cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A Synthesis Technique for Reducing Leakage Based on Signal Controllability

Leakage is becoming a dominant factor in the total power consumption of a logic circuit. Most of the methods presented in the literature are based on adding a sleep input to the circuit that allow an external controller to turn the circuit off when it is not switching. Limited work has been done in designing external controllers for local low power sleep control. In this paper, we propose a novel transistor level synthesis flow for reducing the leakage power of static CMOS circuits. We first present a sleep based leakage reduction method for standard library cells. Then, we perform simultaneous gate replacement and sleep signal assignment based on the controllability chains of circuit signals. With this synthesis flow, no external controller is required for driving the sleep signals of a circuit. Experiments were conducted on different circuits with 0.18 mum technology, and the new circuits consumed an average of 10 times less leakage than the initial circuit
Infrared Multiple Photon Dissociation Spectroscopy Of Metal Cluster-Adducts

Recent development of the laser vaporization technique combined with mass-selective detection has made possible new studies of the fundamental chemical and physical properties of unsupported transition metal clusters as a function of the number of constituent atoms. A variety of experimental techniques have been developed in our laboratory to measure ionization threshold energies, magnetic moments, and gas phase reactivity of clusters. However, studies have so far been unable to determine the cluster structure or the chemical state of chemisorbed species on gas phase clusters. The application of infrared multiple photon dissociation IRMPD to obtain the IR absorption properties of metal cluster-adsorbate species in a molecular beam is described here. Specifically using a high power, pulsed CO 2 laser as the infrared source, the IRMPD spectrum for methanol chemisorbed on small iron clusters is measured as a function of the number of both iron atoms and methanols in the complex for different methanol isotopes. Both the feasibility and potential utility of IRMPD for characterizing metal cluster-adsorbate interactions are demonstrated. The method is generally applicable to any cluster or cluster-adsorbate system dependent only upon the availability of appropriate high power infrared sources.
Audiologic and radiographic response of NF2-related vestibular schwannoma to erlotinib therapy.

The tumor suppressor syndrome neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) is transmitted in an autosomal dominant fashion. Plotkin et al. report the case of a 48-year-old man who was diagnosed with progressive NF2-related vestibular schwannomas and received erlotinib therapy, which resulted in improved audiologic and radiographic responses. The authors discuss the potential effectiveness of targeted therapies for progressive vestibular schwannoma in NF2 patients. Background A 48-year-old man presented to a neurologist with complaints of bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus. The patient was a member of a large family affected by neurofibromatosis type 2 and first noted hearing loss 10 years before presentation. Investigations Medical and neurological examination, MRI scan of the brain and spinal cord, pure-tone audiometry, NU–6 monosyllabic word test with phoneme scoring, City University of New York topic-related sentences test, noise/voice test of minimal auditory capability battery. Diagnosis Progressive neurofibromatosis-type-2-related vestibular schwannomas. Management Annual cranial MRI and audiology, surgical resection of right vestibular schwannoma, high-power behind-the-ear hearing aid, erlotinib therapy for progressive left vestibular schwannoma.
Aurelius' Prayer, Franklin's Tale 1031–79: Sources and Analogues

Although Aurelius' prayer to Apollo for the removal of the rocks in the Franklin's Tale is carefully and extensively developed by Chaucer, it has received insufficient attention from critics, and its awkward, apparently incongruent place in the tale's plot development remains a matter of puzzlement. Addressing the neglect of Aurelius' prayer in the studies of the sources and analogues of the Canterbury Tales by Bryan and Dempster and, more recently, Correale and Hamel, this article consolidates existing criticism on the prayer's textual layers and brings further sources and analogues to light. Chaucer modelled Aurelius' prayer upon an eclectic cluster of literary precedents, from Boccaccio to Boethius to Ovid to Marian lyrics, and was as interested in their interpenetration as in the ironic tensions among them. A recognition of this passage's multivalence enhances our understanding both of the allusive methods and the shifting, exploratory techniques of characterization that define Chaucer's mature style in the Franklin's Tale, rendering it one of his most successful narrative experiments.
Synchrotron sideband spin resonances in high-energy electron storage rings

Abstract The spins of electron and positron beams circulating in high-energy storage rings become spontaneously polarized by the emission of synchrotron radiation. The equilibrium degree of polarization is strongly affected by so-called “spin resonances”. This paper studies a subset of such resonances called “synchrotron sideband spin resonances”. It is shown that the results from several previously published formalisms are equivalent, when the same approximations are made in all of them. In addition, some new calculations are presented, in particular the effects of orbital chromaticity. Some of the results are compared with experimental data, and the agreement is reasonable.
Induction of nuclear factor κB but not κB-responsive cytokine expression during myocardial reperfusion injury after neutropenia

