cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Can oral midazolam predict oral cyclosporine disposition

Effective cyclosporine therapy is confounded by large interindividual differences in oral bioavailability and a narrow therapeutic window. Because cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A-mediated first-pass metabolism contributes to this unpredictable bioavailability, an in vivo oral CYP3A phenotyping probe could be a valuable tool in optimizing cyclosporine therapy. Based on similarities in the metabolic kinetics of cyclosporine and midazolam by the liver and intestinal mucosa, we evaluated whether midazolam oral clearance would predict cyclosporine oral clearance when the two drugs were administered to 20 medically stable kidney transplant recipients. Despite earlier findings in liver transplant recipients who displayed a strong correlation between the systemic clearances of midazolam and cyclosporine, there was a weak correlation between their oral clearances in the current group of subjects (r(s)=0.50, P=0.03). Differing extents of intestinal first-pass metabolic extraction between the two drugs, inhibition of midazolam metabolism by cyclosporine at the level of the intestine, and/or P-glycoprotein-mediated intestinal efflux of cyclosporine (but not midazolam) may account for this poor correlation. We conclude that although oral midazolam is unlikely to be clinically useful as a probe for cyclosporine disposition, its utility in the prediction of other orally administered CYP3A substrates cannot be out ruled.
Linearity and uniformity response as an indicator of performance for Agfa ADC-MD10 computed radiography plates

Computed radiography (CR) plates are currently used in radiation therapy clinics to acquire digital radiographic images for the purpose of verifying the treatment field size, shape, and location. Each CR plate may be used numerous times, and the use of these digital images allows for easy storage and retrieval of patient data. Over prolonged repeat exposures of the CR plates, however, the image quality begins to degrade, making it increasingly more difficult for the therapists and physicians to determine where one anatomical structure begins, and the other ends. The purpose of this project was to analyze and compare the linearity and uniformity responses of new CR plates, versus CR plates that have been used clinically for a period of 2 years, and determine whether linearity or uniformity response may be used as an indicator of image quality degradation. To determine this, 44 old Agfa MD10 CR plates and 56 new Agfa MD10 CR plates were tested. When comparing the results of the uniformity test, we found both the old and the new plates varied from approximately 0.5% to 3.2%. When comparing the results of the linearity test, we found that the correlation coefficient, R(2), for both the old and the new plates varied from approximately 0.996 to 0.998, with the mean values being 0.9972 and 0.9979, respectively. We concluded that linearity and uniformity response cannot be used as an effective method for the evaluation of CR plate performance. Additional research is currently underway to evaluate various other methods of assessing CR plate performance.
Continuous spectrophotometric assay of protein tyrosine phosphatase using phosphotyrosine.

Abstract A continuous activity assay for protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), employing phosphotyrosine (P-Tyr) as a substrate, has been developed and applied to measure the activities of two purified enzymes, namely, the full length T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC PTP) and its truncated form (TCΔC11 PTP). The reaction was followed by changes in ultraviolet absorption and fluorescence resulting from the dephosphorylation of P-Tyr. Both enzymes obey Michaelis-Menten kinetics, with K m = 304 μ m, V max = 62,000 units/mg for TC PTP and K m = 194 μ m, V max = 73,000 units/mg for TCΔC11 PTP. The d - and l -forms of P-Tyr are equally effective as substrates. The optimum pH for both enzymes is 4.75. The known effectors of PTPs have the predicted effects on catalytic activity.
Speed of sound in seawater as a function of temperature and salinity at one atmosphere

The speed of sound in standard seawater (diluted with pure water and evaporated) has been measured relative to pure water with a Nusonics velocimeter as a function of temperature (0 to 40°C, at 5° intervals) and salinity (5 to 40 0/00, at 5 0/00 intervals) at a atm. The results have been fitted to an equation of the form c = c0 + A S (0/00) + B S (0/00)3/2 + C S (0/00)2, where c0 is the speed of sound in pure water, S (0/00) is the salinity in parts per thousand, and A, B, and C are temperature−dependent parameters. The sound speeds fit this equation to a standard deviation of 0.04 m sec−1 over the entire temperature and salinity range. Over the oceanographic range our results, on the average, agree with the work of Wilson to ±0.5 m sec−1 (max 1.08 m sec−1) and with the work of Del Grosso and Mader to ±0.05 m sec−1 (max 0.14 m sec−1). In the low−salinity range, (5−25 0/00 salinity) our results, on the average, agree with the work of Wilson to ±0.3 m sec−1 (max 1.1 m sec−1) and with the work of Del Grosso ...
Kinetics of Protein Quality Loss in Enriched Pasta Stored in a Sine Wave Temperature Condition

