cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Strong Photothermoelectric Response and Contact Reactivity of the Dirac Semimetal ZrTe5

The family of three-dimensional topological insulators opens new avenues to discover novel photophysics and to develop novel types of photodetectors. ZrTe5 has been shown to be a Dirac semimetal possessing unique topological, electronic, and optical properties. Here, we present spatially resolved photocurrent measurements on devices made of nanoplatelets of ZrTe5, demonstrating the photothermoelectric origin of the photoresponse. Because of the high electrical conductivity and good Seebeck coefficient, we obtain noise-equivalent powers as low as 42 pW/Hz1/2, at room temperature for visible light illumination, at zero bias. We also show that these devices suffer from significant ambient reactivity, such as the formation of a Te-rich surface region driven by Zr oxidation as well as severe reactions with the metal contacts. This reactivity results in significant stresses in the devices, leading to unusual geometries that are useful for gaining insight into the photocurrent mechanisms. Our results indicate th...
Studies of secondary transforming events in murine c-myc retrovirus-induced monocyte tumors.

Rearrangement or deregulation of the c-myc gene has been observed in a variety of tumors and transformed cell lines (reviewed by Cole, 1986). Yet, the normal function or the exact contribution of c-myc in tumorigenesis remains controversial. We have recently described a tumor system in which a c-myc retrovirus induces monocyte/macrophage tumors in pristane treated BALB/c mice with very high frequency (Baumbach et al., 1986). This system has enabled us to begin dissecting the molecular changes during c-myc induced transformation of monocytes in vivo. Expression of c-myc alone is insufficient for full tumorigenicity, and as in the case of ras cooperativity (Land et al., 1983, Ruley et al., 1983), collaboration of a second genetic activation appears to be necessary. We have shown that in at least one monocyte tumor (tumor 7.1.3), a change involving the CSF-1 gene has occurred (Baumbach et al., 1987). In this tumor an endogenous ecotropic virus has integrated just upstream of the CSF-1 gene, thus activating production of CSF-1. This tumor now grows by an autocrine mechanism. Indeed all of the tumors have aquired a degree of autonomy, and so do not require CSF-1 for growth.
Role of Bound Calcium in the Control of Cilia

Ciliary reversal induced by application of cations was investigated in Paramecium caudatum. Ca2+, Mg2+, Ba2+, K+, Rb+ are bound by anionic binding sites on the specimen in a manner consistent with the law of mass action, though their binding affinities vary. Ciliary reversal occurs when calcium ions bound by the sites are liberated in exchange for externally applied cations other than calcium. Thus, the effectiveness of cations in inducing reversal depends on their affinities to the binding sites. Factors which affect the duration of ciliary reversal are (a) initial amount of calcium bound by the anionic sites, (b) final amount of calcium bound by the sites after equilibration with the stimulation medium, and (c) concentration of Ca2+ in the stimulation medium. Cilia in glycerol-extracted Paramecium reorient to a reversed position in the presence of calcium, ATP, and zinc. The following hypothesis is proposed for ciliary reversal: Calcium ions liberated from the cation exchanger system activate a contractile mechanism energized by ATP. Contraction of this component results in the reversal of direction of effective beat by a mechanism not yet understood. The duration of reversal is related to the time course of release of bound calcium.
Thermodynamic Databases and Phase Diagrams

The use of thermodynamic databases permits the calculation of equilibrium phase diagrams of many important industrial systems. An assessed thermodynamic database based on the results of decades of conducting experiments and calorimetric measurements is at the core of all industrial and scientific enquiries. An internally consistent database is assessed (built) by using the thermochemical (calorimetric) data in producing the results of phase equilibrium experiments. The procedure is usually referred to as the Calphad method. In equilibrium calculations, the temperature and composition variables are standard but the inclusion of the important variable pressure requires more complicated models for equations of state. The latter require pressure–volume–temperature data on materials that are not so common. Similarly, while there is ample data on binary and some ternary solutions, the multicomponent and multisite models become very cumbersome to deal with. Existing thermodynamic data permit us to draw many interesting phase diagrams such as the binary silicides (Mn–Si, W–Si), and carbothermal reduction of silica and iron at extreme pressures. Many of the currently existing phase diagrams are not based on actual in situ crystal structures at the appropriate temperature or pressure. An example of Al–Fe is given.
Analytic Functions of Elements of the Calkin Algebra, and Their Limits

Given an open subset Λ of the complex plane and an analytic function f defined on Λ, the norm-closure of f[S e(Λ)~]:= {f(A): A is a linear bounded operator on the Hubert space H, and σe(A) ⊂Λ} is described in terms of f, Λ and the different parts of the spectra of the operators. (Here A denotes the canonical projection of A in the Calkin algebra, and σe(A) is the essential spectrum of A.) The results include spectral characterizations of interior (f [S e (Λ)~]-) and its closure, and formulas for the distance from a given element of the Calkin algebra to f[S e(Λ)~], and to interior (f[S e(Λ)~]-).
The quenching of solutions to time–space fractional Kawarada problems