Neutrophils may contribute to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by generating reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs). ROIs activate nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB, which regulates genes for cytokines with negative inotropic effects (interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-alpha). We investigated the impact of neutrophil depletion on NF-kappaB DNA binding activity, and expression of these cytokines during myocardial I/R injury. Male WKY rats (n = 28) received a single dose of antineutrophil antiserum (i/v). Twenty two hours later, when the peripheral blood neutrophil counts were profoundly decreased (94% reduction), the animals underwent 15 min of left anterior descending coronary artery ligation followed by reperfusion for 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, and 6 h (n = 4/group). Saline-treated animals underwent a similar protocol, and served as controls (n = 28, 4/group). Neutrophil accumulation, defined by myeloperoxidase activity, was present in controls, but not in anti-PMN antisera-treated animals (at least p <0.05 at 1, 2, 3, and 6 h R). Despite this difference, in both saline- and antiserum-treated animals, the GSH levels were very similar and fell significantly (p < 0.0001) at 15 min R; the levels increased gradually over time. In contrast, GSSG levels rose at 15 and 30 min R (p < 0.05), and declined thereafter. NF-kappaB DNA binding activity increased in both groups at 15 min and again at 3 h of R. Both NF-kappaBp50 and p65 subunits were detected by supershift assay. In saline-injected controls both mRNA and protein for IL-1beta, IL-6, and TNF-alpha were detected at 1 h R; levels remained high until 3 h, then fell (except IL-6, which was elevated at 6 h). In neutropenic animals, however, a significant decrease in mRNA (at least 1.7-fold, p < 0.05) as well as protein levels (at least 2. 3-fold, p < 0.01) for all three cytokines was observed. Thus, while neutrophils had minimal effects on oxidative stress (GSH/GSSG) and oxidative stress-responsive NF-kappaB activity, they contributed significantly to myocardial cytokine expression.
Data diversity: an approach to software fault tolerance

Data diversity is described, and the results of a pilot study are presented. The regions of the input space that cause failure for certain experimental programs are discussed, and data reexpression, the way in which alternate input data sets can be obtained, is examined. A description is given of the retry block which is the data-diverse equivalent of the recovery block, and a model of the retry block, together with some empirical results is presented. N-copy programming which is the data-diverse equivalent of N-version programming is considered, and a simple model and some empirical results are also given. >
Alpha if item deleted: a note on loss of criterion validity in scale development if maximizing coefficient alpha.

This note is concerned with a validity-related limitation of the widely available and routinely used index ‘alpha if item deleted’ in the process of construction and development of multiple-component measuring instruments. Attention is drawn to the fact that this statistic can suggest dispensing with such scale components, whose removal leads to loss of criterion validity while maximizing the popular coefficient alpha. As an alternative, a latent variable modelling approach is discussed that can be used for point and interval estimation of composite criterion validity (as well as reliability) after deletion of single components. The method can also be utilized to test conventional or minimum level hypotheses about associated population change in measurement quality indices.
Ontogeny of uterine responsiveness to estrogen during early development in the rat.

1. 1. Uterine responsiveness to exogenous estradiol was studied in rats of 5–23 days of age in terms of several known estrogen-dependent parameters — induction of the synthesis of a specific uterine estrogen-induced protein, IP, and increased glucose metabolism, two temporally early responses to estrogen, and increased uterine weight at 1 day and at 3 days after hormone, two later estrogen-induced responses. 2. 2. Induced protein (IP) synthesis can be induced, and induced nearly maximally on a per cell basis in uteri of day 5 rats. The IP to DNA ratio remains nearly constant from day 5 through day 15–18 and drops at day 23. At all ages, IP represents 1.6–3.1% of the newly labeled soluble uterine protein. 3. 3. In contrast to the early uterine responsiveness in terms of IP synthesis, maximal stimulation of 2-deoxyglucose metabolism is not obtained until day 12–15 and maximal increases in the 24 h estradiol-induced uterine wet weight are not obtained until day 12. Likewise, a maximal 3 day uterine growth response cannot be induced until day 20 although some minimal response can be obtained to the 3 daily injections even in the day 5 uterus. 4. 4. These studies indicate that the uterus can respond partially to exogenous estrogen very early (by day 5), but that full responsiveness develops over a further period of approximately two weeks. Further, the induction of IP synthesis is itself not sufficient for induction of the full complement of responses culminating in uterine growth.
Synthesis and photophysics of platinum(II) complexes bearing 2-(7-(4-R-phenylethynyl)-9,9-dihexadecyl-fluoren-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline ligand

Abstract A series of platinum(II) complexes bearing 2-(7-(4-R-phenylethynyl)-9,9-dihexadecyl-fluoren-2-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline ligand were synthesized and characterized. Their photophysical properties were systematically investigated by UV–Vis absorption, emission, and transient absorption spectroscopy. All complexes exhibit 1π,π∗ absorption bands below 410 nm and charge transfer transitions at 415–550 nm in CH2Cl2. They all emit at ca. 624 nm with vibronic structures. Both UV–Vis absorption and emission spectra show negative solvatochromic effect. All complexes exhibit broad and moderately strong triplet transient absorption from the near-UV to the near-IR spectral region. Reverse saturable absorption of these complexes in CH2Cl2 for ns laser pulses at 532 nm was demonstrated.
Why collective bargaining in higher education

