cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Multivalent peptide and peptidomimetic ligands for the treatment of pain without toxicities and addiction

The current opioid crisis has created a tragic problem in medicine and society. Pain is the most ubiquitous and costly disease in society and yet all of our "treatments" have toxicities, especially for prolonged use. However, there are several alternatives that have been discovered in the past fifteen years that have been demonstrated in animals to have none of the toxicities of current drugs. Many of the compounds are multivalent and have novel biological activity profiles. Unfortunately, none of these have been in clinical trials in humans, perhaps because they were discovered in academic laboratories. A review of these novel chemicals are given in this paper.
Interactions of triazine herbicides with biochar: Steric and electronic effects

We studied the adsorption of triazine herbicides and several reference heteroaromatic amines from water onto a temperature series of hardwood biochars (300–700 °C, labeled B300–B700). Adsorption on biochars correlated poorly with pyrolysis temperature, H/C, O/C, mean minimum fused ring size, surface area (N2 or CO2), microporosity, and mesoporosity, but correlated well with a weighted sum of microporosity and mesoporosity. Steric effects were evident by the negative influence of solute molecular volume on adsorption rate. For a given compound, adsorption rate maximized for the biochar with the greatest mesoporosity-to-total-porosity ratio, suggesting that mesopores are important for facilitating diffusion into pore networks. The cationic forms of amines adsorb more slowly than the neutral forms. To further probe steric and electronic effects, adsorption on a biochar (B400) was compared to adsorption on graphite—a nonporous reference material with an unhindered, unfunctionalized graphene surface—and in comparison with reference compounds (benzene, naphthalene, pyridine, quinoline and 1,3-triazine). Relative to benzene, the surface area-normalized adsorption of the triazine herbicides was disfavored on B400 (favored on graphite) by 11–19 kJ/mol, depending on concentration. It is estimated that steric suppression of B400 adsorption comprises 6.2 kJ/mol of this difference, the remainder being the difference in polar electronic effects. Based on the behavior of the reference amines, the difference in polar effects is dominated by π−π electron donor–acceptor (EDA) interactions with sites on polyaromatic surfaces, which are more electropositive and/or more abundant on graphite. Overall, our results show that mesoporosity is critical, that adsorption rate is a function of solute molecular size and charge, that steric bulk in the solute suppresses equilibrium adsorption, and that π−π EDA forces play a role in triazine polar interactions with biochar.
From Policy Networks to Policy Preferences: Organizational Networks in the Opt-Out Movement.

Organizational networks shape education policy by influencing power holders and elites, but do they have similar effects on grassroots activists? We use data from the National Survey on Opting Out (2016 and 2018; n = 2,909) to examine the role of organizational networks in mobilizing activists in the opt-out movement (a movement in which parents and caregivers refuse to have their children sit for standardized tests). Despite characterizations of the opt-out movement as a bunch of “soccer moms” disappointed with their children’s test scores, our findings show that opt-out is in fact a structured movement reliant on social movement organizations (SMOs) with agendas that go beyond standardized tests. Further, we demonstrate a small but significant correlation between contact with SMOs and individual policy preferences. These patterns suggest that organizational networks may inform education policy by creating a social space for activists to learn about different policy ideas in education. We discuss implications for research and practice.
Platforms for Procurement 4.0

The use of innovative platforms in procurement 4.0 can yield various benefits, including supporting daily business and administrative tasks, aiding in complex decision-making, and helping in managing processes. The real objective of these platforms is to free up procurement and support its focusing on strategic decisions and activities. Procurement 4.0 platforms thus become a strategic interface to support organizational efficiency, effectiveness, and profitability, and to create new business models, products, and services. This chapter confirms that there are still barriers to digitizing procurement processes. Such barriers are found in existing procedures, processes, capacities, and capabilities. Finally, the significance of several enabling platforms to the digitization process is analyzed and a roadmap for a successful digital transformation is presented.
Estimating Changes in the Observed Relationship Between Humidity and Temperature Using Noncrossing Quantile Smoothing Splines

The impacts of warm season heat extremes are dependent on both temperature and humidity, so it is critical to properly model their relationship, including how it may be changing. This presents statistical challenges because the bivariate temperature–humidity (measured here by dew point) distribution is complex and spatially variable. Here, we develop a flexible, semiparametric model based on quantile smoothing splines to summarize the distributional dependence of dew point on temperature, including how the dependence is changing with increasing global mean temperature. Noncrossing constraints enforce both the validity of the modeled distributions and the physical constraint that dew point cannot exceed temperature. The proposed method is first demonstrated with four synthetic, representative case studies. We then apply it to data from 2416 weather stations spanning the globe, with a focus on analyzing dew point trends during hot days. In general, dew point is increasing on both hot, humid and hot, dry days in the tropics and high latitudes, but decreasing in the subtropics, especially on hot, dry days. These changes appear to be mostly explained by changes in the temperature–dew point relationship, rather than by increases in temperature with a fixed temperature–dew point relationship.
Interface Voids and Precipitates in GaAs Wafer Bonding

