cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Arabinofuranose-derived positron-emission tomography radiotracers for detection of pathogenic microorganisms.

Purpose Detection of bacteria-specific metabolism via positron emission tomography (PET) is an emerging strategy to image human pathogens, with dramatic implications for clinical practice. In silico and in vitro screening tools have recently been applied to this problem, with several monosaccharides including l-arabinose showing rapid accumulation in Escherichia coli and other organisms. Our goal for this study was to evaluate several synthetically viable arabinofuranose-derived 18 F analogs for their incorporation into pathogenic bacteria. Procedures We synthesized four radiolabeled arabinofuranose-derived sugars: 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-arabinofuranoses (d-2-18 F-AF and l-2-18 F-AF) and 5-deoxy-5-[18 F]fluoro-arabinofuranoses (d-5-18 F-AF and l-5-18 F-AF). The arabinofuranoses were synthesized from 18 F- via triflated, peracetylated precursors analogous to the most common radiosynthesis of 2-deoxy-2-[18 F]fluoro-d-glucose ([18 F]FDG). These radiotracers were screened for their uptake into E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Subsequently, the sensitivity of d-2-18 F-AF and l-2-18 F-AF to key human pathogens was investigated in vitro. Results All 18 F radiotracer targets were synthesized in high radiochemical purity. In the screening study, d-2-18 F-AF and l-2-18 F-AF showed greater accumulation in E. coli than in S. aureus. When evaluated in a panel of pathologic microorganisms, both d-2-18 F-AF and l-2-18 F-AF demonstrated sensitivity to most gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Conclusions Arabinofuranose-derived 18 F PET radiotracers can be synthesized with high radiochemical purity. Our study showed absence of bacterial accumulation for 5-substitued analogs, a finding that may have mechanistic implications for related tracers. Both d-2-18 F-AF and l-2-18 F-AF showed sensitivity to most gram-negative and gram-positive organisms. Future in vivo studies will evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these radiotracers in animal models of infection.
An Investigation of the Presence of Anomalies in Digital Asset Market

This paper examines the cryptocurrency bitcoin to determine if there is evidence of the weekday effects, such as the Monday effect, during the period between January 2, 2011 and September 10, 2019. The study shows that Bitcoin exhibits a Monday effect at the 10% level of significance and a Tuesday and Sunday effect at the 5% significance level. The S&P500 stock index also showed a Monday effect but did not exhibit a Tuesday or Sunday effect. The study also examined if there was a Month of the Year effect and found that Bitcoin exhibited a May and November effect at the 10% significance level.
Optical coherence tomography angiography measures blood pulsatile waveforms at variable tissue depths

Background Photoplethysmography (PPG) is routinely used to detect the blood pulse signal from skin tissue beds in clinics. However, the origin of the PPG signal remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) to indicate pulsatile waveforms in the papillary plexus and dermal plexus separately under different hand elevations. Method Optical microangiography (OMAG) algorithm was used to obtain a 3D OCTA signals, from which the depth-resolved pulsatile blood flow signals were extracted from different skin vascular plexus. The systolic amplitude, crest time, and delta T were measured from the OCTA pulsatile signals when the hand was placed at the positions of 50 cm below, 0 cm, and 50 cm above the heart level. Results The pulse signal integrated from all the depths has a similar waveform to that of the PPG and showed the same morphological change at different hand elevations. The pulsatile patterns from the papillary plexus and dermal plexus showed distinct morphological changes at different local blood pressure. Less amplitude difference was found from papillary plexus comparing to that of the dermal plexus. Crest time was found in an increasing trend in the OCTA pulsatile waveform from both plexuses when the arm was raised from the position below to above the heart level. In contrast, a decreasing trend of Delta T was detected in the dermal pulsatile but was not observed from that of the papillary plexus, indicating that vascular resistance associated with the arm elevations does not necessarily have the same effect on the two plexuses. Conclusions OCTA can provide depth-resolved pulsatile waveforms within different microvascular plexus within tissue skin beds. This technique could open doors to understanding the mechanisms of how blood flow changes at different skin circulatory plexus.
Cohort Trading and Security Design: Theory and Evidence from Agency MBS Markets

Agency mortgage-backed securities (MBSs) are traded via both individual-asset-based specified pool (SP) contracts and cohort-based to-be-announced (TBA) contracts, which allow for the delivery of heterogeneous MBSs at a uniform price. We theoretically derive and empirically document the economic effects of cohort trading on issuers' security design: (1) Low-value and high-value loans are securitized into separate groups of MBSs sold in TBA and SP markets respectively; (2) issuers pool low-value loans together into TBA MBSs, consistent with arbitrary packaging practices based on the uniform TBA pricing; (3) issuers separate distinct high-value loans into multiple SP MBSs, suggesting that SP selling revenue exhibits a certain degree of convexity in MBS value; and (4) large issuers take more advantage of security design than small issuers do. Finally, we quantify the economic benefits of strategic security design to issuers to be 3 basis points in price, about 36% of the transaction costs for SP MBSs.
Atypical Amiodarone toxicity: Iatrogenic ataxia and dysarthria in an elderly female

