cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Intrinsic and extrinsic control of oligodendrocyte development

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are the myelinating glia of the central nervous system. Myelin is essential for the rapid propagation of action potentials as well as for metabolic support of axons, and its loss in demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis has profound pathological consequences. The many steps in the development of OLs — from the specification of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) during embryonic development to their differentiation into OLs that myelinate axons — are under tight regulation. Here we discuss recent advances in understanding how these steps of OL development are controlled intrinsically by transcription factors and chromatin remodeling and extrinsically by signaling molecules and neuronal activity. We also discuss how knowledge of these pathways is now allowing us to take steps toward generating patient-specific OPCs for disease modeling and myelin repair.
Reactivity of the europium hexafluoroacetylacetonate (hfac) complex, Eu(hfac)3(diglyme), and related analogs with potassium: formation of the fluoride hfac “ate” complexes, [LnF(hfac)3K(diglyme)]2

The europium hexafluoroacetylacetonate complex Eu(hfac)3(diglyme) was synthesized to examine its fluorescence and conversion to a Eu(II) analog. Reaction of Eu(hfac)3(diglyme) with potassium produced the unexpected trivalent product [EuF(hfac)3K(diglyme)]2. This reduction system was studied further by synthesizing other Ln(hfac)3(diglyme) analogs and examining their reactivity with potassium. The Nd, Sm, and Gd analogs of Ln(hfac)3(diglyme) also react with potassium to form [LnF(hfac)3K(diglyme)]2 as observed for europium. Reactions of the Eu(II) precursors, EuI2(thf)4 and {[Zr2(OiPr)9]Eu(μ-I)}2 with K(hfac) also form trivalent products, namely Eu(hfac)3(diglyme) and [Zr2(OiPr)9]Eu(hfac)2.
Progenitor endothelial cell involvement in Alzheimer's disease.

AbstractThere is compelling evidence that endothelial cells of the brain and periphery are dysfunctional in Alzheimer's disease. There is evidence for a fundamental defect in, or abnormal aging of, endothelial progenitor cells in atherosclerosis. The possibility that endothelial cell defects are a primary cause for Alzheimer's disease or other dementias can be researched by molecular and cell biology studies as well as cell trafficking studies using recently demonstrated molecular imaging methods. The evidence for abnormal endothelial function and the methods to explore this hypothesis are presented.
Tandem self-powered photovoltaic-electrochromic window coatings

Wide-gap, transparent amorphous silicon based photovoltaics can be integrated with electrochromic materials to produce a self-powered 'smart' window coating. Existing electrochromic window designs require an external electrical connection, which may be economically unfeasible. This problem is solved by the tandem photovoltaic-electrochromic (PV/EC) device, in which a wide-gap amorphous silicon-based alloy (a-SiC:H) photovoltaic device is deposited together with an electrochromic optical transmittance modulator in a monolithic device on a single substrate. In this paper, we discuss our proposed monolithic photovoltaic-electrochromic device. We also present studies of transparent, wide-gap (Tauc gap of 1.8 to 2.2 eV) amorphous silicon-carbon thin films and p-i-n devices designed for use in the photovoltaic-electrochromic device. The photovoltaic cells in the PV-EC can operate at low current ( 1.0 V) and high transparency (approximately equals 70%). We describe our progress toward these design targets.© (1995) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
What’s Important to the Radiologist and Patient

This chapter provides an overview of factors important from a patient’s perspective during a visit to the mammography department, with emphasis on the effects to clinical practice, as well as discussion of what helps the radiologist in the interpretation of both screen film and digital mammograms. Identification of adjustments and changes necessary in the transition to digital imaging is provided in addition to descriptions of additional and special views. Explanations of methods to image the difficult body habitus are also covered.
Quasi-coherent fluctuations limiting the pedestal growth on Alcator C-Mod: Experiment and modelling

Performance predictions for future fusion devices rely on an accurate model of the pedestal structure. The candidate for predictive pedestal structure is EPED, and it is imperative to test the underlying hypotheses to further gain confidence for ITER projections. Here, we present experimental work testing one of the EPED hypotheses, namely the existence of a soft limit set by microinstabilities such as the kinetic ballooning mode. This work extends recent work on Alactor C-Mod (Diallo et al 2014 Phys. Rev. Lett. 112 115001), to include detailed measurements of the edge fluctuations and comparisons of edge simulation codes and experimental observations.
Syntheses of the new trinuclear ions [Ru3(CO)11]2− and [Os3(CO)11]2−

Abstract Stoichiometric reduction of Os3CO)12 and Ru3(CO)12 with K and Ca, respectively; yields the two new cluster dianions [Os3(CO)11]2− and [Ru3(CO)11]2− which have been isolated and characterized. Temperature-dependent 13C NMR spectra for [Os3(CO)11]2− and infrared spectra of [Os3(CO)11]2− and [Ru3(CO)11]2− suggest a similar structure for these dianions in which there is a single edge-bridging carbonyl.
Mathematics has a front and a back

