cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Comparing marginal structural models to standard methods for estimating treatment effects of antihypertensive combination therapy

Due to time-dependent confounding by blood pressure and differential loss to follow-up, it is difficult to estimate the effectiveness of aggressive versus conventional antihypertensive combination therapies in non-randomized comparisons. We utilized data from 22,576 hypertensive coronary artery disease patients, prospectively enrolled in the INternational VErapamil-Trandolapril STudy (INVEST). Our post-hoc analyses did not consider the randomized treatment strategies, but instead defined exposure time-dependently as aggressive treatment (≥3 concomitantly used antihypertensive medications) versus conventional treatment (≤2 concomitantly used antihypertensive medications). Study outcome was defined as time to first serious cardiovascular event (non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal stroke, or all-cause death). We compared hazard ratio (HR) estimates for aggressive vs. conventional treatment from a Marginal Structural Cox Model (MSCM) to estimates from a standard Cox model. Both models included exposure to antihypertensive treatment at each follow-up visit, demographics, and baseline cardiovascular risk factors, including blood pressure. The MSCM further adjusted for systolic blood pressure at each follow-up visit, through inverse probability of treatment weights. 2,269 (10.1%) patients experienced a cardiovascular event over a total follow-up of 60,939 person-years. The HR for aggressive treatment estimated by the standard Cox model was 0.96 (95% confidence interval 0.87-1.07). The equivalent MSCM, which was able to account for changes in systolic blood pressure during follow-up, estimated a HR of 0.81 (95% CI 0.71-0.92). Using a MSCM, aggressive treatment was associated with a lower risk for serious cardiovascular outcomes compared to conventional treatment. In contrast, a standard Cox model estimated similar risks for aggressive and conventional treatments. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00133692
Topography of synaptosomal high affinity uptake systems

Abstract We have tested the hypothesis that the glycoproteins in the cell membrane of axonal terminals are involved in high affinity uptake of neurotransmitters by studying the effects of lectin binding and trypsin treatment on this process in synaptosomes. Binding of two lectins, Concanavalin A and a lectin isolated from the lentil Lens culinaris, to synaptosomes does not change the uptake of six putative transmitters: L-glutamate, norepinephrine (NE), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), dopamine, choline (Ch), and γ-aminobutyrate (GABA). While trypsin digestion of surface proteins of synaptosomes has no effect on the uptake of NE, 5-HT, dopamine, Ch and GABA, it reduces the rate of uptake of L-glutamate. This reduction is not due to synaptosomal lysis or a profound conformational change of the synaptic plasma membrane since the maximal velocity of high affinity uptake is reduced drastically with little attendant change in Km.
Trouble in Paradise, Ernst Lubitsch (1932)

(2009). Trouble in Paradise, Ernst Lubitsch (1932) Design and Culture: Vol. 1, No. 2, pp. 242-244.
Study on the catalytic behavior of metal acetylacetonates for epoxy curing reactions

Metal acetylacetonates are effective latent catalysts for epoxy/anhydride systems. A screen test on the catalytic behavior of metal acetylacetonate shows that this system offers a wide range of curing latency and material properties. It can be inferred that the curing behavior is closely related to the bonding strength of the metal ion to the ligand. Isothermal kinetic study on the catalytic behavior of metal chelates with first-row transition metal ions is conducted and analyzed by using an autocatalytic model. It is found that the activation energy of the system containing the divalent metal chelates follows the Irving and Williams rule. The activation energies of the reaction obtained in the kinetic study are compared with the dissociation energies of the metal/ligand bond and the results are discussed. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 1572–1579, 2002
Influence of repeated restraint and isolation stress and electrolyte administration on carcass quality and muscle electrolyte content of sheep.