Amiodarone is one of the most frequently used antiarrhythmic drugs on the market, treating both life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias as well as supraventricular tachyarrhythmias. Some of its most commonly known side effects include corneal deposits, cardiac toxicity, pneumonitis, thyroid hormone fluctuation, and dermatological reactions. Despite the frequency of occurrence of neurological complications secondary to Amiodarone they remain to be under-recognized by healthcare professionals. This case report aims to increase awareness of the neurological complications of Amiodarone.
A15 Nb 3 Si: a 'high' Tc superconductor synthesized at a pressure of one megabar and metastable at ambient conditions

A15 Nb3Si is, until now, the only 'high' temperature superconductor produced at high pressure (∼110 GPa) that has been successfully brought back to room pressure conditions in a metastable condition. Based on the current great interest in trying to create metastable-at-room-pressure high temperature superconductors produced at high pressure, we have restudied explosively compressed A15 Nb3Si and its production from tetragonal Nb3Si. First, diamond anvil cell pressure measurements up to 88 GPa were performed on explosively compressed A15 Nb3Si material to traceTcas a function of pressure.Tcis suppressed to ∼5.2 K at 88 GPa. Then, using theseTc(P) data for A15 Nb3Si, pressures up to 92 GPa were applied at room temperature (which increased to 120 GPa at 5 K) on tetragonal Nb3Si. Measurements of the resistivity gave no indication of any A15 structure production, i.e. no indications of the superconductivity characteristic of A15 Nb3Si. This is in contrast to the explosive compression (up toP∼ 110 GPa) of tetragonal Nb3Si, which produced 50%-70% A15 material,Tc= 18 K at ambient pressure, in a 1981 Los Alamos National Laboratory experiment. This implies that the accompanying high temperature (1000 °C) caused by explosive compression is necessary to successfully drive the reaction kinetics of the tetragonal → A15 Nb3Si structural transformation. Our theoretical calculations show that A15 Nb3Si has an enthalpy vs the tetragonal structure that is 70 meV atom-1smallerat 100 GPa, while at ambient pressure the tetragonal phase enthalpy is lower than that of the A15 phase by 90 meV atom-1. The fact that 'annealing' the A15 explosively compressed material at room temperature for 39 years has no effect shows that slow kinetics can stabilize high pressure metastable phases at ambient conditions over long times even for large driving forces of 90 meV atom-1.
Who Teaches the Fact-Checkers or Why Trump Must Be Wrong?

‘Fact-checking’ prepared by reputable economists to refute President Donald Trump’s statement ‘We cannot let the cure be worse than the Problem itself’ challenges economic science and even the authors’ own scientific results. A short review of A. Deaton & A. Case (2020) book fragments and some other pieces show a new choice for the reader: “Partisan Lie, damned Partisan Lie, and Fact-checking”.
Geriatric-assessment-identified functional deficits among adults with multiple myeloma with normal performance status.

Abstract Objectives Findings from a brief geriatric assessment (GA) in a cohort of adults with multiple myeloma (MM) are presented, with particular attention to the utility of the GA in identifying important deficits in adults judged to have a normal Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS ≥ 80). Materials and Methods Adults age 18 and older with MM were recruited into an observational study from 2018 to 2020. A modified Cancer and Aging Research Group (CARG) GA was administered at enrollment. Enrollees also completed the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life of Cancer Patients Core 30 questionnaire (QLQ-C30), with subscales of physical, social, role, and cognitive functioning (range 0–100; higher values indicate better function). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for the full cohort and stratified by concurrent KPS (score Results Among 89 adults, the mean age was 69.1 years, 68% were aged ≥65 years, and 70% were white. In this cohort, 78% had KPS ≥ 80. Among those with KPS ≥ 80, functional impairments (Timed Up and Go ≥14 s and dependence in ≥1 instrumental activity of daily living) were seen in 30% and 21%, respectively, with 11% reporting ≥1 fall in the prior 6 months. At least two GA-identified deficits were detected in 50% of the overall cohort and in 41% of those with KPS ≥ 80. Among those with KPS ≥ 80, self-reported physical impairment on EORTC QLQ-C30 was noted by 34%. Conclusion Using a modified CARG GA and EORTC questionnaire, functional impairments were identified among adults considered to have a good performance status based on a KPS (≥ 80). Future studies should focus on using GA measures for therapy assignment and identifying opportunities for intervening upon GA-identified deficits.
Evaluate the impact of sensor accuracy on model performance in data-driven building fault detection and diagnostics using Monte Carlo simulation

