cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Neurobiological Causes of Addiction

Abstract Neurobiology and molecular genetics are contributing heavily to a new understanding of the causes of chemical dependence (“addiction”). Willful chemical abuse is a problem that continues to produce significant societal costs including accidents, medical expenses, and family suffering. Pathological chemical dependence, on the other hand, is being recognized as a true medical disease that is also devastating, but in different ways. There is strong evidence in animals and humans that chemical dependence involves a dysregulation of the pleasure pathway (the “medial forebrain bundle”), located in the mesolimbic portion of the brain. Dopamine is one of the medial forebrain bundle's major neurotransmitters. In this paper, we provide a research-based model for the causes of chemical dependence and its treatment, and integrate this information with classic Twelve Step treatment programs.
Regional Patterns of Mixing Depth and Stability: Sodar Network Measurements for Input to Air Quality Models

Abstract A network of 13 sodars (acoustic radars) was operated in the San Francisco Bay Area for 2.5 months of the 1976 smog season. The goal was to produce a data base on time-dependent mixing depth and stability patterns for input to air quality models. The large set (∼1000 site-days) of sodar facsimile records was filmed to provide a more compact, convenient, and accessible data product. A manual digitization scheme was devised and used to convert the continuous sodar data to hourly values describing mixing depth and a near-surface stability indicator. These values can easily be input to computerized air quality models and can readily be understood by a user with no sodas experience. Numerous sodar-inferred mixing depths were compared to those inferred from 1) simultaneous measurements of temperature and humidity profiles and 2) lidar-measured haze and cloud layering. These and previous tests show good overall agreement, demonstrating that in the San Francisco Bay Area, sodar measurements compare very ...
Consistency analysis for sliding-window visual odometry

In this paper we focus on the problem of visual odometry, i.e., the task of tracking the pose of a moving platform using visual measurements. In recent years, several VO algorithms have been proposed that employ nonlinear minimization in a sliding window of poses for this task. Through the use of iterative re-linearization, these methods are capable of successfully addressing the nonlinearity of the measurement models, and have become the de-facto standard for high-precision VO. In this work, we conduct an analysis of the properties of marginalization, which is the process through which older states are removed from the sliding window. This analysis shows that the standard way of marginalizing older poses results in an erroneous change in the rank of the measurements' information matrix, and leads to underestimation of the uncertainty of the state estimates. Based on the analytical results, we also propose a simple modification of the way in which the measurement Jacobians are computed. This modification avoids the above problem, and results in an algorithm with superior accuracy, as demonstrated in both simulation tests and real-world experiments.
Thermal acclimation of light-use characteristics of Chondrus crispus (Rhodophyta)

We investigated the acclimation of Chondrus crispus to growth at 5°C and 20°C in the laboratory. We were specifically interested in the responses of light-limited photosynthesis to temperature and the effects of short-term thermal changes (of the order of minutes). Thermal acclimation to constant temperatures over 3–4 weeks had significant effects on the light-use characteristics of this species such that in comparison with those grown at 5°C, 20°C-grown plants had higher concentrations of chlorophyll a and total phycobilins, which were associated with larger photosynthetic unit sizes. Plants grown at the higher temperature had greater photosynthetic efficiencies (α) and higher rates of light-limited photosynthesis at a given photon flux density than did plants acclimated to 5°C. Plants acclimated to 20°C were less sensitive to short-term temperature changes than were 5°C-acclimated plants. These results are discussed in terms of (1) the effects of growth temperature on light harvesting and (2) the implic...
Vacuum ultraviolet oscillator strengths of Hg measured by sum-frequency mixing.

We have measured oscillator strengths for the transitions 6 $^{1}S$ to (5${d}^{10}$6s np) n $^{1}$,3${\mathrm{P}}_{1}$ for n=6 to 13 and to (5${d}^{9}$6${s}^{2}$6p) 6p' $^{1}P$ for atomic Hg. Two new techniques for measuring dispersion based on nonlinear-optical sum-frequency mixing are used to achieve 10% accuracy for the stronger transitions. One method uses crossed beams in a Hg heat-pipe cell to map dispersion curves in regions of anomalous dispersion. The second method uses input beams of three separate frequencies and maps regions of normal and anomalous dispersion by tuning one of the input frequencies to the red and blue of the 6 $^{3}P_{1}$ level. Because the dispersion of the refractive index near a resonance is determined over a large wavelength range, the oscillator strength of that resonance is determined independent of the strengths of other transitions.
High Chromospheric Activity in M Subdwarfs

