cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparison of three predictive scoring systems for morbidity in oncological spine surgery

Abstract Estimating complications in oncological spine surgery is challenging. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of three scoring systems for predicting perioperative morbidity after surgery for spinal metastases. One-hundred and five patients who underwent surgery between 2013 and 2019 were included in this study. All patients had scores retrospectively calculated using the New England Spinal Metastasis Score (NESMS), Metastatic Spinal Tumor Frailty Index (MSTFI), and Anzuategui scoring systems. The main outcome measure was development of a medical complication (minor or major) within 30 days of surgery. The predictive ability for each system was assessed using receiver operating characteristic analysis and calculations of the area under the curve (AUC). The average age for all patients was 61 years and 61/105 patients (58.1%) were male. The most common primary tumor origins were hematologic (23.8%), prostate (16.2%), breast (14.3%), and lung (13.3%). The overall 30-day complication rate was 36.2% and the rate of major complications was 21.9%. Among all patients who underwent oncological spine surgery, the NESMS score had the highest AUC for 30-day overall (AUC 0.64; 95% CI, 0.53 – 0.75) and major morbidity (AUC 0.68; 95% CI, 0.54– 0.81) in our population. However, the accuracy did not meet the threshold for clinical utility. Future prospective validation of these systems in other populations is encouraged.
Trending a Decade of Proximal Humerus Fracture Management in Older Adults

Abstract Background Proximal humerus fractures are the third most common fracture in older adults. Due to the aging population, the incidence of these fractures and their impact will continue to grow. With advancement in treatment options for proximal humeral fractures, the aim of this study was to evaluate the trends in acute management of proximal humerus fractures to determine how definitive treatment has changed over the past decade in patients over 65. Methods Using a commercially available database, patient records were queried from 2010 to 2019 for incidence of proximal humerus fractures. For each individual year, data was queried to identify the incidence of closed reduction percutaneous pinning (CRPP), hemiarthroplasty (HA), intramedullary nailing (IMN), open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), or nonoperative treatment for acute proximal humeral fractures. A Cochran-Armitage Trend test was used to determine significant changes in the trends of proximal humerus fracture management. Logistic regression analyses were performed to generate odds ratios (OR) with associated 95% confidence intervals comparing each individual procedure performed in 2019 to 2010. Results A total of 160,836 patients at least 65 years of age and older were diagnosed with a proximal humerus fracture. Of this total, 28,503 (17.72%) patients received operative treatment and 132,333 (82.28%) received nonoperative treatment. From 2010 to 2019, operative treatment trends of proximal humerus fractures changed such that CRPP decreased by 60.0%, HA decreased by 81.4%, IMN decreased by 81.9%, ORIF decreased by 25.7%, TSA decreased by 80.5%, and RSA increased by 1841.4% (all p Conclusion Over the past decade, the majority of older adults who sustain proximal humerus fractures continue to receive nonoperative treatment. Although CRPP, IMN, HA, ORIF, and TSA have decreased, RSA has recently become more widely utilized which is consistent with what has been noted in other countries. Continued examination of the mid- and long-term outcomes of the increasing percentages in RSA should be performed in this population.
Economic considerations for hydrogen production with a focus on polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis

Abstract This Chapter provides an overview of key economic considerations for hydrogen produced from water electrolysis, with the analyses presented here ranging from high-level summaries to detailed considerations of key market and technological drivers. As the electric power sector evolves to account for increasing shares of renewable energy, opportunities are emerging for technologies capable of storing renewable energy in various forms, including as hydrogen. Opportunities for reducing the cost of hydrogen produced from electrolysis include ensuring access to low-cost wholesale electricity, reducing the capital cost of electrolyzers, and development of systems capable of being dispatchable loads without experiencing significant efficiency penalties throughout lifetime. Our analysis indicates that numerous pathways exist for making hydrogen from electrolysis cost-competitive with hydrogen produced from conventional technologies, and significant opportunities exist for research and development to address performance targets for the future electrolysis systems envisioned here.
Dirichlet Series and Euler Products

In 1737 Euler proved Euclid’s theorem on the existence of infinitely many primes by showing that the series Σ p − 1, extended over all primes, diverges. He deduced this from the fact that the zeta function ζ(s), given by $$\zeta \left( s \right) = \sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\frac{1}{{{n^s}}}} $$ (1) for real s > 1, tends to 0o as s → 1. In 1837 Dirichlet proved his celebrated theorem on primes in arithmetical progressions by studying the series $$L\left( {s,\chi } \right) = \sum\limits_{n = 1}^\infty {\frac{{\chi \left( n \right)}}{{{n^s}}}} $$ (2) where χ is a Dirichlet character and s > 1.
No Exception to the Rule: The Unconstitutionality of State Immigration Enforcement Laws

