cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Ultraviolet photodetectors based on ZnO nanostructures

Ultraviolet photodetectors have attracted increasing attention due to its widespread use in civilian and military fields in the past decades. Many kinds of inorganic and organic materials have been used for UV photodetectors so far. ZnO is one of the most prominent semiconductors among them, because it has a wide-band-gap of ~3.35 eV and a large exciton binding energy of 60 meV. As for ZnO nanostructures, they play important roles in developing UV photodetectors. It is fair to state that ZnO nanostructures are probably the most important nanostructures that present excellent performance in photodetectors. In this review, we will describe state-of-the-arts UV photodetectors based on ZnO nanostructures and our recent progress on highly sensitive ZnO hybrid UV photodetector with specific detectivity up to 3.4 ×10 15 Jones.
THE EFFECT OF ANTERIOR HYPOTHALAMIC LESIONS ON THYROID FUNCTION AND GOITER DEVELOPMENT IN THE RAT1

Thyroid function was measured in rats lesioned in the anterior hypothala-mus, using the 24-hour radioiodine uptake test, the hormone discharge rate both on a control diet and during the administration of propylthiouracil, the T/S ratio test of VanderLaan, the PBI and the serum cholesterol level. The results of all tests with the exception of the T⁄S ratio indicate an interference with hypophyseal thyrotropin production in lesioned animals, with lesions which block the hypertrophy response of the thyroid to goitrogens being most effective in reducing thyrotropin production. Assays of pituitary thyrotropin content paralleled the thjToid function data. These experiments are inter-preted as arguing against the existence of two distinct thyrotropins in the rat.
Metastases to soft tissue: a review of 118 cases over a 30-year period.

BACKGROUND. Metastatic tumors presenting as soft tissue masses are relatively rare and can be the source of diagnostic confusion both clinically and pathologically. The authors' experience was reviewed at a large academic medical center over a 30-year period (1971–2000) with metastases to soft tissue. METHODS. The tumors in the study included mainly lesions involving skeletal muscle or skeletal muscle and subcutaneous tissue of the upper and lower limbs, trunk, shoulders, and buttocks. Direct extension from tumors originating in bone or adjacent organs, tumors involving the skin or areas known to contain abundant lymph nodes (ie, axilla, groin), and hematopoietic malignancies were excluded. RESULTS. One hundred and eighteen cases were identified; 60 patients were women and 58 were men. The age range was 20 to 87 years (median of 53.5 years). The primary tumor was located in the skin (19 patients), lung (13 patients), breast (13 patients), kidney (12 patients), colon and rectum (12 patients), uterus (8 patients), ovary (5 patients), head and neck (tongue, pharynx, larynx, nasal cavity, and mandible) (5 patients), esophagus (2 patients), stomach (2 patients), cervix (2 patients), small bowel (2 patients), bone (2 patients), adrenal gland (1 patient), eye (1 patient), testis (1 patient), urinary bladder (1 patient), and salivary gland (1 patient). In 27% (32 of 118 cases) of cases, the soft tissue metastasis was the initial manifestation of the disease. In 13.5% (16 of 118 cases) of cases the primary site of origin could not be identified. The sites of metastasis included the abdominal wall (25 patients), back, including scapular region (20 patients), thigh (17 patients), chest wall (15 patients), arm (15 patients), shoulder (11 patients), buttock (5 patients), perineum (3 patients), leg (2 patients), foot (1 patient), umbilical area (1 patient), ankle (1 patient), scalp (1 patient), and elbow (1 patient). The histologic classification of the tumors included carcinoma (83 patients), malignant melanoma (20 patients), sarcoma and carcinosarcoma (9 patients), malignant mixed Mullerian tumor (2 patients), seminoma (1 patient), malignant teratoma (1 patient), malignant gastrointestinal stromal tumor (1 patient), and neuroblastoma (1 patient). Many of the tumors displayed histologic features that created difficulties for diagnosis and could be easily mistaken on routine histopathologic examination for a variety of primary soft-tissue sarcomas. Routine use of immunohistochemical stains aided in their proper recognition. CONCLUSIONS. Metastases are not an infrequent finding in soft tissue and they may represent the initial manifestation of the disease. Use of a basic panel of immunohistochemical stains is recommended for defining the cell type and arriving at the correct diagnosis. Cancer 2008. © 2007 American Cancer Society.
Differential cell adhesion to vocal fold extracellular matrix constituents.

