cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Additional paleomagnetic results from the Sierra Nevada: Further constraints on Basin and Range extension and northward displacement in the western United States

Modal analysis of new paleomagnetic results that have a skewed distribution from four plutons in the Kings Canyon National Park area, central Sierra Nevada, produces a pole position concordant with the results of Frei and others (1984) from the Yosemite area. These studies suggest (a) that stable magnetization resides in the more mafic plutons and inclusions in the Sierra Nevada and (b) that the amount of internal deformation within the central Sierra Nevada does not exceed a few degrees at the 95% confidence level. The mean pole of both studies limits the relative displacement between the Sierra Nevada and cratonal North America to 6° ± 8° of clockwise rotation and 6° ± 6° of poleward displacement. The clockwise rotation agrees well with the model of Frei and others (1984) for Basin and Range extension, which predicts 2° of clockwise rotation for the Sierra Nevada. The poleward displacement suggests right-lateral shear of ∼600 km within the Basin and Range between 90 and ∼35 Ma.
Residues of the lampricides 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol and niclosamide in muscle tissue of rainbow trout.

Rainbow trout (Oncorhyncus mykiss) were exposed to the 14C-labeled lampricide 3-trifluoromethyl-4-nitrophenol (TFM) (2.1 mg/L) or niclosamide (0.055 mg/L) in an aerated static water bath for 24 h. Fish were sacrificed immediately after exposure. Subsamples of skin-on muscle tissue were analyzed for residues of the lampricides. The primary residues in muscle tissue from fish exposed to TFM were parent TFM (1.08 ± 0.82 nmol/g) and TFM-glucuronide (0.44 ± 0.24 nmol/g). Muscle tissue from fish exposed to niclosamide contained niclosamide (1.42 ± 0.51 nmol/g), niclosamide-glucuronide (0.0644 ± 0.0276 nmol/g), and a metabolite not previously reported, niclosamide sulfate ester (1.12 ± 0.33 nmol/g). Keywords: TFM; TFM-glucuronide; niclosamide; niclosamide-glucuronide; niclosamide-sulfate; lampricide residues; rainbow trout; muscle
Primary depressives with secondary alcoholism compared with alcoholics and depressives.

Abstract While a subset of depressed patients are believed to “self-medicate” their depression with alcohol, there are no studies comparing the phenomenological and diagnostic characteristics of patients with primary depression and secondary alcoholism with those of patients with depression or alcoholism alone. In this study, we compared 11 patients from each of these three diagnostic groups in terms of past history and current clinical presentation. The patients were matched for age, sex, and level of function. Comorbid patients were most likely to meet criteria for sedative dependence and panic disorder, and had higher scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Scale. In addition, they scored higher on a hypomania scale and had more first-degree relatives with a history of drug abuse.
The Effect of H1-Blocking Antihistamines on Intraocular Pressure in Rabbits

Abstract H 1 -blocking antihistamines were administered topically to rabbits to determine their effects on intraocular pressure. Chlorcyclizine which is in the piperazine class of H 1 -inhibitors was found to elevate intraocular pressure. This effect was prevented by the systemic administration of indomethacin and is probably a prostaglandin induced change. Of the other agents tested, antazoline which is in the ethylenediamine class, was the only drug found to lower intraocular pressure. The antazoline-induced lowering of intraocular pressure was associated with no changes in outflow facility, episcleral venous pressure, systemic blood pressure, or ocular blood flow. Tonographic and aqueous humor ascorbate data suggested a decreased (41% and 33% respectively) rate of aqueous flow as the mechanism for the decrease in intraocular pressure. The systemic administration of the alpha-adrenergic blocker phentolamine prevented the decrease in intraocular pressure but systemically administered blockers of cholinergic (atropine) or beta-adrenergic (propanolol) activity had no effect.
Epitaxial growth of CdTe on (211) silicon mesas formed by deep reactive ion etching

By patterning a (211) Si substrate wafer into mesas and depositing CdTe onto this substrate by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE), we achieved the removal of nearly all threading dislocations from the epilayer. Faceting of mesa surfaces is observed and characterized. Deposition of CdTe on mesa sidewalls nucleates stacking faults along the (111) planes, which result in nonradiative carrier recombination. The density of these stacking faults can be reduced if care is taken to align the molecular beams from the effusion cells with particular crystallographic directions of the substrate.
Comparing Entries in Random Sample Tests

Abstract THE main objective of Random Sample Tests is to provide breeders, hatcherymen and potential buyers of chicks with impartial information about poultry stocks offered for sale. Presumably, important decisions are made depending upon the interpretation of the results of such tests. Because these tests are in the same category as other testing procedures, we can examine the importance of several factors affecting the test results. This paper is divided into three parts: the first section considers the probability that the best stock will rank first in a single test, the second portion describes a simple method useful for comparing entries in several tests and the third part examines the possibility of stock × test interactions. Only egg production tests will be considered in this paper, although many of the conclusions can be applied to other types of tests such as broiler and turkey tests. THE CHANCE OF WINNING A SINGLE…
Wave normal directions of chorus near the equatorial source region

