cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Drug therapies in older adults (part 2)

In this, the second of two articles, we continue our evaluation of drug therapies in older adults. Having previously described the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic consequences of physiological ageing, along with the challenge of appropriate prescribing, we proposed four key questions which should be considered when prescribing for this cohort of the population. Does this agent reflect the priorities of the patient? Are there alternatives - with greater efficacy, effectiveness or tolerability - that might be considered? Are the dose, frequency and formulation appropriate? How does this prescription relate to concurrent medication? We also highlighted the reliance on subgroup analysis to demonstrate the efficacy of drug therapies for older adults in osteoporosis and the underutilisation of appropriate treatments for patients with Alzheimer's disease as a result of flawed guidelines. Here we describe current drug therapies in systolic heart failure, noting the limited inclusion of older adults in key trials, while also reviewing the pharmacological treatment of orthostatic hypotension. In doing so, we advocate the intermittent use of midodrine as a first-line treatment for orthostasis in older adults, counter to the generic guidelines produced by various learned societies, but in keeping with the scant trial data available.
Marketing “healthy” babies

In 2011, poet and writer George Estreich wrote about the impact of biotechnology on family life in his first book, The Shape of the Eye. The memoir centers on how his family9s life was changed, and enriched, by the birth of his second child, Laura, who has Down syndrome. Laura made his second book possible. In Fables and Futures, Estreich goes beyond the personal to describe the ways that genetic technologies affect society and the stories the promoters of such technologies tell about them.
Epidemiological and Treatment Trends of Distal Radius Fractures across Multiple Age Groups

Background The purpose of this study is to assess the epidemiology, population-specific treatment trends, and complications of distal radius fractures in the United States. Methods The PearlDiver database (Humana [2007–2014], Medicare [2005–2014]) was used to access US inpatient and outpatient data for all patients who had undergone operative and nonoperative treatment for a distal radius fracture in the United States. Epidemiologic analysis was performed followed by age-based stratification, to assess prevalence, treatment trends, and rates of complications. Results A total of 1,124,060 distal radius treatment claims were captured. The incidence of distal radius fractures follows a bimodal distribution with distinct peaks in the pediatric and elderly population. Fractures in the pediatric population occurred predominately in males, whereas fractures in the elderly population occurred more frequently in females. The most commonly used modality of treatment was nonoperative; however, the use of internal fixation increased significantly during the study period, from 8.75 to 20.02%, with a corresponding decrease in percutaneous fixation. The overall complication rate was 8.3%, with mechanical symptoms most frequently reported. Conclusions The last decade has seen a significant increase in the use of internal fixation as treatment modality for distal radius fractures. The impetus for this change is likely multifactorial and partly related to recent innovations including volar locking plates and an increasingly active elderly population. The implicated financial cost must be weighed against the productivity cost of maintaining independent living to determine the true burden to the healthcare system.
The Long Life of US Institutionalized White Supremacist Terror

Emerging as a racial formation under specific socio-historical conditions, white supremacy enacted racial projects that institutionalized terror as a function of its hegemonic rule. From the war ca...
Ion specific effects on the pressure solution of calcite single crystals

Abstract Pressure solution of carbonate-based rocks participates in many geophysical and geochemical processes occurring at or near the Earth’s surface, but fundamental knowledge is still lacking. Here, the pressure solution of calcite single crystals in water, NaCl and CaCl2 brines was investigated with an extended surface forces apparatus (SFA). This highly mechanically and thermally stable measuring technique enables to measure the deformation of two single calcite crystals undergoing pressure solution and the deformation rates with high precision as a function of load and fluid composition. The measurements in water reveal both diffusion- and dissolution-limited scenarios. Further, the pressure solution of calcite decelerates with a small concentration of NaCl compared to CaCO3-saturated solution, while the rate is promoted with an increase to 100 mM NaCl, reflecting the competition of at least two different mechanisms. In contrast, the addition of small concentrations of CaCl2 already speeds up calcite’s pressure solution. These experimental results cannot be solely explained via the increase in solubility of calcite with ionic strength, as generally proposed. Instead, they are consistent with the ion-specific effects of the interfacial composition and the distortion of the hydration structure of calcite under an applied pressure smaller than ∼25 MPa. This work advances the fundamental knowledge of pressure solution of calcite. More broadly, the novel technique developed here can be applied to other brittle and unexfoliable minerals, which notably expands the applications of SFA.
Transnational Solutions to a Local Problem: The Human Natures of Buddhist Consumers

