cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Trion-Species-Resolved Quantum Beats in MoSe2

Monolayer photonic materials offer a tremendous potential for on-chip optoelectronic devices. Their realization requires knowledge of optical coherence properties of excitons and trions that have so far been limited to nonlinear optical experiments carried out with strongly inhomogeneously broadened material. Here we employ h-BN-encapsulated and electrically gated MoSe2 to reveal coherence properties of trion species directly in the linear optical response. Autocorrelation measurements reveal long dephasing times up to T2 = 1.16 ± 0.05 ps for positively charged excitons. Gate-dependent measurements provide evidence that the positively charged trion forms via spatially localized hole states, making this trion less prone to dephasing in the presence of elevated hole carrier concentrations. Quantum beat signatures demonstrate coherent coupling between excitons and trions that have a dephasing time up to 0.6 ps, a 2-fold increase over those in previous reports. A key merit of the prolonged exciton/trion coher...
Fuel of Interest? The Impact of Intellectual Property Rights on Innovation

Whether intellectual property rights encourage or hinder cumulative innovation has been a subject of debate. On one hand, proponents of the positive impact claim that intellectual property rights provide incentives for researchers and private investors and direct their efforts. On the other hand, proponents of the negative impact (or so-called anti-commons effect) argue that intellectual property rights limit the ability of researchers to build upon existing innovations and technologies. Although several recent empirical works find evidence in support of anti-commons effect, the focus of these studies has been primarily on the ""existing disclosed technologies"". In spite of their prominent role in deepening our understanding of the relationship between intellectual property rights and cumulative innovation, such research designs merely allow for studying the accessibility aspect of innovations and fall short of examining other dimensions (e.g. reward and disclosure). In order to address this gap, in this...
Reliability and Validity of the Hexoskin Wearable Body Metrics Telemetry Shirt

AbstractObjective: To examine the reliability and validity of the Hexoskin wearable body metrics telemetry shirt.Design: Experimental DesignSetting: Data were collected for three days a week for three weeks in a clinical lab setting.Participants: Six healthy young, nonsmoking participants (3 males and 3 females) were selected for this study (age 23.7 +/- 2.3 years, height 171.66 +/- 9.71 cm, weight 73.53 +/- 8.8 kg, body fat percentage 15.9 +/- 5.8, body mass index 24.9 +/- 1.82 kg/m2 ).Interventions: Two distinct phases of examining the reliability and validity of the Hexoskin shirt during moderate and vigorous intensities.Main Outcome Measures: To establish test-retest reliability, data were analyzed using Pearson-r by validating the reliability from each week’s treadmill test using the calories per-minute data from each participant while wearing the Hexoskin telemetry shirt. Validity was established using criterion related concurrent validity methodology by computing Pearson-r correlation calories per-minute data for the Hexoskin, and the corresponding data from the ParvoMedic TrueOneⓇ2400 Metabolic Cart (VO2 Max). The HexoSkin heart rate was also compared between each moderate test and vigorous test using nonparametric statistics because of the small sample size. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare the heart rates between each intensity.Results: Of the many data points provided by the HexoSkin, the study focused on calories, breathing rate, and heart rate. The reliability of accurate calorie burn was tested at the moderate and vigorous levels for all six participants based off the Harris-Benedict equation. Breathing rate readings from the HexoSkin were compared at the moderate and vigorous levels against the ParvoMedic TrueOneⓇ2400 Metabolic Cart at moderate and vigorous levels. Finally, the HexoSkin heart rate was also compared between each moderate test and vigorous test using nonparametric statistics because of the small sample size and that the cases were matched samplesConclusions: The current study examined the Hexoskin under typical exercising constraints of moderate and vigorous intensities with healthy adults. The study demonstrated that with a properly fitting Hexoskin shirt and following proper protocols, the Hexoskin shirt could be used as a tool to accurately monitor levels of telemetry data during physical activity. It was concluded that the Hexoskin wearable body metrics telemetry shirt is a reliable and valid tool to be used during moderate and vigorous activities.List of AbbreviationsVO2 Max (Volume of Oxygen Consumption), PAR-Q (Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire)
Quality assurance in the surgical intensive care unit. Where it came from and where it's going.

The chaotic conditions and poor care provided in hospitals in the United States at the turn of the century demanded a complete restructuring of American medicine. The early efforts of the American College of Surgeons and, later, the Joint Commission on Hospital Accreditation corrected many of the shortcomings. As health care has become more complex and expensive, demands from government and insurance companies for greater assurances of health care quality and economy have spawned additional attempts at quality assurance. Further improvements have been modest and difficult to document and have added to the already high cost of health care. The future form of quality assurance is being decided now.
Does Neutron Radiation Therapy Potentiate an Immune Response to Merkel Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Background: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive cutaneous malignancy. In the advanced setting, MCC is often treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies. X-ray radiation therapy (XRT) is commonly used for palliation. There is an unmet need for new treatment options in patients progressing on immunotherapy and XRT. We present 2 patients with progressive MCC who were successfully treated with high linear energy transfer neutron radiation therapy (NRT). Clinical Observations: Patient A, an 85-year-old white male with chronic lymphocytic leukemia had progressive MCC with multiple tumors on the face despite prior XRT and ongoing treatment with pembrolizumab. The 5 most symptomatic lesions were treated with a short course of NRT (2 × 3 Gy) while continuing pembrolizumab. All irradiated facial lesions demonstrated a complete response 2 weeks after NRT. Remarkably, an additional 4 lesions located outside the NRT fields also completely resolved. Patient B, ...
Advancing the Delivery of Communication Sciences and Disorders Services Through Research: The Promise of Health Services Research