OGO 5 triaxial search coil magnetometer data are used to determine the wave propagation directions of postmidnight chorus in the near-equatorial region at L shells of 6 to 7. The methods used to estimate the wave normal directions involved minimum variance, the imaginary part of the cross-spectral matrix, the eigenvector of the Hermitian cross-spectral matrix, and a fitting of dispersion relations for one-wave and two-wave models to the cross-spectral matrix. Wave propagation at all frequencies within chorus tones is found to occur most frequently along the magnetic field with median and average cone angles of 9.1 deg and 12.2 deg, respectively. It is concluded that for waves propagating parallel to B, wave growth is maximum.
Transmyocardial revascularization devices: technology update

Transmyocardial laser revascularization (TMR) emerged as treatment modality for patients with diffuse coronary artery disease not amendable to percutaneous or surgical revascularization. The procedure entails the creation of laser channels within ischemic myocardium in an effort to better perfuse these areas. Currently, two laser devices are approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for TMR - holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet and CO2. The two devices differ in regard to energy outputs, wavelengths, ability to synchronize with the heart cycle, and laser-tissue interactions. These differences have led to studies showing different efficacies between the two laser devices. Over 50,000 procedures have been performed worldwide using TMR. Improvements in angina stages, quality of life, and perfusion of the myocardium have been demonstrated with TMR. Although several mechanisms for these improvements have been suggested, evidence points to new blood vessel formation, or angiogenesis, within the treated myocardium, as the major contributory factor. TMR has been used as sole therapy and in combination with coronary artery bypass grafting. Clinical studies have demonstrated that TMR is both safe and effective in angina relief long term. The objective of this review is to present the two approved laser devices and evidence for the safety and efficacy of TMR, along with future directions with this technology.
Life-History Variation inChrysoperla carnea:Implications for Rearing and Storing a Mexican Population

Abstract A population ofChrysoperla carneafrom San Pedro, Coahuila, Mexico, showed phenological responses that differ from those of previously studied North American biotypes. Short daylengths that induce diapause in other biotypes resulted in low incidences of diapause in the San Pedro population. Diapause induction required a decrease in daylength (from long to short days). Constant long days produced variable reproductive responses, whereas an increase in daylength (from short to long day) resulted in high incidences of reproduction. Providing prey to adults that had been reared under short days consistently increased the incidences of reproduction. Storage of either diapausing or nondiapausing adults at low temperature (5°C) for 13 weeks yielded better survivorship and reproductive performance than in unstored (24°C) controls. For efficient production, the San Pedro population ofC. carneamay be reared either with an increase in daylength or with the regular intervention of a storage period. To induce diapause in individuals destined for storage, larvae may be reared under long-day photoperiod and the prepupae transferred to short days.
Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB6 Domains Direct the Ordered Export of a DNA Substrate Through a Type IV Secretion System

The Agrobacterium tumefaciens VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) translocates DNA and protein substrates across the bacterial cell envelope. Six presumptive channel subunits of this T4SS (VirD4, VirB11, VirB6, VirB8, VirB2, and VirB9) form close contacts with the VirD2-T-strand transfer intermediate during export, as shown recently by a novel transfer DNA immunoprecipitation (TrIP) assay. Here, we characterize the contribution of the hydrophobic channel component VirB6 to substrate translocation. Results of reporter protein fusion and cysteine accessibility studies support a model for VirB6 as a polytopic membrane protein with a periplasmic N terminus, five transmembrane segments, and a cytoplasmic C terminus. TrIP studies aimed at characterizing the effects of VirB6 insertion and deletion mutations on substrate translocation identified several VirB6 functional domains: (i) a central region composed of a large periplasmic loop (P2) (residues 84 to 165) mediates the interaction of VirB6 with the exiting T-strand; (ii) a multi-membrane-spanning region carboxyl-terminal to loop P2 (residues 165 to 245) is required for substrate transfer from VirB6 to the bitopic membrane subunit VirB8; and (iii) the two terminal regions (residues 1 to 64 and 245 to 290) are required for substrate transfer to the periplasmic and outer membrane-associated VirB2 and VirB9 subunits. Our findings support a model whereby the periplasmic loop P2 comprises a portion of the secretion channel and distinct domains of VirB6 participate in channel subunit interactions required for substrate passage to the cell exterior.
Roots of the Modern Interstate Border Dispute

Recently there has been a flare-up of several significant international border disputes. This study examines when these disputes are most likely to arise, when they will escalate into war, and when they will spread beyond the original national participants. Specifically, this article hypothesizes that the frequency of border disputes is highest between nations that have (1) roughly equal levels of power and (2) relatively low levels of technology; that the severity of these disputes is highest when there is (3) a low level of technology, (4) contention on ethnic rather than resource issues, and (5) a two-state rather than three-state “mutually-contiguous” set; and that the scope of these disputes is highest between nations that are (6) members of opposing blocs rather than the same bloc. Data on 66 border dispute cases during 1945–1974 confirm these hypotheses.
A globally converging algorithm for adaptive manipulation and trajectory following for mobile robots with serial redundant arms

