cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Influence of alkyl substituents and thermal annealing on the film morphology and performance of solution processed, diketopyrrolopyrrole-based bulk heterojunction solar cells

A solution processable diketopyrrolopyrrole-containing oligothiophene was blended with a series of methanofullerene acceptors having different alkyl substitutents—[6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid methyl (PC6161BM) ester, [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid hexyl ester (PC6161BH) and [6,6]-phenyl C61 butyric acid dodecyl ester (PC6161BD) to study the effect of donor–acceptor interactions on the blend film morphology and device characteristics of small molecule-based bulk heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. A combination of characterization techniques including X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, conducting atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy was used to investigate the film morphology and phase separation. The results show that changing the length of the alkyl substituent on the methanofullerene acceptor is a good approach to control the film morphology of blended films and these lead to significant differences on the performance of the as cast and annealed devices. Power conversion efficiencies between 2–3% can be reached by simple variation of the alkyl chain length.
Functional MR imaging during auditory word perception: a single-trial presentation paradigm.

Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), while still in relatively early stages of its development, has become a widespread tool for addressing issues in the neurobiology of language and other cognitive domains (e.g., Belliveau et al., 1991; Binder et al., 1994; Cohen et al., 1994; Hickok et al., 1995; Shaywitz et al., 1995; for a review of the technique see Bandettini et al., 1995). In a typical fMRI experiment, stimuli are presented in blocks of say 20–40 sec that alternate through several cycles with an equally long baseline/control period. So for example, a subject may see individual words presented one-at-a-time for 30 sec, then non-words for 30 sec, and so on for five cycles. This presentation scheme provides a serious constraint on experimental design in fMRI studies and consequently limits the kinds of questions one can address with this methodology. One cannot, to cite just one example, use lexical decision as a behavioral measure in the magnet because the item type (word/non-word) is fully predictable from the experimental design. Relatedly, under these experimental conditions it is unclear to what extent fMRI activations are due to expectation-driven (controlled) processes versus lower-level perceptual (automatic) processes. Here we present data from an alternative fMRI presentation scheme used with auditory speech perception. The paradigm is modeled on standard methodologies in event related potential (ERP) studies where test items are ran-
Bio-Physics Manifesto -- for the Future of Physics and Biology

The Newtonian revolution taught us how to dissect phenomena into contingencies (e.g., initial conditions) and fundamental laws (e.g., equations of motion). Since then, ‘fundamental physics’ has been pursuing purer and leaner fundamental laws. Consequently, to explain real phenomena a lot of auxiliary conditions become required. Isn’t it now the time to start studying ‘auxiliary conditions’ seriously? The study of biological systems has a possibility of shedding light on this neglected side of phenomena in physics, because we organisms were constructed by our parents who supplied indispensable auxiliary conditions; we never self-organize. Thus, studying the systems lacking self-organizing capability (such as complex systems) may indicate new directions to physics and biology (bio-physics). There have been attempts to construct a ‘general theoretical framework’ of biology, but most of them never seriously looked at the actual biological world. Every serious natural science must start with establishing a phenomenological framework. Therefore, this must be the main part of bio-physics. However, this article is addressed mainly to theoretical physicists and discusses only certain theoretical aspects (with real illustrative examples).
Rhetoric remembers: Richard Weaver on memory and culture

Richard M. Weaver, a “painful rememberer” of the past, calls rhetoric back to its traditional concern for eternal verities. Memory is the precondition of the historicity invoked, and is therefore prized in Weaver's writings.
Impact of Protein Nutrition on Reproduction in Dairy Cows

In most but not all published studies, feeding diets with high concentrations of crude protein decreased reproductive efficiency. We were able to resolve some of the inconsistencies among published reports by considering the fate of consumed protein in the rumen and then using logistic regression analysis to identify factors affecting pregnancy. Our models showed that type and amount of protein fed explained much of the variation in conception rate. Age and dietary concentration of energy were identified as modifiers of the impact of protein on reproduction. Protein nutrition can affect reproduction through toxic effects of ammonia and its metabolites on gametes and early embryos, through deficiencies of amino acids, and by exacerbations of negative balances of energy. Alterations in the hypothalamic-hypophyseal-ovarian axis may be responsible for many of the effects of protein on reproduction.
The determinants of carboxyl pKa values in turkey ovomucoid third domain.

