cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Precise equilibrium structure of thiazole (c-C3H3NS) from twenty-four isotopologues.

The pure rotational spectrum of thiazole (c-C3H3NS, Cs) has been studied in the millimeter-wave region from 130 to 375 GHz. Nearly 4800 newly measured rotational transitions for the ground vibrational state of the main isotopologue were combined with previously reported measurements and least-squares fit to a complete sextic Hamiltonian. Transitions for six singly substituted heavy-atom isotopologues (13C, 15N, 33S, 34S) were observed at natural abundance and likewise fit. Several deuterium-enriched samples were prepared, which gave access to the rotational spectra of 16 additional isotopologues, 14 of which had not been previously studied. The rotational spectra of each isotopologue were fit to A- and S-reduced distorted-rotor Hamiltonians in the Ir representation. The experimental values of the ground-state rotational constants (A0, B0, and C0) from each isotopologue were converted to determinable constants (A0″, B0″, and C0″), which were corrected for effects of vibration–rotation interactions and electron-mass distributions using coupled-cluster singles, doubles, and perturbative triples calculations [CCSD(T)/cc-pCVTZ]. The moments of inertia from the resulting constants (Ae, Be, and Ce) of 24 isotopologues were used to determine the precise semi-experimental equilibrium structure (reSE) of thiazole. As a basis for comparison, a purely theoretical equilibrium structure was estimated by an electronic structure calculation [CCSD(T)/cc-pCV5Z] that was subsequently corrected for extrapolation to the complete basis set, electron correlation beyond CCSD(T), relativistic effects, and the diagonal Born–Oppenheimer correction. The precise reSE structure is compared to the resulting “best theoretical estimate” structure. Some, but not all, of the best theoretical re structural parameters fall within the narrow statistical limits (2σ) of the reSE results. The possible origin of the discrepancies between the best theoretical estimate re and semi-empirical reSE structures is discussed.
Synthesis, Short-Range Order Structure, and Thermal Properties of Mixed Oxy-sulfide Nitride (MOSN) Glasses.

Nitrogen doping has been shown to greatly improve the stability of solid electrolyte (SE) materials at the anode and cathode interfaces in all solid-state batteries (ASSBs) as widely demonstrated by the LiPON family of compositions. In an effort to expand the use of nitrogen in SEs, in this study, mixed oxy-sulfide nitride (MOSN) glasses were prepared by direct ammonolysis of the sodium oxy-sulfide phosphate Na4P2S7-xOx (NaPSO) glass series to understand the combined effects that oxygen and sulfur have on the incorporation of nitrogen. The short-range order (SRO) structures of the Na4P2S(7-x)-3/2yzOx-3/2y(1-z)Ny (NaPSON) glasses were investigated with Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopies to understand the effect that nitrogen has in the glass structure. The N content of the glasses was quantified by elemental analysis and confirmed through weight change measurements. By combining this information, it was further possible to determine the anion exchange ratio, z, for the N substitution of O and S as a function of the base NaPSO glass chemistry, x. The composition-dependent glass transition temperature, Tg(x), measured with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), was found to correlate well with the measured N/P ratio, y, in the NaPSON glasses.
Lymphotoxin‐Beta Receptor Blockade Induces Inflammation and Fibrosis in Tolerized Cardiac Allografts

The lymphotoxin system (LT) regulates interactions between lymphocytes and stromal cells to maintain lymphoid microenvironmental homeostasis. Soluble LT beta-receptor-Ig (LTβRIg) blocks lymphocyte LTα1β2-stromal cell LTβR signaling. In a model of costimulatory blockade induced tolerance, LTβRIg caused accelerated inflammation and fibrosis in cardiac allografts, and this effect was specific for LTα1β2-LTβR interactions. LTβRIg treatment decreased PD-L1 expression by blood endothelial cells, and decreased VCAM-1 while increasing CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL12, CCL5, CCL21, and IL-6 expression in fibroblastic reticular cells. In secondary lymphoid organs these effects caused T and B cell zone disruption, loss of CD35+ follicular dendritic cells, and abnormal recruitment of CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils. These disruptions correlated with increased numbers of CD8+ T cells and CD11b+Ly6G+ neutrophils, and decreased numbers of CD4+ T cells and Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in the grafts. Depleting neutrophils or blocking neutrophil-attracting chemokines restored normal histology in lymph node, spleen and grafts. Taken together, LTβRIg treatment altered stromal subset, particularly fibroblastic reticular cell, production of cytokines and chemokines, resulting in changes in neutrophil recruitment in spleen, lymph node, and grafts, and inflammation and fibrosis associated with decreased Foxp3+ regulatory T cells and increased CD8+ T cell infiltration of grafts.
Biochemical studies on tobacco alkaloids—VI.

