cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermally Stable Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

We report on the growth and properties of thermally stable, high bandgap perovskite solar cells deposited using a layer-by-layer vacuum deposition growth technique. The material was an alloy of Pb, Cs, Br and I. By using an inorganic cation perovskite we eliminated the thermal instability associated with organic cations such as methyl-amine and formamidine. X-ray measurements reveal that there is no change in the composition even when the material is annealed at 300°C after growth, in marked contrast with the case for a material with organic cations which decompose after anneals at 100 °C-125 °C. Thermal stability is important when perovskite solar cells are to be deployed in real life desert environments where the ambient temperatures approach 50°C and the cell temperatures approach 100°C. Superstrate devices in n-i-p configuration were prepared using an inorganic n layer (CdS) and an organic p layer (P3HT), and the devices were also thermally stable up to an anneal of 300 °C. Adding Br to I significantly improved the stability against moisture, and also makes the material stable at all temperatures between room temperature and 350°C, while increasing the bandgap to 1.87 eV range, which is suitable for making a tandem cell with Si or CIGS. Device efficiencies of ~12% were achieved with an excellent uniformity of performance between various devices. Detailed measurements of fundamental properties such as defect densities and Urbach energies of tail states were made and show low mid-gap defect densities in the range of 1015/cm3-eV with a peak at 0.53 eV below the conduction band and Urbach energy in the range of 20 meV.
Toward a ‘We’-Mode Team Production Theory of the Firm: A Confucian Approach

Blair and Stout’s (1999) team production model of the corporation (TPM) has become an attractive alternative to principal-agent models of the corporation. TPM literature has been developed to address opportunism, that is, problems of exploiting one’s position within an organization to acquire a benefit without giving anything (e.g., firm-specific investments) in exchange. The problems of team production have prompted a revival of the concept of authority within firms. We maintain, however, that the prevailing conception of authority in the TPM literature is market-based and therefore fails to reflect some powerful ways to address team production problems through a properly thick concept of authority. In particular, we maintain that Blair and Stout’s TPM model does not adequately encourage team-specific commitments and fails to acknowledge the full prescriptive and descriptive potential of the TPM paradigm. We offer an alternative conception of authority in team production: a Confucian communitarian account of the internal workings of a firm, including the production team and the hierarchy endowed with the authority to govern it. On the standard market-based view of the team and its attendant conception of authority, each team member uses the team and its authority as an instrument for advancing her own personal interests. On our Confucian alternative, team production members see the team itself as inherently valuable and create team-specific commitments; they act for the team’s sake, and not merely for their own.
Origin of the catalytic activity at graphite electrodes in vanadium flow batteries

For many electrochemical devices that use carbon-based materials such as electrolyzers, supercapacitors, and batteries, oxygen functional groups (OFGs) are considered essential to facilitate electron transfer. Researchers implement surface-active OFGs to improve the electrocatalytic properties of graphite felt electrodes in vanadium flow batteries. Herein, we show that graphitic defects and not OFGs are responsible for lowering the activation energy barrier and thus enhance the charge transfer properties. This is proven by a thermal deoxygenation procedure, in which specific OFGs are removed before electrochemical cycling. The electronic and microstructural changes associated with deoxygenation are studied by quasi in situ X-ray photoelectron and Raman spectroscopy. The removal of oxygen groups at basal and edge planes improves the activity by introducing new active edge sites and carbon vacancies. OFGs hinder the charge transfer at the graphite–electrolyte interface. This is further proven by modifying the sp2 plane of graphite felt electrodes with oxygen-containing pyrene derivatives. The electrochemical evolution of OFGs and graphitic defects are studied during polarization and long-term cycling conditions. The hypothesis of increased activity caused by OFGs was refuted and hydrogenated graphitic edge sites were identified as the true reason for this increase.
The effect of reconstruction on positive margin rates in oral cancer: Using length of stay as a proxy measure for flap reconstruction in a national database.

Abstract Purpose Planned flap reconstruction, allowing aggressive resections of oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), may decrease positive surgical margins. The purpose of this study was to determine if length of stay (LOS), as a proxy measure for flap reconstruction, is associated with positive margin rates in OCSCC. Materials and methods Data from the National Cancer Database was retrospectively collected for patients undergoing surgery for previously untreated clinical T1–3 OCSCC. Post-operative LOS was dichotomized between ≤4 and >4 days as a proxy measure for whether patients may have received flap reconstruction. Patients with LOS >4 days represent a diverse group, but those with a LOS ≤4 days are less likely to have undergone an oral cavity flap reconstruction. Results 10,107 patients were included, of which 5290 (52%) were clinical T1 and 4852 (48%) were clinical T2–3. 771 (8%) patients had a positive surgical margin. On multivariable logistic regression analysis, LOS ≤4 days was significantly associated with a positive margin resection in patients with clinical T2–3 tumors (OR 1.68, 95%CI 1.37–2.06) compared to patients with LOS >4 days. LOS was not associated with surgical margin status in patients with clinical T1 disease (OR 0.76, 95%CI 0.55–1.06). Patients with positive margin resections demonstrated worse overall survival (cT1: OR 1.35, 95%CI 1.06–1.72; cT2–3: OR 1.52, 95%CI 1.33–1.74). Conclusions LOS >4 days after oral cavity cancer resection was significantly associated with negative surgical margins in clinical T2–3 oral cavity cancer, suggesting the possibility that patients undergoing flap reconstruction after resection have fewer positive surgical margins.
Samuel Alexander and the Psychological Origins of Realism

