cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Digital Logic and Microprocessor Design

This chapter contains sections titled: Microprocessor Design Digital Logic K-Maps Combinational Circuits Multiple Output Combinational Circuits Sequential Circuits Types of Synchronous Sequential Circuits RAM Design Hardware Description Language (HDL) Summary References
Autonomic dysfunction in early breast cancer: Incidence, clinical importance, and underlying mechanisms

Autonomic dysfunction represents a loss of normal autonomic control of the cardiovascular system associated with both sympathetic nervous system overdrive and reduced efficacy of the parasympathetic nervous system. Autonomic dysfunction is a strong predictor of future coronary heart disease, vascular disease, and sudden cardiac death. In the current review, we will discuss the clinical importance of autonomic dysfunction as a cardiovascular risk marker among breast cancer patients. We will review the effects of antineoplastic therapy on autonomic function, as well as discuss secondary exposures, such as psychological stress, sleep disturbances, weight gain/metabolic derangements, and loss of cardiorespiratory fitness, which may negatively impact autonomic function in breast cancer patients. Lastly, we review potential strategies to improve autonomic function in this population. The perspective can help guide new therapeutic interventions to promote longevity and cardiovascular health among breast cancer survivors.
The free librations of a dissipative Moon

It is noted that dissipation in the moon produces a small offset (approximately 0.23 arcsec) of the moon's rotation axis from the plane defined by the ecliptic and lunar orbit normals. Both solid body tidal friction and viscous fluid friction at a core-mantle interface are thought to be plausible mechanisms. The merits of both are discussed, and it is found that solid friction requires a low lunar tidal Q (approximately 28), whereas turbulent fluid friction requires a core with a radius of approximately 330 km to cause the signature observed by lunar laser ranging. Large (approximately 0.4-8.0 arcsec) free librations of the lunar figure have also been detected through laser ranging. Both a very recent impact on the moon and fluid turbulence in the lunar core are considered plausible mechanisms for generating these librations.
Liberation of beta-glucuronidase activity by bacteria cultured from the human vagina and cervix

Abstract In the presence of menthol glucuronide each of seven different bacterial strains isolated from the normal and abnormal vagina and cervix of human beings liberated the enzyme, β-glucuronidase. Cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis with bacteria liberated more enzyme activity than bacteria-free cultures of Trichomonas vaginalis .
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry of Nickel, Copper, Zinc, and Lead in Sweat Collected from Healthy Subjects during Sauna Bathing

Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb were measured by atomic absorption spectrometry in sweat samples obtained by the arm-bag technique from 48 healthy adult subjects (33 ♂, 15 ♀ ) during sauna bathing (15 min at 93 °C, dry heat). The men sweated more profusely than the women (volume, in milliliters, of sweat collected: mean, SD, and range: 23 ± 12 (3-55) and 7 ± 3 (2-13), respectively. The concentrations, in µg/liter, (mean, SD, and range) of trace metals in sweat of men and women, respectively, were: nickel , 52 ± 36 (7-180) and 131 ± 65 (39-270); copper , 550 ± 350 (30-1440) and 1480 ± 610 (590-2280); zinc , 500 ± 480 (130-1460) and 1250 ± 770 (530-2620); and lead , 51 ± 42 (8-184) and 118 ± 72 (49-283). In sweat samples from 11 women on oral contraceptives, concentrations of Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb did not differ significantly from the values in the 15 control women. Sweating is a demonstrably significant route for excretion of trace metals, and sweating may play a role in trace-metal homeostasis. Essential trace metals could conceivably be depleted during prolonged exposure to heat; conversely, sauna bathing might provide a therapeutic method to increase elimination of toxic trace metals.
Origins of climate model discrepancies in atmospheric shortwave absorption and global precipitation changes

Projected increases in mean precipitation are constrained by the atmospheric energy budget through radiative-convective equilibrium. However, significant differences persist between climate models on the rate of increase in precipitation per unit warming, mostly arising from the clear-sky radiative response. While the intermodel spread in clear-sky longwave cooling has been explained by climate feedbacks, the sources of spread in clear-sky shortwave heating are still unclear. This article focuses on the latter. Since water vapor contributes most of the atmospheric shortwave absorption, both intermodel differences in its spatial distribution and in radiative transfer parameterizations are plausible hypotheses for the spread. This work reestablishes the primary contribution from water vapor relative to other shortwave-absorbing species and evaluates the validity of both hypotheses. It is found that the intermodel spread in shortwave absorption change most likely originates from the radiation schemes, possibly because of simplifications induced by their low spectral resolutions.
Synthesis and photodimerization in self-assembled monolayers of 7-(8-trimethoxysilyloctyloxy)coumarin

We report a synthesis of 7-(8-trimethoxysilyloctyloxy)coumarin that can self-assemble into optically active monolayers on substrates. Atomic force microscopy and UV–vis spectroscopy have been used to characterize the self-assembly processes and photochemical reaction of the coumarin silane on substrates. We also show that when irradiated with linearly polarized UV light, the self-assembled coumarin monolayer can induce a homogeneous alignment of nematic liquid crystals.
Social networking 0.0 Cultivating casual collaboration

