cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Laser all-ceramic crown removal and pulpal temperature--a laboratory proof-of-principle study.

The objective of this proof-of-principle laboratory pilot study was to evaluate the temperature increase in the pulp chamber in a worst case scenario during Er:YAG laser debonding of all-ceramic crowns. Twenty extracted molars were prepared to receive all-ceramic IPS E.max CAD full contour crowns. The crowns were bonded to the teeth with Ivoclar Multilink Automix. Times for laser debonding and temperature rise in the pulp chamber using micro-thermocouples were measured. The Er:YAG was used with 560 mJ/pulse. The irradiation was applied at a distance of 5 mm from the crown surface. Additional air–water spray for cooling was utilized. Each all-ceramic crown was successfully laser debonded with an average debonding time of 135 ± 35 s. No crown fractured, and no damage to the underlying dentin was detected. The bonding cement deteriorated, but no carbonization at the dentin/cement interface occurred. The temperature rise in the pulp chamber averaged 5.4° ± 2.2 °C. During 8 out of the 20 crown removals, the temperature rise exceeded 5.5 °C, lasting 5 to 43 s (average 18.8 ± 11.6 s). A temperature rise of 11.5 °C occurred only once, while seven times the temperature rise was limited to 6.8 ± 0.5 °C. Temperature rises above 5.5 °C occurred only when the laser was applied from one side and additional cooling from the side opposite the irradiation. Er:YAG laser energy can successfully be used to efficiently debond all-ceramic crowns from natural teeth. Temperature rises exceeding 5.5 °C only occur when an additional air/water cooling from a dental syringe is inaccurately directed. To avoid possible thermal damage and to allow further heat diffusion, clinically temperature-reduced water might be applied.
Epidermal Growth Factor Facilitates Epinephrine Inhibition of P2X7-Receptor-Mediated Pore Formation and Apoptosis: A Novel Signaling Network

Epidermal growth factor (EGF), epinephrine, and the P2X7 receptor system regulate growth of human uterine cervical epithelial cells, but little is known about how these systems intercommunicate in exerting their actions. The objective of this study was to understand the mechanisms of EGF and epinephrine regulation of growth of cervical cells. Treatment of cultured CaSki cells with 0.2 nm EGF increased cell number via a PD98059-sensitive pathway. Treatment with 2 nm epinephrine increased cell number, and the effect was facilitated by cotreatment with EGF. Whereas the effect of EGF alone involved up-regulation of [3H]-thymidine incorporation and an increase in cell proliferation, the effect of epinephrine was mediated by inhibition of apoptosis. Epinephrine inhibited apoptosis induced by the P2X7 receptor ligand 2′,3′-0-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP, by attenuation of P2X7 receptor plasma membrane pore formation. Cotreatment with EGF facilitated epinephrine effect via a phosphoinositide 3-kinase-dependent mechanis...
Metal-free intramolecular aziridination of alkenes using hypervalent iodine based sulfonyliminoiodanes.

Intramolecular aziridination of alkenyl sulfonyliminoiodanes occurs thermally in the absence of conventional metal catalysts such as Rh(II) and Cu(II). In rigid molecular systems, conversions are near quantitative. The scope of the nonmetal process is related to the conformational flexibility of the alkenyl sulfonyliminoiodane. A mechanism is proposed involving formal 2 + 2 cycloaddition of the RSO2N═IPh group to the double bond followed by reductive elimination of PhI to yield the sulfonylaziridine. Green chemistry aspects of the process are highlighted.
Two binding sites in acetylcholine receptor from Torpedo marmorata electroplax.

Abstract The sensitivity of acetylcholine receptor to eleven cholinergic drugs, phospholipase A, heat and pH provided evidence that the so-called high-affinity binding ( K d for acetylcholine 11 n m in 1% Triton) and low-affinity binding ( K d 562 n m ) were related to two distinct binding sites. The low-affinity binding site was less sensitive to heat and several of the cholinergic drugs, but was a little more sensitive to bungarotoxin than the high-affinity site. Zinc (0.4 m m ) and EDTA (10 m m ) abolished acetylcholine binding to both sites; the EDTA inhibition was time-dependent.
Intensity-Modulated Proton Therapy for Elective Nodal Irradiation and Involved-Field Radiation in the Definitive Treatment of Locally Advanced Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer: A Dosimetric Study

Abstract Background Photon involved-field (IF) radiation therapy (IFRT), the standard for locally advanced (LA) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), results in favorable outcomes without increased isolated nodal failures, perhaps from scattered dose to elective nodal stations. Because of the high conformality of intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT), proton IFRT could increase nodal failures. We investigated the feasibility of IMPT for elective nodal irradiation (ENI) in LA-NSCLC. Patients and Methods IMPT IFRT plans were generated to the same total dose of 66.6-72 Gy received by 20 LA-NSCLC patients treated with photon IFRT. IMPT ENI plans were generated to 46 cobalt Gray equivalent (CGE) to elective nodal planning treatment volumes (PTV) plus 24 CGE to IF-PTVs. Results Proton IFRT and ENI improved the IF-PTV percentage of volume receiving 95% of the prescribed dose (D95) by 4% ( P P P P = .03) and 26% ( P P Conclusion This study demonstrates the feasibility of IMPT for LA-NSCLC ENI. Potential decreased toxicity indicates that IMPT could allow ENI while maintaining a favorable therapeutic ratio compared with photon IFRT.
Low Bone Mass and High Bone Turnover in Postmenopausal Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Women

