cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
One Cheer for Hobby Lobby: Improbable Alternatives, Truly Strict Scrutiny, and Third-Party Employee Burdens

In Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. (2014), a five-Justice majority held that the so-called “contraception mandate” of the Affordable Care Act failed to satisfy the strict scrutiny that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act requires of federal laws that burden religious exercise. It reasoned that the government could advance compelling interests in improving women’s health and reducing gender disparities in healthcare without burdening for-profit religious liberty, by extending to closely held for-profit corporations a regulatory accommodation originally restricted to religious nonprofit businesses.One dimension of the many legal challenges to the mandate is how RFRA’s strict-scrutiny test should be understood and applied to claims for the exemption right it created. Hobby Lobby posed three questions in this regard: (1) When a court applies strict scrutiny under RFRA, must it find that a proposed alternative to religiously burdensome government action is financially, politically, or otherwise viable before it can count as an “available” less-restrictive means of accomplishing the government’s goals?(2) Is the strict scrutiny required by RFRA the deferential test of pre-Smith free-exercise doctrine, or the stringent test used in free speech, due process, and equal protection cases?(3) Does the need to avoid material burdens on those who don’t believe or adhere to the exempted religious practice constitute a justification for denying exemptions that satisfies strict scrutiny under RFRA?This Article is organized around the ironic answers to these questions put forward by Hobby Lobby’s counsel at oral argument. Part 1 shows that after Hobby Lobby, the government’s proof that it used the “least restrictive means” may be refuted by mere suggestion of a less-restrictive alternative that is not likely to be implemented or is otherwise not viable. Part 2 shows that in construing the strict scrutiny required by RFRA, the majority rejected the modest, even-handed balancing of the pre-Smith free exercise cases in favor of the robust and genuinely searching standard of review used in free speech, due process, and equal protection doctrine, and sketches the threatening implications of this move for the mandate and other important workplace laws. Finally, Part 3 argues that while four Justices in Hobby Lobby would apparently allow religious exemptions to burden nonbeneficiary employees in most instances, five Justices recognized that avoiding such burdens is a sufficient justification for refusing exemptions, even under RFRA strict scrutiny.The Article concludes that avoiding material burdens on third party employees marks a necessary and desirable boundary to the unlimited right to religious exemption that otherwise would have emerged from Hobby Lobby’s determinations that “less restrictive alternatives” need not be practically available and “strict scrutiny” under RFRA is the same searching review that usually ends in invalidation of laws in other constitutional contexts.
Infectivity of RNA from Inactivated Poliovirus

During inactivation of poliovirus type 1 (PV-1) by exposure to UV, hypochlorite, and heat (72°C), the infectivity of the virus was compared with that of its RNA. DEAE-dextran (1-mg/ml concentration in Dulbecco's modified Eagle medium buffered with 0.05 M Tris, pH 7.4) was used to facilitate transfecting PV-1 RNA into FRhK-4 host cells. After interaction of PV-1 RNA with cell monolayer at room temperature (21 to 22°C) for 20 min, the monolayers were washed with 5 ml of Hanks balanced salt solution. The remainder of the procedure was the same as that for the conventional plaque technique, which was also used for quantifying the PV-1 whole-particle infectivity. Plaque formation by extracted RNA was approximately 100,000-fold less efficient than that by whole virions. The slopes of best-fit regression lines of inactivation curves for virion infectivity and RNA infectivity were compared to determine the target of inactivation. For UV and hypochlorite inactivation the slopes of inactivation curves of virion infectivity and RNA infectivity were not statistically different. However, the difference of slopes of inactivation curves of virion infectivity and RNA infectivity was statistically significant for thermal inactivation. The results of these experiments indicate that viral RNA is a primary target of UV and hypochlorite inactivations but that the sole target of thermal inactivation is the viral capsid.
Quick Reference Guide for Clinicians: Managing Otitis Media With Effusion in Young Children: A Commentary

In promoting the publication of guidelines for the treatment of otitis media, the Agency for Health Care Policy and Research (Rockville, Md) has attempted to provide an orderly approach for clinicians to treat this most common of childhood illnesses. For this, the Agency is to be congratulated. A highly responsible panel representing a broad cross-sectional view point was used in this most difficult task.
Simulation of sediment motions using a discrete particle model in the inner surf and swash-zones

