cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Medical compliance and the clinician-patient relationship: a review.

Abstract A 4-category classification of research on elements of provider-patient interaction that appear related to compliance behavior is presented. The first category describes research on pedagogical techniques employed by practitioners to inform patients in detail of the patient behaviors prescribed to deal with the medical problem. This category contains studies of both correlational and experimental design that support the hypothesis that greater provider explicitness regarding needed patient behaviors is associated with better patient follow-through. The second category of research deals with studies that indicate an association between extensive clinician-patient sharing of expectations about appropriate behaviors in the dyad and good patient compliance. In this category, research has not yet proceeded beyond correlational and descriptive research designs to experimental design. The third category contains studies that reveal links between the patient's assumption of responsibility for his own therapy and compliance. In this division the supporting research is both correlational and experimental. The final category contains research linking positive and supportive tone of the clinician-patient interaction with good patient adherence. Research design in this category has not yet reached the experimental level of development. The concepts and results of research in each category are quite promising. Randomize trials of methods of intervention derived from each category seem called for, though favorable results in different settings, with different combinations of treatments are by no means yet assured.
Selective activation of mesoamygdaloid dopamine neurons by conditioned stress: attenuation by diazepam

Populations of dopamine (DA) neurons in the rat brain are selectively activated by stress, and the response is attenuated by the administration of anxiolytics. Given the role of the component nuclei of the amygdaloid complex in conditioned associations, stress responses and the anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines, we hypothesized that particular mesoamygdaloid DA projections might be especially sensitive to the effects of conditioned stress and to diazepam (DZ). We mapped the effect of a conditioned stressor on the concentration of the DA metabolite homovanillic acid (HVA) in distinct amygdaloid nuclei and other brain nuclei and areas and the effect of DZ (1 or 3 mg/kg) on the conditioned response in drug-experienced subjects. The conditioned stress paradigm resulted in significant elevations in classical indices of stress, including serum corticosterone and plasma epinephrine. Conditioned stress-induced increases in the estimated activity of DA neurons were specific for DA neurons projecting to the central, basolateral and lateral amygdaloid nuclei, and for DA projections to the dorsal septal nucleus. Conditioned stress-induced increases in the HVA concentration of responsive amygdaloid nuclei were antagonized by low, anxiolytic doses of DZ. These results indicate a role for a subset of mesoamygdaloid DA projections in transducing the impact of perceived stressors on the output of the amygdaloid complex. A role for particular amygdaloid DA projections in the formation of conditioned fear or anticipatory anxiety and its modulation by anxiolytics is also suggested.
Mechanistic and synthetic aspects of atom transfer radical polymerization

Abstract Mechanistic and synthetic aspects of atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) are reviewed. This controlled/“living” system polymerizes many monomers including styrenes, (meth)acrylates, acrylonitrile and dienes. The halogen end groups can be converted to other functional groups such as amines and azides. In addition to producing well-defined linear homopolymers, statistical copolymers, block copolymers, and gradient copolymers, ATRP can be used to synthesize graft and hyperbranched copolymers through copolymerization with functionalized monomers. Selection of appropriate conditions for ATRP depends on targeted molecular weight and degree of polymer chain end-functionality and includes considering the monomer(s) to be polymerized, initiator structure/reactivity, amount of catalyst/deactivator used, halogen end-group used, and temperature.
Madelung's deformity a surgical technique

15 wrists with Madelung's deformity were operated on between 1972 and 1990, constituting the largest series of radial osteotomies reported for this deformity to date. The technique that evolved is described in detail, as are the preliminary follow-up results. All patients reported symptomatic relief and return to normal activity levels.
A universal optical approach to enhancing efficiency of organic-based photovoltaic devices

We report a new optical approach that can be used to enhance light harvesting in many different organic-based photovoltaic cells. A transparent polymer microlens array moulded on the light incident surface increases the light path in the active layer and reduces surface reflection, resulting in a 15–60% relative increase in overall cell efficiency.
Energy equation and the crystallization kinetics of semi-crystalline polymers: regimes of coupling

Abstract The processing conditions play an important role in the development of the crystallinity of thermoplastic polymers and the energy equation describing the heat transfer problem can be strongly coupled to the material kinetics. In this paper, the importance and nature of the coupling is evaluated by comparing the temperature and crystallinity distributions obtained from a fully coupled zone model (considered as the most general approach) with two cases: Neumann's solution (sharp interface-moving boundary) and the one-domain diffusion equation with no heat generation (uncoupled solution). Two non-dimensional parameters, Stefan's (St) and Deborah's (De) numbers, that play a key role in determining the extent of the coupling, are isolated. The influence of the coupling and its nature have been demonstrated numerically in selected cases. Results of the parametric studies show that De and St decide the nature of the coupling. The error made by decoupling the problem can be shown graphically and regimes are identified where the coupling is important or negligible. Criteria allowing the identification of the regimes are presented. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate the importance of the coupling for the cooling of Nylon 6-6 and PET, which exhibit fast and slow crystallization kinetics.
Polarized ultraviolet absorption by a highly oriented dialkyl derivative of poly(paraphenylene vinylene)