Wafer bonding allows the production of Compliant Universal substrates that are made by bonding a thin (< 10 nm) layer twisted ∼45 degrees to the underlying substrate. Subsequent growth on this twisted layer results in defect free films even when the growth material has a significant lattice mismatch with the substrate. Defects on the bonding interface are a common observation when bonding GaAs to many substrates, but the exact nature of these defects has not been clear. We have studied this bonding layer in GaAs-GaAs twist bonded structures by Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy and established that the defects are voids with a portion being partially filled with gallium. Two general sizes of voids are seen. The larger voids are approximately 45 nm in diameter and 22 nm in the wafer normal direction and are distributed in an approximately linear relationship.
Primary Pleural Extranodal Marginal Zone Lymphoma Presenting as Bilateral Chylothorax

Here we describe a case of pleural extranodal marginal zone lymphoma presenting as bilateral chylothorax which has not been reported in the literature prior to this. Primary pleural lymphomas are a rare entity most commonly associated with chronic infections, autoimmune conditions or long-standing pyothorax which were not seen in this case. Chylous pleural effusions in this patient were successfully managed with chemotherapy for the underlying lymphoma.
Cellular Senescence: A New Player in Kidney Injury

Kidney diseases secondary to several pathogeneses affect millions of people worldwide and have become increasingly recognized as a global public health problem. Recent evidence suggests that cellular senescence plays an important role in the pathogenesis of different forms of renal damage, including acute and chronic kidney disease, and renal transplantation. Renal senescence involves cell cycle arrest and affects several cellular pathways, manifesting in downregulation of klotho, elevated expression of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, cellular telomere shortening, and oxidative stress. Furthermore, senescent cells might induce kidney injury by paracrine release of inflammatory factors. Yet, cellular senescence may be renoprotective during development and in some models of renal diseases, reflecting the yin/yang duality of cellular senescence. This review provides an overview of the role of this emerging player in renal injury, with emphasis on new findings of cellular senescence.
A Polarization insensitive Athermal design for Mach-Zehnder Interferometer

An all-silicon Mach-Zehnder interferometer that is thermally insensitive for both the TE and TM fundamental modes is proposed. The design demonstrates near-zero temperature sensitivity at 1310 nm wavelength.
The Reliability and Validity of Gluteal Endurance Measures (GEMs)

Background: The gluteals have unique morphology related to muscle endurance, including moderate fiber sizes and a majority of Type I endurance fibers. Evidence suggests gluteal endurance is related to several classifications of low back pain, work-related musculoskeletal disorders, running kinematics, balance, and pelvic posture. However, there exists a lack of reliable and valid measures specific to gluteal endurance. Purpose: This study aims to examine the intra- and inter-rater reliability of two gluteal endurance measures (GEMs) convenient for clinical use. It also aims to provide validity for the two measures by using electromyography, recording subjective reasons for task failure, and analyzing the differences between subjects with and without recurrent low back pain (LBP). Study Design: Cross-Sectional. Methods: Sixty-eight males and females aged 18-35 years were recruited from a university population (51 without recurrent LBP, and 17 with recurrent LBP). Electromyography electrodes were placed on subjects’ dominant gluteus maximus and gluteus medius, and each subject performed three trials of each of the two GEMs, GEM-A (abduction endurance) and GEM-B (bridging endurance). Hold times, EMG median frequency (MF) data, and subjective reasons for task failure were analyzed. Results: Both GEMs demonstrated high intra-rater reliability (ICC = 0.87-0.94) and inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.99). The MF slopes of both GEMs were also highly reliable (ICC = 0.70-0.83). Mean hold times were 104.83 ± 34.11 seconds for GEM-A (abduction endurance) and 81.03 ± 24.79 seconds for GEM-B (bridging endurance). No statistically significant difference was found between subjects with and without recurrent LBP. Median frequency data validated gluteus maximus and gluteus medius fatigue during both measures. Posterolateral hip (gluteal) fatigue was reported as the primary reason for task failure in 93% and 86% of subjects for GEM-A and GEM-B, respectively. Conclusion: This seminal study of GEM-A (abduction endurance) and GEM-B (bridging endurance) found both measures to be reliable and valid measures of gluteal endurance. Further examination of the GEMs in samples with different types of LBP or hip pain is recommended.
Editorial: Truth and Lie in Visual Literacy 2021

As we experience the global growth of social media in our daily lives, we also encounter more visual content are being displayed on those platforms. Visual content often referred to the roots of in...
Item Response Theory Analysis of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale Items (P2.051)