We present spectroscopic observations of two halo M subdwarfs that have Hα emission lines. We show that in both cases close companions are the likely cause of the chromospheric activity in these old, metal-poor stars. We argue that Gl 781A's unseen companion is most likely a cool helium white dwarf. Gl 455 is a near–equal-mass M subdwarf (sdM) system. Gl 781A is rapidly rotating, with v sin i ≈ 30 km s-1. The properties of the chromospheres and X-ray coronae of these systems are compared with M dwarfs with emission (dMe's). The X-ray hardness ratios and optical chromospheric line emission ratios are consistent with those seen in dMe stars. Comparison with active near–solar metallicity stars indicates that, despite their low metallicity ([M/H] ≈ -1.2), the sdMe stars are roughly as active in both X-rays and chromospheric emission. Measured by LX/Lbol, the activity level of Gl 781A is no more than a factor of 2.5 subluminous with respect to near–solar-metallicity stars.
Mosaic unbalanced structural abnormalities confirmed using FISH on buccal mucosal cells

Three rare mosaic unbalanced structural rearrangements found in routine peripheral blood analysis were confirmed in buccal mucosal cells using interphase FISH. Case 1 had a de novo mosaic triplication for 13q22q33 found in 22.5 % lymphocytes. D13S585 probe that maps to 13q32q33 confirmed the mosaicism in 41 % of buccal mucosal cells. Case 2 had additional material on a 3q derived from 14q31qter in 83 % of lymphocytes. The 14q-subtelomeric probe was used on buccal smear cells: 86 % had three signals and 14 % had two signals. Case 3 was a mosaic de novo add(5) in 32 % lymphocytes. The additional material was from 3p26pter. The 3p-subtelomere probe confirmed the mosaicism in 40 % buccal epithelial cells. This study shows the applicability of interphase FISH to confirm mosaic unbalanced rearrangements in a second tissue such as buccal mucosal cells.
Classroom community and possible selves: implications for midcareer teacher seminars

Much research examines professional learning for pre-service and beginning teachers. However, in midcareer, teaching satisfaction and effectiveness are challenged by decreased recognition and support and increasing stressors including isolation, accountability demands, mentorship roles, and personal/family responsibilities. Often, midcareer teachers (MTs) pursue graduate degrees to advance skills, licenses held, and achieve recognition. This qualitative exploratory study examined classroom community (CC) development across three graduate seminars for MTs. Increased CC was connected to course structures and instructor actions which supported teachers’ reflection upon practice and envisioning of possible selves. Personal/family selves, teaching selves, and academic selves emerged. The model developed connects CC, motivators, and enacted classroom practices to each set of possible selves. Findings suggest increased attention to campus-based graduate seminars as avenues for the development of trust, open dial...
Current legal status of advance directives in the United States.

Advance directive legislation has been in place throughout much of the United States for nearly 3 decades. The right to give an informed consent to or refusal of medical treatment has been recognized by state and federal courts, and that right has been determined to survive the loss of decisional capacity and may be exercised through the execution of instructional or proxy directives. Despite these developments. the percentage of the adult population with a formal advance directive of any type has never exceeded 15%. Moreover, a remarkable number of these directives are ambiguous and/or their existence is unknown to the physicians who are expected to rely upon them. Even unambiguous directives may not be followed at the critical stage in the trajectory of a patient’s illness, and the accountability for such disregard by health care institutions or professionals is negligible to nonexistent. Nevertheless, there is real potential for advance directives, as a key element to sound advance care planning, to fulfill their initial promise as instruments of the prospective autonomy of patients. In order for that potential to be realized, primary care physicians must embrace advance care planning as a part of their professional responsibility to patients.
Sequence of centromere separation: analysis of mitotic chromosomes in man.

Mitotic chromosomes from human peripheral lymphocytes studied at the junction of metaphase and anaphase show that the centromeres of various chromosomes separate in a nonrandom, apparently genetically controlled sequence. It does not depend upon the position of the centromere in the chromosome, the length of the chromosome or total amount of detectable C-chromatin. In man, several chromosomes e.g. 18, 17, 2, separate very early. Such “early” cells do not include nos. 1, 13, 14, 15, and Y and very rarely nos. 21 and 22. The last separating chromosomes are those from group D, G, no. 1, 16, and Y. The possible implication of these findings in evolution, non-disjunction and the control of centromere separation sequences is discussed.
The social context of assimilation: Testing implications of segmented assimilation theory

Abstract Segmented assimilation theory has been a popular explanation for the diverse experiences of assimilation among new waves of immigrants and their children. While the theory has been interpreted in many different ways, we emphasize its implications for the important role of social context: both processes and consequences of assimilation should depend on the local social context in which immigrants are embedded. We derive empirically falsifiable hypotheses about the interaction effects between social context and assimilation on immigrant children’s well-being. We then test the hypotheses using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health. Our empirical analyses yield two main findings. First, for immigrant adolescents living in non-poverty neighborhoods, we find assimilation to be positively associated with educational achievement and psychological well-being but also positively associated with at-risk behavior. Second, there is little empirical evidence supporting our hypotheses derived from segmented assimilation theory. We interpret these results to mean that future research would be more fruitful focusing on differential processes of assimilation rather than differential consequences of assimilation.
Nutrition Education for Black Elders: A Strategic Approach for Delivery

