cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing of and outcomes after selective termination of anomalous fetuses in dichorionic twin pregnancies.

Objective The objective of this article is to determine if selective termination (ST) of an anomalous dichorionic twin at early gestational age (GA) is associated with a decreased risk of fetal loss and prematurity. Method All patients who had ST for dichorionic twin pregnancies from 2004 through 2010 at Mount Sinai Medical Center were included. Data were collected via chart review and patient interview. Two case–control analyses were carried out: first, cases were nonviable deliveries, and controls were live births; and second, cases were live births <37 weeks' GA, and controls were live births ≥37 weeks' GA. Univariable and then multivariable analyses identified characteristics associated with pregnancy loss and prematurity. Results Among 80 participants, there were four (5%) fetal losses and 15 (19%) premature births. GA at ST was the only characteristic associated with pregnancy loss in multivariable exact logistic regression [OR = 1.43, 95% CI (1.03, 2.26), P = 0.03]. GA at ST was the only characteristic associated with premature delivery in multivariable exact logistic regression [OR = 1.18, 95% CI (1.02, 1.37), P = 0.03]. Conclusion This study suggests that ST performed earlier in pregnancy is associated with decreased fetal loss and prematurity. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Distribution of the Product Explains Normal Theory Mediation Confidence Interval Estimation.

The distribution of the product has several useful applications. One of these applications is its use to form confidence intervals for the indirect effect as the product of 2 regression coefficients. The purpose of this article is to investigate how the moments of the distribution of the product explain normal theory mediation confidence interval coverage and imbalance. Values of the critical ratio for each random variable are used to demonstrate how the moments of the distribution of the product change across values of the critical ratio observed in research studies. Results of the simulation study showed that as skewness in absolute value increases, coverage decreases. And as skewness in absolute value and kurtosis increases, imbalance increases. The difference between testing the significance of the indirect effect using the normal theory versus the asymmetric distribution of the product is further illustrated with a real data example. This article is the first study to show the direct link between the...
Exact classical solutions of the two dimensional sigma model

Abstract We construct several new exact static solutions to the coupled, non-linear classical field equations of the sigma model, both with and without pions, in two space-time dimensions. We compare these solutions with previously known exact results and discuss briefly their implications for states in the quantum field theory.
Elucidating the mechanisms of human development: A reply to Dubas

Judith Dubas raises some important issues about our paper and about the role of immaturity in human development in general. As “one of the converted” she recognizes the importance of an evolutionar...
Interface solitons excited between a simple lattice and a superlattice

We demonstrate nonlinear surface states at the interface between optically-induced simple (periodic) and super (bi-periodic) photonic lattices. Depending on the excitation condition at the interface, we identify numerically and observe experimentally different types of interface solitons with characteristic phase structures under a self-focusing nonlinearity, including dipole-like “mixed-band” interface gap solitons.
Sperm production of Holstein bulls determined from testicular spermatid reserves, after cannulation of rete testis or vas deferens, and by daily ejaculation

Abstract The relationship between sperm production and sperm output was reexamined with data from 50 bulls. Sperm output in semen collected daily by artificial vagina averaged 6.46×10 9 /day (47 bulls). The volume (ml/day), cell concentration (10 6 ml), and sperm output (10 9 /day) from a cannulated rete testis (21 measurements) averaged 41.3, 70, and 2.83 while corresponding values for cauda epididymal semen obtained via a vas deferens cannula (20) averaged .8, 5387, and 3.93. Comparisons within bulls for pairs of measurements revealed no significant difference in the number of sperm recovered from the rete testis, from the cauda epididymidis, or representing one-half of those ejaculated daily before surgery. These values were similar to estimates of sperm production calculated with a new time divisor (5.32 days) to convert testicular spermatid reserves to sperm production. Each method used can give valid estimates of daily sperm production. In normal bulls few if any sperm are resorbed in the epididymis. Sperm transport through the epididymis was not retarded by ligation of the efferent ducts. The time required for sperm to traverse the epididymis of a bull ejaculated daily averaged 8 days but ranged from 4 to 15 days.
The determination of plant status during abnormal reactor operating conditions: Accident sequence identification

Abstract A study was performed to determine information available to reactor operators for assessing core status during severe accidents. Beginning with a simplified accident event tree describing possible final plant states, an instrumentation availability matrix was developed to identify potential gaps in current nuclear plant instrumentation. This matrix was further developed for a representative PWR system. The major study conclusion is that the largest potential gap lies in methods available for directly determining the stage of core degradation. This inadequacy influences the potential effectiveness of off-site emergency response planning, and also the ability of plant personnel to mitigate against the further worsening of the plant condition. Possible methods for improving direct indications of core damage are discussed with the recommendation that further study and experimentation be conducted in this area.
Classical Solutions to the Boltzmann Equation for Molecules with an Angular Cutoff