Fordham University faculty members rejected collective bargaining in a National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) supervised election in the spring of 1975. The present study was conducted prior to the election. Relationships between faculty members' attitudes toward collective action and their perceptions of the quality of the organizational characteristics of the University were examined.
Laser-induced vapour-phase synthesis of titanium dioxide

Small-diameter titanium dioxide powders were synthesized from vapour-phase reactants that were heated with 10.591μm infrared radiation from a CO2 laser. Two reactants, titanium isopropoxide and titanium butoxide, were evaluated. Anatase powder was generated from titanium isopropoxide in both static gas and flowing gas configurations. The addition of oxygen to the titanium isopropoxide gas stream reduced the percentage of volatile components in the anatase powder. Detailed characterizations of the product powders are presented.
The volumetric barrier for convex quadratic constraints

Let * where * and * i is an n×n positive semidefinite matrix. We prove that the volumetric and combined volumetric-logarithmic barriers for * are * and * self-concordant, respectively. Our analysis uses the semidefinite programming (SDP) representation for the convex quadratic constraints defining *, and our earlier results on the volumetric barrier for SDP. The self-concordance results actually hold for a class of SDP problems more general than those corresponding to the SDP representation of *.
A critique of activation energies for nucleation growth and overall transformation kinetics

Abstract The nucleation, growth and overall transformation kinetics of a model precipitation reaction, based in part upon the proeutectoid ferrite reaction in FeC alloys, are calculated as a function of temperature in an “A-2 A/O B” alloy. The apparent activation energy for each type of kinetics is computed as a function of temperature. At low undercoolings these energies (Q's) become negative; they vary markedly with temperature, particularly at low and intermediate undercoolings; under some conditions Q becomes roughly constant at large undercoolings. Comparison of the apparent Q's at large undercoolings (low temperatures) with Q's for diffusion in the matrix and the product phases suggests in some instances control of transformation by diffusion in the matrix, in others control by means of diffusion within the precipitate; while in many cases there is no physical unit process in the example system which has a Q anywhere near that computed from the activation plots. Qualitative consideration of the equations for nucleation, growth and overall transformation kinetics makes clear the lack of meaning which any apparent Q must have because two or more important factors, particularly driving force and mobility or diffusivity, are simultaneously operative, each of which has a different, and oppositely directed real or apparent Q of its own. The conclusion is thus reached that the widespread practice of determining activation energies for nucleation, for growth and especially for overall transformation kinetics should be terminated on the ground that not only are the results obtained meaningless but also can readily be misleading.
Vital Signs—The Six-Minute Warnings

The six classic vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, temperature, respiration, height, and weight) are reviewed, with emphasis on recognizing the abnormal condition as it relates to safe dental treatment. A routine for measurement by the assistant is outlined.
Composite WO3–TiO2 films prepared by pulsed electrodeposition: morphological aspects and electrochromic behavior

Abstract This study builds upon on an earlier communication from our group [Electrochem. Commun. 5 (2003) 220] that described the preparation, by pulsed cathodic electrodeposition, of WO3–TiO2 composite films over a wide compositional range. We focus here on the morphology of these composite oxide films as probed by scanning tunneling microscopy and their electrochromic behavior. It is shown that the progressive coloration of an initially transparent conducting oxide glass substrate, as a result of oxide film growth, offers a versatile spectroelectrochemical probe of the film electrosynthesis process itself. Finally, both the blue shift undergone by the absorption threshold of the oxide film (as a result of electron accumulation during the electrochromic process), and the coloration dynamics are favorably influenced by the presence of small amounts of TiO2 in the WO3 film.
Endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Management of acute aortic pathology remains one of the most challenging clinical entities, with a persistently high mortality rate both prior to and upon arrival to a hospital.1 Responding to the distinct advantages of endovascular approaches to aortic disease, many high-volume cardiovascular centers have focused on endovascular therapies for managing patients with ruptured or leaking aortic aneurysms and other acute aortic syndromes. Nonetheless, similar to outcomes for other surgical emergencies, time and efficiency are critical in managing these conditions. Early diagnosis, transport to an appropriate acute care facility, rapid institution of optimal medical management, availability of cardiovascular anesthesia and intensive care, and appropriate and timely surgical intervention continue to be the keys to success.2 This article discusses the endovascular approach to ruptured abdominal and thoracic aortic aneurysms.
Magnetic Flux Compression Experiments using Plasma Armatures