This issue brief presents the argument that state immigration enforcement laws, like Arizona's SB 1070, are unconstitutional. The Supreme Court's recent Whiting decision, upholding Arizona's E-Verify and business licensing law, does not not alter the analysis or conclusion with regards to broader enforcement type schemes.
Natural and synthetic ferroselite: A roentgenographic mimesis of rammelsbergite

Abstract Iron diselenide (FeSe 2 ) has been synthesized in sealed, evacuated, silica-glass tubes at temperatures between 450 and 550°C. Its powder pattern is identical with that of ferroselite described by Buryanova and Komkov (1955). The first fifteen lines of the pattern are indistinguishable from those of rammelsbergite (NiAs 2 ). Single crystals of ferroselite from Temple Mountain, Utah, were studied on the precession camera. Their diffraction patterns are also deceivingly similar to those of rammelsbergite.
The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe: its impact on tourism.

Abstract The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe adopted principles which have both direct and indirect impact on travel and tourism. The data for the paper include documentary material, a survey sent to the national travel and tourism bureaus of the participating states, and personal interviews. It is evident that most of the problems encountered in implementing the final act are political, not technical. A separate section is devoted to the discussion of the impact on travel for professional reasons. The overall result of this study points to the fact that progress has been slow and tangible results have been limited.
ICE CORE METHODS | Overview

Cores through the polar ice sheets provide a remarkable record of past environmental conditions, on timescales of thousands of millennia to the last few decades. This article reviews the basic elements of ice-core records, highlights major areas of ice-core research, and suggests directions for future work.
Publication Measures of Scholarly Productivity: Norms for Academic Pediatric Pulmonologists

Background: Citation-based indexes may objectively measure scholarly production, and previous studies have shown these to be superior predictors of scientific achievement and academic rank than more traditional measures. However, absolute values of these indexes are discipline specific. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to define normative values of the h-index and m-quotient for academic pediatric pulmonologists. Methods: A sample of 85 pediatric pulmonologists were examined from 10 large academic children's hospitals, chosen from the top 50 U.S. News rankings of children's hospitals in pulmonary departments. H-index and m-quotient were tabulated using Web of Science. Results: Both h-index and m-quotient were significantly associated with academic rank (p<0.001). Median and interquartile ranges were as follows: assistant professor (h-index 1 [1–4], m-quotient 0.25 [0.04–0.50]), associate professor (h-index 10 [4–12], m-quotient 0.57 [0.38–0.66]), and full professor (h-index 23 [12–33], m-quotie...
The reactive processing of silicides

Interest in silicides as advanced materials for high-performance applications has focused significant attention on the processing of these materials. In recent years, various processing methodologies have been evaluated. This article provides a comprehensive review of reactive processing techniques and the results of various investigations.
Erythropoietin and Neonatal Neuroprotection

Certain groups of neonates are at high risk of developing long-term neurodevelopmental impairment and might be considered candidates for neuroprotective interventions. This article explores some of these high-risk groups, relevant mechanisms of brain injury, and specific mechanisms of cellular injury and death. The potential of erythropoietin (Epo) to act as a neuroprotective agent for neonatal brain injury is discussed. Clinical trials of Epo neuroprotection in preterm and term infants are updated.
The Texas Armadillo: From Psychedelic Totem to Regional Icon

Petit mammifere edente a carapace, le tatou est devenu un symbole culturel au Texas. D'abord adopte par la contre culture hippie psychedelique, son image s'est repandue a travers sa marchandisation comme icone regionale. On trouve aujourd'hui la representation du tatou sur toutes sortes de supports, d'un ensemble de bric-a-brac aux objets d'arts. Le tatou est devenu une partie indispensable du style texan. Cependant, l'animal lui-meme est oublie dans tout ce processus de fabrication d'images et d'iconolâtrie. La culture du Texas exploite l'image du tatou, mais n'a pas grand chose a voir avec l'etre lui-meme.
Effects of Tetracycline and Spectinomycin on the Tertiary Structure of Ribosomal RNA in the Escherichia coli 30 S Ribosomal Subunit

Structural analysis of the 16 S rRNA in the 30 S subunit and 70 S ribosome in the presence of ribosome-specific antibiotics was performed to determine whether they produced rRNA structural changes that might provide further insight to their action. An UV cross-linking procedure that determines the pattern and frequency of intramolecular 16 S RNA cross-links was used to detect differences reflecting structural changes. Tetracycline and spectinomycin have specific effects detected by this assay. The presence of tetracycline inhibits the cross-link C967×C1400 completely, increases the frequency of cross-link C1402×1501 twofold, and decreases the cross-link G894×U244 by one-half without affecting other cross-links. Spectinomycin reduces the frequency of the cross-link C934×U1345 by 60% without affecting cross-linking at other sites. The structural changes occur at concentrations at which the antibiotics exert their inhibitory effects. For spectinomycin, the apparent binding site and the affected cross-linking site are distant in the secondary structure but are close in tertiary structure in several recent models, indicating a localized effect. For tetracycline, the apparent binding sites are significantly separated in both the secondary and the three-dimensional structures, suggesting a more regional effect.
Reactivity of Carbonaceous Anodes Used in Lithium-ion Batteries, Part I: Correlation of Structural Parameters and Reactivity

