cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Oxygen desaturations triggered by partial seizures: implications for cardiopulmonary instability in epilepsy

PURPOSE: The occurrence of hypoxemia in adults with partial seizures has not been systematically explored. Our aim was to study in detail the temporal dynamics of this specific type of ictal-associated hypoxemia. METHODS: During long-term video/EEG monitoring (LTM), patients underwent monitoring of oxygen saturation using a digital Spo2 (pulse oximeter) transducer. Six patients (nine seizures) were identified with oxygen desaturations after the onset of partial seizure activity. RESULTS: Complex partial seizures originated from both left and right temporal lobes. Mean seizure duration (+/-SD) was 73 +/- 18 s. Mean Spo2 desaturation duration was 76 +/- 19 s. The onset of oxygen desaturation followed seizure onset with a mean delay of 43 +/- 16 s. Mean (+/-SD) Spo2 nadir was 83 +/- 5% (range, 77-91%), occurring an average of 35 +/- 12 s after the onset of the desaturation. One seizure was associated with prolonged and recurrent Spo2 desaturations. CONCLUSIONS: Partial seizures may be associated with prominent oxygen desaturations. The comparable duration of each seizure and its subsequent desaturation suggests a close mechanistic (possibly causal) relation. Spo2 monitoring provides an added means for seizure detection that may increase LTM yield. These observations also raise the possibility that ictal ventilatory dysfunction could play a role in certain cases of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy in adults with partial seizures.
RADIOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROID-INDUCED ATROPHY

Soft tissue x-ray techniques were used to measure skin thickness as influenced by the chronic usage of topical corticosteroids. In a double-blind study commercial preparations of 1% hydrocortisone (HC), 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide (TA), and a placebo cream were compared for their ability to produce atrophy in normal human forearm skin. After 8 weeks of topical application of the creams, only TA produced clinically apparent atrophy. The average percent decreases in skin thickness measured after 8 weeks of treatment with placebo, HC, or TA were 6.0%, 6.0%, and 17.1%, respectively. During the first week after cessation of treatment the clinical appearance of the skin began to improve and by 1 month all treated skin areas had essentially returned to pretreatment thickness.
Sources of Variation in the Frequency of Statewide Initiatives: The Role of Interest Group Populations:

In this article I study the factors that determine the number of initiatives that appear on statewide ballots, with an emphasis on the characteristics of state interest group populations. In particular, I test whether the size of state citizen or economic group populations influences the frequency of initiative use. The relationship between these two categories of groups and initiative use is important in light of recent claims that the initiative process no longer benefits citizen groups and is now dominated by economic interests. In addition, I consider the role of other factors, including initiative regulations, state political characteristics, state economic performance and state demographic characteristics. My results indicate that states with more citizen groups have more initiatives overall and in specific issue areas and that the number of economic groups has a negative or negligible effect.
Hepadnaviruses in cirrhotic liver and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Hepadnaviruses share properties of virion structure, genome structure and replication, epidemiologic behavior, and pathogenic effects, including an association with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Epidemiologic evidence implicating hepadnavirus infection in HCC includes the observation that the geographic distributions of HBV infection and HCC are similar, that the incidence of HCC is much higher in hepadnavirus infected than uninfected hosts, and that viral DNA sequences are integrated in the cellular DNA of most (e.g., 80-90%) but not all hepadnavirus-associated HCC. Cirrhosis further increases the risk of HCC in HBV infected humans. The precise role of hepadnaviruses in development of most HCC is unclear, although the finding of viral integrations within or near protooncogenes in a few cases suggests the possibility that these integrations may play a direct role in these HCC. However, in the great majority of HCC associated with HBV infections, viral integrations are in different cellular DNA sites in different HCC, integrations are not within domains of known protooncogenes, and integrations are not found in some 10-15% hepadnavirus-associated HCC, suggesting that persisting viral sequences are not directly involved in the development of these HCC as viral sequences are for tumors caused by viruses with oncogenes or viruses that act by a "promoter-insertion" mechanism. It is possible, however, that oncogenic mutations could arise via other mutagenic mechanism that may operate in chronic hepatitis B and/or cirrhosis and which do not involve persisting viral integrations. For example, liver regeneration, which is a feature of the cirrhosis associated with chronic HBV infection (and sometimes with chronic hepatitis B) involves proliferation of many cells with HBV integrations, and such integrations have been shown to be unstable and may lead to mutations through post-integration rearrangements of cellular sequences at sites of viral integrations. Viral sequences appear to be lost or deleted at some such sites of rearranged cell DNA. Chronic HBV infection shares pathologic features of liver cell injury and reactive inflammation, liver regeneration, and in man sometimes cirrhosis with other important risk factors for HCC including chronic alcoholic liver disease, chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis, hemochromatosis, and crypogenic cirrhosis, suggesting that this common pathologic process may be carcinogenic by a mechanism that does not depend specifically on the factor which initiates liver cell injury. The pathogenetic role of chronic hepadnavirus infection in such a process would be in causing liver cell injury with reactive inflammation and hepatocyte proliferation (regeneration).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Selective TERS detection and imaging through controlled plasmonics