Abstract Quenching solutions to a Kawarada problem with a Caputo time-fractional derivative and a fractional Laplacian are considered. The solutions to such problems may only exist locally in time when quenching occurs. Quenching and non-quenching solutions are shown to remain positive and be monotonically increasing in time under minor restrictions. Conditions for quenching to occur are demonstrated and shown to depend on the domain size.
Classroom Basics—Preventing Problems Before They Begin

There are some important differences between classrooms characterized by productive learning environments and high levels of student engagement and classrooms with frequent disruptions and chaotic transitions, where teachers spend an excessive amount of time responding to unproductive student behavior. The difference is due to Classroom Basics—those teacher behaviors that lead directly to well-managed classrooms. Classroom Basics are methods of proactive classroom management that emphasize prevention of behavior problems by planning for and encouraging appropriate behavior, maintaining high levels of student participation, and reducing opportunities for student disruptions. Research evidence gathered over the past few decades suggests that successful teaching is not just responding to problems after they occur, but proactive planning for appropriate behavior— preventing problems before they begin (Gettinger, 1988). Using Classroom Basics will not prevent every problem from occurring, nor will it result in every child becoming a model student. Following Classroom Basics will, however, minimize occurrences of discipline problems, and help create a positive learning environment.
ONR Graduate Traineeship Award

Abstract : LONG-TERM GOALS. The long term goals of this project are to investigate statistical models for signals propagating in long-range underwater channels and to design signal processing techniques to mitigate signal fluctuations due to random disturbances such as internal waves. OBJECTIVES. At megameter ranges, broadband receptions consist of early ray-like arrivals and a finale that is best described in terms of the low order modes. The energetic low mode signals are more strongly affected by internal wave scattering than the ray arrivals. By focusing on the low order modes, this project seeks to develop a better understanding of internal wave effects. The first objective of this project is to derive range-dependent mode statistics from experimental data obtained during the 2004-2005 North Pacific Acoustic Laboratory (NPAL) experiment. Using these statistics, the second objective is to develop a statistical model to describe the low mode signals as a function of range. The third objective of this project is to develop new robust signal processing techniques based on the derived random channel model.
Properties of Aged Spores of Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus spores incubated on plates for 2 to 98 days at 37°C had identical Ca-dipicolinic acid contents, exhibited identical viability on rich- or poor-medium plates, germinated identically in liquid with all germinants tested, identically returned to vegetative growth in rich or minimal medium, and exhibited essentially identical resistance to dry heat and similar resistance to UV radiation. However, the oldest spores had a lower core water content and significantly higher wet heat and NaOCl resistance. In addition, 47- and 98-day spores had lost >98% of intact 16S and 23S rRNA and 97 to 99% of almost all mRNAs, although minimal amounts of mononucleotides were generated in 91 days. Levels of 3-phosphoglyceric acid (3PGA) also fell 30 to 60% in the oldest spores, but how the 3PGA was lost is not clear. These results indicate that (i) translation of dormant spore mRNA is not essential for completion of spore germination, nor is protein synthesis from any mRNA; (ii) in sporulation for up to 91 days at 37°C, the RNA broken down generates minimal levels of mononucleotides; and (iii) the lengths of time that spores are incubated in sporulation medium should be considered when determining conditions for spore inactivation by wet heat, in particular, in using spores to test for the efficacy of sterilization regimens.IMPORTANCE We show that spores incubated at 37°C on sporulation plates for up to 98 days have lost almost all mRNAs and rRNAs, yet the aged spores germinated and outgrew as well as 2-day spores, and all these spores had identical viability. Thus, it is unlikely that spore mRNA, rRNA, or protein synthesis is important in spore germination. Spores incubated for 47 to 98 days also had much higher wet heat resistance than 2-day spores, suggesting that spore "age" should be considered in generating spores for tests of sterilization assurance. These data are the first to show complete survival of hydrated spores for ∼100 days, complementing published data showing dry-spore survival for years.
MACS – A Novel Concept for High-Magnification Imaging of Stretch-Activated Cells Reveals Divergent Nuclear Behavior to Different Levels of Strain

Mechanical cues from the environment influence cell behavior. Mechanisms of cellular mechanosensation are unclear, partially due to a lack of methods that can reveal dynamic processes. Here, we present a new concept for a low-cost, magnetically-driven device that enables high-magnification imaging of cells during stretch. Using this device, we observed that nuclei of mouse embryonic skin fibroblasts underwent rapid but divergent responses to strain magnitude, showing area increase and chromatin decompaction during 5% strain, but area decrease and chromatin condensation during 20% strain. Only responses to low strain were dependent on calcium, while actin inhibition abrogated any nuclear response and increased stretch-induced DNA damage. Stretch-activation revealed a shift in actin filaments away from (5% strain) or towards (20% strain) the nuclear periphery. Our findings suggest that different pathways control strain level-dependent cell behavior and that mechanical confinement of nuclei through actin may be a protective mechanism during high strain loads.
Liberacionismo, Decolonialismo, Deconstructivismo. Elementos de un debate en torno a la problemática del eurocentrismo