An important class of collision kernels in the Boltzmann theory are governed by the inverse power law, in which the intermolecular potential between two particles is an inverse power of their distance. Under the Grad angular cutoff assumption, global-in-time classical solutions near Maxwellians are constructed in a periodic box for all soft potentials with −3<γ<0.
Real-Time X-Ray transmission microscopy of solidifying Al-In Alloys

Real-time observations of transparent analog materials have provided insight, yet the results of these observations are not necessarily representative of opaque metallic systems. In order to study the detailed dynamics of the solidification process, we develop the technologies needed for real-time X ray microscopy of solidifying metallic systems, which has not previously been feasible with the necessary resolution, speed, and contrast. In initial studies of Al-In monotectic alloys unidirectionally solidified in an X-ray transparent furnace, in situ records of the evolution of interface morphologies, interfacial solute accumulation, and formation of the monotectic droplets were obtained for the first time: A radiomicrograph of Al-30In grown during aircraft parabolic maneuvers is presented, showing the volumetric phase distribution in this specimen. The benefits of using X-ray microscopy for postsolidification metallography include ease of specimen preparation, increased sensitivity, and three-dimensional analysis of phase distribution. Imaging of the solute boundary layer revealed that the isoconcentration lines are not parallel (as is often assumed) to the growth interface. Striations in the solidified crystal did not accurately decorate the interface position and shape. The monotectic composition alloy under some conditions grew in an uncoupled manner.
An approximation model for sojourn time distributions in acyclic multi-server queueing networks

We develop an approximation model for the sojourn time distribution of customers or jobs arriving to an acyclic multi-server queueing network. The model accepts general interarrival times and general service times, and is based on the characteristics of phase-type distributions. The model produces excellent results for multi-server networks with a small to medium number of workstations, but is less accurate when the number of workstations is large. HighlightsWe model the steady-state distribution of sojourn time of customers in an acyclic, multi-stage, multi-server queueing network.We use phase-type distributions to approximate waiting times and general processing times.The model can be used to predict the probability that time in a system will exceed a specified time.The model is especially effective for small- and medium-sized systems.
Global Public Health: Targeting Inequities

THE COURSE OF global public health in this century can be summarized in 4 words: spectacular accomplishments, spectacular inequities. Progress has been so dramatic that more improvements in the health status of people worldwide have occurred during the 40year lifetime of a child born in 1958 than were accomplished during the “entire previous span of human history.”1 Nevertheless, essential public health resources remain inequitably distributed, and great disparities in health status persist between populations worldwide.
Biochemical evidence for enhanced sensitivity to N-methyl-D-aspartate in the hippocampal formation of kindled rats.

The inhibitory effect of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) upon carbachol-stimulated phosphoinositide (PI) hydrolysis was studied in transverse hippocampal slices prepared from control and amygdaloid kindled rats. Kindling significantly increased the inhibitory effect of NMDA (10 μM) in slices prepared from animals 24 h after the last class 5 kindled seizure, resulting in a steepening of the dose-response curve for NMDA. The enhanced sensitivity to NMDA was long-lasting in that it was also present in slices prepared from animals sacrificed 28–35 days after the last class 5 seizure. The increased sensitivity to NMDA was selective in that inhibition of carbachol-stimulated PI hydrolysis by kainic acid or phorbol-12,13-diacetate was not different in control and kindled animals. Neither NMDA, kainic acid, phorbol ester nor carbachol alone had any significantly differents effects in slices from kindled versus control animals. These data demonstrate a selective and enhanced sensitivity of the kindled hippocampus to NMDA. This enhanced sensitivity to the principal class of excitatory neurotransmitter may be one mechanism underlying the development and maintenance of kindled epilepsy.
Preparation and characterization of monoclonal antibodies to enteric adenovirus types 40 and 41

We have prepared monoclonal antibodies to each of the enteric adenoviruses types 40 and 41. Three different hybridoma cell lines were selected which produced antibody found to react by radioimmunoprecipitation with adenovirus (Ad) hexon antigens. One was specific for Ad 40, another for Ad 41, and a third one reacted with both types. When tested in an enzyme immunoassay against all 41 known human Ad types, the type-specific monoclonal antibody against Ad 40 reacted homotypically, as did the monoclonal antibody against Ad 41. In addition, these monoclonal antibodies neutralized the homologous enteric Ad type. The monoclonal antibody which reacted with both enteric Ad types also showed lower levels of reactivity with the group C adenoviruses types 2, 5, and 6. The monoclonal antibodies produced will provide a definitive means for rapid identification of specific Ad types, and will be useful in defining the relationship of enteric adenoviruses to other types.
Robert E. Holzer (1906–1994)

On May 19, 1994, Robert E. Holzer passed away after a career in geophysics spanning 6 decades. Beginning with studies of atmospheric electricity in New Mexico, his interests evolved through studies of waves in the magnetosphere, especially ELF and VLF waves, both in ground-based records and then in situ, as rockets and satellites provided access to the farthest reaches of the magnetosphere, and finally to studies of the solar wind coupling with the Earth's magnetosphere. Robert E. Holzer, a fellow of both AGU and the American Physical Society, leaves a legacy to the field of geophysics through the training of students at the University of New Mexico and the University of California, Los Angeles, and through his many publications. He is survived by his wife Wilma, a daughter, and two sons, one of whom, Thomas E. Holzer, is well known to the geophysical community.
Ridge Preservation With or Without an Osteoinductive Allograft: A Clinical, Radiographic, Micro‐Computed Tomography, and Histologic Study Evaluating Dimensional Changes and New Bone Formation of the Alveolar Ridge