We present polarized ultraviolet absorption spectra obtained from films of poly[${2\ensuremath{-}\mathrm{b}\mathrm{u}\mathrm{t}\mathrm{y}\mathrm{l}\ensuremath{-}5\ensuremath{-}(2}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ ethyl)-hexyl paraphenylene vinylene], BuEH-PPV, in polyethylene; the films were oriented by gel processing to high draw ratios. The spectra show three strong features between 2 and 6.2 eV. The lowest-energy absorption is peaked at 2.9 eV and is strongly polarized parallel to the draw axis. At 4.8 eV, there is a sharp onset for perpendicular absorption, indicative of a transition from a localized state to a delocalized state (or vice versa). Finally, there is a predominantly parallel-polarized absorption band at 5.8 eV that we attribute to excitations localized on the phenyl ring. Since the aliphatic side chains have only weak electronic interactions with the conjugated polymer backbone, the dialkyl-substituted PPV's are excellent model systems for studying the electronic structure of PPV.
Use of the Parcel Buoyancy Minimum (Bmin) to Diagnose Simulated Thermodynamic Destabilization. Part I: Methodology and Case Studies of MCS Initiation Environments

AbstractA method based on parcel theory is developed to quantify mesoscale physical processes responsible for the removal of inhibition energy for convection initiation (CI). Convection-permitting simulations of three mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) initiating in differing environments are then used to demonstrate the method and gain insights on different ways that mesoscale thermodynamic destabilization can occur.Central to the method is a thermodynamic quantity Bmin, which is the buoyancy minimum experienced by an air parcel lifted from a specified height. For the cases studied, vertical profiles of Bmin using air parcels originating at different heights are qualitatively similar to corresponding profiles of convective inhibition (CIN). Though it provides less complete information than CIN, an advantage of using Bmin is that it does not require vertical integration, which simplifies budget calculations that enable attribution of the thermodynamic destabilization to specific physical processes. For a...
Usage of and satisfaction with online help vs. search engines for aid in software use

Computer users have long been frustrated by software problems. It is unusual that the Help menu actually helps with the software problems they have. At the same time, computer science students and professionals have been using search engines to get help with the complex software they use. The use of search engines to get help with software by both computer scientists and students in other disciplines is investigated. Students from all disciplines tested were found to use and be more satisfied by search engines than Help. Further investigation showed that, generally, students went to other people more than Help or search engines but found search engines and people to be the most satisfactory sources of help. Recommendations are made to improve Help systems by incorporating aspects of search engines.
A Survey of Organizations Serving Child Welfare-Involved Families and Children in Hennepin County, MN

The study examines the services available to children and families in the child welfare system. Higher-level staff in 31 organizations in a large, urban Midwestern county were interviewed (84 % response rate). The questions were: (1) what is the organizational context of the services? (2) Who are the clients? (3) What are the interventions provided by the organizations, and who delivers the services? (4) To what extent are the organizations collecting outcome data, and to what extent are they held accountable for outcomes? and (5) What are the interviewees’ recommendations for improving the child welfare system in the county? Although a wide variety of services are provided, there were inadequate resources in the community. The organizations are undergoing many changes; although a third had significant losses in the past year, a majority were implementing new programs or expanding existing ones. Their challenges include funding, families with increasingly greater needs, and finding qualified staff. African Americans and Native Americans are overrepresented in the clientele, and other racial/ethnic groups are underrepresented. Drop-out rates are generally quite high. A variety of interventions are used, including both evidence- and non-evidence-based, and fidelity is not monitored closely. Many of the organizations are collecting outcome data, but the quality of these data varies widely, and funding is based on outcomes for only half of them. Frequently mentioned recommendations included improving the practices of Child Protective Services workers’ practices, enhancing communication between caseworkers and the organizations and between child welfare and other governmental sectors.
Dlx1 and Dlx2 control neuronal versus oligodendroglial cell fate acquisition in the developing forebrain

Progenitors within the ventral telencephalon can generate GABAergic neurons and oligodendrocytes, but regulation of the neuron-glial switch is poorly understood. We investigated the combinatorial expression and function of Dlx1&2, Olig2, and Mash1 transcription factors in the ventral telencephalon. We show that Dlx homeobox transcription factors, required for GABAergic interneuron production, repress oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) formation by acting on a common progenitor to determine neuronal versus oligodendroglial cell fate acquisition. We demonstrate that Dlx1&2 negatively regulate Olig2-dependant OPC formation and that Mash1 promotes OPC formation by restricting the number of Dlx+ progenitors. Progenitors transplanted from Dlx1&2 mutant ventral telencephalon into newborn wild-type mice do not produce neurons but differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes that survive into adulthood. Our results identify another role for Dlx genes as modulators of neuron versus oligodendrocyte development in the ventral embryonic forebrain.
Coadsorbate effects in surface photochemistry: bimolecular reactions and photodesorption yield enhancement for NO coadsorbed with O2 on Pt(111)

