cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on Orthostatic Hypotension: Results from the STURDY Trial.

Background Vitamin D3 supplementation is considered a potential intervention to prevent orthostatic hypotension (OH) based on observational evidence that vitamin D levels are inversely associated with OH. Objectives With data from The Study to Understand Fall Reduction and Vitamin D in You (STURDY), a double-blind, randomized, response-adaptive trial, we determined if higher doses of vitamin D3 reduced risk of OH. Methods STURDY tested the effects of higher (1,000+ IU/day, i.e., 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 IU/day combined) versus lower-dose vitamin D3 (200 IU/day, comparison) on fall risk in adults ages 70 years and older with low serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (10-29 ng/mL). OH was determined at baseline, 3, 12, and 24 months by taking the difference between seated and standing blood pressure (BP). OH was defined as a drop in systolic or diastolic BP of at least 20 or 10 mmHg after 1 minute of standing. Participants were also asked about OH symptoms during the assessment and the preceding month. Results Among 688 participants (mean age 77 [SD, 5] years; 44% women; 18% Black), the mean baseline systolic/diastolic BP was 130 (19)/67 (11) mmHg, serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 22.1 (5.1) ng/mL, and 2.8% had OH. There were 2,136 OH assessments over the maximum 2-year follow-up period. Compared to 200 IU/day, 1,000+ IU/day was not associated with seated, standing, or orthostatic BP, and it did not lower risk of OH or orthostatic symptoms. Conclusions These findings do not support use of higher doses of vitamin D3 supplementation as an intervention to prevent OH.
Human Rights and a Corporation's Duty to Combat Corruption

Increasingly, there is awareness that corruption and human rights are intimately connected. However, the debates and reform proposals on improving corporations’ social performance in these two areas are often treated as separate concerns. This article argues that companies must see combating corruption and promoting human rights as connected and complementary moral duties in the countries where they operate. MNCs know (or should know) that corruption greatly impacts their ability to respect human rights. Thus, awareness of how corruption impacts human rights throughout the MNC’s supply chain should be essential for conducting “human rights due diligence.” To accomplish this goal, MNCs should not only ensure that their employees and agents do not pay bribes, but that corruption is not standing in the way of their suppliers’ ability to meet human rights obligations. In addition, this may also include an obligation to work towards reducing the enabling environment that allows corruption to thrive in that location. This duty goes beyond legal compliance with the FCPA or other national anti-bribery laws and must be central to the discussion of corporations’ human rights obligations.
The Ecology and Harvest of Andiroba Seeds for Oil Production in the Brazilian Amazon

Andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.: Meliaceae) is a canopy tree found in moist tropical forests in Amazon, Central America and Africa. Manual and mechanical methods have been used to extract oil from its seeds for use in insect repellent and traditional medicine, and as an ingredient in mosquito repellent candles and medicinal soap. Forest communities need a better understanding of the ecological and economic aspects of andiroba seed and oil production to decide if and how collecting more of these seeds can be done sustainably and profitably. I worked with Tembe Indians in the eastern Brazilian Amazon in 1998-99 to investigate the ecology and economics of andiroba seed production. We found that andiroba tree (?10 cm DBH) density in mostly intact forest near Tekohaw village averaged 6.5 trees ha-1. While some trees started reproducing in the 10-20 cm DBH class, 46-63 per cent of trees ? 30 cm DBH had flowers or fruits in the two seasons observed. Trees reached peak flowering in the mid-rainy season in March, and most fruit fell in the early dry season in June and July. In 1999 a group of forty­six reproducing trees yielded an average of 0.8 kg of seeds tree-1. Up to 29 per cent of these seeds had been infested by moth and fly larvae, partially consumed by mammals or germinated. Each tree produced an estimated average of 1.2 kg seeds with 33 per cent being removed by mammals. This production is much less than the 50-300 kg seeds per tree averages cited in other accounts. The study's one measurement of seed transformation to oil (14.4 kg seed to a litre oil yield) was less efficient than the 3.4-9 kg seed to oil (litre) ratio reported in other accounts. Given the extensive time needed to collect and process seeds, this enterprise would provide minimal financial reward with the typical selling price of $3 per litre. It may be worthwhile for some communities to collect seeds from the most productive trees for sale to dealers or buy a seed press to increase processing efficiency. Andiroba density could be readily planted in forest gaps and secondary forests to increase seed supply for human harvesters and wildlife.
Mentors and Protégés: Power‐Dependent Dyads*

Largely as a consequence of the recent interest in the educational and occupational experiences of women, a well-known but long overlooked form of social interaction–the mentor-protege relationship–is now receiving some attention. This concern usually views the relationship as a highly beneficial one. However, virtually no sociological analysis has been made of this phenomenon. This article provides a sociological conceptualization of the mentor-protege relationship as a power-dependent, dyadic role set with a strong potential for role strain. Additional consideration is given to gender problems in mentor-protege relationships.
N-Heterocyclic Carbenes as Ligands for High-Oxidation-State Metal Complexes and Oxidation Catalysis