This chapter explores the philosophical development of Alexander’s empiricism, interest in experimental psychology, and its connection to realism and its subsequent rise in the early twentieth century. His early interests are most notably his rejection of British idealism and an empiricist tendency derived in part from classical empiricism and empirical developments in psychology. It is argued that Alexander arrives at realism through his work on psychology, thus revealing that the rise of realism has some psychological origins. His philosophical method is also analysed in detail and it is shown that many of his arguments should be understood as following this method and that many objections to his arguments for realism and against his theory of perception can be resisted when this method is taken into consideration.
Characterizing STEM Community-Based Learning through the Inter-Stakeholder Dynamics within a Three-tiered Model

Community-Based Learning (CBL) within the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields has the potential to support student learning outcomes while also promoting beneficial outcomes in partner communities, yet complexity of practice can often obscure or limit these outcomes. The multiple participating stakeholders, variety of interactions and settings, and differing goals and objectives, lead to emergent behavior. These dynamics make outcomes, especially those for the community, difficult to recognize. A systems-level approach which clarifies the structure of CBL can minimize some complexity, yet empirical evidence of how STEM CBL is structured in practice is limited. The National Research Council has established a three-tiered model in which Community, Program, and Individual levels provide a structure for informal STEM learning. In this work, this structural framework is used to analyze two case studies to answer the research question: How do the three system levels (Community, Program, and Individual) describe the STEM CBL practitioners, their actions, and goals? Findings from a thematic analysis of data generated through participant-observation within the two purposefully selected cases establishes a foundation for how these system levels can impact practice. Findings indicate that these three levels provide benefit in characterizing STEM CBL and the dynamics between stakeholders. Practitioner awareness of the levels and their implications can promote clarity on the roles, actions, and outcomes for practitioners. Distribution of effort across the three levels can support well-rounded CBL practice through promoting a balanced approach to CBL needs, as well as advancing the voices of all practitioners, but especially those with less power.
Association of neurologic signs with high-field MRI findings in 100 dogs with osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy.

Although osseous-associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA-CSM) findings have been well described using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), there are no large-scale published studies on the associations between dog size, age, high-field MRI and neurologic findings. Using a retrospective, observational study design, we aimed to investigate an association between neurologic and high-field MRI characteristics in OA-CSM. Records were reviewed for dogs diagnosed with OA-CSM using high-field MRI. One-hundred dogs were included: 73/100 (73%) were giant breeds, 27/100 (27%) large breeds. Mean and median ages were, respectively, 3.1 and 2 years (0.3-9.75 years), with 2.6 and 2 years for giant-breed; and 4.4 and 4 years for large-breed dogs. The majority of dogs were male (75%) with chronic presentation (89%), more than one site of spinal cord compression (78%) and foraminal stenosis (91%). Dogs with multiples sites of spinal cord compression were more likely to have severe spinal cord compression (p < 0.001), severe foraminal stenosis (p < 0.001) and ligamentum flavum/soft tissue proliferation (p = 0.03) than those with a single compressive site. There was a weak correlation between neurologic grade and severity of spinal cord compression (r = 0.27; p = 0.007), number of affected sites (r = 0.24; p = 0.0183) and spinal cord T2W hyperintensity (r = 0.24; p = 0.0152). Intervertebral disc degeneration was seen in 80% of dogs. Age did not appear to have a prominent role in the manifestation of OA-CSM. This study showed that OA-CSM affects a sizeable proportion of young large-breed, in addition to giant-breed dogs.
Bias and fairness assessment of a natural language processing opioid misuse classifier: detection and mitigation of electronic health record data disadvantages across racial subgroups.

