cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Vortex Keratopathy Associated With Atovaquone

Purpose We studied a case of vortex keratopathy that was associated with the use of atovaquone. Method A patient with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) with pulmonary Pneumocystis carinii was treated with 750 mg of atovaquone three times a day. Results Similar to previous findings of drug-induced vortex keratopathy, atovaquone vortex keratopathy is presumably caused by its lipophilic properties. This property is similar to that of other lipophilic agents such as amiodarone, chloroquine, chlorpromazine, quinacrine, and suramin. Conclusion Atovaquone should be added to the list of agents causing vortex keratopathy involving the corneal epithelium.
The Flux Ratio of a Jet to Its Counterjet Revisited

A general relativistic formula for the flux density ratio of a nuclear jet to its counterjet is obtained. The key general relativistic effect, i.e., light bending by the black hole, favors the visibility of the counterjet. The formula is significantly different from the one that considers only Doppler effects when the angle between a line of sight and the jet, i, is small, say, i 16° and on the spectral index of α < 1.6.
Identification of a specialized extracellular matrix component in Drosophila imaginal discs.

Abstract We have generated a monoclonal antibody that recognizes a major component of a specialized extracellular matrix in Drosophila imaginal discs. In mature larvae, antibody binding is observed almost exclusively on imaginal discs. On the basal surface of the thoracic discs, the antigen is localized to particular regions of the epithelium, and ultrastructural studies indicate that the antigen is found in a fibrous network secreted between the cells and the basal lamina. The localized expression indicates that the matrix is not simply related to disc differentiation, as all regions of the columnar disc epithelium are determined to secrete adult cuticle. A correlation of the antigen distribution with known developmental events leads us to propose that the antigen-containing network provides an extensible matrix for the rapid elongation of the disc epithelium during evagination; consistent with this, the antigen is a component of the matrix between the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the evaginated wing pouch. The antigen is very large (greater than 5 × 10 5 Da), can be labeled metabolically with methionine and sulfate, and is digested by chondroitinase ABC; these biochemical characteristics indicate that the antigen is a proteoglycan.
Iterative solution methods for ill-posed problems

We describe new iterative methods for the solution of large ill-conditioned that arise from the discretization of ill-posed problems. In these methods a filter function, which determines the regularization of the problem, is chosen and expanded in terms of orthogonal polynomials. Each iteration yields one new term in this expansion. A variety of iterative methods, which differ in the choice of filter function and orthogonal polynomials, can be derived in this manner.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Skeletal aging understanding the functional and structural basis of osteoporosis

Recent years have seen considerable progress in our understanding of the normal processes by which peak adult bone mass is acquired and maintained, the physical, nutritional, and hormonal factors that regulate bone mass throughout adult life, and the critical role of reproductive hormonal replacement for maintaining bone mass within the early years after menopause. It is now apparent that loss of bone quantity is not sufficient to explain increased fracture risk. Bone fragility depends not only on its material properties, of which mineral content is an important component, but also on its microarchitecture and geometry. Age-related trabecular bone loss is manifest not simply as a global loss of bone, but is characterized by a loss of trabecular connectivity and increased cortical porosity. Appreciation of these issues along with understanding the lifelong process of bone remodeling are central to formulating rational strategies for preventing and treating osteoporosis.
Characterizations of distinct amyloidogenic conformations of the Aβ (1–40) and (1–42) peptides

Major constituents of the amyloid plaques found in the brain of Alzheimer's patients are the 39-43 residue beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides. Extensive in vitro as well as in vivo biochemical studies have shown that the 40- and 42-residue Abeta peptides play major roles in the neurodegenerative pathology of Alzheimer's disease. Although the two Abeta peptides share common aggregation properties, the 42-residue peptide is more amyloidogenic and more strongly associated with amyloid pathology. Thus, characterizations of the two Abeta peptides are of critical importance in understanding the molecular mechanism of Abeta amyloid formation. In this report, we present combined CD and NMR studies of the monomeric states of the two peptides under both non-amyloidogenic ( 5 degrees C) at physiological pH. Our CD studies of the Abeta peptides showed that initially unfolded Abeta peptides at low temperature (<5 degrees C) gradually underwent conformational changes to more beta-sheet-like monomeric intermediate states at stronger amyloidogenic conditions (higher temperatures). Detailed residue-specific information on the structural transition was obtained by using NMR spectroscopy. Residues in the N-terminal (3-12) and 20-22 regions underwent conformational changes to more extended structures at the stronger amyloidogenic conditions. Almost identical structural transitions of those residues were observed in the two Abeta peptides, suggesting a similar amyloidogenic intermediate for the two peptides. The 42-residue Abeta (1-42) peptide was, however, more significantly structured at the C-terminal region (39-42), which may lead to the different aggregation propensity of the two peptides.
A vibrational configuration interaction program for energies and resonance widths

