cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Determining the Location and Role of Al in Al-Modified TiO2 Nanoparticles Using Low-Temperature Heat Capacity, Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy, and X-ray Diffraction

The location and function of dopants in metal oxide nanoparticles have been poorly characterized for many systems. We have performed heat capacity measurements, electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) on 10 TiO2 nanoparticle samples that have different amounts of Al dopant to determine the location and function of the Al3+ cations. From the heat capacity data, lattice vacancies are observed to increase significantly with the addition of the Al dopant, suggesting Al3+ cations enter the TiO2 lattice and create vacancies due to the charge difference between Al3+ and Ti4+. The presence of gapped terms in fits of the low-temperature heat capacity data also suggests that small regions of short-range order are created within the TiO2 lattice. Entropies at T = 298.15 K were determined from the heat capacity data and show effects related to the entropy of mixing, suggesting that a solid solution of Al/TiO2 is formed. EELS data confirm that Al enters the TiO2 lattice but also indicates...
Multidimensional nanomaterials for the control of stem cell fate

Current stem cell therapy suffers low efficiency in giving rise to differentiated cell lineages, which can replace the original damaged cells. Nanomaterials, on the other hand, provide unique physical size, surface chemistry, conductivity, and topographical microenvironment to regulate stem cell differentiation through multidimensional approaches to facilitate gene delivery, cell–cell, and cell–ECM interactions. In this review, nanomaterials are demonstrated to work both alone and synergistically to guide selective stem cell differentiation. From three different nanotechnology families, three approaches are shown: (1) soluble microenvironmental factors; (2) insoluble physical microenvironment; and (3) nano-topographical features. As regenerative medicine is heavily invested in effective stem cell therapy, this review is inspired to generate discussions in the potential clinical applications of multi-dimensional nanomaterials.
Abstract 2267: Defining roles of SIN3 isoforms in breast cancer metastasis

Metastasis continues to be the most difficult clinical challenge for breast cancer. These patients have unacceptable survival rates that have not changed in the past 20 years. Therefore, more effective therapeutic options are needed. The purpose of this study is to better understand molecular mechanisms of the SIN3 chromatin complexes that have been functionally associated with breast cancer progression to identify novel targeting strategies. Alteration of the composition of SIN3 complexes regulates the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells; and inhibition of SIN3 complexes induces differentiation and inhibits invasion of breast cancer cells. However, differences in the function of SIN3 isoforms (SIN3A and SIN3B) in breast cancer metastasis have not been characterized. To better define the role of SIN3 isoforms in breast cancer metastasis, we generated stable knockdown of SIN3 isoforms individually and in combination using 3 non-overlapping shRNA in two different metastatic breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and -435). No significant change was noted in the proliferation rate of the transduced cells in vitro. Stable knockdown of SIN3B caused a significant decrease in invasion through Matrigel (28 ± 4 invaded cells/field compared to 50 ± 8 for control; p = 0.027) using a modified Boyden chamber that was corroborated by the decreased presence of stellate projections and a more epithelial phenotypic growth in 3D. Surprisingly, stable knockdown of SIN3A significantly increased invasion through Matrigel (98 ± 14 invaded cells/field; p = 0.008) and increased the presence of stellate projections in the 3D growth assay. Dual knockdown of SIN3A and SIN3B caused a significant decrease in invasiveness (19 ± 5 invaded cells/field; p = 0.003) and decreased presence of stellate projections similar to the phenotype noted with individual knockdown of SIN3B. These results were confirmed in vivo with an experimental metastasis assay (lateral tail vein injection in athymic nude mice) in which SIN3B knockdown significantly decreased lung metastasis (70% decrease compared to control; p = 0.009) and SIN3A knockdown increased metastasis (163% increase compared to control; p = 0.096). These results demonstrate key functional differences between SIN3 isoforms in regulating the process of metastasis. Our data suggests metastasis suppressive roles of SIN3A and metastasis promoting roles of SIN3B that will be important in discovering novel therapeutic strategies for metastatic breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Monica J. Lewis, Jianzhong Liu, Douglas R. Hurst. Defining roles of SIN3 isoforms in breast cancer metastasis. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 2267. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2267
The attribute agenda-setting influence of online community on online newscast: investigating the South Korean Sewol ferry tragedy

ABSTRACTThe Sewol ferry tragedy was a major event in South Korea in 2014. This study examines the agenda-setting links between a Korean online newscast (Naver) and a Korean online community (Daum). Although each portal initially focused on different crisis attributes and stakeholders regarding the ferry tragedy, their agendas became more alike over time. Notably, the cross-lagged analysis shows significant influence of the online community (Daum) on the online newscast (Naver). This study also expands on Son and Weaver’s [2006, Another look at what moves public opinion: Media agenda setting and polls in the 2000 U.S. election. International Journal of Public Opinion Research, 18(2), 174–197] theoretical model for a stratified agenda, providing a more nuanced look at attribute agenda setting.
Spatiotemporal Variability of Benthic Communities on Weathervane Scallop Beds off Alaska