Abstract This paper examines nutrition education for current and emerging cohorts of Black elders. Three contextual factors affecting nutrition education for Black elders are discussed, including diversity of the older Black population, historical and cultural influences, and barriers to educational programming. In light of these contextual factors, six strategic principles are presented that provide a central organizing mechanism and process for nutrition education programming for Black elders.
SYMMETRY ANALYSIS OF HOPI YELLOW WARES: REGIONAL, TEMPORAL AND INTERPRETIVE STUDIES

This paper analyzes the Hopi yellow ware design system in terms of the plane pattern symmetries that structure the designs. This analysis reveals that the advent of the yellow wares correlates with the aggregation of farming villages into large pueblos in response to the thirteenth-century drought. Coincident with this settlement change is a shift from geometric designs organized by bifold rotation that metaphorically represent the reciprocities central to the corn lifeway to quasi-representational images organized by a number of different symmetries, some new to the region. Oral tradition indicates that Hopi villages are composed of many different groups of people, each with their own rituals and living practices. This paper suggests that the new symmetries and images not only mark the arrival of these in-migrating groups to Hopi villages but also the development of new social institutions to organize these larger communities.
Partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the azygous vein with intact atrial septum.

A five-year-old giri with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection to the azygous vein with intact atrial septum is reported. The clinical and roentgenographic features suggested the correct diagnosis. Surgical correction of this previously unreported defect was accomplished by creating an atrial septal defect and constructing a baffle to direct the blood flow from the azygous vein to the left atrium.
A model of customers' initial trust in unknown online retailers: an empirical study

Trust is considered one of the key success factors of e-commerce, and winning customers' trust initially is especially important for web-based companies (e-businesses), as initial trust could be a starting point from which more sustainable relationships could possibly develop. In answering the question of how e-business customers develop initial trust especially in unknown online retailers, we propose a model with a two-factor initial trust model (competence and goodwill) and three different types of predictors: two trustee's characteristic-based factors (company profile and website quality), one institution-based factor (third-party support) and one trustor's personality-based factor (propensity to trust). This model was empirically tested and we found some evidence that website quality and third-party support had significant effect on initial trust. Company profile and propensity to trust didn't have any direct effects on initial trust, but a type of propensity to trust showed some moderating effects.
Estradiol Stimulates Glucose Metabolism via 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase (PFKFB3)

Estradiol (E2) administered to estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer patients stimulates glucose uptake by tumors. Importantly, this E2-induced metabolic flare is predictive of the clinical effectiveness of anti-estrogens and, as a result, downstream metabolic regulators of E2 are expected to have utility as targets for the development of anti-breast cancer agents. The family of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatases (PFKFB1–4) control glycolytic flux via their product, fructose-2,6-bisphosphate (F26BP), which activates 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase (PFK-1). We postulated that E2 might promote PFKFB3 expression, resulting in increased F26BP and glucose uptake. We demonstrate that PFKFB3 expression is highest in stage III lymph node metastases relative to normal breast tissues and that exposure of human MCF-7 breast cancer cells to E2 causes a rapid increase in [14C]glucose uptake and glycolysis that is coincident with an induction of PFKFB3 mRNA (via ER binding to its promoter), protein expression and the intracellular concentration of its product, F26BP. Importantly, selective inhibition of PFKFB3 expression and activity using siRNA or a PFKFB3 inhibitor markedly reduces the E2-mediated increase in F26BP, [14C]glucose uptake, and glycolysis. Furthermore, co-treatment of MCF-7 cells with the PFKFB3 inhibitor and the anti-estrogen ICI 182,780 synergistically induces apoptotic cell death. These findings demonstrate for the first time that the estrogen receptor directly promotes PFKFB3 mRNA transcription which, in turn, is required for the glucose metabolism and survival of breast cancer cells. Importantly, these results provide essential preclinical information that may allow for the ultimate design of combinatorial trials of PFKFB3 antagonists with anti-estrogen therapies in ER+ stage IV breast cancer patients.
Comparison of Quantitation Methods for L-1210 Cell Populations and Evaluation of Selected Cytotoxic Agents in Leukemic Mice

A more rapid cell-counting technique using an electronic cell counter was developed as an improvement over the slower hemocytometer method. The electronic counting method produced cell counts that had a smaller standard deviation but were not significantly different from the hemocytometer method. The acetate, hexanoate, and decanoate esters of p-N,N-bis(2-chloroethyl)aminophenol were investigated for acute toxicity in mice, effects on survival times, and effects on L-1210 cell populations in L-1210 leukemic mice. The decanoate ester was the least toxic compound and was most effective in lengthening the lifespan of the mice. The acetate and hexanoate esters were more effective in reducing L-1210 cell populations.
Drug Interactions with Guanidinium Antihypertensives

