cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Subsetting Behavioral Intellectual Property for Low Power ASIP Design

Power consumption is an increasingly important consideration in the design of mixed hardware/software systems. This work defines the notion of instruction subsetting and explores its use as a means of reducing power consumption from the system level of design. Instruction subsetting is defined as creating an application specific instruction set processor from a more general processor, such as a DSP. Although not as effective as an ASIC solution, instruction subsetting provides much of the power savings while maintaining some level of programmability. Beyond energy savings, instruction subsetting also offers the opportunity to reduce the design cycle through the re-use of existing processor intellectual property including behavioral and structural designs, hardware simulators, application code, and compilers. We synthesized 9 ASIPs through place and route and found that a poorly chosen instruction set may consume more than 4 times the energy of an ASIP with a proper instruction set choice. This finding will allow designers to consider another set of trade-offs in their hardware/software design space exploration.
Mechanisms of Carriage

Streptococcus pneumoniae is one of many closely related oral streptococci of the mitis phylogenetic group that colonize the human oro- and nasopharynx. Recently, experimental carriage studies performed in healthy adults have offered the prospect of utilizing the natural host to further investigate this fundamental aspect of pneumococcal biology. Surface molecules that have been shown to function as adhesins to human epithelial cells include phosphorylcholine (ChoP) and CbpA. ChoP, an otherwise unusual prokaryotic structural component, is common to several other genera residing primarily in the upper respiratory tract, such as Haemophilus, Actinobacillus, Mycoplasma, and Neisseria. The expression of a surface-attached hyaluronidase (a hyaluronate lyase), Hyl, which could facilitate spread through a matrix of hyaluronan, a major polysaccharide component of host connective tissues, suggests that such a strategy may contribute to pneumococcal pathogenesis. Adherence to host structures may be particularly problematic for an encapsulated organism like the pneumococcus. Some degree of encapsulation appears to be essential for colonization, although even small amounts of capsular polysaccharide effectively block attachment to host cells. A final consideration is that pneumococcal infection frequently occurs in the setting of a recent or concurrent upper respiratory infection from common viruses.
Chlorambucil is an effective corticosteroid-sparing agent for recalcitrant pyoderma gangrenosum

Abstract Background: Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) may fail to respond to corticosteroids. Immunosuppressive and cytotoxic agents are useful in patients with recalcitrant disease. We describe our experiences with chlorambucil for PG. Objective: Our purpose was to evaluate the effectiveness of oral chlorambucil in patients with PG recalcitrant to treatment with prednisone, immunosuppressive therapy, or both. Methods: Six patients with recalcitrant PG were given oral chlorambucil 2 to 4 mg/day. Four patients were treated with a combination of prednisone and chlorambucil, and two received chlorambucil alone. Response was based on (1) a diminution in the size of the ulcers, or their complete healing, or (2) a decrease in the dose of corticosteroid therapy. Results: Beneficial effects were noted within 6 to 8 weeks in all six patients, and corticosteroids were eventually discontinued in all patients. Currently only two patients are still receiving chlorambucil; the other four stopped chlorambucil after 6 to 24 months of treatment. Their disease has remained in remission for 4 to 9 years. Relapse of disease occurred within 1 to 4 months after stopping therapy in one of the two remaining patients or reducing the dose in the other. In both patients, the disease is again responding to treatment. Minimal chlorambucil toxicity has been noted, consisting of leukopenia in one patient. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that chlorambucil is an effective corticosteroid-sparing agent for the control of PG.
Tu1555 Impact of Needle Type and Gauge on the Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Sampling: A Meta-Analysis

Impact of Needle Type and Gauge on the Performance of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Sampling: A Meta-Analysis Young Oh*, Jeffrey L. Jackson Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI; Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI Background: There has been discordant data in the literature regarding which type and size of needle used for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling has superior performance characteristics. AIM: The aim of this study was to comprehensively review and summarize the available literature on the performance of EUS-guided sampling based on the type and size of needle (19 gauge Trucut as well as 19, 22, and 25 gauge fine needle aspiration [FNA] needles) as well as sampling location. Methods: Published manuscripts until September 2011 regarding the use of EUS FNA or Trucut needles were identified in PubMed using relevant search terms. A review of the references from retrieved articles and abstracts from gastrointestinal meetings was also performed. Only studies that were published in English and compared two or more needles were included. Two reviewers independently reviewed each study for suitability to be included in the analysis. Data was pooled using a random effects model with variance based on exact binomial methods. Accuracy, sensitivity and specificity with 95% confidence intervals were calculated. Results: Forty-one articles and abstracts that included 3905 patients were identified that met the inclusion criteria. The combination of the Trucut needle and 22 gauge needle if necessary yielded the highest accuracy (0.95, 95% CI 0.93-0.97, p 0.03) and the 22 gauge needle alone yielded the lowest accuracy (0.76, 95% CI 0.72-0.80, p 0.001). A trend toward higher accuracies with the 25 gauge needle was observed, which did not reach statistical significance. The sensitivity using the Trucut needle was statistically worse than others (0.68, 95% CI 0.60-0.78, p 0.001) and no significant differences in specificity were observed with any of the needles. There appeared to be no differences by specific site of biopsy. Conclusions: The use of the Trucut needle in combination with the 22 gauge needle if necessary yielded the highest accuracy. For the use of single needles, a trend toward the highest accuracy was observed with the 25 gauge needle but this did not reach statistical significance.
R.F. Sputtering of LiNbO3 thin films

