cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Normal incidence complex-index refractometry

Traditional refractometry of bulk transmissive optical materials is usually restricted to the lossless case where the material can be completely characterized by a real index of refraction. This paper is concerned with the measurement of both the real and the imaginary parts of the index of refraction (i.e., including any loss) using a single prism-shaped specimen of homogeneous material. The normal-incidence configuration is analyzed and discussed in this paper because of its mathematical simplicity compared to the minimum-deviation configuration. The measurement of the imaginary part of the index of refraction (i.e., loss) is practical when the longest and shortest optical paths through the prism differ by an absorption length or more. The measurement of the real part of the index can ignore loss and still be accurate to better than one part per million if the power absorption length in the prism material is longer than 60 wavelengths in that material. An equation to determine the real part of the index of refraction is given when the loss must be taken into consideration.
Attenuated marmoset herpesvirus isolated from recombinants of virulent marmoset herpesvirus and hybrid plasmids.

Marmoset herpesvirus (MarHV) deletion mutants in the thymidine kinase (TK) gene were isolated after infection of OMK cells with TK+ MarHV DNA and the hybrid plasmid, pMAR401, which lacks a 2.6-kb KpnI-M fragment in the coding region of the MarHV TK gene. After plaque purification in TK− HeLa(BU25) cells, the DNA's from five recombinant araT-resistant MarHV clones were analyzed with restriction nucleases to verify that the 2.6-kb KpnI-M fragment (and a 0.9-kb Bg1II-Q fragment) were deleted from the viral DNA's. Molecular hybridization experiments using 32P-labeled pMAR4 probes and viral DNA fragments also showed that the recombinant viral DNA's lacked the KpnI-M and Bg1II-Q fragments, that BamHI-I of parental virus was shortened, and that three new HindIII fragments replaced the parental virus HindIII-G fragment. The recombinants did not induce TK activity in LM (TK−) cells. To study the relative virulence of the recombinants, 3-week-old Swiss mice were injected intracerebrally (Ic) or subcutaneously (Sc) in the sacro-lumbar region with either parental or recombinant viruses. The LD50 for the parental virus was 3 p.f.u. (Ic) and 7,600 p.f.u. (Sc). The recombinant viruses were significantly less virulent than TK+ MarHV after Ic inoculation (LD50 of 62,000 and 32,000 p.f.u., respectively, for viruses 5D-6B and 5D-4B) and gave no fatalities after Sc inoculation. Mice surviving TK− MarHV infections were protected from challenge with TK+ parental MarHV. Recombinant TK− MarHV's may be useful as vectors for the expression of foreign genes in animal cells and as the starting material for the design of vaccines.
These Lives Will Not Be Lost in Vain: Organizational Learning from Disaster in U.S. Coal Mining

The stated purpose of the investigations that invariably follow industrial, transportation, and mining disasters is to learn from those tragedies to prevent future tragedies. But does prior experience with disaster make organizations more capable of preventing future disasters? Do organizations learn from disasters experienced by other organizations? Do organizations learn differently from rare disasters than they do from common minor accidents? In its present state, the organizational safety literature is poorly equipped to answer these questions. The present work begins to address this gap by empirically examining how prior organizational experience with disaster affects the likelihood that organizations will experience future disasters. It approaches the issue in the context of fatal U.S. coal mining accidents from 1983 to 2006. The analysis demonstrates that organizations do learn to prevent future disasters through both direct and vicarious experience with disaster. It also indicates that the mechanisms through which organizations learn from disasters differ from those through which they learn from minor accidents.
The Source and Secretion of Immunoactive Relaxin in Rat Milk

The milk of many mammalian species contains hormones and growth factors in addition to nutrients and immunocompetent substances. These factors can be absorbed into the circulation of suckling neonates to exert important effects on metabolism and promote tissue and organ growth. Frequently, there is uncertainty as to whether such substances are gene products of the mammary glands themselves or are produced elsewhere and concentrated from the systemic circulation. The 6 kD polypeptide, relaxin, appears in milk of several mammalian species, including that of the rat, but proof of its source of secretion (corpus luteum vs. mammary gland) is so far lacking. The specific monoclonal anti-rat relaxin antibody MCA1 has previously been utilized successfully to investigate many of relaxin's actions in the rat, including those affecting the development of the mammary apparatus. In this report, MCA1 was utilized to aid in the identification of the source of relaxin in rat milk. Treatment of lactating rats with MCA1 completely neutralized the luteal relaxin circulating in serum but did not decrease the concentration of immunoactive relaxin secreted in milk. Moreover, the antibody did not appear to reach the mammary epithelium. The evidence thus supports the view that in the rat, the relaxin secreted in milk is primarily a product of the mammary glands and not concentrated from the systemic circulation.
Piezoelectric-hydraulic pump based band brake actuation system for automotive transmission control