A computational methodology for protein pKa predictions, based on ab initio quantum mechanical treatment of part of the protein and linear Poisson-Boltzmann equation treatment of the bulk solvent, is presented. The method is used to predict and interpret the pKa values of the five carboxyl residues (Asp7, Glu10, Glu19, Asp27, and Glu43) in the serine protease inhibitor turkey ovo- mucoid third domain. All the predicted pKa values are within 0.5 pH units of experiment, with a root- mean-square deviation of 0.31 pH units. We show that the decreased pKa values observed for some of the residues are primarily due to hydrogen bonds to the carboxyl oxygens. Hydrogen bonds involving amide protons are shown to be particularly impor- tant, and the effect of hydrogen bonding is shown to be nonadditive. Hydrophobic effects are also shown to be important in raising the pKa. Interactions with charged residues are shown to have relatively little effect on the carboxyl pKa values in this protein, in general agreement with experiment. Proteins 2004;
Evolution of the biliproteins

Abstract Biliproteins are light-harvesting pigments found in both procaryotic and eucaryotic organisms. Their antigenic and primary structure provides clues to the relationships between these proteins and the evolution of these organisms.
The Parctab Ubiquitous Computing Experiment

The ParcTab system integrates a palm-sized mobile computer into an office network. This project serves as a preliminary testbed for Ubiquitous Computing, a philosophy originating at Xerox PARC that aims to enrich our computing environment by emphasizing context sensitivity, casual interaction and the spatial arrangement of computers. This paper describes the Ubiquitous Computing philosophy, the ParcTab system, user-interface issues for small devices, and our experience developing and testing a variety of mobile applications.
A Thick-Film Multiple Component Cathode Three-Electrode Oxygen Sensor

A miniature dissolved oxygen sensor is fabricated using photolithographic reduction and thick-film metallization techniques. This sensor has a multiple-cathode configuration and is operated in a three-electrode potentiostatic mode. Evaluation of the sensor characteristics was undertaken and the results are promising. Calibration of the sensor over the oxygen concentration range of 1.14-8.22 ppm (~23-160 mmHg P02) shows a good linear relationship between the reducing current of the sensor and the dissolved oxygen concentration in physiologic saline solution. The current output of the sensor is temperature dependent and is approximately 2.5 percent current output per degree centigrade. The pH value in the test medium does not affect the current output of the sensor but shows an extension of the plateau region of the polarogram. Long-term testing of the sensor indicates that the sensor can be repeatedly used for up to 10 days. There is, however, a variation of ±2.5 to ±7.5 percent in sensor output from the calibration curve as compared with the initial calibration. The sensor is used without any membrane and is flow sensitive. Preliminary tests of the sensor in outdated whole biood also show good response.
Detection and Evaluation of Intrapulmonary Vascular Shunt With “Contrast Doppler” Transesophageal Echocardiography

Contrast echocardiography is useful for detecting intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt lesions. In a patient with suspected pulmonary arteriovenous fistula, contrast transesophageal echocardiography was used to demonstrate the presence of a right-to-left shunt. By use of a combination of two-dimensional echocardiography, contrast injection, and pulsed Doppler echocardiography, each pulmonary vein was successfully interrogated for evidence of contrast shunting. This case demonstrates that contrast transesophageal echocardiography is useful for the detection of intrapulmonary fistulas and that it has the potential for localization of the shunt lesion.
Practice-Relevant Research in Mediation: Toward a Reflective Research Paradigm

Donald Schon has advanced the notion that a systematic understanding of professional practice can be built on the reflective insights of skilled practitioners. The “reflective practitioner” paradigm is well suited to mediation research. A study of divorce mediation illustrates how Schon's seminal ideas can be translated into research procedures with broad applicability to a variety of mediation settings.
Zeta-determinant and torsion functions on Riemann surfaces of finite volume

We define ζ-determinant andL2-analytic torsion functions for a Riemann surface of finite volume. We use the Selberg trace formula to express these determinant and torsion functions in terms of four Zeta functions which are related to the structure of discrete groups. A new invariant is also obtained.
Induction of polyspermic fertilization in sea urchins by the leukotriene antagonist FPL−55712 and the 5−lipoxygenase inhibitor BW755C

Arachidonic acid can be oxidized via the cyclooxygenase pathway to produce prostaglandins and via the 5−lipoxygenase pathway to produce leukotrienes. These substances are known to be extremely potent regulators of cellular function in somatic tissues, particularly during inflammatory reactions. Recent studies have implicated cyclooxygenase−derived products in preventing polyspermy in sea urchins [Schuel et al, Gamete Res 10:9–19, 1984]. FPL−55712, a receptor antagonist for leukotrienes in somatic tissues, causes a dose−(1–10 μM) and sperm−density−dependent induction of polyspermic fertilization in sea urchins if added before the egg completes the cortical reaction (elevation of the fertilization envelope). Eggs pretreated with FPL−55712 become polyspermic upon subsequent insemination with untreated sperm in sea water. Sperm pretreated with the drug do not cause polyspermy when used to inseminate untreated eggs. The 5−lipoxygenase inhibitor BW775C also promotes polyspermy. FPL−55712 and BW755C do not retard elevation of the fertilization envelope. These findings imply that (1) leukotrienes may be produced via the 5−lipoxygenase pathway during fertilization in sea urchins, and (2) the reaction of leukotrienes with putative receptors on the egg's surface may modulate its receptivity to sperm during the cortical reaction, and thereby help prevent polyspermy.
Life History and Description of Immature Stages of Aciurina thoracica (Diptera: Tephritidae) on Baccharis sarothroides in Southern California