Background: The aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial is to determine whether ridge preservation using an osteoinductive allograft (test) would prevent ridge resorption and promote bone maturation compared to extraction alone (control).Methods: Seventeen patients (20 total sites), in need of a non-molar extraction and delayed implant placement were randomly selected to receive either ridge preservation or extraction alone. A cone-beam computed tomography was completed with a radiographic stent in place before extraction and 10 to 12 weeks postoperatively for dimensional and buccal plate analyses. Bone cores were taken for micro-computed tomography (microCT) and histologic analyses.Results: Resorption of the alveolar ridge occurred at all sites with no statistically significant differences found between test and control sites. A significant correlation was found between the initial buccal plate thickness and the loss of vertical ridge height. microCT and histologic analyses found a mean new bon...
Energy confinement of the high energy tail electrons during lower hybrid current drive experiments on the Alcator C tokamak

Abstract The distribution function of the high energy electron tail generated during lower hybrid current drive experiments at a density of n e =3×10 19 m −3 in the Alcator C tokamak has been determined. By performing a convolution integral with the collision operator, the power flow into the bulk plasma was calculated. With the assistance of code modeling, the energy confinement time of the fast electrons, and its dependence upon energy, was determined. It is shown that the energy confinement of tail electrons is comparable with that of the bulk particles.
Role of Heart Rate as a Marker and Mediator of Poor Outcome for Patients with Heart Failure

Tachycardia has been associated with worse outcomes for patients with heart failure and is also thought to have a direct adverse impact on the myocardium. This report highlights the current evidence for heart rate as both a risk factor and mediator for poor outcome for patients with heart failure. We summarize the large number of studies evaluating heart rate in patients with systolic dysfunction and newer studies that examine patients with preserved systolic function. The effect on outcomes in heart failure of medications known to slow the heart rate such as β-blockers and the more recently developed drug ivabradine are discussed. The data clearly show that a high heart rate is a marker of increased mortality. There is also a strong suggestion that a higher heart rate directly worsens outcome and that this can be mitigated by heart rate–reducing medications.
Flavin‐containing monooxygenase isoform 2: Developmental expression in fetal and neonatal rabbit lung

Mammalian flavin-containing monooxygenase functions in the oxygenation of numerous xenobiotics containing a soft nucleophile, usually a nitrogen or sulfur. A total of five distinct flavin monooxygenase (FMO) isoforms are expressed in mammals. Individual isoforms are expressed in a sex-, age-, and tissue-specific fashion. In this study, we document the early developmental appearance of the major isoform in rabbit lung, FMO2. FMO2 catalytic activity as well as protein and mRNA are not only present in fetal and neonatal lung but, in some instances, approach levels found in the adult. The expression pattern of FMO2 is similar to that of the two major constitutive cytochromes P450 found in rabbit lung, 2B4 and 4B1. The early developmental appearance of these monooxygenases indicate an important role in the protection of the fetus and neonate against toxic insult from foreign chemicals.
Effect of temperature, salinity and food level on sexual and asexual reproduction in Brachionus plicatilis (Rotifera)

The reproductive response of sexual and asexual female Brachionus plicatilis (Muller) was examined over temperatures ranging from 20° to 40°C, salinities from 5 to 40‰ S, and food levels from 0.25 to 20 μg Chlorella vulgaris dry-weight per ml. Reduced food levels, as well as temperature and salinity extremes, reduced reproduction of both sexual and asexual females, but did so differentially. Reproduction by sexual females was reduced to a greater extent at environmental extremes than asexual females. The broad, flat reproductive response curve of asexual females extended beyond the limits of the narrower, more sharply peaked curve of sexual females. Thus zones of exclusively asexual reproduction exist at environmental extremes where sexual reproduction is physiologically restricted. These results are corroborated by a comparison of the lifetime fecundity of individual sexual and asexual females over a 20°C temperature range. No differences in lifetime fecundity occurred between sexual and asexual females at 18° and 28°C. At 38°C, however, asexual female fecundity reached its highest level, while sexual female fecundity declined 15%. The appearance of sexual females in rotifer populations in the result of both inducible and repressible factors.
Accurate double-layer capacity and impedance measurements with the dropping mercury or amalgam electrode