Abstract A study of the surface chemistry of coadsorbed NO and O 2 on Pt(111) using electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS), temperature programmed desorption (TPD), and photon induced desorption spectroscopy (PID) is presented. A 14 N 18 O isotope exchange reaction product is detected in TPD of 14 N 16 O/ 18 O 2 /Pt(111) with the primary desorption peak occurring at 315 K. The wavelength dependence of photodesorption of 14 N 18 O, 14 N 16 O, and O 2 from 14 N 16 O/ 18 O 2 /Pt(111) at 85 K with photons between 240 and 950 nm was measured, with that of 14 N 18 O found to be very similar to O 2 photodesorption. EELS features at 95 meV (δ(ONO)] and 155 meV ( ν s (ONO)] reveal the production of NO 2 upon NO adsorption on O 2 Pt (111) at 90 K. A new adsorption state of NO, denoted γNO, formed upon coadsorption of NO with O 2 on Pt(111) was characterized by a unique vibrational signature in EELS [ ν γ (NO)=236 meV]. γNO was found to have a photodesorption cross section approximately 4000 times greater than that of NO adsorbed alone on clean Pt(111) due to photoyield enhancement by coadsorbed O 2 , while exhibiting a similar wavelength dependence to NO Pt (111) .
Considerations for the sensible use of rodent models of inflammatory disease in predicting efficacy of new biological therapeutics in the clinic

Successful therapeutics for treating autoimmune and inflammatory diseases must be able to significantly dampen, and ideally reverse, the complex processes involved in the manifestation of inflammatory pathology in intact tissues and organs. Studies on human cells and tissues - both normal and diseased - are obviously critical for moving forward with a particular therapeutic strategy, but these types of studies are oftentimes limited in their complexity and usually fail to fully replicate the biology of the intact inflammatory environment and disease process. It is for this reason that development of a new drug generally relies on data generated from in vivo animal models that have been created to mimic aspects of the complex disease process in whole organs and whole animals. Although the intact animal model of disease provides the opportunity for key elements involved in inflammatory processes to be investigated in natural surroundings, the primary trigger for inflammatory activation in animal models is, by necessity, artificial and, of course, differs from the natural pathogenesis driving disease in humans. Despite the artificial way of inducing inflammatory responses, animal models of disease have proven invaluable for providing insight into the potential efficacy of new drugs, particularly when careful consideration has been given to ensure that the model system under study resembles the inflammatory pathway expected in human disease. The most common artificial approaches for stimulating inflammatory diseases in mice are quite varied, and range from overexpression or targeted deletion of genes in transgenic or knockout animals, immunization of animals with putative autoantigens, all the way to synthetic, chemical challenges. None of these artificial systems or triggers is wholly perfect at mimicking the complexity of human autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but animal disease model data is an important, and very necessary, step in the path of drug development. This review will focus on the critical aspects of disease modeling in animals that should be considered when embarking on drug discovery programs, with particular attention on three of the major inflammatory diseases - rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis and asthma. We will discuss the use of rodent models in predicting the outcomes of currently approved medicines with a focus on biological therapeutics, and will highlight ongoing clinical trials where there appears to be strong correlation between animal models and the initial indication of clinical efficacy.
Global analysis and characterization of AIRS/MODIS cloud clearing

The Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS) and MODerate-Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) on board the EOS Aqua spacecraft measure the upwelling infrared radiance used for numerous remote sensing and climate related applications. AIRS provides high spectral resolution infrared radiances while MODIS provides collocated high spatial resolution radiances at sixteen broad infrared bands. An optimal algorithm for cloud-clearing has been developed for AIRS cloudy soundings at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where the spatially and spectrally collocated AIRS and MODIS data has been used to verify this algorithm. A global analysis and characterization of the AIRS cloud-clearing using the bias and the standard deviation between AIRS cloud-cleared brightness temperature and the nearby clear brightness temperature are studied.
Delusions and Dispositionalism about Belief

The imperviousness of delusions to counter-evidence makes it tempting to classify them as imaginings. Bayne and Pacherie argue that adopting a dispositional account of belief can secure the doxastic status of delusions. But dispositionalism can only secure genuinely doxastic status for mental states by giving folk-psychological norms a significant role in the individuation of attitudes. When such norms individuate belief, deluded subjects will not count as believing their delusions. In general, dispositionalism won't confer genuinely doxastic status more often than do competing accounts of belief.
Variable low dose rate irradiation (1311-anti-cea) and integrated low dose chemotherapy in the treatment of nonresectable primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma

Previous experience using 131I anti-CEA antibody, which irradiates at a variable low dose rate in combination with a multimodality treatment program, has demonstrated acceptable toxicity and response in primary intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. In attempting to improve therapy, Cis-platin was added to the prior regimen. Induction therapy was unchanged. One month later, chemotherapy was given (doxorubicin, 15 mg, 5-fluorouracil, 500 mg, plus Cis-platin, 20 mg/M2) followed the next day by outpatient administration of 20 mCi 131I anti-CEA by i.v. bolus. Five days later, 10 mCi was administered. The latter regimen (chemotherapy plus 20 + 10 mCi 131I anti-CEA) was repeated every 2 months using polyclonal antibodies derived from different species (rabbit, pig, baboon, and horse). Twenty-four patients (29% with prior chemotherapy and/or metastases) were prospectively treated according to this regimen. Toxicity was limited to hematologic toxicity and was manifested by thrombocytopenia and leukopenia (17% and 4% grade 4, respectively, according to RTOG toxicity criteria). Tumor remission was evaluated by CT volumetric analysis and demonstrated a 14% response rate for the induction portion of therapy, 24% for the radioimmunoglobulin portion of treatment, and 50% remission rate when all subsequent tumor volumes were compared to the pre-treatment volume (entire program). The median survival for the entire group of patients was 10.1 months. This result is superior to previously reported trials and, in comparison to our previous study (10.1 vs 6.5 months median survival), further advancement in protocol design appears to have been made. In view of the rarity of this disorder, a randomized trial is not possible and strict statistical analyses cannot be made. The mechanism of 131I-anti-CEA variable low dose irradiation and chemotherapy interaction is discussed as well as further potential modifications for treatment improvement.
Cognitive Regularities in Creative Activity

Theories of creativity have not traditionally considered whether novel ideas or inventive behaviors can result from regularities in the cognitive processes responsible for such activities. Most of ...
Shielded distribution approximation for a wall-bounded classical fluid

We investigate lower order distribution functions in classical fluids in the presence of large-scale inhomogeneities, in particular those imposed by wall contacts. The consequences of the effective shielding of a wall by the nearest particle of the set being considered are determined in the context of two distribution function hierarchies, kinematic and dynamic in origin. The effects of both flat and spherical, hard and soft walls are considered, as well as those of curved and double walls. A few correction sequences to the basic shielding approximation are discussed.
Decipherability of codes

Abstract Several forms of decipherability of codes, like unique decipherability, multiset decipherability and set decipherability are subsumed under a general concept of decipherability using varieties of monoids. A Galois connection is established between classes of codes and varieties of monoids, establishing a measure of the decipherability of a class of codes. Several well-known classes of codes are shown to be varieties, and several varieties of monoids are shown to be codifiable. Examples are also given of non-codifiable varieties of monoids. The simplified domino graph of a code is constructed, and it is shown that the language it accepts forms a basis for the variety of monoids associated with the code.
Biform game: Reflection as a stochastic programming problem

Abstract In this paper we examine the biform games modeling framework. More specifically, we recast biform games as two-stage stochastic programming with recourse. The two-stage stochastic programming view of biform games is demonstrated in this paper on an example from Brandenburger and Stuart (2007) regarding a coordination game. We claim that our stochastic programming format for biform games allows for a well established mathematical methodology to enrich the modeling options when applied to biform competitive and cooperative game options.
Nucleate pool boiling data for five refrigerants on plain, integral-fin and enhanced tube geometries

Abstract Data are presented for nucleate pool boiling on five different horizontal tube geometries using five refrigerants at two saturation temperatures. The refrigerants tested are R-11, R-12, R-22, R-123 and R-134a at saturation temperatures of 4.44°C (40°F) and 26.7°C (80°F). The tube geometries tested are a plain tube, a 1024 fins/m integral-fin tube, and three commercially used enhanced tube geometries (GEWA TX19, GEWA SE, and Turbo-B). The wide range of data reported here is new to the literature. The ability of the Cooper and the Stephan-Abdelsalam correlations to predict the plain tube data is evaluated. The slopes of the boiling coefficient vs heat flux curve are found to be heat flux dependent. Of particular importance are the data on R-123 and R-134a, which are intended to replace R-11 and R-12, respectively. Except for the Turbo-B with R-11, it appears that the boiling coefficients for R-123 and R-134a are within 10% of the values for R-11 and R-12, respectively.
Some Unexplored Regions of Psychosomatic Medicine

The history of psychosomatic medicine in the 20th century is predominantly marked by a concern with studies of major diseases (e.g., angina pectoris, bronchial asthma, diabetes mellitus, essential hypertension, neurodermatitis, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.). Traditional physicians also narrowly focus on disease--a trend that began with Morgagni in the 18th century. But disease (defined by structural alterations) is not the only cause of illness and disability. In fact, most persons seeking health care are ill without having a disease. It is only recently that this distinction has been fully made. The various manifestations of ill-health go by a variety of descriptive names--the functional or irritable bowel and hyperventilation syndromes, fibromyositis, psychophysiological, functional and somatoform or somatization disorders. They lead to loss of productivity, cost the health care system excessively, produce negative reactions in physicians, and are fertile ground for iatrogenic disease. They do not constitute discrete syndromes but overlap, each also being closely associated with anxiety and depression, sleep disturbances or marital disruption. They are the manifestations of sick persons not only of disturbances of bodily systems. They may be precipitated by unemployment, marital discord, bereavement, and job dissatisfaction. Curiously, ill-health has not been the major area of investigative interest of psychosomatic medicine. This presentation will emphasize why it should be, and why proper interventions may radically reduce the cost of medical care, prevent iatrogenic disease, and reduce the use of ill-advised procedures.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Intelligent sensing and wireless communications in harsh environments