Essay for the January 2010 "The Way I See It" column in College & Research Library News. This article discusses socializing between librarians and teaching and research faculty and the positive side-effect of library outreach that emerges out of such efforts.
Development and Initial Validation of an Obesity‐specific Quality‐of‐life Measure for Children: Sizing Me Up

The present study describes the development and initial validation of a new obesity-specific, self-report measure of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for children aged 5–13 years. Participants included 141 obese children (mean age = 9.2 years, 67% female, 55% black, mean zBMI = 2.52) and their primary caregivers. Children completed Sizing Me Up (obesity-specific HRQOL) and the PedsQL (generic HRQOL). Item content for Sizing Me Up was based on the published child obesity and HRQOL literatures and expert opinion. Items use phrasing to orient children to respond to questions in context of his/her size (e.g., “were teased by other kids because of your size”). Caregivers completed Sizing Them Up, a parallel parent-proxy, obesity-specific HRQOL measure. Initial psychometric evaluation of Sizing Me Up was completed by conducting a factor analysis and determining internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent and construct validity. Sizing Me Up is a 22-item measure with five scales (i.e., Emotional Functioning, Physical Functioning, Social Avoidance, Positive Social Attributes, and Teasing/Marginalization) that account for 57% of the variance and a total HRQOL score. Internal consistency coefficients range from 0.68 to 0.85. Test–retest reliabilities range from 0.53 to 0.78. Good convergent validity was demonstrated with the PedsQL (rs = 0.35–0.65) and the parent-proxy Sizing Them Up (rs = 0.22–0.44). Sizing Me Up represents the first obesity-specific HRQOL measure developed specifically for younger school-aged children (aged 5–13 years) with preliminary evidence of strong psychometric properties that likely has both clinical and research utility in a variety of settings.
Enhanced Long-Term Stability for Single Ion Channel Recordings Using Suspended Poly(lipid) Bilayers

Black lipid membranes (BLMs) are widely used for recording the activity of incorporated ion channel proteins. However, BLMs are inherently unstable structures that typically rupture within a few hours after formation. Here, stabilized BLMs were formed using the polymerizable lipid bis-dienoyl phosphatidylcholine (bis-DenPC) on glass pipettes of ∼10 μm (I.D.). After polymerization, these BLMs maintained steady conductance values for several weeks, as compared to a few hours for unpolymerized membranes. The activity of an ion channel, α-hemolysin, incorporated into bis-DenPC BLMs prior to polymerization, was maintained for 1 week after BLM formation and polymerization. These lifetimes are a substantial improvement over those achievable with conventional BLM technologies. Polymerized BLMs containing functional ion channels may represent an enabling technology for development of robust biosensors and drug screening devices.
PIE-sums: A combinatorial tool for partition theory

Abstract PIE-sums are introduced. The method of inclusion-exclusion is applied to a wide range of partition identities which are herein proved for the first time by methods other than generating functions. A general structure is given to these varied identities, and several new examples are presented. The connection between partition identities and Mobius function identities is examined, and the foundations are given for developing this technique.
The Decision to Breastfeed in the United States: Does Race Matter?

Objectives. To estimate the effects of maternal and birth characteristics on the decision to breastfeed and to relate breastfeeding practices to racial differences in infant mortality. Methods. Using a sample of women with young children from the National Survey of Family Growth (NSFG), Cycle V, 1995, the likelihood of breastfeeding was modeled using logistic regression techniques. In addition, single, live births from the NSFG 1988 and 1995 surveys were analyzed to model the effects of race and breastfeeding on infant mortality using Cox regression methods. Results. After controlling for socioeconomic background and birth characteristics, race remained a strong predictor of breastfeeding. Black women were less likely to breastfeed than nonblack women were, and the primary reason indicated by black women for not breastfeeding was that they “preferred to bottle-feed.” Analyses of infant mortality indicated that breastfeeding accounts for the race difference in infant mortality in the United States at least as well as low birth weight does. Conclusions. Race is an important predictor of breastfeeding, with most black women reporting that they “preferred bottle-feeding.” Efforts to increase breastfeeding of infants in the black community should help narrow the racial gap in infant mortality.
Quality Measurement in Adult Cardiac Surgery: Introduction

© P uality Measurement in Adult Cardiac Surgery: ntroduction avid M. Shahian, MD, Frederick L. Grover, MD, Richard P. Anderson, MD, nd Fred H. Edwards, MD Chair, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Quality Measurement Task Force; President (2006–2007), The Society of Thoracic urgeons; Chair, The Society of Thoracic Surgeons Council on Quality, Research and Patient Safety; Chair, The Society of horacic Surgeons Workforce on National Databases, Chicago, Illinois
THE HISTORICAL AND GEOGRAPHICAL ROLE OF URUMCHI, CAPITAL OF CHINESE CENTRAL ASIA