Carbonaceous anodes are the most practical elecrode for application in lithium-ion battery, mainly due to their low cost, flexibility for modification to achieve high energy capacity and high rate capability, abundance and environmentally uniquencess. Despite superior advantages of carbonaceous anodes vs other alternative anode and metallic lithium, there is considerable reactivity of lithiated graphite with organic electrolytes, which is a major safety concern. In this work, we report the nature of gaceous species generated on various carbonaceous anodes during initial charge-discharge cycling. The correlation between structural parameters of carbonaceous materials and their irreversible capacity loss have been investigated. Structural parameters have been studied using x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. We have found a direct correlation between crystal morphology, degree of disorder, degree of graphitisation and the irreversible capacity loss. There is also a direct correlation between the irrversible capacity loss and the volume of gas generated during initial charge- disharge cycling. Results also show the importance of removing adsorbed and trapped gases in addition to removal of bonded impurities, such as functional groups from carbonaceous electrode before fabrication of batteries. Particular attention is given on thermal analysis for different graphite compounds and the influence of different parameters and conditions: nature of graphite in term of specific surface area, degree of graphitization and the length of microcristallites, degree of intercalation, nature of electrolytes on irreversible capacity loss and volume of gases generated during the initial charge-discharge cycles.
Spatio-temporal evolution and time-stable characteristics of soil moisture within remote sensing footprints with varying soil, slope, and vegetation

Air-borne passive microwave remote sensors measure soil moisture at the footprint scale, a scale of several hundred square meters or kilometers that encompasses different characteristic combinations of soil, topography, vegetation, and climate. Studies of within-footprint variability of soil moisture are needed to determine the factors governing hydrologic processes and their relative importance, as well as to test the efficacy of remote sensors. Gridded ground-based impedance probe water content data and aircraft-mounted Electronically Scanned Thinned Array Radiometer (ESTAR) pixel-average soil moisture data were used to investigate the spatio-temporal evolution and time-stable characteristics of soil moisture in three selected (LW03, LW13, LW21) footprints from the Southern Great Plains 1997 (SGP97) Hydrology Experiment. Better time-stable features were observed within a footprint containing sandy loam soil than within two pixels containing silty loam soil. Additionally, flat topography with split wheat/grass land cover produced the largest spatio-temporal variability and the least time stability in soil moisture patterns. A comparison of ground-based and remote sensing data showed that ESTAR footprint-average soil moisture was well calibrated for the LW03 pixel with sandy loam soil, rolling topography, and pasture land cover, but improved calibration is warranted for the LW13 (silty loam soil, rolling topography, pasture land) and LW21 (silty loam soil, flat topography, split vegetation of wheat and grass land with tillage practice) pixels. Footprint-scale variability and associated nonlinear soil moisture dynamics may prove to be critical in the regional-scale hydroclimatic models.
Partitioning of $$\alpha $$ α and $$\beta $$ β diversity using hierarchical Bayesian modeling of species distribution and abundance

Diversity partitioning is becoming widely used to decompose the total number of species recorded in an area or region $$(\gamma )$$ into the average number of species within samples $$(\alpha )$$ and the average difference in species composition $$(\beta )$$ among samples. Single-value metrics of $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ diversity are popular because they may be applied at multiple scales and because of their ease in computation and interpretation. Studies thus far, however, have emphasized observed diversity components or comparisons to randomized, null distributions. In addition, prediction of $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ components using environmental or spatial variables has been limited to more extensive data sets because multiple samples are required to estimate single $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ components. Lastly, observed diversity components do not incorporate variation in detection probabilities among species or samples. In this study, we used hierarchical Bayesian models of species abundances to provide predictions of $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ components in species richness and composition using environmental and spatial variables. We illustrate our approach using butterfly data collected from 26 grassland remnants to predict spatially nested patterns of $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ based on the predicted counts of butterflies. Diversity partitioning using a Bayesian hierarchical model incorporated variation in detection probabilities by butterfly species and habitat patches, and provided prediction intervals for $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$ components using environmental and spatial variables.
LEAKY PREZYGOTIC ISOLATION AND POROUS GENOMES: RAPID INTROGRESSION OF MATERNALLY INHERITED DNA

