cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Confounding factors in coral reef recovery.

The effects of the Mount St. Helens eruption on the surrounding forest and the processes affecting recovery from this major disturbance, which Franklin and MacMahon discuss in their Perspective “Messages from a mountain” ( Science 's Compass, 19 May, p. [1183][1]), are similar to the effects of hurricanes on coral reefs. For both the forest and the reef, major natural disturbances leave most of the ecosystem structure intact, and recovery can begin from surviving organisms (or, in some cases, portions of organisms) ([1][2]). Both the species composition and the physical structure of these ecosystems influence the course of recovery. In the case of Mount St. Helens, the recovery process has had little interference from humans. In contrast, the recovery of coral reefs from hurricanes is almost invariably confounded by anthropogenic stresses, most notably fishing. Overfishing can delay reef recovery by removing herbivorous fishes that keep algal growth in check. If grazing is not intense enough, algae (particularly “fleshy” seaweeds) can inhibit both growth of adult coral colonies and settlement or survival of coral recruits ([2][3]). Humans have now degraded tropical marine ecosystems to the point where our ability to evaluate ecological theories about succession and effects of disturbance has been compromised. 1. [↵][4]1. A. E. Lugo, 2. C. S. Rogers, 3. S. W. Nixon , Ambio 29, 106 (2000). [OpenUrl][5] 2. [↵][6]1. T. P. Hughes , Science 265, 1547 (1994). [OpenUrl][7][Abstract/FREE Full Text][8] [1]: /lookup/doi/10.1126/science.288.5469.1183 [2]: #ref-1 [3]: #ref-2 [4]: #xref-ref-1-1 "View reference 1 in text" [5]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DAmbio%26rft.volume%253D29%26rft.spage%253D106%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 "View reference 2 in text" [7]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DScience%26rft.stitle%253DScience%26rft.issn%253D0036-8075%26rft.aulast%253DHughes%26rft.auinit1%253DT.%2BP.%26rft.volume%253D265%26rft.issue%253D5178%26rft.spage%253D1547%26rft.epage%253D1551%26rft.atitle%253DCatastrophes%252C%2BPhase%2BShifts%252C%2Band%2BLarge-Scale%2BDegradation%2Bof%2Ba%2BCaribbean%2BCoral%2BReef%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1126%252Fscience.265.5178.1547%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F17801530%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [8]: /lookup/ijlink/YTozOntzOjQ6InBhdGgiO3M6MTQ6Ii9sb29rdXAvaWpsaW5rIjtzOjU6InF1ZXJ5IjthOjQ6e3M6ODoibGlua1R5cGUiO3M6NDoiQUJTVCI7czoxMToiam91cm5hbENvZGUiO3M6Mzoic2NpIjtzOjU6InJlc2lkIjtzOjEzOiIyNjUvNTE3OC8xNTQ3IjtzOjQ6ImF0b20iO3M6MjQ6Ii9zY2kvMjg5LzU0NzgvMzkxLjIuYXRvbSI7fXM6ODoiZnJhZ21lbnQiO3M6MDoiIjt9
GRAIL project management: Launching on cost, schedule, and spec and achieving full mission success

The Gravity Recovery And Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) project, a NASA Discovery Program mission with a cost cap, was launched September 10, 2011, on spec, on time and under budget. Led by Principal Investigator (PI) Dr. Maria T. Zuber of MIT and managed by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, with Lockheed Martin as spacecraft contractor and the late Sally Ride as Education and Public Outreach Lead, GRAIL completed its Prime Mission in May 2012, successfully meeting its objectives—to precisely map the gravitational field of the Moon to reveal its internal structure “from crust to core,” determine its thermal evolution, and extend this knowledge to other planets. This paper updates last year's IEEE Aerospace Conference paper [1], summarizing key development challenges and accomplishments through completion of the Primary Mission, and reporting progress in the Extended Mission.1
Comparative Pork Barrel Politics Perceptions from the West German Bundestag

A growing literature exists on constituency service and pork barrel politics in the United States. Comparative research on an electoral connection between representatives and their constituents has...
An interoperable spatial decision support system based on geospatial semantic web technologies

Many Spatial Decision Support Systems (SDSSs) have been developed for environmental and natural resources decision-making in recent years. However, an important limitation of the SDSS applications is that they are not interoperable. Several issues prevent the further development of SDSS applications such as the incapability of sharing and reusing existing heterogeneous data and geoprocessing. This paper proposed a framework of web services-based interoperable SDSSs using geospatial semantic technologies such as ontology, web services and service-oriented architecture for decision-making. The proposed interoperable SDSS enables decision-makers to reuse and integrate geospatial data and geoprocessing from heterogeneous sources across the Internet. Based on the proposed framework, a prototype to assist in protective boundary delimitation for Lunan Stone Forest Conservation has been implemented to demonstrate how ontology-based web services and the services-oriented architecture (SOA) contribute to the development of interoperable SDSSs.
Reading and AIDS Literacy in Allen Barnett's Short Fiction