The rate of loss of protein quality in enriched pasta was studied at constant temperature (30, 37 and 45°C) and under a continuous sine wave temperature fluctuation (25/45°C with a 24-hr period). Both loss of lysine by the fluoro-dinitro benzene (FDNB) method and a bioassay (Tetrahymena thermophila growth) for protein quality were employed. Significant loss of protein quality occurs in about 1 yr at temperatures above 30°C. The bioassay method showed that nutrient losses other than lysine could be occurring. Data from the constant temperature studies were used to predict the losses that occurred for the sine wave condition using the Hicks-Schwimmer model as modified with an Arrhenius approach. The prediction model gave about 15% error in comparison to actual losses. In addition, the rate of loss for the sine wave (25/45°C) was greater as predicted than the rate of loss at a constant mean temperature of 35°C.
Map order and linkage distances of molecular markers close to the supernodulation (nts-1) locus of soybean

The molecular characteristics of markers in the chromosome region surrounding the supernodulation gene (nts-1) of soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) were investigated in 187 F2 plants from a cross of G. max cv. Bragg (nts) and G. soja PI468.397 (wild-type nodulation). RFLP marker pUTG-132a, linked tightly (0.7+/-0.5 cM) to nts-1, was converted to a PCR marker. The polymorphism resides within a 1.72 kb PstI fragment and consists of an 832 bp insertion in G. max relative to the wild progenitor G. soja. The insertion is flanked by a 35 bp direct duplication that was found only once in G. soja. Data suggest that the pUTG-132a sequence exists only once in the genome, which is compatible with the recessive nature of nts-1. Accordingly, pUTG-132a is a valuable marker for map-based cloning. Another RFLP marker, pA-381, was mapped 4.8 cM distal to nts-1. Marker order, established by Maximum Likelihood Analysis, placed nts-1 between pUTG-132a and pA-381. To generate additional molecular markers, a segregating F2 population was analysed using bulked segregant analysis (BSA) and single oligonucleotide primer-based PCR (DNA amplification fingerprinting; DAF). PCR marker pcr5-4L was mapped to soybean linkage group H and sequenced. The data revealed (i) recombination events and marker order in the nts-1 region; (ii) the molecular nature and cause of polymorphisms in linked molecular markers; (iii) a low density of polymorphisms around nts-1, and (iv) diploidy of the distal region of linkage group H of soybean.
Positron emission tomography-CT imaging in guiding musculoskeletal biopsy.

Positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) is a useful device in identifying musculoskeletal lesions that require biopsy. It can be used to localize the primary lesion, identify a site to biopsy, and evaluate metastatic lesions that require follow-up biopsies. Not all malignant tumors have hypermetabolic activity, and there are many benign lesions and physiologic processes that do have increased F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose uptake. Knowledge of these issues is important when reviewing PET-CT and directing subsequent musculoskeletal biopsies.
Transition energies of D − levels in quantum-well structures

Transition energies of ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ levels in quantum-well structures in a strong magnetic field are investigated using the local-spin-density-functional formalism together with the transition-state technique. The single-particle Schr\"odinger equation is solved numerically using an expansion method. At high magnetic field, the calculated binding energies and transition energies of ${\mathit{D}}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}}$ levels agree rather well with previous calculations and with magnetoabsorption measurements. The limitations and the accuracy of our approach are discussed.
Impact of resident participation on perioperative outcomes in index laparoscopic general surgical cases: An analysis using the American College of Surgeons/ National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS/NSQIP) Participant Use File (PUF)

Introduction The current study was undertaken using the ACS/ NSQIP PUF file, to evaluate the impact of resident participation on perioperative outcomes for index laparoscopic surgeries. Methods Six index laparoscopic procedures were selected (appendectomy, cholecystectomy, gastric bypass, fundoplication, colectomy, inguinal hernia). A retrospective review of the ACS/NSQIP PUF file yielded 79,720 cases. Demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and ASA class, operative time, hospital length of stay, mortality, morbidity, and return to OR were assessed. An initial analysis comparing case outcomes with/without resident participation was undertaken. A subset analysis was undertaken by dividing the data set into junior (PGY 1-2), senior (PGY 3-5), or fellow (PGY >5) groups. A p-value of Results The demographics, preoperative comorbidities, and ASA classes were clinically similar between groups. Operative times were 20-47% longer with resident participation, with basic procedures having greater differences (e.g.: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and laparoscopic appendectomy). Mortality and return to the OR were not clinically different. Morbidity rates were similar, although advanced procedures had rates that were higher with resident participation (15.5% vs 12.4% for colectomy and 5.2% vs 4.0% for gastric bypass). On subset analysis, participation of senior residents was associated with longer operative times. Conclusions Operative times for laparoscopic procedures significantly increase with resident participation. Operative times are longer for senior residents implying greater resident involvement in the procedure. Outcomes are largely equivalent, although there are slightly higher morbidity rates with advanced procedures. This study supports resident participation but stresses the need to develop training techniques that occur outside the OR.
Evaluation of thermoreversible polymers containing fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF‐9) for chondrocyte culture

