cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Transformer feedback based CMOS amplifiers

Analysis of several impedance matching networks used in both common source and common gate amplifiers with reactive feedback are presented. Five fundamental topologies for transformer feedback based closed-loop amplifiers are identified and their relative merits with respect to silicon area and power consumption are discussed. In addition, a design methodology to achieve both narrow and wideband matching is derived. A 5 GHz wideband amplifier designed in a TSMC 90-nm CMOS process is used to benchmark the different schemes. The calculated input impedance is compared with simulation results.
The development of water drinking on a dry-food free-reinforcement schedule

Rats were given a food pellet every 60 sec., not contingent on operant responding. All rats developed over days a pattern of prolonged water drinking following delivery of food pellets. One of the rats, whose operant-level lever pressing was recorded concurrently with licking, developed a complex pattern of drinking and bar pressing which persisted even after a 5-sec. delay of reinforcement for bar presses was introduced.
Counseling and Treating Adolescents with Alcohol and Other Substance Use Problems and Their Families.

The purpose of this study is to examine the components and strategies of counseling and treating adolescents with alcohol and other substance use problems. The study examines the patterns and risk and resistance factors of adolescents with substance use problems and how to assess and diagnose adolescents with substance use problems and comorbid psychiatric and social problems. The study also examines designing intervention and treatment programs for these adolescents, including working with their families and working with resistant adolescents.
Computer Science in Liberal Arts Colleges

When a liberal arts college decides to include computer science as one of its academic disciplines, a number of questions arise. What is an appropriate curriculum? What sort of laboratory support does this new discipline need? How does a small liberal arts school attract, retain, and evaluate faculty in this area? Do computer science faculty become a separate department or remain joined with mathematics or some other discipline? In short, what must be done to put computer science on equal footing with mathematics and other scientific disciplines? This paper addresses these questions.
Four Transfer Factors in a Single Bacterial Strain

A NEW class of genetic elements, termed episomes1, has been recognized in bacteria. Episomes are accessory cell components which may or may not be present in any individual organism, and they are characterized by the ability to exist in a bacterium in either one of two states: as an integrated addition to the bacterial chromosome (with which the episome divides in synchrony), or as an autonomous, independently replicating, cytoplasmic inclusion. In the latter state, episomes replicate more rapidly than the host chromosome and can be transmitted at high frequency to other cells, without associated chromosomal transfer. Herein resides the importance of these structures, because an entire bacterial population can rapidly acquire one or more new heritable traits through infection from a cell carrying an episome.
Hypoxia-induced alterations of neutrophil membrane receptors.

Abstract Extravasation of leukocytes at sites of ischemia may mediate tissue injury. To determine how leukocyte accumulation may be induced by ischemia, effects of hypoxia on basal neutrophil expression of adhesion and activation receptors were examined. Effects of hypoxia upon preactivated cells were also studied. To determine whether regulation of expression is dependent on oxygen availability or on mitochondrial respiration, the effects of physical hypoxia (substitution of O 2 by nitrogen) were compared with those of chemical hypoxia with sodium cyanide (NaCN). Leukocytes in whole blood (eight volunteers) were exposed either to hypoxia alone or to priming concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 μg/ml) followed by chemical hypoxia (NaCN, 1 m M ) or physical hypoxia (PO 2 of 1-10 torr) for various time intervals. Room air was controlled and hypoxic cells were labeled with fluorescent monoclonal antibodies to integrins CD18 and CD11b or to the 55kDa TNFα cell surface receptor (TNFR). Receptor concentrations were measured by flow cytometry. Data were analyzed by ANOVA/Student's t test. Physical hypoxia increased expression of both CD11b and CD18 over time and augmented their LPS-induced up-regulation. Isolated chemical hypoxia did not change neutrophil expression of CD11b or CD18, but partially inhibited neutrophil CD11b and CD18 up-regulation by LPS. LPS-induced TNFR down-regulation was not affected by physical hypoxia, which failed to alter TNFR expression in this model. Chemical hypoxia led to an up-regulation of TNFR in neutrophils, which was opposed by LPS. Physical hypoxia exerts a specific effect on expression of leukocyte receptors, which is substantially different from that exerted by chemical hypoxia.
Impact of different dithiol treatments on the optoelectronic properties of self-assembled PbS nanocrystalline films

By comparing ethanedithiol and benzenedithiol treatments, we demonstrate that the optical and electronic properties of self-assembled PbS nanocrystalline films heavily depend on the dithiol molecule used for the ligand-exchange process.
Acetylcholine inhibits identified interneurons in the cat lateral geniculate nucleus.