Context: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is commonly reported in young men and women with HIV infection, and fracture rates may be higher. With effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), the HIV population is aging. However, little is known about the skeletal status of postmenopausal women. Objective: We aimed to assess the effects of HIV infection and ART on BMD and bone turnover in postmenopausal minority women. Design, Setting, and Patients: A prospective cohort study was performed in 92 HIV+ and 95 HIV− postmenopausal Hispanic and African-American women. Main Outcome Measures: We measured BMD by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, fracture prevalence, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-6), bone turnover markers, calciotropic hormones, and estrone. Results: HIV+ women were younger (56 ± 1 vs. 60 ± 1 yr; P < 0.01) and had lower BMI (28 ± 1 vs. 30 ± 1 kg/m2; P < 0.01) and estrone levels. Prevalence of T scores below −1.0 was greater in HIV+ women at the spine (78 vs. 64%; P < 0.05), total hip (45...
New drugs for hepatitis C virus.

Hepatitis C virus is a major public health issue and a leading cause of chronic liver disease. The current treatment—pegylated interferon and ribavirin—is associated with significant adverse events and sustained virologic response rates of only approximately 50% in genotype-1 patients. New drugs in development include novel interferons, ribavirin analogs, NS3 protease and NS5B polymerase inhibitors, and cyclophilin inhibitors. The primary goal of drug development is to improve efficacy; secondary goals include shortening the duration and increasing the tolerability of treatment. Viral resistance and toxicity must be overcome before acceptance of new drugs. Future therapy may likely be approved in the United States and European Union by 2011, including a combination of these novel agents, with interferon and ribavirin remaining key components.
Effects of low-energy electron bombardment on the surface chemical structure and adhesive properties of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)

The x-ray photoemission studies of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bombarded by low-energy electrons in ultra-high vacuum conditions indicate that the major chemical changes induced by electron bombardment are defluorination of the surface and cross-linking of the polymer chains. The same electron bombardment process, when performed in the presence of 1 x 10/sup -6/ Torr ND/sub 3/, also results in the adsorption of nitrogen-containing groups at the surface. The rate of nitrogen adsorption is linear for short electron bombardment times while the rates of defluorination and cross-linking are roughly exponential. However, at long bombardment times, the rates of nitrogen uptake, defluorination, and cross-linking become zero at the same time, indicating that defluorination of the surface is the rate-determining step in electron beam-induced adsorption of nitrogen-containing species. Regardless of whether the bombardment is carried out in ultra-high vacuum or in the presence of ND/sub 3/, the maximum modification depth is less than 30 A. Pull tests performed on PTFE samples bombarded by electrons in ultra-high vacuum, then removed into air and bonded to epoxy show epoxy-PTFE joint strengths of 280--360 1b/in./sup 2/ (psi), are compared to zero psi for untreated PTFE and approx. =2000 psi for cohesive failure within the PTFE layer.
Simulation of micropopulations in epidemiology: Tutorial 4. Evaluations of simulation models: A series of tutorials illustrated by coronary heart disease models

Abstract The first tutorial in this series (Ackerman E: Simulation of micropopulations in epidemiology: Tutorial 1. Simulation: an introduction, Int J Biomed Comput , 36 (1994) 229–238) introduces the general approach of simulation of micropopulation models of coronary disease using Monte Carlo techniques. The modeling process includes the selection of functional forms to represent the probability of state transfers. Alternative functional forms are described in the second tutorial (Ackerman E: Simulation of micropopulations in epidemiology: Tutorial 2. Analytic forms of event probabilities, Int J Biomed Comput , 37 (1994) 139–149). The third tutorial (Ackerman E: Simulation of micropopulations in epidemiology: Tutorial 3. Simulation model evaluation methods, Int J Biomed Comput , 37 (1994) 195–204) considers the actual risk factors used in the models and the compartmentalization of the population. However, that tutorial emphasizes the methods of evaluating different models of coronary heart disease. In the current tutorial, the evaluation methods are applied to the models previously introduced. Essential to this is the concept of degrees of freedom. Limitations of that concept are discussed with specific reference to models of coronary heart disease. The estimation of optimal values for the risk coefficients is considered further. The various tests of appropriateness are applied to specific models and the role of sensitivity analysis is further illustrated. Discussions of intervention strategies and their simulation is deferred to the following tutorial.
The Effect of Random Skin Motion on Knee Kinematics Calculated With Surface Markers: A Comparison of Three Marker Sets