It is explained that, in the sense of the sociologist Erving Goffman, mathematics has a front and a back. Four pervasive myths about mathematics are stated. Acceptance of these myths is related to whether one is located in the front or the back.
B-L VIOLATING SUPERSYMMETRIC COUPLINGS

We consider two problems: One is the possible effect of the breaking of Peccei-Quinn1 symmetry on the inflationary universe scenario; the other is the remark that even the minimal supersymmetric SU5 theory contains B-L violating couplings which give rise to neutrino masses and family-diagonal proton decay. However, the strength of these couplings is limited by the gauge hierarchy.
Purification and characterization of the yeast-expressed erythropoietin mutant Epo (R103A), a specific inhibitor of human primary hematopoietic cell erythropoiesis

A drug that specifically inhibits erythropoiesis would be clinically useful. The erythropoietin (Epo) mutant Epo (R103A) could potentially be used for this purpose. Epo (R103A) has a single amino acid substitution of alanine for arginine at position 103. Because of this mutation, Epo (R103A) is only able to bind to one of the 2 subunits of the erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) homodimer and is thus a competitive inhibitor of Epo activity. To produce large quantities of Epo (R103A) to test in animal models of thalassemia and sickle cell disease, we expressed and purified recombinant Epo (R103A) from the yeast Pichia pastoris. Using this method milligram quantities of highly purified Epo (R103A) are obtained. The yeast-expressed Epo (R103A) is properly processed and glycosylated and specifically inhibits Epo-dependent cell growth and (125)I-Epo binding. Epo (R103A) does not, however, directly induce apoptosis in 32D cells expressing EpoR. Epo (R103A) inhibits erythropoiesis of human CD34(+) hematopoietic cells and completely blocks erythroid burst-forming unit formation in normal human bone marrow colony assays. Yeast-expressed Epo (R103A) is a specific inhibitor of primary erythropoiesis suitable for testing in animal models.
Venture capitalist participation and the post-issue operating performance of IPO firms

Previous studies have identified the value-added potential of venture capitalist monitoring in the initial public offering (IPO) market. We test this proposition by comparing the post-issue operating performance of venture capitalist-backed IPOs with a matched sample of non-venture capitalist-backed IPOs. We find that venture capitalist-backed IPO firms exhibit relatively superior post-issue operating performance compared to non-venture capital-backed IPO firms. Further, the market appears to recognize the value of monitoring by venture capitalists as reflected in the higher valuations at the time of the IPO. Finally, we find that proxies for the quality of venture capitalist monitoring are positively related to post-issue operating performance.
Duplication 3q: Severe manifestations in an infant with duplication of a short segment of 3q

A patient with duplication of a short segment of 3q (3q21 leads to 26) without apparent deletion of 3 or of other chromosomes provided a further opportunity to study manifestations of this abnormality. The proposita had a broad nasal bridge, anteverted nostrils, webbed neck, and clinodactyly V in addition to congenital heart disease, limb abnormalities, cleft palate, and severe developmental delay. The infant did not have the hirsutism and synophrys present in other cases.
Fabrication of dual grating reflectors for high-power laser diodes

A dual grating reflector is a scheme for wavelength stabilization of laser diodes. The fabrication of a dual grating reflector involves the fabrication of a grating coupler on the p-side of a laser diode and a feedback grating on the n-side of the same device. The basic theory of the dual grating reflector is presented, along with the methods used to determine the required tolerances for near optimum performance. The fabrication processes used to obtain the required tolerances needed for a dual grating reflector are presented.
Oral self-administration of ethanol and not experimenter-administered ethanol facilitates rewarding electrical brain stimulation

The effects of ethanol on brain-stimulation reward (BSR) were investigated in rats orally self-administering ethanol. Electrodes were stereotaxically implanted in the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) of male F-344 rats. A rate free threshold procedure was used. Animals demonstrated significant threshold-lowering effects after considerable ethanol self-administration experience. To elucidate the significance of the contingent nature of the route of administration in the threshold-lowering effects of ethanol on BSR, a comparison of animals self-administering ethanol to yoked animals receiving it passively through a gastric cannula was made. Significant threshold-lowering effects were only found in the animals self-administering ethanol and not those receiving it noncontingently. Thus, to the extent that brain-stimulation reward is a model of drug-induced euphoria, these results suggest that the reinforcing effects of ethanol are dependent to a greater degree on an interaction between experimental, environmental and pharmacological factors, than other abused drugs.
Mean residence times of atmospheric aerosols in the boundary layer as determined from 210Bi/210Pb activity ratios

Abstract Concentrations of radioactive 210 Pb and 210 Bi were measured in surface air after chemical separation and radiochemical analysis in an annual cycle and were used to determine aerosol residence times in the lower atmosphere. It was concluded that residence times of 8 days would apply to aerosols of 0.3 μm activity median aerodynamic diameter (AMAD). Cascade impactor data are also presented in relating the residence times and the AMAD of atmospheric aerosols.
Radiochemical determination of plutonium in sea water, sediments and marine organisms.