Abstract Crossbred lambs were assigned, within weight blocks, to one of four treatments applied in a 2 × 2 factorial design (n = 6 per treatment). Treatment main effects included no stress (NS) or three consecutive days of restraint and isolation stress (RIS) and treatment with either water (W) or electrolytes (E). The experimental design resulted in four treatments, namely NS-lambs given W, NS-lambs given E, RIS-lambs given W, and RIS-lambs given E. Stress treatment consisted of moving each lamb from its home stanchion to a separate location and isolation from visual and tactile contact with other lambs for 6 hours daily for 3 days before slaughter. All lambs received a 320 ml oral drench of either W or E on each day after the stress treatment. Stress treatment reduced (P semitendinosus (ST) muscle glycogen by 4·8-fold. At 24 h post mortem , muscle pH for semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris (BF) and infraspinatus (IF) was higher (P ∗ a ∗ b ∗ values, measured on muscle cross-section, revealed a lighter (P longissimus dorsi (LD); and more (P
Evolution of ultrasonic velocity and dynamic elastic moduli with shear strain in granular layers

Ultrasonic wave transmission has been used to investigate processes that influence frictional strength, strain localization, fabric development, porosity evolution, and friction constitutive properties in granular materials under a wide range of conditions. We present results from a novel technique using ultrasonic wave propagation to observe the evolution of elastic properties during shear in laboratory experiments conducted at stresses applicable to tectonic faults in Earth’s crust. Elastic properties were measured continuously during loading, compaction, and subsequent shear using piezoelectric transducers fixed within shear forcing blocks in the double-direct-shear configuration. We report high-fidelity measurements of elastic wave properties for normal stresses up to 20 MPa and shear strains up to 500 % in layers of granular quartz, smectite clay, and a quartz-clay mixture. Layers were 0.1–1 cm thick and had nominal contact area of \(5 \mathrm{cm} \!\times \! 5 \mathrm{cm}\). We investigate relationships among frictional strength, granular layer thickness, and ultrasonic wave velocity and amplitude as a function of shear strain and normal stress. For layers of granular quartz, P-wave velocity and amplitude decrease by 20–70 % after a shear strain of 0.5. We find that P-wave velocity increases upon application of shear load for layers of pure clay and for the quartz-clay mixture. The P-wave amplitude of pure clay and quart-clay mixtures first decreases by \(\sim \)50 and 30 %, respectively, and then increases with additional shear strain. Changes in P-wave speed and wave amplitude result from changes in grain contact stiffness, crack density and disruption of granular force chains. Our data indicate that sample dilation and shear localization influence acoustic velocity and amplitude during granular shear.
A thermodynamic description of the Ni–Al–Cr–Re system

Abstract Thermodynamic properties of the Ni–Re binary system were analyzed using thermodynamic models for the Gibbs energy of individual phases of the system. The model parameters were optimized from limited experimental phase equilibrium data and estimated thermochemical data. Thermodynamic descriptions of the Ni–Al–Re and Al–Cr–Re were also discussed. A thermodynamic description of the Ni–Al–Cr–Re quaternary system was obtained by combining consistent thermodynamic descriptions of its lower-order systems. The calculations using these thermodynamic descriptions show good agreement with available experimental data of both the Ni–Al–Re and Ni–Al–Cr–Re systems.
Bone pathology without cardiovascular lesions in pigs fed high zinc and low copper diet.

Abstract Progeny of primiparous crossbred swine that had been fed a high Zn (HZ, 5000 ppm from ZnO, 11 ppm Cu) or a normal Zn (NZ, 150 ppm) diet throughout pregnancy were used to test the hypothesis that continuous intake of a high dietary Zn induces copper deficiency signs. Fourteen (7 HZ, 7 NZ) piglets were killed within 12 hours after birth, 8 (4 HZ, 4 NZ) at age 3 weeks, 8 (4 HZ and 4 NZ) at age 4 months, and 8 (4 HZ and 4 NZ) at age 5 months. Tissues were removed for histopathologic examination. Blood was collected for Hb, hematocrit, and plasma ceruloplasmin concentration from piglets at ages 1 day and at 3, 5, 7, 9, 14, and 16 weeks. Plasma ceruloplasmin was reduced in newborn pigs by the maternal HZ diet, and the difference between HZ and NZ pigs persisted at ages 3 and 5 weeks but disappeared by week 7, resulting in a diet x time interaction. No lesions of heart, aorta, or coronary arteries were observed. Severe histopathologic lesions associated with Zn toxicity included retarded cartilage differentiation, resulting in osteochondrosis and reduced osteocyte activity, resulting in retention of chondroid core and osteopetrosis. Induction of copper deficiency by feeding high levels of Zn to the dam was evident in neonatal pigs but the failure to induce sustained copper deficiency by feeding 5000 ppm Zn during the postweaning period suggests that physiological adaptations, perhaps involving altered metallothionein metabolism may prevent Cu depletion under some conditions of high Zn feeding. Histopathological findings in humerus of pigs fed the HZ diet provide a patho-physiological basis for earlier observations of adverse effects of high Zn on bone minerals.
Radioimmunoassay for human salivary amylase