This chapter looks at the influences of global capitalism and colonialism on attitudes toward economic development, resulting in an unusual use of commodity fetishism theory. As Buddhists, Thais are taught that their desires for things should be eliminated because they reflect a defiled nature. As members of families they learn that, in many cases, love and the value of a relationship are best expressed through material gifts. As Buddhists grow richer in Thailand’s developing economy, this conflict between otherworldly disconnection and validation through material goods has grown more evident. Therefore, some Thais reinterpret their stories about human nature in terms of commodity fetishism theories, explaining the defiling desire for material goods as a product of a weakened psychological state imposed upon them by global-capitalist forces. Ironically, the vision of human nature they have chosen to experiment with is one which, they believe, allows them neither to choose nor to experiment.
Temperature evolution of frequency and anharmonic phonon loss for multi-mode epitaxial HBARs

This Letter reports measured cryogenic temperature trends for over 300 longitudinal phonon modes spanning >10 GHz in an epitaxial GaN/NbN/SiC high overtone bulk acoustic resonator (epi-HBAR). We present temperature profiles from 7.2 K to 200 K for the mode frequency ( f), the quality factor (Q), the figure of merit ( f × Q), and the phonon loss or attenuation coefficient ( α). We show that for all m phonon modes, f m T follows an identical parabolic trend, with a zero-slope turnover temperature of 35 K. Thus, the epi-HBAR comb spectrum can be considered an ensemble of modes with the same temperature dependencies, potentially enabling the design of precise multi-mode temperature-stable RF oscillators and clocks operating at GHz frequencies. Using temperature trends for ( f × Q ) m and α m, we provide strong evidence that the epi-HBARs are fundamentally limited by anharmonic phonon scattering in the materials that make up the epi-HBAR. Crucially, we unambiguously demonstrate the evolution of this anharmonic phonon scattering from the low frequency Akhiezer scattering regime α m ∝ T 1 to the high frequency Landau–Rumer scattering regime α m ∝ T 4, using hundreds of phonon modes in the same device. Finally, we show that at extremely low temperatures, other emergent loss mechanisms overshadow anharmonic phonon scattering. This finding motivates further investigation into the root causes of these limiting mechanisms for precision RF signal processing, quantum acoustodynamics, and other applications that require extremely low loss micromechanical devices.
Major General Nathanael Greene: A Study in Leadership Culminating at Guilford Courthouse

This manuscript argues that Major General Nathanael Greene's adaptive leadership style demonstrated an effective use of irregular forces, allowing him to achieve strategic victory in the southern theatre of the American Revolution. Greene’s understanding, of what is now considered, the operational environment, helped him solve complex wicked problems. Greene coined the term, “fugitive war,” to capture the core of his tactics in the Carolinas, which focused on augmented capabilities of his European-styled traditional Continental army. His keen recognition of the importance of the environment and logistics during the campaign leading up to the Guilford Courthouse (March 15, 1781) was superb, highlighting his strengths as a military leader. Greene’s previous tenure as quartermaster solidified his understanding of logistics, while his awareness of the value of boats, vice horses, demonstrated his ability to think in unconventional ways. Greene understood the precarious state of his army in the face of a superior force. The situation dictated patience to attrite slowly the British army under Cornwallis. Greene needed time to recruit an American army, while also waiting for the British to make a tactical error that he could exploit. This submission differs from other scholarship on the topic because it focuses on Greene's thorough understanding of the operational environment, providing unique insights from the past, which are helpful today. His novel use of irregular forces, allowed him to use his conventional Continental army to great effect. Past battles highlight leadership skills, emphasizing unique solutions to complex problems, to apply to modern tactical challenges. This study will help future leaders and students of military history grasp the value of novel approaches to complex problems. This paper utilizes historical narrative while highlighting leadership characteristics that would be useful to emerging senior leaders as a study of adaptive and original approach to a remarkably contemporary complex problem set. It also demonstrates enduring links among strategy, operations, and tactics.
MECP2pedia: A Comprehensive Transcriptome Portal for MECP2 Disease Research

Mutations in MeCP2 result in a crippling neurological disease, but we lack a lucid picture of MeCP2s molecular role. Focusing on individual transcriptomic studies yields inconsistent differentially expressed genes. We have aggregated and homogeneously processed modern public MeCP2 transcriptome data, which we present in a web portal. With this big data, we discovered a commonly perturbed core set of genes that transcends the limitations of any individual study. We then found distinct consistently up and downregulated subsets within these genes. We observe enrichment for this mouse core in other species MeCP2 models and see overlap between this core and ASD models. Analysis of signal to noise finds that many studies lack enough biological replicates. By integrating and examining transcriptomic data at scale, we have generated a valuable resource and insight on MeCP2 function.
The Legal Regime of Offshore Oil Rigs in International Law