JHE city of Urumchi," wrote Mildred Cable in 1944, "important though it has been for generations as a centre of the caravan trade of central Asia, has remained all but unknown to the Western World until recently."' Although numbers of Western travelers have visited this center during the last three decades and have brought out short descriptions of this pivotal oasis center and city on the northern flanks of the Great T'ien Shan range, the last two words of the quotation probably could safely be removed even today without damaging the essential truth of the quotation. The importance of this city, currently carrying the name of Urumchi, and its oases has become greater today than at any time in past history. It constitutes the nerve head of Chinese Communist development of the vast territory with seven million people2 fronting Soviet Central Asia and now deceptively termed the Hsinchiang Uighur Autonomous Region (Fig. 1). This article attempts to accord to this significant city and its oases some of the attention that they deserve by gathering the strands of their historical evolution, presenting a picture of their commanding development today, and pointing to their rising role for the future of this far west frontier region of China.
Rectify the Heart-Mind for the Art of Living: a Gongfu Perspective on the Confucian Approach to Desire

Different from the commonly used moralistic perspective, this essay articulates and evaluates major ideas about human desire within the Confucian tradition through a gongfu perspective and shows that although there are historical reasons for blaming Confucianism for suppressing human desires and suffocating humanity, what classic Confucianism advocates is ultimately about how to cultivate humanity, transform human desires, and live artistically, and not about how to impose a rigid normative moral system externally to constrain human life, making it unsatisfying.
A life lived at the crossroads of knowledge and children's policy.

This chapter documents the influential impact on America's social policy of one developmental psychologist's knowledge, presence, and advocacy. It is a story of spirit, tenacity, and hope throughout the struggle to improve the quality of life for America's children and families.
Evolving Network Roles in International Aid Efforts: Evidence from Croatia’s Post War Transition

Social capital is created when members and organizations in a society enact relationships with others. The outcome of these relationships includes new opportunities, information, and access to a variety of resources. The purpose of this article is to study donor communication and relationships that help to build social capital. The site for this study is the evolving nature of donor organization relations with voluntary associations in Croatia from 1999 to 2002. Using network analysis, this article traces how donor–NGO-media relations changed over time and provides suggestions for international donors and NGOs in transitions to maximize the outcome of their communicative relationships.
CHONDROCYTE-MATRIX ATTACHMENT COMPLEXES MEDIATE SURVIVAL AND DIFFERENTIATION

Integrin mediated cell-extracellular matrix interactions are required for survival and differentiation of many cell types. In this review, the cell-matrix attachment complex (CMAX) is described for chondrocytes. The evidence that integrin-mediated signal transduction is necessary for normal chondrocyte differentiation and survival in various culture conditions and in vivo are reviewed. The possible signal transduction pathways stimulated by the extracellular matrix components are discussed with a review of current data from chondrocyte experiments. In addition, the influence of parathyroid hormone and transforming growth factor beta on chondrocyte survival has been included as they may function in concert with integrin mediated signal transduction. Finally, specific changes in gene expression preceding apoptosis are discussed. The current understanding of how integrin-mediated signals prevent apoptosis and implications of anchorage-dependent survival for development and differentiation of the chondrocyte phenotype are discussed.
Arthroscopic surgery added no benefit to optimized physical and medical therapy in knee osteoarthritis

Source Citation Kirkley A, Birmingham TB, Litchfield RB, et al. A randomized trial of arthroscopic surgery for osteoarthritis of the knee. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:1097-107. 18784099
Controllable biotinylated poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PE-co-GMA) nanofibers to bind streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) for potential biosensor applications

Abstract Poly(ethylene-co-glycidyl methacrylate) (PE-co-GMA) nanofibers with abundant active epoxy groups on surfaces were fabricated through a novel manufacturing process. The prepared PE-co-GMA nanofibers with different average diameters ranging from 100 to 400 nm were aminated by reacting the epoxy groups with 1,3-diaminopropane. The resulting aminated PE-co-GMA nanofibers were subsequently biotinylated and then successfully applied to immobilize streptavidin–horseradish peroxidase (HRP) conjugate via specific, strong and rapid binding of biotin and streptavidin. The streptavidin–HRP immobilized PE-co-GMA nanofibers showed high activity, efficiency, sensitivity as well as good reusability. The results demonstrated that PE-co-GMA nanofibers prepared could be a promising candidate as solid support materials for potential biosensor applications.
Maximum Entropy Beam Diagnostic Tomography

This paper reviews the formalism of maximum entropy beam diagnostic tomography as applied to the Fusion Materials Irradiation Test (FMIT) prototype accelerator. The same formalism has also been used with streak camera data to produce an ultrahigh speed movie of the beam profile of the Experimental Test Accelerator (ETA) at Livermore.
Hexafluorobenzene and 1,3-difluorobenzene low-temperature calorimetric studies and chemical thermodynamic properties