Abstract Using r.f. sputtering, LiNbO 3 films were deposited onto amorphous and single-crystal substrates. Depending on the growth conditions, the films are either amorphous of polycrystalline, as shown by X-ray diffraction. Results are presented on the influence of the various parameters on the index of refraction of the films which is determined as a function of wavelength by using integrated optical methods with an argon ion laser, a dye laser and an HeNe laser. A single-term Sellmeier equation can be used to fit these refractive index data. The average oscillator positron λ 0 is found to be 0.1834 μm and 0.2045 μm and the average oscillator strength 92.40 μm −2 and 81.8 μm −2 for the amorphous and polycrystalline LiNbO 3 films respectively.
Bisphenol A—A Precautionary Approach

CDC research found detectable levels of bisphenol A (BPA) in samples from 93% of individuals 6 years and older.
Nucleus raphe magnus inhibition of spinal cord dorsal horn neurons.

Abstract In decerebrate cats, electrical stimulation of nucleus raphe magnus (NRM) of the medulla produced marked inhibition of spinal neurons in lumbosacral dorsal horn. Only neurons with high threshold inputs were inhibited. These cells were located in lamina I and in or near laminae V and VI. The duration of inhibition produced was related to the stimulus train length. An ipsilateral lesion of the dorsolateral funiculus at L1 markedly reduced the inhibition of neurons caudal to the lesion. Although NRM stimulation was the most effective, inhibition from more lateral sites could be obtained at higher stimulus intensities. NRM induced inhibition is probably mediated by a direct projection via the dorsolateral funiculus to spinal dorsal horn laminae I, II, V and VI. The results are discussed in relation to proposed mechanisms underlying the analgesia produced by NRM stimulation.
Saturnism, pediatric and adult lead poisoning.

(1971). Saturnism, Pediatric and Adult Lead Poisoning. Clinical Toxicology: Vol. 4, No. 1, pp. 11-29.
Psychopharmacological treatment of major depressive disorder in children and adolescents.

HE REPORT BY WAGNER AND COLLEAGUES 1 IN THIS ISsue of THE JOURNAL, a pooled analysis of 2 multicenter, double-blind, randomized placebocontrolled trials evaluating the effect of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) sertraline on children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years with major depressive disorder (MDD), constitutes the largest positive psychopharmacological study of MDD in this age group reported to date. The primary outcome was change from baseline in the Children’s Depression Rating Scale–Revised (CDRS-R), with a prospectively determined primary efficacy measure of the CDRS-R Best Description of Child total score; secondary efficacy measures included the proportion of CDRS-R responders, defined as patients who had at least a 40% decrease in the adjusted CDRS-R total score. The results indicate a statistically significant improvement for patients receiving active drug vs those receiving placebo.
Watershed Protection Challenges in Rapidly Urbanizing Regions: The Case of Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Abstract Rapidly urbanizing regions present watershed managers with a range of challenges, especially when drinking water sources and their watersheds are located within the margins of urban and suburban expansion. These challenges can be acute in those developing countries where land-use regulations and environmental protection laws are inadequate or poorly applied, the latter often a result of the lack of defined institutional responsibilities and coordination. The Los Laureles reservoir and Guacerique watershed that supply 30 percent of Tegucigalpa's drinking water provide a powerful case study of the kinds of natural resource pressures that may lead to water quality and reliability deterioration as urban growth continues. Sedimentation, high turbidity, and high pathogen counts have accompanied decisions to locate projects such as the construction of a major ring-road/highway expansion, military bases and hospitals, and a 10,000 unit public worker housing complex in the watershed. These problems have b...
Direct interaction with an assistive robot for individuals with chronic stroke

Many robotic systems have been developed to provide assistance to individuals with disabilities. Most of these systems require the individual to interact with the robot via a joystick or keypad, though some utilize techniques such as speech recognition or selection of objects with a laser pointer. In this paper, we describe a prototype system using a novel method of interaction with an assistive robot. A touch-sensitive skin enables the user to directly guide a robotic arm to a desired position. When the skin is released, the robot remains fixed in position. The target population for this system is individuals with hemiparesis due to chronic stroke. The system can be used as a substitute for the paretic arm and hand in bimanual tasks such as holding a jar while removing the lid. This paper describes the hardware and software of the prototype system, which includes a robotic arm, the touch-sensitive skin, a hook-style prehensor, and weight compensation and speech recognition software.
Access to a running wheel decreases cocaine-primed and cue-induced reinstatement in male and female rats

