cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
658 Diagnostic performance of leptin and total adiponectin determined in the third trimester for the identification of late preeclampsia compared to angiogenic/ anti-angiogenic and clinical factors

determined in the third trimester for the identification of late preeclampsia compared to angiogenic/ anti-angiogenic and clinical factors Tinnakorn Chaiworapongsa, Steven Korzeniewski, Alyse Schwartz, Piya Chaemsaithong, Zhong Dong, Edgar Hernandez-Andrade, Sonia Hassan, Roberto Romero NICHD/NIH/DHHS, Perinatology Research Branch, Detroit, MI, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Detroit, MI OBJECTIVE: To compare the diagnostic performance of leptin and total adiponectin to that of angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors analyzed in the third trimester for the identification of late ( 34 weeks) preeclampsia (PE). STUDY DESIGN: This prospective cohort study included 1269 patients who had a maternal blood sample obtained between 30-34 weeks, delivered after 34 weeks and whose pregnancy outcome was known. Plasma concentrations of leptin, total adiponectin, placental growth factor (PlGF), soluble endoglin (sEng) and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (sVEGFR)-1 were determined by ELISA. Quantile regression was used to construct multiple of median (MoM) values conditional on gestational age. Logistic regression models were used to calculate area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). RESULTS: 1) The prevalence of PE was 3.2% (n 40); 2) the diagnostic performance metrics for each biomarker are shown in the Table; 3) the AUCs for total adiponectin in addition to clinical factors (maternal age, body mass index, combined parity and history of PE, and smoking), 0.74, and for leptin in addition to clinical factors, 0.76, were significantly smaller than that achieved by PlGF/sEng, 0.85 (p 0.01 and p 0.04), for the identification of late PE; and 4) unlike the angiogenic/anti-angiogenic factors, the addition of leptin or total adiponectin did not improve prediction of late PE (p 0.1 and p 0.8) compared to clinical factors alone (AUC 0.74). CONCLUSION: Plasma concentrations of leptin (but not total adiponectin) in the third trimester are significant predictors of late PE; however, leptin concentration does not outperform those of angiogenic and anti-angiogenic factors or clinical risk factors alone.
Evaluation of Transmitter Application Techniques for Use in Research of Adult Eulachon

Abstract The Eulachon Thaleichthys pacificus is a small anadromous fish whose annual spawning runs historically totaled millions of fish returning to the Columbia River in the Northwest United States. Recent population declines of returning adult Eulachon have been attributed to many factors, leading to the Eulachon being listed as threatened on the U.S. Federal Endangered Species List. However, basic life history information of the Eulachon in freshwater remains unknown, hampering efforts to manage the species. In the current study, we tested common transmitter application techniques (internal implantation versus external attachment) for use on adult Eulachon captured as they approached terminal spawning areas and measured both lethal and sublethal effects of each procedure. Time to mortality, overall mortality, and the proportion of fish that showed external signs of disease did not differ between techniques. Fish from the external attachment group had the lowest concentrations of the plasma ions Na+ an...
Asset and Liability? The Importance of Context in the Occupational Experiences of Upwardly Mobile White Adults

In-depth interview data reveal that workplace context and the social characteristics of clients and coworkers play an important role in shaping how upwardly mobile individuals experience class at work. While respondents did discuss their working-class backgrounds as a liability, as might be expected, they also described ways in which they experience their backgrounds as an occupational asset. These findings challenge the notion of a linear relationship between class and culture, suggesting instead a complex, fluid relationship between class, culture, and occupation, where the “class” of a job does not necessarily determine the class culture needed for that job.
Adaptation after treatment for heart disease: Preliminary examination within a stress appraisal context

Abstract Objective: To examine, within a stress appraisal framework, intrapersonal psychosocial factors that may affect adaptation after treatment for heart disease. Hostility was examined as a variable that may affect cognitive appraisal of stress and, thus, adaptation. Design: Quasi-experimental design with measures before and after treatment. Setting: Large, Midwest hospital preadmitting department with follow-up by mail 1 month after treatment. Outcome Measure: Adaptation, operationalized as perceived quality of life. Results: There was a significant, positive relation between hostility and cognitive appraisal of heart disease threat. Threat appraisal and state anxiety before treatment were significantly inversely related to posttreatment quality of life. Hostility was modestly, although nonsignificantly inversely related to posttreatment quality of life. Results provide tentative support for the theory-defined role of appraisal as a mediator between hostility and quality of life. Conclusions: Stress appraisal theory is tentatively supported as a useful framework for examining the adaptational outcome of quality of life in patients with heart disease. (Heart Lung® 1999;28:186-94)
Barriers and facilitators in nursing home intervention research.