The interactions of guanidinium antihypertensives with amphetamines antihistamines and oral decongestant amines vasopressor agents anesthetics oral contraceptive agents insulin levodopa other antihypertensive drugs and psychotherapeutic drugs such as the phenothiazines thioxanthenes and butyrophenones are discussed in regard to their possible adverse effects. The mechanism of guanidinium interaction with tricyclic antidepressants the interrelationships between depression and hypertension avoidance of interactions between tricyclic compounds and guanidinium compounds and the treatment of nondepressive psychosis and hypertension are also discussed. An index of possible interactions either adverse or salutary of guanidinium compounds and other drugs is given.
Brainware: synergizing software systems and neural inputs

The rapid advances in the field of Brain Computer Interfaces (BCI) are expected to enrich the quality of people’s lives. BCI connects computer actions with neural inputs—signals indicating the user’s intentions, desired actions, attention, thoughts, memories, and emotions. BCI applications present significant challenges for computer science and software engineering research: an avalanche of neural signals will make their way as direct input into software systems. Given the differences between neural inputs and behavioral ones, the integration of neural inputs will require special approaches, and not simply adding yet more user interface channels to pre-existing software systems. This paper explores the challenges of designing and implementing self-adaptive software systems that could synergize brain states. After framing the problem, its rationale and possible solutions, in this paper we argue that the software engineering community ought to investigate how to incorporate neural inputs into software systems. The days are now upon us when software systems can “feel” and “anticipate” the users’ intentions and therefore react self-adaptively and synergistically to their needs.
CNS effects of choline administration: evidence for temporal dependence.

Abstract The time-course of the prophylactic effects of acute choline administration (60 mg/kg, i.p.) in attenuating atropine-induced depletion of acetylcholine (ACh) in the hippocampus and striatum of rats was studied. The observed effects of choline administration did not coincide with the occurrence of elevated free choline levels in brain. Furthermore, the time course of the effects differed in the 2 brain regions. In the hippocampus, the effects of choline were not evident until 60 min after administration and persisted for at least 24 hr. In contrast, the effects in the striatum were evident immediately following choline administration, but were of shorter duration, viz. less than 24 hr. These studies suggest that exogenous choline administration results in an increased ability of cholinergic neurons to synthesize ACh in response to increased neuronal demand. The data also indicate that these effects are not mediated directly through increased total free brain choline nor through increased steady-state levels of ACh. It is suggested that the utilization of specific pools of lipid bound choline plays a crucial role in central cholinergic mechanisms and may be, at least in part, responsible for the acute effects of choline on central cholinergic neurons.
Population differences in maternal size and offspring quality for Leptasterias epichlora (Brandt) (Echinodermata: Asteroidea)

Abstract Differences in maternal size and offspring quality were investigated for the brooding seaslar Leptasterius epichlora (Brandt) collected from an exposed site and a sheltered site. The sizes, numbers, and protein contents of the eggs differed significantly between sites. Females at the exposed site were larger and produced large numbers of large eggs with a high protein content while those from the sheltered site were smaller and produced small numbers of small eggs with a low protein content. The number of juveniles and the protein content of juveniles produced in the laboratory by females from the exposed site were higher than those of females from the sheltered site. The present study agrees with life history models which incorporate the nutritional state of the females, the size of the females, and parental care.
The effects of metformin and rosiglitazone, alone and in combination, on the ovary and endometrium in polycystic ovary syndrome

Objective To examine the effects of metformin and rosiglitazone, alone and in combination, on endometrial histology and ovarian steroid production. Study Design Randomized open-label study of metformin and rosiglitazone in 16 women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) performed at a single academic health center. The study consisted of a 6-week baseline observation period, a 3-month treatment period of single-agent therapy (rosiglitazone or metformin), and then a 3-month period of combined therapy. Results Abnormal endometrial histology was found in 3 subjects at baseline, including 1 case of adenocarcinoma of the endometrium in an asymptomatic subject, who was excluded from further study. The 2 other abnormal cases (simple hyperplasia) resolved with treatment. Three months of single-agent therapy showed a benefit of rosiglitazone (n = 9) over metformin (n = 6) in terms of reducing circulating unbound testosterone levels (−11.8; 95% CI: −21.7 to −2.0 ng/dL) and 2-hour glucose (−42.0; 95% CI: −76.2 to −7.8 mg/dL), 2-hour insulin (−150.4; 95% CI: −272.7 to −28.1 μU/mL) as well as a significant decrease in integrated levels of glucose and insulin by area under the curve analysis, all obtained from oral glucose tolerance testing. Daily urinary progestin-to-estrogen ratios improved on rosiglitazone compared to metformin therapy (0.08; 95% CI: 0.02 to 0.14). Ovulatory rates tended to improve on both single-agent and combined treatments (30/90 cycles, 33%), compared to baseline ovulatory rate (2/15, 13%). Despite 6 months of therapy alone or in combination, 5 women displayed no evidence of biochemical ovulation by urinary or serum progestin measurements. Conclusion This study provides preliminary evidence that insulin-sensitizing drugs may have beneficial effects on the endometrium, although the exact mechanism beyond improving ovulatory function is still unknown. In addition, we suggest that rosiglitazone may be more beneficial than metformin therapy on raised insulin and androgen levels in an obese PCOS population. Combined therapy did not demonstrate significant benefit above and beyond single-agent therapy.
NDE of polymeric composite material bridge components

