cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Moran coefficient for non-normal data

Abstract This paper summarizes findings that extend statistical distribution properties of the Moran coefficient index measuring spatial autocorrelation to non-normal random variables. Pitman–Koopmans theorem results are extended for the mean and the variance of this index. This summary includes a corollary to this theorem, as well as a new theorem (with its proof) and two conjectures implied by it. The first of these statements is supported by asymptotic heuristics; the second is supported by simulation experiment results. Mixture random variables that include heteroscedasticity or overdispersion also are explored. In addition, a simple asymptotic variance for the Moran coefficient is presented, assessed, and found to be very precise for sample sizes as small as 25–100. The principal conclusion is that independence and sample size are the most relevant properties for Pitman–Koopmans theorem results to be extended to non-normal random variables. The independent and identically distributed property reduces the necessary sample size for this extension, as do the properties of symmetry and normal approximation.
Chemiresistive vapor sensing with microscale films of gold monolayer protected clusters.

Here we report the stability, conductivity, and vapor-sensing properties of microcontact-printed films of 1.6-nm average diameter hexanethiolate-coated gold monolayer protected clusters (C6 Au MPCs). The C6 Au MPCs were stamped into parallel lines (∼1.2 μm wide and 400 nm thick) across two Au electrodes separated by a 1-μm gap. The chemiresistive vapor-sensing properties were measured for saturated toluene and 2-propanol vapors. As-prepared patterned Au MPC films were unstable in the presence of saturated toluene vapor, and their current response was irreversible. Chemically linking the films with vapor-phase hexanedithiol greatly improves their stability and leads to reversible responses. The extent of Au MPC cross-linking and vapor response to organic vapors varies with different exposure times to dithiol vapor. The response to toluene changed from 61 to 8% for exposures of 1 and 60 min, respectively, which is likely due to greater film flexibility with less dithiol exposure. The current measured throug...
Effect of elevated water temperature on insect emergence in outdoor experimental channels

Abstract Emergence of adult aquatic insects was determined weekly with plexiglass traps positioned in two outdoor experimental channels from April through August 1977. One channel was seasonal Mississippi River water temperature and the other maintained at 10°C higher. Maximum water temperatures reached 31·0°C in the ambient and 40·8°C in the heated channel. Chironomids comprised 84% of the insects collected in both channels. Percentage composition differed between the ambient and heated channels for the chironomid taxa while the mayfly, damselfly and caddisfly taxa were more similar. The temperature in the heated channel (10°C above ambient) advanced the emergence of two Chironominae, one Orthocladiinae, one Ceratopogonidae and one Zygopteran species by one to four weeks. Few insects emerged from the heated channel during the period of maximum temperature. Insect emergence was spatially distributed throughout each channel even though dissolved oxygen concentrations were near zero at sunrise and supersaturated at mid-afternoon hours at downstream stations.
The process of embedding new information technology artifacts into innovative design practices

The design and creation of anything innovative requires knowledge creation, which in turn often depends upon the introduction of innovative information technology (IT). Since design-related practices are deeply integrated with particular IT artifacts, it is no trivial task to migrate practice-based knowledge to unfamiliar IT artifacts. To explore the challenges associated with such migration, we develop the concept of embeddedness of IT artifacts by drawing on research that highlights the critical role of representational artifacts in knowledge, design, and distributed cognition. We then inductively analyze interview data from an in-depth case study of Frank Gehry, a world-renowned and radically innovative architect known for his use of sophisticated 3D computer-aided design (CAD) technology. By studying construction firms' transition from 2D CAD to 3D CAD, we identify four relevant themes associated with embedding new artifacts into knowledge-creating practice: (1) motivating the new artifact; (2) anchoring the new artifact in the old; (3) experimenting with the new artifact; and (4) confidence in using the new artifact. Through the generation of a process theory of embedding, we elaborate on how this perspective complements and extends research on IT adaptation and assimilation, and discuss the relevance of continuing to develop the IT embeddedness perspective given the continuing need for increased levels of IT-enabled innovation.
T. S. Eliot and Indic Traditions: A Study in Poetry and Belief

Preface Acknowledgments List of abbreviations Part I. Sources and Traditions: 1. Tradition and the individual reader 2. Hindu traditions 3. Buddhist traditions Part II. Communities of Interpretation: 4. Philosophical issues 5. Religious points of view 6. Literary influences Part III. Metaphysics and Wisdom: 7. Metaphysics in The Waste Land 8. Wisdom in Four Quartets Index.
A yield enhancement methodology for launching new technologies

A traditional Pareto chart can be misleading if an overall yield is low. The traditional reject Pareto chart weights heavily for rejects at the front end of line. In order to address the shortcoming, we introduce a new final yield impact Pareto chart, which provides us with much accurate yield loss information to identify yield improvement projects. Furthermore, when we prioritize and allocate the resources for yield improvement projects, we must also consider some other important constraints. A matrix similar to a FMEA matrix is introduced to consider all constraints for prioritizing yield improvement projects.
Environmental constraints on the invasion of Triadica sebifera in the eastern United States: an experimental field assessment