AbstractMarine benthic communities are critical biotic components of habitat due to their roles in ecosystem function and health and as indicators of ecosystem change. Benthic communities are receiving increasing attention as institutions adopt ecosystem-oriented research approaches. We conducted a multidecadal analysis of benthic communities in areas targeted by a commercial weathervane scallop Patinopecten caurinus fishery on the continental shelf off Alaska. Using bycatch data collected by onboard observers during 1996–2012, we analyzed spatiotemporal patterns in community composition on weathervane scallop beds. We also explored whether spatiotemporal differences were related to environmental (sediment and depth) and anthropogenic (dredging effort) variables. Statistically significant (P < 0.05) temporal changes in community composition occurred during 1996–2012, with a split between 1996 and 1999 and subsequent years. Taxa contributing to temporal changes were not consistent across fishery registrati...
Comparative Morphology of Plethodontid Olfactory and Vomeronasal Organs: How Snouts Are Packed

Abstract: Size and shape of sensory organs are features, among others, that can affect sensory functioning. Natural selection can act on such features to optimize performance in particular environments and for particular life histories and behavioral repertoires, although selection is not the only force influencing a particular structure. I examined olfactory and vomeronasal organ morphology in several species of salamanders in the Family Plethodontidae ranging from completely aquatic, semiaquatic, terrestrial, to arboreal. The Plethodontidae is the most speciose and diverse urodele group, making it a particularly interesting subject of evolutionary study. I examined microanatomy with the use of serial sections of complete snouts of species from the Appalachians and Neotropics, the two centers of plethodontid diversity. All species, except the aquatic Desmognathus marmoratus, had thick olfactory epithelia very anteriorly in the snout, especially mid-point in the main olfactory chamber, which may optimize...
X Marks the Spot: The Profound Impact of Sex on Aortic Disease.

Biological sex and gender exert profound effects on all aspects of cardiovascular disease, from susceptibility to disease to therapeutic outcomes to access to care. Women typically develop coronary heart disease when they are older than men but experience disproportionate harm from risk factors, such as smoking and diabetes mellitus, and have a higher mortality after myocardial infarction.1,2 Similar sex differences are observed for both thoracic and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Male sex is the most potent nonmodifiable risk factor for AAAs, with estimates ranging from a 4- to 10-fold higher incidence in men than in women.3,4 See accompanying article on page 143 Thoracic aortic aneurysms and acute aortic dissections also primarily affect men but to a lesser extent than AAA. Individuals presenting for surgical repair of either a thoracic aneurysm or acute dissection are 65% men.5 Similarly, the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection reported a male predominance of 65% among individuals presenting with an acute aortic dissection.6 Furthermore, individuals with a single autosomal gene mutation predisposing them to thoracic aortic aneurysms are predominantly men. Recent data on the largest cohort to date of patients with Marfan syndrome in the National Registry of Genetically Triggered Thoracic Aortic Aneurysms and Cardiovascular Conditions demonstrate that male sex is associated with more severe and earlier symptoms.7–9 The age of onset of aortic events was even more dramatically different based on sex in patients with TGFBR1 (TGF-β [transforming growth factor-β] receptor type 1) mutations, with 90% of men having an event by age of 60 years compared with only half the women.10 The proportion of men presenting with aortic dissections is also higher than women. In contrast, there is no dramatic difference based …
A clustering approach to injury severity in pedestrian-train crashes at highway-rail grade crossings

This research studied potential factors associated with pedestrian injury severity levels sustained in train-pedestrian crashes at highway-rail grade crossings (HRGCs) using the Federal Railroad Ad...
Longitudinal rates of postoperative adverse outcomes after glaucoma surgery among medicare beneficiaries 1994 to 2005