Summary Spurious frequency dispersion of the impedance of a dropping mercury or amalgam electrode was studied. Poor cell and electrode geometry was unimportant in 1 M aqueous electrolyte solution in the 500 Hz–20 kHz range, but caused pronounced dispersion in 0.1 M solution. Apart from the well-established necessity of silicone-coating of the capillary, it seems essential that the drop diameter, at balance of the bridge, is at least 4–5 times larger than the tip diameter. Preparation and use of the dropping electrode are described in detail, and experiments supporting the proposed technique are discussed. Application was made to the Zn2+/Zn(Hg) electrode in 0.1 M NaClO4+0.002 M HClO4 in the 50 Hz–20 kHz range. Determination of the electrolyte resistance and double-layer capacity is discussed in detail. Results are accounted for by the classical theory of the faradaic impedance.
On the Use of Distributed Beamforming to Increase Base Station Anonymity in Wireless Sensor Networks

In recent years, Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) have become valuable assets to both the commercial and military communities with applications ranging from industrial control on a factory floor to reconnaissance of a hostile border. In most applications, the sensors act as data sources and forward information generated by event triggers to a central sink or base station (BS). The unique role of the BS makes it a natural target for an adversary that desires to achieve the most impactful attack possible against a WSN with the least amount of effort. Even if a WSN employs conventional security mechanisms such as encryption and authentication, an adversary may apply traffic analysis techniques to identify the BS. This motivates a significant need for improved BS anonymity to protect the identity, role, and location of the BS. In this paper we propose a novel cross-layer relay-selection algorithm and a distributed beamforming protocol to increase BS anonymity. We examine the effect of the proposed distributed beamforming technique on improving BS anonymity using evidence theory analysis and demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach through simulation.
First-principles calculation of the elastic constants of AlAs.

We use an ab initio pseudopotential method within the local-density approximation to determine the full set of elastic moduli of AlAs which have not been directly established experimentally. We find ${C}_{11}$=1.16, ${C}_{12}$=0.55, and ${C}_{44}$=0.57 Mbar, close to those known for GaAs. Since similar calculations for GaAs and other materials produce results in close agreement with experiment, we conclude that our results for AlAs are also reliable.
CEPHALOTHIN PLUS AN AMINOGLYCOSIDE IS MORE NEPHROTOXIC THAN METHICILLIN PLUS AN AMINOGLYCOSIDE

Abstract In a prospective, randomised, double-blind trial to determine if cephalothin plus an aminoglycoside is more nephrotoxic than methicillin plus an aminoglycoside, patients were assigned to one of four treatment groups: cephalothin and gentamicin (C.G.), cephalothin and tobramycin (C.T.), methicillin and gentamicin (M.G.), or methicillin and tobramycin (M.T.). The incidence of definite nephrotoxicity was: C.G., 7/23 (30·4%); C.T., 5/24 (20·8%); M.G., 2/20 (10%); and M.T., 1/23 (4·3%). There was no statistically significant difference in nephrotoxicity between the combined gentamicin groups (C.G. and M.G.) and the combined tobramycin groups (C.T. and M.T.). Definite nephrotoxicity developed in 12/47 (25·5%) of the combined cephalothin groups (C.G. and C.T.) and in only 3/43 (7%) of the combined methicillin groups (M.G. and M.T.). The combination of cephalothin plus an aminoglycoside is therefore more nephrotoxic than the combination of methicillin plus an aminoglycoside.
Oral gabapentin for photorefractive keratectomy pain.

Purpose To compare the efficacy of oral gabapentin versus placebo for the control of severe pain after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). Setting Center for Refractive Surgery, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA. Design Randomized masked clinical trial. Methods This single-center clinical trial comprised active-duty United States Army soldiers aged 21 years or older having bilateral PRK for myopia with or without astigmatism. Patients received gabapentin 300 mg or placebo 3 times daily for 7 days beginning 2 days before and continuing for 4 days after surgery. Current and maximum pain levels were assessed using the Visual Analog Pain scale 2 hours after surgery and then daily on days 1 through 4. Repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare the current and maximum pain scores over time between the gabapentin group and the placebo group. The Fisher exact test was used to determine whether there was a difference in severe pain (>7/10) between the 2 groups. Results Forty-two patients received gabapentin and 41 patients, placebo. The repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant difference between the 2 groups in current pain ( P =.84) or in maximum pain over time ( P =.35). Oxycodone–acetaminophen use in the gabapentin group was significantly higher than in the placebo group 1 day postoperatively ( P =.034). Conclusion When added to a standardized postoperative pain regimen, gabapentin use led to no additional improvement in PRK pain control compared with a placebo at the dose and the time intervals tested. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
Profit and Loss Sharing : An Islamic Experiment in Finance and Banking

Islamic banking assumed significance when several Muslim countries including Iran, Sudan, and Pakistan put their financial systems on an Islamic footing. "Profit and Loss Sharing" examines the origin of, and the institutional and ethical issues underlying, the Islamic banking movement and its adoption of financial instruments including PLS. The economic viability of financial reform is analysed and possible extension of PLS as an alternative and just tenure system is demonstrated. The book is intended for professional economists, bankers, and other social scientists.
New ECG Changes Associated With a Tension Pneumothorax: A Case Report