Conducting intervention research in nursing home (NH) settings is particularly challenging because of the advanced age and frailty of the participants and the characteristics of the setting itself....
Medical, psychological, cognitive and educational late-effects in pediatric low-grade glioma survivors treated with surgery only†

Background Surgical resection is often the only treatment necessary for pediatric low-grade gliomas (LGGs) and is thought to define a population with an excellent long-term prognosis. The goal of this study was to describe the multidimensional late-effects of pediatric LGG survivors treated exclusively with surgery. Methods A retrospective chart review of “surgery-only” LGG survivors followed at Dana-Farber/Children's Hospital Cancer Care was undertaken. Patients had to be diagnosed with an LGG before the age of 22 years, treated with “surgery-only” and be at least 2 years from diagnosis. Results Sixty survivors were eligible with a median age at the time of review of 16.3 years and the median time since diagnosis of 8.4 years. Tumor locations were predominantly posterior fossa (47%) or cortical (33%). Eighty-five percent of patients had at least one ongoing late-effect, and 28% had three or more. The most common late-effects consisted of motor dysfunction (43%), visual problems (32%), anxiety (19%), social difficulties (19%), seizure disorders (17%), depression (15%), poor coordination/ataxia (14%), behavioral problems (13%), and endocrinopathies (10%). Nine patients had a history of suicidal ideation; two with suicide attempts. The mean full-scale IQ was normal, however, the number of survivors scoring one standard deviation below the mean was twice the expected number. Special education services were utilized by more than half of the survivors. Conclusions “Surgery-only” LGG survivors may be more affected by their tumor and its resection than previously appreciated. A prospective study is needed to address this survivor population. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2009;53:417–423. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Changes in Academic Adjustment and Relational Self-worth Across the Transition to Middle School

Moving from elementary to middle school is a time of great transition for many early adolescents. The present study examined students’ academic adjustment and relational self-worth at 6-month intervals for four time points spanning the transition from elementary school to middle school (N = 738 at time 1; 53 % girls; 54 % African American, 46 % European American). Grade point average (G.P.A.), intrinsic value for schoolwork, self-worth around teachers, and self-worth around friends were examined at every time point. The overall developmental trajectory indicated that G.P.A. and intrinsic value for schoolwork declined. The overall decline in G.P.A. was due to changes at the transition and across the first year in middle school. Intrinsic value declined across all time points. Self-worth around teachers was stable. The developmental trends were the same regardless of gender or ethnicity except for self-worth around friends, which was stable for European American students and increased for African American students due to an ascent at the transition into middle school. Implications for the education of early adolescents in middle schools are discussed.
Prodrug Approach to Enhancement of Rate of Dissolution of Allopurinol

The synthesis and physicochemical characteristics of l-ethoxyethyI-4-allopurinyl ether and 2-tetrahydropyranyl-4-allo- purinyl ether are described. These compounds have lower melting points, higher solubilities, and, consequently, considerably greater rates of dissolution than does allopurinol. The rate of hydrolysis of the ethyl vinyl ether derivative was examined at 37° in 1 and 0.1 N HC1, yielding half-lives of 13 sec and 7.7 min, respectively, for the pseudo-first-order hydrolysis to form allopurinol. The rate of hydrolysis of the tetrahydropyran derivative was somewhat slower; i.e., the half-lives were 35 sec and 12 min, respectively, under the same conditions.
Offshore siting of nuclear power plants

Abstract Of the newly suggested energy sources, nuclear power has the most immediate potential for solving predicted energy shortages in the U.S. during the next two decades. Nuclear power plants require approximately 500 acres of ground and a million gallons of cooling water per minute, but there are few remaining land sites in the U.S. which meet these requirements. One solution is to build floating nuclear plants (FNPs) and site them in the ecologically sensitive oceans. The environmental impacts of constructing and operating FNPs appear to be large; however, the domestic legislation of the U.S. can adequately regulate the problems associated with thermal discharge, perimeter contamination, and the risk of major accidents. On the international level, the U.S. needs to recognize the environmental and jurisdictional issues involving FNPs and then avoid potential FNP problems in the current law of the sea negotiations.
Defoliation effects on the ectomycorrhizal community of a mixed Pinus contorta / Picea engelmannii stand in Yellowstone Park

Molecular genetic methods were used to determine whether artificial defoliation affects ectomycorrhizal (EM) colonization, EM fungal species richness, and species composition in a mixed Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine)/Picea engelmannii (Engelmann spruce) forest in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming. All lodgepole pines in three replicate plots were defoliated 50%, while Engelmann spruce were left untreated. This was done to determine how defoliation of one conifer species would affect EM mutualisms of both treated and neighboring, untreated conifers. The results indicated no significant effect on either EM colonization (142.0 EM tips/core in control plots and 142.4 in treatment plots) or species richness (5.0 species/core in controls and 4.5 in treatments). However, the relative abundance of EM of the two tree species shifted from a ratio of approximately 6:1 without treatment (lodgepole EM:spruce EM), to a near 1:1 ratio post-treatment. This shift may be responsible for maintaining total EM colonization and species richness following defoliation. In addition, EM species composition changed significantly post-defoliation; the system dominant, an Inocybe species, was rare in defoliation plots, while Agaricoid and Suilloid species that were rare in controls were dominant in treatments. Furthermore, species of EM fungi associating with both lodgepole pine and Engelmann spruce were affected, which indicates that changing the photosynthetic capacity of one species can affect mycorrhizal associations of neighboring non-defoliated trees.
Biogeochemical transport in the Loxahatchee River estuary, Florida: The role of submarine groundwater discharge