Abstract We present a computer program to calculate energies and Feshbach golden-rule resonance widths of systems described by a two-dimensional vibrational Hamiltonian. The steps involved are evaluation of matrix elements over the potential and basis functions, diagonalization of a vibrational configuration interaction matrix, projection of the resonance component out of a new basis set (involving vibronic-interaction-like integrals), and evaluation of the transition matrix elements.
Studies of return maps, chaos, and phase-locked states in a current-driven Josephson-junction simulator

Measurements of return maps, power spectra, Poincar\'e sections, phase-space trajectories, and current-voltage characteristics have been made with an electronic simulator which satisfies the same differential equation as a current-driven Josephson junction. The results suggest that the return map for this system is a circle map. A large number of phase-locked subharmonic modes have been found by measuring the power spectra and phase-space portraits, and intermittent chaos is normally observed in regions between the stable modes. Hopping between states is believed to play an important role in the low-voltage region. Self-similarity structure in the subharmonic modes and three observed sequences are in agreement with the theoretical work by Jensen et al.
Significant evidence of linkage for a gene predisposing to colorectal cancer and multiple primary cancers on 22q11.

Objectives The genetic basis of colorectal cancer (CRC) is not completely specified. Part of the difficulty in mapping predisposition genes for CRC may be because of phenotypic heterogeneity. Using data from a population genealogy of Utah record linked to a statewide cancer registry, we identified a subset of CRC cases that exhibited familial clustering in excess of that expected for all CRC cases in general, which may represent a genetically homogeneous subset of CRC. Methods Using a new familial aggregation method referred to as the subset genealogic index of familiality (subsetGIF), combined with detailed information from a statewide tumor registry, we identified a subset of CRC cases that exhibited excess familial clustering above that expected for CRC: CRC cases who had at least one other primary tumor at a different site. A genome-wide linkage analysis was performed on a set of high-risk CRC pedigrees that included multiple CRC cases with additional primaries to identify evidence for predisposition loci. Results A total of 13 high-risk CRC pedigrees with multiple CRC cases with other primary cancers were identified. Linkage analysis identified one pedigree with a significant linkage signal at 22q11 (LOD (logarithm (base 10) of odds)=3.39). Conclusions A predisposition gene or variant for CRC that also predisposes to other primary cancers likely resides on chromosome 22q11. The ability to use statewide population genealogy and tumor registry data was critical to identify an informative subset of CRC cases that is possibly more genetically homogeneous than CRC in general, and may have improved statistical power for predisposition locus identification in this study.
Dynamic, non-interactive key management for the bundle protocol

Secure, low-overhead key establishment is crucial to maintaining the high level of trust and security that are required many types of Delay Tolerant Networks. Existing schemes for key negotiation and exchange that are currently in use on the Internet often cannot scale to meet the environmental and technical constraints of many Delay Tolerant Networks. The few works presenting solutions to DTN key establishment have largely focused on targeted networking environments. This paper proposes a dynamic, and non-interactive scheme to facilitate secure communication in infrastructureless networks, supporting various levels of trust. Specifically, the solution presented in this paper provides a key management solution to opportunistic overlay networks using the Bundle Protocol.
Information infrastructure centrality in the agile organization

Abstract Modern organizations face increasing pressure to find new ways to compete effectively in a dynamic global market. Many firms are turning to E-commerce and virtual structures, such as virtual organizations and virtual teams, to improve organizational agility and to expand globally. These solutions elevate the importance of information flow within the firm and among firm partners. New technologies are emerging at a rapid pace to support this increased flow of information. As organizations grow to depend upon these new technologies, their opportunities to expand into new geographic regions might be limited by the ability of the remote information infrastructure to support the organization's modernized requirements. Thus, firms seeking to improve their ability to compete globally might actually impede future expansion.
Cover Picture: ChemPhysChem 9/2002

The cover picture shows quantum vortices in a rotating condensate of sodium atoms. A condensate 60 μm in diameter and 250 μm in length was set in rotation by rotating laser beams. It then formed a regular lattice of vortices. The condensate was allowed to ballistically expand, which resulted in a 20-fold magnification. The images here represent two-dimensional cuts through the density distribution and show the density minima due to the vortex cores. The examples shown contain 0, 16, 70, and 130 vortices. The diameter of the cloud is about 1 mm. Find out more in the Nobel Lecture by Wolfgang Ketterle on pages 736–753.
Monitoring of liquid droplets in laser-enhanced GMAW