Purpose To determine longitudinal rates of postoperative adverse outcomes after incisional glaucoma surgery in a nationally representative longitudinal sample. Design Retrospective, longitudinal cohort analysis. Participants Medicare beneficiaries ≥68 years who underwent a primary trabeculectomy (PT), trabeculectomy with scarring (TS), or glaucoma drainage device (GDD) implantation from 1994 to 2003 with follow-up through 2005. Intervention Primary trabeculectomy, TS, and GDD were identified from International Classification of Diseases (ICD-9-CM) and Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) procedure codes. Change in rates of postoperative adverse outcomes associated with these 3 surgical interventions was analyzed by cumulative incidence rates and Cox proportional hazards model regression; regression analysis controlled for prior adverse outcome measures (3-year run-up) and demographic variables. Main Outcome Measures First-, second-, and sixth-year cumulative rates and probability of experiencing serious adverse outcomes (retinal detachment, endophthalmitis, suprachoroidal hemorrhage), less serious adverse outcomes (choroidal detachment, corneal edema, hypotony), and receipt of additional glaucoma surgery were identified through Medicare claims for each treatment group. Results At the 1-year follow-up, rates of severe adverse outcomes were higher among beneficiaries in the GDD group (2.0%) relative to the PT (0.6%) and TS groups (1.3%). Controlling for prior adverse outcomes to the surgery and demographic factors in Cox proportional analysis, differences were often reduced, but generally remained statistically and clinically significant. Rates of severe outcomes, less severe outcomes, corneal edema, and low vision/blindness were higher for persons undergoing GDD than PT or TS. However, rates of reoperation were higher for TS than GDD. Conclusions The risk for adverse outcomes was higher in GDD than in PT surgery or TS, controlling for a number of important case mix and demographic factors.
Comparison of standard and alternative Health Assessment Questionnaire scoring procedures for documenting functional outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective. To compare statistical properties of data from the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) with those from an alternative version (AHAQ) that used a different scoring system for the item categories and disability index. Comparisons included descriptive statistics, correlations, and inferential statistics to determine whether the AHAQ would be a more sensitive measure of change in functional status. Methods. The subjects were 107 adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and hospitalized for exacerbations in their arthritis or arthritis related joint surgery. Disability was assessed upon admission to hospital and at one year followup with the HAQ. AHAQ scores were generated for the item categories making up the disability index by taking the mean of the item scores in a category instead of the worst item score ; the disability index was the mean of the alternative category scores. Results. The standard method of scoring the HAQ was found to generate greater variance on category scores, lower correlations between category scores and the total disability index, and lower correlations between first and 2nd administrations of the instrument, compared to the AHAQ. HAQ disability index scores also correlated slightly lower than those of AHAQ to scores from the HAQ pain scales, and to scores from 2 other measures of functional disability. In addition, the AHAQ was found to be more powerful in detecting functional changes at one year followup. Conclusion. Because of its statistical properties the AHAQ scoring method may be preferable to the HAQ method when the instrument is used for documenting change in functional outcomes.
Characteristics of Ex-CEO Founder Directors and Performance Variation in Young IPO Firms

We extend the research on the role of founders in young entrepreneurial IPO firms by examining the impact of ex-CEO founder directors. Using agency theory and entrepreneurship literature, we theori...
CyDER - A Co-Simulation Platform for Grid Analysis and Planning for High Penetration of Distributed Energy Resources

Distribution system operation is becoming increasingly complex with installation of active components such as distributed solar photovoltaic (PV) generation, battery storage, and inverters. So far, specialized tools have been developed to capture a portion of the overall impact of distributed energy resources (DERs) to the distribution system. However, Distribution System Operators (DSOs) still lack visibility into the overall system conditions and capabilities. Furthermore, the impacts of increasing amount of DERs is not be limited at the distribution level but also influence the transmission grid. In this paper, we propose a co-simulation platform that enables simulation modules to interact in a plug-and-play fashion regardless of the platform they were developed in. Cyber-Physical Co-simulation Platform for Distributed Energy Resources in Smart Grids (CyDER) is a modular and scalable tool for power system planning and operation, focused on high penetration of DERs. The CyDER platform is based on the Functional Mock-up Interface (FMI) standard and provides several applications for power systems planning and analysis. A case study with a large amount of PV and electric vehicles loads on feeders is shown to demonstrate a successful interlink between the transmission and distribution system simulations.
No-touch measurements of vital signs in small conscious animals

Measuring the heartbeat and respiration of small conscious animals is important for assessing their health and behavior, but present techniques such as electrocardiogram (ECG), ultrasound, and auscultation rely on close skin contact with the animal. These methods can also require surface preparation, cause discomfort or stress to animals, and even require anesthetic administration, especially for birds, reptiles, and fish. Here, we show that radio frequency near-field coherent sensing (NCS) can provide a new solution to animal vital sign monitoring while ensuring minimal pain and distress. We first benchmarked NCS with synchronous ECG on an anesthetized rat. NCS was then applied to monitor a conscious hamster from outside its cage, and was further extended to a parakeet, Russian tortoise, and betta fish in a noninvasive manner. Our system can revolutionize vital sign monitoring of small conscious animals in their laboratory living quarters or natural habitats.
The Relative Influences of Changes in Officers and Auditors on Annual Report Textual Disclosures