Purpose Traditional efficacy research, or research that studies interventions in controlled settings, can be difficult to translate to real-world clinical settings. In this article, we introduce th...
Nutrition Counseling for Hypertension Within a Grocery Store: An Example of the Patient-Centered Medical Neighborhood Model

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of nutrition counseling for patients with hypertension, provided in a grocery store setting. Design Single-arm pretest–posttest design implementing a 12-week dietary intervention. Setting Grocery store. Participants Thirty adults with hypertension recruited from a primary care practice. Intervention Registered dietitian nutritionists provided counseling based on the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet. Main Outcome Measures Dietary intake patterns and Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) scores measured via food-frequency questionnaire. Change in systolic blood pressure (SBP) was a secondary outcome. Analysis Paired t tests were used to test for differences between HEI-2010 scores, intake of key food pattern components, and SBP at baseline compared with follow-up. Statistical significance was established at P ≤ .05. Results Eight HEI-2010 component scores increased significantly from baseline to follow-up (a change toward a more desirable eating pattern): total fruit, whole fruit, greens and beans, whole grains, fatty acids, refined grains, and empty calories. Sodium (P Conclusions and Implications Grocery store–based counseling for patients with hypertension may be an effective strategy to provide lifestyle counseling that is not typically available within primary care.
Mobility in the middle: Bachelor’s degree selectivity and the intergenerational association in status in the United States

Abstract This study deploys data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979 to estimate the intergenerational association in socioeconomic status (SES) among graduates from non-selective, less-selective, and selective four-year colleges. The intergenerational association in status varies by measure of SES, level of education, and tier of bachelor’s degree selectivity. Although the intergenerational association in SES is statistically significant among non-degree holders, the parent-child link in occupational status is null among those who attain a bachelor’s degree. Likewise, the parent-child association in monetary SES is either small in magnitude or statistically insignificant among graduates of colleges in the middle tier of admissions selectivity. However, the intergenerational association in monetary status among graduates of the least and most-selective colleges is statistically indistinguishable from the association among non-degree holders. Results suggest that while occupational destinations are independent of occupational origins among all bachelor’s degree holders, social origins continue to influence wages and family income among graduates of the least and most-selective institutions. These findings motivate continued work to address concerns regarding causality and to examine the potential institutional structures playing a role in social mobility.
ANÁLISIS DE LOS ÍTEMS DE LA PRUEBA CAHE: USO DEL MODELO MULTIDIMENSIONAL DE CRÉDITO PARCIAL GENERALIZADO

INTRODUCCION. Recientemente Ordonez, Romero y Ruiz de Miguel (2016) han propuesto el Cuestionario de Actitudes Hacia la Estadistica (CAHE) el cual tiene evidencia de validez y de fiabilidad. Sin embargo, requiere de un analisis mas exhaustivo de los items para ampliar la evidencia de validez de los mismos en las distintas dimensiones. METODO. Por ello, en el presente estudio el objetivo es ampliar la evidencia de la calidad psicometrica del CAHE, a traves de la aplicacion del Modelo Multidimensional de Credito Parcial Generalizado (MMCPG). Se aplico el CAHE a una muestra incidental compuesta por 836 estudiantes de la Facultad de Educacion, de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid. El CAHE esta compuesto por tres dimensiones: la escala de emociones negativas, la escala de emociones positivas y la escala de utilidad, con un total de 16 items en escala tipo Likert con 5 opciones de respuesta que van desde “completamente en desacuerdo” a “completamente de acuerdo”. Para el analisis de los items se ha utilizado el programa R version 3.4.3. RESULTADOS. Los resultados muestran que el cuestionario se comporta siguiendo una estructura de 3 dimensiones donde cada uno de los items en cada una de las dimensiones, presenta adecuados valores en los parametros de discriminacion y dificultad. DISCUSION. Por lo tanto, los resultados permiten ampliar la validez reportada anteriormente, siendo, hasta la fecha, una de las pocas pruebas con evidencia de validez a nivel de constructo y de items.
Eccentric-orbit extreme-mass-ratio-inspiral radiation: Analytic forms of leading-logarithm and subleading-logarithm flux terms at high PN orders