The actuation system of friction elements (such as band brakes) is essential for high quality operations in modern automotive automatic transmissions (in short, ATs). The current band brake actuation system consists of several hydraulic components, including the oil pump, the regulating valve and the control valves. In general, it has been recognized that the current AT band brake actuation system has many limitations. For example, the oil pump and valve body are relatively heavy and complex. Also, the oil pumps induce inherently large drag torque, which affects fuel economy. This research is to overcome these problems of the current system by exploring the utilization of a hybrid type piezo-hydraulic pump device for AT band brake control. This new actuating system integrates a piezo-hydraulic pump to the input of the band brake. Compared with the current systems, this new actuator features much simpler structure, smaller size, and lower weight. This paper describes the development, design and fabrication of the new stand-alone prototype actuator for AT band brake control. An analytical model is developed and validated using experimental data. Performance tests on the hardware and system simulations utilizing the validated model are performed to characterize the new prototype actuator. It is predicted that with increasing of accumulator pressure and driving frequency, the proposed prototype actuating system will satisfy the band brake requirement for AT shift control.
The Minnesota Percepto-Diagnostic Test and presenile dementia

The records of psychiatric patients seen for clinical reasons were used to examine the discriminating capacity of the rotation score of the Minnesota Percepto-Diagnostic Test. Thirty-one patients with an eventual organic diagnosis were compared with a matched group with functional diagnoses. The main organic subgroup, 17 patients diagnosed as presenile dementia, had markedly raised rotation scores, while the remaining 14 of mixed diagnoses did not differ from their controls. This high rotation in presenile dementia is in striking contrast to the moderate rotation shown by patients with Korsakov's psychosis in a recent study by Helmes, Holden, and Howe. It is suggested that this reflects the differing pathology of the two conditions.
Characterization of Moving Point Objects in Geospatial Data

Summary form only given. Geospatial data that exhibit time varying patterns are being captured faster than we are able to process them. We thus need machines to assist us in these tasks. One such problem is the automatic understanding of the behavior of moving objects for finding higher level information such as goals, intention etc. We propose a system that can solve one part of this complex task: automatic classification of movement patterns made by objects. In addition our system makes some simplifying assumptions: a) the object can be approximated as a moving point object (MPO) b) we consider interaction of a single MPO such as a car or mobile human, with static elements such as road networks and buildings e.g. airports, bus stops etc. on a terrain c) interactions between multiple MPOs are not considered. We use supervised machine learning algorithms to train the proposed system in classifying various patterns of spatiotemporal data. Algorithms such as Support Vector Machines and Decision Tree learning are trained with human labeled feature vectors that mathematically summarize how an MPO interacts with a landmark over time. Our feature vector incorporates a variety of geometric and temporal measurements such as the variable distances of the MPO to different points on the landmark, rate of change with time of variables such as distances and angles that are formed by the MPO with respect to the landmark. Simulated data created through graphical user interaction and agent-based modeling techniques are used to simulate MPO patterns over a representation of a real-world road network. The open source agent-based modeling tool Net Logo along with its GIS extension, and also the Agent Analyst module of ArcGIS are used to simulate large data sets. As future extensions, we are working on classification and prediction problems that involve multiple MPOs and landmarks.
Quenching constants of KrF(B, C) by Kr and Xe and the KrF(B, C) equilibrium constant

Abstract The two-photon, photo-assisted reaction between Kr and F 2 has been used to prepare KrF(B, C) molecules with a 7 ns laser pulse for subsequent decay measurement in Kr and Xe/Kr mixtures. The two- and three-body quenching constants in Kr are (4.0 ± 1.0) × 10 −12 cm 3 s −1 and (6.0 ± 2.0) × 10 −31 cm 6 s −1 , respectively. The KrF(B, C) equilibrium constant at 300 K is ≈ 4–5 with KrF(C) as the lower energy state. Quenching of KrF(B, C) by Xe gives XeF(B, C), and possibly some XeF(D), as a product with a rate constant of (10 ± 2) × 10 −11 cm 3 s −1 .
Communication Strategies of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets

The courtship display repertoires of Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets contain 80 to 90% homologous displays. The species have similar requirements for nest defense and pair-formation and nest side-by-side in colonies where their signal transmission problems are presumably identical. Yet they exhibit differences in display form, variability, repertoire usage, contexts, sequencing, signaling rates, pairbond durability, and morphology associated with communication. It is proposed that these 2 species have evolved different communication strategies (different combinations of signal design features) to reach essentially the same goal of pair-formation. Great Blue Herons apparently use relatively enriched signals that they send slowly while Great Egrets use discrete signals that are sent rapidly with some sequencing.
Operation of single-walled carbon nanotube as a radio-frequency single-electron transistor

We demonstrate the operation of a radio-frequency single-electron transistor (RF-SET) using single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The device is embedded in a resonant tank circuit and operates in reflection mode at temperatures as high as 5 K. Both frequency domain and time domain results are presented. With a gate modulation frequency of 1 MHz, a charge sensitivity of ~4.78 × 10−4e/Hz−1/2 is obtained, which is limited by the large parasitic capacitance between the gate and the source/drain pads. Through the use of a top-gated configuration with reduced parasitic capacitance, both the RF performance and the charge sensitivity can be significantly improved.
CANCER IN MINORITY ETHNIC/RACIAL GROUPS: A Rejoinder To “Black Male Cancer And American Urban Health Policy”