Identifying the environmental constraints that affect the distribution of an invasive species is fundamental to its effective control. Triadica sebifera (Chinese tallow tree) has invaded the southeastern United States, but its potential for further range and habitat extension has been unresolved. We explored experimentally environmental factors in macro- and microhabitats that affect its persistence at five widely separated sites along the Atlantic seaboard of the United States and at two sites inland; three sites occur well beyond the tree’s current range. At each site, seeds and young vegetative plants (0.5–0.65 m tall) of T. sebifera were placed in four microhabitats (closed-canopy upland, closed-canopy lowland, open-canopy upland, and open-canopy lowland). Plant growth, leaf CO2 assimilation rates, leaf N concentrations and δ13C ratios, and stem water potential were measured for two growing seasons. Percent seed germination was consistently higher in open-canopy microhabitats and lowest at northern and inland sites. T. sebifera grew in all open-canopy microhabitats, even 300–500 km beyond its current distribution. Plant growth in closed-canopy habitats was lower, attributable to lower carbon gain per unit leaf area in shaded compared with open-canopy environments, especially at northern and inland sites. Neither competition, other than canopy shade, nor grazing was a key constraint on distribution at any scale. Our results demonstrate that T. sebifera is dispersal limited at landscape scales but limited locally by dispersal and overstory shade; it has yet to occupy the full extent of its new range in North America. Quantifying environmental factors both within and well beyond a species’ current range can effectively highlight the limits on its distribution.
Isolation of rat intestinal crypt cells

A technique is presented which yields single cells and intact crypts in suspension from unfixed rat intestinal mucosal epithelium. Everted lengths of intestine were digested by 27 mM sodium citrate in phosphate-buffered saline (pH = 7.3) at 37 degrees C. Mucosal cells were dislodged by vibratory stress (hand vortexing) following incubation for prescribed intervals at 37 degrees C in 1.5 mM ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 0.5 mM dithiothreitol (dtt). Alkaline phosphatase determinations, phase microscopy, and in vivo and in vitro evaluations of tritiated thymidine ([3H]TdR) incorporation were performed on isolated intestinal cells. Data indicate that cells were sequentially derived from villus tip to crypt base as judged by cellular morphology, alkaline phosphatase activity/mg protein and radioactivity per microgram protein. Upon completion of the intestinal cell isolation assay, scanning electron microscopy of the remaining intestine revealed that approximately 95% of the crypt openings were vacant; the villi were totally denuded; the supporting structures, including the lamina propria, appeared intact. In vitro radiolabelling of intestinal cell fractions enriched with crypts revealed a linear incorporation of [3H]TdR from 0-60 min which was strongly influenced by the presence of foetal calf serum (FCS). Measurements of the compensatory response of the mucosa to resection of 70% of the small bowel indicated that the mucosal cell separation is capable of detecting alterations in crypt cell proliferation. Previously, such alterations were monitored by other methods utilizing microdissection procedures or stathmokinetic agents.
Evolutionary biology: time, space and genomes.

In most animals, the Hox genes — which control development — are clustered together. But why? New evidence supports the idea that the requirement for a temporal order of expression keeps the cluster intact.
Affinities of dopamine analogs for monoamine granular and plasma membrane transporters: Implications for PET dopamine studies

Abstract Affinities of dopamine (DA) analogs to both granular and plasma membrane uptake transporters were measured in vitro by inhibition of [ 3 H]DA uptake in bovine chromaffin granule ghosts and C6 glial cells transfected with cDNA for the rat presynaptic dopamine transporter, respectively. Five amines were studied: DA, 6-fluorodopamine (6FDA), m-tyramine (MTA), 6-fluoro-m-tyramine (6FMTA), and β-fluoromethylene-m-tyramine (FMMTA). Direct uptake of 18 F labeled 6FDA and 6FMTA was also measured in the chromaffin granule system and compared with [ 3 H]DA uptake. Results show that the transporter affinities of 6FDA and MTA were similar to that of DA in both transport systems while affinities of 6FMTA and FMMTA were lower. Furthermore while the direct uptake of DA and FDA in chromaffin granules were essentially identical and significantly reserpine-inhibitable, the direct uptake of 6FMTA was about 15-fold less and only minimally sensitive to reserpine pretreatment. Thus, although vesicular protection and reuptake may influence the turnover of FDA in 6-fluoroDOPA studies, they are unlikely to be important determinants of the kinetics of the slowly clearing components in studies with either 6-fluoro-m-tyrosine (6FMT) or 6-fluoro-β- fluoro-methylene-m-tyrosine (6FFMMT), the bioprecursors of 6FMTA and 6-fluoro-FMMTA, respectively. These results are consistent with the finding that the longterm component in 6FMT PET studies is 6-fluoro-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (6FHPAC), which can be explained by the lack of vesicular protection of 6FMTA from MAO oxidation.
A Computer Model of Engineered Cardiac Monolayers