A radioimmunoassay (RIA) for human salivary amylase was developed. Human salivary amylase was purified from parotid saliva by a combination of Sephadex gel filtration and cation exchange chromatography. Purified salivary amylase was used both as the standard antigen and for the generation of 125I-labeled amylase. Antibody to salivary amylase was raised in New Zealand white rabbits and used in a nonequilibrium double-antibody procedure for the RIA. The RIA was sensitive (10 ng/ml) and specific, displaying a limited cross-reactivity for pancreatic amylase (1%, ww). Analysis of patient sera by RIA shows that salivary amylase constitutes approximately 60% of the total serum amylase, that the salivary amylase found in the serum of patients with Sjogren's syndrome and macroamylasemia is immunologically indistinguishable from that of normal persons, and that salivary amylase can be evaluated by RIA in the serum of patients with pancreatitis.
Direct evidence for a role of beta-catenin/LEF-1 signaling pathway in induction of EMT.

Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is an important process in development that is characterized by loss of E-cadherin, β-catenin relocalization, and acquisition of elongated cell shape and ability to invade ECM. β-catenin has been shown to activate LEF-1 transcription during EMT induced in vitro by c-Fos. Here, we ask whether or not LEF-1 directly introduced into epithelial cells in an adenovirus construct can induce EMT. In normal epithelial cell lines, such as HCE and MDCK cells, that contain functional APC, nuclear β-catenin induced by exogenous LEF-1 is rapidly exported and EMT is not induced. Leptomycin-B blocks β-catenin nuclear export, but no EMT occurs due to toxicity. Addition of Wnt-1 to normal epithelial cell lines stabilizes cytoplasmic β-catenin that LEF-1 then transports to nuclei, causing a small amount of EMT. Our experiments demonstrated, however, that overexpressed LEF-1 upregulates nuclear β-catenin and promotes dramatic EMT in DLD-1 epithelial tumors that retain nuclear β-catenin. This EMT is reversible if the LEF-1 virus is removed. Thus, our results demonstrate that LEF-1 can induce EMT directly when its transcription activity is activated by stable nuclear β-catenin. Normal adult epithelial cells appear to use APC to keep β-catenin out of the nucleus, thereby avoiding pathologies such as metastases due to LEF/β-catenin-induced EMT.
Pargyline Increases 6-Hydroxydopamine Levels in the Neostriatum of Methamphetamine-Treated Rats

Neostriatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) was detected in 6 of 13 rats pretreated 2 or 4 hr earlier with methamphetamine (MA; 100 mg/kg, SC) and pargyline (25 mg/kg, IP, 30 min before MA injection). Neostriatal 6-OHDA was detected in 2 of 16 rats treated 2 or 4 hr earlier with MA. These results suggest that pargyline pretreatment may enhance formation of 6-OHDA from endogenous stores of dopamine (DA) following MA administration. Alternatively, these results suggest that pargyline pretreatment may protect endogenously formed 6-OHDA from oxidative deamination by monoamine oxidase. Enhancement of MA-induced neostriatal 6-OHDA levels may be the mechanism by which pargyline enhances the long-term neurotoxic effects of MA upon dopaminergic nerve terminals. These observations support the hypothesis that MA toxicity to DA-containing fibers is caused by the conversion of released DA into 6-OHDA.
The effect of race on juvenile justice decision making in Nebraska: Detention, adjudication, and disposition, 1988–1993