Aciurina thoracica Curran forms galls on branches of at least three species of Baccharis in southern California. The egg, second and third instars, and puparium obtained from B. sarothroides Gray are described and illustrated. Aciurina thoracica 's median oral lobe is described and illustrated. The egg is inserted singly into branch tips of B. sarothroides in early spring. Gall and larval growth continue through summer and fall, and pupariation occurs in early winter. Adults emerge in late winter or early spring, mate, and oviposit into newly forming branch tips. Adult behavior including courtship and copulation is described and compared with other Aciurina species. Principal hymenopterous natural enemies of A. thoracica include two solitary, primary endoparasitoids, Dinarmus sp. (Pteromalidae) and Eurytoma sp. (Eurytomidae); two solitary primary ectoparasitoids, Pteromalus sp. and Mesopolobus sp. (Pteromalidae); and Eupelmus spp. (Eupelmidae) reared as solitary, primary endo- and ectoparasitoids.
Chemical analysis and comparison of subspecies of Chrysothamnus nauseosus and other related species

Abstract Rubber rabbitbrush ( Chrysothamnus nauseosus ) is a large species complex of plants that are well adapted to a wide range of semi-arid habitats. A high resin and rubber content gives some subspecies possible commercial value. Analysis of natural products produced by these plants in relation to each other provides valuable information on taxonomic and chemical relationships. A cyclohexane extraction of C nauseousus subsp, rnohavensis, hololeucus, albicaulis, viridulus, turbinatus, graveolens, C. teretifolius, C. linifolius and C. viscidiflorus subsp, viscidiflorus, lanceolatus were analyzed by gas chromatography- mass spectrometry. The 10 most abundant peaks were compared from each sample resulting in a pool of 60 compounds which were identified using an NBS-Wiley Library of about 78 000 mass spectral compounds. Cluster analysis of the data showed that all of the C. nauseosus subsp, grouped together indicating similar chemical composition. Chrysothamnus teretifolius grouped closer to the C. nauseousus subsp, than to the others. Chrysotharnnus linifolius grouped closer to each of the C. viscidiflorus subsp, than they did to each other. Some plants contained unique compounds, and others were restricted to related taxa.
Sequence of deformations recorded in joints and faults, Arches National Park, Utah

Abstract Faults and joints in an area of essentially undeformed rocks on a limb of a salt anticline in Utah record a surprisingly complex deformational history. Most of the faults started as widely-spaced zones of deformation bands accommodating a few cm of strike-slip. Some were subsequently opened as joints, then were sheared with a sense opposite that of the original faults. Other faults in the Garden Area are fractures that started as joints, then were subsequently sheared. The sense of shear changes across the area, however, and the pattern of shearing is the pattern that would be produced by bending of joint-bounded slabs about a vertical axis. Slip on the faults and joints produced a total regional strain of about 0.15%. Examination of relations among the structures indicates the following deformational history: first were conjugate, strike-slip faults oriented N30°E or N60°E, reflecting zero vertical strain (and presumably vertical intermediate compression), maximum compression in the NE direction (normal to the axis of Salt Valley), and maximum extension in the SE direction. The faults are of the deformation-band variety and so, presumably formed when the rocks were several kilometers deep. Deformation bands never again formed in these rocks. Subsequent fracturing was mode I, tension cracking. Second, tension in the SE direction (or minimum compression in the SE direction and pore-water pressure exceeding the minimum compression), parallel to the long axis of the Salt Valley anticline, opened joints along some of the weak deformation-band faults, causing them to become jointed faults. The orientation of minimum compression was unchanged, but the orientations of the maximum and intermediate principal stresses are unknown and may have changed. Third, systematic zones of joints formed, cutting across the band faults without deviating in trend throughout most of the Garden Area, but interacting with the open jointed faults locally. The direction of tension (or minimum compression) at this time was about N75°E to N90°E, indicating that the direction of principal extension had rotated about 45–60° clockwise, oblique to the axis of Salt Valley anticline. At the same time, short joint segments formed along the jointed-faults. The jointed faults slipped to become faulted-jointed-faults. Although the amount of slip was less than that on the original deformation bands, the sense of slip was reversed. Finally, the rock slabs bounded by the zones of joints were subjected to flexural slip with different centers of curvature in different parts of the area, converting most of the joints into faulted-joints, with three or four domains of different senses of slip.
The best of both worlds: the efficient asynchronous implementation of synchronous specifications

The desynchronization approach combines a traditional synchronous specification style with a robust asynchronous implementation model. The main contribution of this paper is the description of two optimizations that decrease the overhead of desynchronization. First, we investigate the use of clustering to vary the granularity of desynchronization. Second, by applying temporal analysis on a formal execution model of the desynchronized design, we uncover significant amounts of timing slack. These methods are successfully applied to industrial RTL designs.
Quantum electrodynamics based on self-fields, without second quantization: A nonrelativistic calculation of g-2