Abstract Background: Relapse to drug use after a period of abstinence is a persistent problem in the treatment of cocaine dependence. Physical activity decreases cocaine self-administration in laboratory animals and is associated with a positive prognosis in human substance-abusing populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of long-term access to a running wheel on drug-primed and cue-induced reinstatement of cocaine-seeking behavior in male and female rats. Methods: Long-Evans rats were obtained at weaning and assigned to sedentary (no wheel) and exercising (access to wheel) groups for the duration of the study. After 6 weeks, rats were implanted with intravenous catheters and trained to self-administer cocaine for 14 days. After training, saline was substituted for cocaine and responding was allowed to extinguish, after which cocaine-primed reinstatement was examined in both groups. Following this test, cocaine self-administration was re-established in both groups for a 5-day period. Next, a second period of abstinence occurred in which both cocaine and the cocaine-associated cues were withheld. After 5 days of abstinence, cue-induced reinstatement was examined in both groups. Results: Sedentary and exercising rats exhibited similar levels of cocaine self-administration, but exercising rats responded less than sedentary rats during extinction. In tests of cocaine-primed and cue-induced reinstatement, exercising rats responded less than sedentary rats, and this effect was apparent in both males and females. Conclusions: These data indicate that long-term access to a running wheel decreases drug-primed and cue-induced reinstatement, and that physical activity may be effective at preventing relapse in substance-abusing populations.
In vivo molecular imaging characterizes pulmonary gene expression in experimental lung transplantation

Abstract Introduction: Gene therapy is effective in preventing ischemia-reperfusion injury and allograft rejection after experimental lung transplantation. Currently, no means exist to noninvasively determine the distribution, magnitude and timing of transgene expression after transplantation. This study utilizes a novel PET reporter gene system to characterize transgene expression after experimental lung transplantation. Methods: Experiments utilized a rodent orthotopic left lung transplant model. Donors underwent endotracheal transfection 24 hours before harvest with 5x1010 VPs of adenovirus encoding a fusion gene of thymidine kinase (TK, PET reporter gene) and green fluorescent protein. PET images were obtained in 4 groups of recipients: 24 hours postoperatively with and without I/R injury, and 4 days postoperatively with and without acute rejection. Rats which underwent transfection alone served as controls. Excised lungs were assessed for gamma counter radioactivity and TK activity. Results: Transplanted lungs displayed strong and linear correlation between PET signals and gamma counter radioactivity (r2 = 0.82, p Conclusions: PET imaging is a sensitive and quantitative method for characterizing pulmonary transgene expression in experimental lung transplantation. Characterization of transgene expression is not adversely affected by I/R injury or graft rejection.
THE RIGHT TO BE EDUCATED ‐ WHAT DOES THE KID GET? ‐OR THE SYSTEM THAT FAILED

We had the best of educations - in fact we went to school every day … I've been to a day-school, too, said Alice. You needn't be so proud as all that. With extras? asked the Mock Turtle, a little anxiously. Yes, said Alice. We learned French and music. And washing? said the Mock Turtle. Certainly not! said Alice indignantly. Ah! Then yours wasn't really a good school, said the Mock Turtle in a tone of great relief. Now at ours, they had, at the end of the bill, French, music, and washing - extra. Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Mouse models of Apert syndrome.

Introduction Apert syndrome is one of the more clinically distinct craniosynostosis syndromes in man. It is caused by gain-of-function mutations in FGFR2, over 98% of which are the two amino acid substitution mutations S252W and P253R. FGFR2 is widely expressed throughout development, so that many tissues are adversely affected in Apert syndrome, particularly the calvarial bones, which begin to fuse during embryonic development, and the brain.
Patent focus on cancer chemotherapeutics. II Angiogenesis agents: April 2000 - September 2000

Angiogenesis refers to the formation of capillary blood vessels from existing blood vessels: a process that is believed to be critical for tumour growth and metastasis. Angiogenesis inhibition represents a new approach to cancer chemotherapy with several agents and approaches now entering late clinical development. This review summarises the key aspects of recent patent applications referring to inhibitors of angiogenesis that have been published between April and September 2000. The review covers the main mechanism-based approaches such as MMPI, integrin antagonists, urokinase inhibitors and inhibitors of the growth factor signalling pathways of fibroblast growth factor (FGF), platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and Tie-2/Tek. Applications referring to endogenous inhibitors such as endostatin or angiostatin are also included, as are selected natural products that have data suggesting a link to angiogenesis-specific mechanisms of action.
Some Factors Influencing Abusers' Justification of Their Child Abuse.

