cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Resource Letter GECC-2: The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change: The Intensified Greenhouse Effect

Human activities over the past 200 years have increased Earth's greenhouse effect by about 1% relative to the radiative fluxes that drive the climate system. This Resource Letter introduces the physics of this intensified greenhouse effect and of the processes that govern resultant change in climate and provides resources for further study. Context for this examination is provided in a companion Resource Letter (GECC-1) that examined the radiative fluxes that comprise Earth's climate system and the present-day greenhouse effect. The increase in global temperature and other changes in climate resulting from the intensified greenhouse effect are of great societal concern. Developing prognostic capability to determine these responses to the small perturbations that constitute the intensified greenhouse effect to an accuracy that would be useful to inform policymaking is the major challenge facing climate scientists today.
Exorcising “Racecraft”: Toward the RaceSyllabus

This paper, based on my experiences teaching Africana Studies at a Northeastern public university, argues that anti-racist pedagogy must include a RaceSyllabus which reveals to diverse students the artificiality of race as a man-made ideology, neither biologically rooted nor divinely-inspired. Barbara Jean Fields and Karen Fields use the term racecraft to describe how race ideology persists as a subterranean, almost occult force in American institutions and minds. In my teaching I have developed a syllabus which propels students into a novel mental terrain where the racial categories we inherit and inhabit are neither inevitable or natural, but instead are created and re-created by our national economic, political, social, and cultural choices. The RaceSyllabus includes two interrelated learning objectives which, together, propel students to see outside our society’s race-tinted lenses. 1. Students should consider that racial identities in the United States are historically specific. 2. Students should consider that racial identities are geographically specific. These two insights, when taught together, are remarkably effective in exposing the artificiality of our national racial myths.
Magnetic circular dichroism spectra of transition metal complexes calculated from restricted active space wavefunctions.

First principles multiconfigurational restricted active space (RAS) self-consistent field (SCF) or configuration interaction (CI) approaches, augmented with a treatment of spin–orbit coupling by state interaction, were used to calculate the magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) , , and/or for closed- and open-shell transition metal complexes: PdCl42−, PdBr42−, AuCl4−, AuBr4−, MnO4−, CuCl42−, CuBr42−, and Fe(CN)63−. The were determined with a sum-over-states approach. It is shown that reasonably accurate MCD spectra can be obtained directly at a RAS level or at a RAS level augmented with corrections for the dynamic correlation. The sign and magnitude of the individual MCD terms can be unambiguously determined and assigned to particular electronic transitions.
Current Trends in dc: Voltage-Source Converters

High-power electronics have been employed in transmission and distribution systems for many years, using thyristor-based currentsource converters. This approach has seen approximately 200 high-voltage dc (HVdc) systems and more than 1,000 static VAR compensation systems installed worldwide. The introduction of voltagesource converters (VSCs) across the transmission and distribution voltage range has stimulated significant interest in exploring many previously inaccessible applications.
Sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 in the medial prefrontal cortex promotes stress resilience by reducing inflammatory processes

Stress can promote the development of psychiatric disorders, though some individuals are more vulnerable to stress compared to others who are more resilient. Here we show that the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 3 (S1PR3) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of rats regulates resilience to chronic social defeat stress. S1PR3 expression is elevated in the mPFC of resilient compared to vulnerable and control rats. Virally-mediated over-expression of S1PR3 in the mPFC produces a resilient phenotype whereas its knock-down produces a vulnerable phenotype, characterized by increased anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, and these effects are mediated by TNFα. Furthermore, we show that S1PR3 mRNA in blood is reduced in veterans with PTSD compared to combat-exposed control subjects and its expression negatively correlates with symptom severity. Together, these data identify S1PR3 as a regulator of stress resilience and reveal sphingolipid receptors as important substrates of relevance to stress-related psychiatric disorders.
"Youth Are More Aware and Intelligent than Imagined": The Mountain Air Youth Photovoice Project.

Appalachian Kentucky reports some of the highest rates of respiratory illness in the United States, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. While smoking rates are high in the region, unexplained variation remains, and community-engaged research approaches are warranted to identify contributing factors. The Mountain Air Project’s community advisory board recommended that investigators invite youth to provide their perspectives on possible contributing factors to respiratory illness, and we undertook an exploratory study to determine the utility of photovoice to elicit such perspectives with this population. While photovoice has been employed for other youth-focused health studies in Appalachia, to our knowledge, this work represents the region’s first environmental study using photovoice among youth. Over eight weeks, ten participants (age 12–18) represented their perspectives through photographs and accompanying narratives. A brief thematic content analysis of the youth narratives that accompanied the photos revealed three primary themes of environmental determinants of respiratory illness. These themes included compromises community members make regarding respiratory health in order to secure a livelihood; tension between cultural legacies and respiratory health; and consequences of geographic forces. This study demonstrates the value of incorporating youth perspectives in environmental health research, and that photovoice was a valuable approach to elicit such perspectives.
An Active Robotic Vision System with a Pair of Moving and Stationary Cameras

Vision is one of the main potential sources of information for robots to understand their surroundings. For a vision system, a clear and close enough view of objects or events, as well as the viewpoint angle can be decisive in obtaining useful features for the vision task. In order to prevent performance drops caused by inefficient camera orientations and positions, manipulating cameras, which falls under the domain of active perception, can be a viable option in a robotic environment.
17-Hydroxyprogesterone caproate improves T cells and NK cells in response to placental ischemia; new mechanisms of action for an old drug.

