cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Bipolar disorder in young people: divalproex sodium no more effective than lithium for maintenance.

Findling RL, McNamara NK, Youngstrom EA, et al . Double-blind 18-month trial of lithium versus divalproex maintenance treatment in pediatric bipolar disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2005;44:409–17. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][PubMed][3][Web of Science][4] Q Is divalproex more effective than lithium as a monotherapy for young people with bipolar disorder who are stabilised on lithium plus divalproex? ### ![Graphic][5] Design: Randomised controlled trial. ### ![Graphic][6] Allocation: Unclear. ### ![Graphic][7] Blinding: Double blind. ### ![Graphic][8] Follow up period: 76 weeks. ### ![Graphic][9] Setting: Single site outpatient setting, USA; recruitment between July 1998 and May 2002. ### ![Graphic][10] Patients: 139 young people aged 5–17 years with bipolar I or bipolar II disorder (DSM-IV diagnosis) and who had at least one manic or hypomanic episode in the previous three months. Main exclusion criteria: history of manic episodes with either lithium serum concentration ⩾1.0 mmol/l or divalproex sodium (DVP) concentration ⩾80 μg/ml; pregnancy; recent substance misuse disorder; pervasive developmental disorder or mental retardation; or significant medical comorbidity. ### ![Graphic][11] Intervention: All participants received lithium plus divalproex sodium for up to 20 weeks (target serum concentration: 0.6 to 1.2 mmol/l lithium and 50 to 100 μg/ml DVP). The 60 participants who achieved four consecutive weeks in bimodal remission (Children’s … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2Bthe%2BAmerican%2BAcademy%2Bof%2BChild%2Band%2BAdolescent%2BPsychiatry%26rft.stitle%253DJ%2BAm%2BAcad%2BChild%2BAdolesc%2BPsychiatry%26rft.aulast%253DFindling%26rft.auinit1%253DR.%2BL.%26rft.volume%253D44%26rft.issue%253D5%26rft.spage%253D409%26rft.epage%253D417%26rft.atitle%253DDouble-blind%2B18-month%2Btrial%2Bof%2Blithium%2Bversus%2Bdivalproex%2Bmaintenance%2Btreatment%2Bin%2Bpediatric%2Bbipolar%2Bdisorder.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1097%252F01.chi.0000155981.83865.ea%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F15843762%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1097/01.chi.0000155981.83865.ea&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=15843762&link_type=MED&atom=%2Febmental%2F8%2F4%2F101.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000228610000005&link_type=ISI [5]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [6]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [7]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif [8]: /embed/inline-graphic-4.gif [9]: /embed/inline-graphic-5.gif [10]: /embed/inline-graphic-6.gif [11]: /embed/inline-graphic-7.gif
Synthesis of 2,3‐Disubstituted Benzofurans by the Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling of 2‐Iodoanisoles and Terminal Alkynes, Followed by Electrophilic Cyclization: 3‐Iodo‐2‐phenylbenzofuran

The benzo[b]furan nucleus is prevalent in a wide variety of biologically active natural and unnatural compounds. The article describes the preparation of 3-iodo-2-phenylbenzofuran which illustrates a general protocol for the palladium/copper-catalyzed cross-coupling of various o-iodoanisoles and terminal alkynes, followed by electrophilic cyclization with I2. This approach to 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans is very versatile. The substituents attached to the triple bond can be vinylic groups or aromatic rings bearing certain types of functionality. Keywords: 2-(Phenylethynyl)anisole, 3-Iodo-2-phenylbenzofuran, Benzo[b]furans, Electrophilic Cyclization, Palladium/copper-catalyzed cross-coupling
Introduction of Klaus Ruedenberg

I am honored to have been asked to introduce Klaus Ruedenberg, a longtime companion in the search. The first time I introduced Klaus was thirty-seven or thirty-eight years ago, when he was about to deliver a seminar on exchange integrals to my research group beginning at eleven one Monday morning. Fortunately I had had a hunch and had warned hirn: I should have to attend a committee meeting at two in the afternoon. At two o'clock Klaus was still going on, having covered four blackboards with formulas; I quietly slipped out the door. Tonight we may have the same problem: I have a commitment at 8:30 sharp tomorrow morning. Klaus, please leave me a little time to sleep!
Development of vegetation in small created wetlands in southeastern Wisconsin

