cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Methanol synthesis from CO2 + H2 II. Copper-based binary and ternary catalysts

Abstract The methanol synthesis reaction from CO2 + H2 was carried out under a pressure of 50 atm and at a W/F of 0.0035 g min ml−1 over various binary and ternary catalysts containing copper oxide. Among the binary catalysts tested at 240°C, CuO/ZrO2 catalysts particularly with 40 wt% CuO showed the highest conversion and selectivity to methanol. The ternary catalysts were prepared by adding the third component to CuO/ZrO2(40:60). Some of the third components, notably alumina, increased the conversion to methanol, but all except graphite lowered the methanol selectivity. While graphite had no promotional effect on the activity, it kept the selectivity at the same level as that of CuO/ZrO2 catalysts. In general, the surface area did not play an important role in the activity of the catalysts.
Experimental and numerical modeling of screws used for rigid internal fixation of mandibular fractures

Experimental and numerical methods are used to explore the stresses generated around bone screws used in rigid internal fixation of mandibular fractures. These results are intended to aid in decisions concerning both the design and the use of these bone screws. A finite element (FE) model of a human mandible is created with a fixated fracture in the parasymphyseal region. The mandibular model is anatomically loaded, and the forces exerted by the fixation plate onto the simplified screws are obtained and transferred to another finite element submodel of a screw implant embedded in a trilaminate block with material properties of cortical and cancellous bone. The stress in the bone surrounding the screw implant is obtained and compared for different screw configurations. The submodel analyses are further compared to and validated with simple axial experimental and numerical screw pull-out models. Results of the screw FE analysis (FEA) submodel show that a unicortical screw of 2.6mm major diameter and 1.0 mm pitch will cause less bone damage than a bicortical screw of 2.3mm major diameter and 1.0mm pitch. The results of this study suggest that bicortical drilling can be avoided by using screws of a larger major diameter.
On convexity properties of ψ-direct sums of Banach spaces

The ψ-direct sum of Banach spaces is strictly convex (respectively, uniformly convex, locally uniformly convex, uniformly convex in every direction) if each of the Banach spaces are strictly convex (respectively, uniformly convex, locally uniformly convex, uniformly convex in every direction) and the corresponding ψ-norm is strictly convex.
Microstructure and charge transport in hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon: effect of post deposition hydrogen plama treatment

The effect of post deposition hydrogen plasma treatment on microstructural, optical and transport properties of hydrogenated nanocrystalline silicon (nc-Si∶H) have been investigated. Nc-Si∶H thin film were deposited on glass substrate with 33% hydrogen dilution at 200°C using reactive RF sputtering. Thin films of nc-Si∶H were treated with hydrogen plasma with various plasma power densities (0.1 – 0.5 W/cm2) and durations (10 s – 10 m)‥ Crystalline fraction of as deposited nc-Si∶H was 84% whereas plasma treatment increased it to 88% for 0.5 W/cm2, 10 s. Further plasma treatment 0.5 W/cm2 5 m and 0.5 W/cm2, 10 m decreased the crystalline fraction to 87% and 82.5% respectively. The temperature dependent conductivity plots show two distinct slopes below and above 400 K. for all nc-Si∶H. The presence of dual activation energies was attributed to a change in the dominant transport mechanism and is explained using heterojunction quantum dot (HQD) tunneling model.
Identification of cytokeratin 1 as a binding protein and presentation receptor for kininogens on endothelial cells

A kininogen binding protein(s), a putative receptor, was identified on endothelial cells. A 54-kDa protein was isolated by a biotin–high molecular mass kininogen (HK) affinity column that, on aminoterminal sequencing of tryptic digests, was identified as cytokeratin 1. Multiple antibodies directed to cytokeratin 1 reacted with a 54-kDa band on immunoblot of lysates of endothelial cells. On laser scanning confocal microscopy, cytokeratin 1 antigen was found on the surface of endothelial cells. Cytokeratin 1 antigen also was detected on endothelial cell membranes by flow cytometry. Moreover, an antipeptide antibody to a sequence unique to cytokeratin 1 also specifically bound to nonpermeabilized endothelial cells. Biotin–HK specifically bound to cytokeratin only in the presence of Zn2+, and cytokeratin blocked biotin–HK binding to endothelial cells. Further, HK and low molecular mass kininogen, but not factor XII, blocked biotin–HK binding to cytokeratin, and peptides of each cell binding region of HK on domains 3,4, and 5 blocked biotin–HK binding to cytokeratin. gC1qR and soluble urokinase-like plasminogen activator receptor also inhibited biotin–HK binding to cytokeratin. These investigations identify a new function for cytokeratin 1 as a kininogen binding protein. Cytokeratins, members of the family of intermediate filament proteins, may represent a new class of receptors.
Differences in Color Naming and Color Salience in Vietnamese and English