Objectives To assess fairness and bias of a previously validated machine learning opioid misuse classifier. Materials & methods Two experiments were conducted with the classifier's original (n = 1000) and external validation (n = 53 974) datasets from 2 health systems. Bias was assessed via testing for differences in type II error rates across racial/ethnic subgroups (Black, Hispanic/Latinx, White, Other) using bootstrapped 95% confidence intervals. A local surrogate model was estimated to interpret the classifier's predictions by race and averaged globally from the datasets. Subgroup analyses and post-hoc recalibrations were conducted to attempt to mitigate biased metrics. Results We identified bias in the false negative rate (FNR = 0.32) of the Black subgroup compared to the FNR (0.17) of the White subgroup. Top features included "heroin" and "substance abuse" across subgroups. Post-hoc recalibrations eliminated bias in FNR with minimal changes in other subgroup error metrics. The Black FNR subgroup had higher risk scores for readmission and mortality than the White FNR subgroup, and a higher mortality risk score than the Black true positive subgroup (P Discussion The Black FNR subgroup had the greatest severity of disease and risk for poor outcomes. Similar features were present between subgroups for predicting opioid misuse, but inequities were present. Post-hoc mitigation techniques mitigated bias in type II error rate without creating substantial type I error rates. From model design through deployment, bias and data disadvantages should be systematically addressed. Conclusion Standardized, transparent bias assessments are needed to improve trustworthiness in clinical machine learning models.
The Stratosphere and Its Role in the Climate System

PartI: Dynamics. Atmospheric Dynamics: Fundamentals Zonally Averaged Flow Influence of the 'Tropical Pump' on Trace Constitutents and Temperature Wave-Mean-Flow Interactions Observations of Dynamical Processes Influences of the Solar Cycle on Climate Through Stratospheric Processes.- Part II: Radiation. Radiative Transfer in Troposphere-Stratosphere Global Climate Models Satellite Remote Sensing: The Retrieval Problem UV-B Radiation and Its Effects on the Biosphere Radiative Forcing.- Part III: Chemistry. Chemistry of the Atmosphere Chemical Families Mid-Latitude Ozone Depletion Polar Ozone Observation of Chemical Composition Laboratory Kinetics Formulation of a Chemical Transport Model Remote Sensing of Stratospheric Aerosols, Clouds and Gases The Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS).
The Mediatization of War: A Comparison of the American and German Media Coverage of the Vietnam and Iraq Wars

Abstract The last fifty years have seen the further expansion of the role of media during times of war. Although no longer dominated by large-scale propaganda agencies as during the two world wars, the media nevertheless have become ever more integral to the planning and conduct of wars. This article applies the concept of mediatization in an attempt to capture the ever-increasing role of the media during war times as part of an ongoing and accelerating historical process. It uses a comparative analysis to highlight the commonalities of this process as well as to emphasize national particularities. The article argues that the mediatization of war has significantly accelerated over the past fifty years and has established the media as the “fourth branch” of military operations, just as essential as the army, navy, and air force.
SKELETAL MUSCLE LIPIDS. I. ANALYTICAL METHOD AND COMPOSITION OF MONKEY GASTROCNEMIUS AND SOLEUS MUSCLES.

Abstract 1. 1. In order to effectivey explore the physiologic role of lipids in skeletal muscle, a method of analysis is needed to permit the separation and subsequent detailed examinatin of the lipid components. Such a method is described for the quantitative determination of the major and minor classes of lipids present in monkey skeletal muscle. Since the various lipid classes are quantitatively isolated, radioactivity in the lipid components is also easily determined. 2. 2. About one-third of the lipid is neutral lipid and two-thirds phospholipid. The neutral lipid is primarily triglyceride and cholesterol. More than 50% of the phospholipid is lecithin and about 25% is phosphatidylethanolamine. Appreciable quantities of phosphatidylinositol and “polyglycerophosphatide” are also present. The plasmalogen/lipid-phosphorus molar ratio is considerably greater than that reported for muscles of other species. 3. 3. The method was applied to an analysis of monkey gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The lipid composition of a bilateral pair of muscles is found to be sufficiently similar to permit physiological investigation in which one of the bilateral pair serves as a control as the other undergoes contraction. While the functionally different soleus and gastrocnemius muscles are found to have similar lipid compositions, certain definite differences in the nature of their lipids are uncovered.
Approaches for survivability in FDDI networks

The new direction taken by the US Navy in its SAFENET standardization effort is described. A discussion is provided on the survivability issues in the trunk ring, dual homing, and alternate path configurations. In addition, the approach of using multiple independent networks (e.g. FDDI networks) with dynamic network layer protocols is presented. >
Uncertainty for calculating transport on Titan: a probabilistic description of bimolecular diffusion parameters