We have evaluated a biomaterial to serve as a scaffold for the propagation and amplification of chondrocytes that promotes the original cellular phenotype of these cells. The goal of the present study was to investigate the use of thermally reversible polymer gels poly(NiPAAm-co-AAc), as a biocompatible supporting scaffold for the propagation of chondrocytic cells. The polymer gels at temperatures above its lower critical solution temperature (LCST) while liquefying at temperatures below its LCST of 34.5 C. Hence, the polymer, in its gelled form, has the ability to hold cells in situ, forming a matrix similar to the natural cellular environment or the extracellular matrix that comprises cartilage. We tested the hypothesis that the polymer gel promotes cell viability and function. Human osteoblast-like cells, nasal chondrocytes, and articular chondrocytes (1x105/150 ?l) were re-suspended in enriched DMEM media and were plated onto control (without gel) and gel containing 24-well plates. The plates were re-incubated at 37 C, 5% CO2 for the time-point of interest. Additional media was added to the plates and exchanged as needed. Following cell culture, cells were retrieved, enumerated, and cell viability was determined. Other aliquots of the cells were stained for morphological analysis while expression of chondrocyte markersmore » including collagen type II and aggrecan were determined using Reverse Transcriptase-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). The polymer gel was not cytotoxic as the cell number retrieved from three-dimensional culture gel was found to be one to two times higher than that retrieved from monolayer culture. Chondrocytes propagated in the thermo-reversible polymers expressed enhanced or maintained expression of collagen type II and aggrecan. Collagen type I expression was decreased or unaltered. The N-isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid copolymer gel has potential use as a cell culture substrate and as a cell delivery vehicle.« less
The effects of shift work on free-living physical activity and sedentary behavior

Abstract Objective Although occupation may influence physical activity and shift work schedule may influence cardiovascular disease risk factors, our understanding of the effects of shift work schedule on overall physical activity behavior and sedentary behavior is limited. Methods Data from the 2005–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used. Shift work schedule was defined as regular daytime shift, evening, night, rotating or another schedule. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were assessed via accelerometry. 1536 adult participants (≥ 20 years) indicated they currently work and provided data on all study variables. Results After adjustments, and compared to adults working a regular daytime shift, those working an evening (RR = 0.41, p = 0.001) and night (RR = 0.30, p = 0.001) shift, respectively, engaged in 59% and 70% less sustained (bouts) moderate-to-vigorous physical activity, but no differences occurred for overall moderate-to-vigorous physical activity. After adjustments, and compared to those working a regular daytime shift, those working a rotating shift engaged in more light-intensity physical activity (overall: β = 26.3 min/day; p = 0.03; bouts: β = 37.5, p = 0.01) and less sedentary behavior (β = − 28.5 min/day, p = 0.01). Conclusions Shift work schedule differentially influences physical activity and sedentary behavior. Physical activity and sedentary intervention strategies may need to be tailored based on shift work schedule.
New super-selection sectors (``soliton-states'') in two dimensional Bose quantum field models

A rigorous construction of new super-selection selectors — so-called “soliton-sectors” — for the quantum “sine-Gordon” equation and the (φ·φ)2-quantum field models with explicitly broken isospin symmetry in two space-time dimensions is presented. These sectors are eigenspaces of the chargeQ≡∫dx(grad φ)(x) with non-zero eigenvalue. The scattering theory for quantum solitons is briefly discussed and shown to have consequences for the physics in the vacuum sector. A general theory is developed which explains why soliton-sectors may exist for theories in two but not in four space-time dimensions except possibly for non-abelian Yang-Mills theories.
A checkpoint compression study for high-performance computing systems

As high-performance computing systems continue to increase in size and complexity, higher failure rates and increased overheads for checkpoint/restart CR protocols have raised concerns about the practical viability of CR protocols for future systems. Previously, compression has proven to be a viable approach for reducing checkpoint data volumes and, thereby, reducing CR protocol overhead leading to improved application performance. In this article, we further explore compression-based CR optimization by exploring its baseline performance and scaling properties, evaluating whether improved compression algorithms might lead to even better application performance and comparing checkpoint compression against and alongside other software- and hardware-based optimizations. Our results highlights are that: 1 compression is a very viable CR optimization; 2 generic, text-based compression algorithms appear to perform near optimally for checkpoint data compression and faster compression algorithms will not lead to better application performance; 3 compression-based optimizations fare well against and alongside other software-based optimizations; and 4 while hardware-based optimizations outperform software-based ones, they are not as cost effective.
Epitaxial Graphene Growth by Carbon Molecular Beam Epitaxy (CMBE)

A novel growth method (carbon molecular beam epitaxy (CMBE)) has been developed to produce high-quality and large-area epitaxial graphene. This method demonstrates significantly improved controllability of the graphene growth. CMBE with C(60) produces AB stacked graphene, while growth with the graphite filament results in non-Bernal stacked graphene layers with a Dirac-like electronic structure, which is similar to graphene grown by thermal decomposition on SiC (000-1).
Removal of emulsified oil from water by inverse fluidization of hydrophobic aerogels