: This article was written as a rejoinder to “Black Male Cancer and American Urban Health Policy,” by Michael Greenberg, appearing in this issue of the Journal of Urban Affairs.
A visual analytics approach to model learning

The process of learning models from raw data typically requires a substantial amount of user input during the model initialization phase. We present an assistive visualization system which greatly reduces the load on the users and makes the process of model initialization and refinement more efficient, problem-driven, and engaging. Utilizing a sequence segmentation task with a Hidden Markov Model as an example, we assign each token in the sequence a feature vector based on its various properties within the sequence. These vectors are then clustered according to similarity, generating a layout of the individual tokens in form of a node link diagram where the length of the links is determined by the feature vector similarity. Users may then tune the weights of the feature vector components to improve the segmentation, which is visualized as a better separation of the clusters. Also, as individual clusters represent different classes, the user can now work at the cluster level to define token classes, instead of labelling one entry at time. Inconsistent entries visually identify themselves by locating at the periphery of clusters, and the user then helps refine the model by resolving these inconsistencies. Our system therefore makes efficient use of the knowledge of its users, only requesting user assistance for non-trivial data items. It so allows users to visually analyse data at a higher, more abstract level, improving scalability.
Finding the Right Balance Between Standardisation and Flexibility: A Compendium of Indicators for Measuring Child Well-Being

Understandings of child well-being are culturally embedded and highly contextualised. Its multifaceted nature, including dimensions of health, education, child social capital and psychosocial well-being, creates significant conceptual and methodological challenges for selection of standard indicators. This is particularly true for programmes that cover small areas where context is paramount in determining locally significant outcomes. Child focused International Non Governmental Organizations, such as World Vision, work in country contexts as different as Albania and Angola, with types of programmes ranging from advocacy to emergency, yet are seeking to report regionally and globally for advocacy and accountability purposes. How is it possible to measure context specific child well-being in such diverse situations? This article will present a compendium of indicators organized under a common set of child well-being outcomes. The compendium drew on globally recognized instruments such as MICS, literacy tests, and child self perception surveys to provide a wide selection of indicators. A three-step process for selecting indicators empowers programmers to choose indicators appropriate to their context. The compendium was piloted in Zambia with community-based programmers. The pilot had mixed results with programmers having some difficulty defining links between project activities and higher level outcomes. Refining the list of indicators to a manageable number was also a challenge. Questions were raised on the sequencing and use of focus group discussion. In conclusion, a compendium of indicators initially appears to be a workable solution for large organisations to measure well-being, but there is a requirement for specific capacity building for staff.
Enhanced monocyte adherence to thoracic aortae from rats with two forms of experimental hypertension.

To extend our previous observation that thoracic aortae from rats with spontaneous hypertension (SHR) bind monocytoid cells with enhanced avidity, we isolated thoracic aortae from two different forms of rodent hypertension: Dahl salt-sensitive (Dahl-S) rats fed a high salt diet and Sprague-Dawley (S-D) rats fed a fructose-enriched diet. Blood pressure was determined 14 days after feeding normal chow or chow containing 8% NaCl to Dahl-S and Dahl salt-resistant (Dahl-R) rats, and either chow or a fructose-enriched diet to S-D and Fischer 344 (F-344) rats. Blood pressure was similar in Dahl-S and Dahl-R rats on the chow diet, but higher in Dahl-S rats in response to the 8% NaCl diet (188 ± 7 v 137 ± 3 mm Hg, P < .001). Blood pressure also increased when S-D rats consumed fructose as compared with chow (149 ± 4 v 128 ± 2, P < .05), whereas blood pressure did not change with diet in F-344. Thoracic aortae were removed from rats in each experimental group, and their ability to bind murine monocytoid cells quantified. Measurements of monocyte binding were performed on one experimental and one control rat simultaneously, and results presented as the ratio of cells bound by thoracic aortae from the experimental compared with the control rat. With this approach, the ratio of monocyte binding (8% NaCl/chow) was increased in Dahl-S versus Dahl-R rats (1.7 ± 0.1 v 1.3 ± 0.1, P < .05), as well as in S-D as compared with F-344 rats (1.7 ± 0.2 v 1.1 ± 0.1, P < .05). These results provide evidence that hypertension in Dahl-S and fructose-fed S-D rats was associated with changes in the endothelium that favor atherogenesis.
Performance of polyurethane sealants on a strain-cycling exposure rack

Specimens of eight urethane-based sealants have been exposed on a rack that closely reproduces the width changes occurring in a building joint. Specimens that could not move were concurrently subjected only to weathering. After one year, three of the multi-component sealants exhibited good to excellent performance. One of the latter confirmed the results of a prior exposure, but with the other a repeat test in the second year revealed a much higher failure rate with a new batch. The remaining two multi-component and all three single-component urethanes failed in a few months, although priming the aluminium substrate delayed failure of one single-component sealant to the end of the year. The predominant effect of joint movement on sealant performance is shown by the lack of failure of any specimens that could not move. Recommendations are made on test conditions that provide the best evaluation.
Design guidelines for an optimum scrubber system