The interviews of abusive caretakers originally carried out by Kadushin and Martin (1981) were coded and subjected to statistical analyses to determine what aspects of the caretakers' situation and of their interaction with the abused child had contributed to their belief that their treatment of the youngster was justified or not. A multiple regression analysis employing scores on the various indices obtained from the sample of 73 interviews indicated that the abusers tended to believe their behavior was justified if they thought the child had been defiant and they themselves had been under considerable environmental stress. On the other hand, they generally regarded their action as less justified if they had lost their temper and had been experiencing emotional distress. The latter finding suggests, in accord with Berkowitz's analysis of emotional aggression, that some instances of child battering were impulsive reactions to a provocative event. Although major emphasis is given to the meaning of these findings for the theoretical analysis of aggression, implications for protective service practice are also indicated.
Habitat selection by juvenile bluegill sunfish, lepomis macrochirus

Laboratory experiments were performed to determine habitat preferences of juvenile bluegill sunfish given paired choices in partitioned aquaria. The fish preferred calm water, subsurface vegetation (Spirogyra, Myriophyllum) providing lateral concealment, dark tank sides and bottom simulating shade, and fine-grained substrates. Attraction to plastic plants suggests that visual rather than chemical cues are involved in attraction to plant cover. Turbulence was strongly avoided as were larger conspecifics. The young-of-the-year bluegill equally preferred deep water (providing vertical escape to darker, deeper water) and vegetated shallow water providing lateral concealment). These laboratory preferences, which correlate well with field data on natural distributions, suggest that active behavioral responses are involved in habitat distributions of these fish in nature.
Detailed investigation of lateral transistor characteristics

The dc characteristics of the lateral transistor have been studied in detail theoretically and experimemally. Base and collector currents were examined separately as functions of emitter-base bias. In this way, it was possible to obtain a clear understanding of the independence of current gain on factors such as geometry, high-level injection, carrier lifetimes, surface recombination, and emitter efficiency. By independently measuring the relevant physical parameters and inserting their values into the theoretical model, transistor characteristics were obtained which agreed closely with experiment.
Nitrogen fixation by free-living Rhizobium in a defined liquid medium.

Summary Nitrogen fixation by free-living Rhizobium was obtained in a defined liquid medium, using microaerophilic conditions. The rate of fixation was comparable to that of bacteroids prepared from soybean nodules.
Generalized reinhardt domains

In this paper we investigate a class of Lie group actions on\(\mathbb{C}^N \), the so-calledpolar actions, that naturally generalize the standard\(\mathbb{T}^N \) actions. For a domain invariant under such an action (i.e., a generalized Reinhardt domain) we characterize the invariant plurisubharmonic functions and determine the envelope of holomorphy in geometric terms. For a generalized Reinhardt domain containing the origin of\(\mathbb{C}^N \) we also compute its automorphism group.
Spatial control over atomic layer deposition using microcontact-printed resists

Abstract Area-selective thin film growth by atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been achieved on octadecyltrichlorosilane (ODTS) patterned substrates. Patterned hydrophobic self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) were first transferred to silicon and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) substrates by microcontact printing. Subsequently, films of either HfO2 or Pt were grown selectively on the SAM-free regions of the surface, while ALD was blocked in regions where ODTS was present. The deposited pattern was readily observed through scanning electron microscopy and scanning Auger imaging, demonstrating that soft lithography is a simple and promising method to achieve area-selective ALD. The selectivity of the soft lithography-based method and the subsequent pattern resolution was compared for Pt versus HfO2. It was found that using ODTS films, it is easier to achieve complete deactivation of Pt than HfO2.
Rayleigh turbidities of sodium aluminate solutions

Abstract Rayleigh turbidities, refractive index gradients, densities, and pH values of three series of sodium aluminate solutions were measured at 25°C. Each study covered the concentration range 0.025-.25 M aluminum, using 1 M NaClO4 as the solvent. Stoichiometric ratios of OH/Al were varied from slightly greater than 4 upward. Degrees of aggregation, Nz′, were calculated for each series.
Using minor loop behavior to investigate the Preisach distribution for particulate media

The shape of minor loops has been measured as a function of remanence for Co-coated gamma -Fe/sub 2/O/sub 3/, barium ferrite, and iron particulate media, as well as a series of particle assemblies in which particle orientation and spacing were varied. The width of the loops at zero field and their axial slope were used as quantitative measures of their shape. In all cases, the minor loops for the same field extrema but different values of average remanence are not congruent. According to an operator analysis of the Preisach model by I.D. Mayergoyz (1986), noncongruence indicates that the Preisach distribution is also a function of field history. This result is in agreement with other experimental investigations of this issue. Hence, noncongruence provides a confirmation of the analysis by Mayergoyz. The amount of noncongruence is used here to determine the degree to which the Preisach distributions for various types of particle assemblies depend on field history. >
Birth order and age at marriage.

