cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Fibrinogen-Fibrin Conversion1

Publisher Summary The thrombin-induced conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin that is the primary subject of this review is essentially the final stage in the complex series of processes involved in blood coagulation. Fibrinogen exists in normal blood, while thrombin is present as its precursor prothrombin. The coagulation process consists of the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin and of the subsequent action of thrombin on fibrinogen to produce fibrin. In the fibrinogen-fibrin conversion fibrinogen, already a high polymer of many amino acids is converted to an even higher polymeric form or coagulum, the fibrin clot. Prothrombin can be converted to thrombin in a series of highly complex, and as yet not well understood, reactions. The chapter explores four of the processes by which the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin takes place. These are (1) activation by citrate, (2) activation by calcium ions, Ac-globulin and thromboplastin, (3) activation by calcium ions, platelets and thromboplastin, and (4) activation by trypsin. The chapter concludes by addressing the various problems of current interest in protein chemistry, which appear in the study of the fibrinogen-fibrin conversion. The first step is an example of a limited proteolysis by a protease of curious specificity. This proteolysis may turn out to be one of the first illustrations of the existence of “strong” peptide bonds in proteins. Further, it offers a nice illustration of the phenomenon of unmasking or activation in biological systems. The second step involves protein-protein associations with unequal association constants. The last step may involve gel formation or crystallization.
The Preparation of Aliphatic Fluorine Compounds

Reactions of four types have been used for introducing fluorine atoms in to aliphatic molecules. These are listed below in the order of their practical importance at the present time. Interaction of organic halides or polyhalides with inorganic fluorides Addition of hydrogen fluoride to olefins and acetylene Direct fluorination of saturated compounds or additions of fluorine to unsaturated compounds Replacement of the hydroxyl group of alcohols. These reactions are discussed in this chapter. Keywords: aliphatic fluorine compounds; hydrogen fluoride; silver; mercury; polyhalides; unsaturated compounds; fluorination; organic halides; direct fluorination; mercury; inorganic fluorides
Popular influence on supreme court decisions

In their 1993 article in this Review, William Mishler and Reginald Sheehan reported evidence of both direct and indirect impacts of public opinion on Supreme Court decisions. Helmut Norpoth and Jeffrey Segal offer a methodological critique and in their own reanalysis of the data find, contrary to Mishler and Sheehan, no evidence for a direct path of influence from public opinion to Court decisions. Instead, they find an abrupt-permanent shift of judicial behavior consistent with an indirect model of influence whereby popularly elected presidents, through new appointments, affect the ideological complexion of the Court. In response, Mishler and Sheehan defend the direct public opinion linkage originally noted, at both individual and aggregate level; respond to the methodological critique; and offer further statistical analysis to support the aggregate linkages.
RABIES: A RARE DISEASE BUT A SERIOUS PEDIATRIC PROBLEM

Human rabies encephalitis is of particular interest to the pediatrician in the United States since the highest incidence occurs in the under 15 age group. When a child has been exposed to wild or domestic animals, specific antirabic treatment must be considered. Factors to consider in establishing treatment include the health status and changes in the behavior of the biting animal, the extent and location of the bite, and the relative risk of infection in the involved species. Recommendations for immunization following exposure have been made by the World Health Organization Expert Committee on Rabies. A case of human rabies encephalitis was imported to the United States from Egypt in 1967. The diagnosis was suspected but could not be confirmed antemortem. There are no readily available reliable tests for the diagnosis of rabies in the human prior to death. The risk of obtaining rabies from a human contact may be small, but death is the only outcome if the disease is contracted. Screening of hospital personnel involved in the care of a human rabies patient revealed that isolation procedures had not eliminated possibility of exposure. The value of rabies vaccines has been documented. Two forms of vaccine are presently available and others are in the experimental state. Antirabies serum is available for severely exposed individuals.
A multiwavelength study of evolved massive stars in the Galactic Centre

The central region of the Milky Way Galaxy provides a unique laboratory for a systematic, spatially resolved population study of evolved massive stars of various types in a relatively high-metallicity environment. We have conducted a multiwavelength data analysis of 180 such stars or candidates, most of which were drawn from a recent large-scale Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Near-Infrared Camera and MultiObject Spectrometer (NICMOS) narrow-band Paschen α survey, plus additional 14 Wolf–Rayet stars identified in earlier ground-based spectroscopic observations of the same field. The multiwavelength data include broad-band infrared (IR) photometry measurements from HST/NIC2, Simultaneous three-colour InfraRed Imager for Unbiased Surveys (SIRIUS), Two-Micron All-Sky Survey (2MASS), Spitzer/IRAC and X-ray observations from Chandra. We correct for extinctions towards individual stars, improve the Paschen α line equivalent width measurements, quantify the substantial mid-IR dust emission associated with carbon sequence Wolf–Rayet (WC) stars and find X-ray counterparts. In the process, we identify 10 foreground sources, some of which may be nearby cataclysmic variables. The nitrogen sequence Wolf–Rayet (WN) stars in the Arches and Central clusters show correlations between the Paschen α equivalent width and the adjacent continuum emission. However, the WN stars in the latter cluster are systematically dimmer than those in the Arches cluster, presumably due to the different ages of the two clusters. In the equivalent width–magnitude plot, late-type nitrogen sequence Wolf–Rayet (WNL) stars, WC stars and OB supergiants roughly fall into three distinct regions. We estimate that the dust mass associated with individual WC stars in the quintuplet cluster can reach 10−5 M⊙, or more than one order of magnitude larger than previous estimates. Thus, WC stars could be a significant source of dust in the galaxies of the early Universe. Nearly half of the evolved massive stars in the Galactic Centre are located outside the three known massive stellar clusters. The ionization of several compact H ii regions can be accounted for by their enclosed individual evolved massive stars, which thus likely formed in isolation or in small groups.
SOI-optimized 64-bit high-speed CMOS adder design

