cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Towards enabling stable lead halide perovskite solar cells; interplay between structural, environmental, and thermal stability

Metal halide perovskite solar cells are rapidly becoming increasingly competitive with conventional PV technologies. While their efficiencies have been often touted as exceptional, they have received a lot of criticism for an apparent lack of stability. This perspective describes some of the most pressing stability concerns facing perovskite solar cells, and describes some of the recent advances made in this area. We will demonstrate that the solutions to the areas of structural, thermal, and environmental stability are closely linked, and that rational design of the perovskite and careful encapsulation can result in efficient and stable perovskite solar cells. We will conclude with some very promising results, demonstrating perovskite solar cells passing an IEC damp heat stability test.
Automated manufacturing systems: a challenge to higher education

Recent trends in automation are promising to make the factory environment of the future a highly demanding one. This paper examines the role of higher educational institutions in preparing students to function within such automated environments. Two frameworks are presented to facilitate the accomplishment of this objective, both within an institution, and between different institutions.
A new framing for an old sociology of intimacy

The concept of intimacy has long permeated theories of social life, and its use within sociology has produced conceptual confusion rather than coherence. Overlapping with concepts of emotions and communities, intimacy both binds modern life together and offers a respite from its affective “coldness.” This paper offers a framework for the concept of intimacy and outlines the dimensions along which to organize future empirical work. Building on sociological, psychological, and queer theoretical approaches, I propose four such dimensions: affect, knowledge, mutual action, and norms. The degree of overlap between these four dimensions suggests a continuum between “strong” and “weak” intimacies. These conceptual refinements enable empirical specification, particularly in the study of close relationships like friendships.
Ambulatory anesthetic care in children undergoing myringotomy and tube placement: current perspectives.

Purpose Myringotomy and tube placement is one of the most frequently performed ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries in the pediatric population. Effective anesthetic management is vital to ensuring successful ambulatory care and ensuring child and parental satisfaction. Recent findings This review summarizes recently published studies about the long-term effects of general anesthesia in young children, novel approaches to preoperative fasting and simplified approaches to the assessment and management of emergence delirium (ED) and emergence agitation (EA). New developments in perioperative ambulatory care, including management of comorbidities and day care unit logistics, are discussed. Summary Long-term follow-up of children exposed to general anesthesia before the age of 4 years has limited impact on academic achievement or cognitive performance and should not delay the treatment of common ENT pathology, which can impair speech and language development. A more liberal approach to fasting, employing a 6-4-0 regime allowing children fluids up until theater, may become an accepted practice in future. ED and EA should be discriminated from pain in recovery and, where the child is at risk of harm, should be treated promptly. Postoperative pain at home remains problematic in ambulatory surgery and better parental education is needed. Effective ambulatory care ultimately requires a well-coordinated team approach from effective preassessment to postoperative follow-up.
English language YouTube videos as a source of lead poisoning-related information: a cross-sectional study.

Exposure to lead is detrimental to children’s development. YouTube is a form of social media through which people may learn about lead poisoning. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to analyz...
The Immediate After-effects of Increased Resistance upon Physical Performance

Abstract It was the purpose of this investigation to evaluate the immediate effects of overload upon vertical jumping performance. Forty-four college men participated in two identical 3-day testing periods during which three levels of overload (no overload, 5 percent and 10 percent of subject's body weight) were applied on a rotational basis. The test sequence involved five pre-overload, three overload, and five post-overload jumps. Paired t tests comparing pre-overload mean scores with post-overload scores indicated non-significant changes for the two experimental conditions but a statistically significant (P<.05) decrement in performance for the control condition. Further analysis of the difference scores (post-overload minus pre-overload) resulted in significant differences (P<.05) between the two experimental conditions and the control. The hypothesis that the application and removal of an overload will lead to an immediate improved performance in vertical jumping is not supported.
Ascertainment of Unmet Needs and Participation in Health Maintenance and Screening of Adult Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Survivors Followed in a Formal Survivorship Program

Abstract This study aimed to ascertain unmet needs in autologous and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) recipients actively followed in an established long-term survivorship clinic at Roswell Park Cancer Institute from 2006 to 2012. The Survivor Unmet Needs Survey (SUNS) was mailed to 209 eligible patients and returned by 110 (53% participation rate). SUNS includes 89 items covering 5 domains: Emotional Health, Access and Continuity of Care, Relationships, Financial Concerns, and Information. The top 5 specific unmet needs for autologous HCT patients were inability to set future goals/long-term plans, changes in appearance, bad memory/lacking focus, losing confidence in abilities, and paying household or other bills. For allogeneic HCT patients these 5 unmet needs were tied at 21% of respondents: ability to earn money, pay bills, feeling tired, feeling depressed, and dealing with others' expectations of "returning to normal." The top 5 needs reported by females were all from the emotional health domain, whereas males reported financial domain unmet needs. Self-reported participation in health maintenance and screening tests varied greatly from 88% of patients having routine annual bloodwork to 13% of patients having an exercise stress test in the past year. Our findings demonstrate unmet needs in emotional health and financial burden in HCT survivors and variable compliance with survivorship screening.
Language Processing: Statistical Methods