Abstract A radiochemical procedure is described for the determination of plutonium in large samples of sea water, sediments and organisms with a sensitivity of 0.004 d.p.m. per 100 1 of sea water (for a 50-1 sample), 0.02 d.p.m. per kg of sediments (100-g sample) and 0.002 d.p.m. per kg of marine organisms (1-kg sample). An iron (II) hydroxide coprecipitation method is used for the concentration of plutonium in sea water. A nitric-hydrochloric acid leaching method is adapted for the treatment of sediments and ashed organisms. Factors influencing the recovery, contamination and blank activity are discussed.
Relations of Growth in Effortful Control to Family Income, Cumulative Risk, and Adjustment in Preschool-age Children

The study examined growth in effortful control (executive control, delay ability) in relation to income, cumulative risk (aggregate of demographic and psychosocial risk factors), and adjustment in 306 preschool-age children (50 % girls, 50 % boys) from families representing a range of income (29 % at- or near-poverty; 28 % lower-income; 25 % middle-income; 18 % upper-income), with 4 assessments starting at 36–40 month. Income was directly related to levels of executive control and delay ability. Cumulative risk accounted for the effects of income on delay ability but not executive control. Higher initial executive control and slope of executive control and delay ability predicted academic readiness, whereas levels, but not growth, of executive control and delay ability predicted social competence and adjustment problems. Low income is a marker for lower effortful control, which demonstrates additive or mediating effects in the relation of income to children’s preschool adjustment.
A harmonic/anharmonic energy partition method for lattice statics computations

A method of lattice statics analysis is developed. Consideration of anharmonic effects is restricted to finite regions surrounding lattice defects. All displacements of the crystal are expressed as the effect of unknown forces applied to a perfect harmonic lattice of infinite extent. Displacements are related to the unknown applied forces by means of the Green function of the perfect harmonic lattice, so that equilibrating forces need only be applied to the anharmonic region. The unknown forces are determined so as to maximize the complementary energy of the crystal, which yields a lower bound to the potential energy. The method does not require the explicit enforcement of equilibrium or compatibility conditions across the boundary between the harmonic and anharmonic regions. The performance of the method is assessed on the basis of selected numerical examples. The rate of convergence of the method with increasing domain size is found to be cubic. This is one or two orders of magnitude faster than rigid boundary methods based on the harmonic and continuum solutions, respectively.
Hospital Resource Use with Donation after Cardiac Death Allografts in Liver Transplantation: A Matched Controlled Analysis from 2007 to 2011.

Background Although donation after cardiac death (DCD) liver allografts have been used to expand the donor pool, concerns exist regarding primary nonfunction and biliary complications. Our aim was to compare resource use and outcomes of DCD allografts with donation after brain death (DBD) liver allografts. Study Design Using a linkage between the University HealthSystem Consortium and Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients databases, we identified 11,856 patients who underwent deceased donor liver transplantation (LT) from 2007 to 2011. Patients were divided into 2 cohorts based on type of allograft (DCD vs DBD). Matched pair analysis (n = 613 in each group) was used to compare outcomes of the 2 donor types. Results Donation after cardiac death allografts comprised 5.2% (n = 613) of all LTs in the studied cohort; DCD allograft recipients were healthier and had lower median Model of End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score (17 vs 19; p Conclusions While confirming the previous reports of inferior graft survival associated with DCD allografts, this is the first national report to show increased financial and resource use associated with DCD compared with DBD allografts in a matched recipient cohort.
Flow-induced vibrations of a side-by-side arrangement of two flexible circular cylinders

Laboratory experiments with a side-by-side arrangement of two vertical, high aspect ratio (length over diameter) and low mass ratio (mass over mass of displaced fluid) cylinders, pin-jointed at the ends and vibrating at low mode number, were carried out in a free-surface water channel. The dynamic response of the models under two different wake interference situations is presented here. Initially, one of the cylinders was fixed and the other was completely free to move. In a second battery of experiments both cylinders were free to vibrate. A very large parameter space was covered by varying the free-stream flow speeds, the natural frequencies of the system and the separation between the models, allowing the identification of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV) and wake-coupled VIV (WCVIV). Amplitudes, frequencies and phase synchronisation between the models are presented.
The influence of mantle water and heterogeneity on the viscous relaxation of Venus impact craters

