cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Internet usage of local government employees: A study of the effect of individual preferences, group influences, and administrative factors

Abstract Using data from a survey, this study investigates how local government employees use the Internet to carry out their day-by-day work. Our survey reports that most employees use the Internet to download information, communicate, and perform routine tasks. Many of them use the Internet for personal purposes at work. We also test seven hypotheses to explore different variables that may explain the Internet use of government employees. The results show that individual acceptance of the Internet, perceived Internet importance to the work group's mission, and employer-provided training and technical support have a significant impact on their Internet usage at work. This note reports our preliminary findings from a large project to study the role and impacts of information technology in public organizations.
High‐resolution seismic reflection profiling of the Santa Monica Fault Zone, west Los Angeles, California

High-resolution seismic reflection data obtained across the Santa Monica fault in west Los Angeles reveal the near-surface geometry of this active, oblique-reverse-left-lateral fault. Although near-surface fault dips as great as 55° cannot be ruled out, we interpret the fault to dip northward at 30° to 35° in the upper few hundred meters, steepening to ≥65° at 1 to 2 km depth. A total of ∼180 m of near-field thrust separation (fault slip plus drag folding) has occurred on the fault since the development of a prominent erosional surface atop ∼1.2 Ma strata. In the upper 20 to 40 m strain is partitioned between the north-dipping main thrust strand and several closely spaced, near-vertical strike-slip faults observed in paleoseismologic trenches. The main thrust strand can be traced to within 20 m of the ground surface, suggesting that it breaks through to the surface in large earthquakes. Uplift of a ∼50,000-year-old alluvial fan surface indicates a short-term, dip-slip rate of ∼0.5 mm/yr, similar to the ∼0.6 mm/yr dip-slip rate derived from vertical separation of the oxygen isotope stage 5e marine terrace 3 km west of the study site. If the 0.6 mm/yr minimum, dip-slip-only rate characterizes the entire history of the fault, then the currently active strand of the Santa Monica fault probably began moving within the past ∼300,000 years.
Course Enrichment and the Job Characteristics Model.

This article describes how the job characteristics model, used by industrial-organizational psychologists to enhance the motivating potential of jobs in industry, can be applied to enhance the motivating potential of psychology courses. The job characteristics model describes the relation among the core job characteristics of skill variety, task identity, task significance, autonomy, feedback, and employee intrinsic job motivation. Empirical support for the job characteristics model has been established in organizational research. Application of this model to course design provides a framework for enriching course design to increase student motivation. This conceptual framework can be used to strengthen teaching methods, evaluation methods, policies, and other aspects of how a course is structured.
Superluminal Behavior, Causality, and Instability

We distinguish two fundamentally different types of superluminal (group $\mathrm{velocity}gc$) behavior. One type, called causal, is shown not to conflict with the usual condition that a signal originating in a region is felt only in the forward light cone of that region. This type of mode occurs as small oscillations about an unstable equilibrium configuration of high energy density. The second type of superluminosity, called noncausal, violates the causality conditions of conventional theory. It is shown that the noncausal superluminosity occurs only for field theories which are singular in the sense that there does not exist a unique one-to-one relationship between the momenta and the velocities. The field equations of such theories do not present a good Cauchy problem for arbitrary data on spacelike hyperplanes. They thus lead to ambiguous and/or singular solutions. An interesting feature of our first model is that it leads to tachyonlike behavior without one's having to introduce negative energies.
Characterization of UDP-glucuronic acid transport in rat liver microsomal vesicles with photoaffinity analogs

Abstract The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of rat liver contains several well characterized UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs), membrane-bound proteins of 50–54 kDa, and also less well identified UDP-glucosyltransferases, with nucleotide binding sites located on the lumenal surface. There is evidence that the substrates for these enzymes, UDP-glucuronic acid (UDP-GlcUA) and UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc), biosynthesized in the cytosol, are transported into the lumen of the ER via unknown mechanisms, the characteristics of which are poorly defined. A new approach for the study of the transport process has been devised using two active-site directed photoaffinity analogs, [β-32P]5-azido-UDP-GlcUA and [β-32P]5-azido-UDP-Glc. Photoincorporation of these probes into the lumenally oriented UGTs of intact rat liver microsomal vesicles was used as an indicator of transport. In intact vesicles, [32P]5N3UDP-GlcUA was efficiently incorporated into UGTs in a time, temperature and concentration dependent manner. In contrast, [32P]5N3UDP-Glc apparently was not transported effectively; maximal photolabeling of the 50–54 kDa proteins by this probe was dependent on detergent disruption of the vesicles. Vesicular uptake of and subsequent photolabeling of the 50–54 kDa proteins by [32P]5N3UDP-GlcUA were inhibited by UDP-GlcUA and 5N3UDP-GlcUA while UDP-Glc, 5N3UDP-Glc, UDP-xylose and UDP -N- acetylglucosamine were less inhibitory, suggesting a high degree of specificity for the uptake/photolabeling process. The anionic transport inhibitors DIDS and SITS inhibited [32P]5N3UDP-GlcUA photoincorporation into UGTs in intact vesicles, but also inhibited photolabeling of these and other enzymes in detergent disrupted vesicles. These data suggest the presence in rat liver microsomal vesicles of a specific, carrier-mediated transport process for UDP-GlcUA which is distinct from the mechanism of UDP-Glc transport.
Multiple time scale methods in tokamak magnetohydrodynamics