In the laser-enhanced gas metal arc welding (GMAW) process developed recently, droplets of melted metal can be detached from the wire under relatively low currents with the assistance of an auxiliary force provided by a laser. The stability of the arc and the quality of the resultant welds are improved. To compete with the gas tungsten arc welding of the much lower productivity in joining precision, the size of the droplet can be pre-defined and be controlled to meet the requirements from different applications. For this purpose, image processing algorithms are developed to measure the size of a growing droplet during the laser-enhanced GMAW process. The relatively low contrast, strong illumination and reflection caused by the laser, and strong radiation from the arc make an automatic processing of the image challenging. Images are analyzed to understand its characteristics and design the image processing and recognition algorithms accordingly. In particular, a model-based method is used to filter out non-droplet edge points and a second order equation in the polar coordinate system is introduced to model the droplet. Experimental results verified the effectiveness of the developed algorithms.
Asymmetric Hydroformylation of Styrene in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Hydroformylation reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide can provide an environmentally conscious method of producing aldehydes for fine-chemical and pharmaceutical products. Asymmetric ligands, such as (R)-BINAP, can be used to provide an enantioselective product. When these reactions are performed in environmentally benign solvents, such as supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), additional environmental benefits are derived, such as ease of recycling of the solvent and unconverted reactants and elimination of the need for organic solvents. Rhodium-based catalysts have been prepared through the solid-phase reaction of catalyst precursors in supercritical carbon dioxide and evaluated for the hydroformylation of styrene to produce 2-phenylpropionaldehyde. Triphenylphosphine and (R)-BINAP were tested as ligands, and their effects on the reaction were examined. The catalyst, formed in situ in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), was found to promote the hydroformylation of styrene with enantiomeric selecti...
Microsatellite abundance across the Anthozoa and Hydrozoa in the phylum Cnidaria

Microsatellite loci have high mutation rates and thus are indicative of mutational processes within the genome. By concentrating on the symbiotic and aposymbiotic cnidarians, we investigated if microsatellite abundances follow a phylogenetic or ecological pattern. Individuals from eight species were shotgun sequenced using 454 GS-FLX Titanium technology. Sequences from the three available cnidarian genomes (Nematostella vectensis, Hydra magnipapillata and Acropora digitifera) were added to the analysis for a total of eleven species representing two classes, three subclasses and eight orders within the phylum Cnidaria. Trinucleotide and tetranucleotide repeats were the most abundant motifs, followed by hexa- and dinucleotides. Pentanucleotides were the least abundant motif in the data set. Hierarchical clustering and log likelihood ratio tests revealed a weak relationship between phylogeny and microsatellite content. Further, comparisons between cnidaria harboring intracellular dinoflagellates and those that do not, show microsatellite coverage is higher in the latter group. Our results support previous studies that found tri- and tetranucleotides to be the most abundant motifs in invertebrates. Differences in microsatellite coverage and composition between symbiotic and non-symbiotic cnidaria suggest the presence/absence of dinoflagellates might place restrictions on the host genome.
Severity of inflammation as a predictor of colectomy in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis.

Colon resection is a common outcome in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC). Overall, 30 percent of patients diagnosed with UC will at some point undergo colectomy—a rate that has not changed significantly during the last 50 years.1,2 Importantly, resection of the colon and rectum, with or without creation of an ileal pouch as a neorectum, can have significant morbidity. Therefore, identification of patients with UC who will ultimately require colectomy is of great clinical value, in that this knowledge may spare some patients the complications of prolonged medical management while avoiding premature or unnecessary surgery in others. There is considerable literature about factors that predict urgent or emergent colectomy in patients with acute UC flares. Lack of response to steroids, continued diarrhea and bloody bowel movements, and persistently elevated inflammatory markers all have been shown to predict colectomy in hospitalized patients with UC.3-6 However, there are few data concerning predictive factors for colectomy in patients with longstanding disease.7 There is broad agreement in most studies that patients with pancolitis at diagnosis are more likely to require colectomy than those with more limited disease.8-11 Various genetic markers, including certain HLA haplotypes, also have been shown to contribute to increased risk of colectomy.12-14 Evidence for other potential predictive factors, such as malnutrition, inability to wean steroids, or chronic symptoms is unclear and limited. The natural history of patients who enter a dysplasia surveillance program, usually after eight years of disease in patients with left-sided or proximal disease, is unknown. Under what circumstances these patients might be at risk for colectomy is not well understood. Therefore, we evaluated a cohort of patients with longstanding UC and long-term follow-up enrolled in a program of dysplasia surveillance with long-term follow-up to identify factors predictive of colectomy.
A fluoro analogue of UDP-α-D-glucuronic acid is an inhibitor of UDP-α-D-apiose/UDP-α-D-xylose synthase

UDP-2F-glucuronic acid was synthesized and analyzed as a mechanistic probe to investigate the ring contraction step catalyzed by UDP-D-apiose/UDP-D-xylose synthase (AXS).
Common features of intragranular dislocation slip and intergranular sliding

Abstract An analogy between the occurrence of intragranular dislocation slip and intergranular (grain-boundary) sliding at different structural levels is discussed. Observation of in-situ superplastic tensile deformation in a scanning electron microscope on a Pb-62wt.%Sn eutectic alloy showed that the phenomenon of intergranular sliding on the scale of the entire deformed volume and on the scale of grain groups is similar to the occurrence of intragranular dislocation slip deformation at these microstructural levels.
Modelling and prediction of steel bolted connection behavior