The objective of this paper is to focus on recent efforts to test and characterize the performance of MEMS inertial sensors and the characterization of battery-free embedded sensors in munitions. This paper will also discuss the need to implement and integrate internal wireless communications in conjunction with smart electronics and smart materials in innovative microelectronics designs with built in capability of duplex wireless communications between sensors and telemetry. Embedded wireless telemetry will eliminate wires and the stress on long wire runs between MEMS sensor and processing microelectronics in harsh environments. Further advancements in this wireless area will facilitate the integration of smart sensing, control and actuation with unprecedented capability to permanently embed telemetry as a part of the standard munition components. The embedded wireless telemetry would have built in capability for smart munitions stockpile surveillance, in-flight duplex communication and the capability to communicate to a ground station. Future telemetry links for munitions will have a significant multi-use capability, designed to measure, maintain reliability, predictive surveillance, actuation and remote control functionality.
Design and operation of a small two-boat purse seine

A small purse seine, 250 ft. long and 23 ft. deep, and two 14 ft. purse boats to fish it in shallow estuaries for menhaden (Brevoortia) are described. The seine is made of No. 6 nylon in the two wings and heavier No. 15 nylon in the center bunt. Mesh is 1 3/8 in. bar. Purse boats have a 7 ft. beam and 2 ft. of freeboard, and are built of 1/4 in. marine plywood and seasoned oak ribs. A 40 hp outboard motor mounted in a center well powers each boat. Boats and seine are portable (on trailers) and can be used any place where launching sites are available. Over 40,000 menhaden were caught and marked with internal ferro-magnetic tags over a 3-year period. Boats and seine also could be used to capture other schooling species.
December 3--International Day of Persons with Disabilities: an opportunity to advocate for equal opportunities.

DeLisa JA: December 3VInternational day of persons with disabilities: An opportunity to advocate for equal opportunities. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2012; 91:999Y1001.
Parent’s Time with Children: Does Time Matter for Children’s Cognitive Achievement?

The time parents spend with children is the central construct in theories of child devel opment and human capital formation. According to human capital theory, the amount of time parents spend with children can be seen as crucial inputs in the production of child wellbeing (Becker 1981). Parent-child interactions create social capital, or the social interactions that facilitate the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and skills (Coleman 1988). Conversely, theories in developmental psychology contend that long periods of daily separation, particularly during early childhood, can be disruptive, leaving parents less sensitive and responsive to their children's needs, thus leaving children less exposed to the stimulation necessary for their cognitive development (Vaughn et al. 1980; Belsky 2001). More importantly, the literature points to key disparities in the quantity and type of parent child interactions?the verbal interactions and the type of activities performed together, for example?that suggests that children are socialized in ways that reinforce existing inequalities (Lareau 2003; Hoff 2003). These studies suggest that there may be important differences in how time is used and that these differences may contribute to socioeconomic disparities in child outcomes. In spite of these studies, research that has sought to establish an empirical link between time with children and child outcomes is relatively limited. This article provides a brief review of the literature on parental time and child cognitive outcomes, relates recent, new findings by the author to this literature, and discusses how these findings may help guide future research.
Regulation of hepatic fatty acid-synthesizing enzymes of diabetic animals by thyroid-hormone.

Abstract Subcutaneous administration of l -triiodothyronine (T 3 ) to diabetic rats restored hepatic acetyl-CoA carboxylase and fatty acid synthetase enzymes to normal levels. T 3 stimulated the fatty acid-synthesizing enzymes of diabetic animals by two different mechanisms. Between 4 and 12 h after T 3 administration, carboxylase and synthetase increased slowly, after which both the enzyme activities increased at faster rate. Carboxylase and synthetase induction could be inhibited by cycloheximide or actinomycin D during the first 12 h. The incorporation of [ 14 C]pantothenate into the fatty acid synthetase during 4–12 h followed the same pattern as the development of the enzyme activity. Moreover, liver supernatants from T 3 -treated diabetic rats were able to compete with pure fatty acid synthetase for antibody binding sites, the degree of competition increased with increasing period of T 3 treatment. The results suggest that enzymatically inactive precursors of synthetase in the diabetic livers are converted to enzymatically active enzyme as a result of T 3 treatment. The second part of T 3 -mediated stimulation (24 to 72 h following T 3 treatment) was inhibited by cycloheximide and actinomycin D. Antibody-antigen titration and measurement of rate of protein synthesis suggest that the increased activity of hepatic synthetase is due to enhanced synthesis of the enzyme for that period. These results indicate that T 3 might play a significant regulatory role in hepatic fatty acid synthesis.
Electronic and optical properties of Cu2ZnGeX4 (X = S, Se and Te) quaternary semiconductors

