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BackgroundPedestrians are commonly involved in vehicle collisions that result in injuries and fatalities. Pedestrian distraction has become an emerging safety issue as more pedestrians use their mobile phones while walking and crossing the street.ObjectivesThe purpose of this research synthesis and meta-analysis is to determine the extent to which cell phone conversation, text messaging or browsing, and listening to music affect a number of common pedestrian behavioural measures.MethodsA keyword search was developed with a subject librarian that used MeSH terms from selected databases including PsycINFO, SPORTDiscus, Medline and TRID. Supplemental searches were also conducted with Google Scholar and Mendeley.Effect size codingThirty-three studies met inclusion criteria and were subjected to data extraction. Statistical information (ie, M, SD, SE, 95% CI, OR, F, t) was extracted to generate standardised mean difference effect sizes (ie, Cohen’s d) and reffect sizes.ResultsFourteen experimental studies were ultimately included in an N-weighted meta-analysis (k=81 effect sizes), and eight observational studies were included in a qualitative overview. Both mobile phone conversation and text messaging increased rates of hits and close calls. Texting decreased rates of looking left and right prior to and/or during street crossing. As might be expected, text messaging was generally found to have the most detrimental effect on multiple behavioural measures.LimitationsA variety of study quality issues limit the interpretation and generalisation of the results, which are described, as are future study measurement and methods improvements.

III–V semiconductors containing small amounts of nitrogen (“dilute nitrides”) are very promising material systems for optoelectronic applications. Devices based on dilute nitrides currently suffer from problematic C incorporation. To overcome this problem, a novel nitrogen (N) and arsenic (As) precursor for metal–organic vapor phase epitaxy (MOVPE) of the dilute nitride di-tert-butylaminoarsane (DTBAA) has been introduced. DTBAA in comparison to the commonly used 1,1-dimethylhydrazine (UDMHy) showed a significantly improved N incorporation efficiency. The molecule exhibits no strong carbon (C)–N bond, and the C is only present in large alkyl groups which form fewer C radicals since β-H elimination is the dominating decomposition process. This should significantly lower the problematic C incorporation in dilute nitrides and lead to highly efficient devices. To understand the high N incorporation efficiency as well as the As incorporation, the gas-phase decomposition of this novel precursor has been studied with a real time Fourier transform (FT) quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (iTrap) from Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH in a horizontal Aixtron Aix 200 GFR MOVPE reactor. Formation of isobutane and isobutene proves a radical cleavage and β-H-elimination as decomposition processes of the tert-butyl groups attached to the molecule. Furthermore, the appearance of ammonia (NH3) has been detected. This indicates a direct cleavage of the As–N bond of the molecule, resulting in the formation of an aminyl radical (NH2•). The formation of NH2•explains the high N incorporation efficiency of DTBAA as well as its limitations due to desorption of NH3at higher temperatures.

As a functional organization principle in cortical visual information processing, the influential ‘two visual systems’ hypothesis proposes a division of labor between a dorsal “vision-for-action” and a ventral “vision-for-perception” stream. A core assumption of this model is that the two visual streams are differentially involved in visual awareness: ventral stream processing is closely linked to awareness while dorsal stream processing is not. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study with human observers, we directly probed the stimulus-related information encoded in fMRI response patterns in both visual streams as a function of stimulus visibility. We parametrically modulated the visibility of face and tool stimuli by varying the contrasts of the masks in a continuous flash suppression (CFS) paradigm. We found that visibility – operationalized by objective and subjective measures – decreased proportionally with increasing log CFS mask contrast. Neuronally, this relationship was closely matched by ventral visual areas, showing a linear decrease of stimulus-related information with increasing mask contrast. Stimulus-related information in dorsal areas also showed a dependency on mask contrast, but the decrease rather followed a step function instead of a linear function. Together, our results suggest that both the ventral and the dorsal visual stream are linked to visual awareness, but neural activity in ventral areas more closely reflects graded differences in awareness compared to dorsal areas.

When two gratings drifting in different directions are superimposed, the resulting stimulus can be perceived as two overlapping component gratings moving in different directions or as a single pattern moving in one direction. Whilst the motion direction of component gratings is already represented in visual area V1, the majority of previous studies have found processing of pattern motion direction only from visual area V2 onwards. Here, we question these findings using multi-voxel pattern analysis (MVPA). In Experiment 1, we presented superimposed sinusoidal gratings with varying angles between the two component motions. These stimuli were perceived as patterns moving in one of two possible directions. We found that linear support vector machines (SVMs) could generalise across stimuli composed of different component motions to successfully discriminate pattern motion direction from brain activity in V1, V3A and hMT+/V5. This demonstrates the representation of pattern motion information present in these visual areas. This conclusion was verified in Experiment 2, where we manipulated similar plaid stimuli to induce the perception of either a single moving pattern or two separate component gratings. While a classifier could again generalise across stimuli composed of different component motions when they were perceived as a single moving pattern, its performance dropped substantially in the case where components were perceived. Our results indicate that pattern motion direction information is present in V1.