We examined the natural colonization by vascular plants of 11 created wetlands in southeastern Wisconsin. The wetlands studied were small depressional wetlands that were isolated from other wetland sites. Wetlands were sampled over a two-year period, providing samples of wetlands aged one to three years. The development of wetland vegetation in these 11 naturally colonized sites was compared to that in five wetlands to which we introduced 22 species of native wetland plants. We identified 142 species of vascular plants in the naturally colonized wetlands. Of these, 82 (58%) were native, obligate or facultative wetland plants. The diversity and richness of native wetland plants and the proportion of total plant cover that was comprised of native wetland species increased from one-to three-year-old wetlands. The diversity and richness of native wetland species increased with wetland age, wetland size, and with proximity to the nearest established wetland. Distance to the nearest seed source had a particularly strong effect on the number of native wetland species present. Cattail (Typha spp.) accounted for 15% of the cover of native wetland species in one-year-old wetlands; this increased to 55% in three-year-old wetlands. We predict that the naturally colonized wetlands will develop into near monocultures of cattail with a fringe of willows (Salix spp.) and cottonwood (Populus deltoides) at the wetland/upland margin. Wetlands seeded with native wetland species had much higher diversity and richness of native wetland species than unseeded wetlands after two years. Seventeen of the 22 seeded species became established in at least two wetlands after simple introduction of seed to the sites. Cattail cover after two years was lower in seeded sites, both as an absolute cover and as a proportion of native wetland plant cover. Early introduction of a diversity of wetland plants may enhance the long-term diversity of vegetation in created wetlands.
Transcriptional regulation of the genes encoding cytochromes P450BM-1 and P450BM-3 in Bacillus megaterium by the binding of Bm3R1 repressor to Barbie box elements and operator sites.

We previously reported (Liang, Q., He, J.-S., and Fulco, A.J. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 4438-4450) that Bm3R1, a repressor regulating the expression of P450BM-3 in Bacillus megaterium, could bind to Barbie box sequences in the 5'-flanking regions of barbiturate-inducible genes. We've now shown that pentobarbital does not inhibit in vitro binding of Bm3R1 to the P450BM-3 and P450BM-1 Barbie boxes (BB3 and BB1), although the palindromic operator sequence (OIII) of P450BM-3 did have a strong competitive effect on such binding. G39E-Bm3R1, a mutant of Bm3R1, did not bind to either Barbie box. In the presence of Bm3R1, portions of the regulatory regions of P450BM-3 and P450BM-1 were protected from DNase I digestion. These included 11 of the 15 base pairs of BB3 plus 7 base pairs 3' to BB3, BB1 plus 16 base pairs 3' to BB1, and, in the 5'-flanking region of P450BM-1, segments covering most of two palindromic sequences (OII and OIII) of 24 and 52 base pairs. These DNase I-protected regions (including OIII) showed considerable sequence identity, especially in a conserved poly(A) motif. Barbiturates did not inhibit binding of Bm3R1 to OI. OII in vitro while G39E-Bm3R1 did not bind. The regulatory effects of Bm3R1 on P450BM-1 and P450BM-3 were also evaluated in vivo using heterologous chloramphenicol acetyltransferase constructs and Western blotting. In the G39E mutant strain, both P450BM-1 and P450BM-3 were constitutively expressed, and the regulatory proteins Bm1P1 and Bm3P1, although still pentobarbital-inducible, had significantly higher basal levels of synthesis. In toto, our results show that Bm3R1 represses both P450BM-1 and P450BM-3 expression and that it may effect this by coordinate binding to operator and Barbie box sequences to produce looping of the P450BM-1 and P450BM-3 regulatory regions through protein-protein interaction.
Integrated watershed- and farm-scale modeling framework for targeting critical source areas while maintaining farm economic viability

Quantitative risk assessments of pollution and data related to the effectiveness of mitigating best management practices (BMPs) are important aspects of nonpoint source pollution control efforts, particularly those driven by specific water quality objectives and by measurable improvement goals, such as the total maximum daily load (TMDL) requirements. Targeting critical source areas (CSAs) that generate disproportionately high pollutant loads within a watershed is a crucial step in successfully controlling nonpoint source pollution. The importance of watershed simulation models in assisting with the quantitative assessments of CSAs of pollution (relative to their magnitudes and extents) and of the effectiveness of associated BMPs has been well recognized. However, due to the distinct disconnect between the hydrological scale in which these models conduct their evaluation and the farm scale at which feasible BMPs are actually selected and implemented, and due to the difficulty and uncertainty involved in transferring watershed model data to farm fields, there are limited practical applications of these tools in the current nonpoint source pollution control efforts by conservation specialists for delineating CSAs and planning targeting measures. There are also limited approaches developed that can assess impacts of CSA-targeted BMPs on farm productivity and profitability together with the assessment of water quality improvements expected from applying these measures. This study developed a modeling framework that integrates farm economics and environmental aspects (such as identification and mitigation of CSAs) through joint use of watershed- and farm-scale models in a closed feedback loop. The integration of models in a closed feedback loop provides a way for environmental changes to be evaluated with regard to the impact on the practical aspects of farm management and economics, adjusted or reformulated as necessary, and revaluated with respect to effectiveness of environmental mitigation at the farm- and watershed-levels. This paper also outlines steps needed to extract important CSA-related information from a watershed model to help inform targeting decisions at the farm scale. The modeling framework is demonstrated with two unique case studies in the northeastern United States (New York and Vermont), with supporting data from numerous published, location-specific studies at both the watershed and farm scales. Using the integrated modeling framework, it can be possible to compare the costs (in terms of changes required in farm system components or financial compensations for retiring crop lands) and benefits (in terms of measurable water quality improvement goals) of implementing targeted BMPs. This multi-scale modeling approach can be used in the multi-objective task of mitigating CSAs of pollution to meet water quality goals while maintaining farm-level economic viability.
An animal model of antipsychotic-induced weight gain.