In this article we give some elements of the debate between the liberationist, decolonialist and deconstructivist currents around the problem of Eurocentrism. In the first place, we identify some of the contributions of Jacques Derrida's thought to this debate from his reading of three representative authors of European thought: Husserl, Hegel and Heidegger. Secondly, we give some elements on the way in which certain forms of decolonialism and liberationism conceive not only their difference with Eurocentrism, but also the difference between European thinkers to whom they feel linked and this same Eurocentrism. Finally, in the third place, we briefly review two versions of deconstructivism that seem able to dialogue despite the distance, two versions of wandering between Latin America and Europe
Variation of ApoL1 Testing Practices for Living Kidney Donors

Introduction:Tests exist for ApoL1 genetic variants to determine whether a potential donor’s kidneys are at increased risk of kidney failure. Variants of the ApoL1 gene associated with increased ri...
Steady-State Analysis of Microgrid Distributed Control Under Denial of Service Attacks

Distributed control is an effective method to coordinate multiple components in a microgrid. It usually has mandatory requirements for communication graph topology; changing the topology unexpectedly could disrupt the operation of a distributed controller. A denial of service (DoS) attack blocks communication channels to cause variations in communication graph. Unforeseen topology changes render a controller to receive incomplete system information. Control decisions made based on incorrect information can lead to significantly reduced grid supporting capability. As a result, the vital power balance between generation and load may be challenged. Determining power balance requires steady-state power flow analysis; however, the cyber-induced steady-state analysis is not well studied in the literature. In this article, we show that a cyber–physical microgrid with unknown DoS attacks has augmented uncertain power flow equations, whose special structure creates new computational issue to determining power balance. To deal with the issue, we develop a novel cyber-induced microgrid model: the cyber–physical system is transformed into a pure physical model, where the disruption effects of DoS in the cyber layer are shown to be equivalent to the variations of the physical model parameters. With the transformed system, we develop a sufficient condition to ascertain the system power balance under unknown DoS attacks. In addition, practical insights for resilient distributed control design are shown as well.
Distal determinants of mental health conditions (MHC) for asylum-seeking children in Greece: A health system enhancement study

Mental health conditions (MHC) of asylum-seeking children in Greece are dire, but still recovering from the financial crisis, Greece cannot afford the cost of mental health treatments. We were motivated to understand the root causes of these mental health problems to explore the possibilities for prevention. We developed our inferences in four ways: (1) secondary analyses of thirty-nine semi-structured informational interviews conducted with national and international aid organizations and healthcare providers; (2) secondary analyses of nine interviews with asylum seekers; (3) direct observation during six refugee camp visits from June 1 to July 28, 2017; and (4) a literature review to develop a diagnostic tree of causal outcomes. Results revealed eight proximal causes: chronic stress, trauma, at-risk population without protection and assistance, the large number of vulnerable groups, feeling of insecurity, feeling of lacking control, a lack of autonomy, and feeling helpless and hopeless. We identified sixty-nine distal determinants of adverse MHC beneath the proximal causes. Too numerous and too diverse to treat effecvively with limited resources, these root causes of MHC were thematically grouped into: laws and regulations, capacity and resources, accountability and standards, prioritization, bias and stigma, and displacement. Using a common health systems framework, we developed strategic policy approaches to target the root causes, which could prevent ill-health while saving time and resources.
Transient acoustic vaporization signatures unique to low boiling point phase change contrast agents enable super-resolution ultrasound imaging without spatiotemporal filtering.

The unique activation signal of phase-change contrast agents (PCCAs or droplets) can be separated from the tissue signal and localized to generate super-resolution (SR) ultrasound (US) images. Lipid-shelled, perfluorocarbon PCCAs can be stochastically vaporized (activated) by a plane wave US transmission thereby enabling them to be used as separable targets for ultrasound localization microscopy. The unique signature of droplet vaporization imaging and the transient inherent nature of this signature increases signal contrast and therefore localization confidence, while the poor resolution of the low-frequency vaporization signal is overcome by the super-resolution result. Furthermore, our proposed PCCA SR technique does not require the use of user-dependent and flow-dependent spatio-temporal filtering via singular-value decomposition. Rather, matched filters selected by Fourier-domain analysis are able to identify and localize PCCA activations. Droplet SR was demonstrated in a crossed-microtube water phantom by localizing the activation signals of octafluoropropane nanodroplets (OFP, C3F8, −37 °C boiling point) to resolve 100 µm diameter fluorinated ethylene propylene tubes, which are ordinarily 35% smaller than the native diffraction-limited resolution of the imaging system utilized.
214 The effect of Anti-PD-1 therapy on median overall survival and progression free survival in glioblastoma multiforme patients with certain tumor markers