Two experiments are reported which were based on Schachter's (1959) work on birth order and affiliation in an anxiety provoking situation. Assuming first borns (1) are more dependent than later borns and (2) have learned, more than later borns, that being with others in an anxiety provoking situation reduces their anxiety, it was predicted that first borns would tend to marry earlier than later borns. Ninety-three faculty members provided questionnaire data for the male and female sample. The mean marriage-age of first born males was lower than that of the later born males (p < 0.03). There was no significant relationship between birth order and marriage-age for females. The second experiment was conducted to clarify the unanticipated male-female difference found in the first experiment. It was argued that even though first born females may not actually marry earlier than later borns, unmarried female first borns would say they wanted to get married earlier than later borns. Seventy-one unmarried female students were asked to state the best age for them to get married. The mean best-marriage-age for first born females was lower than that for later born females (p < 0.001).
On the structure of a hydrogen-oxygen diffusion flame

A simplified scheme of four chemical reactions is chosen to represent the kinetics of the hydrogen-oxygen system; m particular, this scheme includes the influence of the hydroxyl radical. The diffusion flame supported by this set of reactions is assumed to form behind a (planar, two-dimensional) body of parabolic meridian profile with downstream-pointing vertex. The body initially separates the oxygen and hydrogen streams, which are assumed to have equal speeds and pressures far upstream. (The pressure is subsequently assumed to be constant everywhere.) For pressures of about one atmosphere it is found that nett reaction rates can be treated as infinitely fast, the four reactions then yield four chemical equilibrium equations whose behaviour is dominated by the largeness of the equilibrium constant for the (thermal) dissociation-recombination reaction of hydrogen. The flame-sheet model emerges as the limiting solution when the reciprocal of this large quantity is allowed to vanish. The method of matched asymptotic expansions is used to investigate the structure of the flame which results from a relaxation of this limit. The results bear a satisfactory resemblance to some experimental measurements which, although made in other gas mixtures, exemplify the behaviour of the type of diffusion flames considered.
Image optimization procedures for the Fuji AC-1

The Fuji AC-1 is a popular system for digital radiography with great potential, but for many the initial implementation of the system in a radiology service is frustrating experience for lack of effective support and a clear operational manual. Adjusting the image processing settings for site specific image optimization has been, for most users, difficult and confusing. The effect of each of the image processing parameters available on the Fuji AC-1 is not easily understood by users of the machine. The application manual that comes with the machine briefly defines the parameters and gives recommended settings for different types of examinations, but the manual does not provide the user with adequate information or a suggested method to allow the user to easily optimize the image for that user's site. This paper defines in more precise terms the meaning of the various parameters and suggests a method of procedure to optimize the parameters to each radiologists preference. The results are based on experiments and measurements we performed with a Fuji AC-1 +. This information should assist the radiologist to use a more systematic method of image quality improvement rather than the somewhat random trial and error process that current users have described.
Activation of transcription factor IL‐6 (NF‐IL‐6) and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) by lipid ozonation products is crucial to interleukin‐8 gene expression in human airway epithelial cells

Ozone (O(3)) is a major component of smog and an inhaled toxicant to the lung. O(3) rapidly reacts with the airway epithelial cell membrane phospholipids to generate lipid ozonation products (LOP). 1-Hydroxy-1-hydroperoxynonane (HHP-C9) is an important LOP, produced from the ozonation of 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphatidylcholine. This LOP, at a biologically relevant concentration (100 microM), increases the activity of phospholipase C, nuclear factors-kappaB (NF-kappaB), and interleukin-6 (NF-IL-6) and the expression of the inflammatory gene, interleukin-8 (IL-8) in a cultured human bronchial epithelial cell line (BEAS-2B). The signaling pathways of ozone and its biologically-active products are as yet undefined. In the present study, we report that the HHP LOP, HHP-C9 (100 microM x 4 h), activated the expression of IL-8 (218 +/- 26% increase over control, n = 4, P < 0.01) through an apparent interaction between the two transcription factors, NF-kappaB and NF-IL-6. Transfection studies using luciferase reporter assays demonstrated that HHP-C9 induced a significant increase in NF-kappaB-DNA binding activity (37 +/- 7% increase over control, n = 6, P < 0.05). Inhibition of NF-kappaB showed a statistically significant but modest decrease in IL-8 release, which suggested a role for another transcription factor, NF-IL-6. Exposure of BEAS-2B cells to HHP-C9 induced a significant increase in the DNA binding activity of NF-IL-6 (45 +/- 11% increase over control, n = 6, P < 0.05). The results of the present study indicate that NF-IL-6 interacts with NF-kappaB in regulating the expression of IL-8 in cultured human airway epithelial cells exposed to LOP, the biological products of ozone in the lung.
USING COOPERATIVE LEARNING TO IMPROVE READING AND WRITING IN MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING

This article on using cooperative learning in mathematics is divided into four sections. Section 1 deals with the importance of problem solving and how cooperative learning can play an important role in helping students solve problems. Section 2 emphasizes the importance of communicating mathematical concepts through reading, writing, and discussing. Section 3 gives specific suggestions for implementing cooperative learning in the classroom. Finally, Section 4 presents a classroom example of students working together using reading and writing to solve mathematical word problems.
Post-ingestive signals and satiation of water and sodium intake of male rats

