cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Temperature Measurements and Aerosol Collection During Vaping for the Analysis of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol and Vitamin E Acetate Mixtures in Ceramic Coil Style Cartridges.

Incidence of e-cigarette, or vaping, product use-associated lung injury (EVALI) has been linked to the vaping of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) products to which vitamin E acetate (VEA) has been added. In this work we vaped THC/VEA mixtures at elevated power levels using a variety of ceramic coil vaping cartridges and a commercially available vaping device, while simultaneously measuring temperature and collecting the vaporized condensate. The collected vapor condensate was analyzed for evidence of VEA decomposition by GC/MS, GC/FT-IR/MS, and LC-APCI-HRMS/MS. Mean temperature maxima for all examined cartridges at the selected power exceeded 430℃, with a range of 375 to 569℃, well beyond that required for thermal decomposition of VEA. The percent recovery of VEA and Δ9-THC from the vaporized mixture in six cartridges ranged from 71.5 to 101% and from 56.4 to 88.0%, respectively. Analysis of the condensed vaporized material identified VEA decomposition products duroquinone (DQ), 1-pristene, and durohydroquinone monoacetate (DHQMA); a compound consistent with 4-acetoxy-2,3,5-trimethyl-6-methylene-2,4-cyclohexadienone (ATMMC) was also detected. The concentration of DQ produced from vaporization of the THC/VEA mixture in one cartridge was found to be 4.16 ± 0.07 μg per mg of vapor condensate.
The Secondary School Mathematics Curriculum Improvement Study: A Unified Mathematics Program.

IN THE early 1950s the mathema ticians at the university level began justi fiably to criticize the mathematical prep aration of high school students for university study. Partly because of this criticism, a number of reform movements arose, of which those of the University of Illinois Committee on School Mathe matics, the Commission on Mathematics of the College Entrance Examination Board, and the School Mathematics Study Group were most notable. The activities of these reform groups brought about a great improvement of the mathematics curriculum, though maintaining the tradi tional separation of mathematics into yearly units of study, especially for algebra and geometry. Included in these programs were quite a few topics not found in the pre-1950 era, such as the structure of the several number systems, the early introduction of the function con cept, and a more rigorous presentation of Euclidean synthetic geometry. Likewise, the notions of sets and set operations were used to the advantage of better under standing. In the late 1950s the reform movement spread to Europe. A two-week interna tional seminar held in Royaumont, France, and attended by mathematicians and edu cators from Europe and the United States was organized by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). The report of this seminar gave direction to the needed reform in sec ondary school mathematics in terms of new topics to be added, omissions of obsolete topics in algebra and geometry, and the updating of fundamental concepts (OECD 1960). However, the report did not produce a new program for school study. Subsequently, all European coun tries embarked on the reconstruction of new mathematics syllabi that, along with further OECD seminars, clarified the manner in which secondary school mathe matics could be presented so as to bring out its contemporary nature as a unified discipline (OECD 1961; OECD 1964). Further support of this goal was given by a group of distinguished American mathe maticians who convened in 1963 at Cam bridge, Massachusetts (Cambridge Con ference on School Mathematics 1963). All the foregoing activities indicated the manner by which experimental teach ing?making use of mathematicians, edu cators, and classroom teachers in an op erational research endeavor?could bring forth a more unified, more efficient, and more meaningful program in mathe matical education for university-bound students. A proposal to develop such a program was made to both the United States Office of Education and the Na tional Science Foundation for financial support. Both of these agencies acted fav
Comorbidity of 9/11-related PTSD and depression in the World Trade Center Health Registry 10-11 years postdisaster

Many studies report elevated prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression among persons exposed to the September 11, 2001 (9/11) disaster compared to those unexposed; few have evaluated long-term PTSD with comorbid depression. We examined prevalence and risk factors for probable PTSD, probable depression, and both conditions 10-11 years post-9/11 among 29,486 World Trade Center Health Registry enrollees who completed surveys at Wave 1 (2003-2004), Wave 2 (2006-2007), and Wave 3 (2011-2012). Enrollees reporting physician diagnosed pre-9/11 PTSD or depression were excluded. PTSD was defined as scoring ≥ 44 on the PTSD Checklist and depression as scoring ≥ 10 on the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire. We examined 4 groups: comorbid PTSD and depression, PTSD only, depression only, and neither. Among enrollees, 15.2% reported symptoms indicative of PTSD at Wave 3, 14.9% of depression, and 10.1% of both. Comorbid PTSD and depression was associated with high 9/11 exposures, low social integration, health-related unemployment, and experiencing ≥ 1 traumatic life event post-9/11. Comorbid persons experienced poorer outcomes on all PTSD-related impairment measures, life satisfaction, overall health, and unmet mental health care need compared to those with only a single condition. These findings highlight the importance of ongoing screening and treatment for both conditions, particularly among those at risk for mental health comorbidity.
Ion transport by heart mitochondria. XXII. Spontaneous, energy-linked accumulation of acetate and phosphate salts of monovalent cations.