The accepted model of color naming postulates that 11 "basic" color terms representing 11 common per- ceptual experiences show increased processing salience due to a theorized linkage between perception, visual neuro- physiology, and cognition. We tested this theory, originally proposed by Berlin and Kay in 1969. Experiment 1 tested salience by comparing unconstrained color naming across two languages, English and Vietnamese. Results were com- pared with previous research by Berlin and Kay, Boynton and Olson, and colleagues. Experiment 2 validated our stimuli by comparing OSA, Munsell, and newly rendered "basic" exemplars using colorimetry and behavioral mea- sures. Our results show that the relationship between the visual and verbal domains is more complex than current theory acknowledges. An interpoint distance model of col- or-naming behavior is proposed as an alternative perspec- tive on color-naming universality and color-category struc- ture. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 28, 113-138, 2003; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/col.10131
The Determinants of the Fertility Transition in Antebellum Ohio

The cross-sectional and secular variations in the fertility of the white population in pre-Civil War Ohio are analyzed with special regard to the role of population pressure in conditioning these patterns and trends. Other factors, such as urbanization, education, cultural heritage, and the sex ratio, all of which are often cited as major explanatory variables during the demographic transition are also introduced. Although each of these variables is shown to have some impact, none can account for more than a minor proportion of the Variance in human fertility. It appears that the major force affecting both inter-county fertility and the secular trend for the state was the Variation in the degree of population pressure as measured by the average assessed value of an acre of non-urban land.
The occultation of BD -15 deg 3969 by the rings of Uranus

Photoelectric observations of the December 23, 1977, occultation of BD -15 deg 3969 by the rings of Uranus are analyzed. The observations were made with a 1.5-m IR flux collector and clearly show the occultations of the star by the epsilon, delta, gamma, and alpha rings prior to the star's disappearance behind the planet. Detection of the beta-ring occultation is uncertain, but several features were observed which may be due to occultations of the star by objects other than the five major rings. It is noted that no other occultations with both a duration and depth comparable to the epsilon-ring event were observed between the orbit of Miranda and the limb of Uranus. The results suggest that the epsilon ring does not consist of two fragments but rather is a complete ring which may be either circular and inclined slightly with respect to the four inner rings or coplanar and elliptical.
Regulation of breast cancer growth by insulin-like growth factors.

The IGFs may be important autocrine, paracrine or endocrine growth factors for human breast cancer. IGF-I and II stimulate growth of cultured human breast cancer cells. IGF-I is slightly more potent, paralleling its higher affinity for the IGF-I receptor. Antibody blockade of the IGF-I receptor inhibits growth stimulation induced by both IGFs, suggesting that this receptor mediates the growth effects of both peptides. However, IGF-I receptor blockade does not inhibit estrogen (E2)-induced growth suggesting that secreted IGFs are not the major mediators of E2 action. Several breast cancer cell lines express IGF-II mRNA by both Northern analysis and RNase protection assay. IGF-II activity is found in conditioned medium by radioimmuno and radioreceptor assay, after removal of somatomedin binding proteins (BP) which are secreted in abundance. IGF-I is undetectable. BPs of ≅ 25 and 40 K predominate in ER-negative cell lines while BPs of 36 K predominate in ER-positive cells. Blockade of the IGF-I receptor inhibits anchorage-independent and monolayer growth in serum of a panel of breast cancer cell lines. Growth of one line (MDA-231) was also inhibited in vivo by receptor antibody treatment of nude mice. The antibody had no effect on growth of MCF-7 tumors. These data suggest the IGFs are important regulators of breast cancer cell proliferation and that antagonism of this pathway may offer a new treatment strategy.
"Critical Liberal Education": An Undergraduate Pedagogy for Teacher Candidates in Socially Diverse University Settings.

This article addresses the lack of attention universities have given to adjusting liberal education, the undergraduate major for teachers in California, to the increase of multi‐ethnic, multi‐racial, and social class heterogeneity in state universities. This article argues for a revised pedagogy for undergraduate liberal arts education for teacher candidates in California called critical liberal education. This pedagogy emphasizes the interdisciplinary knowledge and inquiry skills of a traditional program in conjunction with intercultural competence, civic engagement and an ethical stance toward social justice. This pedagogy brings liberal arts education in line with living in our complex multicultural democracy to create analytic, engaged teacher‐citizens for the twenty‐first century.
Sapas Mons, Venus: evolution of a large shield volcano