Enhanced Raman spectroscopy offers capabilities to detect molecules in the complex molecular environments and image chemical heterogeneity in a wide range of samples. It has been shown that plasmonic interactions between a TERS tip and a metal surface produce significant enhancements. In this report we show how SERS spectra from purified molecules can be used to selectively image proteins on surfaces and in cell membranes. The SERS response from the purified protein can be used to create a multivariate regression model that can be applied to nanoparticles that bind to protein receptors. Filtering the observed TERS spectra with the regression model can then selectively image the protein receptor. Experiments with mutant proteins suggest that key amino acids provide significant contributions to the observed TERS signal, which enables the differentiation of protein receptors. These results demonstrate the selectivity that can be obtained in TERS images through a controlled plasmonic interaction. This approach has further implications for identifying membrane receptors that bind specific molecules relevant to drug targeting and chemical signaling.
THE ISOLATION OF A CELL MEMBRANE FRACTION FROM RAT LIVER

A procedure is described for isolating cell membranes from rat liver homogenates. 20 gm. of rat liver was homogenized in a Dounce homogenizer in ice cold water buffered to pH 7.5 with NaHCO3, rupturing all of the cells and most nuclei. The diluted homogenate was filtered through cheesecloth to remove precipitated nucleoprotein and centrifuged at 1500 g, 10 minutes, to sediment a crude membrane fraction. The membrane containing sediment was recentrifuged 3 times in conical tubes (1220 g, 10 minutes), the top layer of the 2-layered sediment being retained. Flotation in a sucrose solution d = 1.22 freed the preparation from contaminating cell fragments and nuclear membranes not previously disintegrated. The floating material ∼0.4 ml. was quite homogeneous and consisted of thin amorphous membranes. Electron micrographs revealed numerous double profiles similar in shape and dimensions to apposed liver cell membranes in intact tissue.
An ab Initio and Semiempirical Study of the First- and Third-Order Polarizabilities in Benzene and Thiophene Derivatives: Electron Correlation Effects

The static first- and third-order polarizabilities of several benzene and thiophene derivatives are evaluated at the ab initio level via an efficacious general finite field approach. The impact of electron correlation is explored by calculating the molecular polarizabilities at the Moller−Plesset second-order perturbation (MP2) theory level using an extended basis set. Further, we examine the influence of molecular architecture on the nonlinear optical response, in particular the switch from an arylethenyl type of structure to a quinoid structure. Finally, we apply the correction vector method combined with the intermediate neglect of differential overlap−single and double excitation configuration interaction (INDO-SDCI) technique to evaluate the optical nonlinearities at the semiempirical level. The reliability of this procedure is established by comparison with the corresponding high-level ab initio polarizability values. The results clearly show the sensitive dependence of the nonlinear optical propert...
Cessation of clopidogrel before major abdominal procedures.

Objective To determine whether timing of clopidogrel bisulfate cessation influences outcome after abdominal operations. Methods A review was performed of 104 patients receiving clopidogrel who underwent abdominal operations between March 2003 and March 2009. Patients were grouped by last clopidogrel use: group A ( Results Of 104 patients, 43 were in group A and 61 were in group B. Overall, 6 deaths occurred (group A, 5 patients [12%] vs group B, 1 [2%]; P = .03) and 27 patients required intensive care unit admission (group A, 16 patients [37%] vs group B, 11 [18%]; P = .03). Twenty-one patients developed a postoperative bleeding complication; 19 complications were managed by blood transfusion and 2 required reoperation. Group A vs group B had significantly increased rates of postoperative bleeding requiring blood transfusion (13 patients [30%] vs 8 [13%]; P = .03). No significant difference in postoperative bleeding resulting in reoperation or mortality was demonstrated. Timing of clopidogrel cessation within 7 days did not affect postoperative bleeding risk. Eighty-nine patients (86%) underwent elective operations (group A, 30 patients [70%] vs group B, 59 [97%]; P P = .25), no significant difference in intensive care unit admission (group A, 6 patients [20%] vs group B, 9 [15%]; P = .31) or mortality (1 [3%] vs 1 [2%]; P = .62) was demonstrated. Conclusions While clopidogrel use within 7 days of an operation significantly increased the risk of postoperative bleeding, most bleeding episodes were successfully managed by transfusion without an increase in bleeding-related mortality or necessity for reoperation. After controlling for operative urgency, no significant difference in mortality or intensive care unit admission was demonstrated in patients undergoing elective procedures. High-risk patients undergoing elective operations may not require preoperative clopidogrel cessation. When clopidogrel cessation is warranted, 7 days before the procedure is recommended. Perioperative risk does not vary by timing of cessation within 7 days of an operation.
A final adjustment for staff allocation under environmental uncertainty