Abstract The accumulation of monovalent cations by isolated beef heart mitochondria has been studied by evaluating the efficiency of energy-dependent osmotic swelling. Extensive osmotic swelling occurs spontaneously when isolated heart mitochondria are suspended in 0.1 m acetate or phosphate salts. The swelling and ion uptake depend on either respiration or the presence of exogenous ATP, and the initial rate of swelling is proportional to the initial rate of respiration or ATP hydrolysis, respectively. The efficiency of the reaction varies somewhat from preparation to preparation but approaches a limit of about 2 cations accumulated per pair of electrons traversing a phosphorylation site. All monovalent cations tested support the reaction, but the most efficient energy-dependent swelling occurs with K + . Weak acid anions are required for the ion accumulation and swelling and the reaction appears to depend on the amount of free acid available in the suspension. Permeant strong acid anions, such as NO 3 − , fail to support the swelling reaction in the presence of energy. Valinomycin increases both the amount and the efficiency of ion uptake under these conditions. Mg 2+ decreases both of these values whereas p -chloromercuriphenyl sulfonate increases both. These responses are discussed in terms of current models of mitochondrial ion transport.
Field Computation in Motor Control

Abstract Field computation deals with information processing in terms of fields , continuous distributions of data. Many neural phenomena are conveniently described as fields, including neuron activity from large (brain area) to small (dendritic) scales. Further, it is often useful to describe motor control and sensorimotor coordination in terms of external fields such as force fields and sensory images. We survey the basic concepts of field computation, including both feed-forward field operations and field dynamics resulting from recurrent connections. Adaptive and learning mechanisms axe discussed briefly. The application of field computation to motor control is illustrated by several examples: external force fields associated with spinal neurons (Bizzi & Mussa-Ivaldi 1995), population coding of direction in motor cortex (Georgopoulos 1995), continuous transformation of direction fields (Droulez & Berthoz 1991a), and linear gain fields and coordinate transformations in posterior parietal cortex (Andersen 1995). Next we survey some field-based representations of motion, including direct, Fourier, Gabor and wavelet or multiresolution representations. Finally we consider briefly the application of these representations to constraint satisfaction, which has many applications in motor control.
Bacterial Utilization of Dodecyl Sulfate and Dodecyl Benzene Sulfonate

Two unknown bacterial isolants (C12 and C12B) were obtained from enriched soils and cultured on media containing detergent compounds as sole sources of carbon. Either isolant destroyed the foaming capacity of cultures containing dodecyl sulfate; but C12B, which could grow on dodecyl benzene sulfonate (DBS) whereas C12 could not, did not destroy the foaming capacity of this surfactant. The source of DBS available in quantity was a mixture of isomers derived from kerosene, and the bacteria utilized only one-fifth to one-fourth of this material during growth. Both isolants grew on short- or long-chained organic acids, and resting cells of both rapidly oxidized several long-chain acids and alcohols. Three of five phenyl-placement isomers of DBS (with the phenyl group at carbon 2, 3, or 6 on the alkyl chains) were excellent substrates for growth of C12B, but isomers with phenyl placement at carbon 4 or 5 were toxic and killed the bacteria.
Biomass pretreatment strategies via control of rheological behavior of biomass suspensions and reactive twin screw extrusion processing

Twin screw extrusion based pretreatment of biomass is an attractive option due to its flexibility to carry out chemical reactions under relatively high stresses, temperatures and pressures. However, extrusion processes are rarely utilized in biomass pretreatment because such processing is constrained by rheological behavior of typical biomass suspensions. Without the manipulation of their rheological behavior, biomass suspensions become unprocessable within the extruder at modest biomass concentrations. Here it is demonstrated that gelation agents can render biomass suspensions processable. Specifically, carboxy methyl cellulose, CMC, could be used in conjunction with alkaline pretreatment of hardwood-type biomass and enabled separation of lignin from cellulose fibers. Furthermore, recycled black liquor, obtained upon pretreatment, was determined to be as effective as CMC for rendering biomass suspensions flowable by again facilitating the concomitant application of high shearing stresses and chemical treatment for the pretreatment of the biomass in the twin screw extruder.
Lest we forget: Notes on reading Verhoeff's early correspondence

Abstract Dr. Verhoeff's life and work are reexamined by the author in the light of his early correspondence. The letters remind us of the significant contributions of Dr. Verhoeff to opthalmic pathology in America. His personal qualities, such as candor, ingenuity and intellectual honesty are recalled by his successor in the Howe Laboratory.
Mass-Spin Relation in a Lagrangian Model

It is shown that in Lagrangian models based on homogeneous spaces of the Poincar\'e group a mass-spin relation of the form ${m}^{2}=a+bs$ can be derived in a natural way.
Broad-spectrum antiviral activity of the acyclic guanosine phosphonate (R,S)-HPMPG