Magellan radar image data of Sapas Mons, a 600 km diameter volcano located on the flanks of the Arla Rise, permit the distinction of widespread volcanic units on the basis of radar properties, morphology, and spatial and inferred temporal relations, each representing a stage or phase in the evolution of the volcano. Six flow units were identified and are arranged asymmetrically about the volcano. Although there is some evidence for overlapping of units, the stratigraphy clearly indicates a younging upwards sequence. The estimated volume of this 2.4 km high volcano is 3.1 × 104 km3, which is comparable to the largest Hawaiian shield (Mauna Loa, 4.25 × 104 km3), but it is significantly less than an estimated volume for the entire Hawaiian-Emperor chain (1.08 × 106 km3) and less than the lower diameter (100 × 150 km) island of Hawaii (11.3 × 104 km3). Although it is difficult to clearly identify a single lava flow, estimates of apparent single flow volumes range from 4 km3 (for an average unit 5 flow of 3.4 km width, 10 m thickness, and 121 km length) to almost 59 km3 (for a 17.8 km wide, l0 m thick, 330 km long unit 1 flow). Estimates of total volumes for the units show that four of the six flow units have volumes that are within a factor of 1.2 of each other, one unit is approximately three times more voluminous, and the latest unit has a very small volume. Flows within a given unit are very distinct relative to flows in other units with respect to average lengths, aspect ratio, radar brightness, and planimetric outline. There is a weak distinction in rms slope between units and emissivity is correlated with altitude, not unit boundaries. A pair of 25 km diameter scalloped-margin domes occur at the summit and are the source of the last stage of eruptions on Sapas; steep fronts and high aspect ratios suggest that associated flows may have had a high viscosity. Graben form a circumferential structure 75–100 km in diameter surrounding the summit domes and are interpreted to be indicative of subsidence over a central magma reservoir. Radial fractures with associated small edifices cut the lower flanks of the edifice but are not observed within the summit ring of graben; these are interpreted to be the expression of near-surface dykes and may have been emplaced during a period of enhanced activity that correlates with the most voluminous flow unit. Unlike at Hawaii, however, these dykes and small edifices do not seem to be the source of significant flank eruptions. Although some effusive activity may have accompanied their emplacement, the majority of lava flows at Sapas appear to be radial to a single, near-summit point located between the two summit domes.
African Americans and Land Loss in Texas: Government Duplicity and Discrimination Based on Race and Class

This article surveys the ways that discrimination at the local, state, and national levels constrained minority farmers during the twentieth century. It considers the characteristics of small-scale farming that created liabilities for landowners regardless of race, including state and federal programs that favored commercial and agribusiness interests. In addition to economic challenges African American farmers had to negotiate racism in the Jim Crow South. The Texas Agricultural Extension Service, the state branch of the USDA's Extension Service, segregated in 1915. The Negro division gave black farmers access to information about USDA programs, but it emphasized their subordinate position relative to farmers. The Civil Rights Act of 1964 did not reverse decades of racial discrimination. Instead, USDA officials relied on federalism, a theory as old as the Constitution, to justify their tolerance of civil rights violations in Texas and elsewhere. Then, special legislation passed during the 1970s and 1980s did not realize its potential to serve ethnically diverse and economically disadvantaged rural Texans. Discrimination based on race combined with a bias toward commercial production. This crippled most black farmers and led to their near extinction
Pertussis toxin enhanced IgG1 and IgE responses to primary tetanus immunization are mediated by interleukin-4 and persist during secondary responses to tetanus alone

Pertussis toxin (Ptx), the major toxin product of Bordetella pertussis, has potent immunologic effect including adjuvant effects on antibody responses and sensitization for anaphylaxis. In order to further define the effect of Ptx on the class and subclass of murine antibody response, we measured total and antigen specific IgG subclasses and IgE in Balb/c mice after primary and secondary immunization with tetanus toxoid (TT). Low doses of Ptx (100 ng) given intravenously at the time of primary immunization increased primary IgG1 and IgE anti-TT antibodies as well as total IgG1 and IgE concentrations compared to controls. The increase in IgG1 subclass and IgE response when Ptx was present during primary immunization was even more pronounced after secondary immunization with TT alone 3 weeks or 3 months later. Similar effects were noted after diphtheria toxoid immunization in the presence of Ptx. Administration of the anti IL-4 monoclonal antibody (11B11) suppressed the enhanced total and TT-specific IgE responses but not the enhanced IgG1 responses. The presence of low concentrations of Ptx during primary immunization primes for induction of IL-4 producing T-cell help which enhances IgGI and IgE responses to the primary exposure as well as to subsequent exposures of the antigen in the absence of Ptx. This phenomenon may have significance for the adjuvant activity of vaccines containing Ptx as well as for the immune response to natural pertussis.
Circadian rhythm in the number of granulated vesicles in the pinealocytes of mice. Effects of sympathectomy and melatonin treatment.