N-Heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) possess properties that are ideally suited for their use as ligands in transition-metal oxidation chemistry and catalysis. Their strong sigma-donating ability stabilizes metals in high oxidation states, and their high M—L bond dissociation energies reduce their tendency to dissociate and undergo oxidative decomposition of the free carbene. In this chapter, we summarize these unique properties and survey the use of NHCs as ligands to stabilize high-valent transition-metal chemistry and their role in metal-catalyzed oxidation reactions. Catalytic applications of NHC-metal complexes include alcohol oxidation and alkene and alkane functionalization.
Studies directed toward the total synthesis of the rubradirin antibiotics. 4. A new Diels-Alder—Claisen effective diene

Abstract A new diene has been synthesized which effectively couples the Diels-Alder reaction with the Claisen rearrangement.
Identification of rhesus macaque genital microbiota by 16S pyrosequencing shows similarities to human bacterial vaginosis: implications for use as an animal model for HIV vaginal infection.

Abstract The composition of the lower genital tract microbiota in women is believed to affect the risk of sexually acquiring HIV. Since macaque genital microbiota could similarly impact vaginal infection with SIV we identified microbiota in 11 rhesus macaques using multitag pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The microbiota was polymicrobial with a median of nine distinct bacterial taxa per macaque (range 3–16 taxa, each constituting 1% or more of the sequences). Taxa frequently found included Peptoniphilus, Sneathia, Porphyromonas, Mobiluncus, Atopobacter, Dialister, Thioreductor, Prevotella, and Streptococcus, many of which are also frequently found in women with bacterial vaginosis. Lactobacillus sequences (mostly L. johnsonii) were found in only four macaques but were not predominant in any (median of 0% of sequences, range 0–39%). All macaques were resampled 6 months after the first time point to determine the stability of the microbiota. The microbiota remained polymicrobial with a median of 10 tax...
The public's view of physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners: a survey of Baltimore urban residents.

This study of public attitudes toward physicians' assistants and nurse practitioners finds that the public regards the two groups of health workers as remarkably similar. A telephone survey of 2,583 households in the Baltimore, Maryland, metropolitan area indicates that about half the population have heard of a PA or NP, though only 4 per cent report receiving care from such workers. In this urban sample, respondents accepted the principle that important medical care functions can be delegated, as long as the PA or NP is considered assistant to the physician. The public reported more acceptance of tasks performed by nurse practitioners than by physicians' assistants, though the differences are small. A DECADE has passed since the training of nurse practitioners and physicians' assistants in the United States was first re
Erythrocyte enzymes in groups of Rattus norvegicus with genetic differences in 2,3-diphosphoglycerate levels

Abstract 1. 1. A major locus with two alleles is responsible for large differences in erythrocyte 2,3-diphosphoglycerate (DPG) levels in Rattus norvegicus. Blood from homozygous High-DPG, homozygous Low-DPG and heterozygous animals was used to measure blood indices and red cell enzyme activities. 2. 2. Significant differences between groups were found in DPG levels, white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels. 3. 3. The results suggest that none of the red cell enzymes assayed is structurally or quantitatively different in the three groups.
Ultraviolet light test and evaluation methods for encapsulants of photovoltaic modules

Photovoltaic (PV) modules are exposed to harsh conditions of heat, humidity, high voltage, mechanical stress, thermal cycling, and ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The current qualification tests (e.g. IEC 61215) do not require UV exposure sufficient to evaluate a lifespan of 20 years or more. Methods to quickly evaluate the UV durability of photovoltaic materials are needed. The initial performance and cost of encapsulant materials must be taken into account, but equally important is their ability to maintain adhesion and transmissivity under UV exposure. This can be evaluated under highly accelerated conditions with light from a xenon arc lamp using glass that transmits more UV radiation than a module would normally see. The use of highly UV transmissive glass (no Ce to block UV-B radiation) results in a UV dose that is about 3.8 times greater with regard to adhesion than a Ce-containing glass. With this configuration, the effect of 20 years of exposure, as compared with the use of UV-B blocking glass, can be simulated in just over 6 months using standard commercial accelerated stress chambers. This also indicates that the use of non-UV blocking glass may significantly reduce the long-term adhesive stability of PV materials.
Making sense of the Vietnam wars: local, national, and transnational perspectives

Mark Philip Bradley and Marilyn B. Young, Oxford and New York, Oxford University Press, 2008, xi+318 pp This collection of essays purports to ‘examine the conceptual and methodological shifts that ...
Health Insurance Values and Implementation in the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany: An Alternative Path to Universal Coverage

The health care systems in the Netherlands and the Federal Republic of Germany are based on a set of values that involve mutual obligations between private parties. These obligations are realized through systems incorporating private practice physicians, community and church- and municipality-affiliated hospitals, and nonprofit and for-profit insurers. The underlying values and implementation approaches in these systems provide an alternative to the adoption of a Canadian-style health insurance system. A discussion that focuses on "obligations" rather than "rights" may be a more useful approach for the design of reforms of the American health system in the 1990s. Such a discussion would focus on the mutual responsibility of all parties to create and maintain a universal private health care system. (JAMA. 1991;265:2496-2502)
Coital behavior in dogs. VII. Effects of sympathectomy in males.