Abstract The low-temperature thermal properties of hexafluorobenzene and 1,3-difluorobenzene were measured by adiabatic calorimetry from 13 to 342 K and 11 to 355 K, respectively. The properties measured were heat capacities of solid and liquid, enthalpies of fusion, triple point temperature, and purity, and, in addition, for 1,3-difluorobenzene, the enthalpy and temperature of a solid-solid transition. From these results the following chemical thermodynamic functions were calculated for the condensed phases at selected temperature: Gibbs energy function, enthalpy function, enthalpy, entropy, and heat capacity. For 1,3-difluorobenzene the entropies in the ideal gas state were calculated at several temperatures, a revised vibrational assignment was made from Raman and infrared frequencies reported in the literature, and the chemical thermodynamic functions in the ideal gas state were calculated from 0 to 1500 K. Values of the Gibbs energy of formation and logarithm of equilibrium constant of formation for 1,3-difluorobenzene were also computed for the range 0 to 1500 K.
Size-exclusion chromatography dimension for rod-like macromolecules

Abstract A phenomenological approach has been taken to determine the macromolecular dimension that controls peak migration in size-exclusion chromatography. For macromolecules representative of the class of rigid rods, flexible rods, random coils, and compact ellipsoids, the dependence of the chromatographic partition coefficient, KSEC, on the viscosity radius, the radius of gyration, and the contour length, respectively, was determined. Since none of these dimensions appears to control retention uniquely, a phenomenological definition of RSEC was provided. This parameter progressively deviates from the hydrodynamic radius with increasing macromolecular asymmetry.
Developmental Changes in the Presence of Specific Chicken Fetal-Leukemic Antigen Determinants in the Chicken, Japanese Quail, and the Interspecific Hybrid

Abstract The pattern and timing of expression of chicken fetal-leukemic antigen (CFA) on peripheral red blood cells (RBCs) is reported for specific periods of postembryonic development in chickens, Japanese quail, and quail-chicken hybrids. Individual CFA determinants were lost from the peripheral RBCs of chickens and hybrids at specific times of development. The sequential pattern of phasing in these sources suggests that at least some of the CFA determinants may be expressed independently on the cell surface. In addition, the time of phasing for each determinant may represent a developmentally-controlled change in the internal or external environment of the differentiating erythrocyte. In contrast, three CFA determinants appeared to be lost simultaneously, or over a short period of time, from the RBCs of Japanese quail. This phasing event appears to occur approximately one week prior to the onset of egg production. In the interspecific hybrid, the same three CFA determinants appeared to be independent with regard to the periods in which they were expressed on peripheral RBCs.
Renal oncocytomas with 11q13 rearrangements: cytogenetic, molecular, and immunohistochemical analysis of cyclin D1

Two groups of renal oncocytomas have been cytogenetically defined by the loss of one or both of chromosomes Y and 1 or by structural rearrangement involving 11q12~q13. We report five renal oncocytomas with structural chromosomal rearrangements involving 11q13 with previously unre- ported partner chromosomes (namely, 1, 6, and 7). For two of the five cases, a t(6;11)(p21;q13) translocation was revealed; the others had t(1;11)(p13;q13), t(7;11)(q11.2;q13), and t(5;11)(q35; q13). Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed translocation of CCND1 at 11q13 to partner chromosomes 5, 6, and 7. Overexpression of cyclin D1, the protein product of CCND1, was detected in three of the five cases (60%) by means of immunohistochemical staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded tumor sections. In three cases for which fresh tissue was available, Southern blot analysis using the MDL-5 probe for the BCL1 breakpoint did not reveal rearrangement of BCL1. In addition, six consecutive renal oncocytomas diagnosed at our institution between 1999 and 2002 whose karyotypes did not show 11q13 translocations were all negative for cyclin D1 overexpression under immunohistochemical analysis. The findings of CCND1 rearrangement with FISH and correlation with cyclin D1 overexpression under immunohistochemical analysis suggest that cyclin D1 alter- ations play a role in the subset of renal oncocytomas with 11q translocations, although other genes
Digital Phosphor Technology Boosts RF Signal Discovery and Analysis

Digital phosphor technology, traditionally used in advanced oscilloscopes, has been applied to the RF domain and can now be found in preeminent real-time spectrum analyzers (RTSAs). In enabling users to view "live RF" signals for the first time, digital phosphor technology provides unmatched insight into RF signal behavior. In fact, full-motion digital phosphor displays show signals and details that are completely missed by conventional spectrum analyzers and vector signal analyzers (VSAs), greatly accelerating the discovery and diagnosis of problems relating to time-variant RF signals. The name "digital phosphor" derives from the phosphor coating on the inside of cathode ray tubes (CRTs) used as displays in televisions, computer monitors and older test equipment. When an electron beam excites the phosphor, it fluoresces, lighting up the path drawn by the stream of electrons. Although raster-scan technologies, such as liquid crystal displays (LCDs), eventually replaced CRTs in many applications due depth and power advantages, the combination of phosphor coatings and vector drawing in CRTs provided several benefits that are useful for modern test and measurement applications.
Extracorporeal Therapies in the Treatment of Sepsis: Experience and Promise

