were noted. Quantitative differences were observed in tyrosyl-transfer RNA9s. Ribonuclease action on tRNA did not contribute to the tRNA species observed.
Concerted evolution at the population level: pupfish HindIII satellite DNA sequences.

Abstract The canonical monomers (approximately 170 bp) of an abundant (1.9 x 10(6) copies per diploid genome) satellite DNA sequence family in the genome of Cyprinodon variegatus, a "pupfish" that ranges along the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to central Mexico, are divergent in base sequence in 10 of 12 samples collected from natural populations. The divergence involves substitutions, deletions, and insertions, is marked in scope (mean pairwise sequence similarity = 61.6%; range = 35-95.9%), is largely confined to the 3' half of the monomer, and is not correlated with the distance among collecting sites. Repetitive cloning and direct genomic sequencing experiments failed to detect intrapopulation and intraindividual variation, suggesting high levels of sequence homogeneity within populations. The satellite sequence has therefore undergone "concerted evolution," at the level of the local population. Concerted evolution has previously almost always been discussed in terms of the divergence of species or higher taxa; its intraspecific occurrence apparently has not been reported previously. The generality of the observation is difficult to evaluate, for although satellite DNAs from a large number of organisms have been studied in detail, there appear to be little or no other data on their sequence variation in natural populations. The relationship (if any) between concerted, population level, satellite DNA divergence and the extent of gene flow/genetic isolation among conspecific natural populations remains to be established.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Alters Sleep Stage Transition Dynamics

Introduction Enhanced characterization of sleep architecture, compared with routine polysomnographic metrics such as stage percentages and sleep efficiency, may improve the predictive phenotyping of fragmented sleep. One approach involves using stage transition analysis to characterize sleep continuity.
Imaging and Sizing of Atrial Septal Defects by Magnetic Resonance

Background Development of techniques for percutaneous closure of atrial septal defects (ASDs) makes accurate noninvasive sizing of ASDs important for appropriate patient selection. Methods and Results Magnetic resonance (MR) images of ASDs were obtained in 30 patients (mean age, 41±16 years) by both spin-echo and phase-contrast cine MR imaging. Spin-echo images were obtained in two orthogonal views (short-axis and four-chamber) perpendicular to the plane of the ASD. Spin-echo major and minor diameters were measured, and spin-echo defect area was calculated. Phase-contrast cine MR images were obtained in the plane of the ASD, and cine major diameter and defect area were measured from the region of signal enhancement or phase change due to shunt flow across the defect. MR measurements were compared with templates cut during surgery to match the defect or with ASD diameter determined by balloon sizing at catheterization. ASD size measured from cine MR images (y) agreed closely with catheterization and templa...
Revisiting Non-Coherent Detection in Doubly Selective Multipath

We revisit the problem of non-coherent signal detection in multipath scattering by exploring the effect of bandwidth and signaling duration on detection performance in doubly selective rich and sparse multipath. We begin with a general sampled representation of multipath channels that allows us to quantify the independent degrees of freedom (DoF) in non-uniform and sparse channels as a function of the physical propagation environment and the signaling parameters. We then develop the optimal non-coherent detector for such channels. Based on analytical and numerical results, we conjecture that detection performance is optimized in any multipath environment, rich or sparse, if two conditions are met: C1) the number of independent DoF induced by the transmit signal on the channel is approximately SNR/3, a condition empirically observed in earlier work, and C2) the variance of the channel coefficients (each corresponding to a DoF) is identical. We then show how to achieve these conditions given statistical characterization of the channel. In the most general setting of non-uniform power distribution across both delay and Doppler, it may not be possible to meet the two conditions above.
Neonatal Sensory Deprivation and the Development of Cortical Function: Unilateral and Bilateral Sensory Deprivation Result in Different Functional Outcomes