Abstract Three sympathectomized male dogs were observed in a series of standardized mating tests for mating behavior. Their responses to sexually receptive females were compared with the responses of 10 unoperated males. Although they copulated less frequently than the control dogs, the sympathectomized animals displayed all elements in the normal coital pattern including erection and ejaculation.
The effects of deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep on maze learning and aggression in the Albino rat

Abstract To determine the effects of deprivation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep on the behavior and maze learning ability of rats, 51 male albinos were trained in a T maze and each was assigned to one of four groups matched on learning ability. Three of the four groups were then placed on small water-surrounded platforms and subjected to one of the following conditions for 26 days: Groups SPE and SPC were confined to small platforms and thus deprived of REM sleep, while group LPC was positioned on larger platforms. The subjects in the fourth group were home cage controls. The platform animals were removed to their home cages for three hours each day where only the SPE animals were kept in a wakeful state. During the deprivation period, each of the animals were paired daily with a member of his own or another group in a neutral cage and rated for aggression. At the conclusion of the deprivation period, five animals from each group were sacrificed and the brain removed for pathological examination. The remaining animals were tested for retention and reversal in the T maze and then began an acquisition series in Lashley's Maze III. Results indicated that the animals maze learning ability was not consistently affected by the deprivation procedure and no neuropathology was observed. Deprivation resulted in a significant increase in aggressive behavior, however. It was hypothesized that the central nervous system of most animals is capable of tolerating prolonged REM sleep deprivation, carrying on during wakefulness those processes normally subserved by the REM phase.
ATTENTION AND INTENTIONALISM

Many alleged counter-examples to intentionalism, the thesis that the phenomenology of perceptual experiences of a given sense modality supervenes on the contents of experiences of that modality, can be avoided by adopting a liberal view of the sorts of properties that can be represented in perceptual experience. I argue that there is a class of counter-examples to intentionalism, based on shifts in attention, which avoids this response. A necessary connection between the contents and phenomenal characters of perceptual experiences can be preserved by distinguishing perceptual phenomenology from the phenomenology of attention; but even if this distinction is viable, these cases put pressure on the thesis that phenomenal character can, in general, be explained in terms of mental representation.
The validity of 99mTc-pyridoxylideneglutamate (P.G.) cholescintigraphy as a diagnostic test for cholecystitis.

The purpose of this investigation was to determine the diagnostic value (validity) of technetium-99m-pyridoxylideneglutamate cholescintigraphy (99mTc-PGC) in patients with and without cholecystitis and to compare its validity to those of oral cholecystography (OC) and ultrasonography (US). 99mTc-PGC was applied to 50 patients with acute, subacute, and/or chronic cholecystitis with cystic duct obstruction proven histologically and operatively, and also to 27 non-diseased volunteers and 43 patients with right upper quadrant abdominal pain who subsequently were proven free of gallbladder disease. In addition, 38 patients had OC, and 31 had US performed. The results shows that the sensitivity and specificity of 99mTc-PGC were 100%. Whereas for OC the sensitivity was 87%, specificity was 100%. For US the sensitivity was 70%, and specificity was 93%. The repeatability of 99mTc-PGC, OC, and US were 100%, 97% and 81% respectively. These data show that 99mTc-pyridoxylideneglutamate cholescintigraphy is a valid diagnostic tool in the evaluation of patients with cholecystitis, and is also safe and simple.
The Contributions of Explanation and Exploration to Children's Scientific Reasoning

Both explanation and exploration can foster causal learning, yet the mechanisms underlying these effects are largely unknown, especially in early childhood. In this article, I provide an overview of research on the relation among explanation, exploration, and the development of scientific reasoning. I propose that explaining and exploring operate in tandem as hypothesis-generating and hypothesis-testing mechanisms. I review evidence that supports this claim by demonstrating that inconsistency with prior knowledge selectively motivates children to construct explanations, guides discovery-oriented behavior, and drives the early-developing capacity to reason scientifically. I conclude with a discussion of the educational applications of research on the development of children's scientific reasoning in informal learning settings.
In Situ Stress Measurement During Aluminum Anodizing Using Phase-Shifting Curvature Interferometry

Stress measurements yield insight into technologically relevant deformation and failure mechanisms in electrodeposition, battery reactions, corrosion and anodic oxidation. Aluminum anodizing experiments were performed to demonstrate the effectiveness of phase-shifting curvature interferometry as a new technique for high-resolution in situ stress measurement. This method uses interferometry to monitor surface curvature changes, from which stress evolution is inferred. Phase-shifting of the reflected beams enhanced measurement sensitivity, and the separation of the optical path from the electrochemical cell in the present system provided increased stability. Curvature changes as small as 10 −3 km −1 were detected, at least comparable to the resolution of state-of-the-art multiple beam deflectometry. It was demonstrated that small curvature change rates of 10 −3 km −1 s −1 could be reliably measured, indicating that the technique can be applied to bulk samples. The dependence of the stress change during anodizing on current density (tensile at low current density, but increasingly compressive at higher current densities) was quantitatively consistent with earlier multiple-beamdeflectometry measurements. Theclosesimilarity between theresultsofthesedifferenthigh-resolutionmeasurements helps to resolve conflicting reports of anodizing-induced stress changes found in the literature.
Scalable Heuristics for a Class of Chance-Constrained Stochastic Programs