Abstract The human vocal folds are a complex layering of cells and extracellular matrix. Vocal fold extracellular matrix uniquely contributes to the biomechanical viscoelasticity required for human phonation. We investigated the adhesion of vocal fold stellate cells, a novel cell type first cultured by our laboratory, and fibroblasts to eight vocal fold extracellular matrix components: elastin, decorin, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminin and collagen types I, III and IV. Our data demonstrate that these cells adhere differentially to said substrates at 5 to 120 min. Cells were treated with hyaluronidase and Y-27632, a p160ROCK-specific inhibitor, to test the role of pericellular hyaluronan and Rho-ROCK activation in early and mature adhesion. Reduced adhesion resulted; greater inhibition of fibroblast adhesion was observed. We modulated the fibronectin affinity exhibited by both cell types using Nimesulide, an inhibitor of fibronectin integrin receptors α5β1 and αvβ3. Our results are important in understanding vocal fold pathologies, wound healing, scarring, and in developing an accurate organotypic model of the vocal folds.
Two-body hadronic decays of D mesons

This Letter accounts for the observed (i) enhancement of $\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{K}^{+})}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})}$ and (ii) suppression of $\frac{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}({D}^{0}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{K}^{\ensuremath{-}}{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{+})}$ relative to ${{tan}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta}}_{\mathrm{C}}$ in terms of (i) the ratio $\frac{{f}_{K}}{{f}_{\ensuremath{\pi}}}$ of leptonic decay constants and (ii) different effective Cabibbo angles in noncharm and charm sectors. Strong new constraints on mixing angles in the six-quark model are implied.
Prognostic Utility of PET in Prostate Cancer

Accurate prediction and assessment of relevant outcomes is important in clinical trial design and in clinical practice for selecting and sequencing appropriate individualized management of patients with prostate cancer. There have been many standard non-imaging based prediction tools for the various phases of prostate cancer. However these tools may be limited in individual cases and need updating based on the improved understanding of the underlying complex biology of the disease and the emergence of the novel targeted molecular imaging methods. A new platform of automated predictive tools that combine the independent molecular, imaging, and clinical information can contribute significantly to patient care and improve outcome. Such platform will also be of interest to regulatory agencies and payers as more emphasis is placed on supporting those interventions that have quantifiable and significant beneficial impact on patient outcome.
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis of the Temporal Bone

Histologic examination of hematoxylin and eosin stained slides demonstrated a collection of histiocytes with associated eosinophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells and isolated multinucleated cells (Fig. 2). The lobular, indented and folded nuclei were surrounded by a microvacuolated clear to eosinophilic cytoplasm. The nuclear chromatin was finely basophilic. Focal eosinophilic microabscesses were noted. Immunohistochemical stains showed S-100 protein and CD1a strong cytoplasmic immunoreactivity.
Down-regulation of PTH-PTHrP receptor of heart in CRF: role of [Ca2+]i.

Down-regulation of PTH-PTHrP receptor of heart in CRF: Role of [Ca 2+ ] i . The mRNA of PTH-PTHrP receptor in the kidney and liver of CRF rats is down-regulated. It is not known whether this is a generalized phenomenon and the signals that mediate such down-regulation are not evident. Excess PTH in CRF induces a rise in basal levels of cytosolic calcium ([Ca 2+ ] i ), and the high [Ca 2+ ] i is implicated in the genesis of cell dysfunction in CRF. Therefore, it is reasonable to propose that the PTH-induced rise in [Ca 2+ ] i provides a negative feedback control system for the down-regulation of the mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP in order to protect the cells from the harmful effects of progressive rise in blood levels of PTH in CRF. The heart contains the mRNA for this receptor and it is a target organ for PTH action. We examined whether the message of the PTH-PTHrP receptor is down-regulated in the heart of CRF animals and evaluated the role of [Ca 2+ ] i in this process. The expression of the mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP was significantly reduced in the heart of CRF rats as compared to normal animals. Also, the CRF rats had elevated blood levels of PTH and high [Ca 2+ ] i of cardiac myocytes. The parathyroidectomy of CRF rats prevented the rise in blood PTH levels and normalized [Ca 2+ ] i of cardiac myocytes and returned the mRNA of their PTH-PTHrP receptor towards normal levels. The treatment of CRF rats with verapamil normalized [Ca 2+ ] i of cardiac myocytes and returned the mRNA of their PTH-PTHrP receptor towards normal levels, despite marked elevation of blood levels of PTH. The data show that: (1) down-regulation of mRNA of PTH-PTHrP receptor occurs in heart of CRF rats; (2) this is due to the secondary hypefarathyroidism of CRF; and (3) one of the signals for this phenomenon is the PTH-induced rise in basal levels of [Ca 2+ ] i . It is proposed that the latter may adversely affect the gene expression and/or increase the degradation of the mRNA of the PTH-PTHrP receptor.
Carbon Supply and Storage in Tilled and Nontilled Soils as Influenced by Cover Crops and Nitrogen Fertilization