This essay traces a tradition of texts that document the impact of AIDS literacy on gay men’s understanding of the epidemic. AIDS literacy refers to practices of reading and information exchange that engage with different bodies of knowledge from cultural debates to biomedical discourse, and with various genres of representation from media portrayals to obituaries. Focusing on the stories of Allen Barnett and the recent public discussions surrounding the death of former New York City mayor Ed Koch, this essay argues that the cultivation of AIDS literacy is paramount for confronting the unfinished history of AIDS. By staging AIDS literacy in two of his stories—“Philostorgy, Now Obscure” and “The Times As It Knows Us,” both published in 1990—Barnett bestows to his audience a meaningful set of ideas about gay identity, reading practices, and rituals of remembrance that can revitalize AIDS consciousness at the present historical moment.
Distribution, biology and hybridization of Scaphirhynchus albus and S. platorynchus in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers

Scaphirhynchus albus and S. platorynchus were studied in Missouri during 1978–1979 to assess their distribution and abundance, to obtain information on their life histories, and to identify existing or potential threats to their survival. S. platorynchus was collected in substantial numbers (4355 specimens) at all 12 sampling stations in the Missouri and Mississippi rivers, while only 11 S. albus were captured from 6 stations. Twelve specimens identified in the field as hybrids between the two species were captured from 4 stations. Morphometric and meristic comparisons of presumed hybrids with the parent species, using cluster and principal components analyses, demonstrated intermediacy of most specimens identified in the field as hybrids. Aquatic insects comprised most of the diet of S. platorynchus and S. albus, but S. albus and the hybrids had consumed considerable quantities of fish. S. albus grew more rapidly than S. platorynchus, while the growth of hybrids was intermediate. Hybridization appears to be a recent phenomenon, resulting from man-caused changes in the big-river environment. Hybridization may be a threat to survival of S. albus in the study streams.
High Flow Rate Device for Circulating Tumor Cell Capture

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were captured at high flow rates with a high recovery rate using a small footprint disposable polymer micro device. A new concept of target cell capture was introduced to break through the barriers limiting current approaches. Several potential designs were parametrically simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to achieve the best performance. The high flow rate device (HFRD) was fabricated in polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based on simulation results. Antibodies (anti-EpCAM) were immobilized on the PMMA device with surface treatments including UV modification and amine functionalization. A novel rare cell sample preparation method was established to provide an exact number of initial target cells to accurately test the rare cell performance. The precisely prepared samples of rare target tumor cells were spiked in a solution containing human erythrocytes, with a 40% hematocrit. The mean recovery rate with the HFRD was 85% at a 750 μL/min flow rate.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Adaptive waveform scheduling in radar: an information theoretic approach

In this paper, the problem of adaptively selecting radar waveforms from a pre-dened library of waveforms is addressed from an information theoretic perspective. Typically, radars transmit specic waveforms periodically, to obtain for example, the range and Doppler of a target. Although modern radars are capable of transmitting dierent waveforms during each consecutive period of transmission, it is hitherto unclear as to how these waveforms must be scheduled to best understand the dynamic radar scene. In this paper, a new information theoretic metric - directed information - is employed for waveform scheduling, and is shown to incorporate the past radar returns to eectively schedule waveforms. We formulate this waveform scheduling problem in a Gaussian framework, derive the corresponding maximization problem, and illustrate several special cases.
Nuclear Posture, Nonproliferation Policy, and the Spread of Nuclear Weapons:

What is the relationship between nuclear postures and nonproliferation policies and the spread of nuclear weapons? At first blush, this might appear to be an obvious question. After all, states go to great lengths—extending nuclear security guarantees to nonnuclear weapon states, forward-deploying nuclear weapons on the territory of allies, sizing their own nuclear arsenals with the proliferation decisions of other states in mind, supporting international institutions in conducting inspections of nuclear facilities in nonnuclear weapon states, restricting the availability of sensitive nuclear technology, applying and enforcing sanctions against would-be proliferators, conducting military strikes against nuclear facilities, and promoting nuclear cooperation for peaceful purposes, among many other steps—to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. It would be strange to imagine that states pursue such actions unless they can expect a policy payoff in terms of peace or security. Yet, there is little systematic evidence to suggest that nuclear postures and policies have a meaningful impact on the spread of nuclear weapons. Correctly understanding the effects of nuclear posture and policy on both horizontal proliferation (the spread of nuclear weapons to new states) and vertical proliferation (increases in the size and sophistication of nuclear arsenals within existing nuclear states) is a subject of extreme real-world importance. United
A comparison of the effects of colchicine and some purified veratrum alkaloids on nuclear division in roots of Allium cepa L.