We present new results on the analytic eccentricity dependence of several sequences of gravitational wave flux terms at high post-Newtonian (PN) order for extreme-mass-ratio inspirals. These sequences are the leading logarithms, which appear at PN orders ${x}^{3k}{\mathrm{log}}^{k}(x)$ and ${x}^{3k+3/2}{\mathrm{log}}^{k}(x)$ for integers $k\ensuremath{\ge}0$ ($x$ is a PN compactness parameter), and the subleading logarithms, which appear at orders ${x}^{3k}{\mathrm{log}}^{k\ensuremath{-}1}(x)$ and ${x}^{3k+3/2}{\mathrm{log}}^{k\ensuremath{-}1}(x)$ ($k\ensuremath{\ge}1$), in both the energy and angular momentum radiated to infinity. For the energy flux leading logarithms, we show that to arbitrarily high PN order, their eccentricity dependence is determined by particular sums over the function $g(n,{e}_{t})$, derived from the Newtonian mass quadrupole moment, that normally gives the spectral content of the Peters-Mathews flux as a function of radial harmonic $n$. An analogous power spectrum $\stackrel{\texttildelow{}}{g}(n,{e}_{t})$ determines the leading logarithms of the angular momentum flux. For subleading logs, the quadrupole power spectra are again shown to play a role, providing a distinguishable part of the eccentricity dependence of these flux terms to high PN order. With the quadrupole contribution understood, the remaining analytic eccentricity dependence of the subleading logs can, in principle, be determined more easily using black hole perturbation theory. We show this procedure in action, deriving the complete analytic structure of the ${x}^{6}\mathrm{log}(x)$ subleading-log term and an analytic expansion of the ${x}^{9/2}$ subleading log to high order in a power series in eccentricity. We discuss how these methods might be extended to other sequences of terms in the PN expansion involving logarithms.
The Extraterrestrial Adaptation: Humanity, Evolution, and Migration into Space

This is a book about humans migrating into space, why we believe such migration is important, and how the lessons of anthropology - the study of the human spedes - will be important to the success of human survival beyond Earth. We have three essential premises.
Neighborhood Context and the Pretrial Process: Do Defendants Face Adverse Outcomes Due to Their Home Address?:

When extralegal factors correlate with differences in bond amount and pretrial detention, justice may be compromised. Prior research has identified disparity related to defendant characteristics, s...
Using a Facebook group to facilitate faculty-student interactions during preclinical medical education: a retrospective survey analysis

Strong learner-teacher relationships are associated with more successful learning outcomes. With shortened modular curricula and increased availability of online resources, fostering faculty interaction with preclinical medical students has become more challenging. We sought to enhance learner-teacher relationships by engaging in discussion with preclinical medical students in their own online space. We utilized a closed Facebook discussion group, where faculty and students voluntarily joined in informal discussions and shared announcements related to their courses. The closed discussion group allowed only participating students and faculty to see others’ posts within the group. This provided a platform to freely interact within the confines of the group while maintaining privacy for the personal Facebook accounts of both faculty and students. We utilized the discussion group through three separate organ system-based modules for 14 weeks. Afterward, students were asked to complete an anonymous, voluntary online survey about their experience. 94.1% (160/170) of enrolled second-year medical students joined the voluntary FB discussion group. There were 214 posts, 628 comments, and 4166 reactions in this discussion group during the three modules. Of the students in the group, 74.4% (119/160) responded to the online survey. Overall, students strongly agreed that the Facebook discussion group fostered better rapport with faculty, helped content learning, and improved emotional well-being. Also, they felt more comfortable seeking academic help after using the discussion group. They reported a slight preference for Facebook over email as a medium for asking questions, but no preference for either as a medium for distributing announcements. Students overwhelmingly recommended that the discussion group should be continued in future years. The Facebook discussion group was a free, efficient, and effective method of cultivating the learner-teacher relationship with the preclinical medical students, resulting in reported enhancement of learning and morale.
Brain‐derived acetylcholine maintains peak bone mass in adult female mice

Preclinical and clinical data support a role of the sympathetic nervous system in the regulation of bone remodeling, but the contribution of parasympathetic arm of the autonomic nervous system to bone homeostasis remains less studied. In this study, we sought to determine whether acetylcholine (ACh) contributes to the regulation of bone remodeling after peak bone mass acquisition. We show that reduced central ACh synthesis in mice heterozygous for the choline transporter (ChT) leads to a decrease in bone mass in young female mice, thus independently confirming the previously reported beneficial effect of ACh signaling on bone mass accrual. Increasing brain ACh levels through the use of the blood brain barrier (BBB)-permeable acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) galantamine increased trabecular bone mass in adult female mice, whereas a peripheral increase in ACh levels induced by the BBB-impermeable AChEI pyridostigmine caused trabecular bone loss. AChEIs did not alter skeletal norepinephrine level, and induced an overall increase in osteoblast and osteoclast densities, two findings that do not support a reduction in sympathetic outflow as the mechanism involved in the pro-anabolic effect of galantamine on the skeleton. In addition, we did not detect changes in the commitment of skeletal progenitor cells to the osteoblast lineage in vivo in AChEI-treated mice, nor a direct impact of these drugs in vitro on the survival and differentiation of osteoblast and osteoclast progenitors. Last, ChT heterozygosity and galantamine treatment triggered bone changes in female mice only, thus revealing the existence of a gender-specific skeletal response to brain ACh level. In conclusion, this study supports the stimulatory effect of central ACh on bone mass accrual, shows that it also promotes peak bone mass maintenance in adult mice, and suggests that central ACh regulates bone mass via different mechanisms in growing versus sexually mature mice. © 2020 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Clinical psychology is an applied evolutionary science