Abstract A volume-of-fluid Navier–Stokes solver (RIPPLE) was used to simulate inner surf and swash zone flow with a 3 s wave period and wave height of 0.14 m on a planar, 1:10 sloping beach (Iribarren number of 1.0). In addition to other hydrodynamic information, RIPPLE was used to provide high-resolution predictions of the pressure gradient and fluid velocity in the horizontal and vertical dimensions that served as forcing to a discrete particle model (DPM). Sediment transport processes in the inner surf and swash zones were simulated for a thin veneer of sediment particles over a 5 m test section in the DPM. Coupling between RIPPLE and the DPM was one-way such that particle–particle and fluid–particle interactions in the DPM did not provide feedback to alter the flow predicted by RIPPLE. The numerical simulation showed strong sediment suspension localized under vortices that reach the bed. Interestingly, the bulk of the sediment located in the small-scale vortex originated from locations nearly 0.2 m landward. These findings suggest that (1) sediment motion for a single swash event can be significant, (2) that sediment measured in suspension likely originates from locations other than the bed directly below the suspension plume suggesting the importance of sediment advection and (3) that sparse cross-shore measurements in the field will only sporadically capture localized suspension events.
The Determination of Cytochrome P450 2E1-Dependentp-Nitrophenol Hydroxylation by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with Electrochemical Detection

A highly sensitive, simple assay for the determination of 4-nitrocatechol formed during the P450-dependent hydroxylation ofp-nitrophenol has been developed. The assay utilizes high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection. The procedure consists of enzymatic reaction, quenching with trifluoroacetic acid, precipitation of the protein by centrifugation, and direct injection of supernatant aliquots for analysis on a reverse-phase C18 column. The electrochemical detection makes it possible to detect 0.5 pmol of 4-nitrocatechol injected, 30 times less than previously reported for an ultraviolet detector. The detector response was linear with time and with protein content, down to as little as 1.0 μg of microsomal protein. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated with hepatic microsomal as well as S-9 fractions from both ethanol-treated and control rats, and the dependency of the reaction on cytochrome P450 2E1 activity was proven by immunoinhibition experiments.
Episode-based payment: evaluating the impact on chronic conditions.

BACKGROUND Policy makers are interested in aggregating fee-for-service reimbursement into episode-based bundle payments, hoping it will lead to greater efficiency in the provision of care. The focus of bundled payment initiatives has been upon surgical or discrete procedures. Relatively little is known about calculating and implementing episode-based payments for chronic conditions. OBJECTIVE Compare the differences in two different episode-creation algorithms for two common chronic conditions: diabetes and coronary artery disease (CAD). STUDY DESIGN We conducted a retrospective evaluation using enrollees with continuous coverage in a self-funded plan from 2003 to 2006, meeting Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) criteria for diabetes or CAD. For each condition, an annual episode-based payment was assessed using two algorithms: Episode Treatment Groups (ETGs) and the Prometheus model. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We began with 1,580 diabetes patients with a 4-year total payment mean of $67,280. ETGs identified 1,447 (92%) as having diabetes with 4-year episode-based mean payments of $12,731; while the Prometheus model identified 1,512 (96%) as having diabetes, but included only 1,195 of them in the Prometheus model with mean diabetes payments of $23,250. Beginning with 1,644 CAD patients with a 4-year total payment mean of $65,661, ETGs identified 983 patients (60%) with a 4-year episode-based mean of $24,362. The Prometheus model identified 1,135 (69%) as CAD patients with 948 CAD patients having a mean of $26,536. CONCLUSIONS The two episode-based methods identify different patients with these two chronic conditions. In addition, there are significant differences in the episode-based payment estimates for diabetes, but similar estimates for CAD. Implementing episode-based payments for chronic conditions is challenging, and thoughtful discussions are needed to determine appropriate payments.
Alcohol consumption and mammographic density in a multiethnic population

This report examined the association between alcohol intake and breast cancer risk as assessed by mammographic densities in a multiethnic population. Information for this analysis was available from 2 previous investigations: a nutritional intervention study (The Breast, Estrogens, and Nutrition Study; BEAN) with 217 premenopausal women and a nested case-control study within The Multiethnic Cohort (MEC) with 1,250 primarily postmenopausal women. On the basis of self-reported alcohol intake from a validated food frequency questionnaire, women were categorized into abstainers (<1 drink/month), low (<1 drink/day) and high (1 drink/day) alcohol consumers. On average, 3 mammograms were available per woman. Using mixed models, we calculated mean percent densities for each alcohol consumption category while adjusting for covariates. Mean alcohol intakes for women in the BEAN study and for cases and controls in the MEC study were 2.0, 2.7 and 1.8 drinks/week, respectively. Overall, the difference in densities between abstainers and the highest alcohol intake category was only 1–2% and the differences were not statistically significant. However, the difference was 3–5% for women aged 55– 65 years and for breast cancer cases. In postmenopausal women without hormone replacement therapy (HRT), breast density increased by 2% for each higher alcohol intake category. Breast densities were also elevated for high alcohol consumers on estrogen-only therapy as compared to abstainers and low consumers, whereas combined HRT use was associated with higher mammographic densities independent of alcohol use. In conclusion, despite the low alcohol intake in our population, alcohol consumers had higher percent breast densities than did abstainers. The larger difference in some subgroups suggests that women with certain characteristics may be more susceptible to the influence of alcohol on breast density than others. ' 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
MSH stimulates adenylate cyclase and tyrosinase in cultivated melanoma cells in the presence of cytochalasin B