Objective: To investigate the measurement characteristics of the Unified Dyskinesia Rating Scale (UDysRS) using item response theory (IRT) approaches. Background: The UDysRS has become the most frequently used assessment of levodopa induced dyskinesia (LID) in Parkinson’s disease. Clinimetric examinations of the 4 parts of the scale, Historical Disability of ON Dyskinesia (Part 1); Historical Disability of OFF Dystonia (Part 2); Objective Impairment (Part 3) and Objective Disability (Part 4), have demonstrated acceptable levels of internal consistency, inter-rater reliability, factor structure, sensitivity to change, and differential item functioning. To date, IRT clinimetric examinations have not be conducted. Design/Methods: The Reference Standard database for the UDysRS was used, providing complete examinations on 253 patients with Parkinson’s disease. A graded response model IRT analysis with maximum likelihood parameter estimation was employed to examine item discrimination and item threshold. Item characteristic curves (ICCs) were used to examine the fit between scaling metric and overall domain severity. Results: Item discrimination estimates were significant for all items in the UDysRS, and by Part, with Part 1, 3, 4, 2 ordered as the highest to lowest discrimination values. Item thresholds demonstrated adequate coverage of the summary domain of LID for all items. Individual ICCs demonstrated that the 0 to 4 Likert scaling provides a valid metric for assessing LID severity for all items, except for 4 questions in Part 2 (Historical Disability of OFF dystonia) where optimal information on overall severity of LID was not attained. Conclusions: The UDysRS demonstrates acceptable levels of item discrimination, item threshold and item characteristic curves for all items with the exception of items assessing Historical Disability of OFF Dystonia. These findings suggest the 0 to 4 Likert-type scaling metric appears appropriate for most items, although alternate scaling might be indicated for items of Part 2. Study Supported by: The Rush Movement Disorder Center is a designated Parkinson’s Foundation Center of Excellence. Disclosure: Dr. Goetz has nothing to disclose. Dr. Luo has nothing to disclose. Dr. Stebbins has nothing to disclose.
Justice System Interactions Among Autistic Individuals: A Multiple Methods Analysis:

Increasing attention has detailed negative outcomes among interactions between autistic individuals and criminal justice system officers, including police, across the US. The purpose of this study ...
Comparison of muscle activation of hip belt squat and barbell back squat techniques

BACKGROUND: Hip belt squats are believed to have been introduced in 1970. By removing the load from the shoulders and upper trapezius, the hip belt squat places emphasis on the legs with less load on the spine. No peer-reviewed research exists on the muscle recruitment patterns of a hip belt squat, or how it compares in muscle activation to other squatting activities. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine lower extremity muscle activation in a hip belt squat (SquatMax = MD) in comparison with a barbell back squat. METHODS: Thirteen participants performed four repetitions of an 8-RM squat using three different techniques: hip belt squat without a band, hip belt squat with a band, and barbell back squat. Electromyographic data were collected from six muscles: quadriceps, biceps femoris, hip adductors, hip abductors, gluteus maximus, and gastrocnemius. RESULTS: ANOVA revealed no significant difference in muscle activity between devices. The only muscle group statistically different between genders was the gastrocnemius (p = 0.04). Hip adductor activity was lowest and hip abductor activity was highest when performing a hip belt squat with the band for both genders. Likewise, the adductor to hamstring ratio was lowest with the hip belt squat. CONCLUSIONS: Given the lack of significant difference in the muscle activity between the squat techniques, one needs to look at other attributes to determine both the scientific and, consequently, the practical value. Given the placement of the belt around the pelvis, one positive attribute for the hip belt squat is the ability to unload the shoulders and spine. Another positive attribute for the hip belt squat is the higher hip abductor to adductor ratio. This could be very important for injury prevention and patella tracking. While the back squat has slightly higher hamstring recruitment, which is important in ACL injury prevention, the hip belt squat may address this by offsetting the free weight with the use of an additional band. If a free weight hip belt squat device is available, it may be a better alternative to the traditional barbell squat technique.
Effect of ribosome removal on rough microsomal composition and polysome attachment in vitro: Comparison of liver and kidney

Abstract A method for isolating rough microsomal membranes from whole rat kidneys was developed, and their ability to bind polysomes in vitro from liver and kidney was compared with that of liver membranes. Compositional differences between kidney and liver membranes were found, especially with regard to phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. Kidney membranes demonstrated approximately half the number of binding sites that are present on liver membranes, but both membrane preparations attached homologous polysomes to the same extent as isologous polysomes. The lesser number of binding sites on the kidney membranes was attributed to their greater instability, compared with liver. The possible relationship of this phenomenon to phospholipid composition is discussed.
Metabolism of Basic Amino Acids in Pseudomonas putida TRANSPORT OF LYSINE, ORNITHINE, AND ARGININE