Abstract The complicated geometry, support conditions, loading sequence and applications, and material properties of steel connections fabricated with high-strength, pretensioned bolts, have been modelled by finite element techniques. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional models and programs have been developed and used in parameter studies on three different types of connections. Prediction equations for connection behavior have been determined from the data generated. This paper presents the general methodology and unique features of the studies.
Mössbauer-Effect Study of Ferroelectric Potassium Ferrocyanide Trihydrate

The recoilless fraction and thermal shift in the M\"ossbauer spectra of potassium ferrocyanide trihydrate (KFCT) have been studied around the ferroelectric transition temperature. In contrast to the results of Hazony et al., but in agreement with Gleason and Walker, no anomaly was found. Estimates are presented which show that a 2% or smaller change in the recoilless fraction $f$ may reasonably be expected for a soft-phonon-mode model of KFCT. Since the experiments place an upper limit of about 3% on the change in $f$, the possibility of a soft-phonon mode cannot be ruled out.
A finite element method for the onsager pancake equation

Abstract Finite element methods for the approximate solution of the Onsager pancake equation are considered. This equation models the flow of a gas in a rapidly rotating centrifuge. A full description of two algorithms is given. To show the viability of these methods, two numerical examples are presented, one for flow driven by a linear temperature gradient along the wall of the centrifuge, and the other for flow driven by axial mass fluxes through the end caps of the centrifuge.
The Locomotive Engineers' Arbitration: Its Antecedents and its Outcome

History and Organization of the various Railroad Brotherhoods, 264. — Their policies: removal of inequalities, seniority, attitude toward closed shop, 267. — Methods of payment and wage schedules for the engineers, 272. — Concerted movements by various brotherhoods before 1910, 273. — The successful strategy of the conductors and trainmen in 1910, 275. — The engineers' demands of 1910, adjusted by mediation, 279. — New demands for the eastern territory in 1912; final reference to the Board of Arbitration, 280. — Arguments of engineers, 284; of the railroads, 286. — The award, 288.— Some general questions: pay on weak roads, increase of freight rates, fairness of general rate of wages, 290. — The concluding recommendation of compulsory arbitration, 292.
Variability in short-wavelength automated perimetry among peri- or postmenopausal women: a dependence on phyto-oestrogen consumption?

. Purpose: To determine whether the hill of vision for Short-Wavelength Automated Perimetry (SWAP) is shallower for women who consume phyto-oestrogen-rich foods than for women who do not. Methods: Visual field data were compared for two groups of healthy amenorrhoeic women 48–69 years-old with normal vision and not using hormone replacement: (1) 24 subjects who reported consuming soy and/or flax products and (2) 20 subjects who reported not consuming these products. Two types of 24-2 visual fields were measured: (1) Full Threshold SWAP and (2) a white-on-white (W/W) field obtained using a Swedish Interactive Threshold Algorithm (SITA Standard). Results: The reduction of SWAP sensitivity from the centre of the field (4 loci, mean eccentricity = 4.2°) to the periphery (20 loci, mean eccentricity = 21.9°) was less for soy/flax consumers than for nonconsumers, both with age-referencing (mean difference = 1.7 dB, p = 0.018) and without (p = 0.012). Corresponding distinctions existed for the SWAP – W/W difference, and there was minimal effect for W/W fields alone. The peripheral age-referenced SWAP sensitivities averaged 2.5 dB higher for consumers than nonconsumers (p = 0.022). Conclusion: The between-group distinctions are consistent with the possibility (derived from the women’s health literature) that phyto-oestrogens may counteract a decline of short-wavelength-sensitive cone-mediated response among postmenopausal women. These results suggest another potential application for SWAP outside its original intended purpose as a glaucoma test. Future studies should assess whether phyto-oestrogen consumption is most beneficial for women who are sufficiently young and/or not too far beyond menopause.
Contrast of the impact of multiple cardiovascular risk factors on the femoral and carotid intima-media thickness in asymptomatic young adults: the Bogalusa Heart Study.

Objective Impact of multiple cardiovascular (CV) risk factors on the intima-media thickness (IMT) of femoral and carotid artery segments measured simultaneously has not been studied in asymptomatic adults. This study examined the impact of multiple CV risk factors on the IMT in asymptomatic adults.
Approaches to Coptic History after 641

The study of Coptic history usually brings to mind gnostic texts, remote monastic enclaves, archeological ruins, conflicts with Byzantium, or a long-forgotten language. Until recently, a disproportionate focus on early Christianity has bound Copts to an ancient and seemingly timeless heritage, which explains the dearth of critical examinations on Coptic life from the Islamic conquests to the early modern period. In general, Coptic experiences after 641 have been overshadowed by other themes in Egyptian history writing, in particular political and military changes. Although the latter are as relevant for a better understanding of the Coptic past, they have been predominately examined from the perspective of the Muslim majority, exclusive of Coptic concerns, perspectives, and beliefs. Only in recent years has scholarship on Copts begun to expand. Scholars have drawn from fields such as papyrology, gender studies, art history, and law in pursuit of a more comprehensive historical narrative. We are increasingly encouraged to evaluate the Coptic experience not only as a missing cog in Egyptian historiography but also as one that complicates canonical studies of postconquest Egypt and enriches our understanding of Middle Eastern history in general.
"Common People with Common Feelings:" Pauline Kael, James Agee, and the Public Sphere of Popular Film Criticism