Abstract MSH and cholera toxin increase intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP) and tyrosinase activity in cultivated mouse melanoma cells in the presence of cytochalasin B (CB) at a concentration sufficient to prevent pinocytosis and cytokinesis. The data suggest that MSH and cholera toxin exert their effects without entering the cell.
Immanence and Creation

This essay investigates the claim, advanced by a number of contributors to Theology and the Political, that the potential for political transformation requires an analogical ontology. I argue that this is not the case, and that an ontology of immanence, as found primarily in the work of Gilles Deleuze, provides an alternative and superior paradigm for political transformation. This argument is advanced by examining the manner in which immanence enables a novel approach to creation. Such immanent creation is distinct in that it departs from analogy's dependence on the transcendent as well as from capitalism's dependence on communication.
Lysolecithin-induced Ca2+ uptake by pigeon red cells

Abstract Lysolecithin (LPC) induced a rapid but transitory increase in 45 Ca 2+ influx, and an abrupt 45 Ca 2+ net uptake by pigeon red cells. The effect on uptake was seen with doses of added lysolecithin calculated to be 2.1–8.4% of the cytoplasmic membrane phospholipid, well within the reported physiological range of 1–9%. Lysolecithin effects were not due to prelytic membrane changes nor action as a platelet activating factor agonist. Changes in the amino acids in the medium mimicking human homocysteinuria, an atherosclerosis risk factor, increased the lysolecithin effect. The findings are consistent with a role for lysolecithin in atherosclerosis.
Long-term monitoring strategy for concrete-based structures using nonlinear Kalman filtering

Kalman filtering is introduced as a rational means for developing a monitoring strategy for concrete structures. The mathematics and utility of linear Kalman filters are presented briefly, and the use of linear filters is demonstrated for Fickian diffusion. The nonlinear extended Kalman filter is introduced and its utility in estimating a transport parameter is demonstrated. The concrete service life computer program 4SIGHT is introduced briefly and combined with nonlinear filtering to refine the transport coefficient from a laboratory diffusion experiment. A fictitious monitoring strategy is presented that uses Kalman filtering to both refine estimates and extend the time between monitoring intervals. The advantages of using Kalman filtering, along with the remaining technical difficulties, are discussed.
Synthetic inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase

Abstract Several new series of very potent, selective inhibitors of human neutrophil elastase (HNE), an enzyme implicated as a pathogenic agent in pulmonary emphysema, have recently been reported. Diane Amy Trainor discusses the preliminary pharmacological evaluation of several of these new compounds in animal models of lung injury, which indicates that they have the necessary profile to properly evaluate the protease-anti-protease hypothesis of emphysema in the clinic.
The effect of translational energy on collision-induced dissociation of highly excited NO2 on MgO(100)

Abstract Collision-induced dissociation of highly excited NO 2 (i.e., mixed 2 B 2 / 2 A 1 molecular eigenstates just below D 0 ) impinging on MgO(100) surfaces has been studied as a function of NO 2 internal excitation at an incident translational energy of 4400 cm −1 by using state-selective NO detection. NO internal energy distributions as well as the average energy transferred per activating collision have been obtained. The results, in particular the NO [ 2 Π 1/2 ]/[ 2 Π 3/2 ] population ratios, indicate the presence of exit-channel interactions with the surface that are dependent on collision energy.
Real-time holonic scheduling of material handling operations in a dynamic manufacturing environment

Abstract In a real-world manufacturing environment, finding the right sequences and associated schedules with resource, precedence, and timing constraints is a difficult task. Moreover, a decision time period of hours or even minutes is simply too long. Good solutions are often needed in real time. One approach to overcome the limitations of classical scheduling is the use of distributed schemes such as agent or holonic-based control architectures. This paper presents a solution for scheduling material handling devices in the cellular manufacturing environment using the holonic control approach. In holonic systems, under real-time constraints, a feasible schedule for the material handling devices emerges from the combination of individual material handling holons’ schedules. Internal evaluation and allocation algorithms and specific cooperation mechanisms between the holons in the architecture are the basis for the resultant emergent schedules. These evaluation algorithms are developed using several scenarios that take into account uncertainties that usually exist in a dynamic manufacturing environment, such as new orders entering into the system. The study results obtained show that the holonic system is capable of accommodating new arriving jobs and delivers good solutions in real time.
Detection and switching of the oxidation state of Fe in a self-assembled monolayer

Abstract A self-assembled monolayer of ferrocene-capped alkanethiols is produced in two stable oxidation states of Fe (Fe2+ and Fe3+). These oxidation states are detected with sub-monolayer sensitivity by the fine structure of the Fe2p absorption edge. The native Fe2+ ferrocene layer is converted chemically to Fe3+, and the Fe3+ layer can be transformed back to Fe2+ or possibly Fe0 by irradiation with soft X-rays. The results have implications on switching mechanisms in molecular electronics.
Superconductivity in Tin-Bismuth and Tin-Antimony Alloys