Abstract 15N-nornicotine and l -methionine-methyl-14C were supplied to tobacco plants (Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Connecticut Broadleaf) through the root. 15N excess and 14C activity were found in nicotine isolated from these experimental plants thus indicating that nornicotine can serve as an immediate precursor of nicotine. Methyl-14C, known to be very active biologically, was incorporated at a higher rate than 15N-nornicotine except in an early stage in the root where there was a high relative incorporation of 15N in nicotine. The relative incorporation of 15N-nornicotine and methyl-14C from methionine to nicotine, however, is very similar in the root or the shoot. The main site of methylation, starting from 4 days after feeding, was in the tobacco shoot.
Protein Engineering by Evolutionary Methods

Originally published in: Directed Molecular Evolution of Proteins. Edited by Susanne Brakmann, Kai Johnsson. Copyright © 2002 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA Weinheim. Print ISBN: 3-527-30423-1 The sections in this article are Introduction Mechanisms of Protein Evolution in Nature Gene duplication Tandem duplication Proteases βα-barrels Circular permutation Oligomerization Gene fusion Domain recruitment Substrate specificity Regulation Chemistry Exon shuffling Engineering Genes and Gene Fragments Protein fragmentation Rational swapping of secondary structure elements and domains Combinatorial gene fragment shuffling DNA shuffling Homology-independent fragment swapping Homology-independent fragment shuffling Modular recombination and protein folding Rational domain assembly – engineering zinc fingers Combinatorial domain recombination – exon shuffling Gene Fusion – From Bi- to Multifunctional Enzymes End-to-end gene fusions Gene insertions Modular design in multifunctional enzymes Conclusions Acknowledgements Keywords: protein evolution; gene duplication; circular permutation; oligomerization; gene fusion; exon shuffling; protein folding; modular recombination
Peculiar Artifacts Mimicking Carcinoma

Abstract Artifacts that mimic malignancy may lead to diagnostic difficulty and can cause serious consequences. We present 2 cases received in consultation which demonstrated peculiar artifacts that closely mimicked carcinoma. In case 1, contaminating products of conception were confused with squamous cell carcinoma. In case 2, artifactual signet ring cells induced by procedural trauma were suspicious for signet ring cell carcinoma. In both cases, clinical correlation failed to completely exclude carcinoma, and limited tissue prevented use of ancillary studies. Our final resolution of these artifacts required lengthy and detailed morphologic analysis.
Revision total hip arthroplasty after removal of a fractured well-fixed extensively porous-coated femoral component using a trephine

When fracture of an extensively porous-coated femoral component occurs, its removal at revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) may require a femoral osteotomy and the use of a trephine. The remaining cortical bone after using the trephine may develop thermally induced necrosis. A retrospective review identified 11 fractured, well-fixed, uncemented, extensively porous-coated femoral components requiring removal using a trephine with a minimum of two years of follow-up. The mean time to failure was 4.6 years (1.7 to 9.1, standard deviation (sd) 2.3). These were revised using a larger extensively porous coated component, fluted tapered modular component, a proximally coated modular component, or a proximal femoral replacement. The mean clinical follow-up after revision THA was 4.9 years (2 to 22, sd 3.1). The mean diameter of the femoral component increased from 12.7 mm (sd 1.9) to 16.2 mm (sd 3.4; p > 0.001). Two revision components had radiographic evidence of subsidence that remained radiographically stable at final follow-up. The most common post-operative complication was instability affecting six patients (54.5%) on at least one occasion. A total of four patients (36.4%) required further revision: three for instability and one for fracture of the revision component. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean Harris hip score before implant fracture (82.4; sd 18.3) and after trephine removal and revision THA (81.2; sd 14.8, p = 0.918). These findings suggest that removal of a fractured, well-fixed, uncemented, extensively porous-coated femoral component using a trephine does not compromise subsequent fixation at revision THA and the patient’s pre-operative level of function can be restored. However, the loss of proximal bone stock before revision may be associated with a high rate of dislocation post-operatively. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:1192–6.
Kritisch denken mit wissenschaftlicher Psychologie

Millionen von Menschen interessieren sich fur »Psychologie«, weil sie neugierig auf Menschen sind und weil sie hoffen, ihre eigenen kleinen Leiden heilen zu konnen. Sie horen sich psychologische Beratungsgesprache im Radio an, lesen Artikel uber die Krafte der Seele, nehmen an Hypnoseseminaren zur Raucherentwohnung teil, tauchen ein in Selbsthilfe-Internetseiten und verschlingen Selbsthilfebucher uber die Bedeutung der Traume, den Pfad zur ekstatischen Liebe und daruber, wie man personliches Gluck erlangt.
FAST PURSUIT OF MOBILE NODES USING TPR TREES

In this paper, we consider a set of mobile nodes, each of which moves with constant velocity. We present algorithms to determine which of these mobile nodes can be captured the soonest by a set of one or more pursuers. We use a time parameterized R-tree (TPR-tree) to index these moving points. We then develop algorithms that operate on the TPR-tree to answer three query variations: (1) a single pursuer that is faster than all of the mobile nodes, (2) a single pursuer that is slower than some of the mobile nodes and (3) multiple pursuers. Experimental results show that our algorithms are simpler and faster than other approaches to solve the problem.
c-Myc regulates self-renewal in bronchoalveolar stem cells.