Abstract The distributions of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Ba, U, and a suite of naturally occurring radionuclides in the U/Th decay series ( 222 Rn, 223,224,226,228 Ra) were studied during high- and low-discharge conditions in the Loxahatchee River estuary, Florida to examine the role of submarine groundwater discharge in estuarine transport. The fresh water endmember of this still relatively pristine estuary may reflect not only river-borne constituents, but also those advected during active groundwater/surface water (hyporheic) exchange. During both discharge conditions, Ba concentrations indicated slight non-conservative mixing. Such Ba excesses could be attributed either to submarine groundwater discharge or particle desorption processes. Estuarine dissolved organic carbon concentrations were highest at salinities closest to zero. Uranium distributions were lowest in the fresh water sites and mixed mostly conservatively with an increase in salinity. Suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations were generally lowest ( − 1 ) close to zero salinity and increased several-fold (∼ 18 mg L − 1 ; low discharge) toward the seaward endmember, which may be attributed to dynamic resuspension of bottom sediments within Jupiter Inlet. Surface water-column 222 Rn activities were most elevated (> 28 dpm L − 1 ) at the freshwater endmember of the estuary and appear to identify regions of the river most influenced by the discharge of fresh groundwater. Activities of four naturally occurring isotopes of Ra ( 223,224,226,228 Ra) in this estuary and select adjacent shallow groundwater wells yield mean estuarine water-mass transit times of less than 1 day; these values are in close agreement to those calculated by tidal prism and tidal frequency. Submarine groundwater discharge rates to the Loxahatchee River estuary were calculated using a tidal prism approach, an excess 226 Ra mass balance, and an electromagnetic seepage meter. Average SGD rates ranged from 1.0 to 3.8 × 10 5 m 3 d − 1 (20–74 L m − 2 d − 1 ), depending on river-discharge stage. Such calculated SGD estimates, which must include both a recirculated as well as fresh water component, are in close agreement with results obtained from a first-order watershed mass balance. Average submarine groundwater discharge rates yield NH 4 + and PO 4 − 3 flux estimates to the Loxahatchee River estuary that range from 62.7 to 1063.1 and 69.2 to 378.5 μmol m − 2 d − 1 , respectively, depending on river stage. SGD-derived nutrient flux rates are compared to yearly computed riverine total N and total P load estimates.
NdSrPb isotopic, and major- and trace-element geochemistry of Cenozoic lavas from the Khorat Plateau, Thailand: sources and petrogenesis

Abstract Basaltic rocks from Khorat Plateau, Thailand, dated at 0.9 Ma, coincide in time with the lithospheric extension of continental southeast Asia that began in the mid-Cenozoic. Dominated by alkali-olivine basalt and hawaiite compositions, they are generally alkalic and show specific petrologic and geochemical variations. Their trace-element and isotopic compositions are generally similar to those of ocean island basalts, and define two distinct groups. The group-I rocks have moderately depleted and relatively homogeneous isotopic ratios with 143 Nd 144 Nd = 0.51287−0.51296 87 Sr 86 Sr = 0.70354−0.70388 and Pb-isotopic ratios that are fairly nonradiogentic ( 206 Pb 204 Pb = 18.23−18.32 , 207 Pb 204 Pb = 15.47−15.53 and 208 Pb 204 Pb = 38.16−38.27 ). The group-II rocks show an enriched isotopic signature with 143 Nd 144 Nd = 0.51266−0.51281 , 87 Sr 86 Sr = 0.70486−0.70585 and more radiogenic Pb-isotopic ratios ( 206 Pb 204 Pb = 1849−1865 , 207 Pb 204 Pb = 15.54−15.60 and 208 Pb 204 Pb = 38.48−38.84 ). These isotopic data display linear trends on the 143 Nd 144 Nd and 206 Pb 204 Pb vs. 87 Sr 86 Sr diagrams, with group-I rocks clustering near the less depleted end of the field for Indian Ocean MORB and group-II rocks extending toward the EM2 (i.e. enriched mantle of type 2) end-member. Thus two source domains, one with a moderately depleted Indian Ocean MORB-like isotopic signature and the other with a EM2-like character, are thought to have been involved in the generation of these lavas, with the former originating from the asthenospheric mantle, and the latter likely from the lithospheric mantle. We suggest that the primary melts of group-I rocks formed by decompressional polybaric partial melting of asthenospheric materials similar in their isotopic compositions to the source of less depleted Indian Ocean MORB. This was followed by some fractional crystallization, chiefly of olivine, but with lottle contamination by the continental lithospheric materials en route to the surface. However, variations in the incompatible major- and trace-element concentrations of the group-I rocks are mainly due to the different pressures of melting (i.e. different depths) and different degrees of partial melting of source materials in the asthenosphere. The group-II rocks which show an enriched isotopic signature, on the other hand, are interpreted to be products of mixing between materials with highly radiogenic Sr and Pb, and nonradiogenic Nd, most likely aged frozen melts in the lithospheric mantle and young asthenospheric melts similar in their isotopic character to the moderately depleted Indian Ocean MORB. It is likely that this asthenospheric source is prevalent beneath continental southeast Asia.
Investigation of Mixture Diffusion in Nanoporous Adsorbents via the Pressure-Swing Frequency Response Method. 1. Theoretical Treatment