The performance of data-driven fault detection and diagnostics (FDD) is heavily dependent on sensors. However, sensor inaccuracy and sensor faults are pervasive in building operation: inaccurate and missing sensor readings deteriorate FDD performance; sensor inaccuracy will also affect the selection of sensor for data-driven FDD in the model training process, which is another key factor of data-driven FDD performance. Sensor accuracy and sensor selection individually are well-studied research topics in this field, but the impact of sensor accuracy on sensor selection and its further impact on FDD performance has not been evaluated and quantified. In this paper, we developed a novel analysis methodology that comprehensively evaluates sensor fault on sensor selection and FDD accuracy. Monte Carlo simulation is applied to deal with multiple stochastic sensor inaccuracy and provide probabilistic analysis results of the impact of sensor inaccuracy on sensor selection and FDD accuracy. This methodology focuses on the net impact of fault states across a full sensor set. The developed methodology can be used for the early-stage sensor design and operation-stage sensor maintenance. A case study is conducted to demonstrate the analysis methodology using a commercial building model crated to Flexible Research Platform located at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA.
Research on Misinformation and Social Networking Sites

This chapter offers a critical review of research on misinformation and social networking sites (SNSs). Using keywords related to misinformation and SNSs, this review examines relevant scholarship published since 2004. Content of relevant articles is summarized in terms of examined contexts, involved disciplines (e.g., public health, communication), methodological approaches, use of theory, and solutions presently offered for addressing this important problem. Disinformation and fake news are also included in the scope of this review. Current trends in research on misinformation and SNSs will be discussed. Results of this review suggest that misinformation on SNSs represents an issue facing many fields without a clear or easy solution. Four recommendations are derived from the present review: (1) performance of additional research on platforms other than Facebook or Twitter; (2) clarification of conceptualizations of misinformation and increased consistency in usage of terms; (3) greater integration of theory for enhancing understanding of how misinformation spreads and how to best correct misinformation once it proliferates on SNSs; and (4) promotion of interdisciplinary collaborations among researches investigating misinformation and SNSs. Directions for future research are also provided.
Post-Consumer textile waste and disposal: Differences by socioeconomic, demographic, and retail factors.

Abstract The amount of post-consumer textile waste (PCTW) generated annually in the United States has increased nearly ten-fold since the 1960s to exceed more than 34 billion pounds annually. Of the waste generated, 66% is sent to landfills, 19% is combusted with energy recovery, and only 15% is recycled. When left to decompose in landfills, PCTW decomposes, producing harmful leachates and greenhouse gases including methane. In this study, we used publicly available data from 67 counties in the state of Florida from 2014 to 2019 to assess how PCTW generation and recycling behaviors differ by area-level demographic, socioeconomic, and retail characteristics. We also used publicly available data on landfills to determine whether these same factors were associated with having more landfills per capita in a county. This study provides preliminary evidence that people living in areas with higher incomes, that are more racially segregated, and that have more clothing stores generate significantly more textile waste than people in other areas. In contrast, there were more landfills per capita in areas with lower incomes and fewer landfills per capita in areas that were more racially segregated. Textile recycling occurred at relatively uniform rates across counties. Taken together, these findings support the understanding that textile waste represents an issue of environmental injustice; wealthier communities contribute more PCTW to landfills, which are more commonly located in communities with lower socioeconomic status. Multipronged solutions are needed to produce relevant behavior change, including efforts and policies that seek to reduce textile consumption and increase textile recycling at the individual and societal level.
Resistance to Laminar Flow Through Porous Media

The equations for laminar flow through porous media for the linear and nonlinear regimes, are derived from a consideration of the hydrodynamic drag forces on individual particles. The limitation of Darcy’s law with increasing Reynolds number is shown to correspond to departures from creeping or Stokian motion of the fluid around the individual particles. The derived equation is compared to that obtained from the capillary tube model which, although commonly used as the basis for Darcy’s law, provides no real indication or explanation for the observed departures from the linear regime of flow. The approach is extended to the special case of upward flow through a fluidized or suspended bed. It is shown that as the bed expansion is increased the resistance of the particles converges with that determined for a single particle in an infinite fluid.
The Unity of Hume's Philosophical Project

In both his Treatise of Human Nature and Enquiry concerning Human Understanding, Hume presents a protean figure.1 By turns, he appears as a naturalistic theorist of the mind, a proto-Positivist critic of speculative metaphysics, and an utter skeptic. Can these various characters be seen to work together? On the whole, Hume's interpreters seem to think not. The typical approach is to pick a dominant personality, leaving Hume's other philosophicalpersonae to be squeezed in as an afterthought, deprecated, or simply ignored. Louis Loeb is a shining exception.2 His new book, subtle and densely argued, offers an account of Hume's epistemology that makes a sustained effort to come to terms with its multi-faceted character. However, while Loeb's interpretation marks a real advance in our understanding of Hume, it is not one that I find ultimately persuasive. As I shall try to show, for all his insights, Loeb too fails to provide a satisfyingly unified account of Hume's philosophical pro j ect. In the course of explaining why I think this, I shall indicate how I think a better account ought to go.
Affinity purification of a somatostatin receptor-G-protein complex demonstrates specificity in receptor-G-protein coupling.