The transmission of visual information from retina to cortex through the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (LGNd) is controlled by non-retinal inputs1,2. Enhanced visually evoked responses in cat LGNd relay cells during periods of increased alertness3 have been attributed in large part to increased rate of acetylcholine (ACh) release by fibres ascending from the brainstem reticular formation4–7. ACh can modulate geniculate visual responses in vivo5–8, but comparatively little is known about the underlying ionic mechanisms of these cholinergic actions. Although direct excitation of LGNd relay neurons has been shown in vitro9, the situation is complicated because cholinergic axons form numerous and complex synapses not only with relay cells, but also with inhibitory interneurons10, and electrical activation of the brainstem cholinergic neurons reduces inhibitory postsynaptic potentials in the LGNd11–13. We report here that morphologically characterized interneurons in the cat LGNd possess distinctive electrophysiological properties in comparison with those of relay cells and are inhibited by ACh through a muscarinic receptor-mediated increase in potassium conductance. Together the direct excitation of relay cells and inhibition of intrageniculate interneurons allow the ascending cholinergic system to exert a powerful facilitatory influence over the transfer of visual information to the cerebral cortex.
Prevalence and Persistence of Psychiatric Disorders in Youth After Detention: A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Context Psychiatric disorders are prevalent among incarcerated juveniles. Most juveniles eventually return to their communities, where they become the responsibility of the community mental health system. However, no large-scale study has examined psychiatric disorders after youth leave detention. Objective To examine changes in the prevalence and persistence of psychiatric disorders during the 5 years after detention, focusing on sex and racial/ethnic differences. Design Prospective longitudinal study with up to 5 interviews (1829 youth: 1172 males and 657 females). To ensure representation of key demographic subgroups, the randomly selected sample was stratified by sex, race/ethnicity (African American, non-Hispanic white, and Hispanic), age, and legal status (juvenile or adult court). Setting The Northwestern Juvenile Project, sampling youth from the Cook County Juvenile Temporary Detention Center, Chicago, Illinois. Participants Detained youth, aged 10 to 18 years at baseline interview. Main Outcome Measures At baseline, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version 2.3. At follow-up interviews, the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children Version IV (Child and Young Adult versions) and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule Version IV (substance use disorders and antisocial personality disorder). Results Five years after baseline, more than 45% of males and nearly 30% of females had 1 or more psychiatric disorders with associated impairment. More than 50% of males and more than 40% of females had 1 or more psychiatric disorders without impairment. Substance use disorders were the most common; males, however, had higher rates over time (5 years after baseline, adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 2.61; 95% CI, 1.96-3.47). Non-Hispanic whites and Hispanics also had higher rates of substance use disorders vs African Americans (AOR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.54-2.49 and AOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.24-2.03). Females had higher rates of major depression over time (AOR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.22-2.08). Conclusions Although prevalence rates of most psychiatric disorders declined as youth aged, a substantial proportion of delinquent youth continue to have disorders. There are notable sex and racial/ethnic differences in the prevalence and persistence of psychiatric disorders in this population.
Pseudomonas cepacia: Biology, mechanisms of virulence, epidemiology

Pseudomonas cepacia, originally described as a plant pathogen, has emerged as an important cause of infection in altered hosts, particularly in the hospital setting. This organism's ability to survive and proliferate in a variety of solutions, medications, and even disinfectants and antiseptics has resulted in numerous clusters of common-source nosocomial infections. Many patients exposed to P. cepacia are merely colonized, but serious infections, including surgical and burn wound infections, bacteremia, meningitis, pneumonia, peritonitis, and urinary tract infections, are not rare. The virulence properties of this pathogen remain poorly characterized. Recently, P. cepacia has been reported in some cystic fibrosis centers as an increasingly frequent pulmonary pathogen. This trend has caused considerable concern because of reports of occasional cases of fulminant necrotizing pneumonia and bacteremia. Conversely, many patients with CF who become colonized with this organism have no ill effects. The epidemiology of P. cepacia in the CF population is unclear, but some patients probably acquire the organism from colonized siblings with CF. Circumstantial evidence suggests that the organism may also be acquired in the hospital. Treatment of infections is exceedingly difficult, particularly in patients with CF, because P. cepacia is resistant to a broad range of antibiotics.
The rebirth of iPSCs: Towards a healthier epigenetic landscape

It is well recognized that transcription factor-induced iPSCs carry an aberrant genetic and epigenetic makeup. However, it is not clear whether these defects are developed de novo due to the reprogramming process or inherited from the somatic source cells. Ma and colleagues presented convincing data that iPSCs derived through transcription factor over-expression carry a higher incidence of the epigenetic flaws in comparison with those generated through SCNT. The authors conclude that 1) the source of the epigenetic aberrations is more related to the reprogramming protocol, and less to the intrinsic abnormality of the somatic source cells; 2) SCNT based protocol is superior to that involving a cocktail of transcription factors. These important findings by Ma and colleagues will certainly steer future research towards understanding the mechanisms underpinning the SCNT reprogramming. With these efforts a whole array of unknown factors is expected to emerge, which regulate the onset of early embryonic development and can be applied to induce iPSCs with a healthier epigenetic landscape.
Influence of prolonged thermal cycling and water storage on the tensile bond strength of composite to NiCr alloy.