Racism, perpetrated by virtually all of America's governmental institutions, has long been a fact and problem of American life. Research suggests that America's juvenile justice systems have not escaped the negative effects of racism; thus, racial equity in outcomes of decisions made at various steps of the justice process remains a major issue in dispensing juvenile justice. This research examined Nebraska Crime Commission data over a six-year period and found, all else being equal, that black youths are usually more likely to receive harsher treatment than whites in regard to prehearing detention and final penalty. With regard to judging an accused youth to be delinquent or a status offender, the analysis reveals a reversal of this relationship between race and harshness of outcomes: Whites are more likely to be found delinquent.
Differential expression patterns of c-REL protein in classic and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma

Classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by numerical gains of the short arm of chromosome 2. The high frequency of 2p overrepresentation including REL, particularly in the nodular sclerosis subtype suggests that constitutive activation of nuclear factor kappaB/REL is a hallmark of Reed-Sternberg (RS) cells. The aim of this study was to investigate c-Rel protein expression patterns in cHL and nodular lymphocyte predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (NLPHL) cases by immunohistochemical analysis. A total of 79 cases of HL were analyzed, which included 59 cases of cHL (49 nodular sclerosis; 8 mixed cellularity; 2 lymphocyte-rich) and 20 cases of NLPHL. Positive staining was defined in this study as a reaction seen in the nuclei or nuclei and cytoplasm of RS or lymphocytic and histiocytic (LH P = 1). In comparison, positive c-REL protein expression in LH 86.4% vs. 25.0%; P = 0). Expression of Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein was seen in 6 of 30 cases (19.0%; 25 cHL, 5 NLPHL) and EBER1 in 5 of 27 cases (18.5%; 24 cHL, 3 NLPHL). The presence of Epstein-Barr virus did not correlate with c-REL protein expression (P = 1). Our results demonstrate that there is differential c-REL protein expression in cHL in comparison with NLPHL and suggest that c-REL may play a role in the pathogenesis of classic Hodgkin lymphoma.
Conservation Through Different Lenses: Reflection, Responsibility, and the Politics of Participation in Conservation Advocacy

This essay considers the arenas of advocacy, politics, and self-reflection in strengthening conservation and resource management initiatives. It frames key questions that reflective conservation practitioners may address in seeking to enhance the results of conservation projects, including equity and more inclusive participation by nonprivileged groups. The essay touches on the importance of understanding conservation work within particular political and historic dynamics, including the need to understand non-Western and/or indigenous or traditional perspectives on conservation. The author makes the case that Western or privileged conservation practitioners are uniquely situated to advocate effectively for change.
A comparison of several practical smoothing methods applied to Auger electron energy distributions and line scans

Abstract Data-fitting routines utilizing nine-point least-squares quadratic, stiff spline, and piecewise least-squares polynomial methods have been compared on noisy Auger spectra and line scans. The spline-smoothing technique has been found to be the most useful and practical, allowing information to be extracted with excellent integrity from model Auger data having close to unity signal-to-noise ratios. Automatic determination of stiffness parameters is described. A comparison of the relative successes of these smoothing methods, using artificial data, is given. Applications of spline smoothing are presented to illustrate its effectiveness for difference spectra and for noisy Auger line scans.
Effect of substrata and fibroblast growth factor on the proliferation in vitro of bovine aortic endothelial cells.