Abstract The revised New Source Performance Standards (NSPS) for the utility industry mandates reduced particulate matter and sulfur dioxide emissions from new utility boilers. A wet scrubber system can be an advantage in controlling both of these emissions. Existing wet scrubber systems may meet the new standards with significant increase in power consumption. A careful design of the entire scrubber system, based on the experience gained at the existing installations, is necessary to ensure cost effectiveness. The experience with existing wet scrubber systems used on coal-fired utility boilers is reviewed and their performance is correlated with power consumptions. Based on a correlation of scrubber pressure drop against outlet concentration, conventional scrubber systems would be able to meet the revised NSPS for particulate matter with a theoretical scrubber pressure drop of 43±5 cm H2O. Overall system pressure drop, however, could easily run as high as 76 cm H2O. Novel scrubber systems such as the electrostatically augmented scrubber may provide the necessary collection performance at lower pressure drops. The performance of the various scrubber components such as mist eliminators and reheaters is reviewed. Operating problems are also discussed.
System identification to characterize human use of ethanol based on generative point-process models of video games with ethanol rewards

The influence of family history and genetics on the risk for the development of abuse or dependence is a major theme in alcoholism research. Recent research have used endophenotypes and behavioral paradigms to help detect further genetic contributions to this disease. Electronic tasks, essentially video games, which provide alcohol as a reward in controlled environments and with specified exposures have been developed to explore some of the behavioral and subjective characteristics of individuals with or at risk for alcohol substance use disorders. A generative model (containing parameters with unknown values) of a simple game involving a progressive work paradigm is described along with the associated point process signal processing that allows system identification of the model. The system is demonstrated on human subject data. The same human subject completing the task under different circumstances, e.g., with larger and smaller alcohol reward values, is assigned different parameter values. Potential meanings of the different parameter values are described.
Ranking of partial resistance to common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schr.) in 30 sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids.

Abstract Thirty sweet corn (Zea mays) hybrids were evaluated for resistance to rust (Puccinia sorghi Schr.) for 3 years in an artificially inoculated field plot at St Paul, Minnesota. On the basis of visual determinations of rust severity, these cultivars were ranked according to level of resistance. All of them allowed at least some rust to develop, but the degree of final rust severity varied considerably. Correlation coefficients between the rust severity scores recorded for the hybrids in all three pairs of years were 0·68 (1978–1979), 0·79 (1978–1980) and 0·86 (1979–1980). Spearman's rank correlation coefficients were 0·76, 0·89 and 0·82, respectively, for the same comparisons.
Conformation-dependent reaction thermochemistry: study of lactones and lactone enolates in the gas phase.

Gas-phase acidities (ΔH°acid) of lactones with ring sizes from four to seven have been measured on a Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer. Electron affinities (EAs) of the corresponding lactone enolate radicals were measured on a continuous-wave ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometer, and the bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of the α C−H bonds were derived. In order of increasing ring size, ΔH°acid = 368.7 ± 2., 369.4 ± 2.2, 367.3 ± 2.2, and 368.3 ± 2.2 kcal/mol and BDE = 99.4 ± 2.3, 94.8 ± 2.3, 89.2 ± 2.3, and 92.8 ± 2.4 kcal/mol for β-propiolactone, γ-butyrolactone, δ-valerolactone, and e-caprolactone, respectively. For their corresponding enolate radicals, EA = 44.1 ± 0.3, 38.8 ± 0.3, 35.3 ± 0.3, and 37.9 ± 0.6 kcal/mol. All of these lactones are considerably more acidic than methyl acetate, consistent with a dipole repulsion model. Both BDEs and EAs show a strong dependence on ring size, whereas ΔH°acid does not. These findings are discussed, taking into account differential...
Decision support system for economic analysis of grasshopper treatment operations in the African Sahel.

A decision support system for benefit/cost analysis of chemical treatment of the Senegalese grasshopper, Oedaleus senegalensis (Krauss) (OSE), was created to assist in the training, analysis, and management of grasshopper treatment programmes. The system, known as GHLSIM, has linked simulation models, databases, and a user interface. Millet and sorghum phenology and yields are estimated by an FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization, United Nations) soil water deficit model. Outputs from the PRIFAS (Programme de Recherches Interdisciplinaire Francais sur les Acridiens du Sahel) OSE biomodel, including daily grasshopper life stages and favourability for development, are converted to density estimates using survey data, oviposition rates, and natural and insecticide-caused mortality. Crop loss is estimated through crop injury units — a function of grasshopper stage densities, consumption rates, crop preference, crop stage susceptibility, and non-crop vegetation greenness. Second-year benefits of treatment are estimated from end-of-season egg-pod densities. The model was calibrated using published economic thresholds for four crop stages. Yield increases from a late-season grasshopper aerial treatment campaign, 22 September — 19 October 1987, at 13 sites in eastern Chad were estimated at 33%±20% (s.e.). Benefit/cost ratios were 2.6±0.5 for the first season, and 3.8±0.7 with second-year effects added. The analysis indicated that optimal timing was 5–10 days earlier than the actual treatments. Crop yield reports from treated and non-treated areas, a crop loss assessment conducted in Batha, Chad in October 1987 and a break-even analysis provide further evidence that the campaign was successful and cost-effective at most sites, as indicated by model results.
Mobile smart device-based vegetable disease and insect pest recognition method