Statistical methods for language processing are common in language technology but less widespread in other fields of linguistics. The article is an introduction to some of the relevant techniques and their application to the study of language.
Kohlberg's Theory of Moral Development and the Christian Faith:

An integration of Kohlberg's theory with Christian faith is attempted. The theory is analogous to what is found in the Bible. Practical applications for evangelism are discussed.
Investigation of traps density and position in alkali treated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin films and solar cells

This study contributes to the discussion on the deep traps in Cu(In.,Ga)Se2 material with KF post deposition treatment (KF PDT). The samples were prepared on nominally alkali-free alumina substrate. In order to investigate the deep traps, capacitance-based deep level transient and optical spectroscopies (DLTS/DLOS) were performed on the samples. Two defect levels were observed at Ev+0.59eV and Ev+0.98eV. Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) profile indicated the diffusion of potassium throughout the CIGS layer. Device measurements and simulation indicate that the Ev+0.98eV play an important role in reducing efficiency for devices without KF PDT.
Raising the standard for testing research-based interventions in Indigenous learning communities

Preserving the unique contours of cultural communities is integral to the rich weave of our collective human heritage. However, the postcolonial United States (US) educational paradigm, reflected in curricula and standards based on white middle-class norms, has a flattening effect on the vibrancy of diverse languages and community traditions. Based on their own research, the authors demonstrate that, for distinctive populations like Indigenous groups, research-based educational interventions can actively inhibit learner achievement and suppress cultural vitality. This article presents examples of how Dine (Navajo) public schools are affected at system, teacher and individual levels, illustrating how, in a specific cultural milieu, some research-based “best practices” are not in fact for the best. Each example highlights some of the ways in which “understanding context” is an essential ingredient paving the way for student success. The authors argue that in order to optimise the potency of educational innovations developed for Indigenous learners, interventions must adhere to a higher standard of assessment practice. They suggest employing local testing and incorporating stakeholder opinions as part of the strategic design of measuring students’ learning progress, as a way of responding to the particular needs and dispositions of a community’s unique learners.
Assessment of Extracellular Cytokines in the Hippocampus of the Awake Behaving Rat Using Large-Molecule Microdialysis Combined with Multiplex Arrays After Acute and Chronic Ethanol Exposure.

Background Studies have demonstrated persistent changes in central nervous system (CNS) cytokine gene expression following ethanol (EtOH) exposure. However, the low endogenous expression and short half-lives of cytokines in the CNS have made cytokine protein detection challenging. The goal of these studies was to establish parameters for use of large-molecule microdialysis and sensitive multiplexing technology for the simultaneous detection of brain cytokines, corticosterone (CORT), and EtOH concentrations in the awake behaving rat. Methods Adult (P75+) male Sprague Dawley rats that were either naive to EtOH (Experiment 1) or had a history of adolescent chronic intermittent EtOH (CIE; Experiment 2) were given an acute EtOH challenge during microdialysis. Experiment 1 examined brain EtOH concentrations, CORT and a panel of neuroimmune analytes, including cytokines associated with innate and adaptive immunity. The natural time course of changes in these cytokines was compared to the effects of an acute 1.5 or 3.0 g/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.) EtOH challenge. In Experiment 2, rats with a history of adolescent CIE or controls exposed to vehicle were challenged with 3.0 g/kg i.p. EtOH during microdialysis in adulthood, and a panel of cytokines was examined in parallel with brain EtOH concentrations and CORT. Results The microdialysis procedure itself induced a cytokine-specific response that replicated across studies, specifically a sequential elevation of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-10. Surprisingly, acute EtOH did not significantly alter this course of cytokine fluctuations in the hippocampus. However, a history of adolescent CIE showed drastic effects on multiple neuroimmune analytes when rechallenged with EtOH as adults. Rats with a history of adolescent EtOH displayed a severely blunted neuroimmune response in adulthood, evinced by suppressed IL-1β, IL-10, and TNF-α. Conclusions Together, these findings provide a methodological framework for assessment of cytokine release patterns, their modulation by EtOH, and the long-lasting changes to neuroimmune reactivity evoked by a history of adolescent CIE.
A q -queens problem. VI. The bishops' period

The number of ways to place q nonattacking queens, bishops, or similar chess pieces on an n × n square chessboard is essentially a quasipolynomial function of n (by Part I of this series). The period of the quasipolynomial is difficult to settle. Here we prove that the empirically observed period 2 for three to ten bishops is the exact period for every number of bishops greater than 2 . The proof depends on signed graphs and the Ehrhart theory of inside-out polytopes.
Sensitivity analysis of the theoretical performance of semiconductor upconversion nanostructures