Purified alkaloidal mixtures and crystalline veratrum alkaloids were compared with colchicine as to effects on nuclear and cellular division. Chromosomal aberrations often resulted but appeared to be due to a different type of action.
Astrojumper: Designing a virtual reality exergame to motivate children with autism to exercise

Children with autism show substantial benefits from rigorous physical activity, however it is often difficult to motivate these individuals to exercise due to their usually sedentary lifestyles. To address the problem of motivation, we have developed Astrojumper, a stereoscopic virtual reality exergame which was designed to fit the needs of children with autism. During the game, virtual space-themed objects fly forward toward the user who must use their own physical movements to avoid collisions. Preliminary playtesting of Astrojumper on neuro-typical participants has been positive, and we plan to run an extensive evaluation assessing the psychological and physiological effects of this system on children with and without autism.
Iris Young, Radical Responsibility, and War

In this paper I argue that a merit of Iris Young’s social connection model of responsibility for structural injustices is that it directs the American people’s responsibility for unjust wars, such as the recent war against Iraq, toward their responsibility to abolish the “war machine,” including the “empire of bases,” that is a contributing factor of unjust U.S. wars. I also raise two objections to her model. First, her model leads us to downplay the culpability of the American people as a political collective in voting to continue the Iraq war with the re-election of George W. Bush. Second, Young misinterprets her model of responsibility as a new type of responsibility that is conceptually completely distinct from liability responsibility rather than as offering a new ground for holding people responsible.
A spirocyclohexyl nitroxide amino acid spin label for pulsed EPR spectroscopy distance measurements.

Site-directed spin labeling (SDSL) and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy offer accurate, sensitive tools for the characterization of structure and function of macromolecules and their assemblies. A new rigid spin label, spirocyclohexyl nitroxide α-amino acid and its N-(9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) (Fmoc) derivative, has been synthesized that exhibit slow enough spin echo dephasing to permit accurate distance measurements by pulse EPR at temperatures up to 125 K in 1:1 water:glycerol and at higher temperatures in matrices with higher glass transition temperatures. Distance measurements in the liquid nitrogen temperature range are less expensive than those that require liquid helium, which will greatly facilitate applications of pulsed EPR to the study of structure and conformation for peptides and proteins.
Safety and pharmacokinetics of agalsidase alfa in patients with Fabry disease and end-stage renal disease

Background. Fabry disease (FD) is caused by an X-linked deficiency in the activity of α-galactosidase A and the resultant accumulation of globotriaosylcer-amide (Gb 3 ) in multiple tissues. Nearly all classically affected males with FD experience kidney dysfunction, with progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in the third decade of life or shortly thereafter. Methods. Twenty-two FD patients (20 men and 2 women) receiving dialysis or who had a history of kidney transplantation were treated with agalsidase alfa in an open label setting using the same dosing regimen given to patients without ESRD (0.2mg/kg every other week). Pharmacokinetics (PK) were determined during and following the initial dose, and safety was evaluated during therapy. Change in plasma Gb 3 level was used as a surrogate marker of enzyme activity in vivo. Results. A typical biphasic plasma elimination profile was seen in both dialysis and transplant patients, similar to that observed in 18 non-ESRD FD patients. Calculated PK parameters were similar to the three patient groups. In the male patients, plasma Gb 3 level declined by 43% after 6 months (P< 0.001). Infusion reactions were experienced by 8 of 21 (38%) patients, but did not result in any infusions being stopped prematurely. Anti-agalsidase alfa IgG antibodies were detected in 15.8% of males and 0% female patients. No anti-agalsidase alfa IgE antibodies were detected. Conclusions. The same dosing regimen of agalsidase alfa may be safely administered to FD patients with ESRD as given to those without ESRD.
Unified Bundling and Registration of Brain White Matter Fibers

Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging is being widely used to reconstruct brain white matter fiber tracts. To characterize structural properties of the tracts, reconstructed fibers are often grouped into bundles that correspond to coherent anatomic structures. For further group analysis of fiber bundles, it is desirable that corresponding bundles from different studies are coregistered. To address these needs simultaneously, a unified fiber bundling and registration (UFIBRE) framework is proposed in this work. The framework is based on maximizing a posteriori Bayesian probabilities using an expectation maximization algorithm. Given a set of segmented template bundles and a whole-brain target fiber set, the UFIBRE algorithm optimally bundles the target fibers and registers them with the template. The bundling component in the UFIBRE algorithm simplifies fiber-based registration into bundle-to-bundle registration, and the registration component in turn guides the bundling process to find bundles consistent with the template. Experiments with in vivo data demonstrate that the estimated bundles have an ~ 80% consistency with ground truth and the root mean square error between their bundle medial axes is less than one voxel. The proposed algorithm is highly efficient, offering potential routine use for group analysis of white matter fibers.
A multiple-channel, multiple-assay platform for characterization of full-range shear stress effects on vascular endothelial cells.