Magnetic flux compression reaction chambers offer considerable promise for controlling the plasma flow associated with various micronuclear/chemical pulse propulsion and power schemes, primarily because they avoid thermalization with wall structures and permit multicycle operation modes. The major physical effects of concern are the diffusion of magnetic flux into the rapidly expanding plasma cloud and the development of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities at the plasma surface, both of which can severely degrade reactor efficiency and lead to plasma-wall impact. A physical parameter of critical importance to these underlying magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) processes is the magnetic Reynolds number (R(sub m), the value of which depends upon the product of plasma electrical conductivity and velocity. Efficient flux compression requires R(sub m) less than 1, and a thorough understanding of MHD phenomena at high magnetic Reynolds numbers is essential to the reliable design and operation of practical reactors. As a means of improving this understanding, a simplified laboratory experiment has been constructed in which the plasma jet ejected from an ablative pulse plasma gun is used to investigate plasma armature interaction with magnetic fields. As a prelude to intensive study, exploratory experiments were carried out to quantify the magnetic Reynolds number characteristics of the plasma jet source. Jet velocity was deduced from time-of-flight measurements using optical probes, and electrical conductivity was measured using an inductive probing technique. Using air at 27-inHg vacuum, measured velocities approached 4.5 km/s and measured conductivities were in the range of 30 to 40 kS/m.
Applications of Ultrasound in Speech Research

This paper describes techniques employing diagnostic ultrasound for monitoring various physiological parameters within the head and neck during speech production. The theoretical principles underly...
Monitoring of batch processes through state-space models

The development of a state-space framework for monitoring batch processes that can complement the existing multivariate monitoring methods is presented. A subspace identification method will be used to extract the dynamic and batch-to-batch trends of the process and quality variables from historical operation data in the form of a “lifted” state-space stochastic model. A simple monitoring procedure can be formed around the state and residuals of the model using appropriate scalar statistical metrics. The proposed state-space monitoring framework complements the existing multivariate methods like the multi-way PCA method, in that it allows us to build a more complete statistical representation of batch operations and use it with incoming measurements for early detection of not only large, abrupt changes but also subtle changes. In particular, it is shown to be effective for detecting changes in the batch-to-batch correlation structure, slow drifts, and mean shifts. Such information can be useful in adapting the prediction model for batch-to-batch control. The framework allows for the use of on-line process measurements and/or off-line quality measurements. When both types of measurements are used in model building, one can also use the model to predict the quality variables based on incoming on-line measurements and quality measurements of previous batches. © 2004 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 50: 1198–1210, 2004
Ultrasonic measurements of the cervix and preterm labor

During the past few years a clear relationship has been established between decreased cervical length and risk of spontaneous preterm delivery. In this review, the most recent publications are described, and results are compared with those of the present authors regarding the prevention of preterm labor in both asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. Cervical assessment with ultrasound is now widely accepted and a well standardized method which can be easily performed in both high- and low-risk patients as a screening test for preterm delivery. It is the authors' belief that, for an evaluation of the cervix, all that is required is a well trained operator and a few minutes.
Economics and quality of life after acute myocardial infarction: Insights from GUSTO-I

Reperfusion therapy for acute myocardial infarction is one of the most thoroughly studied treatments in all of medicine. The GISSI-1 and ISIS-2 megatrials definitively established the superiority of intravenous streptokinase over conservative care for this condition. Tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) was introduced with the expectation that it would be substantially more effective than streptokinase. It was also priced at approximately $2000 more than streptokinase, a cost differential that set the stage for a heated and often contentious debate about the added value of t-PA. Two European trials, GISSI-2 and ISIS-3, subsequently found that t-PA and streptokinase provided equivalent health outcomes. It was in this setting that the GUSTO trial was conceived. The major result of GUSTO was the finding that accelerated t-PA saved 11 additional lives per 1000 patients treated. In order to address the question of whether the extra benefits of t-PA were worth its significant extra costs, we performed a detailed cost-effectiveness analysis using the empirical data from the GUSTO-I trial. The net incremental cost for each patient shifted from streptokinase to t-PA in GUSTO-I was $2845. the majority of this difference was attributable to the difference in the cost of the thrombolytic agents. Survival modeling showed that accelerated t-PA added 0.14 undiscounted years per patient or, alternatively, that each of the 11 extra survivors per 1000 patients shifted from streptokinase to t-PA lived an average of 14 additional years. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio for routine substitution of t-PA for streptokinase was $32,678 per added life year. Compared with standard benchmarks, our analysis shows that routine substitution of t-PA for streptokinase is “economically attractive.” Subgroups analysis further showed that cost-effectiveness ratios were most favorable in older patients and in anterior myocardial infarctions. Perhaps one of the most important results of the GUSTO-I trial is that it demonstrates that an expensive new biotechnology therapy can have a favorable economic profile if it produces sufficient additional health benefits.
Drought in the Great Plains: History of Societal Response.