The use of surface markers to calculate kinematics of diarthrodial joints is subject to error from relative motion between the markers on the skin and the underlying bones. It has been demonstrated that markers placed over the knee and hip joints could move 10–30 mm with respect to the skeleton which can have significant effects on the accuracy of calculated knee kinematics (Cappozzo et al., 1996, Manal et al., 2000). Several methods have been developed to calculate knee kinematics from marker locations and decrease error resulting from skin motion. The Helen Hayes method uses markers attached to the skin over anatomical landmarks and on wands to calculate the locations of the hip, knee, and ankle joints (Vaughan et al., 1999). The location and orientation of the thigh and shank segments can then be calculated based on anthropometric correlations. Other methods, such as that developed by the Cleveland Clinic, record the position of the femur and tibia using triads of markers attached to each segment (Manal et al., 2000). Additionally, a Point Cluster Technique was developed using clusters of markers attached to each segment to reduce error from skin motion (Andriacchi et al., 1998).Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Purification of peptide hormones from chinchilla pancreas by chemical assay.

Abstract Glucagon was purified from chinchilla pancreas and its biological activity determined. It was isolated using a chemical assay to identify peptides with a histidyl residue at the N-terminus. Chinchilla glucagon has the amino acid sequence HSQGTFTSDYSKHLDSRYAQEFVQWLMNT It differs from the usual mammalian glucagon by amino acid substitutions at positions 13, 18 and 21 from the N-terminus. Despite these sequence changes, its biological activity is conserved. Chinchilla glucagon has approximately the same potency as pig glucagon in stimulating liver membrane adenyl cyclase activity. Pancreatic polypeptide was also purified from chinchilla pancreas based on its Ala1 signal and has the sequence APLEPVYPGDNATPEQMAQYAAEMRRYINMLTRPRY#
Factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire: Differences between African-American and White-American college students.

Abstract This study examined differences in the factor structure of the Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ) between African-American (n = 181) and White-American (n = 180) college students. Results from a confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the traditional single-factor solution did not provide the best fit for the data from either ethnic group. A multiple-group factor analysis indicated that underlying structure of Factor 1 was roughly equivalent between ethnic groups. Structure of Factor 2, however, differed between groups. Specifically, item 10 loaded on different factors for each group. In support of these analyses, an exploratory factor analyses (EFA) among White-American participants indicated the presence of a two-factor model while an EFA among African-Americans indicated the presence of three factors. Despite some overlap in the overall factor structure between ethnic groups, African-Americans scored significantly lower on the PSWQ than the White-American group. Furthermore, among African-Americans level of ethnic identity was negatively related to state and trait measures of anxiety, but unrelated to measures of depression and worry.
A unified model for simulating liquid and gas phase, intermolecular energy transfer: N2 + C6F6 collisions

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to study relaxation of a vibrationally excited C6F6* molecule in a N2 bath. Ab initio calculations were performed to develop N2-N2 and N2-C6F6 intermolecular potentials for the simulations. Energy transfer from “hot” C6F6 is studied versus the bath density (pressure) and number of bath molecules. For the large bath limit, there is no heating of the bath. As C6F6* is relaxed, the average energy of C6F6* is determined versus time, i.e., ⟨E(t)⟩, and for each bath density ⟨E(t)⟩ is energy dependent and cannot be fit by a single exponential. In the long-time limit C6F6 is fully equilibrated with the bath. For a large bath and low pressures, the simulations are in the fixed temperature, independent collision regime and the simulation results may be compared with gas phase experiments of collisional energy transfer. The derivative d[⟨E(t)⟩]/dt divided by the collision frequency ω of the N2 bath gives the average energy transferred from C6F6* per collision ⟨ΔEc⟩, which is ...
Applications of remote sensing to precision agriculture with dual economic and environmental benefits

In the U.S. Northern Great Plains, growing seasons are short but extremely productive. Farms and ranches are large, so many of precision agriculture's early adopters reside in the region. Crop yield maps at season's end reveal sizable variations across fields. Farm management relying upon uniform chemical applications is ineffective and wasteful. We provided information about crop and range status in near- real-time, so that in-season decisions could be made to optimize final yields and minimize environmental degradation. We created learning communities, in which information is shared among scientists, farmers, ranchers, and data providers. The new information for agricultural producers was satellite and aerial imagery. Value-added information was derived from ETM+, AVHRR, IKONOS, and MIDOS sensors. The emphasis was on reducing the time between acquisition of data by a satellite and delivery of value-added products to farmers and ranchers. To distribute large spatial data sets in short times to rural users we relied upon satellite transmission (Direct PC). Results include: (1) management zone delineation, (2) variable-rate fertilizer applications, (3) weed detection, (4) irrigation efficiency determination, (5) detection of insect infestation, (6) specification of crop damage due to inadvertent chemical application, and (7) determination of livestock carrying capabilities on rangelands.
What do infants see in faces? ERP evidence of different roles of eyes and mouth for face perception in 9-month-old infants.