Abstract Preeclampsia (PE) is new onset hypertension during pregnancy associated with increased uterine artery resistance (UARI) and an imbalance among CD4 + T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells. We have shown an important role for 17-hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) to improve hypertension and fetal demise in the RUPP rat model of PE. However we have not examined a role for 17-OHPC to improve NK cells and CD4+TH2 cells as possible mechanisms for improved fetal weight and hypertension. Therefore, we hypothesized that 17-OHPC lowers NK cells while improving the T cell ratio in the RUPP rat. RUPP was surgically induced on gestational day 14 in pregnant rats. 17-OHPC (3.32 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneal on day 15, UARI was measured on day 18. Blood pressure (MAP), blood and tissues were collected on GD 19. MAP in NP rats (n = 9) was 100 ± 2, 104 ± 6 in Sham rats (n = 8), 128 ± 2 in RUPP (n = 11) and 115 ± 3 mmHg in RUPP + 17-OHPC (n = 10), p
Uncommon tumors of temporomandibular joint: An institutional experience and review.

Background The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) harbors a myriad of pathologic alterations including arthritides and benign and malignant neoplasms. Methods Herein, we describe our institutional experience of some uncommon and unusual synovial pathologies of the TMJ along with a review of literature. We searched through the archives of department of pathology and institutional electronic medical record for specimens of TMJ between 1999 and 2019. Hematoxylin and eosin slides were reviewed and data (final diagnosis, age, gender, clinical presentation, tumor size, treatment modality, recurrence, and vital status) were collected. Results A total of seven cases were identified including four cases of synovial chrondromatosis; and one case each of tenosynovial giant cell tumor, localized type, tenosynovial giant cell tumor, diffuse type, and synovial sarcoma. Conclusions The article emphasizes on the clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and molecular features of these uncommon entities. The differential diagnosis of each entity is also discussed. Current updates in the management are also reviewed.
Demo: PolarTag -- Invisible Data with Light Polarization

Visual tags (e.g., barcodes, QR codes)have become a prominent method of conveying digital information. Existing tags commonly rely on obtrusive visual patterns. Some methods of imperceptibly encoding data include using screens~\citekennedy2013visually or UV ink~\citemeruga2012security, complicating the tags with active components or requiring special manufacturing processes. We propose \name, a new design paradigm of passive visual tags which utilizes light polarization to unobtrusively encode data. \name\ consists of a thin, inexpensive polarizing film with layers of birefringent materials (e.g., everyday transparent tapes) judiciously applied atop. The birefringent layers disperse the polarization direction of outgoing light rays, resulting in color patterns only visible when viewed through a second polarizer. Such patterns are utilized to encode data. This color-changing feature can be used to boost the robustness of tag detection and support arbitrary tag shapes and designs that are not bound by geometric restrictions. In this demo, we present real-time decoding of invisible \name s with a mobile device.
Retinopathy develops at similar glucose levels but higher HbA1c levels in people with black African ancestry compared to white European ancestry: evidence for the need to individualize HbA1c interpretation

AIMS To examine the association of HbA1c and glucose levels with incident diabetic retinopathy according to black African or white European ancestry. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study of 202 500 US Veterans with diabetes (2000-2014), measures included HbA1c , outpatient random serum/plasma glucose, and incident retinopathy [conversion from negative to ≥2 positive evaluations (ICD-9 codes), without a subsequent negative]. RESULTS At baseline, the study population had a mean age of 59.3 years, their mean BMI was 31.9 kg/m2 , HbA1c level was 57 mmol/mol (7.4%) and glucose level was 8.8 mmol/l, and 77% were of white European ancestry (white individuals) and 21% of black African ancestry (black individuals). HbA1c was 0.3% higher in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001), adjusting for baseline age, sex, BMI, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), haemoglobin, and average systolic blood pressure and glucose. Over 11 years, incident retinopathy occurred in 9% of black and 7% of white individuals, but black individuals had higher HbA1c , glucose, and systolic blood pressure (all P < 0.001); adjusted for these factors, incident retinopathy was reduced in black vs white individuals (P < 0.001). The population incidence of retinopathy (7%) was associated with higher mean baseline HbA1c in individuals with black vs white ancestry [63 mmol/mol (7.9%) vs 58 mmol/mol (7.5%); P < 0.001)], but with similar baseline glucose levels (9.0 vs 9.0 mmol/l; P = 0.660, all adjusted for baseline age, sex and BMI). CONCLUSIONS Since retinopathy occurs at higher HbA1c levels in black people for a given level of average plasma glucose, strategies may be needed to individualize the interpretation of HbA1c measurements.
Conclusions. Integrating the Five Perspectives