This book reviews and examines the relevant portions of all international treaties, cases and the national law and practice of states, in relation to international aspects of offshore oil rigs. By doing so, it offers an understanding of the legal regime surrounding oil rigs and formulates an international law framework. It investigates the issues under consideration by analyzing provisions of international law pertaining to all aspects of oil rigs, as well as international treaties and their travaux preparatoires. It also examines the national legislation of major offshore oil and gas producers and defines a framework of customary international entities such as the OSPAR and the petroleum industries of certain major offshore oil producers. Based upon the book's findings, it is clear that in spite of their increasing importance, offshore oil installations are subject to fragmentary and vague legal rules under international law.
Antigenic Properties of the α-, β-, and γ-Subunits of Na,K-ATPase

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the antigenic properties of α, β, and γ-subunits of Na, K–ATPase. Antibodies raised to the α- and β-subunits of the sheep kidney enzyme can migrate as single protein bands when analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Agar gel immunoelectrophoresis and double diffusion immunoprecipitation techniques have demonstrated single precipitation arcs between the antisera and the immunizing antigens, with no antibody cross­reactivity toward the other enzyme subunit. Antibodies raised to the α-subunit were found to have similar affinities for both the subunit and the holoenzyme, and low-affinity cross-reactivity to the β-subunit. The α-subunit specific antibodies also effectively inhibit the Na, K–ATPase activity. The β-subunit-directed antibodies were found to have a high affinity for the antigen but little cross-reactivity or affinity toward the holoenzyme. These antibodies had no effect on enzyme activity. The β-subunit-directed antibodies also have low ­affinity cross-reactivity with the α-subunit. Further, antibody binding studies demonstrate that a significant fraction of holoenzyme-directed antibodies bind to γ.
Parallelism in solving PDEs

This paper examines the potential of parallel computation methods for partial differential equations (PDEs). We first observe that linear algebra does not give the best data structures for exploiting parallelism in solving PDEs, the data structures should be based on the physical geometry. There is a naturally high level of parallelism in the physical world to be exploited and we show there is a namral level of granularity or degree of parallelism which depends on the accuracy needed and the complexity of the POE problem. We discuss lhe inherent complexity of parallel methods and parallel machines and conclude that dramatically increased software support is needed for the general scientific and engineering community to exploit the power of highly parallel machines. This won: roppolUl:l in part by Air Fort:e Office or Scientific Resean:h grantAFOSR-34-0385.
A retrospective on the classical gold standard, 1821–1931: A review essay

An NBER conference organized by Michael Bordo and Anna Schwartz and held in March of 1982 re-examined the historical evidence on the performance of the classical gold standard. The conference proceedings, which consist of 14 papers and discussion, plus an introduction, have been published in a 651-page volume titled A Retrospective on the Classical Gold Standard, 1821-1931 (University of Chicago Press, 1984). The volume provides evidence on several issues that ought to be examined when evaluating the merits of returning to a gold standard. What was the actual money supply process in England, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Sweden during the Gold Standard Period? Did a commitment to a convertible currency at a fixed parity constrain monetary policy and, thereby, promote low and stable rates of money growth and inflation? Did the commitment promote external stability? (The volume also examines whether markets were unified internationally at the turn of the century and Gibson’s Paradox.) The principle modes of analysis found in the volume are time series regression and historical exposition. Gold standards adopted during the Gold Standard Period did not require 100 percent gold backing of domestic money. Instead, historical gold standards allowed the monetary authority to vary the relationship between the domestic money stock and gold reserves. Understanding the money supply process under a gold standard with less than 100 percent gold backing requires specifying how the monetary.authority varies the gold reserves to money stock ratio. One popular hypothesis, examined in over half the papers in the Bordo and Schwartz volume, is that the monetary authority follows the ‘rules of the game’.
Convex programming approach to real-time trajectory optimization for mars aerocapture

This paper is to develop a robust guidance and control (G&C) system and corresponding real-time algorithms for ADEPT (Adaptable Deployable Entry Placement Technology) planetary entry vehicle for Mars aerocapture mission with large payloads. The convex optimization based guidance approach is proposed that enables the real-time implementation of the algorithm and increases the predictability and robustness of the closed-loop system. The objective of this study is to utilize ADEPT aeroshell as a controllable G&C effector through active bank angle and angle of attack modulation and convex optimization based control methods for planetary entry maneuvers. A Mars aerocapture case study is simulated to demonstrate the feasibility and efficacy of the proposed guidance concept.
Ventricular inversion without transposition of the great arteries

Clinical and morphologic features are described in a 13 week old male infant with ventricular inversion without associated transposition of the great arteries but with concomitant atresia of the left-sided (tricuspid) atrioventricular valve. Isolated ventricular inversion without situs inversus or visceral heterotaxy has previously been reported in English in only three patients, none with tricuspid atresia.
Shifting Paradigms Transform Environmental and Land Use Law: The Emergence of the Law of Sustainable Development