Detailed balance models of the performance of upconverter-backed single-junction solar cells show significantly improved solar cell efficiency of over 47% under 1-sun and 63% under concentration. Realizing these predicted gains, however, requires finding or engineering materials that can realize the upconversion performance needed. Semiconductor upconversion heterostructures show the greatest potential in this respect, with over 39% solar cell efficiency predicted using a kinetic rate model to describe the upconverter photophysics. Although the kinetic rate model used was based on realistic material parameters, material design and engineering requires trade-offs that should be informed by a sensitivity analysis of the upconverter kinetic rate model assumptions. Here, we analyze the robustness of the kinetic rate model by considering how the internal upconversion quantum efficiency is affected by variations in the solar spectrum splitting (i.e., photon absorption energy ranges), upconverter absorption cross section, carrier relaxation and recombination rates, and solar concentration. We further analyze the upconverter-backed solar cell performance as a function of these variations using detailed balance methods. The results show that the theoretical performance of this upconversion paradigm under concentrated sunlight agrees with previous models and exceeds 60% solar energy conversion efficiency. More importantly, the results show that the predicted performance is relatively insensitive to the assumptions made in the model, suggesting that practical realization of such a semiconductor upconverter heterostructure paradigm is possible.Detailed balance models of the performance of upconverter-backed single-junction solar cells show significantly improved solar cell efficiency of over 47% under 1-sun and 63% under concentration. Realizing these predicted gains, however, requires finding or engineering materials that can realize the upconversion performance needed. Semiconductor upconversion heterostructures show the greatest potential in this respect, with over 39% solar cell efficiency predicted using a kinetic rate model to describe the upconverter photophysics. Although the kinetic rate model used was based on realistic material parameters, material design and engineering requires trade-offs that should be informed by a sensitivity analysis of the upconverter kinetic rate model assumptions. Here, we analyze the robustness of the kinetic rate model by considering how the internal upconversion quantum efficiency is affected by variations in the solar spectrum splitting (i.e., photon absorption energy ranges), upconverter absorption cros...
Association of Medicaid Expansion and Health Insurance with Receipt of Smoking Cessation Services and Smoking Behaviors in Substance Use Disorder Treatment

This study examined whether living in a Medicaid-expanded state or having health insurance was associated with receipt of smoking cessation services or smoking behaviors among substance use disorder (SUD) treatment clients. In 2015 and 2016, 1702 SUD clients in 14 states were surveyed for health insurance status, smoking cessation services received in their treatment program, and smoking behaviors. Services and behaviors were then compared by state Medicaid expansion and health insurance status independently. Clients in Medicaid-expanded states were more likely to be insured (89.9% vs. 54.4%, p < 0.001) and to have quit smoking during treatment (AOR = 3.77, 95% CI = 2.47, 5.76). Insured clients had higher odds of being screened for smoking status in their treatment program and making quit attempts in the past year. Medicaid expansion supports greater health insurance coverage of individuals in SUD treatment and may enhance smoking cessation.
P130 : CONFIRMATION OF AN ALLELE DROPOUT DEPENDANT ON DNA SOURCE

Aim Whenever homozygous alleles are encountered by sequence-based typing (SBT), it is our protocol to confirm by another typing method that allele dropouts have not occurred. We present a case where DNA extracted from peripheral blood was homozygous for an HLA-A locus when tested by SBT. This assignment was confirmed by SSP. However, follow-up testing with buccal swab extracted DNA resulted in the detection of an additional HLA-A allele. Methods A patient with T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia (TLGL) was initially typed by SBT (Life Technologies SeCore) for HLA-A, B, C, DRB1, DQB1, and DPB1 using DNA extracted from peripheral blood. We subsequently typed six siblings as potential donors by SBT for A, B, and DRB1 loci using buccal swab extractions. Results The typing assignments of sibling donors led us to further investigate the typing of the patient when trying to establish family haplotypes. The recipient was typed as A ∗ 02:05 homozygous, which was confirmed by SSP (Invitrogen). However, the family study suggested that A ∗ 68:01 had dropped out of the recipient. We noticed very low peaks at the positions that assigned A ∗ 68:01 in the SBT software. We ordered a buccal swab on this patient in order to clarify the family study. (Interestingly, this patient’s diagnosis is linked to deletions in chromosome 6.) The buccal swab extracted DNA revealed A ∗ 68:01 in SBT typing, demonstrating that the A ∗ 68:01 had indeed dropped out in the peripheral blood. Conclusion Using buccal swab- extracted DNA is recommended when confirming homozygous assignment and allele dropouts for stem cell transplant candidates who are originally typed by peripheral blood extracted DNA.
Hypoxia Stimulates Synthesis of Neutrophil Gelatinase-Associated Lipocalin in Aortic Valve Disease