Presents a high-speed 64-bit hybrid carry-lookahead/carry-select adder in 0.1 /spl mu/m partially depleted silicon-on-insulator (PD/SOI) technology with a critical path delay of 346 ps. Sense-amplifier based differential logic with source follower evaluation tree is used for fast generation of 8-bit group carry. Floating body PD/SOI shows 24% performance improvement over bulk CMOS for the 8-bit group carry generating circuit. We also show that the proposed circuit is robust to noise induced by floating body effect in PD/SOI.
The AAPM 27th Annual Meeting Is the Place to Be

Dear Colleagues: For those of you attending the AAPM 27th Annual Meeting, in Washington DC, you are assured a world-class educational and networking event. Congratulations on your foresight, your commitment to continuing education and professional self-development, and thank you for your loyalty to the Academy. Your participation in our annual meeting is vital to our Academy's success, which in turn assures that Pain Medicine thrives! Here are some of the highlights that will take place in our nation's capital. At a time when “healthcare” is on the tip of everyone's tongue, our presence in the nation's capital is both timely and critically important for our emerging specialty. We will take full advantage of our proximity to Capitol Hill with a well-planned and orchestrated Advocacy Day on March 23 that has been guided by the Washington, DC based firm, Powers Pyles Sutter and Verville PC (PPSV). Using their expertise in organizing lobby days, PPSV will provide AAPM with an appropriate timeline, organize the actual appointments for the day and train all participants in appropriate visitation protocol. Staff, and designated physician leaders have …
How Do Antidepressants Work? Prospects for Genetic Analysis of Drug Mechanisms

A more specific question regarding the Nrf screen is whether the serotonin-independent fluoxetine targets defined by the Nrf mutants will be the ones most relevant to understanding depression.Since the Nrf screen assayed relatively rapid paralysis by toxic concentrations of fluoxetine, genes specifically required for the long-term adaptive pathways would probably not be identified by the Nrf screen. However, the adaptive downregulation of egg-laying behavior after that prolonged exposure to serotonin (Schafer and Kenyon 1995xSchafer, W.R and Kenyon, C.J. Nature. 1995; 375: 73–78Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (180)See all ReferencesSchafer and Kenyon 1995) might be used as a basis for a genetic screen to identify genes involved in long-term serotonin-dependent responses to fluoxetine. Alternatively, since the C. elegans genome sequence is nearly complete, the entire genome could be comprehensively surveyed using DNA microarrays to identify genes that are induced or repressed by prolonged exposure to fluoxetine (DeRisi et al. 1997xDeRisi, J.L, Iyer, V.R, and Brown, P.O. Science. 1997; 278: 680–686Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (3268)See all ReferencesDeRisi et al. 1997). Of course, eventually this approach can be used to identify fluoxetine-regulated human genes as well.Essentially all of the techniques described here could be applied equally well to other neuroactive substances that affect humans and worms (or flies) in a conserved fashion. For example, the mechanisms of action of therapeutic agents such as antipsychotics and anaesthetics (8xKayser, E.-B, Morgan, P.G, and Sedensky, M.M. Anesthesiology. 1999; 90: 545–554Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (90)See all References, 16xvan Swinderen, B, Saifee, O, Shebester, L, Roberson, R, Nonet, M.L, and Crowder, C.M. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA. 1999; 96: 2479–2484Crossref | PubMed | Scopus (74)See all References) may ultimately be understood in part through genetic studies of resistant or hypersensitive mutants. Likewise, many drugs of abuse have dramatic effects on worm and fly behavior (12xMcClung, C and Hirsch, J. Curr. Biol. 1998; 8: 109–112Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMedSee all References, 13xMoore, M.S, DeZazzo, J, Luk, A.Y, Tully, T, Singh, C.M, and Heberlein, U. Cell. 1998; 93: 997–1007Abstract | Full Text | Full Text PDF | PubMed | Scopus (307)See all References); genetic analysis of the long-term responses to these agents may provide important insights into the mechanisms of addiction. Drugs have historically been effective tools for investigating how worm neurons work; worm neurons may prove equally effective for investigating how drugs work.
Biomechanical analysis of isolated type II SLAP lesions and repair.