We use changes in firm officers and external auditors to examine the relative influences of these parties on annual report textual disclosures. Using a sample of public companies that file XBRL-tagged financial statements with the SEC between 2011 and 2018, we find that changes in chief executive officers (CEOs), chief financial officers (CFOs), and external auditors are associated with significant changes in textual disclosures in both MD&A and the footnotes. Hierarchically, changes in CEOs have the smallest influence on MD&A and the footnotes. Although changes in CFOs and external auditors generally have comparable influences on MD&A, changes in external auditors have a greater relative influence on the footnotes. We additionally find that changes from a lower quality to a higher quality external auditor are associated with the greatest changes in both MD&A and footnote disclosures. Changes in CFOs and external auditors appear to have the greatest influences over MD&A disclosures for smaller firms, but the auditor’s significant influence over the footnotes is pervasive across small and large firms. Our findings inform the ongoing discussions at the SEC and FASB on improving annual report disclosures and highlight the significant influence that external auditors have over disclosures in the annual report.
Using Narrative Therapy in the Treatment of Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse in the Context of Couple Therapy

AbstractChildhood Sexual Abuse (CSA) is a prevalent social issue. Many theoretical approaches have been applied to the treatment of CSA, these approaches predominately focus on the treatment of chi...
Vacant to Vibrant: Creating successful green infrastructure networks, by Sandra L. Albro

This well-laid out, easy to read “how-to” guide is a valuable contribution to multiple literatures, on vacant lots, green infrastructure, community engagement, and even project management. In six s...
EMBER: Multi-label prediction of kinase-substrate phosphorylation events through deep learning

Abstract Kinase-catalyzed phosphorylation of proteins forms the backbone of signal transduction within the cell, enabling the coordination of numerous processes such as the cell cycle, apoptosis, and differentiation. While on the order of 105 phosphorylation events have been described, we know the specific kinase performing these functions for less than 5% of cases. The ability to predict which kinases initiate specific individual phosphorylation events has the potential to greatly enhance the design of downstream experimental studies, while simultaneously creating a preliminary map of the broader phosphorylation network that controls cellular signaling. To this end, we describe EMBER, a deep learning method that integrates kinase-phylogeny information and motif-dissimilarity information into a multi-label classification model for the prediction of kinase-motif phosphorylation events. Unlike previous deep learning methods that perform single-label classification, we restate the task of kinase-motif phosphorylation prediction as a multi-label problem, allowing us to train a single unified model rather than a separate model for each of the 134 kinase families. We utilize a Siamese network to generate novel vector representations, or an embedding, of motif sequences, and we compare our novel embedding to a previously proposed peptide embedding. Our motif vector representations are used, along with one-hot encoded motif sequences, as input to a classification network while also leveraging kinase phylogenetic relationships into our model via a kinase phylogeny-based loss function. Results suggest that this approach holds significant promise for improving our map of phosphorylation relations that underlie kinome signaling. Availability https://github.com/gomezlab/EMBER
On the standing waves of the Schrödinger equation with concentrated nonlinearity

We study the concentrated NLS on $${{\mathbf {R}}}^n$$ , with power non-linearities, driven by the fractional Laplacian, $$(-\Delta )^s, s>\frac{n}{2}$$ . We construct the solitary waves explicitly, in an optimal range of the parameters, so that they belong to the natural energy space $$H^s({{\mathbf {R}}}^n)$$ . Next, we provide a complete classification of their spectral stability. Finally, we show that the waves are non-degenerate and consequently orbitally stable, whenever they are spectrally stable. Incidentally, our construction shows that the soliton profiles for the concentrated NLS are in fact exact minimizers of the Sobolev embedding $$H^s({{\mathbf {R}}}^n)\hookrightarrow L^\infty ({{\mathbf {R}}}^n)$$ , which provides an alternative calculation and justification of the sharp constants in these inequalities.
The Opioid Crisis and Radiation Therapy: A Patient Survey to Identify Best Practices for Pain Management.

