cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A meta-analysis of studies examining associations between resonance Raman spectroscopy-assessed skin carotenoids and plasma carotenoids among adults and children.

CONTEXT No meta-analyses appeared to have been conducted to examine overall correlations between resonance Raman spectroscopy (RRS)-assessed skin carotenoids and plasma/serum carotenoids. OBJECTIVE To review the available literature and quantify the association between RRS-assessed skin carotenoids and plasma/serum carotenoids via a meta-analysis of observational studies. DATA SOURCES To identify relevant publications, we searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, ProQuest, and Scopus databases in April 2020 for items combining 3 concepts: Raman spectroscopy, skin, and plasma or serum. DATA EXTRACTION Criteria for inclusion were publication in a peer-reviewed journal between 1990 and 2020, available in English language, and results reported as a baseline Pearson correlation coefficient. In teams of 2, the researchers independently reviewed titles and abstracts of 2212 nonduplicate papers with initial screening yielding 62 papers for full-text review, of which 15 were deemed eligible for inclusion. DATA ANALYSIS A random-effects model in R (version 4.0.0) "meta" package was used to analyze the correlation between RRS-assessed skin and plasma/serum carotenoids. A subgroup analysis was conducted for studies involving adults and children, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The 15 studies included 1155 individuals: 963 adults and 192 children. One study included children and adults. The random-effects model yielded an overall correlation of 0.68 (95%CI, 0.61-0.74; I2 = 74%; P < 0.01). The results were similar when grouped by adults and children. Among 963 adults, the correlation in the random-effects model was 0.69 (95%CI, 0.61-0.75; I2 = 78%; P < 0.01). Among 192 children, the correlation in the random-effects model was 0.66 (95%CI, 0.52- 0.77; I2 = 55%; P = 0.06). Overall, there was a positive, statistically significant correlation between RRS-assessed skin carotenoids and plasma/serum carotenoids in a pooled meta-analysis of 15 studies. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO (record number 178835).
The Transition of Son Preference: Evidence from Southeast Asian Countries

This paper explores the existence of son preference and gender-based fertility behavior among Southeast Asian mothers. Using census data of ten countries (Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) over the years 1970-2014 and a sample of over 18 million observation, I show that having a first-born girl is associated with 0.16 more children in the household, equivalent to 7.2 percent rise from the mean. The marginal effects are quite robust across various specifications and subsamples. The effects are larger for countries with lower human development index and individuals with lower education. A birth cohort analysis show that the effects are significantly smaller for later cohorts implying that son preference fertility behavior has diminished over time.
Visceral Adipose Volume as a Predictor for Acute Bowel Toxicity in Patients Receiving Adjuvant Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy for Cervical or Endometrial Cancer.

Purpose/objective(s) Relative to 3D conformal radiation therapy (RT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) is associated with decreased acute bowel toxicity during adjuvant RT for gynecologic cancers. Delineating the peritoneal space as a 'bowel bag' is a common method to assess RT dose and volume parameters during treatment planning. However, there is a relative lack of evidence-based bowel bag dose/volume constraints that can be used to guide clinicians. Previously, we described a method to normalize dose/volume measures based on the proportion of adipose tissue within the bowel bag contour and demonstrated this technique more closely correlates with acute toxicity than standard measures. This work was criticized for including a heterogenous patient population of gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancer patients treated with definitive and adjuvant RT. Here, we report an updated analysis, limiting our patient population to those receiving adjuvant IMRT for gynecologic cancers. Materials/methods Eighteen consecutive patients treated with adjuvant pelvic +/- para-aortic IMRT following hysterectomy for a diagnosis of endometrial or cervical cancer at a single academic medical center were included. As previously described by Ganju et al, simulation CT scans were retrieved and the bowel bag was contoured per RTOG guidelines. Dosimetric data for V45 Gy (cc) and V40 Gy (%) was collected. Adipose tissue was auto-contoured using Hounsfield Unit thresholds. Visceral adipose ratio was defined as the volume of non-adipose tissue within the bowel bag divided by the total volume. This was multiplied by the above dosimetric variables to correct for uninvolved adipose tissue. Bowel function was assessed weekly during therapy using the Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) questionnaire. Baseline bowel scores were defined as those obtained at CT simulation or week 1 of therapy, and final scores were those occurring during week 4 of 5 of treatment. One-tailed spearman correlation coefficients were used to identify significant associations between acute bowel toxicity and bowel bag dose/volume measures. Results Eighteen patients met criteria for inclusion. Fifteen patients were treated for endometrial and three for cervical cancer. The median dose of radiation was 45 Gy. V40 Gy (%) and V45 Gy (cc) measures were not correlated with decline in EPIC bowel function, bother, or composite measures. However, adipose corrected V45 Gy(cc) showed significant correlation with bowel function decline (P = 0.04) and overall decline in bowel composite measure (P = 0.03). Conclusion Adipose corrected bowel bag dose/volume measures (V45 Gy cc) may be used to predict acute bowel toxicity in patients receiving post-operative IMRT following a hysterectomy in endometrial and cervical cancers. Future studies will require validation in a larger patient population. Author disclosure D. Nganga: None. A. Hoover: None.
Pathology of Bone and Joint Disorders: With Clinical and Radiographic Correlation