Using a formulation of quantum electrodynamics that is not second quantized, but rather based on self-fields, we compute the anomalous magnetic moment of the electron to first order in the fine-structure constant \ensuremath{\alpha}. In the nonrelativistic (NR) case and in the dipole approximation, our result is ${a}_{e}$\ensuremath{\equiv}(g-2)/2=(4\ensuremath{\Lambda}/3m)(\ensuremath{\alpha}/2\ensuremath{\pi}), where \ensuremath{\Lambda} is a positive photon energy cutoff and m the electron mass. A reasonable choice of cutoff, \ensuremath{\Lambda}/m=(3/4, yields the correct sign and magnitude for g-2 namely, ${a}_{e}$=+\ensuremath{\alpha}/2\ensuremath{\pi}. In our formulation the sign of ${a}_{3}$ is correctly positive, independent of cutoff, and the demand that ${a}_{e}$=+\ensuremath{\alpha}/2\ensuremath{\pi} implies a unique value for \ensuremath{\Lambda}. This is in contradistinction to previous NR calculations of ${a}_{e}$ that employ electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations instead of self-fields; in the vacuum fluctuation case the sign of ${a}_{e}$ is cutoff dependent and the equation ${a}_{e}$=\ensuremath{\alpha}/2\ensuremath{\pi} does not have a unique solution in \ensuremath{\Lambda}.
Laboratory Tests of the Equivalence Principle at the University of Washington

Equivalence principle tests are probes for new fundamental physics. We have conducted several laboratory experiments to test the equivalence principle with unprecedented precision and generality using a torsion balance placed on a continuously rotating turntable. We present preliminary results comparing the differential accelerations of Ti, Be, and Al towards local masses, the earth and the center of our galaxy.
Custom-Designed Facial Implants

Accurate correction and restoration of facial contour defects have historically posed arduous challenges for reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons, but technological innovations in the design and manufacture of facial prostheses have significantly improved the precision, fit, and reliability of these restorative devices. This article discusses the experience with and benefits obtained by the use custom implants created using CT imaging and computer-aided design and manufacture.
Effects of sputtering technique on quaternary sputtered CU(In,Ga)Se2 films

While Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) has established itself as the thin film photovoltaic material of choice with current record efficiencies in excess of 20%, current high-efficiency laboratory-scale fabrication techniques, such as multi-stage evaporation, are ill suited to mass production. Quaternary-sputtering is a promising alternative technique for CIGS deposition, where a single sputtering target made from CIGS itself in the desired stoichiometry is used as the sole deposition source. Devices made using this technique do not require any additional post deposition selenium treatment and have demonstrated peak efficiency in our laboratory in excess of 10%, showing the potential of quaternary sputtering. In an effort to reduce deposition times, we have fabricated films using pulsed DC sputtering, which substantially reduces the substrate time-at-temperature during absorber formation. DC-sputtered films are observed to have reduced surface roughness and different internal morphology from RF-sputtered films, but show increased crystallographic alignment along the (112) plane. DC-sputtered CIGS is thickness-limited to less than 600 nm due to excessive target damage and exhibits power conversion efficiencies of 5-6%.
Case Studies of Ethics Scandals: Effects on Ethical Perceptions of Finance Students

Ethics instructors often use cases to help students understand ethics within a corporate context, but we need to know more about the impact a case-based pedagogy has on students’ ability to make ethical decisions. We used a pre- and post-test methodology to assess the effect of using cases to teach ethics in a finance course. We also wanted to determine whether recent corporate ethics scandals might have impacted students’ perceptions of the importance and prevalence of ethics in business, so we used in-depth case studies of several of the major scandals (e.g., Enron, Tyco, Adelphia). Our results are somewhat surprising since studying ethics scandals positively impacts students’ ethical decision making and their perceptions of the ethics of businesspeople.
The 1919 Central European revolutions and the Judeo-Bolshevik myth

Both contemporaries and historians have associated the Soviet-style revolutions in Munich and Budapest in the spring of 1919 (and the earlier autumn 1918 revolutions) with prominent Jewish revolutionaries. From a transnational and comparative context, we unhinge the connections often made between the role of Jews in the revolutions and the role of the revolutions in explaining later Central European anti-Semitism. In 1919, there was no option other than cosmopolitanism in these two cities. Communism and anti-Communism were both consciously international and transnational ideologies. Revolutionaries and counter-revolutionaries worked through transnational conspiratorial networks. Ideological and historical perspectives were similarly cosmopolitan; the battle for control of Munich and Budapest was understood in the context of the European historical narrative of revolution, an undeniably cosmopolitan narrative. In this 1919 Central European iteration of the narrative, the trope of Jews as particularly drawn...
Pseudotumor of hemophilia in the mandible of a patient with hemophilia A

Hemophilic pseudotumor is a rare lesion that is essentially a progressive, slowly expanding, encapsulated hematoma. It is estimated to affect 1% to 2% of severe hemophiliacs. The majority of hemophilic pseudotumors occur within soft tissues (intramuscular) and long bones of adult males. Fewer than 20 cases have been reported in the maxillofacial region. We report a rare case occurring in the mandible of a 14-year-old boy who presented with considerable expansion and displacement of teeth.
Technical and Economical Analysis of a Micro-CHP Facility Based on Dynamic Simulation: A Case Study