The hypothesis that, in the case of clonal or low-density cultures, cells which do not readily proliferate are those that do not produce an extracellular matrix (ECM), while those that proliferate actively are cells that have retained their ability to produce it, has been tested using low-density vascular endothelial cell cultures maintained on either plastic or ECM-coated dishes and exposed to various combinations of media and sera. Proliferation of low-density vascular endothelial cell cultures seeded on plastic and exposed to DMEM, RPMI-1640, or medium 199 plus thymidine is a function of the batch of calf serum used to supplement the various media. In all three cases, such cultures proliferated at a slow rate and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) greatly accelerated their proliferation. In contrast, when similar cultures were seeded on ECM-coated dishes, they actively proliferated regardless of the batch of calf serum to which they were exposed. FGF was no longer required in order for cultures to be come confluent. In the case of cultures exposed to RPMI-1640 or medium 199 plus thymidine, it was even toxic. When cultures were exposed to either medium 199 or Waymouth medium, cells did not proliferate, regardless of the substrate (either plastic or ECM) upon which they were maintained and of the batch of serum to which they were exposed. Addition of FGF to such media had no effect. It is therefore likely that nutrient limitations in both of these media restrict the ability of low-density vascular endothelial cells to respond to the mitogenic stimuli provided by either serum of FGF. These restrictions cannot be relieved by maintaining cells on ECM-coated dishes, and modifications of the nutrient composition of both media is required in order to allow cells to respond to either FGF or serum when maintained on plastic or to serum alone when maintained on ECM. These results suggest that, when low-density cell cultures are maintained on plastic and exposed to an adequate medium, their proliferation will be a function of both serum and FGF. When maintained on ECM, their proliferation will depend only on serum. It is therefore possible that the inability of serum to stimulate optimal cell proliferation when cells are maintained on plastic results from an inability of the cells to produce an ECM, and that FGF could induce such production.
From Tracking Statistics to Learning words: Statistical Learning and Lexical Acquisition

By age 1, infants display remarkable sensitivity to the sound structure of their native language. Statistical learning, the process of detecting structure in the environment by tracking patterns in the input, is hypothesized to contribute to infants’ early learning about sound. The present paper explores how infants’ ability to track distributional information in the speech signal contributes to a fundamental aspect of language development, linking sounds with meanings in word learning. Previous research has demonstrated that infants detect several cues that mark where words begin and end in the fluent stream of speech (e.g., transitional probability, phonotactic regularities). Tracking such patterns may allow infants to isolate individual words, making them available to be associated with referents. Even very early in vocabulary development, statistical learning about which sound sequences are likely or unlikely to occur within words in the native language may also shape word learning. We propose that early experience with sound sequence regularities provides infants with a foundation for lexical acquisition.
Behavioral Phylogeny of Corbiculate Apidae (Hymenoptera; Apinae), with Special Reference to Social Behavior

The phylogenetic relationships among the four tribes of corbiculate bees (Euglossini, Bombini, Meliponini, and Apini) are controversial. There is substantial incongruence between morphological and molecular data, and the single origin of eusociality is questionable. The use of behavioral characters by previous workers has been restricted to some typological definitions, such as solitary and eusocial. Here, I expand the term “social” to 42 characters and present a tree based only on behavioral characters. The reconstructed relationships were similar to those observed in morphological and “total evidence” analyses, i.e., Euglossini + (Bombini + (Meliponini + Apini)), all of which support a single origin of eusociality.
Molecular dynamics simulations of compressed hydrogen

Abstract Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for highly compressed fluid hydrogen in the density and temperature regime of recent shock-compression experiments. Both density functional and tight-binding electronic structure techniques have been used to describe interatomic forces. Two tight-binding models of hydrogen have been developed with a single s-type orbital on each atom that reproduce properties of the dimer, of various crystalline structures, and of the fluid. The simulations indicate that the rapid rise in the electrical conductivity observed in the gas-gun experiments depends critically on the dissociated atoms (monomers). We find that the internal structure of warm, dense hydrogen has a pronounced time-dependent nature with the continual dissociation of molecules (dimers) and association of atoms (monomers). Finally, Hugoniots derived from the equations-of-state of these models do not exhibit the large compressions predicted by the recent laser experiments.
Raman-effect induced noise limits on χ(3) parametric amplifiers and wavelength converters

The non-zero response time of the Kerr (χ(3)) nonlinearity determines the quantum-limited noise figure of χ(3) parametric amplifiers and wavelength converters. This non-zero response time of the nonlinearity requires coupling of the parametric amplification process to a molecular-vibration phonon bath, causing the addition of excess noise through Raman gain or loss. The effect of this excess noise on the noise figure of the amplifier can be significant. We derive analytical expressions for this quantum-limited noise figure in the case of non-degenerate phase-insensitive operation of a χ(3) parametric amplifier and show excellent agreement with experiment without any fitting parameter. We also derive analytical expressions for the quantum limited noise figure for χ(3)-based wavelength converters.
Rapid stimulation of K -H exchange by a plant growth hormone.