Adult, Charles River CD-1, male mice were housed in an environmental control chamber under strict conditions of controlled light (12D/12L) and temperature. The mice were sacrificed at various times throughout the twenty-four hour clock and their pineals prepared routinely for electron microscopy. The number of dense-cored or granulated vesicles present in the polar terminals of pinealocytes were quantitated in thin cross sections through pericapillary areas. A distinct circadian rhythm was observed in the number of granulated vesicles with a three- to four-fold difference between late photoperiod maximum and late dark period minimum. The rhythm was abolished by bilateral superior cervical ganglionectomy. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that the granulated vesicles are synthesized and stored in the pinealocytic cytoplasm during the photoperiod under the tropic influence of norepinephrine, and are released during the dark period when melatonin synthesis is greatest. Melatonin, administered as daily intraperitoneal doses of 50 μg over a period of five days, was observed to increase markedly the number of pinealocytic granulated vesicles during the light period, but led during the dark period to a decrease in their numbers to levels below that of diluent-treated controls. It may be that melatonin stimulates the synthesis and/or release of granulated vesicles which represent the packaged form of a major secretory product.
Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor Release by Human Coronary Artery Endothelial Cells Is Enhanced by Matrix Proteins, 17β-Estradiol, and a PKC Signaling Pathway

Abstract Endothelial cell function is regulated by interactions among cells, the extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble mediators. We investigated this interaction by examining the effect of 17β-estradiol (E2) on release of basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2) by human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) cultured on ECM proteins. After estrogen-depleted HCAEC were treated with E2 for 2 h, the conditioned media and cell layers were evaluated by immunoblot or ELISA for FGF-2. Release of FGF-2 into conditioned media was enhanced 10-fold compared to that on plastic and a further 2.4-fold by E2. As FGF-2 release from cells into the media increases, there is a corresponding decrease in the cellular content of FGF-2. By ELISA, FGF-2 release increased 406, 179, and 262%, on type IV collagen, laminin, or fibronectin, respectively. HCAEC cultured on type I collagen did not show E2-enhanced FGF-2 release by ELISA or immunoblot analysis. No changes were noted in HCAEC release of lactate dehydrogenase, tested as a control protein for cellular integrity. The estrogen receptor antagonist ICI182,780 blocked E2-induced, but not basal, FGF-2 release. Increased FGF-2 release occurred via a cycloheximide-insensitive pathway. Neither brefeldin-A nor genistein inhibited E2 enhancement of FGF-2 release by HCAEC cultured on fibronectin. However, the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C inhibited the E2-augmented FGF-2 release. These data show that E2 enhances FGF-2 release by HCAEC cultured on basement membrane proteins in the absence of wounding. This action requires the estrogen receptor and PKC activity, but does not require new protein synthesis, endoplasmic reticulum-to-Golgi-mediated secretion, or protein tyrosine phosphorylation. E2-enhanced FGF-2 release could contribute to the cardioprotective effects of estrogen.
A model, analysis, and protocol framework for soft state-based communication

"Soft state" is an often cited yet vague concept in network protocol design in which two or more network entities intercommunicate in a loosely coupled, often anonymous fashion. Researchers often define this concept operationally (if at all) rather than analytically: a source of soft state transmits periodic "refresh messages" over a (lossy) communication channel to one or more receivers that maintain a copy of that state, which in turn "expires" if the periodic updates cease. Though a number of crucial Internet protocol building blocks are rooted in soft state-based designs --- e.g., RSVP refresh messages, PIM membership updates, various routing protocol updates, RTCP control messages, directory services like SAP, and so forth --- controversy is building as to whether the performance overhead of soft state refresh messages justify their qualitative benefit of enhanced system "robustness". We believe that this controversy has risen not from fundamental performance tradeoffs but rather from our lack of a comprehensive understanding of soft state. To better understand these tradeoffs, we propose herein a formal model for soft state communication based on a probabilistic delivery model with relaxed reliability. Using this model, we conduct queueing analysis and simulation to characterize the data consistency and performance tradeoffs under a range of workloads and network loss rates. We then extend our model with feedback and show, through simulation, that adding feedback dramatically improves data consistency (by up to 55%) without increasing network resource consumption. Our model not only provides a foundation for understanding soft state, but also induces a new fundamental transport protocol based on probabilistic delivery. Toward this end, we sketch our design of the "Soft State Transport Protocol" (SSTP), which enjoys the robustness of soft state while retaining the performance benefit of hard state protocols like TCP through its judicious use of feedback.
Minimization of acquisition time in short-range free-space optical communication

We consider short-range (1–3-km) free-space optical communication between moving parties when covertness is the overriding system performance requirement. To maximize covertness, it is critical to minimize the time required for the acquisition phase, during which the party initiating contact must conduct a broad-field scan and so risks revealing his position. Assuming an elliptical Gaussian beam profile, we show how to optimize the beam divergence angles, scan speed, and design of the raster scan pattern so as to minimize acquisition time. In this optimization, several constraints are considered, including: signal-to-noise ratio, required for accurate bearing detection and reliable decoding; limited receiver bandwidth; limited scanner speed; and beam divergence as limited by the scanner mirror dimensions. The effects of atmospheric turbulence are also discussed.
Omentectomy added to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery: a randomized, controlled trial

