cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Investigation of the Neutral Precursor of (H2O)6

In a recent ingenious experiment Diken et al. (Diken, E. G.; Robertson, W. H.; Johnson, M. A. J. Phys. Chem. A 2004, 108, 64) obtained the vibrational spectrum in the OH stretch region of the neutral (H2O)6 precursor to the (H2O)6- ion. Comparison of the measured spectrum with the calculated harmonic vibrational spectra of various low-energy isomers of (H2O)6 led these authors to conclude that the observed spectrum is due to the book isomer, although agreement between theory and experiment is only qualitative. In the present study a hybrid MP2/QCISD method is used to overcome a shortcoming of earlier theoretical calculations of the harmonic spectra of low-energy (H2O)6 isomers, and the coupling of the fundamentals with overtones and combination states is accounted for by means of a cubic force-field approximation. The results of these calculations provide further support for the assignment of the book form of (H2O)6 as the precursor of the dominant observed (H2O)6- isomer.
Kinetic and functional analysis of L-threonine kinase, the PduX enzyme of Salmonella enterica.

The PduX enzyme of Salmonella enterica is an l-threonine kinase used for the de novo synthesis of coenzyme B12 and the assimilation of cobyric acid. PduX with an N-terminal histidine tag (His8-PduX) was produced in Esch e richia coli and purified. The recombinant enzyme was soluble and active. Kinetic analysis indicated a steady-state Ordered Bi Bi complex mechanism in which ATP is the first substrate to bind. Based on a multiple sequence alignment of PduX homologues and other GHMP (galactokinase, homoserine kinase, mevalonate kinase, and phosphomevalonate kinase) family members, 14 PduX variants having changes at 10 conserved serine/threonine and aspartate/glutamate sites were constructed by site-directed mutagenesis. Each variant was produced in E. coli and purified. Comparison of the circular dichroism spectra and kinetic properties of the PduX variants with those of the wild-type enzyme indicated that Glu-24 and Asp-135 are needed for proper folding, Ser-99 and Glu-132 are used for ATP binding, and Ser-253 and Ser-255 are critical to l-threonine binding whereas Ser-100 is essential to catalysis, but its precise role is uncertain. The studies reported here are the first to investigate the kinetic and catalytic mechanisms of l-threonine kinase from any organism.
Stimulation of gastric prostaglandin synthesis by refeeding in the rat. Role in protection of gastric mucosa from damage.

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether feeding stimulates prostaglandin (PG) synthesis in the gastric mucosa and whether this might play a role in the defensive mechanism of the gastric mucosa. The effect of refeeding on the formation of gastric lesions induced by nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and on the generation of prostaglandin in the gastric mucosa was investigated. In the fasted rat aspirin and indomethacin produced many lesions in the corpus, but few or no lesions in the antrum. Refeeding of chow pellets before aspirin or indomethacin significantly decreased the corpus lesions, but provoked lesions in the antrum. When each drug was given before the refeeding, the protection against corpus lesions by refeeding was reduced and the lesions in the antrum were significantly increased. Mucosal generation of 6-keto-PGF1α (a stable metabolite of PGI2) and PGF2α was measuredex vivo by the method of Whittle. The generation of 6-keto-PGF1α and PGF2α in the fasted rat deprived of food for 24 hr was 1761±170 and 217±7 ng/min/g tissue in the corpus mucosa, and 2958±217 and 453±33 ng/min/g tissue in the antral mucosa, respectively. Refeeding of chow pellets significantly increased the generation of both prostaglandins in the antral mucosa and of PGF2α in the corpus mucosa, but did not affect the generation of PGI2 in the corpus mucosa. These results suggest that feeding stimulates prostaglandin synthesis in the antral and, to a lesser extent, the corpus mucosa and the increased prostaglandins may play a role in protecting the gastric mucosa, at least in the antrum, from damage caused by gastric juice and the solid component of food.
The Buffalo Creek Disaster: Extent and Range of Emotional and/or Behavioral Problems

This study explores the psychological impact of a flood disaster resulting from a dam break on February 26, 1972, in an area called Buffalo Creek situated in Logan County, West Virginia The tragedy caused the deaths of 118 people and 7 are still missing. In addition, numerous communities were virtually obliterated. Contained herein are some case studies of the emotional manifestation of the crisis, some therapeutic interventions, and some suggestions that appear powerful to ameliorate or to prevent the emotional trauma generated by disasters that destroy populated areas.
Studies on a Neuraminidase Containing Gonadotropin Inhibitor Substance in Bovine Pituitary Extracts