There is no more important challenge facing the world than educating the next generation so that they have the competencies to invent their future. This will include being able to address the challenges we are passing on to them: environmental degradation, social exclusion, and the various forms of violence, within and across nations, that undermine the possibility that we can live in peace.
How effective are warnings? A meta-analysis

Abstract We present the results of a meta-analysis on warnings which quantify their effects on users’ behavioral compliance to, their recall of, and their attitudes toward, such warnings. We develop this comprehensive effort founded upon patterns observed in prior meta-analyses, but which are now updated and expanded in light of a further two additional decades of reported experimental work. We identified a total of thirty studies which qualified under the presently imposed inclusion criteria. This process resulted in the identification of a total of two-hundred and seventy-two effect sizes for analysis. Results from these analyses revealed that behavioral compliance to warnings is facilitated by the integration of such warnings into the work task, especially if accompanied by clear language explanations and placement in closest proximity to the person at risk. The noticeability of a warning proved to be mediated by its size, its immediate placement and, as with behavioral compliance, its integration into task processes. Recall of a warning’s content was significantly facilitated by its level of sensory conspicuity, the presence of descriptive words and pictures, as well as the perceived seriousness of the communicated threat. Finally, people’s attitudes to warnings were contingent upon its perceived seriousness, and the sematic terms used specifically to communicate that threat. These summated results can provide enhanced design guidelines to help toward the optimization of future warnings. Nevertheless, the absolute power of warnings’ behavioral effects remains low and this last line of defense in the hierarchy of physical controls persists as a relatively weak form of protection from harm. However, warnings prove to be the first line of defense against cognitive damage and must therefore be accorded a greater prominence in a world where the character of threats and nature of work itself is changing rapidly.
African Salafism: Religious Purity and the Politicization of Purity

There is much ambiguity in terms of how Salafism is understood as an empirical phenomenon and how it is used as an analytical concept. This is partly because it often occurs rather uncritically in the media and in public discourses, but also due to the fact that Salafism represents a phenomenon encompassing a broad range of issues. This paper gives an overview over features and trends inherent in what I call African Salafism, focusing on issues such as the role of African agency, quests for religious purity, and processes of politicization of purity. The concept of African Salafism is obviously not unproblematic, as it may give the impression that we are dealing with a phenomenon that can neatly be delineated, and that it is characterized by a certain set of features making it distinct from other forms. It is important to recognize that African Salafism signifies the representation of Salafism on the African continent, as something shaped by African realities, and which obviously would contain significant local varieties.
Elementary Single-Component Systems

This chapter covers quite a number of apparently different problems that are readily attacked by use of the concepts of a control volume and the conservation of mass. For each case, the same equation was used as the point of departure for the analysis—the differential statement of the total mass balance. It is surprising at first to find that so many different situations can be analyzed by the correct application of this equation with some calculus and geometry along the way. This chapter helps in learning how to use Mathematica interactively to do analysis. The methods that it uses are general. The objective is to think and analyze the problem with the assistance of the computer in real time. Elementary single-component systems are those that have just one chemical species or material involved in the process. Filling of a vessel is an example of this kind. The component can be a solid, liquid, or gas. Regardless of the phase of the component, the time dependence of the process is captured by the same statement of the conservation of mass within a well-defined region of space that is referred to as the control volume.
Purification of flavan-3-ol biosynthesis for co-localization onto nanocarriers and a multi-enzyme assay

Flavonoids are polyphenolic secondary metabolites that serve a variety of purposes, from assisting pollination in plants to providing anti-cancerous activity in humans. It is the wide range of functions that give these molecules the highly revered status they have today. Range in function can be linked with the range in structure, and with over 10,000 different flavonoids known, they make up one of the largest groups of natural products. One common sub-class of flavonoids is the flavan-3-ols, which are known for their health benefits and tendency to condense to form proanthocyanidins, or condensed tannins. Both of these classes of flavonoids represent the valuable end products of a highly investigated, yet still not fully understood, section of flavonoid biosynthesis. Furthermore, some of the intermediates are highly unstable and have never been isolated in planta. The enzymes that comprise this section are highly interconnected and regulated, suggesting that a possible multi-enzyme complex exists. With this evidence, we propose to create a synthetic complex using a polymer nanocarrier using anthocyanidin synthase and reductase (ANS and ANR, respectively), the final two enzymes in flavan-3-ol biosynthesis. Along with the preceding enzyme, dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR), they have been separately and recombinantly expressed in E. coli. Both ANR and ANS are fused to a specific tag for binding to the nanocarrier, ANR – 6xHis and ANS – (monomeric) streptavidin. Specifying binding sites will allow adjustable enzyme concentration and distribution on the nanocarrier. DFR, which has a stable substrate, allows for generation of the highly unstable ANS substrate. All three enzymes have been designed and purified for co-localization on the nanocarrier and all have exhibited activity in an assay designed for the multi-enzyme reaction.
Structural cytology of the healing wound. I. The fibroblast.