Objective: Aortic valve disease is commonly found in the elderly population. It is characterized by dysregulated extracellular matrix remodeling followed by extensive microcalcification of the aortic valve and activation of valve interstitial cells. The mechanism behind these events are largely unknown. Studies have reported expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF1α) in calcific nodules in aortic valve disease, therefore we investigated the effect of hypoxia on extracellular matrix remodeling in aged aortic valves. Approach and Results: Western blotting revealed elevated expression of HIF1α and the complex of matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in aged porcine aortic valves cultured under hypoxic conditions. Consistently, immunofluorescence staining showed co-expression of MMP9 and NGAL in the fibrosa layer of these porcine hypoxic aortic valves. Gelatinase zymography demonstrated that the activity of MMP9-NGAL complex was significantly increased in aortic valves in 13% O2 compared to 20% O2. Importantly, the presence of ectopic elastic fibers in the fibrosa of hypoxic aortic valves, also detected in human diseased aortic valves, suggests altered elastin homeostasis due to hypoxia. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that hypoxia stimulates pathological extracellular matrix remodeling via expression of NGAL and MMP9 by valve interstitial cells.
Whole-brain radiation practice pattern at a tertiary hospital with high-volume radiosurgery practice.

113Background: Whole brain radiation (WBRT) is standard therapy used for palliation of brain metastases (BM). SRS is also used as primary treatment in patients with multiple BM, with WBRT reserved ...
Variability in Perioperative Fasting Practices Negatively Impacts Nutritional Support of Critically Ill Intubated Patients

The aim of the study was to quantify nutritional losses related to pre- and postoperative fasts in critically ill intubated patients and to explore whether shorter fasts are safe and appropriate in this population. A retrospective review of mechanically ventilated adults undergoing surgery more than 24 hours after admission to a Level I trauma center over 15 months was done, which yielded 132 procedures and 81 unique patients. Ninety per cent of preoperative periods and 43 per cent of postoperative periods were affected by nonmedical barriers to feeding. Eighty-two per cent of gastrically fed nonemergent cases were fasted for longer than the 6-hour American Society of Anesthesiologists guideline, whereas 91 per cent of emergent cases had shorter fasts. There were no anesthetic complications, placing an upper limit of 6 per cent on the rate of aspiration for fasts shorter than six hours (95% confidence). Forty-three per cent of cases did not resume tube feeds within 90 minutes postoperatively, and only 37 per cent had a documented justification for delay. Intubated patients were frequently fasted preoperatively for longer than recommended and postoperatively for longer than medically indicated. No complications were observed with shorter-than-guideline fasts. This strengthens the evidence that "standard" preoperative fasting is unnecessary and deleterious in many critically ill intubated patients. New protocols and national guidelines are needed to ensure adequate nutrition.
INFARTO OMENTAL UM DIAGNOSTICO DIFERENCIAL DE ABDOME AGUDO

Introduction: Omental infarction is a rare cause of acute inflammatory abdomen, with omental torsion being one of its main etiologies. The clinic of omental infarction resembles other pathologies of the acute inflammatory abdomen with nonspecific complaints. The diagnosis is usually made during imaging or surgical procedure. Objective: To describe a case of omental infarction that evolved with abscess formation. Case report: A 65 year old male patient sought care due to diffuse abdominal pain. Laboratory tests and abdominal CT were requested. Abdominal CT showed an image suggestive of segmental infarction of the major omentum with areas of peripheral necrosis. Conservative treatment was indicated, with oral antibiotics, analgesy and orientations. One week after, the pacient returned, reporting an increase in the abdominal pain, with greater intensity in the left abdominal region and fever. A new abdominal CT scan, laboratory tests and EAS were performed to evaluate the lesion evolution. The comparative study with the one performed 7 days before showed a slight increase in the inflammatory reaction of the lesion structure described above and increased to the thickening of the adjacent abdominal wall. The omentectomy of the lesion was indicated and sent for histological analysis. Patient was admitted with intravenous antibiotic therapy and after 3 days was discharged. Conclusions: In patients with acute abdomen presenting a nonspecific clinic, it is important to think of the omental infarction, because, despite being a rare pathology, it can generate complications in the event of a diagnostic error or delay.
SARS-CoV-2 disease severity and diabetes: why the connection and what is to be done?