This practical book covers all aspects of diseases of bones and joints in one easily readable volume. Richly illustrated in color with abundant photographs and diagrams, each disease category includes a short introduction, discussion of clinical, radiographic and pathologic features, and treatment suggestions. Fully updated throughout, this new edition discusses the molecular genetics of orthopedic diseases and new imaging modalities such as the PET scan. Newly clarified entities are included, such as failure of metal-on-metal hip prostheses, osteonecrosis of the jaw, atypical femoral fractures, and rapidly destructive hip arthrosis. Drawing on their extensive experience as clinicians and teachers, the authors' accessible narrative style enables easy comprehension. Written by a bone pathologist and an orthopedic surgeon, the book emphasizes a team approach to diagnosis and treatment. This is an essential resource for residents in pathology, orthopedic surgery and radiology, and also serves as a valuable handbook for senior practitioners in these specialties. The book is packaged with a password, giving the user online access to all the text and images.
An Element of Concern in North Africa: The Case of Morocco’s Phosphate Industry

This case explores the geopolitical and human rights issues involved in the phosphate industry in Morocco. With an increasing global demand for phosphate, and the growing concentration of the industry in favor of Morocco, concerns over who controls the disputed territory of Western Sahara and how much power Morocco has over global sourcing have arisen. Morocco is moving towards a near-monopoly position in phosphate production and much of that phosphate is being taken from a territory which many feel is not legitimately part of the country. While international pressure is on Morocco, its King is firmly in control of the country and has the support of a key ally, the United States. International trade in phosphate and its associated products may be affected by how this geopolitical struggle plays out.
Characterization of the gcv control region from Escherichia coli.

Abstract We constructed a set of deletions upstream of the gcv promoter and analyzed the effects of the deletions on expression of a gcvT-lacZ gene fusion. A deletion that ends at position -313 upstream of the transcription initiation site (+1) results in reduced levels of gcvT-lacZ expression, but the fusion is still inducible by glycine and repressible by purines. A deletion that ends at position -169 results in loss of both GcvA- and Lrp-mediated activation of the gcvT-lacZ fusion. The endpoints of delta -313 and delta -169 also define a site that down-regulates gcvT-lacZ expression two- to threefold. A deletion that ends at position -89 upstream from the transcription initiation site still shows PurR-mediated repression, suggesting that PurR-mediated repression is not by direct interference with the GcvA- and Lrp-mediated regulatory mechanism(s). Gel mobility shift assays and DNase I footprinting showed that Lrp protein binds to multiple sites upstream of the gcv promoter, from about bp -92 to bp -229. The results suggest that the gcv regulatory region is complex, with numerous cis-acting sites that are required for normal gcv expression.
Cultural insights to justice: A theoretical perspective through a subjective lens

Distributive, procedural, and interactional justice are constructs that are increasingly being recognized as important factors that affect individual perceptions in the workplace environment. This paper presents a theoretical perspective that suggests that justice is perceived through a subjective lens that consists of individualized beliefs and proposes that cultural attributes and demographic characteristics play an integral part in determining the perception of justice. The distinctions between these three constructs are presented in context with the core beliefs of individual employees – affected by a multitude of perceptual and demographic factors that we briefly identify herein. Based on the theoretical perspective, an instrument that measures the constructs of justice as perceived by individuals was developed. With a focus on justice within the business setting, hypotheses about attitudes related to justice were tested. Survey results confirm that the three constructs of justice are distinct but correlated. Significant differences were found in the perceptions of African-American respondents with regard to procedural justice. Although the empirical findings do not support all the hypotheses, this research highlights the need for further development of measures to assess the perception of justice in business settings and at an applied level, underscores the importance of recognizing cultural attributes and demographic characteristics in understanding how justice is perceived.
Do the Benefits of College Still Outweigh the Costs

In recent years, students have been paying more to attend college and earning less upon graduation — trends that have led many observers to question whether a college education remains a good investment. However, an analysis of the economic returns to college since the 1970s demonstrates that the benefits of both a bachelor’s degree and an associate’s degree still tend to outweigh the costs, with both degrees earning a return of about 15 percent over the past decade. The return has remained high in spite of rising tuition and falling earnings because the wages of those without a college degree have also been falling, keeping the college wage premium near an all-time high while reducing the opportunity cost of going to school.
A Smooth Center Manifold Theorem which Applies to Some Ill-Posed Partial Differential Equations with Unbounded Nonlinearities