A new model has been developed for investigation of mixture diffusion in nanoporous adsorbents by the pressure-swing frequency response method; that is, the total flow rate out of an adsorption bed is measured, while the system with a constant feed rate is subjected to a sinusoidal perturbation of pressure. The model takes into account both nanopore diffusion and a surface barrier resistance for three kinds of geometric microparticles: slab, cylinder, and sphere. To describe accurately the mole fraction variation caused by mixture diffusion, the adsorption bed is characterized by three spatially uniform regions: inlet, adsorption section, and outlet. The model is linearized, and analytical solutions for the whole system are derived by decoupling rate equations, which are connected through cross-term Fickian diffusivities. It is shown that, for the model binary system CO 2 and C 2 H 6 in 4A zeolite, the mole fraction changes slightly for the flow system investigated. At high frequencies, the difference between the mole fractions in the adsorption and outlet regions becomes significant. The total transfer function is affected by both diffusional and equilibrium interference.
A Framework for Explaining Aggression Involving Groups

Aggression involving groups (versus individuals) can be particularly severe (e.g., hazings). Although an impressive amount of experimental research on the aggression of individuals exists, relatively less experimental research on aggression involving groups exists. We use existing theories of aggression and the available research to present a framework of aggression when groups are involved. We propose a provisional model that suggests that the extent of aggression to be committed depends on the composition of both source (i.e., perpetrators – group or individual) and target (i.e., victims – group or individual) entities. Evidence suggests that groups commit and receive more aggression than individuals. We propose that accessible hostile thoughts and the experience of negative affect contribute to the target effect (i.e., more aggression committed toward groups versus individuals), whereas disinhibition processes and arousal contribute to the source effect (i.e., more aggression committed by groups versus individuals). Our framework can guide future theory and research on aggression involving groups.
A Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Mutant That Lacks the Antigenic Loop Region Can Self-Assemble and Interact with the Large Hepatitis Delta Antigen

A novel hepatitis B virus surface antigen mutant harboring a deletion of most of the major antigenic loop region was competent for self-assembly and secretion. Although the mutant protein was competent for interaction with and incorporation of free large hepatitis delta antigen, it was partially defective in hepatitis delta virus RNP incorporation.
DOUBLE-SIDED DETERMINATION OF AGGREGATION LEVEL FOR INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM DATA

Intelligent transportation system (ITS) data, which are normally collected at a 15- to 30-s interval, are a rich and valuable resource for a variety of applications, including transportation planning. However, raw ITS data exhibit a wide range of fluctuations, which may not be directly useful for planning purposes, for which aggregations taken over longer time intervals are commonly needed. Proper determination of aggregation level of ITS data will ensure the retention of necessary information and the elimination of as much unnecessary information as possible. The traditional approaches to determining aggregation level are intuitive and easy to implement, yet they may be unable to determine whether particular information is kept or lost. The newly developed wavelet-based approach, although good for decomposing original data sets, needs to be further improved. A double-sided technique was developed that could refine the selection of aggregation levels based on two self-defined indices: the dissimilarity index and the information loss index. A computer program coded in MATLAB with the use of the Wavelet Toolbox was developed to implement the proposed technique. A case study illustrating the process was conducted by using real-time ITS data from traffic management centers in the San Antonio TransGuide. It is expected that the proposed technique will maximize the use of real-time ITS data and improve data needs in the urban transportation planning process.
GAS-SOLID ADSORPTION CHROMATOGRAPHY OF SOME AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS AND NITROGEN HETEROCYCLES ON ALUMINA.

Abstract By means of gas-solid adsorption elution chromatography on alumina, either plain or pre-treated with non-eluting quinclidine, retention times and heats of adsorption were determined for benzene, eight monoalkylbenzenes, m -xylene, naphthalene, and 2,6-lutidine. In general both retention time and heat of adsorption decreased on impregnating the alumina with quinuclidine. For plain alumina various pyridines and quinolines were very strongly retained so long as the non-bonding electrons on the nitrogen atom were not sterically hindered by ring substituents. Results are consistent with data on adsorbabilities obtained earlier from solid-liquid chromatography.
Attorney Persuasion in the Capital Penalty Phase: A Content Analysis of Closing Arguments