Abstract The growth-promoting phytotoxin fusicoccin1 stimulates both [86Rb+]K+ uptake and H+-excretion from oat coleoptiles by at least 5-fold after a lag of less than 90 seconds. Both processes are affected similarly by metabolic inhibitors and external pH. FC appears to activate a K+H+ exchange which is only partly specific for K+, and which can transport more H+ than K+. The natural plant growth hormone indoleacetic acid1 also stimulates K+-uptake, but only after a long lag, and to a maximum of 30%, suggesting that IAA does not affect directly the K+H+ exchange process, and that the two hormones induce H+-excretion, and thus cell elongation, by different mechanisms.
Hypoplastic Enamel Defects in the Guinea Pig: Effects of β-Streptococcal Infections, Fever, Abscess Formation, and Ether Anesthesia

β-Streptococcal infection and its sequelae did not play a significant role in the development of hypoplastic enamel defects. Hypoplastic enamel faults occurred that could not be related to any of the experimental procedures. A genetic or other component may influence the susceptibility of guinea pigs to hypoplastic enamel lesions.
Dissociation of alcohol tolerance and dependence

CHRONIC intoxication with ethanol has been shown to result in tolerance to and physical dependence on this drug1,2. In general, the development of tolerance and physical dependence during intake of addictive compounds have been looked on as inexorably linked phenomena produced by a common biochemical3 or physiological4 mechanism. This was supported by the studies of Way et al.5 who demonstrated a simultaneous development and disappearance of tolerance and physical dependence after morphine pellet implantation in mice. We were interested in the possible application of the same theoretical framework to the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on ethanol. Previous work6,7 demonstrating changes in noradrenergic systems in brain after chronic treatment led us to study the effect of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) pretreatment on the development of tolerance to and physical dependence on ethanol.
A comparison of methods to partition selection acting via components of fitness: Do larger male bullfrogs have greater hatching success?

We contrast three methods for measuring selection at sequential fitness components (here called the additive, changing variance, and independent methods). The independent method (Koenig and Albano, 1987; Conner, 1988) describes the relationship between a phenotypic character and one fitness component independent of other components. This method is appropriate when the question is whether or not a character has fitness consequences independent of selection at other stages. The additive (Arnold and Wade, 1984a) and changing variance (Kalisz, 1986; Koenig and Albano, 1987) methods measure selection via one component of fitness, taking into consideration constraints imposed by selection via earlier components in the sequence. These methods therefore more accurately track selection over a sequence of fitness components. Of these latter two methods, the changing variance method yields erratic results in simulation studies and is not recommended in its unmodified form. The additive method (equivalent to the changing variance method weighted as described in Wade and Kalisz [ 19891) explicitly partitions selection into additive components and is useful for measuring selection taking into account the constraints imposed by selection acting via prior fitness components. The methods often yield very different estimates of the relative degree to which the mean of a character is changed by selection acting via a particular component of fitness (the “strength” of selection). However, neither the additive nor independent method is inherently superior to the other; rather, these measures are complementary. Powerful techniques have recently been developed for quantifying selection (Lande and Arnold, 1983; Manly, 1985; Schluter, 1988; Crespi and Bookstein, 1989). A method of partitioning directional selection, derived by Arnold and Wade 309
Sample Timing and Mathematical Considerations for Modeling Breath Elimination of Volatile Organic Compounds

Real-world exposure measurements are a necessary ingredient for subsequent detailed study of the risks from an environmental pollutant. For volatile organic compounds, researchers are applying exhaled breath analysis and the time dependence of concentrations as a noninvasive indicator of exposure, dose, and blood levels. To optimize the acquisition of such data, samples must be collected in a time frame suited to the needs of the mathematical model, within physical limitations of the equipment and subjects, and within logistical constraints. Additionally, one must consider the impact of measurement error on the eventual extraction of biologically and physiologically relevant parameters. Given a particular mathematical model for the elimination kinetics (in this case a very simple pharmacokinetic model based upon a multiterm exponential decay function that has been shown to fit real-world data extremely well), we investigated the effects on synthetic data caused by sample timing, random measurement error, and number of terms included in the model. This information generated a series of conditions for collecting samples and performing analyses dependent upon the eventual informational needs, and it provided an estimate of error associated with various choices and compromises. Though the work was geared specifically toward breath sampling, it is equally applicable to direct blood measurements in optimizing sampling strategy and improving the exposure assessment process.
In field, energy-performance tunable FPGA architectures