Abstract Uptake of lysine, arginine, and ornithine by Pseudomonas putida P2 involves at least three transport systems. A lysine-inducible, general basic amino acid system (Km = 7.3 x 10-6 m; Vmax = 128 nmoles per min per mg for l-lysine) transports all three amino acids and is inhibited by the d or l isomers of all three amino acids (Miller, D. L., and Rodwell, V. W. (1971) J. Biol. Chem. 246, 1765) and by the next higher and lower homologs of l-arginine. Transport of l-arginine by the general system (Km = 4.8 x 10-6 m; Vmax = 67 nmoles per min per mg) is inhibited by the same compounds that inhibit l-lysine transport. A second system transports l-lysine (Km = 4.1 x 10-7 m; Vmax = 25 nmoles per min per mg) and l-ornithine (Km = 1.3 x 10-7 m; Vmax = 100 nmoles per min per mg) and is inhibited by d- or l-lysine, d- or l-ornithine, and by d-arginine, but not by l-arginine nor by other amino acids. l-Lysine and l-ornithine accumulate at ratios of intracellular to extracellular amino acid concentration of 750 and 18,000, respectively, suggesting that transport is an active process. Active transport of l-arginine by cells grown on l-arginine occurs via a low Km, l-arginine-specific system (Km = 5.2 x 10-8 m; Vmax = 11 nmoles per min per mg). Transport, which is not inhibited by any substrate analog tested, is linear for at least 7 min, is abolished by CN- or N3-, and generates ratios of internal to external arginine as high as 3350.
Exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia complicated by paroxysmal complete atrioventricular block

Summary This study describes a case of exercise-induced myocardial ischaemia accompanied by complete atrioventricular block (CAVB). A 59-year-old man with major depression, treated with regular imipramine and lithium for 20 years, experienced syncope episodes during exercise. Exercise, testing initially, identified ST depression in the inferior leads, and later found CAVB resulting in syncope and seizure. The patient recovered completely after resuscitation. Myocardial ischaemic markers were negative, but 35% stenosis was detected in the distal left main coronary artery by angiography. The combined use of verapamil, nitrate and aspirin was treated as the possible coronary spasm. Repeat treadmill caused negative ischaemic study or exercise-induced arrhythmia, 7 days later. The pathophysiology of the very rare exercise-induced paroxysmal CAVB has been reviewed.
Molecular Forms and Subunit Composition of a Cyclic Adenosine 3',5'-Monophosphate-dependent Protein Kinase Purified from Bovine Heart Muscle

Abstract A cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cyclic AMP)-dependent protein kinase has been purified from bovine heart muscle. Its molecular weight was estimated to be 280,000 by gel filtration chromatography, and it was composed of cyclic AMP-independent protein kinase and cyclic AMP-binding subunits with molecular weights of 42,000 and 55,000, respectively. When the purified protein kinase was subjected to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, ultracentrifugation, or storage there appeared smaller forms of cyclic AMP-dependent kinase with molecular weights of approximately 140,000 and 90,000. A close structural relationship between all of these forms of protein kinase was suggested by the observation that each was composed of the same two kinds of subunits.
The use of vinyl functional aerogels for reinforcement of silicone rubbers

Silane-treated silicate-based aerogels are excellent reinforcing fillers for silicone rubbers. The physical properties of the aerogel filler can be readily altered by controlling the properties of the hydrogel, and the vinyl functionality of the aerogel surface can be easily and precisely controlled in the silylation step of the aerogel manufacturing process. By changing the vinyl content on the surface of the aerogel, the physical properties of the rubber can be markedly changed without the use of any in situ treating agents during compounding or alteration in the formulation. The silicone rubber hardness and modulus of elasticity exhibit a sensitive response to the vinyl content, while the plasticity of the uncured base shows no effect of vinyl loading. In contrast, the viscosity (plasticity) of the uncured rubber is a strong function of the aerogel surface area, whereas the rubber modulus and strength are only slightly affected by particle properties such as surface area. In addition, the high porosity of aerogels allows for good fracture characteristics and dispersion of the filler during compounding, while the large pore size provides good accessibility to and utilization of the vinyl sites within the porous structure. The ability to easily control the aerogel structure, to completely hydrophobize the silica surface, and to precisely control the vinyl loading make aerogels a potentially useful new particle for rubber reinforcement. A brief summary of the treatment chemistry and the vinyl surface chemistry is also presented in the paper.
Adolescents with tracheostomies--communications in cyberspace.