Several methods are discussed for integrating the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equations in tokamak systems on other than the fastest time scale. The dynamical grid method for simulating ideal MHD instabilities utilizes a natural nonorthogonal time-dependent coordinate transformation based on the magnetic field lines. The coordinate transformation is chosen to be free of the fast time scale motion itself, and to yield a relatively simple scalar equation for the total pressure, P = p + B/sup 2//2..mu../sub 0/, which can be integrated implicitly to average over the fast time scale oscillations. Two methods are described for the resistive time scale. The zero-mass method uses a reduced set of two-fluid transport equations obtained by expanding in the inverse magnetic Reynolds number, and in the small ratio of perpendicular to parallel mobilities and thermal conductivities. The momentum equation becomes a constraint equation that forces the pressure and magnetic fields and currents to remain in force balance equilibrium as they evolve. The large mass method artificially scales up the ion mass and viscosity, thereby reducing the severe time scale disparity between wavelike and diffusionlike phenomena, but not changing the resistive time scale behavior. Other methods addressing the intermediate time scales are discussed.
Configuration of necine pyrroles — Toxic metabolites of pyrrolizidine alkaloids

The commonly accepted belief regarding the configuration of the major pyrrole metabolite of pyrrolizidine alkaloids has been revised. This paper provides evidence that a racemic mixture of (+/-) 6,7-dihydro-7-hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-5H-pyrrolizine is the product of the microsomal transformation of esters of heliotridine and retronecine instead of pure(+) or (-) enantiomers, commonly referred to as dehydroheliotridine and dehydroretronecine. The toxicological significance of these results is under investigation.
The use of immunohistochemistry in the differential diagnosis of tumors of the testis and paratestis.

Although most testicular and paratesticular tumors can be recognized by their light microscopic features, some raise significant differential diagnostic questions. Immunohistochemical staining has proved of significant value in this situation. There is still a role for the traditional markers, including placental-like alkaline phosphatase and alpha-fetoprotein, but newer markers provide additional support and often have greater sensitivity and specificity for many diagnoses. OCT4 is virtually 100% sensitive and specific for seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, and intratubular germ cell neoplasia, unclassified type. Inhibin-α, among testicular tumors, is limited to those in the sex cord-stromal category or those having adrenocortical-type differentiation (testicular tumor of the adrenogenital syndrome) or of trophoblastic lineage. Calretinin is another positive marker for the sex cord–stromal tumors but has less specificity. Additional markers, including differential cytokeratins, c-kit, CD30, epithelial membrane antigen, S-100, melan-A, and others, are useful in specific situations. This article reviews the application of immunohistochemical markers for a number of differential diagnostic considerations in the testis and paratestis categorized according to their light microscopic patterns.
Effect of acute selenium restriction on whole body endogenous selenium and the selenite-exchangeable metabolic pool in the adult rat.

The time course of changes in whole body endogenous selenium (Seend) was investigated during a short-term (7-day) selenium restriction study in the adult rat. The method of continuous feeding with a stable isotope of selenium was used to permit normal intake of selenium while distinguishing between the dietary and endogenous components of body selenium. Additionally, the effect of short-term selenium restriction on the time course of the selenite-exchangeable metabolic pool (Se-EMP) was investigated. Two groups of adult male rats were intubated with the in vivo stable isotope 74SeO32−, then fed a Torula yeast diet (selenium <0.02 μg/g) and either deionized water (−Se group) or deionized water containing selenium as 76SeO32− (0.1 μg selenium/ml) (+Se group). Three animals from each group were killed at 24-hour intervals. Whole body Seend and the estimated size of Se-EMP (WSe-EMP) were determined using hydride generation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for isotopic measurements. Whole body Seend decreased linearly in the +Se group (Se°end: 54.4 μg; Seend at 3 days: 49.3 ± 2.1; Seend at 7 days: 45.2 ± 2.2). The decrease was exponential for the −Se group (Se°end: 54.4 μg; Seend at 3 days: 42.9 ± 0.3; Seend at 7 days: 42.2 ± 0.7). The value of WSe-EMP,pl (μg) was 19.8 ± 0.6 at 1 day and 19.7 ± 1.0 at 7 days for the +Se group. The corresponding values for the −Se group were 15.7 ± 1.5 and 18.8 ± 0.4. All respective values of WSe-EMP,pl for the −Se group were significantly smaller than for the +Se group (P < 0.05), with the exception of values at days 6 and 7. The value of WSe-EMP,urine (μg) was 2.1 ± 0.2 at 1 day, increasing rapidly to 23.5 ± 1.5 at 7 days for the +Se group. The corresponding values for the −Se group were 3.0 and 23.1.
Travel medicine: an American view of the Australian perspective.