Fractions derived from whole bovine pituitary glands or bovine anterior lobes were found to inhibit the ovarian weight-gain activity of mixtures of ovine follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG), bovine FSH and HCG, or HCG alone. These fractions also inhibited the ovarian ascorbic acid depleting (OAAD) activity of HCG but not bovine luteinizing hormone (LH). Such effects were seen only when the gonadotropin inhibiting (GI) fraction was mixed with the gonadotropin prior to bioassay. Separate site injections of GI and gonadotropin abolished the inhibitory response. GI failed to inhibit endogenous secretions of gonadotropins in normal cycling female rats, as reflected by ovarian and uterine weights, ovarian histology and vaginal smear patterns. FSH and HCG, but not bovine LH, have been reported to require sialic acid for biologic activity. GI was shown to exhibit neuraminidase activity over a wide pH range. Because of this, it is suggested that a neuraminidase-like enzyme may...
Spatial and temporal patterns of spawning and larval hatching by the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, in a microtidal coastal lagoon

Estuarine species with wide geographic distributions often experience tidal regimes that vary significantly throughout their range. Plasticity in behaviors associated with the tide is expected to enable synchronization with local tides. The American horseshoe crabLimulus polyphemus typically inhabits estuaries and coastal areas with pronounced semi-diurnal tides that play a role in synchronizing the timing of spawning and larval hatching, but also lives in areas that lack significant tides and associated synchronization cues. We investigated the spatial and temporal pattern of adult spawning and larval hatching ofL. polyphemus in a microtidal coastal lagoon (Indian River Lagoon, Florida, USA). Spawning activity and larval abundance were monitored weekly February 1998–August 2000 at sites spanning 100 km of the lagoon. To identify possible synchronization cues for spawning and hatching success, the presence of adult and larvalL. polyphemus were related to environmental and hydrologic variables using logistic regression. The presence of spawning adults varied significantly among the sub-basins of the lagoon, with the highest densities occurring in the Banana River. Large spawning aggregations were not observed and densities never exceeded 6 m−2. Spawning occurred year-round but varied seasonally with episodes of increased mating activity in the early spring. The occurrence of mating pairs was episodic and was not synchronized among sites. Larval densities were low (4 m−3) and larvae were present at only 12 of the 21 sites. Hatching success was decoupled temporally from spawning activity, with peaks in larval abundance occurring approximately 8 wk after peaks in spawning. Larval abundance was associated with periods of high water. Reproductive activity of horseshoe crabs in the lagoon differs significantly from populations inhabiting areas with semi-diurnal and diurnal tides. These differences are likely due to the lack of periodic tidally-related synchronization cues and regular beach inundation.
Rabbit ventricular myocyte volume changes as a direct result of crystalloid cardioplegia in congestive heart failure induced by aortic regurgitation.

Abstract Objectives: We hypothesized that the cell volume of ventricular myocytes isolated from hearts in volume-overload congestive failure would respond differently to hypothermic cardioplegia than would sham-operated cohorts. Methods: Adult rabbits underwent either valvotomy and aortic regurgitation–induced heart failure or sham surgery. Congestive failure was confirmed clinically and by means of echocardiography. Cell volumes of isolated myocytes were measured by digital video microscopy. After equilibration in 37°C physiologic solution, cells were suprafused with 9°C standard or low-Cl – St Thomas’ Hospital solution followed by reperfusion in 37°C physiologic solution. Results: Exposure to cold St Thomas’ Hospital solution for 20 minutes caused sham myocytes to swell by 8% (n = 9); cell volumes fully recovered on normothermic reperfusion. In contrast, congestive failure myocytes (n = 9) maintained their cell volume in cold St Thomas’ Hospital solution and during reperfusion. Lowering the [K + ][Cl – ] product of St Thomas’ Hospital solution by partially replacing Cl – with an impermeant anion prevented cellular edema in the sham group (n = 8) but caused a 4% swelling in failure myocytes (n = 10) on reperfusion. Osmotically shrinking the failure cells (n = 9) converted their behavior to that of sham cells. Conclusions: In the absence of ischemia, congestive failure myocytes are less sensitive to cardioplegia-induced edema than sham cells. Low-Cl – cardioplegia, which prevents edema and protects the normal heart, induced swelling and may be detrimental in myopathic hearts. Differences in volume regulation in failure and sham myocytes may be due to activation of volume-sensitive channels that are turned off by osmotic shrinkage. (J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2000;119:826-33)
Effect of graded cooling of intermediate areas on respiratory response to vagal input.

Abstract The present study was undertaken to determine if the phrenic responses to vagally mediated inputs are also affected by focal cooling of the intermediate areas (IA) of the ventral medulla. Anesthetized, paralyzed cats whose vagi and carotid sinus nerves had been cut were studied. The IA were cooled focally with a thermostatically controlled thermode. When the IA were 40°C, low intensity vagal stimulation caused inhibition of phrenic activity. The stimulus was also applied when IA were cooled to 30 and 20°C. The magnitude of the inhibition was unaffected by the cooling. In another series of experiments, high intensity vagal stimulation was used. This led to an hyperpnea when IA were 40°C. The magnitude of the response was much smaller when the test stimulus was given at lower IA temperatures. The effect of cooling IA on the phrenic response to mechanical stimulation of pulmonary stretch receptors and airway irritant receptors were also studied in cats with intact vagi. We found that the response to irritant receptor, but not to stretch receptor, stimulation was abolished by the cooling. We conclude that the intermediate areas are involved in the integration of afferent input from airway irritant receptors that reaches the respiratory controller via high threshold vagal afferents, but not involved in processing signals from pulmonary stretch receptors.
Fuzzy logic controller structures