We describe computational procedures for solving a wide-ranging class of stochastic programs with chance constraints where the random components of the problem are discretely distributed. Our procedures are based on a combination of Lagrangian relaxation and scenario decomposition, which we solve using a novel variant of Rockafellar and Wets' progressive hedging algorithm [Rockafellar, R. T., R. J.-B. Wets. 1991. Scenarios and policy aggregation in optimization under uncertainty. Math. Oper. Res.16(1) 119--147]. Experiments demonstrate the ability of the proposed algorithm to quickly find near-optimal solutions---where verifiable---to both difficult and very large chance-constrained stochastic programs, both with and without integer decision variables. The algorithm exhibits strong scalability in terms of both run time required and final solution quality on large-scale instances.
Sex-Dependent and Non-Monotonic Enhancement and Unmasking of Methylmercury Neurotoxicity by Prenatal Stress

Abstract Methylmercury (MeHg) and prenatal stress (PS) are risk factors for neurotoxicity that may co-occur in human populations. Because they also share biological substrates and can produce common behavioral deficits, this study examined their joint effects on behavioral and neurochemical effects in male and female rats. Dams had access to 0, 0.5 or 2.5 ppm MeHg chloride drinking water from two to three weeks prior to breeding through weaning. Half of the dams in each of these treatment groups also underwent PS on gestational days 16–17. This yielded 6 groups/gender: 0-NS, 0-PS, 0.5-NS, 0.5-PS, 2.5-NS, and 2.5-PS. Behavioral testing began in young adulthood and included fixed interval (FI) schedule-controlled behavior, novel object recognition (NOR) and locomotor activity, behaviors previously demonstrated to be sensitive to MeHg and/or mediated by brain mesocorticolimbic dopamine glutamate systems targeted by both MeHg and PS. Behavioral deficits were more pronounced in females and included impaired NOR recognition memory only under conditions of combined MeHg and PS, while non-monotonic reductions in FI response rates occurred, with greatest effects at the 0.5 ppm concentration; the less reduced 2.5 ppm FI response rates were further reduced under conditions of PS (2.5-PS). Correspondingly, many neurochemical changes produced by MeHg were only seen under conditions of PS, particularly in striatum in males and in hippocampus and nucleus accumbens in females, regions of significance to the mediation of FI and NOR performance. Collectively these findings demonstrate sex-dependent and non-monotonic effects of developmental MeHg exposure that can be unmasked or enhanced by PS, particularly for behavioral outcomes in females, but for both sexes in neurochemical changes, that were observed at MeHg exposure concentrations that did not influence either reproductive outcomes or maternal behavior. Thus, assessment of risks associated with MeHg may be underestimated in the absence of other extant risk factors with which it may share common substrates and effects.
Bijections for partition identities

Abstract We consider partition-identity bijections that can be constructed from sieve-equivalent families whose defining multisets are pairwise disjoint. We give a linear algorithm that constructs these bijections. We show that under these conditions, the new algorithm, the Garsia-Milne-Remmel algorithm, and the Gordon algorithm are equivalent, i.e., that they produce the same bijection.
Simulations of 2D metamaterial apertures for coherent computational imaging

A metamaterial aperture operating as a leaky waveguide with resonating metamaterial irises can sweep its operation frequency to modify its complex field pattern with no moving parts. By randomly distributing the metamaterials' resonance frequencies, we show the aperture can generate random illumination patterns well suited for compressive sensing. In this way the aperture utilizes the physical layer to avoid redundant measurements in the image reconstruction process.
Two-line thermometry and H2O measurement for reactive mixtures in rapid compression machine near 7.6 μm

Abstract A much desired, direct, in situ, diagnostics technique is implemented to measure time variations of temperature and water concentration for a reactive mixture in a rapid compression machine (RCM) using quantum cascade laser absorption spectroscopy near 7.6 μm. The temperature measurements in the RCM are successfully conducted for an end of compression pressure of PC ∼ 11.5 bar and an end of compression temperature of TC ∼ 1022 K for H2/O2/Ar mixtures with (0.5% by mole in the reactive mixture) and without water doping. For all cases investigated, the molar percentages of H2 and O2 in the reactive mixture are respectively kept at 3% while the balance is Ar, in order to modulate the extent of post-ignition pressure rise. Absorption lines of water at 1316.55 cm−1 and 1316.97 cm−1 are used in this study for the measurements. A six-pass setup inside the RCM is implemented for the reactive experiments. For determining the line broadening parameters of water in the range of 1316.4–1317.8 cm−1 with H2 or O2 as a bath gas, a six-pass, 50.8 mm Herriott cell is used in the calibration experiments. The broadening parameters are measured in the pressure range of 300–650 Torr, while the Herriott cell is heated uniformly to temperatures of 460, 500, and 530 K, respectively. With the measured line broadening parameters of water in the bath gases of interest, the temperature and water concentration histories in the RCM runs are experimentally determined. In addition, the experimental results are compared with the simulations with detailed chemistry. Reasonable agreement is found, thereby demonstrating the utility of this mid-IR absorption spectroscopy in RCM experiments. The uncertainties of the associated measurements of temperature and water concentration are also discussed.
SOME LANTHANIDE COMPLEXES OF CYCLIC AMIDES.