Soil carbon (C) sequestration in tilled and nontilled areas can be influenced by crop management practices due to differences in plant C inputs and their rate of mineralization. We examined the influence of four cover crops {legume [hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth)], nonlegume [rye (Secale cereale L.)], biculture of legume and nonlegume (vetch and rye), and no cover crops (or winter weeds)} and three nitrogen (N) fertilization rates (0, 60 to 65, and 120 to 130 kg N ha(-1)) on C inputs from cover crops, cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)], and soil organic carbon (SOC) at the 0- to 120-cm depth in tilled and nontilled areas. A field experiment was conducted on Dothan sandy loam (fine-loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Paleudults) from 1999 to 2002 in central Georgia. Total C inputs to the soil from cover crops, cotton, and sorghum from 2000 to 2002 ranged from 6.8 to 22.8 Mg ha(-1). The SOC at 0 to 10 cm fluctuated with C input from October 1999 to November 2002 and was greater from cover crops than from weeds in no-tilled plots. In contrast, SOC values at 10 to 30 cm in no-tilled and at 0 to 60 cm in chisel-tilled plots were greater for biculture than for weeds. As a result, C at 0 to 30 cm was sequestered at rates of 267, 33, -133, and -967 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1) for biculture, rye, vetch, and weeds, respectively, in the no-tilled plot. In strip-tilled and chisel-tilled plots, SOC at 0 to 30 cm decreased at rates of 233 to 1233 kg C ha(-1) yr(-1). The SOC at 0 to 30 cm increased more in cover crops with 120 to 130 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1) than in weeds with 0 kg N ha(-1) yr(-1), regardless of tillage. In the subtropical humid region of the southeastern United States, cover crops and N fertilization can increase the amount of C input and storage in tilled and nontilled soils, and hairy vetch and rye biculture was more effective in sequestering C than monocultures or no cover crop.
Programs for visualization in three-dimensional microscopy

Three-dimensional data representing biological structures can be derived using several methods, including serial section reconstruction, optical sectioning, and tomography. The investigation, comprehension, and communication of structural relationships to others is greatly facilitated by computer-based visualization procedures. We describe SYNU, a suite of programs developed for interactive investigation of three-dimensional structure and for the production of high-quality three-dimensional images and animations. We illustrate the capabilities of SYNU in applications to biological data obtained by confocal light microscopy, serial section, and high-resolution electron microscopy from investigations at the cellular, subcellular, and molecular levels.
Pathophysiology of Anal Incontinence, Constipation, and Defecatory Dysfunction

Anorectal disorders cause significant discomfort and embarrassment in women. The onset typically follows childbirth and symptoms increase with age. This article discusses anal incontinence, defecatory dysfunction, rectal prolapse, and constipation.
Experimental study of the pathogenesis of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in puppies

Abstract A partial ostruction was created at the pyloric outlet of young mongrel dogs to test Lehman's theory of the pathogenesis of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. A uniform dilatation of the stomach and hypertrophy of its muscle wall was noted, but there was no localized pyloric tumor. The results lend no support to the only accepted theory of pathogenesis of this entity.
Enhanced homeland security and disaster emergency operations based on biometrics and RFID

Methods that enhance homeland security and disaster emergency operations through biometrics and Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) were studied. Biometrics can be used in visas and e-passports for border security, identity verification at airports, access control and safety for personnel in basic military training, and security for facilities in troops. RFID technology speeds the movement of people crossing borders, tracks baggage and polices airport access, provides better management of wounded soldiers and supply chains in military, detects unauthorised shipments for marine security, and improves disaster tracking, response and relief operations. Challenges and future work concerning biometrics and RFID in homeland security were also discussed.
Determination of the localization times of electrons and holes in the HgS well in a CdS/HgS/CdS quantum dot-quantum well nanoparticle

The femtosecond time-resolved electron-hole dynamics of the CdS/HgS/CdS quantum dot\char21{}quantum well system (QDQW) was investigated as a function of excitation energy. In the transient absorption spectra four bleach bands and a stimulated emission signal in the visible spectral range between 450 and 780 nm were resolved. By using an IR probe pulse at 4.7 \ensuremath{\mu}m a transient induced absorption due to intraband transitions was found. The decay and rise times of these signals were measured when the CdS core or the HgS well of the nanoparticles was excited by the pump pulse. After excitation within the HgS well the transient signals rise within the resolution of our pump pulse, while after core excitation slower rise times were measured. From the 1.5 ps rise time of the stimulated emission originating from the HgS well and the intraband hole IR absorption (150 fs) after excitation into the CdS core, the electron localization time (transfer time from the core to the well) is found to be 1.5 ps while that of the hole is \ensuremath{\sim}150 fs. This large difference in the observed dynamics of the electron and hole in crossing the CdS/HgS interface is discussed.
Expression of the bacteriophage T4 lysozyme gene in tall fescue confers resistance to gray leaf spot and brown patch diseases

Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) is an important turf and forage grass species worldwide. Fungal diseases present a major limitation in the maintenance of tall fescue lawns, landscapes, and forage fields. Two severe fungal diseases of tall fescue are brown patch, caused by Rhizoctonia solani, and gray leaf spot, caused by Magnaporthe grisea. These diseases are often major problems of other turfgrass species as well. In efforts to obtain tall fescue plants resistant to these diseases, we introduced the bacteriophage T4 lysozyme gene into tall fescue through Agrobacterium-mediated genetic transformation. In replicated experiments under controlled environments conducive to disease development, 6 of 13 transgenic events showed high resistance to inoculation of a mixture of two M. grisea isolates from tall fescue. Three of these six resistant plants also displayed significant resistance to an R. solani isolate from tall fescue. Thus, we have demonstrated that the bacteriophage T4 lysozyme gene confers resistance to both gray leaf spot and brown patch diseases in transgenic tall fescue plants. The gene may have wide applications in engineered fungal disease resistance in various crops.
Quantum Incompressibility of a Falling Rydberg Atom, and a Gravitationally-Induced Charge Separation Effect in Superconducting Systems