Empirical flow laws for peridotite and diabase were used to model the viscous relaxation of large impact craters on Venus, The models were then compared to the depths of the three largest impact craters (≥60 km diameter) measured by Venera 15/16 radar altimetry. The maximum crater retention times predicted by models that assumed ≥ 0.03% wt. water in the upper mantle were inconsistent with the observed depths of these craters and a mean minimum age of 0.5 Ga. Models that assumed an upper mantle water content of ≤ 0.003% wt. were consistent with the observations and a maximum crater retention time of 1.0 Ga. This result was insensitive to up to 60% by volume diabase mixed into the upper mantle as inclusions at the several kilometer scale and to the presence of a basalt-eclogite or melting transition at a depth of 100 km.
Choice of an entropy-like function for range-Doppler processing

Motion compensation of range-Doppler target signatures results in focused target imagery. Recently, an iterative approach based on a logarithmic entropy measure has been proposed for the motion compensation of signatures collected in the frequency domain. The effectiveness of this approach can be significantly improved by using an entropy-like function which is maximally resistant to noise and consistent with statistical boundaries. For purposes of analysis, the entropy-like function is written in terms of an information gain function (Delta) I. Several expressions for (Delta) I are tested to verify the accuracy of radial-motion parameter estimation. The effectiveness of these expressions is determined by the number of iterations required to find the minimum entropy measure, within an acceptable tolerance level for a given signal-to-noise ratio. Results show that the exponential information gain (Delta) I equals exp(1-I) yields an optimally convex entropy measure surface over a prescribed motion- parameter solution space. The surface minimum in this solution space has coordinates which are interpreted as the optimum motion-parameter estimates that can be obtained for the purpose of image focusing.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Etanercept and psoriasis, from clinical studies to real life.

Objective To determine whether etanercept therapy enables long-term psoriasis patients to discontinue systemic psoriatic therapy. Methods Charts from psoriatic patients on etanercept therapy seen at the Department of Dermatology and Dermatolgic Surgery, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA, between June 2002 and October 2003, were evaluated retrospectively. The duration of disease, adverse events to “standard” systemic psoriatic therapy, and current therapy were reviewed. IRB: 03/582C. Results A large proportion of patients (73.5%) were able to decrease or discontinue their traditional systemic agent while on etanercept. Conclusions Etanercept is a safe and effective therapy in chronic moderate to severe psoriasis. In patients who are receiving systemic therapy for their disease and alternative therapy is warranted, etanercept can be added with the aim to discontinue the other systemic agents.
Editor’s Introduction to Jean van Heijenoort, Historical Development of Modern Logic

Van Heijenoort’s account of the historical development of modern logic was composed in 1974 and first published in 1992 with an introduction by his former student. What follows is a new edition with a revised and expanded introduction and additional notes.
Evaluation of a decision based on subjective probability estimates

In numerous decision analysis problems the decision maker must make estimates of various probabilities, such as the probability of completion of a project by a given time, the probability of receiving a specific order, the probability that market demand for a product will be at a certain level, etc. Only infrequently is it possible to perform an `after the fact' evaluation of the accuracy of such subjective probability estimates. This paper describes the results of a practical application where subjective probability estimates by a group of 436 qualified individuals could be compared with subsequent realizations. The reasons for the divergences that were found are analyzed and related to other problems where one must rely on subjective probability estimates. Thus, although the specific survey described here is of a specialized nature, many of the findings have general applicability.
Persistence of health habits and their relationship to mortality.

Abstract This paper explores the relationship of seven personal health practices and subsequent mortality in the 9 1 2 years between an initial survey of 6,928 adults made in Alameda County, California, in 1965 and a follow-up survey in 1974. The seven health practices are: never smoking cigarettes, regular physical activity, moderate or no use of alcohol, 7–8 hr sleep/day regularly, maintaining proper weight, eating breakfast, and not eating between meals. When accumulated to form a health practice score from 0 to 7, the number of health practices showed a striking inverse relationship with age-adjusted mortality rates, especially for men. Men following seven health practices had a mortality rate only 28% that of men following zero to three health practices. Women following seven health practices had a mortality rate 43% that of women following zero to three health practices. Both the health practices themselves and their relationship to mortality are shown to be reasonably stable over the 9 1 2 -year period of follow-up. These results lend support to the hypothesis that good health practices and not the initial health status of the survey respondents are largely responsible for the observed mortality relationships. These and other methodological issues are explored.
The effect of 2-nitropropane on the photometric microdetermination of nitrite ion

Abstract Micromolar concentrations of nitrite ion in freshly prepared essentially neutral solutions that also contain 2-nitropropane (2NP) can be directly determined by the Griess-Ilosvay and sulfanilamide procedures. High but reproducible nitrite results, obtained with mixtures made with aged 2NP solution, are caused by the slow development of a nitrite response in such solutions. Erratic and generally high nitrite responses are given by NaNO 2 -2NP mixtures that have been made definitely alkaline (pH ~ 11). This 2NP interference is not removed by acidification and solvent extraction, even when the system is allowed to equilibrate before extraction. A tentative explanation of the positive error is advanced.
A New Approach to Cycling in a 2-locus 2-allele Genetic Model