Vascular endothelial cells (VECs), which line blood vessels and are key to understanding pathologies and treatments of various diseases, experience highly variable wall shear stress (WSS) in vivo (1–60 dyn cm−2), imposing numerous effects on physiological and morphological functions. Previous flow-based systems for studying these effects have been limited in range, and comprehensive information on VEC functions at the full spectrum of WSS has not been available yet. To allow rapid characterization of WSS effects, we developed the first multiple channel microfluidic platform that enables a wide range (~15×) of homogeneous WSS conditions while simultaneously allowing trans-monolayer assays, such as permeability and trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TEER) assays, as well as cell morphometry and protein expression assays. Flow velocity/WSS distributions between channels were predicted with COMSOL simulations and verified by measurement using an integrated microflow sensor array. Biomechanical responses of the brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd.3 to the full natural spectrum of WSS were investigated with the platform. Under increasing WSS conditions ranging from 0 to 86 dyn cm−2, (1) permeabilities of FITC-conjugated dextran and propidium iodide decreased, respectively, at rates of 4.06 × 10−8 and 6.04 × 10−8 cm s−1 per dyn cm−2; (2) TEER increased at a rate of 0.8 Ω cm2 per dyn cm−2; (3) increased alignment of cells along the flow direction under increasing WSS conditions; and finally (4) increased protein expression of both the tight junction component ZO-1 (~5×) and the efflux transporter P-gp (~6×) was observed at 86 dyn cm−2 compared to static controls via western blot. We conclude that the presented microfluidic platform is a valid approach for comprehensively assaying cell responses to fluidic WSS.
Optimizing long-term weight control after bariatric surgery: a pilot study.

Abstract Background Although bariatric surgery is associated with significant overall weight loss, many patients experience suboptimal outcomes. Our objective was to document the preliminary efficacy of a behavioral intervention for bariatric surgery patients with relatively poor long-term weight loss and to explore the factors related to outcome at an academic medical center in the United States. Methods Patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m 2 who had undergone bariatric surgery ≥3 years before study entry and had Results On average, the participants (n = 36) had undergone surgery 6.6 years before study entry. The average age was 52.5 ± 7.1 years, and the BMI was 43.1 ± 6.2 kg/m 2 ; most participants were women (75%) and white (88.9%). The intervention patients had a greater percentage of excess weight loss than did the wait list control group at 6 (6.6% ± 3.4% versus 1.6% ± 3.1%) and 12 (5.8% ± 3.5% versus .9% ± 3.2%) months. However, the differences were not significant and the results varied. The intervention patients with more depressive symptoms ( P = .005) and less weight regain before study entry ( P = .05) experienced a greater percentage of excess weight loss. Conclusion Behavioral intervention holds promise in optimizing long-term weight control after bariatric surgery. More research is needed on when to initiate the intervention and to identify which patients will benefit from this type of approach.
Substance P inhibits GABAB receptor signalling in the ventral tegmental area.

Substance P (SP) and its receptors are involved in anxiety-related behaviours and regulate the intake of drugs of abuse and alcohol. Within the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA), a region that is clearly involved in the control of these behaviours, SP is released by stress and has been shown to trigger relapse. SP activates neurokinin (NK) receptors, which excites midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons and leads to increased DA in target regions. In this study, we have investigated the mechanisms underlying SP actions in the VTA, specifically investigating interactions between SP and GABAB receptors. We show that in VTA neurons, NK receptor activation closes an inwardly rectifying potassium channel, and moreover inhibits GABAB receptor-mediated transmission through an interaction that depends upon phospholipase C (PLC), intracellular calcium and protein kinase C (PKC).
Propensity score methods for bias reduction in the comparison of a treatment to a non‐randomized control group

In observational studies, investigators have no control over the treatment assignment. The treated and non-treated (that is, control) groups may have large differences on their observed covariates, and these differences can lead to biased estimates of treatment effects. Even traditional covariance analysis adjustments may be inadequate to eliminate this bias. The propensity score, defined as the conditional probability of being treated given the covariates, can be used to balance the covariates in the two groups, and therefore reduce this bias. In order to estimate the propensity score, one must model the distribution of the treatment indicator variable given the observed covariates. Once estimated the propensity score can be used to reduce bias through matching, stratification (subclassification), regression adjustment, or some combination of all three. In this tutorial we discuss the uses of propensity score methods for bias reduction, give references to the literature and illustrate the uses through applied examples.
Correlative Evolutions of ENSO and the Seasonal Cycle in the Tropical Pacific Ocean