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel virus responsible for the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, has infected over 3.5 million people all over the world since the first case was reported from Wuhan, China 5 months ago. As more epidemiological data regarding COVID-19 patients is acquired, factors that increase the severity of the infection are being identified and reported. One of the most consistent co-morbidities associated with worse outcome in COVID-19 patients is diabetes, along with age and cardiovascular disease. Studies on the association of diabetes with other acute respiratory infections, namely SARS, MERS, and Influenza, outline what seems to be an underlying factor in diabetic patients that makes them more susceptible to complications. In this review we summarize what we think may be the factors driving this pattern between diabetes, aging and poor outcomes in respiratory infections. We also review therapeutic considerations and strategies for treatment of COVID-19 in diabetic patients, and how the additional challenge of this co-morbidity requires attention to glucose homeostasis so as to achieve the best outcomes possible for patients.
Channeling a complex question.

It is generally believed that large protein complexes provide a catalytic advantage due to substrate channeling between enzymatic domains. However, the structure and function of the pentafunctional AROM complex suggests a noteworthy exception.
Risperidone for successful treatment of postictal psychosis refractory to olanzapine.

Postictal psychosis (PIP) in patients with epilepsy is often mistaken for other primary psychiatric disorders. Depending on its severity, PIP often prompts empiric treatment with atypical antipsych...
Market Uncertainty and Dynamic New Product Launch Strategies: A System Dynamics Model

New products are intrinsically associated with high level of market uncertainty, and product launches often fail because launch strategies formulated based upon prelaunch forecasts cannot accurately capture actual market conditions. While research generally recognizes the importance of flexibility in new product launch, it has rarely examined the dynamic adjustments after initial launch, largely due to the limitation of conventional methodologies in modeling dynamic feedbacks and interactions. This study develops a system dynamics model of new product launch that formalizes the adjustments of launch scale according to actual market conditions and the dynamic interactions among launch scale and various tactical elements of product launch, including advertising, distribution, pricing, manufacturing, and inventory management. This study makes a first attempt to bring systems dynamic modeling to new product launch research and illustrates a new approach to examine dynamic feedbacks in the new product launch process. The model developed in this study illustrates why and how dynamic approaches outperform static ones, and reveals important insights of the behavior of dynamic product launch strategies. The model can be used as a “flight simulator” in managerial training to help new product managers understand the dynamic interactions among different elements of new product launch.
Immunohistochemical evaluation of glutaminase expression in prostate adenocarcinoma and correlation with clinicopathologic parameters.

251Background: Glutaminolysis plays a significant role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cell growth and proliferation. Glutaminase (GLS1), the rate-limiting enzyme of the glutamine pathway,...
Reflections and Ruminations

(2006). Reflections and Ruminations. American Journal of Health Education: Vol. 37, No. 1, pp. 2-5.
Studies on the characterization of the sodium-potassium transport adenosinetriphosphatase: V. Partial purification of the lubrol-solubilized beef brain enzyme☆

Abstract The Lubrol-solubilized Na-K adenosinetriphosphatase from NaI-treated beef brain microsomes has been partially purified. This purification involves salt and isoelectric precipitation, ultracentrifugation at 114,000g for 20 hr, and chromatography on carboxymethylcellulose. The final enzyme preparation is water-clear and is relatively stable if stored at 0 ° in the presence of Na and ATP. Most of the Lubrol is removed by the purification procedure. The partially purified enzyme has a specific activity which is ten times that of the original microsomes. A single, somewhat diffuse, ouabain sensitive ATPase band runs on electrophoresis in 3% polyacrylamide of Lubrol extracts of NaI-treated microsomes. However, partial aggregation occurs during purification, as attested by the appearance of a Na-K ATPase peak in the void volume (molecular weight > 2 × 106) on chromatography on 6% agarose and a ouabain-sensitive ATPase band which does not enter 3% polyacrylamide on disc gel electrophoresis. The enzyme can be disaggregated with Lubrol into a single species which, on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, runs as the enzyme in the original Lubrol extracts; however, concentrations of Lubrol required to disaggregate the enzyme lead to partial inactivation. The various proteins in the preparation do not separate as discrete bands on disc gel electrophoresis unless the proteins are solubilized in phenol-acetic acid-urea. It is estimated that the Na-K ATPase in the present partially purified preparation accounts for approximately 10% of the protein.
Current harmonics generated by electric vehicle battery chargers

This paper presents the results and analysis of data collected in the three groups of electric vehicle battery chargers during three consecutive years: 1993, 1994, and 1995. The first group of battery chargers consisted of 27 chargers. The generated harmonics in these chargers are significant. Total current harmonic distortion was in the range from 20.2% to over 112.4% with an average of 50.1%. The second group consisted of seven on-board chargers in production-type vehicles. The generated current harmonics in these vehicles are lower. The total current harmonic distortion is in the range from 17.12% to 101.81% with an average of 45.17%. The third group of chargers tested in 1995 consisted of four on-board battery chargers in production vehicles. The latest technology is implemented in these chargers so the generated current harmonics are very low. The total current harmonic is in the range from 3.720% to 7.18% with an average of 6.12%. The collected data shows that battery charger manufacturers have significantly improved the charging technology in terms of current harmonics.
Vibrational Excitation II: Classical and Semiclassical Methods