This case report reveals new ECG changes associated with a left tension pneumothorax, specifically, PR-segment elevation in the inferior leads and reciprocal PR-segment depression in the aVR lead. A mechanism of atrial injury and/or ischemia is proposed as the cause, and the ECG changes associated with a left tension pneumothorax are briefly reviewed.
Tissue concentration and turnover of tritiated digoxin in dogs

Abstract Thirty-four dogs were given tritium-labeled digoxin intravenously. Serum and tissue concentrations and half-times were determined. As demonstrated previously in human subjects, digoxin has selective affinity for cardiac muscle. The mean digoxin half-time was 23 hr. in the serum and 26 in heart muscle, demonstrating that the serum digoxin concentration and its disappearance bears a direct relation to the cardiac concentration and disappearance of digoxin. Considerable amounts of digoxin were also demonstrated in kidney, pancreas and liver. The half-times in these and other tissues were also similar to the serum half-time. Brain tissue revealed only barely detectable levels of digoxin and a blood-brain barrier for digoxin is proposed. The similarity of the organ distribution of tritiated digoxin in dogs and human subjects is noted and suggests that the serum half-time of tritiated digoxin may be used as an index of release of digoxin from cardiac muscle in the human, and correspondingly, its therapeutic activity. A high mean heart to serum digoxin ratio of 42.5:1 (range 35–58:1) was demonstrated after the serum plateau was reached, suggesting the possible value of a serum digoxin determination in the clinical assessment of myocardial digoxin content.
Direct oxidation of polyunsaturated cis-parinaric fatty acid by phenoxyl radicals generated by peroxidase/H2O2 in model systems and in HL-60 cells

Abstract Reactivity of phenoxyl radicals towards biomolecules (proteins, nucleic acids and lipids) is essential for antioxidant (protective) versus prooxidant (cytotoxic) effects of phenolic compounds (antioxidants, phytochemicals, environmental pollutants and toxic chemicals). The present study demonstrates for the first time that phenoxyl radicals formed by peroxidase/H 2 O 2 -catalyzed oxidation of phenol can directly oxidize a natural polyunsaturated fatty acid, cK-parinaric acid (PnA) both in model systems and in membrane phospholipids of HL-60 cells. Endogenous antioxidants — ascorbate and glutathione — can act as one-electron reductants of phenoxyl radicals and provide effective protection against phenoxyl radical-induced oxidation of PnA.
Neurobiology of the myofascial trigger point

The clinical phenomenon of the MTrP is accessible to any clinician who takes the time to learn to palpate skeletal muscle gently and carefully, and who is willing to learn the functional anatomy necessary to understand the regional spread of MTrPs through functional muscle units (Travell and Simons, 1992). Yet despite the years of clinical study of MPS, the pathophysiology of the central feature, the trigger point, has remained elusive. Many investigators have contributed to the general understanding of the mechanisms of pain perception, but we owe a particular debt of gratitude to Dr Seigfried Mense of Heidelberg for his pursuit of the study of pain originating in muscle lesions. However, Dr Mense would be the first to caution us against the direct transference of the results obtained with an inflammatory lesion produced in the experimental animal to the pain of MTrPs in the clinic patient. Notwithstanding that, researchers in the field of pain have given us an understanding of the basis for the hyperalgesia, allodynia and the previously difficult-to-understand finding of referred pain zones that we see daily in our patients. Finally, the interesting initial observations of Hubbard and Berkoff (1993), suggesting that the muscle spindle may be associated with the trigger point, open yet another door in our understanding of the nature of MPS.
13C NMR chemical shifts of thiols, sulfinic acids, sulfinyl chlorides, sulfonic acids and sulfonic anhydrides

13C NMR spectra of thiols, sulfinic acids, sulfinyl chlorides, sulfonic acids and sulfonic anhydrides have been obtained. The data are discussed in terms of the additivity of the deshielding effects exerted by the sulfur functionality at the α- or β-position, and the shielding effects produced by the sulfur function at the γ-position.
The Vitamin G Requirements of Young Poults

Abstract TWO members of the vitamin G com plex have been shown to be necessary for chicks. The first of these is riboflavin (lactoflavin), and the second vitamin, which prevents a dietary dermatitis in chicks, is referred to as the filtrate factor (Lepkovsky and Jukes, 1936a), or “an antipellagric (antidermatitis) factor” (Norris and coworkers, 1936). Riboflavin was found to be needed by poults (Lepkovsky and Jukes, 1936b) which were protected from an acute dermatitis by this dietary essential. In the present communication, experiments are reported which describe the effect of various levels of riboflavin and filtrate factor on the growth of young poults. EXPERIMENTAL Poults were hatched from eggs obtained from the turkey flock of the Division of Poultry Husbandry. The Bronze variety predominated, but some cross-bred poults and poults of the Bourbon Red, Narragansett, and White Holland varieties were also used. The birds were placed in electrically heated battery brooders . . .
A dip-dependent divergence correction