The Meissner effect in a series of spherically shaped solid solution alloys of tin with bismuth and antimony has been investigated. Magnetization curves have been obtained as a function of temperature and composition, from which critical field curves and transition temperatures have been derived. Increasing breadth of the magnetization curves and frozen in moment have been observed with increasing solute concentration. Thermodynamic analysis of the critical field data has shown an interesting variation of the electronic specific heat coefficient $\ensuremath{\gamma}$ with solute concentration, which has been interpreted in terms of the overlapping band structure of tin.
Spherulitic crystallization behavior of a metallic glass at high heating rates

Abstract Understanding crystallization in metallic glasses is an important consideration in the development of processing and manufacturing techniques which will utilize these unique alloys to full advantage. In the present work, the crystalline morphology and crystallization mechanisms of a Zr58.5Cu15.6Ni12.8Al10.3Nb2.8 metallic glass are examined at heating rates spanning 4 orders of magnitude. In contrast to the multi-phase nanocrystalline structure formed at low heating rates, high heating rates (>2.5 K/s) result in the formation of a non-equilibrium crystalline phase with spherulitic microstructure and uniform composition. Heating rates as fast as 103 K/s are found to be insufficient to avoid the formation of spherulites. The microstructure suggests that rapid heating suppresses phase separation and nucleation processes at the initial stage of crystallization, resulting in a growth-dominated crystallization behavior. The activation energy for spherulite formation is found to be less than that for nanocrystallization, which is attributed to the lack of phase separation and nucleation steps. Calculation of the Avrami exponent also indicates that spherulites form via the growth of quenched-in nuclei. The number density of quenched-in nuclei is estimated to be 1014 m−3.
An EPR study of optical absorption of the oxygen-vacancy pair in electron-irradiated silicon

Abstract The negative charge state of the vacancy-oxygen pair (Si-B1) in irradiated silicon was populated by illumination with polarized light, from which the direction of the electric dipole moment was determined to be near 〈110〉 perpendicular to the (Si-O-Si) bond axis. Energy dependence of the alignment suggests the presence of an optical absorption band at λ = 1.30 μm.
Nonadiabatically tapered waveguides

Tapered multicore couplers have been developed utilizing controlled coupling between adjacent fiber cores,1 and tapered single-core waveguides are being considered for use as beam expanders. In beam expanders, nonadiabatic mode coupling has generally been avoided as a possible source of loss.2 Previous work in this area has focused on attempts to decrease the mode coupling via changes in the taper shape3; little significant improvement can be obtained over the behavior of a simple smooth curve. More recently, it has been shown that nonadiabatic effects are useful in the fabrication of blocking filters.4 In the work reported here, we studied the behavior of nonadiabatic mode coupling in multi-index tapered waveguide structures.
Pharmacogenetics: the outlook for genetic testing in statin therapy

Why do some patients require an altered statin dose to achieve target cholesterol levels? In this month's Viewpoint article, understanding the genetic factors involved in statin therapy, and whether they could be used to limit the variation in patient response is discussed by Daniel Chasman and Paul Ridker.
A qualitative analysis for the facilitation of innovative problem completion amongst dyads of engineering students

The rapidly changing environments of today's dynamic world demand effective problem solving. This is especially vital for people in the fields of math and science, because of rapid changes in technology and computing power. Much of the work in problem solving occurs in dyads, where two individuals come together to share information and tasks; but working through problems as a dyad can lead to conflict because of communication inefficiencies or lack of common understanding. This research tests the usage of an automated Virtual Facilitator to monitor dyads as they work to solve a problem via a synchronized text discussion. The Virtual Facilitator has been calibrated, via text matching and Boolean logic, to offer interventions based on the work of Chris Argyris, an academically distinguished facilitator and researcher in organizational learning. His interventions work to build mutual understanding and increase understanding between group members. The Virtual Facilitator was tested using 56 math and science students at a Midwestern university. The students worked through the “Candle Problem” which required them to consider alternate uses for three common household items that would lead to the correct solution.
Immune-inflammatory mechanisms in IFNγ-mediated anti-tumor activity

IFNgamma is a functionally pleiotropic cytokine which shows considerable potency in promoting anti-tumor functions in vivo. Despite limited efficacy when delivered systemically either to experimental animals or patients, IFNgamma appears to play an important and perhaps critical role in directing the development of immune-mediated tumor destruction when expressed within the tumor bed. This has been demonstrated both by use of tumor cells transduced to express IFNgamma and by the use of IL-12 which is able, at least is murine models, to promote an IFNgamma-dependent, T cell mediated anti-tumor response. Recent studies indicate that the therapeutic efficacy of IFNgamma in tumor models depends critically upon the ability of the tumor cells themselves to respond to IFNgamma. Though IFNgamma is able to induce anti-viral activity and has direct anti-proliferative effects on some tumor cell lines, immunomodulatory function also appears to be an important component of its anti-tumor action. This is mediated through the action of several different classes of IFNgamma-inducible gene expression which control antigen processing and presentation, leukocyte trafficking, and indirect tumor cytotoxicity.
Requirement for ribonucleic acid synthesis for deoxyribonucleic acid replication in bacteria.