Cet article traite des ecritures de Pauline Kael et James Agee comme exemples conducteurs de la rhetorique de la critique du film populaire etats-unien, caracterisees par trois elements : l’effort pour se distancier des autres critiques et de l’industrie du spectacle; la volonte de mettre l’accent sur la nature personnelle et subjective de leur perception de chacun des films; et l’utilisation de l’ecriture comme catalyseur pour une sphere publique de reaction au film.
Fast Computation of Rotation-Invariant Image Features by an Approximate Radial Gradient Transform

We present the radial gradient transform (RGT) and a fast approximation, the approximate RGT (ARGT). We analyze the effects of the approximation on gradient quantization and histogramming. The ARGT is incorporated into the rotation-invariant fast feature (RIFF) algorithm. We demonstrate that, using the ARGT, RIFF extracts features 16t faster than SURF while achieving a similar performance for image matching and retrieval.
Physical properties and repair bond strength of direct and indirect composite resins

Use of composite resins now includes indirect curing methods. Surface chemistry, repair bond strength, plus location of failure and five physical properties of two direct and three indirect composite resins were determined. There were statistically significant differences in flexural strength of materials and in hardness values. Repair bond strength failures were not significantly different; failures occurred primarily at the interface. Multiple internal reflection spectroscopy confirmed the presence of unpolymerized material after cure in all products. Indirect cure of the direct composite resin increased the degree of cure.
A new approach for estimating voltage collapse point based on quadratic approximation of PV-curves

The MW-distance to voltage collapse is a good indicator of voltage stability at a given operating condition in power systems. This indicator is determined using PV-curves obtained through continuation power flow (CPF) program. The CPF method performs several power flow runs requiring a large amount of computing time. This method is reliable for off-line voltage stability studies, but not very much suitable for real-time operation of today's stressed power systems. Given that, it is essential for system operators to have quick information about voltage stability, a new method is needed for a fast estimation of voltage collapse point. This is the main thrust of the presented paper. It is well known that PV-curves are approximately quadratic functions and become exactly quadratic in close neighborhood of the collapse point. Some authors used this fact and suggested methods that use two to three power flow solutions for a relatively quick, but approximate, calculation of the collapse point. The present paper, also based on quadratic approach, proposes a new method for the determination of voltage collapse that uses only one power flow solution and gives more accurate estimate of the collapse point when compared with other existing methods. Another advantage of the presented method is that the estimation becomes more accurate for stressed power systems. In addition, application of the presented method for performing the top/stable portion of the PV-curves provides an effective step-size that reduces the number of power flow runs. The method is tested using the New England 39-bus and the IEEE 300-bus test systems. The results confirm the effectiveness of the presented method.
The influence of added-back water vapor on the chemisorption and on the rate of catalytic cracking of paraffins on a silicaalumina catalyst☆

The effects of added-back water on the cracking and isomerization of 2,2,3-trimethylbutane (triptane) were studied at 162 °, 180 °, and 200 °C; on 2-methylpentane, at 100 °C; and on n-heptane, at 200 °, 250 °, and 300 °C. The optimum amounts of added-back water were in the range 0.05% to 0.15%; the increase in the rates of cracking at the optimum amounts was usually about fivefold. For the isomerization of 2-methylpentane it was about 22-fold. The radiotracer adsorption experiments with n-heptane-1-14Cat 10 mm Hg and 110 °C confirmed three types of chemisorption, namely, instantaneously exchangeable chemisorption (Type 1), slowly exchangeable chemisorption (Type 2), and nonexchangeable chemisorption. The amounts of nonexchangeable chemisorption (VNE), Type 2 chemisorption (V2), and total chemisorption (V1 + V2 + VNE) were observed to decrease upon addition of water but the amount of Type 1 chemisorption (V1) increased. The Type 1 chemisorption is apparently weaker than Type 2 and some portion of it may be removed during evacuation. The correlation between the influence of added-back water on the cracking of n-heptane and on the amount of Type 1 chemisorption is only qualitative; the relative increase in the amount of this chemisorption upon addition of water is somewhat smaller than the relative increase in the cracking rate. Accordingly, one must conclude that the marked enhancement of catalytic cracking and isomerization rates caused by added-back water is not yet completely explained.
Chronic aortitis in the California sea-lion, Zalophus californianus.

DURING a long-term study on the general biology of the California sea-lion, Zalophus californianus (Lesson), it became evident that degenerative diseases associated with ageing are very common in this species. Therefore, a study of the heart and aorta was undertaken.
Managed care and emergency medical services: patient knowledge versus patient expectations.