Peter Leggat has beautifully and succinctly summarized many of the key issues in travel medicine. With humility, he claims only to have presented an Australian perspective. In fact, travel medicine is a growing global domain of medicine. Leggat’s description is appropriately multi-national in perspective, and most of it is true beyond the specific political boundaries surrounding a particular traveler’s place of origin. Travelers with itineraries originating in developing countries might indeed have different risks and needs than the typical American or Australian traveler. Nonetheless, Leggat’s Australian perspective provides a good description of the North American perspective on most major points. Certainly, the need for good pre-travel consultation and intervention is similar between the two continents. Sadly, it is also similar that too many North American travelers do not seek and/or obtain adequate pre-travel input and intervention, and the results of incomplete preventive interventions can be devastating. Leggat’s discussions of immunization and malaria prevention are mostly applicable to American travel clinics as well.
Psychological interventions with siblings of pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review.

Objective: Siblings of pediatric cancer patients have been shown to be at risk for developing emotional, behavioral, and social problems. There is a need for psychological interventions in this population. Several researchers have previously documented and evaluated their interventions with siblings. This paper aimed at reviewing the existing reports of evaluated psychological interventions with siblings of pediatric cancer patients and at outlining future directions. Methods: Research was conducted on several online bibliographic databases. Articles were selected on the basis of predefined criteria. If possible, effect sizes (ES) were calculated. Results: Fourteen studies representing 11 different sibling interventions met criteria for inclusion. One individual intervention, three camps, and seven groups were found. Objectives of interventions concentrated mainly on enhancing siblings' coping and improving their medical knowledge. In terms of outcome measures, most of the studies focused on psychological adjustment variables. Findings showed significant improvements in siblings' depression symptomatology, medical knowledge, and health-related quality of life. Findings were inconsistent with regard to anxiety, behavioral problems, social adjustment, self-esteem, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Depending on the outcome variables, small to large ES were found. Satisfaction with the intervention was high in both siblings and parents. Conclusion: There is tentative evidence that psychological interventions with siblings of childhood cancer patients can effectively reduce psychological maladjustment and improve medical knowledge about cancer. However, the number of studies is small, and several methodological shortcomings have to be noted. In future, more randomized controlled trials need to be conducted in larger samples to extend the evidence base. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
When Boy Meets Girl (Revisited): Gender, Gender-Role Orientation, and Prospect of Future Interaction as Determinants of Seff-Disclosure among Same- and Opposite-Sex Acquaintances:

Male and female research participants self-disclosed to a male or a female confederate with whom they anticipated or did not anticipate further interaction. Women disclosed more intimately, with increasing emotion, and displayed more topical responsiveness with female than with male targets. But as anticipated by gender socialization theory, only the highly masculine men reliably disclosed more to female than to male targets, and then only when they expected further interaction with their partners and could foresee the possibility of cultivating a deeper heterosexual relationship. Moreover; highly masculine men who anticipated further interaction with female targets expressed several of the relationship concerns that gender socialization theory anticipates in their postdisclosure impressions. Neither dispositional masculinity nor femininity reliably predicted the disclosures of women, who may have favored female targets due, in part, to a belief that other women are more appropriate outlets for intimate s...
Quantification of serial changes in plaque burden using multi-detector computed tomography in experimental atherosclerosis

Abstract Assessment of changes in plaque volume is increasingly used as a surrogate-endpoint in clinical trials testing the efficacy of anti-atherosclerotic interventions. Multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) can detect and quantify non-calcified atherosclerotic plaques, but its ability to monitor changes in plaque volume has not yet been tested. We sought to test the ability of MDCT to detect and quantify serial changes in atheroma burden in comparison with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Rabbits ( n =12) with experimentally induced abdominal atherosclerosis were randomized to receive a plaque-regressing agent (recombinant apoA-I Milano , n =8) or placebo ( n =4). All animals underwent two 64-slice MDCT angiography and MRI studies (pre- and post-treatment). The primary endpoint was the change in plaque burden (defined as vessel wall volume in the 5cm distal to the left renal artery) between pre- and post-treatment MDCT in comparison with MRI. Results MDCT detected a significant decrease in plaque burden caused by recombinant apoA-I Milano (464 [423–535] to 405 [363–435]mm 3 , p =0.03) that was confirmed by MRI (324 [286–412] to 298 [282–399]mm 3 , p =0.03). No significant effect was noted in the placebo group either by MDCT or MRI. There were strong correlations between both modalities for the quantification of plaque burden ( r =0.750, p r =0.657, p =0.020). MDCT overestimated plaque burden compared to MRI. On MDCT, the mean interobserver variability for plaque burden was 2.5±0.4%. Conclusions In an animal model of atherosclerosis, MDCT accurately documented serial changes in aortic plaque burden, demonstrating good correlation and agreement with MRI-derived measurements and low interobserver variability.
Novel polyimide-b-polyurea supramacromolecule with remarkable thermomechanical and dielectric properties