Background Bronchoalveolar stem cells (BASCs) located in the bronchoalveolar duct junction are thought to regenerate both bronchiolar and alveolar epithelium during homeostatic turnover and in response to injury. The mechanisms directing self-renewal in BASCs are poorly understood. Methods BASCs (Sca-1+, CD34+, CD31− and, CD45−) were isolated from adult mouse lung using FACS, and their capacity for self-renewal and differentiation were demonstrated by immunostaining. A transcription factor network of 53 genes required for pluripotency in embryonic stem cells was assessed in BASCs, Kras-initiated lung tumor tissue, and lung organogenesis by real-time PCR. c-Myc was knocked down in BASCs by infection with c-Myc shRNA lentivirus. Comprehensive miRNA and mRNA profiling for BASCs was performed, and significant miRNAs and mRNAs potentially regulated by c-Myc were identified. We explored a c-Myc regulatory network in BASCs using a number of statistical and computational approaches through two different strategies; 1) c-Myc/Max binding sites within individual gene promoters, and 2) miRNA-regulated target genes. Results c-Myc expression was upregulated in BASCs and downregulated over the time course of lung organogenesis in vivo. The depletion of c-Myc in BASCs resulted in decreased proliferation and cell death. Multiple mRNAs and miRNAs were dynamically regulated in c-Myc depleted BASCs. Among a total of 250 dynamically regulated genes in c-Myc depleted BASCs, 57 genes were identified as potential targets of miRNAs through miRBase and TargetScan-based computational mapping. A further 88 genes were identified as potential downstream targets through their c-Myc binding motif. Conclusion c-Myc plays a critical role in maintaining the self-renewal capacity of lung bronchoalveolar stem cells through a combination of miRNA and transcription factor regulatory networks.
Resonance Assignment and Three-Dimensional Structure Determination of a Human Alpha-Defensin, HNP-1, by Solid-State NMR

Human alpha-defensins [human neutrophil peptides (HNPs)] are immune defense mini-proteins that act by disrupting microbial cell membranes. Elucidating the three-dimensional (3D) structures of HNPs in lipid membranes is important for understanding their mechanisms of action. Using solid-state NMR (SSNMR), we have determined the 3D structure of HNP-1 in a microcrystalline state outside the lipid membrane, which provides benchmarks for structure determination and comparison with the membrane-bound state. From a suite of two-dimensional and 3D magic-angle spinning experiments, (13)C and (15)N chemical shifts that yielded torsion angle constraints were obtained, while inter-residue distances were obtained to restrain the 3D fold. Together, these constraints led to the first high-resolution SSNMR structure of a human defensin. The SSNMR structure has close similarity to the crystal structures of the HNP family, with the exception of the loop region between the first and second beta-strands. The difference, which is partially validated by direct torsion angle measurements of selected loop residues, suggests possible conformational variation and flexibility of this segment of the protein, which may regulate HNP interaction with the phospholipid membrane of microbial cells.
Swift gamma-ray burst MIDEX

Swift is a first of its kind multiwavelength transient observatory for gamma-ray burst astronomy. It has the optimum capabilities for the next breakthroughs in determining the origin of gamma-ray bursts and their afterglows as well a using bursts to probe the early Universe. Swift will also perform the first sensitive hard X-ray survey of the sky. The mission is being developed by an international collaboration and consists of three instruments, the Burst Alert Telescope (BAT), the X-ray Telescope (XRT), and the Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope (UVOT). The BAT, a wide-field gamma-ray detector will detect approximately 1 gamma-ray burst per day with a sensitivity 5 times that of BATSE. The sensitive narrow-field XRT and UVOT will be autonomously slewed to the burst location in 20 to 70 seconds to determine 0.3 - 5.0 arcsec positions and perform optical, UV, and X-ray spectrophotometry. On-board measurements of redshift will also be done for hundreds of bursts. Swift will incorporate superb, low-cost instrument using existing flight-spare hardware and designs. Strong education/public outreach and follow-up programs will help to engage the public and astronomical community. Swift has been selected by NASA for development and launch in 2003.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Distinguishing severe asthma phenotypes: Role of age at onset and eosinophilic inflammation

Abstract Background Asthma is a heterogeneous process, yet little is understood regarding phenotypes. Objective To determine whether phenotypic differences exist between early-onset, severe asthma as compared with late-onset disease and whether the presence or absence of eosinophilia influences the phenotypes. Methods Cross-sectional analysis of integrated clinical, physiologic, and pathologic data collected from 80 subjects with severe asthma. Subjects were divided into those with asthma onset before age 12 years (n = 50) versus after age 12 (n = 30) and by the presence or absence of lung eosinophils. Results Subjects with early-onset, severe asthma had significantly more allergen sensitivity (skin test positivity, 98% vs 76%, P P values all ≤ .02) than subjects with late-onset asthma. In contrast, subjects with late-onset asthma had lower lung function ( P values=.05 to .07) than early-onset, despite a shorter ( P P values P ≤ .02). Although late-onset asthma was associated with the highest numbers of lung eosinophils ( P Conclusions Differentiating severe asthma by age at onset and presence or absence of eosinophils identifies phenotypes of asthma, which could benefit subsequent genetic and therapeutic studies.
Size distributions of 3–10 nm atmospheric particles: implications for nucleation mechanisms