Rapid advancements with respect to utilization of polymeric composite materials for bridge components is occurring. This situation is driven primarily by the potential improvements offered by these materials with respect to long term durability. However, because of the developmental nature of these materials much of the materials characterization has involved short term testing without the synergistic effects of environmental exposure. Efforts to develop nondestructive evaluation procedures, essential for any wide spread use in critical structural applications, have been consequently limited. This paper discuses the effort to develop NDE methods for field inspection of hybrid glass and carbon fiber reinforced vinyl ester pultruded 'double box' I beams that are installed in a small bridge over Tom's Creek, in Blacksburg, Virginia. Integrated structural element sensors, dormant infrared devices, as well as acousto-ultrasonic methods are under development for detecting and monitoring the occurrence and progression of life limiting deterioration mechanisms.© (1998) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Investigation of differences in the tertiary structures of food proteins by small-angle X-ray scattering

With current emphasis in bioengineering on developing new and better structure-function relationships for proteins (e.g., the need for predictability of expected properties prior to cloning), practical and reliable methodology for providing characterization of appropriate features has become of increasing importance. The most potent and detailed technique, X-ray crystallography, has severe limitations: it is so demanding and time-consuming that X-ray coordinates are frequently unavailable for materials of interest; its data relate to static and essentially unhydrated structures, whereas proteins exhibit a variety of dynamic features and function in an aqueous environment; and many proteins of technological importance may never be crystallized. Small-angle X-ray scattering, however, is particularly suitable as a methodology that can provide a substantial number of significant geometric parameters consistent with crystallographic results, that can readily show tertiary structural changes occurring under varying conditions, and that can deal with solutions and gels. Results are presented here from small-angle X-ray scattering investigations of the apo and holo forms of chicken egg-white riboflavin-binding protein, chicken egg-white lysozyme, bovine milk-whey α-lactalbumin and β-lactoglobulin, and bovine ribonuclease. We utilize these observations to compare tertiary structures of these proteins as well as conformational changes in these structures, and to provide a basis for discussion of their physical and biological significance.
A new mechanism for gas phase ozone–olefin reactions

A new mechanism for gas phase ozone-olefin reactions is proposed. The mechanism involves biradical intermediates which can react in a variety of ways. One of the possible reaction modes corresponds to the Criegie mechanism originally proposed to explain solution ozonolysis reactions and generally also accepted in the past for gas phase reactions. However, an examination of the gas phase data on ozone–olefin reactions and of the thermochemical and kinetic requirements for these reactions indicates that the Criegie reaction mode may be the least important of various other reaction possibilities. Those other reaction possibilities involve intramolecular H abstractions and rearrangements in biradical intermediates. The proposed mechanism provides very reasonable explanations for a number of unusual observations on gas phase ozonolysis. These are the formation of peroxidic bound products, aldehyde and 1,2-dicarbonyl product fluorescences, and unexpected carbonyl product formations.
‘I Have Māori in Me’: Shades of Commitment and Negotiation of Subjectivity in an Aotearoa/New Zealand School

ABSTRACTBased on ethnographic fieldwork (1997–1998) at a secondary school with a Māori−English bilingual unit in Aotearoa/New Zealand, this article examines two different ways students with Māori ancestry identified themselves contextually: those in the bilingual unit identified themselves mostly as being Māori, while those in mainstream classes identified themselves mostly as Pākehā (white New Zealander) but occasionally as being Pākehā but having Māori in them. Existing analytical frameworks, such as symbolic ethnicity (Gans 1999) or citizenship (Ong 2003), fail to capture the contextual and dialogic display of these different shades of identification practices. Applying the notion of commitment and its disavowal proposed by Doerr for this special issue (2013), this article analyses these two identification practices as a proactive commitment and a hedging commitment linked to institutional belonging to the bilingual unit and mainstream classes, respectively, and to the wider cultural politics of the of...
Discourse analysis procedures: Reliability issues

Abstract Performing discourse analyses to supplement assessment procedures and facilitate intervention planning is only valuable if the observations are reliable. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare four methods of assessing reliability on one discourse analysis procedure—a modified version of Damico's Clinical Discourse Analysis (1985a, 1985b, 1992). The selected methods were: (a) Pearson product-moment correlations, (b) interobserver agreement, (c) Cohen's kappa, and (d) generalizability coefficients. Results showed high correlation coefficients and high percentages of interobserver agreement when error type was not taken into account. However, interobserver agreement percentages obtained solely for target behavior occurrences and Cohen's kappa revealed that much of the agreement between raters was due to chance and the high frequency of target behavior non-occurrence. Generalizability coefficients revealed that the procedure was fair to good for discriminating among persons with differing levels of language competency for some aspects of communication performance but was less than desirable for others; the aggregate score was below recommended standards for differentiating among people for diagnostic purposes.
Insights into accelerated aging of SSL luminaires