In the reproductive process new genetic types arise due to crossing over and recombination at the meiotic stage. A simplified biological model will be developed which incorporates this effect and the effect of selection. Although a chromosome may contain thousands of genes we will consider a simplified model consisting of two genetic loci, each containing two alleles of some gene. The model will be then turned into a difference equation or mapping model x* = G(x,r) where x represents the frequency distribution of genotypes in a certain infinite population, x* is this distribution one generation later and r is the recombination parameter. For a certain choice of fitness and recombination parameters the mapping exhibits several fixed points. As r is varied one of the fixed points of the mapping loses its stability due to a conjugate pair of eigenvalues of the linearized mapping leaving the unit disk. It is shown that the required non-resonance conditions and “nonlinear damping” condition are satisfied and t...
Policy Advocacy for Children

April 2005 31:2 n the health care professions, speakers often preface I lectures regarding caring for children with the comment, ‘‘children are not just little adults.’’ But in my opinion, adults are just ‘‘big kids,’’ many of whom have forgotten the powerlessness and frustration of being a child. For this reason, children’s special needs may be ignored in policy discussions. Traditionally, policy advocates provide a voice for those who are not heard. Some persons challenge the idea of advocacy by stating that we increase dependency when we speak for others, rather than empowering them to speak for themselves. However, a child is dependent on others in many respects. An advocate best serves the child or children she represents by encouraging the child to be ‘‘seen and heard.’’ For example, emergency nurses can form departmental committees to advocate for a policy that all children aged 7 years or older who are evaluated in the emergency care system have the opportunity to give written assent for care. More complex issues such as ensuring that all children who are evaluated in the emergency department are fully immunized require additional collaboration, research, and funding. However, in all cases, nurses can remind professionals that the needs of the child, not just the system, should be included in the health care conversation.
Concentration of bisphenol A in thermal paper

Abstract Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used as a color developer in thermal paper. Thermal paper is ubiquitous in daily life due to its use in cash register receipts, so opportunities for human contact abound. For this study, 10 blank cash register receipts were obtained from businesses in suburban Boston. BPA was extracted and analysis of concentration was performed using gas chromatograph/flame ionization detector. In some receipts, BPA was not detected but in others it was as high as 19 mg for a 12-inch long receipt, which is in line with concentrations indicated in patents. This study is intended to highlight the potential for human exposure to BPA as well as the ease with which exposure may be reduced through the use of BPA-free thermal paper.
Ovid’s Fasti and the neo-Latin Christian calendar poem

Well-known renaissance painters and writers who draw from Ovid’s fragmentary calendar poem, the Fasti, tend to assimilate it to the more famous masterwork, the Metamorphoses. A group of humanist Latin poets, however, took inspiration from the central idea of Ovid’s Fasti as a versified religious almanac. The Christian calendar poems vary widely in the degree to which they imitate the Ovidian exemplar. Of particular interest is Lodovico Lazzarelli’s Fasti christianae religionis, which exhibits a kind of anxiety of influence by both embracing Ovid’s Fasti as model and using it to exemplify the antique pagan festivals now supplanted by the true Christian faith.
To what is fiction committed

(1983). To what is fiction committed? Prose Studies: Vol. 6, Literariness and linguistics, pp. 159-175.
Operative volume in the new era: a comparison of resident operative volume before and after implementation of 80-hour work week restrictions.

Objective To determine the effect of the 80-hour work week restrictions on general surgery resident operative volume in a large, community-based, university-affiliated, general surgery residency program. Methods We performed a retrospective review of Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) operative logs of general surgery residents graduating from a single residency. The control group consisted of the residents graduating in the 3 years prior to the work-hour restriction implementation (2001, 2002, and 2003). Our comparison group consisted of those residents graduating in the first 2 classes whose entire residency was conducted after the implementation of the 80-hour work week (2008 and 2009). Comparisons were made between the control and the comparison groups in the 19 ACGME defined categories, total number of major cases, total number of chief cases, and total number of teaching assist cases. Results Operative volumes in 13 categories (skin/soft tissue/breast, alimentary tract, abdominal, liver, pancreas, vascular, endocrine, pediatrics, endoscopy, laparoscopic-complex, total chief cases, total major cases, and teaching cases) were not significantly affected by the implementation of the 80-hour work week. One of the 19 categories (laparoscopic-basic) showed a significant increase in operative volume (p Conclusions Resident operative volume at our institution's general surgery residency program largely has been unaffected by implementation of the 80-hour work week. Residencies in general surgery can be structured in a manner to allow for compliance with duty-hour regulations while maintaining the required operative volume outlined by the ACGME defined categories.
Active surface cooling protocol to induce mild therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: A retrospective before-and-after comparison in a single hospital