Abstract Different size ranges of surface-treated hydrophobic silica aerogels (Nanogel ® ) provided by Cabot Corporation are fluidized by a downward flow of an oil-in-water emulsion in an inverse fluidization mode. Surface areas, pore size distributions, and pore diameters are investigated by using BET and contact angle is measured by a goniometer. The hydrodynamics characteristics of the Nanogel granules of different size ranges are studied by measuring the pressure drop and bed expansion as a function of superficial water velocity. The density of the Nanogel granules is calculated from the plateau pressure drop after the bed is fully fluidized. The oil removal efficiency of a dilute (1000 ppm COD or lower), stabilized (using the emulsifier Tween 80) oil-in-water emulsion and the capacity of the Nanogel granules in the inverse fluidized bed are also studied. A model was developed to predict the inverse fluidized bed experimental results based on equilibrium and kinetic batch measurements of the Nanogel granules and the stabilized oil-in-water emulsion. The results show that the major factors which affect the oil removal efficiency and capacity are the size of the nanogel granules, bed height, fluid superficial velocity and the proportion of emulsifier in the oil-in-water emulsion. The Nanogel particles can absorb as much as 2.8 times their weight of oil by the inverse fluidization process.
In vitro polyploid induction of orchids using oryzalin

Abstract A protocol for in vitro polyploid induction using oryzalin was developed for Dendrobium , Epidendrum , Odontioda , and Phalaenopsis orchids (Orchidaceae). Protocorms and protocorm-like bodies (PLBs) in liquid nutrient media were subjected to oryzalin treatments of 14.4, 28.9, and 57.7 μM (w/v) concentrations for 3 and 6 days. Higher concentrations and longer treatment durations lowered the survival rates of the explants, but increased the number of polyploids produced. Stomatal guard cell lengths as measured with digital image analysis software, helped to identify several polypoids from digital images of leaf imprints. The optimal treatments were: 14.4 μM for 6 days in Dendrobium and Odontioda ; 57.7 μM for 6 days in Epidendrum ; and, 14.4 μM for 3 days in Phalaenopsis .
Bayesian closely spaced object resolution with application to real data

A technique is presented for resolving closely spaced objects when the point spread function is not well known . The technique uses a Bayesian approach without the use of contrived penalty terms for model complexity.
Skeletal resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 in osteopetrotic rats.

The osteopetrotic (op/op) rat mutation is a lethal mutation in which decreased osteoclast function (bone resorption) coexists with markedly elevated serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25(OH)2D3]. Increased circulating levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 have been reported in other osteopetrotic animal mutations and in some osteopetrotic children. This study examined the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 infusions on serum and skeletal parameters in normal and mutant rats of op stock. We also examined vitamin D receptor expression and binding in bone cells from op normal and mutant animals. Four-week-old normal and mutant rats were infused either with propylene glycol (used as controls) or with 12.5–125 ng of 1,25(OH)2D3/d using osmotic minipumps implanted subcutaneously for 1 wk. Sera were analyzed for calcium, phosphorus, and 1,25(OH)2D3 levels. Histomorphometric analyses of proximal tibiae from treated normal (50 ng/d) and op mutant (125 ng/d) rats and their vehicle-infused controls were performed. Normal animals infused with 1,25(OH)2D3 exhibited a dose-dependent increase in serum calcium levels. Histomorphometric analyses of metaphyseal bone within the primary spongiosae region showed that 1,25(OH)2D3 increased osteoclast number with a reduction in osteoblast surface associated with a decrease in growth plate cartilage thickness. However, similar analyses on secondary spongiosae showed a decrease in osteoclast number and surface associated with an anabolic response. Op mutants infused with 1,25(OH)2D3 did not exhibit any change in serum calcium levels or histomorphometric parameters related to growth plate cartilage and metaphyseal bone compared with mutant controls. Vitamin D mRNA and protein levels were increased two- to threefold in op mutants compared to age-matched normal rats. However, binding affinity of 1,25(OH)2D3 to its receptor was similar between op mutant and normal animals. High dose calcitriol therapy, under the conditions and period of treatment used in this study, failed to stimulate bone turnover in op rats, suggesting that they are resistant to the skeletal effects of 1,25(OH)2D3. The failure of osteoclast activation in response to 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment may be associated with osteoblast incompetence in this mutation.
The design of multidimensional FIR digital filters by phase correction

The present paper presents a new technique for the design of multidimensional FIR digital filters. Given the desired amplitude respinse, the truncation error, of a low-order approximation to a high-order filer" is iteratively decreased by varying the phase response. Convergence of the iterative algorithm is discussed. Examples illustrating the use of the technique are included. The design method is formulated for twodimensional filters, however filters of any dimension may be designed by this technique.
SU‐E‐T‐689: Effects of Coordinate System Orientation On ICRU Bladder Point Dose