Abstract ( R,S )-9-(3-hydroxy-2-phosphonomethoxypropyl)guanine [( R,S )-HPMPG] exhibits broad spectrum antiviral activity with an ED 50 of less than 1 μM against herpes simplex virus (HSV) types 1 and 2, varicella zoster virus, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and vaccinia in plaque reduction assays. Wild type HSV-2 and its thymidine kinase deficient variant are equally sensitive to ( R,S )-HPMPG. ( R,S )-HPMPG is 100-fold more potent than acyclovir (ED 50 = 0.45 μ M vs. 44 μ M, respectively) against HCMV in cell culture, and 10-fold more active than acyclovir in extending survival time in mice intraperitoneally infected with 70 LD 50 HSV-1. However, ( R,S )-HPMPG is toxic when administered repeatedly at 44 mg/kg/day in uninfected adult mice. The diphosphoryl derivative of HPMPG was enzymatically synthesized and is a competitive inhibitor of HSV-1 DNA polymerase relative to dGTP (K 1 = 0.03 μ M). HPMPG-PP is 70-fold less active at inhibiting HeLa DNA polymerase α than HSV-1 DNA polymerase. At concentrations between 0.3 and 1.5 μM ( R,S )-HPMPG inhibited HSV-1 DNA replication ⩾ 50% in infected cells as measured by nucleic acid hybridization. Consistent with inhibition of viral DNA synthesis, 6 to 30 μM ( R,S )-HPMPG reduces late viral polypeptide synthesis in HSV-1 infected cells. These data indicate that ( R,S )-HPMPG is a thymidine kinase independent broad spectrum antiviral drug which is capable of inhibiting viral DNA polymerase.
POPULATION GROWTH AND ADMINISTRATIVE VARIATIONS IN SMALL CITIES1

This seven city study of administrative arrangements finds that small municipal governments deal with rapid growth in a variety of ways. Some employ central executives, some expand the duties of incumbent officials, and others turn to consultants and outside sources of aid. Accordingly, more or less population increase in a community is not necessarily related to either the kind or degree of administrative change, at least in the short term.
Effect of dietary omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid sources on PUVA-induced cutaneous toxicity and tumorigenesis in the hairless mouse.

Because of concern about psoralen-induced phototoxicity and photocarcinogenesis, we investigated the effects of dietary lipids in a mouse model in which 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and UVA (PUVA) therapy has been shown to be carcinogenic. SKH-Hr-1 hairless albino mice were fed diets containing either omega-3 or omega-6 fatty-acid sources (menhaden oil and corn oil, respectively). After 2 weeks on the diets, the mice were treated topically with 8-MOP and then exposed to UVA (5 J/cm2). Mice receiving the omega-3 fatty-acid source exhibited a marked decrease in inflammatory response and a more rapid repair, as expressed both grossly and microscopically. In support of the latter response, i.e. repair, ornithine decarboxylase activity was about 20% greater in animals receiving the omega-3 fatty-acid source. The effects of the dietary fatty acid sources on PUVA tumorigenesis were examined in long-term studies in which animals were treated topically with 0.01% 8-MOP thrice weekly after which they were exposed to UVA (1 J/cm2). These studies indicated that a dietary lipid rich in omega-3 fatty acid and known to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties can markedly ameliorate the course of PUVA toxicity but does not impede the course of PUVA tumorigenesis
Genetic variation in the cytochrome P450 epoxygenase pathway and cardiovascular disease risk

The cytochrome (CYP) P450 epoxygenase pathway catalyzes the epoxidation of arachidonic acids to epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, which are subsequently hydrolyzed to less active dihydroxyeicosatrienoic acids by soluble epoxide hydrolase. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated that CYP-derived epoxyeicosatrienoic acids possess potent vasodilatory and anti-inflammatory properties in the cardiovascular system. In humans, functionally relevant polymorphisms, which may significantly modulate epoxyeicosatrienoic acid levels in vivo, have been identified in the genes encoding CYP2J2, CYP2C8, CYP2C9 and soluble epoxide hydrolase. Initial epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that genetic variation in the CYP epoxygenase pathway significantly modifies cardiovascular disease risk at the population level in humans, providing support for the hypothesis that modulation of this pathway may represent a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease. Future studies in humans validating these relationships and characterizing the underlying mechanisms will be necessary to fully understand the functional role of the CYP epoxygenase pathway in cardiovascular disease.
Studies of desert dust devils with a sensor network, timelapse cameras and thermal imaging

Dust devils are dry convective vortices that loft dust into the air, often a nuisance for outdoor activities and occasionally responsible for structural damage and fatal aircraft accidents. 12They are also the most prominent dynamic phenomena observed on the surface of Mars, where they influence the climate by acting as the principal mechanism of dust-raising. Atmospheric dust, and its removal by dust devils from solar panels, can also significantly impact the operation of spacecraft on the Martian surface. However, many aspects of dust devil behavior and properties are not well-understood. Here I report progress towards obtaining robust statistics on dust devil properties, and their 2-dimensional horizontal structure, using arrays of small dataloggers and wireless motes. I additionally report some ancillary observations using a thermal camera, and timelapse optical imagery derived from inexpensive consumer digital cameras.
Exclusion principle effects in pion-nucleus scattering in the region of the 3, 3 resonance

Abstract Chew-Low theory for pion scattering is examined for a nucleon immersed in a Fermi sea. All exclusion principle effects, including those internal to the pion-nucleon scattering amplitude, are considered, and the modifications of the 3, 3 resonance in nuclei are studied. An optical model is constructed in a local density approximation. Results are compared with recent data on pion scattering from 12C.
Mechanisms of catalytic biomass gasification