This study investigated the role of post-ingestive signals in the satiation of thirst or salt appetite. Post-ingestive signals, defined as those arising from the passage of fluid into the duodenum and proximal jejunum, were manipulated by implanting rats with gastric fistulas. After recovery, rats were water deprived and the following day gastric fistulas were opened (sham-drinking) or closed (control). Deprivation-induced thirst significantly increased water intake with sham-drinking rats consuming four-fold more than controls after 120 min access. Subsequently, rats were given sodium deficient chow for 48 h and the next day were administered furosemide and urine was collected. Twenty-four hours later, gastric fistulas were manipulated and rats were given water and 0.5 M NaCl and intakes were measured. After 120 min of access, rats were sacrificed and plasma sodium (pNa) and plasma-renin-activity (PRA) were measured. Furosemide resulted in a loss of 2.2 mEq of sodium in urine and sham-drinking rats consumed significantly more water and 0.5 M NaCl when compared to controls. At 120 min sham-drinking rats consumed 7.5 mEq of sodium nearly twice that of controls but had significantly lower pNa and significantly increased PRA. Interestingly, the ratio of water to 0.5 M NaCl intake was similar in both groups, with each making a mixture of ≈ 0.25 M NaCl. The results suggest that post-ingestive signals are necessary for the satiation of thirst and salt appetite.
Should We Be Concerned That the Elderly Don't Text?

The elderly are generally “out of the loop” when it comes to texting and other new technologies. On the one hand, the elderly do not often send text messages and thus signal their ability and willingness to use the medium. On the other hand, stereotyping by the younger users perhaps inhibits them from sending text messages to the elderly. Is the non-use of texting by the elderly because of self-exclusion or lack of exposure or both? Should this be of concern to us?
The biology of thrombopoietin and thrombopoietin receptor agonists

Thrombopoietin (TPO) is the major physiological regulator of platelet production. TPO binds the TPO receptor, activates JAK and STAT pathways, thus stimulating megakaryocyte growth and platelet production. There is no “sensor” of the platelet count; rather TPO is produced in the liver at a constant rate and cleared by TPO receptors on platelets. TPO levels are inversely proportional to the rate of platelet production. Early recombinant TPO molecules were potent stimulators of platelet production and increased platelets in patients with immune thrombocytopenia, chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia, myelodysplastic syndromes and platelet apheresis donors. Neutralizing antibodies formed against one recombinant protein and ended their development. A second generation of TPO receptor agonists, romiplostim and eltrombopag, has been developed. Romiplostim is an IgG heavy chain into which four TPO agonist peptides have been inserted. Eltrombopag is an oral small molecule. These activate the TPO receptor by different mechanisms to increase megakaryocyte growth and platelet production. After administration of either to healthy volunteers, there is a delay of 5 days before the platelet count rises and subsequently reaches a peak after 12–14 days. Both have been highly effective in treating ITP and hepatitis C thrombocytopenia. Studies in a wide variety of other thrombocytopenic conditions are underway.
Prediction of new clinical vertebral fractures in elderly men using finite element analysis of CT scans

Vertebral strength, as estimated by finite element analysis of computed tomography (CT) scans, has not yet been compared against areal bone mineral density (BMD) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for prospectively assessing the risk of new clinical vertebral fractures. To do so, we conducted a case-cohort analysis of 306 men aged 65 years and older, which included 63 men who developed new clinically-identified vertebral fractures and 243 men who did not, all observed over an average of 6.5 years. Nonlinear finite element analysis was performed on the baseline CT scans, blinded to fracture status, to estimate L1 vertebral compressive strength and a load-to-strength ratio. Volumetric BMD by quantitative CT and areal BMD by DXA were also evaluated. We found that, for the risk of new clinical vertebral fracture, the age-adjusted hazard ratio per standard deviation change for areal BMD (3.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.0-5.2) was significantly lower (p < 0.005) than for strength (7.2; 95% CI, 3.6-14.1), numerically lower than for volumetric BMD (5.7; 95% CI, 3.1-10.3), and similar for the load-to-strength ratio (3.0; 95% CI, 2.1-4.3). After also adjusting for race, body mass index (BMI), clinical center, and areal BMD, all these hazard ratios remained highly statistically significant, particularly those for strength (8.5; 95% CI, 3.6-20.1) and volumetric BMD (9.4; 95% CI, 4.1-21.6). The area-under-the-curve for areal BMD (AUC = 0.76) was significantly lower than for strength (AUC = 0.83, p = 0.02), volumetric BMD (AUC = 0.82, p = 0.05), and the load-to-strength ratio (AUC = 0.82, p = 0.05). We conclude that, compared to areal BMD by DXA, vertebral compressive strength and volumetric BMD consistently improved vertebral fracture risk assessment in this cohort of elderly men.
Second, third and correlation moments from nonequilibrium and equilibrium fluctuation theory, N, P, T ensemble, compared between supercooled and superheated liquid water