Abstract Bimolecular diffusion coefficients are important parameters used by atmospheric models to calculate altitude profiles of minor constituents in an atmosphere. Unfortunately, laboratory measurements of these coefficients were never conducted at temperature conditions relevant to the atmosphere of Titan. Here we conduct a detailed uncertainty analysis of the bimolecular diffusion coefficient parameters as applied to Titan's upper atmosphere to provide a better understanding of the impact of uncertainty for this parameter on models. Because temperature and pressure conditions are much lower than the laboratory conditions in which bimolecular diffusion parameters were measured, we apply a Bayesian framework, a problem-agnostic framework, to determine parameter estimates and associated uncertainties. We solve the Bayesian calibration problem using the open-source QUESO library which also performs a propagation of uncertainties in the calibrated parameters to temperature and pressure conditions observed in Titan's upper atmosphere. Our results show that, after propagating uncertainty through the Massman model, the uncertainty in molecular diffusion is highly correlated to temperature and we observe no noticeable correlation with pressure. We propagate the calibrated molecular diffusion estimate and associated uncertainty to obtain an estimate with uncertainty due to bimolecular diffusion for the methane molar fraction as a function of altitude. Results show that the uncertainty in methane abundance due to molecular diffusion is in general small compared to eddy diffusion and the chemical kinetics description. However, methane abundance is most sensitive to uncertainty in molecular diffusion above 1200 km where the errors are nontrivial and could have important implications for scientific research based on diffusion models in this altitude range.
Physiological and anatomical properties of the suprachiasmatic nucleus of an anophthalmic mouse.

Abstract Congenitally anophthalmic mice (ZRDCT-AN) have circadian rhythms which ‘free-run’ and are not light modulated. Their rhythms differ from those of controls in: duration of circadian period, length of active phase, and pattern/intensity of activity. Three different populations have been described based upon wheel-running: rhythmic with stable period, rhythmic with unstable period and arrhythmic. Circadian rhythms are generated by neurons in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the hypothalamus. To better understand whether intrinsic properties of SCN neurons differ in anophthalmic and sighted mice, we examined the electrical activity of these neurons in slices, using single unit recordings, ionophoresis and bath perfusion of agonists and antagonists of known SCN neurotransmitters. Lucifer yellow was injected to characterize morphology. In controls, in daytime, units fired at a higher rate (44% at ≥5 Hz) than at night (21% at ≥5 Hz) and with regular interspike intervals versus irregular intervals nocturnally. In anophthalmics four firing patterns were observed as follows: (1) irregular at 2+ /high Mg 2+ increased the frequency and regularized the pattern of previously irregular discharges both in anophthalmics and controls. Bicuculline (10 −5 M), a GABA A antagonist, had a similar effect. These data suggest that the characteristic irregular firing pattern of anophthalmics, and of controls at night, results from extrinsic, at least in part, GABAergic input.
Liquid Crystalline Rod−Coil Block Copolymers by Stable Free Radical Polymerization: Synthesis, Morphology, and Rheology

We have synthesized and characterized rod−coil diblock, triblock, and starblock copolymers of controlled molecular weight by stable free radical polymerization, where the rod part consists of “mesogen jacketed liquid crystalline segments” (MJLCP). The MJLCP segment examined in our studies is poly{2,5-(4-butylbenzoyl)oxystyrene} (PBBOS) while the coil part is poly(styrene). SAXS studies of the block copolymers at room temperature predominantly show only a first-order maximum in their SAXS spectra. Above the Tg of the two blocks (∼150 °C) no phase-separated morphology could be detected in temperature-dependent SAXS measurements of the block copolymers. Slow cooling regenerates the morphology, indicating very slow ordering kinetics. The effects of variation in molecular architecture and increasing topological constraint in going from homopolymer to star block copolymer on melt rheology (i.e., viscosity, relaxation times, and activation energies) are reported. In the master curves of all the block copolymers ...
Accounting for binaural detection as a function of masker interaural correlation: Effects of center frequency and bandwidth

Binaural detection was measured as a function of the center frequency, bandwidth, and interaural correlation of masking noise. Thresholds were obtained for 500-Hz or 125-Hz Sπ tonal signals and for the latter stimuli (noise or signal-plus-noise) transposed to 4 kHz. A primary goal was assessment of the generality of van der Heijden and Trahiotis' [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 101, 1019–1022 (1997)] hypothesis that thresholds could be accounted for by the “additive” masking effects of the underlying No and Nπ components of a masker having an interaural correlation of ρ. Results indicated that (1) the overall patterning of the data depended neither upon center frequency nor whether information was conveyed via the waveform or by its envelope; (2) thresholds for transposed stimuli improved relative to their low-frequency counterparts as bandwidth of the masker was increased; (3) the additivity approach accounted well for the data across stimulus conditions but consistently overestimated MLDs, especially for narrowband maskers; (4) a quantitative approach explicitly taking into account the distributions of time-varying ITD-based lateral positions produced by masker-alone and signal-plus-masker waveforms proved more successful, albeit while employing a larger set of assumptions, parameters, and computational complexity.
Variation in sister-cell cycle durations and loss of synchrony in cell lineages in root apical meristems

Abstract Analyses of identifiable cell lineages of known ages in pea root meristems have allowed estimates to be made of differences in cell cycle duration of sister cells and of the rate of loss of synchrony within lineages as cell proliferation continues. The average difference between sister-cell cycle times is approx. 14%. This results in loss of synchrony within cell lineages, and complete asynchrony is reached after approx. 5 cycles. No evidence for longitudinal gradients being involved in determining differences in cycle times within columns of cells in the proliferating compartment of the meristem was obtained.
Potentiometric immunoelectrode for fast assay based on direct electron transfer catalyzed by peroxidase