Computer vision and image processing technology have been rapidly developed and widely applied in many fields. There are many potential applications in modern agriculture. In this paper, a novel vegetable disease and insect pest recognition method is proposed based on the current computer vision and image processing methods. To investigate the vegetable disease and insect pest state, it is convenient to use images captured using smart phones for judgment. To implement this application, the disease area and the insect number on the leaves should be detected and figured out. So a new extraction and classification algorithm is firstly introduced to recognize leaves from images. Then a region-labeling algorithm is applied to calculate the insect number and disease areas in the segmented images. To deal with the areas of adhesion, a mathematical morphology algorithm is used for separating the objects. The proposed method is implemented on mobile smart devices and tested with field experiments. The experimental...
Sequencing cyclic peptide inhibitors of mammalian ribonucleotide reductase by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry

Mammalian ribonucleotide reductase (mRR) is a potential target for cancer intervention. A series of lactam-bridged cyclic peptide inhibitors (1-9) of mRR have been synthesized and tested in previous work. These inhibitors consist of cyclic and linear regions, causing their mass spectral characterization to be a challenge. We determined the fragmentation mechanism of cyclic peptides 1-9 using an ion-trap mass spectrometer equipped with an ESI source. Low-energy collision-induced dissociation of sodiated cyclic peptides containing linear branches follows a general pathway. Fragmentation of the linear peptide region produced mainly a and b ions. The ring peptide region was more stable and ring opening required higher collision energy, mainly occurring at the amide bond adjacent to the lactam bridge. The sodium ion, which bound to the carbonyl oxygen of the lactam bridge, acted as a fixed charge site and directed a charge-remote, sequence-specific fragmentation of the ring-opened peptide. Amino acid residues were cleaved sequentially from the C-terminus to the N-terminus. Our findings have established a new way to sequence cyclic peptides containing a lactam bridge based on charge-remote fragmentation. This methodology will permit unambiguous identification of high-affinity ligands within cyclic peptide libraries.
Specificity of Training in the Lingual Musculature

Purpose Training specificity for a number of exercise parameters has been demonstrated for the limb musculature. The current study is a Phase I exploration of training specificity in the lingual mu...
Implementation of Automation Determination of Training Score for Dispatcher Training Simulator

Based on analyses of several evaluation schemes, difficulty coefficient subtraction method was presented. An automation determination of training score method used in DTS was given, and the implementation process was introduced in details. Furthermore, marking for trainees’ training was carried out on four aspects of dispatching operation, power supply reliability, grid security, and economy of power network operation. According to the difficulty level of teaching plan, the difficulty coefficient was determined, the relevant calculation method of trainees' training score was proposed, and the weighted score and evaluation report were presented finally. Its practical applications indicate that the marking method of trainees’ training score is reasonable, able to reflect the practice of dispatchers' operation, and easy to realize generalization, extension and maintenance through the separation between program and standard of evaluation score.
SU‐E‐T‐468: A Novel Complexity Index to Evaluate IMRT QA

Purpose: To establish a quantitative complexity measure for IMRT plans. Methods: We propose a quantitative complexity index (CI) of IMRT plans that considers the dose variations within each IMRT field and compares to dose variations uniform rectangular fields of comparable size. The ratio of area to perimeter of a 1‐D dose profile is a measure of complexity, as the complexity of dose profile increases, this ratio would decrease as the perimeter would increase for a given area. This ratio would be greatest for an open field. By normalizing ratio of an IMRT field to that of uniform field of similar size, the variation of this ratio with field size would be eliminated. The complexity index of a plan would be weighted average of complexity indices of its individual fields. A graph of gamma versus CI would guide the clinical physicist in accepting an IMRT QA in a more rational manner. The calculated dose distributions were used to calculate the CI. We exposed EDR films in solid phantom to uniform and intensity modulated fields using 6 MV photons. The films were normal to CAX of beams. Results: The gamma analyses of these films were performed using 3% dose, 3mm DTA criteria with a 10% dose threshold. Some of the uniform and the modulated fields were measured and analyzed repeatedly to evaluate the random uncertainty. We noticed a gradual decrease in the percent of pixels with gamma values &#8804;1 with increasing complexity — from about 94% for large uniform fields to about 83% for modulated fields. The decrease was significant compared to the random uncertainty. Small open fields (4×4) had lower % pixel with gamma &#8804;1 than larger fields (10×10) (88%). Conclusion: A quantitative complexity analysis was established and would be a useful tool in evaluating gamma analyses of IMRT QA.
Evaluation of alternative strategies for optimizing glycemia: progress to date

