cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Macrolides: Clarithromycin and azithromycin

Macrolides are broad-spectrum, versatile antibiotics. Among the newer macrolides, azithromycin and clarithromycin have gained wide use because of their less frequent dosing schedules and somewhat better tolerability. Erythromycin has a niche in clinical practice as an alternative in β-lactam-allergic patients and is a drug of choice in pertussis, mycoplasmal, chlamydial, and Legionella infections. Azithromycin and clarithromycin are more expensive altermates to erythromycin, with pharmacokinetic advantages such as a long half-life and high tissue concentration and somewhat broader spectra of activity. These attributes may not produce superior efficacy to erythromycin in the treatment of infections for which erythromycin is indicated. However, both drugs have excellent activity against mycobacteria, which has dramatically improved the outcome of mycobacterial infections in AIDS patients.
Correlation of acoustic and electrochemical noise in the stress-corrosion cracking of α-brass

This paper presents the first results of an investigation which aims to demonstrate the discontinuous nature of transgranular stress-corrosion cracking (TGSCC) in brass and to account for it in terms of the dynamics of competing plastic deformation and brittle crack growth. By selecting a suitable combination of electrolyte and electrochemical potential, the sudden increments of crack growth are made visible in the form of anodic current transients. These are then correlated with acoustic emission. Calculation of the charge density passed between successive current transients shows that the depth of the chemical attack in this period is less than 40 nm.
Use of nucleic acids in the mobile phase for the determination of ascorbic acid in foods by high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection.

Abstract The possibility of using monosodium l -glutamate (MSG) (20 mM MSG, pH 2.1) in the mobile phase for the determination of ascorbic acid (AA) in foods by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with electrochemical detection was examined. The hydrodynamic voltammogram of AA and the background current were also examined. The applied potential was set at 400 mV versus an Ag/AgCl reference electrode. It was demonstrated that MSG was a useful mobile phase for the determination of AA in foods. This paper also examines the stability of AA under various conditions in order to optimize HPLC conditions and the pre-run sample stabilization. The proposed method is simple, rapid (analysis time: ∼6 min), sensitive (detection limit: ∼0.1 ng per injection (5 μl) at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3), highly selective and reproducible (relative standard deviation: ∼2.5%, n=7). The calibration graph of AA was linear in the range 0.1–50 ng per injection (5 μl). Recovery of AA was over 90% by the standard addition method.
Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability in an Anisotropic Plasma

The instability arising due to a tangential discontinuity of velocity in an unbounded, anisotropic plasma subject to a uniform magnetic field is investigated using the Chew, Goldberger, and Low approximation. Formal conditions for monotonic instability and the growing‐wave instability are written. It is found that monotonic instability is possible, for a range of relative speeds, only if the plasma is characterized by the condition 2p∥ > p⊥. For 2p∥ < p⊥ the configuration is, however, overstable for relative speeds less than a certain critical value. The bearing of the results on the stability of the magnetospheric boundary and the coronal streamers is discussed and it is suggested that a possible fine structure in the solar wind may satisfy the requirement for instability and thus produce irregularities of plasma properties and the magnetic field in the medium.
Quality assurance and morbidity and mortality conference.

Many surgeons assert that Morbidity and Mortality (M & M) conference in itself assures an effective quality assurance (QA) program. Recent emphasis on QA in other sectors has resulted in other processes for evaluating quality of care. The goals of QA programs are to identify adverse patient care events, relate these to specific physicians and use this information to improve patient care, and for credentialing and privileging physicians. Our aim was to determine the role of surgical M & M conference in a QA program which also includes occurrence screening, wound infection surveillance, and surgical case review. The weekly M & M conference is a discussion of identified complications and deaths submitted voluntarily by surgeons. During a 2-year period 5755 procedures were associated with 255 complications and 82 deaths. Only 74% of events identified by occurrence screening, 35% of cases identified by surgical case review, and 54% of wound infections had been submitted to M & M conference. Seventy-four percent of surgical residents and 33% of staff surgeons were present at M & M conference when their complications were discussed. Level of care (I, accepted practice; II, may have managed differently; and III, would have managed differently) was assessed for each complication at M & M conference and by peer review of the medical record for occurrence screening. The assignment of level of care was similar by either process (I = 49, II = 11, III = 2, at M & M vs I = 44, II = 16, III = 2, r = 0.7405, P < 0.005). M & M conference remains an important component of an overall QA program but does not meet all of the goals. There is excellent agreement between level of care assigned at M & M conference compared to peer review of the medical record. However, many adverse events identified via other processes are not reported at M & M conference. In our experience, physicians are often not present when their complications are discussed.
Theory of error applied to pure test vectors in target factor analysis

Abstract In target factor analysis, errors from the data matrix mix into the target-testing procedure even when the target is pure, thus confusing the analysis. A theoretical study shows how the errors mix into the target procedure and is used to develop a criterion to judge the degree of acceptability of pure targets.
Structural influences on the relationship between objective and subjective indicators of economic well-being