Historically there has been only a limited relationship between clinical psychology and evolutionary science. This article considers the status of that relationship in light of a modern multi-dimensional and multi-level extended evolutionary approach. Evolution can be purposive and even conscious, and evolutionary principles can give guidance and provide consilience to clinical psychology, especially as it focuses more on processes of change. The time seems ripe to view clinical psychology as an applied evolutionary science.
Molecular diversity and genetic structure of wild rice accessions (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) in Guangdong Province, China, as revealed by SNP markers

Common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) is a valuable germplasm resource for rice genetic improvement. However, it is endangered due to habitat loss. Assessment of its genetic diversity is essential for germplasm characterization, utilization, and conservation. In the present study, we developed a 79,422-single-nucleotide polymorphism genome-wide array by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) and used it to genotype 110 common wild rice accessions from different agroclimatic zones in Guangdong Province, China. The number of SNPs on each chromosome was consistent with the physical length of the chromosome, and the average marker density was approximately 4.83 kb/SNP. The genome-wide linkage disequilibrium decayed to its half maximum within 0.52 kb for O. rufipogon. The common wild rice accessions were clustered into four subgroups, with some overlap in principal component analysis and a neighbor-joining tree that was also confirmed by model-based admixture. Analysis of molecular variance revealed significant genetic differentiation among individuals, accounting for 90.64% of the total molecular variance; however, the differences between the subgroups (Enping, Lufeng, Suixi and Fogang) were not significant. The significant genetic variations in resources collected in different years were observed in Enping and Suixi subgroups, but there was no significant genetic variation in Fogang subgroup. The pairwise fixation index (FST) suggested that the populations from Enping and Lufeng were most differentiated while those from Enping and Fogang were least differentiated. Our results illustrated clear genetic relationships among 110 common wild rice accessions, showing a potential molecular marker-based strategy for preserving the genetic diversity and accelerating the systematic utilization of these important wild rice resources.
Fetal gastric area ratio to predict severe neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome.

Neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) can occur in newborns exposed to opioids in pregnancy. Opioids delay gastric emptying and inhibit gastric motility in adults, but little is known about th...
Echocardiography for the Diagnosis and Management of Acute Aortic Syndromes

Echocardiography provides both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the aortic root, thoracic and proximal abdominal aorta. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) provides good views of the aortic root and proximal abdominal aorta, adequate views of the proximal ascending aorta and aortic arch, while only limited views of the descending thoracic aorta, in some patients. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE), with its superior image quality due to high frequency transducers and close approximation of the esophagus to the thoracic aorta, provides nearly complete assessment of the ascending and descending thoracic aorta, especially in the emergency evaluation of Acute Aortic Syndromes (AAS). Presence of the trachea/left bronchus impedes complete visualization of the distal ascending aorta and proximal aortic arch.
Hospital medicine team perception of diversity and inclusion at work.

Background : Diversity and Inclusion concepts are crucial in healthcare as the patient population we encounter as hospitalist medicine team is diverse. A diverse and inclusive environment for healthcare employees can lead to improved job satisfaction and high-quality medical care of patients. However, hospitalist perspectives on diversity and inclusion in their work environment are not well studied and noted in literature. Understanding hospitalists perspective of diversity and inclusion is important in promoting organizational culture. Methods We conducted an online survey of a large hospitalist group at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, from October - December 2019, as part of Hospital Internal Medicine (HIM) Diversity Council (HIM-DC) inception, to understand the perceptions of its staff about diversity and inclusion at work and facilitate the next best steps for the team. The responses to the survey questions were graded on a likert scale. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze and interpret the data. Results : Of the 135 team members, 78 responded (58%). Of the respondents, more than 80% never witnessed or experienced discrimination from a colleague, while more than 50% did witness or experience discrimination from a patient/visitor. More than 70% did not report this discrimination. Nearly 90% felt that it was an inclusive environment at work, across different personal attributes. Most of the respondents requested additional cultural education and social events. Conclusion Unfortunately, a higher percentage of discrimination is perceived from patients/visitors. This highlights the need for institutional policies about visitor conduct. A high proportion of HIM staff felt inclusive at workplace. Committees such as HIM-DC can augment cultural education and social events to improve team's perception.
Data Collection Related to Emergency Events

This chapter suggests that collection of data associated with travel generated during an emergency event is an area that provides interesting possibilities for travel survey practitioners. Expertise gained in conducting urban travel surveys will be useful, but the unique conditions that exist in emergency situations will require the development of new approaches. Of particular concern are the need to provide dynamic information, limit the respondent burden to manageable amounts, and develop new techniques whereby supplemental data can be gathered. Data that have been collected in the past do not fulfill the needs of an effective emergency modeling capability.
Systematic Review: Rectal Therapies for the Treatment of Distal Forms of Ulcerative Colitis.