The normal development of sensory perception in mammals depends on appropriate sensory experience between birth and maturity. Numerous reports have shown that trimming some or all of the large mystacial vibrissa (whiskers) on one side of the face after birth has a detrimental effect on the maturation of cortical function. The objective of the present study was to understand the differences that occur after unilateral whisker trimming compared with those that occur after bilateral deprivation. Physiological deficits produced by bilateral trimming (BD) of all whiskers for 2 mo after birth were compared with the deficits produced by unilateral trimming (UD) for the same period of time using extracellular recording under urethan anesthesia from single cells in rat barrel cortex. Fast spiking (FSUs) and regular spiking (RSUs) units were separated and their properties compared in four subregions identified by histological reconstructions of the electrode penetrations, namely: layer IV barrel and septum, and layers II/III above a barrel and above a septum. UD upregulated responses in layer IV septa and in layers II/III above septa and perturbed the timing of responses to whisker stimuli. After BD, nearly all responses were decreased, and poststimulus latencies were increased. Circuit changes are proposed as an argument for how inputs arising from the spared whiskers project to the undeprived cortex and, via commissural fibers, could upregulate septal responses after UD. Following BD, more global neural deficits create a signature difference in the outcome of UD and BD in rat barrel cortex.
CuO Nanoparticles Based Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells: Investigations on Morphology and Performance

Copper oxide (CuO) is a p-type semiconductor having a band gap energy of 1.5 eV, which is close to the ideal energy gap of 1.4 eV required for solar cells to allow good solar spectral absorption. The inherent electrical characteristics of CuO nanoparticles make them attractive candidates for improving the performance of polymer solar cells (PSCs) when incorporated in the active polymer layer. The incorporation of CuO nanoparticles in P3HT/PC70BM solar cells at the optimum concentration yields 40.7% improvement in power conversion efficiency (PCE). The CuO nanoparticles in the size range of 100–150 nm have an effective average band gap of 2.07 eV. In addition, the X-ray diffraction (XRD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses show improvement in P3HT crystallinity, and surface analysis by atomic force microscope (AFM) shows an increase in surface roughness of the PSCs. The key factors namely photo-absorption, exciton diffusion, dissociation, charge transport, and charge collection inside the PSCs which affect the external quantum efficiency (EQE) and PCE of these cells are analyzed.
Sono-Urethrography in the Evaluation of Anterior Urethral Strictures

During a 7-year period 123 paired urethrographic and sono-urethrographic studies were performed on 101 patients with 110 urethral strictures. In all but 3 cases the urethra was subsequently evaluated either cystoscopically or at open operation. Sono-urethrography readily identified urethral calculi, diverticula and false passages. It correctly identified the stricture and its site in every case. There was a significant difference between stricture length as measured by urethrography compared to that measured by sono-urethrography (p < 0.003). However, if the strictures were grouped based on anatomical location, there was good correlation and no significant difference in the penile urethra (correlation coefficient = 0.94, p = 0.74) but poor correlation and the significant difference remained in the urethral bulb (correlation coefficient = 0.64, p < 0.007). Similarly, when urethrographic and sono-urethrographic stricture lengths were compared with operative lengths, in the penile urethra the correlation coefficients were close (correlation coefficient = 0.91 versus 0.98) but in the urethral bulb the poor correlation persisted (correlation coefficient = 0.69 versus 0.89). Although sono-urethrography certainly identifies periurethral tissue, it was unreliable in predicting the depth of spongiofibrosis when compared with full depth biopsies in 36 patients with histopathological correlation. Finally, in 16% of the patients sono-urethrography correctly indicated a reconstructive procedure different from that originally suggested by conventional urethrography. Sono-urethrography is a dynamic 3-dimensional study that accurately identifies stricture site, number and caliber. Compared with conventional urethrography, it more accurately measures stricture length and diameter, and identifies periurethral tissue, making it a valuable adjunct in the evaluation of patients with suspected anterior urethral strictures.
First-Generation College Students: Understanding and Improving the Experience from Recruitment to Commencement

This book review examines First Generation College Students a new book published by Jossey-Bass publishers. An offering of a reframing of the book's main arguments through Critical Race Theory and Community Cultural Wealth frameworks provides for a holistic and anti-deficit framing of this population.
Cataracts in Infancy