The effects of type II superior labrum anterior-posterior (SLAP) lesions on glenohumeral rotation and translation were studied in 6 cadaveric shoulders before and after repair. Glenohumeral translation with the application of 15 N and 20 N in the anterior, posterior, superior, and inferior directions was measured with the joint in 60° of abduction and 90° of external rotation. Data were recorded for intact shoulders, shoulders with arthroscopy portals, shoulders with arthroscopically created anterior type II SLAP lesions, shoulders with arthroscopically created anterior and posterior type II SLAP lesions, and shoulders that had undergone arthroscopic repair. With the creation of a SLAP lesion, significant increases in total range of motion ( P = .028), external rotation ( P P P P
Human glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase: primary structure and cDNA cloning.

Abstract The X-chromosome-linked glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (D-glucose-6-phosphate:NADP+ oxidoreductase, EC 1.1.1.49) of humans and other mammals consists of a subunit with a molecular weight of about 58,000. The enzyme plays a key role in the generation of NADPH, particularly in matured erythrocytes, and the genetic deficiency of the enzyme is associated with chronic and drug- or food-induced hemolytic anemia in humans. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity from human erythrocytes. The complete amino acid sequence of the subunit, consisting of 531 amino acid residues, was determined by automated and manual Edman degradation of tryptic, chymotryptic, thermolytic, and cyanogen bromide peptides obtained from the enzyme. Based on the amino acid sequence data thus obtained, a 41-mer oligonucleotide with unique sequence was prepared. Two cDNA libraries constructed in phage lambda gt11--i.e., a human liver cDNA library and a human hepatoma Li-7 cDNA library--were screened with the synthetic nucleotide probe. Two positive clones, lambda G6PD-19 and lambda G6PD-25, were obtained from the hepatoma library. lambda G6PD-19 contained an insertion of 2.0 kilobase pairs (kbp), and encoded 204 amino acid residues that were completely compatible with the COOH-terminal portion of the enzyme. The insertion of the clone had a 3' noncoding region of 1.36 kbp. The other clone, lambda G6PD-25, had an insertion of 1.8 kbp and encoded 362 amino acid residues of G6PD. Southern blot analysis of DNA samples obtained from cells with and without the human X chromosome indicated that the cDNA hybridizes with a sequence in the X chromosome.
Ergodicity of Minimal Sets in Scalar Parabolic Equations

The first author is partially supported by NSF grant DMS-9402945. The second author is partially supported by NSF grant DMS 9207069.
On the mode of administering a questionnaire and responses to open-ended items☆

Concurrently administered personal and telephone surveys are compared to measure differences between the modes for identical questions. Speed of questioning is found to be greater in telephone interviews than personal interviews. The faster pace of telephone interviews is linked to shorter answers to open-ended items on the telephone. The tendency to reduce such responses is disproportionately exhibited by younger, affluent respondents who tend to provide detailed responses in personal interviews. In a recent experimental study of the relative efficiency of telephone and personal interview surveys, it was casually observed that the pace of the telephone interviews seemed faster than that of typical personal interviews. Although it was not always clear whether the respondent or the interviewer set the pace, it was hypothesized that the different delivery styles might be associated with method effects between personal and telephone interviews. Since the same set of questions was asked of adult respondents on the telephone and in person, the project offered an opportunity to investigate: (1) whether the average speed of telephone interviews tended to be greater than personal interviews asking the same questions; that is, whether greater speed could be viewed as a characteristic of phone interviews; (2) whether speed of the interview is associated with method differences in the number of responses given to open-ended items; (3) whether the number of responses to open-ended items varies predictably according to the method of administration; (4) whether that variation is related to differences in the categories of responses given; and (5) whether there are subgroups of the adult population that disproportionately reflect method effects in their number of responses to openended items. Although there have been other studies which examined
Electrostatic interaction energies with overlap effects from a localized approach

An ab initio method is proposed for calculations of intermolecular forces which should be applicable to interactions of monomers containing several hundreds atoms and scale linearly with system size. This approach unifies asymptotic approximation to intermolecular forces with symmetry-adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) treatment. Inexpensive asymptotic formulas are applied to interactions of fragments of monomers which are far apart, whereas fairly expensive SAPT formulas are applied to fragments which are near each other, where overlap effects cannot be neglected. This Letter implements the method for the electrostatic interactions. The electrostatic energies are reproduced to 1% with about dozen or so atoms in near-range regions.
Collision dynamics of particle clusters in a two-dimensional granular gas.