Engineered monolayers created using microabrasion and micropatterning methods have provided a simplified in vitro system to study the effects of anisotropy and fiber direction on electrical propagation. Interpreting the behavior in these culture systems has often been performed using classical computer models with continuous properties. However, such models do not account for the effects of random cell shapes, cell orientations, and cleft spaces inherent in these monolayers on the resulting wavefront conduction. This work presents a novel methodology for modeling a monolayer of cardiac tissue in which the factors governing cell shape, cell-to-cell coupling, and degree of cleft space are not constant but rather are treated as spatially random with assigned distributions. This modeling approach makes it possible to simulate wavefront propagation in a manner analogous to performing experiments on engineered monolayer tissues. Simulated results are compared to previously published measured data from monolayers used to investigate the role of cellular architecture on conduction velocities and anisotropy ratios. We also present an estimate for obtaining the electrical properties from these networks and demonstrate how variations in the discrete cellular architecture affect the macroscopic conductivities. The simulations support the common assumption that under normal ranges of coupling strength, tissues with relatively uniform distributions of cell shapes and connectivity can be represented using continuous models with conductivities derived from random discrete cellular architecture using either global or local estimates. The results also reveal that in the presence of abrupt changes in cell orientation, local estimates of tissue properties predict smoother changes in conductivity that may not adequately predict the discrete nature of propagation at the transition sites.
Military Leadership: An Overview and Introduction to the Special Issue

A myriad of challenges and shifting strategic priorities face today's military leaders. This special issue contains articles that comment on these challenges and provide new insights to advance discussions on these issues and spawn new research. This article summarizes contemporary challenges and opportunities faced by military leaders and provides an overview of the articles included in the special issue.
Morally Significant Effects of Ordinary Individual Actions

John Nolt argues in ‘How harmful are the average American's greenhouse gas emissions?’ (Nolt, 2011b) that, on average, individual Americans are responsible for the severe suffering and/or death of ...
Fluorescent monitoring of SDS gel electrophoresis.

Abstract Reaction of proteins with dansyl chloride in mildly alkaline SDS systems at high mole ratios of dansyl chloride to protein yields dansylated proteins that can be run in SDS gel electrophoresis systems with no significant change in protein mobility. The procedure is simple
Numerical Modeling of Non-Newtonian Flow in Viscous Micropump

Non-Newtonian fluid can be encountered in many applications of Microdevices. In this study, two-dimensional non-Newtonian simulations of viscous micropump were performed. The viscous micropump consists of a rotating cylinder located eccentrically inside a microchannel. When the cylinder rotates, a net force is transferred to the fluid due to the unequal shear stresses on the upper and lower surfaces of the cylinder, thus causing the fluid to displace. Navier Stokes equations and modified Bingham model have been used to describe the fluid flow. Parameters as viscosity and stress used in the model are based on experimental data. It was found that Reynolds number is a predominant parameter on the variation of bulk velocity as a function of eccentricity. The stress and bulk velocity decrease with increasing the eccentricity at low Reynolds number. The changes in non-Newtonian fluid structure are related to Reynolds number, eccentricity and channel height. The pumping performance of non-Newtonian fluid is increasing with global pressure gradient and decreasing with the channel height.
Classification of partial seizure symptoms in genetic studies of the epilepsies.

Objectives: To develop standardized definitions for classification of partial seizure symptoms for use in genetic research on the epilepsies, and evaluate inter-rater reliability of classifications based on these definitions. Methods: The authors developed the Partial Seizure Symptom Definitions (PSSD), which include standardized definitions of 41 partial seizure symptoms within the sensory, autonomic, aphasic, psychic, and motor categories. Based on these definitions, two epileptologists independently classified partial seizures in 75 individuals from 34 families selected because one person had ictal auditory symptoms or aphasia. The data used for classification consisted of standardized diagnostic interviews with subjects and family informants, and medical records obtained from treating neurologists. Agreement was assessed by kappa. Results: Agreement between the two neurologists using the PSSD was “substantial” or “almost perfect” for most symptom categories. Conclusions: Use of standardized definitions for classification of partial seizure symptoms such as those in the Partial Seizure Symptom Definitions should improve reliability and accuracy in future genetic studies of the epilepsies.
Differences Between Alcohol-Preferring and Alcohol-Nonpreferring Rats in Ethanol Generalization

Alcohol-preferring (P rats) and alcohol-nonpreferring rats (NP rats) were trained to discriminate intraperitoneal injections of 0.5 g/kg ethanol, or subcutaneous injections of 0.6 mg/kg nicotine from saline. P rats learned the ethanol discrimination more rapidly and made a higher percentage (88%) of their responses on the ethanol lever after ethanol and a lower percentage (7%) after saline than NP rats (78 and 15%, respectively). In substitution tests, increasing doses of ethanol produced increases in the percentage of responses on the ethanol lever with similar ED50s (0.43 and 0.44 g/kg) in P and NP rats. P rats trained to discriminate ethanol from saline made more responses on the ethanol lever after nicotine (80%) and d-amphetamine (63%) than NP rats (33 and 40%). The ethanol stimulus did not generalize to morphine in either P or NP rats. NP rats trained to discriminate ethanol from saline responded more on the ethanol lever after bupropion (77%) than P rats (49%). In rats trained to discriminate nicotine from saline, the nicotine discriminative stimulus did not generalize to ethanol in either P or NP rats, suggesting that the genetic difference in the stimulus generalization of ethanol was not symmetrical.
Laparotomy potentiates cytokine release and impairs pulmonary function after hemorrhage and resuscitation in mice.