We prove the existence of a smooth center manifold for several partial differential equations, including ill posed equations with unbounded nonlinearities. We also prove smooth dependence on parameters with respect to some perturbations, including unbounded ones. More concretely, we prove an abstract theorem and present applications to several concrete equations: ill posed Boussinesq, equation and system and nonlinear Laplace equations in cylindrical domains. We also consider the effect of some geometric structures.
The conjugacy problem of the modular group and the class number of real quadratic number fields

Abstract We shall discuss the conjugacy problem of the modular group, and show how its solution, in conjunction with a theorem of Olga Taussky can be used to compute the class number of certain real quadratic number fields.
Unpacking strategic alliances: The structure and purpose of alliance versus supplier relationships

Abstract While strategic alliances have received a great deal of attention from academic researchers and practitioners, we still know relatively little about the contracts that govern these alliance relationships and their difference from more complex buyer–supplier contracts. Through an exploration of 15 alliance contracts to develop jet engines between a major aerospace manufacturer and eleven different alliance partners, we seek to understand the structure and purpose of these alliance contracts and their differences from standard buyer–supplier contracts. The alliance contracts we study are designed to share risk, facilitate learning and the exchange of knowledge, specify roles and responsibilities, and provide administrative mechanisms for adapting and resolving disputes. What emerges from this study is a better understanding of how alliances differ from other types of interfirm relationships and how these differences are reflected in the alliance contract.
Noncorrelating Pap tests and cervical biopsies: Histological predictors of subsequent correlation

Lack of correlation between dysplastic cervicovaginal Papanicolaou (Pap) tests and subsequent cervical biopsies raises the concern that a significant squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL) may go unconfirmed. Additional tissue sections of cervical biopsies may detect SILs after noncorrelation on initial sections. Complete step sectioning of paraffin blocks was undertaken on 111 noncorrelating biopsy specimens from 95 patients and selected slides were reviewed for the presence of SIL. The initial negative biopsy slides were evaluated for four histological features: chronic cervicitis, acute cervicitis, mucosal erosion, and squamous atypia. Twenty-seven biopsies (24.3%) demonstrated the presence of a SIL in deeper levels. The presence of squamous atypia was significantly associated with the presence of dysplasia deeper in the block (P < 0.002). Acute and chronic cervicitis was seen roughly equally. Additional tissue levels are a productive way of confirming SILs, and squamous atypia allows a refined selection of negative cervical biopsies most likely to reveal an SIL on review of deeper levels. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2005;32:310–314. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Structural, magnetic and neutron diffraction studies on TbFe2-TbAl2, TbCo2-TbAl2 and HoCo2-HoAl2

Abstract Both pseudobinary systems exhibit large homogeneous regions of cubic and hexagonal Laves phases. Ordering tendencies on crystallographic sites between Al and the transition metals are observed in the hexagonal type. Electron transfer to the transition metals quenches their moments so that they become nonmagnetic at high Al concentrations. The peculiarities in the mechanism of magnetization which appear in rare earth dialuminides when Al is replaced by a transition metal have been studied in detail at cryogenic temperatures. The first replacement of Al results in a decrease in saturation moment. Neutron diffraction verifies the low ordered rare earth sublattice moments and reveals the ‘lost part’ as a disordered component. Considerable magnetic hardness develops in certain regions of concentration often connected with spontaneous increases in magnetization with field. All available evidence suggests the presence of unusual domain wall effects to be responsible for this effect. High remanences develop in both the hexagonal and in the cubic structures in the intermediate region. The development of disordered magnetic components is connected either with the disorder on crystallographic sites or changes in the free electron concentration.
A mixed state core for melancholia: an exploration in history, art and clinical science

Objective: We argue for a mixed state core for melancholia comparing concepts of melancholia across centuries using examples from art, history and scientific literature. Method: Literature reviews focusing on studies from Kraepelin onward, DSM-IV classification and view-points from clinical experience highlighting phenomenologic and biologic features as predictors of bipolar outcome in prospective studies of depression. Results: Despite the implied chemical pathology in the term endogenous/melancholic depression, frequently reported glucocortical and sleep neurophysiologic abnormalities, there is little evidence that melancholia is inherited independently from more broadly defined depressions. Prospective follow-up of ?neurotic? depressions have shown melancholic outcomes in as many as a third; hypomania has also been observed in such follow-up. Conclusion: These findings and considerations overall do suggest that melancholia as defined today is more closely aligned with the depressive and/or mixed phase of bipolar disorder. Given the high suicidality from many of these patients the practice of treating them with antidepressant monotherapy needs re-evaluation.
pH titration studies of 13C reductively methylated N-terminal serine of glycophorin AM

The 13C resonances of Nα,N-[13C]dimethylserine of partially 13C reductively methylated glycophorin AM were monitored as a function of pH at 45°C. For comparison, limited data are also presented for the pH dependence of the 13C resonances of Nα,N- [13C]dimethylserine of fully 13C reductively methylated deglycosylated glycophorin AM. The ‘major’ component of Nα,N- [13C]dimethylserine of glycophorin AM did not titrate, whereas the ‘minor’ component titrated with a pKa of 7.80 (Hill coefficient of 0.95). Similar results are also indicated for the Nα,N- [13C]dimethylserine resonances of 13C reductively methylated deglycosylated glycophorin AM.
Intervention with Shiga Toxin (Stx) Antibody after Infection by Stx-Producing Escherichia coli