Objective:To evaluate whether implementation of a therapeutic hypothermia protocol on arrival in a community hospital improved survival and neurologic outcomes in patients initially found to have ventricular fibrillation, pulseless electrical activity, or asystole, and then successfully resuscitated
ADULTS WITH DOWN SYNDROME AND CONGENITAL HEART DISEASE: HOSPITALIZATIONS AND MORTALITY IN THE UNITED STATES

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is common in patients with Down syndrome (DS). While DS survival has improved, there are limited data on morbidity, mortality and health care resource use in DS-CHD adults. We analyzed hospitalizations for patients with and without DS, 18-64 years old with CHD
Pressure tuned single longitudinal mode dye laser

Abstract The design and construction of a pressure tuned single longitudinal mode (SLM) dye oscillator is described. The oscillator had a pressure tuned range of ⩾ 3.75 cm −1 and a time average linewidth of 0.019 cm -1 . The output of the oscillator could be increased by four orders of magnitude in an amplifier chain which incorporated a phase conjugate reflector to control the build up of amplified spontaneous emission. Focusable power of > 100 GW/cm 2 were obtained at a linewidth of 0.022 cm -1 .
Infrared evanescent field sensing with quantum cascade lasers and planar silver halide waveguides.

We demonstrate the first midinfrared evanescent field absorption measurements with an InGaAs/AlInAs/InP distributed feedback (DFB) quantum cascade laser (QCL) light source operated at room temperature coupled to a free-standing, thin-film, planar, silver halide waveguide. Two different analytes, each matched to the emission frequency of a QCL, were investigated to verify the potential of this technique. The emission of a 1650 cm-1 QCL overlaps with the amide absorption band of urea, which was deposited from methanol solution, forming urea crystals at the waveguide surface after solvent evaporation. Solid urea was detected down to 80.7 μg of precipitate at the waveguide surface. The emission frequency of a 974 cm-1 QCL overlaps with the CH3−C absorption feature of acetic anhydride. Solutions of acetic anhydride in acetonitrile have been detected down to a volume of 0.01 μL (10.8 μg) of acetic anhydride solution after deposition at the planar waveguide (PWG) surface. Free-standing, thin-film, planar, silver...
An Overview of Embolic Agents

Therapeutic embolization is a common procedure in interventional radiology. A wide variety of agents are available, and each has its own place and use. Additionally, many new agents have appeared on the market in the past several years. The aim of this review article is to give a brief description of available agents, guide appropriate selection, and familiarize the reader regarding appropriate use and limitations.
The Multifaceted Construct of Psychopathy: Association with APD, Clinical, and Criminal Characteristics among Male and Female Inmates

Our study examined the multiple facets of psychopathy and their relationship with personality, mental health and criminal behavior in male and female inmates. At an item level, many Antisocial Personality Disorder (APD) symptoms were not significantly associated with the Affective facet of the PCL-R, yet all were significantly associated with the other three facets of psychopathy. At a diagnostic level, the associations between APD and PCL-R facets were consistent and pervasive, but varied in strength by psychopathy facet. Despite a great deal of overlap between psychopathy and APD, we found some differences in the direction and magnitude of association between APD, psychopathy facets, and criminal and clinical characteristics. Notably, among a forensic sample, psychopathy facets conferred additional risk for antisocial behavior, violence, and other forms of personality pathology, even after adjusting for levels of APD. Future directions for psychopathy research are discussed.
Apnea duration and hypoxemia during REM sleep in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

Nocturnal sleep studies of 12 patients with obstructive sleep apnea and a matched control group of 12 subjects without the sleep apnea syndrome were analyzed to compare arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (SaO2) during REM and non-REM sleep. Mean percentage of total sleep time spent in REM sleep was not significantly different in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and in subjects without significant apnea (14.2±SEM 2.2 percent in patients vs 12.0±2.2 percent in nonapnea subjects). Apneas were longer during REM than non-REM sleep in all 12 patients (p
On Scoring Multiple Choice Exams Allowing for Partial Knowledge

A scoring procedure for multiple choice exams which allows for partial knowledge and also allows the examiner to control the expected gain due to guessing is considered in this paper. The procedure is considered from an elementary game theory approach. Comparisons are given with other scoring methods.
Rate Constants as a Function of Temperature and Kinetic Energy for the Reactions of Cl- with C2H5Br and n-C3H7Br

We have measured the rate constants and branching ratios for the reactions of Cl- with C2H5Br and n-C3H7Br as a function of temperature and kinetic energy. Both reactions proceed slowly. The reactions proceed mostly to form Br- at room temperature and above. Both the temperature and kinetic energy dependencies are flat in this regime. At low temperatures a new mechanism becomes important, namely, association followed by thermal dissociation to form both Cl- and Br-. This is especially important in the n-C3H7Br reaction for which the rate constant increases by a factor of 4 between room temperature and 230 K. Not only does the overall rate increase but also the channel-forming Br-.
Relationship Trajectories and Psychological Well-Being Among Sexual Minority Youth