Abstract Background Excess visceral adipose tissue predicts for incipient diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Human data are mixed regarding the benefits of selective visceral adipose tissue reduction. We investigated the effects of omentectomy added to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on glucose homeostasis and lipids, inflammatory markers, and adipokines 90 days postoperatively in nondiabetic patients at the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital and Oregon Health and Science University (Portland, OR). Methods A single-blind, randomized study of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass plus omentectomy versus laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass alone in 28 subjects (7 men and 21 women). The groups were matched at baseline for gender, age, and body mass index (BMI). The eligibility criteria included age ≥18 years, BMI ≥40 and 2 without co-morbid conditions or BMI ≥35 and 2 with co-morbid conditions. The primary outcome measures were changes in the fasting plasma glucose, insulin, and homostatic model assessment of insulin resistance. The secondary measures were BMI and the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin, total and high-molecular-weight adiponectin, fibrinogen, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 levels. Results After surgery, the BMI decreased significantly in both groups and was not different at the follow-up point. Although many outcome parameters improved with weight loss in both groups postoperatively, only the omentectomy group experienced statistically significant decreases in fasting glucose ( P P = .004) and very-low-density lipoprotein ( P = .001) cholesterol, and an increase in the high-molecular-weight/total adiponectin ratio ( P = .013). Conclusions Omentectomy added to laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass results in favorable changes in glucose homeostasis, lipid levels, and adipokine profile at 90 days postoperatively. These data support the hypothesis that selective ablation of visceral adipose tissue conveys metabolic benefits in nondiabetic humans.
Fulvimarina pelagi gen. nov., sp. nov., a marine bacterium that forms a deep evolutionary lineage of descent in the order "Rhizobiales".

Three brownish-yellow bacterial strains were isolated from the western Sargasso Sea by high-throughput culturing methods and characterized by polyphasic approaches. All isolates were Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, chemoheterotrophic, non-motile short rods that contained carotenoid pigments. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, DNA–DNA hybridization and DNA G+C content, along with phenotypic characteristics, revealed that they belonged to the same species. The strains utilized a wide range of substrates, including pentoses, hexoses, oligosaccharides, sugar alcohols, organic acids and amino acids, as sole carbon sources. The DNA G+C content of the isolates ranged from 57·6 to 59·9 mol%. The predominant cellular fatty acid constituent was C18 : 1 ω7c, whilst C16 : 0, C18 : 0 and C19 : 0 ω8c cyclo were also abundant. The organism related most closely to these strains, as determined by 16S rDNA sequence comparison, was the recently described species Aurantimonas coralicida (93·3–93·8 % similarity). Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the strains formed a distinct and deep evolutionary lineage of descent, together with A. coralicida, within the order ‘Rhizobiales’ of the α-Proteobacteria. This lineage could not be associated with any of the ten known families in the order ‘Rhizobiales’. From polyphasic evidence, it is proposed that the strains be placed into a novel genus and species, Fulvimarina pelagi gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain, HTCC2506T=ATCC BAA-666T=KCTC 12091T=DSM 15513T).
Quantitative gene set analysis generalized for repeated measures, confounder adjustment, and continuous covariates

Gene set analysis (GSA) of gene expression data can be highly powerful when the biological signal is weak compared to other sources of variability in the data. However, many gene set analysis approaches utilize permutation tests which are not appropriate for complex study designs. For example, the correlation of subjects is broken when comparing time points within a longitudinal study. Linear mixed models provide a method to analyze longitudinal studies as well as adjust for potential confounding factors and account for sources of variability that are not of primary interest. Currently, there are no known gene set analysis approaches that fully account for these study design and analysis aspects. In order to do so, we generalize the QuSAGE gene set analysis algorithm, denoted Q-Gen, and provide the necessary estimation adjustments to incorporate linear mixed model analyses. We assessed the performance of our generalized method in comparison to the original QuSAGE method in settings such as longitudinal repeated measures analysis and accounting for potential confounders. We demonstrate that the original QuSAGE method can not control for type-I error when these complexities exist. In addition to statistical appropriateness, analysis of a longitudinal influenza study suggests Q-Gen can allow for greater sensitivity when exploring a large number of gene sets. Q-Gen is an extension to the gene set analysis method of QuSAGE, and allows for linear mixed models to be applied appropriately within a gene set analysis framework. It provides GSA an added layer of flexibility that was not currently available. This flexibility allows for more appropriate statistical modeling of complex data structures that are inherent to many microarray study designs and can provide more sensitivity.
Drug samples in dermatology: Special considerations and recommendations for the future