The study investigated the relationship between objective and subjective indicators of economic well-being within different age, race, and sex groups over time. Stratification theory and an accommodation hypothesis were used to predict differential subjective responses to objective conditions within subgroups. Findings supported the hypothesis that the relationship would be weakest among the oldest age group compared to other age groups. Support was found for the hypothesis that predicted smaller coefficients among subgroups characterized as older, female, and nonwhite. Relationships were found to remain stable within all subgroups over time.
Using Eye Movements to Study Spoken Language Comprehension: Evidence .for Incremental Interpretation (Invited Talk)

We present an overview of recent work in which eye movements are monitored as people follow spoken instructions to move objects or pictures in a visual workspace. Subjects naturally make saccadic eye-movements to objects that are closely time-locked to relevant information in the instruction. Thus the eye-movements provide a window into the rapid mental processes that underlie spoken language comprehension. We review studies of reference resolution, word recognition, and pragmatic effects on syntactic ambiguity resolution. Our studies show that people seek to establish reference with respect to their behavioral goals during the earliest moments of linguistic processing. Moreover, referentially relevant non-linguistic information immediately affects how the linguistic input is initially structured.
Discrimination, Complexity, and the Public/Private Sector Question

Does employment discrimination vary in degree or character across public and private labor market sectors? Prior research cannot fully address this question because it typically relies on one dimension of discrimination—estimates of wage gaps. This study extends the literature by analyzing 11,528 legally verified cases of race and sex discrimination from the Ohio Civil Rights Commission (1986-2003). Quantitative analyses demonstrate that aggregate rates of verified discrimination vary little by sector, yet there are elevated rates of public sector promotion discrimination and elevated rates of private sector firing discrimination. In-depth qualitative analyses show that specific sectoral processes contribute to these aggregate patterns. In the public sector, limited accountability for promotion decisions allows managers to devalue seniority, augment “soft skills,” and sabotage multiple stages of formalized proceedings. Moreover, the very devices intended to curb discriminatory promotion may inadvertently ...
Corneal diseases of rabbits

Corneal diseases are common in domestic rabbits. It is important to carefully evaluate the cornea and the entire eye when rabbit present with clinical signs such as squinting, tearing, or conjunctival hyperemia. Complete ophthalmic examination and general physical examination should be performed on all rabbits with corneal disease. Important diagnostic testing include culture and sensitivity, cytology, and fluorescein staining. Breed predispositions do not occur for most corneal problems, although some diseases are selected genetically in research rabbits. Corneal disease can be a primary condition or can occur secondary to other ocular or systemic disease.
Microstructure, texture and residual stress in a friction-stir-processed AZ31B magnesium alloy

Spatial variations of microstructure, hardness, chemical composition, tensile behavior, texture and residual stresses were investigated in a friction-stir-processed (FSP) AZ31B magnesium alloy. The residual stresses were measured using two different methods: neutron diffraction and the contour method. No significant variations in the hardness and chemical compositions were found in the FSP zones, including the severely deformed stir zone (SZ), which showed a finer grain size compared to the heat-affected zone and base material. On the other hand, significant changes in the tensile yield strength, texture, and residual stresses were observed in the FSP zones. The relationship between the texture variations and yield strength reduction; and its influence on the decrease in the residual stress near the SZ is discussed. Finally, the residual stresses measured by neutron diffraction and the contour method are compared and the effect of the texture on neutron diffraction residual stress measurements is discussed.
Elemental mercury vapour toxicity, treatment, and prognosis after acute, intensive exposure in chloralkali plant workers. Part II: Hyperchloraemia and genitourinary symptoms

Exposure to elemental mercury vapour is known to influence renal function; however, severe renal disease has not been consistently identified. Eleven men were evaluated for renal disease after acute, massive mercury poisoning. Significant hyperchloraemia was identified in this group of patient and a reversible renal tubular defect was suggested by low normal serum bicarbonate, a normal serum anion gap and a positive urinary anion gap. The only other evidence of renal dysfunction was transient, mild proteinuria in one of the 11 patients. During this same time period, neuropsychological impairment was identified on a test of cognitive and visual-motor function, 'Trailmaking B', in seven of the 11 patients. Additionally, dysuria and ejaculatory pain occurred without evidence of urological disease. These complaints were more frequent in those patients with impairment on 'Trailmaking B' suggesting a neurological basis for these symptoms. The findings of this study support earlier observations that the brain rather than the kidney is the critical target organ after elemental mercury vapour exposure.
Cavitation erosion of aluminum considering bubble collapse, pulse height spectra and cavitation erosion efficiency