Abstract The inhibitory neuropeptide somatostatin (SRIF) initiates many of its physiological effects by binding to membrane receptors which are coupled to pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein(s). We have solubilized such a SRIF receptor-G-protein complex and purified it using a biotinylated SRIF analog and guanine nucleotide-dependent affinity chromatography. Following [125I-Tyr11]SRIF binding to membranes from AR4-2J pancreatic acinar cells, only two detergents, dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside (D beta M) and sucrose monolaureate, extracted greater than 70% of the prebound peptide in association with receptor. The D beta M-solubilized ligand-receptor complex was extremely stable: the half-time (t1/2) for dissociation was 11 days at 4 degrees C. However, guanosine 5'-3-O-(thio)triphosphate (10 microM) elicited rapid dissociation of the [125I-Tyr11]SRIF-receptor complex (t1/2 < 30 s), and this effect was concentration-dependent (ED50 = 4.0 + 0.3 nM). [125I-Tyr11]SRIF dissociation was also stimulated by GDP (ED50 = 4.1 +/- 0.3 microM), and the potency of GDP was increased 4-fold by 30 microM AlF4-. Thus, the solubilized receptor was functionally associated with G-proteins. Cross-linking of the soluble [125I-Tyr11]SRIF-receptor complex resulted in the covalent labeling of a 70-90-kDa band, the same band that was specifically labeled in membranes. Affinity purification of the SRIF receptor-G-protein complex was accomplished by prebinding a biotinylated SRIF analog, [N-biotinyl-Leu8,D-Trp22,Tyr25]SRIF28, to membranes followed by solubilization of the ligand-receptor-G-protein complex, adsorption to streptavidin-agarose, and specific elution with 100 microM GDP, 30 microM AlF4-. G-proteins were identified in the eluate by immunoblotting with specific antipeptide antisera. Using this protocol, the G-protein subunits alpha i, alpha i-3, and beta 36 were shown to be specifically associated with the AR4-2J cell SRIF receptor. Thus, we have developed a new, generally applicable, procedure for the efficient solubilization and affinity purification of a stable SRIF receptor-G-protein complex and have characterized the specific G-protein subunits associated with pancreatic SRIF receptors.
Type III collagen modulates fracture callus bone formation and early remodeling

Type III collagen (Col3) has been proposed to play a key role in tissue repair based upon its temporospatial expression during the healing process of many tissues, including bone. Given our previous finding that Col3 regulates the quality of cutaneous repair, as well as our recent data supporting its role in regulating osteoblast differentiation and trabecular bone quantity, we hypothesized that mice with diminished Col3 expression would exhibit altered long-bone fracture healing. To determine the role of Col3 in bone repair, young adult wild-type (Col3+/+) and haploinsufficent (Col3+/-) mice underwent bilateral tibial fractures. Healing was assessed 7, 14, 21, and 28 days following fracture utilizing microcomputed tomography (microCT), immunohistochemistry, and histomorphometry. MicroCT analysis revealed a small but significant increase in bone volume fraction in Col3+/- mice at day 21. However, histological analysis revealed that Col3+/- mice have less bone within the callus at days 21 and 28, which is consistent with the established role for Col3 in osteogenesis. Finally, a reduction in fracture callus osteoclastic activity in Col3+/- mice suggests Col3 also modulates callus remodeling. Although Col3 haploinsufficiency affected biological aspects of bone repair, it did not affect the regain of mechanical function in the young mice that were evaluated in this study. These findings provide evidence for a modulatory role for Col3 in fracture repair and support further investigations into its role in impaired bone healing.
The SIMEST: a new EST structure without parasitic thyristor achieved using SIMOX technology

A new EST structure, in which the lateral N-channel MOSFET is isolated from the thyristor by using SIMOX technology to eliminate the parasitic thyristor, is presented. This structure exhibits high voltage current saturation beyond the breakdown voltage of the lateral N-channel MOSFET. It is shown with the aid of two-dimensional numerical simulations that the proposed SIMEST has a lower on-state voltage drop than the conventional EST and the IGBT, and an FBSOA comparable to that of an IGBT with identical design rules. Experimental results on the SIMEST fabricated with a 9 mask SIMOX Smart Power process are presented.
Triethylaluminum-Based Ferrocenylalanes. Synthesis and Crystal Structure of (η5−C5H5)Fe[η5−C5H4Al2(C2H5)4Cl]

Abstract The trietheylaluminum based ferrocenylalane (η5−C5H5)Fe[η5−C5H4Al2(C2H5)4Cl] was prepared from the reaction of triethylaluminum with chloromercuriferrocene in toluene and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P 1 with unit cell dimensions a = 9.353(3) A, b = 10.281(7) A, c = 11.599(9) A, α = 79.64(7)°, β = 69.41(6)°, γ = 84.33(4)°, and Z = 2 for Dc = 1.27 g cm−3. Full-matrix least-squares refinement has led to a final R factor of 0.068 based on 1866 independent observed reflections. The two diethylaluminum units are bridged by a chlorine atom and one carbon atom of a cyclopentadienyl group, thus forming an Al-Cl-Al-C ring. The four-membered ring is planar to within 0.02 A. The Al-Cl distances are 2.404(4) A and 2.266(5) A. The Al-Cl-Al angle is 78.9(1)° while the Al-C-Al angle is 91.3(4)°. No significant aluminum-iron interaction is observed (Al… Fe = 3.137(4) A).
Quantum and classical descriptions of the two-mode laser field

Abstract The coherent state representation of a two-mode laser fiels is derived using a signal plus noise model and compared with the corresponding classical result.
Mechanical vibration in "double-wound" magnetic field exposure coils.