In this chapter we consider methods for calculating cross sections or rates for vibrational energy transfer in which at least one degree of freedom in the collision system is treated classically. We ignore cases in which electronic transitions or electronically nonadiabatic effects play an important role, but we do include methods for treating simultaneous vibrational and rotational transitions, since the two are often coupled strongly in real systems. The literature on classical and semiclassical treatments of vibrational energy transfer is immense. Because of the special nature of this volume as a “consumers handbook” designed to be of practical rather than of pedagogical value, no attempt has been made here to be comprehensive in scope or historical in perspective.* Instead we focus on those aspects of the theory which at present appear to be the most useful in the interpretation of modern experimental data. Our chief criterion for usefulness is the degree of success with which a given method has actually been applied to the interpretation of experimental results. However, in some cases the lack of appropriate data precludes comparison with experiment, and the value of a given approach must be judged by the available comparisons with other theoretical results.
Advancing practice: Using nutrition information and technology to improve health—the nutrition informatics global challenge

Aims: The unique combination of technology, information and nutrition has been utilised in health care for decades. As technology and effective use of health data evolve, the field of ‘nutrition informatics’ is positioned to advance best practices of nutrition care delivered by registered dietitians and dietetic technicians registered. The present paper reviews the opportunities. Methods: A narrative review was constructed with reference to the literature. Results: Evolution of the use of digital health care in the USA is on an aggressive timeline because of regulations, which provide financial incentives to eligible professionals and hospitals who can prove ‘meaningful use’ of certified health-care technology. While adoption and use of electronic health records has occurred at the international level for decades, only recently have American adoption rates increased. Health-care providers are adjusting to rapid cultural changes, which support the interoperability of health data. The dietetics profession must move in tandem with this transition to digital care. This requires implementation and development of nutrition standards, vocabularies and quality measures, which support exchange of pertinent nutrition data critical to patient care and wellbeing. All dietetic professionals need to appreciate the paradigm shift in health care. Conclusions: Dietitians who are involved with informatics will help with this transition through their work with systems implementations, understanding competencies necessary for successful integration of digital nutrition and using electronic nutrition data for research.
Introduction to “Do Spirits Exist? Ways to Know”

SUMMARY Given various studies both within and without anthropology that treat spirits and extraordinary beings as products of mind, culture, and physiology, the goal of this special issue is to entertain a different stance and to examine how we might know that spirits exist. This introduction to the special issue focuses on the meaning of encounters with spirits, other extraordinary beings, and hidden views of the world, including the dilemmas these experiences may raise and the kinds of inquiries that can assist our understanding of how we know that spirits or other worlds exist. The issue includes five articles by three anthropologists, a folklorist and scholar of religion, and a psychiatrist. A final discussion about “ways of knowing” and means of inquiry, as well as a critique of the articles, is presented by Edith Turner.
Manipulation and flow of biological fluids in straight channels micromachined in silicon

Analysis of minute sample volumes is a major analytical challenge that requires an understanding of fluid flow in microstructures. Accordingly, flow dynamics of biological fluids and cell suspensions in straight glass-capped silicon microchannels (40 to 150 microns wide, 20 and 40 microns deep) were studied. We demonstrated that these microstructures are appropriate components for microfluidic analytical devices. Different fluids were easily manipulated in the microchannels, and measurements of flow rate as a function of pressure for whole human blood, serum, plasma, and cell suspensions revealed non-Newtonian behavior. By means of micromachined filters (5 microns) located in channels, blood cells and microparticles were effectively separated from nanoliter-sized samples, clearly indicating the future role of microstructures for a variety of analytical purposes.
Complete remodeling of the vertebrae in a child successfully treated for acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).

This report describes a 10-year-old white boy who presented with acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) and several collapsed thoracolumbar vertebrae in 1965. His ALL was successfully treated, and he has been disease-free for over 10 years. He has now completely remodeled all of the collapsed vertebrae. Cancer 40:398–401, 1977.
SU-E-T-813: Using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy for Total Body Irradiation — a Phantom Study

Purpose: To test the idea of using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy(IMRT) for administering Total Body Irradiation (TBI) on a clinical linear accelerator (CLINAC). Methods: A half body phantom which mimics the size of a pediatric patient was used as the basis for planning a total body irradiation with intensity modulated radiation. The phantom consisted of head, neck, left lung, right lung, and torso which were contoured in the 3‐dimensional CTimages to apply for IMRT. Within the interior of the phantom both the right and left lungs were present for contouring as organ at risks. The Eclipse treatment planning system (Varian Medical Systems) was used for the simulation of the treatment. A 6 MV beam from a Siemens medicallinear accelerator was used for irradiation of the phantom. To perform the quality assurance of an IMRT‐TBI plan, Matrixx OmniPro‐I'mRT system was used.Results: The doses to different body parts of the phantom were uniformly distributed as demonstrated in the IMRT treatment plan and the dose volume histograms. The total irradiation doses to the lungs and to the body were well under controlled as prescribed. These results indicate that IMRT is a feasible approach for administering Total Body Irradiation. Conclusions: The use of IMRT to deliver total body irradiation may be an acceptable alternative to the conventional method of total body irradiation on a CLINAC.
Pregnancy associated smoking behavior and six year postpartum recall.