Abstract Objective Social networking sites such as Facebook are popular avenues of social discourse among adolescents and young adults, allowing for communication through photographs, videos, and chat features. These websites are also emerging as portals for health-centered support groups, bringing together people with common medical conditions. Adolescents with tracheostomies represent a special and vulnerable patient population. Our aim was to determine whether this particular group of patients found Facebook to be a suitable environment in which to network with other users with tracheostomies. Methods We used our institution's tracheostomy database to obtain a list of all patients between ages of 11–18. We identified 33 patients in this category, and completed a chart review to determine their medical diagnoses as well as age at trach placement. We determined that of these 33 patients, 24 had severe neurocognitive delays that would render them unable to participate in the study. We contacted the remaining nine subjects and obtained appropriate consent for their participation in the study. Results Of the nine subjects with tracheostomies who completed our survey, four were actively involved with the Facebook community. Two of the four subjects regularly connected with people that they had not met in person, and all four subjects shared the fact that they had a tracheostomy with the Facebook community. Three of the four subjects posted pictures of themselves with their trach sites visible. Finally, three of the four subjects stated that they met and communicated with other Facebook members with tracheostomies. Conclusions Social networking sites such as Facebook appear to offer an appropriate avenue for adolescents with tracheostomies to network with other users with tracheostomies. Further studies are warranted to assess the reach and social impact of these networking sites as portals of health-centered support groups, however, social networking sites and the cyberspace community may be a promising source of support for adolescents with tracheotomies.
Entertainment-Education and Possibilities for Second-Order Social Change:

Inspired by the entertainment-education radio soap opera, Taru, a family from the upper-caste brahmin community in Bihar, India, allowed men from the lower caste dalit community to serve water to g...
Hypothenar hammer syndrome: case report and review.

Abstract Background Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare vascular overuse syndrome characterized by post-traumatic vascular insufficiency of the hand from repetitive compression over the hypothenar eminence. Patients with occupations predisposing to repetitive use of the hypothenar eminence as a tool are at high risk. Repetitive trauma compresses a superficial segment of the ulnar artery against the hook of hamate as it exits Guyon’s canal, damaging the intimal layer of the artery and causing vasospasm, platelet aggregation, and thrombus formation, leading to pain and paresthesias that eventually progress to claudication and ischemia. Objective The main objectives of this case report are to describe a representative example of hypothenar hammer syndrome and review common aspects of this clinical entity. Case Report We describe the case of a 71-year-old man working as a car mechanic who presented with right-hand pain of several months’ duration that was noted to have swelling and pain over the hypothenar eminence with associated paresthesias of the fifth digit. Duplex ultrasound imaging confirmed the presence of a dilated ulnar artery with arterial thrombus characteristic of hypothenar hammer syndrome. Conservative treatment, including cessation of activities that utilize the hypothenar region, was instituted with improvement in symptoms on follow-up evaluation. Conclusions This case report illustrates a rare clinical condition that with prompt and early identification by Emergency Physicians can prevent significant morbidity and progression of disease. The epidemiology, clinical features, and diagnosis are discussed along with a review of the relevant literature regarding available treatment options.
The symbiotic microbial community of the sonoran desert termite: Pterotermes occidentis

Pterotermes occidentis is a large, obscure, very primitive dry wood termite limited to the Sonoran desert of North America. Its development, caste system and behavior are discussed in relation to aspects of its ecology. What appear to be single wood-digesting individual termites are in fact insect hosts which harbor extensive microbial communities estimated to contain more than 40 interacting species. All healthy, wood-eating Pterotermes contain these densely populated communities of highly motile symbionts suggesting that species diversity is necessary for termite survival. A morphological catalogue of the major hindgut microbes is presented here. From 10(7) to 10(11) bacteria and from 10(3) to 10(6) protists/ml of hindgut fluid are found in an average nymph or larva. The species of four wood-ingesting mastigotes (genera Trichonympha, Metadevescovina, Tricercomitus and Microrhopalodina) and nearly 30 morphologically distinct types of bacteria are described. The description of this morphological diversity observed with light, scanning and transmission electron microscopy is a prerequisite to functional analyses of the symbioses. Since Pterotermes is easily maintained in the laboratory and is so large it is hoped that it will provide a useful model for symbiosis research.
Institutional Effectiveness: How Well Are Hispanic Serving Institutions Meeting the Challenge?

The literature describes various approaches that community colleges use to achieve institutional effectiveness; however there is no information about how Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) go abo...
Limits on literal processing during idiom interpretation.

Two experiments investigated the extent to which literal processing occurs in comprehending figurative idiomatic expressions. Subjects read stories on a cathode-ray tube (CRT). Target phrases, some of which were idioms, contained nouns which were potential anaphors of previously mentioned referents. A method developed by Dell, McKoon and Ratcliff (1983) was used to determine whether subjects carried out semantic processing resulting in activation of the referents of those anaphors. In Experiment 1 the targets consisted of either an idiom or a literal phrase, each including the same potential anaphor, or a control phrase. Results suggest that the preceding referent was activated by the anaphor in the literal phrase, but not by the potential anaphor in the idiomatic phrase. Experiment 2 showed that these results were not due to differences in the materials used. These results are interpreted as supporting the hypothesis that when an idiomatic phrase is interpreted figuratively full literal semantic processing of that phase is not necessarily carried out.
Examining the relationship between creativity and innovation: A meta-analysis of organizational, cultural, and environmental factors ☆