Abstract The Great Plains has a long history of drought episodes which have, in some years, significantly reducedexpected crop yields. The historic evidence suggests that such droughts will probably recur in the future.The drought of the 1930's stimulated the Department of Agriculture to initiate a program in long rangeweather forecasting. A research program, set up in 1935 at MIT, later became the basis for the monthlyforecasts issued by the United States Weather Bureau. A program of experimental climate forecasts continuestoday as part~of the United States National Climate Program which was established by Congress in 1978.While it is likely that some improvement in seasonal forecasting will come in the decades ahead, real-timemonitoring and analysis of moisture conditions for irrigation and crop planting is an immediate high priority.A pilot monitoring and analysis program for use by state officials and government agencies has been established in Nebraska.
Genetic Markers Associated with Green and Albino Plant Regeneration from Embryogenic Barley Callus

Genetic control of plant regeneration from cultured plant tissues has been documented for a number of species. The characterization and manipulation of loci that influence morphogenic responses may be useful for the development of highly regenerable germplasm or for physiological investigations. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for morphogenesis from barley cell cultures were identified on the basis of associations of mapped markers with the regeneration responses of 77 doubled haploid (DH) lines derived from the cross Steptoe/ Morex. Two models were developed, one describing green plant regeneration, and one describing albino plant regeneration, measured as the numbers of green and albino plants regenerated per gram fresh weight of embryogenic callus. Approximately 62 and 12% of the observed variability for green and albino plant regeneration, respectively, was explained by the models. An independent data set was developed that consisted of the regeneration responses of 25 additional DH lines which were chosen randomly from the same segregating population. The models were tested for their ability to predict the responses of these independent DH lines. This study identified new QTLs for plant regeneration (one for green plants and at least one for alhino plunts), and confirmed previously reported associations of three QTLs with green plant regeneration.
MON-0856: A Promising New Selective Insecticide

The compound [3,5-di-(α,α,α-trifluoromethyl)- N -ethyl-anilino] methylenemalononitrile, tested under the code number MON-0856, was selectively toxic to insects. High activity was exhibited to Lepidoptera larvae; moderate activity was obtained against Coleoptera; and low activity was noted against Diptera, as well as against parasitic Hymenoptera and predaceous Heteroptera. It was active upon topical application to larvae, by foliar application to plants, and systemically in plants when applied to the soil.
Canine model of narcolepsy: Genetic and developmental determinants

Abstract Genetic and developmental factors were investigated in 101 cases of canine narcoleps-cataplexy syndrome. An experimental breeding program documented a probable autosomal recessive mode of inheritance in two dog breeds, Doberman pinschers and Labrador retrievers, and in crosses between those breeds. Age of onset of cataplexy and severity of symptoms were remarkably similar in 73 subjects with the genetically transmitted form of narcolepsy. Efforts to demonstrate genetic factors by breeding affected poodles and beagles were unsuccessful. Furthermore, a positive family history could not be documented in these animals or in narcoleptic dogs of 13 other breeds. Both age of onset and severity of symptoms were highly variable within this population. We suggest there may be multiple etiologies in canine narcolepsy syndrome: (i) inheritance via a single autosomal recessive gene, which appears to be identical in at least two unrelated dog breeds; (ii) nongenetic mechanisms which may include developmental or traumatic accidents. Preliminary findings of parallel neurochemical studies in narcoleptic dogs indicate distinct abnormalities in central neurotransmitter concentration and turnover. We theorize that these neurochemical abnormalities may result from inherited disorders of synthesis and/or metabolism which are present from birth or from nongenetic neurochemical abnormalities appearing later in life. The observation that symptom characteristics are identical in all affected dogs suggests that a common neurochemical disorder may underlie both genetic and nongenetic variations of the disease.
Induction of BCR-ABL–specific immunity following vaccination with chaperone-rich cell lysates derived from BCR-ABL+ tumor cells

We have previously reported that chaperonerich cell lysates (CRCL) derived from the BCR-ABL+ 12B1 leukemia activate dendritic cells (DCs) and stimulate leukemia-specific immune responses. Because CRCL contain a variety of heat shock/chaperone proteins, we theorized that CRCL obtained from BCR-ABL+ leukemias are likely to chaperone BCR-ABL-derived fusion peptides and that DCs pulsed with 12B1 CRCL could cross-present BCR-ABL fusion peptides to T cells. We found that splenocytes from mice vaccinated with BCR-ABL+ leukemia-derived CRCL secreted interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) when restimulated with a BCR-ABL peptide, GFKQSSKAL, indicating that BCR-ABL peptides are chaperoned by leukemia-derived CRCL. We next eluted peptides from 12B1 leukemia-derived CRCL and used high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractions to restimulate splenocytes harvested from mice vaccinated with DC/GFKQSSKAL or DC/12B1 CRCL. We found that the same peptide fractions derived from 12B1 CRCL and from "refractionated" GFKQSSKAL stimulated IFN-gamma production, suggesting the presence of BCR-ABL peptides in the peptide repertoire of 12B1 CRCL. We also demonstrated that immunization with DCs loaded with leukemia-derived CRCL induced BCR-ABL-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in vivo. Moreover, mice immunized with DCs pulsed with 12B1-derived CRCL had superior survival (60%) when compared with those immunized with DCs pulsed with BCR-ABL peptide (20%), indicating that CRCL vaccines provide additional immune stimulus over and above individual peptide vaccination.
Measurement of Pressures in the Upper Atmosphere