The electronic structures and optical properties of Cu2ZnGeS4 ,C u 2ZnGeSe4 and Cu2ZnGeTe4 in kesterite and stannite structures are investigated using first-principles calculations. The critical points in the optical spectra are assigned to the interband transitions according to the calculated band structures. The trends in the variation of the electronic and optical properties are discussed with respect to the crystal structure and the anion atomic number. Our calculated properties, such as, lattice constants, optical transitions, refractive index and dielectric constants are compared to the available experimental data and good agreement is obtained.
Fas is not essential for lamina propria T lymphocyte homeostasis

IL-2 receptor α-deficient (IL2Rα-/-) mice spontaneously accumulate vast numbers of intestinal lamina propria (LP) T cells and develop bowel inflammation. The accumulation of T cells in IL2Rα-/- mic...
Lubrication mode analysis of articular cartilage using Stribeck surfaces.

Abstract Lubrication of articular cartilage occurs in distinct modes with various structural and biomolecular mechanisms contributing to the low-friction properties of natural joints. In order to elucidate relative contributions of these factors in normal and diseased tissues, determination and control of lubrication mode must occur. The objectives of these studies were (1) to develop an in vitro cartilage on glass test system to measure friction coefficient, μ ; (2) to implement and extend a framework for the determination of cartilage lubrication modes; and (3) to determine the effects of synovial fluid on μ and lubrication mode transitions. Patellofemoral groove cartilage was linearly oscillated against glass under varying magnitudes of compressive strain utilizing phosphate buffered saline (PBS) and equine and bovine synovial fluid as lubricants. The time-dependent frictional properties were measured to determine the lubricant type and strain magnitude dependence for the initial friction coefficient ( μ 0 = μ ( t →0)) and equilibrium friction coefficient ( μ eq = μ ( t →∞)). Parameters including tissue-glass co-planarity, normal strain, and surface speed were altered to determine the effect of the parameters on lubrication mode via a ‘Stribeck surface’. Using this testing apparatus, cartilage exhibited biphasic lubrication with significant influence of strain magnitude on μ 0 and minimal influence on μ eq , consistent with hydrostatic pressurization as reported by others. Lubrication analysis using ‘Stribeck surfaces’ demonstrated clear regions of boundary and mixed modes, but hydrodynamic or full film lubrication was not observed even at the highest speed (50 mm/s) and lowest strain (5%).
The climatology of the North Atlantic

Abstract Data from approximately 144,000 hydrographic stations in the North Atlantic have been retrieved from the national Oceanic Data Centre and analysed to produce maps of mean pressure, temperature, salinity and oxygen on selected potential density surfaces for the domain bounded by 0°–85°W and 0°–65°N. The data span the period from 1904 to 1990 with the majority of the data from the last four decades. The data set for this region is 60% larger than that used in the production of Levitus' Climatological World Atlas. This increase in stations, coupled with smoothing scales specific to the North Atlantic rather than the global ocean, considerably improves the resolution of the basin's features. The mean property fields and their associated standard deviations are resolved on a one-degree grid with little smoothing, contrasting with the Levitus Atlas where properties, although presented on a one-degree grid, have been smoothed on the order of 1000km. Another important feature of this database is the process by which irregularly spaced data are averaged onto a regular grid. In a significant departure from the Levitus analysis, which averaged on depth surfaces, these data were averaged on potential density surfaces, thus eliminating an artificial mixing of water mass properties. The database is used to describe the baroclinicity of well-known features such as the Gulf Stream, the North Atlantic Current and the Deep Western Boundary Current, and to elucidate the recirculations associated with these currents. It additionally resolves several new features in the intermediate and deep North Atlantic. These features include the signature of a large scale deep recirculation that extends southwestward from the eastward extension of the North Atlantic Current to the separation point of the Gulf Stream near Cape Hatteras. This recirculation, which spans approximately 2000m of the water column, encompasses more local recirculations and potentially mixes subpolar and subtropical waters. Furthermore, in the upper thermocline, this database reveals a coherent Azores Current that stretches from the Gulf Stream system south of the Tail of the Grand Banks to Madeira. This flow is marked by divergences to the south and convergences from the north such that its downstream transport is not much changed.
The effects of pimozide and phenoxybenzamine pretreatments on amphetamine and apomorphine potentiation of the acoustic startle response in rats.