Abstract [Orsay EM, Stewart KJ: Managed care and emergency medical services: Patient knowledge versus patient expectations. Ann Emerg Med July 1999;34:95-97.]
CO and CO2 emissions from spontaneous heating of coal under different ventilation rates

Abstract Carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions during a spontaneous heating event in a coal mine are important gases to monitor for detecting the spontaneous heating at an early stage. However, in underground coal mines, the CO and CO2 concentrations and their related fire ratios may be affected by mine ventilation. In this study, CO and CO2 emissions from spontaneous heating of a U.S. coal sample were evaluated in an isothermal oven under different airflow ventilation rates ranging from 100 to 500 cm3/min. Laboratory experiments were conducted at oven temperatures of 70, 90, and 100 °C. The temperature at the center of the coal sample was continually monitored, while the CO, CO2, and oxygen (O2) concentrations of the exit gas were continually measured. The results indicate that CO was generated immediately after the airflow passed through the coal, while CO2 was generated in a late phase. The amounts of CO generated under different airflow rates were approximately the same at the initial temperature of 70 °C, while the amounts of CO generated increased significantly as the airflow rates and initial temperatures increased. The ratio of CO/CO2 was found to be independent of airflow rate and initial temperature, approaching a constant value of 0.2 quickly if there was no thermal runaway. The value tended to decrease when a thermal runaway took place. The CO/O2 deficiency ratio was dependent on both airflow rates and the initial temperature. The experimental results are in qualitative agreement with some large-scale test and field monitoring results.
Ideas to Enhance Higher Education's Impact on Graduates' Lives; Alumni Recommendations.

Abstract Based on a recently completed alumni study of 522 graduates at a private college in the northeastern Unites States, this paper presents a model for designing alumni research to assess higher education's effectiveness in preparing graduates for work and life. Results revealed substantial variation in alumni evaluation of their education. While alumni reported a high level of satisfaction with the academic programme and career preparation, their feedback suggests they seek more from their college experience. Results reveal that students who feel a sense of community are more satisfied with their overall college experience and those who are satisfied with their social life are more likely to recommend the college to prospective students.
The effects of hydrogen on aluminum-induced crystallization of sputtered hydrogenated amorphous silicon

The effects of hydrogen on aluminum-induced crystallization (AIC) of sputtered hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) were investigated by controlling the hydrogen content of a-SiH films. Nonhydrogenated (a-Si) and hydrogenated (a-Si:H) samples were deposited by sputtering and plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). All aluminum films were deposited by sputtering. Hydrogen was introduced into the sputter-deposited a-Si films during the deposition. After deposition, the samples were annealed at temperatures from 200°C to 400°C for different periods of time. X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were used to confirm the presence and degree of crystallization in the a-Si:H films. For nonhydrogenated films, crystallization initiates at a temperature of 350°C. The crystallization of sputter-deposited a-Si:H initiates at 225°C when 14% hydrogen is present in the film. As the hydrogen content is decreased, the crystallization temperature increases. On the other hand, the crystallization initiation temperature for PECVD a-Si:H containing 11at.%H is 200°C. Further study revealed that the crystallization initiation temperature is a function, not only of the total atomic percent hydrogen in the film, but also a function of the way in which the hydrogen is bonded in the film. Models are developed for crystallization initiation temperature dependence on hydrogen concentration in a-Si:H thin films.
Adaptive control system techniques applied to inertial stabilization systems

Inertial stabilization systems are designed to maintain the angular orientation of an optical system or other device in inertial space. Applications include surveillance, target tracking, flight control, weapon pointing, navigation, communication and others. Typically, some variation of a closed loop control system is employed which uses feedback from a gyro. The object of this paper is to consider the potential benefits and some approaches to adaptive control algorithms. Ideally, an adaptive control system would adjust itself to achieve "optimal performance" with respect to some criteria in the presence of changing plant characteristics, changing noise characteristics and a changing disturbance environment. Potentially, such a design could provide robust control for a variety of system configurations, mission conditions and applications resulting in significant reductions in both development and production costs as well as improved performance. First, the general stabilization problem and some conventional control system designs are briefly reviewed. Then a variety of adaptive techniques are surveyed. Finally, the current status and results of a joint research project between Texas Instruments and the University of Texas at Arlington whose goal is to develop an adaptive stabilization control system is discussed.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Sentinel lymph node metastases detected by immunohistochemistry only do not mandate complete axillary lymph node dissection in breast cancer.

Background: The significance of breast cancer sentinel lymph node (SLN) metastases detected only by immunohistochemistry staining (IHC) remains poorly understood. This study attempted to quantify the risk of non-SLN metastases.
A Test of Convective Parameterizations in a Tropical Cyclone Model

Abstract In recent years a number of different methods have been proposed for the inclusion of the effects of cumuli in numerical models of tropical cyclones. In this paper several of the Kuo-type parameterizations have been tested by simulating the development of tropical cyclones from identical sets of initial conditions. The use of the same model and initial conditions made it possible to determine the effects of the various parameterizations. In the simulations without radiative fluxes, significant differences in the rates of intensification were evident in certain cases. In those simulations with radiative fluxes, the various parameterizations also produced different diurnal oscillations of pressure and wind speed.
Amino acid transport in the cornea. I. 3-Aminoisobutyric acid uptake in the toad.