Abstract Objectives. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the bond strength and bond durability of new adhesive systems (both micromechanical and chemo-mechanical) to a beryllium-free nickel-chromium alloy (NiCr). Methods. Plexiglass tubes filled with composite were bonded to NiCr alloy discs. Groups of 24 samples were bonded using six different bonding systems. Subgroups of eight bonded samples were stored in an isotonic artificial saliva solution (37°C) either for 1 d, 30 d or 150 d. In addition, the 30 and 150 d samples were thermal cycled for 7,500 or 37,500 cycles, respectively. Results. The bond strength of a conventional BisGMA composite to sandblasted NiCr was statistically significantly lower than that of chemo-mechanical bonding systems and decreased continuously during the storage time of 150 d. The additional use of a silane on the sandblasted alloy resulted only in a slight, statistically insignificant increase in bond strength. Statistically significantly higher and more durable bonds to NiCr alloy were achieved either with the combination of silica coating and use of a conventional BisGMA composite or with the combination of sandblasting and the use of a composite modified with a phosphate monomer. In these systems, the bond strengths were limited by the cohesive strength of the resin composites. However, a newly developed composite containing the same active phosphate monomer showed a statistically significant decrease in bond strength (cohesive strength) over storage time. Significance. Longer-term storage times in a wet environment are needed in laboratory tests to examine the durability of bonding systems.
Job Satisfaction among Black Female Managers: A Causal Approach

A structural equation model is proposed to delineate the various aspects of self-reported job satisfaction. The model specifies structural linkages among four factors including (1) background, (2) perceptions, (3) organizational, and (4) subjective ratings of overall job satisfaction. The proposed model is evaluated by using data from a random probability sample of blackfemale managers living in five southwestern states. The results support the predictions derived from the proposed model and indicate that the model explains 66% of the variance in overall job satisfaction. Organizational measures, in general, account for most of the explained variance.
Racial Differences in Congregation-based Political Activism

This study employs a resource mobilization model to explain racial differences in congregation-based political activism. The fewer resources (i.e., members, income, clergy leadership, civic ties) that black congregations possess relative to white congregations largely accounts for racial differences in congregation-based lobbying and protest politics – forms of political activism that exact relatively high resource costs upon political activists. That is, black congregations become more heavily involved than white congregations in lobbying and protest politics when they have a resource capacity similar to that of white congregations. Despite their relatively few resources, black congregations are, on average, more likely than are white congregations to involve themselves in voter registration efforts. This finding has much to do with the heightened social-political expectations of African American congregants concomitant with the relatively low resource cost of voter registration programs.
Vulnerability Assessment of Cybersecurity for SCADA Systems Using Attack Trees

By penetrating the SCADA system, an intruder may remotely operate a power system using supervisory control privileges. Hence, cybersecurity has been recognized as a major threat due to the potential intrusion to the online system. This paper proposes a methodology to evaluate the cybersecurity vulnerability using attack trees. The attack tree formulation based on power system control networks is used to evaluate the system, scenario, and leaf vulnerabilities. The measure of vulnerabilities in the power system control framework is determined based on existing cybersecurity conditions before the vulnerability indices are evaluated. After the indices are evaluated, an upper bound is imposed on each scenario vulnerability in order to determine the pivotal attack leaves that require countermeasure improvements. The proposed framework can be extended to security investment analysis.
Comparison of pulse shape discrimination methods for phoswich and CsI:Tl detectors

Comparison of different pulse shape discrimination (PSD) methods was performed under two different experimental conditions and the best PSD method was identified. Beta/gamma discrimination of /sup 90/Sr//sup 90/Y and /sup 137/Cs was performed using a phoswich detector made of BC400 (2.5 cm O.D./spl times/1.2 cm) and BGO (2.5 cm O.D./spl times/2.5 cm) scintillators. Alpha/gamma discrimination of /sup 210/Po and /sup 137/Cs was performed using a CsI:Tl (2.8/spl times/1.4/spl times/1.4 cm/sup 3/) scintillation crystal. The pulse waveforms were digitized with a DGF-4C (X-Ray Instrumentation Associates, XIA) and analyzed offline with IGOR Pro software (Wavemetrics, Inc.). The four pulse shape discrimination methods that were compared include: digital constant fraction discrimination, rise time discrimination, constant time discrimination (CTD), and charge comparison methods. The CTD method is the ratio of the pulse height at a particular time after the beginning of the pulse to the time at the maximum pulse height. The charge comparison method resulted in a figure of merit (FoM) of 3.3 (9.9% spillover) and 3.7 (0.033% spillover) for the phoswich and the CsI:Tl detectors, respectively. The CTD method resulted in a FoM of 3.9 (9.2% spillover) and 3.2 (0.25% spillover), respectively. Inverting the pulse shape data typically resulted in a significantly higher FoM than conventional methods, but there was no reduction in spillover values. This outcome illustrates that the FoM may not be a good scheme for the quantification of a system to perform pulse shape discrimination.
Swathbuckler: wide swath SAR system architecture