Abstract A morphologic study of the fibroblasts of a healing tooth extraction wound has been made by means of light microscopy and low-power electron microscopy. The knowledge gained with respect to the advanced fibroblast is confirmatory. The young fibroblast differs morphologically from the newly divided cell in normal connective tissue; there are characteristics indicative of primitive undifferentiated cells. Similarities were noticed between the young fibroblast of the healing wound and certain endothelial cells of associated capillaries. Extensive tubule systems within the cytoplasm of young fibroblasts formed spongelike networks. Such cellular networks are believed to hasten wound filling through expansion from within as cells surrounding the wound promote closure from without. Fibers were observed in a closer association with a cell type morphologically distinct from the classically depicted fibroblast. The proximity of the fibers to this “fibrocyte” necessitates a study of its role in fibrogenesis.
Human glutamine phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase. Kinetic and regulatory properties.

Abstract Human glutamine phosphoribosylpyrophosphate amidotransferase (PP-ribose-P amidotransferase; EC 2.4.2.14) has been purified 40-fold from placenta. The enzyme is located in the cytosol. The partially purified preparation is stable and free of glutaminase and nucleotidase activity, permitting study of the substrate kinetics and regulatory properties. Michaelis-Menten substrate kinetics were observed with apparent Km values of 0.48 mm for PP-ribose-P and 1.6 mm for glutamine. Human PP-ribose-P amidotransferase has an absolute requirement for a divalent cation, with the order of relative effectiveness Mg2+ = Mn2+ g Co2+ g Ca2+. Other divalent cations tested did not support catalytic activity. Orthophosphate has complex effects upon human PP-ribose-P amidotransferase; these include enzyme stabilization, competitive inhibition with PP-ribose-P and sensitization to nucleotide feedback inhibition. Human PP-ribose-P amidotransferase was inhibited by a wide variety of purine and pyrimidine nucleotides; the corresponding nucleosides and bases were ineffective. Inhibitory effectiveness decreased with the series mono- g di- g triphosphonucleotide. Certain preparations of PP-ribose-P amidotransferase lost the property of feedback inhibition, yet retained catalytic activity suggesting that the catalytic and regulatory sites were topologically distinct. Kinetic studies revealed that AMP produced a qualitative change in PP-ribose-P substrate curves, from hyperbolic to sigmoidal, with an attendent change in Hill coefficient from 1.1 to 2.7 at 3.0 mm AMP. AMP was a noncompetitive inhibitor with respect to glutamine and AMP did not qualitatively alter glutamine substrate curves. Combinations of 6-OH- and 6-NH2-purine nucleotides resulted in synergistic inhibition. This suggests separate but interacting binding sites for these end products. The pyrimidine nucleotides methyl-dCMP and TMP were also found to exhibit synergistic inhibition with AMP. The kinetic and regulatory properties of human PP-ribose-P amidotransferase are in accord with a postulated role for this enzyme in the in vivo regulation of prime biosynthesis de novo.
Optimal Effectiveness of BDNF for Fetal Nigral Transplants Coincides with the Ontogenic Appearance of BDNF in the Striatum

Transplantation of fetal nigral dopamine neurons into the caudate and putamen of Parkinson's disease patients produces limited symptomatic relief. One approach to augment the outgrowth and function of nigral grafts includes exposure of the graphs to neurotrophic factors; however, the temporal requirements for optimizing these actions are unknown. The present study characterized the ontogeny of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the rat striatum and used this information to define and evaluate three distinct periods of BDNF infusion into fetal nigral grafts transplanted into the striatum of rats with experimental Parkinson's disease. At postnatal day 1 (P1), BDNF and dopamine were measured at 17 and 27% of peak levels, respectively, that occurred at P27 for both. Both compounds showed their greatest surge between P7 and P20, increasing from 40% to approximately 95% of peak levels. Exogenous BDNF infused into transplants during weeks 1 and 2 after the transplantation, which coincide with the developmental period embryonic day 14 (E14)-P7 for transplanted tissue, did not improve rotational behavior or enhance fiber outgrowth of transplanted dopamine neurons. Delaying the BDNF infusion until transplanted tissue was approximately P8-P21 greatly enhanced the effect on rotational behavior and doubled the area of dopamine fiber outgrowth from the transplants. Delaying the infusion until transplanted tissue was approximately P36-P49 failed to augment fiber outgrowth and decreased the behavioral function of transplants. Thus, the optimal effect of exogenous BDNF on the development of dopamine neurons in fetal nigral transplants occurs at a postnatal age when endogenous dopamine and BDNF show the greatest increases during the normal development of the striatum.
Insulin Internalization and other Signaling Pathways in the Pleiotropic Effects of Insulin