Background Almost 1 in 6 malignant brain cancers are Glioblastoma Multiforme, relative to most other brain cancers it is the most aggressive and prevalent by the numbers.1 Even with the best treatment options median Overall Survival(OS) remains morbid at 14.6 months and Progression Free Survival(PFS) remains 6.9 months.2 Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase promoter mutations,3 Isocitrate Dehydrogenase(IDH) mutations,4 and Tumor Mutation Burden(TMB)5 are three prominent tumor markers that are known to be associated with better PFS and OS; markers like these in the presence of new therapies maybe prove crucial to the development of novel therapies. Immunotherapy has been dubbed a ‘game changer’ in certain hematological and solid malignancies. Specifically, PD1 is a glycoprotein that is a strong negative regulator of the immune system, by blocking this glycoprotein Anti-PD-1 agents harness a strong response by the immune system to fight a malignancy6. In conjunction with these new found tumor markers, Anti-PD-1 agents maybe the solution that could dramatically improve OS and PFS in these patients. Methods The goal of this study was to retrospectively analyze patients‘ charts who had received Anti-PD-1 therapy and had TERT promoter mutations, IDH mutations, different TMBs, and other markers and to compare their OS and PFS outcomes with conventional therapies and their response to immunotherapy. Results Upon analyzing the data the presence of a TERT promoter 124C>T mutation, IDH wildtype, and lower TMB gave much better OS and PFS after treatment in patients on Anti-PD1 therapy. Conclusions Although this was a small study, these results certainly can be used to examine larger subsets of patients with these markers receiving immunotherapy because they had definitively better outcomes as compared to status quo treatment options. Ethics Approval The study was approved by Washington University Ethics Board, approval number 201111001. References Davis, M.E., Glioblastoma: overview of disease and treatment. Clinical journal of oncology nursing, 2016;20(5 Suppl): p. S2–S8. Stupp R, et al., Radiotherapy plus concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide for glioblastoma. New England Journal of Medicine 2005;352(10): p. 987–996. Mosrati MA, et al., TERT promoter mutations and polymorphisms as prognostic factors in primary glioblastoma. Oncotarget 2015;6(18): p. 16663–16673. Chen J-R., et al., Isocitrate Dehydrogenase (IDH)1/2 Mutations as Prognostic Markers in Patients With Glioblastomas. Medicine, 2016;95(9): p. e2583–e2583. Wu Y, et al. The predictive value of tumor mutation burden on efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Oncology 2019;9:p. 1161–1161. Almasbak H, Aarvak T, and Vemuri MC, CAR T. Cell Therapy: a game changer in cancer treatment. Journal of Immunology Research 2016;2016:p. 5474602–5474602.
Dynamic emissive signatures of intramolecular singlet fission during equilibration to steady state revealed from stochastic kinetic simulations

We investigate the ability of dynamic fluorescence probes to accurately track populations of multi-excitonic states in molecular dyads based on conjugated acenes capable of intramolecular singlet fission (iSF). Stochastic simulations of reported photophysical models from time-resolved spectroscopic studies of iSF dyads based on large acenes (e.g., tetracene and pentacene) are used to extrapolate population and fluorescence yield dynamics. The approach entails the use of repetitive rectangular-shaped excitation waveforms as a stimulus, with durations comparable to triplet lifetimes. We observe unique dynamics signatures that can be directly related to relaxation of multi-exciton states involved over the entire effective time of singlet fission in the presence and absence of an excitation light stimulus. In particular, time-dependent fluorescence yields display an abrupt decay followed by slower rise dynamics appearing as a prominent “dip” feature in responses. The initial fast decrease in the fluorescence yield arises from the formation of triplet pairs and separated triplets that do not produce emission resembling a complete ground state bleach effect. However, relaxation of one separated triplet allows the system to absorb, and in some cases, this increases the fluorescence yield, causing rise dynamics in the emissive response. Our approach also permits extrapolation of all multi-exciton state population dynamics up to steady state conditions in addition to the ability to explore consequences of alternative relaxation channels. The results demonstrate that it is possible to resolve unique signatures of singlet fission events from dynamic fluorescence studies, which can augment detection capabilities and extend sensitivity limits and accessible time scales.
But Your Honor, a Cell Phone is Not a Cigarette Pack: An Immodest Call for a Return to the Chimel Justifications for Cell Phone Memory Searches Incident to Lawful Arrest