It has been suggested that double-wound (bifilar) exposure coils are capable of producing a sham environment in which hum and vibration will be similar to the field-exposed condition. The authors found by direct measurements in a bifilar coil system that vibration amplitude in sham and exposed conditions differed by a factor of 50 when the test system was driven at B = 10 mT. They also found that the normal laboratory environment can include vibrations of an intensity similar to that produced by the exposure system, although not necessarily spectral distribution.
Communications technologies for space exploration

Deep-space telecommunications over the next several decades will face continuing challenges to technological innovation. In the current era of going often, landing, and returning samples, the challenges are driven by the larger number of missions, each with much smaller mass and power. In the next era, the challenges may be driven by permanent robotic outposts, wide bandwidth telecommunications, and virtual presence at a variety of sites in the solar system, leading to eventual human exploration. Even more challenging will be the interstellar missions as we take the first steps in the journey beyond our solar system into interstellar space.
Köhler illumination analysis for high-resolution optical metrology using 193 nm light

Dependence of Kohler factor 2 (KF 2: angular homogeneity) and Kohler factor 3 (KF 3: wavefront homogeneity) on the intensity profile of line target was investigated for an optical system designed for high-resolution optical metrology using ArF excimer laser of a wavelength of 193 nm. The intensity profiles for the isolated and multiple lines of 60 nm linewidth were simulated based on the diffraction propagation by introducing the changes of NA (KF 2) and aberrations such as defocus and coma (KF 3) to the illumination beam. From the results it was demonstrated that the intensity profiles for the line targets were influenced by the change of the illumination condition, being distorted in shape and magnitude.
Serial networking connectivity in factory automation

Abstract This paper relates experience in serial networking of material handling systems and focuses on the issues of handshaking and timing.
Resonant grating polarizers made with silicon nitride, titanium dioxide, and silicon: Design, fabrication, and characterization

We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of guided-mode resonance (GMR) linear polarizers that operate in the optical communications C-band near a wavelength of 1550 nm. We provide theoretical and experimental spectra using resonant elements fashioned in three material systems. In particular, we investigate silicon nitride resonant gratings and titanium dioxide gratings on glass substrates as well as silicon-on-quartz gratings. These materials exhibit very low losses and are capable of high diffraction efficiencies and extinction ratios; thus, high-power laser applications may be enabled. We present the methods applied to fabricate these GMR devices as well as means to ascertain their fabricated physical parameters. We quantify increased polarizer bandwidth with increased grating refractive-index modulation. The numerical results obtained with the fabricated-device parameters agree well with the experimental measured spectra.
Determinant spreading during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis : is it potentiating, protecting or participating in the disease?

Summary: During many autoimmune conditions, a T-cell response initially focused to a self-antigen evolves towards the recruitment of T cells to multiple antigenic determinants. Here we discuss whether such determinant spreading involves T cells activated in the peripheral lymphoid organs, or alternatively, whether the diversification occurs after infiltration of the initiating T cells into the target organ, for example, into the central nervous system during experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a prototype for multiple sclerosis. The expression of myelin antigens in the thymus and spleen may not only contribute to the induction of tolerance but also to determinant spreading. In this case, the outcome of in vivo diversification may ultimately be determined by the balance between type 1 and type 2 responses to antigenic determinants derived from myelin components. Thus, spreading T cells could modulate disease progression positively or negatively, depending upon the nature of the accompanying cytokine secretion profile.
Inheritance of a Cardiac Arterial Asymmetry in Mice

A pair of coronary arteries supplies the interventricular septum of the heart of Mus musculus. The members of this pair tend to be of unequal size, which permits distiniction between specimens displaying left asymmetry and those showing righit asymmetry. Three inbred strains (C57BL/1O, DBA/1, and Bulb/c) differ with regard to this asymmetry. However, variation exists within strains, which suggests that nongenetic factors also influence the development of the asymmetry. Right arterial asymmetry is dominant over left asymmetry.
Direct observation of the rapid aggregation of acetylcholine receptors on identified cultured myotubes after exposure to embryonic brain extract