Between 2001 and 2005, the Swathbuckler wide-swath SAR real-time image formation multinational project evolved a system architecture to continually process 40 KM strips into high resolution (<1 m) imagery. The rapid advance of COTS memory, I/O, and processor technology drove the supercomputer cost down from over $1 M to under $100 K. This paper discusses the key technology improvements driving the affordable solution. In particular, the 8 gigabytes of memory attached to standard dual Xeon server nodes arranged in a standard cluster greatly simplified the previously daunting task of SAR image formation.
Reintroducing “Reintroducing group selection to the human behavioral sciences”to BBS readers

of the original article: In both biology and the human sciences, social groups are sometimes treated as adaptive units whose organization cannot be reduced to individual interactions. This group-level view is opposed by a more individualistic one that treats social organization as a byproduct of self-interest. According to biologists, group-level adaptations can evolve only by a process of natural selection at the group level. Most biologists rejected group selection as an important evolutionary force during the 1960s and 1970s but a positive literature began to grow during the 1970s and is rapidly expanding today. We review this recent literature and its implications for human evolutionary biology. We show that the rejection of group selection was based on a misplaced emphasis on genes as replicators which is in fact irrelevant to the question of whether groups can be like individuals in their functional organization. The fundamental question is whether social groups and other higher-level entities can be vehicles of selection. When this elementary fact is recognized, group selection emerges as an important force in nature and what seem to be competing theories, such as kin selection and reciprocity, reappear as special cases of group selection. The result is a unified theory of natural selection that operates on a nested hierarchy of units. The vehicle-based theory makes it clear that group selection is an important force to consider in human evolution. Humans can facultatively span the full range from self-interested individuals to organs of group-level organisms. Human behavior not only reflects the balance between levels of selection but it can also alter the balance through the construction of social structures that have the effect of reducing fitness differences within groups, concentrating natural selection (and functional organization) at the group level. These social structures and the cognitive abilities that produce them allow group selection to be important even among large groups of unrelated individuals.
Interactions of neural glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycans with protein ligands: assessment of selectivity, heterogeneity and the participation of core proteins in binding

The method of affinity coelectrophoresis was used to study the binding of nine representative glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-binding proteins, all thought to play roles in nervous system development, to GAGs and proteoglycans isolated from developing rat brain. Binding to heparin and non-neural heparan and chondroitin sulfates was also measured. All nine proteins-laminin-1, fibronectin, thrombospondin-1, NCAM, L1, protease nexin-1, urokinase plasminogen activator, thrombin, and fibroblast growth factor-2-bound brain heparan sulfate less strongly than heparin, but the degree of difference in affinity varied considerably. Protease nexin-1 bound brain heparan sulfate only 1.8-fold less tightly than heparin (Kdvalues of 35 vs. 20 nM, respectively), whereas NCAM and L1 bound heparin well (Kd approximately 140 nM) but failed to bind detectably to brain heparan sulfate (Kd>3 microM). Four proteins bound brain chondroitin sulfate, with affinities equal to or a few fold stronger than the same proteins displayed toward cartilage chondroitin sulfate. Overall, the highest affinities were observed with intact heparan sulfate proteoglycans: laminin-1's affinities for the proteoglycans cerebroglycan (glypican-2), glypican-1 and syndecan-3 were 300- to 1800-fold stronger than its affinity for brain heparan sulfate. In contrast, the affinities of fibroblast growth factor-2 for cerebroglycan and for brain heparan sulfate were similar. Interestingly, partial proteolysis of cerebroglycan resulted in a >400-fold loss of laminin affinity. These data support the views that (1) GAG-binding proteins can be differentially sensitive to variations in GAG structure, and (2) core proteins can have dramatic, ligand-specific influences on protein-proteoglycan interactions.
Design of circular apertures for narrow beamwidth and low sidelobes

This article extends a method of antenna design described in an earlier article by the same author. A family of continuous circular aperture distributions is developed in such a way as to involve only two independent parameters, A , a quantity uniquely related to the design sidelobe level and \bar{n} a number controlling the degree of uniformity of the sidelobes. An asymptotic approach to the condition of uniform sidelobes thus becomes possible. A companion article by Robert Hansen contains aperture distribution tables and examples.
Emerging therapies for malignant glioma.