Freely falling point-like objects converge toward the center of the Earth. Hence the gravitational field of the Earth is inhomogeneous, and possesses a tidal component. The free fall of an extended quantum mechanical object such as a hydrogen atom prepared in a high principal-quantum-number state, i.e. a circular Rydberg atom, is predicted to fall more slowly than a classical point-like object, when both objects are dropped from the same height above the Earth’s surface. This indicates that, apart from transitions between quantum states, the atom exhibits a kind of quantum mechanical incompressibility during free fall in inhomogeneous, tidal gravitational fields like those of the Earth.
B7-H1 connection of innate and adaptive immunity against tumor dormancy

Comment on Saudemont et al, page [2428][1] Dormant leukemia cells are selected to express B7-H1 and become resistant to T cells, whereas their susceptibility to NK cells remains intact. In contrast, NK cells expressing B7-H1 stimulate T-cell activation, which in turn keeps NK cells active. As a
On the paradoxes of global Pentecostalism and the perils of continuity thinking

(2003). On the paradoxes of global Pentecostalism and the perils of continuity thinking. Religion: Vol. 33, No. 3, pp. 221-231.
Magnetic order and crystal field excitations in Er2Ru2O7: a neutron scattering study

The magnetic pyrochlore Er2Ru2O7 has been studied with neutron scattering and susceptibility measurements down to a base temperature of 270 mK. For the low temperature phase in which the Er sublattice orders, new magnetic Bragg peaks are reported which can be indexed with integer (hkl) for a face centered cubic cell. Inelastic measurements reveal a wealth of crystal field levels of the Er ion and a copious amount of magnetic scattering below 15 meV. The three lowest groups of crystal field levels are at 6.7, 9.1 and 18.5 meV.
Towards all monolithic stabilization of high-speed modelocked semiconductor lasers

We present an improved stabilization architecture of a novel orthogonally coupled monolithic colliding pulse modelocked laser by injection locking it to a hybridly modelocked high-Q external ring cavity with significant reduction of the phase noise.
Energy Expenditure and Energy Intake During Dexamethasone Therapy for Chronic Lung Disease

Dexamethasone is commonly administered to ventilator-dependent preterm infants with chronic lung disease. Infants receiving dexamethasone therapy frequency exhibit decreased rates of weight gain. The purpose of this investigation was to determine whether decreased growth in infants receiving dexamethasone therapy is caused by increased energy expenditure. Twelve infants were studied: 6 received dexamethasone treatment at 2 wk of age and crossed over to receive placebo treatment at 4 wk; the treatment order was reversed in the other 6 infants. The doubly labeled water method was used to determine energy expenditure for a 1-wk period during each treatment phase. The rate of weight gain during dexamethasone treatment was 6.5 ± 10.6 and 20.0 ± 5.7 g/kg/d during placebo treatment. Energy expenditure was 93.1 ± 34.6 kcal/kg/d during dexamethasone treatment and 88.3 ± 37.1 kcal/kg/d during placebo treatment. Energy intake was 119.2 ± 29.0 kcal/kg/d during dexamethasone treatment and 113.8 ± 23.7 kcal/kg/d during placebo treatment. The difference between intake and expenditure, or the energy available for growth, was 26.2 ± 36.8 kcal/kg/d during dexamethasone treatment and 25.5 ± 37.4 kcal/kg/d during placebo treatment. No significant differences were found in energy expenditure or energy intake between the treatment phases. The reduced growth seen in infants receiving dexamethasone treatment cannot be explained by increased energy expenditure or decreased energy intake, but may be due to differences in the composition of newly accreted tissue.
Water Impacts of a Low-Carbon Electric Power Future: Assessment Methodology and Status

Water is an integral element of energy production. Future US energy production will increasingly be driven by the need to mitigate climate change, posing complex water challenges. The water impacts of electricity generation in a carbon-constrained future have been a subject of active research. This paper reviews technologies and regulatory policy options for low-carbon electricity generation, including systems that use fossil fuels with carbon capture and storage, renewables such as wind, solar, and biomass, and nuclear energy. We also review cooling technologies in support of thermoelectric power generation, report and discuss current assessment methods and results on water use for low-carbon energy production, and identify adaptive approaches that could reinforce resilience for low-carbon electricity generation. Some recommendations are made for future research.
Nonsalaried US employees’ careers: an exploratory study

This qualitative exploratory study investigated the career development experiences, concerns, and interests of hourly employees. The study, conducted in the USA, focused on satisfaction with work and careers and the potential role of career development activities in enhancing work life. Results revealed a range of needs and perspectives regarding career development and reinforced the importance of conducting further studies with this key population. While workplace research typically has highlighted managers and executives, hourly employees are essential to organizational output. Therefore organizations are urged to devote more attention to the career development of these often‐overlooked employees.
A Biological Monitoring Method for o-Toluidine and Aniline in Urine Using High Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection

Abstract A urinalysis method for o-toluidine and aniline was developed for biological monitoring. Urine specimens were made 4.7 M in sodium hydroxide and heated at 80°C for 2 hours to convert the metabolites acetanilide and N-acetyl-o-toluidine to the free amines. Extraction of the hydrolysate with butyl chloride and back extraction with 0.1 M aqueous hydrochloric acid gave an amine fraction, which was subjected to paired-ion reversed-phase liquid chromatography with coulometric electrochemical detection. For o-toluidine and aniline, respectively, the average recovery was 91 and 100 percent, the precision for field specimens was 13 and 16 percent relative standard deviation, and the limit of detection was 0.6 and 1.4 μg/L. This method was applied to 171 urine specimens from chemical plant workers. The median levels for o-toluidine were: exposed preshift, 11 μg/L; exposed postshift, 65 μg/L; nonexposed preshift, 0.7 μg/L; non-exposed postshift, 2.6 μg/L. For aniline the median levels were: exposed preshift...
Dynamic test of an acoustic/pressure sensor with precise cavity length control

A novel Fabry-Perot interferometer pressure/acoustic sensor has been designed, fabricated, and tested. The sensor consists of an angle-polished fiber, a V-shaped groove on a silicon substrate, and a silicon nitride diaphragm on the side wall of the groove. The design uses MEMS technology to ensure precise cavity length control and diaphragm design flexibility. Two shock wave tests were performed on the sensors: one where a balloon was popped near the sensors, and another that used a shock tube to simulate a blast event. Multi-sensor assemblies, where all the sensors were calibrated to have similar center wavelengths, were also put together. The assemblies were tested simultaneously using a single laser source. The results of all these tests showed that the performance of the Fabry-Perot sensors closely matched that of the reference sensors used.
Crystal growth and semiconductivity of palladium oxide

Abstract A method for growing crystals of PdO by vapor transport is described. Electrical measurements on the product crystals show semiconductivity with a low activation energy that is probably extrinsic. A bonding model consistent with semiconductivity in PdO is proposed.
A social psychological approach to internally based change in the schools

Abstract An analysis of current models of delivering preventive psychological and educational services in schools is presented. It is argued that both traditional school psychologists and university-affiliated psychologists are restricted from influencing change process in schools. An alternative approach to psychoeducational change is developed whose fundamental feature involves the engagement of internally responsible socioeducational specialists by schools. Several issues bearing upon the viability of the proposed role are discussed based upon the author's experiences in pursuing the suggested interventions.
Effects of thoria particles on the high-temperature tensile properties of a W-26wt.%Re alloy

Abstract The tensile properties of powder-metallurgy-processed W-26wt.%Re and W-26wt.%Re-1wt.%ThO 2 were examined over the temperature range 1600–2600 K in a strain rate range 10 −3 –10 −2 s −1 . It was found that the addition of ThO 2 particles significantly reduced grain boundary migration and hence stabilized the microstructure of W-26Re at elevated temperatures. ThO 2 particle strengtheninge in W-26Re was effective up to 2200 K. The strengthening mechanisms were attributed to microstructure stabilization, misfit dilatation, and inhomogeneous deformation in the vicinity of ThO 2 particles. The addition of ThO 2 increased both temperature sensitivity and strain rate sensitivity of W-26Re at high temperatures. Post-test specimens were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Both W-26Re-1ThO 2 and W-26Re exhibited an intergranular fracture mode when fractured at high temperatures.
Development of a quantitative model of the impact of customers' personality and perceptions on Internet banking use

Despite the rapid increase of Internet users and cited benefits of using Internet banking, the number of Internet banking users has not risen as strongly as expected. In order to understand this problem, it is critical to understand how customers' personalities and perceptions influence Internet banking use. In this study, a quantitative model of Internet banking use was developed, which incorporates four dimensions, namely, (1) openness toward advanced technology as an individual personality dimension, (2) website usability, including perceived usefulness and ease of use, (3) perceived security concern, and (4) green concern for conserving nature resources as the social influence dimension. The study investigates the moderating effect between these dimensions on Internet banking use. A survey instrument was used to gather data to estimate the proposed research model. The results show that openness, website usability, and perceived security concern significantly influence customers' Internet banking use. In terms of moderating effects, all dimensions play an important role as a moderator on the relation between other dimensions and Internet banking use. Overall, the model helps to increase our understanding of how these dimensions interact to influence Internet banking use, which can help in the design of Internet banking and other e-channel systems.
Use of water by phreatophytes in 2000-Foot channel between Granite Reef and Gillespie dams, Maricopa County, Arizona