Abstract A novel type of polyimide (PI)–polyurea (PU) block copolymer containing environmentally friendly aromatic polyether urea was successfully prepared by a two-step polymerization process that produces anhydride terminated poly(4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitamic acid) and isocyanate terminated poly(4,4′-oxydiphenylene-methylenebisphenylurea) polyurea in the first step followed by coupling of the two homopolymers in the second step to form poly(amic acid)-b-polyurea. The resulting polyimide-b-polyurea copolymer reorganized into a supramacromolecule by formation of hydrogen bonds between adjacent chains. The existence of three types of hydrogen bonds including, inter–urea, urea–methyl and imide–methyl hydrogen bonds was confirmed by using (i) X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, (ii) Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and (iii) molecular dynamics simulation. The formation of hydrogen bonds in the copolymers is affected by post-curing temperature and mole fraction of polyurea. Free-standing thin films and coatings of the copolymer of about 70 μm thickness were prepared by solution casting from N-methyl pyrrolidone, NMP, followed by thermal treatment. The copolymers showed remarkable thermomechanical properties and ultra-low dielectric constant which makes them useful as ionic insulators and anti-corrosion coatings. Increasing polyurea concentration in the copolymers resulted in a significant increase in storage modulus (both in the glassy and rubbery plateau regions), glass transition temperature, T g and a drastic decrease in dielectric constant. Two glass transition temperatures ( T g ) associated with polyimide-rich phase and polyurea-rich phase, respectively, were observed. Damping ability of the copolymers, measured from the area under the α-transition peak from the tan δ versus temperature curve, decreased with increasing polyurea concentration.
Ubiquitination-Dependent Proteolysis of O6-Methylguanine-DNA Methyltransferase in Human and Murine Tumor Cells following Inactivation with O6-Benzylguanine or 1,3-Bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea†

In this study, we investigated the role of ubiquitination in the disposition of the inactivated O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) protein in human (HT-29 and CEM) and murine (ts85) tumor cells. Using a combination of immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting techniques with antibodies against ubiquitin and MGMT, and anti-ubiquitin immunoaffinity chromatography, the MGMT protein was found to coexist with small amounts of its ubiquitinated species in both human and mouse tumor cells, suggesting the presence of endogenous inactivated MGMT. Further, treatment of HT-29 and CEM cells with MGMT-inactivating compounds, O6-benzylguanine (O6-BG, 20 microM) or 1,3-bis(chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU, 100 microM), resulted in increased levels of ubiquitinated MGMT within 1.5-3 h of drug exposure. Kinetic studies in HT-29 cells treated with O6-BG indicated a slow and gradual conversion of the inactivated MGMT to its polyubiquitinated forms over a course of 3-18 h, with a concomitant disappearance of the parent MGMT protein. We also characterized the previously reported O6-BG-induced degradation of MGMT in HT-29 cell extracts [Pegg et al. (1991) Carcinogenesis 12, 1679-1683] and showed the extracts to be active in conjugation of the MGMT protein with ubiquitin. The proteolysis of O6-BG-inactivated MGMT in HT-29 cell extracts was energy-dependent and was markedly stimulated by ATP and Mg2+ ions. Using the ts85 temperature-sensitive mutant cell line, which expresses a thermolabile ubiquitin-activating enzyme, we observed a differential stability of the inactivated MGMT protein at permissive and nonpermissive temperatures. These results provide conclusive evidence that the MGMT protein, following its inactivation, is degraded via the ubiquitin proteolytic pathway.
Etiology and treatment of macular edema.

Purpose To summarize current concepts and recent literature regarding the pathogenesis, clinical substrates, and treatment of macular edema, in light of evolving pharmacologic and surgical approaches to this prevalent cause of vision loss. Design Interpretive essay. Methods Review and synthesis of selected recent literature, with interpretation and perspective. Results Macular edema occurs in a wide variety of pathologic conditions and represents the final common phenotype of several basic pathophysiologic processes. A variety of pharmacologic agents targeting inflammatory and vasopermeability molecules have been shown to reduce macular edema and improve visual function over the short-term. Vitreous surgery effectively addresses the tractional components of macular edema, where present. Despite recent advances, laser photocoagulation remains the treatment of choice for macular edema associated with nondiffuse patterns of vascular leakage. Conclusions Effective management of macular edema is based on recognizing and addressing the pathogenic factors that are operative in a given disease setting. Although treatment options are expanding with the development of new drugs and surgical procedures, the long-term efficacy and safety of most new approaches have yet to be established in controlled clinical trials.
Effect of Rapid Thermal Processing on the structural and device properties of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 thin film solar cells

Abstract (Ag w Cu 1 − w )(In 1 − x Ga x )Se 2 alloy absorber layers with w ≈ 0.8 and x ≈ 0.78 ratios were deposited using multi-source elemental evaporation and analyzed by glancing incidence X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of Rapid Thermal Processing (RTP) on the structure and composition of the near-surface layers was investigated. It was found that the RTP doesn't have a noticeable effect on the grain size and roughness of the film surface. On the other hand, additional reflections of the films with 0.5 ≤ Ga/(Ga + In) 0.5, due to an ordered defect phase which is confined to the near-surface region of the film, are completely diminished after RTP with excess Se present. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that RTP with excess Se present altered the distribution of elements, rendering the film surface less group I deficient after that process. Consequently, atomic ratios were changed from the composition of I 1 III 5 VI 8 compound to the composition close to that of I 1 III 3 VI 5 ordered defect phase. Additionally, the RTP treatment, especially with excess Se, significantly enhanced solar cell efficiency performance due to an improvement in the open circuit voltage.
Number of solutions effects in stem decision: Support for the distinction between identification and production processes in priming