In a granular gas, inelastic collisions produce an instability in which the constituent particles cluster heterogeneously. These clusters then interact with each other, further decreasing their kinetic energy. We report experiments of the free collisions of dense clusters of particles in a two-dimensional geometry. The particles are composed of solid CO${}_{2}$, which float nearly frictionlessly on a hot surface due to sublimated vapor. After two dense clusters of $\ensuremath{\approx}$100 particles collide, there are two distinct stages of evolution. First, the translational kinetic energy rapidly decreases by over 90% as a ``jamming front'' sweeps across each cluster. Subsequently, the kinetic energy decreases more slowly as the particles approach the container boundaries. In this regime, the measured velocity distributions are non-Gaussian with long tails. Finally, we compare our experiments to computer simulations of colliding, two-dimensional, granular clusters composed of circular, viscoelastic particles with friction.
Analysis of Strap Losses for High Power High Frequency Inductors

This paper presents a detailed analysis to evaluate the performance changes of high power, high frequency inductor with the existence of mounting strap. 2D finite element analysis (FEA) is used thoroughly for the losses calculations of the strap in terms of materials, air gap distance, and mounting strap thickness. After that, an optimal way of selecting the mounting strap material, strap thickness and air gap distance is derived. Then, a simplified equation is created to predict the strap losses and verified by a 2-D FEA simulation. Later on, the existence of the mounting strap to inductance calculation, coil losses and core losses are studied. Dramatic changes can be found on these performances for an inductor with mounting strap. Finally, some guidelines of using the mounting strap in high frequency high power inductors are proposed in the end of the paper.
Hydrothermal synthesis of two new lead-containing coordination polymers: 2∞[PbCl2(4,4'-bipy)] and 2∞[Pb2(NO3)4(H2O)2(4,4'-bipy)2](4,4'-bipy)2

Abstract Hydrothermal reaction of Pb(II)X2 (X = Cl−, NO3−) and 4,4′-bipyridine in a molar ratio of 1:1 resulted in the formation of two new Pb(II) coordination polymers, 2∞[PbCl2(4,4′-bipy)], (1), and 2∞[Pb2(NO3)4(H2O)2(4,4′-bipy)2](4,4′-bipy)2, (2). Compound 1 crystallizes in the triclinic crystal system ( P 1 ¯ ), and the stereochemically active lone pair generates a distorted structure different from the similar bromide analogue reported previously, where the Pb2+ lone pair is apparently not “active”. Compound 2 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system (P21/c), with an unusual layered structure consisting of flat slabs of {Pb(NO3)4/2Pb(H2O)2(NO3)2} bilayers linked into a 3D network via hydrogen bonds involving undulating layers of two independent uncoordinated 4,4′-bipyridine molecules.
Neonatal Malrotation with Midgut Volvulus Mimicking Duodenal Atresia

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to describe the clinical, imaging, and surgical findings in the cases of four neonates with radiographic findings suggesting duodenal atresia (double-bubble sign) who were subsequently found to have malrotation with midgut volvulus.CONCLUSION. When the surgical treatment of a patient with the double-bubble sign is to be delayed, an upper gastrointestinal radiographic or ultrasound study is needed to evaluate for malrotation with midgut volvulus.
Maximum Treadmill Exercise Test in Patients with Abnormal Control Electrocardiograms

To determine the validity and safety of exercise induced ST changes (1 mm ischemic depression or further depression in ECG lead V 5 ) as an indication of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with abnormal control electrocardiograms (ECG), 121 such patients were compared to 57 patients with a normal control ECG. All underwent a maximum graded treadmill exercise test and coronary arteriography. Among those patients with normal control ECGs, there were no false positives and five false negatives (sensitivity-85%, specificity-100%). In 61 patients with abnormal ECG (no drug therapy except nitrates) there were four false positives and nine false negatives (sensitivity-76%, specificity-79%). In this group of patients T waves reverted from negative to positive in four patients with CAD and 10 patients with no CAD, but T inversion during exercise only occurred in those with CAD (6 patients). Three of 12 patients (25%) with ECG evidence of old infarction and four of eight with single vessel disease had false negative tests. In 60 patients with abnormal ECG on drug therapy there were 10 false positives (17%) and 15 false negatives (sensitivity-55%, specificity-63%). Not helpful in differentiation were resting T vs ST changes, induction of arrhythmias or exercise induced chest pain. The validity of exercise induced ST changes in differentiating CAD is excellent when the control ECG is normal and is only slightly reduced with control ST-T wave abnormalities. When the latter occur in association with cardiovascular drug therapy, other than nitrates, the exercise ECG is of no use in differential diagnosis although still valid and safe for the determination of exercise tolerance.
Hybrid pattern matching for trusted intrusion detection

Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs) rely on pattern matching to detect and thwart a network attack by comparing packets with a database of known attack patterns. The key requirements of trusted intrusion detection are accurate pattern matching, adaptive, and reliable reconfiguration for new patterns. To address these requirements, this paper presents a trusted intrusion detection by utilizing hybrid pattern matching engines: FPGA-based and multicore-based pattern matching engine. To achieve synchronization of these two pattern matching engines, methodologies including multi-threading DFA and clustered state coding have been developed. These hybrid pattern matching engines increases the reliability and trustworthy of intrusion detection systems. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group on guidelines for the management of women with adverse effects following radiotherapy for breast cancer.