Abstract It is generally believed that creativity enhances innovative activities. However, empirical research regarding the impact of creativity on innovation, although positive, has produced a wide range of results. In this study, we conduct a meta-analysis of 52 empirical samples comprising 10,538 observations to test the nature of this relationship, and in particular how organizational, environmental, and cultural factors moderate the creativity-innovation link. We find a strong positive relationship between creativity and innovation, especially at the individual level. In addition, we find intriguing moderating effects in which the relationship between creativity and innovation is stronger for large firms, process innovations, and low-tech industries relative to small firms, product innovations, and high-tech industries. Further, we find that moderate levels of uncertainty avoidance maximize the correlation between creativity and innovation. We conclude by discussing theoretical and managerial implications and offering suggestions for future research in the entrepreneurship and innovation literature.
Coated vesicles and other cytoplasmic components of growing root hairs of radish

Root tips of radish,Raphanus sativus, were fixed in glutaraldehyde followed by osmium tetroxide. The fine structure of young root hairs, not exceeding about 130μ, in length, was studied to relate their apical growth pattern to their cytoplasmic organization. The cytoplasm in the terminal 3–5μ it of the root hair is characterized by an electron dense matrix in which lie numerous smooth-surfaced vesicles, large irregularly-shaped fibrous inclusions, and clusters of ribosomes. Other organelles are largely or entirely excluded from this region. Farther than about 5μ, from the tip, the hair cytoplasm is filled with plastids, rough endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria, and dictyosomes. The latter produce smooth vesicles similar in size and morphology to those present in the apical dome. Vesicles of a different kind appear in the peripheral cytoplasm along the entire length of the hair. These vesicles possess an alveolate or chambered coat about 20 mμ thick and have a diameter of about 85 mμ, including coat. They originate by evagination from the large, smooth-surfaced vesicles in the vicinity of dictyosomes. It is suggested that proteins and carbohydrates are concentrated in the dictyosomes and then segregated in the smooth vesicles released from the dictyosome cisternae. The coated vesicles which bud from the smooth vesicles may serve to isolate the proteins and transport them to the hair surface for participation in wall synthesis. The smooth vesicles are believed to convey carbohydrates to the region of active wall extension at the hair apex.
Optimization of Hydrogen Sulfide Scavengers Used During Well Stimulation

Many water injectors and oil producers are damaged due to the accumulation of iron sulfide deposits near the wellbore area. For example, iron sulfide is present in water supply and injection wells as a product of sulfate reducing bacteria (SRB). Hydrochloric acid can be used to remove iron sulfide, however this process can result in the release of hydrogen sulfide, a toxic and corrosive gas. Moreover, hydrogen sulfide reacts with ferric ions and precipitates elemental sulfur. Elemental sulfur is insoluble in acids, practically impossible to dissolve, and can damage the formation. The objectives of this study are to screen hydrogen sulfide scavengers, which can be used during well stimulation, and assess the performance of the selected chemical in the field. A simple, fast procedure was developed to evaluate hydrogen sulfide scavengers. Several types of scavengers, all aldehyde-based chemicals, were examined. The concentration of hydrogen sulfide scavenger was varied from 0 to 10 wt%. Reaction temperature was kept constant at 25 °C. A simple, fast procedure was developed to screen hydrogen sulfide scavengers used during well stimulation. The efficiency of capturing hydrogen sulfide was found to be a function of scavenger type and concentration. At scavenger concentrations greater than 0.5 wt%, a polymer-like material was observed with most scavengers examined; this material adversely affected acid reaction with iron sulfide and could cause formation damage. Low sulfide concentrations were obtained in the acid returns when S-1 was added in the acid formulation.
An inverse problem for Toeplitz matrices

Abstract A simplified solution to an inverse problem for Toeplitz matrices using central mass sequences is presented. Some connections with discrete transmission lines are mentioned.
Spectroscopic analysis of tungsten oxide thin films

We present a detailed study of the morphology and composition of tungsten oxide (WO3) thin films, grown by radio frequency magnetron reactive sputtering at substrate temperatures varied from room temperature (RT) to 500 °C, using infrared (IR) absorption, Raman spectroscopy, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). This work includes valuable new far-IR results about structural changes in microcrystalline WO3. Both IR absorption and Raman techniques reveal an amorphous sample grown at RT and initial crystallization into monoclinic structures for samples grown at temperatures between 100 and 300 °C. The Raman spectra of the samples grown at high temperatures indicate, apart from the monoclinic structure, a strain effect, with a distribution revealed by confocal Raman mapping. XPS indicates that the film surface maintains the stoichiometry WOx, with a value of x slightly greater than 3 at RT due to oxygen contamination, which decreases with increasing temperature.
Dislocation-induced superfluidity in a model supersolid