A divergence correction is conventionally applied to zero-offset data in an effort to preserved amplitude information. The conventional divergence correction compensates for the geometrical spreading of a point source in a horizontally layered medium where velocity varies with depth only. The dip-dependent divergence correction extends the conventional correction for improved amplitude processing of dipping beds. The dip-dependent divergence correction is computed by dynamic ray tracing, and applied to stacked data using a dip decomposition technique. This correction decreases amplitudes relative to the conventional correction for steep dips and late times. In a data example from the Gulf of Mexico, the conventional correction over- amplified the reflection off a salt dome flank by a factor of 1.6. High amplitudes near salt flanks are also associated with the presence of hydrocarbons. Applying the dip-dependent divergence correction ensures that ``bright spots`` are not due to over-amplification of steep dips by the conventional correction. In areas like the Gulf of Mexico, where the velocity function varies primarily with depth, and steep beds are commonplace, the dip-dependent divergence correction is an inexpensive way to improve the amplitude information in seismic images.
Inherent Gene Expression Variabilities and the Need for Personalized Drug Dosage

Simulations of the effects of DNA polymorphisms, transcriptional noise, and epigenetic differences within and among populations suggest highly divergent responses to drug dosage, resulting in considerable risk of adverse effects. These findings highlight the need for personalized calibration of drug dosage.
Thy-1 antigen expression on rat brain cell lines

Cell lines derived from the central nervous system of rats were screened serologically for the presence of Thy-1 (theta), a cell surface differentiation antigen shared by brain and thymus of rats and mice. Both cytotoxicity absorption and indirect immunofluorescence assays were performed using a rabbit anti-rat thymocyte serum (ATS) with Thy-1 specificity. The complement-dependent cytotoxicity of ATS detected a mouse-rat cross-reacting determinant of the molecule bearing the Thy-1 antigen. Of 20 lines tested, 1 of 6 neuronal and 7 of 14 non-neuronal lines expressed Thy-1, as judged by their capacity to absorb ATS cytotoxicity for a Thy-1 positive thymoma line. Similar results were obtained in quantitative absorption assays of these lines employing a mouse anti-Thy 1.1 alloantiserum, but the xenoantiserum (ATS) was more sensitive for detecting the rat molecule bearing Thy-1. Indirect immunofluorescence, which was performed on several of the lines, yielded results in complete agreement with the cytotoxicity absorption assays, and revealed a generalized distribution of antigen in a speckled or patchy pattern over the membrane of cell bodies and processes.
Using minimum DNA marker loci for accurate population classification in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Because of the rich diversity among rice accessions grown around the world in distinct environments, traditional methods using morphology, cross compatibility and geography for classifying rice accessions according to different sub-populations have given way to use of molecular markers. Having a few robust markers that can quickly assign population structure to germplasm will facilitate making more informed choices about genetic diversity within seedbanks and breeding genepools. WHICHLOCI is a computer program that selects the best combination of loci for population assignment through empirical analysis of molecular marker data. This program has been used in surveys of plant species, for fish population assignment, and in human ancestry analysis. Using WHICHLOCI, we ranked the discriminatory power of 72 DNA markers used to genotype 1,604 accessions of the USDA rice core collection, and developed panels with a minimum number of markers for population assignment with 99% or higher accuracy. A total of 14 markers with high discriminatory power, genetic diversity, allelic frequency, and polymorphic information content were identified. A panel of just four markers, RM551, RM11, RM224 and RM44, was effective in assigning germplasm accessions to any of five sub-populations with 99.4% accuracy. Panels using only three markers were effective for assignment of rice germplasm to specific sub-populations, tropical japonica, temperate japonica, indica, aus, and aromatic. Assignment to tropical japonica, temperate japonica, or indica sub-populations was highly reliable using 3–4 markers, demonstrated by the high correlation with assignment using 72 markers. However, population assignment to aus and aromatic groups was less reliable, possibly due to the smaller representation of this material in the USDA core collection. More reference cultivars may be needed to improve population assignment to these two groups. This study demonstrated that a small number of DNA markers is effective for classification of germplasm into five sub-populations in rice. This will facilitate rapid screening of large rice germplasm banks for population assignment at a modest cost. The resulting information will be valuable to researchers to verify population classification of germplasm prior to initiating genetic studies, maximizing genetic diversity between sub-populations, or minimizing cross incompatibility while maximizing allelic diversity within specific sub-populations.
Reply to: Risk factors for endophthalmitis: does non-wearing of face-masks increase relative risk?

Reply to: Risk factors for endophthalmitis: does non-wearing of face-masks increase relative risk?
Colorectal cancer surgery in the elderly: acceptable morbidity?

Abstract Background Because of the increase in the geriatric population, an increasing number of elderly patients are being treated for colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate perioperative morbidity and mortality in this population. Methods A retrospective chart review was performed for patients 80 years of age or older who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer (1993–2006). Results Ninety patients were identified, with a median age of 84 years. More than 90% presented with symptoms; the remaining were diagnosed by screening colonoscopy. Emergent surgery was required in 10%. The morbidity rate was 21% and the overall 30-day mortality rate was 1.1%. Morbidity was higher in patients who required surgery emergently. Conclusions Despite advanced age, the majority of patients in this study did well. Postoperative morbidity was higher than in the general population, but we believe it was acceptably low in most patients. Colorectal surgery appears to be safe in most elderly patients.
A prospective study of folate, vitamin B₆, and vitamin B₁₂ intake in relation to exfoliation glaucoma or suspected exfoliation glaucoma.