Although cell phones and smart phones with immense digital memories containing their users’ most private information are now in the pockets of millions of Americans each day, cell phone memories are subject to unfettered searches incident to lawful arrest in most jurisdictions. Courts upholding cell phone memory searches analogize to Supreme Court and other superior court cases affirming searches incident to lawful arrest of crumpled cigarette packs, pagers, wallets, and address books, apparently on the theory that cell phones are likewise small, carried in pockets, and can contain personal information. Given the ubiquity of cell phones, and their users’ propensity to store vast amounts of private information on them, the time has come to distinguish cell phone memories from cigarette packs, pagers, wallets, and address books; recognize that cell phone users have an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy in their cell phone memories; and return to the twin Chimel v. California justifications for searches incident to arrest that such searches are only constitutionally permissible if they are either necessary to ensure officer safety, or necessary to safeguard evidence from destruction or loss. This Article argues that neither Chimel justification pertains to cell phone memory searches incident to lawful arrest; therefore, such searches are unconstitutional without a search warrant issued by a neutral magistrate, or when some other traditional exception to the warrant requirement applies. This Article posits that since a cell phone is not like a cigarette pack, courts should simply be applying the general search incident to arrest principles from Chimel rather than applying strained analogies to cases permitting searches (incident to arrest) of items that are not analogous to cell phones.
The source of terrain slope data is an important consideration for natural resource management: A comparison of field measured and DEM calculated slope values

On the Ground • Slope is a critical factor in understanding many ecological patterns. • Although a field-based clinometer remains a useful slope evaluation tool, the ease of access and ability to accommodate variable spatial scales associated with digital elevation models (DEMs) makes them a commonly used data source for slope evaluation. • However, DEM and field-based clinometer measures of slope do not characterize topography equally. • Natural resource managers must consider the compatibility of their data before incorporating slope values from different sources for ecological analyses. • Ground truthing of remotely sensed data (i.e., DEMs) is important to ensure the data adequately represent the desired field conditions.
Characteristics, incidence, and trends of intimate partner homicides in Massachusetts: Patterns by birthplace, race, and ethnicity

This study compared the incidence rates of intimate partner homicide (IPH) in Massachusetts by place of birth and race/ethnicity. The analysis involved 340 IPH victim cases between 1994 and 2014. V...
Rare Genitourinary Malignancies (Penile, Urethral, Renal Pelvis, and Ureteral Cancers)

Primary malignancies of the penis, urethra, and ureters are uncommonly referred for management with radiation therapy. The limited evidence for the efficacy of radiation for these rare malignancies is therefore not related to an intrinsic biological radioresistance, but a bias toward surgical management. Despite this pattern of care, primary radiation therapy can be used in the curative-intent setting, or as an adjuvant to surgery, both with or without chemotherapy depending on the clinical context. Given the rarity, it is critical persons diagnosed with penile, urethral, or ureteral cancers should be managed by multidisciplinary expert teams whenever practical.
Optical simulations to inform the design of UV-absorbing organic materials and solar cells

Abstract Organic solar cells are ideal for semi-transparent applications given their “peaky” absorption, which allows them to selectively absorb photons outside the visible range while transmitting visible light. Such devices embody a fundamental tradeoff between transparency and power generation that must be optimized to fit the requirements of each potential application—for example, powering electrically dimmable smart windows. To inform the design of organic ultraviolet-absorbers and solar cells that target such applications, we computer-generate sets of optical constants with a range of absorption coefficients and absorption cutoff wavelengths that mimic those of real organic semiconductors. We then perform optical transfer-matrix simulations to determine the absorption and transmission spectra of full-stack photovoltaic cells, inserting these computer-generated optical constants to describe the photoactive absorbing layers. We find that solar cells having absorbers with a cutoff wavelength of 420 nm produce the most power without degrading transparency or color neutrality, and that absorption coefficients up to 5 × 105 cm−1 are needed to fully absorb the targeted wavelengths within practical photoactive layer thicknesses
Simple Math Is Enough: Two Examples of Inferring Functional Associations from Genomic Data

Non-random features in the genomic data are usually biologically meaningful. The key is to choose the feature well. Having a p-value based score prioritizes the findings. If two proteins share a unusually large number of common interaction partners, they tend to be involved in the same biological process. We used this finding to predict the functions of 81 un-annotated proteins in yeast.
Cervical spondylosis with myelopathy as a complication of cerebral palsy.

Four cases of cerebral palsy with cervical spondylosis and myelopathy are described. Three patients had surgical decompression with poor results. The problems of diagnosis and management of such patients are discussed.
Abnormal Voltage Conditions Produced by Open Conductors on 3-Phase Circuits Using Shunt Capacitors [includes discussion]