A series of three experiments investigated the individual roles of neurons containing dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) in modulating the amplitude of the acoustic startle response (ASR) in rats. Experiment I investigated the effects of 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 mg/kg pimozide or 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg phenoxybenzamine alone on startle amplitude. Experiments II–III investigated the effects of pretreatment with either 2.5 mg/kg pimozide or 10 mg/kg phenoxybenzamine on the potentiation of startleamplitude by either d-amphetamine (8 mg/kg), l-amphetamine (32 mg/kg), or apomorphine (3 mg/kg). Treatment with pimozide (2.5 mg/kg given 85 min before testing) and phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg, given 25 min before testing) resulted in a significant reduction in startle amplitude, supporting the conclusion that neurons containing NE and DA both tonically facilitate the ASR. The startlepotentiating effect of d- and l-amphetamine and apomorphine were totally blocked by pretreatment with pimozide (2.5 mg/kg, injected 2 h before these drugs), which supports the hypothesis that these agents potentiate startle at least in part by acting through dopaminergic neural systems. Phenoxybenzamine pretreatment (10 mg/kg, given 0.5 h before) also blocked the startle-potentiating effects of l-amphetamine and apomorphine, which suggests that noradrenergic neural systems are also involved in the potentiation of ASR by these agents, possibly through the interaction of dopaminergic and noradrenergic neural systems. The potentiating effect of d-amphetamine on ASR magnitude was not attenuated by phenoxybenzamine.
Experimental comparison of the pathways and rates of the dehydration of Al-, Fe-, Mg- and Ca-sulfates under Mars relevant conditions

Abstract This study reports two sets of dehydration experiments conducted on crystalline alunogen Al2(SO4)3·17H2O and melanterite FeSO4·7H2O under Mars relevant pressure (P) and partial H2O pressure (PH2O) at three temperatures (T). These experimental data are compared with those obtained from a similar set of experiments on crystalline epsomite MgSO4·7H2O, and revealed the differences in the phase transition pathways of the dehydrations of these hydrous sulfates, with different cations and the highest hydration degrees, under Mars relevant conditions. Specifically, the differences in the dehydration rates were discussed, and further compared with the dehydration processes of Ca-sulfate and Fe3+-sulfate of the highest hydration degrees. We found that the dehydrations of Mg-sulfate and Fe2+-sulfate would progress the fastest on Mars.
Effect of plasma spray operating conditions on plasma jet characteristics and coating properties

Using statistical design of experiments, the arc current, total gas flow rate, percent secondary gas (He), and powder feed rate have been varied to assess the torch behavior and establish its correlation to coating properties. The torch response includes arc voltage drop, torch efficiency, and plasma jet geometry. High-speed images of the luminous plasma jet for each operating condition have been acquired with a LaserStrobeℳ videocamera, and image analysis has been used to quantify the jet length and jet fluctuations as additional torch responses. Porosity and unmelted particles, which are determined using image analysis of a micrograph of a NiAl coating cross section, were selected as principal coating characteristics. These findings are expected to be useful for optimization of new spray processes and for evaluation of new torch designs.
A minimal regulatory domain in the C terminus of STIM1 binds to and activates ORAI1 CRAC channels.

Abstract Store-operated Ca 2+ entry (SOCE) is a universal mechanism to increase intracellular Ca 2+ concentrations in non-excitable cells. It is initiated by the depletion of ER Ca 2+ stores, activation of stromal interaction molecule (STIM) 1 and gating of the Ca 2+ release activated Ca 2+ (CRAC) channel ORAI1 in the plasma membrane. We identified a minimal activation domain in the cytoplasmic region of STIM1 (CCb9) which activated Ca 2+ influx and CRAC currents ( I CRAC ) in the absence of store depletion similar to but more potently than the entire C terminus of STIM1. A STIM1 fragment (CCb7) that is longer by 31 amino acids than CCb9 at its C terminal end showed reduced ability to constitutively activate I CRAC consistent with our observation that CCb9 but not CCb7 efficiently colocalized with and bound to ORAI1. Intracellular application of a 31 amino acid peptide contained in CCb7 but not CCb9 inhibited constitutive and store-dependent CRAC channel activation. In summary, these findings suggest that CCb9 represents a minimal ORAI1 activation domain within STIM1 that is masked by an adjacent 31 amino acid peptide preventing efficient CRAC channel activation in cells with replete Ca 2+ stores.
ATTITUDINAL EFFECTS OF PUBLIC-PRIVATE COOPERATION IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Using data from a national mail survey, opinions on the local economic development process held by economic development practitioners working for a city, chamber of commerce and public-private agencies are compared. The data show that public-private agency officials bridge the gap between the perspectives held by chamber government officials. Economic develop- ment practitioners working for public-private agencies have more respect for both governmental employees and business people than do other economic development practitioners. They feel that it is possible to gain more control over the economic development process than do their business or governmental counterparts. And, they indicate the advantages for the local community of maintaining such control; for example, being better able to stop businesses from whipsawing disorganized communities into making unnecessary concessions.
Effects of Gravitational Mechanical Unloading in Endothelial Cells: Association between Caveolins, Inflammation and Adhesion Molecules