Through understanding the relationships between the previous day's (Sunday) demand and the remaining days' demand, a prediction model can be constructed. The staff level can be determined based on this prediction model. This model can also be applied in different hospital units or a staff environment other than hospitals.
AN INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SELF-EFFICACY AND THE COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS OF PRODUCT MANUAL FORMATS

Product manuals have been virtually ignored in published research despite their relevance to consumer satisfaction and marketplace safety. This study examines self-efficacy (perceptions of capabilities related to operating a product) and how it influences the effectiveness of and is also influenced by three safety message formats commonly used in product manuals (i.e., 1. safety messages presented in list format at the front of the manual; 2; safety messages presented by semantic similarity interspersed throughout the manual—“chunked” format, and 3. safety messages presented in a combined format—both list and chunked). As anticipated, pre-exposure self-efficacy was a significant covariate which was found to be positively related to post-exposure self-efficacy and negatively related to information evaluation. Further, controlling for pre-exposure self-efficacy, post-exposure self-efficacy was significantly lower in the combined (list plus chunked) condition. Findings of this research have important implications for the practice of repeating safety warnings and future research in the consumer information domain.
Glass formation and anomalous annealing effects in the mixed oxyanion system AgIAg2SO4Ag2WO4

Abstract The glass-forming region in the ternary mixed anion system AgIAg2SO4Ag2SO4Ag2WO4 has been delineated and the enthalpic manifestation of the glass transition has been examined. By selecting compositions along the tie-line 60AgI · (40 − x)Ag2SO4 · xAg2WO4 and varying x it was possible to study the effect of replacing the SO42− ion by the larger WO42− ion, at a fixed AgI content. The glass-to-liquid transition is found to evolve over an unusually wide range of temperature in the ternary glasses relative to the binary ones indicating that the mixing of anions of different sizes leads to a dramatic broadening of the spectrum of structural relaxation times. Consistent with this observation, the DSC scans of annealed ternary samples reveal prominent pre-Tg endothermic peaks which have previously been seen only in polymer melts (such as pure PVC) known for highly non-exponential relaxation. Possible structural origins, and applications of the Tg broadening phenomenon are discussed.
Extreme 34S depletions in ZnS at the Mike gold deposit, Carlin Trend, Nevada: Evidence for bacteriogenic supergene sphalerite

We identified submicrometer-sized framboidal sphalerite (ZnS) below the base of supergene oxidation in a Carlin-type gold deposit of Eocene age in Nevada, United States, where the framboidal sphalerite forms a blanket-like body containing >400,000 metric tons of zinc. Framboidal sphalerite <0.1 mum in diameter, formed in the early Miocene, ranges from <0.1 to 0.35 mol% FeS; the delta(34)S values range from -25% to w-70%, the lowest values measured in a marine or terrestrial environment. These S isotope data demonstrate the involvement of sulfate-reducing bacteria and provide the first documentation that sphalerite can form significant supergene sulfide-enrichment blankets.
Too Disabled to Work: A Crossroad Once Thought Passed.

This study examined the rate at which applicants to Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) were denied services because their disabilities were “too severe.” It found that, from 2002 to 2012, 1.7% of all V...
Identification of Topological Constraints in Entangled Polymer Melts Using the Bond-Fluctuation Model

We propose an algorithm to locate individual entanglements along chains, equilibrated using the bond-fluctuation lattice model. The algorithm identifies entanglements as local deviations of the pri...
Molecular dynamics study of the structure and thermophysical properties of model sI clathrate hydrates

We performed isothermal−isobaric molecular dynamics simulations to study the effects of host−guest asymmetries on the thermophysical and structural properties of methane and carbon dioxide sI clathrate hydrates. In particular, we analyzed the effect of the strength of the host−guest interactions in realistic molecular descriptions of the host intermolecular potentials, the effect of the type of water intermolecular potential, and the degree of cage occupancy on the resulting properties of the hydrates. Finally, we used the simulation results to interpret the limitations and implications of the main assumptions behind the original vdWP theory of clathrates and its current modifications, which are used in the modeling of hydrate phase equilibria.
Polarity Consistency Checking for Domain Independent Sentiment Dictionaries

Polarity classification of words is important for applications such as Opinion Mining and Sentiment Analysis. A number of sentiment word/sense dictionaries have been manually or (semi)automatically constructed. We notice that these sentiment dictionaries have numerous inaccuracies. Besides obvious instances, where the same word appears with different polarities in different dictionaries, the dictionaries exhibit complex cases of polarity inconsistency, which cannot be detected by mere manual inspection. We introduce the concept of polarity consistency of words/senses in sentiment dictionaries in this paper. We show that the consistency problem is NP-complete. We reduce the polarity consistency problem to the satisfiability problem and utilize two fast SAT solvers to detect inconsistencies in a sentiment dictionary. We perform experiments on five sentiment dictionaries and WordNet to show inter- and intra-dictionaries inconsistencies.
The economics of traditional rattan cultivation