Purpose: To quantify the displacement and dosimetric errors on position of the ICRU bladder point due to coordinate system orientation in gynecological HDR procedures. Methods: Eight patients (23 treatment fractions) receiving HDR brachytherapy for gynecological malignancies were evaluated. Bladder points were placed for each of two coordinate systems (ICRU and applicator) for each patient fraction. The ICRU coordinate system refers to true anatomical orientations (e.g., ant/post) while the applicator coordinate system is transformed (translated and rotated) based on the location and orientation treatment applicator and is used to define prescription points and optimize planned dose distributions. In both cases, the ICRU bladder point definition was used to place the point (most posterior point of foley balloon on lateral image and center of foley balloon on AP image) with differences resulting from definition of coordinate system orientation. The displacement in three dimensions and point dose differences were calculated for each patient fraction. Results: Point displacement of the applicator coordinate system point (Bappl) relative to the ICRU point (BICRU) was 6.3 ± 0.7 mm (mean ± std err) with a range of 1.5 to 12.6 mm, a statistically significant Result. Dosimetrically, dose to Bappl was 7.3 ± 1.6% (mean ± std err) of the prescribed dose higher than BICRU with a range of −7.9 to 24.7%, a statistically and clinically significant Result. This results in an overestimation of bladder dose when using the applicator coordinate system and using ICRU point dose criteria for plan evaluation. Conclusion: Failure to use a true anatomical coordinate system can lead to statistically and clinically significant dosimetric errors in dose to the defined bladder point. Use of the applicator coordinate system to define the bladder point can potentially cause compromises in plan quality in attempting to meet normal tissue dose tolerances evaluated with incorrectly reported doses.
Movement and the judged duration of visual targets

Two experiments studied the effects of movement of visual patterns and visual stimulus change without movement upon judged duration. A horizontally moving grating pattern was judged longer than the same stationary pattern. Similarly, a stationary flickering light was judged longer than a stationary steady light. In visual processing of temporal magnitude information, stimulus change appears to represent a basic factor. Stimulus change produces longer judged duration.
Topology Control for Load Shed Recovery

This paper introduces load shed recovery actions for transmission networks by presenting the dc optimal load shed recovery with transmission switching model (DCOLSR-TS). The model seeks to reduce the amount of load shed, which may result due to transmission line and/or generator contingencies, by modifying the bulk power system topology. Since solving DCOLSR-TS is computationally difficult, the current work also develops a heuristic (MIP-H), which improves the system topology while specifying the required sequence of switching operations. Experimental results on a list of N-1 and N-2 critical contingencies of the IEEE 118-bus test case demonstrate the advantages of utilizing MIP-H for both online load shed recovery and recurring contingency-response analysis. This is reinforced by the introduction of a parallelized version of the heuristic (Par-MIP-H), which solves the list of critical contingencies close to 5x faster than MIP-H with 8 cores and up to 14x faster with increased computational resources. The current work also tests MIP-H on a real-life, large-scale network in order to measure the computational performance of this tool on a real-world implementation.
Fumigation and Plume Trapping on the Shores of Lake Michigan During Stable Onshore Flow

Abstract Previous studies have shown that the lake breeze circulation cell which develops along the western shore of Lake Michigan during almost half of the warm season days has detrimental effects upon the air quality of the Gray-Chicago-Milwaukee area. However, stable onshore flow associated with a synoptic-scale pressure gradient occurs for an additional 15% of warm season days. This study examines the dispersion patterns during gradient, onshore flow. Fumigation and plume trapping, in particular, appear to cause serious degradation of air quality. Continuous fumigation of elevated plumes develops on days with strong insulation. Plume trapping occurs when a plume is emitted into a shallow layer of unstable air capped by a deep lid of stable air. This condition is frequent on overcast spring days. Two days characterized by easterly gradient winds were studied: 27 May 1970, overcast; 25 June 1970, predominately sunny. The studies utilized meteorological data obtained from ground observers, ship's records...
An exchange symmetry expansion for the 2-point correlation function of the nonlinear Schrödinger model

Abstract We define an exchange symmetry expansion for the 2-point function of the nonlinear Schrodinger model. Each term in the expansion can be represented by a diagram and we give a prescription for turning each diagram into the integral it represents using a bare propagator and the exact 2-body S-matrix phase shift. The lowest two terms in the expansion are computed in the thermodynamic limit. The lowest term, the zero-exchange term, is used as a dressed propagator to sum in closed form the next lowest form. A comparison is made with other expansions of the 2-point function.
The powerful size others down: The link between power and estimates of others' size

Abstract The current research examines the extent to which visual perception is distorted by one's experience of power. Specifically, does power distort impressions of another person's physical size? Two experiments found that participants induced to feel powerful through episodic primes (Study 1) and legitimate leadership role manipulations (Study 2) systematically underestimated the size of a target, and participants induced to feel powerless systematically overestimated the size of the target. These results emerged whether the target person was in a photograph or face-to-face. These findings suggest that the experience of powerfulness and powerlessness leads people to misperceive complementary power cues in others, and in doing so, distorts what they actually see. We discuss how these findings elucidate the interplay between how psychological states influence perception, and through this, facilitate social coordination.
Assessing Technology-Based Projects for Promotion and/or Tenure in ARL Academic Libraries.