Abstract Water erosion data on 1100-0 aluminum specimens obtained using a cavitating venturi are compared with bubble collapse pulse height spectra measured using a microtransducer. The data are resolved into erosion power and acoustic power. The former is defined in terms of the power applied to the eroded material to cause the observed pitting and volume loss. The ratio between these power quantities is termed the cavitation erosion efficiency η incav and is found to be essentially constant for the range of tests, being approximately 1.4 × 10 −6 . The acoustic power which is easily measured can then be used to estimate the eventual material volume erosion rates, i.e. the mean depth of penetration (MDPR), with much greater accuracy than is otherwise possible. The MDPR is measured directly from the weight loss and is calculated from individual pit counts on damaged surfaces. The effects of the degree of cavitation (the extent of the cavitation cloud or the cavitation number) and the throat velocity on the MDPR is examined. An overall velocity damage exponent of n = 4.75 is found.
Origin of uraniferous conglomerates at Elliot Lake, Canada and Witwatersrand, South Africa: Implications for oxygen in the Precambrian atmosphere

Although uraninite is thermodynamically unstable at oxygen pressures greater than approximately 10−21 atmosphere, calculations based on the dissolution kinetics suggest that uraninite from the Witwatersrand Sequence, South Africa may have survived as a detrital mineral at oxygen pressures as high as 0.01 PAL (Present Atmospheric Level). Therefore, the deposition of the mid-Precambrian uraniferous conglomerates at Elliot Lake, Canada and Witwatersrand, South Africa does not require an essentially anoxic atmosphere as previously proposed, but may have occurred under an atmosphere containing small amounts of oxygen, consistent with photodissociation of water vapor and limited aerobic photosynthesis.
Fontan operation in the current era: a 15-year single institution experience.

Objective:Evaluate current risk factors for mortality and morbidity in patients undergoing the Fontan procedure at a single institution in the current era.Summary Background Data:An emphasis on early relief of volume and pressure overload culminating in the Fontan procedure has improved patient outc
Stock Buybacks and Their Association with Stock Options Exercised in the IT Industry

One of the most complex and controversial issues confronting the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) over the last several years has been the accounting and financial reporting of stock options. In December 2004, the FASB issued Statement 123R, Share‐Based Payment, in the hope that the long process of revising the accounting and financial reporting for stock options will be put to rest. FASB Statement 123R requires the fair‐value‐based method of accounting for share‐based payments. In order to offset the dilutive effects of generous stock option compensation packages for employees, companies are seemingly participating in stock repurchase plans. In the past, stock buyback programs were viewed as a means of distributing excess cash flow to investors; however, it appears now that many companies are financing stock repurchases through the issuance of debt, which can significantly impact the financial flexibility of a company. So, why do companies engage in this behavior? One possible reason for stock buybacks is to reduce the dilutive effect of stock option plans. Companies have, however, disputed that there is a direct relationship between exercised stock options and stock buyback transactions. Nevertheless, several articles and studies have found that there is a relationship and the FASB seems to believe that there is an association between stock buybacks and stock options, as Statement 123R requires that companies disclose the relationship between stock buybacks and stock payment programs. Using a sample of technology firms, we find evidence of an association between exercised stock options and repurchase of stock.
Vitalism and the Darwin Debate.

There are currently both scientific and public debates surrounding Darwinism. In the scientific debate, the details of evolution are in dispute, but not the central thesis of Darwin’s theory; in the public debate, Darwinism itself is questioned. I concentrate on the public debate because of its direct impact on education in the United States. Some critics of Darwin advocate the teaching of intelligent design theory along with Darwin’s theory, and others seek to eliminate even the mention of evolution from science classes altogether. Many of these critics base their objections on the claim that non-living matter cannot give rise to living matter. After considering some of the various meanings assigned to ‘vitalism’ over the years, I argue that a considerable portion of Darwin deniers support a literal version of vitalism that is not scientifically respectable. Their position seems to be that since life cannot arise naturally, Darwin’s theory accomplishes nothing: If it can only account for life forms changing from one to another (even this is disputed by some) but not how life arose in the first place, what’s the point? I argue that there is every reason to believe that living and non-living matter differ only in degree, not in kind, and that all conversation about Darwinism should start with the assumption that abiogenesis is possible unless or until compelling evidence of its impossibility is presented. That is, I advocate a position that the burden of proof lies with those who claim “Life only comes from life.” Until that case is made, little weight should be given to their position.
The Evolution of Constructivism

This article examines how evolutionary theory is relevant to constructivist psychology. Specifically, Donald T. Campbell's evolutionary epistemology is used as a framework for examining five issues facing constructivism: (1) realism, (2) cognitivism, (3) relativism, (4) dualism, and (5) social constructionism. It is suggested that a nuanced application of evolutionary epistemology facilitates fresh ways for constructivists to accommodate these issues. In so doing, it can help constructivism to coherently bridge the personal, social, and biological aspects of human knowledge development.
A test of the40Ar/39Ar age spectrum technique on some terrestrial materials