Abstract A potentiometric immunoelectrode based on the direct electron transfer detection of immunointeraction is described. Enzyme peroxidase is used as a label. The ability of peroxidase to catalyze the electrode reaction of hydrogen peroxide electroreduction by a direct (mediatorless) mechanism is utilized. Peroxidase attached to the electrode surface in the presence of hydrogen peroxide results in a significant (hundreds of mV) increase of potential towards the equilibrium H 2 O 2 /H 2 O potential due to catalytic removal of overvoltage. Electrons are transferred directly from the electrode to the substrate molecules via the active site of the enzyme. Peroxidase labeled immunoconjugate interacting with the surface of a carbon electrode modified by antigen results in the increase of electrode potential. The rate of potential increase is proportional to the concentration of free conjugate in the solution. Free antigen in the reaction media inhibits the process of conjugate binding with immobilized antigen, resulting in a decrease in the rate of change of electrode potential. The percentage of inhibition is proportional to the concentration of free antigen (analyte). Rabbit IgG has been used as a model analyte. The method allows determination of IgG in the concentration range up to 400 μg/ml. Sensing of the immunointeraction is in a kinetic mode. The direct electron transfer detection of immunointeraction suggests a single stage analysis scheme. An analysis time does not exceed 25 min. Different kinds of carbon materials for electrode construction have been examined.
A constrained least-squares optimization method for external beam radiation therapy treatment planning.

A method has been developed to optimize the selection of beam weights for external beam radiation therapytreatment planning. This method uses a matrix transformation method to achieve a least‐squares fit to doses at preselected points in a target volume. This method is more general than the conventional least‐squares method in that it allows one to incorporate as constraints maximum allowable doses delivered to critical organs, as well as the requirement that all beam weights be non‐negative. A computer algorithm DOSEOPT has been written which takes a matrix of doses to various points from beams whose field sizes and orientations have been predetermined, and performs the constrained least‐squares fit to desired doses in the target volume and maximum doses to critical organs. Implementation of this algorithm and its application to several cases are discussed.
Relative reactivity of chlorine atoms with NO, NO2 and HCCl2F at room temperature and atmospheric pressure

Abstract The reactions of chlorine atoms with NO, NO 2 and HCCl 2 F have been studied at 294 K and 1 atm total pressure. The experiments involved steady-state photolysis of Cl 2 -HCCL 2 F-O 2 -NO-NO 2 -N 2 mixtures. Two sets of experiments were done, one in which NO removal was monitored by its chemiluminescent reaction with O 3 , and one in which CClFO was monitored by in situ IR spectroscopy. The reactions studied were Cl + HCCl 2 F → HCl + CCl 2 F (1) Cl + No + M → ClNO + M (6) Cl + NO 2 + M → ClONO (or ClNO 2 ) + M (7) From the chemiluminescence experiments k 6 / k 1 was found to be (1.0 ± 0.2) × 10 −17 cm 3 with N 2 as a chaperone which leads to a value of k 1 = 1.0 × 10 −14 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 based on the literature value for k 6 of 1.7 × 10 −32 × exp(+530/ T ) cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 (where T is in kelvins). Also k 7 / k 6 was found to be 2.5 ± 1.0 which gives k 7 = 2.5 × 10 −31 cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 , which is considerably lower than the literature values of (7.2 – 16) × 10 −31 cm 6 molecule −2 s −1 . Part of all of the discrepancy may reflect the possibility that k 7 is in its pressure fall-off region under our conditions of 1 atm pressure.
Psychotherapies for the psychoses: theoretical, cultural and clinical integration, edited by John F.M. Gleeson and Eóin Killackey

Psychotherapies for the psychoses: theoretical, cultural and clinical integration, edited by John F.M. Gleeson and Eoin Killackey, London, Routledge, 2008, xviii + 270 pp., US$35.95 (paperback), ht...
Investigation of Customer Needs Frequency vs. Weight in Product Platform Planning

Customer satisfaction is key for survival and success in today’s consumer market. It is crucial that the customer be used to differentiate between different variants of a product, also known as a company’s product portfolio. Numerous examples in industry prove the benefit of a platform strategy in product development. The aim is to capture a wider market share by launching a number of products based on a common platform and to reduce design and development cost by reducing design cycle time. In this paper we explore the possibility of using high level customer needs alone to define the product’s base platform and differentiating modules. The basic idea is to outline platform and differentiating modules during conceptual design stage of product development and thus plan a product family before we consider any architecture. Planning platforms in conceptual design stage reduces additional costs associated with designing, manufacturing and managing resources for each variant separately. We use design tools such as the functional basis and functional modeling in our approach. In this work we seek to validate the technique by first applying it to existing products and comparing the results against known product platforms. In this paper we outline platform and differentiating modules for a bike and shop vacuum. Future work will focus on applying this approach for more products and finally to new products during conceptual design stage.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Cervical cancer screening on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Southwest Alaska : A population-based study