The study examined whether face-specific perceptual brain mechanisms in 9-month-old infants are differentially sensitive to changes in individual facial features (eyes versus mouth) and whether sensitivity to such changes is related to infants' social and communicative skills. Infants viewed photographs of a smiling unfamiliar female face. On 30% of the trials, either the eyes or the mouth of that face were replaced by corresponding parts from a different female. Visual event-related potentials were recorded to examine face-sensitive brain responses. Results revealed that increased competence in expressive communication and interpersonal relationships was associated with a more mature response to faces, as reflected in a larger occipito-temporal N290 with shorter latency. Both eye- and mouth changes were detected, though infants derived different information from these features. Eye changes had a greater impact on the face perception mechanisms and were not correlated with social or communication development, whereas mouth changes had a minimal impact on face processing but were associated with levels of language and communication understanding. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sepsis impairs anastomotic collagen gene expression and synthesis: a possible role for nitric oxide.

Although intra-abdominal sepsis is known to impair colon healing by inhibiting anastomotic collagen synthesis, the effect of systemic sepsis on this process is unknown. Endotoxins and cytokines associated with sepsis induce nitric oxide synthesis both systemically and locally within colonic tissue. We hypothesized that systemic sepsis impairs colonic healing and examined a possible correlation with nitric oxide expression. Male Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal injections of either saline (sham group) or Escherichia coli endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide 1 mg/100 g body weight) at Times -24 and -12 hr (LPS group). All animals underwent laparotomy and left colonic anastomosis at Time 0. At 24 and 96 hr postlaparotomy rats were sacrificed, the anastomoses excised, and [ 3 H]-proline incorporation into protein measured as an index of total new protein synthesis (TNP). Digestion with purified collagenase yielded incorporation into the collagen fraction (CDP). Additional sham and LPS-treated rats were sacrificed at 24, 72, and 120 hr, the anastomoses excised, and nitric oxide synthase activity in the tissue measured by the conversion of [ 3 H] -arginine to [ 3 H]citrulline in an ex vivo culture system. Finally, sham and LPS rats were sacrificed at 120 hr for measurement of colon anastomotic bursting pressure. Systemic sepsis significantly impaired new collagen synthesis in anastomotic tissue at 24 hr compared to control samples (P < 0.02). No difference was noted at 96 hr. TNP synthesis was similar in both groups at 24 or 96 hr. Northern blot analysis confirmed a significant decrease in Type I and Type III collagen mRNA expression at 24 hr in septic rats. Anastomotic bursting pressure was also decreased in the septic group (P < 0.003). Sepsis elevated nitric oxide synthase activity in anastomotic tissue 24 hr postanastomosis, when compared to sham tissue (P < 0.0001). These data suggest that systemic endotoxin induces nitric oxide synthesis at the anastomotic site. The simultaneous dysregulation of collagen gene expression and synthesis with decreased anastomotic strength suggests a possible regulatory role for nitric oxide in gastrointestinal healing.
Multi-section vertical-cavity laser diode for high power single-mode operation

Summary form only given. Vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs) emitting into the fundamental TEM/sub 00/ mode at high powers (>10 mW) will be the enabling technology for many emerging VCSEL applications including data communications with singlemode fiber, laser printing, optical read/write heads, and modulation spectroscopy. Coupled-resonator vertical-cavity lasers have already shown a variety of interesting behavior including dual wavelength operation, picosecond pulse generation,and coupled-cavity modulation. We have achieved a record high fundamental mode power of greater than 6.0 mW from our coupled-resonator vertical-cavity lasers (CRV-CLs). In conventional VCSELs, the extent to which the gain volume may be increased is limited by the onset of multi-mode, operation. Our results indicate that this limitation is circumvented in a coupled-resonator device allowing high-power fundamental-mode operation.
Combined genetic and metabolic manipulation of lipids in rhodobacter sphaeroides reveals non-phospholipid substitutions in fully active cytochrome c oxidase

A specific requirement for lipids, particularly cardiolipin (CL), in cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) has been reported in many previous studies using mainly in vitro lipid removal approaches in mammalian systems. Our accompanying paper shows that CcO produced in markedly CL-depleted Rhodobacter sphaeroides displays wild-type properties in all respects, likely allowed by quantitative substitution with other negatively charged lipids. To further examine the structural basis for the lipid requirements of R. sphaeroides CcO and the extent of interchangeability between lipids, we employed a metabolic approach to enhance the alteration of the lipid profiles of the CcO-expressing strains of R. sphaeroides in vivo using a phosphate-limiting growth medium in addition to the CL-deficient mutation. Strikingly, the purified CcO produced under these conditions still maintained wild-type function and characteristics, in spite of even greater depletion of cardiolipin compared to that of the CL-deficient mutant alone (undetec...
Might Intentions be the Only Source of Practical Imperatives

I focus on the broadly instrumentalist view that all genuine practical imperatives are hypothetical imperatives and all genuine practical deliberation is deliberation from existing motivations. After indicating why I see instrumentalism as highly plausible, I argue that the most popular version of instrumentalism, according to which genuine practical imperatives can take desires as their starting point, is problematic. I then provide a limited defense of what I see as a more radical but also more compelling version of instrumentalism. According to the position I defend, genuine practical deliberation and genuine practical imperatives take as their starting point the agent's intentions and only the agent's intentions.
History of Veterinary Radiation Oncology