Chemokines constitute a family of small heparin-binding proteins which orchestrate the infiltration of leukocytes during inflammation, but also directly influence other physiological and pathophysiological processes. In humans, more than 40 chemokines are known binding to around 18 G-protein-coupled receptors. A non-redundant role of certain chemokines and their receptors has been identified within the last years in inflammation and host defense. Among chemokine receptors, the CC chemokine receptors CCR1 and CCR2 have been shown to play a crucial role in these processes. Importantly, these receptors have already been targeted by specific antagonists in early human trials for autoimmune and infectious diseases. Although most of these antagonists failed to show any significant efficacy in the clinic, the knowledge of their biological effects could henceforth offer new avenues with optimal strategies for producing successful therapeutics.

Human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) secrete a number of factors that greatly impact the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). These factors remain largely unknown. Here, we report on the most comprehensive proteomic profiling of the HUVEC secretome and identified 827 different secreted proteins. Two hundred and thirty-one proteins were found in all conditions, whereas 369 proteins were identified only under proinflammatory conditions following IL-1β, IL-3, and IL-6 stimulation. Thirteen proteins including complement factor b (CFb) were identified only under IL-1β and IL-3 conditions and may potentially represent HSPC proliferation factors. The combination of bioinformatics and gene ontology annotations indicates the role of the complement system and its activation. Furthermore, CFb was found to be transcriptionally strongly upregulated. Addition of complement component 5b-9 (C5b-9) monoclonal antibody to the stem cell expansion assay was capable of significantly reducing their proliferation. This study suggests a complement-mediated cross-talk between endothelial cells and HSPCs under proinflammatory conditions.

The cleavage/polyadenylation factor (CPF) of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is thought to provide the catalytic activities of the mRNA 3'-end processing machinery, which include endonucleolytic cleavage at the poly(A) site, followed by synthesis of an adenosine polymer onto the new 3'-end by the CPF subunit Pap1. Because of similarity to other nucleases in the metallo-beta-lactamase family, the Brr5/Ysh1 subunit has been proposed to be the endonuclease. The C-terminal domain of Brr5 lies outside of beta-lactamase homology, and its function has not been elucidated. We show here that this region of Brr5 is necessary for cell viability and mRNA 3'-end processing. It is highly homologous to another CPF subunit, Syc1. Syc1 is not essential, but its removal improves the growth of other processing mutants at restrictive temperatures and restores in vitro processing activity to cleavage/ polyadenylation-defective brr5-1 extract. Our findings suggest that Syc1, by mimicking the essential Brr5 C-terminus, serves as a negative regulator of mRNA 3'-end formation.

We recently found that in bistable apparent motion (AM) both the motion complex (hMTV5) and kinetic occipital area (KO) transiently activated whenever perception switched in the spinning wheel illusion. Here, we tested the specificity of this result with another bistable AM stimulus, the dynamic dot quartet, that does not involve kinetic contours. We observed significant activations in hMTV5, but not in KO. This indicates that neural activity in functionally specialized extrastriate visual areas during switching perception of ambiguous input depends on stimulus features in a finely tuned way suitable to encode perceptual content in the absence of sensory input changes.

The debate about the scope and limits of unconscious visual processing under continuous flash suppression (CFS) has created a heterogeneous set of divergent findings that are yet to be reconciled. Attention has been suggested as an important factor in modulating the processing of suppressed visual information under CFS. Specifically, Eo et al. (2016) reported that semantic processing under CFS can be significantly facilitated when spatial attention is diverted away from the suppressed stimulus. Based on event-related potential (ERP) findings involving the N400, they proposed that inattention attenuates interocular suppression and thereby makes semantic processing available unconsciously, potentially reconciling conflicting evidence in the literature. In this study, we aimed to further investigate the “CFS-attenuation-by-inattention” hypothesis using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA). We tested whether the decodability of object category increases under CFS when attention is diverted away from the suppressed stimulus in a spatial cueing task. Our results provide no evidence for the “CFS-attenuation-by-inattention” hypothesis, but show higher decoding accuracies for visible stimuli than for invisible stimuli. We discuss the implications of our findings for the important endeavor of trying to reconcile the divergent reports of unconscious processing under CFS.