We look at structure of the fuzzy logic controller from the point of view of a function relating input to output. This view in turn can be generalized to that of looking at the fuzzy logic controller as a mathematical relationship. In this view the problem of fmding fuzzy logic controller outputs becomes equivalent to solving mathematical relationships. Using this motivation we suggest an alternative approach to the calculation of the output of fuzzy logic controllers. This approach is based upon the use of level sets and is called the level set method. This method provides a very efficient way of calculating fuzzy logic controller outputs that is easily implemented in hardware.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Interrater reliability of assessing levator ani muscle defects with magnetic resonance images

The objective of this study is to determine interrater reliability of assessing pubovisceral levator ani muscle defects with magnetic resonance images. Normal pubovisceral muscle was assigned a grade of 0; PVM defects were graded as mild = 1 (less than half missing), moderate = 2 (more than half missing), and severe = 3 (total or near total loss). Among six pairs of examiners, percent agreement and weighted kappa coefficients were calculated to determine agreement between pairs of examiners and among all examiners (i.e., “overall”). For unilateral scoring, exact agreement was found in 83.7%, and differences of one, two, and three grades were found in 14.7, 1.5, and 0.1%, respectively. For bilateral scoring, exact agreement and differences of one, two and three grades were found in 75.4, 15.9, 6.9, and 1.6%, respectively. Thus, exact agreement or a one-point difference was reached in 91.3% of cases. When defect status was categorized as none/normal, minor, and major, the overall weighted kappa coefficient was 0.86 (95% CI 0.83, 0.89). There was variation among examiner pairs with unilateral (p = 0.002) and bilateral (p = 0.02) scoring, but not when defect status was categorized as none/normal, minor, and major (p = 0.59). There was agreement to within one point in 91% of cases when six examiner pairs scored levator ani defects on a seven-point scale. Examiner pairs discriminated injury similarly when defect status was categorized as normal/none, minor, or major.
Regulation of cytokine-induced prostanoid and nitric oxide synthesis by extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1/2 in lung epithelial cells

The inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and interferon gamma (IFNγ) stimulate production of the inflammatory mediators prostaglandin E₂ (PGEγ), prostacyclin (PGIγ), and nitric oxide (NO) in cultured lung epithelial cells. Pretreatment of these cells with the selective MEK1/2 (mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] kinase 1/2) inhibitor U0126 blocked ERK1/2 activation and inhibited cytokine-induced production of these inflammatory mediators. Primary bronchiolar epithelial Clara cells treated with TNFα and IFNγ also produced increased PGE₂, PGI₂, and NO, and PG and NO production was decreased by MEK inhibition. U0126 differentially affected cyclooxygenase (COX)-1, COX-2, and inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression in cell lines, however, suggesting that MEK1/2 regulates prostanoid and NO production by means other than inducing their biosynthetic enzymes. Functionally, inhibition of MEK1/2 caused G1 cell cycle arrest and decreased cyclin D1 expression, but these effects were not related to decreased prostanoid production. These results indicate separate proinflammatory and proliferative roles for ERK1/2 in lung epithelial cells. During lung tumor formation in vivo, ERK1/2 phosphorylation increased as lung tumors progressed. Since tumor-derived cells were more sensitive than nontumorigenic cells to the antiproliferative effects of U0126, MEK1/2 inhibition may serve as an attractive chemotherapeutic target.
Effects of Threat of Shock on Conflict Resolution and Conflict Generalization

Summary.-Ss were exposed to a three-stage experimental conflict paradigm consisting of pretrainin~ (weak conflict), conflict training (either strong conflict, strong conflict plus threat of shock for wrong responses, weak conflict, or weak con€lict plus threzt of shock for wrong responses), and post-conflict performance (weak conflict). The results indicated: (1) performance in a weak conflict situation was markedly affected by previous conflict exposure, (2) threat of shock associated with weak and strong conflict sirnations increased indecisiveness particularly in the weak conflict condition, and (3) the threat of shock groups and the strong conflict non-threat group were significantly more indecisive during the post-conflict than the weak conflict group, but the former three groups did not differ significantly from one another. These results were discussed as being more consistent wid1 a competing-response than a dynamogenic formulation regarding the effects on the individual of exposure to conflict. Recently, research in the area of conflict has been undertaken to determine whether responding to prior conflict has an effect on the resolution of subsequently presented relatively weak conflict situations. Worell ( 1962b) has described two opposing theoretical formulations that deal with the effects on the individual of exposure to different degrees of conflict, the dynamogenic and the competingresponse hypotheses. According to the dynamogenic view, conflict has motivational properties and may serve as a source of drive. As a consequence, performance on a contiguously presented task would be expected to be influenced as a function of increased drive level. This is based on the Hullian notion of drive as an indiscriminate energizer of performance (Hull, 1943). The suggestion that conflicc may possess tension-arousing or drive properties has often been made
Evidence for corticotropin releasing factor and leu-enkephalin in the neural projection from the lateral parabrachial nucleus to the median preoptic nucleus: a retrograde transport, immunohistochemical double labeling study in the rat