The history of veterinary radiation oncology is reviewed from 1895 to the present. The field was very slow to develop from the early 1900s to the 1980s. Rapid progress is now being made with much greater interest on the part of the companion animal-owning public for more advanced treatment of various diseases. The number of veterinary radiation oncologists and the number of well-equipped radiation therapy centers are increasing.
Direction of Arrival and Angular Velocities (DOAV) Estimation using Minimum Variance Beamforming

The minimum variance distortionless beamforming (MVDR) is an excellent beamformer for estimating the location of a source when the background noise is Gaussian. This beamformer, also known as the Capon approach, is widely studied and used. In this paper, we investigate the use of the MVDR to estimate the angle of arrival and angular velocities by modeling the movement of the source emitting signal. As a result a four dimensional MVDR is proposed, to estimate the direction of arrival and angular velocities (DOAV) of moving sources, using a rectangular array of antennas. In order to estimate the emitting source parameters, a four dimensional search is required. In practice, this approach is costly and may not be suitable in realtime applications. To reduce the computational complexity of the approach, we exploit the geometry of the array, together with a parameter dimensionality decoupling technique to perform an initialization based on a subspace decomposition approach. This initialization results in two two-dimensional searches in parallel instead of the standard four-dimensional search. We further show that the initialization procedure fits well with the conventional MVDR concept. The performance of the subspace decomposition approach is demonstrated via simulations. We also investigate the effects of diagonal loading on a small sample size and how it can be used together with the MVDR initialization technique to enhance the performance of the overall MDVR approach.
Urogenital photoacoustic endoscope

Photoacoustic (PA) endoscopy for human urogenital imaging has the potential to diagnose many important diseases, such as endometrial and prostate cancers. We have specifically developed a 12.7 mm diameter, rigid, side-scanning PA endoscopic probe for such applications. The key features of this endoscope are the streamlined structure for smooth cavity introduction and the proximal actuation mechanism for fast scanning. Here we describe the probe’s composition and scanning mechanism and present in vivo experimental results suggesting its potential for comprehensive clinical applications.
An exploratory study of the orientation needs of experienced nurses.

The orientation period creates a context for a nurse’s relationship with her employer, and can adversely affect attrition rates. While the orientation needs of novice nurses have been detailed, little is known about what might help those with prior experience. Hence, the goal of this study was to explore whether the orientation needs of seasoned nurses are similar to or unique from novice nurses. Over a six month period, we used two intensive qualitative methodologies (daily journaling and focus groups) to study three experienced nurses. A tri-phased model of orientation emerged, with learning and support issues unique to experienced nurses identified. Results suggest that orientation programs for experienced nurses should utilize specific educational strategies and content to promote engagement in a new position.
The new CHESS wiggler

A 25‐pole permanent magnet hybrid wiggler has been built at CHESS and installed on the CESR (Cornell Electron Storage Ring). This device has a magnetic period of 19.6 cm, a peak on‐axis field of 1.2 T at the nominal operating gap of 4.0 cm, and a K parameter of 22. The wiggler has been designed to provide radiation for two new experimental stations with approximately four times the flux available from the present CHESS six‐pole electromagnet wiggler. Under normal running conditions at 100 mA currents, the total power radiated should exceed 6 kW making this one of the highest flux x‐ray sources below 1 A critical wavelength. In this paper an overview of the development of the wiggler is given, including the unique features in its design and construction as well as results of measurements obtained on its magnetic and spectral properties.
Non-tuberculous mycobacterium infection after lung transplantation is associated with increased mortality.

Background Pulmonary non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) infection is relatively common after lung transplantation, but the effect on mortality remains undetermined. Herein we describe our experience with pulmonary NTM infection after lung transplantation and hypothesized that non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection after lung transplantation would be associated with increased mortality. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 201 primary lung transplant recipients transplanted between January 2000 and August 2006. Serial bronchoscopies with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsy were performed according to a surveillance protocol and when clinically indicated. The diagnosis NTM infection was established by a positive NTM culture in a bronchoalveolar lavage sample or in at least two separate expectorated sputum samples. NTM infections were further classified as "disease" or "colonization," based on whether or not NTM infection patients developed symptoms and characteristic radiographic findings. Results Thirty-six (18%) recipients were diagnosed with pulmonary NTM infection at a median of 97 days post-transplantation: 9 were classified as NTM disease and the remaining 27 as NTM colonization cases. Single lung transplant was a significant risk factor for NTM infection (HR 2.25, p = 0.02). NTM colonization was a risk factor for NTM disease (HR 8.39, p = 0.003). NTM infection significantly increased the risk of death after lung transplantation (HR 2.61, p = 0.001) and persisted in multivariate models controlling for single lung transplant and bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome. The increased risk was seen for both NTM colonization and NTM disease. Among the patients who died, non-NTM infection was a more common contributing factor in the cause of death for the NTM infection group (44% vs 12%, p = 0.04). Conclusions Non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection is common after lung transplantation. NTM colonization and treated acute rejection are risk factors for NTM disease. NTM infection is associated with increased risk of mortality independent of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome.
Sensitivity and specificity of an isoelectric focusing fraction of Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast lysate antigen for the detection of canine blastomycosis