In this paper the author: (a) discusses the uniqueness of rattan among non-timber forest products, (b) examines the financial and the economic profitability of smallholder rattan cultivation, and (c) outlines a strategy for expanding smallholder rattan plantations among non-traditional producers.
Ultrafast polarization spectroscopy of diluted magnetic semiconductor superlattices

Abstract We are applying luminescence upconversion spectroscopy to the study of charge-carrier spin dynamics in magnetic semiconductor systems. Observing the luminescence from Cd 1− x Mn x Te quantum wells, we monitor with subpicosecond resolution the evolution of spin polarization in the electron-hole system and its dependences on carrier energy, magnetic field, and excitation conditions. The results give a direct view of the terahertz-rate spin scattering processes which have been estimated for these sytems.
DOUBLE‐PIPETTE METHOD FOR SELECTION OF MOTILE FOODBORNE PATHOGENS (LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES OR SALMONELLA TYPHIMURIUM) FROM MIXED CULTURE SYSTEMS1

A rapid and simple method using two pipettes was developed to determine the presence of Listeria monocytogenes/Listeria spp. or Salmonella typhimurium/Salmonella spp. in mixed cultures. This method involved the following steps. A 10 mL pipette with a sealed tip was used for the enrichment phase. Lactose broth for Salmonella spp., and Universal preenrichment broth for Listeria spp. were used as enrichment broth. The broth was inoculated with a mixture of target organisms with Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus as competitive bacteria and added directly into the 10 mL pipette. Three tenth (0.3 mL) of selective agar media (MOX for Listeria monocytogenes and XLD for Salmonella typhimurium) were placed in a 1 mL pipette. After solidification, BHI broth was added on top of the selective medium. Then, the 1 mL pipette was inserted into the 10 mL pipette to provide the combination of enrichment and selective procedures. The top of the large pipette was sealed with sterilized Parafilm, and the apparatus was incubated at 37C for 24 h. Following the growth of the motile foodborne pathogens (L. monocytogenes or S. typhimurium) in enrichment broth placed in the 10 mL pipette, these organisms moved into the selective agar medium causing characteristic changes in the color of the medium. The results showed high efficiency for recovery of motile foodborne pathogens from mixed culture systems. This new method is developed to be economic, rapid, and a simple way to recover motile foodborne pathogens from food systems.
An improved synthesis of 6-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-methylisoquinoline: elucidation of the stereochemistry of some diastereoisomers of 6-amino-2-methyldecahydroisoquinoline

An improved synthesis of 6-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2-methylisoquinoline is reported, along with the synthesis, isolation, and elucidation of the stereochemistry of three of the four possible diastereoisomers of the previously unreported 6-amino-2-methyldecahydroisoquinoline. Stereochemical assignments were made from a combination of chemical evidence, involving conversion of the amines into the corresponding known alcohols and oxidation of the alcohols to the corresponding ketones, and spectral data.
A high bifurcation of the dorsal branch with dominant superficial palmar branch of the radial artery: a case report of an aberrant radial artery with traumatic aneurysm.

Anatomical abnormalities such as unusual bifurcations or aberrant arteries of the radial artery are extremely rare and due to malformation or disruption of the vascular net. We present a case of a 64 year old woman with a high bifurcated dorsal branch of the left radial artery, consulting us for a pulsatile mass in the anatomical snuffbox after a fall. The mass measured 3–4 mm in diameter and was located on the dorsal aspect of the wrist over the anatomical snuffbox. Primary imaging studies using Duplex Ultrasound suggested an aneurysm of the radial artery, further imaging with arteriogram revealed a high bifurcation of the dorsal branch of the radial artery, presenting with an aneurysm. The deep palmar branch of the ulnar artery was the dominating vessel, allowing ligation and excision of the aneurysm. Histological evaluation revealed intimal wall hyperplasia within the aneurysm, suggesting an injury as initiating factor. A review of the literature showed that this abnormality of high bifurcation of the dorsal palmar branch of the radial artery has not been previously reported. Management of aneurysms at the wrist is discussed.
The List Decoding Radius of Reed-Muller Codes over Small Fields

The list decoding problem for a code asks for the maximal radius up to which any ball of that radius contains only a constant number of codewords. The list decoding radius is not well understood even for well studied codes, like Reed-Solomon or Reed-Muller codes. Fix a finite field F. The Reed-Muller code RMF(n,d) is defined by n-variate degree-d polynomials over F. In this work, we study the list decoding radius of Reed-Muller codes over a constant prime field F=Fp, constant degree d and large n. We show that the list decoding radius is equal to the minimal distance of the code.That is, if we denote by δ(d) the normalized minimal distance of RMF(n,d), then the number of codewords in any ball of radius δ(d)-e is bounded by c=c(p,d,e) independent of n. This resolves a conjecture of Gopalan-Klivans-Zuckerman [STOC 2008], who among other results proved it in the special case of F=F2; and extends the work of Gopalan [FOCS 2010] who proved the conjecture in the case of d=2.We also analyse the number of codewords in balls of radius exceeding the minimal distance of the code. For e ≤ d, we show that the number of codewords of RMF(n,d) in a ball of radius δ(e) - e is bounded by exp(c • nd-e), where c=c(p,d,e) is independent of n. The dependence on $n$ is tight. This extends the work of Kaufman-Lovett-Porat [IEEE Inf. Theory 2012] who proved similar bounds over F2.The proof relies on several new ingredients: an extension of the Frieze-Kannan weak regularity to general function spaces, higher-order Fourier analysis, and an extension of the Schwartz-Zippel-DeMillo-Lipton lemma to compositions of polynomials.
The changing state of gentrification