Purpose/Objective(s) The American opioid epidemic has reached a critical point in our nation's history. Long-term opioid use among cancer survivors is associated with a variety of worse long-term outcomes. We used a questionnaire to evaluate patient perspectives of their pain control during radiation in our department. It aimed to ascertain patient understanding of opioid prescribing practices and alternative pain control methods. Materials/Methods The questionnaire was based on the revised American Pain Society Patient outcome questionnaire. The survey was composed of 16 questions focusing on pain levels during radiation, interference with daily activities, effect on mood and emotions, alternative pain treatment methods, and opioid amount prescribed. The data was collected from patients with a head and neck cancer diagnosis who completed radiation treatment between May 2020 and January 2021. The survey was completed at their one-month follow-up visit. Data is recorded using descriptive statistics. Results We collected data from 60 patients. Using a 10-point scale, patients on average reported a 5.3 as the worst level of pain during radiation therapy. Pain at the one-month follow-up dropped down to a 2.1 average. During radiation, patients reported having severe pain 28% of a 24 hour/day timeframe. Patients reported 69% pain relief with their current pain regimen. Patients reported an average of 7.5 feeling like they were involved with their pain treatment decisions. Using a 10-point scale, patients were fairly satisfied with their pain management with an average response of 7.7. Of the patients surveyed, 52 (87%) reported that they received information about their pain treatment options. Only 44 (73%) of the patients used non-medicine methods to relieve their pain. On average they used 2.3 other techniques included meditation, listening to music, prayer, relaxation, walking, watching TV, reading, heat/cold, massage. Thirty-eight percent of patients reported never having a nurse or doctor discuss non-medication methods, 40% said sometimes, and 22% said often. In the survey, 72% of patients reporting using non-narcotic medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen. Of the 50 patients who were prescribed opioid analgesics, 24 (48%) had medication left over. On average, patients had 13 tablets left over. Of the 24 patients, 15 said they simply “kept” the medication and 9 said they “threw it away”. Conclusion We aim for all providers to include patients in creating a personalized pain management plan. Better education needs to be provided to patients to help them build a foundation of pain control with non-opioid medications and techniques. Oncology patients are at particular high risk of prolonged opioid use/abuse. Patient education and prescription guidelines are paramount to improve patient perception of the need for opioids and alternatives to their pain control. These survey results will act as a cornerstone in developing these guidelines for a radiation oncology department.
Translocation carcinomas of the kidney.

The MiT subfamily of transcription factors includes TFE3, TFEB, TFEC, and MITF. Gene fusions involving two of these transcription factors have been well-characterized in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The TFE3-rearranged RCC (also known as Xp11 translocation RCC) were first officially recognized in the 2004 WHO renal tumor classification. The TFEB-rearranged RCC, which typically harbor a t(6;11)(p21;q12) translocation which results in a MALAT1-TFEB gene fusion, were first officially recognized in the 2016 WHO renal tumor classification. These two subtypes of translocation RCC have many similarities. Both disproportionately involve young patients, though adult translocation RCC overall outnumber pediatric cases. Both often have unusual and distinctive morphologies; the TFE3-rearranged RCC frequently have clear cells with papillary architecture and abundant psammoma bodies, while the TFEB-rearranged RCCs frequently have a biphasic appearance with both small and large epithelioid cells and nodules of basement membrane material. However, the morphology of these two neoplasms can overlap, with one mimicking the other or other more common renal neoplasms. Both of these RCC underexpress expithelial immunohistochemical markers like cytokeratin and epithelial membrane antigen relative to most other RCC. Unlike other RCC, both frequently express the cysteine protease cathepsin k and often express melanocytic markers like HMB45 and Melan A. Finally, TFE3 and TFEB have overlapping functional activity as these two transcription factors frequently heterodimerize and bind to the same targets. Therefore, these two neoplasms are now grouped together under the heading of "MiT family translocation RCC". Approximately 50 renal cell carcinomas with gene fusions involving the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene have now been reported. While those with a Vinculin-ALK fusion have distinctive features (predilection to affect children with sickle cell trait and to show solid architecture with striking cytoplasmic vacuolization), other ALK-fusion RCC have more varied clinical presentations and pathologic features. This review summarizes our current knowledge of these recently described RCC. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
The exclusive reaction

Abstract The Fermilab E835 Collaboration has studied Charmonium production using a gas jet hydrogen target, the virtually monoenergetic stochastically cooled antiproton beam and a large acceptance shower spectrometer. Until now our studies have featured electromagnetic final states, mostly the e+e− decay of J ψ or ψ′, and γγ decay of ηc, χc0, or χc2. For the first time in hadronic Charmonium production, hadronic annihilation channels have been clearly identified: π0π0 and ηη at the χc0 resonance. This has required a parameterization of the non-resonant partially interfering final state channels. Our studies contribute to a clearer and improved understanding of the p p annihilation process.
Deacclimation response to winter temperature fluctuations in Lolium perenne

Studies on climate change have shown an increase in not only the average global surface temperature but also an increase in extreme weather events. One such extreme weather event is the occurrence of winter temperature fluctuations, which can induce loss of cold acclimation. Sudden temperature fluctuations have occurred in the United States in the early spring of 2007 and the late winter of 2009. Both events caused significant freezing damage to plants. However, plants that were able to maintain a portion of their original freezing tolerance, by a process called deacclimation resistance, did not suffer significant damage. Different phenotypic assays were conducted to determine frost tolerance and deacclimation resistance of selected genotypes. Field trial exhibited deacclimation resistance of freezing tolerance loss during a warming trend and sudden freezing in February 2009. Because of this extreme weather event, the number of cultivars in the field trial assay was reduced by 92%. This extreme weather event was simulated in a growth chamber assay. In this assay cultivars from the field trial were exposed to similar temperature fluctuations but under controlled temperature settings. Another assay used to determine plants freezing tolerance during different lengths of deacclimation was the ion leakage assay. This assay indirectly measures freezing tolerance under the premise that ion leakage is negatively correlated with freezing tolerance. However, repeatability of the ion leakage assay was too low, to determine freezing tolerance during deacclimation. By comparing the phenotypic assays (field trial, growth chamber and ion leakage assay) with frost tolerance and deacclimation resistance, the in vivo assay in the growth chamber was best reflecting field conditions. Transcriptome expression profiling was used to find candidate genes for freezing tolerance and/or deacclimation resistance, complementing the phenotypic assays. Expression profiles during cold acclimation, freezing and various lengths of deacclimation were compared. The results indicated that 14 ESTs were significantly differentially expressed during cold acclimation, freezing and/or deacclimation. Further analysis by RT-PCR is necessary to verify, if these 14 ESTs are candidate genes for frost tolerance or deacclimation resistance.
Chapter 10 IR-Induced Quenching and Enhancement of Photoconductivity and Photoluminescence