Three experiments explored the distinction between identification and production processes (e.g., Gabrieli et al., 1999). A stem decision test was introduced, in which participants were asked to state whether there were any English words that began with the presented three-letter stems. In Experiment 1, stem decision priming was robust for single-solution stems, but much reduced for many-solution stems. In Experiment 2, the solutions effect in stem decision was replicated in a within-subjects design, as was the contrast between the presence of priming in a many-solution stem completion test and the absence of priming in a many-solution stem decision test. In Experiment 3, for each critical many-solution stem in the stem decision test, participants studied three words that began with those three letters. Again, priming was not observed. These results were consistent with the notions that (a) many-solution stem completion relies on production processes, (b) the stem decision test eliminates production proce...
Non-medical use, abuse and dependence on prescription opioids among U.S. adults: psychiatric, medical and substance use correlates.

Abstract Background Non-medical use of prescription opioids carries risks including development of abuse/dependence. Such use may correlate with psychiatric, medical, and substance use characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional survey, the 2002–2004 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Respondents 18 years and older (n = 91,823). Bivariate and multivariable associations were investigated. Results The prevalence of past-year non-medical use of prescription opioids was 4.5%. Of those with non-medical use, 12.9% met criteria for abuse/dependence. On multivariable analysis, past-year non-medical use was associated with panic (AOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.04–1.5), depressive (AOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.01–1.5) and social phobic/agoraphobic symptoms (AOR 1.2; 95% CI 1.1–1.4). Among those with past-year non-medical prescription opioid use, those with abuse/dependence were more likely to have panic (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4) and social phobic/agoraphobic symptoms (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.4). In addition, they were more likely to report fair/poor health (AOR 2.1; 95% CI 1.4–3.0), have misused another class of prescription medication (AOR 1.7; 95% CI 1.2–2.3), have used heroin (AOR 2.9; 95% CI 1.2–6.9) and initiated substance use before the age of 13 (AOR 4.7; 95% CI 1.1–19.9). Conclusions Non-medical use of prescription opioids is common. Furthermore, nearly 13% of those with non-medical use meet criteria for abuse/dependence. Panic, social phobia and agoraphobia, low self-rated health status, and other substance misuse among those with non-medical use of prescription opioids should alert clinicians to screen for abuse and dependence.
Respiratory Chain of Plant Mitochondria: XVIII. Point of Interaction of the Alternate Oxidase with the Respiratory Chain.

Oxidation of the respiratory chain carriers of anaerobic, CO-saturated skunk cabbage (Symplocarpus foetidus) mitochondria, by means of an O2 pulse, proceeds primarily through the cyanide-insensitive alternate oxidase, since the oxidation of cytochromes a and a3 takes place with a half-time of 3 seconds, corresponding to the rate of dissociation of CO from reduced cytochrome a3. Ubiquinone and part of the flavoprotein are oxidized within 1 second under these conditions, and this rapid rate of oxidation is strongly inhibited by m-chlorobenzhydroxamic acid (mCLAM), a specific inhibitor of the alternate oxidase of plant mitochondria. The rate of ubiquinone oxidation under these conditions in white potato (Solanum tuberosum) mitochondria, which have no alternate oxidase, is the same as that in skunk cabbage mitochondria treated with mCLAM. Ubiquinone, thus identified as the carrier common to both the cytochrome and alternate oxidase pathways, is linked to the alternate oxidase by a flavoprotein of midpoint potential 50 millivolts more negative with which it is in equilibrium. This arrangement provides a switch for diverting electron transport primarily through the cytochrome pathway under state 3 conditions and primarily through the alternate oxidase pathway under state 4 conditions.
Hemodynamic signature of breast cancer under fractional mammographic compression using a dynamic diffuse optical tomography system

Near infrared dynamic diffuse optical tomography measurements of breast hemodynamics during fractional mammographic compression offer a novel contrast mechanism for detecting breast cancer and monitoring chemotherapy. Tissue viscoelastic relaxation during the compression period leads to a slow reduction in the compression force and reveals biomechanical and metabolic differences between healthy and lesion tissue. We measured both the absolute values and the temporal evolution of hemoglobin concentration during 25-35 N of compression for 22 stage II and III breast cancer patients scheduled to undergo neoadjuvant chemotherapy. 17 patients were included in the group analysis (average tumor size 3.2 cm, range: 1.3-5.7 cm). We observed a statistically significant differential decrease in total and oxy-hemoglobin, as well as in hemoglobin oxygen saturation in tumor areas vs. healthy tissue, as early as 30 seconds into the compression period. The hemodynamic contrast is likely driven by the higher tumor stiffness and different viscoelastic relaxation rate, as well as the higher tumor oxygen metabolism rate.
Relationship of Diet, Axial, and Appendicular Bone Mass in Normal Premenopausal Women