Abstract This paper discusses possible mechanisms for the pyrolytic reaction of biomass with steam in the presence of alkali carbonate and supported-nickel catalysts. In addition to catalyzing the carbon/steam reaction, the alkali carbonates alter the biomass pyrolysis reaction path-ways, producing gas and char at the expense of tars. Nickel catalyst, while quite effective for secondary tar and gas reactions, tend to lose activity over time; therefore, studies of these catalysts were directed toward identifying mechanisms of carbon deposition, the primary cause of catalyst deactivation.
Metamaterial-driven lens optics for new beam forming patterns

This paper discusses the general concept of using metamaterials in microwave lenses. The different optics afforded by the inclusion of metamaterials in the lens structure produce new features such as reduced size and new beam formations. The use of negative refractive index materials is discussed in reference to the original concept of the perfect lens, leading to the Rotman lens and the Luneburg lens. In Rotman lens, negative refractions help reducing the lens size and a broadband electromagnetic band gap (EBG) surface is used to prevent reflections off the sidewalls. Verification of negative refraction and simulation of isotropic material performance are presented, as well as an example of broadening the band of an EBG surface.
The future of obesity research

As endocrinologists, we view better treatment as the goal of obesity research. The ideal obesity treatment would reduce body fat substantially, with preferential loss from the visceral compartment, and preserve lean tissue with a minimum of side effects. Obesity has been recognized as a chronic disease since 1985. Chronic diseases recognized before obesity may predict the future of obesity research. Initial treatments of chronic diseases commonly arise from empirical observations. These observations often stimulate basic research into the physiologic mechanisms responsible. Such cross-fertilization between the clinic and basic science is desirable and expected. As more is learned about the physiology of obesity, treatments can be expected to use more downstream mechanisms with less unwanted side effects, the reliance on surgical treatments can be expected to decline, and molecular approaches are likely to play an increasingly important role. With a better physiologic understanding of obesity, advanced clinical endpoints will become more important and molecular approaches are likely to play a more important role in discovery and treatment. Due to the availability of molecular approaches, obesity treatment is expected to advance faster than chronic disease research of the past.
CHLOROPHYLL A VERSUS ADENOSINE TRIPHOSPHATE AS ALGAL BIOMASS INDICATORS IN LAKES1

SUMMARY The relation between phyloplankton chlorophyll a and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was investigated during a yearly cycle in Lake Tahoe, California–Nevada, and a variety of North American and New Zealand lakes of ranging trophic state. Since cellular concentrations of ATP have been shown as acceptable indicators of live biomass among natural microbial populations, the ratio of chlorophyll a to cellular ATP reveals the extent of pigment production per unit biomass under diverse environmental conditions. In general, mixed systems, i.e., epilimnion of most lakes sampled, showed good consistency of cellular chlorophyll a:ATP ratios. Under thermally stratified conditions at Lake Tahoe extensive modifications of the ratio occurred, leading to a 10-fold increase in the ratio at the bottom of the euphotic zone by late summer. Thus, the applicability of chlorophyll a as a quantitative algal biomass indicator is greatly restricted in lakes having thermally stratified euphotic zones.
Heterogeneity and expression of the Plasmodium falciparum 5.8S ribosomal RNA genes.

The number and expression of some of the large ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene classes present in the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum was determined. Southern blot analyses, using the 5.8S rRNA coding region as a marker, indicate that the P. falciparum genome contains at least 5 distinct subclasses of large rRNA genes. Dideoxy sequencing of the 5.8S rRNA domain and Northern blot analyses demonstrate that only one subclass is transcribed during the parasite's asexual erythrocyte life cycle.
School based group psychotherapy with adolescents: Establishing an effective group program

Establishing an effective group therapy program in secondary schools requires comprehensive knowledge of both group and organizational behavior. The clinical management of administrative concerns is essential to achieving success at conducting groups in an educational milieu. Engaging high risk teenagers for group therapy also requires an effective model for teaching, training and supervision of both educational and clinical professionals as they work together towards common goals with these students. A clear set of criteria for school selection, referral and screening procedures creates a service contract which enables development of a successful program.
Risk factors for urothelial carcinoma of the prostate in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy for bladder cancer.

OBJECTIVE To examine the risk factors for urothelial carcinoma (UC) involvement of the prostate in patients undergoing radical cystoprostatectomy (RCP) for bladder cancer, as such involvement has both prognostic and therapeutic implications. PATIENTS AND METHODS We examined 308 consecutive men from 1998 to 2005 who had RCP for UC of the bladder, with whole-mount processing of their prostate. Prostatic involvement was categorized by site of origin (the bladder or the prostatic urethra) and, in the case of prostatic urethral origin, by depth of invasion, i.e. dysplasia/carcinoma in situ (CIS), involving the prostatic urethra, prostatic ductal invasion or prostatic stromal invasion. The impact of pathological characteristics was evaluated. RESULTS In all, 121 (39.3%) patients had some form of urothelial involvement of the prostate, of whom 59 (48.8%) had dysplasia/CIS of the prostatic urethra, 20 (16.5%) had ductal involvement and 32 (26.4%) had stromal involvement. Multivariate analysis showed that bladder CIS (odds ratio 2.0, 95% confidence interval, 1.2–3.6, P = 0.012) and trigonal involvement of bladder tumours (2.0, 1.1–3.7, P = 0.028) were independent risk factors for urothelial involvement of the prostate. CONCLUSION There was prostatic involvement with UC in nearly 40% of patients undergoing RCP. In this study CIS and trigonal involvement were independent predictors of risk, but were not adequate enough to accurately identify most patients who have UC within their prostate; further prospective studies are needed to more accurately predict risk factors and depth of invasion.
CMOS DSP and microprocessor cores using optoelectronic VLSI