Abstract We have established an animal model for olanzapine-induced body weight gain, and used it to explore the relation between this weight gain, excessive food consumption, gross motor activity, and macronutrient choice. Female Sprague–Dawley rats received olanzapine (OLAN) or diluent (1.2 mg/kg per day) via gavage for 10 days. Rats receiving OLAN exhibited significant increases in body weight when compared with control rats. Body weight returned to control levels once OLAN treatment was discontinued. Food consumption among the OLAN-treated group was significantly greater than among control rats between 6 and 10 days of treatment. Between 4 and 10 days of treatment, feed efficiency (grams of weight gained/grams of food consumed) was also significantly greater among animals receiving OLAN. In contrast, chronic administration of haloperidol (0.04 mg/kg; q.d.; gavage) did not influence body weight or food consumption of treated rats. Gross motor activity was significantly reduced by OLAN between 1 and 10 days of treatment, also returning to control levels when treatment was discontinued. No significant changes were observed in brain DA, DOPAC, HVA or 5-HIAA among animals receiving OLAN daily for 30 days; however, 5-HT levels were significantly elevated. In contrast, acute (1.2 mg/kg; 2 h; i.p.) administration of OLAN significantly increased brain DOPAC and HVA levels without affecting those of 5-HT or 5-HIAA. OLAN (1.2 mg/kg; q.d.; 10 days) administration did not alter macronutrient choice (carbohydrate:protein ratio) of rats. These data show that an animal model of OLAN-induced weight gain is readily generated, and suggest that the weight gain results at least in part from increased food intake, reduced gross motor activity, and enhanced feed efficiency.
Exposure-to-absorbed-dose conversion for human adult cortical bone

The conversion of measured exposure to absorbed dose at a point in bone, under conditions of electron equilibrium, involves a factor (the f-factor) which is proportional to the ratio of the spectrum-averaged photon energy-absorption coefficient for bone to that for air. This paper gives mass energy-absorption coefficients and f-factors for three compositions of human adult compact or cortical bone recommended in publications by the ICRU and the ICRP, for photon energies from 1 keV to 1.5 MeV. Spectrum-averaged f-factors for a number of calibration x-ray beams ranging from 10 to 250 kVp have been calculated and compared to corresponding results obtained with the use of an equivalent photon energy derived from the measured thickness of the half-value layer. At low photon energies (approximately less than 200 keV), the new f-factor results reflect: (a) the rather large differences due to the differing calcium contents among the recommended compositions for bone: and (b) the generally poor predictions obtained when replacing a broad energy spectrum by an equivalent photon energy.
Innovations in processing and exposure control in radioautography.

Es wird eine einfache Methode fur die Vorbereitung und Belichtung von Objekttragern zur Autoradiographie beschrieben. Eine individuelle Behandlung der Objekttrager sowie deren Vertrocknung vor der Belichtung wird vermieden und die Feuchtigkeitskontrolle der Emulsion ist gesichert.
Densification of Alumina-Silicon Carbide Powder Composites: II, Microstructural Evolution and Densification

Microstructural evolution adn densification kinetics of Al2O3-SiC powder composites were studied using two different SiC powders. Examination of the microstructural evolution of Al2O3-fine SiC powder composites showed three well-defined stages of densification: the first was characterized by constant pore size and no grain growth; the second involved rapid pore coarsening and grain growth; the third was characterized by pore shrinkage and slow grain growth. Studies of the densification kinetics of Al2O3-coarse SiC powder composites exhibited two stages of densification: in the first stage there were no significant differences in densification rate between pure Al2O3 compacts and composites; in the second stage, however, differences in densification behavior between pure Al2O3 compacts and composites became pronounced.
Incorporating Proximal and Distal Influences on Prejudice: Testing a General Model Across Outgroups

The present research integrates various social psychological approaches to understanding the causes of traditional prejudice. The authors examined (a) whether conceptually distinct variable sets shown previously to predict prejudice could be modeled collectively within a proximal-distal framework and (b) whether different outgroups could be modeled collectively within this framework. The authors developed and tested a model that included four sets of explanatory factors derived from past research: Family Status, Contextual Exposures, Beliefs, and Personality. It was hypothesized that the influence of these factors could be represented in a causal sequence such that (a) the distal factors (i.e., Family Status and Contextual Exposures) would lead to both proximal factors (i.e., Beliefs and Personality) and (b) the proximal factors would lead directly to Negative Attitudes Toward Outgroups. Structural equation analyses of data obtained from two independent samples generally supported the model—the impact of ...
Complications of Allergic Fungal Sinusitis