Background Many therapeutic options are available for patients with distal forms of ulcerative colitis (UC). Rectal therapies (e.g., suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) may be recommended either alone or in combination with oral treatment. Compared with oral therapies, rectal therapies are underused in patients with distal forms of UC, although rectal therapies have favorable efficacy and safety profiles. Methods This systematic review identified 48 articles for inclusion after a comprehensive PubMed search and the identification of additional relevant articles through other sources. Inclusion criteria were clinical studies examining efficacy and safety of 5-aminosalicylic acid, corticosteroid, and non-5-aminosalicylic acid rectal therapies (suppositories, foams, gels, and enemas) that induce or maintain remission in patients with ulcerative proctitis, ulcerative proctosigmoiditis, or left-sided colitis (i.e., distal forms of UC). The quality of the evidence presented was evaluated using the GRADE system. Results Overall, a greater percentage of patients with distal forms of UC receiving 5-aminosalicylic acids or corticosteroid rectal formulations derived greater therapeutic benefit after treatment compared with patients receiving placebo. Furthermore, most uncontrolled studies of rectal therapies reported that patients with distal forms of UC had marked improvement from baseline after treatment. The overall safety profile of rectal therapies was favorable. Treatment with second-generation corticosteroids, such as budesonide and beclomethasone dipropionate, did not increase the incidence of steroid-related adverse effects. Conclusions The current literature supports the use of rectal therapies for both induction and maintenance of remission in patients with distal forms of UC.
Emerging market local currency bond yields and foreign holdings – A fortune or misfortune?

The paper shows that foreign holdings of local currency government bonds in emerging market countries (EMs) have reduced bond yields but have somewhat increased yield volatility. Econometric analyses conducted from a sample of 13 EMs demonstrate that these results are robust and causal. We use an identification strategy exploiting the geography-based measure of EMs financial remoteness vis-a-vis major offshore financial centers as an instrumental variable for the foreign holdings variable. The results also show that, in countries with weak fiscal positions, foreign holdings are greatly associated with increased yield level. A case study using Poland data elaborates on the cross country findings.
Usability Evaluation of Email Applications by Blind Users

In this article, we discuss results of usability evaluations of desktop and web-based email applications used by those who are blind. Email is an important tool for workplace communication, but computer software and websites can present accessibility and usability barriers to blind users who use screen readers to access computers and websites. To identify usability problems that blind users have with email, 15 blind users tested seven commonly used email applications. Each user tested two applications, so each application was tested by three to five users. From the results, we identify several ways to improve email applications so that blind people can use them more easily. The findings of this study should also assist employers as they make decisions about the types of email applications that they will use within their organizations. This exploratory research can serve as a focus for more extensive studies in the future.
Inferior myocardial infarction as a cause of asymmetric septal hypertrophy: An echocardiographic study

The diastolic thickness of the septum and posterior left ventricular wall were measured with M mode echocardiography in 68 patients 2 or more months after a single transmural myocardial infarction. In 42 patients with inferior wall infarction, the septal thickness of 12.4 +/- 0.6 mm (mean +/- standard error of the mean) was larger than the mean measurement in 26 patients with anterior wall infarction (9.6 +/- 0.6 mm, P less than 0.01). Twenty-five of these 42 patients (59 percent) had increased septal thickness (greater than 11 mm), including 12 (48 percent) who had hypertension and 11 (26 percent) who had decreased posterior wall thickness. The ratio of septal to posterior wall thickness was greater in the patients with inferior infarction than in those with anterior infarction (1.36 +/- 0.06 versus 0.89 +/- 0.06, P less than 0.001). This ratio exceeded 1.3 in 22 patients with an inferior infarction (52 percent) but was increased in only 1 patient with an anterior infarction. Hypertension did not predict the presence or absence of an abnormal ratio. Increased septal thickness on echocardiography may occur after interior infarction and result in an abnormal septal to posterior wall thickness ratio that meets current echocardiographic criteria for asymmetric septal hypertrophy.
Transport of rodlike colloids through packed beds.