Combined Heating and Power (CHP) generation systems have been widely recognized as a key alternative for heat and electricity generation due to their outstanding energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and relative independence from centralized power grids. Similar to CHP systems, micro-CHP (micro-Cooling, Heating, and Power) systems consist of power cogeneration systems and thermally-activated components such as absorption chillers, water tanks, boilers and air handling units. There have been many studies in regard to steady-state models following load profiles in order to demonstrate the economic advantage of CHP systems. However, there has not been much work using dynamic simulation of CHP systems, which include the transient response of the building along with the rest of the CHP components. This paper presents both technical and economical results from the dynamic simulation of the micro-CHP system used to model the test facility at Mississippi State University (MSU). The results are compared to a dynamic model using a conventional heating and cooling system. TRNSYS, a dynamic simulation program, is used to simulate the time response of the micro-CHP system based on the transient heating, cooling, and electric power demand of a test facility. The performance and costs of a conventional heating and cooling system are assessed using TRNSYS and the results are then compared against the simulated performance of the micro-CHP system. Details of the simulation model include geometric and material information (e.g., size and type of walls and windows), internal gains (following the equipment and occupancy schedules), local weather information (e.g., ambient temperature, relative humidity, and solar radiation), and estimated infiltration of the test facility.© 2007 ASME
Late Summer chlorophyll blooms in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre

[1] In the late summer of 1997, 1999, and 2000 satellite observations of surface chlorophyll from SeaWiFS recorded large blooms in the oligotrophic North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) near 30°N and between 130–160°W. The largest blooms covered more than 350,000 km2 and lasted as long as 4 months. They are distinct from the surface seasonal cycle of chlorophyll in both timing and amplitude. The blooms are not associated with either SSH or SST anomalies indicative of changes in subsurface structure, nor do they appear to be forced by nutrient fertilization from dust deposition or rainfall. These blooms are compared with summer blooms that have been previously observed in this region by in situ studies, and some potential causes for them are discussed.
Die Rolle der Chemie in der Entwicklung einer Krebstherapie durch die Bor‐Neutroneneinfangreaktion

Ein Therapieverfahren, das Tumorzellen in Gegenwart gesunder Zellen selektiv zerstort, ist das grose Ziel der Onkologen und wurde moglicherweise die Rettung fur Krebspatienten bedeuten, die an einer der derzeit noch unheilbaren Krebsformen wie Hirntumor und malignes Melanom erkrankt sind. Eine selektive Zellzerstorung ist prinzipiell mit einer Therapie moglich, die auf der Reaktion des 10B-Kerns mit einem Neutron geringer kinetischer Energie (thermisches Neutron) beruht. Diese Kernreaktion liefert als Produkte 4He2+ - und 7Li3+ -Io-nen, etwa 2.4 MeV kinetische Energie sowie etwas γ-Strahlung. Da die energiereichen und cytotoxischen Produkt-Ionen im Gewebe nur eine freie Weglange von etwa einem Zelldurchmesser haben, konnte man den zu zerstorenden Zelltyp dadurch kennzeichnen, das man nur an oder in ihn 10B-Kerne plaziert. In dieser Ubersicht beschreibe ich den derzeitigen Stand der chemischen Forschung zu diesem Therapieverfahren (Bor-Neutroneneinfangtherapie, BNCT), dessen multidisziplinarer Charakter naturlich nicht nur den Einsatz von Chemie, sondern auch den von Biologie, Kernphysik, Medizin und verwandten Spezialgebieten erfordert. Methoden, die entwickelt wurden, um 10B-Kerne in Krebszellen zu plazieren, werden in Beziehung gesetzt zu allgemeinen Zellstrukturen und zu den verschiedenen Zellkompartimenten, in denen sich die Borverbindungen befinden konnen. Es werden sowohl die Methoden zur Synthese von borhaltigen Biomolekulen und Medikamenten als auch reprasentative Befunde zu deren Effektivitat bei der gezielten Anreicherung in Krebszellen vorgestellt. Die Aussichten fur eine wirkungsvolle BNCT sind dank rascher Entwicklung z. B. auf den Gebieten bioorganische Chemie, Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Kernchemie sehr gut. Es konnten effektive Borliefersysteme identifiziert werden, die durch die Zusammenarbeit von Chemie und Biologie sicherlich noch weiter verbessert werden konnen.
Efficacy and toxicity of second-course ophthalmic artery chemosurgery for retinoblastoma.