We began these two decades reacting to the market’s interest in developing greenfields and coastal property and end it wondering how to prepare more urbanized places for a growing population of smaller households who seek the amenities of urban living and some protection from the storms ahead. This essay discusses this and nine other fundamental paradigm shifts in environmental and economic conditions that are reshaping the law and changing the way state and local governments control land use and order human settlements.
High‐Resolution Multi‐Contrast MRI of the Carotid Artery Wall for Evaluation of Atherosclerotic Plaques

Carotid atherosclerosis is an important medical condition associated with a high potential risk of stroke. In addition to the degree of artery stenosis, the size and tissue composition of the atherosclerotic plaque are thought to be important factors for disease management and prognosis. This unit presents a protocol for high-resolution multi-contrast MRI of the carotid artery wall. The protocol employs a combination of bright-blood magnetic resonance angiography and black-blood imaging with different contrast weightings (T1, T2, and proton-density contrasts) in order to provide comprehensive characterization of the atherosclerotic lesion. The images obtained with the protocol presented here can be used to identify basic tissue components of the atherosclerotic plaque (fibrous matrix, lipid core, calcificates, and hemorrhage) and to conduct morphological measurements of plaque size and distribution.
Structural biology: Hypoxia response becomes crystal clear.

The crystal structures of two proteins that respond to reduced tissue oxygen levels — hypoxia-inducible factors — provide insight into their function and reveal sites for rational drug design. See Article p.303 This study describes the long-awaited crystal structures for hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) heterodimers, including complexes bound to small molecules and DNA. HIFs are transcription factors that coordinate cellular adaptation to low oxygen stress and are potential targets for cancer therapeutics. The mouse HIF–ARNT heterodimer is shown to have an architecture that is distinct from the bHLH-PAS-containing circadian clock component CLOCK–BMAL1. HIF-α mutations linked to cancer can be mapped to important structural regions, and the structures will provide future reference for small molecule drug discovery efforts.
Light treatment for nonseasonal depression: speed, efficacy, and combined treatment.

Abstract Background: Using bright light for treating major depressive disorders which are not seasonal needs reassessment. Methods: Clinical trials of light treatment for nonseasonal major depressive disorders were compared with selected trials of light treatment of winter depression and with antidepressant clinical drug trials. Results: Light treatment of nonseasonal depression produces net benefits in the range of 12–35%, often within 1 week. Conclusions: Light's value for nonseasonal and seasonal depression are comparable. Light appears to produce faster antidepressant benefits than psychopharmacologic treatment. Limitations: Direct randomizing comparisons between light and medications for nonseasonal depression are not available. Clinical relevance: Bright light can be combined with standard therapies for treating nonseasonal depressions and appears synergistic.
18S Ribosomal RNA gene sequence characters place the human pathogenSporothrix schenckii in the genusOphiostoma

Using the sequence of the gene for the 18S subunit of ribosomal RNA, we show that the asexual human pathogenSporothrix schenckii lies phylogenetically within the sexual genusOphiostoma. By distance or maximum parsimony criteria,S. schenckii, Ophiostoma stenoceras, andO. ulmi (the Dutch elm disease fungus) are all related, butS. schenckii andO. stenoceras are more closely related to each other than either is toO. ulmi. the 18S RNA gene sequences ofS. schenckii andO. stenoceras are identical except at three sites, and the two species group together in 99% of the trees generated using the statistical method of bootstrapping. This is the first time that DNA sequence data have been used to place an asexual fungus, phylogenetically and with statistical support, in a sexual genus.
Fractal characteristics of rubber wear surfaces as a function of load and velocity

Abstract Rubber wear surfaces are fractal and the fractal parameters quantitatively link the wear topography with the wear rate. The fractal dimension depends on the wear mechanism, but for dry wear it is independent of frictional work and velocity. However, the fractal scale factor depends on the frictional work and the velocity. Computer aided fractal analysis of digitized profilometer traces was found to be a rapid, reliable tool for a better understanding of wear processes.
New Opportunities for Change in American Teacher Education: Insights From Hong Kong

This article is an exploration of the emerging narratives on learning and teacher education in the United States and Hong Kong, as found in official policy statements and curriculum documents. Particular attention is given to Hong Kong's initiative in implementing an interdisciplinary liberal studies curriculum, and the continued professional development of teachers for this proposed change. This recent trend is used to illustrate the possibilities for a broader vision of creating and substantiating knowledge and learning in teacher education programs in the United States.
Low-dimensional embedding using adaptively selected ordinal data