The effect of ionic strength (0.1 M = [Cl] =0.4M), pH (3.0 = pH= 5.0) and shear rate (up to 1000 sec-1) on the rheological response of concentrated chitosan solutions have been studied. It has been observed that viscosity increases with increasing chitosan concentration and that a shear thinning behavior is present for polymer concentrations above 0.50 g/dl. Also, it has been shown that the zero shear viscosity is independent of the ionic strength of the media, but increases as pH is increased. This behavior has been related to the role of the surface charge density on the chitosan backbone upon the intermolecular entanglement which control the rheological behavior of concentrated chitosan solutions.

The counterion transport properties, represented by the chloride ion activity coefficient in cationic polyelectrolyte solutions were studied. The effect of polymer concentration and ionic strength of the media in non-dilute regime were examined. The relative counterion activity coefficient (?/?0) decreased with a decrease in ionic strength, but remained unchanged with polymer concentrations. Chloride ions bound per monomer of polymer (n) were estimated from the activity coefficient. The bound ion (n) decreased with decreases in ionic strength and increases in polymer concentration. This phenomenon demonstrates the effect of intermolecular interactions in polyelectrolytes on the charge shielding process of polyions.

Twenty-one patients whose solitary detectable biopsy proven recurrent brain malignancies produced Central Nervous System (CNS) symptoms warranting further intervention received 60-minute 43°C (180 degree-minute) interstitial 2450 MHz microwave hyperthermia fractions. All received brain teletherapy prior to recurrence. The first 15 received no brachytherapy and served as a toxicity pilot. All 15 enjoyed neurologic improvement, 12 symptomatic improvement, and 12 objective response as mass reduction and/or tumor necrosis. The next 6 patients were selected with more favorable Karnofsky performance status, no known active malignancy elsewhere, and received afterloading Ir-192 interstitial implantation juxtaposed to radiosensitizing hyperthermia. Volume dose varied from 1000 to 2245 rad, and dose rate from 40 to 100 rad/hr. Dose selected varied as a function of pre-recurrence teletherapy dose, general condition, histologic type, and volume. Neurosurgical debulking, if technically indicated through no additional aperture or trauma, was permitted if consistent with preservation of neurological function. Six enjoyed neurologic improvement, symptom reduction, and objective tumor response; three remain alive, and one experienced transient improvement. Complications, histologic subtypes, autopsy findings, stereolactic approach, thermal monitoring methods and CT follow-up of objective response are presented along with computer dosimetry and isotherm chart. Our microtraumatic universal catheter technique for CT guided stereotactic biopsy, aspiration, decompression, thermal sensory loop, thermalization antennae, and brachytherapy without multiple trauma nor changing catheters is stressed. The rationale for combined modes peculiar to the CNS will be outlined. Proposal for incorporating controlled-release ARA-C chemotherapy polymer micro-rods into the interstitial format will be offered. The preceeding is an FDA-approved controlled clinical trial.

Chitosan and polyacrylic acid mixtures were prepared in different mole ratios and at different pH values and ionic strengths (0.025–0.300). Complex formation was detected by turbidity measurement and quantified by weighing the freeze dried pellet recovered by centrifugation. No insoluble complex formation at pH=2 was detected. In the 3 to 6 pH range, the maximum complex formation occurred at different mole ratios. Quantitative analysis of the supernatant showed that pH affects the complex composition. Solution ionic strength in the 0.025–0.300 range did not affect complex formation.

Radio frequency radiation has become a promising new weapon against cancer. Medical researchers around the world report that the use of such radiation to heat malignant tissue to the hyperthermic range (42 to 43.5°C) appears to be a safe and efficient means for either destroying the cancer cells or making them more susceptible to other forms of treatment.

The theory of the linear electro-optic effect in cubic crystals is extended beyond the treatments of Pockels and Schramm. Differences in the electro-optic behavior and the physical properties of cuprous chloride (CuCl) and the dihydrogen phosphates are discussed, with emphasis on the implications of their use in optical modulators. Techniques for growing CuCl are reviewed, and the design theory of video- and microwave-frequency CuCl light modulators is discussed. Finally, the construction and performance of some experimental microwave light modulators are described.

The current status of transferred electron devices (TEDs) is surveyed. The physics of the transferred electron effect, the theory of amplifiers and oscillators, material growth, device fabrication, and the design of amplifier and oscillator circuits are discussed along with a presentation of the outlook for the near future.