Background The use of drug samples is a controversial issue in medicine. Objective We sought to determine the pros and cons of drug sampling, and how drug sampling in general medicine differs from dermatology. Methods Literature searches were conducted on PubMed, Google, and Yahoo!. Articles were found pertaining to drug sampling in general, and for dermatology specifically. Results Numerous pros and cons for drug sampling were found in the literature search. We divided these by cost-related issues, such as the industry-wide cost of sampling and the use of sampling to assist the underinsured and poor, and quality of care issues, such as adherence, patient education, and safety considerations. Articles also suggested that dermatology may differ from general medicine as topical treatments have fewer side effects, are more complicated to use, and come in different vehicles. Limitations We identified few studies specifically focused on issues relevant to sampling in dermatology. Conclusion There are strong arguments for and against drug sampling involving both cost and quality of care issues. Dermatology-specific medications clearly differ from oral medications in several regards. We ultimately conclude that the benefits of drug sampling outweigh the risks, but give recommendations on how drug sampling can be done ethically and effectively, including limiting personal use, not selling samples, properly documenting sample release, teaching patients about proper use, teaching students and residents ethical use of samples, working with pharmaceutical representatives in an ethical manner, prescribing the drug that is best for the patient, and securing samples appropriately to prevent theft and misuse.
Nurse Researchers in Children's Hospitals

Little is known about the role of nurse researchers (NRs) and the structure of nursing research programs in children's hospitals in the United States. This descriptive study obtained survey data from 33 NRs. Data suggest that the NR role is emerging and has both commonalities and unique components when compared with the previous studies of NRs in adult hospitals. Most participants have been in their position for less than 4 years. Conducting research, having staff development related to research, and facilitating evidence-based practice or research were common responsibilities. The structure of nursing research programs impacts both the NRs and the program outcomes.
Congestive heart failure in the community: a study of all incident cases in Olmsted County, Minnesota, in 1991.

Background—Data are limited regarding the classification and prognosis of patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) in the community. Methods and Results—Using the resources of the Rochester Epidemiology Project, we evaluated all patients receiving a first diagnosis of CHF in Olmsted County, Minnesota, in 1991 (n=216). Among these patients, 88% were ≥65 years and 49% were ≥80 years of age. The prognosis of patients with a new diagnosis of CHF was poor; survival was 86±2% at 3 months, 76±3% at 1 year, and 35±3% at 5 years. Of the 216 patients, 137 (63%) had an assessment of ejection fraction. In these patients, systolic function was preserved (ejection fraction ≥50%) in 59 (43%) and reduced (ejection fraction <50%) in 78 (57%). Survival adjusted for age, sex, NYHA class, and coronary artery disease was not significantly different between patients with preserved and those with reduced systolic function (relative risk, 0.80; P=0.369). ACE inhibitors were used in only 44% of the total population with CHF. ...
Directional Modulation Technique for Phased Arrays

A directional modulation (DM) technique using a phased array to produce the modulation is presented. By phase shifting each element correctly, the desired amplitude and phase of each symbol in a digital modulation scheme can be produced in a given direction with data rates determined by the switching speed of the phase shifters. Because this signal is direction-dependent, the technique offers security, as the signal can be purposely distorted in other directions. DM also enables an array to send independent data in multiple directions. When using an array with driven elements, the phase shifts can be determined from simple calculations rather than time-consuming simulations or measurements. Mathematical analysis and experimental results are presented.
Soviet Elections as a Measure of Dissent: The Missing One Percent*

A few questions are still hotly debated among students of the Soviet political system, but certainly the nature of Soviet elections is not one of them. Everyone agrees that they are more interesting as a psychological curiosity than as a political reality. They are seen by various writers as ritualized affirmations of regime legitimacy, as methods of involving the masses in supportive activity, as a means of publicly honoring model citizens, and as a crushing display of unanimity designed to isolate the potential nonconformist. Both Western and Soviet writers see Soviet elections from the positive side, from the side of the dutiful 99 percent who invariably vote for the single candidate on the ballot. In fact, Soviet and Western writers are in very close agreement on the major functions of elections in the Soviet Union, although their value judgments tend to differ along the lines one would expect. Taking one typical example from the general Western literature on the Soviet political system, we find the purposes of a Soviet election defined as “a public demonstration of the legitimacy of the regime … an invaluable educational and propaganda exercise … and perhaps most important of all, … proof that the system of control is unimpaired.” In the more detailed Western works on Soviet elections we find the same approach. Thus, Howard Swearer, in a very insightful and valuable article on Soviet local elections, states that “in the Soviet Union, the formal act of voting is comparable in purpose to such civic rituals as singing the national anthem or saluting a country's flag. It is a public display of personal reaffirmation of the Soviet way of life and the party leadership.”
A Cervical Cancer Community-Based Participatory Research Project in a Native American Community