Low-dimensional embedding based on non-metric data (e.g., non-metric multidimensional scaling) is a problem that arises in many applications, especially those involving human subjects. This paper investigates the problem of learning an embedding of n objects into d-dimensional Euclidean space that is consistent with pairwise comparisons of the type “object a is closer to object b than c.” While there are O(n3) such comparisons, experimental studies suggest that relatively few are necessary to uniquely determine the embedding up to the constraints imposed by all possible pairwise comparisons (i.e., the problem is typically over-constrained). This paper is concerned with quantifying the minimum number of pairwise comparisons necessary to uniquely determine an embedding up to all possible comparisons. The comparison constraints stipulate that, with respect to each object, the other objects are ranked relative to their proximity. We prove that at least Q(dn log n) pairwise comparisons are needed to determine the embedding of all n objects. The lower bounds cannot be achieved by using randomly chosen pairwise comparisons. We propose an algorithm that exploits the low-dimensional geometry in order to accurately embed objects based on relatively small number of sequentially selected pairwise comparisons and demonstrate its performance with experiments.
Analytical Solutions of Period-1 Motions in a Periodically Forced van der Pol Oscillator

Approximate, analytical solutions of period-m motions in a periodically forced, van der Pol oscillator are obtained through the Fourier series expression, and the corresponding stability and bifurcation analysis of such period-m motions are carried out. To verify the approximate, analytical solutions of period-m motions, numerical simulations are performed, and the numerical results are compared with analytical solutions. The harmonic amplitude distributions are presented to show the significance of harmonic terms in the finite Fourier series expression of the analytical periodic solutions. Period-m motions are separated by quasi-periodic motion or chaos, and the stable period-m motions are in independent periodic motion windows.
Synthesis and Mechanism of PBI Phosphonate, Poly[2,2'-(-m-phenylene)-5,5'-Bibenzimidazole Phosphonate Ester], and its Polyphosphonic Acid Derivatives

Polybenzimidazole diethyl phosphonates (PBIPEt) of high phosphorus content (as high as ∼13%) have been synthesized by reacting poly[2,2′-(m-phenylene)-5,5′-bibenzimidazole] (PBI) with diethyl phosphite and a peroxide, in N,N-dimethylacetamide solution, via a free radical mechanism. The phosphonate ester groups are linked directly to the aromatic backbone thus establishing a strong −(O═)P−Ph− bond. The highly phosphonylated products dissolve in lower alcohols and the corresponding polyphosphonic acids (PBIPOH) dissolve in aqueous sodium hydroxide (pH ∼ 7−8); membranes composed of either polymer are readily prepared. PBIPOH displayed high thermal stability as well as charge densities as high as ∼9 mequiv of H+/g. Model compounds benzimidazole and 2,2′-diphenyl-5,5′-bibenzimidazole have been phosphonylated under similar conditions in order to resolve phosphonylation mechanism, and some aspects of a rather complicated oxidative substitution. Benzoic acid is a byproduct of reactions involving benzoyl peroxide ...
The Influence of Goal Setting on Exercise Adherence

Abstract This study assessed the influence of fitness- and health-related goal setting on exercise adherence. Students (N=104) in a community college fitness program were randomly assigned, after stratification by letter grade versus credit only and self-motivation score, to one of three groups: goal setting (GS), reading (R), or control (C). Every other week, the GS group received written goal setting information and strategies, whereas the R group chose fitness-related and health-related articles to read. The C group received no communication during the 16-week intervention. At the conclusion of the study, analysis of variance results indicated no significant differences among the three groups in exercise adherence. Subjects enrolled for letter grade, however, had a significantly greater number of fitness center visits and total hours of activity than those enrolled for credit only (p<.05). Chi square analysis also confirmed that self-motivation was a significant factor (p<.05) in greater exercise adher...
THE ABSORPTION AND DISTRIBUTION OF RADIOACTIVE PHOSPHORUS IN TWO MAIZE INBREDS AND THEIR HYBRID

of the roots is increased because of the increased numbers of elements present. Although the hybrid showed a considerable advantage over one parent with respect to size and number of root structures, and a slight advantage over the other parent, the general pattern described above pertains to each line investigated. The anatomical developmental differences among the maize lines studied are expressed not only quantitatively but at different periods in plant development. Furthermore, anatomical features are generally correlated with morphological features. These facts suggest that in addition to whatever physiological factors are involved, structural features of the stems and roots are related to differences in absorption and distribution of radioactive phosphorus as revealed in correlated studies.
Surface tension and bubble nucleation in phonolite magmas