Summary. Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast lysate antigen (T-58, dog isolate) fractions prepared using the Rotofor® preparative isoelectric focusing (IEF) cell (Bio-Rad) were compared with B. dermatitidis yeast lysate and filtrate reagents with respect to the detection of antibodies in sera from dogs with blastomycosis, histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis and aspergillosis. A horseradish peroxidase enzyme immunoassay with Turbo TMB substrate was used in the study. One particular IEF fraction (pH 4.3) was optimal in the assay, and it exhibited greater sensitivity (100%) and specificity (93%) than the lysate or filtrate preparations. The highest degree of cross-reactivity was encountered with the histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis specimens and considerably less with the cryptococcosis and aspergillosis sera. Studies are in progress to purify further the optimal IEF fraction. Zusammenfassung. Fraktionen des Lysatantigens der Hefephase von Blastomyces dermatitidis (T-58, Isolat vom Hund), mit der praparativen isoelektrisch fokussierenden (IEF) Rotofor® Zelle (Bio-Rad) gewonnen, wurden mit Lysat- und Filtratvollantigenen der Hefephase von B. dermatitidis zum Nachweis von Antikorpern in Seren von Hunden mit Blastomykose, Histoplasmose, Coccidioidomykose, Cryptococcose und Aspergillose verglichen. In der Studie wurde ein Meerrettich Peroxidase Enzymimmunoassay mit Turbo TMB-Substrat eingesetzt. Eine IEF-Fraktion (pH 4,3) reagierte in dem Test optimal und zeigte groBere Sensitivitat (100%) und Spezifitat (93%) als die Lysat- oder Filtratpraparationen. Der hochste Grad von Kreuzreaktivitat wurde in den Histoplasmose- und Coccidioidomykoseseren beobachtet, beachtlich weniger dagegen in den Cryptococcose- und Aspergillose-Seren. Studien zur weiteren Reinigung dieser IEF-Fraktion sind in Arbeit.
A New Technique for Demonstrating the Actor-Observer Bias

In this article we describe a new classroom exercise for introducing the actor-observer bias in social perception. We describe 2 experiments that compared our new technique (which involves resolving interpersonal dilemmas for oneself and another) with a previously established technique (judging the applicability of traits for oneself and another). Results of Experiment 1 suggested that the new technique is as effective as the old technique for demonstrating the actor-observer bias and that quiz scores were better for those who completed the new technique. Results of Experiment 2 indicated that the new technique is more enjoyable, memorable, valuable, and helpful and more likely to be recommended by students for use in the classroom.
Using risk communication to disclose the outcome of a participatory decision-making process: effects on the perceived acceptability of risk-policy decisions.

It has been suggested that public participation during decision making about risks can lead to more widely accepted risk policies. This article discusses an experiment to determine if this is true when people are made aware of the fact that a participatory decision-making process has taken place only through information disclosed during a subsequent risk communication effort. The results from this experiment showed that, after receiving information during risk communication that cast risk policies about space exploration as the product of a participatory decision process, participants in the study felt more supportive of the resulting decisions than did participants in a control group. This result coincided with the participants in the study group perceiving the risks associated with the decision to be lower and the benefits higher. Responses from these participants also showed that they were more satisfied with the decision-making process than they were with the outcome of the decision itself. Therefore, it may be premature to view the objective of participatory decision-making approaches—and the risk communication efforts that discuss them—as a means of making risk policies more widely acceptable to the public at large. Rather, it may be better to view the benefits of these approaches in terms of their ability to help lead to higher quality decisions that are the product of more widely accepted decision processes.
In situ SST Quality Monitor (iQuam)

AbstractThe quality of in situ sea surface temperatures (SSTs) is critical for calibration and validation of satellite SSTs. In situ SSTs come from different countries, agencies, and platforms. As a result, their quality is often suboptimal, nonuniform, and measurement-type specific. This paper describes a system developed at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the in situ SST Quality Monitor (iQuam; www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/sod/sst/iquam/). It performs three major functions with the Global Telecommunication System (GTS) data: 1) quality controls (QC) in situ SSTs, using Bayesian reference and buddy checks similar to those adopted in the Met Office, in addition to providing basic screenings, such as duplicate removal, plausibility, platform track, and SST spike checks; 2) monitors quality-controlled SSTs online, in near–real time; and 3) serves reformatted GTS SST data to NOAA and external users with quality flags appended. Currently, iQuam’s web page displays global monthly maps o...
The attentional blink: A review of data and theory