Abstract This study examines whether shifts between the correlative evolutions of ENSO and the seasonal cycle in the tropical Pacific Ocean can produce effects that are large enough to alter the evolution of the coupled atmosphere–ocean system. The approach is based on experiments with an ocean general circulation model (OGCM) of the Pacific basin, in which the seasonal and nonseasonal (interannually varying) components of the surface forcing are prescribed with different shifts in time. The shift would make no difference in terms of ENSO variability if the system were linear. The surface fluxes of heat and momentum used to force the ocean are taken from 1) simulations in which the OGCM coupled to an atmospheric GCM produces realistic ENSO variability and 2) NCEP reanalysis data corrected by Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set climatology for the 20-yr period 1980–99. It is found that the response to the shifts in terms of eastern basin heat content can be 20%–40% of the maximum interannual anomaly in...
How large is the bias against exports from import tariffs

One goal that both developed and developing countries share is to increase their export earnings. To do this, countries sometimes resort to various export promotion schemes or request ‘special and differential treatment’ for their exports. However, countries have not fully embraced the notion that their own import tariffs act as a tax on their exports. That is, import protection frustrates their goal of increasing exports. This paper presents quantitative estimates of the extent to which import tariffs discourage exports. The results show that for some countries the bias imparted by tariffs is substantial. Therefore, reducing import tariffs is one way to improve export incentives.
Witnessing excellence in action: the ‘other-praising’ emotions of elevation, gratitude, and admiration

People are often profoundly moved by the virtue or skill of others, yet psychology has little to say about the ‘other-praising’ family of emotions. Here we demonstrate that emotions such as elevation, gratitude, and admiration differ from more commonly studied forms of positive affect (joy and amusement) in many ways, and from each other in a few ways. The results of studies using recall, video induction, event-contingent diary, and letter-writing methods to induce other-praising emotions suggest that: elevation (a response to moral excellence) motivates prosocial and affiliative behavior, gratitude motivates improved relationships with benefactors, and admiration motivates self-improvement. Mediation analyses highlight the role of conscious emotion between appraisals and motivations. Discussion focuses on implications for emotion research, interpersonal relationships, and morality.
Six-Year Effect of Depressive Symptoms on the Course of Physical Disability in Community-Living Older Adults

Background Late-life depression affects physical health and impedes recovery from physical disability. But whether milder symptoms that occur frequently in the general population increase the risk of developing a disability or decrease the likelihood of recovery remains unclear. Objective To examine the effect of mild symptoms of depression, assessed by a reduced version (10 items, ranging from 0-10) of the Center for Epidemiological Studies–Depression Scale, on the course of physical disability, assessed by items from the Katz Activities of Daily Living Scale, the Rosow-Breslau Functional Health Scale, and the Nagi Index. Methods A population-based longitudinal study was conducted, with 6 follow-up interviews of 3434 community-dwelling persons aged 65 years and older in East Boston, Mass. Results The likelihood of becoming disabled increased with each additional symptom of depression (for the Katz measure: odds ratio, 1.16 per symptom; 95% confidence interval, 1.13-1.19; for the Rosow-Breslau measure: odds ratio, 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.11-1.16; and for the Nagi measure: odds ratio, 1.17; 95% confidence interval, 1.14-1.19). As the number of depressive symptoms increased, the likelihood of recovering from a physical disability decreased (for the Katz measure: odds ratio, 0.96; 95% confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; for the Rosow-Breslau measure: odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-0.89; and for the Nagi measure: odds ratio, 0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.87-0.91). This effect was not accounted for by age, sex, level of educational attainment, body mass index, or chronic health conditions. Conclusion Mild depressive symptoms in older persons (those aged ≥65 years) are associated with an increased likelihood of becoming disabled and a decreased chance of recovery, regardless of age, sex, and other factors that contribute to physical disability.
Siloxane modified cycloaliphatic epoxide UV coatings

Abstract Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) functionalized caprolactone diol and triol were used to modify cycloaliphatic diepoxide/caprolactone polyol cationic ultraviolet (UV) curable coatings. Two levels of the cycloaliphatic diepoxide (60 and 70 wt.%) were used in the coating formulations. Siloxane functionalized polyols were added to the cycloaliphatic diepoxide/caprolactone polyol coating formulations as a replacement of the parent caprolactone polyols. To monitor the potlife, the viscosity of the coating formulations was measured as a function of storage time. The coatings were evaluated in terms of Tukon hardness, tensile properties, wet pull-off adhesion, glass transition temperature, gloss, and dark cure. The addition of the siloxane functionalized polyols into the coating formulations significantly increased the glass transition temperature and Tukon hardness. Wet adhesion and gloss were also improved. The addition of the siloxane functionalized polyols, however, reduced the potlife of the coatings.
ASIC clock distribution using a phase locked loop (PLL)