SUMMARY In this paper the tip-over stability of mobile robots duringmanipulation with redundant arms is investigated in real-time. A new fast-converging algorithm, called the CirclesOf INitialization ( COIN ), is proposed to calculate globallyoptimal postures of redundant serial manipulators. Thealgorithm is capable of trajectory following, redundancyresolution, and tip-over prevention for mobile robots duringeccentric manipulation tasks. The proposed algorithmemploys a priori training data generated from an exhaustiveresolution of the arm’s redundancy along a single directionin the manipulator’s workspace. This data is shown toprovide educated initial guess that enables COIN to swiftlyconverge to the global optimum for any other task in theworkspace. Simulations demonstrate the capabilities of COIN , and further highlight its convergence speed relativeto existing global search algorithms.KEYWORDS: Global optimization; Inverse kinematics;Redundancy resolution; Adaptive manipulation control;Mobile robots, Tip-over instability.
Solubilized myocardial adenylate cyclase: activation by prostaglandins.

Abstract Prostaglandins E 1 , E 2 , F 2α , and F 2α activated solubilized myocardial adenylate cyclase from guinea pigs and cats. The activation did not require the presence of added phospholipids in contrast to stimulation of the solubilized enzyme by catecholamines, glucagon, and histamine. The data may provide insight into the mechanism and cellular site of action of the prostaglandins.
Sensitivity and specificity of urinary ethyl glucuronide and ethyl sulfate in liver disease patients.

Background It is important to monitor alcohol use in the care of patients with liver disease, but patient self-report can be unreliable. We therefore evaluated the performance of urine ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and ethyl sulfate (EtS) in detecting alcohol use in the days preceding a clinical encounter. Methods Subjects (n = 120) were recruited at a university-based hepatology clinic or during hospitalization. Alcohol consumption was ascertained by validated self-report measures. Urine EtG (cutoff 100 ng/ml) and EtS (cutoff 25 ng/ml) concentrations were assayed by a contracted laboratory using tandem mass spectrometry. The sensitivity and specificity of each biomarker in the detection of drinking during the 3 and 7 days preceding the clinic visit were determined, as well as the influence of liver disease severity on these results. Results Urine EtG (sensitivity 76%, specificity 93%) and urine EtS (sensitivity 82%, specificity 86%) performed well in identifying recent drinking, and liver disease severity does not affect biomarker performance. After elimination of 1 false-negative self-report, urine EtG > 100 ng/ml was 100% specific for drinking within the past week, whereas 9% of the subjects without evidence of alcohol drinking for at least 1 week had EtS > 25 ng/ml. Conclusions Urine EtG and EtS can objectively supplement the detection of recent alcohol use in patients with liver disease. Additional research may determine optimal methods for integrating these tests into clinical care.
CX and CH cleavage by electrochemically generated non-linear [PtL2] complexes

Abstract The electrochemical reduction of [PtX2L2] (X = halide, L2 = bidentate diphosphine: Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2, dppe; Cy2PCH2CH2PCy2, dcpe; Cy2P{CH2}3PCy2, dcpp) has been used as a method of generating non-linear [PtL2] compounds whose reactivity with substrates ArX (X = Cl, Br, CN, H, CCPh) has been examined. Generation of [PtL2] (L2 = dppe or dcpe) in the presence of excess PhX (X = Cl, Br) produces [PtXPhL2] efficiently. Similarly, generation of [PtL2] (L2 = dppe or dcpe) in the presence of PhCCPh results in trapping to form [PtL2(PhCCPh)]. Generation of [PtL2] (L2 = dppe or dcpe) in the presence of PhCN or PhH results in indiscriminate reactions that do not produce tractable products. In contrast, reduction of [PtCl2(dcpp)] in CH3CN/C6H6/Bu4NClO4 produces [PtHPh(dcpp)] with considerable selectivity via aromatic CH activation by [Pt(dcpp)]. At room temperature the complex [PtHPh(dcpp)] undergoes exchange with C6D6 to generate [PtD(C6D5)(dcpp)].
Hydrogen sorption properties of non-stoichiometric ZrMn2-based systems

Abstract Hydrogen sorption by several non-stoichiometric ZrMn 2 -based alloys was studied at pressures up to 50 atm and over a temperature range from 23 to about 200°C. The dissociation pressure of the hydrides is raised by a factor of 500–1000 for ZrMn 2 T 0.8 or ZrMn 2 T 1.2 (T ≡; transition element or Cu) as the host material compared with that for ZrMn 2 as the host material. Among the hydrides studied, ZrMn 2 Co 0.8 -H exhibited the highest value for the plateau pressure. Measurements of the experimental densities of the non-stoichiometric host materials show good agreement with the substitutional model in which manganese and/or T partially replace zirconium at the zirconium sites. The hydrides have remarkably low heats of formation and entropies of 12–19 kJ (mol H 2 ) −1 and 50–80 J (mol H 2 ) −1 K −1 respectively. The hydrogen absorption or desorption is extremely rapid, e.g. 90% of the hydrogen was released or absorbed in about 1 min. The hydrides studied exhibit features which strongly suggest that they have technological potential.
Esophagoscopy and Endoscopic Esophageal Ultrasound in the Assessment of Esophageal Function