Objective Assess the usefulness of second-course ophthalmic artery chemosurgery (OAC) for patients with intraocular retinoblastoma that recurred after prior OAC. This study evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of second-course OAC. Design Single-arm retrospective study of 29 eyes of 30 patients treated with second-course OAC at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center between May 2006 and July 2013, with a median follow-up of 25.9 months. Participants Retinoblastoma patients who underwent a course of OAC, with a minimum of 2 months of progression-free follow-up at monthly examinations, but who subsequently received additional OAC for recurrent tumor. Methods To determine efficacy, Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were generated and the Mantel-Cox test was used to compare curves. To determine toxicity, electroretinography (ERG) amplitudes were measured in response to 30-Hz photopic flicker stimulation before and after OAC treatment; systemic adverse events were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0 (CTCAE 4.0). Main Outcome Measures For efficacy, ocular progression-free survival, ocular event-free survival (e.g., enucleation, external-beam radiation, or intravitreal melphalan), and ocular survival. For toxicity, peak-to-peak comparisons between ERG studies before and after OAC treatment and CTCAE 4.0-graded systemic adverse events. Results Fifty percent of all recurrences were within 4.4 months and 90% were within 16 months of completion of the first course of OAC. The 2-year Kaplan-Meier ocular survival, event-free survival, and progression-free survival estimates after second-course OAC were 82.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 60.1%–93.2%), 57.3% (95% CI, 36.1%–73.7%), and 26.5% (95% CI, 11.0%–45.0%), respectively. All eyes without vitreous seeding were progression free, whereas eyes with vitreous seeding were associated significantly with worse ocular survival after second-course OAC ( P = 0.03). After second-course OAC, 90% of eyes had stable or improved ERG responses. Of all evaluable cases, there was no increased risk of systemic toxicity during the second course compared with the initial course of OAC. Conclusions Retinoblastoma eyes requiring second-course OAC after initial OAC treatment have good salvage rates, and the treatment has an acceptable ocular and systemic toxicity profile. However, these eyes often require additional (third- or fourth-course) OAC or other treatment methods because of progression of disease after second-line OAC, particularly if vitreous seeds are present at the time of initial OAC failure.
Physician reactions to the health care revolution. A grief model approach.

The American health care reform revolution has brought about major changes in the practice of medicine. As integral components of the health care system, physicians have felt the full impact of most of these changes. Change often involves losses for those affected, and, in this case, physicians are no exception. Many physicians have experienced losses of financial security, social status, independent clinical decision making and resource utilization, the practice option of independent private practice, hospital governance power, freedom of choice in specialty selection and geographic practice location, physician collegiality, continuity of patient relationships, and autonomy. We use Kubler-Ross' grieving model to help understand physician responses to their losses inherent in health care system reform. The grieving stages of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance are applied to these physician responses and suggestions given to help physicians through this grieving process.
Nonlinear multiple passage effects on optical imaging of an absorption inhomogeneity in turbid media

We report on the effect of the nonlinear multiple passage on optical imaging of an absorption inhomogeneity of finite size deep inside a turbid medium based on a cumulant solution to radiative transfer. An analytical expression for the nonlinear correction factor is derived. Comparison to Monte Carlo simulations reveals an excellent agreement. The implication on optical imaging is discussed.
Microhabitat use of the diamond darter

The only known extant population of the diamond darter (Crystallaria cincotta) exists in the lower 37 km of Elk River, WV, USA. Our understanding of diamond darter habitat use was previously limited, because few individuals have been observed during sampling with conventional gears. We quantified microhabitat use of diamond darters based on measurements of water depth, water velocity and per cent substrate composition. Using spotlights at night-time, we sampled 16 sites within the lower 133 km of Elk River and observed a total of 82 diamond darters at 10 of 11 sampling sites within the lower 37 km. Glides, located immediately upstream of riffles, were the primary habitats sampled for diamond darters, which included relatively shallow depths (<1 m), moderate-to-low water velocities (often < 0.5 m·s−1) and a smooth water surface. Microhabitat use (mean ± SE) of diamond darters was estimated for depth (0.47 ± 0.02 m), average velocity (0.27 ± 0.01 m·s−1) and bottom velocity (0.15 ± 0.01 m·s−1). Substrate used (mean ± SE) by diamond darters was predominantly sand intermixed with lesser amounts of gravel and cobble: % sand (52.1 ± 1.6), % small gravel (12.2 ± 0.78), % large gravel (14.2 ± 0.83), % cobble (19.8 ± 0.96) and % boulder (1.6 ± 0.36). Based on our microhabitat use data, conservation and management efforts for this species should consider preserving glide habitats within Elk River. Spotlighting, a successful sampling method for diamond darters, should be considered for study designs of population estimation and long-term monitoring.
Outage-optimal transmission in multiuser-MIMO Kronecker channels

In this work, we look at single user and multiuser Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) beamforming networks with Channel Distribution Information (CDI). CDI does not need to be updated every time the channel changes, but only when the statistics of the channel change. Thus, feedback in the network is significantly reduced when compared to CSI schemes. With statistical information, we can only guarantee quality of service for a certain probability of outage in the network. The optimal beamformers and an optimal power control algorithm to minimize the power cost function in the network are presented for the well-known Kronecker model.
Relationship of Dietary Crude Protein to Composition of Uterine Secretions and Blood in High-Producing Postpartum Dairy Cows