Motivated by recent experiments on the supersolid behavior of ${}^{4}$He, we study the effect of an edge dislocation in promoting superfluidity in a Bose crystal. Using Landau theory, we couple the elastic strain field of the dislocation to the superfluid density, and use a linear analysis to show that superfluidity nucleates on the dislocation before occurring in the bulk of the solid. Moving beyond the linear analysis, we develop a systematic perturbation theory in the weakly nonlinear regime and use this method to integrate out transverse degrees of freedom and derive a one-dimensional Landau equation for the superfluid order parameter. We then extend our analysis to a network of dislocation lines, and derive an $XY$ model for the dislocation network by integrating over fluctuations in the order parameter. Our results show that the ordering temperature for the network has a sensitive dependence on the dislocation density, consistent with numerous experiments that find a clear connection between the sample quality and the supersolid response.
Coping, Stress, and Social Support Associations With Internalizing and Externalizing Behavior Among Urban Adolescents and Young Adults: Revelations From a Cluster Analysis

Abstract Purpose To use cluster analysis to explore how coping, stress, and social support align and intersect with each other and relate to internalizing and externalizing behavior among urban adolescents and young adults disconnected from school and work. Methods Baseline audio computer assisted self-interview (ACASI) data from a study of 683 urban, low-income, African-American 16–24-year-old youth (mean age = 18.7; SD = 1.8) participating in an employment training program was cluster analyzed. This method reveals how well youth group together based on coping strategies, stress exposure, and social support. Results Using four coping, two support, and two stress subscales, a three-cluster solution best fit the data. One cluster, representing 65% of the sample, was characterized by moderate coping, high support, and low stress. These youth also reported lower weapon carrying compared to youth in the remaining two clusters. Another cluster, representing 17% of the sample, was defined by high coping, moderate support, and high stress. Youth in this cluster reported the highest levels of depressive symptoms and high levels of suicidal ideation as well as high levels of perpetrating intimate partner violence compared to other youth. The final cluster, also representing 17% of the sample, was marked by low coping, low support, and low stress. These youth also reported high levels of suicidal ideation. Conclusions Given the varying profiles of stress, support, and coping reported by urban adolescents and young adults, future research and policy should further explore targeted and tailored intervention approaches for these youth.
Theory of ferromagnetic resonance in metallic and insulator films

Simple intuitive explanations of the frequenciesω and intensitiesI of magnetostatic modes (with negligible exchange energy) and exchange modes (negligible microwave-field demagnetization energy) are given. The effects of explicit boundary conditions on the transverse, time-varying componentm of the magnetization (i.e., the amount of “pinning”) and the effects of inhomogeneities in the internal fieldH i and saturation magnetizationM s are discussed. A bulk inhomogeneity inM s changes the effective exchange constant, while a bulk inhomogeneity inH i lowers the fields for resonance of all high-order exchange modes by the same amount. The pinning conditions affect the values ofω andI of the exchange modes and the mixed exchange-magnetostatic modes, but have little effect on the magnetostatic modes. A surface-imperfection source of pinning and of the inhomogeneities inH i andM s is discussed.
Cancer prevention among urban southwestern American Indian women: comparison to selected Year 2000 national health objectives.

Abstract PURPOSE: The health issues which have historically faced American Indians are related to infectious disease, but today many chronic diseases play a large role in the health status of this special population. For example, existing data indicate that American Indians have the poorest cancer survival of any group in the U.S. (34% vs. 50% for U.S. Whites). Regular participation in cancer screening and lifestyle factors such as smoking, diet, and alcohol have been found to significantly contribute to cancer risk. However, available information about these behaviors is sparse and suffers from limitations. The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of cancer risk behaviors and provider recommendation for cancer screening among urban American Indian women. METHODS: A random household cross-sectional survey was administered to 519 adult American Indian women in Phoenix, Arizona. Smoking and weight status, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and provider referral were assessed by self-report. RESULTS: The results indicate that weight (69.6% were overweight) and excessive alcohol consumption (12.1% reported chronic drinking) were significant health issues in this population. The prevalence of provider referral for smoking cessation (14.9% among ever smokers) and breast as well as cervical cancer screening (30.1% and 55.5%, respectively) were below the 75% level set forth in the Year 2000 Goals. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that increased cancer prevention and control efforts are needed in this special population to address the link between diet, weight, and long-term disease prevention.
Managing Complications of Implanted Mesh

The use of surgical mesh in gynecology has come under intense scrutiny over the past year. The US Food and Drug Administration released a public health notification in 2008 outlining the reported complications associated with mesh placement, followed by a safety communication update in 2011. Although implantation of any type of mesh can lead to complications, most are associated with transvaginal placement of mesh for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse. This article briefly discusses the history of surgical mesh and how we arrived at our current inflection point. Standardized terminologies for describing mesh-related complications are reviewed. Lastly, management of common mesh-related complications are discussed, including the management of mesh extrusion and pelvic pain/dyspareunia.
Obstructive sleep apnea: 150 cases with clinical and polysomnographic evaluation