Insulin is the major anabolic hormone in humans and affects multiple cellular processes. Insulin rapidly regulates short-term effects on carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism and is also a potent growth factor controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. The metabolic and growth-related effects require insulin binding to its receptor and receptor phosphorylation. Evidence suggests these events result in subsequent substrate phosphorylation and activation of multiple signaling pathways involving Src homology domain-containing proteins and the internalization of the insulin: receptor complex. The role of insulin internalization in insulin action is largely speculative. For more than two decades, extensive investigation has been carried out by numerous laboratories of the mechanisms by which insulin causes its pleiotropic responses and the cellular processing of insulin receptors. This chapter reviews our current knowledge of the phosphorylation signaling pathways activated by insulin and presents evidence that substrates other than insulin receptor substrate-1 are involved in insulin's regulation of immediate-early gene expression. We also review the mechanisms involved in insulin internalization and present evidence that internalization may play a key role in insulin action through both signal transduction processes and translocation of insulin to the cell cytoplasm and nucleus.
Protein and Substrate Coordination to the Manganese Cluster in the Photosynthetic Water Oxidizing Complex: 15N and 1H ENDOR Spectroscopy of the S2 State Multiline Signal in the Thermophilic Cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus

The hyperfine constants have been measured by ENDOR spectroscopy for 1 H and 15 N nuclei located within magnetic contact to the tetranuclear manganese cluster of the photosynthetic water oxidizing site in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Synechococcus el. The Mn cluster was examined in the S 2 oxidation state using the «multiline» EPR signal. The data were compared to model dimanganese(III,IV) complexe possessing both N and O ligand atoms and μ-oxo and μ-carboxylato bridging ligands
An Emerging Class of Volatile Organic Compound Sorbents: Friedel−Crafts Modified Polystyrenes. 2. Performance Comparison with Commercially-Available Sorbents and Isotherm Analysis†

The performance of Friedel−Crafts modified polystyrene (FCMPS) as a volatile organic compound (VOC) sorbent is compared with commercially available polymers and activated carbon. Detailed analyses of the equilibrium isotherms are presented, including vapor phase isotherm temperature dependence and isosteric heats of sorption. Although significant absorption contributions are observed for the polymeric sorbents of this study, the data are mathematically well represented by Polanyi potential analysis. FCMPS can be synthesized with desirable performance qualities such as ultimate VOC sorption capacity of ∼2 mL/g, competitively high capacity in dilute streams versus activated carbon, insensitivity to humidity in vapor phase applications, and comparative ease of regeneration.
Extracellular ATP activates polyphosphoinositide breakdown and Ca2+ mobilization in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells

The effects of extracellular ATP on phosphoinositide metabolism and intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis were studied in Ehrlich ascites tumor cells. Cytosolic [Ca2+] was measured using either quin 2 or the recently described indicator fura 2. Addition of 0.5–25 μm extracellular ATP to intact cells results in a rapid mobilization of Ca2+ from a nonmitochondrial, intracellular Ca2+ store. Likewise, direct addition of 0.2–2 μm myo-1,4,5-inositol trisphosphate (IP3) to digitonin-permeabilized Ehrlich cells induces a rapid and reversible release of Ca2+ from a nonmitochondrial pool. Under the same conditions which facilitate intracellular Ca2+ mobilization, extracellular ATP also triggers a rapid breakdown of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PtdIns(4,5)P2) and accumulation of IP3. A maximal 18% decrease of the polyphosphoinositide is observed 40–60 s after the addition of 25 μm ATP; within 5 min PtdIns(4,5)P2 returns to or exceeds the original, prestimulus level. These conditions also trigger a rapid accumulation of phosphatidic acid (1.7-fold increase within 5 min). Paralleling these ATP-induced changes in phospholipid levels is a substantial accumulation of the mono-, bis-, and trisphosphate derivatives of inositol; most significantly, a 2-fold increase in the IP3 level is observed within 30 s after ATP addition. These results suggest that in these tumor cells, extracellular ATP elicits changes in phosphoinositide metabolism similar to those produced by a wide variety of Ca2+-mobilizing hormones and growth factors.
Educating Social Workers to Establish Well-Formed Goals.