Little is known about how technology-based projects (computer software, articles in electronic journals, Internet-based materials, videotapes and audiotapes) are reviewed for promotion and/or tenure purposes in academic libraries. Reviewers might evaluate projects with traditional criteria or attempt to revise criteria to accommodate computer-related work. To address this issue in more detail, the authors conducted a study to assess how technology-based projects are evaluated in the promotion and/or tenure process for academic librarians in Association of Research Libraries. Survey results show that, while projects, particularly World Wide Web–based materials, are being evaluated in some ARL academic libraries, little has been developed as a core set of measures or assessments for promotion and/or tenure decisions.
Diagnostic Thresholds for Quantitative REM Sleep Phasic Burst Duration, Phasic and Tonic Muscle Activity, and REM Atonia Index in REM Sleep Behavior Disorder with and without Comorbid Obstructive Sleep Apnea

OBJECTIVES We aimed to determine whether phasic burst duration and conventional REM sleep without atonia (RSWA) methods could accurately diagnose REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) patients with comorbid OSA. DESIGN We visually analyzed RSWA phasic burst durations, phasic, "any," and tonic muscle activity by 3-s mini-epochs, phasic activity by 30-s (AASM rules) epochs, and conducted automated REM atonia index (RAI) analysis. Group RSWA metrics were analyzed and regression models fit, with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determining the best diagnostic cutoff thresholds for RBD. Both split-night and full-night polysomnographic studies were analyzed. SETTING N/A. PARTICIPANTS Parkinson disease (PD)-RBD (n = 20) and matched controls with (n = 20) and without (n = 20) OSA. INTERVENTIONS N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS All mean RSWA phasic burst durations and muscle activities were higher in PD-RBD patients than controls (P < 0.0001), and RSWA associations with PD-RBD remained significant when adjusting for age, gender, and REM AHI (P < 0.0001). RSWA muscle activity (phasic, "any") cutoffs for 3-s mini-epoch scorings were submentalis (SM) (15.5%, 21.6%), anterior tibialis (AT) (30.2%, 30.2%), and combined SM/AT (37.9%, 43.4%). Diagnostic cutoffs for 30-s epochs (AASM criteria) were SM 2.8%, AT 11.3%, and combined SM/AT 34.7%. Tonic muscle activity cutoff of 1.2% was 100% sensitive and specific, while RAI (SM) cutoff was 0.88. Phasic muscle burst duration cutoffs were: SM (0.65) and AT (0.79) seconds. Combining phasic burst durations with RSWA muscle activity improved sensitivity and specificity of RBD diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS This study provides evidence for REM sleep without atonia diagnostic thresholds applicable in Parkinson disease-REM sleep behavior disorder (PD-RBD) patient populations with comorbid OSA that may be useful toward distinguishing PD-RBD in typical outpatient populations.
Self-consistent electronic structure of a vacancy in aluminum

The electronic structure of a vacancy in Al has been studied using a self-consistent pseudopotential scheme, in which the environment of the vacancy was simulated by a supercell containing 27 atomic sites. The charge-density perturbation due to the vacancy was found to be quite short ranged, indicating that the supercell used was large enough to effectively isolate individual vacancy potentials. At the center of the vacancy, the charge density was 0.27 electrons per atom; this value is compared with the results of previous calculations. The local densities of states at a vacancy and its first- and third-nearest-neighbor shells were investigated, and evidence for a vacancy-associated resonance state was found at \ensuremath{\sim}0.3 Ry below the Fermi energy. Finally, the vacancy-formation energy was also calculated in the ideal (unrelaxed) structure using the $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{\mathrm{G}}$-space formalism for calculating total energies. A value of 1.9 eV was obtained; this is 2.9 times the experimental value. The effects of lattice relaxation, the supercell method, and defect potentials on the electronic structure and the resulting formation energy are discussed.
A Glimpse Into The Future Of Optical Lithography

The conference papers relating to resolution and overlay of exploratory but production-worthy exposure/alignment systems indicate performance far exceeding current IC manufacturing demands, and hence give a glimpse of future production systems and design rules. A summary table is presented.
Mechanism for hierarchical self-assembly of nanoparticles on scaffolds derived from block copolymers