The formation of new atmospheric particles by gas–to–particle conversion leads to enhanced concentrations of nanoparticles. We have studied the formation and growth of new particles in urban Atlanta and in the remote atmosphere in locations ranging from the North Pole to Mauna Loa, Tasmania and the South Pole. Key to this work was our development of new measurement techniques for freshly formed nucleation mode particles between 3 and 10 nm. In this paper we show that measured aerosol size distributions in the 3–10 nm diameter range often increase with decreasing size down to our minimum detectable size of 3 nm, presumably because nucleation was occurring during the measurement. Furthermore, we show that the Atlanta nucleation mode size distributions are consistent with a collision–controlled nucleation process in which accommodation coefficients for all collisions between condensing molecules and molecular clusters and between molecular clusters are assumed to be equal to one, and in which evaporation from molecular clusters is neglected, as would be expected for a highly supersaturated vapour.
Diffusion of gases in American coals

A gas solid chromatography technique coupled with moment analysis has been used to measure effective diffusivities for methane and nitrogen in eight different coals. The pore structure of these same coals has been studied previously using nitrogen adsorption/condensation, carbon dioxide adsorption, mercury porosimetry, helium density, and low-field n.m.r. spin-lattice relaxation measurements. The measured effective diffusivities (303 K) ranged from 1.82 × 10−7cm2s−1 to 1.11 × 10−4cm2s−1 for nitrogen and from 2.93 × 10−7cm2s−1 to 3.70 × 10−5cm2s−1 for methane. The diffusivity was found to be a strong function of particle size, indicating that the unipore diffusion model was not appropriate. Plots of inverse diffusivity versus inverse particle size squared were linear, which allowed the extraction of a micropore diffusion group, DxR2x, where Dx is the effective micropore diffusivity and Rx is the characteristic diffusion length. For all eight coals, the magnitude of DxR2x was found to vary with the micropore porosity to a power of 2.2. Only three coals, corresponding to the three coals with the highest N2 surface areas, showed significant adsorption of methane and nitrogen. A particle size effect was observed for adsorption. The pore structure of coal is complex and the bidisperse pore model proposed is clearly not intended as a realistic physical description. However, the model does include some qualitative features of coal pore structure (i.e., multimodal) in a fairly simple mathematical formulation. The fact that analysing diffusion data using this model results in quite reasonable values of the micropore tortuosity factor for eight coals (τ = θx−1.2) and describes the observed particle size effect represents a significant improvement compared with the previously used unipore model.
H I shells and supershells

The entire sky has now been surveyed in the 21-cm line with an angular resolution of about 0.5 degree. In the north, above declination-20° or so, the “galactic plane” |b|<10° has been completely sampled Weaver and Williams (1973; 1974). Above declination -30° or so, the sky outside the galactic plane has been almost completely sampled (Heiles and Habing, 1974; Heiles, 1975).
Natural limitations of decision procedures for arithmetic with bounded quantifiers

We study the complexity of the decision problem of a variant of arithmetic with bounded quantifiers. By contrast with the usual asymptotic complexity results, where one only deals with suitably long sentences, our limitative results have a concrete character, so as to find application in physics. We develop the mathematical framework for our lower bounds up to the point where their physical meaning is evident. Imagining that Turing machineM materializes as a real computerM′, we give a rigorous formulation of the simplest space-time features ofM′, by essentially requiring that (i) each state ofM occupies some space, (ii) no signal between states and scanning head can travel at infinite speed. WhenM provides a decision procedure for arithmetic with bounded quantifiers, there exist stringent lower bounds for the “time”t(j) needed byM′ to solve the hardest problems of length smaller thanj, no matter the number of states ofM. We discuss several applications of our results.
Temporal induction of blackness—II. Spectral efficiency and tests of additivity

The perception of blackness was investigated by measuring spectral efficiency and field additivity under conditions of temporal induction. For both purposes, observers foveally viewed a 0.75 deg, inducing stimulus for 5 sec followed immediately (or 200 msec later) by a broadband (5500 K) reference stimulus of the same size and spatial location. For spectral efficiency measurements, the inducing field was a monochromatic light between 400 and 700 nm (10 nm steps), while the additivity studies involved various wavelength mixtures. The psychophysical task was to increase the radiance of the inducing field until the reference stimulus just turned completely black. For two observers the spectral efficiency function of temporally-induced blackness more closely resembled their heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) function than their direct brightness-matching function. Their brightness functions were characterized by an inflection at about 580 nm which is generally ascribed to subtractive cone interactions, but their blackness-induction and HFP functions did not show this inflection. The brightness function of the third observer did not show an inflection at 580 nm, thereby making it difficult to differentiate between her three spectral efficiency functions. Overall, the subtle differences between the various spectral efficiency functions made it difficult to determine whether blackness induction was more similar to HFP or brightness matching. The results from the additivity tests of blackness induction, HFP and direct brightness matching removed this ambiguity from the spectral efficiency findings. Blackness induction and HFP were shown to be additive, whereas the results from brightness matching showed clear additivity failures of the cancellation type. These data support the view that the perception of blackness is mediated by neural mechanisms that additively combine the inputs of middle- and long-wave photoreceptors.
Raman spectra of ruthenium and tantalum trimers in argon matrices