Dating in adolescence plays an integral part in the development of sexual and social identities. This process is particularly salient for sexual minority youth who face additional obstacles to their identity formation due to their marginalized status. We investigated the influence of participating in a same-sex relationship (SSR) or an opposite-sex relationship (OSR) on sexual minority youths' psychological well-being (i.e., symptoms of depression, anxiety and internalized homophobia, and self-esteem) in an ethnically-diverse sample of 350 youth (55% male) between the ages of 15-19 years, recruited from three GLBT drop-in centers in the New York City area. Using longitudinal data, we examined youths' SSR and OSR over time. Multivariate regression analyses suggest that involvement in a SSR was positively associated with changes in self-esteem in males, and negatively correlated with changes in internalized homophobia in females. We discuss the implications for positive development in sexual minority adolescent populations.
Weed Identification Using Imaging Technology and Spectroscopy

This paper summarizes the authors' research in imaging- and optical weed sensors based on studies of plant spectral and morphological characteristics. Location, color, texture, and shape features of weeds and crops were identified as the major criteria for sensor structure and algorithm design. Imaging-based weed sensors were compared with optical weed sensors. Factors affecting detection accuracy were studied through experiments. Laboratory experiments were also conducted to test the accuracy of statistical and neural-network classification models. Extensive field experiments were conducted to test the effectiveness of the weed sensors.
CD8+ T-cell memory: only the good ones last

Generating long-lasting, protective CD8(+) T-cell memory via vaccination is critical for combating infectious diseases. Advances in the past year have provided many new insights into how memory CD8(+) T cells are generated. It is now recognized that CD8(+) T cells differentiate from 'effector memory' cells into 'central memory' cells, which are stably maintained and confer superior protective immunity. Furthermore, CD4(+) T-cell help plays an important role in guiding the differentiation of CD8(+) T cells into long-lasting, functional memory. These findings have important implications for developing vaccine strategies that induce high-quality CD8(+) T-cell memory, not just high quantity.
Neural networks, orientations of the hypercube, and algebraic threshold functions

A class of possible generalizations of current neural networks models is described using local improvement algorithms and orientations of graphs. A notation of dynamical capacity is defined and, by computing bounds on the number of algebraic threshold functions, it is proven that for neural networks of size n and energy function of degree d, this capacity is O(n/sup d+1/). Stable states are studied, and it is shown that for the same networks the storage capacity is O(n/sup d+1/). In the case of random orientations, it is proven that the expected number of stable states is exponential. Applications to coding theory are indicated, and it is shown that usual codes can be embedded in neural networks but only at high cost. Cycles and their storage are also examined. >
An improved method for determining triboluminescence spectra

Abstract Intensified diode array detectors were used to obtain triboluminescence spectra. For sucrose, uranyl nitrate and triethylammonium tetrakis(dibenzoylmethide)europate, the signal-to-noise ratios of the spectra were one to three orders of magnitude better than those previously reported. The triboluminescence spectra of menthol and 9-anthrylmethanol were determined for the first time. The triboluminescence spectra of menthol and sucrose have intensities which correspond quite well to that of the nitrogen discharge, indicating that charge separation rather than a radiationaless transition is responsible for the triboluminescence in these compounds.
Neutrophil activation by surface bound IgG is via a pertussis toxin insensitive G protein.

Abstract Pre-treatment of neutrophils with either pertussis or cholera toxins does not inhibit neutrophil activation by surface bound IgG. In contrast, pretreatment with the phorbol ester, phorbol myristate acetate, results in a dose dependent inhibition of degranulation by surface bound IgG. This inhibition is similar to that seen with soluble ligands where it is thought to be due to interference with the interaction of an activated guanine nucleotide binding protein with phospholipase C (J. Biol. Chem., 262 , 6121, 1987). More directly, GTP binding and GTPase activity are enhanced when human neutrophil membranes are incubated in wells containing surface bound IgG. Neither of these G protein functions were inhibited when membranes were prepared in the presence of pertussis toxin, suggesting that neutrophil activation by surface bound IgG proceeds by a mechanism that involves a pertussis toxin insensitive G protein.
Oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi with opposing evidence for the theory of carnivory.