Although solid-state lighting (SSL) products are often intended to have product lifetimes of 15 years or more, the rapid change in technology has created a need for accelerated life tests (ALTs) that can be performed in the span of several months. A critical element of interpreting results from any systems-level ALT is understanding of the impact of the test environment on each component. Because of its ubiquity in electronics, the use of temperature-humidity environments as potential ALTs for SSL luminaires was investigated. Results from testing of populations of three commercial 6” downlights in environments of 85oC and 85% relative humidity (RH) and 75oC and 75% RH are reported. These test environments were found to accelerate lumen depreciation of the entire luminaire optical system, including LEDs, lenses, and reflectors. The effects of aging were found to depend strongly on both the optical materials that were used and the design of the luminaire; this shows that the lumen maintenance behavior of SSL luminaires must be addressed at the optical systems level. Temperature-Humidity ALTs can be a useful test in understand lumainaire depreciation provided that proper consideration is given to the different aging rates of various materials. Since the impact of the temperature-humiditymore » environment varies among components of the optical system, uniform aging of all system components in a single test is difficult to achieve.« less
A Molybdenum Dithiolene Complex as p-Dopant for Hole-Transport Materials: A Multitechnique Experimental and Theoretical Investigation

Molybdenum tris-[1,2-bis(trifluoromethyl)ethane-1,2-dithiolene] (Mo(tfd)3) is investigated as a p-dopant for organic semiconductors. With an electron affinity of 5.6 eV, Mo(tfd)3 is a strong oxidizing agent suitable for the oxidation of several hole transport materials (HTMs). Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy confirms p-doping of the standard HTM N,N′-di-[(1-naphthyl)-N,N′-diphenyl]-1,1′-biphenyl-4,4′-diamine (α-NPD). Strong enhancement of hole injection at α-NPD/Au interfaces is achieved via doping-induced formation of a narrow depletion region in the organic semiconductor. Variable-temperature current−voltage measurements on α-NPD: Mo(tfd)3 (0−3.8 mol %) yield an activation energy for polaron transport that decreases with increasing doping concentration, which is consistent with the effect of the doping-induced filling of traps on hopping transport. Good stability of Mo(tfd)3 versus diffusion in the α-NPD host matrix is demonstrated by Rutherford backscattering for temperatures up to 110 °C. Densi...
Sleep-disordered Breathing in Neuromuscular Disease.

Patients with neuromuscular disorders involving respiratory muscles (upper airway muscles, respiratory accessory muscles, diaphragm, even abdominal muscles that stabilize the chest) have more significant problems with breathing during sleep, especially during REM sleep, than during wakefulness. There are means of appropriately treating sleep disordered breathing and improving the quality of life of these patients. Treatment helps to avoid daytime symptoms and additional autonomic nervous system dysfunction. The treatment involves support of breathing during sleep. It must be adjusted to the severity of the problem during sleep, which implies systematic investigation and treatment based on polygraphic recordings during sleep. Patients, even when stable, need to be monitored during sleep at least once a year and more often if symptomatic, ie, appearance of any daytime symptom or frequent upper respiratory infection or indication of daytime CO2 retention.
Stabilization and Destabilization of the Cδ−H···OC Hydrogen Bonds Involving Proline Residues in Helices

There are a large number of helices in proteins that contain the Cδ−H···OC hydrogen bonds involving Pro. Ab initio and density functional methods at HF/6-31G*, B3LYP/6-31+G**, B3LYP/6-311+G**, and MP2/6-31+G** levels are used to determine the factors that may lead to the stabilization (destabilization) of these Cδ−H···OC hydrogen bonds. The calculations are performed for 16 helical models with their structures generated from the X-ray structures of proteins. The direct Cδ−H and OC interaction is not stabilizing for the cases where the Cδ−H···OC hydrogen bond immediately precedes a peptide hydrogen bond between (i+1)NH and (i−3)CO groups (here i is the Pro residue number). The direct Cδ−H and OC interaction is generally stabilizing for the cases where this peptide hydrogen bond is absent. Therefore, the formation of the (i+1)NH···(i−3)CO peptide hydrogen bond is likely to force the C−H and OC moieties into less favorable positions for the interaction. The strength of the Cδ−H···OC hydrogen bonds is signifi...
Effects of poults on plasma concentrations of prolactin in Turkey hens incubating without eggs or a nest