Patients treated for breast cancer may suffer a range of upper limb problems, from mild oedema and inner arm sensation changes related to surgery, to the rare, but severely disabling, brachial plexus neuropathy associated with radiation damage. This has been brought to public attention by a group of patients, Radiation Action Group Exposure (RAGE), who claim to have suffered such damage. As a result of a House of Lords' debate (May 1994), the Department of Health established a multidisciplinary committee to assess the optimum management of axillary tunnel damage following radiotherapy for breast cancer and the availability of specialist services for such management, and to make recommendations on how services for this might best be organized. The committee was convened in November 1994. Assessment of optimal management and current availability of specialist services was based on consultation with RAGE, a literature review (references available on request), and consultation with a wide variety of individual experts and organizations. Reports vary widely of the incidence of radiationinduced brachial plexopathy (RIBP) among women who have undergone postoperative axillary irradiation. This probably reflects differing criteria for diagnosis and the range of dose and fractionation schedules described in the literature. However, it is a rare complication, probably affecting less than 1% of treated patients. Its rarity means that a general practitioner is unlikely to see a single such patient during his or her professional lifetime. Similarly, many health care professionals involved in the treatment of breast cancer may be unfamiliar with the clinical features of RIBP. Typically, a patient will present with numbness of the fingers. Wasting of the small muscles of the hand will follow within months or years. Pain will take a variable course: characteristically it follows the distribution of nerves Supplied by C5 and C6, although it may involve the whole brachial plexus. Between oneand two-thirds of patients with RIBP will develop progressive loss of function of the hand and arm over a period of months or years.
Schlegel description of grain form evolution in grain growth

Abstract The paths of evolution of topological grain forms during grain growth are described in terms of number of faces, edges per face and face arrangements, as depicted by Schlegel diagrams and the topological events that change them. This “Schlegel tree” describes transitions to higher face classes by grain encounters at corners and to lower face classes by grain-pair separation at three-edged faces. Transitions within face classes are described through rearrangements that occur to neighboring grains during these events. The process is further described by probabilities of the different paths in terms of numbers of edges, corners and three-edged faces at which face gain and loss events occur. Schlegel data from separated grains and three-dimensional Monte Carlo and front-tracking simulations show good comparison. Grain form frequencies increase with increasing number of transition paths into them from other forms. The highest frequency forms have few or no three-edged faces, while those with the most three-edged faces are present the least. These observations suggest that three-edged faces are catalysts for topological change, and forms with higher frequencies of these have shorter residence times before transitioning to lower classes.
Further observations on dividing and non-dividing cnidoblasts in the regenerating isolated gastrodermis of Hydra.

Cnidoblasts derived from the dedifferentiation of gland cells in the regenerating isolated gastrodermis of Hydra are capable of nuclear and cytoplasmic division. The daughter cell containing the nematocyst apparently develops normally. The fate of the other daughter cell remains obscure, but it is believed that it is also capable of developing a nematocyst. Only a single bi-nucleated cnidoblast was observed and it was in the process of degeneration. It is suggested that at least in the present system, cnidoblasts are derived not only from interstitial cells but also from pre-existing cnidoblasts.
Nonparametric tests for ordered csample contaminated distributions

In this paper, we propose and study a csample rank test for ordered alternatives when the underlying distributions have a contaminated component We obtain the asymptotic distributions under local mixture alternatives. Pitman efficiencies arc calculated and an empirical power study helps compare tests. Bahadur efficiency calculations are presented for the two sample case.
Global BOLD MRI changes to ventilatory challenges in congenital central hypoventilation syndrome

We evaluated global blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) signal changes in gray and white matter in 14 congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) and 14 control subjects. One baseline image series with room air and three series with 30 s room air followed by 120 s hypercapnia (5% CO2/95% O2), hypoxia (15% O2/85% N2) or hyperoxia (100% O2) were collected. Hypercapnia and hyperoxia raised, and hypoxia lowered gray and white matter global signal in both groups, with smaller changes in white matter. Signal changes in CCHS cases were lower than control subjects for hypercapnia in gray and white matter, slightly more-enhanced in hypoxia, and, except for initial transient responses, were nearly comparable during hyperoxia. Initial signal rate or pattern changes emerged in all three challenges in gray or white matter in control, but not CCHS cases. Neural or vascular mechanisms mediate perfusion differently in CCHS; the aberrant initial transient responses may reflect deficiencies in rapidly-varying physiologic interactions in the syndrome.
Improving 351-nm Damage Performance of Large-Aperture Fused Silica and DKDP Optics