Abstract 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age spectra were determined for 10 terrestrial rock and mineral samples whose geologic history is known from independent evidence. The spectra for six mineral and whole rock samples, including biotite, feldspar, hornblende, muscovite, and granodiorite, that have experienced post-crystallization heating did not reveal the age of crystallization in any obvious way. Minima in the spectra, however, give reasonable maximum ages for reheating and high-temperature maxima can be interpreted as minimum crystallization ages. High-temperature ages of microcline and albite that have not been reheated are approximately 10% younger than the known crystallization age. Apparently there are no domains in these feldspars that have retained radiogenic 40 Ar quantitatively. Spectra from two diabase samples that contain significant quantities of excess argon might mistakenly be interpreted as spectra from reheated samples and do not give the age of emplacement. The 40 Ar/ 39 Ar age spectrum technique may be a potentially valuable tool for the study of geologic areas with complex histories, but the interpretation of age spectra from terrestrial samples seems to be more difficult than suggested by some previous studies.
High Electron Mobility Transistors For Millimeter Wave And High Speed Digital IC Applications

High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) are currently regarded as the most promising three-terminal devices for ultra-high-speed digital and monolithic millimeter-wave integrated circuits. In their most basic form, these devices consist of a GaAs-MESFET-like FET fabricated on a (A1,Ga)As/GaAs epitaxial layer. The (A1,Ga)As layer is highly doped n-type and the GaAs layer is undoped. Due to the lower electron affinity of (A1,Ga)As, free electrons diffuse out of the doped layer into undoped GaAs where they form a two-dimensional electron gas near the heterointerface. Since the electrons and ionized donors are spatially separated, ionized impurity scattering is reduced and electron transport properties at the heterointerface are comparable to pure GaAs. FETs fabricated on these hetero-junctions offer many advantages such as (i) a small gate-to-channel separation which leads to extremely high transconductances; (ii) high f due to improved electron transport properties; (iii) a small source resistance; and (ivy a small saturation voltage. The benefits improve substantially upon cooling the device. In a mere seven years, HEMT technology has evolved from simple ring oscillators to circuits of LSI complexity such as 16K SRAMs. The speed performance demonstrated by this relatively immature technology has already surpassed all other semiconductor technologies. Ring oscillator gate delays of 5.8 ps at 77K and 10.2 ps at 300K have been achieved using'0.35 μm gate length devices. In the analog domain, HEMTs are the leaders in low noise and high gain amplification. At room temperatures, devices with a noise figure of 2.4 dB at 62 GHz and fmax > 250 GHz have been demonstrated.
Metaphors of Nature in James Hutton's Theory of the Earth With Proofs and Illustrations

James Hutton (1726-1797) is credited with the discovery of the rock cycle and the great age of the Earth. He used eight metaphors for the whole of Nature in Theory of the Earth with Proofs and Illustrations (1795): the Great, Flux of Nature, the Macrocosmic-Microcosmic analogy, Nature as a Machine, the Book of Nature, Nature as a Fabric, Mother Nature, the Creation, and the Globe of the Planet. These metaphors were consistent with the dynamic character of the rock cycle. Hutton seems to have played a major role in developing the metaphor of the planet as an active ecological and geophysical agent. These metaphors are all in keeping with his belief in the goodness of God and the continuous habitability of the Earth. He did not use the metaphors of the Great Chain of Being or the Music of the Spheres, two metaphors for Nature which were very common in his day. These two metaphors are static images of Nature that are out of keeping with the feelings behind the discovery of the rock cycle.
Plutonium in the Environment—A Review

The plutonium that will be produced in the nuclear fuel cycle is a matter of extreme importance to regulators and to members of the public concerned with the environment. At the present time there is plutonium present in the environment on a global scale from weapons testing and from a satellite failure and on a local scale from nuclear operations and from the loss of nuclear weapons. The sensitivity of plutonium measurement has allowed us to study the present environmental levels of plutonium in the atmosphere, on the ground, in the oceans and in the pathways leading to man. This information, in turn, may allow us to predict the probable distribution of this material from any future contamination. Since the present levels from even local contamination are low, it is desirable to be able to distinguish among the various sources, particularly distinguishing local sources from global fallout. When plutonium-238 is involved, alpha spectrometry can provide the contribution from this source. When the question involves the 239/240 ratio, mass spectrometry is necessary and only very high quality mass spectrometry is adequate for environmental levels of plutonium. This paper will review our present knowledge of environmental plutonium and give some examples of problems where it has been necessary to distinguish among the various plutonium isotopes.
Confidence intervals in procedural dermatology: an intuitive approach to interpreting data.