Abstract Purpose Allergic fungal sinusitis is a syndrome of chronic noninvasive fungal sinusitis that results in the accumulation of eosinophil-rich allergic mucin within the paranasal sinuses. This mucin may become an expansile mass leading to complications that have not been well characterized or classified. Methods Inclusion criteria for this study required meeting previously published diagnostic criteria and complications greater than nasal polyps or sinusitis itself. Four patients from our cohort and 30 patients identified in a literature search formed the study group. Results The majority of patients had pre-existing asthma or allergic rhinitis, or both, and 37% had nasal polyps before presentation. However, 27% had no previous history of rhinosinusitis or nasal polyposis. Complications of allergic fungal sinusitis fell into discrete categories: ophthalmic (n=13), sinobronchial allergic mycosis (n=9), bony erosion (n=8), cavernous venous thrombosis (n=3), and otic involvement (n=1). Conclusion Visual symptoms, proptosis, headaches, and increased nasal symptoms, especially in association with bony erosions on sinus computed tomography, suggest allergic fungal sinusitis and its complications in patients with chronic rhinosinusitis and nasal polyps. Patients with allergic fungal sinusitis may present with a complication of the disease as the first symptom. Complications may be categorized into groups that facilitate surveillance and early identification.
Effects of neurohypophysectomy in domestic chickens.

IN THE domestic hen 24–26 hours elapse between the time when an ovum first enters the oviduct and the time the completed egg is expelled from the uterus. During this stay, the egg remains in the uterus or shell gland 18 to 20 hours where it acquires the hard shell. When formation of the hard shell is completed, uterine contractions set in which lead to the eventual expulsion of the egg. Little is known about the factors which determine the length of time the egg is gestated in the uterus and those which determine the moment for its expulsion. It remains to be seen whether these factors are similar or even comparable to those which initiate the birth of the uterine contents in mammals. Among the factors implicated in the initiation of parturition in mammals are the hormones from the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland. Interference with the posterior lobe has been found to result in abnormal or delayed parturition in some mammals while in others no effects were noticed
Nonlinear Breakup Model for a Liquid Sheet Emanating From a Pressure-Swirl Atomizer

Predictions of breakup length of a liquid sheet emanating from a pressure-swirl (simplex) fuel atomizer have been carried out by computationally modeling the two-phase flow in the atomizer coupled with a nonlinear analysis of instability of the liquid sheet. The volume-of-fluid (VOF) method has been employed to study the flow field inside the pressure-swirl atomizer. A nonlinear instability model has been developed using a perturbation expansion technique with the initial amplitude of the disturbance as the perturbation parameter to determine the sheet instability and breakup. The results for sheet thickness and velocities from the internal flow solutions are used as input in the nonlinear instability model. Computational results for internal flow are validated by comparing film thickness at exit, spray angle, and discharge coefficient with available experimental data. The predictions of breakup length show a good agreement with semiempirical correlations and available experimental measurements. The effect of elevated ambient pressure on the atomizer internal flow field and sheet breakup is investigated. A decrease in air core diameter is obtained at higher ambient pressure due to increased liquid-air momentum transport. Shorter breakup lengths are obtained at elevated air pressure. The coupled internal flow simulation and sheet instability analysis provides a comprehensive approach to modeling sheet breakup from a pressure-swirl atomizer.
Bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy for adenocarcinoma of prostate with regional lymph node involvement

Abstract Ninety-nine patients with adenocarcinoma of the prostate and regional lymph node involvement underwent pelvic lymphadenectomy. Therapeutic results were analyzed in 70 patients who subsequently underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy with or without concomitant therapy (usually hormonal) and in 29 patients who received radiation or hormonal treatment only but without prostatectomy. Follow-up ranged from one to fourteen and one-half years. The over-all projected survival rates (Kaplan-Meier) at five and ten years (88 per cent and 71 per cent, respectively,) in the prostatectomy series were comparable to those of an age-matched control group. Concomitant bilateral orchiectomy provided a high projected (76 per cent at ten years) nonprogression rate. Over-all survival rates in the nonprostateetomy series were poor. Only the number of nodes involved was associated with survival and time to disease progression. Patient age, tumor bulk, seminal vesicle involvement, and tumor grade (Mayo and Gleason scores) had no definite relationship to survival. Pelvic lymphadenectomy and radical retropubic prostatectomy for prostatic adenocareinoma may be therapeutic in some patients with limited (⩽ two positive nodes) nodal disease.
Wratten bij basisschoolkinderen: prevalentie en de relatie met omgevingsfactoren

Bruggink SC, Van Haalen FM, Gussekloo J, Assendelft WJ, Eekhof JA. Wratten bij basisschoolkinderen: prevalentie en de relatie met omgevingsfactoren. Huisarts Wet 2009;53(2):107-10.
Applications and source development for high-repetition rate x-ray lasers