The following is a summary of data obtained in a study of transpiration by phreatophytes in the channels of the Salt and Gila Rivers, between Granite Reef and Gillespie dams, Maricopa County, Arizona. The study was made in the spring of 1950 by the U. S. Geological Survey in cooperation with the Corps of Engineers, United States Army. The kind and amount of phreatophyte growth was mapped in the area covered by a proposed flood-control channel, 2000 ft wide, extending between the two dams. Most of the mapping was done from the air, using recent aerial photos. Transpiration by the phreatophytes was computed using the results of the mapping combined with water-use factors developed by experimental work done by the Geological Survey in Safford Valley, Arizona, during 1943 and 1944. Estimates of future phreatophyte use and of the amount of water that might be saved by clearing and maintaining the channel area were based on extensions of water-level graphs to include the next 50 years, and on the experimental work at Safford. The estimates were as follows: (1) total estimated transpiration from ground water at time of investigation - 29,000 ac ft per year; (2) estimated average transpiration from ground water, within the channel area, during period 1950–1999 (a) without Colorado River water - 22,200 ac ft per year, (b) with Colorado River water in 1960 - 29,900 ac ft per year; (3) estimated average water saving effected by channel clearing, 1950–1999 (a) without Colorado River water - 16,600 ac ft per year, (b) with Colorado River water in 1960 - 22,400 ac ft per year.
A brief indicator of household energy security: associations with food security, child health, and child development in US infants and toddlers.

OBJECTIVE. Household energy security has not been measured empirically or related to child health and development but is an emerging concern for clinicians and researchers as energy costs increase. The objectives of this study were to develop a clinical indicator of household energy security and assess associations with food security, health, and developmental risk in children METHODS. A cross-sectional study that used household survey and surveillance data was conducted. Caregivers were interviewed in emergency departments and primary care clinics form January 2001 through December 2006 on demographics, public assistance, food security, experience with heating/cooling and utilities, Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status, and child health. The household energy security indicator includes energy-secure, no energy problems; moderate energy insecurity, utility shutoff threatened in past year; and severe energy insecurity, heated with cooking stove, utility shutoff, or ≥1 day without heat/cooling in past year. The main outcome measures were household and child food security, child reported health status, Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status concerns, and hospitalizations. RESULTS. Of 9721 children, 11% (n = 1043) and 23% (n = 2293) experienced moderate and severe energy insecurity, respectively. Versus children with energy security, children with moderate energy insecurity had greater odds of household food insecurity, child food insecurity, hospitalization since birth, and caregiver report of child fair/poor health, adjusted for research site and mother, child, and household characteristics. Children with severe energy insecurity had greater adjusted odds of household food insecurity, child food insecurity, caregivers reporting significant developmental concerns on the Parents Evaluation of Developmental Status scale, and report of child fair/poor health. No significant association was found between energy security and child weight for age or weight for length. CONCLUSIONS. As household energy insecurity increases, infants and toddlers experienced increased odds of household and child food insecurity and of reported poor health, hospitalizations, and developmental risks.
Inositol synthesis regulates the activation of GSK-3α in neuronal cells

The synthesis of inositol provides precursors of inositol lipids and inositol phosphates that are pivotal for cell signaling. Mood stabilizers lithium and valproic acid, used for treating bipolar disorder, cause cellular inositol depletion, which has been proposed as a therapeutic mechanism of action of both drugs. Despite the importance of inositol, the requirement for inositol synthesis in neuronal cells is not well understood. Here, we examined inositol effects on proliferation of SK-N-SH neuroblastoma cells. The essential role of inositol synthesis in proliferation is underscored by the findings that exogenous inositol was dispensable for proliferation, and inhibition of inositol synthesis decreased proliferation. Interestingly, the inhibition of inositol synthesis by knocking down INO1, which encodes inositol-3-phosphate synthase, the rate-limiting enzyme of inositol synthesis, led to the inactivation of GSK-3α by increasing the inhibitory phosphorylation of this kinase. Similarly, the mood stabilizer valproic acid effected transient decreases in intracellular inositol, leading to inactivation of GSK-3α. As GSK-3 inhibition has been proposed as a likely therapeutic mechanism of action, the finding that inhibition of inositol synthesis results in the inactivation of GSK-3α suggests a unifying hypothesis for mechanism of mood-stabilizing drugs. Inositol is an essential metabolite that serves as a precursor for inositol lipids and inositol phosphates. We report that inhibition of the rate-limiting enzyme of inositol synthesis leads to the inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase (GSK) 3α by increasing inhibitory phosphorylation of this kinase. These findings have implications for the therapeutic mechanisms of mood stabilizers and suggest that inositol synthesis and GSK 3α activity are intrinsically related.
7061 Acquired hyperplastic gastric polyps in posttransplant patients.