The effect of colloid shape on filtration rates in porous media was examined by constructing particles with different aspect ratios and measuring their retention in packed beds. Spherical polystyrene latex microspheres (1.0-μm diameter) were heated, stretched to the desired aspect ratio (2:1 and 3:1, with a 1:1 control), and quickly cooled. These particles were injected into minicolumns containing glass beads (40-μm diameter) in solutions at two different ionic strengths (IS = 1 and 100 mM). The measured retentions increased with aspect ratio in both IS solutions. The ζ-potentials for all three aspect ratios were indistinguishable, and no charge nonuniformity was measured for any of the samples. Thus, the data support that changes in retention resulted from the different aspect ratios rather than from different surface chemistries. Interpretation of the retention data in terms of a collision efficiency (α) showed an increase with aspect ratio in both IS solutions, and for 1 mM the α increased from 0.011 (...
The Propensity Score Analytical Framework: An Overview and Institutional Research Example

Estimating the effect of campus math tutoring support, this study demonstrates the use of propensity score weighted and matched-data analysis and examines the correspondence with results from parametric regression analysis.
Global Warming Economics

Under the recent revision of the Kyoto Protocol at Bonn, Germany, countries decided to move ahead with policies to slow greenhouse warming without the United States. Using the RICE-2001 model, the author of this Policy Forum shows that the revised protocol will have little impact on greenhouse-gas emissions and that the economic burden shifts sharply toward Europe. The Kyoto-Bonn Accord will nonetheless be a useful experiment in institutional innovation as the protocol9s international market mechanism for the environment is untested up to now.
Chapter 3 Applications of microwave-assisted extraction in environmental analysis

Publisher Summary Microwaves are high-frequency electromagnetic waves used for cooking foods, but recent industrial applications of microwaves include materials processing, soil remediation, and organic synthesis. This chapter discusses the principles of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and summarizes the developments in MAE technology with primary focus on environmental applications. The Soxhlet extraction technique is being replaced by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), MAE techniques, and accelerated-solvent extraction (ASE) because of significant drawbacks including, long extraction times, lack of sample agitation, and a mandatory solvent evaporation/concentration step after extraction. Selection of proper solvent is the key to a successful extraction, and consideration should be given to the microwave-absorbing properties of the solvent, the interaction of the solvent with the matrix, and the analyte solubility in the solvent. Future instrument developments will likely focus on vessel design and materials, increased sample throughput by integrating extraction/centrifugation/ solvent evaporation, and perhaps full integration of the microwave sample preparation with instrumental analysis.
Lipid Composition of Bacillus cereus During Growth and Sporulation

The lipid composition of Bacillus cereus during growth and sporulation was examined. The total lipid extract accounted for 2 to 3% of the dry weight of the cells and consisted of neutral lipids (30 to 40%) and phospholipids (60 to 70%). Phospholipids were separated by thin-layer chromatography into eight components; phosphatidyl ethanolamine, phosphatidyl glycerol, and diphosphatidyl glycerol were the major phospholipids and accounted for over 90% of the total. Also identified was a diglycosyl diglyceride and an alanine ester of phosphatidyl glycerol. Diphosphatidyl glycerol was more difficult to extract than the other components in vegetative and stationary-phase cells, but became increasingly easy to extract during spore maturation, and during sporulation cellular levels increased. Phosphatidyl glycerol had a high turnover rate; it accounted for about 70% of the phospholipid synthesis throughout sporulation but only represented between 30 and 40% of the total phospholipid at any time. Phosphatidyl ethanolamine, on the other hand, accounted for about 20% of the synthesis but was the major phospholipid (50 to 60% of the total).
Observations in Conducting J-R Curve Tests on Nuclear Piping Materials

This paper describes some of Battelle's experiences in developing J-R data for nuclear piping materials. Compact specimens were machined from both carbon steel and stainless steel pipe and subjected to testing at elevatedtemperatures, similar to temperatures encountered in nuclear reactor coolant piping. In many cases, the specimens displayed toughness levels above those considered valid by ASTM standard methods of testing. Furthermore, cracks were grown by about 50% of the original ligament, well in excess of the 10% limit imposed by ASTM Test Method for Determining J-R Curves (E 1152-87). Topics discussed in the paper include: (1) monitoring crack extension using the direct-current electric potential method, (2) specimen thickness changes ahead of the growing crack, (3) observations of fracture appearance and crack growth direction in ferritic versus austenitic steels, (4) observations of ductile-crack jumps in carbon steels tested at 288°C (550°F), (5) unusual effects of partial unloadings in testing carbon steels at 288°C (550°F), and (6) difficulties with certain ASTM definitions in testing highly ductile materials.
Breast cancer in Marin County

Two articles previously published in Breast Cancer Research illustrate the high rates of breast cancer in Marin County, a wealthy, urban county immediately northwest of the city of San Francisco. I herein comment on these articles, and on the political/psychological/scientific dilemma presented by regions with high cancer rates, such as Marin County. I discuss possible causes for such cancer 'clusters', and conclude with some thoughts about the future.
The steady-state magnetic field in the transition region between the magnetosphere and the bow shock

Steady state magnetic field in transition region between magnetosphere and bow shock by MHD EQUATIONS, noting solution by approximation method
Self-efficacy for coping with cancer: revision of the Cancer Behavior Inventory (version 2.0).