Abstract The resonance Raman spectra of ruthenium trimers (Ru3) in argon matrices have been obtained. Three resonance Raman transitions were observed between 570 and 590 nm. Two of them (303.4 and 603.7 cm−1) are assigned to the totally symmetric vibrational progression, giving k e =1.86 mdyne / A . The line at 581.5 cm −1 is assigned as the origin of a low-lying electronic state. We also report on the observation of a resonance Raman spectrum of tantalum trimers (Ta3). Observed lines include 251.2 and 501.9 cm −1 which we assign to the fundamental and the first overtone of the symmetric stretch in Ta3. This gives k e =2.25 mdyne / A .
Resistance dependence of paraconductivity in indium films

Abstract Measurements of paraconductivity in indium films have been made as a function of resistance per square of the films. The resistive transitions are found to be broader than predicted by the Aslamazov-Larkin theory but are explainable by Maki-Thompson's theory.
Cost effectiveness of a clinical pharmacist on a neurosurgical team.

OBJECTIVE: In 1999, the Society of Critical Care Medicine formally recognized that pharmacists were essential for the provision of high quality care to the critically ill population. This study is a brief quantitative analysis of the benefit provided by a clinical pharmacist in a multidisciplinary neurosurgical setting. METHODS: Patients admitted to the neurosurgical service in the 2 years before and 2 years after the implementation of dedicated neurosurgical pharmacy services were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical pharmacist was responsible for monitoring and evaluating all adult patients on the service and rounding with the team 6 days a week. RESULTS: A total of 2156 patients were admitted during the study period. No significant differences were noted among severity of illness scores between the 2 groups. During this time, 11 250 interventions were recorded by the pharmacist. The average pharmacy and intravenous therapy cost per patient between the pre- and postimplementation groups decreased from $4833 to $3239, resulting in a total savings of $1 718 260 over the duration of the study period. The average hospital stay decreased from 8.56 to 7.24 days (P = 0.003). Early hospital mortality also decreased from 3.34% to 1.95% (P = 0.06). For those patients who were discharged from the hospital, there was a significant decrease in readmission rates between the 2 groups (P < 0.05) CONCLUSION: Having a dedicated clinical pharmacist with critical care training rounding routinely with a neurosurgical team significantly reduced hospital stay, readmission rates, and pharmacy costs. Clinical pharmacists can have a significant effect on clinical and economic measures in the intensive care unit, and their participation on a multidisciplinary critical care team should be a standard of care.
Information Power, the Principal, and the Library Media Specialist

What is the role of school library media specialist in an information literate society, and how can principals assess their level of involve ment as instructional consul tants ? These are two impor...
Water Sustainability for China and Beyond

A water crisis has prompted the Chinese government to develop an ambitious water conservancy plan. However, the plan may not achieve water sustainability and may cause unintended environmental and socioeconomic consequences, unless it accounts for complex human-nature interactions ( 1 ). Water shortages, for example, force people to find alternatives, such as treatment facilities, whose land and energy requirements aggravate food and energy production, which need large amounts of water. Other nations face similar challenges and share real water from China along international rivers and/or virtual water through trade. Water problems are particularly challenging in China, which has the largest population, fastest-growing economy, rising water demand, relatively scarce water, dated infrastructure, and inadequate governance. We highlight China's water crisis and plan, and then offer recommendations.
"Conversations" among pygmy marmosets.

Pygmy marmosets (Cebuella pygmaea) use a variety of trill-like vocalizations to maintain contact among group members throughout the day. Frequently, when one animal gives a trill, other animals will respond antiphonally. Among three pygmy marmosets in a captive group, there were clear patterns or sequences of calling among animals. All three animals would call in sequence more frequently than expected by chance, while the likelihood of an animal calling twice before each of the other animals called once was less than expected by chance. One particular ordering of three individuals calling in sequence was more common than the other ordering of three animals. Individual differences were found between the likelihood of initiating call sequences and the likelihood of calling later in a sequence. Pygmy marmosets appear to have a conversational rule system to govern their antiphonal calling.
From China's Urban Social Space to Social and Environmental Justice

A senior American specialist on China and noted geographer argues that the preoccupation of China geographers' with empirical analyses of that country's dramatic economic, social, and urban transformation over the last two decades—usually explained in terms of the now familiar quadruple forces of globalization, marketization, deregulation, and decentralization—should be broadened to reflect a concern for the problems of disadvantaged groups impacted negatively in dynamic urban and environmental settings. The methodology of reflexive activism is proposed as affording a framework for a more relevant geography focused on the study of China, with the potential to bring about positive and constructive change on behalf of China's disadvantaged population and its natural environment, and (as a possible side benefit) generate local epistemologies enriching the study of geography more broadly. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: P30. 68 references.
Overview of technology for large wall screen projection using lasers as a light source