Desire to restore the balance of body elements has enamored physicians since the ancient practice of bloodletting. More recently, extracorporeal techniques have been employed in both adults and children in treating sepsis. Extracorporeal therapies include continuous renal replacement (CRRT), plasma-based removal techniques, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). These treatments could theoretically 1) provide immunohomeostasis of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and other sepsis mediators, 2) decrease organ microthrombosis through removal of pro-coagulant factors and modulating the impaired septic coagulation response in sepsis, and 3) provide mechanical support of organ perfusion during the acute septic episode to allow time for response to traditional sepsis therapies and antimicrobials. CRRT is beneficial in managing fluid overload and acute renal failure in sepsis. Removal of sepsis mediators through the technique is variable, and the outcome impact of CRRT on sepsis has not been definitively determined. High-flow CRRT has demonstrated benefit in septic adults. Intriguing early results suggest that plasma exchange could improve outcomes in both adults and children. Based on experience, ECMO is recommended for refractory septic shock in neonates and should be considered for use in children. Ongoing trials may help determine whether the promise of extracorporeal therapies translates into outcome improvement in septic children.
Role of Prothrombin Fragment 1 in the Pathway of Regulatory Exosite I Formation during Conversion of Human Prothrombin to Thrombin

Prothrombin (Pro) activation by factor Xa generates the thrombin catalytic site and exosites I and II. The role of fragment 1 (F1) in the pathway of exosite I expression during Pro activation was characterized in equilibrium binding studies using hirudin(54-65) labeled with 6-(N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino)hexanoate ([NBD]Hir(54-65)(SO3-)) or 5-(carboxy)fluorescein ([5F]Hir(54-65)(SO3-)). [NBD]Hir(54-65)(SO3-) distinguished exosite I environments on Pro, prethrombin 1 (Pre 1), and prethrombin 2 (Pre 2) but bound with the same affinities as [5F]Hir(54-65)(SO3-). Conversion of Pro to Pre 1 caused a 7-fold increase in affinity for the peptides. Conversely, fragment 1.2 (F1.2) decreased the affinity of Pre 2 for [5F]Hir(54-65)(SO3-) by 3-fold. This was correlated with a 16-fold increased affinity of F1.2 for Pre 2 in comparison to thrombin, demonstrating an enhancing effect of F1 on F1.2 binding. The active intermediate, meizothrombin, demonstrated a 50- to 220-fold increase in exosite affinity. Free thrombin and thrombin.F1.2 complex bound [5F]Hir(54-65)(SO3-) with indistinguishable affinity, indicating that the effect of F1 on peptide binding was eliminated upon expression of catalytic activity and exosite I. The results demonstrate a new zymogen-specific role for F1 in modulating the affinity of ligands for exosite I. This may reflect a direct interaction between the F1 and Pre 2 domains in Pro that is lost upon folding of the zymogen activation domain. The effect of F1 on (pro)exosite I and the role of (pro)exosite I in factor Va-dependent substrate recognition suggest that the Pro activation pathway may be regulated by (pro)exosite I interactions with factor Va.
The Oregon Health System Transformation: Preliminary Report of Coordinated Care Organizations in the First Year Implementation

Materials and methods CCO is a network of all types of health care providers who have agreed to work together in their local communities to serve people who receive health care coverage under the Oregon Health Plan. CCOs are accountable for health outcomes of the population they serve and have one budget that grows at a fixed rate (2%) for mental, physical and ultimately dental care. CCOs are focused on prevention and helping people manage chronic conditions, like diabetes to reduce unnecessary emergency room visit. By using quality, access and financial metrics together, the state can determine whether CCOs are effectively and adequately improving care.
Emotional intensity: Measurement and theoretical implications

Abstract The individual difference construct of emotional intensity has received substantial theoretical and empirical attention. However, the principal measure used to measure emotional intensity appears to confound frequency with intensity in the response format. We developed the Emotional Intensity Scale (EIS) to make available a measure of emotional intensity independent of frequency. The EIS demonstrated strong internal reliability and temporal stability. Some of the theoretical implications of the correlations that were obtained among positive affect, negative affect, Extraversion, and Neuroticism are described.
Cardiorespiratory effects following acute exposure to pyridostigmine bromide and/or N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) in rats.

The acute lethal interaction that occurs in rodents when high doses of a peripherally restricted cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), and the insect repellent N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) are combined was first described during studies of chemical mixtures that were targeted as potential causative agents of Gulf War illnesses. This study was intended to provide insight into possible mechanisms of that lethal interaction. Following a single intraperitoneal injection of PB (2 mg/kg) and/or DEET (300 or 500 mg/kg), respiratory activity was measured in conscious freely moving rats using whole-body plethysmography. Cardiovascular function was also monitored simultaneously through an arterial catheter. PB (2 mg/kg) given alone stimulated respiration and increased blood pressure. Arterial pH levels were decreased, whereas pO2 and pCO2 remained at control levels. Administration of DEET (300 mg/kg) alone increased tidal volume and decreased blood pressure. Blood gases and pH levels were unalter...
Proteins and atherosclerosis.