Background. Significant differences observed in therapeutic trials in procedural dermatology are typically denoted by p values of less than .05. Alternatively, significance can be conveyed by use of confidence intervals. objectives. The purpose of this article is to clarify how confidence intervals convey the same information about outcomes as p values, albeit in a slightly different manner. Methods. (1) Selective review of textbooks and other relevant literature and (2) presentation of a brief tutorial describing confidence interval determination for therapeutic clinical trials comparing differences between means of two groups. Results. Routine use of confidence intervals is an intuitively satisfying means for conveying the statistical significance of results and can be used in combination with p values for understanding these results. Specifically, confidence intervals are a useful tool for indicating the size, spread, and direction of the observed differences. Unfortunately, dermatologic surgery trials tend to have low sample sizes, which frequently result in outcomes below the threshold of statistical significance (p > .05, or confidence intervals including 1.00). In the absence of statistical significance, neither p values nor confidence intervals yield definitive results. Conclusion. Confidence intervals can complement p values as a means for explaining statistical significant differences. When differences are not statistically significant but are clinically significant and approach statistical significance, neither p values nor confidence intervals can definitively establish whether the observed trends are indicative of an underlying difference. In these cases, common in procedural dermatology, larger, better designed, randomized prospective trials are needed. MURAD ALAM, MD, DAVID A. BARZILAI, PHD, AND DAVID A. WRONE, MD, HAVE INDICATED NO SIGNIFICANT INTEREST WITH COMMERCIAL SUPPORTERS.
The message center: enhancing elder communication

The Message Center is a home-based communication solution specifically designed for elders. Our research indicates that insufficient communication amongst elders causes several challenges in their daily activities such as loneliness, social isolation, and decreased appetite. The biggest cause of these challenges is that elders are increasingly removed from communication technology including email, text messaging, and mobile phones due to cognitive and physical difficulties. To overcome this problem, we incorporate a familiar pen and paper based interaction that allows instantaneous messaging via digital network. By designing the Message Center, we strive to create an easier venue for more active cross-generational communication between elders and younger family members who are often the caregivers. This paper demonstrates a User Sensitive Inclusive Design process from the generation of user needs to the evaluation of prototypes. A key theme of the Message Center project is to show how usable and emotional design derived from a user inclusive design process can encourage elders to adopt new communication technology.
Tunable optical wavelength conversion of OFDM signal using a periodically-poled lithium niobate waveguide

We experimentally demonstrate tunable optical wavelength conversion of a 10-Gb/s radio frequency (RF)-tone assisted orthogonal-frequency-division-multiplexing (OFDM) signal with approximately-5 dB (approximately 30%) efficiency over approximately 30 nm bandwidth using a periodically-poled lithium-niobate (PPLN) waveguide. A penalty of < 3 dB is obtained after wavelength conversion. Quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) size and subcarrier number are varied to further evaluate the performance of the wavelength converter.
AACR/SNMMI State-of-the-Art Molecular Imaging in Cancer Biology and Therapy: Abstracts

Exciting developments in the field of cancer imaging have led to important insights into the origins and biology of cancer, as well as novel techniques for early diagnosis, accurate staging, and monitoring of response to therapy for cancer patients. These new discoveries have great potential as
Band-structure-corrected local density approximation study of semiconductor quantum dots and wires

This paper presents results of ab initio accuracy thousand atom calculations of colloidal quantum dots and wires using the charge patching method. We have used density functional theory under local density approximation (LDA), and we have corrected the LDA bulk band structures by modifying the nonlocal pseudopotentials, so that their effective masses agree with experimental values. We have systematically studied the electronic states of group III-V (GaAs, InAs, InP, GaN, AlN, and InN) and group II-VI (CdSe, CdS, CdTe, ZnSe, ZnS, ZnTe, and ZnO) systems. We have also calculated the electron-hole Coulomb interactions in these systems. We report the exciton energies as functions of the quantum dot sizes and quantum wire diameters for all the above materials. We found generally good agreements between our calculated results and experimental measurements. For CdSe and InP, the currently calculated results agree well with the previously calculated results using semiempirical pseudopotentials. The ratios of band-gap-increases between quantum wires and dots are material-dependent, but a majority of them are close to 0.586, as predicted by the simple effective-mass model. Finally, the size dependence of $1{S}_{e}\text{\ensuremath{-}}1{P}_{e}$ transition energies of CdSe quantum dots agrees well with the experiment. Our results can be used as benchmarks for future experiments and calculations.
Low-latency communication over modems

A general adaptive protocol to operate modems with minimum latency while extracting the maximum throughput is presented. Modern modems have large internal buffers and complex error correction and data compression protocols. The internal buffering in modems generally leads to large latencies and jitters in latency. Buffers in the communication drivers and operating system add to latency in the path. These shortcomings can be overcome using a special protocol so that a tighter bound on latency and jitter can be specified. This can benefit the real-time communication over modems.
Correspondence Matching in Long-Range Apparent Motion Precedes Featural Analysis

It has been suggested that correspondence matching in long-range motion is mediated by a perceptually high-level, ‘intelligent’ system. This suggestion is based on findings that long-range motion can be perceived between stimuli that could not be detected by lower-level motion mechanisms acting on Fourier motion energy, and that correspondence matching is affected by featural similarities between motion tokens that would be invisible to low-level (Fourier) motion detectors. Here, the effects of spatial-frequency content, color, and binocular disparity on correspondence matching are investigated. It is shown that the effects of featural matches between motion tokens develop only over time and lag behind the effects of the relative proximity between motion tokens in the retinal projection. This suggests that correspondence matching in long-range apparent motion is mediated by a mechanism which acts initially on the retinal coordinates of the motion tokens only, but may be biased to favor matching tokens tha...
Organic carbon additions: effects on soil bio-physical and physico-chemical properties