Abstract The syntheses and physical properties of the crystalline compounds [Ln(BuL)8](ClO4)3 (Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Dy, Er, Yb, Y) (BuL = γ-butyrolactam), [Ln(NMBuL)8](ClO4)3(Ln = La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd) (NMBuL = N-methyl-γ-butyrolactam), and [Ln(NMBuL)7](ClO4)3 (Ln = Dy, Er, Yb, Y) are reported. For most of the complexes the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra are reported, as well as the magnetic susceptibilities, molar conductivities, X-ray powder patterns, and molecular weights. Both the composition of these compounds and the X-ray data indicate clearly the existence of two isomorphous series of NMBuL-complexes, one including compounds of the formulas [Ln(NMBuL)8](ClO4)3 and other compounds of the formulas [Ln(NMBuL)7](ClO4)3.
Contralateral cerebellar hypometabolism following cerebral insult: A positron emission tomographic study

Positron emission tomographic studies of 16 patients with cerebral ischemia and brain tumor showed asymmetries in cerebellar metabolism not encountered in 14 normal control subjects. An asymmetry was present in 62.5% of cases. The lower metabolic rate occurred in the cerebellar hemisphere contralateral to the cerebral lesion (p less than 0.001; sign test). In all cases computed tomography showed the supratentorial lesion to be unilateral and the posterior fossa contents to be unaffected. The presence of depressed cerebellar metabolism was highly associated with involvement of the contralateral parietal lobe (p less than 0.02; phi coefficient). The presence of a cerebellar abnormality was not related to the presence of any particular sign. Serial studies showed normalization of cerebellar metabolism over time. It is likely that this effect is a result of interruption of the functional interconnections between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.
Stimulation of tyrosine-specific protein phosphorylation in the rat liver plasma membrane by oxygen radicals

Incorporation of 32P from [γ -32P]ATP into endogenous proteins, added histone and the copolymers Glu80Tyr20 by rat liver plasm membranes was markedly increased by several naphthoquinones, including menadione. This stimulation was most marked with Glu80 Tyr20, has an absolute requirement for either dithiothreitol or reduced glutathione, and was inhibited by superoxide dismutase, catalase, and desferrioxamine to varying degrees depending on the quinones used. Their effectiveness in stimulating the apparent tyrosine-specific protein phosphorylation correlated with the rates of DIT-dependent redox cycling measured by oxygen consumption. Increased protein phosphorylation was also seen with particulate fractions isolated from hepatocytes incubated with quinones. A free radical-mediated mechanism is suggested for the quinone stimulation of protein phosphorylation.
The role of calmodulin in the proliferation of transformed and phenotypically normal tsASV-infected rat cells.

NRK cells infected with a temperature-sensitive, transformation-defective mutant of avian sarcoma virus (ASV), tsLA23, behaved as if nontransformed at a nonpermissive 40 degrees C and were rendered quiescent by serum deprivation. These serum-deprived cells were stimulated to start entering S phase about 7 hours after serum addition at 40 degrees C or about 9 hours after shifting the cultures to 36 degrees C, a temperature allowing the production of active viral pp60src and expression of the transformed phenotype. The transit of both serum- and temperature-stimulated tsLA23-NRK cells through later G1 was inhibited by the unrelated calmodulin antagonists W7 and R24571. The former drug was found to block the cells at a point in the cell cycle no more than 2 hours from the G1/S transition. The weaker calmodulin antagonist, W5, was less effective in impairing progression. Thus, calmodulin is likely required for the transit of both transformed and phenotypically normal tsLA23-NRK cells through the later stages of their G1 phases. Cells neoplastically transformed by ASV contain more calmodulin than uninfected, non-neoplastic cells. At the nonpermissive 40 degrees C, the calmodulin content of the tsLA23-NRK cells dropped to the non-neoplastic level. When these phenotypically nontransformed cells were enabled to reenter the cell cycle while still in low-serum medium by a 40 to 36 degrees C shift, they passed through the G1 and S phases and divided without a concomitant rise in the total calmodulin content. Thus, a calmodulin rise does not appear to be required for the expression of one characteristic of transformed cells, i.e., reduced requirement for exogenous growth factors.
Upheaval in the Southern Baptist Convention, 1979–90: Crusade for Truth or Bid for Power?