Background: The two-hit theory has emerged as a mechanism to explain the development of organ failure after traumatic injury. We evaluated the effects of exploratory laparotomy (EL) as a second hit on mice after hemorrhage and resuscitation (H/R). Our hypothesis was that mice exposed to prior H/R would demonstrate more evidence of acute lung injury (ALI), as well as an augmented cytokine response, than mice exposed to H/R or EL alone. Methods: Three groups of mice were examined. Mice undergoing H/R alone were labeled as the H/R group. Mice undergoing sham H/R (cannulation but no hemorrhage), followed 5 days later by EL, were labeled as the EL group; and mice undergoing H/R, followed 5 days later by an EL, were labeled as the H/R + EL, or two-hit, group. Respiratory function was determined by using whole-body plethysmography and lung gas diffusion. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) were assayed at 1 and 4 hours after the injury stimuli. Results: Evaluation of the change in pulmonary function after 24 hours demonstrated that EL alone induces a significant decrease in pulmonary function, whereas two-hit mice did not exhibit a potentiated response. Alveolar function was significantly degraded in the EL group compared with all other groups (p < 0.0001). TNF-a did not change after any injury at any time. However, evaluation of IL-6 levels demonstrated a substantial increase after H/R, EL, and H/R + EL compared with baseline and at 1 hour. Comparison of the three groups at 4 hours did not demonstrate any differences in serum concentrations of IL-6. Histologic evaluation lungs demonstrated that the most severe lung injury was seen in the EL mice. Conclusion: It would appear that serum TNF-a has little impact on the pathogenesis of ALI after EL, whereas serum IL-6 may be more important. Exploratory laparotomy resulted in a significant change in pulmonary function. Contrary to our initial hypothesis, two-hit mice did not demonstrate more evidence of ALI and, in fact, demonstrated less lung injury than EL mice.
Vertically nested nonhydrostatic model for multiscale resolution of flows in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere

Vertical nesting with refined gridding in coupled mesoscale weather research and forecasting (WRF)/microscale models are presented with a particular emphasis on improved vertical resolution in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS). The finest mesoscale nest is coupled with a sequence of microscale nests with finer resolution in both the horizontal and the vertical. The fully three-dimensional, compressible nonhydrostatic Navier-Stokes equations are solved using a time-split method with a refined grid in the vertical, and improved resolution in the UTLS region. For nesting, both lateral and vertical boundary conditions are treated via implicit relaxation in buffer zones where all fields are relaxed to those obtained from the finest mesoscale nest. Computational results are presented demonstrating the ability of microscale nests to resolve multiscale physics of strongly nonlinear interactions and laminated structures observed in the Terrain-induced rotor experiment (T-REX) campaign of field measurements. Very high resolution real case nested simulations are conducted. The microscale nests fully resolve localized shear layers and sharp gradients of vertical velocity and potential temperature near the tropopause and in the lower stratosphere.
On high heels and short muscles: A multiscale model for sarcomere loss in the gastrocnemius muscle

High heels are a major source of chronic lower limb pain. Yet, more than one third of all women compromise health for looks and wear high heels on a daily basis. Changing from flat footwear to high heels induces chronic muscle shortening associated with discomfort, fatigue, reduced shock absorption, and increased injury risk. However, the long-term effects of high-heeled footwear on the musculoskeletal kinematics of the lower extremities remain poorly understood. Here we create a multiscale computational model for chronic muscle adaptation to characterize the acute and chronic effects of global muscle shortening on local sarcomere lengths. We perform a case study of a healthy female subject and show that raising the heel by 13 cm shortens the gastrocnemius muscle by 5% while the Achilles tendon remains virtually unaffected. Our computational simulation indicates that muscle shortening displays significant regional variations with extreme values of 22% in the central gastrocnemius. Our model suggests that the muscle gradually adjusts to its new functional length by a chronic loss of sarcomeres in series. Sarcomere loss varies significantly across the muscle with an average loss of 9%, virtually no loss at the proximal and distal ends, and a maximum loss of 39% in the central region. These changes reposition the remaining sarcomeres back into their optimal operating regime. Computational modeling of chronic muscle shortening provides a valuable tool to shape our understanding of the underlying mechanisms of muscle adaptation. Our study could open new avenues in orthopedic surgery and enhance treatment for patients with muscle contracture caused by other conditions than high heel wear such as paralysis, muscular atrophy, and muscular dystrophy.
Voltage steps in the current-induced resistive state of a superconductor

Abstract Regular voltage steps have been observed in microstrips of lead at the onset of the current-induced resistive state. All dimensions of the strips are large compared with the superconducting penetration depth and coherence length.
Early fluid resuscitation improves outcomes in severely burned children.