Requirement for Ribonucleic Acid Synthesis for Deoxyribonucleic Acid Replication in Bacteria
Family history of convulsions and use of pertussis vaccine

To evaluate the risk of neurologic events after vaccination with diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (DTP) vaccine, we used data from the Centers for Disease Control Monitoring System for Adverse Events Following Immunization to compare the family history of convulsions in persons reporting neurologic events with that in persons reporting nonneurologic events; these events have an onset within 3 days of immunization with DTP vaccine, given either alone or with oral pollovirus vaccine. Persons reporting neurologic events were 6.4 times more likely to report a prior personal history of convulsions than those reporting nonneurologic events (95% confidence interval 4.7 to 8.8), and were 2.4 times more likely to report a history of convulsions in first-degree family members, that is, siblings or parents (95% confidence interval 1.7 to 3.4). Similar risks were noted for subgroup analyses controlling for type of event (febrile vs nonfebrile convulsion), age at immunization, source of report, number of previous doses of DTP vaccine, and day of onset. Because the Centers for Disease Control monitoring system receives reports on a nonrandom sample of all adverse events after immunization, selection bias could not be ruled out. On the basis of these data, we conclude that children with a family history of seizures are at increased risk of neurologic events, primarily febrile convulsions, after DTP vaccination. However, this increase in risk may reflect a nonspecific familial tendency for convulsions rather than a specific vaccine effect. Considering the rare occurrence of neurologic events after DTP vaccination, the generally benign outcome of febrile convulsions (which make up the majority of these neurologic events), and the possible increased risk of pertussis in the general population if the estimated 5% to 7% of persons with a first-degree family history of convulsions were exempted from pertussis vaccination, we further conclude that a history of convulsions in siblings or parents should not be a contraindication to pertussis vaccination. Special care in the prevention of postvaccination fever may be warranted in children with a family history of seizures.
Power and Sample Size Determination When the Alternative Hypotheses are Given in Quantiles

Abstract The power of normal-theory tests about means depends on a noncentrality parameter which is a function of the unknown parameter σ. In order to calculate power and to solve sample-size problems based on power, differences between hypothesized and alternative values of the means are frequently selected as a multiple of σ, a choice which eliminates σ from the noncentrality parameter and permits a solution. Perhaps a more natural (but equivalent) way to express alternatives is to give one or more means as the quantile of order p (say Qp ) of a distribution with another mean. As we will demonstrate, this kind of alternative also eliminates σ from the problem.
Evidence of a time constant associated with movement patterns in six mammalian species

Abstract Human psychophysical studies have provided evidence of a short duration time constant associated with perceptual tasks. This time constant is approximately 3 s in duration, and evidence suggests that it represents a central neural mechanism that functions to integrate “successive events into a Gestalt” in order to create a “subjective present.” Recent studies have found a 3 s time constant in human and chimpanzee movement patterns, suggesting that a similar mechanism subserves both human perceptual and primate motor skills. These studies have focused exclusively on humans and chimpanzees; therefore, it is unclear whether this time constant represents a characteristic derived in the primate order or an ancestral characteristic found in many different mammalian orders. The current study looked for evidence of a 3 s time constant associated with movement patterns in six mammalian species representing three non-primate orders. The results showed that all six species' movement pattern event durations averaged about 3 s, and that there were no significant differences in the mean event durations among the species. Thus, the 3 s time constant originally found in human perceptual and primate motor skills is common among many mammalian orders and probably represents the operation of an ancestral neural mechanism.
Basic Approaches to Separation: Steady-State Zones and Layers

Abstract The physical and mathematical basis of steady-state zones in chemical separation systems is outlined. With certain assumptions, the general equation for steady-state concentration profiles can be reduced to a single explicit expression of wide applicability. This expression is then used to describe zones and layers in ten different separation techniques divided into three classes of separation systems: (a) isoelectric focusing, isopycnic sedimentation, elutriation (steady-state zones in free space); (b) field-flow fractionation, equilibrium sedimentation, thermogravitational columns (solute layers formed at impermeable barriers); (c) ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, pressure dialysis, zone melting (solute layers formed by influx to a semipermeable barrier). The zones in Class (a) are all found to be Gaussian while those in (b) and (c) are exponential. In all cases, zone dimensions are related to underlying transport parameters, and common features of the different methods are pointed out.
Rate-Limited Sorption and Desorption of 1,2-Dichlorobenzene to a Natural Sand Soil Column