We have directly observed the redistribution of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) on the surface of cultured myotubes, induced by a soluble brain extract. The AChR were fluorescently labeled with rhodamine-conjugated alpha-bungarotoxin and viewed under low incident illumination with a video image intensification system. The results of our sequential observations indicate that AChR aggregates can be assembled rapidly (30-120 min) from mobile, diffuse AChR. This assembly was characterized by the initial formation of microaggregates (less than 1 micron diameter) that increased in number and coalesced or grew to form larger aggregates. The redistribution of fluorescently labeled AChR was completely inhibited by illumination of cells at levels used for conventional fluorescence micrography and could be observed only by using low light levels.
Descendants of holocaust victims and perpetrators: Legacies and dialogue

This paper summarizes the themes that often plague the lives of holocaust survivors and which were dealt with in a special roundtable dialogue in Budapest, Hungary, in August 1994. Some history of what happened to survivors after World War II is provided, followed by a summation of a teaching case and the dialogue among invited therapists from Germany, Hungary, and Israel who were either holocaust survivors and/or treating holocaust survivors. The dialogue focused on burdensome and troublesome issues that need to be discussed between and about survivors of both victims and perpetrators in an effort to ultimately enable therapists to treat this population with greater insight, compassion, and efficacy.
Overview: The Use of Think Aloud Verbal Protocols for the Identification of Mental Models:

Results regarding the use of protocol analysis techniques are presented to show how they may improve the models identified through other knowledge engineering techniques and how these models may then be used to improve performance through training. Data from two experiments are presented and discussed.
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with a composite graft bone-patellar tendon-bone/ligament augmentation device

Abstract The ligament augmentation device (LAD) (3M, St Paul, MN) was developed in the late 1970s by John Kennedyof Canada for augmentation of the Marshall/Maclntosh reconstruction. The Canadian experience with polypropylene in that setting showed statistical improvement over the nonaugmented reconstruction. This study was repeated in a United States trial and confirmed the findings of Kennedy and Roth. Since then, LAD has been used in a variety of clinical settings with both autogenous and autgraft tissue. Through the early 1990s over 14,000 devices have been implanted in the United States and 60,000 have been implanted worldwide. The purpose of this paper is to review the basic science data associated with the LAD, the clinical experience with its use, and the investigator's preferred surgical technique for implantation with a bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft.
Ozonation of 2,6-, 3,4-, and 3,5-Dichlorophenol Isomers within Aqueous Solutions

The kinetics and mechanisms associated with the ozonation of 2,6-, 3,4-, and 3,5-dichlorophenols (DCPs) in aqueous solutions were studied. It was found that 2 moles of ozone are required for the initial degradation of 1 mole of DCP. The overall reaction between ozone and a DCP was found to be second order (first order per reactant). The overall reaction rate constants of all three DCPs increased with pH because of increased dissociation of the dichlorophenol molecules to dichlorophenoxide ions. Due to its high dissociation constant, 2,6-DCP is most reactive of the three with ozone with the overall reaction rate constants varying from 1.31×105 to 3.36×105M-1 s-1 within the pH range of 2.0–4.0. Various chlorobenzenediols, chlorocyclohexadienediones, ketones, esters, and carboxylic acids were identified as intermediate and final ozonation products using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis. The initial electrophilic addition of ozone at the ortho and para positions of the molecular and ionic forms i...
Impact of age on definition of standards for ideal weight.

There has been an ongoing debate regarding the impact of age while establishing standards for ideal weight. Based on current federal guidelines released by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, ideal weight is defined as a body mass index between 18.7-24.9 for all adults regardless of age. However, studies failed to show a positive association between overweight--as defined by the current guidelines--and all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in individuals 65 years and older. Data suggest that optimum body mass index tended to be higher for older adults compared with the young and middle-aged population, and interestingly, being heavier than recommended by the current guidelines resulted in the lowest mortality rates. Therefore, allocation of time and resources for weight reduction interventions among the mild- to moderately-overweight elderly is not advisable. To establish standards for ideal weight, future guidelines should consider age-specific recommendations that reflect the results of recent studies.
Methotrexate versus combination methotrexate and etanercept for rheumatoid arthritis.

Some rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients still experience disability despite newer targeted therapies. Early aggressive treatment combinations can improve outcomes by inducing remission, including halting radiographic progression and preventing joint damage. Biologic agents have made clinical remission a realistic goal for early R A and now a primary end point in most clinical trials. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) alone may not stop radiographic progression of disease in all patients. Previous studies have shown that combining DMARDs such as methotrexate (MTX) with biologic agents can prevent joint damage by stopping structural progression in some patients.
Reduction in medication costs for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain completing a pain rehabilitation program: A prospective analysis of admission, discharge, and 6-month follow-up medication costs