IN the course of a series of photographs of the spectrum of the auroral afterglow in pure nitrogen at pressures varying from about 1 mm. to 0.01 mm., it was observed that the ratio of the intensity of the first-negative system of bands to that of the second-positive system changed gradually as the pressure changed. The first negative bands, which are emitted by the molecule ion, increased in intensity until, at the lowest pressure at which it was possible to photograph the afterglow, the spectrum consisted almost entirely of bands due to the ionized molecule.
Sleep-disordered breathing and daytime napping are associated with maternal hyperglycemia

Sleep disturbances in pregnancy may impair glucose mechanism. This study aimed to examine associations of sleep-disordered breathing, sleep, and nap duration with 1-h glucose challenge test (GCT) levels in pregnant women after controlling for known risk factors for gestational diabetes. This is a case–control study of 104 pregnant women. All women underwent full polysomnography and a GCT and completed the multivariable apnea prediction and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality indexes. The primary outcome was maternal hyperglycemia measured by GCT. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Over 13 % subjects reported habitual snoring in the first trimester. Only 9.3 % women with normoglycemia (GCT < 135) were habitual snorers, whereas 45.5 % women with hyperglycemia (GCT ≥ 135) had habitual snoring (p < 0.001). Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms (loud snoring, snorting/gasping, and apneas) (odds ratio (OR) 2.85; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.50–5.41; p = 0.001) and total nap duration (OR 1.48; 95 % CI 0.96–2.28; p = 0.08) were associated with hyperglycemia. After adjusting for confounders, sleep-disordered breathing symptoms (OR 3.37; 95 % CI 1.44–8.32; p = 0.005) and nap duration (OR 1.64; 95 % CI 1.00–2.681.02; p = 0.05) continued to be associated with hyperglycemia. However, the primary exposure measure, the apnea/hypopnea index in the first trimester was not significantly associated with hyperglycemia (OR 1.03; 95 % CI 0.83–1.28; p = 0.77). Sleep-disordered breathing symptoms and nap duration are associated with hyperglycemia. Sleep duration was not associated with hyperglycemia. Research is needed concerning whether women with sleep-disordered breathing and/or daytime napping are at risk for gestational diabetes.
IS protein-losing enteropathy a significant complication of portal hypertension? Stanley AJ, Gilmour HM, Ghosh S, et al. Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt as a Treatment for Protein-Losing Enteropathy Caused by Portal Hypertension Gastroenterology 1996;111:1679â82

Abstract A 41-year-old man with diarrhea, hypoalbuminemia, and cryptogenic cirrhosis with features of portal hypertension is presented. Protein-losing enteropathy was confirmed by analysis of whole-gut lavage fluid. Intestinal inflammation and infection were excluded. Distal duodenal biopsy specimens showed edematous villi with prominent submucosal blood and lymphatic vessels. A transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt was inserted, resulting in reduction of both his diarrhea and elevated whole gut lavage fluid protein concentrations. His symptoms recurred after shunt thrombosis but improved after parallel shunt placement. Histological improvement of the villous edema was also noted. This is the first recorded case of protein-losing enteropathy caused by portal hypertension confirmed by successful treatment with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt. If 40% of cirrhotic patients have portal hypertension and protein-losing enteropathy, this lesion is probably the most common complication of cirrhosis.
An animal explant model for the study of human cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

We established a human tissue explant model to facilitate study of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. We accomplished this by implanting debulked SCC, from surgical discard, into nude rats. Human SCC remained viable and continued to proliferate for at least 4 weeks and showed evidence of neovascularization. At 4 weeks, SCC implants showed a trend toward increased PCNA positive cells compared to fresh SCC cells/mm2 tissue) supporting continued proliferation throughout engraftment. Von Willebrand's Factor (VWF) positive cells were found within implants and likely represented rat vessel neovascularization. Human Langerhans' (Langerin+) cells, but no T cells (CD3+, CD8+, FoxP3+), macrophages (CD163), or NK cells (NKp46), were present in SCC implants at 4 weeks. These findings support the possibility that LCs fail to migrate from cutaneous SCC and thus contribute to lack of effective antitumor response. Our findings also provide a novel model system for further study of primary cutaneous SCC.
Selective processing of threat cues in panic disorder

A computerized Stroop color-naming paradigm was used to investigate attentional biases for selectively processing threat information in panic-disordered patients. Subjects named the colors of neutral words (e.g. TYPICAL), fear words (e.g. PANIC), bodily sensation words (e.g. HEARTBEAT), and catastrophe words (e.g. HEART ATTACK). To control for familiarity with threat concepts, we used clinicians who treat panic disorder as normal control subjects. In contrast to normal controls, panic patients exhibited greater Stroop interference for all threat words, especially those associated with catastrophe. Stroop interference waned during the course of the experiment, thereby indicating habituation to the semantic content of the cues. These findings suggest that panic disorder, like other anxiety disorders, is associated with an attentional bias for processing threatening information.
Evaluation of Blister Behavior for U10Mo Mini Fuel Plates With Cold Rolled Foils