Under conditions of rapid serial visual presentation, subjects display a reduced ability to report the second of two targets(Target2; T2) in a stream of distractors if it appearswithin200-500 msec of Target 1 (Tl). This effect. known as the attentional blink(AB),has been central in characterizing the limits of humans’ ability to consciously perceive stimuli distributed across time. Here, we review theoretical accounts of the AB and examine how they explain key findings in the literature. We conclude that the AB arises from attentional demands of Tl for selection, working memory encoding, episodic registration,and response selection, which prevents this high-level central resource from being applied to T2 at shortT1-T2 lags. Tl processing also transiently impairs the redeployment of these attentional resources to subsequent targets and the inhibition of distractors that appear in close temporal proximity to T2. Although these findings are consistent with a multifactorial account of the AB,they can also be largely explained by assuming that the activation of these multiple processes depends on a common capacity-limited attentional process for selecting behaviorally relevant events presented among temporally distributed distractors. Thus, at its core, the attentional blink may ultimately reveal the temporal limits of the deployment of selective attention.
SU-GG-I-140: Gamma Camera Imaging of Indium-111 for Yttrium-90 Dosimetry

Purpose: It was aimed to identify problems and investigate processing parameters in images for treatment planning and dosimetry in Y‐90 Zevalin dose escalate trial. Method and Materials: 5 mCi of In‐111 Zevalin was imaged (0, 4, 24, 72 and 144 hours) on Siemens eCam dual head gamma camera with MEGP collimators. Y‐90 patient imaging was performed with 28 mCi of Y‐90 labeled Zevalin. At 30 minutes post Zevalin injection, a whole body scan was performed on the same camera using a 194 cm bed length (5 cm/min, total 48 min), 256 × 1024 × 16 matrix without zooming. Both anterior and posterior images were transferred an IDL workstation for data analysis. Time activity curves were fitted with various functions for comparison. MIRD scheme was used to estimate patient dose. Results: In‐ 111 images were processed with attenuation compensation. Quality control in acquisition and processing were important for consistency in dosimetry calculation. Mass correction was obtained using CT scan. Most of organ dose were under 2,000 rads if Y‐90 activity was below 32 mCi. Kidney dose was sensitive to RoI definition and location of the background region. Conclusion: An energy window (75keV/50%) is adequate for characteristic X‐ray and Bremsstrahlung imaging. Y‐90 imaging depends on scatter characteristic of tissue and does not provide direct biodistribution of Yttrium‐90. In‐111 imaging simulates the distribution of Y‐90 for dosimetry when quality control and consistency are followed.
Local Current-Activated Growth of Individual Nanostructures with High Aspect Ratios

The development of vertical nanoelectronics is hindered by limited control over the growth of nanostructures in specific directions. A scanning tunneling microscopy tip was used as a guide to locally consolidate individual nanoparticles and grow metallic nanopillars with high aspect ratios. Consolidation from random agglomerates occurs through electromigration and diffusion in a temperature gradient. The results of this study provide a new avenue for the controlled growth of complex metallic nanostructures for future three-dimensional architectures.
The role of supercomputers in higher education

Advanced technology and networks have made the extra computational power of supercomputers affordable and accessible to researchers even at small universities. This panel will discuss how these important research tools can best be utilized in today's higher education environment.
Al Gore attends Fall Meeting session on Earth observing satellite

Former U.S. vice president Al Gore, making unscheduled remarks at an AGU Fall Meeting session, said, “The reason you see so many pictures” of the Deep Space Climate Observatory (DSCOVR) satellite at this session is “that it already has been built.” However, “because one of its primary missions was to help document global warming, it was canceled. So for those who are interested in struggling against political influence,” Gore said, “the benefits have been documented well here.” Gore made his comments after the third oral presentation at the 8 December session entitled “Earth Observations From the L1 (Lagrangian Point No. 1),” which focused on the capabilities of and progress on refurbishing DSCOVR. The satellite, formerly called Triana, had been proposed by Gore in 1998 to collect climate data. Although Triana was built, it was never launched: Congress mandated that before the satellite could be sent into space the National Academies of Science needed to confirm that the science it would be doing was worthwhile. By the time the scientific validation was complete, the satellite “was no longer compatible with the space shuttle manifest,” Robert C. Smith, program manager for strategic integration at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, told Eos.
The Diagnostic Accuracy of Pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging is Enhanced by the Use of Fast Spoiled GRASS

The Diagnostic Accuracy of Pituitary Magnetic Resonance Imaging is Enhanced by the Use of Fast Spoiled GRASS
Evaluation of transgenic event Bt11 hybrid corn in broiler chickens