The Cancer Behavior Inventory (CBI), a measure of self-efficacy for coping with cancer, was revised by adding a new stress management scale and reducing its length from 43 to 33 items. The 33-item CBI was administered to 280 cancer patients. A principal factors analysis with varimax rotation yielded the hypothesized seven factors (alphas in parentheses): (1) maintenance of activity and independence (alpha=0.86), (2) seeking and understanding medical information (alpha=0.88), (3) stress management (alpha=0.86), (4) coping with treatment-related side-effects (alpha=0.82), (5) accepting cancer/maintaining positive attitude (alpha=0.86), (6) affective regulation (alpha=0.81), and (7) seeking support (alpha=0.80). The alpha for the entire CBI was 0.94, the test-retest (1 week) reliability coefficient was 0.74, and correlations with measures of quality of life and coping supported its validity. The CBI may be useful to researchers and clinicians and can be integrated into a self-regulation model of coping.
Semiclassical stochastic trajectory approach to molecule-solid surface scattering

Abstract A semiclassical stochastic trajectory (SST) approach to the sudy of collision induced transitions in gas molecule-solid surface scattering is presented. The time-dependent Schrodinger equation provides the time-evolution of the transition amplitudes for the molecular internal states. Classical mechanics is used to describe the molecule's center of mass motion as well as the surface atoms' motion — the latter through the generalized Langevin equation (GLE) method which allows the treatment of non-rigid surfaces (i.e. surface temperature effects). These quantum and classical equations of motion are coupled through the use of a time-dependent interaction potential in the Schrodinger equation and the use of the expectation value of the interaction potential in the classical equations of motion. Advantages of the SST approach include: (1) flexibility in the choice of quantum versus classical coordinates; (c) strict energy conservation for non-dissipative system; and (3) realistic treatment of surface many-body effects within the GLE. The SST technique is applied to the study of vibrational and rotational inelasticity in a model H 2 Pt(111) system. As an initial test, results obtained assuming a rigid, smooth surface with an exponentially repulsive potential are compared to exact quantal and quasi-classical trajectory values to determine the accuracy and utility of the SST approach. A limited practical application is presented for the same H 2 Pt(111) system but for a non-rigid surface. These results, calculated at low gas kinetic energies, indicate that surface energy transfer and surface temperature effects should be minimal for this type of system, even though the energy gaps are quite similar for rotational and phonon degrees of freedom.
Growth retardation and zinc nutrition.

Extract: Based on a previous report of a zinc deficiency syndrome in children characterized by low hair zinc, anorexia, poor growth, and hypogeusia, 12 children attending a pediatric endocrinology clinic for growth retardation and judged as having short stature as a variant of normal (SVN) were evaluated as to their zinc nutriture to learn whether zinc deficiency was a contributory factor. None was found to have the above syndrome, although one child did have a hair zinc concentration below 70 μg/g. The mean hair zinc of the SVN subjects was lower than the hair zinc of 40 apparently normal adolescents, 131 ± 37 μg/g vs. 168 ± 44 μg/g (P < 0.02), but there was no difference found in plasma levels of zinc or in taste acuity. In contrast, five patients with total growth arrest secondary to juvenile Crohn's disease (CD) were found to have multiple findings consistent with zinc deficiency including low plasma zinc, low hair zinc, or hypogeusia. Speculation: There is a relationship between the pattern of growth and zinc deficiency in man. The pattern is characterized by a plateau in growth. The short stature of children whose growth is at a normal velocity is not likely to be due to zinc deficiency.
A stochastic approach to predator-prey models

A deterministic investigation of a linear differential equation system which describes predator vs prey behavior as a function of equilibrium densities and reproductive rates is given. A more realistic structure of this model in a stochastic framework is presented. The reproductive rates and initial population sizes are considered to be random variables and their probabilistic behavior characterized by various joint probability distributions. The deterministic behaviors of the prey and predator species as functions of time are compared with the mean behaviors in the stochastic model.
Modeling of defects in amorphous semiconductors: Threefold coordination in a-Si:H

Abstract Defects in a-Si:H are modeled by embedding a small “defect cluster” in a crystalline Si matrix. Electronic structure calculations for threefold coordinated Si, P, B, Ga and Al are carried out using the Green's function method. The electronic U for the Si dangling bond is in good agreement with the experimental data for a dangling bond related defect. The threefold coordinated P is found to be electrically inactive, while the threefold coordinated B, Ga and Al all have a level in the gap. The positions their respective levels, suggest that Ga or Al may be better acceptor dopants than B.
Mechanical and oxygen barrier properties of organoclay‐polyethylene nanocomposite films

An organically modified montmorillonite was compounded with ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA), low density polyethylene (LDPE), and high density polyethylene (HDPE) in a twin-screw extruder. The resulting organoclay-polyethylene nanocomposites were then blown into films. Tensile properties and oxygen permeability of these nanocomposite films were investigated to understand the effects of organoclay on different types of polyethylene. It was found that the clay enhancing effects are function of the matrix. The mechanical and oxygen barrier properties of clay/EVA systems increased with clay loading. Both the tensile modulus and oxygen barrier of EVA doubled at 5 wt% clay. Maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (MAPE) usually is used as a compatibilizer for LDPE and HDPE-based nanocomposites. However, the MAPEs were found to weaken the oxygen barrier of the PEs, especially for HDPE. This is believed to be a result of less compactness caused by the large side groups and the increase in polarity of the MAPEs. Incorporating 5 wt% clay improves the oxygen barrier by 30% and the tensile modulus by 37% for the LDPE/MAPE system. Incorporation of clay does not enhance the properties of the HDPE-based systems, likely due to large domain structure and poor bonding. Halpin–Tsai equation and the tortuous path equation were used to model the tensile modulus and oxygen permeability of the clay/EVA nanocomposite films. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1101–1107, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrodialytic membrane suppressor for ion chromatography