Accurate phylogenies are crucial for understanding evolutionary processes, especially species diversification. It is commonly assumed that “good” species are sufficiently isolated genetically that gene genealogies represent accurate phylogenies. However, it is increasingly clear that good species may continue to exchange genetic material through hybridization (introgression). Many studies of closely related species reveal introgression of some genes without others, often with more rapid introgression of maternally inherited chloroplast or mitochondrial DNA (cpDNA, mtDNA). We seek a general explanation for this biased introgression using simple models of common reproductive isolating barriers (RIBs). We compare empirically informed models of prezygotic isolation (for pre- and postinsemination mechanisms of both female choice and male competition) with postzygotic isolation and demonstrate that rate of introgression depends critically upon type of RIB and mode of genetic inheritance (maternal versus biparental versus paternal). Our frequency-dependent prezygotic RIBs allow much more rapid introgression of biparentally and maternally inherited genes than do commonly modeled postzygotic RIBs (especially maternally inherited DNA). After considering the specific predictions in the context of empirical observations, we conclude that our model of prezygotic RIBs is a general explanation for biased introgression of maternally inherited genomic components. These findings suggest that we should use extreme caution when interpreting single gene genealogies as species phylogenies, especially for cpDNA and mtDNA.
Regulation of Nitric Oxide Production in Human Coronary Microvessels and the Contribution of Local Kinin Formation

Background The goal of this study was to define the regulation of nitric oxide release by coronary microvessels from the failing and nonfailing human heart and to determine the role of local kinin production in the elaboration of nitric oxide by human coronary microvascular endothelium. Methods and Results Ten hearts from humans with end-stage heart failure and two hearts from patients without heart failure were harvested at the time of orthotopic cardiac transplantation. Microvessels were sieved and the production of nitrite was determined by the Griess reaction. Microvessels were incubated in the presence of agonists for nitric oxide production (acetylcholine and bradykinin), which caused dose-dependent increases in nitrite, a response that was blocked by N G-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester and receptor-specific antagonists (atropine and HOE 140, respectively). In addition, the production of nitrite by microvessels from the failing heart appeared to be less than that produced by microvessels from the nonfailing heart. Incubation with norepinephrine or the α2-adrenergic agonist BHT 920 also caused dose-dependent increases in nitrite production, which were blocked by the B2-receptor antagonist HOE 140. This implicated local kinin synthesis as an intermediate step in the production of nitric oxide in response to α2-adrenoceptor stimulation. The production of nitric oxide was also prevented by the addition of serine protease inhibitors, which blocked the action of local kallikrein, again suggesting a role for local kinin synthesis. Conclusions Our results indicate that nitric oxide is produced by human coronary microvessels, that nitric oxide production may be reduced but certainly not increased in microvessels from the failing human heart, and that there is active local kinin generation in these blood vessels.
Degradation behaviour of polymeric materials found in auto Shredder residue wastes

The thermogravimetry of a series of 50/50 mixtures of polypropylene, acrylonitrile/butadiene/styrene, polyvinyl chloride and polyurethane polymers have been studied as representative of the major polymeric materials found in automobile shredder residues. The weight loss behaviour of these polymeric mixes have been compared with the results calculated from the individual polymeric components. This comparison of the thermogravimetry curves and the calculated kinetic parameters indicates that interactions occur between the individual polymers when heated together. The extent of these interactions are dependent upon the polymeric mixtures being considered, but in most cases the changes in the degradation kinetic parameters were not large.
High beta tokamak operation in DIII-D limited at low density/collisionality by resistive tearing modes

The maximum operational high beta in single-null divertor (SND) long pulse tokamak discharges in the DIII-D tokamak with a cross-sectional shape similar to the proposed International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) device is found to be limited by the onset of resistive instabilities that have the characteristics of neoclassically destabilized tearing modes. There is a soft limit due to the onset of an m/n=3/2 rotating tearing mode that saturates at low amplitude and a hard limit at slightly higher beta due to the onset of an m/n=2/1 rotating tearing mode that grows, slows down and locks. By operating at higher density and thus collisionality, the practical beta limit due to resistive tearing modes approaches the ideal magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) limit
Schematic model for the differential cross section in ion-pair formation

Abstract An analytic approximation to the differential cross section is derived for ion-pair formation in a model two-state (“turned-on Coulomb”) system. The result gives insight into the structure observed in recent experiments.
The chemisorption of CO and NO on Rh(110)

Abstract The room temperature chemisorption of CO and NO on Rh(110) has been studied by means of photoelectron spectroscopy, LEED, and temperature programmed desorption. It was found that CO chemisorbs and desorbs molecularly at all coverages. In contrast to CO, it was found that NO chemisorbs dissociatively at low coverages followed by non-dissociative chemisorption at higher exposures. On flash desorption, the molecular NO decomposes and desorbs as N2. The N 1s XPS line from chemisorbed molecular NO is found to be anomalously broad and suggests the presence of multiplet splitting from unpaired spin density on the chemisorbed molecular NO.
Birthing the genetics of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

Peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is an uncommon but increasingly recognized and potentially devastating idiopathic cardiomyopathy that affects women during pregnancy or shortly after delivery.1–3 The medical literature provides reference to PPCM as early as 1849.4 Its recognition as a distinct clinical entity first occurred in 1937,5 and the term PPCM was introduced in 1971 when Demakis proposed the specific diagnostic criterion of onset between the last month of pregnancy and 5 months postpartum.6 Subsequently, the criterion of systolic dysfunction (ie, left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and left ventricular enlargement) was added.7 PPCM was to be applied only when no specific cause or preceding history of heart failure was evident. More recently, Elkayam and colleagues recognized 23 cases of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDCM) with onset earlier in pregnancy (as early as week 17), designated them early pregnancy-associated cardiomyopathy (PACM), and found them to be clinically indistinguishable from late PACM (ie, classical PPCM),2 suggesting that the 2 groups may be considered under the inclusive term of PACM. Articles see pp 2169 and 2176 The incidence of PPCM shows large temporal and geographic variations, with more recent articles suggesting an incidence of 1 in ≈2000 to 4000 deliveries (ie, affecting 1000 to 2000 women annually in the United States).1,8 Even higher rates have been reported from South Africa (1:1000), Haiti (1:300), and Nigeria (1:100).1,3 Some of these differences may be accounted for by diagnostic criteria (eg, clinical only versus echocardiographic) and others by pathogenic factors (eg, dietary salt, hypertension, genetic background).3 The clinical presentation of PPCM is indistinguishable from IDCM (ie, new appearance of clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure due to systolic dysfunction, such as fatigue, dyspnea, pulmonary and peripheral edema, and thromboembolic risk).1,3 Treatment goals also are generally similar to that …
Explicit solutions to phenomenological models of magnetization reversal of thin ferromagnetic films in the presence of a sawtooth magnetic field

Explicit solutions are derived for several phenomenological models of magnetization reversal in thin ferromagnetic films driven by a sawtooth magnetic field. For a domain wall velocity that is linear in the magnetic field, it is found that the dynamic coercive field follows a square-root power-law in the slope of the magnetic field, shifted by the depinning field. For a more general domain wall velocity different power-law exponents are found, yet the overall form for the scaling of the area of the hysteresis loop remains a power-law shifted by the depinning field. This shifted power-law could be interpreted to be a crossover between adiabatic and dynamic regimes.
A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on Neural Processing Speed and Efficiency

Lutein and zeaxanthin are major carotenoids in the eye but are also found in post-receptoral visual pathways. It has been hypothesized that these pigments influence the processing of visual signals within and post-retina, and that increasing lutein and zeaxanthin levels within the visual system will lead to increased visual processing speeds. To test this, we measured macular pigment density (as a biomarker of lutein and zeaxanthin levels in brain), critical flicker fusion (CFF) thresholds, and visual motor reaction time in young healthy subjects (n = 92). Changes in these outcome variables were also assessed after four months of supplementation with either placebo (n = 10), zeaxanthin only (20 mg/day; n = 29) or a mixed formulation containing 26 mg/day zeaxanthin, 8 mg/day lutein, and 190 mg/day mixed omega-3 fatty acids (n = 25). Significant correlations were found between retinal lutein and zeaxanthin (macular pigment) and CFF thresholds (p<0.01) and visual motor performance (overall p<0.01). Supplementation with zeaxanthin and the mixed formulation (considered together) produced significant (p<0.01) increases in CFF thresholds (∼12%) and visual motor reaction time (∼10%) compared to placebo. In general, increasing macular pigment density through supplementation (average increase of about 0.09 log units) resulted in significant improvements in visual processing speed, even when testing young, healthy individuals who tend to be at peak efficiency.
Teaching a Java-based CS1 course in an academically-diverse environment

The Texas Christian University (TCU) Computer Science Department was established in 1981. From the outset, the Department's CS1 course has presented significant teaching challenges due to the wide diversity of student's taking the class. Traditionally, only 25-35% of the students enrolled in the course are computing science majors, the remaining being students from a wide diversity of disciplines, many of which are non-science based. Despite the diversity, it has been necessary for the course, and its content, to be structured to satisfy essential core requirements for students majoring in computer science and computer information science as well as to meet program requirements for the many non-computer science majors taking the course. This paper discusses some of the unique issues associated with teaching a Java-based CS1 course to a very diverse group of students, the majority of which have very unsophisticated problem solving skills, and little or no programming expertise. A representative set of experiments and programming assignments are included.
Intraluminal diverticulum of the esophagus

Two patients with intraluminal esophageal diverticulum are described and illustrated. Both had chronic esophagitis. One had a distal esophageal stricture, while the other showed persistent retrograde gastroesophageal reflux following hiatal hernia repair. Possible causes are considered, based on the presumption of intermittently or chronically increased intraluminal pressure associated with an area of congenital or acquired weakness of the esophageal wall.
Thermal expansion data for eight optical materials from 60 K to 300 K

Coefficients of linear thermal expansion are reported, in the range 60 K to room temperature, for eight optical materials: Polytran potassium chloride and Polytran calcium fluoride—Harshaw; chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) zinc sulfide and zinc selenide—Raytheon; germanium (single-crystal and polycrystal); crystalline magnesium fluoride, potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP), and lithium niobate—Harshaw. The last three are anisotropic crystals; thermal expansion was measured both parallel and perpendicular to the c axis.
Rapid phytochrome-mediated changes in the uptake by bean roots of sodium acetate [1-(14)C] and their modification by cholinergic drugs.