Abstract Although effective goal-setting is universally accepted as good social work practice, students often struggle with establishing well-formed goals. Therefore, the authors have developed an educational approach to engage students in learning the skills of effective goal-setting. This manuscript presents a conceptual approach and instructional activities to prepare practitioners to establish well-formed goals, engage in goal-focused actions, and evaluate goal attainment.
Modelling and response of lifelines

Relatively little research has been completed concerning analysis and design for bent lifeline structures. This paper discusses the general analytical approach, important modelling aspects, and the effects of system parameters on seismic response for such systems. The paper concludes with a number of realistic examples.
Preparation and properties of silicon-cadmium selenide p-n heterojunctions

The vacuum deposition of thin (0.3–0.6 μm) n-CdSe films on p-Si substrates is described, together with an evaluation of the heterojunction properties. Results obtained using both pulsed and steady state light conditions are reported. The devices show in the reverse direction, i.e. with the top electrode biased positively, a low dark conductivity (σ≅1.5 × 10−6 mho cm−2) and a high dark-to-light resistance ratio (ϱDϱL > 104 at 1.0 V). In this mode of operation, the properties of the heterojunction, rather than those of the photoconductive film, determine the over-all device behavior, as evidenced by the fast rise and decay times (< 3 μsec) and the low values of the photoconductive gain (≅0.25). These and other results can be related to the properties of the constituent semiconductors.
Self-assembled patterns in a polymer thin film

This paper reports an experimental work using an electric field to induce morphological patterns in a thin polymer film. The film was spin-coated onto a glass wafer, and subsequently heated to above its glass transition temperature to allow viscous flow. An electric field was applied by two parallel electrodes spacing 10 mm apart. The initially flat polymer/air interface evolves into islands. The self-assembled islands exhibited a narrow size distribution and demonstrated spatial ordering. We attribute the pattern formation to the minimization of combined interface energy and electrostatic energy.
EUS, PET, and CT scanning for evaluation of pancreatic adenocarcinoma.

Abstract Background: Preoperative diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma can be difficult. Computed tomography (CT) is the standard, noninvasive imaging method for evaluation of suspected pancreatic adenocarcinoma, but it has limited sensitivity for diagnosis, local staging, and metastases. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and fluoro-deoxyglucose/positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) are imaging methods that may improve diagnostic accuracy. Methods: Thirty-five patients with presumed resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma were prospectively evaluated with helical CT, EUS, and FDG-PET. Results: Sensitivity for the detection of pancreatic cancer was higher for EUS (93%) and FDG-PET (87%) than for CT (53%). EUS was more sensitive than CT for local vascular invasion of the portal and superior mesenteric veins. EUS diagnosis of vascular invasion was associated with poor outcome after surgery. EUS-guided, fine-needle aspiration allowed tissue diagnosis in 14 of 21 attempts (67%). FDG-PET diagnosed 7 of 9 cases of proven metastatic disease, 4 of which were missed by CT. Two of three metastatic liver lesions suspected by CT were indeterminate for metastases. FDG-PET confirmed metastases. Conclusions: EUS and PET improve diagnostic capability in pancreatic adenocarcinoma. EUS is useful in determining local vascular invasion and obtaining tissue diagnosis. FDG-PET is useful in identifying metastatic disease. Both techniques are more sensitive than helical CT for identification of the primary tumor. (Gastrointest Endosc 2000;52:367–71).
Gonadotrophin binding sites of the rat testis.

Abstract Gonadotrophin binding sites with high affinity and specificity for human chorionic gonadotrophin and luteinizing hormone have been demonstrated in rat testis homogenates and subcellular fractions. The binding of 125I-labeled chorionic gonadotrophin to the rat testis homogenate is temperature dependent, with limited capacity (10−12 mole/g) and high affinity (Ka = 2.4·1010 M−1) for chorionic gonadothrophin at 24°C. Gonadotrophin binding is not significantly affected by variations in calcium concentration within the physiological range, and is associated with membrane fragments during differential centrifugation of testis homogenates labeled with 125I-chorionic gonadotrophin. These properties of the chorionic gonadotrophin/luteinizing hormone binding sites present in rat testis homogenate are consistent with those of a specific hormone receptor for gonadotrophins which activate testicular steroidogenesis.
Error bounds for convolutional codes and an asymptotically optimum decoding algorithm

The probability of error in decoding an optimal convolutional code transmitted over a memoryless channel is bounded from above and below as a function of the constraint length of the code. For all but pathological channels the bounds are asymptotically (exponentially) tight for rates above R_{0} , the computational cutoff rate of sequential decoding. As a function of constraint length the performance of optimal convolutional codes is shown to be superior to that of block codes of the same length, the relative improvement increasing with rate. The upper bound is obtained for a specific probabilistic nonsequential decoding algorithm which is shown to be asymptotically optimum for rates above R_{0} and whose performance bears certain similarities to that of sequential decoding algorithms.
Anger-arousing situations and coping responses of aggressive adults with intellectual disability

A structured interview was conducted with 68 adults with intellectual disability who were referred to an outpatient mental health clinic due to aggression at work. Participants answered five open-e...
Representation and computational structure-property relations of random media

Recent trends towards integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) demand increasing reliance on modeling and simulation to estimate microstructure-property relations of materials with random microstructures.
Predictors of adherence to inhaled medications.