Les examens macroscopiques et microscopiques effectues sur l'aorte des lapins ont ete mis en correlation avec le degre de concentration de la proteine plasmique. Les resultats indiquent qu'une augmentation des proteines plasmiques correspond a un degre plus eleve d'atherosclerose.
Non-ribosomal propeptide precursor in nocardicin A biosynthesis predicted from adenylation domain specificity dependent on the MbtH family protein NocI.

Nocardicin A is a monocyclic β-lactam isolated from the actinomycete Nocardia uniformis that shows moderate antibiotic activity against a broad spectrum of Gram-negative bacteria. The monobactams are of renewed interest due to emerging Gram-negative strains resistant to clinically available penicillins and cephalosporins. Like isopenicillin N, nocardicin A has a tripeptide core of non-ribosomal origin. Paradoxically, the nocardicin A gene cluster encodes two non-ribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPSs), NocA and NocB, predicted to encode five modules pointing to a pentapeptide precursor in nocardicin A biosynthesis, unless module skipping or other nonlinear reactions are occurring. Previous radiochemical incorporation experiments and bioinformatic analyses predict the incorporation of p-hydroxy-l-phenylglycine (l-pHPG) into positions 1, 3, and 5 and l-serine into position 4. No prediction could be made for position 2. Multidomain constructs of each module were heterologous expressed in Escherichia coli for d...
A low power auto-reconfigurable pipelined ADC for implantable biomedical applications

This paper demonstrates a reconfigurable, pipelined analog-to-digital converter (ADC) that is designed for ultra-low power consumption through the use of weak inversion region-biased transistors. In addition, the converter is able to reconfigure itself into three different modes of operation based on the input signal or a third party signal such as body motion. An adaptation unit is presented which automatically distinguishes high frequency biosignals from low frequency ones and configures the ADC in the appropriate mode of operation. The adaptation unit gives two-bits of control selecting between 8-bit or 10-bit resolution and 73.7 KS/s or 737 KS/s sampling rate. The power consumption of the pipelined ADC and adaptation unit are 680 μW and 180 μW, respectively, with a 1.8 V supply voltage. The core circuit occupies only 0.425 mm2 area.
Direct genomic multiplex PCR for BRCA1 and application to mutation detection by single-strand conformation and heteroduplex analysis.

Most mutation detection methods are based on analysis of PCR amplified segments and the application of multiplex PCR is one central approach to improving screening efficiency. Genes like the breast-ovarian cancer susceptibility gene BRCA1 pose a difficult challenge to efficient mutation screening because of large coding regions, numerous exons, and complex mutational spectra. The application to BRCA1 of a general approach to effective multiplex PCR is described here. Fifteen triplex PCRs and a single PCR reaction condition were used for amplification of all BRCA1 coding regions and the BRCA1-specific segments from the duplicated promoter region. SSCP/HDX gel analysis of the multiplex products detected mobility distinctions for 34/34 sets of allelic BRCA1 fragments. A novel polymorphism was found, CTTCT(4)CT(10)CT(12) >CT(4)CT(11), a compound deletion in a region beginning at the +33 position of IVS7 and resulting in a net deletion of 15 bp. This change was shown to be one of the common polymorphisms that define the two major haplotypes of the BRCA1-RNU2 region in a large proportion of the world population. A triplex PCR for SSCP detection of this deletion and two other distantly located common polymorphisms may be used to screen haplotype content and facilitate comparison of samples with similar haplotypes in subsequent mutation screening. The approach for robust multiplex amplification is generally applicable and allows rapid development of efficient testing for a wide variety of mutations in any gene(s) encompassing a large coding region or numerous exons and including as many as 50 different genomic PCR products.
Investigation of the effect of solution destabilization on flux enhancement in filtration

Abstract A simple model for the filtration of a destabilized colloidal suspension is proposed. It takes into account the effect of flocculation on the properties of the deposited layer. It is shown that the cake permeability is a function of the quantity ω t R , where ω is the flocculation rate (collision frequency) and t R is the residence time defined by the time from which the particle enters the membrane channel to the time that it attaches onto the membrane surface.
Identification of a Conserved Receptor-Binding Site on the Fiber Proteins of CAR-Recognizing Adenoviridae

The human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) is used widely for applications in human gene therapy. Cellular attachment of Ad5 is mediated by binding of the carboxyl-terminal knob of its fiber coat protein to the Coxsackie adenovirus receptor (CAR) protein. However, Ad5 binding to CAR hampers the development of adenovirus vectors capable of specifically targeting (diseased) tissues or organs. Through sequence analysis and mutagenesis, a conserved receptor-binding region was identified on the side of three divergent CAR-binding knobs. The feasibility of simultaneous CAR ablation and redirection of an adenovirus to a new receptor is demonstrated.
The Scientific Breakthrough of the Twentieth Century