The Messengers for Health on the Apsaalooke Reservation project uses a community-based participatory research (CBPR) approach and lay health advisors (LHAs) to generate knowledge and awareness about cervical cancer prevention among community members in a culturally competent manner. Northern Plains Native Americans, of whom Apsaalooke women are a part, continue to be disproportionately affected by cervical cancer. This article examines quantitative and qualitative changes that occurred in the community since the inception of the Messengers for Health program. Paired sample t tests are used to evaluate the one-group pretest and posttest interviews of 83 Apsaalooke women in knowledge, comfort, and cancer awareness levels. Results reveal cervical cancer knowledge gains, gains in participants' comfort discussing cancer issues, and gains in awareness of cervical cancer and the Messengers program. Field notes, meeting minutes, and community perceptions are used to qualitatively evaluate the effectiveness of the Messengers program. Practice implications are discussed.
A machine model for the complexity of NP-approximation problems

This paper investigates a machine-based model for the complexity of approximating the CLIQUE problem. The model consists of nondeterministic polynomial time Turing machines with limited access to an NP-complete oracle. Approximating the CLIQUE problem is complete for classes of functions computed by such machines.
Abnormal Expression of Laminin β1 Chain in Skeletal Muscle of Adult-Onset Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

Background: Laminin 2 is a major component of the basal lamina of skeletal muscle cells. It is a heterotrimer composed of 3 chains: merosin (laminin α2 chain), β 1 , and γ 1 . Deficiency of merosin, with or without laminin β 1 chain reduction, is associated with some forms of congenital muscular dystrophy. Deficient expression of laminin β 1 chain is also associated with some cases of merosin-positive congenital muscular dystrophy. The expression of laminin 2 subunits has not been well studied in the skeletal muscle of limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD), nor has much attention been given to the significance of reduction of individual laminin 2 subunits, such as β 1 . Objectives: To examine the expression of laminin 2 subunits in skeletal muscle in patients with LGMD and to define the clinical features of patients with LGMD who have abnormal expression of laminin 2 subunits. Methods: We studied muscle biopsy specimens from 18 patients with LGMD using immunofluorescence with antibodies against dystrophin C-terminus, β-dystroglycan, α-sarcoglycan, γ-sarcoglycan, and the laminin subunits merosin, β 1 , and γ 1 . Of the 18 biopsy specimens, 9 were available for electron microscopic examination of the muscle basement membrane. The clinical features associated with abnormal laminin β 1 chain immunoreactivity were further described. Results: Laminin β 1 chain was either barely detectable or severely reduced in 3 cases of patients with LGMD in which the biopsy specimens showed normal staining with the other antibodies. Patients in all 3 cases had common clinical features consistent with a slowly progressive, adultonset LGMD. Specimens from 2 of the 3 cases that were available for ultrastructural examination showed significant abnormalities of the muscle fiber basement membrane. Conclusions: Abnormal expression of laminin β 1 chain without concomitant deficiency of α-sarcoglycan in skeletal muscle has not been previously described in LGMD. Reduced laminin β 1 chain immunoreactivity may potentially serve as a marker for defining subsets of individuals with LGMD, in particular those with slowly progressive, adult-onset pelvifemoral presentation. The abnormality of muscle fiber basement membranes in specimens from cases that were available for ultrastructural study suggests that defects in the extracellular matrix may play a role in the pathogenesis of this subset of LGMD.
An investigation of buckypapers' Young's modulus utilizing nanoscale modeling and Molecular Dynamics simulation

The Young's moduli of carbon nanotubes and carbon nanotube thin films (the so called buckypaper) are investigated using nanoscale mechanics and Molecular Dynamic (MD) simulation methods. The results show that the Young's modulus of single walled (10, 10) carbon nanotubes ranges from 0.75 TPa to 0.9 TPa, which agrees well with some published data in the literature. For single layer buckypapers of single-walled tubes, the simulations gave a Young's Modulus around 0.3 TPa. A Four-wall nanotube [(5, 5), (10, 10), (15, 15), (20, 20)] model was built to simulate Young's modulus of multi-walled tubes and a little lower value was obtained than single walled, so does the multi-walled tube buckypaper. It was also found that the larger the separation distance between nanotubes in the buckypaper model, the smaller the value of Young's modulus of the paper. The comparisons of the results between the MD simulations and the previously done experimental testings on bucky papers' mechanical properties revealed some discrepancies for their Young's moduli. The higher Young's moduli values for buckypapers obtained in the MD simulations are deemed to be mainly due to the exclusion of such factors as particles impurity, uneven thickness, imperfect alignments, etc. From another point of view, these higher values may represent the optimal goal of Young's moduli for buckypapers which could be achieved ultimately when their fabrication techniques are continuously improved in the future.
The Counselor Feedback Training Model: Teaching Counseling Students Feedback Skills

Giving and receiving feedback is an important counseling skill; therefore, it is crucial to focus on this skill within counselor training. This article presents the Counselor Feedback Training Model, a developmental approach designed to assist counselor educators in teaching counseling students how to give and receive feedback.
Performance-based seismic bridge design for damage and loss limit states