Adequate control of blood sugar has been repeatedly shown to translate into reductions in diabetic complications. Although insulin therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes can achieve and maintain near-normal glycemic goals associated with reductions in microvascular and macrovascular end points, it is often reserved for the later stages of management of these patients because of real or perceived concerns; these include fear and anxiety about worsening diabetes, failure of self-management, loss of quality of life, the pain of self-injection, and the possibility of multiple daily injections. Risks of hypoglycemia, weight gain, and cardiovascular disease may be concerns of physicians, but these risks are either manageable or, in the case of cardiovascular disease, unfounded. Taken together, the barriers to insulin therapy frequently compel physicians to consider it a treatment of last resort. Some of the more common barriers have been addressed through device options such as insulin pens and jet injectors, which may improve convenience but do not alleviate pain and discomfort. Transdermal delivery options using iontophoresis or ultrasound are in early stages of development, but methods based on transmucosal delivery-including buccal, nasal, and pulmonary routes-are further advanced. In particular, recent evidence shows that pulmonary forms of insulin are as safe and effective as rapid-acting injected insulin, and are well accepted by patients even over long-term periods of use. These innovative delivery systems may help overcome the barriers to insulin use.
Hydrocarbon measurements during the 1992 Southern Oxidants Study Atlanta Intensive: Protocol and quality assurance

Abstract A major component of the Southern Oxidants Study (SOS) 1992 Atlanta Intensive was the measurement of atmospheric nonmethane hydrocarbons. Ambient air samples were collected and analyzed by a network of strategically located automated gas chromatography (GC) systems (field systems). In addition, an extensive canister sampling network was deployed. Combined, more than 3000 chromatograms were recorded. The SOS science team targeted for quantitative analysis 56 compounds which may be substantial contributors to ozone formation or used as air mass tracers. A quality assurance program was instituted to ensure that good measurements were being made throughout the network for each target compound. Common, high-quality standards were used throughout the network. The performance of individual field systems was evaluated during the intensive through the analysis of challenge mixtures. This methodology helped to identify and correct analytical problems as they arose.
Spectral reflectivities of the Galilean satellites and Titan, 0.32 to 0.86 micrometers

Abstract A spectrophotometric observational study of the Galilean satellites and Titan was carried out at 0.004-μm (40-A) resolution over the spectral range 0.32 to 0.86 μm. A standard lunar area was used as a primary spectroscopic standard to establish the relative reflection spectra of the objects by ratioing the sky-corrected satellite spectra to the standard area on the Moon. J1 (Io) is found to have a spectral edge at 0.33 μm that has not been previously reported. The increase in reflectivity from 0.4 to 0.5 μm and the band at 0.56 μm are confirmed. A weak band at 0.56 μm is probable on J2 (Europa) and possible on J3 (Ganymede). J4 (Callisto) shows no spectral features that have not been previously reported. On Titan, no temporal variations in the methane bands greater than 2% were found, indicating that the effective path length in the Titan atmosphere did not change over the 3-month period of this study. A new absorption band of methane at 0.68 μm was found on Titan. We propose an extension of the evaporite model of Fanale et al. (1974, 1977) and the sulfur mixing models of Wamsteker et al. (1974) in which the primary constituent of the surface of J1 is elemental sulfur sublimated onto the surface by photodissociation of hydrogen sulfide outgassing from the interior. The sulfur is continually renewed by sublimation, sputtering, and redeposition. At low temperatures irradiation produces stable S 2 , S 3 , S 4 , S 6 , and long chain polymers. Some of these allotropes have an edge at 0.33 μm, a rising reflectance between 0.4 and 0.5 μm a band at 0.56 μm. All of these features are found in the spectrum of J1. We conclude that the lunar ratioing technique used in this study is well suited for determining the relative reflection spectra of solar system objects.
2-D Quantum Gravity and Liouville Theory

We quantize the Liouville theory, or 2-D quantum gravity, and quantum supergravity in the conformal gauge. We explicitly calculate the Jacobian accompanying the change from the Weyl invariant measure to the translation invariant one. We show that it is of the same form as the original Liouville action, thus establishing a conjecture of David and Distler and Kawai. This calculation yields dressed gravitational central charges and anomalous dimensions from first principles.
Estimation of the quantile function of residual life time distribution

The estimation of the quantile function of the residual life time distribution is of interest in life testing. Since the sample quantile function (empirical estimator) of the residual life is discontinuous, we smooth the function by convolving it with a kernel function. The smoothed function is called a kernel-type estimator. We study the asymptotic properties of the kernel-type estimator and the empirical estimator. Specifically, we consider the convergence in mean squared error. Empirical results are given on the small sample properties of the two estimators, based on a Monte Carlo simulation study.
Plasma Injection and Trapping Measurements

>Experiments in plasma injection and trapping and techniques used to examine the plasma-field interaction are discussed. (R.E.U.)
Metaphor development by secondary teachers enrolled in graduate teacher education