Shiga toxins (Stxs) produced by Escherichia coli (STEC) cause systemic vascular damage, manifested as hemolytic uremic syndrome in humans and as edema disease in pigs. Edema disease, a naturally occurring disease of pigs, was used to determine whether Stx antibodies, administered after infection and after the onset of Stx production, could prevent the systemic vascular damage and clinical disease caused by Stxs. A total of 119 STEC-infected pigs were treated with low, medium, or high doses of Stx antibody or with placebo. After inoculation with STEC, antibodies or placebo was injected intraperitoneally at 2 days postinoculation (DPI; low dose) or 4 DPI (medium and high doses). Edema disease was prevented with the low- and high-dose Stx antibody treatments administered at 2 and 4 DPI, respectively. High-dose antibody treatment also reduced the incidence and extent of vascular lesions. The degree of protection depended on the dose of antibody and the time of administration.
Long-range dielectric confinement.

We discuss the energy of a heavy-quark--antiquark system in a cylindrical and a prolate spheroidal cavity in the dielectric vacuum picture of confinement. We discuss the spin dependence of the energy and compare our results with those of other treatments of quarkonia.
Two hundred years of dermatology

Two hundred years ago the English physician Robert Willan published the first section of his masterwork, On cutaneous diseases. In it he described and demonstrated a new way of examining cutaneous eruptions that enabled physicians dealing with skin diseases to impose, for the first time, a significant degree of order on a field in which disorder had been the rule. The utility and successful application of the new approach soon attracted the attention of a talented cadre of physicians who embraced the study of the skin and its problems with enthusiasm, and dermatology as a specialty came into its own. The details of the Willan approach and the overwhelming influence it exerted on the future of the specialty are described in this article. 1798, the year the section was published, was an annus mirabilis for dermatology, and 1998 can be considered the bicentennial of the birth of the specialty.
A novel micromachined shadow mask system with self-alignment and gap control capability

We present a novel micromachined shadow mask system, which is capable of accurate self-alignment and mask-substrate gap control. The shadow mask system consists of a silicon shadow mask and a silicon carrier wafer with pyramidal cavities fabricated with bulk micromachining. Self-alignment and gap control of the shadow mask and the fabrication substrate can readily be achieved by using matching pairs of pyramidal cavities and steel spheres placed between. The layer-to-layer alignment accuracy of the new shadow mask system has been experimentally characterized and verified using both optical and atomic force microscopic measurements. As an application of this new shadow mask system, an organic thin-film transistor (OTFT) using pentacene as the semiconductor layer has been successfully fabricated and tested.
Wavelet processing workstation: an interactive MATLAB-based computational tool for wavelet processing

We present a highly powerful, modular, and interactive software tool for the analysis of time- frequency coherent signals via wavelet transformations. A major design goal of the Wavelet Signal Processing Workstation (WSPW) is to maximize ease of use while minimizing programming complexity. As such, the WSPW makes ample use of graphical mouse driven user interfaces and, in turn, allows powerful signal processing, classification, and identification techniques to be rapidly implemented and tested. Because it has been developed using MATLAB, the WSPW is easily extensible and inherently portable between varying system architectures. Although the emphasis of this paper is on the wavelet representation of signals, the WSPW has proven itself a valuable tool in applications including radar source identification and signal classification.
Allergic asthma induced in rhesus monkeys by house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae).

To establish whether allergic asthma could be induced experimentally in a nonhuman primate using a common human allergen, three female rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) were sensitized with house dust mite (Dermatophagoides farinae) allergen (HDMA) by subcutaneous injection, followed by four intranasal sensitizations, and exposure to allergen aerosol 3 hours per day, 3 days per week for up to 13 weeks. Before aerosol challenge, all three monkeys skin-tested positive for HDMA. During aerosol challenge with HDMA, sensitized monkeys exhibited cough and rapid shallow breathing and increased airway resistance, which was reversed by albuterol aerosol treatment. Compared to nonsensitized monkeys, there was a fourfold reduction in the dose of histamine aerosol necessary to produce a 150% increase in airway resistance in sensitized monkeys. After aerosol challenge, serum levels of histamine were elevated in sensitized monkeys. Sensitized monkeys exhibited increased levels of HDMA-specific IgE in serum, numbers of eosinophils and exfoliated cells within lavage, and elevated CD25 expression on circulating CD4+ lymphocytes. Intrapulmonary bronchi of sensitized monkeys had focal mucus cell hyperplasia, interstitial infiltrates of eosinophils, and thickening of the basement membrane zone. We conclude that a model of allergic asthma can be induced in rhesus monkeys using a protocol consisting of subcutaneous injection, intranasal instillation, and aerosol challenge with HDMA.
Anaphylaxis syndromes related to a new mammalian cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can rapidly progress and occasionally be fatal. In instances in which the triggering allergen is not obvious, establishing the cause of anaphylaxis is pivotal to long-term management. Assigning cause is limited, however, by the number of known exposures associated with anaphylaxis. Therefore identification of novel causative agents can provide an important step forward in facilitating new, allergen-specific approaches to management. In contrast to the view that carbohydrate-directed IgE has minimal, if any, clinical significance, recent data suggest that IgE antibodies to carbohydrate epitopes can be an important factor in anaphylaxis that might otherwise appear to be idiopathic. Here we review the evidence relating to carbohydrates in food allergy and anaphylaxis and discuss the implications of a new mammalian cross-reactive carbohydrate determinant.
Effect of prepartum and postpartum diet on histamine metabolism of young Holstein cows.