Neurons in the lateral parabrachial nucleus of the pons were retrogradely labeled by True Blue deposited into the median preoptic nucleus. Immunohistochemical staining indicated that some 7% of these cells also contained corticotropin releasing factor, and another 5% were stained for Leu-enkephalin. Labeled cells were not found throughout the lateral parabrachial nucleus, but were confined to distinct cytoarchitectonically defined subdivisions. These findings suggest the presence of two peptides that have been implicated in central cardiovascular control within a neural projection between two cell groups that have been similarly implicated. The origins of the presently described pathways in distinct parts of the lateral parabrachial nucleus suggest an underlying topographical organization of this cell group that had not previously been appreciated.
DAYTIME MESOPAUSE TEMPERATURE MEASUREMENTS WITH A SODIUM-VAPOR DISPERSIVE FARADAY FILTER IN A LIDAR RECEIVER

Using a dispersive Faraday bandpass filter, we have upgraded our Na temperature lidar to be capable of 24-h operation. Along with a transmitting telescope to reduce the laser beam divergence to 0.2 mrad, the initial use of this unique narrow-band filter in a lidar receiver allowed us to reduce the detected daytime sky background to a level previously encountered at night, making routine daytime temperature measurements in the mesopause region a reality. The implementation, characterization, and results of what we believe are the first daytime mesopause temperature measurements are reported.
The organization and effectiveness of community mental health systems

This article explores five hypotheses on why some county mental health systems are more effective than others. The five hypotheses are: leadership succession, powerful agency, integrated system, service barriers, and resource dependency. The five explanations are tested through multiple regression on eight county service delivery systems in the northwest United States. The results of the study support the first three hypotheses, but not the latter two.
Process solutions for the global proximity effect on submicron lithography

Proximity effect, in general, is a major concern for submicron lithography. There are two kinds of proximity effect, i.e. global and local proximity effects, normally observed in the submicron lithography processes. Local proximity effect is occurred as a result of interaction between adjacent patterns, in which elbow rounding and proximity effect between adjacent contact holes are two typical examples. Global proximity effect is as a result of thin film interference of photoresist thickness variation over topography. The critical dimension variation between cell array and periphery patterns is a typical case. In this paper we will discuss several process approaches to the solution of global proximity effect. An optimum process to minimize the global proximity effect will be described.
Imaging metal surfaces by pulsed laser stimulated field desorption of field adsorbed atoms

Abstract Atomic images of Pt and Mo surfaces have been obtained using pulsed laser stimulated field desorption of field adsorbed atoms. The resolution of the desorption images is slightly inferior to low temperature field ion images. The direct correspondence of the images produced by thermally desorbed field adsorbed atoms with field ion images supports previous calculations suggesting apex site field adsorption of image gas atoms on field emitter surfaces.
A quantum-mechanical model for the ionization and excitation of atoms during sputtering

A quantum-mechanical model is developed for the process by which an atom is excited or ionized as it is sputtered from a metal surface. The probability of excitation is given by R = (A/ΔE)2(hv/aΔE)n, where A is the binding energy of a surface atom before sputtering, v is its average velocity after sputtering, a is the thickness of the surface, and Δ E the excitation energy. For ionization, ΔE = I−φ, with I the ionization energy of the sputtered atom, and φ the work function of tke surface. Available experimental data for ionization are fitted best with a = (1.4 ± 0.3)A˚, and n = 2.5 ± 0.3. The model is expected to be applicable to bombarding energies up to about 100 keV.
Vibrotactile pattern recognition and discrimination at several body sites.

Although many body sites have been tested for the processing of vibrotactile patterns, very few studies have employed similar patterns and techniques to compare processing across loci. In the studies reported here, subjects judged comparable sets of spatial patterns presented in the same way to the finger, palm, and thigh in tests of recognition, discrimination, and masking. Discrimination varied as a function of stimulus onset asynchrony in a similar way across loci, but level of performance across sites depended, to different degrees, on duration. These differences were mirrored in the relative levels of recognition learning across sites. Levels of forward and backward masking on the fingers and thigh were less dependent on duration and site.
Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in newborns younger than 21 days: remodeling the path of surgical intervention