Transcribed sentencing phase summations were content analyzed and comparisons were made between prosecution and defense arguments. Arguments were coded to discover the themes emphasized by attorneys in arguing for life imprisonment or the death penalty. Prosecutors portrayed the defendant as a cold, remorseless killer, emphasized the brutal nature of the murder, the suffering experienced by victims, and the moral legitimacy of revenge. Defenders explained the murders in the context of the defendant's personal history, emphasized the severity of life without the possibility of parole, and argued that the death penalty is unjust and morally wrong. Defenders provided richer accounts of the life history of the defendant and prosecutors provided more vivid accounts of the murder. Attorney arguments are discussed in light of research on communication, social cognition, and persuasion.
A psychophysical evaluation of diminishing returns in riskless decision making

Abstract The psychophysical processes underlying Diminishing Returns (DR) were examined. A numerosity model for DR was evaluated using functional measurement procedures. To test the model, 21 subjects judged the subjective worth of different numbers of various small consumer items. The findings showed that DR is a joint function of perceived value and perceived numerosity. However, numerosity exhibited the traditional concave shape whereas the value function did not. Thus, the locus of the diminishing effect appeared to reside in the numerosity function. These results raise questions about the psychological mechanisms underlying diminishing returns. In addition, it appears that numerosity may play a more important role in decision behavior than previously realized.
A method for intermittent chlorine dosing in continuous-flow toxicity tests.

The cooling lines through the condensers in steam electric generating plants frequently become fouled with attached organisms which reduce cooling efficiency and decrease water flow rate. In many plants a chlorine solution is fed for several short periods each day to treat problem areas and then is discharged as condenser blow-down. To study the toxic effects of these discharges on the organisms in the receiving water, there is a need for an intermittent delivery system to simulate the down-stream conditions. The authors describe the composition and operation of an intermittent delivery system used to perform chlorine toxicity tests on macroinvertebrates. 5 references, 2 figures, 1 table.
An explication of treatment ideology among mental health care providers

This paper presents an exploratory analysis of the treatment ideologies of mental health care providers who work with the chronic:ally 'mentally ill.' Treatment ideology is understood as the complex set of beliefs providers hold about the aetiology of mental illness, the role of the client and the provider, and the efficacy of various treatments or interventions . A case study of a large, urban mental health care organisation providing care to the chronically 'mentally ill' was conducted in 1992. The author attended a series of staff retreats, administered a questionnaire, and completed in-depth interviews with 22 providers. A typol- ogy reflecting two dimensions that juxtapose altemative treat- ment preferences was developed to represent the range of treatment ideologies uncovered. The first dimension reflects differing conceptions of the role of the provider (supportive or facilitative) anci the second dimension reflects differing treatment goals (adjustment or autonomy). This typology was then theoretically extended to include a custodial role for the provider and a treatment goal oriented toward social control of clients. Further study of providers in differing organisation settings is needed to determine the salience of these typologies. Research must also investigate the development and conse- quences of treatment ideologies, with critical attention fcx:used on the consistency (or inconsistency) of treatment ideologies within a given system, the professional and organisational sources of differing preferences for treatment, and the effect of various belief sets on health care services and outcomes.
Orientation effects on the elevated temperature fatigue of copper single crystals

Abstract Effects of orientation on dislocation structures which evolve during the elevated temperature fatigue of copper single crystals have been studied using crystals oriented for double slip. The resulting dislocation reactions produce sessile jogs, Cottrell-Lomer locks, or cells formed by coplanar slip. The relative strengths of the reaction products vary markedly with increasing temperature. At room temperature coplanar slip crystals are strongest, crystals forming Cottrell-Lomer locks weakest. At 678 K (0.5 T m ) Cottrell-Lomer lock crystals are strongest, those forming sessile jogs weakest. The orientation dependence of the saturation stress is much greater at 678 K than at room temperature. A plateau in the saturation stress of about 14 MPa is observed in sessile jog and Lomer lock crystals cycled at 523 K. Persistent slip bands (PSBs) with the familiar ladder structure are observed by electron microscopy in these crystals. No saturation stress plateau or TEM evidence of PSB formation was found at 678 K. Only cells, usually equiaxed, were seen.
Neonatal polycythemia and hyperviscosity.

The syndrome of polycythemia and hyperviscosity in the newborn continues to be a problem for which many questions concerning etiology, incidence, diagnosis, pathophysiology, outcome, and appropriate management remain. Recent research also suggests that this is a syndrome of multiple etiologies that may affect multiple organs to varying degrees of severity.1–4 Studies involving both infants and animal models have provided greater insight into the pathophysiology of the problem, although certain areas are still ill defined.
Peer Counselors for Breastfeeding Mothers in the Hospital Setting: Trials, Training, Tributes, and Tribulations

Boston Medical Center (BMC), an inner-city, Baby-Friendly teaching hospital with approximately 2000 births per year, has employed breastfeeding peer counselors since 1998. The Breastfeeding Center frequently receives requests for information on our peer counselor program. This article reviews program models, training methods, practicalities, benefits, and challenges associated with employing breastfeeding peer counselors in the hospital setting. Specifically, it focuses on 3 different models of peer counseling programs used at BMC: the telephone model, the postpartum model, and the neonatal intensive care model, and it considers the benefits and issues associated with each model.
Comparative study of InGaAs integration on bulk Ge and virtual Ge/Si(1 0 0) substrates for low-cost photovoltaic applications