Undesired voltages often accompanied by phase reversal have been experienced1,2 on distribution systems after the opening of 1- or 2-phase conductors. The mere opening of phase conductors on a 3-phase system will not necessarily result in undesirable voltages and phase reversal, but certain combinations of open conductors and unbalanced circuit impedances3 or open conductors and balanced impedances containing inductive and capacitive reactance4,5 can result in undesirable voltage conditions. In the latter, previous studies have not included simultaneously the effect of system load and of the transformer non-linear magnetizing characteristic upon these abnormal voltages. The results in this paper include the combined effect and are therefore more applicable to a wider range of system conditions. Specifically, these phenomena were investigated with regard to the grounded-wye or 4-wire distribution system containing floating wye or delta-connected capacitor banks for kilovar supply, because it is the most common circuit arrangement occurring in practice. However, it is recognized that many other configurations may result in the same phenomena. It is the purpose of this paper to define the nature of the phenomena and under what conditions they may be obtained, including the effect of capacitor size, transformer magnetizing characteristics, magnitude of load, and load power factor. This study was made largely on systems in miniature on the transient network analyzer.
Photochemical aging of volatile organic compounds in the Los Angeles basin: Weekday‐weekend effect

[1] During the CalNex (California Research at the Nexus of Air Quality and Climate Change) field study in May–June 2010, measurements of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were performed in the Los Angeles (LA) basin onboard a NOAA research aircraft and at a ground site located in Pasadena. A weekday-weekend effect in ozone, caused by lower NOx emissions due to reduced diesel truck traffic in the weekends, has been previously observed in Los Angeles and other cities. Measurements in the Caldecott tunnel show that emission ratios of VOCs do not vary with the day of the week, but measurements during CalNex2010 show a VOC weekday-weekend effect through faster photochemical processing at lower ambient NOx mixing ratios. Ambient VOC enhancement ratios of long-lived species such as benzene are the same between weekdays and weekends, whereas enhancement ratios of short-lived species, such as trimethyl benzene, are up to a factor of three lower on weekends. Based upon the observed differences in VOC enhancement ratios to CO, we determine that photochemical processing was on average 65%–75% faster on weekends during CalNex2010, which indicates that ambient OH radical concentrations were larger by this factor causing the observed change in VOC composition. A box model calculation based on the Master Chemical Mechanism was used to verify the increase in photochemical processing in the weekends.
Information Asymmetry and the Market Reaction to Equity Carve-outs

In this paper, I test whether, following an equity carve-out, there is a reduction in information asymmetry among investors of the parent firm, and whether this reduction is value-enhancing. I measure information asymmetry by estimating the probability of information-based trading (PIN) using a sequential trade microstructure model [developed by Easley, Kiefer, and O'Hara (1996)]. Consistent with my hypothesis, the results show a significant decline in the average PIN for the sample firms after equity carve-outs. In addition, I find no significant change in the average PIN for an industry-, size- and exchange-matched control sample of firms. Further, for the carve-out sample, the estimated rates of both informed and uninformed trading increase significantly after carve-outs, and the probability of occurrence of a private information event reduces after carve-outs. I also find that the decline in PIN is more pronounced when the carve-out is intended to refocus the parent's operations and when no segment disclosures are made by the parent prior to the carve-out. Finally, consistent with the information hypothesis, I find that gains around equity carve-out announcements are positively related to the level of pre-carve-out informed trading.
Fatty Acid Digestibility of Fat Sources Fed to Dairy Cows and Effects on Concentration of Fat in Milk

College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences 2007 Undergraduate Research Forum - 2nd Place in Nutrition Category
UTDMet: Combining WordNet and Corpus Data for Argument Coercion Detection

This paper describes our system for the classification of argument coercion for SemEval-2010 Task 7. We present two approaches to classifying an argument's semantic class, which is then compared to the predicate's expected semantic class to detect coercions. The first approach is based on learning the members of an arbitrary semantic class using WordNet's hypernymy structure. The second approach leverages automatically extracted semantic parse information from a large corpus to identify similar arguments by the predicates that select them. We show the results these approaches obtain on the task as well as how they can improve a traditional feature-based approach.
Qualitative Political Communication| Sharing the News: Journalistic Collaboration as Field Repair

Organized journalism in every era offers examples of news sharing: cooperative practices by which rival news outlets work together to produce or distribute news. Today, this behavior is being institutionalized by certain emergent news organizations. To understand news sharing, we argue, requires attention to how these journalists seek to not only practice but repair the field of journalism. This article analyzes news sharing as a form of field repair, drawing on ethnographic studies of investigative news nonprofits and professional fact-checking groups. We argue that journalism’s “high-modern” era, with its broad alignment of economic and professional goals, highlighted competitive rather than collaborative elements of newswork. As that alignment unravels, journalists are engaging in explicit news sharing in pursuit of two intertwined goals: to increase the impact of their own reporting and to build institutional resources for public-affairs journalism to be practiced more widely across the field.
Preparing in-service language teachers to design and implement technology-rich curriculum

This article examines a technology-rich curriculum project that was implemented in China with in-service teachers during a three-year period. The findings suggest the need to support in-service teachers to implement new technology-rich curriculum. The findings also imply the need for curriculum designers to have a good understanding of not only their team members, but also of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers in order to provide appropriate and relevant technology-rich curriculum. The authors suggest important related topics for further research, such as job-embedded professional development and professional learning communities.
Haptoglobin: a natural bacteriostat