BACKGROUND. Alaska Native women suffer excess morbidity and mortality due to cervical cancer. This population-based study analyzed data from a regional Pap smear registry to describe the 2-year prevalence of cervical cancer screening for the women who live in remotely located villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. METHODS. All women older than 18 years of age who lived in one of the villages of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta were included (n = 6916). A 2-year Pap prevalence rate for each village was estimated by counting the number of women who had at least one Pap smear between September 1, 1992, and August 31, 1994, using the computer-based Pap registry located at the regional medical center in Bethel, Alaska. Population estimates for each village were obtained from a database maintained by the local office of the State of Alaska's Public Health Nurses. RESULTS. The overall 2-year Pap prevalence rate for the population was 62%. By age group, 2-year prevalence rates were as follows : women 18 to 44 years, 64% ; women 45 to 64 years, 58% ; and women 65 years and older, 52%. CONCLUSION. This study demonstrated that there is a significant need to improve access to and use of cervical cancer screening in this region to achieve national and state objectives. Village-based clinic staff are underutilized for cancer prevention service delivery ; with additional training and supervision, staff members may serve as a means to improve this preventive health care service.
Optimal Treatment of Hypertension and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction in African Americans: Treatment Approaches for Outpatients

African Americans have a higher prevalence and greater severity of hypertension compared with whites and therefore have a higher prevalence of many disease-related complications, such as coronary heart disease, stroke, and end-stage renal disease. Minorities have been, until recently, underrepresented in large clinical trials, leading to a lack of outcome data for these patient groups. However, accumulating data confirm the benefit of aggressive blood pressure-lowering therapy in this population. These studies also show that most patients require combination therapy to achieve adequate blood pressure reduction, particularly high-risk patient groups that have lower target blood pressure goals. All of the available antihypertensive agents are effective in African Americans. Recent studies suggest that regimens containing a thiazide-type diuretic are unsurpassed in blood pressure lowering and prevention of major clinical complications, and they cost less. Thus, while other agents may be required for selected clinical indications or for blood pressure control, diuretics should be drugs of first choice or included in most antihypertensive regimens especially in African American hypertensives.
The Origin of the Chordates

The study of development and comparisons of the adult structures of the several groups of protochordate animals reveals something of their interrelationships and origin. The hemichordates are perhaps closer to the echinoderms than to the chordates, but these groups appear to have been derived from a bilaterally symmetrical dipleurula ancestor, not from a sessile pterobranch-like form. The origin of the chordates is speculative but the idea of a prototunicate stage is rejected. The tunicate is viewed as a highly modified end product, with fewer similarities to the ancestral form than amphioxus. Amphioxus is quite suggestive of the vertebrate, yet it is more like the tunicate in the details of its embryology and along with that rather extreme peripheral group is best thought of as constituting a subphylum, the Acraniata. The idea of the early vertebrate as a filter feeder must be rejected since it is assumed here that perfection of that function led to a sessile or inactive way of life (as in the acraniates or lamprey larva) and failed to lead to the active creature with highly developed sensory, neural, and locomotor systems identified here as the protovertebrate. Further, the muscular plastic pharynx and moveable mouth of the protovertebrate suggest feeding on larger organisms, predation, and the abandonment of ciliary water-current feeding.
Input modeling: input modeling

Most discrete-event simulation models have stochastic elements that mimic the probabilistic nature of the system under consideration. A close match between the input model and the true underlying probabilistic mechanism associated with the system is required for successful input modeling. The general question considered here is how to model an element (e.g., arrival process, service times) in a discrete-event simulation given a data set collected on the element of interest. For brevity, it is assumed that data is available on the aspect of the simulation of interest. It is also assumed that raw data is available, as opposed to censored data, grouped data, or summary statistics. This example-driven tutorial examines introductory techniques for input modeling. Most simulation texts (e.g., Law and Kelton 2000) have a broader treatment of input modeling than presented here. Nelson and Yamnitsky (1998) survey advanced techniques.
An improved electrode system for recording EEG from the skull.

Abstract A simple procedure for making electrodes to be implanted in rabbits or rats for obtaining EEG's from the skull is described.
Diffusive transport of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) from contaminated soil to overlying water