Abstract Animals preconditioned with low levels of concentrate for three to four weeks before changing to a high-concentrate diet at parturition showed higher histamine concentration in the rumen (P
Chaperone interactions of the metalloproteinase meprin A in the secretory or proteasomal-degradative pathway.

The secreted form of mouse meprin A is a homooligomer of meprin alpha subunits that contain a prosequence, a catalytic domain, and three domains designated as MAM (meprin, A5 protein, receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase mu), MATH (meprin and TRAF homology), and AM (AfterMath). Previous studies indicated that wild-type mouse meprin alpha is predominantly a secreted protein, while the MAM deletion mutant (DeltaMAM) is degraded intracellularly. The work herein indicates that the DeltaMAM mutant is ubiquitinated and degraded via the proteasomal pathway. Both wild-type meprin alpha and the DeltaMAM mutant interact with the molecular chaperones calnexin and calreticulin in the endoplasmic reticulum. The interactions of the chaperones with the DeltaMAM mutant were significantly prolonged in the presence of lactacystin, a specific inhibitor of the proteasome, whereas those with the wild type were not affected by this inhibitor. Trimming of the Asn-linked core oligosaccharides of meprin subunits was required for interactions with the chaperones. The data indicated that folding of the wild-type protein was accelerated by chaperones, whereas the rate of dimerization was unaffected. Thus, calnexin and calreticulin are intimately involved in the correct folding and transport of meprin to the plasma membrane, as well as in retrograde transport of the DeltaMAM mutant to the ubiquitin-dependent proteasomal degradative pathway in the cytosol.
PTSD reactions and functioning of American Airlines flight attendants in the wake of September 11

The authors explore the psychological reactions and functional coping responses of American Airlines (AA) flight attendants, a unique at-risk group of people in the war on terrorism, in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. Demographic characteristics and standardized questionnaires, including the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist and the Psychotherapy Outcome Assessment and Monitoring System--Trauma Version, were sent in June 2002 to approximately 26,000 AA flight attendants. Of the 2050 respondents, 18.2% reported symptoms consistent with probable posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Those living alone were 1.48 times more likely to have a probable PTSD diagnosis than those living with someone else. Age or years of service as a flight attendant did not predict probable PTSD; however, marital status did. Substance abuse was not endorsed as a coping strategy. Given the traumatic events experienced by AA flight attendants, and persistent threats of future terrorist attacks, these results reveal that additional assessment and treatment interventions for stress-related symptoms in this population seem warranted.
“Without running riot”: Kant, analogical language, and theological discourse

Selon Kant, l'analogie est a la fois un bon et un mauvais moyen de parler de Dieu. L'A. degage les questions relatives a l'analogie, analyse les passages-cles de l'oeuvre du philosophe a ce sujet et propose une critique de la contribution kantienne. Selon Kant, nous devons parler de Dieu, mais il est uniquement possible de parler de sa propre experience. L'analogie de l'attribution ne peut en effet etre etendue au phenomenal. Tandis que le philosophe apporte cet outil theologique traditionnel dans le domaine de la critique philosophique, il offre un cadre formel pour parler du divin
Carrier-induced antiferromagnet of graphene islands embedded in hexagonal boron nitride

Graphene islands with zigzag edges embedded in nitrogen-terminated vacancies in hexagonal boron nitride are shown to develop intrinsic magnetism and preferentially order antiferromagnetically. The magnetic moment of each graphene island is given by the numerical imbalance of carbon atoms on its two sublattices, which is in turn directly related to the size of the host defect. We propose a carrier-mediated model for antiferromagnetic coupling between islands and estimate N\'eel temperatures for these structures in excess of 100 K in some instances, with the possibility of attaining even higher temperatures at higher island densities. Our results suggest the possibility of designing molecular magnets via defect engineering of hexagonal boron nitride templates followed by trapping of carbon atoms in the defects.
Phenomenology of recombination luminescence from trapped electrons and tetramethyl- p-phenylenediamine cation (TMPD + ) in methyltetrahydrofuran glass at 77 K