Transferring data between ASIC chips at frequencies above 40 MHz requires special on-chip circuitry in current sub-micron technologies. Phase locked loops can provide clock skew management in ASIC devices to help compensate for clock tree insertion delays and process, temperature and voltage variations allowing maximum multi-chip system performance. >
Seizures in a Patient Receiving Terbutaline

Terbutaline sulfate (Bricanyl, Brethine) is a β-adrenergic agonist agent used in the treatment of asthma. It is mostly β2-selective, it has excellent bronchodilatory effects, and its long duration of action makes it an attractive drug for the outpatient treatment of asthma. Although one package insert (Bricanyl) does not recommend use in children younger than 12 years of age, there is extensive experience in younger patients.1We describe a patient in whom seizures developed after high-dose terbutaline therapy; to our knowledge, seizures are a previously unreported complication of the drug. Report of a Case.—A 7½-year-old girl had a long history of asthma. Her neurologic history was noncontributory, with no history of seizures or abnormal psychomotor development. There was no family history of any seizure disorder. She had been treated with theophylline, metaproterenol sulfate, and cromolyn sodium, with only partial improvement. In December 1980, therapy was started with
Solving Non-Markovian Control Tasks with Neuro-Evolution

The success of evolutionary methods on standard control learning tasks has created a need for new benchmarks. The classic pole balancing problem is no longer difficult enough to serve as a viable yardstick for measuring the learning efficiency of these systems. The double pole case, where two poles connected to the cart must be balanced simultaneously is much more difficult, especially when velocity information is not available. In this article, we demonstrate a neuroevolution system, Enforced Sub-populations (ESP), that is used to evolve a controller for the standard double pole task and a much harder, non-Markovian version. In both cases, our results show that ESP is faster than other neuroevolution methods. In addition, we introduce an incremental method that evolves on a sequence of tasks, and utilizes a local search technique (Delta-Coding) to sustain diversity. This method enables the system to solve even more difficult versions of the task where direct evolution cannot.
An algebraic approach to hybrid systems

We propose an algebraic model for hybrid systems and illustrate its usefulness by proving theorems in realization theory using this viewpoint. By a hybrid system, we mean a collection of continuous nonlinear control systems associated with a discrete finite state automaton. The automaton switches between the continuous control systems, and this switching is a function of the discrete input symbols that it receives.
Synthesis of nanophase silicon, carbon, and silicon carbide powders using a plasma expansion process

Nanophase powders of Si, C, and SiC with narrow size distributions are synthesized by dissociating reactants in a dc are plasma and quenching the hot gases in a subsonic nozzle expansion. The plasma is characterized by calorimetric energy balances and the powders by on-line aerosol measurcment techniques and conventional materials analysis. The measured nozzle quench rate is about 5 × 106 K/s. The generated particles have number mean diameters of about 10 nm or less, with Si forming relatively dense, coalesced particles, while SiC forms highly aggregated particles. Our data suggest that SiC particle formation is initiated by the nucleation of small silicon particles.
Prolactin-like protein-A is a functional modulator of natural killer cells at the maternal-fetal interface.

Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant lymphocytes present in healthy rodent and human implantation sites. In the rat, the expansion, differentiation and subsequent migration of NK cells away from the developing chorioallantoic placenta coincide with the expression of a novel pregnancy- and trophoblast cell-specific cytokine, prolactin (PRL)-like protein A (PLP-A). PLP-A specifically binds to uterine NK cells but does not appear to utilize receptor systems for PRL. In the present report, we show that PLP-A interactions with NK cells are not mediated by receptors utilized by known modulators of NK cell function, including interleukin-2, interleukin-7, interleukin-12, and interleukin-15 (IL-15). Uterine NK cells respond to PLP-A or IL-15 with an increase in intracellular calcium mobilization. In contrast, PLP-A, unlike IL-15, effectively suppresses the ability of NK cells to produce interferon-g (IFNg), a key mediator of NK cell function. Placental PLP-A expression is reciprocal to mesometrial decidua expression of IFNg. Increased expression of PLP-A by the placenta coincides with the decline of IFNg content in the mesometrial decidua adjacent to the placenta. In summary, trophoblast cell-derived PLP-A contributes to the regulation of NK cells at the maternal � /fetal interface to ensure appropriate embryonic growth and development. # 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
The spontaneously hypertensive rat: an experimental model of sulfur dioxide-induced airways disease.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by airway obstruction, inflammation, and mucus hypersecretion, features that are common in bronchitis, emphysema, and often asthma. However, current rodent models do not reflect this human disease. Because genetically predisposed spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats display phenotypes such as systemic inflammation, hypercoagulation, oxidative stress, and suppressed immune function that are also apparent in COPD patients, we hypothesized that SH rat may offer a better model of experimental bronchitis. We, therefore, exposed SH and commonly used Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (male, 13- to 15-weeks old) to 0, 250, or 350 ppm sulfur dioxide (SO2), 5 h/day for 4 consecutive days to induce airway injury. SO2 caused dose-dependent changes in breathing parameters in both strains with SH rats being slightly more affected than SD rats. Increases in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) total cells and neutrophilic inflammation were dose dependent and significantly greater in SH than in SD rats. The recovery was incomplete at 4 days following SO2 exposure in SH rats. Pulmonary protein leakage was modest in either strain, but lactate dehydrogenase and N-acetyl glucosaminidase activity were increased in BALF of SH rats. Airway pathology and morphometric evaluation of mucin demonstrated significantly greater impact of SO2 in SH than in SD rats. Baseline differences in lung gene expression pattern suggested marked immune dysregulation, oxidative stress, impairment of cell signaling, and fatty acid metabolism in SH rats. SO2 effects on these genes were more pronounced in SH than in
Genetic polymorphism directs IL-6 expression in fibroblasts but not selected other cell types