Many applications in material science, chemistry, and atomic physics require an x-ray source that has a repetition rate of 1 Hz to a few kHz. In these fields, a very wide range of photon energies is of interest. One application is time-resolved surface photoelectron spectroscopy and microscopy where low energy (< 1{mu}J) pulses are required to avoid space charge effects but high-repetition rates ({approx} kHz) provide the high average power which is needed to obtain the desired resolution. In pump-probe experiments, it is desirable to have the repetition rate of the x-ray source be comparable to the repetition rate of the corresponding IR, optical, or UV laser. We show that the very high-repetition rate of synchrotrons (1--1000 MHz) results in an inefficient use of x rays for these types of experiments and that a kHz repetition rate x-ray laser would be an excellent source for many experiments. For some applications, a slower repetition rate of order 1 Hz is adequate provide the energy per pulse is larger ({approx}1 mJ). For example, in photoelectron spectroscopy of free clusters, an x-ray laser can provide the required large number of nearly monoenergetic photons during the short time the clusters can be probed inmore » each formation cycle. In the context of source development, we discuss conventional collisional x-ray laser schemes with mJ output pulses that can operate at Hz repetition rates using a high average power driving laser. The near term prospects for high-repetition rate x-ray lasing for photon energies below 100 eV are very good with higher energy capabilities expected in the future. In addition, prospects of table-top size x-ray lasers with kHz repetition rates are presented.« less
Fluorine hot atom oxidation of bismuth vapor. A comment on the evaluation of the BiF bond energy

Abstract The energetics of the chemiluminescent reaction between bismuth dimers and fluorine atoms (T.C. Devore et al., Chem. Phys. 155 (1991) 423; 156 (1991) 156) has been evaluated to better refine a determination of the bismuth fluoride dissociation energy. By directly examining the spectrum of the SF 6 discharge used to generate the F atoms to establish the significant energy imparted to these dissociation products and by exploring F atom chemiluminescent reactions with known energetics, the F atom beam is established to have contributed a maximum of 0.8–0.9 eV to the chemiluminescent process. Based upon the observed population of the ν′=4 level of the BiF A0 + state resulting from the Bi 2 + F reaction, a BiF bond energy of 3.9 ± 0.2 eV is established. This value is slightly higher than a very recent evaluation of the BiF bond energy (Yoo et al., Chem. Phys. 166 (1992) 215) but disagrees with previous determinations in the literature. Many of the previous evaluations of the group 15 halide dissociation energies have been based on Birge—Sponer extrapolations. The data now available for BiF permits an evaluation of the nature of these extrapolations for this molecule. The limitations of these extrapolations and possible corrections for these shortcomings are presented.
Foster Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Prevalence, Length of Stay, and Placement Patterns

The goals of this study are to identify the prevalence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) entering out-of-home care and to focus attention on length of stay and placement stability. To achieve these goals, this study links Illinois administrative data with Medicaid records. Overall, 2.4% of the sample has a diagnosis of ASD. The median length of stay for children with ASD is 1.6 times longer than children without ASD. A latent class analysis identifies three distinct profiles of movement: escalating, de-escalating, and continuous. Study findings are discussed in the context of service needs of children with ASD.
Technique and experience with 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring in children

Abstract The technique and scoring system of 24-hr pH esophageal monitoring has been modified to evaluate gastroesophageal reflux in infants and children. The data from two pediatric controls and five clinical cases are presented and compared to normal adult values. This test has better objectivity, precision, sensitivity, and reliability than contrast studies, endoscopy, esophageal biopsy, acid perfusion, or acid reflux tests. The 24-hr pH monitoring assists the evaluation of sphincter maturation, pulmonary disease, and the significance of body position. With more experience, this technique could identify children at risk of developing severe complications of reflux esophagitis and aid in the selection of candidates for surgical intervention.
Stabilization of the alcoholic potassium hydroxide in colorimetric 17-ketosteroid determinations.

The 2.5 normal potassium hydroxide in absolute ethanol employed in the Callow modification of the Zimmermann reaction (Callow et ah, 1938), cannot be used for more than a few days after preparation. A marked increase in the color developed in reagent blank mixtures indicates deterioration even before the solution turns yellow. Various observations suggested that these changes are primarily oxidative. It therefore appeared probable that a suitable reducing agent would stabilize the solution. Experimental findings described below reveal that incorporation of ascorbic acid in the reagent, and maintenance of an atmosphere of nitrogen, yield preparations which remain stable for at least 3 months. Preparation of 2.5 N Alcoholic Potassium Hydroxide Protected with Ascorbic Acid and Nitrogen.—One hundred ml. of absolute alcohol are measured into a glass stoppered Pyrex bottle chilled in crushed ice. Two lots of 15 mg. each of ascorbic acid are weighed.
Posterior-preserving information improvements and principal-agent relationships

Abstract Posterior-preserving improvements in information structures are described and related to mean preserving spreads. Their advantage for economic analysis is that the decision-maker's action rule does not depend on the information structure. An example of a simple delegation problem is used to illustrate the consequences of this property, and sufficient conditions are devised for marginally better information to benefit the delegating authority.
Excimer lithography for ULSI