Abstract 1. 1. We have examined the toad cornea, an avascular layer of connective tissue bounded on one surface (epithelial or tear) by an epithelium several cell layers thick and on the other surface (endothelial or aqueous) by a single layer of cells, to determine whether this tissue actively accumulates amino acids. 2. 2. 3-Aminoisobutyric acid is accumulated by the cornea of Bufo marinus in vitro . The uptake of 3-aminoisobutyric acid is saturable and is inhibited by iodoacetate but not by anaerobiosis nor by cyanide. 3. 3. Leucine, alanine, glycine, and serine, but not arginine, compete with 3-aminoisobutyric acid for uptake. Leucine and glycine reduce the uptake of 3-aminobutyric acid by approximately 30 and 40%, respectively, and the inhibitory effects of these two amino acids are additive. Serine, in the presence of leucine and glycine, further reduces 3-aminoisobutyric acid uptake by 10–15%. The maximal uptake of 3-aminoisobutyric acid and alanine, but not that of leucine, is dependent upon sodium. 4. 4. Arsenite and lactate stimulate the uptake of 3-aminoisobutyric acid and, to an even greater extent, leucine. Alanine uptake is inhibited by both of these agents. 5. 5. We conclude that 3-aminoisobutyric acid is accumulated by at least two, and perhaps three, neutral amino acid transport systems having markedly different properties. Therefore, the interpretation of data obtained in the cornea with this amino acid must take this limitation into account.
High-current ion sources for ion implantation

Abstract Ion beam techniques have now reached the limit imposed by the currently used ion sources, due to the trend towards higher target throughput rates as well as the need for higher irradiation doses for special applications. The next generation of implanters will routinely make use of 10–100 mA beams at energies between about 30 and 250 keV, and 1–10 mA above 1 MeV. Apart from beam current and brightness values, the criteria to judge ion sources for industrial applications are: stability, lifetime, and general reliability; range of available ion species, and fraction of multiply charged ions to upgrade existing accelerators towards higher energies. In this paper, positive-ion source development concepts are outlined in view of these criteria, and performance data are given for existing sources that deliver the mentioned beam currents and can be combined with various accelerators to cover the energy range in question.
A Structural Recognition Mechanism Study of MARCH and its Substrate

Ubiquitination, used by all eukaryotic cells to tag proteins for proteasomal degradation, is also involved in membrane protein regulation. The process of ubiquitination is mediated by ubiquitin ligases, such as the MARCH ligases in this study. The MARCH ligases are membrane proteins and play a major immunoregulatory role in cells of the immune system. They recognize their (membrane protein) substrates via transmembrane (TM) interactions_a poorly understood phenomenon. In order to characterize these TM-induced MARCH-substrate interactions, we have performed replica exchange molecular dynamics (REX-MD) simulations in an implicit membrane to model TM structures of MARCH-1 and MARCH-9 based on their TM and loop sequences. Both MARCHs have two putative TM helices (TM1 and TM2) connected by an extracellular loop. The key TM1-TM2 interfacial residues and the relative orientation of the two TMs are identified and presented. We have also determined possible TM interaction modes of known MARCH-substrate by REX-MD simulations of the complex structure, and the results will be presented in terms of the molecular basis of the MARCH-substrate recognition mechanisms.
A Real-Life Data Project for an Interdisciplinary Math and Politics Course

Abstract We describe a non-statistics, data-based activity developed by the author for an interdisciplinary course on mathematics and politics that uses actual ballot data from the City of San Francisco, California. The assignment is appropriate for a general education audience and develops students’ ability to work with data, improves their understanding of functions and algorithms, and requires them to make (and support) choices grounded in logic and mathematics. We also provide a Mathematica notebook that makes it easy to take data from San Francisco to create such an assignment.Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of PRIMUS to view the supplemental file.
Airborne aflatoxin in corn processing facilities in Georgia.

Problems affecting the health of agricultural workers in processing facilities where grains are contaminated with aflatoxin have been noted previously. Airborne particulates produced during processing are reported to produce various carcinomas when inhaled by factory workers. Two corn processing plants within Georgia were surveyed during the fall of 1984 and 1985 with utilization of an Andersen 6-stage air sampler, a high-volume air sampler and a slit sampler. No airborne aflatoxin was found; however, 10% of settled dust samples were contaminated with aflatoxin. The average particles were found to be globular in shape with an effective diameter between 2 to 3 µm. Only 30% of the bulk corn samples contained aflatoxin, which was present at low levels (0.15 to 8 ppb).
In vivo and in vitro effects of the novel antiarrhythmic ipazilide on cardiac and vascular smooth muscle function