Abstract Background According to currently accepted diagnostic criteria, ultrasonography confirms hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) when the pyloric muscle thickness (MT) is greater than 4 mm and the pyloric channel length (CL) is greater than 15 mm. Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis frequently presents in newborns younger than 21 days; yet, the diagnostic criteria in this younger population remain poorly defined. We, therefore, sought to define the diagnostic criteria for HPS in newborns younger than 21 days. Methods Ultrasonographic measures of pyloric MT and CL were obtained by retrospective chart review (2000-2006) at a single institution for all newborns (aged 10 days to 6 weeks) with an intraoperatively proven diagnosis of HPS. Demographic characteristics and ultrasonographic measurements were collected, and features differentiating younger (21 days or younger) from older newborns were assessed. Measures of pyloric MT and CL were analyzed in 7-day increments, and comparisons were made between newborns aged 21 days or less and newborns 22 to 42 days of age. Based upon these features, a set of ultrasonographic parameters to establish the diagnosis of HPS in younger patients was defined. Results Three hundred fourteen newborns (83% male) underwent pyloromyotomy of whom 64% (n = 200) had a preoperative pyloric ultrasound. Sixty newborns (19%) were younger than 21 days, of whom 51 (85%) had preoperative ultrasonography. The ultrasound measurement of HPS was significantly decreased in younger vs older newborns: (MT, 3.7 ± 0.65 vs 4.6 ± 0.82 mm, P P Conclusions These findings suggest that current guidelines to diagnose HPS do not accurately diagnose HPS in children younger than 3 weeks, and these findings raise the need to evaluate the decision analysis algorithm using prospective studies.
Psychology: Twentieth century religion? A psychologist's view

In conclusion, then, let me ask again the question: Is psychology our century's religion ? My answer is that psychology is not, and can never be, a full-fledged organized religion with comparable characteristics to Judaism, Catholicism, or Protestantism. Psychology is a modern science and has no coherent system of religious attitudes and beliefs, no conception of ultimate values, no dogmas supernatural in character, and no God. At most psychology is, or can be, a religious-like substitute for religion for a certain subgroup of our population, mainly intellectuals. However, both religion and depth psychology are deeply concerned with modern man's predicament. It is my belief that many people may experience religious — like phenomena within a therapeutic relationship and as a consequence of successful psychotherapy. Therefore, the roles of the clergyman and of the therapist overlap in their efforts to help modern man in his suffering and creative growth. But religion will always have its unique function and so will psychology.
Modeling properties of nylon 6/clay nanocomposites using composite theories

Abstract The reinforcement of nylon 6 by layered aluminosilicates (LAS) and glass fibers was examined using the composite theories of Halpin–Tsai and Mori–Tanaka. Theoretical comparisons show that exfoliated LAS offer superior reinforcement to glass fibers owing to the filler's high modulus, high aspect ratio, and its ability to reinforce in two directions. The effect of incomplete exfoliation of simple stacks of LAS on nanocomposite modulus was also examined. Increasing the number of platelets per stack and the gallery spacing between platelets results in a dramatic decrease in reinforcing efficiency. The predictions were benchmarked against experimental data for nylon 6 nanocomposites based on organically modified montmorillonite and glass fibers. The quantitative determination of the morphology of the nanocomposites is non-trivial due to the large distribution of filler shapes and sizes present. Thus, a detailed experimental procedure for determining the aspect ratio of the nanocomposites is reported. The composite theories satisfactorily capture the stiffness behavior of both types of composites. Furthermore, experimental heat distortion temperatures and those predicted from modeling the dynamic mechanical properties of nanocomposites are in reasonable agreement.
Heat treatment for disinfestation of empty grain storage bins

Abstract An alternative to fumigants and insecticides for controlling stored-product insects in empty grain storage bins prior to filling is heat treatment, in which the temperature is quickly raised to a minimum of 50 °C and held there for 2–4 h. Effectiveness of heat treatment on empty grain storage bins was evaluated for five commercial propane and electric heat-treatment systems by measuring air temperature and associated mortality of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), the red flour beetle, Sitophilus oryzae (L.), the rice weevil, and Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), the lesser grain borer, exposed for different time intervals. Eleven locations, six above and five below the drying floor, were monitored for air temperature and associated mortality of the three insect species, using arenas initially stocked with live adult insects. Data were analyzed separately for each heating system, with floor location and time interval as main effects for insect mortality. A high-output propane heater (29 kW) produced 100% mortality in 2 h for the three insect species at all test locations. An electric duct-heater system (18 kW) also produced 100% mortality at all test locations after 40 h when aided by a complicated interior heat-distribution system. The other three systems produced less than 100% mortality.
Optofluidic notch filter integration by lift-off of thin films

Optofluidic platforms used for biomolecular detection require spectral filtering for distinguishing analyte signals from unwanted background. Towards a fully integrated platform, an on-chip filter is required. Selective deposition of dielectric thin films on an optofluidic sensor based on antiresonant reflecting optical waveguide (ARROW) technology provides the means for localized, on-chip optical filtering. We present a lift-off technique, compatible with thin-film processing including plasma-enhanced chemical vapor and sputtering deposition. The resulting optofluidic notch filters exhibited a 20 dB rejection with linewidths as low as 20 nm for ~1 cm long chips consisting of liquid-core and solid-core waveguides.
Performance Characteristics Studies of Image Intensifier Having Short Luminescence Decay Time