Esophagoscopy is an ideal method to detect mucosal or structural abnormalities of the esophagus and proximal stomach. The exclusion of malignant dysphagia is the prime role of esophagoscopy in assessment of esophageal function. Esophagoscopy and biopsy are mandatory for mucosal assessment of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Indirect and sometimes subtle evidence of abnormal esophageal motility is a valuable and underused aspect of esophagoscopy in the evaluation of swallowing disorders. Esophagoscopy has multiple roles in the appraisal and treatment of esophageal motility disorders, including the detection of secondary or pseudoachalasia, placement of manometry catheters, and dilation of peptic strictures caused by GERD associated with disorders such as scleroderma.
Cyclosporine as Possible Prophylaxis for Obstructive Airways Disease After Allogeneic Bone Marrow Transplantation

The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of cyclosporine (cyclosporin A; CyA) prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) on the development of obstructive airways disease (OAD) after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) in leukemic patients. Patients with normal pulmonary function tests (PFTs) prior to BMT were followed with serial PFTs for the development of OAD. Follow-up PFTs were performed at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months, and thereafter at consecutive yearly intervals. Obstructive airways disease was defined as FEV 1 less than 80 percent, ratio of FEV 1 over the forced vital capacity (FEV 1 /FVC) less than 80 percent of predicted, maximal midexpiratory flow rate at 50 percent vital capacity less than 65 percent of predicted, or residual volume greater than 120 percent of predicted. In the period prior to CyA prophylaxis for GVHD development (March 1983 to September 1986), 17 (39 percent) of the 44 patients undergoing BMT developed OAD, compared with 2 (4 percent) of 45 in the post-CyA period (September 1986 to March 1990) (χ 2 = 17; p
Understanding Controls, Behaviors and Satisfaction in the Daylit Perimeter Office: A Daylight Design Case Study

Daylight has the potential to positively impact occupants and reduce energy consumption in buildings if utilized correctly (Edwards & Torcellini, 2002). However, unintended negative outcomes can arise from unsuccessful daylighting schemes. Common issues, such as glare and heat gain, are important architectural considerations in design of the building envelope, but less studied are corresponding interior design considerations (such as furniture layout and access to controls) and associated occupant interactions and appraisals. The purpose of the current study is to expose some of the key issues related to the occupant use of daylight and daylight control in perimeter offices, to discuss the contributing design process factors, and to suggest possible improvements to the design process including an increased role for interior designers. The research methodology followed a case study approach and included post-occupancy evaluation (POE) questionnaires, interviews, and observations of a single higher education building with intentionally daylit perimeter offices. We discovered that the building in question was passed between three separate design teams throughout the design process, which may have contributed to the lack of integration between the architectural daylight design and the interior furniture and daylighting control fit-out. More than 50% of total respondents (n = 35) reported obstructed blind controls due to poor furniture design and layout. Of these, nearly 60% of occupants modified their office environment to gain access to blind controls. Ultimately, findings of this study demonstrate the importance of an integrated, multidisciplinary approach to daylighting design, one that considers both the specific building context and the human response.
Differential role of RB in response to UV and IR damage

The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor (RB) is functionally inactivated in the majority of cancers and is a critical mediator of DNA damage checkpoints. Despite the critical importance of RB function in tumor suppression, the coordinate impact of RB loss on the response to environmental and therapeutic sources of damage has remained largely unexplored. Here, we utilized a conditional knockout system to ablate RB in adult fibroblasts. This model system enabled us to investigate the temporal role of RB loss on cell cycle checkpoints and DNA damage repair following ultraviolet (UV) and ionizing radiation (IR) damage. We demonstrate that RB loss compromises rapid cell cycle arrest following UV and IR exposure in adult primary cells. Detailed kinetic analysis of the checkpoint response revealed that disruption of the checkpoint is concomitant with RB target gene deregulation, and is not simply a manifestation of chronic RB loss. RB loss had a differential effect upon repair of the major DNA lesions induced by IR and UV. Whereas RB did not affect resolution of DNA double-strand breaks, RB-deficient cells exhibited accelerated repair of pyrimidine pyrimidone photoproducts (6-4 PP). In parallel, this repair was coupled with enhanced expression of specific factors and the behavior of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) recruitment to replication and repair foci. Thus, RB loss and target gene deregulation hastens the repair of specific lesions distinct from its ubiquitous role in checkpoint abrogation.
Microcanonical simulation of a toy model with vacuum seizing

Abstract We test a newly developed method for simulating field theories with fermionic degrees of freedom on a simple quantum mechanical model which still has enough structure to exhibit symmetry breaking and other effects due to anomalies.
40Ar/39Ar thermochronology and Alleghanian development of the southernmost Appalachian Piedmont, Alabama and southwest Georgia