Background This study examined predictors and behaviors of pregnancy-related smoking among women who belonged to a private health maintenance organization and the recall accuracy of pregnancy-related smoking behaviors after 6-years. Methods A cohort of 725 pregnant women was followed for six years. Major predictors for smoking behavior before, during, and one-year following pregnancy were determined. In addition, accuracy of recall six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum was tested. Results Mother’s education, asthma status, amount of pre-pregnancy smoking, gravidity, and father’s smoking status were important in the prediction of pregnancy associated smoking. Agreement for recall of smoking behavior during pregnancy (6 year recall) and one-year postpartum (5 year recall) were 90% and 91%, respectively. Conclusions Despite potentially adverse outcomes, a proportion of women continue to smoke throughout pregnancy. A number of variables proved to be important predictors of pregnancy associated smoking behavior. These factors should be considered by smoking cessation programs targeting women of reproductive age. Additionally, there was substantial agreement for maternal recall at six years postpartum of smoking behavior at the time of pregnancy and one-year postpartum. This should be considered in retrospective study designs that are primarily based on maternal recall of smoking behaviors before, during, and following pregnancy.
Chronic graft‐versus‐host reaction is associated with a decrease in Ig light chain receptor editing in bone marrow self‐reactive B cells

The encounter of developing B cells in the bone marrow with soluble hen egg lysozyme (sHEL) self antigen induces anergy and endogenous kappa light chain rearrangements ('receptor editing'). We have previously shown that induction of chronic graft-versus-host reaction (GVH) in tolerant Ig/sHEL mice results in prevention of B cell anergy in the bone marrow and the spleen. We now report that in chronic GVH, immature self-reactive B cells also show reduced levels of receptor editing in the bone marrow. This is evidenced by the following observations: (a) a small population of'receptor-edited' B cells, which is found in tolerant mice, is markedly reduced in mice that have lost tolerance in chronic GVH; (b) self-reactive B cells in GVH mice have reduced levels of endogenous kappa chain rearrangements; and (c) recombinase-activating gene (RAG)-2 expression is markedly decreased in immature self-reactive B cells in the bone marrow of chronic GVH mice. These results suggest that in chronic GVH newly emerging B cells escape tolerance, in part because of decreased receptor editing in the bone marrow. Thus, the autoimmunity induced by chronic GVH may ultimately result from the failure of B cell tolerance at multiple checkpoints.
Measurement and analysis of the ν2 band of H2S: Comparison among several reduced forms of the rotational Hamiltonian

Abstract The frequencies of 123 lines between 1080 and 1260 cm −1 in the ν 2 band of H 2 S were measured with a tunable diode laser and a grating spectrometer. Ground- and upper-state molecular constants appropriate to Watson's A reduced Hamiltonian in the I r coordinate representation were obtained from a simultaneous fit of the ν 2 band data and previously measured H 2 S rotational microwave frequencies. This fit had a standard deviation comparable to the experimental uncertainties. The A reduced Hamiltonian in the III r representation, however, was found to fit the data very poorly. The large value of the transformation parameter s 111 calculated for the A reduced Hamiltonian in the III r representation confirms that this result is due to the slow convergence of this particular reduced Hamiltonian.
Interaction of Chromatium vinosum flavocytochrome c-552 with cytochromes c studied by affinity chromatography

Flavocytochrome c-552, isolated from the photosynthetic purple sulfur bacterium Chromatium vinosum, after linkage to an Affigel 10-affinity matrix, will bind equine and yeast mitochondrial cytochromes c, C. vinosum cytochrome c-550 and cytochrome c2 from the photosynthetic purple non-sulfur bacterium Rhodo-pseudomonas viridis. Similarly, an equine cytochrome c-Sepharose 4B affinity column will bind the C. vinosum flavocytochrome c-552 and its separated heme-containing subunit. These results and the correlation between the effect of ionic strength on binding of the flavocytochrome c-552 to cytochrome c and on the sulfide:cytochrome c oxidoreductase activity catalyzed by C. vinosum flavocytochrome c-552 support the idea of the involvement of an electrostatic complex between the two proteins during sulfide oxidation.
On the use of parameters in crystal field theory and related calculations