Abstract This paper focuses on a graduate-level teacher education course intended to facilitate teachers' understanding of the relationship between theory and practice. Teachers developed metaphors grounded in their personal histories as learners and educators. Four cases studies are described in depth, four cases are summarized, and a cross-case analysis is presented. Many struggled with metaphor development, but all found it valuable for linking their cognition and practice. Common themes included influence of school context, learning history, and a stronger influence of teaching history with increased years of experience. The metaphors were not strongly associated with subject matter, rather they more closely linked with their views of teaching and learning.
The Corporate Role In Reducing Disparities: Initiatives Under Way At Verizon

Major US employers have great influence on the health care system because of the large number of employees for whom they provide health benefits and the billions of dollars they spend on health care. These companies must find ways to promote and improve health and health care, including by addressing racial and ethnic disparities. The communications company Verizon 38 percent of whose workforce is made up of racial and ethnic minorities, does so through a variety of initiatives to educate employees and to partner with health plans to increase screenings, care management, and other interventions. These initiatives include on-site mammography screening for employees; mailings that describe heightened breast cancer risks for minority populations; and data analysis to determine whether special programs should be put in place to target cardiovascular and other disease risks for racial and ethnic minorities. Between 200 and 300 female employees each year for the past three years have been screened at Verizon fo...
Nucleus-localized Antisense Small RNAs with 5′-Polyphosphate Termini Regulate Long Term Transcriptional Gene Silencing in Entamoeba histolytica G3 Strain

In the deep-branching eukaryotic parasite Entamoeba histolytica, transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) of the Amoebapore A gene (ap-a) in the G3 strain has been reported with subsequent development of this parasite strain for gene silencing. However, the mechanisms underlying this gene silencing approach are poorly understood. Here we report that antisense small RNAs (sRNAs) specific to the silenced ap-a gene can be identified in G3 parasites. Furthermore, when additional genes are silenced in the G3 strain, antisense sRNAs to the newly silenced genes can also be detected. Characterization of these sRNAs demonstrates that they are ∼27 nucleotides in size, have 5′-polyphosphate termini, and persist even after removal of the silencing plasmid. Immunofluorescence analysis (IFA) and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) show that both the Argonaute protein EhAGO2-2 and antisense sRNAs to the silenced genes are localized to the parasite nucleus. Furthermore, α-EhAGO2-2 immunoprecipitation confirmed the direct association of the antisense sRNAs with EhAGO2-2. Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrate that the loci of the silenced genes are enriched for histone H3 and EhAGO2-2, indicating that both chromatin modification and the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing complex are involved in permanent gene silencing in G3 parasites. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that G3-based gene silencing in E. histolytica is mediated by an siRNA pathway, which utilizes antisense 5′-polyphosphate sRNAs. To our knowledge, this is the first study to show that 5′- polyphosphate antisense sRNAs can mediate TGS, and it is the first example of RNAi-mediated TGS in protozoan parasites.
Observation of 23 Supernovae That Exploded <300?pc from Earth during the past 300 kyr

Four supernovae (SNe), exploding ≤300 pc from Earth, were recorded 44, 37, 32, and 22 kyr ago in the radiocarbon (14C) record during the past 50 kyr. Each SN left a nearly identical signature in the record, beginning with an initial sudden increase in atmospheric radiocarbon, when the SN exploded, followed by a hiatus of 1500 yr, and concluding with a sustained 2000 yr increase in global radiocarbon due to γ-rays produced by diffusive shock in the SN remnant (SNR). For the past 18 kyr excess radiocarbon has decayed with the 14C half-life. SN22kyrBP, is identified as the Vela SN that exploded 250 ± 30 pc from Earth. These SN are confirmed in the 10Be, 26Al, 36Cl, and NO geologic records. The rate of near-Earth SNe is consistent with the observed rate of historical SNe giving a galactic rate of 14 ± 3 kyr–1 assuming the Chandra Galactic Catalog SNR distribution. The Earth has been used as a calorimeter to determine that ≈2 × 1049 erg were released as γ-rays at the time of each SN explosion and ≈1050 erg in γ-rays following each SN. The background rate of 14C production by cosmic rays has been determined as 1.61 atoms cm–2 s–1. Approximately 1/3 of the cosmic ray energy produced by diffusive shock in the SNR was observed to be emitted as high-energy γ-rays. Analysis of the 10Be/9Be ratio in marine sediment identified 19 additional near-Earth SNe that exploded 50-300 kyr ago. Comparison of the radiocarbon record with global temperature variations indicated that each SN explosion is correlated with a concurrent global warming of ≈3°C-4°C.
Enhanced Boiling Heat Transfer in Parallel Microchannels With Diffusion Brazed Wire Mesh