PRESUMABLY MAN'S INQUIRIES into himself and his surroundings began when men first appeared on the globe. Perhaps his attempts to learn could be considered as having begun even earlier in whatever form of animal life man's predecessors in the evolutionary progression may have been. In any event, there are many indications that man's acquisition of 'knowledge'l has been both slow and gradual, a prolonged process of accumulation by nearly infinitesimal increments. Lost in the mists of antiquity are those great successes in the conduct of inquiry that enabled man to use fire as a household convenience, to talk and later to write, to use the wheel, and to 'know' countless ways and means of doing what he wishes to do, ways and means that most of us today take for granted. We surmise that even such a great advance as writing must have been achieved gradually rather than suddenly, but that it marked one of the significant breakthroughs in man's learning behavior seems apparent. More recently and well within the range of recorded history man has achieved other significant breakthroughs. One frequently mentioned is the application of modern scientific method in the physical sciences as epitomized in the story of Galileo. Another is the application of similar methods of inquiry in the physiological sciences, where the work of Vesalius provides an outstanding example. Noteworthy is the fact that these more recent breakthroughs reflected great forward strides in the development and application of methods of inquiry. In fact, some skilled observers have insisted that the Galilean advance in particular was revolutionary in its effects on the conduct of inquiry in the physical sciences.2 In this twentieth century man once again has achieved a significant breakthrough carrying him beyond certain barriers of ignorance that have
Oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonism in patients with coronary artery disease

Dose-finding studies and trials of interaction of oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists with other antiplatelet agents have been limited. We hypothesized that these detailed assessments could be first performed in patients with stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and then extrapolated to the target population. To this end, we performed 2 sequential studies. The first study examined the dose-related effects on indexes of platelet and vascular function induced by the oral inhibitor RPR 109891, when given alone and in combination with aspirin, in patients (n = 100) with stable CAD. The second study (the Antagonism of the FIbrinogen Receptor after Myocardial Events trial) assessed the pharmacodynamics and safety of derived regimens in patients (n = 320) with unstable coronary syndromes. In patients with stable CAD, platelet aggregation was dose dependently inhibited by RPR 109891, and the dose-response relation was shifted to the right by the concomitant administration of aspirin (p = 0.0001). The degree of platelet inhibition induced by 3 doses of RPR 109891 (plus aspirin) was lower in patients with unstable than stable CAD. No drug-related major bleeding occurred in either study. RPR 109891 treatment was associated with acute and delayed thrombocytopenia. In conclusion, chronic treatment with an oral glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonist (1) induces antiplatelet effects that are potentiated by concomitant administration of aspirin, (2) may require dose adjustment in syndromes of platelet activation, (3) is associated with a low rate of clinically significant bleeding when doses inducing incomplete inhibition of platelet aggregation are used, and (4) requires frequent monitoring of platelet count unless reliable predictors of delayed thrombocytopenia become available.
Adaptive communication-constrained deployment of mobile robotic networks

Cooperation between multiple autonomous vehicles requires inter-vehicle communication, which in many scenarios must be established over an ad-hoc wireless network. This paper proposes an optimization-based approach to the deployment of such mobile robotic networks. A primal-dual gradient descent algorithm jointly optimizes the steady-state positions of the robots based on the specification of a high-level task in the form of a potential field, and routes packets through the network to support the communication rates desired for the application. The motion planning and communication objectives are tightly coupled since the link capacities depend heavily on the relative distances between vehicles. The algorithm decomposes naturally into two components, one for position optimization and one for communication optimization, coupled via a set of Lagrange multipliers. Crucially and in contrast to previous work, our method can rely on on-line evaluation of the channel capacities during deployment instead of a prespecified model. A randomized sampling scheme along the trajectories allows the robots to implement the algorithm with minimal coordination overhead.
Half-life of the longest-lived einsteinium isotope-252Es

Abstract The half-life of the nuclide 252 Es has been measured by following the decay of the 785.1 keV γ-ray associated with its electron capture decay. The 252 Es sample used in this study was produced by 249 Bk(α, n ) reaction. The γ-ray spectrum of a chemically purified 252 Es sample was measured with a high-resolution 25 cm 3 Ge(Li) spectrometer. 137 Cs activity, fixed to the 252 Es sample, was used as an internal calibration source to correct for variations in the source-detector geometry. The decay of the γ-ray spectrum was followed for three years. A least-squares fit to the areas of the 785.1 keV photopeaks gave a half-life of 471.7±1.9 d for 252 Es decay. This half-life indicates that 252 Es is the longest-lived einsteinium isotope.
Resistance to potato virus Y in somatic hybrids between Solanum etuberosum and S. tuberosum x S. berthaultii hybrid.

Somatic hybrids between a potato virus Y (PVY) resistant Solanum etuberosum clone and a susceptible diploid potato clone derived from a cross between S. tuberosum Gp. Tuberosum haploid US-W 730 and S. berthaultii were evaluated for resistance to PVY. All but one of the tested somatic hybrids were significantly more resistant than cultivars ‘Atlantic’ and ‘Katahdin’. However, none was as resistant as the S. etuberosum parent. One hexaploid somatic hybrid, possibly the product of a triple-cell fusion involving one S. etuberosum protoplast and two haploid x S. berthaultii protoplasts, was as susceptible to PVY infection as the cultivars. Tetraploid progeny of the somatic hybrids, obtained from crosses with Gp. Tuberosum cultivars, were neither as resistant as the maternal somatic hybrid parent, nor as susceptible as the paternal cultivar parent. It appears that the introgression of PVY resistance from (1EBN) S. etuberosum into (4EBN) S. tuberosum (EBN-endosperm balance number) will be successful through the use of somatic hybridization and subsequent crosses of the somatic hybrids back to S. tuberosum.
Lateral alloy segregation in thin heteroepitaxial films