A cataract is a loss of transparency of any size or degree in that unique organ of vision, the crystalline lens of the eye. To the layman a cataract often connotes a visually significant opacity that impairs vision and requires surgery. ANATOMY OF THE LENS The lens is a biconcave transparent organ that can alter its shape to meet different optical needs. It lies immediately posterior to the iris and just anterior to the vitreous humor. A portion of the lens is visible through the pupil. The lens is held or suspended in place by the zonules or suspensory ligaments, which arise from the reqion of the ciliary processes and attach to the equator of the lens. EMBRYOLOGY OF THE LENS The lens is unique in many ways. At about the 4-mm stage in the embroy. the surface ectoderm over the advancing optic vesicle begins to thicken, and then invaginates to form the lens pit, which later separates from the surface ectoderm to form a spherical cavity, the lens vesicle. Those cells originally on the surface of the ectoderm now line the lens vesicle surrounded by the basement membrane of these cells, the future lens capsule. By the seventh week of life, those cells on the posterior part of the vesicle have elongated and proliferated to obliterate the cavity of the lens vesicle to form the embryonic nucleus, which remains unchanged throughout life (Fig 1).
The effect of antibiotic rotation on colonization with antibiotic-resistant bacilli in a neonatal intensive care unit.

Objective. This study was designed to test whether rotation of antibiotics can reduce colonization with resistant Gram-negative bacilli in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods. A monthly rotation of gentamicin, piperacillin-tazobactam, and ceftazidime was compared with unrestricted antibiotic use in side-by-side NICU populations (rotation team vs control team). Pharyngeal and rectal samples were obtained 3 times a week and tested for Gram-negative bacilli resistant to each of the rotation antibiotics. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis determined the numbers of genetically discordant resistant organisms on each team. The association between colonization with a resistant bacillus (the primary outcome) and team assignment was tested. Results. A total of 1062 infants were studied during a 1-year period. A total of 10.7% infants on the rotation team versus 7.7% on the control team were colonized with a resistant bacillus. No interteam differences were distinguishable when the numbers of genetically discordant resistant organisms were normalized to the total number of team admissions. The incidence of nosocomial infection and mortality also were similar across teams. Conclusion. These data indicate that rotation of parenteral antibiotics according to the applied protocol has no detectable effect in decreasing the reservoir of resistant Gram-negative bacilli in a tertiary-care NICU.
Fetal mouse phthalate exposure shows that gonocyte multinucleation is not associated with decreased testicular testosterone

The rat has been explored in detail for its in utero susceptibility to male reproductive tract malformation following phthalate exposure. Few other species have been studied in detail, and it is important for both mechanistic and risk assessment purposes to understand the species specificity of this response. We investigated the response of the fetal mouse testis to phthalate exposure and compared these results with those previously obtained from the rat. Initial experiments using a variety of phthalate congeners (monobutyl phthalate, di-(n-butyl) phthalate, or mono (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate) and exposure paradigms did not reduce fetal mouse testis testosterone levels. Pharmacokinetic data after a single 500 mg/kg di-(n-butyl)-phthalate (DBP) exposure on mouse gestation day (gd) 18 demonstrated that the concentrations and kinetics of the active metabolite monobutyl phthalate (MBP) in fetal and maternal plasma were similar to the rat. After a single 500 mg/kg or multiple day 250 mg/kg fetal mouse DBP exposure, rapid and dynamic changes in testis gene expression were observed, including induction of immediate early genes. Unlike the rat, expression of genes involved in cholesterol homeostasis and steroidogenesis were not decreased and were increased in a few cases. Similar to the rat, however, a 250- or 500-mg DBP/kg/day mouse exposure from gd 16 through 18 significantly increased seminiferous cord diameter, the number of multinucleated gonocytes per cord, and the number of nuclei per multinucleated gonocyte. Together, these results demonstrate that fetal mouse and rat phthalate exposure both induce immediate early gene expression and disrupt seminiferous cord and gonocyte development. This response in the mouse occurs without a measurable decrease in testicular testosterone, suggesting that altered seminiferous cord formation and gonocyte multinucleation may not be mechanistically linked to lowered testosterone.
Cholera toxin induces expression of the immediate-early response gene JE via a cyclic AMP-independent signaling pathway.