4 min of red light increases the uptake of sodium acetate[1-14C] by excised, etiolated secondary roots of Phaseolus aureus Roxb. 4 min of far-red light reveres this effect. AMO-1618, which inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity, enhances the red-light effect, while d-tubocurarine, which blocks the animal acetylcholine receptor, inhibits it. Red light also increases basipetal translocation of the label. When the metabolic fate of the label was determined in dark-held roots, 36% of the label remained as acetate, 48% evolved as [14C]CO2, 3% partitioned with acetylcholine, and 3% effluxed from the roots. The rest of the label was associated with the coarse residue left after extraction. The major effect of red light was to increase the uptake of the label in the acetate fraction. We interpret these observations to mean that the phytochrome mechanism immediately causes an increase in uptake of the label during brief irradiation with red light. Because of our previous demonstration that both red light and acetylcholine increase respiration, it is probable that the increased absorption of the label is a process requiring respiratory energy. These data support the concept of phytochrome as a membrane-bound functional system that in bean roots is mediated by the acetylcholine mechanism.
How representationalism can account for the phenomenal significance of illumination

In this paper, I defend a representationalist account of the phenomenal character of color experiences. Representationalism, the thesis that phenomenal character supervenes on a certain kind of representational content, so-called phenomenal content, has been developed primarily in two different ways, as Russellian and Fregean representationalism. While the proponents of Russellian and Fregean representationalism differ with respect to what they take the contents of color experiences to be, they typically agree that colors are exhaustively characterized by the three dimensions of the color solid: hue, saturation, and lightness. I argue that a viable version of representationalism needs to renounce this restriction to three dimensions and consider illumination to be a genuine phenomenal dimension of color. My argument for this thesis falls into two parts. I first consider the phenomenon of color constancy in order to show that neither Russellian nor Fregean representationalism can do justice to the phenomenal significance of local illumination. I subsequently formulate a version of representationalism that accounts for illumination by taking it as a phenomenal dimension of color.
When does teacher licensure make sense

Teacher licensure is a regime where schools are forbidden from hiring teachers who have not completed a program of study in a teacher education program and/or other preparation requirements. This paper specifies a theoretical model of a school hiring teachers who are either traditionalcompleted a program of study in a teacher education program or alternativeentered teaching through an alternative path. We combine the implications of the theoretical model with the empirical literature on teacher labor markets to reach conclusions about how labor market policies would impact teacher quality. Perhaps the most important conclusion is that it is very likely that a regime of teacher licensure would lower teacher quality and student achievement. The key reason why licensure would lower teacher quality is that licensure fails to make the important distinction between marginal and average quality in hiring decisions.
Inactivation of bacteriophage T4 by organic and inorganic tin compounds

Butyltins and inorganic tins inactivated bacteriophage T4. The effect was on the phage and not on its host,Escherichia coli. The order of effectiveness was SnCl4≥monobutyltin>dibutyltin>tributyltin≥SnCl2. For the butyltins and SnCl4 this was the reverse of the order of effectiveness usually observed for plants, animals, and microorganisms. This pattern suggests that degradation of tributyltin does not always detoxify it. Monobutyltin (MBT), the most effective organotin, was more effective at pH 4 than at higher pH values and it was more eeffective at low strength. Inactivation proceeded more rapidly at 37°C than at 18°C. The results of experiments in which the ratio of phage to MBT was varied suggests that tin compounds may act by flocculating phage particles. Zinc, which is bound by phage short tail fibers (P12), inhibited phage inactivation by MBT, suggesting that MBT may act upon these tail fibers.
Obesity is more strongly associated with inappropriate eating behaviors than with mental health in older adults receiving congregate meals.

This study explored the relationships of inappropriate eating behaviors and mental health with obesity in congregate meal participants in Georgia (N = 120, mean age = 75 years, 75% female, 43% African American). Inappropriate eating behaviors were evaluated with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (18 questions); mental health was assessed with the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (21 questions); history of depression was assessed with the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey; and height and weight were measured to calculate body mass index (BMI) and obesity (52% ≥ 30 kg/m2). In bivariate analyses, obesity was associated with cognitive restraint (rho = 0.49, p < 0.0001), uncontrolled eating (rho = 0.22; p < 0.01), emotional eating (rho = 0.32, p < 0.001), and stress (rho = 0.18, p < 0.05), but not with depression or anxiety. In multivariate regression analyses including all six eating behavior and mental health indices, only cognitive restraint and emotional eating were consistently associated with...
Dissolution processes: Stuffed structures