A program to identify and eliminate the causes of UV laser- induced damage and growth in fused silica and DKDP has developed methods to extend optics lifetimes for large- aperture, high-peak-power, UV lasers such as the National Ignition Facility (NIF). Issues included polish-related surface damage initiation and growth on fused silica and DKDP, bulk inclusions in fused silica, pinpoint bulk damage in DKDP, and UV-induced surface degradation in fused silica and DKDP in a vacuum. Approaches included an understanding of the mechanism of the damage, incremental improvements to existing fabrication technology, and feasibility studies of non-traditional fabrication technologies. Status and success of these various approaches are reviewed. Improvements were made in reducing surface damage initiation and eliminating growth for fused silica by improved polishing and post- processing steps, and improved analytical techniques are providing insights into mechanisms of DKDP damage. The NIF final optics hardware has been designed to enable easy retrieval, surface-damage mitigation, and recycling of optics.
An examination of regulatory regime and public utility underwriting costs from an agency perspective

Abstract We examine from an agency-theoretic perspective the flotation costs incurred by public utilities, contending that the conflicts of interests among managers, owners, utility commissions, and consumers would be manifested in a negative relationship between the regulatory climate and flotation costs. Several hypotheses are tested using a sample of 538 seasoned equity issues of public utilities during the period 1973 through 1980. Contrary to our expectations, however, we find that the stringency (strictness) of regulatory climate is positively related to flotation costs. We offer some plausible explanations for the counter-intuitive results.
Descemet's membrane detachment after cataract extraction.

Background Descemet’s membrane detachment is a rare but potentially serious complication of intraocular surgery, most commonly cataract extraction. Small Descemet’s membrane detachments typically resolve with topical medical therapy; however, larger detachments require surgical intervention. The most common surgical procedure is a gas–fluid exchange with 20% sulfur hexafluoride (SF 6 ) or 14% perfluropropane (C 3 F 8 ), which is typically performed at the biomicroscope and is nontoxic to the endothelium. Case A 77-year-old man underwent phacoemulsification with a posterior chamber lens implantation by clear corneal incision in the left eye. Visual acuity was 20/40 in the left eye 1 month postoperatively with persistent corneal edema. Visual acuity continued to deteriorate to counting fingers (CF), despite the use of topical hyperosmotics and steroids. At 2 months, a scrolled Descemet’s membrane detachment was present from the incision site to the central cornea causing extensive edema. Anterior chamber injection of 14% C 3 F 8 successfully reattached Descemet’s membrane. Six weeks after surgery, the gas bubble had resolved, the central cornea was clear, and a curvilinear scar was present from 5:00 to 11:00. Visual acuity remained at CF owing to anterior capsular fibrosis. Anterior YAG capsulotomy improved the vision to 20/40. Conclusion Descemet’s membrane detachment can have a devastating effect on vision. Timely management is imperative to preserve vision. This case shows the successful repair of Descemet’s membrane detachment with 14% C 3 F 8 after unsuccessful topical treatment.
Some current problems in contest speech

(1943). Some current problems in contest speech. Quarterly Journal of Speech: Vol. 29, No. 1, pp. 93-99.
Phenomenological and microstructural analysis of room temperature creep in titanium alloys

Primary creep is the dominant mode of deformation during creep of titanium alloys at room temperature. Based on a study of both Ti-6Al and Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo, it is shown that the transient creep behavior can be described by a power law of the form {var_epsilon} = At{sup a}, while the strain-rate-sensitive Hollomon law, {sigma} = K{var_epsilon}{sup n}{dot {var_epsilon}}{sup m}, represents the constant strain rate behavior of titanium alloys reasonably well. A simple analytical result is derived to relate these two expressions. Using this solution, the long time creep response has been predicted reasonably well from the constant strain rate results for the two alloys studied. Relative to other metals, it is shown that titanium alloys exhibit exceptionally low values of strain hardening. Optical microscope observations of slip line evolution have been used to relate the deformation mechanisms to the macroscopic behavior. Operative slip systems, as well as dislocation distributions and morphologies, are also presented for the first time following creep of a single-phase {alpha} microstructure in Ti-6Al.
Dyspepsia: challenges in diagnosis and selection of treatment.

Abstract Background: Despite considerable study, the pathophysiology of dyspepsia remains obscure. This and other factors have impeded development of precise and effective treatment strategies. Objective: This paper provides a brief review of the clinical syndrome of dyspepsia and its pathophysiology, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Methods: To identify articles for inclusion in this review, a search of MEDLINE was conducted using the key word dyspepsia . Because the literature on this topic is voluminous and duplicative, the search was limited primarily to literature from the last decade and to articles concerning dyspepsia in adults. Results: The symptoms of dyspepsia, which may include epigastric pain, heartburn, bloating, and early satiety, defy diagnosis in as many as 50% of patients, even after endoscopy and other appropriate studies. In the other half of patients, such causative disorders as gastroesophagel reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, and gastric cancer may be diagnosed. Despite controversy regarding the selection of therapy, empiric treatment is common for apparent idiopathic dyspepsia. Histamine 2 -receptor antagonists, proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), promotility agents, and coating agents have all been used as empiric therapy for dyspeptic symptoms. With empiric treatment, subsequent management is directed by the therapeutic response. In the absence of a definitive diagnosis, treatment is usually selected on the basis of the type and severity of symptoms, a thorough history and physical examination, and factors such as age and the presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. Five PPIs are currently available—lansoprazole, omeprazole, rabeprazole, pantoprazole, and esomeprazole—all with established efficacy in GERD and other acid-mediated disorders. The PPIs can be expected to be useful in certain patients with dyspepsia, and may be prescribed for patients who are found to respond to potent antisecretory therapy. Patients' concern about their symptoms, practical considerations, and restrictions imposed by managed care organizations may all affect the choice between empiric therapy and early endoscopy in patients with dyspepsia. Conclusions: Despite the variety of therapeutic options available for the symptoms of dyspepsia, the many presentations of this condition and the uncertainty of the response to the currently available therapeutic options continue to pose a substantial clinical challenge.
Analysis of respirometric data to obtain kinetic coefficients for biodegradation of 1,4‐Dioxane