Abstract Ge virtual substrates have been developed via low-temperature CVD based on new hydride molecular chemistry routes fully compatible with conventional CMOS. These are designed to enable integration of III–V compounds directly on Si and therefore have the potential to replace expensive Ge wafers in multijunction photovoltaics grown on the conventional 4–6″ format. Here we first describe in detail the protocols needed to produce defect-free and atomically flat Ge buffers with ∼0.25–3 μm thicknesses directly on vicinal (5°, 8°) and on-axis Si (1 0 0) substrates with up to 4″ diameters. Industrial MOCVD is then used to grow Ge-matched InGaAs films with thicknesses of 0.8–2.5 μm, both on our virtual substrates and on vicinal (6°) Ge wafers. A thorough characterization of the films’ morphological, structural, and optical properties allows a meaningful comparison of our best “virtual-substrate-grown” films with a mature and commercially available InGaAs technology on bulk Ge. Our studies confirm that the InGaAs films grown on Ge wafers exhibit the highest quality, followed closely by those grown on miscut Ge buffered Si. The latter films, in contrast to their on-axis counterparts, are devoid of antiphase-boundary defects and exhibit smoother surfaces and superior crystallinity, indicating the need for misoriented substrates to successfully integrate InGaAs on large area Si platforms. Collectively our work demonstrates the promise for transitioning our virtual substrate technology to the industrial scale production of photovoltaic III–IV films on Si(1 0 0) platforms.
Switching times of double-barrier diodes

Abstract When a double-barrier diode (DBD) is biased into its bistable mode, its transient response to an external pulse is determined by the external circuit as well as the intrinsic speed of the tunneling process. We derive expressions for the switching times of DBD switches based on a linearized dynamic resistance model for the DBD current-voltage characteristics. We analyse the response of a proposed circuit using a photoconductor and short light pulse to switch the DBD. For two specific devices studied by different research groups, switching times of about 12 ps and 5 ps are predicted. We also analyse the effect of an external inductance on switching times by solving large signal responses of the equivalent circuit.
Discrete choice model for air-cargo mode selection

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to develop a better understanding of the factors that influence a shipper's decision to choose air cargo as a mode of shipment. Design/methodology/approach – A disaggregate multinomial discrete choice model is developed using freight shipment survey data to identify critical factors influencing air cargo mode choice. Disaggregate revealed preference data is obtained from surveying 347 manufacturers, freight forwarders, and other third-party service providers. Findings – The empirical model developed in this research shows that the rate of shipment, time of transit, cost-per-pound shipped, quantity shipped, perishability and delay rate of the mode are significant factors that influence mode choice. Research limitations/implications – The discrete choice model developed can be improved by taking into account logistics costs not considered in this research. Perhaps more in-depth surveys of the shippers and freight forwarders are needed. Additionally, improving the mode choice model by including stated preference data and subsequently incorporating service quality latent variables would be beneficial. Practical implications – Identifying the sensitivity of the shippers to various factors influencing mode selection enables transportation planners make better demand forecast for each mode of transportation. Originality/value – This paper extends previous mode choice studies by analyzing mode selection between air cargo and other modes. Better forecasting is achieved by replacing the logit model with probit, heteroscedastic extreme value and mixed logit models.
Content-based image retrieval approaches to interpret ground penetrating radar data

Abstract This paper presents a new data processing algorithm to interpret ground penetrating radar (GPR) data for quantification of railroad ballast fouling conditions. The algorithm is based on the observation that different fouling levels generate different textures in the GPR images. The algorithm was designed following the content-based image retrieval procedure, which includes two steps: feature extraction and similarity measurement. First, texture feature was extracted using discrete wavelet transform. Second, similarity measurement was performed. Laboratory GPR data were used to evaluate the accuracy of the algorithm. The accuracy was 93%, which demonstrated the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Representation of the Hamiltonian matrix in non-local coordinates for an acetylene bond-mode model

Abstract The vibrational overtone spectrum of acetylene is analyzed in the three stretching degrees of freedom to determine an “optimal” set of vibrational coordinates. A partitioning of the Hamiltonian into zero-order terms is sought where the zero order eigenstates provide the best possible description of the system. Using the transformation method (HEG) we are able to determine the Hamiltonian matrix in the set of one-dimensional eigenstates along an arbitrary set of coordinates while using a potential that is expressed in bond modes. The eigenenergies of these calculations compare very well with a 3610 state bond mode calculation, but the zero order picture is significantly improved, as measured by an increase in the leading term of the eigenvector. In the bond mode calculation, the leading term of a 5ν CH stretching state indicates 68% character of the closest zero order state. The same term in the same eigenstate in a mixed coordinate system indicates 82% character thus indicating substantial improvement in the vibrational coordinate system. We have found that the “best” coordinate description is energy dependent. We expect that further improvement in the coordinate description is possible, but will require the use of a curved coordinate system instead of simple linear combinations of coordinates.
Tradition loss as secondary disaster: Long‐term cultural impacts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill

This article presents a qualitative analysis of the cultural impacts of the Exxon Valdez oil spill of March 24, 1989. The focus of the article is on Alaska Natives in Cordova, Alaska. The analysis uses a conceptual framework contrasting community worldviews of the Dominant Social Paradigm (DSP) and the Natural Resource Community (NRC). Data reveal incipient cultural impacts from the spill that can evolve into tradition loss. These include decline of sharing and social support networks, decline in subsistence activities, and disruption of communal control of local natural resources. It is recommended that proactive incorporation of culturally appropriate responses to disasters become a priority of multinational corporations and their regulatory agencies.
The politics of discontent: the grievances of the Uitlander refugees, 1899–1902

In most literature concerning the Anglo-Boer War of 1899-1902, the Uitlanders' infamous grievances are cited as either the cause of or the excuse for the war. In actual fact, the so-called grievances were in most cases little more than issues which had gained their enhanced status of 'grievances' as a result of the publicity given them by the South African League and the Uitlander Council. While Milner ensured that these topics received public notice, many of the more basic concerns of the Uitlanders received little attention from the outside world. The purpose here is to elucidate the content and the form of some of these other grievances, particularly those expressed by a part of the Uitlander population during the war. In doing so, the extent of the distrust held by one section of the Uitlanders for the other becomes apparent, thus giving social meaning to the term class division. Milner's actions, when faced with Uitlander discontent during the war, illustrate his pragmatic political sense and give us an insight into his feeling for the very people he had supposedly gone to war to protect. His attempts to co-opt working class leaders and to suppress working class discontent arose from considerations of practical politics, but also from his natural tendency to rely upon commercial and mining leaders for advice and support. Hence, a study of his conduct in this instance presents a clear view of the more personal nature of the state-capital alliance which was to formulate much of South African policy in the early 20th century. In the two and a half years prior to the outbreak of war, many of the white residents of the Rand suffered from the effect of a business depression. Unemployment, particularly amongst building trade artisans and shop assistants, characterised the period as did an increase in the number of
The sociology of consumption: Deriving new social indicators

A new area of research is emerging from an integration of sociology and consumer research. It is called the ‘sociology of consumption’. To date, its applications have been most thoroughly spelled out for marketers and consumer researchers. This paper explores the relevance of the sociology of consumption for social indicators research. It begins by defining this new area of research, then it discusses how a society's consumption may be conceptualized and measured. It concludes with several examples of how the study of consumption can not only be used to characterize societies but to reveal their social processes as well.
The XRCC4 Gene Product Is a Target for and Interacts with the DNA-dependent Protein Kinase

The gene product of XRCC4 has been implicated in both V(D)J recombination and the more general process of double strand break repair (DSBR). To date its role in these processes is unknown. Here, we describe biochemical characteristics of the murine XRCC4 protein. XRCC4 expressed in insect cells exists primarily as a disulfide-linked homodimer, although it can also form large multimers. Recombinant XRCC4 is phosphorylated during expression in insect cells. XRCC4 phosphorylation in Sf9 cells occurs on serine, threonine, and tyrosine residues. We also investigated whether XRCC4 interacts with the other factor known to be requisite for both V(D)J recombination and DSBR, the DNA-dependent protein kinase. We report that XRCC4 is an efficient in vitro substrate of DNA-PK and another unidentified serine/threonine protein kinase(s). Both DNA-PK dependent and independent phosphorylation of XRCC4 in vitro occurs only on serine and threonine residues within the COOH-terminal 130 amino acids, a region of the molecule that is not absolutely required for XRCC4's DSBR function. Finally, recombinant XRCC4 facilitates Ku binding to DNA, promoting assembly of DNA-PK and complexing with DNA-PK bound to DNA. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that XRCC4 functions as an alignment factor in the DNA-PK complex.
Luteal regression in hysterectomized rats following parabiosis.

Three experiments were conducted with 194 Holtzman rats to study the mechanisms involved in decreased luteal persistence in hysterectomized rats due to trauma or to parabiotic union with ovariectomized rats. In individual hysterectomized rats, either surgical trauma necessary for parabiosis or trauma plus drenalectomy decreased the period of luteal maintenance. Castration 5 weeks prior to parabiosis in either male or female partners shortened luteal persistence in hysterectomized partnersover that seen when castration was performed the same day as parabiosis. Hypophysectomy of the ovariectomized partner prevented early luteal regression, while hypophysectomy of the hysterectomized partner did not. These data demonstrate that the luteolytic effect of trauma was not mediated through the adrenal glands and indicate that release of the rat pituitary from gonadal inhibition results in luteal regression in the parabiotic hysterectomized partner. (Endocrinology 84: 152, 1969)
Stakeholder perspectives on the implementation of shared decision making: a qualitative data analysis