A brief review of excimer lithography for ULSI is presented with an emphasis on the recent progress made in KrF excimer stepper technology. In particular, the types of projection optics, excimer laser and the related performance of steppers are explained in detail. The resist patterns obtained with a recent excimer stepper are shown. Although there are many problems to be overcome for future lithography, it is anticipated that not only 0.35 μm design rules but also 0.20 to 0.25 μm design rules will be achieved using excimer lasers.
The Selection of Transistors for Use in Ionizing Radiation Fields

The principal effects on transistors subjected to prolonged ionizing radiation fields are the reduction of the forward current gain and the increase of the collector-base leakage current. Thin base, high frequency transistors are more resistant to gain degradation than low frequency units. Leakage current increases arise from direct generation of carriers by the ionizing radiation, by the formation of surface channels, and damage to the lattice structure. The useful life of equipment can be increased by the selection of transistors which minimize surface channeling. The extent to which channeling will take place is strongly determined by the presence of surface defects and hence can be predicted by a microplasma noise test. Mechanical positioning problems can frequently be disclosed through a brief radiation screening test. In addition, units having abnormally high initial Icbo are subject to rapid failure.
Axon guidance in the wing of Drosophila

Abstract The axons formed by the sensory neurons of the developing fruitfly wing grow along stereotyped pathways, laying down a reproducible pattern of nerve bundles in the wing blade. Both genetic and surgical techniques are being used in an attempt to better understand the mechanisms underlying the guidance of these growing axons. Experimental studies show that two possible mechanisms, guidance by ‘guidepost' neurons and by physical channels, are not necessary for normal axon outgrowth in the wing; the existence of additional types of guidance cues is therefore inferred.
Site-selective glycosylation of hemoglobin with variable molecular weight oligosaccharides: potential alternative to PEGylation.

Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugation (i.e., PEGylation) is a commonly used strategy to increase the circulatory half-life of therapeutic proteins and colloids; however, few viable alternatives exist to replicate its functions. Herein, we report a method for the rapid site-selective glycosylation of proteins with variously sized carbohydrates, up to a molecular weight (MW) of 10 000, thus serving as a potential alternative for PEGylation. More importantly, the method developed has two unique features. First, traditional protecting group strategies that typically accompany the modification of the carbohydrate fragments are circumvented, allowing for the facile site-selective glycosylation of a desired protein with variously sized glycans. Second, the methodology employed is not limited by oligosaccharide size; consequently, glycans of MW similar to that of PEG, used in the PEGylation of therapeutic proteins, can be employed. To demonstrate the usefulness of this technology, hemoglobin (Hb) was site-selec...
Realization of a narrowband single wavelength microring mirror

We present a small footprint narrowband on-chip mirror made by integration of a distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) inside a microring resonator. The DBR covers half of the ring’s circumference and is only reflective at one of the ring resonances. Design, fabrication, and characterization of the proposed device are presented. A single reflection peak with maximum power reflectivity of 92.3% and full width at half maximum of 0.4 nm is demonstrated. The device has potential application as an in-line mirror for low-threshold, narrow linewidth single mode laser diodes.
BILATERAL ASYMMETRY AND ITS RELATION TO CERTAIN PROBLEMS OF GENETICS

Page 448, footnote 2, line 1, for " amblyomyopic " read " amblyopic. " Page 448, footnote 2, line 2, for " fraction " read " refraction
Selective Self-Stereotyping and Women’s Self-Esteem Maintenance

The process and implications of gender-based self-stereotyping are examined in this paper. Women displayed a tendency to selectively self-stereotype for personality and physical traits such that they endorsed positive stereotypic traits and denied negative traits as descriptive of the self and closest women friends. However, negative traits were endorsed as descriptive of women in general. Cognitive stereotypes were endorsed as more descriptive of all women than of the general university student. The tendency to selectively self-stereotype on physical traits was positively associated with appearance, social, and performance self-esteem. The results are discussed for their theoretical and practical implications.
Considerations and applications of the illite/smectite geothermometer in hydrocarbon-bearing rocks of Miocene to Mississippian age

Empirical relationships between clay mineral transformations and temperature provide a basis for the use of clay minerals as geothermometers. Clay-mineral geothermometry has been applied mainly to diagenetic, hydrothermal, and contact- and burial-metamorphic settings to better understand the thermal histories of migrating fluids, hydrocarbon source beds, and ore and mineral formation. Quantitatively, the most important diagenetic clay mineral reaction in sedimentary rocks is the pro- gressive transformation of smectite to illite via mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S). Changes in both the illite/ smeetite ratio and ordering of t/S, as determined from X-ray powder diffraction profiles, correlate with changes in temperature due to burial depth. Although the smectite-to-illite reaction may be influenced by several factors, reaction progress appears to be strongly controlled by temperature. Studies show that the model proposed by Hoffman and Hower in 1979 is applicable in burial diagenetic settings from about 5 to 330 Ma, and includes most rocks about Miocene to Mississippian in age. Reliability of the I/S geothermometer is, however, dependent upon a good understanding of the rock's original clay-mineral composition. Changes in the ordering of I/S are particularly useful in the exploration for hydrocarbons because of the common coincidence between the temperatures for the conversion from random-to-ordered I/S and those for the onset of peak, or main phase, oil generation. Here, the utility of the I/S geothermometer is reviewed in hydrocarbon-bearing rocks of Miocene to Mississippian age. Using three common applica- tions, the I/S geothermometer is compared to other mineral geothermometers, organic maturation indices, and grades of indigenous hydrocarbons. Good agreement between changes in ordering of I/S and calculated maximum burial temperatures or hydrocarbon maturity suggests that I/S is a reliable semiquantitative geothermometer and an excellent measures of thermal maturity.
Subpixel estimation of shifts directly in the Fourier domain