Abstract Explosive Plinian eruptions tap a wide range of magma compositions, including highly alkaline phonolite magma. Such eruptions are driven by volatiles exsolving from those magmas, and so determining how gas bubbles form is important to understanding those eruptions. Nucleation of bubbles in silicate melts is dictated strongly by the surface tension (σ) of the melt, and so this study focuses on determining σ for phonolite melts. Cylinders cored from a sodium-rich phonolite were hydrated with 5.37 ± 0.09 wt.% dissolved water at 150 MPa and 1150 °C, and then decompressed at either 1150 °C or 875 °C. Bubbles nucleated at 1150 °C only when pressure dropped below 95 MPa, in number densities of 104–5 cm−3. At 875 °C bubbles nucleated only when pressure dropped below 53 MPa, in number densities of 104–7 cm−3. Depending on whether the pressure within critical bubble nuclei equals the saturation pressure or a variable lower pressure, the observed number densities and nucleation rates imply that surface tension for Na-rich phonolite is 0.061 or 0.068 N m−1 at 875 °C and 0.052 or 0.066 N m−1 at 1150 °C. Importantly, temperature has little or slightly negative impact on σ, in contrast to the thermal impact on σ of rhyolite melts. Regardless of pressure assumption, the inferred surface tensions indicate that Na-rich phonolite can become highly super-saturated with water before bubbles nucleate, which could cause them to explosively degas and erupt, similar to highly viscous rhyolites.
A note on a theorem of Ahern and Sarason

A strong weak* maximality theorem due to Ahern and Sarason is simply deduced from a more easily obtained and weaker maximality theorem of Garnett. Throughout this note it is assumed that K is a compact subset of the complex plane C such that R(K) is hypodirichlet. Recall that this means that the uniform closure of Re R(K) in CR(aK) has finite codimension and that the real-linear span of logIR(K)-11 is uniformly dense in CR(8K). For z E K, it follows that Mz, the set of representing measures on aK for the complex homomorphism z of R(K), is finite dimensional and that there is a unique positive measure Xz on aK such that loglf(z)l = J loglfIdXz for each f E R(K)-1. This measure Xz is called the logmodular measure or Arens-Singer measure for the complex homomorphism z of R(K). Consideration of expR(K) shows Xz to be in Mz. Denote the weak* closure of R(K) in LI(Xz) by HI(Xz). Ahem and Sarason have proven the following. THEOREM A. H''(X z) is a maximal weak* closed subalgebra of L (X z) [AS1, 14.5 and 15]. Notice that Theorem A is a generalization of the well-known fact that the algebra H'(dO/27r) of bounded analytic functions on the unit disc is a maximal weak* closed subalgebra of Ll(dO/2Tr). In [AS2], Ahem and Sarason comment that Theorem A "comes near the end of a long paper and depends in an essential way on many of the earlier results in that paper. A more direct proof of Theorem A ... would ... be of interest." A little later Garnett obtained a short proof of the following weaker version of Theorem A. THEOREM B. H?(X z) is maximal among the subalgebras of L (X z) on which Xz is multiplicative [Gar, 3.7 and the comment afterward or S, 26.34]. The purpose of this note is to show that with a little effort Theorem A can be deduced from Theorem B. The only other fact needed from the theory of hypodirichlet algebras is the following. It lies close to the surface. THEOREM C. Each measure in Mz is absolutely continuous with respect to Xz [AS1, Corollary 1 to 3.1 or S, 23.13 and 26.32]. Received by the editors December 10, 1984. 1980 Mathematics Subject Classification (1985 Revision). Primary 30E10, 30H05; Secondary 46J10, 46J15. ?1986 American Mathematical Society 0002-9939/86 $1.00 + $.25 per page
Proteomics mapping of cord blood identifies haptoglobin "switch-on" pattern as biomarker of early-onset neonatal sepsis in preterm newborns.

Background Intra-amniotic infection and/or inflammation (IAI) are important causes of preterm birth and early-onset neonatal sepsis (EONS). A prompt and accurate diagnosis of EONS is critical for improved neonatal outcomes. We sought to explore the cord blood proteome and identify biomarkers and functional protein networks characterizing EONS in preterm newborns. Methodology/Principal Findings We studied a prospective cohort of 180 premature newborns delivered May 2004-September 2009. A proteomics discovery phase employing two-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) and mass spectrometry identified 19 differentially-expressed proteins in cord blood of newborns with culture-confirmed EONS (n = 3) versus GA-matched controls (n = 3). Ontological classifications of the proteins included transfer/carrier, immunity/defense, protease/extracellular matrix. The 1st-level external validation conducted in the remaining 174 samples confirmed elevated haptoglobin and haptoglobin-related protein immunoreactivity (Hp&HpRP) in newborns with EONS (presumed and culture-confirmed) independent of GA at birth and birthweight (P<0.001). Western blot concurred in determining that EONS babies had conspicuous Hp&HpRP bands in cord blood (“switch-on pattern”) as opposed to non-EONS newborns who had near-absent “switch-off pattern” (P<0.001). Fetal Hp phenotype independently impacted Hp&HpRP. A Bayesian latent-class analysis (LCA) was further used for unbiased classification of all 180 cases based on probability of “antenatal IAI exposure” as latent variable. This was then subjected to 2nd-level validation against indicators of adverse short-term neonatal outcome. The optimal LCA algorithm combined Hp&HpRP switch pattern (most input), interleukin-6 and neonatal hematological indices yielding two non-overlapping newborn clusters with low (≤20%) versus high (≥70%) probability of IAI exposure. This approach reclassified ∼30% of clinical EONS diagnoses lowering the number needed to harm and increasing the odds ratios for several adverse outcomes including intra-ventricular hemorrhage. Conclusions/Significance Antenatal exposure to IAI results in precocious switch-on of Hp&HpRP expression. As EONS biomarker, cord blood Hp&HpRP has potential to improve the selection of newborns for prompt and targeted treatment at birth.
Novelties from the Northern Mountains Complex of Madagascar. III. Two new species of Turraea L. (Meliaceae)