Abstract Background: Recent evidence suggests that timely fluid resuscitation can significantly reduce multiorgan failure and mortality in thermally injured children. In this study, children who received fluid resuscitation within 2 h of a thermal injury were compared with children in which fluid resuscitation was delayed by 2–12 h. We hypothesized that fluid resuscitation given within 2 h of a thermal injury attenuates renal failure, cardiac arrest, cardiac arrest deaths, incidence of sepsis, and overall mortality. Methods: A retrospective chart review was made on 133 children admitted to our institute from 1982 to 1999 with scald or flame burns covering more than 50% of their body surface area. Comparisons between early ( χ 2 -test with Yates’ continuity correction and joint binomial confidence intervals using the Bonferroni correction. Results: The incidence of sepsis, renal failure, non-survivors with cardiac arrest, and overall mortality was significantly higher in burned children receiving fluid resuscitation that was delayed by 2 h or more compared with those receiving fluid resuscitation within 2 h of thermal injury ( P Conclusions: Data suggest that fluid resuscitation, given within 2 h of a thermal injury, may be one of the most important steps in the prevention of multi-organ failure and mortality.
MR imaging of the fetal brain at 1.5T and 3.0T field strengths: comparing specific absorption rate (SAR) and image quality

Objectives: Our two objectives were to evaluate the feasibility of fetal brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using a fast spin echo sequence at 3.0T field strength with low radio frequency (rf ) energy deposition (as measured by specific absorption rate: SAR) and to compare image quality, tissue contrast and conspicuity between 1.5T and 3.0T MRI. Methods: T2 weighted images of the fetal brain at 1.5T were compared to similar data obtained in the same fetus using a modified sequence at 3.0T. Quantitative whole-body SAR and normalized image signal to noise ratio (SNR), a nominal scoring scheme based evaluation of diagnostic image quality, and tissue contrast and conspicuity for specific anatomical structures in the brain were compared between 1.5T and 3.0T. Results: Twelve pregnant women underwent both 1.5T and 3.0T MRI examinations. The image SNR was significantly higher (P = 0.03) and whole-body SAR was significantly lower (P < 0.0001) for images obtained at 3.0T compared to 1.5T. All cases at both field strengths were scored as having diagnostic image quality. Images from 3.0T MRI (compared to 1.5T) were equal (57%; 21/37) or superior (35%; 13/37) for tissue contrast and equal (61%; 20/33) or superior (33%, 11/33) for conspicuity. Conclusions: It is possible to obtain fetal brain images with higher resolution and better SNR at 3.0T with simultaneous reduction in SAR compared to 1.5T. Images of the fetal brain obtained at 3.0T demonstrated superior tissue contrast and conspicuity compared to 1.5T.
Institutional Capacity And The Resolution Of A Commons Dilemma

This article concerns the dynamic process of resolving a commons dilemma without an externally imposed solution. We focus on two approaches: a model by Lewis and Cowens (1983) that yields a cooperative private arranghent that incorporates voluntarily chosen public institutions as instruments facilitating a resolution of the commons dilemma. The conditions necessary to Lewis and Cowen's result–a Itresolution without institutions–are contrasted with Ilinstitutional capacity” conditions treated as variables that may take on values enhancing the possibility of resolution. This latter approach yields certain advantages: less extreme assumptions, greater descriptive relevance, and the possibility of a variety of actual resolutions. A description of the case of West Basin in Southern California offers an example of the interaction of institutional capacity with participants' actions to produce a successful resolution of a commons dilemma.
Inhibition of experimental oral carcinogenesis by topical beta carotene

beta-Carotene was found to significantly inhibit the formation of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced squamous cell carcinoma of hamster buccal pouch when applied topically on days alternate to the application of 0.25% DMBA in heavy mineral oil thrice weekly for 22 weeks. An initial experiment utilized 40 male young adult Syrian hamsters divided into four equal groups. Group 1 had DMBA applied to left buccal pouches thrice weekly. Group 2 had DMBA applied as in group 1 but also beta-carotene thrice weekly on days alternate to the DMBA application. Group 3 animals were painted with only beta-carotene and group 4 animals were untreated controls. In a second experiment with 80 animals, beta-carotene was found to inhibit oral carcinogenesis in an initiation--promotion hamster buccal pouch system using 0.1% DMBA as initiator and 40% benzoyl peroxide as promoter. beta-Carotene inhibited both initiation and promotion.
Should earthquake mitigation measures be voluntary or required

This paper examines whether or not one should require homeowners to adopt cost-effective loss reduction measures (LRMs) on residential structures in earthquake prone areas. Congress is considering requiring homeowners in earthquake-prone areas to purchase earthquake insurance as a condition for a federally insured mortgage but is still debating what action should be taken regarding mitigation. We show that the incentive to voluntarily adopt LRMs is reduced if homeowners are covered by full insurance rather than being uninsured. This result holds even if individuals have accurate information on the risk and maximize expected utility. The empirical evidence indicates that few homeowners adopt mitigation measures whether they are insured or uninsured. Most individuals do not behave as if they maximize expected utility and instead seem to employ simplified decision rules which suggest that mitigation measures are unnecessary or too costly in relation to the perceived benefits. These findings suggest that it may be necessary to strengthen building codes and/or require the adoption of mitigation measures on existing structures in return for reduced earthquake insurance premiums.
Inhibiting protein-amyloid interactions with small molecules: a surface chemistry approach.