Gentrification has changed in ways that are related to larger economic and political restructuring. Among these changes is the return of heavy state intervention in the process. This paper explores heightened state involvement in gentrification by examining the process in three New York City neighbourhoods: Clinton, Long Island City, and DUMBO (Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass). We argue that state intervention has returned for three key reasons. First, continued devolution of federal states has placed even more pressure on local states to actively pursue redevelopment and gentrification as ways of generating tax revenue. Second, the diffusion of gentrification into more remote portions of the urban landscape poses profit risks that are beyond the capacity of individual capitalists to manage. Third, the larger shift towards post–Keynesian governance has unhinged the state from the project of social reproduction and as such, measures to protect the working class are more easily contested.
Patterns of Caffeine use in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)

Background: Caffeine is indicated for apnea of prematurity (AOP). Reports of decreased incidence of cerebral palsy and cognitive impairment have increased its use. Recently it is widely used for other neonatal morbidities including in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and chronic lung disease (CLD), periextubation and in postoperative apnea. No specific dosing guidelines for indications other than AOP being available. Purpose: Determine the patterns of use of caffeine in a NICU. Methods: Retrospective data on infants admitted between 11/2008 - 6/2010 on caffeine including demographics, caffeine dose, duration, date started, apnea, bradycardia and desaturation events and respiratory support ( mechanical ventilation (MV), CPAP duration or need for oxygen at 36 weeks corrected age ). Use was defined at RDS/CLD prevention for caffeine started before day of life (DOL) 7 (indication 1(IND1)) and AOP prevention/treatment if started after DOL 7 (IND 2). Results: 124 infants. 56 received caffeine for IND1 and 69 for IND2. The gestational age (28+/−2.6 vs. 27+/−2.5 weeks, p=0.03), MV days (14+/−24 vs. 30+/−32, p=0.01) and need for oxygen at 36 weeks (N=48/56 (85%) vs. N=67/69 (97%)) were different for both groups. The loading dose at start of treatment was significantly different for the two groups (17.2+/5.9 vs14.1+/4.9 mg/kg, p=0.0004) while the maintenance doses were similar (5.4+/−0.05 vs. 5.1+/−1.1 mg/kg, p=0.06) Conclusion: Starting caffeine in the first 7 days of life reduced the duration of MV and the need for oxygen at 36 weeks corrected age in this cohort. Loading doses were significantly different for each indication.
Estimating Employment Generation by Federal-Aid Highway Construction Projects

A model developed for the estimation of direct and indirect employment generated by expenditures on federal-aid highway improvement projects is reported. Data from the Federal Highway Administration's Form 47 database is combined with input-output data from the Transportation Satellite Accounts to generate employment estimates for 14 distinct categories of highway improvement, making it possible to adjust employment estimates for shifts in the distribution of federal-aid expenditures across improvement types.
PERFLEX: a performance driven module generator

A performance-driven approach to module generation, called PERFLEX, for static combinational CMOS logic circuits is described. The flexible layout style supports implementation of fast and reliable circuits. Improvement in circuit speed is achieved through minimization of diffusion and interconnection capacitance, transistor sizing, and transistor reordering. By integrating transistor sizing and reordering steps in the layout process, fine-grain optimization is achieved. Experimental results are presented. >
Recurrent Pneumothoraces in Ventilated Patients Despite Ipsilateral Chest Tubes

The incidence of recurrent pneumothoraces was analyzed in mechanically ventilated patients with the adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) or non-ARDS causes of respiratory failure who had ipsilateral chest tubes in place. The radiographs of 39 consecutive patients with 47 initial pneumothoraces were evaluated for pneumothorax recurrence and chest tube positioning, which was prospectively defined as having a “vertical” or “horizontal” orientation. “Horizontal” positioning indicated that the chest tube may have been placed into a major fissure or the posterior hemithorax. Sixteen of the 47 pneumothoraces in all study patients, 14 of the 21 pneumothoraces in patients with ARDS, and 2 of the 26 pneumothoraces in patients without ARDS recurred (p
Improved cubic convolution for two dimensional image reconstruction

This paper describes improved piecewise cubic convolution for two-dimensional image reconstruction. Piecewise cubic convolution is one of the most popular methods for image reconstruction, but the traditional approach uses a separable two-dimensional convolution kernel that is based on a one-dimensional derivation. The traditional approach is suboptimal for the usual case of non-separable scenes and systems. The improved approach implements the most general two-dimensional, non-separable, piecewise cubic interpolator with constraints for symmetry, continuity, and smoothness.
Leaf-level gas-exchange uniformity and photosynthetic capacity among loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genotypes of contrasting inherent genetic variation