ABSTRACT Two new species of Turraea L. are described from northern Madagascar, T. andriamiarisoana Callm., Phillipson & Lowry, sp. nov. and T. buerkii Callm., Phillipson & Lowry, sp. nov., both endemic to a region bounded by four relatively well-studied protected areas (Tsaratanana, Manongarivo, Marojejy and Anjanaharibe-Sud). The region harbors extensive low to high elevation humid forest that was botanically virtually unknown until recently. The new species differ from each other and from other members of the genus in Madagascar by leaf features, flower colour, length of the staminal appendices, and the shape and the pubescence of the ovary. Line drawings are provided for both of the new taxa, along with discussions of their morphological affinities and preliminary risk of extinction assessments.
Population balance modeling of polymer branching and hyperbranching

Branched polymers have rheological and morphological properties that make them important subjects for investigation. We propose a chain polymerization model for branching kinetics that is not restricted to primary branching on the chain backbone, but incorporates branches on branches (hyperbranching). The proposed method involves multivariate distributions, a subject of considerable interest and activity in population balance modeling. For unsteady-state continuous-flow stirred reactors, the mathematical description is based on population balance equations for branch formation and growth by addition of chains of distributed molecular weight (MW). Computer algebra software facilitates the complex mathematical manipulations for the continuous MW and the discrete branch number. Key properties of branched macromolecules are presented, such as MW moments for various levels of branching, number of branches, and average MW of branches. A major conclusion is that hyperbranching presents distinctly different properties for unsteady batch and steady-state stirred flow reactors, whereas for primary branching, the results are similar.
Introduction: Current Issues in Usability Evaluation

In this introduction to the special issue of the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction, I discuss some current topics in usability evaluation and indicate how the contributions to the issue relate to these topics. The contributions cover a wide range of topics in usability evaluation, including a discussion of usability science, how to evaluate usability evaluation methods, the effect and control of certain biases in the selection of evaluative tasks, a lack of reliability in problem detection across evaluators, how to adjust estimates of problem-discovery rates computed from small samples, and the effects of perception of hedonic and ergonomic quality on user ratings of a product's appeal.
A Simple, Convenient, and Efficient Preparative GC System that Uses a Short Megabore Capillary Column as a Trap

A simple, convenient, and highly efficient preparative GC system has been developed that uses short sections of megabore capillary columns as sample collection (sorbent) traps. The performance of this system with various types of capillary column traps and under various collection conditions was systematically investigated with model compounds, including C4 to C20 normal alkanes, esters, and alcohols. The thickness and polarity of the sorptive stationary phase and the temperature of the collection trap affected trap performance. Each group of compounds was efficiently trapped above a critical Kovat’s index, and the type of trap (deactivated, methyl polysiloxane, polyethylene glycol), film thickness, and whether or not the trap was cooled significantly shifted this threshold index. Above this critical index, recovery efficiencies of traps with methyl polysiloxane films were 80–100% for a wide range of injected sample mass. For example, a DB-1 collection trap with a film thickness of 1.5 μm methyl polysiloxane operated at ambient temperature trapped >84% of the mass of injected compounds of all three chemical classes with Kovat’s index >1,100 (determined on a nonpolar column) with injected sample mass ranging from 10 to 1,000 ng of each compound. This preparative GC system is technically and economically feasible for most researchers. Furthermore, it is suitable for the preparation of NMR samples of volatile and semivolatile compounds, especially with sample sizes ranging from several nanograms to several micrograms.
Similarity landscapes: A way to detect many structural and sequence motifs in both introns and exons