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses techniques in which sub-band-gap optical excitations can change the occupations of the trapping centers from one quasi-equilibrium condition to another, thereby influencing the rate of carrier recombination. By varying the wavelength of the infrared (IR) beam, it is possible to measure a spectrum of sub-band-gap excitations that produce a change in the overall recombination rate. Both quenching and enhancement of steady-state signals can be observed, depending on the chosen excitation conditions. By chopping the IR beam at various frequencies, one can explore the rates at which the trapped carriers redistribute themselves in response to the perturbation. Since the steady state itself is dependent on temperature, both the spectra and the chopping frequency response must also be temperature dependent. The principal result of these experiments is to confirm a previous deduction from single-beam photoconductivity experiments—that is, recombination in a-Si: H is controlled by more than one species of defect, each with a distinctly different set of carrier capture-rate constants. The net transfer of minority carriers from one species of center to another can result in a remarkable change in recombination rate. This transfer depends on the position of the Fermi level E F , the intensities of both intrinsic and extrinsic excitation, and the sample temperature.
Institutional Predictors of and Complements to Industry Self‐regulation with Regard to Labor Practices

In recent years, there has been increasing managerial and academic attention given to a variety of mechanisms for companies to respond to stakeholder concerns about global business ethics. One area that merits further analysis is the role of industry‐level cooperation regarding issues in global business ethics such as labor practices. There are two main issues that we will address in this article: institutional pressures that predict when an industry will create a code of conduct and institutional complements for an industry‐level code of conduct to be “successful” with regard to responding to stakeholder concerns about international business operations. We offer a number of propositions - bringing together work from both the corporate social responsibility and (neo)institutional theory literatures - with regard to both predictors and complements of industry self‐regulation in reference to labor practices.
Ignition of Simulated Propellants Based on Ammonium Perchlorate

GNITION of a solid propellant is a complex process that involves initial attainment of a thermally unstable state, growth of chemical reaction, appearance of a visible flame, and spreading of the flame over the exposed surface of the propellant. The initial unstable state usually is reached by the application of energy from an external source. The nature of that state then depends on the rate of energy supply, time of exposure, the ambient conditions, and the chemical reactions responsible for ignition. Experimental studies (Refs. 1 and 2 include reviews of such studies) aimed at a detailed knowledge of the ignition of propellants based on NH4C104 have differed mainly in the means of energy supply. The principal means employed have been: 1) conductive heat transfer from an electrically heated wire in contact with the sample3?4; 2) conductive and convective heat transfer from a hot atmosphere6"8; 3) absorption of radiant energy9"11; and, 4) heat release resulting from reaction of the sample or vapors resulting from degradation of the sample with a chemically reactive atmosphere in contact with the sample. The experimental conditions of these studies have differed considerably, particularly in the rate of energy supply, and in the pressure, composition, temperature, and chemical reactivity of the atmosphere in contact with the propellant. The conclusions drawn from these studies also have differed: ignition has been attributed to heat release within the propellant,3'9 to attack of the binder by the decomposition products of NH 4C104,12 and to unidentified vapor phase reactions. 10>n The multiplicity of conclusions regarding the reactions responsible for ignition is not surprising in view of the chemical complexity of composite propellants based on NH 4C104. The propellant may contain, besides NH4C104, an organic binder, a burning rate catalyst, and powdered aluminum. In such mixtures the possible reactions are many. The NH4C104, itself, is unstable at moderate temperatures and can decompose with the evolution of heat and chemically reactive gases, and its decomposition is affected by burningrate catalysts such as copper chromite. The NH4C104 also can dissociate13 to NH 3 and HC104, the latter a reactive,
A Survey of Android Malware Characterisitics and Mitigation Techniques

As mobile applications are being developed at a faster pace, the security aspect of is being neglected. A solid understanding of the characteristics of malware is the first step to preventing many unwanted consequences. This paper provides an overview of popular security threats posed by Android malware. In particular, we focus on the characteristics commonly found in malware applications and understand the code level features that can enable detection techniques. We also discuss some common defense techniques to mitigate the impact of malware applications.
Attitudes of emergency department patients and visitors regarding emergency exception from informed consent in resuscitation research, community consultation, and public notification.