Understanding the transport mechanism of 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and other compounds is necessary in order to implement an effective phyto- or bioremediation scheme for explosives-contaminated soil. The transport of TNT from two contaminated soils into overlying water was investigated using a laboratory sheet-flow leaching bed reactor (SLBR). Soil I had a low contamination of TNT (11±1 mg kg−1), whereas Soil II had very high contamination of TNT (22 874±518 mg kg−1). The results showed a decrease in aqueous effluent TNT concentration and flux with time in both cases indicating the diffusive nature of the process (t−1/2 dependance). The flux from the sediment to the water column was used to obtain the effective diffusivity of TNT by fitting the data on Soil I to a mathematical model. The average effective diffusivity value obtained was 1.18×10−6±8.32×10−7 cm2 s−1. This suggests slow diffusive transport of TNT through the soil. The initial flux from Soil II was approximately 50 times higher than from Soil I. The final steady state flux was larger than that from Soil I since the initial porewater TNT concentration was much higher for Soil II. From our experiments, we calculated that the characteristic time for transport is estimated to be ca. 7 years whereas the first order degradation rate by plant enzymes is ca. 70 min. The slow transport of TNT from the soil bed will be a limiting factor in the phyto- or bioremediation of explosives-contaminated soils.
To be old is to be inflamed

In this issue of Blood , Ferrucci and colleagues continue their important exploration of anemia in the elderly and its causes.[1][1] Along with other groups,[2][2] the authors previously reported that the prevalence of anemia was an astonishing 10% in those older than age 65. But the further
Alterations in Skeletal Calcium and Phosphorus in Dysfunction of the Parathyroids

Changes in the bones of hyperparathyroid patients were studied with the new technique of total-body neutron activation analysis. Demineralization of the skeleton occurred in most hyperparathyroid patients as has been previously noted. The further finding of no loss of skeletal mass in some patients reinforces a previously formed hypothesis of the existence of two clinically different types of hyperparathyroidism. A low mean P/Ca ratio was observed, possibly the result of an inhibition of proximal tubular resorption corresponding to the increased PTH level. No significant change in the total Ca level was observed in several patients studied at 6-15 months following surgical removal of the parathyroid adenoma. Hypoparathyroid patients exhibited an increase in body Ca in terms of the expected value (Cap). Gains in the total body Ca level in postoperative hypoparathyroidism were modest compared to a marked increase in a patient with idiopathic hypoparathyroidism. The results are consistent with the reduction ...
Does personality explain variation in the probability of sexual cannibalism in the orb-web spider Argiope aurantia?

Sexual cannibalism is often hypothesized to be an extreme manifestation of sexual conflict, yet we still lack a good understanding of the underlying motivation in most species. Hypotheses for the ultimate causes of sexual cannibalism either invoke the behavior as adaptive or mal-adaptive. Adaptive hypotheses consider foraging decisions, mate choice or genetic bet-hedging. Mal-adaptive hypotheses propose that sexual cannibalism is the result of mistaken species identity or the by-product of an aggression syndrome. Here, we test the latter hypothesis, that sexual cannibalism is the result of an aggression syndrome. This hypothesis states that aggressive behavior is favored in the foraging context because females benefit from achieving a large size quickly through an increase in fecundity, and it predicts that individuals that are aggressive foragers are more likely to attack a male and hence are at risk of receiving no or insufficient quantities of sperm. Few tests of this hypothesis are available to date, and only one involved a species with sexual cannibalism occurring after at least some sperm transfer. We test the hypothesis in Argiope aurantia, a species in which females frequently attack males during copulation. We estimated aggressiveness in the foraging context in penultimate and adults females and staged matings using the same females to evaluate whether aggressiveness during the foraging context predicts the likelihood of sexual cannibalism. Indeed, we find that aggressive foragers are more likely to attack their mates, but we conclude that other, possibly adaptive reasons for cannibalism exist as much of the uncertainty in cannibalism occurrence remained unexplained.
Limitation of resistance as a parameter by which to characterize epithelia that actively transport ions.

Abstract It is theoretically inappropriate to characterize an actively transporting epithelium by “resistance” alone which is correctly applied only to passive circuit elements. Rather, such epithelia (if they actively transport sodium) require, as a minimum, characterization by an active circuit element parameter such as voltage (E Na ), current (I Na ) or power (W Na ) in some configuration with resistances. Recent experimental studies of epithelia which actively transport sodium have omitted consideration of the active circuit element and attributed all measured changes observed to “resistance” changes in the epithelium as the transepithelial sodium gradient is altered. It is suggested that the observed changes in voltage/current ratio could be consequences of changes in the electrical behavior of the active circuit element of such epithelia. It may be biologically impossible to suppress all electromotive forces in epithelia to measure the truly passive characteristics of the epithelium without destroying tissue viability. The actual methods used to date for measurement of “resistance” in epithelia consist of perturbing signals which might alter the electrical behavior of an active element such as an “ion pump”; the observed changes in voltage to current ratio observed in such experiments can be better explained by a change in the active ion pump rather than by changes in passive epithelial “resistance”.
Preparation of Conductive Polypyrrole/ Polyurethane Composite Foams by In Situ Polymerization of Pyrrole

Conductive composite foams were prepared by exposing iodine-loaded polyurethane (PU) foams to pyrrole vapor. The kinetics, equilibrium, and mechanism of the in situ polymerization of pyrrole by iod...
Sonographic borderlands in the fetal abdomen