The use of inter-chip optical interconnects can lead to dramatic increase in chip-level and system-level performance of high-performance computing and signal processing systems. In this paper, we describe our efforts to build chipsets for these applications using optoelectronic VLSI. The performance advantages of using optical interconnects are compared with the conventional approach.
GENETIC AND BIOCHEMICAL STUDIES ON 5′-NUCLEOTIDE FERMENTATION

1.The presence or absence of GMP reductase had no effect on nucleoside production in adenine-requiring mutants of Bacillus subtilis K, which produced a large amount of inosine when cultured in an adenine-limited medium.2. Mutants resistant to 8-azaxanthine were derived from strain 38-3, a GMP reductase-positive inosine producer, and from strain 30-12, a GMP reductase-negative inosine producer. About 60% of the resistant mutants from strain 38-3 were found to produce xanthosine as well as inosine, while 70% of the resistant mutants from strain 30-12 produced guanosine as well as inosine. Loss of the adenine requirement in these 8-azaxanthine-resistant mutants reduced the accumulation of xanthosine or guanosine and completely halted the accumulation of inosine. Many more mutants with an altered nucleoside accumulation pattern were obtained when 8-azaxanthine was used as a selective agent than when 8-azaguanine was used.3.Guanine-requiring mutants, GU-16 and 308-18, were isolated respectively from an 8-azaxanthine-sensitive inosine producer and from an 8-azaxanthine-resistant xanthosine-inosine producer, and the effects of guanosine on xanthosine and inosine formation were compared in these two guanine auxotrophs; strain GU-16 produced a large amount of xanthosine only when grown in media containing limited amounts of guanosine, and the production was sharply reduced by higher amounts of guanosine. In strain 308-18, however, xanthosine formation was not so greatly affected by exogenous guanosine as in strain GU-16. There was no difference in the effect of guanosine on the total amount of purine nucleosides produced, including both xanthosine and inosine, in these two strains.
HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE CALSPEC FLUX STANDARDS: SIRIUS (AND VEGA)

The Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) has measured the flux for Sirius from 0.17 to 1.01 μm on the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) White Dwarf scale. Because of the cool debris disk around Vega, Sirius is commonly recommended as the primary IR flux standard. The measured STIS flux agrees well with predictions of a special Kurucz model atmosphere, adding confidence to the modeled IR flux predictions. The IR flux agrees to 2%-3% with respect to the standard template of Cohen and to 2% with the Midcourse Space Experiment absolute flux measurements in the mid-IR. A weighted average of the independent visible and mid-IR absolute flux measures implies that the monochromatic flux at 5557.5 A (5556 A in air) for Sirius and Vega, respectively, is 1.35 × 10–8 and 3.44 × 10–9 erg cm–2 s–1 A–1 with formal uncertainties of 0.5%. Contrary to previously published conclusions, the Hipparcos photometry offers no support for the variability of Vega. Pulse pileup severely affects the Hp photometry for the brightest stars.
Naphthalocyanines relevant to the search for second-generation PDT sensitizers

Methods for the preparation of three siloxysilicon naphthalocyanines, a siloxygermanium tetraphenoxynaphthalocyanine, a siloxysilicon tetra-t-butyl-naphthalocyanine, a cofacial double-ring siloxysilicon naphthalocyanine, and a cofacial triple-ring siloxysilicon naphthalocyanine that are relevant to the search for second generation PDT sensitizers are outlined. Ultraviolet-visible spectra, NMR spectra, and other properties of these compounds are given and discussed. In addition, an attempt to make an aluminum tetradibenzobarreleno-naphthalocyanine is described.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Z-scan formula for two-level atoms

An analytical expression for the Z-scan signal from two-level atoms which show a saturable dispersive and absorptive nonlinearity is derived. An approximate solution is obtained for the normalized transmittance and compared with numerical calculations.
Characterization of Intra-myocellular Lipids using 2D Localized Correlated Spectroscopy and Abdominal Fat using MRI in Type 2 Diabetes

A major goal of this pilot study was to quantify intramyocellular lipids (IMCL), extra-myocellular lipids (EMCL), unsaturation index (UI) and metabolites such as creatine (Cr), choline (Ch) and carnosine (Car), in the soleus muscle using two-dimensional (2D) localized correlated spectroscopy (L-COSY). Ten subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D), controlled by lifestyle management alone, and 9 healthy control subjects, were studied. In T2D patients only, the following measurements were obtained: body mass index (BMI); waist circumference (WC); abdominal visceral and subcutaneous fat quantified using breath-held magnetic resonance imaging (MRI); a fasting blood draw for assessment of glucose, insulin, and estimation of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), HbA1c, and high-sensitivity c-reactive protein (hs-CRP). Analysis of the soleus muscle 2D L-COSY spectral data showed significantly elevated IMCL ratios with respect to Cr and decreased IMCL UI in T2D when compared to healthy subjects (P < 0.05). In T2D subjects, Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation of IMCL/Cr with EMCL/Cr (0.679, P < 0.05) and HOMA-IR (0.633, P < 0.05), and a non-significant correlation of visceral and subcutaneous fat with magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and other metrics. Characterization of muscle IMCL and EMCL ratios, UI, and abdominal fat, may be useful for the noninvasive assessment of the role of altered lipid metabolism in the pathophysiology of T2D, and for assessment of the effects of future therapeutic interventions designed to alter metabolic dysfunction in T2D.
A refined view of download time impacts on e-consumer attitudes and patronage intentions toward e-retailers