The rate of sorption of 1,2-dichlorobenzene (DCB) onto a natural sandy soil in water-saturated soil columns was measured. Desorption rates were also measured after allowing the solute-sorbent system to equilibrate during a no-flow period, ranging from 3 to 49 d. Two-site equilibrium/kinetic and Γ-distributed rate sorption models were then used to determine a single set of sorption parameters that could describe both the uptake and desorption of 1,2-DCB from these columns. Ninety-five percent confidence regions for the mass transfer rates and the two-site parameters were generated. Both the Γ-distribution model and the two-site model could describe uptake and desorption with a single set of parameters, although the Γ-distribution model was better at the 95% confidence level in three of five experiments. There was no statistically significant change in the sorption parameters between 3 and 49 d of no-flow. Allowing the Γ-distributions of rates to differ between uptake and desorption improved the ability to ...
Persistent elevation of urine aquaporin-2 during water loading in a child with nephrogenic syndrome of inappropriate antidiuresis (NSIAD) caused by a R137L mutation in the V2 vasopressin receptor

Nephrogenic Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuresis (NSIAD) is a novel disease caused by a gain-of-function mutation in the V2 vasopressin receptor (V2R), which results in water overload and hyponatremia. We report the effect of water loading in a 3-year old boy with NSIAD, diagnosed in infancy, to assess urine aquaporin-2 (AQP2) excretion as a marker for V2R activation, and to evaluate the progression of the disease since diagnosis. The patient is one of the first known NSIAD patients and the only patient with a R137L mutation. Patient underwent a standard water loading test in which serum and urine sodium and osmolality, serum AVP, and urine AQP2 excretion were measured. The patient was also evaluated for ad lib fluid intake before and after the test. This patient demonstrated persistent inability to excrete free water. Only 39% of the water load (20 ml/kg) was excreted during a 4-hour period (normal ≥ 80-90%). Concurrently, the patient developed hyponatremia and serum hypoosmolality. Serum AVP levels were detectable at baseline and decreased one hour after water loading; however, urine AQP2 levels were elevated and did not suppress normally during the water load. The patient remained eunatremic but relatively hypodipsic during ad lib intake. In conclusion, this is the first demonstration in a patient with NSIAD caused by a R137L mutation in the V2R that urine AQP2 excretion is inappropriately elevated and does not suppress normally with water loading. In addition, this is the first longitudinal report of a pediatric patient with NSIAD diagnosed in infancy who demonstrates the ability to maintain eunatremia during ad lib dietary intake.
Effective diffusivity of lead free solder alloys

Abstract A Monte Carlo simulation based algorithm is developed to compute the effective diffusivity of lead free solder alloys. Simulations are performed to determine the vacancy diffusivity for 95.5Sn–4.0Ag–0.5Cu (SAC405) solder alloy for different paths. Temperature and micro-structural influence on diffusivity are studied. A map of diffusivity versus temperature and average grain size is developed. Significant differences between diffusivity values reported in the literature for the same solder alloy is also discussed.
Perception and representation of medical images

A model for image perception is described in which the percept is first constructed from visual primitives and then deconstructed into diagnostic features that are suitable for symbolic manipulation. The relationship of the model to the psychophysics of medical imaging is discussed in terms of the relationship between image appearance and the observer response. Some methods for modifying the image to aid visual perception are discussed. They include image enhancement, computer image analysis, and feedback assisted visual search. Some of the perceptual aspects of the search component of the detection-location task are described. Finally, the implications of the model are presented for those who would assist image perception or utilize visual feature extraction.
Distortion in several variables

It is shown that Bloch's theorem does not extend to holomorphic maps that carry the bidisk into . even if they are restricted to be univalent. Another example disproves a conjecture that Henri Cartan made about the Jacobians of such maps.
Competencies and firm performance: examining the causal ambiguity paradox

Resource-based theory argues that resources must be valuable, rare, inimitable, and lack substitutes to confer competitive advantage. Inimitability is a lynchpin of resource-based theory and central to understanding the sustainability of competitive advantage. Although scholars recognize a positive relationship between causal ambiguity and inimitability, the relationship among critical resources called competencies, causal ambiguity, and firm performance remains an unresolved conundrum. One perspective suggests that causal ambiguity regarding competencies and performance is necessary among internal and external managers for sustainable competitive advantage because it severely limits imitation. Causal ambiguity, therefore, enhances firm performance. Another view holds that causal ambiguity places a constraint on the transfer and leveraging of these competencies within a firm. In this case, causal ambiguity may adversely influence firm performance. This paper takes a resource-based view to develop and test hypotheses that relate managers' perceptions of causal ambiguity to their firm's performance. The hypotheses examine relationships between firm performance and (1) causal ambiguity regarding the link between competencies and competitive advantage, and (2) causally ambiguous characteristics of competencies. Research involving 224 executives in 17 organizations provides valuable insights into the relationships between causal ambiguity and firm performance. A model is then developed based on these findings. Particular consideration is given to the differing ways top and middle managers in a firm may experience causal ambiguity and to how these differences may be understood and managed. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The preparation and morphology of PPO–epoxy blends