The effects of organic carbon (OC) additions from farm manures and crop residues on selected soil bio-physical and physico-chemical properties were measured at seven experimental sites, on contrasting soil types, with a history of repeated applications of farm manure or differential rates of inorganic fertilizer nitrogen (N). Repeated (> 7 years annual additions) and relatively large OC inputs (up to 65 t OC ha -1 ) were needed to produce measurable changes in soil properties, particularly physical properties. However, over all the study sites, there was a positive relationship between OC inputs and changes in total soil OC and 'light' fraction OC (LFOC), with LFOC providing a more sensitive indicator of changes in soil organic matter status. Total soil OC increased by an average of 3% for every 10 t ha -1 manure OC applied, whereas LFOC increased by c. 14%. The measured soil OC increases were equivalent to c. 23% of the manure OC applied (up to 65 t OC ha -1 applied over 9 years) and c. 22% of the crop residue OC applied (up to 32 t OC ha -1 over 23 years). The manure OC inputs (but not crop residue OC inputs) increased topsoil porosity and plant available water capacity, and decreased bulk density by 0.6%, 2.5% and 0.5% with every 10 t ha -1 manure OC applied, respectively. Both OC sources increased the size of the microbial biomass (11% increase in biomass C with 10 t OC ha -1 input), but only manure OC increased its activity (16% increase in the soil respiration rate with 10 t OC ha -1 input). Likewise, the potentially mineralizable N pool only increased with manure N inputs (14% increase with 1 t manure total N ha -1 ). However, these soil quality benefits need to be balanced with any potential environmental impacts, such as excessive nutrient accumulation, increased nitrate leaching and phosphorus losses and gaseous emissions to the atmosphere.
Enantioselective interactions of dextromethorphan and levomethorphan with the α3β4-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor: comparison of chromatographic and functional data

The enantioselectivity of the interaction of dextromethorphan (DM) and levomethorphan (LM) with an immobilized alpha 3 beta 4 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) liquid chromatographic stationary phase has been compared to DM- and LM-induced non-competitive blockade of nicotine-stimulated 86Rb(+) efflux from cells expressing the alpha 3 beta 4-nAChR. The association rate constants (k(on)) and dissociation rate constants (k(off)) for the formation of the DM and LM complexes with the nAChR were determined using non-linear chromatographic techniques and the k(off) value for DM (1.01+/-0.01 s(-1)) was significantly lower than the k(off) for LM (1.55+/-0.002s(-1)) while the k(on) values did not significantly differ (23.66+/-0.61 and 18.61+/-0.36 microM(-1)s(-1), respectively). In thermodynamic studies using the van't Hoff approach, the enthalpy change (Delta H degrees) of the DM-nAChR complex was 330 calmol(-1) more stable than the LM-nAChR complex, while there was no significant difference in the entropy change (DeltaS degrees ). In the functional in vitro cell-based studies, there was no significant difference in the observed IC(50) values for DM (10.1+/-1.01 microM) and LM (10.9+/-1.08 microM), but the recovery from the DM-induced blockade was slower than the recovery from LM-induced blockade; after 7 min: 38.25+/-15.46% recovery from DM blockade, 63.30+/-16.08% from LM blockade; after 4h: 76.20+/-4.51% recovery from DM blockade and 93.12+/-8.76% from LM blockade. The enantioselective differences in the functional effects are consistent with the chromatographic and thermodynamic data and indicate that this difference is due to increased stability of the DM-nAChR complex. The results suggest that the chromatographic approach can be used to probe the interaction of non-competitive inhibitors (NCIs) with nAChRs and to predict relative duration of functional blockades.
Utility, Strategy, and Social Decision Rules

Arrow's theorem, 507. — Proof of the Arrow impossibility theorem, 509. — The variations from Arrow's treatment, 511. — Relaxing the postulates, 512. — Intransitive social orderings, 513. — Restrictions on individual choice, 513. — Relaxing the independence postulate, 516. — Strategic misrepresentations of preferences, 517. — Social welfare functions based on cardinal utility, 519. — Calibration by threshold of discrimination, 519. — Independence of marginal utilities as a criterion of cardinality, 522. — Risk, utility and income distribution, 523. — Interpersonal comparisons and differences in tastes, 525. — Utility calibration in terms of a field of alternatives, 526. — Different concepts of a field of alternatives, 528. — Economic choice and socio-political choice, 530. — Evaluation and role identification, 530. — A hierarchy of social evaluations, 531. — Possible extremes of egalitarianism and anti-egalitarianism, 532. — Social choice in a dynamic world, 534. — The role of economics, 534.
Does the association of the triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio with fasting serum insulin differ by race/ethnicity?

The triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio has been reported to be as closely correlated with insulin resistance as is the fasting serum insulin concentration (FSI), and therefore it is seen as a clinically useful way to identify the concomitant presence of insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. However, conflicting findings exist for the association of the TG/HDL-C ratio with FSI by race/ethnicity. The associations of FSI concentration, serum triglyceride concentrations, and HDL-C were analyzed using log-binomial regression analyses and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis among nondiabetic adults (n = 2652, aged ≥ 20 years, 51.2% men) in the United States. After adjustment for potential confounding effects, the prevalence ratio of hyperinsulinemia was 2.16 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.74 to 2.08) when using a single cutoff point of 3.5, and 2.23 (95% CI, 1.83 to 2.72) when using race/ethnicity-specific cutoff points of 3.0 for non-Hispanic whites and Mexican Americans and 2.0 for non-Hispanic blacks for the TG/HDL-C ratio. The area under the ROC curve of the TG/HDL-C ratio for predicting hyperinsulinemia was 0.77 (95% CI, 0.74 to 0.79), 0.75 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.77), and 0.74 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.76) for non-Hispanic whites, non-Hispanic blacks, and Mexican Americans, respectively. There was a significant association between the TG/HDL-C ratio and FSI among three major racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Our results add further support to the notion that the TG/HDL-C ratio may be a clinically simple and useful indicator for hyperinsulinemia among nondiabetic adults regardless of race/ethnicity.
Sex-dependent behavioral effects of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (3α, 5α-THP) in neonatal and adult rats after postnatal stress

The neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone (3a-hydroxy-5a-pregnan-20-one, 3alpha,5alpha-THP) has been shown to be involved in the central nervous system's response to stress. This experiment investigated whether response to the neuroactive steroid allopregnanolone, a positive modulator of the GABA(A) receptor, would be altered in neonatal or adult rats previously exposed to a chronic stressor-daily maternal separation during the first week of life. Subjects were then tested either as neonates or adults. In neonates, allopregnanolone decreased the number of ultrasonic vocalizations after brief maternal separation. Previously separated subjects vocalized less and were less active than controls, but were not more sensitive to allopregnanolone on either measure. In adulthood, subjects with a prior history of maternal separation had a greater grooming response to a novel environment after a 10-min cold water swim test than nonseparated subjects. Allopregnanolone reduced grooming, but, again, there was no difference due to stress history. A significant effect of gender was noted in the adult subjects--females were largely responsible for the effects reported. These results suggest that early maternal separation stress can produce an habituation response in neonates and a long-term sensitization response to later novel stress in adults. However, because the behavioral effects of allopregnanolone were not differentially influenced by this early stress history, the neuroactive steroid/GABA(A) receptor complex may not be the major mediator of these early stress sequela. Results indicating that females were more responsive to allopregnanolone than males are discussed in light of previous findings.
Life in the Corporation: A Multi-Method Study of the Experiences of Male and Female Asian, Black, Hispanic and White Employees

Organizational experiences of male and female Asian, Black, Hispanic and White managers in a Fortune 500 company were examined using both qualitative and quantitative methods. Oral histories were conducted to identify the antecedents to advancement within this organization. We used focus groups to expand our understanding of these antecedents and to determine differences among the racial/ethnic groups according to gender. Data from a follow-up survey of 1,645 employees were subjected to MANCOVA to determine race/ethnicity and gender effects, controlling for the effect of organizational tenure. Main effects for race/ethnicity were found on three measures and main effects for gender were found on eight measures. Follow-up size-of-effect tests (eta squared) revealed that the strength of the relationship was strong for two significant gender findings and one significant race finding.
On detecting bridges causing timing failures

High resistance bridges (resistive bridges) are becoming more common. Such bridges cause speed failures. Published experimental results show that current tests are not good at detecting such defects. The following results, pertinent to resolving the above issue, are presented: mechanisms by which bridges cause speed failure; identification of non-classical transition tests for such bridges; and the usefulness and pitfalls of using low voltage testing to detect such bridges.
The Effect of Differentially Focused Observation on Evaluation of Instruction

The present study examined evaluations by observers directed to attend to specific aspects of one-to-one instruction in applied music. One hundred forty-three nonmusic education majors enrolled in music study observed one of three videotaped versions of an 11-minute private lesson in violin. Visual presentation and observation instructions focused subjects' attention toward 1) the student, 2) the teacher, or 3) both student and teacher. Subjects evaluated 10 aspects of the lesson and estimated the frequency of approval and disapproval feedback. There were significant differences (p < .05) in the evaluations of teacher attitude and student attitude among the three presentation conditions, with subjects rating less positively the individual to whom attention was directed. Group mean estimations of disapproval frequency were also significantly different (p < .002), with subjects who were directed to observe teacher behavior estimating a greater number of teacher disapproval responses. In addition, analyses o...
Soil Total Mercury Concentrations across the Greater Everglades