Objective: To assess public views on emergency exception to informed consent in resuscitation research, public awareness of such studies, and effective methods of community consultation and public notification. Methods: A face-to-face survey was conducted in two academic Level I trauma center emergency departments (EDs) in Oregon and Minnesota from June through August 2001. Results: Five hundred thirty people completed the survey, with an 82% response rate. The mean age of the respondents was 41 years (range 18–95) with a standard deviation of 14.5; 46% were female and 64% white. Most (88%) believed that research subjects should be informed prior to being enrolled, while 49% believed enrolling patients without prior consent in an emergency situation would be acceptable and 70% (369) would not object to be entered into such a study without providing prospective informed consent. Informing and consulting the community as a substitute for patient consent in emergency research was thought to be reasonable by 45% of the respondents. Most respondents would prefer to be informed about a study using emergency exception from informed consent by radio and television media (42%). Two hundred fifty-eight respondents (49%) stated they would attend a community meeting; the less educated were more likely to attend than those with college degrees (OR = 0.53; 95% CI = 0.33 to 0.85, p = 0.008). However, only 5% knew of ongoing studies in their community using emergency exception from informed consent. Conclusions: Most respondents disagreed with foregoing prospective informed consent for research participation even in emergency situations; however, many would be willing to participate in studies using emergency exception from informed consent. Most respondents would not attend community meetings, and would prefer to rely upon the media for information. Very few were aware of emergency exception from informed consent studies in their community. This suggests that current methods of community notification may not be effective.
Rate of activation and deactivation of K:Cl cotransport by changes in cell volume in hemoglobin SS, CC and AA red cells

Red blood cells (RBC) of subjects homozygous for hemoglobin A (AA), C (CC) and S (SS) exhibit different cell volumes which might be related to differences in cell volume regulation. We have investigated how rapidly K:Cl cotransport is activated and deactivated to regulate the cell volume in these cells. We measured the time course of net K+ efflux after step changes in cell volume and determined two delay times: one for activation by cell swelling and a second for deactivation by cell shrinkage. Cell swelling induced by 220 mOsm media activated K+ efflux to high values (10–20 mmol/ liter cell x hr) in CC and SS; normal AA had a threefold lower activity. The delay time for activation was very short in blood with a high percentage of reticulocytes (retics): (SS, 10% retics, 1.7±0.3 min delay, n=8; AA, 10% retics, 4±1.5 min, n=3; CC, 11.6% retics, 4±0.3, n=3) and long in cells with a smaller percentage of reticulocytes: (AA, 1.5% retics, 10±1.4 min, n=8; CC whole blood 6% retics, 10±2.0 min, n=10, P<0.02 vs. SS). The delay times for deactivation by cell shrinking were very short in SS (3.6±0.4 min, n=8, P<0.02) and AA cells with high retics (2.7±1 min, n=3) and normal retics (2.8±1 min, n=3), but 8–15-fold longer in CC cells (29±2.8 min, n=9).
Temporal synchrony between speech, action and gesture during language production

Researchers have theorised that speech and gesture are integrated in communication. We ask whether this integrated relationship is indexed by a unique temporal link between speech and gesture. University students performed videotaped tasks that elicited: (1) speech and action descriptions about how to act on objects and (2) speech and gesture descriptions about how to act on objects. Integration was indexed by measuring the onset of speech with actions and speech with gestures (in milliseconds), with smaller differences reflecting a greater degree of synchrony. One hundred per cent of the subjects gestured in the gesture condition and performed actions in the action condition. Speech and gesture were more tightly synchronised than speech with action. The greater synchrony between gesture and speech suggests that the two could be uniquely designed to work together for the purpose of communication.
Trophic interactions in soils as they affect energy and nutrient dynamics. IV. Flows of metabolic and biomass carbon

Flows of biomass and respiratory carbon were studied in a series of propylene-oxide sterilized soil microcosms. One-half of the microcosms received three pulsed additions of 200 ppm glucose-carbon to mimic rhizosphere carbon inputs. Biotic variables were: bacteria (Pseudomonas) alone, or amoebae (Acanthamoeba) and nematodes (Mesodiplogaster) singly, or both combined in the presence of bacteria. Over the 24-day experiment, respiration was significantly higher in the microcosms containing the bacterial grazers. Biomass accumulation by amoebae was significantly higher than that by nematodes. The nematodes respired up to 30-fold more CO2 per unit biomass than did amoebae. Similar amounts of carbon flowed into both respiratory and biomass carbon in microcosms with fauna, compared with the bacteria-alone microcosms. However, partitioning of available carbon by the microfauna varied considerably, with little biomass production and relatively more CO2-C produced in the nematode-containing microcosms. The amoebae, in contrast, allocated more carbon to tissue production (about 40% assimilation efficiency) and correspondingly less to CO2.
CORD: Optical packet-switched network testbed