Mechanical forces including gravity affect endothelial cell (ECs) function, and have been implicated in vascular disease as well as physiologic changes associated with low gravity environments. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of gravitational mechanical unloading on ECs phenotype as determined by patterns of gene expression. Human umbilical vascular endothelial cells were exposed to 1-gravity environment or mechanical unloading (MU) for 24 hours, with or without periods of mechanical loading (ML). MU led to a significant decrease in gene expression of several adhesion molecules and pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the contrary, eNOS, Caveolin-1 and -2 expression were significantly increased with MU. There was a decrease in the length and width of the cells with MU. Addition of ML during the MU period was sufficient to reverse the changes triggered by MU. Our results suggest that gravitational loading could dramatically affect vascular endothelial cell function.
Online shopping motivations and pleasure travel products: a correspondence analysis

Abstract The purpose of this study was to examine purchase motives of pleasure travel components of low and high complexity in a Web environment. Motives to buy travel components of a typical pleasure vacation were differentiated using the economics of search framework and mapped using correspondence analysis. Findings showed a uni-dimensional solution that was named informational/transactional. While purchase of activities, accommodation, events and attractions demanded more informational contexts behind purchase; purchase of car rentals and airline tickets were driven by transactional contexts. Theoretical and marketing implications are discussed.
Discriminant Bounds for Spinor Regular Ternary Quadratic Lattices

The main goals of the paper are to establish a priori bounds for the prime power divisors of the discriminants of spinor regular positive definite primitive integral ternary quadratic lattices, and to describe a procedure for determining all such lattices.
Focused high frequency ultrasonic transducers for minimally invasive imaging

Spherically focused, high frequency (30-50 MHz) ultrasonic imaging transducers are fabricated by using a piezoelectric polymer film and membrane deflection technique that is compatible with CMOS circuit fabrication. Micromachined ultrasonic transducers with 0.5-2.0 mm-diameter apertures and f-numbers ranging from 1.3-4.0 are fabricated and characterized. The transducers exhibit focused radiation patterns with 50 /spl mu/m axial resolution and bandwidths of 80-100% around center frequency values. Tissue imaging capabilities of the micromachined ultrasonic transducers are demonstrated through successful imaging of human cadaveric aorta.
Nationality and Migration in Modern Mexico

Scholarship on nationalism and the state has examined how immigration and nationality policy create boundaries of inclusion and exclusion. While a handful of countries of immigration have been analysed extensively, explanations of nationality law have not accounted adequately for countries of emigration. This paper's historical analysis of Mexican nationality law and its congressional debate demonstrates that the ways the state has defined nationality at different periods cannot be attributed simply to demographic migration patterns or legacies of past understandings of ethnic or state-territorial nationhood, according to the expectations of received theory. The literature's focus on geopolitically stronger countries of immigration obscures the critical effects of inter-state politics on nationality law in subordinate states. Mexico's nationality laws reflect its experiences as a geopolitically weak country of immigration, despite a net out-migration of its population.
Healthcare worker influenza vaccination in Oregon nursing homes: correlates of facility characteristics.

Objectives Nursing home (NH) employee influenza vaccination is associated with reductions in morbidity and mortality among residents. Little is known regarding associations between NH characteristics and employee influenza vaccination rates (EVRs). This study identifies NH characteristics that may be associated with EVRs.
Cardiac Involvement in Mitochondrial Diseases, and Vice Versa

In this issue of Circulation , Anan et al1 describe cardiac abnormalities occurring in a small group of patients with well-defined defects in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Abnormal cardiac findings, as assessed by ECG, chest radiograph, echocardiography, and His bundle electrograms, were detected in patients within each of four categories of mitochondrial diseases. Conduction disturbances were observed uniformly in patients with Kearns-Sayre syndrome, while some patients with MELAS (mitochondrial myopathy, encephalopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episodes) exhibited symmetric left ventricular hypertrophy with either normal or abnormal wall motion. Asymmetric septal hypertrophy with a hypokinetic ventricle was present in a majority of patients with MERRF (myoclonus epilepsy with ragged red fibers) and progressed over time to dilated cardiomyopathy in one individual. Cardiac abnormalities were less prevalent in patients with ocular myopathy, but diffuse hypokinesis was noted in 1 of 6 patients. Kearns-Sayre syndrome and ocular myopathy result from accumulation of deleted forms of mtDNA in affected tissues, whereas MERRF and MELAS are caused by single nucleotide substitutions in the mitochondrial tRNALys and tRNALeu genes, respectively. Cardiac dysfunction occurring in conjuction with neuropathic and skeletal myopathic symptoms in patients with mitochondrial gene defects has been described previously in case and kindred reports, as reviewed by Wallace,2 but this recent work analyzes a somewhat larger set of patients from several diagnostic categories. The authors conclude that mitochondrial gene defects cause specific cardiac abnormalities that are characteristic of the particular molecular pathology. Only a small number of patients within each category of mitochondrial disease were studied, and the clinical assessments were neither comprehensive nor highly detailed. Patients with apparently normal hearts were not subjected to provocative stimuli that may have unmasked more subtle abnormalities. Nevertheless, this …