Abstract Ultrasonographic examination of the fetal abdomen is an integral part in all routine fetal sonograms and can provide significant information about the status and prognosis of the fetus. Although many types of fetal anomalies can be identified (ie, gastroschisis, omphalocele, or congenital diaphragmatic hernia), there are several sonographic findings that are not clearly anomalous, but may be associated with poor fetal outcome. Echogenic fetal bowel, small or absent fetal stomach and fetal intra-abdominal calcifications all fall into this category. This article reviews the recent literature as it relates to these topics, including suggestions regarding the need for further action, and the types of further actions that are available to help identify abnormal fetuses and prevent unnecessary and/or invasive testing of normal ones.
Ratings of behavior problems in adolescents hospitalized for substance abuse

Abstract The usefulness of the Devereux Adolescent Behavior Rating Scale (DAB) for assessing behavior problems in adolescents hospitalized for substance abuse was demonstrated using a sample of 404 adolescents admitted to inpatient substance abuse treatment units. Adolescents admitted to these units displayed multiple behavioral difficulties, which require consideration in any treatment planning. From the 15 original DAB scales, four broad‐band scales measuring acting out behaviors, psychotic behaviors, attention seeking/expressive behaviors, and inner turmoil/frailty, were developed to improve its usefulness. Age and gender differences on these four broad‐band scales are discussed in terms of their clinical implications and suggestions are given for further use of and research with the DAB.
Demystifying demotion: A look at the psychological and economic consequences on the demotee

A decade ago, the California Supreme Court in Scott v. Pacific Gas recognized the concept of ‘wrongful demotion’ when it determined that demotees can sue their employers for breach of an implied contract not to demote without good cause. Since that time, research on demotion has centered on enabling organizations to avoid litigation, when perhaps a far more serious implication of the use of demotions is the debilitating impact on the employees themselves. As presented in this article, we developed a model of employee demotion, after conducting lengthy personal interviews with over 20 ‘demotees’ who had been relegated to lower hierarchical positions in a wildlife enforcement agency. During the course of these interviews, individual after individual spoke of the demotion experience as a demoralizing event from which they feared they might never recover. Herein, the stigmatization of employee demotion is explored to enhance phenomenological understanding of four potentially detrimental outcomes: (1) economic harm, (2) lower well-being, (3) underemployment, and (4) grief reactions and identity crisis. In developing the model, theories from related disciplines are adapted to begin to address the void in our understanding about what happens when organizations move people down rather than out.
Social Perspective Taking: A Facilitating Aptitude for Conflict Resolution, Historical Empathy, and Social Studies Achievement

Abstract This article examines the relationship between social perspective taking (SPT) and student achievement in three domains: conflict resolution, historical empathy, and social studies grades. Although many have asserted that SPT relates to important educational outcomes, varying conceptualizations of SPT have impeded researchers' abilities to assess these relationships. Using Snow's model to guide the concepualization of SPT as a complex aptitude, this study examines 278 students in 9th & 10th grade world history classes. This investigation hypothesizes that distinct dimensions of this aptitude (the propensity to engage in perspective taking and the accuracy of perspective taking) differentially relate to these three outcomes. Correlational and regression analyses indicated that SPT significantly related to all three outcomes and provided strong support for the use of Snow's multidimensional model in relating SPT to educational outcomes. Implications for future research and for classroom practice ar...
A constant beamwidth reflector antenna for a harmonic radar operating in the near-field

A dual-frequency constant beamwidth reflector antenna for use with a harmonic radar in the focused near-field is proposed. The technique matches reflector defocusing effects to the frequency dependent phase center displacement of a log-period dipole antenna feed by specifying the LPDA apex angle. The technique was verified by simulations and measurements.
Immunomodulatory roles of the carcinoembryonic antigen family of glycoproteins.

Abstract One of the most remarkable aspects of the immune system is its ability to fashion an immune response most appropriate to the activating stimulus. Although the immune system possesses a number of adaptations to accomplish this, an important theme is local immune regulation by site-specific expression of receptors and ligands. One family of molecules that is gaining attention as modulators of the immune system is the carcinoembryonic antigen cell-adhesion molecule family (CEACAM). Functionally, the carcinoembryonic antigen family can mediate cell-cell contact, host-pathogen interactions, and immune regulation. For example, biliary glycoprotein (CEACAM1) can have direct activity on T cells, leading to the inhibition of helper or cytotoxic T cell function. The expression of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEACAM5) on intestinal epithelial cells is involved in the activation of populations of regulatory CD8(+) T cells, while a distinct subset of regulatory CD8+ T cells is activated by nonspecific cross-reacting antigen (CEACAM6) on placental trophoblasts. Interestingly, the function and phenotype of these cells depend upon the specific member of the carcinoembryonic antigen family expressed, as well as the antigen-presenting molecule with which it associates. Thus, these glycoproteins comprise a family of molecules whose functions can depend on their nature and context.