Abstract We are implementing and investigating CORD, a 2.5 Gbit/s/λ WDM packet-switched network testbed. CORD features: (i) contention resolution optics (CRO), which consist of optical switches and delay lines to perform all-optical packet contention resolution; (ii) multichannel subcarrier multiplexed (MSCM) signaling to transmit an 80 Mbit/s control channel and 2.5 Gbit/s payload data on the same wavelength; (iii) networkwide distributed slot synchronization technique with maximum slot jitter of ± 6.5 ns; (iv) novel ultrafast signaling synchronization using delay-line phase alignment for data recovery within 4 bits; and (v) pilot-tone payload data synchronization for clock recovery within 16 ns. In this article, we describe the CORD network testbed and discuss the performance and scaling potential of the technologies developed for CORD.
Domain map of the LDL receptor: Sequence homology with the epidermal growth factor precursor

The nucleotide sequence of a partial cDNA for the bovine low-density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor revealed an open reading frame of 264 amino acids that encodes the COOH-terminal 25% of the receptor protein. The sequence predicts a cytoplasmic domain of 50 amino acids at the COOH terminus, followed in order by a membrane-spanning region of 27 hydrophobic amino acids and an externally disposed stretch of 42 amino acids, that is rich in serine and threonine residues and appears to be the site of O-linked glycosylation. This orientation was confirmed by proteolysis experiments in which the relevant fragments were localized by blotting with anti-peptide antibodies and a galactose-specific lectin. The extracytoplasmic domain of the LDL receptor contains a region that is 38% identical with a 96 amino acid sequence in the precursor to mouse epidermal growth factor (EGF), a peptide hormone. This unexpected homology raises the possibility that proteins involved in growth stimulation (e.g., EGF precursor) and nutrient delivery (e.g., LDL receptor) may have a common evolutionary origin.
THE MODE OF ACTION OF THE LAKI-LORAND FACTOR IN THE CLOTTING OF FIBRINOGEN

Abstract The thrombin-induced clotting of fibrinogen does not lead to hemostasis ( Duckert et al, 1960 ). The fibrin molecules in the clot are connected only with hydrogen bonds, and are readily dispersed in concentrated urea solutions ( Laki and Lorand 1948 ; Laki and Chandrasekhar, 1963 ). It was discovered by Laki and Lorand (1948) that the intervention of a plasma component (called: Laki-Lorand Factor = LLF, Fibrin Stabilizing Factor = FSF, Fibrinase) in the presence of Ca-ions was needed to render the clot insoluble in urea solutions. The plasma component introduced bonds between the fibrin molecules so that urea could not disperse the clot. A few years ago, Lowey et al (1961) succeeded in purifying this plasma component and showed that it was an enzyme. The purpose of this communication is to show that it is now possible to describe the mechanism by which the primary bonds are introduced between the fibrin molecules.
Effects of exogenous melatonin and tryptophan on fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle.

Fecal prevalence of Escherichia coli O157 in ruminants is highest in the summer decreasing to very low levels in the winter. We hypothesize that this seasonal variation is a result of physiological responses within the host animal to changing day-length. To determine the effects of melatonin (MEL) on fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle, eight crossbred beef steers identified as shedding E. coli O157:H7, were allotted to treatment: control or MEL (0.5 mg/kg body weight (BW); 1×) administered orally daily for 7 days. After a 5-day period of no treatment, a second MEL dose (5.0 mg/kg BW; 10×) was administered daily for 4 days. Fecal samples were collected daily for qualification of E. coli O157:H7. No differences (P > 0.10) were observed in the percentage of E. coli O157:H7 positive fecal samples in steers receiving the 1× MEL dose, however the 10× dose decreased (P = 0.05) the percentage of fecal samples E. coli O157:H7 positive. Serum MEL concentrations were higher in the 1×, but not 10×, treated animals compared to control animals. Although it is difficult to explain, this may be a result of decreasing day-length increasing serum melatonin concentrations that may have masked any treatment effect on serum melatonin. In a second similar experiment, a second group of cattle (heifers and steers) were administered tryptophan (TRP) over a 17-day experimental period (5 g/head/day for 10 days followed by 10 g/head/day for 7 days). Tryptophan had no effect (P > 0.20) on the percentage of fecal samples positive for E. coli O157. Serum TRP (P 0.20), concentrations were elevated in TRP-treated animals. The decrease in the number of positive fecal samples observed in the first experiment, may be related to gastrointestinal MEL, affected by the 10×, but not 1× MEL dose.