Importance Effective strategies for primary prevention are lacking for exfoliation glaucoma (EG), which is the most common type of secondary glaucoma. Objective To examine the association between B vitamin intake and EG or suspected EG (EG/SEG) risk. Design, Setting, and Participants National prospective cohort study using more than 20 years of follow-up data from the Nurses’ Health Study (all female registered nurses) and the Health Professionals Follow-up Study (all male health professionals) from June 1, 1980, to May 31, 2010 (Nurses’ Health Study) and January 1, 1986, to December 31, 2010 (Health Professionals Follow-up Study). We included a subset of 78 980 Nurses’ Health Study women and 41 221 Health Professionals Follow-up Study men who were 40 years or older, free of glaucoma, had completed diet questionnaires, and reported eye examinations (follow-up rate, >85%). Exposures Cumulatively updated intake of B vitamins (folate, vitamin B 6 , and vitamin B 12 ) as ascertained by repeated administration of validated questionnaires. Main Outcomes and Measures Incident cases of EG/SEG, totaling 399 (329 women and 70 men), were first identified with the questionnaires and were subsequently confirmed with medical records. Multivariable relative risks for EG/SEG were calculated in each cohort and then pooled with meta-analysis. Results Vitamin B 6 and vitamin B 12 intake was not associated with EG/SEG risk in pooled analyses ( P = .52 and P = .99 for linear trend, respectively). However, a suggestive trend of a reduced risk was observed with higher intake of folate: compared with the lowest quintile of cumulatively averaged updated total folate intake, the multivariable relative risk for EG/SEG for the highest quintile (≥654 μg/d) was 0.75 (95% CI, 0.54-1.04; P = .02 for linear trend). These results were not materially altered after adjustment for vitamin B 6 and vitamin B 12 intake. An association was observed for supplemental folate intake but not for dietary folate only ( P = .03 and P = .64 for linear trend, respectively). Greater frequency of multivitamin use showed a modest suggestive inverse association (current multivitamin use of ≥6 times per week vs nonuse multivariable relative risk, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.64-1.11; P = .06 for linear trend). Conclusions and Relevance Higher total folate intake was associated with a suggestive lower risk for EG/SEG, supporting a possible causal role of homocysteine in EG/SEG.
A Technique for Eliminating Water Returns from Lidar Beach Elevation Surveys

Airborne light detecting and ranging (lidar) systems can survey hundreds of kilometers of shoreline with high spatial resolution (several elevation estimates per square meter). Sequential surveys yield spatial change maps of beach and dune sand levels. However, lidar data include elevations of the exposed, subaerial beach and, seaward of the waterline, the ocean surface. Here, a simple method is developed to find the waterline and eliminate returns from the ocean surface. A vertical elevation cutoff is used, with the waterline elevation (W ) above the known tide level because of the superelevation from wave setup and runup. During each lidar pass, the elevation cutoff (W) is assumed proportional (C) to the offshore significant wave height Hs. Comparison of in situ and lidar surveys on a moderately sloped, dissipative California beach yields C 0.4, which is qualitatively consistent with existing observations of runup and setup. The calibrated method rejects ocean surface data, while retaining subaerial beach points more than 70 m seaward of the mean high waterline, which is often used as a conservative default waterline.
Effect of carbon source on conidiogenesis in fonsecaea dermatitidis, agent of chromomycosis

Hormiscium dermatitidis Kano is a well known etiological agent of cutaneous and generalized chromomycosis. However, the generic designation of this fungus has long been a much debated question. The results of the present study of the type culture ATCC 28869 indicate that the fungus is polymorphic, producing a Phialophora state in media containing glucose or maltose and a Cladosporium state in media containing galactose or melibiose. Morphologically and developmentally this chromomycotic agent is closely related to Fonsecaea pedrosoi (Brumpt) Negroni and should be classified as Fonsecaea dermatitidis (Kano) Carrion.
Homotopy commutativity, homotopy associativity and power spaces

A finite mod 3 homotopy commutative, homotopy associative simply connected H-space has mod 3 cohomology isomorphic to the cohomology of a product of Sp(2)s. This result generalizes to other odd primes.
A three-year study of controls on methane emissions from two Michigan peatlands