L'A. presente la controverse qui a divise la Southern Baptist Convention (Etats-Unis) de 1979 a 1990 en deux groupes, les fondamentalistes ou conservateurs d'un cote et les modere de l'autre, concernant l'infaillibilite et l'autorite de la Bible. S'agissait-il d'une croisade pour la verite ou d'une tentative de prise de pouvoir?
Relativistic double group spinor representations of nonrigid molecules

The character theory of relativistic double group spinor representations is developed in order to represent the total rovibronic states of nonrigid molecules. It is shown that the double groups can be represented in terms of wreath products and powerful matrix cycle type generators that are used to construct their character tables. It is shown that these tables are of use when spin–orbit coupling is included in the Hamiltonian even for molecules containing lighter atoms. Applications to nonrigid molecules such as Tl2H4/Tl2H4+ are considered. It is shown that the tunneling splittings and the nuclear spin statistical weights can be obtained for such species using the character tables thus constructed. The spinor double groups of several other molecules such as hexamethyl dilead and heavy weakly bound clusters such as (PoH2)4 are also considered.
Coronary Artery Calcium Testing in Symptomatic Patients: An Issue of Diagnostic Efficiency

The detection and quantification of coronary artery calcification (CAC) significantly improves cardiovascular risk prediction in asymptomatic patients. Many have advocated for expanded CAC testing in symptomatic patients based on data demonstrating that the absence of quantifiable CAC in patients with possible angina makes obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) and subsequent adverse events highly unlikely. However, the widespread use of CAC testing in symptomatic patients may be limited by the high background prevalence of CAC and its low specificity for obstructive CAD, necessitating additional testing (‘test layering’) in a large percentage of eligible patients. Further, adequately powered prospective studies validating the comparative effectiveness of a ‘CAC first’ approach with regards to cost, safety, accuracy and clinical outcomes are lacking. Due to marked reductions in patient radiation exposure and higher comparative accuracy and prognostic value make coronary computed tomographic angiography the preferred CT-based test for appropriately selected symptomatic patients.
Intertemporal Properties of Real Output: A Bayesian Analysis

This article analyzes the univariate properties of real output and extends traditional analyses in three ways: (1) A Bayesian approach is taken. (2) Extensive cross-country comparisons are performed. Using data from Summers and Heston, cross-country comparisons are derived for postwar data for 121 different countries. (3) A model is developed that allows for the possibility that real output may be fractionally integrated. In addition, standard comparisons between autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and deterministic trend models are made. The class of fractionally integrated processes, although possessing certain properties useful for generalization of ARIMA models, has received relatively little attention in the macroeconomic literature. Such models are valuable because they allow for greater flexibility in estimating the long-run persistence of shocks.
The regulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion by pre-stimulus glucose level and tolbutamide in normal man.

The relationship between the pre-stimulus glucose level and immunoreactive insulin responses to a glucose challenge (20-g IV) was studied in normal subjects. When the steady-state pre-stimulus glucose concentration was lowered by a 0.33 mU· kg-1· min-1 insulin infusion or raised by a 900mg/ min glucose infusion, no effect on first phase insulin secretion (mean Δ 3–5 min insulin level) was observed. In contrast, the second phase response (10–60 min insulin area after glucose pulse) to intravenous glucose fell during insulin infusion and increased during the glucose infusion. Overall, a linear relationship was found between the change of pre-stimulus glucose level from the control to that during the insulin or glucose infusion and the change in second phase response (r=0.65, n = 14, p<0.02). The effect of tolbutamide infusion (7 mg·m-2· min-1) when compared with saline control was to increase both first phase (+54 ±13 mU/1, n=8, p <0.001, mean±SEM) and second phase (+972±256mU · mur-1 · 1-1, P<0.01) insulinsecretion. It is concluded that the first phase response to a glucose pulse is independent of the steady-state pre-stimulus glucose concentration and is directly enhanced by tolbutamide; in contrast, second phase is related to both the steady-state pre-stimulus glucose level and tolbutamide. These findings suggest that changes in basal or pre-stimulus plasma glucose during therapy with sulphonylurea drugs may be expected to influence the second phase insulin responses to glucose challenge.
Seasonal changes in prolactin and luteinizing hormone in the polyandrous spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularia

The polyandrous spotted sandpiper (Actitis macularia) is a species characterized by female dominance over males and predominant male parental care. Prolactin (Prl) and luteinizing hormone (LH) were analyzed in plasma samples obtained serially from individuals across different stages of the breeding season. The reproductive status of each sampled individual was known in detail. Similar Prl values were obtained independently by two different assays. Males tended to have higher plasma Prl levels than females throughout the breeding season. Prl was significantly elevated in both sexes by the first few days of incubation. This rapid rise in Prl may indicate its role in brood patch development and the onset of incubation behavior. In males Prl continued to rise during incubation, whereas it remained constant in females. Higher levels of Prl in males than females, especially late in incubation, reflects the greater contribution of males to incubation. LH declined markedly in males and females from prelaying to early incubation. There was a significant negative correlation between Prl and LH among males, especially from the prelaying to early incubation phases of the season. There was no such correlation among females.
Predictive Markers in Colorectal Cancer