Abstract This paper presents a surface-based approach to inhibit the binding of proteins to Alzheimer’s-related β-amyloid (Aβ) fibrils with small molecules. It reports the idea of using an intracellular, disease-related fibril as a material whose surface can be coated with small molecules. Using an ELISA-based assay, molecular surface coatings with thioflavin T are shown to inhibit 65 ± 10% of the binding of two different anti-Aβ IgGs to Aβ fibrils. A molecular surface coating with 3,6-diamino acridine was able to inhibit 76 ± 10% of the binding of an anti-Aβ IgG to Aβ fibrils. Maximal inhibition of these protein–amyloid interactions appears in the low to mid-micromolar range of small molecule. This demonstration that molecular surface coatings can be used to attenuate the interaction of proteins with these fibrils suggests a potentially new strategy for therapeutics in neurodegenerative amyloid diseases.
Through a glass darkly: salt transport by the distal tubule

The distal convoluted tubule (DCT) plays a central role in blood pressure and potassium homeostasis, as evidenced by diseases that occur when its function is modified. The paper by van der Lubbe and colleagues makes clear that angiotensin II itself increases the activity and abundance of the thiazide-sensitive Na-Cl cotransporter (NCC), independent of changes in circulating aldosterone. This Commentary provides additional perspective on that work.
A convenient and sensitive cytotoxicity assay for macrophage activating factor

A convenient procedure is described for assaying macrophage activating factor (MAF) in lymphokine preparations. This procedure utilizes thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages from C57BL/6J mice as effector cells and [3H]thymidine-labeled L929 target cells. A novel component of the cytotoxicity assay is the inclusion of a 20 min terminal incubation of the cultures with 10 micrograms/ml pancreatic deoxyribonuclease to facilitate the release of radioactivity from killed target cells. This method routinely gives a 10-20-fold greater release of [3H]thymidine from cultures containing MAF than from cultures containing macrophages and target cells alone. Additional advantages of this procedure are that it is relatively rapid, killing can be monitored microscopically, and MAF assays can be performed using macrophage concentrations as low as 1 X 10(5)/cm2, using effector to target cell ratios as low as 1:1, and using lymphokine dilutions of 10(-3) - 10(-4).
Computing Power and Sample Size for Informational Odds Ratio

The informational odds ratio (IOR) measures the post-exposure odds divided by the pre-exposure odds (i.e., information gained after knowing exposure status). A desirable property of an adjusted ratio estimate is collapsibility, wherein the combined crude ratio will not change after adjusting for a variable that is not a confounder. Adjusted traditional odds ratios (TORs) are not collapsible. In contrast, Mantel-Haenszel adjusted IORs, analogous to relative risks (RRs) generally are collapsible. IORs are a useful measure of disease association in case-referent studies, especially when the disease is common in the exposed and/or unexposed groups. This paper outlines how to compute power and sample size in the simple case of unadjusted IORs.
High-throughput identification of promiscuous inhibitors from screening libraries with the use of a thiol-containing fluorescent probe.

Testing small molecules for their ability to modify cysteine residues of proteins in the early stages of drug discovery is expected to accelerate our ability to develop more selective drugs with lesser side effects. In addition, this approach also enables the rapid evaluation of the mode of binding of new drug candidates in respect to thiol-reactivity and metabolism by glutathione. Herein, we describe the development of a fluorescence-based high throughput assay that allows the identification of thiol-reactive compounds. A thiol-containing fluorescent probe MSTI was synthesized and used to evaluate small molecules from the LOPAC collection of bioactive molecules. LOPAC compounds that are known to react with sulfur nucleophiles were identified with this assay, for example, irreversible protease inhibitors, nitric oxide releasing compounds, and proton-pump inhibitors. The results confirm that both electrophilic and redox reactive compounds can be quickly identified in a high throughput manner enabling the assessment of screening libraries in respect to thiol-reactive compounds.
Peroxyl radical mediated oxidative DNA base damage: implications for lipid peroxidation induced mutagenesis.