Abstract Effects of dietary crude protein on constituents of plasma and uterine secretions were examined at various stages of the estrous cycle of high producing Holstein cows. Eighteen cows were assigned randomly to isocaloric diets (74% total digestible nutrients) containing either 12 or 23% crude protein (dry matter) on day 40 postpartum. Uterine secretion and coccygeal blood samples were collected at estrus, days 5 and 15 of the first estrous cycle after day 50 postpartum, and at the subsequent estrus. The 23% crude protein diet resulted in higher concentrations of ammonia in blood, urea in blood plasma and uterine secretion, and phosphorus and potassium in plasma. Zinc increased during the estrous cycle in plasma of cows fed 23% crude protein and decreased in cows fed 12% crude protein. Magnesium concentrations in uterine secretions were lower in cows on 23% crude protein. Potassium and phosphorus also were lower in uterine secretions of cows fed 23% crude protein but only during the luteal phase of the estrous cycle. Zinc concentrations in uterine secretions decreased faster during the estrous cycle in cows fed 12% crude protein than in cows fed 23% crude protein. Thus, the crude protein content of the diet altered concentrations in blood of ammonia and concentrations in plasma of urea, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc. Crude protein content of the diet altered concentrations in uterine secretion of urea, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.
Estimating cigarette-tax revenue

This paper presents a cigarette-tax revenue model which predicts potential tax revenues. The model is unique in that revenues are estimated in a two-stage process which is invariant to the type of state sales/excise tax regime. The model also controls for cross-state spillover effects. The empirical model was estimated using data from Alabama and surrounding states from 1955 to 1990. The results suggest the demand for cigarettes in Alabama is relatively inelastic; spillover effects are found but are small in scale; and additional revenue potentials can be realized by changes in the tax regime.
Chile: has social security privatisation fostered economic development?

The purpose of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the impact of the privatisation of social security on Chile's economy and society. The paper also includes a brief discussion of Chile's current economic problems, and suggestions for integrating the social security system into the future development of the country. Its central argument is that social security should be able to provide adequate benefits not only to a privileged group of people, but to the entire society. In the case of Chile, the privatised system has created new sources of inequities, reduced the population coverage, and it has had a limited impact on economic development.
Industry Product Volatility and Retailer Assortments

The frequency with which manufacturers change the contents of their product lines varies among industries. Industry product volatility arguably contributes to the uncertainty retailers face as vertical matchers. Contingency theories of channel coordination and distinctive expertise support an argument about how such volatility might affect retailer assortments.
Gaussian Process Regression for Sensor Networks Under Localization Uncertainty

In this paper, we formulate Gaussian process regression with observations under the localization uncertainty due to the resource-constrained sensor networks. In our formulation, effects of observations, measurement noise, localization uncertainty, and prior distributions are all correctly incorporated in the posterior predictive statistics. The analytically intractable posterior predictive statistics are proposed to be approximated by two techniques, viz., Monte Carlo sampling and Laplace's method. Such approximation techniques have been carefully tailored to our problems and their approximation error and complexity are analyzed. Simulation study demonstrates that the proposed approaches perform much better than approaches without considering the localization uncertainty properly. Finally, we have applied the proposed approaches on the experimentally collected real data from a dye concentration field over a section of a river and a temperature field of an outdoor swimming pool to provide proof of concept tests and evaluate the proposed schemes in real situations. In both simulation and experimental results, the proposed methods outperform the quick-and-dirty solutions often used in practice.
Potentially lethal damage repair in cell lines of radioresistant human tumours and normal skin fibroblasts.

SummaryRadiation cell survival data were obtained in vitro for three cell lines isolated from human tumours traditionally considered to be radioresistant–two melanomas and one osteosarcoma–as well as from a diploid skin fibroblast cell line. One melanoma cell line was much more radioresistant than the other, while the osteosarcoma and fibroblast cell lines were more radiosensitive than either. For cells growing exponentially, little potentially lethal damage repair (PLDR) could be demonstrated by comparing survival data for cells in which subculture was delayed by 6 h with those sub-cultured immediately after treatment. For the malignant cells in plateau phase, which in these cells might be better termed ‘slowed growth phase’, since an appreciable fraction of the cells are still cycling, a small amount of PLDR was observed, but not as much as reported by other investigators in the literature. The normal fibroblasts, which achieved a truer plateau phase in terms of noncycling cells, showed a significantly ...
Experimental study of the shock–bubble interaction with reshock

The interaction of a planar shock wave with a spherical density inhomogeneity is studied experimentally under reshock conditions. Reshock occurs when the incident shock wave, which has already accelerated the spherical bubble, reflects off the tube end wall and reaccelerates the inhomogeneity for a second time. These experiments are performed at the Wisconsin Shock Tube Laboratory, in a 9m-long vertical shock tube with a large square cross section (25.4×25.4 cm2). The bubble is prepared on a pneumatically retracted injector and released into a state of free fall. Planar diagnostic methods are used to study the bubble morphology after reshock. Data are presented for experiments involving two Atwood numbers (A = 0.17 and 0.68) and three Mach numbers (1.35 < M < 2.33). For the low Atwood number case, a secondary vortex ring appears immediately after reshock which is not observed for the larger Atwood number. The post-reshock vortex velocity is shown to be proportional to the incident Mach number, M, the initial Atwood number, A, and the incident shock wave speed, Wi.
Resolution of urge urinary incontinence with midurethral sling surgery in patients with mixed incontinence and low-pressure urethra