Lithographically patterned substrates can direct the self-assembly of block copolymer films into aligned structures that, in turn, template the self-organization of colloidal nanoparticles. Deposition on pristine diblock copolymer films does not lead to reproducible selective decoration, but films modified to have nanoscale corrugation act as scaffolds for highly selective nanoparticle adsorption. The mechanism for this selectivity relies on the lateral forces inherent to spin casting to remove all of the nanoparticle suspension not confined within the nanoscopic trenches. This technique does not rely on interactions between the surfactant capping molecules and the polymer and is therefore general to a wide class of nanoparticle materials. Prospects to obtain long-range ordering and associated potential applications are discussed.
Incidence of and Risk Factors for Visual Acuity Loss among Patients with AIDS and Cytomegalovirus Retinitis in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Purpose To describe the incidence of and risk factors for visual acuity loss among patients with AIDS and cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Design Multicenter prospective observational study. Participants Three hundred seventy-nine patients with AIDS and CMV retinitis (494 eyes). Methods Follow-up every 3 months with medical history, ophthalmologic examination, and laboratory testing. Main Outcome Measures Incidence of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse, to 20/200 or worse, and of doubling of the visual angle in eyes affected with CMV retinitis. Results Among the 494 eyes with CMV retinitis, the baseline frequencies of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse and to 20/200 or worse were 29% and 15%, respectively. Over a median follow-up period of 3.1 years, the incidences of visual acuity loss to 20/50 or worse, to 20/200 or worse, and of doubling of the visual angle were 0.10/eye-year (EY), 0.06/EY, and 0.13/EY, respectively. Immune recovery was associated with a 42% reduction in vision loss to 20/50 or worse and with a 61% reduction in vision loss to 20/200 or worse after adjusting for confounding. Of the patients with immune recovery at baseline, 17% had immune recovery uveitis (IRU). In these patients, the incidence rate of 20/50 or worse vision was similar to that observed in patients without immune recovery (0.17/EY vs. 0.16/EY), but the incidence of 20/200 or worse vision was similar to that observed among patients with immune recovery (0.04/EY vs. 0.04/EY). Conclusions Cytomegalovirus retinitis is associated with a substantial risk of incident vision loss in the era of HAART. Those who have HAART-induced immune recovery have approximately 50% lower risk of visual acuity loss. Presence of IRU at baseline attenuated the protective effect of immune recovery for moderate vision loss but not for blindness.
Serial Cost-Sharing of Excludable Public Goods

good is convex, this mechanism is strategy-proof (even with respect to coalitions), anonymous and induces voluntary participation. No other mechanism shares these three properties. When the public good is excludable (its cost still convex), there is a mechanism with the same properties, that everyone prefers to conservative equal costs. This mechanism excludes the agent with the lowest (equal costs) demand from consuming (or paying for) a larger amount of the good, ameliorating the free-rider problem.
Regulated Expression of G Protein-Coupled Receptor Kinases (GRK’s) and β-Arrestins in Osteoblasts

Desensitization of G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR’s) is largely mediated by a family of enzymes and protein co-factors termed GRKs and arrestins, respectively. In the present studies, we investigated expression of GRKs and arrestins in osteoblastic cell lines concentrating on the enzymes (GRK2 and GRK3) and protein co-factors (β-arrestint 1 and β-arrestin 2) that play dominant roles in regulating GPCR responsiveness in most tissues and cell types. We found that osteoblastic cells express similar amounts of GRK2 with either undetectable or lesser amounts of GRK3. In contrast, expression of β-arrestin 1 and β-arrestin 2 by osteoblastic cells varied between cell lines. To determine if GRK2 or β-arrestin expression is modulated during osteoblast development, we assessed expression of GRK2 and β-arrestin proteins during differentiation of the mouse osteoblastic cell line MC3T3-E1 cells over a 21-day period. We found that expression of GRK2 and β-arrestin 2 increased to maximal levels by day 7 and then decreased 4-fold by day 21. In contrast, expression of β-arrestin 1 increased to maximal levels by day 14 and then decreased 2-fold by day 21. Over this same time period (days 7–21), PTH/PTHrP receptor number decreased to a greater extent than the decrease in PTH(l-34)-induced cAMP generation, suggesting that responsiveness of individual PTH/PTHrP receptors was enhanced in differentiated cells. We conclude that (l) osteoblastic cell lines differentially express the enzymes and protein co-factors that modulate GPCR responsiveness and (2) expression of both GRK2 and β-arrestins is temporally regulated during osteoblast development. These data are consistent with the notion that GPCR responsiveness may be differentially regulated in osteoblastic cell lines and during osteoblast development.
Adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of kringle 5 of human plasminogen inhibits orthotopic growth of ovarian cancer.

Adeno-associated virus-mediated delivery of kringle 5 of human plasminogen inhibits orthotopic growth of ovarian cancer
Viral tropism and the pathogenesis of influenza in the Mammalian host.

Influenza viruses, single-stranded negative-sense RNA viruses within the family Orthomyxoviridae, remain an important cause of human morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite effective vaccines, more than 200,000 individuals in the United States are hospitalized each year for influenza, and approximately 35,000 succumb to disease.1 Seasonal epidemics arise through antigenic variation and recombination events from existing and currently circulating human strains, which initially target the upper respiratory tract with extension to a bronchointerstitial pneumonia in a subset of affected individuals. Disease is often more severe in older and debilitated patients, producing a characteristic distribution in age-related mortality within the affected population.2 In contrast to seasonal epidemics, pandemics arise when antigenically novel viruses emerge and are readily transmissible within the naive human population. Such events are rare and occur after zoonotic transmission of viruses through recombination events between established human and avian strains or possibly through direct adaptation of avian strains for efficient human to human transmission.3 Concerns over an avian influenza pandemic have risen since 1997 with the recognition of H5N1 as a cause of fulminant disease in humans.4,5 Pathologically fatal H5N1 causes diffuse alveolar damage and progression to multiple organ dysfunction with a case fatality rate estimated at more than 50%. Although H5N1 disease is severe, transmission rates have been low, and viral adaptation to efficient human to human transmission has not occurred. Understanding viral and host barriers that prevent transmission may be critical in establishing rational control measures as well as predicting and stratifying risk for individual strains of influenza. In this issue of The American Journal of Pathology, van Riel et al6 examine the viral binding distribution in pulmonary tissue of a number of avian and human influenza strains to elucidate the role of tropism in transmission and pathogenesis.
Cure kinetics of the ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of dicyclopentadiene