Endogenous DNA damage induced by lipid peroxidation is believed to play a critical role in carcinogenesis. Lipid peroxidation generates free radical intermediates (primarily peroxyl radicals, ROO•) and electrophilic aldehydes as the principal genotoxicants. Although detailed information is available on the role of aldehyde base adducts in mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, the contribution of peroxyl radical mediated DNA base damage is less well understood. In the present study we have mapped oxidative base damage induced by peroxyl radicals in the supF tRNA gene and correlated this information with peroxidation-induced mutations in several human fibroblast cell lines. Nearly identical patterns of oxidative base damage were obtained from reaction of DNA with either peroxidizing arachidonic acid (20:4ω6) or peroxyl radicals generated by thermolysis of ABIP in the presence of oxygen. Oxidative base damage primarily occurred at G and C. Transversions at GC base pairs in the supF gene were the major base substit...
Methods for the microfabrication of magnesium

The mechanical and electrochemical properties of magnesium are favorable for biomedical and energy storage applications. However, magnesium microfabrication has been limited to sub-micron-thick film technologies (i.e., sputtering or evaporation). This paper presents three magnesium microfabrication approaches for thicknesses greater than 10 μm: 1) laser-cutting and 2) chemical etching of 70-μm-thick commercial magnesium foil; and 3) through-mold electroplating of magnesium from non-aqueous solution. The fabrication technologies are compared on minimum feature size, morphology, uniformity, composition and electrical resistivity. Preliminary results confirmed that the 50-μm-thick electroplated material composition compared favorably with commercial magnesium foil. The measured electrical resistivities of commercial and electrodeposited magnesium were 5.3 μΩ·cm and 8.7 μΩ·cm, respectively. Thick magnesium microstructures can be fabricated through several means to serve a broad range of MEMS-based applications.
"Bessie Done Cut Her Old Man": Race, Common-Law Marriage, and Homicide in New Orleans, 1925-1945

This essay examines domestic homicide in early twentieth-century New Orleans. African-American residents killed their domestic partners at eight times the rate of white New Orleanians, and these homicides were most often committed by women, who killed their partners at fifteen times the rate of white women. Common-law marriages proved to be especially violent among African-American residents. Based on nearly two hundred cases identified in police records and other sources as partner killings between 1925 and 1945, this analysis compares lethal violence in legal marriages and in common-law unions. It also explores the social and institutional forces that buffeted common-law marriages, making this the most violent domestic arrangement and contributing to the remarkably high rate of spousal homicide by African-American women in early twentieth-century New Orleans.
Effect of age, gender, and platelet count on Sonoclot coagulation analysis in patients undergoing orthopedic operations.

Objective To assess the relationship between Sonoclot coagulation variables and age, gender, or platelet count in surgical patients without coagulation disorders. Material and Methods This study included 136 patients undergoing orthopedic surgical procedures under spinal or epidural anesthesia. Whole blood was withdrawn preoperatively from each patient, and a Sonoclot analysis was performed within 2 minutes after the sample was obtained. The Sonoclot results were considered investigational and not used in the perioperative management of the patients. Variables from the Sonoclot graphs were analyzed statistically to determine any associations with age, gender, or platelet count. Results The Sonoclot baseline height was decreased in patients with lower hemoglobin levels, older age, and female gender. The upward slope from baseline to inflection (R 1 ) was increased in female patients and older patients. In comparison with patients who had lower platelet counts, patients with higher platelet counts exhibited a shorter time to inflection, increased upward slope from inflection to peak (R 2 ), shorter time to peak, increased downward slope from peak to plateau (R 3 ), decreased time to plateau, and lower plateau height (P≤0.01) for all relationships). Conclusion Sonoclot coagulation analysis reliably evaluates platelet count as an indicator of platelet function. Controlled studies are needed to examine the clinical usefulness of Sonoclot coagulation analysis in the diagnosis and treatment of perioperative coagulopathies and hemorrhagic complications.
Event Based Methodology for SuperMedia Enhanced Teleoperation

SuperMedia provides human operators rich environmental information, thus providing telepresence and enhances efficiency of operation. However, coupling human with the remote environment via SuperMedia over the Internet poses challenges for the design of bilateral teleoperator. These challenges relate to the issues of stability, transparency and synchronization. This paper explores a novel methodology to deal with these difficulties. The method proposed is quite different from traditional methodologies. Instead of using time as motion reference for the control and sensor signals, the method, called event based methodology choose another motion reference which can efficiently carry the sensory information of teleoperator. This method can guarantee the stability of teleoperator without any knowledge of delay since the signals are all referenced with the one which is different from time. Furthermore, stability of the system is independent on the dynamic model of human operator and environment. In this paper, analysis and design of event based methodology for the SuperMedia enhanced Internet-based teleoperation are described. Stability of teleoperator system is proved and stability conditions are also given. The algorithm is verified by a simulation and results demonstrate the effectiveness of this methodology.
The Great Depression: Delayed Recovery and Economic Change in America, 1929–1939

List of tables List of figures Editors' preface Preface Introduction: the puzzle of the 1930s 1. Long-term economic growth and the problem of recovery in the United States, 1929-39 2. The transformation of American industry in the interwar period 3. A reassessment of investment failure in the interwar economy 4. Technical change during the interwar years 5. The effective demand problem of the interwar period I: cyclical and structural unemployment 6. The effective demand problem of the interwar period II: cyclical and secular changes in final demand 7. New deal economic policy and the problem of recovery 8. Contemporary economic problems in historical perspective Bibliography Index.
Combinatorial FSK modulation for power-efficient high-rate communications