The current standard of care for malignant gliomas consists of surgery, radiotherapy and conventional (DNA-damaging) chemotherapies. These treatments are relatively nonspecific and may be applied to all glioma subtypes. Developments in cancer medicine, however, now offer the opportunity to direct therapies to specific molecular pathways involved in tumorigenesis. This offers the potential to tailor treatments to tumor subtypes – perhaps with greater efficacy and less toxicity. Many of the so-called targeted therapies are under investigation in the treatment of malignant glioma. In this review, we will focus on the use of agents that affect signal transduction. In particular, we will review the potential role for inhibitors of: tyrosine kinases, targets of rapamycin, farnesyl transferase and histone deacetylase. Inhibitors of angiogenesis will also be discussed. Some ‘targeted’ therapies are less specific than others,working on more than one pathway or receptor, thus complex interactions are possible.
Producer-Intermediary Relationships in the Long Tail

The role of intermediaries in long tail markets is different from those in traditional markets, due mainly to the heterogeneous nature of the buyers, the sellers and the products that comprise these markets. We propose a theory-based framework that identifies different kinds of long tail intermediaries who provide services to producers of digital goods. We also identify a set of unique descriptors for these process intermediaries that make them vital to long tail producers, and the factors that bring them together.
A simulation study of gate line edge roughness effects on doping profiles of short-channel MOSFET devices

We study the effects of gate line edge roughness (LER) on doping profiles of MOSFET transistors using two-dimensional numerical calculation and advanced process simulation. Gate LER transfers the roughness to doping profiles self-aligned to gate edges such as source/drain (S/D) extensions. We found that the transferred roughness has a dominant contribution to the LER effects on device performance. Implantation scattering and diffusion are low-pass filters in the roughness transfer. Low frequency gate LER with 30 nm or larger correlation length (L/sub C/) causes rough S/D-channel junctions, which approximately follow the roughness of gate edges with slight reduction in the RMS roughness value under typical thermal budget. Implantation scattering and diffusion smooth off a major part of the high frequency junction roughness induced by gate LER with 5 nm or smaller L/sub C/. In addition, the average lateral diffusion length is enhanced when this high-frequency roughness is present.
Rich Club Analysis of Structural Brain Connectivity at 7 Tesla Versus 3 Tesla

The ‘rich club’ is a relatively new concept in brain connectivity analysis, which identifies a core of densely interconnected high-degree nodes. Establishing normative measures for rich club organization is vital, as is understanding how scanning parameters affect it. We compared the rich club organization in 23 subjects scanned at both 7 and 3 T, with 128-gradient high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI). The rich club coefficient (RCC) did not differ significantly between low and high field scans, but the field strength did affect which nodes were included in the rich club. We also examined 3 subjects with Alzheimer’s disease and 3 healthy elderly controls to see how field strength affected the statistical comparison. RCC did not differ with field strength, but again, which nodes differed between groups did. These results illustrate how one key parameter, scanner field strength, impacts rich club organization – a promising concept in brain connectomics research.
New applications of two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in cardiac surgery.

Abstract This article describes new applications of two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (2D-TEE), including (1) detection of pleural fluid (PF) and atelectasis (AT), and (2) evaluation of various cannulation techniques. The left and right pleural spaces were visualized by rotating the probe counterclockwise and clockwise, respectively, from the four-chamber view. PF was depicted as a crescent-shaped echo-free space, enclosed by the lung and posterior chest wall on both sides. AT was often accompanied by PF and was depicted as a less echogenic area in the lung parenchyma. During removal of PF, the echo-free space gradually decreased in size to the point of disappearing completely, while the lung parenchyma expanded and became more echogenic. TEE was advantageous in detecting PF and AT located in the most dorsal parts of the pleural space and lung parenchyma. The aorta acted as an acoustic window on the left side. TEE was found useful in evaluating the cannulae position of the intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) and ventricular assist device (VAD), and femoral cannulae for cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). During use of the IABP, the chamber and shaft were visualized clearly and both malposition of the catheter tip and malfunction of the balloon were easily detected. For VAD, TEE readily showed the collapse of the ventricular cavity due to excessive drainage of blood from the left ventricle, as well as the favorable result of immediate reduction of flow rate. For femorofemoral extracorporeal bypass, TEE detected improper position of the venous cannula. These new applications of TEE can be performed with minimal manipulation of the probe, enabling early detection of the problems and initiating timely and appropriate therapy. It is believed that the postoperative complications may be minimized.
Interindividual Differences and Intraindividual Variability in the Cortisol Awakening Response: An Examination of Age and Gender

This article shows age and gender differences in the magnitude and day-to-day variability of the cortisol awakening response (CAR) using a national sample of 1,143 adults who completed the second wave of the National Study of Daily Experiences, a part of the Midlife Development in the United States survey. Participants between the ages of 33 and 84 years completed 8 consecutive nightly interviews and provided 4 saliva samples (upon waking, 30 min after waking, before lunch, and before bed) on 4 consecutive interview days. Results revealed substantial day-to-day variability in the CAR as well as significant Age Gender interactions, indicating that although no systematic age-related differences emerged for women, the magnitude and day-to-day variability of the CAR increased with age among men.
Associations between frequency of tea consumption and health and mortality: evidence from old Chinese