Alloy segregation is believed to be an important factor in the growth of the wetting layer and subsequent formation of islands during heteroepitaxy. We report simulated annealing results that determine the lowest-energy configuration of a strained system. Our results indicate that in addition to vertical segregation, there is also an energetic driving force for lateral segregation and formation of subsurface features before island formation. We believe that these subsurface features play a crucial role in the nucleation of islands.
Assessment of climatic warming using a model of forest species migration

Abstract Significant shifts in plant species ranges are anticipated next century if climate warms due to greenhouse gas emissions. The magnitude of the projected warming is considerable; the rate at which it is predicted to occur is unprecedented. There is genuine reason for concern that the extent of the range shifts will exceed the dispersal abilities of many plant species, especially in the context of extensive habitat fragmentation. This study attempts to assess explicitly the influence of two factors — mechanism of dispersal and land use configuration — on the ability of plant species to migrate in response to climatic warming. Computer models were developed to simulate dispersal at the time interval of a generation for wind-dispersed and bird-dispersed tree species. These models were applied to three study areas in the eastern United States, each consisting of two 1 : 250 000 USGS land use land cover quadrangles, which had been reclassified according to probabilities of successful colonization. The study areas reflected the continuum of human impact on the landscape, from areas in intensive agriculture to heavily forested areas. The fastest modeled migration rate observed was 81 m/yr for the wind-dispersed species and 136 m/yr for the bird-dispersed species. Average migration rates were significantly lower. The wind-dispersed species was especially sensitive to habitat isolation and fragmentation. Significant variations in average bird-dispersed migration rates occurred with modest differences in the land use pattern within a landscape; no single predictor of bird-dispersed migration success emerged. Model results indicate that many species may be unable to migrate as range limits shift with a climatic warming, resulting in long-term climatic disequilibrium.
Scribe-and-Break for Post Release MEMS Die Separation

We describe a post release die separation process for polysilicon surface micromachines using a combination of diamond scribing and breaking. The process resulted in yields above 80% for two types of electrostatic actuators. The paper describes the experimental apparatus and optimization of the process using a four parameter design of experiments. We determined that the two key parameters in the scribe-and-break process are the scribe force and the scribe angle. We also examined the theory of crack creation during the scribing process and determined experimentally that the crack depth in silicon is consistent with the theory developed for the scribing of glass.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Subjective Well-Being of Rural Adults 75 Years of Age or Older: A Longitudinal Evaluation

This study examined a combination offactors that influence subjective well-beingofrural adults in late old age and compared factors influencing subjective well-being across time. A 12-year follow-up study revealed a small, but highly reliable drop in morale for the sample as a whole. Personal competencyfactors, health, and perceived economic adequacy were most important to explaining morale at both Time 1 and Time 2. Social interaction emerged as relatively more important to subjective well-being at Time 2. Individual change in morale was highlighted by identifying variables that distinguished persons who declined on morale versus those whose morale was stable or improved. Persons who remained married at Time 2 were more likely to have declined on morale. This finding was possibly due to reduced social interaction and caregiving.
DOES "C.P. GRADE" SUCROSE CONTAIN IMPURITIES SIGNIFICANT FOR THE NUTRITION OF EXCISED TOMATO ROOTS?

Ever since the early work of Kotte (2) and Robbins (4) on the limited cultivation of excised roots there has persisted the conviction, formulated at that time, that growth of such roots is dependent on unknown as well as known factors. Robbins (5), Robbins and Maneval (7, 8) and later Robbins and V. B. White (10) concluded that growth of excised corn roots was dependent on some unknown material not contained in the salts of Pfeffer's solution, glucose, water, dissolved gases, peptone, or autolyzed yeast. It has subsequently been shown that continued growth of excised roots of many plants other than corn can be obtained in a nutrient containing these same salts, brewer's yeast, and sucrose (12,14) and that roots of tomato, sunflower, and pea can be grown in a similar salt solution plus cane sugar, thiamin, and glycine, or other amino acids (17). Robbins and Schmidt (9), and Fiedler (1) nevertheless return to this idea of unknown essentials in discussing recent results obtained with tomato roots and postulate the existence of such unknowns in the carbohydrates used. This interpretation may, of course, be sound. But it appears not to be based on actual evidence. It should, however, be possible to test this question. If the growth obtained with certain sugars is attributable to the presence of impurities, as suggested, then progressive removal of these impurities should result in progressively poorer and poorer growth. To obtain evidence bearing on this question, a sample of sucrose purissima was obtained from the U. S. Bureau of Standards in Washington, D. C.1 This is their " Standard Sample no. 17" prepared for use in molecular weight determinations, calorimetrie studies, etc. Its designated properties are: specific rotation 90? ?