Variation in leaf-level gas exchange among widely planted genetically improved loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) genotypes could impact stand-level water use, carbon assimilation, biomass production, C allocation, ecosystem sustainability and biogeochemical cycling under changing environmental conditions. We examined uniformity in leaf-level light-saturated photosynthesis (Asat), stomatal conductance (gs), and intrinsic water-use efficiency ( Asat/gs or δ) among nine loblolly pine genotypes (selected individuals): three clones, three full-sib families and three half-sib families, during the early years of stand development (first 3 y ears), with each genetic group possessing varying amounts of inherent genetic variation. We also compared light- and CO2-response parameters between genotypes and examined the relationship between genotype productivity, gas exchange and photosynthetic capacity. Within full-sib, half-sib and clonal genotypes, the coefficient of variation (CV) for gas exchange showed no consistent pattern; the CV for gs and δ was similar within clonal (44.3–46.9 and 35.5–38.6%) and halfsib (41.0–49.3 and 36.8–40.9%) genotypes, while full-sibs showed somewhat higher CVs (46.9–56.0 and 40.1–45.4%). In contrast, the CVs for Asat were generally higher within clones. With the exception of δ, differences in gas exchange among genotypes were generally insignificant. Tree volume showed a significant positive correlation with Asat and δ, but the relationship varied by season. Individual-tree volume and genotype volume were positively correlated with needle dark respiration (Rd). Our results suggest that uniformity in leaf-level physiological rates is not consistently related to the amount of genetic variation within a given genotype, and δ, Asat and Rd were the leaf-level physiological parameters that were most consistently related to individual-tree and genotype productivity. An enhanced understanding of molecular and environmental factors that influence physiological variation within and between loblolly pine genotypes may improve assessments of genotype growth potential and sensitivity to global climate change.
1997 William J. Stickel Gold Award. Morphological and biochemical properties of metatarsophalangeal joint cartilage

Although there is sparse information concerning the properties of foot-joint cartilages, knowledge of the morphology and biochemistry of these cartilages is important in the study of changes that occur in the development of osteoarthritis. Normal first and fifth metatarsophalangeal joints were chosen for comparison because of the difference between these two joints in the prevalence of osteoarthritis, particularly with advancing age. The authors' study shows that there is no age-related decrease in articular-cartilage thickness; however, there is an age-related decrease in the chondrocyte density in the superficial zone in both joints. There is, however, a difference between the two joints in the level of expression of matrix-degrading enzymes. This difference may indicate differences in specific chondrocyte activity that precedes or accompanies the development of osteoarthritis or other degenerative morphological changes.
Quickest detection of a random signal in background noise using a sensor array

The problem of detecting the onset of a signal impinging at an unknown angle on a sensor array is considered. An algorithm based on parallel CUSUM tests matched to each of a set of discrete beamforming angles is proposed. Analytical approximations are developed for the mean time between false alarms, and for the detection delay of this algorithm. Simulations are included to verify the results of this analysis.
A Novel Blind Polarization Demultiplexing Algorithm Based on Correlation Analysis

We propose a novel correlation-based blind polarization demultiplexing technique for coherent optical communication systems. The basic procedure involves the blind estimation of various channel parameters through correlation analysis, and resolving ambiguities using pilot symbols. In a 56 Gb/s/polarizaton multiplexing transmission system employing quadrature phase-shift keying, for both symbol-rate sampling and double symbol-rate sampling, the proposed algorithm achieves the same performance as that of the receiver with known channel parameters and significantly outperforms the constant modulus algorithm.
A normalized weighted entropy measure for sensor allocation within simulations

Information superiority is considered a critical capability for future joint forces. Sensor allocation and information processing are critical to achieving this information superiority but the value of information is difficult to assess. We develop a weighted entropy measure for sensor allocation within simulations by using the Dynamic Model of Situated Cognition as a framework in which to view the processing and flow of information in a complex technological-cognitive system. The entropy measure developed is normalized across each requirement and weighted according to the Commander's priorities within the phase of that operation. We develop a methodology for implementation for this normalized weighted entropy measure to allocate sensors within a combat simulation.
The management of localized abdominal aortic dissections

Aortic dissections limited to the abdominal aorta occur infrequently. We have identified four cases of abdominal aortic dissection and have reviewed these in combination with 43 previously reported cases to identify factors that influence the prognosis and management of this disease. Abdominal aortic dissections are similar to thoracic dissections in their presentation, with acute shearing pain and systolic hypertension occurring commonly. Although the diagnosis may be made by ultrasonography or CT scanning, angiography is the definitive diagnostic study. Factors found to be associated with high mortality include presentation with acute pain (p less than 0.0003), involvement of visceral vessels (p less than 0.02), and rupture (p less than 0.000002). Chronicity appears to be protective (p less than 0.04), although chronic dissections may present acutely. Although prosthetic replacement of the involved aorta is the treatment of choice in most cases, nonoperative management with regular follow-up can be considered in asymptomatic chronic dissections.
New method for assaying antiapomorphine activity in pigeons