Abstract Tea consumption may be associated with reduced risk of morbidity and mortality; however, this association is not conclusive and has rarely been investigated among very old adults. The present study examines how self-reported frequency of tea consumption in daily life is associated with health and mortality among very old adults in China. The data are from a national longitudinal data set that included 32 606 individuals (13 429 men and 19 177 women) aged 65 years and older: 11 807 respondents aged 65 to 84 years and 20 799 respondents aged 85 years and older. A total of four measurements between 1998 and 2005 resulted in 51 668 observations. Hazard regressions showed that men who drink tea almost every day have a 10-20 % lower risk of death compared to their counterparts who seldom drink tea, after adjusting for numerous confounders including baseline health. This relationship was stronger in younger male elders aged 65 to 84 years than in the oldest-old men aged 85 years and older. However, frequency of tea consumption was not significantly associated with mortality in women. Our analyses further show that high frequency of tea consumption is significantly associated with reduced OR of disability in activities of daily living, cognitive impairment, self-rated poor health, cumulative health deficits and CVD in both young elders and the oldest-old, and in both men and women. These results suggest that the health benefit of drinking tea is universal. We conclude that frequent tea consumption probably helps one achieve healthy longevity and that men benefit more from such lifestyles.
An analysis of spectral metrics for hyperspectral image processing

This paper investigates the efficiency of spectral metrics when used in spectral screening of hyperspectral imagery. Spectral screening is the technique of selecting from the data a subset of spectra such that any two spectra in the subset are dissimilar and, for any spectra in the original image cube, there is a similar spectra in the subset. The method can use various spectral metrics to characterize the similarity and can be seen as a data reduction step if the resulting subset is used in further computations instead of the full data. The investigation has focused on the comparison between spectral angle and spectral correlation angle in terms of efficiency of the results and speedup obtained as well as in empirically identifying the best distance threshold to be used when reducing the data. The techniques were tested on Hyperion imagery when using PCA and show promising speedup
Theophylline and prostaglandin E2 on duodenal bicarbonate secretion: Role for 5′-cyclic adenosine monophosphate

Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) has been implicated as an intracellular "second" messenger in duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion in animals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cAMP may mediate duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion in humans. In healthy volunteers, a 4-cm segment of proximal duodenum was isolated from gastric and pancreaticobiliary secretions. Either the phosphodiesterase inhibitor theophylline, prostaglandin (PG) E2, or a combination thereof was administered topically to the isolated duodenal mucosa. Theophylline (10(-2) mol/L) and PGE2 (10(-5)-10(-4) mol/L) each significantly increased bicarbonate secretion and transmucosal potential difference. Moreover, when theophylline and PGE2 were administered in combination, the duodenal bicarbonate output was additive compared to either agent alone. When theophylline was infused with increasing doses of PGE2, the dose-response curve was shifted to the left. Furthermore, increases in bicarbonate secretion and transmucosal potential difference were correlated significantly. These results suggest that cAMP may act as an intracellular mediator of human duodenal mucosal bicarbonate secretion.
Mining seafloor massive sulphides and biodiversity: what is at risk?

Van Dover, C. L. 2011. Mining seafloor massive sulphides and biodiversity: what is at risk? – ICES Journal of Marine Science, 68: 341–348.Scientific exploration of the deep sea in the late 1970s led to the discovery of seafloor massive sulphides at hydrothermal vents. More recently, sulphide deposits containing high grades of ore have been discovered in the southwest Pacific. In addition to metal-rich ores, hydrothermal vents host ecosystems based on microbial chemoautotrophic primary production, with endemic invertebrate species adapted in special ways to the vent environment. Although there has been considerable effort to study the biology and ecology of vent systems in the decades since these systems were first discovered, there has been limited attention paid to conservation issues. Three priority recommendations for conservation science at hydrothermal vent settings are identified here: (i) determine the natural conservation units for key species with differing life histories; (ii) identify a set of first principles for the design of preservation reference areas and conservation areas; (iii) develop and test methods for effective mitigation and restoration to enhance the recovery of biodiversity in sulphide systems that may be subject to open-cut mining.
Novel pharmacotherapy of sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a multisystem granulomatous disease of unknown etiology that most commonly affects the lungs. Treatment of sarcoidosis can be challenging as it is often difficult to measure disease activity and distinguish active inflammation from fibrosis. Identifying the inflammatory mediators in sarcoidosis has led to the development and use of novel therapeutic agents. The goal of pharmacotherapy is to decrease granuloma accumulation, ameliorate symptoms and improve organ function. Systemic corticosteroids remain the first line treatment. Other immunosuppressive agents may be considered for the patients who respond poorly to corticosteroids or who experience significant adverse effects. An overview of pharmacotherapy of sarcoidosis is provided here.
The Gordon Wilson Lecture: The clinical legacy of Jonathan Hutchinson (1828-1913): syndromology and dysmorphology meet genomics.