ABSTRACT This study examined the relationship of dietary factors (weight, caloric intake, and calcium intake), axial bone density (lumbar vertebrae 1—4), and appendicular bone density (femoral neck and greater trochanter) in 60 normal premenopausal women between the ages of 30 and 40, average age 35.0 years. The volunteers completed 3-day diet histories and had bone densities determined by dual photon absorption at the three sites. There was no correlation between bone density at the sites measured and age, caloric or calcium intake, fasting calcium/creatinine ratio, or urinary calcium. Furthermore, there was no correlation between lumbar spine and greater trochanter density, or femoral neck and greater trochanter density. However, lumbar spine and femoral neck density were correlated, p
New therapies from old medicines.

Although new botanical drugs pose many challenges for both industry and the FDA, approval of the first botanical prescription drug shows they can be successfully met.
Effect of bacterial pyrogen on three lizard species.

1. 1. Three lizard species (Callopistes maculatus, Gerrhosaurus major, and Varanus exanthematicus) were tested for their response to intraperitoneal injection of alcohol-killed Aeromonas sobria. 2. 2. A paired experimental design, in which each animal received an injection of sterile saline and 1 × 1010 A. sobria, was utilized. 3. 3. C. maculatus demonstrated a statistically significant increase in mean selected body temperature (MSBT) after bacteria injection. 4. 4. G. major and V. exanthematicus did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in MSBT. 5. 5. C.maculatus is the first lizard species outside of the family Iguanidae to exhibit a febrile response to bacterial pyrogen.
Directional reflectance and milli-scale feather morphology of the African Emerald Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus

Diverse plumages have evolved among birds through complex morphological modifications. We investigate how the interplay of light with surface and subsurface feather morphology determines the direction of light propagation, an understudied aspect of avian visual signalling. We hypothesize that milli-scale modifications of feathers produce anisotropic reflectance, the direction of which may be predicted by the orientation of the milli-scale structure. The subject of this study is the African Emerald Cuckoo, Chrysococcyx cupreus, noted for its shimmering green iridescent appearance. Using a spherical gantry, we measured the change in the directional reflectance across the feather surface and over a hemisphere of incident lighting directions. Using a microCT scanner, we also studied the morphology of the structural branches of the barb. We tracked the changes in the directional reflectance to the orientation of the structural branches as observed in the CT data. We conclude that (i) the far-field signal of the feather consists of multiple specular components, each associated with a different structural branch and (ii) the direction of each specular component is correlated to the orientation of the corresponding structure.
A method to measure fracture toughness of the fiber/matrix interface using the single-fiber fragmentation test

Abstract A fracture mechanics model was developed for determining the fracture toughness of the fiber/matrix (F/M) interface based on a modified test procedure for the single fiber fragmentation test (SFFT). After loading the specimen until the first fiber fracture and instantaneous debonding events occur, the specimen is unloaded and loaded again until the debond propagates. The critical load for debond propagation is measured and is used with a fracture mechanics analysis to determine the interface fracture toughness. The analysis considers also friction between the fiber and matrix in the debonded region. To obtain the necessary data for calculation of residual radial stress at the F/M interface due to matrix cure shrinkage, simultaneous measurements of dynamic modulus and cure shrinkage were conducted on the matrix (vinylester) during cure. Tests employing E-glass/vinylester SFFT specimens provided fracture toughness values of Gcd = 62 J/m2 (frictionless) and 48 J/m2 (friction).
Influence of Compaction and Subsoil Tillage on Soil Conditions and Pink Eye

A densely compacted soil layer has been a prevalent feature of the vegetable crop production region of Central Wisconsin, resulting in poor water drainage, increased susceptibility to tuber disease, and reduced yield and quality in potatoes. Subsoil tillage has been implemented on a wide-scale for management of problems associated with compacted soil layers. Pink eye is a tuber disorder that causes storage and processing losses. Periods of moisture stress and increased hill temperatures have been linked to pink eye incidence, but the cause of this disorder is unknown and few specific management recommendations exist. The goals of this work were to quantify the impact of compacted soils and subsoil tillage on development of potato pink eye. Small plot experiments were conducted to quantify response of soil conditions and potato pink eye to soil compaction and subsoil tillage. Compacted soils resulted in higher volumetric soil water content and extended periods of free water, especially after substantial precipitation events. Subsoil tillage allowed for more rapid movement of water following large precipitation events decreasing periods of free water. More compacted soils also had higher soil temperatures. Subsoil tillage delayed the development and progression of pink eye symptoms, but did not influence overall incidence. Increased soil moisture and temperature corresponded with more rapid development of pink eye in compacted and conventionally tilled soils. This research suggests subsoil tillage may be useful in reducing the severity of pink eye symptoms by alleviating compacted subsoil layers that limit water drainage. In addition, prevention of compaction reduced soil temperatures which limited pink eye development.
Production of Fluorine-Containing Molecular Species in Plasma-Generated Atomic F Flows