This article aims to provide possible mechanical causes for the lowered blister temperatures of RERTR-12 and AFIP-4 fuel plates. Recent experimental investigations to determine the blister threshold temperatures have indicated lower thresholds for similar plates with comparable burn-up histories. Measured blister temperatures of roughly 100 °C lower compared to the previously tested plates may not be satisfactory for some plates. The primary differences between recent experiments and previous tests are: (1) An aggressive cold work process involving large thickness reduction ratios without normalization or full annealing (2) Subjecting the plates to a thermal cycling process prior to irradiation, and finally (3) A primarily frontal neutron flux as opposed to a transverse flux profile. It is believed that the stress field has implications to blister behavior. To investigate this claim, the stress-strain states for the fabrication procedure were evaluated. First, the residual stress profile caused by the cold rolling process was calculated. Modeling of the cold rolling process has shown confirmation of residual stresses of considerable magnitude and the existence of stress gradients with respect to foil thickness prior to the HIP process. Once calculated, these stress profiles were used as an initial condition for the fabrication process. Due to the variation in stress fields depending on location at which a foil is cut from the cold rolled plate, three representative regions were selected and implemented in the HIP simulation. Variation in stresses, depending on location of the cold rolled plate as well and variation in the through-thickness, results in a wide range of mechanical stress states. This suggests that inhomogeneous irradiation and thermal cycling behavior will result from the use of cold rolled foils. Additionally, these results suggest that there will be fundamental differences in fuel plate behavior observed between plates fabricated with cold rolled foils versus hot rolled and fully annealed foils.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Soybean oil-based, aqueous cationic polyurethane dispersions: Synthesis and properties

Abstract A variety of soybean oil-based, aqueous cationic polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) have been successfully synthesized from methoxylated soybean oil polyols (MSOLs) with hydroxyl functionalities ranging from 2.4 to 4.0. The effects of the hydroxyl functionality of the MSOLs on the particle size of the PUDs and the thermal and mechanical properties of the resulting polyurethane films have been carefully investigated by Fourier transform infrared, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, thermal gravimetric analysis and measurement of the mechanical properties. The particle size diameter of the PUDs ranges from 45 to 115 nm. The resulting polyurethane films are thermally stable up to 200 °C and exhibit tensile stress–strain behavior ranging from elastomeric polymers to ductile plastics, depending on the hydroxyl functionality of the MSOLs. This work provides a new way of utilizing biorenewables for the preparation of value-added polymers with high performance, contributing to a sustainable chemical industry.
Evaluating Enterprise Integration Middleware Technologies

Summary form only given. Architects are faced with the problem of building enterprise scale information systems, with streamlined, automated internal business processes and Web-enabled business functions, all across multiple legacy applications. The underlying architectures such systems are embodied in a range of diverse products known as 'enterprise integration' technologies. In this tutorial, we highlight some of the major problems, approaches and issues in designing enterprise integration architectures and selecting appropriate supporting technology. An architect's perspective on designing large-scale integrated applications is taken, and we discuss requirements elicitation, architecture patterns, enterprise integration technology features and risk mitigation. Specific technology platforms covered include messaging, message brokers, application servers, business process management and Web services and service-oriented architecture technologies
Assessment of visual communication by information theory

This assessment of visual communication integrates the optical design of the image-gathering device with the digital processing for image coding and restoration. Results show that informationally optimized image gathering ordinarily can be relied upon to maximize the information efficiency of decorrelated data and the visual quality of optimally restored images.© (1994) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Analysis of a Learning Curve and Predictors of Intraoperative Difficulty for Peroral Esophageal Myotomy (POEM)

Peroral esophageal myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic surgical operation for achalasia. Here, we analyze a single-series POEM learning curve and examine which preoperative patient factors are predictive of operative difficulty. Two surgeons performed all POEM procedures conjointly. Nonlinear regression was used to determine the learning curve for procedure time. Preoperative patient characteristics were correlated with outcomes. Thirty-six POEM procedures were performed. Total operative time did not decrease over the course of the series (mean 112 ± 36 min). Time required to complete the procedural steps of submucosal access and myotomy did decrease with experience, both exhibiting a “learning rate” of seven cases. The incidence of inadvertent mucosal perforations and the number of clips required both decreased with experience. Postoperative Eckardt scores at 1-year follow-up decreased over the course of the series. Prior endoscopic treatment, symptom duration, and esophageal width were all independently predictive of longer procedure time. Preoperative symptom duration was also positively associated with inadvertent mucosal perforation and the number of clips required. In this series, overall procedure time did not decrease with experience and may not be an important marker of procedural skill for POEM. Prior endoscopic treatment, longer symptom duration, and esophageal dilatation may result in increased operative difficulty during POEM.
Seasonal changes in subarctic sea urchin populations from different habitats