Authors Reply—We appreciate Dr. Schattner’s comment on our work. We believe our study 1 adds to the field by showing that a patient’s adherence to one of their inhaled medications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is not predictive of adherence to their other COPD medications. The finding that patients are not adherent to their inhalers is important information for both providers discussing medication usage with their patients and for researchers designing future studies of inhaler adherence. Dr. Schattner is correct that our study was unable to provide an explanation for patients’ discordant adherence to their COPD medications. He suggests that the nature of the patient–physician interaction may be an important determinant of medication adherence. Cecere et al. demonstrated that patient perception of clinician expertise in lung disease was a strong predictor of adherence to inhaled medications for COPD.2 Additionally, satisfaction with and faith in their doctor were significant predictors of medication adherence in patients with COPD.3 We agree that other features of the patient–physician interaction may be important determinants of medication adherence, both in COPD and in other chronic illnesses, and that further studies should assess which aspects of the patient–physician interaction have a significant impact on adherence.
Atrioventricular Conduction in Secundum Atrial Septal Defects

The atrioventricular (A-V) conduction time in patients with secundum ASD who had left-to-right shunts of 40-65% of their pulmonary flow was evaluated utilizing intracardiac electrograms. The A-V conduction time was divided into three components: (1) P-A interval, from the onset of the P wave to the time of excitation of muscle in the vicinity of the A-V node, (2) A-H interval, from the time of excitation of low right atrial muscle to that of the His bundle, and (3) H-V interval, from the time of the His bundle deflection to the onset of ventricular activation. The mean P-R interval of the ASD group (154 msec) was significantly longer (P < 0.01) than that of the control group (135 msec). The internodal conduction time (mean P-A interval) of the ASD group (52.2 msec) was significantly longer (P < 0.001) than that of the control group (29.1 msec). The A-H and H-V intervals of the two groups were not significantly different. Both the increased size of the atrium and the increased distance for internodal condu...
Borate–nucleotide complex formation depends on charge and phosphorylation state

Flow injection analysis with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used to investigate borate-nucleotide complex formation. Solutions containing 100 microM nucleotide and 500 microM boric acid in water-acetonitrile-triethylamine (50:50:0.2, v/v/v; pH 10.3) showed that borate complexation with nicotinamide nucleotides was significantly influenced by the charge on the nicotinamide group and the number of phosphate groups on the adenine ribose. Borate binding decreased in the order of NAD(+), NADH, NADP(+) and NADPH. To investigate the relationship between complex formation and phosphorylation, association constants (K(A)) of borate-adenine (AMP, ADP, ATP), -guanine (GMP, GDP, GTP), -cytidine (CMP, CDP, CTP) and -uridine (UMP, UDP, UTP) complexes were compared. The results showed that the number of nucleotide phosphate groups was inversely proportional to the relative abundance of the borate complexes, with the K(A) of borate-nucleotide complex decreasing in the order mono-, di- and tri-phosphates (AMP approximately GMP approximately CMP approximately UMP > ADP approximately GDP approximately CDP approximately UDP > GTP > ATP approximately CTP approximately UTP). At pH 7.4, using ammonium bicarbonate buffer, only borate-NAD(+) complex was observed. This indicates that the borate-NAD(+) complex may be the most physiologically relevant of those studied.
Thyroxine affects behavioral thermoregulation but not growth rate among populations of the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis)

We investigated whether thyroxine influences hatchling growth rate of the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) throught its effects on thermoregulatory behaviors. We reared control and thyroxine-injected hatchlings from three populations of S. occidentalis that differ in growth rate in a thermal gradient. We also measured the daily changes in body temperature and activity level (proportion of time spent out of retreat sites) of control and thyroxine-injected lizards. Previous studies have shown that within and among population differences in growth rate of the western fence lizard are correlated with the maintenance of high activity levels (proportion of time spent outside of retreat sites) and high body temperatures throughout the day. Growth rate was not influenced by injections of thyroxine. However, injections of thyroxine did elevate average daily body temperature and daily activity. Although administration of thyroxine uniformly increased the probability of activity throughout the day, it did not appear to alter the daily changes in activity. Previous studies have shown that the slower-growing hatchlings from northern populations exhibit a decline in activity during the later part of the thermal cycle, whereas the faster growing southern hatchlings maintain the same level of high activity throughout the thermal cycle. The decline in activity of northern populations was not prevented by thyroxine injection used in our current study. Northern lizards receiving exogenous thyroxine were still less active later in the day compared to early in the day, even though activity level throughout the day was elevated. Thus, the effects of thyroxine on temperature regulation observed in our study (general increase in activity level) appear to be unrelated to those aspects of temperature regulation (e.g., daily changes in behavioral thermoregulation) that are correlated with among population differences in growth rate. We also raised hatchlings in a cycling thermal regime (forced thermal cycle of 34°C:15°C, 12L:12D) where behavioral thermoregulation is not possible. The growth rate of lizards forced to cycle between 34°C:15°C on a daily basis was significantly lower than those lizards allowed to behaviorally thermoregulate, further underscoring the importance of the circadian pattern of thermoregulation for growth.
Singularities of partial-wave amplitudes arising from the third double-spectral function