Abstract An electronic monitoring system, which was capable of estimating and recording the intensity of the apomorphine‐induced pecking syndrome, was evaluated with regard to its ability to function as an attendant‐free assay instrument.Instrument responses were compared with responses derived from a visual recording technique which has been routinely used since 1960.The new monitoring system provides accurate and highly reliable estimates of the desired biological parameters.
Successful unrelated marrow transplantation for patients over the age of 40 with chronic myelogenous leukemia

Some older patients (> or =40 years) with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) who lack human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-identical sibling donors are not offered unrelated marrow transplantation because of concerns over excessive regimen-related toxicity, in particular due to graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of unrelated marrow transplantation in older CML patients using a regimen designed to minimize the severity of GVHD. Thirty-one consecutive patients over the age of 40 with CML received unrelated marrow transplants between January 1988 and June 1997. Twenty-one patients were transplanted in chronic phase while ten were transplanted in the accelerated phase of their disease. Fifteen patients received transplants from phenotypically matched donors while 16 received marrow grafts from donors who were mismatched at one HLA locus. GVHD prophylaxis consisted of ex vivo T cell depletion of the donor marrow graft plus posttransplant cyclosporine administration. Durable engraftment was achieved in 29 of 31 patients (94%). The probability of developing grades II-IV or severe grades III-IV acute GVHD was 39.2 and 7.1%, respectively. There was no difference in the incidence of grades II-IV acute GVHD between patients transplanted with marrow grafts from phenotypically matched (38.1%) vs. those transplanted from mismatched unrelated donors (40%, p = 0.99). The 2-year probability of relapse for the entire population was 29.4%. Relapse was significantly higher for patients transplanted in accelerated phase (60%) than for those in chronic phase (13.8%, p = 0.027). The 2-year probability of overall survival and disease-free survival for the entire cohort was 56 and 45%, respectively. There was no significant difference in survival or disease-free survival for patients receiving phenotypically matched vs. mismatched marrow grafts. Immunological reconstitution for this cohort was compared with a younger (<40 years) patient population that had been similarly transplanted over the same time period. Immune function as assessed by total T cell, B cell, NK cell, and T cell subset reconstitution posttransplant was quantitatively equivalent in the two groups with most parameters normalizing within 18 months of transplant. We conclude that CML patients over the age of 40 who have either phenotypically matched or one antigen-mismatched unrelated donors can successfully undergo allogeneic marrow transplantation. T cell depletion of the marrow graft may be advantageous in these older patients by reducing GVHD severity, particularly in those patients transplanted with HLA-disparate marrow grafts.
On the Use of Composite Charges to Determine Insensitive Explosive Material Properties at the Laboratory Scale

Laboratory-scale air-blast experiments an gram-range composite explosive charges are presented. The composite charges consist of a spherical booster charge surrounded by a concentric, spherical “candidate material” shell charge. By way of composite charge explosive characterization, the candidate explosive material is able to be characterized through the “removal” of the known booster effects. Using peak shock wave pressures, a method is developed to remove the booster effects from the composite charge’s signature to yield the sole effects of the candidate explosive material, permitting its characterization. Air-blast explosive tests are conducted using digital high-speed shadowgraph visualization to measure the resulting shock wave radial position as a function of time. Booster and composite charge data are converted to Mach number versus shock wave radius profiles and subsequently to peak shock wave pressure versus shock wave radius profiles for characterization of the shell material. Explosives tested include: PETN, RDX, HMX, and Alliant Bullseye® SP.
Configurations of Manufacturing Strategy, Business Strategy, Environment and Structure

By developing strategic configurations which describe commonly used paths to competitive advantage for manufacturers, this paper reconciles some basic concepts from competitive strategy and manufacturing strategy. Four basic strategic configurations are identified: niche differentiator, broad differentiator, cost leader, and lean competitor. The configurations are traced conceptually through competitive strategy, organizational structure, environment, and a strategic framework of manufacturing capabilities and decisions. Examples from the major home appliance industry are provided for each configuration.
Selection Effects in Constitutional Law