(2001). A refined view of download time impacts on e‐consumer attitudes and patronage intentions toward e‐retailers. International Journal on Media Management: Vol. 3, No. 2, pp. 105-111.
From infancy to adulthood: the development of numerical abilities.

Developmental and school-related changes in basic number, counting, and arithmetic skills from infancy to old age are reviewed. Nearly all of the quantitative competencies that emerge during infancy and the pre-school years appear to reflect the operation of a biological primary, or inherent, cognitive system, and appear to be universal in their expression and development. In contrast, most of the basic quantitative competencies acquired in school and that are of importance in industrial societies do not have a direct inherent foundation. As a result, the development of these secondary quantitative abilities varies considerably with educational practices and can, and often does, vary from one country or generation to the next. Variability in the development of secondary quantitative abilities greatly complicates the study of the relation between pathological (e.g., dyscalculia due to stroke) and age-related processes and these abilities.
Leaching behavior of ilmenite with sulfuric acid

A study of the rate of dissolution of ilmenite in sulfuric acid solutions has been carried out. The effects of temperature, particle size, stirring speed, and concentration of sulfuric acid on the rate of dissolution of ilmenite has been investigated. Temperature range studied in this investigation was 88° to 115°C, and the Arrhenius activation energy was found to be 64.4 kJ (15.4 kcal) per mole. The rate of dissolution increased with concentration of sulfuric acid up to about 14 M sulfuric acid and decreased beyond this concentration. The maximum recovery at 14 M H2SO4 can be explained partially by the fact that H+ ion concentration peaks at about this concentration. Furthermore, reaction products, TiOSO4 and FeSO4, cover the surface of ilmenite when high concentrations of sulfuric acid are used, while these products are dissolved in water and removed from the surface when diluted sulfuric acid is involved. Based on the results obtained in this study, it can be concluded that the overall leaching of ilmenite with sulfuric acid at 88° to 115°C is described best by surface chemical reaction limiting with an order of 0.55 with respect to sulfuric acid concentration.
Conformational Activation of Radixin by G13 Protein α Subunit

G13 protein, one of the heterotrimeric guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins), regulates diverse and complex cellular responses by transducing signals from the cell surface presumably involving more than one pathway. Yeast two-hybrid screening of a mouse brain cDNA library identified radixin, a member of the ERM family of three closely related proteins (ezrin, radixin, and moesin), as a protein that interacted with Gα13. Interaction between radixin and Gα13was confirmed by in vitro binding assay and by co-immunoprecipitation technique. Activated Gα13 induced conformational activation of radixin, as determined by binding of radixin to polymerized F-actin and by immunofluorescence in intact cells. Finally, two dominant negative mutants of radixin inhibited Gα13-induced focus formation of Rat-1 fibroblasts but did not affect Ras-induced focus formation. Our results identifying a new signaling pathway for Gα13 indicate that ERM proteins can be activated by and serve as effectors of heterotrimeric G proteins.
Comment on “Effective thermal expansivity of Maxwellian oceanic lithosphere” by Jun Korenaga, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 257, 343–349, 2007

Abstract Korenaga [Korenaga, J. Effective thermal expansivity of Maxwellian ocean lithosphere. Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 257 (2007) 343–349], apparently unaware of Pollack [Pollack, H.N. On the use of the volumetric thermal expansion coefficient in models of ocean floor topography. Tectonophysics 64 (1980) T45–47], has confirmed Pollack's essential result: the apparent volumetric thermal expansivity of oceanic lithosphere is less than the intrinsic value indicated by mineral physics data and less than the value suggested by models in which oceanic lithosphere is treated as a fully relaxed fluid.
A drowned Holocene barrier spit off Cape Ann, Massachusetts

Seismic profiles and bathymetric contours reveal a drowned barrier spit on Jeffreys Ledge off Cape Ann, Massachusetts. Seaward-dipping internal reflectors indicate that a regressive barrier formed during the early Holocene low sea-level stillstand. Preservation of the barrier spit may have been favored by its large size (as much as 20 m thick), by an ample sediment supply from unconsolidated glacial drift, and by the subsequent rapid sea-level rise. The barrier spit is present in water depths of 50 to 70 m and indicates a low relative sea-level stand of −50 m. This value confirms the low relative sea-level stand of −47 m postulated by Oldale et al. (1983) for northeast Massachusetts and New Hampshire on the basis of the submerged delta of the Merrimack River, and it indicates that the barrier and delta were contemporaneous (Oldale et al., 1983).
Element‐organische Verbindungen (III) Ein neuer Aspekt der π‐Bindung: π‐Komplexbildung in einem Aromaten‐Metallporphyrinähnlichen System [1]