A dual membrane helical electrodialytic suppressor is described. A platinum-wire-filled tube made of Naflon perfluorosulfonate membrane, inserted in another perfluorosulfonate membrane tube, is coiled into a helix. The helical assembly is inserted within an outer jacked packed with granular conductive carbon. An alkaline eluent, e.g., NaOH or Na/sub 2/CO/sub 3/, flows in the annular channel between the two membranes and pure water flows through the inner membrane and the outer jacket, countercurrent to the eluent flow. A dc voltage (typically 3-8 V) is applied across the carbon bed and the platinum wire. Na/sup +/ in the eluent migrates to the cathode compartment resulting in water as the suppressed effluent and NaOH as the catholyte effluent. The dual membrane design prevents direct electrode contact with the eluent; bubble induced noise in the suppressed eluent due to any residual gas is eliminated or minimized with a microporous gas-permeable membrane tube or by applying sufficient back pressure to the detectors exit. Up to 500 /mu/equiv of NaOH/min can be quantitatively suppressed with a membrane length of 50 cm and a band dispersion of 106 /mu/L (20-/mu/L sample). With typical eluents, the system permits detection limits in the low-parts-per-billion level for most common anions.
Helicobacter pylori: The Versatile Pathogen

Helicobacter pylori is a curvilinear motile gram-negative bacillus which is now recognized as the principal cause of type B gastritis, duodenal ulcer, gastric ulcer and MALT lymphoma. There is also a high degree of association between H. pylori gastritis and gastric carcinoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach. H. pylori infection of the stomach is the most frequent chronic infection in the world. H. pylori is an extraordinary pathogen with virtually unrivaled versatility. The organism possesses the capacity to colonize and prosper in the hostile acidic gastric lumen, an environment in which other microorganisms cannot survive. H. pylori contains and expresses an assortment of proinflammatory biomolecules. H. pylori also stimulates host cells to release proinflammatory substances which participate in the initiation and perpetuation of inflammation and tissue injury. H. pylori elaborates a potent urease and a variety of other enzymes necessary for colonization and expression of the organism's pathogenicity. H. pylori is usually acquired in childhood, believed usually by fecal-oral transmission. The principal lesion induced by H. pylori is type B gastritis, which begins as acute inflammation involving the antrum. Type B gastritis then extends to the entire stomach with gradual progression to chronic gastritis and variable degrees of gastric mucosal atrophy. Much now is known but much more remains to be learned about H. pylori and the diseases which this extraordinary pathogen produces.
Rare variant of isolated lower polehydronephrosis: Primary obstructive megaureter

Abstract Hydronephrosis in the lower pole moiety of a duplex system is relatively uncommon usually associated with vesicoureteric reflux. We report on a patient with primary obstructive megaureter of a lower pole moiety that we believe is the first case report in the literature.
Role for copper in the cellular and regulatory effects of heme-hemopexin

Hemopexin (HPX) binds heme tightly, thus protecting cells from heme toxicity during hemolysis, trauma and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Heme uptake via endocytosis of heme-HPX followed by heme catabolism by heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) raises regulatory iron pools, thus linking heme metabolism with that of iron. Normal iron homeostasis requires copper-replete cells. When heme-HPX induces HMOX1, the copper-storing metallothioneins (MTs) are also induced whereas the copper-responsive copper chaperone that delivers copper to Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase, CCS1, is decreased; both are known responses when cellular copper levels rise. Endocytosis of heme-HPX is needed to regulate CCS1 since the signaling ligand cobalt-protoporphyrin (CoPP)-HPX, which does not induce HMOX1 but does co-localize with heme-HPX in endosomes, also decreased CCS1. These observations support that heme-HPX mobilizes copper in cells. The regulation of both hmox1 and mt1 is prevented by the copper-chelator, bathocuproinedisulfonate (BCDS), but not uptake of heme-AlexaFluor-labeled HPX into endosomes. Supporting a role for copper in HMOX1 regulation by heme-HPX, nutritional copper deficiency generated by tetraethylene pentamine or 232 tetraamine prevented HMOX1 induction. Using conditions that mimic maturing endosomes, we found that copper prevents rebinding of heme to apo-HPX. A model is presented in which copper endocytosis together with that of heme-HPX provides a means to facilitate heme export from HPX in the maturing endosomes: heme is needed for hmox1 transcription, while cytosolic copper and CCS1 provide a link for the known simultaneous regulation of hmox1 and mt1 by heme-HPX.