A local nonequilibrium fluctuation (NEF) theory has been developed which applies to modest deviations from equilibrium when gradients, time dependences, etc., are absent, and, provided that long-range spatial correlations of the fluctuations are suppressed, for example, by droplet sizes down to 3 μm required to obtain thermodynamic data at the extremes of supercooling. The predictions from NEF theory are constrasted against those from equilibrium fluctuation (EF) theory using the extensive data available for metastable liquid water. NEF and EF second and third T and P moments were calculated and compared between the maximum supercooling and superheating spinodals, ≈227 K and ≈596 K, at 1 atm pressure. The EF second and third T and P moments are either small or zero near 227 K, but 〈(δT)2〉 and 〈(δP)2〉 approach +∞ near 227 K, and 〈(δT)3〉 and 〈(δP)3〉 approach -∞ and +∞, respectively, when calculated by NEF theory. Moreover, all NEF second moments, G, A, H, E, P, V, T and S, approach +∞ for supercooled water near 227 K, and correlation moments, e.g., entropy-pressure, also diverge. The positive infinities in 〈(δP)3〉 and 〈(δP)3〉 require some pressure fluctuations to reach the negative-pressure stability limit of supercooled water at 227 K, thus causing mechanical instability, but mechanical instability at 227 K is not obtained from EF theory. An even more important result is that the NEF second S moment diverges much faster near 227 K then the EF second S moment. This occurs because the NEF second S moment contains two diverging terms; the first is the same as the EF second S moment, but the second, more-rapidly diverging term, is related to the nonequilibrium entropy production. The NEF second E moment also is somewhat larger than the EF second E moment near 227 K, whereas other second moments, of A, H and V, are identical in EF and NEF theory. Several NEF second moment divergences do not result just from the infinities in the individual susceptibilities, but rather from the product of CP, β, or KT, with 1/(CVKT+βV), which also approaches large values near 227 K. Differences between NEF and EF results also occur up to 596 K for superheated water.
Acid catalysis of the hydrolysis of acetato-pentammine complexes of cobalt(III), rhodium(III) and iridium(III)

Abstract The syntheses of [M(NH3)5(RCOO)](ClO4)2 where M = Rh(III) or Ir(III) and RCOO− = CH3COO−, (CH3)3CCOO− or CF3COO− are described. The rates of hydrolysis of these complexes as well as the corresponding Co(III) systems were determined in acid, [H+] = 0·01 – 0·1 M. In all cases the rates of hydrolysis increase with increase of acid concentration. The mechanism of acid hydrolysis of these systems is discussed.
NMR studies identify four intermediate states of ATPase and the ion transport cycle of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase.

Water proton nuclear relaxation measurements are used to detect and characterize four distinct intermediate states for Gd3+ bound to Ca2+ sites of sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase in complexes with ATP analogues. In the absence of nucleotides, Gd3+ binds to two occluded Ca2+ transport sites on Ca2+-ATPase which have a low accessibility to solvent water. In the presence of the nonhydrolyzable ATP analogue, Co(NH3)4AMPPCP, a new state for bound Gd3+ (still occluded and with fewer waters of hydration) is observed. In the presence of Co(NH3)4ATP or ATP, two additional states for bound Gd3+ are detected in the NMR studies. The first of these probably represents an intermediate state for bound Gd3+ during ATP hydrolysis. The latter is the most occluded Gd3+ site yet observed in these studies and is probably analogous to the highly occluded E1-P state observed with CrATP [(1987) Biochim. Biophys. Acta 898, 313–322].
Gray Level Image Processing by Cellular Logic Transforms

The cellular logic transform has been used extensively in the analysis of bilevel images generated by thresholding gray level images. Now, by a process of gray level resynthesis, it is shown to be useful in gray level image processing.
Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues and M. longissimus dorsi of Wagyu cattle.

Three experiments were conducted to document the fatty acid composition of tissues from purebred Wagyu cattle from Japan and North American crossbred Wagyu. In experiment 1, subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissues (n = 23) were obtained from Japanese cattle representing the five Japanese fat quality grades. The monounsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio (MUFA:SFA) was greatest in fat quality grade 5 samples (2·57) and least in the fat quality grade 3 samples (2·08; P < 0·05). In experiment 2, M. longissimus dorsi and the associated intramuscular (i.m.) and s.c. adipose tissues were obtained from carcasses of Wagyu crossbred steers (1/2-7/8) raised in the USA. Fatty acid composition varied among depots, but the MUFA:SFA ratio in s.c. adipose tissue (1·46) was not different from values reported for other breeds of cattle. In experiment 3, samples of M. longissimus dorsi ribsteaks were obtained from three regions in Japan. Samples from the Gunma region had the greatest (P < 0·05) MUFA:SFA ratio (2·10), relative to samples from the Kagoshima (1·82) and Miyazaki (1·65) regions. The data indicate that beef from purebred Wagyu cattle raised in Japan is enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids, and that the degree of enrichment depends upon the region of Japan from which the samples were obtained.
Development of Parkinson’s disease in patients with Narcolepsy