In this paper, we establish the exact relationship between the continuous and the discrete phase difference of two shifted images, and show that their discrete phase difference is a two-dimensional sawtooth signal. Subpixel registration can, thus, be performed directly in the Fourier domain by counting the number of cycles of the phase difference matrix along each frequency axis. The subpixel portion is given by the noninteger fraction of the last cycle along each axis. The problem is formulated as an overdetermined homogeneous quadratic cost function under rank constraint for the phase difference, and the shape constraint for the filter that computes the group delay. The optimal tradeoff for imposing the constraints is determined using the method of generalized cross validation. Also, in order to robustify the solution, we assume a mixture model of inlying and outlying estimated shifts and truncate our quadratic cost function using expectation maximization.
Projected electronic dissection-classification and shaded projection for 3D visualization of MR images of the brain

Projected electronic dissection (PED) creates the effect of actually dissecting a tissue structure under examination by operating on a 3-D digitized data set. Advanced computer techniques have made it possible to range through a 3-D MRI (magnetic resonance image) data set in real time. In actual dissection, however, if a portion of a volume is sliced off, is it possible to see both the remaining external surface and any internal surfaces revealed by the removal of superficial layers. PED refers to a technique that displays not only tissue paraenchyma at the level of cut, but also these internal and external surfaces, which can be important both for orientation and diagnosis. Preliminary PED results were obtained on MRI volumetric data set of proton densities of the brain. The initial results suggest that the partial shaded projection technique described offers the prospect of providing a natural way to display and analyze experimental data from the brain and other organ systems with applications in medical diagnosis, the study of anatomy and the planning of surgery. >
Determining the Relation between Fire Engine Travel Times and Travel Distances in New York City

A simple physical model of the way fire engines travel leads to the hypothesis that T, the average fire engine travel time, depends on D, the distance travelled according to TD = 2D/a1/2 if D â¦ d and TD = vc/a + D/vc if D >d. The parameter a can be interpreted as an acceleration and vc as a cruising velocity. A field experiment was run, and the above model validated and the parameters estimated, for New York City. It was also found that regional traffic conditions and hour of day appear to have only minor effects on average response velocities.
A programmable parallel Huffman decoder

Huffman coding is an integral component of international standards on image and video compression including high-definition television (HDTV). The high-bandwidth HDTV systems of data rate in excess of 100 Mpixels/sec presents a challenge for designing a fast and economic circuit for intrinsically sequential Huffman decoding operations. The paper presents an algorithm and a circuit implementation for parallel decoding of programmable Huffman codes by using the numerical properties of Huffman codes. The 1.2 /spl mu/m CMOS implementation for a single JPEG AC table of 256 codewords of up to 16-bit codeword lengths is estimated to run at 40 MHz with a chip area of 11 mm/sup 2/, decoding one codeword per cycle. The design can be pipelined to deliver a throughput of 80 MHz for decoding input streams of consecutive Huffman codes. Furthermore, the programmable scheme can be easily integrated into data paths of video processors to support different Huffman tables used in image/video applications. >
Risk Factors for Systemic Vancomycin Exposure Following Administration of Oral Vancomycin for the Treatment of Clostridium difficile Infection

Objective To identify risk factors for systemic exposure to vancomycin (VAN) following administration of oral vancomycin (POV) for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Design Prospective, observational, single-center case series. Setting Academic medical center. Patients Hospitalized patients with suspected or confirmed CDI who received POV for at least 5 days. Intervention Random VAN serum levels were obtained on days 5, 10, and weekly thereafter in patients treated for ≥ 5 days with POV without concomitant intravenous VAN. Measurements and results Of 117 random VAN serum levels from 85 patients, 58 patients (68.2%) had one or more detectable (≥ 0.05 μg/ml) levels and 15 (17.6%) of 85 patients had one or more levels > 2.5 μg/ml. Risk factors for detectable VAN exposure following administration of POV included POV dosages > 500 mg/day (odds ratio [OR] 35.83, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.56-169.8), the presence of severe CDI (OR 4.11, 95% CI 2.76-10.83, p=0.028), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (OR 3.80, 95% CI 1.02-14.21, p=0.032), and the administration of POV ≥ 10 days (OR 6.71, 95% CI 1.81-24.83, p=0.0025). Risk factors for exposure to serum VAN concentrations > 2.5 μg/ml included the presence of gastrointestinal (GI) pathology (OR 5.22, 95% CI 3.45-18.3, p=0.031), ICU admission (OR 3.21, 95% CI 1.40-10.28, p=0.022), the use of VAN retention enemas (OR 4.73, 95% CI 2.42-20.39, p=0.036), and having a creatinine clearance ≤ 50 ml/minute or undergoing hemodialysis or continuous renal replacement therapy (OR 4.03, 95% CI 1.26-12.84, p=0.039). Conclusions Serum VAN levels were detected in 58 (68.2%) of 85 patients receiving POV for CDI. Risk factors for systemic exposure to VAN following administration of POV included ICU admission; VAN dosages > 500 mg/day; administration ≥ 10 days or as retention enemas; and the presence of severe CDI, renal dysfunction, or inflammatory conditions of the GI tract. Unique to our study, we identified ICU admission and the concomitant use of VAN retention enemas to be significant risk factors for systemic exposure to VAN.
Introduction: rationale for tight control of hyperglycemia.