The partial-wave amplitudes are shown to have singularities along the left-hand cut, for both integral and nonintegral angular momenta, at positions where there are peaks in the third double-spectral function. The nature of these singularities and their connection with the Gribov-Pomeranchuk essential singularities in the angular-momentum plane are discussed.
Digitalis Poisoning in a Case of Hyperthyroidism

A case of digitalis poisoning in a hyperthyroid patient is discussed. The patient survived in spite of the enormous doses of digitoxin received over several months, and more acutely during 19½ days, in which period 21 mg were administered by mouth. Considerations on the cardiac and neurologic symptoms are made, as well as on the relationship between digitalis and thyroid hormone.
Compliant background subtraction algorithms for tactile rendering

Relaying spatially distributed forces promises to enhance the performance of telemanipulation systems. However, the proper way to render tactile information from the sensor to the display is not clear for current displays, where the user maintains constant contact. We present a simple approach to rendering tactile information to improve performance in a lump localization task in a compliant object. The algorithms presented subtract uninformative background information from the tactile signal. Subtracting a fixed background pressure frame reduced lump localization error by up to 20% while decreasing the time required to find the lump by up to 44%. Subtracting a background frame that depends on applied force further reduced lump localization error by another 17%.
Stratospheric Wave Spectra Resembling Turbulence

Pollution effects on ozone raise the question of the significance of turbulence in vertical transport in the stratosphere. The aircraft in situ measurements of velocity fluctuations previously employed to estimate turbulence transport were, it is hypothesized, due to atmospheric waves, despite their classical turbulence spectrum. This new hypothesis implies that previous turbulence estimates are invalid. Experimental tests are suggested.
Studies on protein uptake by isolated tumor cells. II. Quantitative data on the adsorption and uptake of i131-serum albumin by ehrlich ascites tumor cells.

Surface adsorption is studied in some detail because it is believed to be a major artifact in measurements of protein uptake by mammalian cells. Adsorption increases linearly with the I131-albumin concentration between 0.001 and 300 mg/ml. After short exposure to 300 mg/ml and two cell washings, the adsorption amounts to 38 mg albumin per gm cell proteins. Further washings remove 80 per cent of this value, leaving a small irreversibly bound residue. At equilibrium, adsorbed albumin can be labeled by a simple albumin exchange. This labeling reaches a steady state within seconds and stays at constant level over 30 minutes. Significant increases above this initial level are measured over periods of 2 hours. In our experimental conditions these increases can be considered due to albumin uptake. This uptake rises linearly with the albumin concentration between 0.5 and 50.0 mg/ml, and reaches 0.2 mg/gm cell protein or 4 x 105 molecules per cell. Compared to the incorporation of free amino acids in similar conditions, this value does not appear to contribute significantly to the N-metabolism of the tumor cells. Adsorption was generally greater than uptake. Both processes are linear functions of the same variable over the whole range of concentration tested. It is suggested that albumin is taken up by pinocytosis.
Extraction of Event Times in Batch Profiles for Time Synchronization and Quality Predictions

A technique for the extraction of the time of occurrence of consistent features in batch profiles is presented. The event times are needed for the synchronization of the batch trajectories for mean...
Vaccine for AIDS and Ebola virus infection

Ebola virus and HIV present challenges for vaccine development because natural immunity to these viruses is difficult to find, and there are no immune correlates of protection in humans. Modern molecular genetic, virologic and immune analyses have been used to rationally identify promising approaches based on animal model and human clinical studies. Improved vaccine candidates have been defined for HIV, and a promising Ebola vaccine have conferred protection in non-human primates. Further evaluation in humans will allow an assessment of their potential efficacy and point the way to the development of more successful vaccines.
Antiferromagnetism and electrical resistivity of dilute chromium-germanium alloys

Electrical resistivity from 4 to 700 K is reported for dilute Cr alloys containing 0.35, 1.1, 1.4, and 2.2 at.% Ge. The implications of this study for the magnetic phase diagram of Cr-Ge alloys are compared with recent results from thermal expansion measurements by Suzuki, and agree with the existence of a magnetic triple point at \ensuremath{\sim}0.35 at.% Ge. Contrary to the rigid-band hypothesis, Ge acts as an electron donor when substituted into the Cr matrix. We argue that this puzzling result can be understood in terms of virtual impurity levels lying above the Fermi level of Cr. Identical considerations are shown to hold for Si impurities in Cr, and may account for the anomalous residual resistance and pronounced resistivity enhancements seen at the N\'eel temperatures of these alloys.
Generalized error analysis of kinetic parameters for complex formation reactions in solution

Abstract A generalized error analysis was used to examine the effect of all parameters that could influence the error in the activation energy of complex formation reactions in solution. The only parameters that were found to significantly influence the accuracy of the calculated activation energy were the temperature range, ΔT, the relative error in the relaxation time, σlnτ the relative error in the equilibrium constant, σKeq/Keq and the magnitude of Keq. This study resulted in the design of an error formula which relieves the need to use more complicated least squares methods to calculate σAE.