AbstractBackgroundShared decision making (SDM), in which health care providers share the risks and benefits of treatment options and patients share their values and lifestyle preferences, is increasingly being adopted. SDM is often supported by decision aids (DAs), which are patient-friendly, balanced, evidence-based informational materials that explain treatment options. Stakeholder perspectives strongly influence how successful SDM implementation is.MethodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with major stakeholder groups, including medical group executives, clinicians, project managers, health plans, and medical malpractice insurers. The interviews were transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically.ResultsEight themes emerged: (1) patient engagement, (2) barriers to implementation, (3) facilitators to implementation, (4) benefits of SDM and DAs, (5) reimbursement structures, (6) the effects of Washington State's malpractice law, (7) perceived value of SDM and DAs, and (8) general observations abou...
Multiple steady states with distinct cellular metabolism in continuous culture of mammalian cells.

Mammalian cells have the ability to proliferate under different nutrient environments by utilizing different combinations of the nutrients, especially glucose and the amino acids. Under the conditions often used in in vitro cultivation, the cells consume glucose and amino acids in great excess of what is needed for making up biomass and products. They also produce large amounts of metabolites with lactate, ammonia, and some non-essential amino acids such as alanine as the most dominant ones. By controlling glucose and glutamine at low levels, cellular metabolism can be altered and can result in reduced glucose and glutamine consumption as well as in reduced metabolite formation. Using a fed-batch reactor to manipulate glucose at a low level (as compared to a typical batch culture), cell metabolism was altered to a state with substantially reduced lactate production. The culture was then switched to a continuous mode and allowed to reach a steady-state. At this steady-state, the concentrations of cells and antibody were substantially higher than a control culture that was initiated from a batch culture without first altering cellular metabolism. The lactate and other metabolite concentrations were also substantially reduced as compared to the control culture. This newly observed steady-state was achieved at the same dilution rate and feed medium as the control culture. The paths leading to the two steady-states, however, were different. These results demonstrate steady-state multiplicity. At this new steady-state, not only was glucose metabolism altered, but the metabolism of amino acids was altered as well. The amino acid metabolism in the new steady-state was more balanced, and the excretion of non-essential amino acids and ammonia was substantially lower. This approach of reaching a more desirable steady-state with higher concentrations of cells and product opens a new avenue for high-density- and high-productivity-cell culture.
The Role of Neutral Singular Vectors in Midlatitude Air-Sea Coupling

Abstract The role of “neutral vectors” in midlatitude air–sea interaction is studied in a simple coupled model. Neutral vectors—the right singular vectors of the linearized atmospheric model tendency matrix with the smallest singular values—are shown to act as pattern-specific amplifiers of ocean SST anomalies and dominate coupled behavior. These ideas are developed in the framework of a previously developed analytical coupled model, which described the mutual interaction across the sea surface of atmospheric and oceanic Rossby waves. A numerical model with the same physics is developed that permits the consideration of nontrivial background conditions. It is shown that the atmospheric modes that are least damped, and thus the patterns most easily energized by stochastic forcing, are neutral vectors.
Differential expression and enzymatic properties of GalNAc-4-sulfotransferase-1 and GalNAc-4-sulfotransferase-2

We have cloned two GalNAc-4-sulfotransferases, GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2, that transfer sulfate to terminal beta1,4-linked GalNAc. In conjunction with the action of protein-specific beta1,4GalNAc-transferases, GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 account for the presence of terminal beta1,4-linked GalNAc-4-SO(4) on glycoproteins such as lutropin, thyrotropin (TSH), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), carbonic anhydratase-VI (CA-VI), and tenascin-R. GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 can be distinguished by their differing specificity for oligosaccharide acceptors and temperature lability. The differences in properties have been used to show that the levels of GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 activity are proportionate to the levels of their respective transcripts. Furthermore, we have found that both transcript and activity levels of GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 vary widely among different tissues indicating that the regulation of their expression differs. Differences in specificity and the regulation of expression may account for existence of two GalNAc-4-sulfotransferases in vivo. The highest levels of both GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 transcripts are present in the pituitary of the mouse with multiple cell types that produce glycoproteins terminating with GalNAc-4-SO(4). Genetic ablation of both GalNAc-4-ST1 and GalNAc-4-ST2 may be necessary to alter the pattern and/or extent of sulfate addition to terminal beta1,4GalNAc in tissues such as pituitary.
A 915MHz integrated FSK receiver front-end and a CMOS ring oscillator PLL built with standard cells

This paper demonstrates a fully integrated frequency shift keying (FSK) receiver built with standard cells in. 18μm CMOS without any off-chip components. Building a receiver with standard cells dictates that an inverter-based ring oscillator, rather than an LC oscillator, will be used for LO generation. This approach reduces the effort required when redesigning the receiver in a different process. Additionally, an inverter-based ring oscillator takes up much less area compared to an LC oscillator. A. 18μm standard CMOS receiver prototype occupies only 500μm × 350μm of area, has a sensitivity of −76dBm at 10kbps data rate, and consumes 6mW from a single 1.8V supply while operating in 915MHz ISM band.