A review of the components and technology used to produce large color raster Images using lasers as a light source is given, with an analysis of the tradeoffs that must be made. 1. Faithful color reproduction. Whereas the tristimulus model suggests that a wide range of three primary colors might be used, wavelength choices for the red and blue seem to be critical in this application. 2. Perceived versus measured brightness. It seems that the brightness of scanned laser light Images depends upon conventional perceptive variables such as contrast ratio, color purity, and luminosity: and not upon the special quality of the laser light itself, the scanning technique, or the coherence. Laser speckle can be considered strictly as a contrast ratio enhancement. Practical guidelines for planning installations are given, and the relationship between lumens and watts in laser projectors is clarified. 3. Laser choice. There are few laser light sources that meet both tristimulus and power requirements. While some pulsed lasers can be used, full color displays now require continuous wave lasers that have several lines in the visible part of the spectrum.© (1990) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Asymptotically Isometric Copies ofc0and Renormings of Banach Spaces

Abstract If a Banach space X contains an asymptotically isometric copy of c 0 , then X fails to have weak normal structure. Consequently, if X is an infinite-dimensional subspace of ( c 0 , ‖ · ‖ ∞ ), then X fails to have weak normal structure. Also, every equivalent renorming of c 0 (Γ), for Γ uncountable, fails to have weak normal structure. Every separable Banach space can be equivalently renormed so as not to contain an asymptotically isometric copy of c 0 . Every Banach space with the generalized Gossez-Lami Dozo (GGLD) property fails to contain a subspace isomorphic to c 0 .
Evaluating the quality of life associated with rifabutin prophylaxis for Mycobacterium avium complex in persons with AIDS: combining Q-TWiST and multiattribute utility techniques.

Our objective was to evaluate the effect of rifabutin prophylaxis in patients with AIDS and CD4 counts of less than 200 per cubic millimetre using a combination of Q-TWIST (quality-adjusted time without symptoms and toxicity) and multiattribute health utility assessment. The design consisted of a secondary analysis of two previously reported multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials conducted in 78 academic, community and Department of Veterans Affairs HIV centres and private practices. 542 patients with AIDS and CD4 counts of less than 200 per cubic millimetre were assigned to rifabutin 300 mg/day and 562 were assigned to a placebo. A modified Q-TWiST approach was used for comparing treatments based on the occurrence and duration of time with and without severe symptoms and clinical endpoints. Health states were constructed to represent combinations of clinical events experienced by study patients. Five physicians assigned utilities for health states using a six-attribute health classification system. These utilities were used to adjust survivial for QOL. The rifabutin and placebo groups were compared using estimated quality-of-life-adjusted days. The incidence of MAC was 9% for the rifabutin group and 18% for the placebo group (p<0.001). Differences, although not statistically significant, were observed for rates of survival and hospitalization. The rifabutin group experienced less anaemia (p<0.02), and fever and night sweats (p<0.02) than the placebo group. Average Q-TWiST days were 325 for the rifabutin group and 309 for the placebo group (p<0.05). Q-TWiST days were significantly lower for patients with MAC bacteraemia (p<0.04) and hospitalizations (p<(0.003). Rifabutin prophylaxis resulted in fewer MAC infections and greater quality-of-life-adjusted days of survival compared to no rifabutin. Quality-of-life-adjusted survival, based on a combination of the Q-TWiST and multiattribute health utility index, is a feasible approach for evaluating the outcomes of medical treatment. Future studies should, however, use patient-assigned utility weights to compute Q-TWiST scores, since physician generated utilities may differ significantly from those of patients.
A current reference pre-charged zero-crossing pipeline-SAR ADC in 65nm CMOS

Using a current reference pre-charge technique, the need for power hungry low impedance voltage reference buffers is eliminated in a zero-crossing pipeline-SAR ADC. The 40MS/s ADC prototype, implemented in a 65nm CMOS process, achieves an SFDR/SDR/SNDR of 70dB/66dB/59.5dB at Nyquist, while occupying 0.95mm2 and consuming 4.5mW from a 1.35V supply, requiring no additional power for reference buffers.
HgCdZnTe quaternary materials for lattice-matched two-color detectors