This study was designed to investigate the biodegradability pure Dioxane. The microbial seed for this study was obtained from the acclimatized industrial waste, and microorganisms responsible for the degradation of Dioxane were isolated. Biological growth was measured by monitoring oxygen uptake in an electrolytic respirometer. A mathematical model utilizing oxygen uptake and substrate depletion data was developed to describe the log growth of the isolates on pure Dioxane.
The Reliability of Fair Housing Audits to Detect Racial Discrimination in Rental Housing Markets

Racial discrimination against black Americans continues to exert a pervasive influence on all aspects of American life. This paper investigates the reliability of two techniques currently used by local fair housing groups to measure the extent of racial discrimination in the rental housing market: in-person audits and telephone audits. When we do not control for the presence of vacancies, we observe a moderate rate of reliability between the in-person audits and the telephone audits. When we control for the presence of vacancies, we observe a much higher degree of reliability between the two methods used to detect racial discrimination in rental housing markets. We conclude that these techniques are useful devices to detect racial discrimination in housing markets.
Recursive residue generation method for laser-molecule interaction: utilization of structured sparsity

Abstract The recursive residue generation method (RRGM) permits the generation of time-dependent transition amplitudes in many-state quantum systems. An important step in the method utilizes the Lanczos algorithm to tridiagonalize the matrix representation of the Hamiltonian. Analysis of this sparse matrix, for a generic laser-molecule Hamiltonian, revealed structure (repeating blocks of elements in each off-diagonal) which allowed for greatly reduced storage. In addition, utilization of this structure for construction of a smart matrix-vector multiplier then permitted calculations on systems with very large bases (∼40,000). Time-dependent transition probabilities are shown for excitation into several bands of states in a system with over 3000 States.
Propulsive efficiency from an energy utilization standpoint

The standard but ill-defined concept of propulsive efficiency, classically employed in the analysis of turbojet and turbofan engines, can be approached from the point of view of energy utilization by applying basic thermodynamic principles. First and second law analysis of propulsive powerplants as general thermodynamic systems leads to a universal definition for propulsive efficiency. This definition clearly accounts for the energy unavailability production separated into two distinct parts: 1) the unavailable energy associated with the thermodynamic cycle's rejected heat; and 2) the wasted energy produced by inefficiencies inherent to the conversion of available cycle energy to propulsive power. As a result, conversion or transfer inefficiencies are consistently reflected in the propulsive efficiency, whereas cycle inefficiencies are most properly identified with cycle, or thermal, efficiency for a powerplant.
How Big Is Big Coal? Public Perceptions of the Coal Industry’s Economic Impact in West Virginia

The coal industry has played a major role in the culture and history of the state of West Virginia, establishing an identity as the “backbone” of the economy in this region. However, as the mining ...
Three Silver Linings in the Cloud of Old Age: An Autobiographical Perspective

Through the author’s experiences as a gerontological social worker, graduate student in gerontology, and gerontology professor, the author discovered not only the cloud of old age, but three silver linings.
Quantitative histologic analyses of articular cartilage and subchondral bone from osteoarthritic and normal human hips.

Twelve femoral heads (two normal, four after fracture and six osteoarthritic) were obtained at surgery or autopsy. Circumferential slices were obtained and five separate areas were analyzed in each for ash content; histological-histochemical grading of the severity of the cartilage changes; and quantitative morphometric analyses to establish the percentage of trabecular area, osteoblastic area and osteoclastic area. Analyses were performed to compare weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing areas of the femoral heads and to determine correlations between the bony and cartilaginous alterations. The data obtained showed wide variations in all parameters in the osteoarthritic specimens but consistently more marked cartilage and bony changes in the weight-bearing areas. Bone structures and metabolic parameters were distinctly increased for the osteoarthritics, differing significantly from both normal and fracture control groups. The bony change correlated directly with the severity of the cartilage lesions, as d...
Ozone oxidation of corn starch