Background: Gastric polyps are usually an incidental finding during endoscopic examination. The significance of gastric polyps depends on their histology, with adenomatous polyps having a high risk for malignant degeneration. Even though hyperplastic polyps have a low risk for malignant degeneration, if multiple they are considered a precancerous lesion. The association between the use of immunosuppressive agents and the formation of multiple gastric polyps has not been previously reported. Methods: We reviewed all transplanted patients found to have gastric polyps on endoscopy and collected demographic data, polyp characteristics (endoscopic and histologic), and treatment regimens at the time of the endoscopy. Results: Ten (7 males; 3 females) transplanted patients (six cardiac, three liver and one kidney) with gastric polyps were identified. Median age at the time of the transplant was 61 years (27-71 years). Gastric polyps were found on endoscopy a median of 11 months post-transplant (3-28 months). Eight patients had endoscopy prior or soon after transplant with no evidence of polyps. All ten patients developed hyperplastic polyps. Nine patients had multiple polyps (≥3) and one had a solitary polyp (large pedunculated polyp). In eight patients the polyps were confined to the antrum; one patient had polyps in the antrum and body; and one patient had polyps in the fundus. There was no evidence of adenomatous or malignant changes in any of the polyps removed or biopsied. All patients were on at least one immunosuppressive agent including: prednisone/methylprednisolone (8), tacrolimus (5), azathioprine (5), cyclosporine (5), mycophenolate mofetil (1). Other common medications included bactrim (7) and omeprazole/lansoprazole (6). Conclusion: The development of gastric polyps after organ transplantation has not been previously reported. The nature of these polyps (hyperplastic and multiple in our series) is concerning as a malignant potential has been recognized in patients harboring multiple hyperplastic gastric polyps. The possible etiopathogenic relation with immunosuppressive therapy as well as the natural history of these acquired hyperplastic gastric polyps needs further investigation.
The destiny of metaphysics in Russia: an investigation of being and communicative behavior

Dr Schrag raises two key questions in his essay: (1) What is the destiny of metaphysics in our postmodern world? and (2) Where does one begin in the pursuit of an answer to the question regarding t...
Alterations in the testes of the Japanese quail during and after the ingestion of the insecticide kepone.

Six-week-old Japanese quail males were fed 200 ppm Kepone for exactly 42 days, at which time noncontaminated diet was substituted. A number of birds were terminated on Day 42 of Kepone ingestion and also at about 10-day intervals for 60 days after Kepone was withdrawn from the diet. Structural changes in the testes and their excurrent ducts were studied both during and after Kepone ingestion. Continuous ingestion of Kepone produced both enlarged (fluid-filled) and atrophic testes. In enlarged testes, the seminiferous tubules were extensively dilated, the germinal epithelium was severely disrupted, and sperm production was affected. In atrophic testes, the seminiferous tubules were reduced, the spermatogenesis appeared suppressed, and the germinal epithelium contained abnormal sperm. The excurrent ducts contained either few sperm or were packed with degenerating cellular debris. After Kepone was withdrawn from the diet, structural reparations, not always bilateral, were recorded in most testes and sperm concentration increased in their excurrent ducts. In other samples, degeneration and necrosis were recorded in the testes and the excurrent ducts. It is concluded that after elimination of Kepone from the diet, structural reparations were recorded in most, but not all, testes and ducts. However, due to the permanent damage observed in other testes and their ducts, it is also concluded that the reproductive capabilities of numerous birds will be severely limited if not completely abolished.
Contemporary preoperative parameters predict cancer-free survival after radical prostatectomy: a tool to facilitate treatment decisions.

Abstract Prostate specific antigen (PSA) screening has heralded stage migration in prostate cancer toward cancers that may be readily eliminated by primary intervention. We sought to identify contemporary, preprostatectomy measures of cancer severity useful and significant for predicting postprostatectomy, recurrence-free survival. The association of baseline variables clinical variables (age, clinical stage, serum PSA, and race) and prostate biopsy parameters (Gleason score, presence of perineural invasion, number of biopsy cores with cancer, and the greatest percentage of a biopsy core occupied by cancer — GPC) with recurrence-free survival was evaluated by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression among consecutive patients that underwent radical prostatectomy as primary therapy between 1994 and 2002. Tables were generated depicting expected 5-year recurrence-free survival after prostatectomy. From 1414 patients, 183 developed biochemical recurrence, 8 died from prostate cancer, and 31 died of all causes. Multivariable Cox regression found that clinical stage, PSA, Gleason score, and the greatest percentage of a biopsy core involved by cancer (GPC), were each significant determinants of post-prostatectomy, PSA recurrence-free survival ( P
Simple Method for Isolating the Isomers of Mixed R-Propylenediamine Ethylenediamine Cobalt(III) Complexes

Abstract A new and convenient method of separating the isomers of [Co(en)x-(R-pn)3-x]Cl3 is described.
Assessment of severity of ovine smoke inhalation injury by analysis of computed tomographic scans.

Background: Our goal was to evaluate computed tomographic (CT) scans of the chest as a means of stratifying smoke inhalation injury (SII) severity. Methods: Twenty anesthetized sheep underwent graded SII: group I, no smoke; group II, 5 smoke units; group III, 10 units; and group IV, 16 units. CT scans were obtained at 6, 12, and 24 hours after injury. Each quadrant of each slice was scored subjectively: 0 = normal, 1 = interstitial markings, 2 = ground-glass appearance, and 3 = consolidation. The sum of all scores was the radiologist's score (RADS) for that scan. Computerized analysis of three-dimensional reconstructed scans was also performed, based on Hounsfield unit ranges: hyperinflated, -1,000 to -900; normal, -899 to -500; poorly aerated, -499 to -100; and nonaerated, -99 to +100. The fraction of abnormal lung tissue (FALT) was computed from poorly aerated, nonaerated, and total volumes. Mean gray-scale density (DENS) was also computed. Results: SII resulted in severity- and time-related changes in oxygenation (alveolar-arterial gradient), ventilation (respiratory rate-pressure product), DENS, FALT, and RADS. Ordinal logistic regression generated a predictive model for severity of injury (r2 = 0.623, p = 0.001), retaining RADS at 24 hours and rejecting the other variables. Conclusion: At 24 hours, CT scanning enabled SII severity stratification; qualitative evaluation (RADS) outperformed current semiautomated methods (DENS, FALT).
Primary care of the patient in recovery

In the long view, it is likely that the primary care physician will have more contact than other health care professionals with the patient in recovery and consequently needs to have a thorough understanding of the principles of recovery. The patients' personal physician can and should play a pivotal role in their recovery. Aside from knowledge of the principles of recovery, the most important factor in working with these patients may be the nature of the patient-physician relationship.
Sex, drugs and...