ABSTRACT A feeding study evaluated whether standard broiler diets prepared with grain derived from Syngenta Seeds NK Brand Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) Corn hybrids had any adverse effects on male or female broiler chickens. Four kinds of corn grain were used in this study: (1) grain from the Bt-expressing field corn hybrid N7070Bt, (2) grain from the N7070Bt hybrid that had been sprayed with Liberty brand herbicide (glufosinate) according to manufacturer's instructions (N7070Bt + Liberty), (3) grain from standard N7070 (non-Bt isoline of N707OBt) grain, and (4) a lot of North Carolina grown grain from the 2000 growing season (NC2000). The amino acid balance for the four lots of corn was similar relative to their crude protein content; however, the NC2000 corn had higher protein content. Diets with the higher protein NC2000 season corn were amended with a combination of sand, ground cardboard (Solka Floc), and poultry fat so that the metabolizable energy and crude protein content of the diluted diets would be similar to that of the isoline and transgenic diets. Growth of broilers was excellent with males being significantly heavier than females (2,497 g vs. 2,103 g) at 42 d of age. BW of live birds at 42 d was within 26 g for the three treatment groups fed corn that was from the same genetic background, i.e., the two Bt transgenic groups (N7070Bt, N7070Bt + Liberty), and the non-Bt N7070 isoline corn group, while BW for the NC2000 group was significantly lower by 93 g. There was no overall corn source effect on feed conversion ratio (FCR) among the isoline and transgenic corn sources to 42 d of age, but FCR was poorer for broilers consuming the commercial NC2000 corn. There was no overall effect of corn source on survivability to 42 d. Carcass analysis at 48 d demonstrated no differences in percentage carcass yield due to corn source among males and females. The transgenic N7070Bt and N7070Bt + Liberty hybrid diets supported excellent broiler chicken growth with mortality and FCR that were similar to that supported by the N7070 isoline control and better than rates from the commercial NC2000 corn without significant differences among treatment groups in carcass yield. It was clear that the transgenic corn had no deleterious or unintended effects on production traits of broiler chickens in this study.
Letter from the Editor: Welcome to OJOT!

Follow this and additional works at: http://scholarworks.wmich.edu/ojot Part of the Medical Education Commons Copyright transfer agreements are not obtained by The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy (OJOT). Reprint permission for this article should be obtained from the corresponding author(s). Click here to view our open access statement regarding user rights and distribution of this article. DOI: 10.15453/2168-6408.1030
Optical engineering at Keck Observatory: design and performance of the telescopes, adaptive optics and interferometer

The W. M. Keck Observatory operates two 10-m diameter optical/infrared telescopes on the summit of Mauna Kea (Figure 1) in support of astronomers from the California Institute of Technology, University of California, NASA and University of Hawaii communities. Natural guide star adaptive optics (AO) systems are operational on both telescopes and a laser guide star AO capability has recently become operational on one of these telescopes. The Keck Interferometer, which combines the AO-corrected light from the two telescopes, is currently operational in a visibility science mode, and nuller and differential phase science capabilities are currently under development. This paper will provide an overview of the optical design and performance of these optical systems.
Market orientation in the context of SMEs: A conceptual framework☆

Abstract A number of studies in the marketing literature have examined the construct of market orientation (MO). These studies generally show a positive link between MO and organizational performance. This paper examines MO specifically in the context of small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs). An in-depth review of the extant literature is used to develop a conceptual framework by exploring the major antecedents of MO, the MO–Performance relationship, and the key mediators and environmental moderators of this relationship. This paper also examines several studies on SMEs with respect to various aspects of this framework and offers suggestions for future research in order to understand more thoroughly how MO influences SME performance.
Self-consistent solution for proximity effect and Josephson current in ballistic graphene SNS Josephson junctions

We use a tight-binding Bogoliubov-de Gennes (BdG) formalism to self-consistently calculate the proximity effect, Josephson current, and local density of states in ballistic graphene SNS Josephson junctions. Both short and long junctions, with respect to the superconducting coherence length, are considered, as well as different doping levels of the graphene. We show that self-consistency does not notably change the current-phase relationship derived earlier for short junctions using the non-selfconsistent Dirac-BdG formalism but predict a significantly increased critical current with a stronger junction length dependence. In addition, we show that in junctions with no Fermi level mismatch between the N and S regions superconductivity persists even in the longest junctions we can investigate, indicating a diverging Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherence length in the normal region.
Polar heterostructure for multi-function devices: theoretical studies

It is well known that polar oxides such as BaTiO/sub 3/ and LiNbO/sub 3/ have extremely large piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects which make them highly suitable for sensor application. Semiconductors on the other hand have poor piezoelectric and pyroelectric effects but have their abilities to show large change in conductivity with small bias. In this paper we examine the potential of devices based on heterostructures made from highly polar materials and semiconductors. Such functional devices have superior sensor properties as well as transistor properties. The basis device examined is based on the use of a thin oxide with high piezoelectric coefficients or pyroelectric coefficients under the gate region. Channel charge and current are directly controlled by gate voltage (normal FET), temperature (thermal sensor), or stress (stress sensor). We examine the performance of three classes of heterostructures that form the basis of important semiconductor technologies: (i) Si/SiO/sub 2//BaTiO/sub 3/ heterostructure junctions that would be an important breakthrough for silicon sensor technology; (ii) GaN/AlN/BaTiO/sub 3/ heterostructure junctions that would be important especially in high temperature sensor application; and (iii) GaAs/AlGaAs/BaTiO/sub 3/ heterostructure field effect transistors.