Abstract The recombination luminescence from trapped electrons (e t − ) and N, N, N', N'- tetramethyl- p -phenylenediamine cation (TMPD + ) in methyltetrahydrofuran glass at 77 K following polarized photoionization of TMPD has been studied. Both fluorescence (F) and phosphorescence (P) have been detected during U.V. excitation, after U.V. excitation (isothermal luminescence), and after U.V. excitation with additional stimulating light (stimulated luminescence) which detraps e t − . Polarized emission has been measured following polarized excitation and the results have been compared with theoretical polarization ratios. The TMPD triplet lifetime is 2·8 s. The initial lifetime of the isothermal luminescence depends on the excitation energy and indicates that larger average e t − , TMPD + distance distributions are produce for higher energy excitation. The F/P ratio from stimulated luminescence depends strongly on the stimulating wavelength; only phosphorescence is observed at λ > 900 nm. This differs from previous results in less polar alkane matrices. At low stimulating light energy, it is suggested that recombination occurs by tunnelling from an excited state of e t − which only has sufficient energy to produced triplet TMPD. At high stimulating light energy, e t − is excited to a conduction state from which it can recombine with TMPD + to produce both singlet and triplet TMPD. In alkane matrices it appears that only the second process is observed in the accessible stimulating wavelength range.
Metal release from particulate oil ash in seawater

Abstract Oil ash, the solid residue remaining after the combustion of oil in oil-fired electric power plants, is rich in metals including vanadium (0.54–2.36%) and nickel (0.44–1.33%). Ocean disposal of oil ash may provide an alternative to present landfill practices. This study examined the chemical behavior of particulate oil ash in seawater as a first step towards evaluating the environmental acceptability of oil ash in the sea. In 1:100 oil ash-seawater mixtures (weight:volume), oil ash particles reacted with seawater to produce alkaline or acidic solutions ranging in pH from 3.0 to 9.9. The acidic oil ash No. 3 that produced a leachate of pH 3.0 released 8.8% of the total iron in the ash, 40% of the copper, 70% of the nickel, 94% of the manganese, 35% of the chromium, 68% of the sulfate, but only 1.5% of the vanadium. The alkaline oil ash No. 5 (pH of leachate 9.9) released only 7.6% of the vanadium and 57% of the sulfate. Oil ash No. 1 (pH of leachate 7.9) released 27% of the vanadium and 33% of the sulfate to the seawater. Calculations based on a hypothetical dump of particulate oil ash at sea from a moving barge show that ambient vanadium, nickel, and manganese concentrations in the water column would be exceeded during the first 24 h after the dumping event. However, surface currents and turbulent diffusive processes, not accounted for in this hypothetical dump, would act to further dilute the metals in the water column.
Geometry Preserving Active Polygon-Incorporated Sign Detection Algorithm

AbstractA generalized traffic sign detection algorithm incorporating a hybrid active contour (HAC) model has been previously developed to automatically detect all types of traffic signs. Although the HAC model has shown some promising results, there are still some false negatives remaining due to the over-evolution of the HAC model. Therefore, further improvement is needed to reduce the number of these false negatives. This paper is aimed at developing a new geometry-preserving active polygon (GPAP) model to address the over-evolution issue in the HAC model for improving the computation speed. The contributions of this paper include (1) proposing a new geometry-preserving evolution that ensures that the “contour” only evolves at its vertices instead of at every point along the edges; (2) tailoring a new energy function that enables a polygon to effectively converge to traffic sign regions without losing its geometry integrity by using both local color contrast feature and global elongation and rectangular...
Data logging and the teaching of uncertainties

The aim of this article is to illustrate how data logging can be used to expound the topic of ‘uncertainties’in physics. This is done with the help of one specific mechanics experiment that forms an integral part of the Revised Nuffield Advanced Physics course.
Linguistic encoding dominance in stuttering: some evidence for temporal and qualitative hemispheric processing differences

Abstract The current study measured naming reaction times of a group of stuttering and nonstuttering subjects to unilateral, tachistoscopically presented pictures. Results of an ANOVA with repeated measures design on the reaction time data showed that a significant interaction proved to exist between the group (stuttering vs. nonstutterers) and visual field (left vs. right) variables. Post-hoc tests showed that left visual field inputs generated significantly faster naming reaction times (85 msec) than those associated with right visual field stimulations for the stutterers, but not for the fluent controls. Analysis of the error data showed that a significant interaction existed between the visual field and error type (in-class, out-of-class, and no-response errors) variables for the stutterers, but not for the fluent subjects. Post-hoc analysis of the stutterers data revealed that right visual field inputs produced significantly greater no-response and in-class errors as compared to the left visual field. The reaction time findings were interpreted to suggest that both hemispheres in the stutterers were capable of generating linguistic tags for Gestalt information, with the right hemisphere emerging as the dominant neurostructure for completing the task demands. The error data suggested further that qualitative differences existed between the two hemispheres regarding their ability to label noun images. The quality and number of encoding errors associated with the left hemisphere were significantly greater as compared to the right hemisphere for the stutterers. Theoretical implications for speech fluency are presented in the context of future research considerations.
Identification of the rat homologue of KAI1 and its expression in Dunning rat prostate cancers.