Deep-space and satellite communications systems must be capable of conveying high-rate data accurately with low transmitter power, often through dispersive channels. A class of noncoherent Combinatorial Frequency Shift Keying (CFSK) modulation schemes is investigated which address these needs. The bit error rate performance of this class of modulation formats is analyzed and compared to the more traditional modulation types. Candidate modulator, demodulator, and digital signal processing (DSP) hardware structures are examined in detail. System-level issues are also discussed.
Experimental results on atmospheric neutrinos

Atmospheric neutrinos arise from the decay of mesons produced by the interactions of high energy cosmic rays with nuclei in the Earth9s atmosphere. Studies of the interactions of these neutrinos are sensitive to the fundamental properties of neutrinos such as neutrino mass and neutrino flavour mixing. Because the energies of these neutrinos range from less than 1 GeV to more than 10 TeV, and because the distances from the production site to the detector range from 10 to 10000 km, the range of neutrino mass differences sampled is large and extends to lower values than is presently accessible to accelerator experiments. This paper summarizes the status of experimental results on atmospheric neutrinos and the possible interpretations of these results.
Rat teratology study of orally administered tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate.

Abstract A study was undertaken to determine the teratogenic potential of tris-(2,3-dibromopropyl) phosphate (TRIS), the flame retardant formerly used in clothing. TRIS, in undiluted propylene glycol, was orally intubated into pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats on days 6–15 of gestation at a level of 0, 5, 25 or 125 mg/kg/day. A group of untreated females served as a negative control group. Weight gain during gestation was significantly decreased in the animals treated with 125 mg/kg/day, but no other compound-related toxic or teratogenic effects were observed.
Vaginal sacrospinous fixation: experience in a district general hospital

This is an observational retrospective study, which included 77 patients who underwent sacrospinous fixation (SSF) over a period of 3 years in a district general hospital. Casenotes were reviewed and all patients were invited to attend a further review appointment (14-49 months). The object was to determine short- and long-term success of SSF, particularly in elderly (28% were S 70 years), obese (24·7%) and medically compromised (64·9%) patients. Fifty-two patients (67·5%) had previous gynaecological procedures, while the remaining 25 (32·5%) had no previous surgery. Intra- and postoperative complications were 3·9% and 32·5%, respectively. There was considerable relief of patients' symptoms at both short- and long-term follow-up, while the rate of recurrence of vault prolapse was 10·3%. Our experience suggests that SSF appears to be a safe and effective procedure, especially for those who may constitute surgical or anaesthetic risks. It has a reasonable success rate, good postoperative recovery and accept...
Neutron Activation Analysis of Microgram Samples of Sasanian Coins and Metallic Art

Neutron activation analysis of microgram metal-rubbing samples from over 2,000 Sasanian (Persia: 224-651 AD) silver coins and a few hundred art objects allow grouping the data in terms of the gold-impurity levels. About 1,000 of the silver coins were from the reign of Khusrau ∥ (591-628 AD) and represent various mints and dates. For the early coins, mg gold/100 silver values of less than 0.3 are associated with relatively modern fakes. The authentic coins and authentic silver Sasanian art almost always have values in the range of 0.3-1.0. Questionable ‘Sasanian’ art objects in private collections usually have goldimpurity levels of less than 0.3.
Patent ductus arteriosus with pulmonary hypertension simulating ventricular septal defect; diagnostic criteria in ten surgically proven cases.

The classic findings of a patent ductus arteriosus in a young individual are familiar to most physicians. However, it has been appreciated that several factors, principally pulmonary hypertension or pulmonary artery dilatation in the absence of appreciable hypertension, may significantly alter the classic image and lead to the erroneous diagnosis of ventricular septal defect. In 10 surgically proved cases a patent ductus arteriosus was the sole malformation and so closely simulated a septal defect that extracorporeal circulation was initially considered for each of the patients. Division of the ductus resulted in a complete cure in all 10 patients. Those findings of value in differential diagnosis are analyzed.
Altered order of substrate binding by DNA polymerase X from African Swine Fever virus.

A sequential ordered substrate binding established previously for several DNA polymerases is generally extended to all DNA polymerases, and the characterization of novel polymerases is often based on the assumption that the enzymes should productively bind DNA substrate first, followed by template-directed dNTP binding. The comprehensive kinetic study of DNA polymerase X (Pol X) from African swine fever virus reported here is the first analysis of the substrate binding order performed for a low-fidelity DNA polymerase. A classical steady-state kinetic approach using substrate analogue inhibition assays demonstrates that Pol X does not follow the bi-bi ordered mechanism established for other DNA polymerases. Further, using isotope-trapping experiments and stopped-flow fluorescence assays, we show that Pol X can bind Mg2+·dNTPs in a productive manner in the absence of DNA substrate. We also show that DNA binding to Pol X, although rapid, may not always be productive. Furthermore, we show that binding of Mg2...