Abstract We present the first demonstration of oral transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi to raccoons (Procyon lotor), a natural reservoir host in the United States, by ingestion of trypomastigotes and infected bugs, but not infected tissue. To investigate an alternative, non-vector–based transmission method, we tested the hypothesis that raccoons scavenging on infected hosts results in patent infection. Macerated tissue from selected organs infected with amastigote stages of T. cruzi was orally administered to experimental groups of raccoons (n = 2/group) at 2, 12, or 24 hr after collection of the tissue samples. Additionally, raccoons (n = 1) in control groups were inoculated intravenously or per os with trypomastigotes. To further elucidate transmission routes of T. cruzi to raccoons, infected Rhodnius prolixus were fed to raccoons (n = 2). Raccoons did not become infected after ingestion of amastigote-infected tissues as evidenced by negative polymerase chain reaction results from blood and tissue, lack o...
Distinguishing generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and mixed anxiety states in older treatment-seeking adults

Eighty treatment-seeking adults age 60 or over with panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and mixed anxiety states (generalized anxiety with panic attacks, panic disorder with secondary generalized anxiety) completed a clinical assessment and battery of self report measures. Several hypotheses were tested from the domains of distinguishing symptoms, associated features, and rates of comorbidity with other disorders. Greater between- than within-group variance was found on a subset of measures suggesting that the distinction between GAD and PD is generally valid in the older adult population. Higher scores on measures of sympathetic arousal, agoraphobic avoidance, and rates of comorbid somatization disorder and alcohol dependence distinguished those with PD from those with GAD. Higher scores on measures of depression and hostility, but not trait anxiety or worry, distinguished the GAD group. Results indicate that distinguishing features of GAD and PD in older treatment-seeking adults may be fewer and slightly different from those of younger adults.
Ultrafast Photoemission Electron Microscopy: Imaging Light with Electrons on the Femto-Nano Scale

Attosecond movies (330-as/frame) of surface plasmon polaritons at lithographically defined nanostructures at the silver/vacuum interface are recorded with a photoelectron emission microscope excited with phase-locked 10-fs pulse pairs. Simple surface plasmon optical elements are studied.
The internal stress in a Ti-5 Al-2.5Sn alloy at 300 K

Abstract The internal stress σ i produced by deforming a Ti-5Al-2.5Sn alloy (0.56 at.% O eq ) of 19 μm grain size at 300 K was investigated employing a number of techniques. Two sets of values for σ i were obtained: one was represented by the back-extrapolation method (type I) and the other by the conventional short relaxation time decremental unloading method (type II). The latter yielded higher values than the former and had a temperature dependence greater than that of any of the various moduli of titanium. The fact that σ i determined by the type II methods had a stronger temperature dependence than the moduli suggests that it includes a thermally activated component in addition to the athermal long-range internal stress. Support for this is provided by the observations that the temperature dependence of σ i in titanium determined by the type II methods is sensitively dependent on the interstitial content and that for considerably longer relaxation times or higher test temperatures the values for the decremental unloading method approach those for the back-extrapolation method.
Resource and energy substitution

Abstract Natural resource conservation through economic substitution mechanisms is an important response to constraints on the supplies of energy goods and materials that permits continued economic growth. “Conservation” is distinguished from “preservation” and connotes the rational adaptations of producers and consumers to a change in the social costs and benefits associated with the use of a unit of resources or to better information regarding these benefits and costs. Here, the possibilities of energy-material, energy-labor and energy-capital substitutions are explored using quantitative examples, and the concept, new to economics, of an energy-time tradeoff is introduced. The necessity of evaluating a product's total life-cycle consumption of energy and materials is stressed, encompassing the production technique, the consumer technology and the eventual discard and recycling options as well. Finally, we note that major substitutions require long times—twenty-five to thirty years—for invention, innovation, information diffusion, commercialization and market penetration. Governmental initiatives can play a positive role in reducing such lag times.
Large-scale var optimization and planning by tabu search

Abstract A generalization on the tabu search method, recently developed for combinatorial optimization problems, is described in this paper. The novel version of the tabu search method can be used to solve a larger class of combinatorial optimization problems. Application of this method to var optimization and planning, which is formulated as a nonlinear large-scale mixed integer programming problem with non-differentiable objective function, is demonstrated. Judicious engineering judgment which is essential for a successful application of the proposed tabu search is developed. Simulation results of a real-world power system are included. A simulation comparison is done between the proposed method and the simulated annealing method, which is currently one of the most popular method for combinatorial optimization problem.
Effects of emotionally valenced working memory taxation on negative memories

Abstract Background and objectives Memories enter a labile state during recollection. Thus, memory changes that occur during recollection can affect future instances of its activation. Having subjects perform a secondary task that taxes working memory while they recall a negative emotional memory often reduces its vividness and emotional intensity during subsequent recollections. However, researchers have not manipulated the emotional valence of the secondary task itself. Methods Subjects viewed a video depicting the aftermath of three fatal road traffic accidents, establishing the same negative emotional memory for all subjects. We then tested their memory for the video after randomly assigning them to no secondary task or a delayed match-to-sample secondary task involving photographs of positive, negative, or neutral emotional valence. Results The positive secondary task reduced memory for details about the video, whereas negative and neutral tasks did not. Limitations We did not assess the vividness and emotionality of the subjects' memory of the video. Conclusions Having subjects recall a stressful experience while performing a positively valent secondary task can decrement details of the memory and perhaps its emotionality.