The standard consequentialist analysis of constitutional law focuses on the incentives that shape the behavior of government officials and other constitutional actors. Incentive-based accounts justify elections as a means of constraining officials to promote the public welfare, or at least the welfare of the median voter; justify the separation of powers as a means of making "ambition counteract ambition"; justify negative liberties, such as free speech and free association, as a necessary corrective to incumbent officials' incentives to suppress political opposition; and so forth. In this experimental essay I offer a preliminary sketch of a different way of looking at constitutional law generally and constitutional structure in particular: through the lens of "selection effects." Constitutional rules, on this account, should focus not only on the creation of optimal incentives for those who happen to occupy official posts at any given time, but also on the question which (potential) officials are selected to occupy those posts over time. Where an incentive analysis is short-term and static, asking only how legal rules affect the behavior of a given set of officeholders, selection analysis is long-term and dynamic, asking how legal rules themselves produce feedback effects that, over time, bring new types of government officials into power. This turn to selection-based analysis yields fresh insight into the dynamics of constitutionalism. Because constitutional rules affect the pool of potential and actual officeholders, as well as the behavior of current officeholders, focusing on selection effects shows that some constitutional rules prove "self-stabilizing": the rules tend to select a corps of officeholders who will act to uphold and stabilize the rules themselves. Other constitutional rules, by contrast, prove "self-negating": the rules tend to select a corps of officeholders who work to undermine or destabilize the rules themselves. This framework supplies insights into diverse areas of constitutional law and theory, ranging from governmental structure, campaign finance and voting rights to criminal sentencing, free speech, and affirmative action.
Damage to rat retinal DNA induced in vivo by visible light.

— Intense visible light can damage retinal photoreceptor cells by photochemical or thermal processes, leading to cell death. The precise mechanism of light-induced damage is unknown; however, oxidative stress is thought to be involved, based on the protective effect of antioxidants on the light-exposed retina. To explore the in vivo effects of light on retinal DNA, rats were exposed to intense visible light for up to 24 h and the time courses of single-strand breaks in restriction fragments containing the opsin, insulin 1 and interleukin-6 genes were measured. All three gene fragments displayed increasing single-strand modifications with increasing light exposure. Treatment with the antioxidant dimethylthiourea prior to light exposure delayed the development of net damage. The time course of double-strand DNA damage was also examined in specific genes and in repetitive DNA. The appearance of discrete 140–200 base-pair DNA fragments after 20 h of light exposure implicated a nonrandom, possibly enzymatic damaging mechanism. The generation of nucleosome core-sized DNA fragments, in conjunction with single-strand breaks, suggests two phases of light-induced retinal damage, with random attack on DNA by activated oxygen species preceding enzymatic degradation.
Remarks on MOOCS and Mini-MOOCS

In an earlier issue of ETR&D, the editors provided an hierarchical framework of components to support learning and instruction. That hierarchy included information objects, knowledge objects, learning objects, instructional objects, courses, programs and ongoing efforts, with each subsequent component building on the former components. For example, a course is a structured collected of instructional objects, which in turn are structured collections of learning objects with learning activities, feedback, and assessments (both formative and summative). Based on that hierarchical perspective, most of the current massive open online courses (MOOCs) are not actually courses. This article proposes taking what is good about the MOOC concept and transforming it into something that could be considered a course—namely, a mini-MOOC.
Clinicians' Concepts of the Cognitive Deficits of Schizophrenia

Several compounds to improve cognition in schizophrenia are being studied in clinical trials, but little is known about how clinicians conceptualize the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia. In a pilot study, the author asked 40 psychiatrists 3 brief questions about the clinical presentation of cognitive deficits. Descriptions of cognitive deficits show high variability. Informants describe phenomenology like follow-through, attention, and emptiness as indicative of cognitive impairment. Informants' concepts of cognitive deficits overlap substantially with positive, negative, and thought disorder symptoms. Clinicians' concepts are complex and contextualized, in contrast to the discrete skills measured by neuropsychological tests. Results suggest that appropriate prescribing of cognition-enhancing medications may be challenging.
Phase I and Pharmacokinetic Study of Weekly Docetaxel, Cisplatin, and Daily Capecitabine in Patients with Advanced Solid Tumors

Purpose: Docetaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine are three active chemotherapeutic agents with different mechanisms of action. This phase I study investigated the feasibility and pharmacokinetics of this combination given on a weekly schedule. Experimental Design: Docetaxel and cisplatin were given i.v. over 30 minutes on days 1 and 8 and capecitabine was given orally bid on days 1 to 14 (every 21 days). Escalation occurred in cohorts of three patients until the maximum tolerated dose was defined. Pharmacokinetics studies of docetaxel and total and ultrafiltrate platinum after cisplatin administration were done on cycle 1 (with capecitabine) and cycle 2 (without capecitabine). Results: Twenty-five patients were enrolled. Two of six patients at dose level 5 had a dose-limiting infection and diarrhea. One of six evaluable patients at dose level 4 (27 mg/m 2 docetaxel, 27 mg/m 2 cisplatin, 825 mg/m 2 capecitabine) had a dose-limiting hypomagnesemia. Pharmacokinetics of docetaxel were similar on cycles 1 and 2. Area under the plasma concentrations versus time curves of total platinum was significantly greater in cycle 2 compared with cycle 1 ( P = 0.001). There was no difference in the disposition of docetaxel on cycles 1 and 2. Conclusions: The recommended docetaxel, cisplatin, and capecitabine dose for phase II studies is 27/27/825 mg/m 2 . The alteration in total and ultrafiltrate platinum disposition on cycle 2 compared with cycle 1 may be inherent to sequential cisplatin administration; however, prior treatment with capecitabine cannot be ruled out as a factor.