The oxidation of granular corn starch with ozone under various conditions was investigated. The reaction was found to be influenced by water, with the highest degree of oxidation being obtained at 23°C. in an aqueous solution of acetic acid as the suspending medium. In each medium investigated, approximately 65–75% of the total carbonyls generated were found to be aldehydes. Approximately similar results were obtained when aqueous solutions of the sugar alcohols sorbitol and mannitol were ozonized.
Development of an automated optical system for the analysis of etch pits density and distribution on semiconductor materials

In this paper we present results related to the development of an alternative and non-destructive method for determining and mapping the etch pits density, in real time, by using digital imaging processing in association with an optical system. The density and distribution of the dislocation etch pits were obtained by the specular reflection produced by either a He-Ne laser or a white light on an etched semiconductor material surface. As the pits related to dislocations have a typical geometric form according to crystallographic plane of the surface they become more evident than other defects and, as a consequence this allows to reach selectivity for this specific defect by the system. The efficiency of the suggested method was accomplished by comparing the results obtained with conventional analysis done by optical microscopy. The proposed automated system demonstrated to be capable of covering large surface areas very rapidly, if compared to a traditional method in view of the fact that by using optical microscopy the density and distribution of defects can be determined only in the small regions which makes the mapping of the entire sample laborious. Furthermore, this system can be easily adapted to a line production providing direct qualitative and quantitative information on the substrate quality.
Broad Spectral Response Using Carbon Nanotube/Organic Semiconductor/C60 Photodetectors

We demonstrate that photogenerated excitons in semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be efficiently dissociated by forming a planar heterojunction between CNTs wrapped in semiconducting polymers and the electon acceptor, C60. Illumination of the CNTs at their near-infrared optical band gap results in the generation of a short-circuit photocurrent with peak external and internal quantum efficiencies of 2.3% and 44%, respectively. Using soft CNT-hybrid materials systems combining semiconducting small molecules and polymers, we have fabricated broad-band photodetectors with a specific detectivity >1010 cm Hz1/2 W1− from λ = 400 to 1450 nm and a response time of τ = 7.2 ± 0.2 ns.
Linking soundscape composition and acoustic ecology

1. EXPLORING THE CONNECTIONThe term soundscape composition did not exist when I started composing with environmental sounds in the mid-1970s. Through a variety of fortunate circumstances and because of what the 1970s were in Vancouver and Canada - artistically inspiring and moneys were available for adventurous and culturally, socially, politically progressive projects - I had discovered that environmental sounds were the perfect compositional ‘language’ for me. I had learnt much while working with the World Soundscape Project at Simon Fraser University, about listening, about the properties of sound, about noise, the issues we face regarding the quality of the sound environment and much more. This in combination with learning to record and to work with analog technology in the sonic studio allowed me to speak with sound in a way I found irresistible. In addition, the start-up of Vancouver Co-operative Radio gave us the - at that time rare - opportunity to broadcast our work. It was a place where cultural exploration and political activism could meet. It was from within this exciting context of ecological concern for the soundscape and the availability of an alternate media outlet that my compositional work - now often called soundscape composition - emerged. And it came as a surprise to me, as I had never thought of composing nor of broadcasting as a professional choice in my life.
Commentary on "Perspective on a pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease." Apolipoprotein E and the mitochondrial metabolic hypothesis.

1 d Commentary on “Perspective on a pathogenesis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease.” Apolipoprotein E and the mitochondrial metabolic hypothesis Yadong Huang*, Robert W. Mahley Gladstone Institute of Neurological Disease, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA Alzheimer’s & Dementia 2 (2006) 71–73
Multi-excitation near infrared (NIR) spectral fluorescence imaging using organic fluorophores

The ability to obtain multi-color fluorescent imaging in vivo simultaneously using multi-targeted imaging probes could be of potential benefit from both a research and a clinical perspective. However, the simultaneous acquisition of more than 2 separate organic fluorophores usually requires more than one excitation source, since a single excitation source may not optimally excite all the fluorophores. In this study, we employed a multi-excitation approach in order to acquire optimized images with multiple near infrared (NIR) organic fluorophores at the same time. Using 3 sets of excitation filters (595±20nm, 640±25nm, 688±17nm) to acquire 3 distinct spectra and spectral unmixing software (CRi, Woburn, MA), it was possible to resolve the emission spectra of each of the NIR fluorophores using commercial software (Nuance, CRi, Woburn, MA) To demonstrate the utility of this approach 2 mouse models were investigated; In one model, mice bearing four implanted malignancies were injected with a cocktail of 3 fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies, each with its own distinct NIR fluorophore. In the second model five different lymph node drainage basins were imaged with 5-color dendrimer-based lymphatic imaging agents tagged with 5 different NIR fluorophores. We successfully detected each of the targeted tumors in the first model and all of the lymph nodes by their distinct color in the second model; neither of which would have been possible using the single excitation method. In conclusion, multi-excitation NIR spectral fluorescence imaging is feasible in a reasonable time frame and opens the possibility for in vivo immunohistochemical imaging (IHCi).