Abstract 1. Plasma prolactin (PRL) concentrations, total daylight sitting time and extent of brood patch development were compared in singly caged hens incubating without a nest or eggs and in penned hens incubating eggs in nest boxes. No significant differences were found in any of the three measures of incubation intensity. 2. When 10 newly‐hatched poults were placed in the cages of incubating hens their plasma PRL concentrations fell rapidly. No fall in plasma PRL was observed in hens that could see and hear, but not touch the poults. 3. When physical contact between hens and poults was maintained, visual isolation of hens from poults, surgical devocalisation of poults, or the combination of visual isolation and devocalisation of poults had no effect on the poult‐stimulated decline in plasma PRL concentrations. 4. Sensory cues from poults that evoke the PRL response in incubating hens are primarily tactile.
The measurement of thermal properties of diamond

Abstract Steady state and laser-flash methods were developed for measuring the thermal conductivity of various types of diamond films; single crystal by homoepitaxial growth, single crystal synthesized by a high-pressure and high-temperature (HP/HT) method and polycrystalline film grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The dependence of thermal conductivity on impurity, crystallinity and grain size was studied. Single crystals obtained by homoepitaxial growth showed isotropic thermal conductivity, while polycrystalline films grown by microwave plasma assisted CVD showed anisotropic thermal conductivity. The concentration of nitrogen was observed to affect the thermal conductivity of type Ib single crystal diamond synthesized by the HP/HT method. In the case of polycrystalline diamond, thermal conductivity was found to depend on crystallinity and grain size.
From social welfare ordering to acyclic aggregation of preferences

One way to overcome Arrow's impossibility theorem is to drop the requirement that the collective preference be transitive. If it is quasi-transitive (strict preferences are transitive) an oligarchy emerges. If it is only acyclic, many non-oligarchic aggregation rules are available, yet the resulting decision rules are poorly decisive: Nakamura's theorem characterizes acyclic and neutral Arrowian aggregators. We propose a parallel characterization of acyclic and anonymous aggregation methods.
Extracellular perivascular connective tissue space in the medial terminal nucleus of the accessory optic system in rats

Two types of capillaries were found in the medial terminal nucleus of the rat accessory optic system. Type one capillaries are surrounded by glial processes and lack a perivascular space, whereas the type two capillaries and arterioles show a distinct extracellular perivascular space often filled with collagen fibrils. An internal as well as an external basal lamina lines these spaces. No fenestration of the endothelium was observed.
Identification of a protein phosphatase 2A family member that regulates cell cycle progression in Trypanosoma brucei

The cell cycle consists of an orderly sequence of events, whose purpose is to faithfully replicate and segregate cellular components. Many events in the cell cycle are triggered by protein kinases and counteracting phosphoprotein phosphatases (PPP). In Trypanosoma brucei, RNAi has been used to characterize numerous regulatory kinases, while the role of protein phosphatases has primarily been deduced with inhibitors such as okadaic acid and calyculin. In the present study, we identify for the first time a protein phosphatase 2A family member (TbPP2A-1) whose knockdown with RNAi phenocopies the effects of okadaic acid (OKA). In bloodstream forms (BF) and insect stage procyclic forms (PF) RNAi of TbPP2A-1 generates a cell population characterized by: an inhibition of cell growth, a block in cytokinesis; continued synthesis of nuclear DNA leading to aneuploidy; continued mitosis leading to cells with N>2, and an unusual phenotype where number of kinetoplasts (and flagella) is less than the number of nuclei. An engineered cell line was constructed to further study TbPP2A-1 and to facilitate the discovery of other cell cycle regulatory genes.
Clinically important FEV1 declines among coal miners: an exploration of previously unrecognised determinants.

OBJECTIVES: The relation between occupational exposure to dust and loss of ventilatory lung function is now well established. However, many exposures during work and other activities might also have important roles in determining clinically important losses of lung function. In this study, we attempted to explore additional plausible determinants of exposures and other potential risk factors for clinically important decline in forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) during work in dusty trades. METHODS: The study was performed in 264 underground coal miners whose lung function had been followed up for an average of 11 years. With an extensive follow up questionnaire, miners were asked about their occupational and non-occupational exposures, smoking, personal and family medical history, and living conditions during childhood. RESULTS: Several variables of the mine environment (as well as previously recognised effects of mining work and region) were found to be associated with excess decline in FEV1, including work in roof bolting, exposure to explosive blasting, and to control dust spraying water that had been stored in holding tanks. Use of respiratory protection seemed to reduce the risk of decline in FEV1. Other factors that were found to be associated with declines in pulmonary function included smoking, body mass, weight gain, childhood pneumonia, and childhood exposure in the home to passive tobacco smoke and possibly smoke due to wood and coal fuels. Miners with excessive decline in FEV1 were less likely to be working in mining jobs at follow up. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the existence of additional risk factors for decline in lung function in dusty trades, and may be useful in developing additional approaches to the prevention of chronic respiratory disease.
Can video recording revolutionise medical quality