Jonathan Hutchinson (Fig. ​(Fig.1a,1a, b), London surgeon of the latter half of the 19th century, was an exceptionally astute clinical observer. He was, furthermore, an assiduous and prolific recorder of observations over a wide range of fields. In his prime he did for many years all the onerous work of a surgeon at the London Hospital. He was president of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1888, and is said to have still been doing mastectomies at age 70. But he also worked at the Moorsfield Eye Hospital and in 1863 published a monograph entitled “A Clinical Memoir on Certain Diseases of the Eye and Ear, consequent on Inherited Syphilis,” containing early fundus portraits prepared by his long-time artist-illustrator Edwin Burgess, scarcely a decade after the invention of the ophthalmoscope. In addition, he worked at Blackfriar's Skin Hospital and was president of an international congress of dermatology (1896). He was a mentor and collaborator of pioneer neurologist Hughlings Jackson and president of the Neurological Society in 1887.
Closed Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy Is Associated with Decreased Surgical-Site Infections: A Meta-Analysis.

Background:Negative-pressure therapy has recently been used over closed incisions to decrease surgical-site occurrences, including infection and dehiscence. A meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of closed incision negative-pressure therapy in lowering the incidence of surgical-
A Critique of Austin

Since at least the middle of the nineteenth century one of the most significant theories of analytical jurisprudence has been legal positivism. During the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries the work of Jeremy Bentham and John Austin developed the positivist analysis of law as well as a utilitarian normative jurisprudence or theory of legislation. In response to criticisms, during the twentieth century some philosophers of law developed and modified the positivist theory. Notable among modern proponents of a variety of legal positivism is the famous German philosopher and lawyer Hans Kelsen (1961). Although a severe critic of earlier versions of the theory, Professor Hart has largely defended a revised version of legal positivism. In The Concept of Law he primarily develops his own theory on the basis of a penetrating analysis and criticism of Austin’s version of legal positivism. Although this chapter is called “A Critique of Austin”, Hart does not criticize the theory precisely as Austin formulated it but considers it as modified where needed “in order to secure that the doctrine... is stated in its strongest form” (CL, 18). Although we shall question whether Hart has indeed taken the doctrine in its strongest form, this chapter is not an exercise in historical criticism but an analysis of a general type of legal theory that we shall call the Austinian theory after the chief target of Hart’s attack.
Evidence that Microdeletions in the α Globin Gene Protect Against the Development of Sickle Cell Glomerulopathy in Humans

There is a large variability in the severity of the clinical manifestations of sickle cell anemia (SSA), including renal involvement. Haplotypes in the beta-globin gene cluster associated with the geographical origin of the sickle mutation, as well as microdeletions in the alpha-globin genes, could provide an epigenetic influence on the heterogeneous outcome in SSA. It has been determined that the cause of progressive renal insufficiency in SSA is a glomerulopathy, clinically detected by the presence of macroalbuminuria (albumin excretion rate >300 mg/g creatinine). To investigate the role of the alpha-globin gene microdeletion and beta-globin gene cluster haplotypes on the degree of glomerular involvement, 76 adult SSA patients (hemoglobin SS) were studied to determine the relationship between these genetic markers and the development of sickle cell glomerulopathy. Macroalbuminuria was present in 22 (29%) of 76 adult SSA patients. The coinheritance of microdeletions in one or two of the four alpha-globin genes (alpha-thalassemia) was associated with a lower prevalence of macroalbuminuria (13%) versus patients with intact alpha-globin genes (40%, P = 0.01). By contrast, there was no association between albuminuria and beta-globin gene haplotypes (Central African Republic [CAR] versus non-CAR haplotypes). Patients with alpha-globin gene microdeletions had lower mean corpuscular volumes and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration than patients with all four alpha genes (86+/-2 versus 99+/-3 fl, and 33.9+/-0.2 versus 34.9+/-0.2%, respectively, P<0.05). There were no such hematologic differences between CAR and non-CAR beta-globin haplotypes. There were no differences in duration of disease (age), hemoglobin levels, reticulocyte index, and lactate dehydrogenase levels between those with and without glomerulopathy, but the mean arterial pressure was higher (87+/-1 mm Hg) in patients with intact alpha gene locus versus those with microdeletions (80+/-2 mm Hg, P<0.05). It is concluded that the coinheritance of microdeletions in the alpha-globin gene locus in SSA patients confers "renoprotection" by mechanisms not related to the degree of anemia or the severity of hemolysis, but could be related to a reduced mean corpuscular volume or to a lower erythrocyte hemoglobin concentration.
Time-resolved hyperspectral single-pixel camera implementation for compressive wide-field fluorescence lifetime imaging