In 2008, the optimal treatment for colorectal cancer remains unsettled. In the metastatic setting, several drugs are approved and commonly used; 5-fluorouracil, irinotecan, oxaliplatin, bevacizumab, cetuximab and panitumumab. Improvements in survival have been observed with combination of these agents although questions persist-which combination of agents is the best drug regimen, when is the most appropriate time for their use, and which regimen is the most cost-effective and manageable in terms of toxicities? The resolution of these issues requires the identification of markers capable of predicting which patients are most likely to benefit and avoid untoward side effects. Advances in the predictive marker field have recently been made especially in regards to K-RAS status in the use of EGFR monoclonal antibodies. Work on other potential predictors is ongoing. This review examines the current knowledge of predictive markers for drugs approved for colorectal cancer.
Ascaris suum: Free amino acids and proteins in the pseudocoelom, seminal vesicle and glandular vas deferens

Abstract The free amino acids and proteins of the seminal vesicle and pseudocoelomic fluids in the male Ascaris suum were examined and compared. The seminal fluid contained a high concentration of lysine (lysine: glutamic acid ratio of 5:1) while the pseudocoelomic fluid contained more glutamic acid than lysine with alanine, serine, glycine and proline being the most abundant free amino acids. The proteins present in the seminal fluid differed from those in the pseudocoelomic fluid in both number and molecular weight. The sperm activating substance (SAS) present in homogenates of the glandular vas deferens of male worms is nondialyzable, heat-sensitive and can be precipitated using 45% saturated ammonium sulfate. Active moieties can be recovered following passage of the ammonium sulfate precipitates through ultrafiltration membranes or by applying gland homogenates to an ion exchange column. When subjected to SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the active fractions revealed both low and high molecular weight substances. During attempts to purify a single activating substance, it was noted that the more heterogeneous fractions contained the highest activating capacity. Thus, no precise relationship between the biological activity and the purity of the various fractions was determined.
Reevaluation of procarbazine for the treatment of recurrent malignant central nervous system tumors.

Ninety-nine patients with primary recurrent malignant tumors of the central nervous system were treated with procarbazine as a single agent. Procarbazine was not given as a specified protocol, but for patients who were ineligible or refused other protocols. All patients had been treated previously with radiotherapy and 96 patients had also received previous chemotherapy. Twenty-five patients were treated at the first progression of their tumor, 47 were treated at the second progression, and 27 were treated at the third progression of their tumor. For the aggregate, the response plus stabilization rate was 27% for glioblastoma multiforme with median time to tumor progression of 30 weeks, and 28% for other anaplastic gliomas with a median time to tumor progression of 49 weeks. With respect to the percent of patients who responded or stabilized to treatment, these results are inferior to those reported previously for patients treated with procarbazine at recurrence. With respect to duration of response and stabilization, the data are comparable. Cancer 64:2420–2423, 1989.
Minimally Invasive Harvest of The Gracilis Muscle.

Acceptance of minimally invasive plastic surgery has been predicated on decreasing morbidity while maintaining the quality and costs of outcomes. The major patient complaint about the gracilis muscle donor site has almost solely been related to the length of the thigh scar, and thus would appear to be an ideal indication for outcome improvement using minimally invasive techniques. A method of endoscopically assisted gracilis muscle harvest, therefore, was developed, starting with a transverse incision just proximal to the knee to identify the gracilis tendon. This endoscopic port allows retrograde subfascial dissection of the muscle and precise identification of its anatomic course, whereupon a small proximal medial thigh incision can be made secondarily for direct access to the vascular pedicle. This variation has now been used successfully in 10 patients. The mean proximal thigh scar length was 8.30 +/- 0.74 (SD) cm, and total surgical scars measured 11.84 +/- 0.95 cm, compared with 27.73 +/- 9.55 cm for 16 patients for whom an open method had been used. This diminished scar length was a statistically significant improvement (p < 0.05), verifying the value of the surgical endoscope as an adjunct for harvest of the gracilis muscle as a free flap.
Lysozyme: evidence for effects on chick fibroblasts, HeLa cells, and their products.