The fluorine atomic radical reactions to form molecular fluorine and hydrogen fluoride are examined by time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (TOFMS) and kinetically modeled for various reaction orders. Fluorine radicals are generated from NF 3 or F 2 in microwave-generated and low-frequency (LF)-generated plasmas and are passed through flow tubes under various flow, pressure, and dilution conditions. In general, the concentrations of the mass spectroscopically measured products F, F 2 , and HF do not depend on the specific wall material (e.g., Teflon, stainless steel, Al, Ni, Al 2 O 3 , SiO 2 ); the only variations of [F]/[F 2 ]/[HF] ratios with wall material are found at pressures below 1 Torr. The most significant changes in these ratios are observed upon varying flow rates and pressures. Specifically, the F relative concentration decreases from ∼80% to ∼20%, and the F 2 relative concentration increases from ∼20% to ∼80%, as the pressure is varied over the range 0.5-10 Torr. In all cases, the HF concentration is found to decrease as the pressure increases. Data suggest that the composition of the tube surface material does not contribute significantly to the generation of F 2 ; however, since the wall surface carries adsorbed hydrogen sources such as H, H 2 O, H 2 , and OH, it becomes important in the generation of HF. A simple kinetic analysis of the experimental data suggests a combined two-reaction mechanism for F 2 and HF generation: (1) a pseudo-second-order volume reaction (k v ) to generate F 2 , and (2) a zero- or first-order wall reaction (k w ) to generate HF. Thus, both surface and volume reactions contribute to the overall F atom loss mechanism in the gas flow from the plasma source. The model fits our data best for a k v /k w ratio of about 75. The reaction order for the loss of F atom is found to be 1.68, while the reaction order for the formation of F 2 is found to be ∼2.
Retired occupational therapists' experiences in volunteer occupations

As the baby boomer generation, born 1945–1963, begins its transition to retirement, what might be the position of volunteering within their new life structure? Using retired occupational therapists as a purposive sample (n = 50), this survey provides a description of the volunteer experience in three distinct phases: 1) Pre-retirement contemplation and preparation; 2) Actions, thoughts and feelings during the volunteer experience; and 3) Thoughts and feelings related to ending their volunteer roles. Results reveal that while retirees are highly motivated by altruism and the wish to stay engaged and connected with others through volunteering, they often find the existing structure of the organizations unable and unwilling to provide the kinds of volunteer roles that meet their needs and goals. These findings closely align with evidence from multidisciplinary and public health literature on civic engagement in the Third Age, retired but not disabled. In conclusion, results imply three new roles for occupational therapy practitioners with volunteering: 1) Promoting volunteer exploration and participation for older adult clients with disabilities; 2) Providing group interventions for Third Agers transitioning to retirement; and 3) Consulting with the organizations that depend on volunteers to guide them in revising the way they define and organize volunteer roles. Study is limited to one specific population but paves the way for replication with a broader range of participants. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Men’s Interpersonal (mis)Perception: Fitting in with Gender Norms Following Social Rejection

Interpersonal perception (IP) is useful for meeting affiliation needs, but what if IP skills are derogated by those one wishes to affiliate with? We tested the effects of affiliation motivation on IP in predominately Caucasian men. Participants were mainly U.S. undergraduates from the intermountain west. We expected that following rejection, IP performance would vary depending on the skill’s gender appropriateness. Study 1 (N = 69) found men who recounted an in-group rejection performed better on a masculine-framed IP test. Study 2 (N = 102) extended findings to empathic accuracy, demonstrating that rejection influenced IP as a function of the gender norms of an in-group member. The role of affiliation motivation and gender norms in the development and maintenance of men’s nonverbal skills is discussed.
Factor IX and thrombosis.

Fractionation technology has made Factor IX concentrates available. In addition to a very high incidence of hepatitis, thrombosis is being recognized as a consequence of their use. Contradictory reports exist in the literature as to the incidence of thrombotic events. A recent study of thrombohemorrhagic phenomena after infusion with Factor IX concentrates in patients with congenital Factor IX deficiency (hemophilia B) or liver disease, revealed an incidence of twenty episodes in 188 cases (11 %). It is imperative to delineate the thrombo-genic factors and find methods for their removal to insure the safety of Factor IX products.
Genes for VA-RNA in adenovirus 2