The aim of the study was to determine the rate of persistence of urgency or urge urinary incontinence following midurethral sling surgery compared to standard medication treatment in patients with mixed incontinence and ISD urethra. A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary referral Urogynecology Center. One hundred five women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and urgency were identified. Fifty-four consecutive women with SUI and urgency who underwent midurethral sling were compared to 51 women with SUI and urgency but treated with medications first. Women with persistent urgency or urge urinary incontinence (UUI) at 6-month follow-up following a TVT sling procedure were compared with those whose symptoms had resolved, to determine the risk factors for persistent symptoms. Forty out of 54 patients in the operation group also underwent a prolapse repair, either a colpopexy or a colpocleisis. All patients had demonstrated a mean urethral closure pressure of 20 mmHg or lower, indicating an intrinsic sphincteric deficiency. Persistent urgency (6 of 54, 11%) and UUI (3 of 54, 5.5%) were found in patients with mixed incontinence who underwent a sling operation. All 51 patients (100%) persisted with some urgency and urge incontinence despite anticholinergic medication treatment, only (7 of 51, 13.7%) reporting improvement of symptoms. Concomitant prolapse surgery, especially apical correction (OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.37–0.65), decreased the risk of urgency persistence, while age (OR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02–1.05), detrusor overactivity (OR 1.66, 95% CI 1.28–2.53), baseline symptom severity (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.48–2.36), and previous incontinence surgery (OR 2.08, 95% CI 1.38–3.60) increased the risk of persistent urgency in the operated cohort. Women were happier in the operated cohort (45 of 54, 83.3% cure rate). A sling itself decreased the risk of persistent urge or UUI (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.15–0.70). The most significant improvement was UUI at night. Urodynamic parameters, baseline urgency symptom severity, age, and concomitant prolapse operation are important predictors of persistent urgency or UUI following midurethral sling for mixed incontinence patients.
A kinetic model of steady state phosphorus fixation in a batch reactor—II. Effect of pH

Abstract Measurements of phosphorus fixation at the soil/solution ratio of 250 mg 500 −1 ml at pH = 2, 3, 5, 7 and 8 in a batch reactor with steady input of phosphate were carried out. All results reached a steady state and followed a Michaelis-Menten type equation as predicted for the catalytic process. Maximum rate of reaction showed a decrease with increase of pH due to the competitive effect between OH − and H 2 PO − 4 . The maximum value of 1/ K at pH = 5 showed H 2 PO − 4 may be required in phosphorus adsorption for some specific-bonding mechanism with soil.
Size minimization of disc cams with roller-followers under pressure angle constraint

This paper presents a procedure for minimizing the size of roller-follower disc cam mechanisms under the constraint of maximum pressure angle. The pressure angle constraint is realized through establishing the permissible region for the cam centre. The problem of cam-size minimization is reduced to locate the cam centre at the intersection of boundary curves of the permissible region. Its implementation is illustrated through examples.
Response to William Cavanaugh, Mark Juergensmeyer, Jeffrey Haynes and David Martin

We are honored to have God's Century reviewed in this forum by four distinguished scholars, three of whom – David Martin, Mark Juergensmeyer, and Jeffrey Haynes – are among those social scientists ...
Genetic Analyses of Meiotic Recombination in Arabidopsis

Meiosis is essential for sexual reproduction and recombination is a critical step required for normal meiosis. Understanding the underlying molecular mechanisms that regulate recombination is important for medical, agricultural and ecological reasons. Readily available molecular and cytological tools make Arabidopsis an excellent system to study meiosis. Here we review recent developments in molecular genetic analyses on meiotic recombination. These include studies on plant homologs of yeast and animal genes, as well as novel genes that were first identified in plants. The characterizations of these genes have demonstrated essential functions from the initiation of recombination by double-strand breaks to repair of such breaks, from the formation of double-Holliday junctions to possible resolution of these junctions, both of which are critical for crossover formation. The recent advances have ushered a new era in plant meiosis, in which the combination of genetics, genomics, and molecular cytology can uncover important gene functions.
Highly parallel fabrication of nanopatterned surfaces with nanoscale orthogonal biofunctionalization imprint lithography.

Large areas of nanopatterns of specific chemical functionality are needed for biological experiments and biotechnological applications. We present nanoscale orthogonal biofunctionalization imprint lithography (NOBIL), a parallel top-down imprinting and lift-off technique based on step-and-flash imprint lithography (SFIL) that is able to create centimetre-scale areas of nanopatterns of two biochemical functionalities. A photoresist precursor is polymerized with a template in place, and the thin resist layer is etched to create an undercut for lift-off. Gold nano-areas on a silicon dioxide background are then independently functionalized using self-assembly that translates the nanopattern into a cell-adhesive/cell-rejective functionality pattern. We demonstrate the technique by creating fibronectin areas down to a pattern size of 60 nm against a polyethylene glycol (PEG) background, and show initial results of cells stably seeded over an array of 1 mm2 areas of controlled size and pitch.