Abstract Lysozyme can be shown to modify chick fibroblast morphology, glucose uptake, and Con A binding. Short treatment (30 min) of hexosamine labeled monolayers with lysozyme results in the release of hexosamine label from acid-insoluble products. Lysozyme antiserum and an inhibitor of lysozyme (trisaccharide of N-acetylglucosamine) partially protect cells from the effects cited.
Overlap emissivity of CO 2 and H 2 O in the 15-µm spectral region

Radiative transfer in model atmospheres including CO2, water vapor, ozone, and clouds can be explored by computer simulation for the purpose of predicting the mean temperature at the surface of the earth. Where two or more gases have overlapping absorption lines, the overlap emissivity determined from the band-averaged expressions is a possible source of uncertainty. This method has been tested in a 250-cm-1 region around 15 µm where the CO2 absorption overlaps the tail of the water vapor rotation band. Published high resolution spectra of these gases enable the overlap effects to be calculated for small spectral intervals and summed over the band. This calculation was made and compared with the value given by the approximate treatment for the same gas concentrations, pressure, and temperature. Agreement was within 10 percent, indicating that the more detailed spectral calculation is unnecessary.
K-to-W-band phased array antenna technology

A new phased array antenna (PAA) has been designed with frequency coverage from K- to W-band. This approach takes advantage of new 3D lithographic manufacturing techniques and Harris' Current Sheet Antenna (CSA) to cover 16–110 GHz from a single aperture. In this paper, analysis results will be presented, providing greater than 50% radiation efficiency over the entire instantaneous bandwidth and good scan performance to 60 degrees. To the author's knowledge, this is the first PAA capable of continuous operation from 16–110 GHz. This exciting new technology will be applicable to future avionics systems with direct integration to transmit and receive RF photonic back-ends.
Subjective evaluation models and conjoint measurement

Several types of measurement and scaling models are applied to empirical data involving a sample of housewives' preferences for profile descriptions of retail discount cards. Additive conjoint measurement is used to obtain part-worth functions for the various component descriptors. In addition, subjects' self-explicated models are compared with actual rankings of the discount cards. The results of the study indicate that additive conjoint models provide good descriptions of the data and that self-explicated models also show reasonable accuracy in predicting actual rankings. However, no significant association was found between differences in evaluative behavior and a battery of attitudinal and socio-economic measurements obtained from the same subjects.
A quality factor concept for evaluation of the surface type gamma-ray backscatter soil density gauges

Abstract The major sources of error for the surface-type, gamma-ray scatter soil density gauges are identified as sensitivity to soil composition, surface roughness, and counting rate measurement errors. Methods of measuring these errors are outlined and a quality factor is proposed which properly combines these errors into a single parameter suitable for gauge evaluation. Typical values of these errors and the quality factor are reported for commercial gauges. Results are also given for the air-gap ratio method and the air-gap nomograph method. A method for determining the optimum air-gap height based on obtaining the maximum quality factor is demonstrated for a specific commercial gauge.
Thermoanalytical studies of water on activated alumina, Brockmann I–V, (acid, neutral, basic) from −60° to +700°C

Abstract Iron and aluminum oxides, which are found in most soils, interact with soil contaminants in a manner depending on soil acidity and water content of the soil. It is important, therefore, to know how acidity and water content affect these oxides. A thermoanalytical study of activated aluminum oxides of three acidities and water concentrations corresponding to Brockmann activity I–V showed that three types of water could be detected on the aluminum oxide, namely free water, pore water, and bound water. Neutral and basic aluminum oxide apparently underwent hydration easily to form the mineral bayerite or gibbsite but acid aluminum oxide required a higher temperature and a longer reaction time for hydration.
Mathematical construct for program reorganization

A mathematical formalism is described through which a program is given a symbolic representation and, with the applihation of several basic formulas, may be transformed into an equivalent representation giving rise to a reorganized program. Examples are given in which programs are simplified (e.g., code is reduced) or reorganized into a structured form. In effect a mathematics is described that applies to programs in much the same manner as Boolean algebra applies to switching circuits.
Solder Joint Reliability of a Thin Small Outline Package (TSOP)

The reliability of 0.5 mm pitch, 32‐pin thin small outline package (TSOP) solder joints has been studied by experimental temperature cycling and a cost‐effective 3‐D non‐linear finite element analysis. Temperature cycling results have been presented as a Weibull distribution, and an acceleration factor has been established for predicting the failure rate at operating conditions. Thermal fatigue life of the corner solder joints has been estimated based on the calculated plastic strain, Coffin‐Manson law and isothermal fatigue data on solders. A correlation between the experimental and analytical results has also been made. Furthermore, failure analysis of the solder joints has been performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and an optical method. Finally, a quantitative comparison between the Type‐I and Type‐II TSOP solder joints has been presented.
Piezo-Optical Constants, Deformation Potentials, and the Electronic Structure of Copper

From the strain-induced change of the reflectance, the change of ${\ensuremath{\epsilon}}_{2}$ is derived. The measurements are used to identify electronic transitions and to evaluate three deformation potentials. Two of the deformation potentials are compared with the result of a theoretical model.
Estrogen receptors in breast cancer.

Of 1100 women whose primary and/or metastatic breast cancers have been analyzed for estrophilin, 30% are receptor-rich and 70% receptor-poor. On the basis of 134 treated patients, nearly two-thirds of the receptor-rich group can expect objective benefit from endocrine therapy, whereas few if any of the receptor-poor patients will respond. Thus, estrophilin assay indicates the proper type of therapy for 85 to 90% of women with advanced breast cancer. Analysis of the primary tumor in the mastectomy specimen offers promise in predicting hormone dependency in metastases that appear up to 5 years later.