The cure kinetics of polydicyclopentadiene prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization with three different concentrations of Grubbs' catalyst were examined with differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental data were used to test several different phenomenological kinetic models. The data were best modeled with a model-free isoconversional method. This analysis revealed that the activation energy increased significantly for degrees of cure greater than 60%. The catalyst concentration had a large effect on the cure kinetics. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 40: 2373–2383, 2002
Microtubule Alignment and Manipulation Using AC Electrokinetics

The kinesin-microtubule system plays an important role in intracellular transport and is a model system for integrating biomotor-driven transport into microengineered devices. AC electrokinetics provides a novel tool for manipulating and organizing microtubules in solution, enabling new experimental geometries for investigating and controlling the interactions of microtubules and microtubule motors in vitro. By fabricating microelectrodes on glass substrates and generating AC electric fields across solutions of microtubules in low-ionic-strength buffers, bundles of microtubules are collected and aligned and the electrical properties of microtubules in solution are measured. The AC electric fields result in electro-osmotic flow, electrothermal flow, and dielectrophoresis of microtubules, which can be controlled by varying the solution conductivity, AC frequency, and electrode geometry. By mapping the solution conductivity and AC frequency over which positive dielectrophoresis occurs, the apparent conductivity of taxol-stabilized bovine-brain microtubules in PIPES buffer is measured to be 250 mS m(-1). By maximizing dielectrophoretic forces and minimizing electro-osmotic and electrothermal flow, microtubules are assembled into opposed asters. These experiments demonstrate that AC electrokinetics provides a powerful new tool for kinesin-driven transport applications and for investigating the role of microtubule motors in development and maintenance of the mitotic spindle.
Association of genetic risk severity with ADHD clinical characteristics.

This study sought to examine the association between the cumulative risk severity conferred by the total number of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) risk alleles of the DAT1 3′UTR variable number tandem repeat (VNTR), DRD4 Exon 3 VNTR, and 5-HTTLPR with ADHD characteristics, clinical correlates, and functional outcomes in a pediatric sample. Participants were derived from case–control family studies of boys and girls diagnosed with ADHD, a genetic linkage study of families with children with ADHD, and a family genetic study of pediatric bipolar disorder. Caucasian children 18 and younger with and without ADHD and with available genetic data were included in this analysis (N = 591). The association of genetic risk severity with sociodemographic, clinical characteristics, neuropsychological, emotional, and behavioral correlates was examined in the entire sample, in the sample with ADHD, and in the sample without ADHD, respectively. Greater genetic risk severity was significantly associated with the presence of disruptive behavior disorders in the entire sample and oppositional defiant disorder in participants with ADHD. Greater genetic risk severity was also associated with the absence of anxiety disorders, specifically with the absence of agoraphobia in the context of ADHD. Additionally, one ADHD symptom was significantly associated with greater genetic risk severity. Genetic risk severity is significantly associated with ADHD clinical characteristics and co-morbid disorders, and the nature of these associations may vary on the type (externalizing vs. internalizing) of the disorder. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
L1 well posedness of Euler equations with dynamic phase boundaries

Abstract We discuss the well posedness of the initial value problem to Euler equations related to phase transition. The solution contains two phase boundaries moving in opposite directions. Entropy condition and kinetic relation are used as the main admissibility criteria to select the physically relevant solution. We show the existence of the entropy solution under a suitable Finiteness Condition and a Stability Condition guarantees the stability of the problem in L 1 ∩ BV and the existence of a Lipschitz semigroup of solutions. We also discuss the well posedness of the problem given that the wave speeds do not differ significantly between different phases.
The effect of graded hypoxia on the embryonic chick heart.

Embryonic ventricular function in the chick was measured in response to graded levels of hypoxia. Myocardial contractility, as measured by cinephotoanalysis and expressed as shortening fraction, was significantly depressed after 1 hour of moderate hypoxia (6% O2) and after 5 hours of milder (16% O2 and 11% O2) levels of hypoxia (P less than .05). Microscopy confirmed associated myocyte damage with cell death noted after 5 hours of moderate hypoxic stress. Heart rate change was not related to the severity of hypoxia. The greatest level of tachycardia was noted with conditions of mildest hypoxia (16% O2). The data confirm that cardiac contractility, as measured by shortening fraction, is depressed on exposure to hypoxia, with impairment of function related to the severity of the hypoxic conditions.