Understanding oxide dissolution processes on the molecular scale remains a challenge. A study on nanoscale oxides suggests a mechanism for dissolution that proceeds through the formation of oxygen-stuffed metastable structures.
Functional deficit after transfer of the pronator teres for acquired radial nerve palsy

Purpose A suitable muscle motor in reconstruction after acquired never injury should have adequate strength to perform the desired task, be aligned in the direction of pull, have synergistic action, and not result in unacceptable functional loss. In radial nerve palsy, the pronator teres is the most common motor donor used to restore wrist extension. Although the pronator teres remains aligned to provide pronation, the force deficit of the transfer is not known. Methods We used 6 cadavers and 6 patients to determine the loss of pronation strength both experimentally and clinically. Results Cadaveric testing showed a loss of pronation produced with similar load after transfer of the pronator. Clinical testing showed statistically significant loss of pronation ranging from 24% to 44%, depending on the method of testing. This deficit may be an important consideration in some clinical situations when transfers are used while waiting for radial nerve function to return. Conclusions In the cadaveric biomechanic testing, we simulated the pronator teres–to–extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon transfer and showed a decreased range of motion and force developed after transfer. The clinical arm of the study confirmed our biomechanic findings by showing the loss of pronation function. This loss may be an important factor when planning reconstruction for radial nerve injuries. Type of study/level of evidence Therapeutic IV.
Track structure: time evolution from physics to chemistry

This review discusses interaction cross sections of charged particles (electrons, protons, light ions) with atoms and molecules. The focus is on biological relevant targets like liquid water which serves as a substitute of soft tissue in most Monte Carlo codes. The spatial distribution of energy deposition patterns by different radiation qualities and their importance to the time evolution from the physical to the chemical stage or radiation response is discussed. The determination of inelastic interaction cross sections for charged particles in condensed matter is discussed within the relativistic plane-wave Born approximation and semi-empirical models. The dielectric-response-function of liquid water is discussed.
Technical basis for using nose swab bioassay data for early internal dose assessment

One of the challenges to the dose assessment team in response to an inhalation incident in the workplace is to provide the occupational physicians, operational radiation protection personnel and line managers with early estimates of radionuclide intakes so that appropriate consequence management and mitigation can be done. For radionuclides such as Pu, where in vivo counting is not adequately sensitive, other techniques such as the measurement of removable radionuclide from the nasal airway passages can be used. At Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), nose swabs of the ET 1 region have been used routinely as a first response to airborne Pu releases in the workplace, as well as for other radionuclides. This paper presents the results of analysing over 15 years of nose swab data, comparing these with dose assessments performed using the Bayesian methods developed at LANL. The results provide empirical support for using nose swab data for early dose assessments. For Pu, a rule of thumb is a dose factor of 0.8 mSv Bq −1 , assuming a linear relationship between nasal swab activity and committed effective dose equivalent. However, this value is specific to the methods and models used at LANL, and should not be applied directly without considering possible differences in measurement and calculation methods.
Studies on polycysteine peptides and proteins. I. Isomeric cystinylcystine peptides.

Abstract l -Cystinyl- l -cystine, l -cystinyl- d -cystine, and d -cystinyl- l -cystine were synthesized by the mixed anhydride procedure involving the reaction of carbobenzoxy- S -benzylcysteine and S -benzylcysteine ester in the presence of isobutylchlorocarbonate and triethylamine, followed by the successive removal of ester, carbobenzoxy, and S -benzyl groups, and by the oxidation of the respective cysteinylcysteines at pH 6.5 and pH 8.5 to the corresponding cystinylcystines. The peptides were all crystalline. The l -cystinyl- d -cystine and d -cystinyl- l -cystine, except for their optical enantiomorphism, appeared to be identical and independent of the pH at which they were formed by oxidation. They yielded optically inactive cystine on HCl hydrolysis, the greater part of which appeared to be dl -cystine. dl -Cystine could be distinguished from meso -cystine by the considerably greater susceptibility of the former to the action of snake venom l -amino acid oxidase, although both forms were nearly equal in their susceptibility to cystine desulfurase. The l -cystinyl- l -cystine formed by oxidation at pH 6.5 appeared by several criteria to be different from that formed by oxidation at pH 8.5, although their elemental analyses were practically identical, and it is possible that the conditions of oxidation led to configurational isomers. Both forms on HCl hydrolysis yielded pure l -cystine. The dihydrochloride salts and the dibenzoyl derivatives prepared from the two forms of l -cystinyl- l -cystine showed in some characteristics their origin from different parent compounds, although in these cases too, the elemental analyses were practically identical. All of the cystinylcystine peptides were completely and quantitatively hydrolyzed by renal aminopeptidase. The hydrolytic rates for the two l -cystinyl- l -cystine forms were practically the same, and considerably higher than the nearly equal values for l -cystinyl- d -cystine and d -cystinyl- l -cystine. Renal acylase I acted very slowly on the former, and not at all on the latter peptides.
Funding for Agricultural Economics: Discussion