In dieser Arbeit wird uber die Synthese von Benzol-bis-dipyridyl-chrom-jodid und Diphenyl-bis-dipyridyl-chrom-jodid berichtet, die eine neue Klasse von π-Komplexen vertreten, in welchen das Metallatom von vier Stickstoffliganden, wahrscheinlich in quadratischplaner Anordnung, und einem π-gebundenen Aromaten umgeben ist. Besonders fur die Chemie von naturlich vorkommenden Verbindungen, wie Metallporphyrinen, Cytochromen, Vitam B12 u. a., kann die Entdeckung der Bildung einer π-Bindung zwischen einem aromatischen Ring und einem Metall mit vier Stickstoffliganden von Bedeutung sein.
Weeks-Chandler-Andersen Model for Solid-Liquid Equilibria in Lennard-Jones Systems.

Weeks−Chandler−Andersen (WCA) perturbation theory is used to develop a model for calculating solid−liquid equilibria in Lennard-Jones (LJ) systems. This LJ-WCA model has two components: an equation of state for LJ liquids derived in this work, and an equation of state for LJ solids derived previously.1 The model is demonstrated to capture the solid−liquid equilibria for pure argon and pure krypton, including the melting and density data.
Visual vigilance in drivers with obstructive sleep apnea.

Objective To determine the effects of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on visual vigilance during simulated automobile driving.
SV40 T antigen induced chromosomal changes reflect a process that is both clastogenic and aneuploidogenic and is ongoing throughout neoplastic progression of human fibroblasts.

Abstract In human fibroblasts, the expression of SV40 large T antigen is known to cause a variety of chromosomal aberrations and especially dicentric chromosomes. In some cases, the later aberrations have been reported to be reversible telomeric associations. We report here aberration and chromosome number studies of twenty-nine T antigen positive lineages, studied from their initiation by transfection of T antigen sequences into human diploid fibroblasts, until crisis or immortalization occured or, in some cases until the lines became tumorigenic in nude mice. The data show that T antigen consistently produced chromosomal instability of both number and structure by an active process that began before transformation indicators were positive and continued throughout neoplastic progression. The most frequently observed aberrations were dicentric chromosomes, which were shown to be true dicentrics by examination by in situ hybridization with telomeric sequences. These data are consistent with the hypothesis that T antigen causes human fibroblasts to become neoplastically transformed by successive rounds of chromosomal mutation and lineage evolution.
Improved Performance of Polymethyl Methacrylate for Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Implants

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based polymers are commonly used in orthopedic implant applications, and have been a successful cement for many decades. Recent implant designs use PMMA as a structural material, and additional applications are envisioned, but only if improvements in the PMMA mechanical properties, especially fatigue performance, can be attained. This paper presents a number of strategies for improving the performance of PMMA as an orthopedic structural polymer, including modification of the polymer chemistry, incorporation of acrylic reinforcement and the use of metal braids as reinforcement of a specimen exterior. Experimentally measured properties of the material are presented. Results include up to 100% increase in cycles to failure compared to commercially available medical grade PMMA through chemistry modifications, up to 800% increases due to fiber reinforcement, and further significant improvements due to metal braid reinforcement.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
The 2MASS Large Galaxy Atlas

We present the largest galaxies as seen in the near-infrared (1–2 μm), imaged with the Two Micron All Sky Survey (2MASS), ranging in angular size from 1' to 15. We highlight the 100 largest in the sample. The galaxies span all Hubble morphological types, including elliptical galaxies, normal and barred spirals, and dwarf and peculiar classes. The 2MASS Large Galaxy Atlas provides the necessary sensitivity and angular resolution to examine in detail morphologies in the near-infrared, which may be radically different from those in the optical. Internal structures such as spirals, bulges, warps, rings, bars, and star formation regions are resolved by 2MASS. In addition to large mosaic images, the atlas includes astrometric, photometric, and shape global measurements for each galaxy. A comparison of fundamental measures (e.g., surface brightness, Hubble type) is carried out for the sample and compared with the Third Reference Catalogue. We further showcase NGC 253 and M51 (NGC 5194/5195) to demonstrate the quality and depth of the data. The atlas represents the first uniform, all-sky, dust-penetrated view of galaxies of every type, as seen in the near-infrared wavelength window that is most sensitive to the dominant mass component of galaxies. The images and catalogs are available through the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database and Infrared Science Archive and are part of the 2MASS Extended Source Catalog.
Nonprescription behavior therapy: Effectiveness of a brochure in teaching mothers to correct their children's inappropriate mealtime behaviors

The effectiveness of a brochure in teaching mothers to modify their preschool children's inappropriate mealtime behaviors was examined. The brochure described the procedures of differential attention and time-out as they might be applied to mealtime. No feedback or information other than the brochure was employed. The results were assessed in the home by a multiple-baseline across-subjects design. Inappropriate mealtime behavior decreased substantially for each child, with reductions ranging from 50% to 80%. Maternal use of rewards and consequation of inappropriate mealtime behavior also changed in the desired directions. Changes were maintained at a 6-week follow-up and were comparable to results obtained in more intensive parent training programs.
Can the Adenoma Detection Rate Reliably Identify Low-Performing Endoscopists? Results of a Modeling Study