Poly(phenylene oxide) (PPO) was found to be miscible in diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) based epoxy. The PPO–DGEBA system exhibited upper critical solution temperature (UCST) behavior. The cloud point temperatures were measured and found to be sensitive to the mol wt of the epoxy resin. A series of PPO-modified epoxies were cured with piperidine at 160°C, which is above the cloud point temperature. Upon cure, two phase solids were formed, which contained discrete PPO particles. However, the two-phase particulate morphology was not uniform and numerous large, occluded PPO particles were observed. In order to improve the uniformity, several styrene-maleic anhydride copolymers were evaluated as potential surfactants for PPO-DGEBA bends. The formation of a uniform, particulate morphology was facilitated by the addition of a styrene–maleic anhydride copolymer, containing a 10:1 ratio of styrene to maleic anhydride. To our knowledge, this is the first time that an emulsifying agent has been added to improve the morphology of thermoplastic modified epoxies. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
The many persons problem

L'A. souleve un nouveau probleme epistemologique concernant la connaissance de soi et qu'il nomme le probleme de beaucoup de personnes, qui consiste en une reformulation de la question de Descartes qui suis-je? par S. Yablo, dans le sens de l'indiscernabilite de deux choses identiques - ou de plusieurs quasi-personnes- occupant le meme espace et parvenant a l'existence au meme moment t, n'admettant qu'une distinction entre proprietes essentiellles et proprietes accidentelles
Water status of soil and vegetation in a shortgrass steppe.

In an attempt to describe some major relationships between soil and plant compartments in a shortgrass steppe, the process of water loss from the system and plant water relations throughout a drying cycle were studied. The water supply was manipulated and some soil and plant variables monitored throughout a drying cycle. Leaf conductance and leaf water potential of blue grama (Bouteloua gracilis) were measured periodically at predawn and noon. Soil water content and water potential of different layers were also monitored.Three different periods were distinguished in the water loss process throughout a drying cycle. These distinctions were made taking into account the relative contribution of different soil layers. Leaf conductance and water potential at noon slowly declined throughout the first 50 days of plant growth. After that, they rapidly decreased, reaching values of 0.29 mm s-1 and-5.0 MPa, respectively. The predawn leaf water potential remained unchanged around-0.5 MPa during the first 45 days, then rapidly decreased. This occurred when soil water of the wettest soil layer was near depletion.Predawn leaf water potentials were highly correlated with water potentials of the wettest layer. Leaf conductance and water potential at noon were correlated with effective soil water potential (soil water potential weighted by the root distribution in the profile). We concluded that root surface area limited the water flow through an important part of the day in this semiarid ecosystem. Axial root resistance did not appear important in determining the equilibrium status between leaves and the wettest soil layer.
Complications of endovascular grafts in the treatment of pseudoaneurysms and stenoses in arteriovenous access.

Objective Endovascular stent grafts are utilized in the rescue of failing arteriovenous (AV) access. Reports claim the superiority of stent grafts and recommend these as a first-line treatment. We have observed a rise in the number of complications related to stent grafts in our patients. The following study was undertaken to assess the severity of these complications and their effect on access site maintenance. Methods We reviewed all patients who had endovascular stent grafts placed for treatment of failing dialysis access over the last 44 months. A series of 38 consecutively placed stent grafts was reviewed for stent migration, fracture, erosion, hemorrhage, and rupture at the site of the stent grafts. Hospital charts were reviewed to assess for indications, hemodynamic stability, transfusion requirement, and outcome. Results Of 38 stent grafts placed, nine were for pseudoaneurysm (PS), 20 for stenosis (ST), and nine for a combination (PS/ST). The average length of follow-up was 218.6 days. Primary patency was 49%, with an assisted primary patency of 76%. Eleven patients (28.9%) presented with complications related to migration, fracture, erosion, or rupture. Six were in the PS, three in the PS/ST, and two in the ST treatment groups. In all cases, migration or fracture of the stent graft led to recurrent pseudoaneurysm formation or erosion. Rupture occurred after a herald bleed in four cases. Once complication occurred, 10 of the 11 access sites had to be abandoned. Conclusions Significant life-threatening complication can arise when fracture and migration of the stent grafts used for treating AV access occur. Herald bleed with a previously placed stent graft may be a harbinger of future rupture. Complications appear less likely when stent grafts are used to treat stenosis; however, when complications occur, access site salvage is rare. Surgical revision in the case of pseudoaneurysm should be considered for access preservation.
Growth by CVT and characterization of Hg1−xCdxTe Layers

Abstract Single crystalline, n-type layers of Hg 1− x Cd x Te were grown on (100) CdTe substrates employing, for the first time, the chemical vapor transport technique. For this purpose, a well-defined source material and HgI 2 as a transport agent were used in a sigmoidal shaped temperature profile with the source at 590°C and the substrate at 535°C. The surface morphology of the as-grown layers becomes smoother with increasing thickness. The layers are of nearly uniform composition (to depth of about 10–15 μm), and their electrical properties are comparable to reported data.
Mode selection and optimization of parameters for recording high-performance thin-layer chromatograms by transmission measurements