BACKGROUND. We previously isolated the human KAI1 gene encoding a transmembrane protein which suppresses metastatic ability in Dunning R3327 AT6.1 rat prostate cancer cells when transfected into these cells. The AT6.1 subline is one of the more aggressive sublines among the Dunning R-3327 system of rat prostate cancers. This raises the issue of whether downregulation of KAI1 expression consistently occurs during the acquisition of high metastatic ability by members of the Dunning system of rat prostate cancers. METHODS. To investigate this possibility, the rat homologue of the KAI1gene was identified, using a combination of cDNA library screening and 5'-RACE and DNA sequencing. Based on this information, a rat-specific cDNA probe was developed and used for Northern blot analysis of KAI1 expression in normal rat tissues and a series of sublines of Dunning R3327 cells that vary widely in their metastatic abilities. RESULTS. The rat KAI1 gene encoded a protein of 266 amino acids which has 77% identity to the human KAI1 protein. In normal tissues, KAI1 is expressed predominantly as a 2.0-kb-sized transcript. Several tissues (e.g., skeletal muscle and prostate) also express a minor 1.8-kb-sized RNA. Northern blot analysis of a series of Dunning sublines demonstrated that all sublines expressed both the 2.0- and 1.8-kb KAI1 RNA transcripts. However, quantitative levels of the 2.0- vs. 1.8-kb KAI1 RNA were variable among sublines. Downregulation of expression of the 2.0-kb KAI1 transcript was statistically correlated with the acquisition of high metastatic ability within this system of prostate cancer sublines. In contrast, the 1.8-kb transcript was upregulated in all of the more aggressive sublines, but this enhanced expression was not specifically correlated with metastatic ability. CONCLUSIONS. These studies demonstrated that downregulation of the 2.0-kb KAI1 mRNA is associated with the acquisition of high metastatic ability by prostate cancer cells.
Observations on the stability of sample zones in the zonal ultracentrifuge

Abstract An investigation has been made of the maximum sample loads which may be introduced onto specified gradients before the onset of droplet sedimentation in the zonal ultracentrifuge. The results showed that for the system bovine serum albumin and sucrose in the optimal reverse-wedge sample zone configuration, approximately 35% of the maximum load predicted by a simple theoretical model was obtained. Comparisons are drawn with other studies, and a more complex model is discussed in relation to practical application in zonal ultracentrifugation.
Optically detected resonance spectroscopy of interface fluctuation quantum dots

We have performed optically detected resonance (ODR) spectroscopy on modulation-doped GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells of different widths in which lateral fluctuations of the well width were purposely introduced by growth interruption at the interfaces. These monolayer fluctuations form quantum dots for which confinement and Coulomb correlation energies are comparable. By monitoring resonant changes of the dot ensemble photoluminescence induced by far-infrared (FIR) radiation in a magnetic field, we have observed cyclotron resonance (CR) of free electrons in the widest wells, as well as internal transitions of mobile and localized charged excitons. The latter, which are forbidden by magnetic translational invariance, have previously not been observed. For the narrower wells the effects of non-parabolicity and carrier localization on the CR and CR-like transitions have to be included for a proper interpretation of the measurements.
Gender Differences in Rates of Unintentional Head Injury in the First 3 Months of Life

Objectives.— To assess for gender differences in rates of unintentional head injury in infants less than 3 months of age, to assess the circumstances of injury in these patients, and to look for gender-related differences in these circumstances. Methods.— Two separate databases were analyzed. 1) The National Pediatric Trauma Registry (NPTR) was queried for all patients ≤90 days of age who had been diagnosed with unintentional head trauma between 1990 and 1999. The proportion of males was compared to the expected proportion of 51%, derived from US census data. 2) A prospective cohort of 88 infants ≤90 days of age who had been treated for unintentional head trauma in an urban pediatric emergency department (ED) was studied. Circumstances of injury and gender-related differences in these circumstances were assessed. Results.— In the NPTR database, 600 of 1072 (56%) (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.53, 0.59) infants ≤90 days of age were boys ( P = .001). In the ED cohort, 54 of 88 (62%) (95% CI 0.50, 0.72) subjects were boys ( P = .06). In virtually all of the cases described, subjects appeared to be passive participants in the injury. The most commonly reported circumstances of injury were the following: "child left alone on furniture and fell" (n = 39) or "parent dropped child" (n = 27). Boys accounted for 20 (74%) of the subjects in the "parent dropped child" group ( P = .04). Conclusions.— Boys outnumber girls among infants less than 3 months of age with unintentional head trauma. These young infants appear to be passive participants in their injuries, which indicates that differences in parenting practices may account for the observed gender differences.
A Model to Predict Resin Pressure/ Back Flow in the Tapered Inlet of a Pultrusion Die