Although amphetamine drugs can damage dopaminergic axons, it is unknown whether chronic treatment with amphetamine increases the risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD). Of 1,152 consecutive PD patients, 3 had a prior diagnosis of narcolepsy. This rate is five times higher than expected (p = 0.02). These patients had typical onset of narcolepsy and underwent treatment with amphetamine. Although preliminary, this observation raises the possibility that some factors intrinsic to narcolepsy or its treatment may be a risk factor for PD.
X-Ray Absorption Studies of Titanium Silicide Formation at the Interface of Ti Deposited on Si

Near edge X-ray absorption spectra (XANES) have been obtained from the Ti K-edge for several series of titanium silicide samples produced by different techniques. Samples were fabricated by depositing Ti on silicon wafers and subsequently annealing them up to temperatures from 100°C to 900°C in UHV, vacuum furnace, or in a Rapid Thermal Annealing system. Measurements were done in the fluorescence and total electron yield modes. The XANES measurements were correlated with Raman scattering measurements. The XANES data of several reference compounds were obtained, and the data showed a high sensitivity to changes in the film structure. Ti metallic bonding and Ti-Si bonds can be distinguished and their evolution as a function of annealing is related to previous results. For the samples with increased impurities, Ti regions were stable at higher temperatures. The XANES spectra of samples annealed under N2 indicate the formation of a surface nitride.
On locally compact Hausdorff spaces with finite metrizability number

Abstract The metrizability number m(X) of a space X is the smallest cardinal number κ such that X can be represented as a union of κ many metrizable subspaces. In this paper, we study compact Hausdorff spaces with finite metrizability number. Our main result is the following representation theorem: If X is a locally compact Hausdorff space with m(X)=n , then for each k , 1⩽k , X can be represented as X=G∪F , where G is an open dense subspace, F=X⧹G , m(G)=k , and m(F)=n−k .
Temporal pulse-width control of a regenerative amplifier with intracavity etalons

The effects of intracavity etalons on the temporal mode structure of a regenerative amplifier have been studied both theoretically and experimentally. The analysis predicts the output temporal pulse shape given the input pulse shape, the laser-cavity parameters, the etalon parameters, and the number of round trips the injected pulse makes in the laser cavity. Experimental results agree well with the theory.© (1993) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Giving at a loss: couple exchange after the death of a parent

Abstract The concepts of “gift” and “debt” have frequently been subject to sociological discussion. This paper develops a theoretical view of couple relationships following the death of a parent as involving elements of indebtedness to the deceased parent and “giving” within the couple dyad. Illustrations of the theoretical dynamics are drawn from in-depth interviews conducted with couples in which one or both of the partners had experienced the death of a parent. The illustrations focus on the roles of exchange, reciprocity, and responsibility with relation to the parent death as simultaneously “gifts” and “debts.”
Intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy--a novel technique in the surgical management of axillary recurrence.

: Treating recurrent disease in the axilla is a challenging and complex clinical problem. Several reports in the literature suggest better outcomes with the combination of both surgery and radiation therapy than either modality alone. However, the available options for re-treatment are limited by the extent of disease at relapse, and the prior therapy that the patient has already received. The choice of re-irradiation using conventional external beam therapy is generally limited because of the risk of exceeding the radiation tolerance of the brachial plexus. In lieu of our concerns regarding excessive morbidity from re-irradiation with external radiation therapy when treating an axillary relapse, we applied intraoperative high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDR-IORT) at the time of surgical resection ± a modest dose of postoperative external beam radiation therapy. In this paper, we describe the feasibility of HDR-IORT technique in three patients presenting with recurrent disease in the axilla.
Passive remote sensing at microwave wavelengths

Passive remote sensing at microwave frequencies has applications which range from meteorology to oceanography and geology. The meteorological applications are the most fully developed and include measurements of the temperature profile of the atmosphere and of the atmospheric distribution of H 2 O and O 3 . Such measurements can he made from space or from the ground by utilizing the microwave resonances of O 2 , H 2 O, and O 3 which occur near 1-cm wavelength. Although infrared observations permit similar meteorological measurements, such optical devices are much more sensitive to aerosols and clouds. The small but finite nonresonant attenuation of most moderate clouds at microwave frequencies also permits their liquid water content to be estimated. At wavelengths longer than 2 cm the microwave properties of the terrestrial surface dominate observations from space, and measurements as a function of polarization and viewing angle yield information about surface temperature and emissivity. Such measurements of the ocean should also permit the sea state to he inferred. The review has two major parts. The first part reviews the physics of the interactions, the mathematics of data interpretation, and the instrumentation currently available. The second part is applications-oriented and emphasizes the types, accuracy, and relevance of possible meteorological measurements.