Abstract Cholera toxin (CT) activates expression of two immediate-early response genes (JE and TIS10) in quiescent BALB/c 3T3 cells. Increases in cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in response to CT are likely responsible for the induction of TIS10 gene expression, since treatment with 8-Br-cAMP and increasing the intracellular levels of cAMP by treatment with forskolin induce TIS10 gene expression. In contrast, neither forskolin nor 8-Br-cAMP induces JE gene expression. 3-Isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, which stabilizes intracellular cAMP, potentiates CT-induced TIS10 gene expression but has no effect on CT-induced JE gene expression. Thus, induction of JE by CT is independent of the cAMP produced in response to CT. Induction of JE by CT does not require protein kinase C (PKC), since depleting cells of PKC activity has no effect on the induction of JE by CT. CT-induced expression of JE can be distinguished from CT-induced TIS10 gene expression by using protein kinase inhibitors and inhibitors of arachidonic acid metabolism, further suggesting distinct signaling pathways for CT-induced JE and TIS10 gene expression. Thus, induction of JE gene expression by CT results from the activation of an intracellular signaling pathway that is independent of cAMP production. This pathway is independent of PKC activity and uniquely sensitive to inhibitors of protein kinases and arachidonic acid metabolism.
Expanded indications for the treatment of postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysms with ultrasound-guided compression

Abstract Background: The purpose of this study was to define the factors that predict successful ultrasound-guided compression repair (UGCR) of postcatheterization femoral pseudoaneurysms (PA) and to determine risks for recurrence, the most appropriate follow-up, and the optimal management of compression failures and recurrences. Methods: A retrospective chart review was made. Results: UGCR thrombosed 52 of 60 PA (87%). Predictors of compression failure were PA size of 8 cm and an associated arteriovenous fistula (AVF). AVF was the only predictor of recurrence. All seven recurrences (13%) were discovered on the first follow-up scan. Four were thrombosed with additional UGCR. Late rescanning after a mean of 264 days identified no recurrences. Four anticoagulated patients failed initial UGCR but were thrombosed in another session when their anticoagulation was briefly reversed. Conclusions: UGCR should be the initial management of PA because it is safe, effective, and durable. Temporary discontinuation of anticoagulation and multiple prolonged compression sessions may help treat recalcitrant cases. One follow-up scan is adequate for most patients. Recurrences should be initially treated with repeat UGCR.
BonSwing: A GUI framework for ad-hoc applications using service discovery

In typical single-link 802.11 ad-hoc networks, devices often move from one network to the next, forming transitory associations without a fixed support infrastructure. The state in this network frequently changes due to node transitions. In such a scenario, traditional models for writing networking software, such as the client-server model or even the peer-to-peer model, turn out to be unsuitable for writing "ad-hoc applications".A new framework needs to be developed for this class of applications to communicate with and be aware of transitory nodes. This framework needs to be easy and intuitive, abstract the ad-hoc networking details, and at the same time provide flexibility to the developer to develop powerful and rich ad-hoc applications.The BonAHA (Bonjour Ad-Hoc Applications) libraries provide such a framework for writing mobile ad-hoc applications. As the first phase of the BonAHA implemention, we have implemented the GUI framework for BonAHA, titled BonSwing, which we present in this paper.
Exploration beyond seismic: The role of electromagnetics and gravity gradiometry in deep water subsalt plays of the Red Sea

ABSTRACTThe Red Sea is characterized by thick salt sequences representing a seal for potential hydrocarbon accumulations within Tertiary formations deposited over deep basement structures. The Red Sea “salt” is characterized by halite concentrations embedded in layered evaporite sequences composed of evaporite and clastic lithologies. Salt complicates seismic exploration efforts in the Red Sea by generating vertical and lateral velocity variations that are difficult to estimate by seismic methods alone. In these conditions, the exploration challenges of independently imaging the subsalt section and provide enhanced velocity model building capabilities were addressed by a multigeophysics strategy involving marine electromagnetics (magnetotellurics and controlled source electromagnetics [CSEM]) and gravity gradiometry surveys colocated with wide azimuth seismic. Three-dimensional inversion of MT and CSEM is performed first with minimal a priori constraints and then by including variable amounts of interpret...
VIRULENCE AND PATHOGENICITY OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI

Bacterial and host response factors play significant roles in the pathogenicity of H. pylori-related disease manifestations. The complete DNA sequences for two H. pylori strain genomes have been published. The differences in the sequences between these two unrelated strains may enable clinicians to identify rapidly other conserved and potentially virulent genes and products. Whether these two DNA sequences are sufficient representation of the H. pylori genetic heterogeneity is unknown. The host immune response and the cascade of events that occurs with H. pylori infection are being clarified rapidly. Understanding the role of this gastric bacterium in apoptosis and cellular proliferation would enable clinicians to understand its relationship to ulcerogenesis and gastric malignancy. Piecing together many observations related to H. pylori would result in understanding the interaction of H. pylori factors and host responses that lead to the variety of disease manifestations associated with this chronic infection. The development of animal models with H. pylori and other Helicobacter species has set the stage in which in vitro observations can be tested in the in vivo model.
On using geometric distance fits to estimate 3D object shape, pose, and deformation from range, CT, and video images

The problems of automatically constructing algebraic surface models from sets of 3D and 2D images and using these models in pose computation, motion and deformation estimation, and object recognition are addressed. It is proposed that a combination of constrained optimization and nonlinear least-squares estimation techniques be used to minimize the mean-squared geometric distance between a set of points or rays and a parameterized surface. In modeling tasks, the unknown parameters are the surface coefficients, while in pose and deformation estimation tasks they represent the transformation mapping the observer's coordinate system onto the modeled surface's own coordinate system. This approach is applied to a variety of real range, computerized tomography (CT), and video images. >
Vascular smooth muscle cell peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ deletion promotes abdominal aortic aneurysms

Objective Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) plays an important role in the vasculature; however, the role of PPARγ in abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) is not well understood. We hypothesized that PPARγ in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) attenuates the development of AAA. We also investigated PPARγ-mediated signaling pathways that may prevent the development of AAA. Methods We determined whether periaortic application of CaCl 2 renders vascular SMC-selective PPARγ knockout (SMPG KO) mice more susceptible to destruction of normal aortic wall architecture. Results There is evidence of increased vessel dilatation in the abdominal aorta 6 weeks after 0.25M periaortic CaCl 2 application in SMPG KO mice compared with littermate controls (1.4 ± 0.3 mm [n = 8] vs 1.1 ± 0.2 mm [n = 7]; P = .000119). Results from SMPG KO mice indicate medial layer elastin degradation was greater 6 weeks after abluminal application of CaCl 2 to the abdominal aorta ( P P = .022) the messenger RNA levels of cathepsin S. In addition, a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay detected PPARγ bound to a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor response element (PPRE) −141 to −159 bp upstream of the cathepsin S gene sequence in mouse aortic SMCs. Also, adenoviral-mediated PPARγ overexpression and knockdown in cultured rat aortic SMCs decreases ( P = .013) and increases ( P = .018) expression of activated cathepsin S. Finally, immunohistochemistry demonstrated a greater inflammatory infiltrate in SMPG KO mouse aortas, as evidenced by elevations in F4/80 and tumor necrosis factor-α expression. Conclusion In this study, we identify PPARγ as an important contributor in attenuating the development of aortic aneurysms by demonstrating that loss of PPARγ in vascular SMCs promotes aortic dilatation and elastin degradation. Thus, PPARγ activation may be potentially promising medical therapy in reducing the risk of AAA progression and rupture.
Quantitation of Imidazoles by Agar-Disk Diffusion

A simple, reliable, and inexpensive assay for quantitation of the imidazole drugs miconazole, RV 40,500, and RV 41,400 was tested. The assay, similar to a Kirby-Bauer test, was sensitive to less than or equal to 0.2 μg of drug per ml and linear from less than or equal to 0.2 to 10.0 μg/ml. Concentration of inoculum and agar depth in test plates was not as critical as the type of medium, amount of inoculum, or type of drug used.