Objective. Chronic nonmalignant pain (CNMP) is both a prevalent and a costly health problem in our society. Pain rehabilitation programs have been shown to provide cost-effective treatment. A treatment goal for some rehabilitation programs is reduction in the use of pain-related medication. Medication costs savings from pain rehabilitation programs have not been analyzed in previous studies. Design. This prospective cohort study of 186 patients with CNMP addresses the costs of medications at admission to a 3-week outpatient pain rehabilitation program, at discharge, and at 6-month follow-up. Medication use was determined through a detailed pharmacist interview with patients at admission and discharge. Patients were sent questionnaires 6 months after program completion, which obtained current medication information. Results. Statistically significant medication cost savings were seen for program completers at discharge and at 6-month follow-up (P < 0.05). The mean (standard deviation) daily prescription medication cost reduction from admission to discharge was $9.31 ($12.70) using the average wholesale price of medications. From the original study cohort, 121 patients completed the 6-month follow-up survey. The mean daily prescription medication cost savings from admission to 6-month follow-up was $6.68 ($14.40). Conclusion. Patients benefited from significant medication cost savings at the completion of the 3-week outpatient pain rehabilitation program and maintained significant savings after 6 months. This study adds to the current literature on the economic value of comprehensive pain rehabilitation programs.
Effects of organic solvents on growth and ultrastructure of plant cell suspensions

Abstract The effects of organic solvents on the growth response and fine structure of batch-cultured plant cell suspensions were examined. The growth responses of the cells to organic solvents varied with the plant species, but in general the toxic effects of solvents increased in the following order: chloroform, DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide), methanol, acetone, isopropanol, and ethanol. At 0.25% concentration, chloroform had no apparent effect on cell growth; however, ethanol inhibited growth at concentrations as low as 0.05%. Determinations of volatility and metabolism of 14 C-labeled solvents indicated that reductions in the concentrations of acetone and ethanol resulted primarily from evaporation. In contrast, [ 14 C]methanol losses resulted from metabolism and evaporation, while a reduction in DMSO concentration was mainly attributed to cellular metabolism. A microscopic examination of soybean cells treated with 1 and 2% acetone indicated that starch reserves, normally present in amyloplasts, were decreased. Furthermore, membrane abnormalities and cytoplasmic degeneration were more prevalent in these cultures. DMSO-treated soybean suspensions were associated with cellular hypertrophy accompanied by enlargement of nuclei and diminishing thickness of the cell walls. These results suggest that organic solvents can alter the growth and structure of cell suspensions; however, choosing a solvent that is compatible with a tissue and allowing ample time for volatilization may reduce adverse effects.
Formation of group IIA dihalides by two-body radiative association☆

Abstract Chemiluminescence from crossed beams of group IIA metal atoms (M) and halogen molecules (X 2 ) is observed, and evidence is presented for the reaction M + X 2 → MX 2 * → MX 2 + hv . Lower limits to the dissociation energy of BaCl and SrCl are placed at 110 kcal/mole and 99 kcal/mole, respectively, and the cross section for the formation of BaCl is estimated to be 60 A 2 .
Effects of meiosis-inhibiting agents and equine chorionic gonadotropin on nuclear maturation of canine oocytes

Experiments were conducted to determine the effects of meiosis-inhibiting-agents and gonadotropins on nuclear maturation of canine oocytes. The culture medium was TCM199 + 10 ng/ml epidermal growth factor supplemented with 25 μM β-mercaptoethanol, 0.25 mM pyruvate, and 1.0 mM L-glutamine (Basal TCM). Initially, oocytes were cultured in Basal TCM alone or in Basal TCM + dibutylryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate (0.5, 1, 5, or 10 mM dbcAMP) for 24 hr. Dibutylryl cAMP inhibited resumption of meiosis in a dose-dependent manner; 60% of oocytes remained at the germinal vesicle (GV) stage after being cultured for 24 hr in 5 mM dbcAMP. The meiosis-inhibitory effect of dbcAMP appeared to be reversible, as the oocytes resumed meiosis and completed nuclear maturation after being cultured for an additional 48 hr in its absence. Oocytes were then cultured in Basal TCM alone or in Basal TCM + roscovitine (12.5, 25, or 50 μM) for 24 hr. Although ∼60% of oocytes cultured in 25 μM roscovitine remained at the GV stage, this percentage was not significantly different from the 48% that also remained at the GV stage when cultured in its absence. Oocytes were cultured in Basal TCM + 25 μM roscovitine for 17 hr, exposed briefly to equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG), and then cultured in Basal TCM for 48 hr. Short exposure of oocytes to eCG was beneficial, as it significantly increased the proportion of oocytes developing beyond germinal vesicle breakdown (P < 0.05) with ∼20–30% of these were metaphase I (MI) oocytes. Study of the kinetics of nuclear maturation demonstrated that large numbers of oocytes remained at MI even after being cultured for 52 hr following brief exposure to eCG. This study showed that in vitro maturation of canine oocytes can be somewhat improved by short exposure of oocytes to eCG. However, further studies are still required to derive effective methods to mature canine oocytes in vitro. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 65: 435–445, 2003. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Introduction: Liberalism in the Early Nineteenth-century Iberian World