Flow boiling is an important process in energy conversion applications such as power generation and heating, ventilating, and air conditioning systems. Recently, it has drawn interest in the high heat flux electronics cooling community. Flow boiling enhancement, in addition, has the benefit of early onset of nucleate boiling, potentially lowering wall superheat, and increasing the heat transfer coefficient and critical heat flux (CHF). The objective of this paper was to investigate the use of fine metal wire mesh screens to enhance nucleate boiling in microchannels. Contact resistance between the wire mesh and channel heating surface was essentially eliminated by employing a diffusion brazing process to attach the screen to the wall. The parallel microchannels were 1000 μm in width and 510 μm in depth. A dielectric working fluid, HFE 7000, was investigated during this paper. Flow boiling results were compared for channels with and without wire mesh. According to the flow boiling curves obtained in this investigation for the bare and mesh channels, the amount of wall superheat was substantially reduced for the mesh channels at all four stream-wise locations. This indicated that nucleate boiling in the mesh channel was enhanced due to the increase of nucleation sites the mesh introduced. The mesh channels also displayed a higher flow boiling heat transfer coefficient. Both the nucleate boiling dominated regime and convective evaporation dominated regime were identified, with the overall trend of increasing the flow boiling heat transfer coefficient with respect to vapor quality until this quantity reached approximately 0.4. The CHF for the mesh channel was also significantly higher than that for the bare channel. The flow boiling enhancement was achieved with no apparent pressure drop penalty. The results presented here provide a practical means to implement this surface enhancement technique.
Management of lupus nephropathy.

This review is an evidence- and experience-based approach to the management of SLE, particularly its kidney manifestations. Specific protocols in substantial clinical detail are provided for management and monitoring, according to the severity of the SLE manifestations. The protocols are adapted from those used in a major SLE trial. The adaptations are based on subsequent extensive clinical use of these protocols. Also described is the concomitant use of cardio- and kidney-protective therapies to optimize patient outcomes.
Hidden Markov model based attenuation correction for positron emission tomography

In this paper, we present a new algorithm for segmenting short-duration transmission images in positron emission tomography (PET). Additionally, we show how the information provided by the segmentation algorithm can be used to obtain accurate attenuation correction factors. The key idea behind the segmentation algorithm is that transmission images can be viewed as hidden Markov models (HMMs). Using this viewpoint and a training procedure, it is possible to incorporate both a priori anatomical information and the statistical properties of the estimator used to reconstruct the transmission images. The main advantages of the proposed segmentation algorithm, referred to as the HMM segmentation algorithm, are that it is robust and directly addresses the inhomogeneity of the lung region. Once an attenuation image is segmented; the pixel values in the various regions are replaced by more accurate attenuation coefficient values. Then, the resulting image is smoothed with a Gaussian filter and reprojected to obtain the desired attenuation correction factors. Using data from a thorax phantom and a patient, we demonstrate the effectiveness of the HMM-based attenuation correction method.
Control of Alveolar Differentiation by the Lineage Transcription Factors GATA6 and HOPX Inhibits Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastasis

Molecular programs that mediate normal cell differentiation are required for oncogenesis and tumor cell survival in certain cancers. How cell-lineage-restricted genes specifically influence metastasis is poorly defined. In lung cancers, we uncovered a transcriptional program that is preferentially associated with distal airway epithelial differentiation and lung adenocarcinoma (ADC) progression. This program is regulated in part by the lineage transcription factors GATA6 and HOPX. These factors can cooperatively limit the metastatic competence of ADC cells, by modulating overlapping alveolar differentiation and invasogenic target genes. Thus, GATA6 and HOPX are critical nodes in a lineage-selective pathway that directly links effectors of airway epithelial specification to the inhibition of metastasis in the lung ADC subtype.
Effects of severe global ischemia on N-acetylaspartate and other metabolites in the rat brain

N-acetylaspartate (NAA) is found exclusively in neurons and their processes in the adult brain. Since the regional distribution of NAA may be imaged using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging ( 1 H-MRSI), a regional measure of neuronal density may be noninvasively obtained. The technique may be particularly useful in the diagnosis of diseases where neurons are selectively injured, since these diseases do not result in definitive changes on conventional imaging studies. The goal of this study was to determine whether 1 H-MRSI measurement of NAA detects neuronal loss following global ischemia. 1 H-MRSI was performed in rats 24 h after global ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid occlusion plus hypotension. 1- H-MRSI showed that NAA was decreased by 29-74% in vulnerable regions, including the cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and, to a lesser extent, the thalamus. No change was observed in the brain stem or cerebellum. Regions where 1 H-MRSI observed NAA was decreased also had histological evidence of selective neuronal necrosis and showed marked increase of lactate and alanine. These results show that 1 H-MRSI detected loss of NAA in brain regions with selective neuronal loss, suggesting that 1 H-MRSI measurements of NAA could detect neuronal loss in a variety of disease states where there is selective neuronal necrosis.
A study of the chirping of a single-sideband mode-locked laser

A complete nonlinear analysis of the chirping of a single-sideband mode-locked laser is presented. The analysis shows how the optical frequency of a single-sideband mode-locked laser can depend upon the operating conditions. For the homogeneously broadened laser studied, the performance can be enhanced by increasing the modulation level. The optical frequency shift is very sensitive to the frequency tuning of the oscillator. >