We investigate temporal changes in methane emissions over a three-year period from two peatlands in Michigan. Mean daily fluxes ranged from 0.6–68.4 mg CH4 m−2d−1 in plant communities dominated by Chamaedaphne calyculata, an eficaceous shrub, to 11.5–209 mg CH4 m−2d−1 in areas dominated by plants with aerenchymatous tissues, such as Carex oligosperma and Scheuchzeria palustris. Correlations between methane flux and water table position were significant at all sites for one annual cycle when water table fluctuations ranged from 15 cm above to 50 cm below the peat surface. Correlations were not significant during the second and third annual periods with smaller water table fluctuations. Methane flux was strongly correlated with peat temperatures at −5 to −40 cm (r s = 0.82 to 0.98) for all three years at sites with flora acting as conduits for methane transport. At shrub sites, the correlations between methane flux and peat temperature were weak to not significant during the first two years, but were strong in the third year. Low rates of methane consumption (−0.2 to −1.5 mg CH4 m−2 d−1 ) were observed at shrub sites when the water table was below −20 cm, while sites with plants capable of methane transport always had positive net fluxes of methane. The methane oxidizing potential at both types of sites was confirmed by peat core experiments. The results of this study indicate that methane emissions occur at rates that cannot be explained by diffusion alone; plant communities play a significant role in altering methane flux from peatland ecosystems by directly transporting methane from anaerobic peat to the atmosphere.
Interaction of isovector scalar mesons with simple sources

A variational procedure using coherent states is shown to be superior to previous methods for treating the interaction of charged or isovector mesons with a static source. The technique is then applied to interaction with a Schr\"odinger field.
Mechanical properties and crystallization behavior of poly(lactic acid) blended with dendritic hyperbranched polymer

Mechanical properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) blended with a small amount of dendritic hyperbranched polymer (DHP) were investigated. Effects of DHP and starch on mechanical properties of PLA were compared. DHP significantly improved tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA. A small amount of starch in PLA slightly improved PLA's elongation, but had no effect on tensile strength. Isothermal crystallization kinetics of PLA blended with DHP and starch were also studied. Both DHP and starch acted as nucleation agents and significantly increased crystallization rate and crystallinity of PLA. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Notes on three integral dependence theorems

Abstract If P is a prime ideal in an integral extension domain A of a quasi-local domain R and if F is the quotient field of R , then the following results hold when R is integrally closed: height P = height P ∩ R ; altitude A p = altitude A p ∩ F ; ( A p )′ ∩ F = ( A p ∩ F )′, where the prime denotes integral closure. This paper is concerned with generalizing these results to the case where R is not integrally closed.
Dynamic Instabilities In Optical Bistability

An experimental study is presented of dynamic instabilities in optical bistability with two-state atoms in a cavity. The basic conceptual simplicity of the system as well as the degree to which it has been quantitatively characterized allows precise comparisons between theory and experiment. Instability boundaries in the parameter space of atomic and cavity detunings, of atomic cooperativity and of intracavity intensity are discussed and compared with theory.
Deuteration effect on the spin dynamics of the photo-excited triplet state of pentacene in p-terphenyl crystals

Abstract The kinetic parameters of the photo-excited triplet state of pentacene in p -terphenyl crystals have been calculated from the electron spin echo (ESE) decay curves in the temperature range of 5–300 K. The results suggest the calculated decay parameters depend strongly on guest deuteration, especially from the long-axis T x spin substate which can be explained in terms of the isotope effect on the non-radiative transitions arising mainly from the Franck-Condon factor. The relative populations of the triplet sublevels and spin-lattice relaxation show little or no dependence on the deuteration of the pentacene molecule.
The place of the Yijing in world culture : Some historical and contemporary perspectives

Mesurant la diffusion transculturelle et la reception mondiale de l'ouvrage chinois intitule «Yijing» («Le livre des changements») depuis plus de trois mille ans, l'A. interroge la signification d'un tel classique de la divination du point de vue de la culture globale. Comparant son importance prophetique et sa complexite exegetique (a la fois numerologique, metaphorique et symbolique) a la Bible et aux autres textes sacres (Le Mahabharata, le Coran), l'A. defend la pertinence d'une analyse comparative de l'ouvrage et de son influence universelle dans les domaines esthetiques (litterature, musique) et scientifiques (mathematiques, astronomie), theoriques (epistemologie, psychologie) et pragmatiques (politique, morale)
Corticosteroids and alcoholic hepatitis

The purpose of the study was to determine whether corticosteroids affect short-term mortality from alcoholic hepatitis. A metanalysis was conducted using studies identified through a MEDLINE computer search from 1966 to 1989 and extensive manual searches of associated bibliographies. Eleven randomized studies that assessed mortality in hospitalized patients diagnosed with alcoholic hepatitis and treated with corticosteroids were evaluated. Overall, the protective efficacy of corticosteroids was 37% (95% confidence interval 20% to 50%). Protective efficacy was higher among those trials with higher quality scores and in trials that excluded subjects with active gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with hepatic encephalopathy, protective efficacy was 34% overall (confidence interval 15% to 48%). In subjects without hepatic encephalopathy, corticosteroids were not believed to have a protective effect; this lack of efficacy was noted across all trial subgroups. Results of the metanalysis suggest that corticosteroids reduce shortterm mortality in patients with acute alcoholic hepatitis who have hepatic encephalopathy. The protective effect is dependent on exclusion of patients with acute gastrointestinal bleeding.