Interleukin (IL)-6 blockade is an effective treatment for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and synovial fibroblasts are a major IL-6 producer in the inflamed joint. We found that human RA and osteoarthritis (OA) synovial fibroblasts derived from independent donors reproducibly segregated into low, medium, and high IL-6 producers, independent of stimulus, cell passage, or disease state. IL-6 expression pattern correlated strongly with total mRNA expression, not mRNA stability, suggesting transcriptional rather than posttranscriptional regulation. High-fibroblast IL-6 expression was significantly associated with the IL-6 proximal promoter single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1800795 minor allele (CC) genotype. In contrast, no association between this SNP and IL-6 production was detected in CD14(+) monocytes, another major producer of synovial IL-6. Luciferase expression assays confirmed that this SNP was associated with differential IL-6 expression in fibroblasts. To date, several association studies examining rs1800795 allele frequency and disease risk have reported seemingly conflicting results ranging from no association to association with either the major or minor allele across a spectrum of conditions, including cancer and autoimmune, cardiovascular, infectious, and metabolic diseases. This study points to a prominent contribution from promoter genetic variation in fibroblast IL-6 regulation, but not in other IL-6-producing cell types. We propose that some of the heterogeneity in these clinical studies likely reflects the cellular source of IL-6 in specific diseases, much of which may be produced by nonhematopoietic cells. These results highlight that functional analysis of disease-associated SNPs on gene expression and pathologic processes must consider variation in diverse cell types.
Flame Ionization Sensor Integrated Into Gas Turbine Fuel Nozzle

Recent advances in lean premix gas turbine combustion have focused primarily on increasing thermodynamic efficiency, reducing emissions, and minimizing combustion dynamics. The practical limitation on increasing efficiency at lower emissions is the onset of combustion instability, which is known to occur near the lean flammability limit. In a laboratory environment there are many sensors available which provide the combustion engineer with adequate information about flame stability, but those sensors are generally too expensive or unreliable for widespread application in the field. As a consequence, engines must be commissioned in the field with adequate stability margin such that normally expected component wear, fuel quality, and environmental conditions will not cause the turbine to experience unstable combustion. Woodward, in cooperation with NETL, is developing a novel combustion sensor which is integrated into the fuel nozzle such that low cost and long life are achieved. The sensor monitors flame ionization, which is indicative of air-fuel ratio, and most importantly flame stability.Copyright © 2003 by ASME
Sustaining Local Citizen Participation: Evidence from Montevideo and Porto Alegre

This paper examines why participatory institutions achieve and sustain substantial levels of participation by a diverse group of citizens in some cities but not in others. The paper focuses on the varying rates of participation over time and across sub-municipal districts in Montevideo and Porto Alegre. It argues that although residents of poorer districts were generally the most likely to participate, especially initially, focused spending of public resources on poor districts alone does not generate sustained participation. Instead, institutional design is crucial to explaining the higher and more sustained rates of participation by a more representative sample of citizens found in Porto Alegre.
A Fast 512-Channel System for Real-Time Photoacoustic Imaging of Small Animals

A fast 512-channel tomographic photoacoustic system for small animal imaging using a curved ultrasound array has been developed. For the first time, real-time tomographic imaging for functional photoacoustic studies is possible. Initial characterization/imaging is presented.
Emerging Evidence for a Central Epinephrine-Innervated α 1 -Adrenergic System that Regulates Behavioral Activation and is Impaired in Depression