Elevated Hg concentrations in the Everglades pose ecological and human health risks. We mapped soil total Hg concentrations per mass (THg M ) and area (THg A ) across the Everglades, and investigated relationships with soil properties (total P (TP) and organic matter content), community type, and hydrologic compartmentalization. Samples (n = 600) from surface soils (0-10 cm) were selected from a population of 1405 sites spanning the Everglades. Overall, 168 sites had THg M levels >0.2 mg kg −1 ; interpolation suggests that 23% of the Greater Everglades exceeds this threshold. Hot spots (>0.4 mg kg −1 ) were observed in eastern Water Conservation Area (WCA) 1 and west-central WCA3A; parts of WCA2A, WCA3AN, and WCA3B were locally high. Despite signifi cant global differences in THg M among plant communities, differences evaluated using paired proximate sites were not signifi cant, suggesting that large spatial scale depositional gradients govern ecosystem storage. Median THg A was 1.89 mg m −2 (range 0.07-12.05 mg m −2 ), representing approximately 100 yr of atmospheric deposition at contemporary rates (?19 μg m −2 yr −1 ). Correlation between TP and THg M was positive in unimpacted areas (TP 500 mg kg −1 , r = -0.47), probably due to accelerated peat accretion rates in P-enriched areas. Moreover, while reverse correlation with distance from a canal for THg M (0.70) and TP (−0.77) supports Hg enrichment via atmospheric deposition, THg M hotspots in WCA3AS, WCA1, and the Holeyland and Rotenberger tracts are suggestive of local enrichment mechanisms. Finally, despite dramatic regional emissions declines, the estimated mass of Hg in surface soils across the Everglades has increased ?20% (11,000 vs. 13,100 kg) since 1996; while the statistical signifi cance of this change is unknown, it provides a useful benchmark for future surveys.
Dermal dendritic cells in psoriasis, nummular dermatitis, and normal-appearing skin

Background The reason psoriasis (PSO) favors extensor skin is unknown. We hypothesized that PSO may involve extensor skin preferentially because of differences in the number or type of dermal dendritic cells (dDCs) between flexural and extensor skin. Objective We sought to compare dDC type and distribution in normal-appearing flexural and extensor skin, PSO, and nummular dermatitis (ND). Methods Using immunohistochemical markers, the number, distribution, and type of Langerhans cells, myeloid dendritic cells (DCs), and plasmacytoid DCs was compared in normal-appearing skin, PSO, and ND. Results Significant differences in dDC density were not identified between flexural and extensor skin, although extensor skin contained fewer CD11a + and CD11c + cells. Compared with normal-appearing skin, cells expressing CD11a, CD11c, CD123, CD303, and CD207 were increased in PSO. ND lesions showed similar increases. No significant difference between PSO and ND was evident with the exception of decreased S100A6 + cells in PSO. Limitations We did not study seasonal variation in DC density or assess nonlesional skin from patients with PSO. Conclusions The data did not support the hypothesis that PSO favors extensor skin because of differences in DC localization. However, dDCs were significantly increased in PSO by comparison with normal-appearing skin, supporting existing evidence that they are involved in the overall pathogenesis of PSO.
Studies on mouse leukemia. III. A comparison of four lines of leukemia transmitted by inoculation

Several lines of lymphatic leukemia in mice, experimentally transmitted by inoculation into hosts of a closely inbred strain, have been established and carried on simultaneously. Among the inoculated mice there were found different types of response, according to the line of leukemia inoculated. The differences consisted mainly in the extent or distribution of lesions. Although the same line did not always show the same distribution of lesions, there was a distinct tendency for the cases in a line to present the same characteristics on successive transfers over a considerable period. A comparison of the frequency of the occurrence of certain lesions in four lines of transmission shows that: 1. Increases in the total leucocyte counts were less common and less marked in Lines A and E than in Lines H and I. In the lines first mentioned, normal counts were relatively frequent. In Line H normal counts were uncommon, and in Line I were not observed. The highest counts were found in Line I. 2. Peritoneal effusion was characteristic of Line A for 43 transfers. It was found in Line E, but for a considerably shorter period and in a smaller proportion of cases; it was rare in Lines H and I. 3. Pleural effusion was frequently found in Lines A and E but rarely in Lines H and I. 4. Infiltration in the liver occurred to a marked degree in all the mice of Lines H and I, but in fewer mice and to a variable degree in Lines A and E. 5. Infiltration in the kidney in Line I was present in 90 per cent of the mice, and was of marked grade. In line H it was present in 67 per cent of the mice (24 per cent of marked grade) but in Lines A and E it was rare. 6. A considerable amount of variability in results occurred in Lines A and E, whereas Lines H and I remained remarkably constant. The lesions characteristic of a line were not necessarily those present in the spontaneous case from which the first transfer of the line was made. As the mice used for inoculation were genetically uniform, the differences between the lines are not due to genetic differences in the hosts, but to differences in the materials inoculated.