It’s time to hit the “record” button In June 2015, a man living in Virginia returned home from a routine colonoscopy to discover a big surprise. Hoping to record the instructions he received from medical staff, the patient had actually recorded the entire procedure on his phone. To his shock, he learnt that the anaesthesiologist and gastroenterologist had viciously insulted him while he was sedated and had entered a false diagnosis in his medical record.1 The man sued his physicians, and the jury awarded him a large payment for medical malpractice. It seems unlikely that this type of behaviour would have been detected by any existing hospital mechanisms. Current systems to detect poor behaviour require staff to overcome their fear of retaliation and turn in a colleague. Rather than rely on individuals to report lapses in quality, new technology has the ability to record how we perform at our jobs. As well as detecting unprofessional behaviour it has the potential to radically improve quality through increased accountability—as witnessed in other businesses such as child care. Video recording …
Psychopathology in schizophrenics and their families

We present preliminary results of a four-year, prospective family study of schizophrenia in which we are using semi-structured personal interview, personality measures, and blind and independent diagnoses of probands and relatives using operationally defined research criteria to study the first-deeree relatives of five patient groups (N-600): 1) chronic, deteriorated, emotionally blunted schizophrenics (termed core schizophrenics), 2) chronic, but non-blunted patients with a nonaffective positive-symptom psychoses (termed non-core schizophrenics), 3) patients with schizoaffective disorder, 4) patients with classical bipolar or unipolar affective disorder, and 5) psychiatrically and neurologically normal medical/surgical controls.
PROGNOSTIC INDICATORS IN PATIENTS WITH SEMINAL VESICLE INVOLVEMENT FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY FOR CLINICALLY LOCALIZED PROSTATE CANCER

AbstractPurpose: We identify prognostic factors in patients with seminal vesicle involvement and negative lymph nodes following radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer.Materials and Methods: A total of 93 patients who underwent radical prostatectomy and had seminal vesicle invasion without lymph node metastasis were evaluated. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant/adjuvant hormonal or radiation therapy were excluded from study. Preoperative serum prostate specific antigen (PSA), biopsy and radical prostatectomy specimen Gleason score, surgical margin status, presence of extraprostatic extension and evidence of biochemical disease progression were determined prospectively. Biochemical failure was defined as a single serum PSA elevation greater than 0.4 ng./ml.Results: The presence of positive surgical margins (p = 0.001), and Gleason score 7 or higher from preoperative biopsies (p = 0.03) and from the radical prostatectomy specimen (p = 0.01) were significant predictors of disease progr...
Three-dimensional (3-D) model of electric field and space charge in the barbed plate-to-plate precipitator

A finite-element/method-of-characteristics model of three-dimensional (3-D) electrode geometries with corona discharge is used to predict space charge density, current density, electric potential and electric field in point-to-plane, single-barb plate-to-plane, and hexagonal multiple-barbed plate-to-plate electrostatic precipitator (ESP) geometries. Although a modification of Peek's formula for the hyperboid-to-plane was initially used to establish a boundary condition at the edge of the corona, predicted total current did not agree with measured values. As a result, it was necessary to use measured current-voltage characteristics to establish the space charge density at the outer surface of the corona sheath. An additional problem in modeling point discharges is specification of shape and size of the corona sheath. Both the authors' results and much earlier work by Trichel suggest that the thickness of the corona sheath cannot be automatically neglected.
Performance characteristics of the Nonambipolar Electron Source using permanent magnets

The Nonambipolar Electron Source (NES) is a radio frequency (rf) plasma-based electron source that does not rely on electron emission at a cathode surface. All electrons are extracted at an electron sheath through a biased ring and all ions are lost radially to a separately biased cylindrical graphite Faraday shield. Plasma density is increased and electron confinement at the ring is improved by the addition of an axial magnetic field. An electromagnet in the original NES has been replaced by a NdFeB permanent magnet array. The array consists of 0.875 inch diameter magnets with lengths of 0.375 and 1 inch that are uniformly distributed around the cylindrical chamber such that there axis is aligned with the axis of the chamber (magnet polarity is also uniformly aligned). Operation with permanent magnets is desired to reduce the weight and power requirements of the system, especially for use with ion thrusters.
Inexpensive remote campus power sensing, measurement and monitoring system via a student designed and manufactured device

This paper details methods used to find an inexpensive means by which Rowan University could find out exactly why it lead a group of 20 peer universities and colleges in energy consumption per square foot and assist the university in meeting its sustainability commitment to the governors office and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. This was not easy given the exponential growth this southern New Jersey University had been experiencing in student population, energy use and building square feet. With the assistance of their professor, and a commitment of their electrical engineering training, a student team undertook to develop an energy auditors dream machine: a cheap, portable, energy monitor that produces reliable data and can be safely installed without requiring the aid of a professional electrician. This paper details the background of their challenge, the approaches they considered and most importantly the innovation they are creating: their power sensing, measuring and monitoring system for a total cost of less than $100.