The characteristics of a modified first generation 40 mm - diameter VARO 1248-1 image intensifier which uses a very short luminescence decay time phosphor screen (P-46) have been investigated. Some typical intensifier characteristics - such as luminous gain and spatial resolution - are compared with data provided by the manufacturer for nonmodified device. Characteristics which are not generally available from manufacturer were also measured. These include the phosphor spectral emission characteristics and luminescence decay time. The measuring techniques used and description of measuring systems are given.
Recommendations with prerequisites

We consider the problem of recommending the best set of k items when there is an inherent ordering between items, expressed as a set of prerequisites (e.g., the course `Real Analysis' is a prerequisite of `Complex Analysis'). Since this problem is NP-hard, we develop 3 approximate algorithms to solve this problem. We experimentally evaluate these algorithms on synthetic data.
Syntheses of Highly Substituted Enantiopure C6 and C7 Enones1

Enantiopure epoxyvinyl sulfones SS-9a, SS-9b, produced from Jacobsen epoxidation of 2-phenylsulfonyl 1,3-cyclohexa- and cycloheptadiene, are used as a template for the construction of substituted cycloalkenones and as chiral synthetic equivalents of enones a and b. The addition of carbon nucleophiles to SS-9a, SS-9b is high yielding and stereospecific. Enantiopure α,β- and γ-substituted cycloalkenones are easily constructed using a variety of methods.
Differential calculus on graphon space

Recently, the theory of dense graph limits has received attention from multiple disciplines including graph theory, computer science, statistical physics, probability, statistics, and group theory. In this paper we initiate the study of the general structure of differentiable graphon parameters F. We derive consistency conditions among the higher Gi?teaux derivatives of F when restricted to the subspace of edge weighted graphs W p . Surprisingly, these constraints are rigid enough to imply that the multilinear functionals ? : W p n ? R satisfying the constraints are determined by a finite set of constants indexed by isomorphism classes of multigraphs with n edges and no isolated vertices. Using this structure theory, we explain the central role that homomorphism densities play in the analysis of graphons, by way of a new combinatorial interpretation of their derivatives. In particular, homomorphism densities serve as the monomials in a polynomial algebra that can be used to approximate differential graphon parameters as Taylor polynomials. These ideas are summarized by our main theorem, which asserts that homomorphism densities t ( H , - ) where H has at most N edges form a basis for the space of smooth graphon parameters whose ( N + 1 ) st derivatives vanish. As a consequence of this theory, we also extend and derive new proofs of linear independence of multigraph homomorphism densities, and characterize homomorphism densities. In addition, we develop a theory of series expansions, including Taylor's theorem for graph parameters and a uniqueness principle for series. We use this theory to analyze questions raised by Lovasz, including studying infinite quantum algebras and the connection between right- and left-homomorphism densities. Our approach provides a unifying framework for differential calculus on graphon space, thus providing further links between combinatorics and analysis.
Comparison of global and mode of action-based models for aquatic toxicity

The ability to estimate aquatic toxicity is a critical need for ecological risk assessment and chemical regulation. The consensus in the literature is that mode of action (MOA) based toxicity models yield the most toxicologically meaningful and, theoretically, the most accurate results. In this study, a two-step prediction methodology was developed to estimate acute aquatic toxicity from molecular structure. In the first step, one-against-the-rest linear discriminant analysis (LDA) models were used to predict the MOA. The LDA models were able to predict the MOA with 85.8–88.8% accuracy for broad and specific MOAs, respectively. In the second step, a multiple linear regression (MLR) model corresponding to the predicted MOA was used to predict the acute aquatic toxicity value. The MOA-based approach was found to yield similar external prediction accuracy (r2 = 0.529–0.632) to a single global MLR model (r2 = 0.551–0.562) fit to the entire training set. Overall, the global hierarchical clustering approach yie...
Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis due to Pseudomonas oryzihabitans

Abstract PURPOSE: To report a case of chronic postoperative endophthalmitis caused by the gram-negative bacterium Pseudomonas oryzihabitans . DESIGN: Interventional case report. METHODS: A 77-year-old man was referred to our service for nonpainful uveitis in the right eye accompanied by increased intraocular pressure of 2 years' duration with onset 4 months after uncomplicated extracapsular cataract extraction and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. The uveitis partially responded to topical corticosteroid therapy but was recurrent with tapering of steroids. An anterior chamber tap and vitreous biopsies sent for cultures were negative. Owing to the persistence of inflammation despite intraocular vancomycin injection, the lens implant and capsule were removed and culture of the latter revealed the bacterium P. oryzihabitans . RESULTS: There was no recurrence of inflammation after removal of the lens implant and capsule. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike other gram-negative organisms, which are associated with poor outcomes, P. oryzihabitans may masquerade as chronic uveitis because of its low virulence.
The control and modeling of doping profiles and transients in MOVPE growth