General criteria for the use of empirical parameters as an alternative to detailed first principle calculations of complex many electron problems are discussed. It is suggested that whenever “useful theoretical accuracy” cannot be obtained, the experimental data are more meaningfully analyzed in terms of empirically fitted parameters, using the theory only for establishing the correct form of the Hamiltonian and predicting which parameters may safely be neglected. The application of these criteria is illustrated for the case of crystal field theory.
Work Experiences that Stretch Managers′ Capacities for Strategic Thinking

Thinking and acting strategically have been identified as essential skills for managing organisations in the twenty‐first century. The rapid rate of technological change, the increasingly complex nature of organisations, and the greater number of environmental uncertainties are some of the reasons cited for this need. Research suggests that strategic thinking encompasses six skills that are critical to managerial effectiveness at senior levels in organisations – knowing the business and markets, managing subunit rivalry, finding and overcoming threats, staying on strategy, being an entrepreneurial force, and accommodating adversity. Obstacles to the development of these skills, and work experiences which stretch managers′ capacities for strategic thinking, are discussed.
Magnetic resonance imaging in dogs with neurologic impairment due to acute thoracic and lumbar intervertebral disk herniation.

Background: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a correlate to physical examination in various myelopathies and a predictor of functional outcome. Objectives: To describe associations among MRI features, neurological dysfunction before MRI, and functional outcome in dogs with disk herniation. Animals: One hundred and fifty-nine dogs with acute thoracolumbar disk herniation. Methods: Retrospective case series. Signalment, initial neurological function as assessed by a modified Frankel score (MFS), and ambulatory outcome at hospital discharge and >3 months (long-term) follow-up were recorded from medical records and telephone interview of owners. Associations were estimated between these parameters and MRI signal and morphometric data. Results: Dogs with intramedullary T2W hyperintensity had more severe pre-MRI MFS (median 2, range 0–4) and lower ambulatory proportion at long-term follow-up (0.76) than those dogs lacking hyperintensity (median MFS 3, range 0–5; ambulatory proportion, 0.93) (P=.001 and .013, respectively). Each unit of T2W length ratio was associated with a 1.9 times lower odds of long-term ambulation when adjusted for pre-MRI MFS (95% confidence interval 1.0–3.52, P=.05). Dogs with a compressive length ratio >1.31 (which was the median ratio within this population) had more severe pre-MRI MFS (median 3, range 0–5) compared with those with ratios ≤1.31 (median MFS 3, range 0–4; P=.006). Conclusions and Clinical Importance: MRI features were associated with initial injury severity in dogs with thoracolumbar disk herniation. Based on results of this study, the T2W length ratio and presence of T2W intramedullary hyperintensity appear to be predictive of long-term ambulatory status.
The Lemurs of the Comoro Islands

The Comoro lemurs, the only wild lemur populations outside Madagascar, are protected and seem secure. But after spending seven months in the islands the author believes that they could become threatened if forest destruction, particularly of the protected forest, continues at the present rate. He urges the need to enforce both forest protection and the hunting laws.
Sputtered Si:H alloys for edge filters: application to thermophotovoltaics.

Si:H alloys are being investigated for the high-index material in an interference filter to provide spectral control in an application of thermophotovoltaic energy conversion. In particular, a multilayer edge filter is being developed to provide high transmission of photons with wavelengths between 1.0 and 2.4 µm and high reflectance for wavelengths outside this range. Thin films of Si:H were deposited by means of rf reactive sputtering. Deposition parameters were varied to optimize the H content in Si:H coatings such that the refractive index was greater than 3. Optical absorption near 1 µm and Si:H infrared absorptions near 5 and 12 µm were minimized.
Luminescent Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Pendant Pyridinium Acceptors

Direct attachment of putative electron acceptors ((bi)pyridinium ions) to either Ru(bpy)32+ or Ru(1,10-phenanthroline)32+ (excellent photo-excited-state electron donors) leads to enhancement of excited-state lifetimes, rather than the diminution anticipated from electron transfer quenching. An evaluation of photo redox and emission energetics suggests that charged “quencher” attachment lengthens luminescence lifetimes by (a) diminishing the reductant strength of the photo excited state, (b) inhibiting intersystem crossing to a short-lived d−d state, and/or (c) diminishing Franck−Condon factors for nonradiative decay.
Substrate and target voltage effects on sputtered hydrogenated amorphous silicon

Abstract The effects of target voltage and substrate voltage on rf sputtered hydrogenated amorphous silicon are investigated. In the present work, the gas partial pressures and the substrate temperature are held constant, and the deposition rate nearly constant, while the substrate and target potentials are independently varied. Films sputtered at high target voltages exhibit lower photoconductivities which vary less rapidly with substrate bias. Substrate voltages greater than approximately 100 V lead to damaged material. This is evidenced by the appearance of a second conduction path 0.38 eV below the conduction band, and a decrease in photoconductivity.