VA-RNA from adenovirus 2 (Ad2) infected cells is shown to consist of two species. The gene coding for the major species maps at position 30 on the viral DNA, where it spans a site cleaved by the restriction enzyme Bam Hl. The minor species, constituting a few percent of the total VA-RNA, is distantly related in oligonucleotide composition to the major species. Its template maps within 700 base pairs to the right of the gene for the major species. The direction of transcription is from left to right on the conventional Ad2 map. These results, gained with a novel method for blotting (E. M. Southern, manuscript in preparation), have also led to the identification of the Bam Hl recognition sequence.
Sphingolipids in multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune demyelinating disease of the CNS. Oligodendrocytes, the myelin-forming cells of the central nervous system (CNS), are target cells in MS. Although the etiology of MS is poorly known, new insights suggest oligodendrocyte apoptosis as one of the critical events followed by glial activation and infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages. A major breakthrough in delineation of the mechanism of cell death, perivascular cuffing, and glial activation came from elucidation of the sphingolipid signal transduction pathway. The sphingolipid signal transduction pathway induces apoptosis, differentiation, proliferation, and growth arrest depending upon cell and receptor types, and downstream targets. Sphingomyelin, a major component of myelin membrane formed by mature oligodendrocytes, is abundant in the CNS and ceramide, its primary catabolic product released by activation of either neutral or acidic sphingomyelinase, serves as a potential lipid second messenger or mediator molecule modulating diverse cellular signaling pathways. Similarly, under certain conditions, sphingosine produced from ceramide by ceramidase is phosphorylated by sphingosine kinases to sphingosine-1 phosphate, another potent second messenger molecule. Both ceramide and sphingosine-1 phosphate regulate life and death of many cell types including brain cells and participate in pathogenic processes of MS. In this review, we have made an honest attempt to compile recent findings made by others and us relating to the role of sphingolipids in the disease process of MS.
Assessing the Quality of Evidence From Randomized, Controlled Drug and Nutritional Supplement Trials Conducted Among Nursing Home Residents Between 1968 and 2004: What Can We Learn?

Background An estimated 1.5 million residents of nursing homes (NH) in the United States were prescribed an average of 7 to 8 medications each month. However, it is unknown which of these prescribed drugs and nutritional supplements have been tested for use among NH residents who often have distinct and complex needs compared with other geriatric patients. This pilot study addresses the quantity and quality of randomized, controlled drug and nutritional supplement trials that have been conducted among NH residents. Method Using multiple search strategies and review protocol, I assessed the quality of evidence from randomized, controlled drug and nutritional supplement trials that had a parallel-group design, were conducted among NH residents, and were published in English between 1968 and October 2004. Internal validity of the trials was examined by assessing adequately reporting power calculation, drop-outs (completion fraction), randomization and allocation concealment, blind status, and intention-to-treat analysis. External validity of the trials was examined by assessing adequately reporting the sample description, the inclusion and exclusion criteria, the recruitment process, and comorbidities and harm. Result Relatively few drug and nutritional supplements have been tested among NH residents by well-designed and executed randomized controlled trials (N = 42). The total number of participants (N = 7941) is small. The quality of many trials is poor. Conclusions Given the limited number and poor quality of existing trials conducted among NH residents in this pilot study, I conclude that there is a limited body of evidence that could be used to establish quality of care standards or pay for performance criteria for drug therapy and nutritional supplements in NH. Long-term care providers face a great challenge in practicing evidence-based medicine in prescribing drugs and nutritional supplements.
Knowledge of Breast Density and Awareness of Related Breast Cancer Risk

Little is known about women’s knowledge of breast density or between-race differences in this knowledge. In the current study, we examined knowledge of breast density and awareness of its role as a breast cancer risk factor among women who had previously taken part in a breast imaging study. Seventy-seven women (54.5 % Black) returned a survey assessing perceptions and accuracy of breast density knowledge, knowledge of one’s own breast density, and breast cancer risk awareness. White women had greater perceived knowledge of breast density compared to Black women; however, differences in the accuracy of definitions of breast density were due to education. Black women were less likely to know how dense their own breasts were. Black and White women both lacked awareness that having dense breast increased breast cancer risk. The results highlight the need to disseminate information regarding breast density to women, while ensuring that the information is equally accessible to both Black and White women.
Intra-operative chemical diagnostics in the brain using enzyme-based ceramic microelectrode arrays

A major challenge in the elucidation of brain neurotransmitter events in vivo in the laboratory and in the operating room has been the development of methods to record neurotransmitters in the CNS on a second-by-second time scale. Microdialysis methods have been widely employed but are limited due to their inherent slow sampling rates (1–20 min) and poor exchange (∼10–20%) of neurotransmitters. We have developed an enzyme-based ceramic microelectrode array (MEA) for 2Hz measures of tonic (resting) and phasic (spontaneous bursts or stimulated) release of neurotransmitters. We have used the most recent designs for reproducible, sensitive, selective and rapid measures of L-glutamate and other neurotransmitters in rats, mice and monkeys. In conjunction with Ad-Tech Medical Instruments Inc., we have recently developed a new MEA design for nonhuman primate and human recordings that lays the foundation for potential use of this technology during neurosurgery for intra-operative chemical diagnostics.
Custom MOS VLSI design: tools and methods

The MOSIS prototype fabrication system is discussed. Completed circuit layouts are transmitted to MOSIS over computer networks or via magnetic tape. MOSIS compiles multiproject wafers each week and supervises their fabrication. Three example CMOS designs are presented in varying detail. The first is a simple full-custom digital circuit (Swiftcache) the second is a semicustom digital circuit (Sparsecache), designed using a silicon compiler, and the third is a small, full-custom analog circuit. >