40Ar/39Ar age spectra of hornblende, muscovite, and microcline, and total fusion ages of biotite from metamorphic rocks of the Inner Piedmont, Pine Mountain, and Uchee belts are reported. Mineral cooling ages from the eastern part of the Inner Piedmont are as follows: hornblende, 320 Ma; muscovite, 296 Ma; biotite, 293 Ma; and microcline (diffusional release patterns) Tmax = 267 Ma, Tmin = 234 Ma. A 347 Ma hornblende spectrum from the highest Inner Piedmont structural level sampled is the oldest date determined and implies earlier passage of this level through the 500 °C isotherm. Most release spectra from Pine Mountain belt units are discordant with little or no apparent geologic meaning. Modified saddle-shaped release patterns for hornblende indicate extraneous argon with a maximum age of ∼358 Ma. Muscovite from the Pine Mountain belt cover sequence is 286 Ma (plateau age), and one from the underlying Grenville basement is 277 Ma (correlation age), indicating cooling below the 350 °C isotherm. Plateau ages on Uchee belt rocks are as follows: hornblende, from 297 to 288 Ma; muscovite, 285 Ma; biotite, 276 Ma; and microcline Tmax = 261 Ma, Tmin 230 Ma. Muscovite fish from a Bartletts Ferry fault zone phyllonite have a plateau age of 283 Ma. The 40Ar/39Ar results combined with other geologic data indicate that (1) a large part of the southern and Inner Piedmonts of Alabama and southwest Georgia experienced a late Paleozoic amphibolite-facies thermal and deformational event contemporaneous with the Alleghanian orogeny observed in the foreland; (2) the tectonic development of this event, characterized by initial crustal thickening followed by right-slip and normal-slip movements, is grossly similar to that described for the amphibolite-facies Alleghanian belt in the eastern Piedmont of South Carolina and Georgia; and (3) extensional movements along the flanks of the Pine Mountain window occurred between ca. 277 Ma and the Late Triassic-Early Jurassic and thus may reflect latest Alleghanian extensional collapse or Mesozoic rifting.
Metabolite structure elucidation using NMR micro-/nano-detection

Abstract The structure of the epoxide of 1-ethyl-phenoxathiin 10,10-dioxide, a potential monoamine oxidase-A inhibitor, was elucidated using a combination of 500 MHz homo- and heteronuclear NMR techniques. The proton reference spectrum and a COSY spectrum were obtained on a 30 μg sample (0.07 μMoles) of the metabolite in 35 μl of d6-DMSO using a Varian heteronuclear Nano-probe™. An inverse-detected (HMQC) heteronuclear shift correlation spectrum was obtained on the 30 μg sample of the metabolite in 120 μl of d6-DMSO using a Nalorac Z•SPEC™ 3 mm micro inverse probe.
Chemical properties influencing rate of release of starch encapsulated herbicides: Implications for modifying environmental fate

Abstract Starch encapsulation is a controlled release technology which may reduce a chemical's environmental contamination potential. Effectiveness of starch encapsulation in modifying environmental fate is not uniform for all herbicides. We quantified the time required for complete release of herbicides encapsulated in unmodified cornstarch (amylopectin:amylose ratio approximately 3:1) by an extrusion process. These herbicides exhibited a range of chemical properties. Time required for complete release of herbicides, encapsulated using this technology, was strongly correlated with water solubility of the encapsulated chemical. As water solubility of the encapsulated chemical decreased, time required for complete release increased exponentially. Results of field scale experiments suggests that starch encapsulation influences the environmental fate of an encapsulated herbicide when the time required for complete release is from 14 to 21 days. Results suggest that starch encapsulation will provide a satisfactory rate of release for herbicides that have water solubilities of 20 to 300 mg l −1 .
The effect of hydrostatic pressure on the synthetic processes in bacteria.

Abstract An effect of hydrostatic pressure on the induction of an enzyme and on the incorporation of thymine (DNA synthesis), of proline and valine (protein synthesis) and, to a lesser extent, of uracil (RNA synthesis) has been observed. The cells are not markedly reduced in volume at the pressure used (about 900 atm). Some effect of pressure in newly synthesized protein, operating within a minute or two of synthesis, is observed.
The depolarization - attenuated backscatter relation: CALIPSO lidar measurements vs. theory

Using measurements obtained by the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) satellite, relationships between layer-integrated depolarization ratio (8) and layer-integrated attenuated backscatter (γ′) are established for moderately thick clouds of both ice and water. A new and simple form of the δ-γ′ relation for spherical particles, developed from Monte Carlo simulations and suitable for both water clouds and spherical aerosol particles, is found to agree well with the observations. A high-backscatter, low-depolarization δ-γ′ relationship observed for some ice clouds is shown to result primarily from horizontally oriented plates and implies a preferential lidar ratio - depolarization ratio relation in nature for ice cloud particles containing plates. ©2007 Optical Society of America
Liberal theocracy and the justificatory dance

Lucas Swaine’s liberalism of conscience is at risk of failing to respect justificatory requirements of political liberalism. His theory ought to be further distinguished from the views of John Locke and John Rawls, respectively, and should be extended to engage extreme secularists as well as theocrats.
Fubini Foiled: Katok’s Paradoxical Example in Measure Theory

Katok’s example is based on a family of degree-two Blaschke products mapping the unit circle to itself. I am grateful to C. Pugh for describing it to me. A different version of the construction, based on tent maps of the interval, has been given by J. Yorke, also unpublished.
Calcium and dairy intake: Longitudinal trends during the transition to young adulthood and correlates of calcium intake.