A recent study suggests differences in kappa-opioid analgesia between men and women (pages 1248–1250).
Cotton Response to Starter Fertilizer Placement and Planting Dates

Effect of planting date on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) response to side-banded starter fertilizer has not been well documented. Consequently, field studies were conducted in four North Carolina environments to examine the response of cotton to placement of starter fertilizer at three planting dates. Cotton planted prior to 5 May (Early), mid-May (Mid), and late-May (Late) on a Norfolk loamy sand (fine-loamy, siliceous, and thermic Typic Kandiudults) and Craven fine sandy loam (clayey, mixed, thermic Aquic Hapludults) received broadcast or side-banded applications of ammonium polyphosphate at the rate of 17 and 57 kg ha −1 of N and P 2 O 5 , respectively (...)
Dynamic brain imaging: Event-related optical signal (EROS) measures of the time course and localization of cognitive-related activity

This paper describes the concept of dynamic brain imaging and introduces a new methodology, the event-related optical signal, or EROS. Dynamic brain imaging allows one to study noninvasively the time course of activity in specific brain areas. Brain imaging data can contribute to the analysis of the subcomponents of the human information processing system and of their interactions. Several brain imaging methods provide data that possess spatial and temporal resolution at various degrees and can be used for this purpose. In this paper, we focus on the EROS method, which yields data with millisecond temporal resolution and subcentimeter spatial resolution. We describe the fundamentals of this method and report several examples of the types of data that can be obtained with it. Finally, we discuss the possibility of combining different imaging methods, as well as the advantages and limitations that can be expected in this process.
Synaptophysin Immunoreactivity in the Aging Rat Pituitary Gland

The density of synaptophysin (SN)-immunoreactivity (IR) was examined in pituitary glands of aging male Sprague-Dawley rats. SN-IR was observed as dense dots among endocrine cells of the intermediate lobe, while the neural lobe contained numerous, highly dense immunopositive regions. Some anterior lobe secretory cells contained SN-IR within the cytoplasm, suggestive of the presence of the protein in secretory granules, but no dot-like staining was observed between endocrine cells of that region. A quantitative analysis of the dot-like SN-immunostaining within the intermediate lobe found that tissue from groups of rats aged 13 months, or 15-17 months, contained significantly fewer SN-immunopositive areas than did tissues from 8-month-old animals. Diminished SN immunostaining is suggestive of reduced numbers of synapses in the intermediate lobe, which may lead to alterations in regulation of pituitary hormone secretion from endocrine cells in the older animals.
Complex dynamics near a Hopf bifurcation with symmetry: A parameter study

The eight-dimensional normal form for a Hopf bifurcation with &#x1d546;(2) × &#x1d546;(2)-symmetry is investigated for a range of parameters in which all basic periodic solutions residing in two-dimensional fixed point subspaces are unstable, and the dynamics is bounded. By using symmetry-adapted variables, the dimension of the phase space is reduced to four. In the reduced phase space, periodic solutions are revealed as fixed points and quasiperiodic solutions as periodic orbits. Two parameter regimes are identified: A region in which trajectories in the reduced phase space are attracted by fixed points and periodic orbits and bistability occurs, and a region with complex dynamics. The characteristics of the complex dynamics are chaos, intermittency and periodic windows terminating in period doubling cascades, and both periodic and chaotic attractors occur in symmetric and asymmetric forms. The phase space geometry is suggestive of a kind of in–out intermittency involving two invariant subspaces. By using an appropriate...
Thermal degradation of Levan

Abstract The thermal degradation of the polysaccharide Levan, of various molecular weights, was studied by means of isothermal and dynamic TG, X-ray diffraction, and IR measurements. From dynamic TG traces, two main degradation stages were observed for HL-Levans (hydrolyzed) whereas, three such stages were observed for UL-Levans (unhydrolyzed). These stages were correlated with branching effects, an interpenetrating network, and ring-fragmentation and other reactions in the late stages of the thermal degradation which result in the formation of infusible material that chars on further heating. Isothermal curves obtained for the first stage indicated the possibility of a random type of thermal degradation. Anticipated linear plots were obtained, using expressions from random degradation theory, which added further support for this type of degradation for Levan (stage 1). Various parameters were obtained for the thermal degradation of Levan, e.g., activation energies, and various experimental observations have been correlated in terms of postulated microstructures for Levan and in terms of parameters such as entropy of activation.