SummaryThis essay is an introduction to a special issue on ‘Liberalism in the Early Nineteenth-century Iberian World’. The essay reviews why Iberian intellectual history, particularly liberal political thought, has been neglected in English-language scholarship. It offers suggestions for the incorporation of Portuguese and Spanish language texts into the broader canon. The essay then outlines persistent debates common to the study of liberalism in both Iberian and other national contexts, in an effort to instigate a dialogue between intellectual historians of Spain and Portugal and their counterparts elsewhere. It concludes with a consideration of the geopolitical forces, cultural trends, and social conditions that encouraged the forging of transnational liberalism in the early nineteenth century.
The electrophoretic mobility of asphaltenes in nitromethane

Abstract The microscope method of electrophoresis was employed to determine the electrophoretic mobility of asphaltenes in a nonaqueous system. Nitromethane was used as the suspending liquid. The electrophoretic mobilities of asphaltenes from 24 air-blown asphalts were measured by this method. All asphaltenes were found to bear a positive electrical charge, although the magnitude of charge varied as denoted by different electrophoretic mobilities. The presence of an electrical charge on asphaltenes supports the colloid theory of asphalt.
Time-dependent effects of a haloperidol challenge on energy metabolism in the normal human brain

Positron emission tomography and the fluorodeoxyglucose method were used to measure regional brain metabolism before and 2 h after haloperidol (5 mg, i.m.) in 11 young normal men. These data were compared with measures obtained from nine previously studied normal men who had received no drug intervention. Although a previously published study had demonstrated significantly decreased metabolism in whole brain, neocortex, limbic cortex, thalamus, and caudate nucleus 12 h after a 5-mg dose of haloperidol, the present 2-h study did not show significant metabolic changes despite the fact that significant extrapyramidal effects occurred. Taken together, these studies demonstrate differences in the temporal organization of behavioral and metabolic responses to haloperidol challenge.
Instantaneous flame-stabilization velocities in lifted-jet diffusion flames

Liftoff height and velocity measurements are presented for turbulent, lifted methane and ethylene flames. A range of Reynolds numbers from 3800 to 22,000 is investigated, and the effect of coflow velocity is examined. The mean liftoff height is shown to increase with jet-exit and coflow velocity, while the rms fluctuation about the mean increases with distance from the jet exit. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) is used to provide instantaneous, two-dimensional velocity fields in the region of the lifted flame base. The results show that the instantaneous flame base is anchored primarily in the low-velocity regions of the jet, with axial and radial movement of the flame to meet this criterion. The fluid velocity conditioned on the instantaneous flame base location is less than three times the laminar flame speed, and the velocity profiles through the flame base are similar in nature to those predicted by recent simulations of triple flames.
Some task parameters in simple pattern recognition.

The task presented to individual Ss required identification of a particular set of two digit numbers that was wholly contained in a larger set of displayed elements. Five stimulus factors were expe...
Practical applications of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) sensors

Fiber sensors have found numerous industrial, military and civil applications in the last decade. These sensors possess small size and high sensitivity, are immune to electromagnetic interference and can be easily modified for distributed or multi-parameter measurement. The extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric (EFPI) fiber optic sensor, though it retains all these advantages, still has a few limitations which have prevented its large scale commercialization as an effective strain gage. We discuss these limitations and report the status of manufacturing techniques. Recent progress in the development of extrinsic Fabry-Perot interferometric sensor is reported. Techniques for absolute measurement are demonstrated and adhesives and endface coatings for sensor fabrication are analyzed. Many different applications are presented along with discussions of packaging and attachment issue problems and solutions. The applications include high temperature, low temperature, and harsh environments such as Mach 6 wind tunnels and rock drills.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Why now? Moving from stroke risk factors to stroke triggers.

Purpose of review While chronic risk factors for stroke are reasonably well understood, the acute precipitants, or triggers, of stroke, remain relatively understudied. Recent findings Several converging lines of evidence indicate that transient perturbations in systemic metabolism may provoke the onset of cardiovascular events, including stroke. Epidemiologic data, including studies utilizing novel designs that consider intraindividual differences across different time periods, have been used to clarify triggers for myocardial ischemia, and these methods are beginning to be employed in stroke research. Acute infections, particularly upper respiratory infections, and other inflammatory stimuli have emerged as important triggers of acute ischemic stroke. The mechanisms involved include immunologically mediated activation of platelets and endothelial dysfunction. There also appears to be a period of time, or ‘stroke-prone state’, characterized by diffuse activation of the vasculature during which patients may be at increased risk of initial and recurrent ischemic events. Summary Confirmation of these findings in further studies may help elucidate the mechanisms behind this short-term increase in stroke risk. Improved methods of assessment of this period of heightened susceptibility could lead to more temporally focused preventive interventions.
Polymeric multi-channel bandpass filters in phase-shifted Bragg waveguide gratings by direct electron beam writing

We apply direct electron beam writing to fabricate corrugated sidewall Bragg gratings in polymer waveguides and demonstrate multi-channel passband filters based on a phase-shifted design. Experimental results are compared with numerical fittings to analyze the impact of signal polarization and waveguide cladding material upon device performance.