As the number of bands and the complexity of HgCdTe multicolor structures increases, it is desirable to minimize the lattice mismatch at growth interfaces within the device structure in order to reduce or eliminate mismatch dislocations at these interfaces and potential threading dislocations that can degrade device performance. To achieve this we are investigating the use of Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe quaternary alloys which have an independently tunable lattice constant and bandgap. Lattice matching in Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe structures can be achieved using small additions of Zn (y<0.015) to HgCdTe ternary alloys. We have investigated some of the basic properties of Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe materials with x≈0.31 and 0≤y≤0.015. The quaternary layers were grown on (112)CdZnTe substrates using MBE and the amount of Zn in the layers was determined from calibrated SIMS measurements. As expected, the lattice constant decreased and the bandgap increased as Zn was added to HgCdTe to form Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe. Hall-effect results for both n-type (In) and p-type (As) Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe layers were very similar to HgCdTe control samples. We have also utilized x-ray rocking curve measurements with (246) asymmetric reflections as a novel sensitive technique to determine the correct amount of Zn needed to achieve lattice matching at an interface. MWIR/LWIR n-p-n two-color triple-layer heterojunction structures were grown to evaluate the effects of minimizing the lattice mismatch between the widest bandgap p-type collector layer, using Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe, and the HgCdTe MWIR and LWIR collector layers and compared to structures that did not incorporate the quaternary. Sequential mode two-color detectors were fabricated using a 256 × 256, 30 µm unit cell design. There were several interesting findings. Macro defects predominantly affected the LWIR band (Band 2) operability and had little effect on the MWIR band (Band 1). The incorporation of Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe p-type collector layers had little effect on MWIR detector performance, but overall the LWIR performance was generally better. These initial detector results indicate that the use of Hg1−x−yCdxZnyTe alloys in multicolor detector structures are potentially promising and should be pursued further.
Sirte Basin, north-central Libya: Cretaceous rifting above a fixed mantle hotspot?

The complex pattern of horsts and grabens in the Sirte Basin may have developed when Mesozoic drift of the African plate put north-central Libya over a fixed mantle hotspot in Early Cretaceous time (140 to 100 m.y. ago). Significant change in the motion of the plate during the prolonged residence above a hypothetical Cameroon plume may have produced stress that fragmented thinned and weakened lithosphere. Successive uplift and subsidence along a reconstructed track of the plume, as well as in the Sirte Basin, are compatible with predicted effects of the drift of northern Africa over a fixed mantle hotspot. This speculation suggests a plausible alternative to the possibility that rifting throughout northern Africa in Early Cretaceous time may have been produced along a wide zone of extension between two African plates when they were at rest relative to underlying plumes.
Elective versus emergency cesarean hysterectomy cases in a residency program setting: a review of 129 cases from 1984 to 1988.

A retrospective study was performed to compare elective versus emergency cesarean hysterectomy in a residency program. We noted the following statistically significant differences between emergency and elective cases: (1) Estimated blood loss (mean &#x0026;#x0026;#x0026;#x00B1; SD) for emergency and elective cases was significantly different at 1495 ± 772 and 875 ± 396 ml ( p = 0.001). (2) Operative time in emergency cases was significantly longer than in elective cases (105 ± 38 vs 83 ± 27 minutes, p = 0.003). (3) The incidence of transfusion was 68% in our emergency cases and 14.6% in the elective series ( p p
Parenteral branched-chain amino acid treatment and avian dystrophy

Genetically homozygous line 413 dystrophic chickens were given twice-daily intraperitoneal injections of solutions containing branched-chain amino acids (BCCA-leucine, valine, isoleucine) either alone or in combination; and their alpha-ketoacid analogs (alpha-ketoisocaproic and alpha-ketoisovaleric acids). Another trial consisted of an amino acid mixture containing BCAA. Amino acid supplementation in each case significantly prolonged righting ability measured regularly by a standardized flip-test procedure. Enhanced functional ability was not generally accompanied by a decrease in plasma creatine kinase activity. However, a measurable increase in the affected pectoralis major muscle mass and protein content (female chickens in particular) was found with BCAA therapy. Moreover, the increase in muscle bulk was attended in some cases by a reduction in the relative number of degenerating fibers quantitated microscopically. Contrariwise, the amino acid mixture caused a reduction in pectoralis muscle mass. It is concluded that parenteral BCAA therapy offers limited benefit in retarding dystrophic symptoms in the chickens.
Neonatal ethanol and nicotine exposure causes locomotor activity changes in preweanling animals

Abstract Sprague–Dawley rats were used to investigate the effects of neonatal ethanol (ETOH) and nicotine (NIC) exposure on activity levels in preweanling offspring. Male and female pups received daily oral intubations of ethanol ((ETOH) 5 g/kg/day), nicotine ((NIC) 12 mg/kg/day), ethanol and nicotine ((ETOH + NIC) 5 g/kg/day + 12 mg/kg/day) or isocaloric maltose (control) on either postnatal days (PND) 1–7 or PND 8–14. A non-treated control group was also included. Peak blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) measured in a separate subset of animals ranged from 167 and 344 mg/dl depending upon neonatal treatment and period of exposure. Subjects were tested in an open field apparatus on PND 19–21. Animals exposed to ETOH or ETOH + NIC on PND 1–7 were hyperactive relative to the other treatment groups. In contrast, animals exposed to NIC or ETOH + NIC during PND 8–14 were hypoactive relative to other treatment groups. Males appeared more sensitive than females on measures of anxiety (distance traveled in the center of the open field) but this also varied dependent on neonatal treatment and period of exposure. These findings suggest that the third trimester is a critical period for ETOH and NIC effects on offspring activity although the pattern of effects on activity are different depending on when drug exposure occurred during the neonatal period.
THE INCIDENCE OF HELICOBACTER PYLORI IN PATIENTS WITH INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