Ipazilide fumarate is a novel antiarrhythmic currently undergoing clinical evaluation. Since most antiarrhythmics have adverse cardiovascular side effects, we examined the potential effects of ipazilide on cardiac muscle and vascular hemodynamic function utilizing in vivo and in vitro models. The cardiovascular effects of ipazilide and selected reference antiarhythmics, disopyramide and sotalol, at relevant antiarrhythmic concentrations were compared. All agents decreased cardiac contractility, as evident by reductions in dP/dt and cardiac output in anesthetized dogs, and by decreases in contractile force in isolated guinea pig papillary muscles. In vivo, ipazilide was approximately 3–10 × less potent than disopyramide or sotalol while in vitro, ipazilide produced a greater decrease in contractility at a relatively high concentration (30 μM). All three agents increased cardiac preload as reflected by increases in left ventricular end diastolic pressure and right atrial pressure, with ipazilide 2–3 × less potent than disopyramide or sotalol. Differential effects on vascular function were also evident with the three agents. Disopyramide and sotalol significantly increased systemic vascular resistance, and either pulmonary vascular resistance (disopyramide) or left coronary arterial vascular resistance (sotalol); ipazilide did not significantly affect any of these parameters. In isolated rat arterial or canine coronary arterial smooth muscle, ipazilide produced concentration-related vasorelaxation, with EC50 values ranging from 11–300 μM. Efficacy of ipazilide was higher in depolarized vascular tissue. In conclusion, since previous preclinical studies have indicated equal or greater antiarrhythmic activity of ipazilide relative to disopyramide or sotalol, the current data indicate the possibility for lessened in vivo hemodynamic effects of ipazilide at efficacious antiarrhythmic dosages. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
A Comparison of Three Self-Report Measures of the Broader Autism Phenotype in a Non-Clinical Sample

Three self-report measures of the broader autism phenotype (BAP) were evaluated in terms of their internal consistency, distribution of scores, factor structure, and criterion-related validity in a non-clinical sample. All measures showed a continuous distribution. The SRS-A and BAPQ showed expected sex differences and were superior to the AQ in terms of internal consistency. The proposed factor structure of the BAPQ replicated better than the proposed structures of the other measures. All measures showed evidence of criterion validity via correlations with related constructs and each measure incremented the others in predicting related constructs. However, the SRS-A and BAPQ were generally stronger in this domain. Recommendations for the use of these instruments for measuring the BAP in non-clinical populations are discussed.
Perceived Experiences of Discrimination in Health Care: A Barrier for Cancer Screening Among American Indian Women with Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose Breast and cervical cancer-mortality disparities are prominent among American Indian women. These disparities, in part, may result from patients perceived experiences of discrimination in health care. This report evaluates the impact of perceived discrimination on screening for breast and cervical cancer in a sample of 200 American Indian women with type 2 diabetes.
Chinese Culture and Its Potential Influence on Entrepreneurship

As an important economic activity, entrepreneurship greatly contributes to economic development. This paper aims to investigate the relationship between Chinese culture and entrepreneurship. From a psychocultural perspective, Chinese culture is considered from the following five aspects – self-construal, self-evaluation, communication style, public attitude toward business failure, and the legal and ethical climate. This study suggests that some of the typical Chinese personality traits are inconsistent with those of a successful entrepreneur, and certain aspects of Chinese sociocultural factors are unfavorable for entrepreneurship. Nonetheless, Chinese culture has some advantages in boosting entrepreneurship, which can partly interpret why many overseas Chinese have achieved phenomenal success in entrepreneurial activities.
Development of Degradable, pH-Sensitive Star Vectors for Enhancing the Cytoplasmic Delivery of Nucleic Acids

The report describes the synthesis of degradable, pH-sensitive, membrane-destabilizing, star-shaped polymers where copolymers of hydrophobic hexyl methacrylate (HMA) and 2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) monomers are grafted from the secondary face of a beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) core via acid-labile hydrazone linkages using atom transfer radical polymerization. The effect of the graft's molecular weight, HMA/DMAEMA molar ratio, and the fraction of DMAEMA converted to cationic N,N,N-trimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (TMAEMA) monomers on polymer's transfection capacity is systematically investigated. Results show that all star-shaped polymers condense anti-GAPDH silencing RNA (siRNA) into nanosized particles at +/- ratio ≤ 4:1. Star polymers with shorter (25kDa) P(HMA-co-DMAEMA-co-TMAEMA) grafts are more efficient and less cytotoxic than carriers with longer (40kDa) grafts. The results show that increasing the ratio of hydrophobic HMA monomers in graft's composition higher than 50 mole% dramatically reduces polymer's aqueous solubility and abolishes their transfection capacity. Further, retention of DMAEMA monomers in graft's composition provide a buffering capacity that enhanced the endosomal escape and transfection capacity of the polymers. These systematic studies show that β-CD-P(HMA-co-DMAEMA-co-TMAEMA)4.8 polymer with a 25 kDa average graft's molecular weight and a 50/25/25 ratio of HMA/DMAEMA/TMAEMA monomers is the most efficient carrier in delivering the siRNA cargo into the cytoplasm of epithelial cancer cells.