Abstract Objective To describe changes in calcium and dairy intake during the transition from middle adolescence to young adulthood and to identify baseline correlates of calcium intake in young adulthood. Design Population-based, 5-year follow-up study (Project EAT: Eating Among Teens). Setting Baseline surveys were completed in Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN schools and by mail at follow-up. Participants Males and females (N = 1521) attending high school at baseline (mean age = 15.9 years) and with a mean age of 20.5 years at follow-up. Main Outcome Measures Calcium intake. Analysis Mixed and linear regression methods were used to respectively examine trends and correlates of intake. Results During the transition to young adulthood, mean daily calcium intakes of females and males decreased by an average of 153 mg and 194 mg respectively. Mealtime milk availability, health/nutrition attitudes, taste preference for milk, healthful weight control behaviors, and peer support for healthful eating at baseline were associated with better follow-up calcium intake. Time spent watching television and lactose intolerance were associated with lower intake at follow-up. Conclusions and Implications Nutrition interventions are needed to counter longitudinal decreases in calcium intake. Interventions targeted to adolescents should address the availability of milk at meals and other identified supports for healthful eating.
Economic cost of Guillain-Barré syndrome in the United States

Objective This study estimated the annual economic cost of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in the United States in 2004, including the direct costs of medical care and the indirect costs due to lost productivity and premature death. Methods The cost-of-illness method was used to determine the costs of medical care and lost productivity, and a modified value of a statistical life approach was used to determine the cost of premature deaths. Data were obtained from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey, the Compressed Mortality File, a telephone survey of 180 adult patients with GBS, and other sources. Results The estimated annual cost of GBS was $1.7 billion (95% CI, $1.6 to 1.9 billion), including $0.2 billion (14%) in direct medical costs and $1.5 billion (86%) in indirect costs. Most of the medical costs were for community hospital admissions. Most of the indirect costs were due to premature deaths. The mean cost per patient with GBS was $318,966 (95% CI, $278,378 to 359,554). Conclusions The economic cost of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) was substantial, and largely due to disability and death. The cost estimate summarizes the lifetime health burden due to GBS in monetary terms, and provides some of the information needed to assess the cost-effectiveness of health measures that affect GBS.
Toxicity of 1,1′-alkyl-4,4′-Bipyridylium Salts in the Rat

ABSTRACTMethyl (paraquat), propyl, isopropyl, butyl, methyl-pentyl, hexyl, octyl and benzyl viologens. (1,1′-Alkyl-4,4′-bipyridylium salts) were administered subcutaneously to female Sprague-Dawley rats to determine relative toxicities. These compounds all produce the spectrum of effects previously reported for paraquat and additionally produce a focal necrosis at the injection site, non-emptying of the stomach and adrenal enlargement. A lethal dose of propyl, hexyl or benzyl viologen often produced a yellow to red serous fluid in the pleural cavity. Many of the signs observed with viologen poisoning are similar to adrenal hormone effects and the suggestion is made that the adrenals may be contributing to toxicity.
Different Composite Regulatory Elements Direct Expression of the Human α Subunit Gene to Pituitary and Placenta

To identify elements of the human α subunit gene necessary for cell-specific expression, we generated an array of block mutations spanning approximately 400 base pairs (bp) of promoter proximal region and examined them using transient transfection analysis in pituitary (αT3) and placental (BeWo) cell lines. Comparison of promoter activity in the two cell types revealed both common and unique elements required for transcription in pituitary and placenta. Two strong elements, the cyclic AMP response element (CRE) and the upstream regulatory element (URE), regulate expression of the α subunit gene in BeWo cells. In contrast, promoter activity in αT3 cells requires an array of weaker elements. These include the CREs, the URE, as well as two previously described elements, pituitary glycoprotein hormone basal element (PGBE) and gonadotrope-specific element (GSE), and two new elements we designated as the α basal elements 1 and 2 (αBE1 and αBE2). These new elements reside between −316 and −302 bp (αBE1) and −296 and −285 bp (αBE2) of the human α subunit promoter and bind distinct proteins designated αBP1 and αBP2, respectively. Southwestern blot analysis revealed that αBE1 specifically binds 54- and 56-kDa proteins. Additional studies disclosed several potential interactions between proteins that bind the CRE and proteins that occupy PGBE, αBE1, and αBE2, suggesting that gonadotrope-specific expression occurs through a unique composite regulatory element that includes components of the placenta-specific enhancer.
Opportunities and Presidential Uses of Force: A Selection Model of Crisis Decision-Making

Political vulnerability is thought to influence the opportunities available to the US president to engage in uses of force abroad. Conventional theories linking economic misfortune and partisan opp...
Let's Get Physical! Or Financial? A Study of Electricity Transmission Rights

I test experimentally the predictions of neoclassical theory for a radial electricity market without rights to the transmission line, with rights that give the owner a financial right to a share of the transmission congestion charges collected by a network operator, and with physical rights which give the owner the exclusive right to utilize a portion of the transmission line. I find that physical rights lead to more “right” market signals, diminish some market-power, and remove an uncertainty about electricity transmission congestion better than financial rights or the absence of rights.
Selecting Stopping Rules for Confidence Interval Procedures