Currently, most basic and clinical research on depression is focused on either central serotonergic, noradrenergic, or dopaminergic neurotransmission as affected by various etiological and predisposing factors. Recent evidence suggests that there is another system that consists of a subset of brain α1B-adrenoceptors innervated primarily by brain epinephrine (EPI) that potentially modulates the above three monoamine systems in parallel and plays a critical role in depression. The present review covers the evidence for this system and includes findings that brain α1-adrenoceptors are instrumental in behavioral activation, are located near the major monoamine cell groups or target areas, receive EPI as their neurotransmitter, are impaired or inhibited in depressed patients or after stress in animal models, and are restored by a number of antidepressants. This ‘EPI-α1 system’ may therefore represent a new target system for this disorder.
Arab Feminisms: gender and equality in the Middle EastJEAN SAID MAKDISI, NOHA BAYOUMI & RAFIF RIDA SIDAWI (Eds)

Arab Feminisms: gender and equality in the Middle East is a welcome addition to the existing literature in Middle Eastern women's studies. This edited volume makes new Arab feminist voices and pers...
Can Incentives to Generic Manufacturers Save Doha's Paragraph 6?

A primary objective of the Doha Declaration was to create a process for member countries with insufﬁcient manufacturing capabilities to access generic versions of patented drugs without violating TRIPS intellectual property standards. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the process. Referred to as the “Paragraph 6 compulsory licenses provisions,” this ﬁrst and only amendment to TRIPS was intended to ensure developing countries access to affordable medicines. Over the past decade, these provisions have failed to provide the gains initially anticipated. This Article explores the reasons for this failure and suggests that an under-examined approach to reaching the Doha Declaration’s goal lies in reframing the role of generic manufacturers in the Paragraph 6 process. More speciﬁcally, the current health challenges facing many developing countries call for a compulsory licensing framework that realigns legal and business incentives to encourage generic manufacturers to become primary drivers in delivering necessary medicines to developing countries through Paragraph 6 provisions. This Article proposes such a framework.
Suckling behavior in range beef calves.

The number and duration of suckling incidences were recorded during eight 24-h observation periods in a herd of spring-calving Polled Hereford and percentage Simmental cows in 1980 and 1981. The average number of suckling events per calf in 24 h was 5.0 +/- .1 and the average time spent suckling in 24 h was 46 +/- 1 min. Peaks in suckling activity occurred from 0500 to 0700, 1000 to 1300 and 1700 to 2100 h. The most suckling events in a single hour occurred between 0500 and 0600 h and the least between 2200 and 2300 h. Day of the estrous cycle did not influence the number or duration of suckling events. Cows that gave more milk nursed less frequently and heavier calves suckled less frequently (P less than .01). Age, breed and sex of the calf did not influence (P greater than .1) suckling frequency or duration.
The most good you can do: a response to the commentaries

ABSTRACTAnthony Skelton, Violetta Igneski and Tracy Isaacs share my view that our obligations to help people in extreme poverty go beyond what is conventionally accepted. Nevertheless, the other contributors argue that my view is too demanding, while noting some tensions between my different writings on this issue. I explain my position, drawing on Sidgwick’s distinction between what someone ought to do, and what we should praise or blame someone for doing or not doing. I also respond to the position that Skelton considers preferable to mine, drawing this time on an argument that Katarzyna de Lazari-Radek and I have made in our recent book, The Point of View of the Universe. I also address Igneski’s concerns about gender inequality, and indicate my broad agreement with Isaacs’ suggestion that effective altruism could benefit from a more co-ordinated approach.
Bronchial Artery Embolization (BAE) for Severe Hemoptysis

This is an acute paraplegia due to infarction of the spinal cord due to embolization of the anterior spinal artery (ASA) during embolization of the bronchial artery for severe recurrent hemoptysis.
Learning by Doing and Learning by Observing: Training Parents in Saudi Arabia to Implement the Natural Language Paradigm

The present study trained six parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder to implement the Natural Language Paradigm in Saudi Arabia. Three of the parents participated in direct training using a Behavioral Skills Training (BST) model involving instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback. As each of the three parents were being trained directly an additional parent observed the training (i.e., there were three trainee-observer dyads). While all of the parents learned from observing other parents being trained directly, only one observer met the predetermined performance criteria after observation alone, with the other two requiring direct training using BST. The parents demonstrated maintenance of their skills at follow-up, and social validity evaluations were strong. In addition, all parents implemented the NLP procedures at mastery criteria in another setting during generalization probes. Implications for further training research are provided.
Cycloaddition chemistry of carbonyl ylides for alkaloid synthesis

As highlighted in this mini-review, a growing area of interest in organic synthesis involves the use of substituted carbonyl ylides as 1,3-dipoles for the preparation of alkaloidal natural products. Cascade reactions proceeding by an intramolecular 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of carbonyl ylides are of particular interest to the synthetic organic community because of the increase in molecular complexity involved and the high isolated yields.