Pressure analysis for a pultrusion die is very important for improving the finished product quality. The die inlet, which is usually tapered over a very short distance, is responsible for a pressure rise due to the back flow of resin. A mathematical model was developed for back flow/pressure analysis in the tapered die inlet. The model was based on the hydrodynamic theory of lubrication applied to the thin outer viscous annulus layer. The effects of various parameters such as the resin viscosity, preform size, pull speed, and profile of the inlet taper were examined. The present model may be utilized to obtain the best die inlet shape and the process conditions to achieve maximum possible pressure rise in the die inlet.
Globalization and Technology Divides: Bifurcation of Policy between the Digital Divide and the Innovation Divide

The global diffusion of digital technology, which occurred more rapidly than the global diffusion of any technology previously, has been mired by its uneven distribution across, and unequal effects on, societies worldwide. In addition, policy initiatives to close this global digital divide, which peaked with the two World Summit on Information Society conferences, still did not change the course of this differentiated globalization process. In this article, I attribute the cause of such stalling of policy on the issue of the global digital divide to the bifurcation of current international policy: attention is split between concern for the impeded access of the poor to this revolutionary technology, on the one hand, and the race to lead the world in creating the next ‘‘hot’’ technology, on the other. These two concerns, which have been given the pithy titles of the ‘‘global digital divide’’ and the ‘‘global innovation divide,’’ are leading to two separate policy tracks, targeting the world’s laggards and leaders as separate entities and operating under separate logics. This separation is problematic because the issues of access to technology and ownership of rights to technology are intertwined. This article describes the two global technology divides and analyzes the policies that are currently charted to address them. Technology is considered a marker of human achievement: from the ‘‘stone age’’ to the ‘‘space age,’’ we take note of particular eras in the history of civilization by their technological accomplishment. The current era celebrates digital technology, commonly referred to as information and communication technology (ICT), as its marker. Our times are surely shaped by ICT, partly because such technologies carry the essence of what is commonly referred to as the age of globalization: global reaches, fast pace, and knowledge as the main commodity. Indeed, the global diffusion of ICT has occurred at a pace exceeding that of any other technology: it took the telephone 75 years and television 13 years to acquire 50 million users worldwide, whereas it took the Internet only 5 years to reach the same following (Main 2001). But the current era, which is appropriately marked with the addition of the prefix ‘‘e-’’ to the new and global economic sector (e-economy) and to related technology-based social initiatives (e-government and e-mpowerment),
An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics

Increasing awareness of the changing global environment stimulates a greater interest in the physical processes that govern these changes. Students with a background in physics who wish to pursue the atmospheric aspect of these issues would be well served by reading David G. Andrews book, An Introduction to Atmospheric Physics. The text is geared toward advanced undergraduate and beginning graduate students with working knowledge of basic physics, calculus, and differential equations. This book provides these students with a taste of how physics is applied to the atmospheric sciences, and it supplies a solid background for additional study.
Pulse Electrodeposition of Copper-Manganese Alloy for Application in Interconnect Metallization

Doping copper (Cu) interconnects with a small amount of manganese (Mn∼2 at%) is known to improve their electromigration resistance. In the present work, we introduce a novel EDTA-complexed electrolyte for electrodeposition of Cu-Mn alloy for potential application in interconnect metallization. By employing current pulsing, a relatively smooth, compact and adherent CuMn electrodeposit is achieved. Mn mobility in the Cu, a prerequisite for enhancing the electromigration resistance, is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy of annealed Cu-Mn films, which show Mn segregation at the film surface. The proposed Cu-Mn electrodeposition process has the potential for enabling an integration-friendly approach for metallizing interconnects in future-generation technology nodes. © 2013 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/2.024312jes] All rights reserved.
Performance projection of graphene nanomesh and nanoroad transistors

We examine the performance limits of field-effect transistors (FETs) with chemically modified graphene as the channel materials. Graphene nanoroad (XNR) and graphene nanomesh (XNM) can be created through selective chemical modification by an X adsorbate (either H or F) on graphene, which generates a bandgap while conserving the continuous two-dimensional (2D) atomistic layer. We adopt a ballistic transistor model, where the band structures were calculated using ab initio simulations to assess the performance of graphene nanoroad and nanomesh transistors. It is shown that arrays of graphene nanoroads, defined by hydrogenation or fluorination of atomically narrow dimer lines in a 2D graphene, are most ideal for transistor channel materials in terms of delivering a large ON-current, and significantly outperform Si metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). Alternatively, comparable performance to silicon can be achieved by careful design of a graphene nanomesh through patterned hydrogenation or fluorination. Both hydrogenation and fluorination lead to similar transistor performance, with fluorination more preferred in terms of chemical energetics.