The sample size decision is crucial to the success of any sampling experiment. More samples imply better confidence and precision in the results, but require higher costs in terms of time, computing power, and money. Analysts often choose sequential stopping rules on an ad hoc basis to obtain confidence intervals with desired properties without requiring large sample sizes. However, the choice of stopping rule can affect the quality of the interval produced in terms of the coverage, precision, and replication cost. This article introduces methods for choosing and evaluating stopping rules for confidence interval procedures. We develop a general framework for assessing the quality of a broad class of stopping rules applied to independent and identically distributed data. We introduce coverage profiles that plot the coverage according to the stopping time and reveal situations when the coverage could be unexpectedly low. Finally, we recommend simple techniques for obtaining acceptable or optimal rules.
Relationship between Hazen–William and Colebrook–White Roughness Values

Despite advances in computing technology and derivation of explicit approximation formulas, the experimentally verified and widely applicable Colebrook–White friction factor formula is often rejected in favor of the limited and less accurate Hazen–Williams equation. The general reluctance of practicing engineers to embrace the Colebrook–White formula may be due to the relatively large available database for Hazen–Williams C coefficient values versus a relatively small database of the equivalent sand roughness ks values required by the Colebrook–White equation. Until now, converting C to ks required knowledge of both the Reynolds number and pipe diameter originally used to determine C . The current effort derives implicit equations relating C to ks that do not require additional information and compare well with published data. The exact solution is approximated with a single explicit equation, accurate to within 4% error.
Cerebral blood flow in glaucoma patients

Glaucomatous damage has been described as a slowly progressive neuronal degenerative process along the visual pathway. Decreased cerebral and ocular blood flow as well as impaired vascular autoregulation has been identified in glaucoma and have been shown to correlate with visual field loss. In low-tension glaucoma patients, diffuse cerebral ischemic changes have been detected through magnetic resonance imaging. Given these findings, it seems that for some patients, glaucomatous damage may be the ocular manifestation of a more widespread vascular abnormality involving the brain rather than a separate process isolated only to the eye and its immediate vasculature.
Group Motivation and Group Task Performance: The Expectancy-Valence Theory Approach

Using the expectancy-valence model, this study investigates the effects of group motivation on group task performance. Two levels of valence, expectancy, and instrumentality are experimentally created, resulting in a 2 X 2 X 2 factorial design incorporating 128 mixed-sex groups. Although the results generally confirm the hypotheses, patterns of effects of the independent variables differ, depending on the nature of the dependent variable under consideration. The effect of the valence variable is found on the group productivity on the unstructured task as well as on the task-persistence measure. The effect of the expectancy variable is found on the task-persistence measure. Finally, the effect of the instrumentality variable is found on group productivity on the structured task. For all three independent variables, groups in the high conditions perform better than groups in the low conditions. Significant interactions among the independent variables are not found, though the model had so predicted.
Decision feedback detectors for SOQPSK

We consider highly-simplified decision feedback detectors for shaped-offset quadrature phase-shift keying (SOQPSK), a highly bandwidth-efficient and popular constant-envelope modulation. In particular, we show that the state complexity can be reduced to a minimal level - two states - with asymptotically optimum performance, as demonstrated by performance analysis and confirmed by computer simulations. The complexity reduction is achieved by a novel manipulation of the differential encoder and the SOQPSK precoder, which are both part of the transmission model for SOQPSK. We give two possible architectures for achieving this complexity reduction: the pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) technique and the pulse truncation (PT) technique. We also formulate these detectors for coherent and noncoherent detection. The resulting family of detectors makes use of recent advances in SOQPSK technology based on a continuous phase modulation (CPM) interpretation of SOQPSK. The proposed simplifications are significant because they minimize the complexity of trellis-based SOQPSK detectors, which have become available only in recent years. Because trellis-based SOQPSK detectors are 1-2 dB superior to the widely-deployed family of symbol-by-symbol SOQPSK detectors, the proposed two-state detectors offer the simplest means of achieving these performance gains. Thus, these simple detection schemes are applicable in settings where high performance and low complexity are needed to meet restrictions on power consumption and cost.
Automated Quantitative Analysis (AQUA) of In Situ Protein Expression, Antibody Concentration, and Prognosis