The combination of bacteria and blood in a wound can have lethal consequences, probably because hemoglobin iron supports prolific bacterial growth. Rats inoculated intraperitoneally with pathogenic Escherichia coli and small amounts of hemoglobin die. Simultaneous administration of haptoglobin, a naturally occurring hemoglobin-binding protein, fully protects against lethality. Therefore, haptoglobin may not only accelerate the clearance of free hemoglobin, but also limit its utilization by adventitious bacteria. Haptoglobin may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of life-threatening, hemoglobin-driven bacterial infections.
Reduced reference MPEG-2 picture quality measure based on ratio of DCT coefficients

A reduced reference picture quality measure is proposed for MPEG-2 compressed videos. The measure can be calculated from the ratio of three N tap one-dimensional discrete cosine transform (DCT) coefficients. The proposed measures are highly correlated to subjective test scores and can provide accurate assessment of picture quality for a certain type of sequences.
Perspectives of Treatment Efficacy with the Substance Dependent Physician: A National Survey

Abstract A national survey was conducted to assess the judgments of two sets of respondents (administrators of state physician health programs and highly experienced clinicians) about the effectiveness of treatment programs for chemically dependent physicians. Administrators consistently estimated higher rates of patient success (and less relapse) than their practitioner counteiparts. Clinicians also identified factors (patient, therapist, group composition, context) they believed to be the most robust predictors of outcome with chemically impaired doctors. Implications of the findings for the conceptualization and design of prospective treatment outcome studies are addressed.
The effects of instructional method upon the acquisition of inquiry skills

This study investigated the effects of Guided Discovery vs. Didactic methods of instruction upon the acquisition of certain inquiry skills. At the same time, the effects of method on the attainment of factual-conceptual achievement was assessed. Hypotheses of no interaction of the methods variable with the learner variables—sex, measured intelligence, creativity, interest in science, general scholastic achievement, and science achievement—were also tested. The sample consisted of 140 8th-grade students. The duration of the experimental unit was six weeks. The subject matter was the same for each, “Early Man in America.” The results favored the Didactic group for the factual-conceptual achievement and the Guided Discovery for the acquisition of inquiry skills. However, in the latter there was an interaction of method with levels of measured intelligence and achievement.
Counseling and Building Communities of Peace: The Interconnections

This article introduces Kurt Lewin's (1948) concept of force field analysis as a useful method of diagnosing the current global crisis and in conceptualizing points of intervention, advocacy, and activism in relation to peace work. Perspectives on counseling and building cultures of peace and justice are discussed. An overview of the contributions of this special issue is also provided.
Heuristics, Experimental Subjects, and Treatment Evaluation in Bigraph Crossing Minimization

The bigraph crossing problem, embedding the two node sets of a bipartite graph along two parallel lines so that edge crossings are minimized, has applications to circuit layout and graph drawing. Experimental results for several previously known and two new heuristics suggest continued exploration of the problem, particularly sparse instances. We emphasize careful design of experimental subject classes and present novel views of the results. All source code, data, and scripts are available on-line
Regional Metastases, Artifacts, and Mimics in Axillary Lymph Nodes

Axillary lymph node status is an important prognostic factor in breast cancer. In most patients, sentinel lymph node biopsy has replaced axillary dissection because it decreases morbidity and permits accurate staging and local control. The increased histologic scrutiny of sentinel lymph nodes and consideration of drainage phenomena has led to a heightened awareness and detection of previously described but rare findings. These include false-positive findings such as benign heterotopic glands, transported epithelial cells, nevus cell aggregates, megakaryocytes, multinucleated giant cells, silicone lymphadenopathy, and histiocytes, all of which may mimic metastatic carcinoma. Conversely, degenerated or treated cancer cells can appear artifactually negative, mimicking histiocytes. In addition, many artifactual changes in lymph nodes are due to the use of immunohistochemistry. Overlapping staining with dendritic cells, histiocytes, and plasma cells can be misinterpreted as positive. Most of these issues can be resolved by comparing the lymph node findings with the primary tumor.
The Idealization of Light Skin as Vehicle of Social Pathogen vis-à-vis Bleaching Syndrome: Implications of Globalization for Human Behavior

Globalization is manifested via idealization of light skin. On the basis of light skin as worldwide physiological ideal there evolved a prerequisite to enhanced quality of life. The result precipitated the bleaching syndrome as social pathogen among people of color. Western social work academies have been less privy as a result of its disqualification from public discourse. To educate social workers globally will require an acknowledgement of bleaching syndrome. In the aftermath of being informed, people of color and the Western social workers who serve them will move the profession to its next level of service technology.
Polyunsaturated fatty acid status and aggression in cocaine addicts.