Farrell and Stanton are to be complimented on an excellent paper dealing with (a) funding patterns and changes in support for research in agricultural economics and nonagricultural economics areas during the 1970s, (b) factors influencing the demand for services of agricultural economists and the capacity to service that demand, and (c) some strategies for funding agricultural economics research and for better utilizing resources currently available for agricultural economics research. I have no quarrel with any parts of their paper, and the focus of my discussion is on shedding additional light on some of their major points. The analysis of funding patterns of agricultural economics and nonagricultural economics research by Farrell and Stanton is based on data obtained from a survey of heads of departments of agricultural economics and unpublished CRIS data on funding of agricultural economics research. To complement their analyses, I have analyzed the patterns in funding of agricultural economics research from 1970-79, as exhibited by the expenditures in twenty-three research problem areas (RPAs) which encompass agricultural economics research. The twenty-three RPAs analyzed were 108, 114, 316, 503, 506, 507, 508, 509, 510, 601, 602, 603, 604, 703, 801, 802, 803, 804, 807, 808, 902, 907, and 908. The data were obtained from the Inventory of Agricultural Research, volume 2, tables 2, 3, and 4, FY 1970-79. Some of the RPAs encompass other than agricultural economics research, but the total funds allocated to the RPA were used because there is no basis for separating out the funds allocated to agricultural economics research. The funds allocated to agricultural economics research covered by the RPAs include allocations to departments and research units other than departments of agricultural economics and agricultural economic units in the USDA. Also, the constant dollars were obtained by using the implicit deflator for government purchases of goods and services, which is a different deflator than the one used by Farrell and Stanton.
Feeding the mosquito Aedes aegypti with TMOF and its analogs; effect on trypsin biosynthesis and egg development.

Female Aedes aegypti that were given a blood meal by enema deposited yolk in their oocytes and synthesized trypsinlike enzymes in their midgut. When females were given an enema of Aea-TMOF (Trypsin Modulating Oostatic Factor) (NH2-YDPAPPPPPP-COOH) and blood both egg development and trypsin biosynthesis were inhibited. Similar results were observed if TMOF was mixed with the blood meal and fed to female mosquitoes through a membrane. Renin inhibitor (NH2-PHPFHFFVYK-COOH) or poly proline given by enema with the blood meal did not affect egg development or trypsin biosynthesis. Feeding of TMOF analogs P1 (NH2-YDPAP-COOH) or P4 (NH2-YDPAPPPP-COOH) inhibited trypsin biosynthesis in the midgut. Injecting or giving an enema of an amidated peptide (NH2-WRPGPPPPPP-CONH2) of HIV-2 X-ORF protein also inhibited egg development and trypsin biosynthesis in the mosquito gut. When [3H]TMOF was purified by high performance liquid chromatograophy (HPLC) and fed with the blood meal through a membrane to female mosquitoes, [3H]TMOF outside the gut increased linearly for the first 24 h and 28% of the hormone was found outside the gut at 72 h. These results suggest that TMOF and its active analogs traverse the gut epithelial cells into the hemolymph, bind TMOF gut receptor(s) and modulate trypsin biosynthesis.
Increased organization of cytoskeleton accompanying the aging of human fibroblasts in vitro

Fibroblastic cells of human origin have a limited lifespan in culture. One of the senescence-associated phenotypic changes is an increase in the abundance of cytoplasmic filaments. Human skin fibroblasts (strain 0011), derived from an 8-week-old male fetus, were passaged according to a predetermined schedule and examined at successive population doubling levels. In young rapidly growing cultures, fluorescence microscopy with NBD-Phallacidin shows a normal organization of the actin-containing fibers, microtubules and intermediate filaments, as has been described previously. At stages close to the end of the in vitro lifespan of the cell strain, large flat fibroblasts are the predominant cell type in culture. These large senescent fibroblasts contain numerous prominent actin fibers traversing the entire long axis of the cytoplasm. The fibers are often located adjacent to each other and appear to form a sheet on the ventral side of the cytoplasm. Staining of senescent cells with anti-tubulin antibody reveals an increase in the abundance of microtubules per cell and the distribution pattern is altered through the increase in the number of organization centers. Intermediate filaments are also more abundant and display tightly packed fibrillar sheets or bundles. Electron microscopic studies have confirmed the increased organization of microfilaments into bundles in senescent cells. These results suggest that during in vitro senescence, the increase in cell size is correlated with increased organization of the cytoskeleton. The presence of a rigid cytoskeletal structure may contribute in part to the inability of the senescent cell to replicate.
Second-order hyperpolarizability of p-nitroaniline calculated from perturbation theory based expression using CNDO/S generated electronic states

Abstract The pertubation theory based expression for the second-order hyperpolarizability (β) of p -nitroaniline is evaluated by direct summation over CNDO/S generated electronics states. Only one (charge transfer) state accounts for 75% of the value calculated using a large subset of possible states, and that value agrees well with experiment.