Abstract Optimum conditions to maximize the observed resolution and signal-to-noise ratio of a scanning densitometer for high-performance thin-layer chromatography are described. Transmission measurements are compared in three operating modes; two being pseudo dual-beam methods and the third a dual-wavelength single-beam mode. In all modes resolution is shown to be independent of those parameters which control the dimensions of the measuring beam within their accessible ranges. Signal-to-noise ratios depend on both the operating mode and the dimensions of the measuring beam. In particular, signal shows a marked dependence on the ratio of slit height to spot diameter. Similar values for resolution and better signal-to-noise characteristics may be obtained in the transmission mode compared to reflectance for substances absorbing in the visible range.
Predictions of quark and dual approaches to meson classification

At the six lowest-lying levels, the quark model predicts a sequence $L=0, 1, 2, \dots{}$ of meson states with specific ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}$ coupling to two and three pions. The symmetric-group model gives exactly the coincident prediction for the ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}$ sequence. The Neveu-Schwarz model is missing two states at these levels; the new states, predicted by both dual and quark models, are the ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={0}^{++}$, $^{3}P_{0}$ isoscalar daughter of $f(1250)$, and the ${J}^{\mathrm{PC}}={1}^{+\ensuremath{-}}$, $^{1}P_{1}$ isoscalar partner of $B(1235)$.
Deprotonation of a histidine residue in aqueous solution using constrained ab initio molecular dynamics

The dissociation of a weak acid − a histidine residue − in water was investigated by means of constrained Car−Parrinello ab initio molecular dynamics. Both linear and coordination constraints were employed, and the structural, electronic, and dynamical transformations along the respective reaction coordinates were analyzed. The calculated potentials of mean force for the dissociation of a hydrogen atom from the Ne and Nδ positions of the imidazole ring reveal that protonated forms are ∼9.0−9.5 kcal/mol more stable than the deprotonated. This result seems to agree well with the experimental estimate based on pKa. A possible transition state for the deprotonation has also been identified. Analysis of the electron localization function indicates that the proton transfer along the selected reaction path is not a fully concerted process.
Turbulence-Aberrated Laser Wavefront Profiling With Shack-Hartmann Microlenses

This study focuses on experimental profiling of turbulence-aberrated laser wavefronts using a Shack-Hartmann (S-H) microlens array as a means of investigating the aero-optical effects that large-scale turbulence properties have on propagated laser wavefronts. Imaging of the phase and intensity of laser sheets propagated through separated turbulent compressible shear layers, which cause the laser wavefront to become aberrated, is performed under the following flow conditions; Re ∼ 6×106 based on visual thickness and M∞ ∼ 0.9. The data captured by the S-H sensor enables the direct determination of the laser optical wavefront profile. The optical wavefront profile provides path-integrated information regarding the refractive turbulence field and interfaces. The optical wavefronts are compared with laser induced fluorescence images of the refractive fields and interfaces taken simultaneously which allows for verification of computational methods of analyzing the optical wavefront within the flow. The present work validates the use of laser wavefront profiling as a means for detecting information about the refractive turbulence properties.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Robust Optimal Design of Unstable Valves

This paper is concerned with the application of robust control design concepts for the physical geometric design of electrohydraulic valves. Limitations of solenoid actuators have prevented single stage electrohydraulic valves which are simpler and more cost effective from being utilized in high flow rate and high bandwidth applications. Fluid flow force induced instability has been proposed as a means to alleviate the demand on the solenoid actuators. Previous research has demonstrated that simple changes in the valve geometry can be used to manipulate both the transient flow force as well as the steady flow force for this purpose. This paper considers the dimensional design of such ldquounstablerdquo valves to minimize the net steady flow force. The robust optimal design method, in which the design must be robust to uncertainties such as variations in operating pressure ranges and dynamic viscosity, etc., is proposed. By representing the original problem as a linear fractional transformation interconnection, the robust design problem is formulated into one of synthesizing an optimal controller for an appropriate static plant with a structured uncertainty. An algorithm for solving this design synthesis problem is proposed. A case study is conducted to compare the nominal optimal (without considering uncertainty) and the robust optimal designs. It is shown that viscosity effect is exclusively utilized in the nominal optimal design, whereas both the viscosity effect and the nonorifice flux effect are needed in the robust optimal design. The robust optimal design imposes smaller steady flow force on the spool than the nominal optimal design under perturbed situations. Based on the robust design method, an actual prototype design of the unstable valve has been developed.
Methodological overview of the Parents Matter! Program

We present an overview of the methodology employed in the Parents Matter! Program. Information on the following aspects of the program is presented: participant eligibility and recruitment; consenting procedures and administration of assessments; development and utilization of measures in the assessments; study design; intervention procedures; facilitator characteristics and training; procedures to assess treatment fidelity assessment; and procedures utilized to enhance retention of study participants.