Experts have stated that adenoma detection rates (ADR) of individual endoscopists should be measured to assess colonoscopy quality. The purpose of this study was to quantify the reliability of the ADR as a quality marker. We simulated a population of endoscopists and patients using published data on adenoma prevalence and adenoma miss rates. For each endoscopist, the ADR was calculated. The proportion of ADR variance attributable to endoscopist and the area under the ROC (AUROC) curve for low-performing endoscopists (lowest quartile or decile) were also calculated. In the base-case analysis (200 patients per endoscopist, miss rate 22 %, adenoma prevalence 24 %), only 13 % of ADR variance was attributable to endoscopist performance (AUROC up to 0.73). An ADR cutoff of <16.5 % identified approximately half of endoscopists in the lowest performance decile (test sensitivity = 53 %), but most (79 %) of the endoscopists identified by this cutoff were NOT low performers (i.e., false positives). In sensitivity analysis, increasing the number of patients per endoscopist, reducing the variance of adenoma prevalence between endoscopists (i.e., performing case-mix adjustment), and increasing the variance in performance between endoscopists all improved ADR test characteristics (AUROC up to 0.88). However, regardless of assumptions, a substantial proportion of endoscopists would be misclassified if a simple ADR cutoff were utilized. The ADR has limited reliability as a quality marker under real-world assumptions. Simple cutoffs are likely to either be insufficiently sensitive or have high false positive rates. Future studies should identify alternative means for assessing endoscopist performance.
Gene isolation through genomic complementation using an indexed library of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii DNA.

Hundreds of mutants with defects in a variety of physiologically important functions, such as photosynthesis, respiration, flagellar motility, phototaxis, circadian rhythms and the cell cycle, have been isolated from cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. In only a few cases have the genes responsible for these mutations been cloned and sequenced. The development of efficient methods for transformation with nuclear genes [7] has allowed the recent demonstration of gene isolation through genomic complementation with a pooled library of C. reinhardtii DNA [9]. To improve the efficiency with which genes complementing a particular mutation can be isolated, we have established an indexed (ordered) cosmid library of 11,280 individual clones contained in the separate wells of 120 microtiter plates. The average insert size is ca. 38 kb. PCR analysis of five sequenced nuclear genes present in the Chlamydomonas library revealed a range from two copies for the alpha 2- and beta 2-tubulin genes to at least seven copies for the argininosuccinate lyase gene. Overall, these five clones were represented an average of > or = 3.4 times in the library. Thus, the probability that any one particular nuclear gene of or = 97%, and the probability that a gene of ca. 10,000 bp will be found in the library is ca. 92%. Rapid screening methods with cosmid DNAs pooled from individual microtiter dishes have been applied successfully. Bacteria containing clones of the argininosuccinate lyase gene have been identified through genomic complementation of a Chlamydomonas mutant bearing an inactive argininosuccinate lyase gene.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Bidness as usual: The responsible procurement of library materials

Abstract The competitive procurement of library materials is a recurrent topic of discussion in both library and purchasing circles. Whether in the form of statemandated contract lists of authorized vendors, or in the submission of invitations for bid or requests for proposal for vendor services, this process has become a source of frustration and time-consuming, bureaucratic maneuvering which appears to be the bane of acquisitions librarians everywhere. The authors discuss their experiences with the issuance of requests for proposal to materials vendors for their services brought on by the Virginia Public Procurement Act of 1986. Advice on the implementation of a “bid” procedure is offered to both librarians and vendors.
Geomechanics in hard rock mining: lessons from two case histories

This paper summarizes the geomechanics programmes conducted in two hard rock underground mining operations in the Western United States between 1966 and 1981. The two projects were directed towards understanding the behaviour of the rock masses at the scale of the caverns. To this end, the emphasis was put on large-scale field measurements, complemented by limited laboratory testing. The results of these observations were used to build realistic finite element models of the underground chambers. In the marble mine, at Crestmore, California, the models were applied to the structural optimization of the room-and-pillar pattern. In the granite mine, at Climax, Nevada Test Site, the models explained some unusual stress changes observed during excavation.
Towards a quantitative understanding of mitotic spindle assembly and mechanics.

The ‘simple’ view of the mitotic spindle is that it self-assembles as a result of microtubules (MTs) randomly searching for chromosomes, after which the spindle length is maintained by a balance of outward tension exerted by molecular motors on the MTs connecting centrosomes and chromosomes, and compression generated by other motors on the MTs connecting the spindle poles. This picture is being challenged now by mounting evidence indicating that spindle assembly and maintenance rely on much more complex interconnected networks of microtubules, molecular motors, chromosomes and regulatory proteins. From an engineering point of view, three design principles of this molecular machine are especially important: the spindle assembles quickly, it assembles accurately, and it is mechanically robust – yet malleable. How is this design achieved with randomly interacting and impermanent molecular parts? Here, we review recent interdisciplinary studies that have started to shed light on this question. We discuss cooperative mechanisms of spindle self-assembly, error correction and maintenance of its mechanical properties, speculate on analogy between spindle and lamellipodial dynamics, and highlight the role of quantitative approaches in understanding the mitotic spindle design.