Obstructive sleep apnea is one of the most common causes of excessive daytime sleepiness. In our sample, clinical evaluation generally suggested this diagnosis by daytime sleepiness (90.6%) and loud snoring (92.0%). Respiratory pauses and inspiratory gasps were frequently reported (12.6%). The age of presentation was after the fourth decade in 87.2%. Polysomnography was characterized by numerous obstructive or mixed apneas, with mean apnea index 37.1; frequent arousals following the apneas; reduction or abscence of stages 3 and 4; reduction of sleep efficiency; hypoxemia and EEG arrhythmias during the respiratory pauses. Tracheostomy was performed in 45 cases, uveopalatopharyngoplasty in 43 and both surgeries in 5, as treatment of choice.
Interaction of exogenous proteins with the jelly coat of eggs from the salamander, Ambystoma macrodactylum

Abstract 1. 1. Egg capsule jelly from eggs of the salamander, Ambystoma macrodactylum , accumulated exogenous proteins from dilute incubation media. 2. 2. Hemoglobin, myoglobin, lysozyme, and ovalbumin were accumulated into the jelly. 3. 3. This uptake was dependent on low ionic strength and on pH such that accumulation occurred at pH values below, but not above, the isoelectric point of the exogenous protein. 4. 4. The phenomenon appeared to be a consequence of structural aspects of the jelly involved in developmental or physiological processes other than acquisition of nutrients from the external medium.
Multisensor data fusion for nondestructive evaluation of bridge decks

The nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of bridge decks often requires a combination of different methods for deterioration identification and characterization. Each individual NDE method also needs the responses of an array of spatially distributed sensors to better detect damages. Proper interpretation techniques are needed to effectively integrate data from different NDE technologies and sensor arrays of a single NDE method. A hybrid multisensor data fusion framework is presented in the paper for the NDE of bridge decks. The multisensor data fusion approach process, integrate and interpret the data from multisensor data of a single NDE method and a combination of various NDE technologies in a way that improves the accuracy and reliability of deterioration identification and characterization.
Oocyte degeneration after intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a multivariate analysis to assess its importance as a laboratory or clinical marker

Objective Oocyte degeneration has historically been associated with the intracytoplasmic (ICSI) technique. We sought to determine whether oocyte degeneration rates were associated with the technician performing the procedure, the baseline characteristics of the patient, and/or ovarian stimulation variables. We also evaluated whether the degeneration rate could serve as a surrogate marker for implantation potential. Design Cohort study. Setting Academic medical center. Patient(s) Couples undergoing ICSI. Intervention(s) Six thousand six hundred fifty-three injected oocytes were analyzed to determine whether the degeneration rate was technician dependent. Two hundred thirty first-entry down-regulated cycles were examined to identify predictors associated with oocyte degeneration. Multivariate analyses were performed using generalized linear model routines. Main Outcome Measure(s) Oocyte degeneration rates and implantation rates. Result(s) Neither the ICSI technician nor the stripping technician was associated with the oocyte degeneration rate. However, the day 3 FSH, number of mature oocytes retrieved, and E 2 levels on the day of hCG were significant independent predictors of degeneration rate. Physician-adjustable ovarian stimulation variables were not associated with the degeneration rate. The degeneration rate did not appear to be associated with the implantation rate. Conclusion(s) These data suggest that oocyte degeneration is not technician or physician dependent. Degeneration is likely a function of the inherent oocyte quality in women who underwent ovarian stimulation. However, the remaining cohort of retrieved oocytes appears to be unaffected by virtue of an uncompromised implantation rate.
Feedback-integrated scene cancellation scene-based nonuniformity correction algorithm

A new registration-based scene-based nonuniformity correction (SBNUC) technique called the feedback-integrated scene cancellation (FiSC) method is introduced, which demonstrates an ability to correct both high- and low-spatial frequency nonuniformity (NU) in infrared focal plane arrays. The theory of scene-cancellation is further developed to include a referencing mechanism that allows spatially correlated NU to be corrected, and a practical method of application is developed. The algorithm is suitable for implementation in a real-time processing environment such as a digital signal processor. A new metric called normalized root mean-squared error for quantifying SBNUC performance is introduced and applied. When applied to real data from a cooled HgTeCd focal plane, the FiSC algorithm outperforms other SBNUC algorithms considered when provided with accurate frame-to-frame image registration. An SBNUC simulation is described and applied to several SBNUC algorithms. When the most realistic case including both high- and low-spatial frequency NU is simulated, the FiSC algorithm outperforms all others tested.