Abstract Background: There is mounting evidence that low levels of some polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a role in the pathophysiology of aggressive disorders. PUFA status is influenced by nutritional factors and because of our observation that some substance abusers have poor dietary habits, we explored the possibility that the fatty acids (FA) profiles of cocaine addicts with and without aggressive tendencies would differ. We also explored the possibility that their FA levels would change after a 2 week stay on an inpatient unit where a standard diet would be provided. Methods: Plasma levels of FAs were measured in 24 cocaine addicts admitted to an inpatient substance abuse unit. Six patients had a past history of aggression and 18 did not. Results: A comparison of the FA levels of aggressive and non-aggressive patients performed 3.7±2.0 days after their admission did not reveal any significant difference in saturated FAs (SFAs) or monounsaturated FAs (MFAs). Aggressive patients had significantly lower levels of the n-6 PUFA docosapentaenoic acid (DPA), of total n-3 PUFAs and of the n-3 PUFA docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and a marginally significant increase in the ratio of n-6 to n-3 PUFAs. Measurements performed 18.4±1.3 days after admission showed that most FAs had increased in the two patient groups. Some PUFAs, especially those of the n-3 series, increased more sharply in the aggressive patients. As a result, PUFA differences between groups that were present shortly after admission became non-significant. Conclusions: These data suggest that patients’ diets prior to their hospitalization were less than optimal and that the diet of the aggressive individuals might have been particularly deficient in n-3 rich nutrients. These data also give additional support to evidence indicating a possible link between an n-3 deficiency and aggression in humans.
A general inelastic internal state variable model for amorphous glassy polymers

This paper presents the formulation of a constitutive model for amorphous thermoplastics using a thermodynamic approach with physically motivated internal state variables. The formulation follows current internal state variable methodologies used for metals and departs from the spring-dashpot representation generally used to characterize the mechanical behavior of polymers like those used by Ames et al. in Int J Plast, 25, 1495–1539 (2009) and Anand and Gurtin in Int J Solids Struct, 40, 1465–1487 (2003), Anand and Ames in Int J Plast, 22, 1123–1170 (2006), Anand et al. in Int J Plast, 25, 1474–1494 (2009). The selection of internal state variables was guided by a hierarchical multiscale modeling approach that bridged deformation mechanisms from the molecular dynamics scale (coarse grain model) to the continuum level. The model equations were developed within a large deformation kinematics and thermodynamics framework where the hardening behavior at large strains was captured using a kinematic-type hardening variable with two possible evolution laws: a current method based on hyperelasticity theory and an alternate method whereby kinematic hardening depends on chain stretching and material plastic flow. The three-dimensional equations were then reduced to the one-dimensional case to quantify the material parameters from monotonic compression test data at different applied strain rates. To illustrate the generalized nature of the constitutive model, material parameters were determined for four different amorphous polymers: polycarbonate, poly(methylmethacrylate), polystyrene, and poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide). This model captures the complex character of the stress–strain behavior of these amorphous polymers for a range of strain rates.
Chemical characterization of individual, airborne sub-10-nm particles and molecules.

A nanoaerosol mass spectrometer (NAMS) is described for real-time characterization of individual airborne nanoparticles. The NAMS includes an aerodynamic inlet, quadrupole ion guide, quadrupole ion trap, and time-of-flight mass analyzer. Charged particles in the aerosol are drawn through the aerodynamic inlet, focused through the ion guide, and captured in the ion trap. Trapped particles are irradiated with a high-energy laser pulse to reach the “complete ionization limit” where each particle is thought to be completely disintegrated into atomic ions. In this limit, the relative signal intensities of the atomic ions give the atomic composition. The method is first demonstrated with sucrose particles produced with an electrospray generator. Under the conditions used, the particle detection efficiency (fraction of charged particles entering the inlet that are subsequently analyzed) reaches a maximum of 10-4 at 9.5 nm in diameter and the size distribution of trapped particles has a geometric standard deviati...
The Finite Negotiation Problem A Solution Theory

A finite negotiation problem is a finite, two-person, non-zero-sum noncooperative game. A negotiated solution to a problem is an outcome associated with two pure strategies, one for each player, which is arrived at by a negotiation process. The problem posed and solved in this article is the specification of a solution theory which reflects the expectations of negotiators and captures the strategic possibilities implicit in the original game. Instead of approaching the theory through axioms which imply the existence of a unique solution, this study describes a negotiating scenario which, when exactly described, is itself a game. Given the information of who moves first in the negotiation game, there is an equilibrium outcome, and this is taken as the solution of the problem.
Studies on the mechanism of the intestinal absorption of sugars X. An effect of Na+ concentration on the apparent michaelis constants for intestinal sugar transport, in vitro☆

Abstract The concentration of Na + in the medium has been found to influence the apparent K m for accumulation of 6-deoxyglucose by preparations in vitro of hamster small intestine. This result is interpreted as an additional asymmetry in the substrate-specific, Na + -dependent process mediating the rapid equilibration of sugars between the tissue and the medium. The possible consequences of this asymmetry are discussed in relation to a current hypothesis of Na + -dependent transport.