d w d t t i c 6 c c a v f p y growing number of studies highlight an alarming emergng dual epidemic of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and iabetes mellitus.1 In light of this ever-increasing problem, he goals of this supplement to The American Journal of ardiology are to (1) review some of the important literaure describing, defining, and proposing explanations for the ink between diabetes and CVD; (2) present points for uture discussion and research; and (3) suggest practical onsiderations for the clinical management of patients with hese diseases based not only on what is currently known ut also on what is yet to be clearly established. Treatment with insulin or oral agents to lower blood lucose levels to prevent symptoms associated with hyerglycemia, ketonuria, and severe or frequent hypoglyemia has long been accepted practice in the management f patients with diabetes. The rationale for this practice as the epidemiologic observation that the risk for diaetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes was igher in those with higher glucose levels, an observation upported by the results of studies in animal models.2
Corporate governance provisions and firm ownership : Firm-level evidence from Eastern Europe

We study differences in the use of two corporate governance provisions e cumulative voting and proxy by mail voting e in a sample of about 220 firms located in four Eastern European countries. After controlling for other firm characteristics, we find that firms that have a large, minority blockholder are more likely to allow cumulative voting. We do not find any significant relationship between the use of these corporate governance provisions and foreign ownership. We conclude that the use of cumulative voting is associated with the presence of large, minority shareholders. 2006 Published by Elsevier Ltd. JEL classification: G34; P2
On the Aggregation Problem: A New Approach to a Troublesome Problem

In his classic work on aggregation, Theil (1954) dealt with a fundamental problem; namely, the interpretation of macro-relations estimated using given aggregate data and given micro-relations. 1/ His main result that the mathematical expectation of macro-coefficient estimators will in general depend on a complicated combination of corresponding and noncorresponding micro-coefficients was so disturbing to him that he seriously considered the following question in his concluding chapter (p. 180): “Should not we abolish these [macro] models altogether?” Since the appearance of Theil’s work, little progress has been made on the troublesome issues which he raised. Macro-model builders, in general, tend to side-step these issues and are convinced that their coefficient estimates are economically meaningful. Thus, there is a major disagreement between theory and practice which has to be resolved in order to know what it is that macro-coefficient estimators estimate.
A Thermodynamic Guide to Affinity Optimization of Drug Candidates

Acommon starting point in drug development is the identification through screening or rational design of compounds that bind or exhibit some inhibitory activity against their intended targets. Often, those compounds bind to their targets with micromolar and sometimes weaker affinities. To become effective drugs, the binding affinities of those compounds need to be optimized by three or more orders of magnitude. This task is not a trivial one if one considers that it needs to be done while satisfying several stringent constraints, e.g., the molecular mass cannot substantially exceed 500 Da in order for the molecule to be orally bioavailable; the compound needs to exhibit appropriate target selectivity, appropriate membrane permeability and sufficient water solubility. Furthermore, the compound needs to exhibit an adequate pharmacokinetic profile, no toxicity, and so forth. These constraints considerably reduce the universe of chemical functionalities that can be utilized to achieve the optimization goals. In addition, at the thermodynamic level, chemical modifications that improve the binding enthalpy are usually accompanied by compensating entropy changes and vice versa, resulting in little or no gain in binding affinity. The identification of functionalities that carry the lowest enthalpy/entropy compensation is critical for affinity optimization. Since the binding affinity is the product of enthalpic and entropic contributions, it is possible for various ligands to have the same affinity but vastly different enthalpy/entropy profiles. While in theory, extremely high affinity can be achieved with arbitrary enthalpy/entropy combinations, the experience with HIV-1 protease inhibitors indicates that a strong favorable binding enthalpy is necessary. Furthermore, enthalpically optimized inhibitors have been shown to respond better to target mutations associated with drug resistance or naturally occurring polymorphisms without losing selectivity towards unwanted targets. It is evident that high affinity inhibitors characterized by strong favorable binding enthalpies are highly desirable. Consequently, the development of accurate rules with the ability to guide the affinity and enthalpic optimization of drug candidates is extremely important. This is the subject of this chapter.