This paper documents seasonal variation in certain sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus polyacanthus) characteristics in habitats of varying environmental conditions. At Shemya Island, Alaska, three habitat types [dense kelp beds, intermediate kelp beds, and algal barrens (low to no foliose algal cover)] were monitored seasonally from September 1995 to August 1996, for live and drift foliose algae. In general, drift algal abundance was greater in areas with more attached kelp, but this varied with season. Along with drift algae, sea urchin density, test size diameter, gonad and nutrition indices, and mobility were seasonally sampled within each habitat. Densities were highest in the algal barrens and lowest in the kelp beds. Seasonally, densities varied between summer/fall, and winter/spring, with lower numbers in the winter/spring. Test size was largest in the kelp habitats when compared to the intermediate or barren sites. Test size was seasonally consistent in the kelp habitats but not in the intermediate or barren sites. Here, test size did vary depending on season (larger urchins were found in winter). The gonad index showed much seasonal variation at the kelp and intermediate kelp sites, but was relatively more stable over time in the barren habitats. Between habitats, gonad and nutrition indices were larger in areas with kelp. Urchin movement varied seasonally between habitats, with more overall movement and variation in barren habitats. These results illustrate the importance of small-scale temporal and spatial variation. Monitoring for 1 year demonstrated that certain parameters varied more in areas of higher foliose algal cover (gonad indices), while other parameters varied more in low kelp areas (test size and movement). These results suggest that studies involving urchins should consider both time of year and overall algal community composition when conducting any type of experimental or monitoring work.
Applications of amphiphilic association structures

Abstract The interest in amphiphilic association structures has focussed on surfactant micellization in aqueous solutions for a long time and the application of inverse micellar solutions as well as lyotropic liquid crystals has been delayed to some extent. This article provides a few examples of present and potential applications of these structures. Among the various possibilities, the preparation of ceramic materials from W/O microemulsions, different kinds of emulsion preparation and stabilization as well as foams from hydrocarbons are treated.
Antiinflammatory effects of mercaptoethylguanidine, a combined inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase and peroxynitrite scavenger, in carrageenan-induced models of inflammation

In vitro studies have demonstrated that mercaptoethylguanidine (MEG), a selective inhibitor of the inducible NO synthase (iNOS), is also effective as a scavenger of peroxynitrite (a potent cytotoxic oxidant produced by the reaction of NO and superoxide). In the present study, we evaluated the antiinflammatory potential of MEG treatment in two models of acute inflammation (carrageenan-induced paw edema and pleurisy), where oxyradicals, NO, and peroxynitrite play a crucial role in the inflammatory process. Our data show that MEG (given at 25 microg/paw in the paw edema model or 10 mg/kg in the pleurisy model) inhibits the inflammatory response (paw swelling, pleural exudate formation, mononuclear cell infiltration, histological injury) in both models. Furthermore, MEG reduced nitrite/nitrate concentrations in the exudate and reduced the activity of the inducible isoform of NO synthase in the lung ex vivo. MEG also reduced the appearance of nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity in the inflamed tissues. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that MEG exerts potent antiinflammatory effects. Part of these antiinflammatory effects may be related to an inhibition of the expression/activity of the inducible NO synthase, another part may be related to oxyradical and peroxynitrite scavenging.
Exposure to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induces the synthesis of histidine-rich protein (filaggrin) in monolayer cultures of rat keratinocytes

The effect of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA), a potent tumor promoter, on epidermal differentiation has been studied by investigating the appearance of the epidermal differentiative marker protein, histidine-rich protein (HRP), in monolayer cultures of rat keratinocytes grown in low-calcium (0.1 mM) medium. Monoclonal antibody, 3F6-6, raised against the 60K HRP (HRPII) derived from the epidermis of the newborn rat was utilized to detect HRP in cultured keratinocytes. As a major component of keratohyalin in the cells of the granular layer in epidermis, HRP is not normally found in a monolayer culture of rat keratinocytes containing a high population of proliferating cells. However, when these cultures were exposed to 10 ng/ml of TPA, DNA and protein synthesis were decreased by up to 95% and 60%, respectively, and the cells in the monolayer culture became HRP-positive within 18-24 h. TPA has been shown to cause a withdrawal of the basal cells from the cell cycle and a commitment of these cells to an accelerated rate of terminal differentiation. Exposure to TPA at the same time that the calcium level of the monolayer cultures was raised to 2.0 mM in order to allow stratification resulted in positive immunostaining for HRP much earlier and much more intensively than in the absence of TPA. TPA also enhanced stratification of these cultures; however, the positive expression of HRP preceded the stratification. These observations support the view that the induction of terminal differentiation occurs independently of stratification and that the process of terminal differentiation (maturation) of basal cells precedes and triggers the movement of these cells to a suprabasal position (stratification).