AbstractPurpose: The cause of interstitial cystitis is unknown. We evaluated the incidence of Helicobacter pylori antibodies in patients with interstitial cystitis to determine whether such infection may be a causative factor.Materials and Methods: We obtained serum samples from 23 patients with interstitial cystitis and 23 control subjects. Samples were analyzed for the presence of H. pylori IgG antibodies.Results: The incidence of positive tests for H. pylori antibodies was 22% in the interstitial cystitis group and 35% in controls.Conclusions: The incidence of infection with H. pylori is not increased in interstitial cystitis, and so it is unlikely to be a causative factor.
Application of the point source technique to the study of fast, second order, gas phase reactions

Abstract A linearized theory is presented for the interpretation of reaction kinetics of elementary, second order reactions in a fast flow, point source diffusion apparatus of the Walker—Westenberg type. Prototype experimental data for the reaction of acetylene with oxygen atoms at room temperature are shown to exhibit the behavior predicted by the linearized model.
Least-entropy generation: Variational principle of Onsager's type for transient hyperbolic heat and mass transfer

For coupled transfer of the energy and mass in a multicomponent system at mechanical equilibrium a simple thermodynamic theory is developed, and the damped wave equations of change are derived. We show that under nonstationary conditions, where relaxation of diffusive fluxes is essential, the evolution of the distributed coupled transfer of the energy and mass follows the path that minimizes the difference between the total entropy generated within the system and that exchanged by the system. The principle is also valid in the limit in which flux relaxation effects are negligible and the heat and mass transfer, whether steady or not, obeys Onsager's generalization of the Fourier and Fick laws. For coupled steady-state processes the principle goes into that of Onsager, yielding his phenomenological equations. In contrast to the local steady-state nature of Onsager's principle the new principle is global, valid for both stationary and transient situations, and requires no frozen fields. For an isolated, distributed system, in which transient relaxation to equilibrium is the only possible process, the principle implies the least possible increase of the system entropy between any two successive configurations.
Menthol attenuates respiratory irritation and elevates blood cotinine in cigarette smoke exposed mice.

Addition of menthol to cigarettes may be associated with increased initiation of smoking. The potential mechanisms underlying this association are not known. Menthol, likely due to its effects on cold-sensing peripheral sensory neurons, is known to inhibit the sensation of irritation elicited by respiratory irritants. However, it remains unclear whether menthol modulates cigarette smoke irritancy and nicotine absorption during initial exposures to cigarettes, thereby facilitating smoking initiation. Using plethysmography in a C57Bl/6J mouse model, we examined the effects of L-menthol, the menthol isomer added to cigarettes, on the respiratory sensory irritation response to primary smoke irritants (acrolein and cyclohexanone) and smoke of Kentucky reference 2R4 cigarettes. We also studied L-menthol’s effect on blood levels of the nicotine metabolite, cotinine, immediately after exposure to cigarette smoke. L-menthol suppressed the irritation response to acrolein with an apparent IC₅₀ of 4 ppm. Suppression was observed even at acrolein levels well above those necessary to produce a maximal response. Cigarette smoke, at exposure levels of 10 mg/m³ or higher, caused an immediate and marked sensory irritation response in mice. This response was significantly suppressed by L-menthol even at smoke concentrations as high as 300 mg/m³. Counterirritation by L-menthol was abolished by treatment with a selective inhibitor of Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8), the neuronal cold/menthol receptor. Inclusion of menthol in the cigarette smoke resulted in roughly a 1.5-fold increase in plasma cotinine levels over those observed in mice exposed to smoke without added menthol. These findings document that, L-menthol, through TRPM8, is a strong suppressor of respiratory irritation responses, even during highly noxious exposures to cigarette smoke or smoke irritants, and increases blood cotinine. Therefore, L-menthol, as a cigarette additive, may promote smoking initiation and nicotine addiction.
MEMS mirror arrays for use in optical spectrometric detection

Optical spectrometers are used in a variety of chemical and biological analytical instruments. Typically these employ a single input slit, a spectrograph, and a CCD or photodiode array for sensing. Only a few wavelengths may be of interest to the operator in many applications, due to absorption or fluorescence occurring within these specific optical regions. In the case of fluorescence, the excitation light intensity can be orders of magnitude greater than the fluorescence signal. In lieu of a detector array, a setup where a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) fabricated mirror array directs only the wavelengths of interest to a few detectors can be advantageous over sequential-readout arrayed detector systems. The MEMS mirrors and detector combination allows the desired wavelengths to be simultaneously and rapidly measured, with specialized detectors or electronics dedicated to each band. Integration time and electronic filtering may be adjusted independently, yielding better sensitivity and dynamic range. This combination is especially relevant in the infrared region, where arrayed detectors can be noisy or expensive, and arrays of dedicated amplifiers and filters are not cost effective. This paper reports on the design, fabrication, testing and control of MEMS-fabricated one-dimensional micromirror arrays for use in visible or infrared spectrometer applications. The micromirrors are fabricated using a surface micromachining process. A multiplexing method is introduced in the design to enable positioning a large number of mirrors from a few electrical inputs, which is necessary for practical applications when integrated control circuitry cannot be created on-chip with the MEMS devices. This approach also enables separate optimization of the actuation and control sections, and significantly reduces the number of drive signals required.