Presents a biographical entry for each author and co-author included in this issue of the publication.

Recent progress in the following areas is reviewed: high-power UHF and microwave transistors, high-power microwave transistor-oscillator multipliers and transistor-amplifier multipliers, high-power transistor-driven harmonic-generator chains, Gunn-type oscillators, and avalanche diode oscillators.

Contains an entry for each author and co-author included in this publication.

The article discusses the need for long-term care for the aging population in the U.S. It is estimated that nine million people over the age 65 will need some form of long-term care in the country. Long-term care covers a range of services to help individuals over an extended time with a chronic illness of disability. The chances of needing long-term care are higher for women, which may be due to longer life expectancies and longer disability-free lifetimes. Details about assisted living facilities, nursing homes and hospice programs are also presented.

The article offers a brief introduction to some of the major programs and issues to consider when planning healthcare finances in the U.S. It notes that Medicare faces constant cost pressures and some people are concerned that the program may eventually become insolvent. Also discussed are employer-sponsored health insurance and the Health Savings Account (HSA).

The author discusses the five distinct types of risk that an investor may face and how to deal with each. One of the risks includes market risk which refers to the fact that investment could go down in value and be worth less than the purchase price. The author's best way of reducing the effect of it is to diversify assets among securities that are likely to perform differently in the same market environment.

Two cases of idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis that were mistaken for lymphomas on a computed tomography scan are presented. The similar radiographic densities and anatomical appearances on cross section scans of these diseases probably account for this misinterpretation.

The small-signal stability of a transferred-electron device (t.e.d.) driven with a voltage generator of finite impedance is discussed. It is shown that the series impedance significantly alters the stability condition. Computations for a resistor in series with the t.e.d. show that the maximum n0L product for stable operation increases with increasing series resistance. The practical implications of this result are discussed.

The article discusses planning for a business exit. It is said that most business sales are driven by personal factors instead of just tax issues or economic condition. Planning for a transition should come even years before the actual exit so that there is enough time for documentation and other important details. Experts on tax, legal, and investment banking may be consulted for guidance and assistance to be able to come up with the best strategies.

The article highlights several factors to consider before deciding whether or not to roll over accumulated retirement funds to an individual retirement account (IRA) in the U.S. It mentions the several advantages of IRA rollover including the ability of an individual to retain the tax-deferred status of his retirement investments and that such rollover accommodates more customized beneficiary designations. Also, the author asserts that a decision not to rollover the retirement funds to an IRA could affect the spouse.

The author speculates on the connection between recessions and bear markets. He explains the impact of past recessions on corporate profits. He outlines several factors that frequently influence stock prices, including inflation, interest rates and investor psychology. He stresses the importance for most investors to develop a long-term investment strategy and stick to it.

This article explores the impact of the capital gains tax when a valuable business is sold in the U.S. The author discusses the implementation of the 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act and its effect on the capital gains tax. He indicates that an increase in the capital gains tax rate has important implications to business owners when it is time to sell the business. He also realizes that the decision to sell a business is neither purely tax-driven, nor even a purely financial consideration.

The article offers suggestions for retiring members of the baby boom generation in the U.S. on managing their personal finances. The author encourages individuals aged 50 years old to consider acquiring long-term care insurance, which may pay for nursing homes and in-home care. Retirees can also benefit from using taxable accounts instead of the tax-deferred pension accounts. They can reduce bills by paying off debt and investing in capital expenses. To prepare for changing event, retirees must make a durable power of attorney, a living will and a will.

The article suggests some New Year's resolutions for businesses. First, businesses need to re-evaluate or analyze their portfolio holdings by considering their investment objectives, time horizons and life stage. Second, before investing and researching a company's record track, consider first its quality. Third, diversify or invest in a different kinds of securities to help reduce risk. Also, businesses should prepare for unexpected cash needs by keeping an emergency fund.

The article offers intergenerational financial planning tips. Considering the short term uncertainties in estate taxation, measures to maximize gifting strategies are presented. Among the things that need to be considered in planning include formulating a family mission statement, drafting of legal estate planning documents, evaluating the use of a trust, and selecting a trustee. The author notes that there is no sure formula to creating an intergenerational plan.

Remarkable progress is being made in improving the performance of microwave solid-state devices used for signal processing and power generation. As a result, microwave solid-state amplifiers and oscillators are replacing low-noise and medium-power traveling-wave tubes (TWT's) and backward-wave oscillators (BWO's), and entirely new applications for microwave technologies are being created.