Abstract The accurate placement of dopants during chemical vapor deposition is complicated by many factors: growth temperature, reactor design, flow conditions, and the choice of growth and doping chemistry. Long doping transients have often been noted in structures grown using, for example, dopant precursors such as H 2 Se and Mg(C 5 H 5 ) 2 . These transients appear at the “turn-on” of a dopant source as well as the termination or “turn-off” of the source. The grown-in dopant profiles are also modified by the diffusion of the dopant during the thermal history of the structure. The major cause of these transients in the case of metal-organic doping sources, such as Mg(C 5 H 5 ) 2 , is the adsorption and desorption of the dopant precursors on the internal surfaces of the reactor. We have developed a heuristic model of this process which can describe the major features of this process. Growth conditions and dopant source characteristics are described which minimize these growth transients.
Studies of the Structure and Composition of Rhenium−1,1-Hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate (HEDP) Analogues of the Radiotherapeutic Agent 186ReHEDP

Complexes of technetium with diphosphonate ligands are widely used for the imaging and diagnosis of bone disease and most especially metastatic bone cancer. Analogous complexes of radioactive rhenium (186Re) with the ligand H4HEDP, 1,1-hydroxyethylidenediphosphonate, have been shown to be effective palliatives for the treatment of the intense pain associated with metastatic bone cancer. We have synthesized several of these analogs using nonradioactive Re and have structurally characterized them using EXAFS (extended X-ray absorption fine structure) spectroscopy. One complex synthesized via the substitution reaction of HEDP with trans-[(py)4(O)2Re]Cl in absolute ethanol appears to be the 1:1 salt of the tris-HEDP complex anion with the starting Re cation, [(py)4(O)2Re][Re(H2HEDP)3]. Three other materials, all synthesized via reduction of perrhenate by stannous chloride in the presence of excess H4HEDP ligand, are quite different in structure from the material formed by substitution. The principal differenc...
Pet Loss: Implications for Counselors

The general purpose of this article is to increase the awareness of counselors about the topic of pet loss. Specifically, this article discusses how counselors can be actively involved through practice, consultation, and research to help people deal with the emotional impact of pet loss.
Effects of Processing Styles on the Preference of Restaurant Menu Type: How Do Millennials Compare to Other Segments?

Employing an online survey, U.S. Millennials' wine consumers processing styles (cognitive versus affective) were identified and restaurant menu information preferences (visual versus verbal) were examined. Participants' processing styles were established then presented graphics of hypothetical restaurant menus, one visually oriented (symbols) and one verbally oriented (text). No significance was found in processing style across generational segments. Verbal was chosen over visual by those identified as Thinkers (high cognition / low affect). Feelers (low cognition / high affect) and Combiners (high cognition / high affect) were expected to choose visual menu yet also chose the verbal menu. The results support the continued use of traditional verbal menus used in restaurants.
Sex differences in the polysomnographic sleep of young adults: a community-based study

Abstract Background and purpose In small, clinical samples, men have reduced slow wave sleep compared to women. Given the higher prevalence of sleep-related breathing disturbance in men, this study assessed sex differences in sleep in a large, non-clinical sample of adults and controlled for primary sleep disorders. Patients and methods Men and women, 31–40 years old, drawn from a longitudinal sample representative of southeast Michigan served as subjects. Each underwent a sleep study consisting of two consecutive 8-h nights of standard polysomnography (NPSG) and a multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) the intervening day. Results Of the 439 eligible participants, 292 (66.5%) agreed to spend two consecutive nights and the intervening day in the sleep laboratory. Standard polysomnograms that monitored respiration and leg movements were collected each night, and on the intervening day the MSLT was performed. Men had more sleep-related breathing disturbance than women. After adjusting for this higher prevalence of respiratory disturbance, men still had a lower mean sleep efficiency (i.e. increased wake time) and a higher percentage of stage 1 sleep. Men and women did not differ in most other sleep parameters and did not differ in level of daytime sleepiness on the MSLT. Conclusions Sleep-related respiratory disturbance accounted for some of the sex differences in sleep. After correcting for respiratory disturbance, men still had lighter and less efficient sleep, but this was not associated with greater daytime sleepiness. Whether this reflects a sex difference in the functioning of the sleep homeostat will require further study.
Polymerization systems engineering—a literature review

This paper reviews research in the area of polymerization systems engineering. Polymerization systems engineering is divided into six subareas: thermodynamics, modeling and simulation, optimal reactor design, dynamic optimization, stability analysis, and optimal synthesis. Basic concepts of polymerization are presented, and research in these subareas is reviewed. It is concluded that much remains to be done.
A host-vector system for analysis and manipulation of rifamycin polyketide biosynthesis in Amycolatopsis mediterranei.

Modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) are a large family of multifunctional enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of numerous bacterial natural products such as erythromycin and rifamycin. Advanced genetic analysis of these remarkable systems is often seriously hampered by the large size (>40 kb) of PKS gene clusters, and, notwithstanding their considerable fundamental and biotechnological significance, by the lack of suitable methods for engineering non-selectable modifications in chromosomally encoded PKS genes. The development of a facile host–vector strategy for genetic engineering of the rifamycin PKS in the producing organism, Amycolatopsis mediterranei S699, is described here. The genes encoding all 10 modules of the rifamycin PKS were replaced with a hygromycin-resistance marker gene. In a similar construction, only the first six modules of the PKS were replaced. The deletion hosts retained the ability to synthesize the primer unit 3-amino-5-hydroxybenzoic acid (AHBA), as judged by co-synthesis experiments with a mutant strain lacking AHBA synthase activity. Suicide plasmids carrying a short fragment from the 5′ flanking end of the engineered deletion, an apramycin-resistance marker gene, and suitably engineered PKS genes could be introduced via electroporation into the deletion hosts, resulting in the integration of PKS genes and biosynthesis of a reporter polyketide in quantities comparable to those produced by the wild-type organism. Since this strategy for engineering recombinant PKSs in A. mediterranei requires only a selectable single crossover and eliminates the need for tedious non-selectable double-crossover experiments, it makes rifamycin PKS an attractive target for extensive genetic manipulation.
Proposed response criteria for neurocognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus clinical trials

The objective of this study was to identify reliable and valid instruments to measure cognitive impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to define minimally important change of cognitive impairment in SLE for clinical trials. Neurocognitive measures used in randomized clinical trials in SLE were reviewed, and response criteria were developed using consensus expert opinion. The definition of cognitive impairment in the ACR nomenclature for neuropsychiatric lupus syndrome was adopted. Cognitive impairment is a deficit of 2.0 or more standard deviations (SD) below the mean, compared to normative data, in the key domains of attention, memory and psychomotor speed. Cognitive decline is defined as a deficit of 1.5-1.9 SD below the mean. Focal decline is defined if impairment exists in one or more measures within one domain, and multifocal decline if impairment exists on measures spanning two or more domains. The combination of ACR neuropsychological battery and the Cognitive Symptoms Inventory (CSI) is recommended to quantitate cognitive function. A clinically important response is defined as an improvement of > or = 1.0 SD with an effect size of 1.0 in the key domains of the ACR neuropsychological testing, and an improvement of > or = 1.0 SD with an effect size of 1.0 in functional performance of the CSI.
Statistical and Operational Issues Arising in an Interim Analysis When the Study Will Continue

Guidelines for conducting interim analyses in clinical trials sponsored by the pharmaceutical industry have been recently published (1). Usually, the clinical trial will terminate or the design will change when the interim analysis shows outstanding efficacy results. There are situations, however, where the interim analysis shows outstanding efficacy results and yet the study continues, for example, when regulatory requirements in the United States and Europe differ concerning study duration. A case study is presented which describes the statistical and operational issues encountered while performing a two-year interim analysis of a three-year registration study when the study was to continue to the three-year timepoint with the same design regardless of the outcome of the interim analysis. The statistician plays a central role in developing and implementing the strategy to effectively resolve these issues.
Acidification of headwater streams in the New Jersey Pinelands: A re-evaluation1

Previous reports of significant acidification oftwo headwater streams in the New Jersey Pinelands, presumably by acid deposition, are not supported by more recent data and a re-evaluation of the original data. For one stream, McDonalds Branch, there has been no significant decline in pH from 1958 to 1982. For the other, Oyster Creek, a significant decline in pH was observed from 1965 to 1982, but the data indicate that a return to normally low pH levels following a short term watershed disturbance in the mid-1960s is more likely to have been responsible than acid deposition.
Three-pronged genomic analysis reveals yeast cell-type regulation circuitry

The phenotypic and physiological potential of a cell is determined by its transcription program, which, in turn, is determined by the array of transcription factors present in the cell. A sophisticated and detailed understanding of the role of a particular transcription factor requires that all of its target genes be identified. This task is a daunting one, but it has become feasible with the availability of complete genome sequences, coupled with genome-wide analytical methods such as transcription profiling and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays. In a recent study, Harbison et al. (1) used ChIP analysis, together with predicted sequence-recognition motifs, to determine the genomic occupancy of 203 DNA-binding transcription regulators in yeast. Because of the scope of that study, the question of whether all of the targets of a particular transcription regulator function in a particular physiological setting were identified was left unanswered. In a recent issue of PNAS, Galgoczy et al. (2) focus on a specific biological question with the goal of identifying the complete set of target genes for the transcription regulators that determine cell type in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Cell-type specification in yeast has been studied intensely in a number of laboratories over the last 20 years, and the information gained from those studies served as a touchstone for the current work; that is, certain targets could be anticipated. However, there is ample room for surprise. Some target genes may have eluded discovery, and it is conceivable that the cell-type regulators also make connections to other physiological processes. Indeed, both possibilities are realized in the current study. In their work, Galgoczy et al. (2) used ChIP analysis, as had Harbison et al. (1), but, …