Recent efforts in the earthquake engineering community have focused largely on developing a performance-based earthquake engineering assessment methodology. However, equally important is applying such a methodology to the design of structures. Probabilistic performance-based seismic design enables design and acceptance criteria to be specified by a continuum of limit states and incorporates uncertainty in all the sources of data. This paper introduces a non-iterative method, based on the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center framework, for design of bridge structures in terms of single or multiple physical design parameters, such as column height and diameter. Design parameter solutions are obtained from explicit consideration of uncertainty in the hazard, demand, damage, and loss to the structure by way of specifying a level of confidence in the resulting design under different performance objectives. Similar to other performance-based methodologies, performance objectives consist of a performance level and a hazard level. Design equations are derived for performance levels defined in terms of bridge damage and loss. Examples are presented of both univariate and bivariate design parameter cases for typical reinforced concrete highway overpass bridges in California. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lateral-feed displacement in a paraboloid

The beam shift and degradation of a paraboloidal reflector with an offset feed is analyzed by the scalar plane wave theory. Higher order coma terms are included with the feed at its optimum axial position. The beam characteristics for a tapered circularly symmetric illumination are presented. The range of validity of the approximate analysis is indicated.
Diagnostic and forensic toxicology.

Successful use of a diagnostic toxicology laboratory requires a complete understanding of the case in question. Different types of evidence must be integrated, including a thorough clinical and environmental history, observation of clinical signs, necropsy results, analytic chemistry findings, and occasionally, bioassay. The history and clinical/pathologic findings will help identify the source of the toxicant, affected organ systems, and a list of rule-outs. If a systematic approach is accomplished by proper sample management, the practitioner will optimize the ability to handle complex poisoning cases in a successful and professionally rewarding manner.
General weighted optimality of designed experiments

The standard approach to finding optimal experimental designs employs conventional measures of design efficacy, such as the $A$, $E$, and $D$-criterion, that assume equal interest in all estimable functions of model parameters. This paper develops a general theory for weighted optimality, allowing precise design selection according to expressed relative interest in different functions in the estimation space. The approach employs a very general class of matrix-specified weighting schemes that produce easily interpretable weighted optimality criteria. In particular, for any set of estimable functions, and any selected corresponding weights, analogs of standard optimality criteria are found that guide design selection according to the weighted variances of estimators of those particular functions. The results are applied to solve the $A$-optimal design problem for baseline factorial effects in unblocked experiments.
ENEMY COMBATANTS AND THE JURISDICTIONAL FACT DOCTRINE

This article sheds new light on contemporary debates concerning the United States government's treatment of alleged enemy combatants by examining a once-central but now little-remembered doctrine of administrative law, the doctrine of jurisdictional fact review. This doctrine calls for independent judicial review of any fact determined by an executive tribunal that is essential to the jurisdiction of that tribunal. Jurisdictional doctrines are central to the functioning of habeas corpus, the primary means by which judicial review of executive detention is guaranteed.The crucial distinction of jurisdictional fact in the enemy combatant context - a distinction that is not only deeply embedded in American constitutional law but also foundational to the laws of war - is the distinction between combatants and civilians. Though the line separating combatants from civilians is not always easy to draw, particularly in the conflict against global terrorism, this analysis suggests at the very least that when the President exercises the authority to detain an alleged enemy combatant on domestic territory, the detainee is entitled to a presumption of civilian status and independent judicial review of any government evidence to the contrary. The procedures and presumptions involved in such judicial review may be determined in the first instance by the political branches, but must preserve the essential role of the judiciary in policing the jurisdictional limits of the Executive Branch.
Does Topology Drive Fiber Polymerization

We have developed new procedures to examine the early steps in fibrin polymerization. First, we isolated fibrinogen monomers from plasma fibrinogen by gel filtration. Polymerization of fibrinogen monomers differed from that of plasma fibrinogen. The formation of protofibrils was slower and the transformation of protofibrils to fibers faster for the fibrinogen monomers. Second, we used formaldehyde to terminate the polymerization reactions. The formaldehyde-fixed products obtained at each time point were examined by dynamic light scattering and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The data showed the formaldehyde-fixed products were stable and representative of the reaction intermediates. TEM images showed monomers, short oligomers, protofibrils, and thin fibers. The amount and length of these species varied with time. Short oligomers were less than 5% of the molecules at all times. Third, we developed models that recapitulate the TEM images. Fibrin monomer models were assembled into protofibrils, and protofibrils were assembled into two-strand fibers using Chimera software. Monomers were based on fibrinogen crystal structures, and the end-to-end interactions between monomers were based on D-dimer crystal structures. Protofibrils assembled from S-shaped monomers through asymmetric D:D interactions were ordered helical structures. Fibers were modeled by duplicating a protofibril and rotating the duplicate 120° around its long axis. No specific interactions were presumed. The two protofibrils simply twisted around one another to form a fiber. This model suggests that the conformation of the protofibril per se promotes the assembly into fibers. These findings introduce a novel mechanism for fibrin assembly that may be relevant to other biopolymers.