Background: Disparate results in the immunohistochemistry literature regarding the relationship between biomarker expression and patient outcome decrease the credibility of tissue biomarker studies. We investigated whether some of these disparities result from subjective optimization of an tibody concentration. Methods: We used the automated quantitative analysis (AQUA) system and various concentrations of antibodies against HER2 (1 : 500 to 1 : 8000 dilutions), p53 (1 : 50 to 1 : 800 dilutions), and estrogen receptor (ER; 1 : 100 and 1 : 1000 dilutions) to assess expression of HER2 and p53 in a tissue microarray containing specimens from 250 breast cancer patients with long-term survival data available. HER2 expression in the tissue microarray was also assessed by conventional immunohistochemistry. Relative risk (RR) of disease-specifi c mortality was assessed for every cutpoint with the X-tile program. Cumulative disease-specifi c survival was assessed by the Kaplan – Meier method. All statistical tests were two-sided. Results: For HER2 and p53 and an optimal cutpoint, when a high antibody concentration (i.e., 1 : 500 dilution) was used with the AQUA system, low expression was associated with poorer survival than high expression; however, when a low antibody concentration (i.e., 1 : 8000 dilution) was used, high expression was associated with poorer survival. For example, for a 1 : 8000 dilution of HER2 antibody and high expression defi ned as the top 15% of HER2 expression, high HER2 expression was associated with increased disease-specifi c mortality (RR = 1.98, 95% confi dence interval [CI] = 1.21 to 3.23; P = .007), compared with low expression. However, for a 1 : 500 dilution of HER2 antibody and high expression defi ned as the top 85% of HER2 expression, high HER2 expression was associated with decreased disease-specifi c mortality (RR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.76; P = .002), compared with low HER2 expression. Conclusions: Biomarker antibody concentration appears to dramatically affect the apparent relationship between biomarker expression and outcome. [J Natl Cancer Inst 2005;97:1808 – 15]
The mammalian toxicological hazards of petroleum-derived substances: an overview of the petroleum industry response to the high production volume challenge program.

Petroleum-derived substances are complex and composed of aliphatic (normal-, iso-, and cycloparaffins), olefinic, and/or aromatic constituents. Approximately 400 of these complex substances were evaluated as part of the US Environmental Protection Agency voluntary High Production Volume (HPV) Challenge program. The substances were separated into 13 groups (categories), and all available data were assessed. Toxicology testing was conducted as necessary to fully address the end points encompassed by the HPV initiative. In a broad sense, volatile hydrocarbons may cause acute central nervous system effects, and those that are liquids at room temperature pose aspiration hazards if taken into the lungs as liquids and may also cause skin irritation. Higher boiling substances may contain polycyclic aromatic constituents (PACs) that can be mutagenic and carcinogenic and may also cause developmental effects. Substances containing PACs can also cause target organ and developmental effects. The effects of aliphatic c...
Joshua Nelson, MD, PharmD, on "A prospective randomized study of minimally invasive total knee arthroplasty compared with conventional surgery" by Nikolaus Wulker, PhD, MD, et al.

This prospective randomized multicenter trial from five European sites compares the clinical and radiographic outcomes of total knee arthroplasty, utilizing two separate techniques. This study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT00853398) and is sponsored by Smith and Nephew (Memphis, Tennessee) for evaluation of the Genesis II minimally invasive total knee system. For this study, a minimally invasive approach was defined by an incision of 15 cm. Clinical outcomes for both the minimally invasive and standard cohorts were determined with use of Knee Society scores and visual analog pain scores. Radiographic measurements included coronal and sagittal alignment measurements as well as a mechanical axis measurement. This study was originally designed to …
Rapid Screening of BiVO4-Based Photocatalysts by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy (SECM) and Studies of Their Photoelectrochemical Properties

A picoliter solution dispenser was used to fabricate various n-type BiVO4 based photocatalyst arrays having different compositions and a scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technique modified by replacing a normal ultramicroelectrode with an optical fiber was used for fast screening of the effective photocatalysts for Na2SO3 (as a sacrificial reductant) and water oxidation. Bi/V/W oxide with a ratio of 4.5:5:0.5 showed ∼4.6× higher photocurrent than Bi/V oxide without W and this result was confirmed with bulk film studies. Preliminary characterization (XRD, XPS, and EIS) was also performed for these catalysts. This material was tested for photoelectrochemical water oxidation with a Pt ring optical fiber to detect the product (O2) of photoelectrochemical oxidation reaction.
Acute hydrops in the corneal ectasias: associated factors and outcomes.

Abstract PURPOSE: To identify factors associated with the development of hydrops and affecting its clinical outcome. METHODS: Chart review of all patients with acute hydrops seen by a referral cornea service during a 2.5-year period between June 1996 and December 1998. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients (22 eyes) with acute hydrops were seen. Nineteen patients had keratoconus, 2 had pellucid marginal degeneration, and 1 had keratoglobus. Twenty-one of 22 (95%) eyes had seasonal allergies and 20 of 22 (91%) eyes had allergy-associated eye-rubbing behavior. Six of 22 (27%) had a diagnosis of Down's syndrome. Six patients were able to identify a traumatic inciting event: vigorous eye rubbing in 4 and traumatic contact lens insertion in 2. The affected area ranged from 7% to 100% of the corneal surface area and was related to disease duration and final visual acuity. Proximity of the area of edema to the corneal limbus ranged from 0 to 2.3 mm and was also related to prognosis. Three serious complications were observed: a leak, an infectious keratitis, and an infectious keratitis and coincidental neovascular glaucoma. Various medical therapies did not differ significantly in their effect on outcome, and ultimately 4 (18%) of 22 patients underwent penetrating keratoplasty. Best-corrected visual acuity was equal to or better than prehydrops visual acuity in 5 of the 6 patients in whom prehydrops visual acuity was known, without corneal transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: Allergy and eye-rubbing appear to be important risk factors in the development of hydrops. Visual results are acceptable in some patients without surgery. Close observation allows for the early detection and treatment of complications such as perforation and infection.