Single-pixel imaging based on compressive sensing theory has been a highlighted technique in the biomedical imaging field for many years. This interest has been driven by the possibility of performing microscopic or macroscopic imaging based on low-cost detector arrays, increased SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) in the acquired data sets and the ability to perform high quality image reconstruction with compressed data sets by exploiting signal sparsity. In this work, we present our recent work in implementing this technique to perform time domain fluorescence-labeled investigations in preclinical settings. More precisely, we report on our time-resolved hyperspectral single-pixel camera for fast, wide-field mapping of molecular labels and lifetime-based quantification. The hyperspectral single-pixel camera implements a DMD (Digital micro-mirror device) to generate optical masks for modulating the illumination field before it is delivered onto the sample and focuses the emission light signals into a multi-anode hyperspectral time-resolved PMT (Photomultiplier tube) to acquire spatial, temporal and spectral information enriched 4-D data sets. Fluorescence dyes with lifetime and spectral contrast are embedded in well plates and thin tissues. L-1 norm based regularization or the least square method, is applied to solve the underdetermined inverse problem during image reconstruction. These experimental results prove the possibility of fast, wide-field mapping of fluorescent labels with lifetime and spectral contrast in thin media.
Methoden und Nachweisgrenzen bei der IR-spektroskopischen Untersuchung von Mikromengen

Es wird gezeigt, das von den gebrauchlichen Methoden zur Aufnahme der Infrarotspektren von Mikromengen (Mikro-Flussigkeitskuvette, Mikroreflexion, FMIR-Technik, Mikro-KBr-Prestechnik) die Mikro-KBrPrestechnik die weitaus empfindlichste ist. 0,1 μg Phenacetin konnen noch an Hand des Infrarotspektrums identifiziert werden.
Observations of Mitosis in Living Cells and Synchrony of Mitosis in Bullera Alba

Phase-contrast-microscopic observations of living cells undergoing mitosis of Bullera alba (Sporobolomycetaceae) are described, and the observable stages were timed. Nuclear divisions can be partia...
Highly Tactic Cyclic Polynorbornene: Stereoselective Ring Expansion Metathesis Polymerization of Norbornene Catalyzed by a New Tethered Tungsten-Alkylidene Catalyst

The tungsten alkylidyne [tBuOCO]W≡C(tBu) (THF)2 (1) reacts with CO2, leading to complete cleavage of one C═O bond, followed by migratory insertion to generate the tungsten-oxo alkylidene 2. Complex 2 is the first catalyst to polymerize norbornene via ring expansion metathesis polymerization to yield highly cis-syndiotactic cyclic polynorbornene.
CW Four-Wave Mixing in Synthetic Diamond

We report efficient CW optical phase conjugation and resonantly enhanced four-wave mixing spectroscopy of the N-V color center in synthetic diamond. An ultra-narrow resonance is observed in the room temperature nearly degenerate four-wave mixing spectrum upon excitation within the vibronic band at 579 nm, furnishing the triplet manifold decay rate.
Impact of combined use of ground glass powder and crushed glass aggregate on selected properties of Portland cement concrete

Abstract In this study, the impact of using ground glass powder as either a cement replacement material or as an aggregate replacement material on the fresh and mechanical properties of Portland cement concrete were investigated. Also, the synergistic influence of using combinations of glass powder with crushed glass aggregate or natural mineral aggregate on the properties of concrete were investigated. The properties of concrete evaluated in this study include slump (workability), density, air content, compressive and splitting tensile strengths of concrete. Results from this investigation showed that the workability of concrete was significantly affected depending on whether the glass powder was used as cement or aggregate replacement material, however, air content and density of concrete were affected only when glass powder was used as cement replacement material. In terms of mechanical properties, in the absence of glass powder in concrete, the compressive and splitting tensile strength values of the concrete specimens containing crushed glass aggregate were significantly lower than that of the concrete containing natural mineral aggregate. When glass powder was used as a cement replacement material in concrete, the compressive strength of concrete decreased regardless of the aggregate type. However, when glass powder was used as an aggregate replacement material, the compressive strength of concrete depended on the type containing crushed glass aggregate increased while the compressive strength of concrete containing natural mineral aggregate decreased.
Growth and reproductive performance of rabbits on a moderately low crude protein diet with or without methionine or urea supplementation.

The reproductive and growth performances of New Zealand White rabbits on four dietary treatments were compared. The treatments were a 21.5% crude protein (CP) diet control, a 16% CP diet (LP), LP + .3% DL-methionine (LP + met) and LP + 2.1% urea (LP + urea). The CP in the LP diet was derived entirely from alfalfa meal and wheat mill run, with no protein supplement used. Data were collected over five parities. Preweaning and postweaning growth rates and reproductive performance as assessed by litter size, conception rate and litter interval, were comparable for the four treatments. Average daily postweaning gain was about 40 g per d. Litter size at weaning was seven kits per litter. This study indicates that a simple diet of forage and a grain-milling by-product, with no cereal grain or protein supplement, can support normal growth and reproduction of commercial meat rabbits.