When investigators undertake searches of DNA databases, they normally discard large numbers of alignments that demonstrate very weak resemblances to each other, retaining only those that show statistically significant levels of resemblance. We show here that a great deal of information can be extracted from these weak alignments by examining them en masse. This is done by building three-dimensional similarity landscapes from the alignments, landscapes that reveal whether an unusual number of individually nonsignificant alignments tend to match up to a particular region of the query sequence being searched. The power of the search is increased by the use of libraries consisting entirely of introns or of exons. We show that (1) similarity landscapes with a variety of features can be generated from both intron and exon libraries, using introns or exons as query sequences; (2) the landscape features are real and not a statistical artifact; (3) well-known protein motifs used as query sequences can generate various landscape features; and (4) there is some evidence for resemblances between short regions of sequence carried by introns and exons. One possible interpretation of these results is that both introns and exons may have been built up during their evolution from short regions of sequence that as a result are now widely distributed throughout eukaryotic genomes. Such an interpretation would imply that these short regions have common ancestry. Alternatively, the wide sharing of short pieces of DNA may reflect regions with particular structural properties that have arisen through convergent evolution. The similarity-landscape approach can be used to detect such widespread structural motifs and sequence motifs in the genome that might be missed by less-global searches. It can also be used in conjunction with algorithms developed for detecting significant multiple alignments by isolating promising subsets of the databases that can be examined in more detail.
Coupling of dry matter and nitrogen accumulation in millet and ryegrass

The logistic model has proven very useful in relating dry matter production of warm‐season and cool‐season forage grasses to applied nitrogen (N). A recent extension of the model coupled dry matter...
Radiation damage in cubic-ZrO2 and yttria-stabilized zirconia from molecular dynamics simulations

We perform molecular dynamics simulation on cubic ZrO2 and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) to elucidate defect cluster formation resulting from radiation damage and evaluate the impact of Y dopants. Interstitial clusters composed of split-interstitial building blocks, i.e. Zr–Zr or Y–Zr were formed. Oxygen vacancies control cation defect migration; in their presence, Zr interstitials aggregate to form split interstitials, whereas in their absence Zr interstitials remain immobile, as isolated single-interstitials. Y-doping prevents interstitial cluster formation due to sequestration of oxygen vacancies.
Probabilistic modeling of percutaneous absorption for risk-based exposure assessments and transdermal drug delivery

Abstract Chemical transport through human skin can play a significant role in human exposure to toxic chemicals in the workplace, as well as to chemical/biological warfare agents in the battlefield. The viability of transdermal drug delivery also relies on chemical transport processes through the skin. Models of percutaneous absorption are needed for risk-based exposure assessments and drug-delivery analyses, but previous mechanistic models have been largely deterministic. A probabilistic, transient, three-phase model of percutaneous absorption of chemicals has been developed to assess the relative importance of uncertain parameters and processes that may be important to risk-based assessments. Penetration routes through the skin that were modeled include the following: (1) intercellular diffusion through the multiphase stratum corneum; (2) aqueous-phase diffusion through sweat ducts; and (3) oil-phase diffusion through hair follicles. Uncertainty distributions were developed for the model parameters, and a Monte Carlo analysis was performed to simulate probability distributions of mass fluxes through each of the routes. Sensitivity analyses using stepwise linear regression were also performed to identify model parameters that were most important to the simulated mass fluxes at different times. This probabilistic analysis of percutaneous absorption (PAPA) method has been developed to improve risk-based exposure assessments and transdermal drug-delivery analyses, where parameters and processes can be highly uncertain.
A methodology for initializing soil moisture in a global climate model: Assimilation of near‐surface soil moisture observations

Because of its long-term persistence, accurate initialization of land surface soil moisture in fully coupled global climate models has the potential to greatly increase the accuracy of climatological and hydrological prediction. To improve the initialization of soil moisture in the NASA Seasonal-to-Interannual Prediction Project (NSIPP), a one-dimensional Kalman filter has been developed to assimilate near-surface soil moisture observations into the catchment-based land surface model used by NSIPP. A set of numerical experiments was performed using an uncoupled version of the NSIPP land surface model to evaluate the assimilation procedure. In this study, “true” land surface data were generated by spinning-up the land surface model for 1987 using the International Satellite Land Surface Climatology Project (ISLSCP) forcing data sets. A degraded simulation was made for 1987 by setting the initial soil moisture prognostic variables to arbitrarily wet values uniformly throughout North America. The final simulation run assimilated the synthetically generated near-surface soil moisture “observations” from the true simulation into the degraded simulation once every 3 days. This study has illustrated that by assimilating near-surface soil moisture observations, as would be available from a remote sensing satellite, errors in forecast soil moisture profiles as a result of poor initialization may be removed and the resulting predictions of runoff and evapotranspiration improved. After only 1 month of assimilation the root-mean-square error in the profile storage of soil moisture was reduced to 3% vol/vol, while after 12 months of assimilation, the root-mean-square error in the profile storage was as low as 1% vol/vol.