Energy-performance tunable circuits enable the user to adjust the energy and performance of a chip after fabrication to suite the particular application, thus increase the overall power efficiency of the chip. Two tunable interconnect architectures are proposed. Pseudo-static interconnect achieves the same performance as static interconnect while consuming only 65% as much energy and provides 2X wider range for adjusting energy performance. Integration of pseudo-static interconnect in FPGA architecture does not require any system level changes. Pulse-mode interconnect provides marginal improvement at comparable power consumption but provides considerable performance boost when energy increases. Using pulses enables pulse-mode lookup tables with 2.5X higher speed at 2X higher power consumption and at the cost of significant system level changes.
Neuroendocrine markers of serotonin responsivity in depression

Abstract 1. Studies of the biochemical mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs show that virtually all drugs, regardless of acute biochemical effects, result in the down regulation of CNS beta-1 adrenergic, serotonin-2 (5HT 2 ), and perhaps 5HT 1A receptors in rats in a time course which parallels the onset of antidepressant action in patients with major depressive disorder. 2. Recently, neuroendocrine techniques have been described which allow the study of 5HT receptor subtypes in man. These include fenfluramine-induced changes in ACTH, cortisol and prolactin secretion (perhaps for 5HT 2 receptors) and ipsapirone-induced changes in ACTH and cortisol (for 5HT 1A receptors). 3. Depressed subjects treated with antidepressants down regulate these markers of both 5HT 2 and 5HT 1A receptors in a time course consistent with their recovery from depression. 4. Studies in progress are attempting to demonstrate links between these receptor changes and clinical antidepressant responses.
DNA Adduct Structure–Function Relationships: Comparing Solution with Polymerase Structures

It has now been nearly two decades since the first solution structures of DNA duplexes covalently damaged by metabolically activated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and amines were determined by NMR. Dozens of such high-resolution structures are now available, and some broad structural themes have been uncovered. It has been hypothesized that the solution structures are relevant to the biochemical processing of the adducts. The structural features of the adducts are considered to determine their mutational properties in DNA polymerases and their repair susceptibilities. In recent years, a number of crystal structures of DNA adducts of interest to our work have been determined in DNA polymerases. Accordingly, it is now timely to consider how NMR solution structures relate to structures within DNA polymerases. The NMR solution structural themes for polycyclic aromatic adducts are often observed in polymerase crystal structures. While the polymerase interactions can on occasion override the solution preferences, intrinsic adduct conformations favored in solution are often manifested within polymerases and likely play a significant role in lesion processing.
Akathisia and abnormal movements of the upper extremities with venlafaxine and methimazole.

Akathisia and abnormal movements of the upper extremities with venlafaxine and methimazole Jean Ng, M.D., Randy A. Sansone, M.D.⁎, Stephen McDonald, M.D. Department of Internal Medicine, Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, OH 45429, USA Department of Psychiatry, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45408, USA Department of Internal Medicine, Wright State University School of Medicine, Dayton, OH 45409, USA Psychiatry Education, Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, OH 45429, USA Internal Medicine Program, Kettering Medical Center, Kettering, OH 45429, USA Received 13 August 2008; accepted 1 October 2008
The nucleation of pentacene thin films

Photoemission Electron Microscopy was used to determine basic factors for nucleation and growth of thin pentacene films. Dependence of both substrate chemistry and deposition rate on the nucleation density was observed. On SiO2 pentacene shows a high nucleation density and forms small islands consisting of almost vertically oriented molecules. On Si(001) the nucleation density of this thin-film phase is much smaller, but the pentacene film first forms a flat-lying wetting layer. The thin-film phase only forms on top of this wetting layer. Adsorption of a cyclohexene self-assembled monolayer on Si(001) prior to the pentacene growth suppresses the initial pentacene wetting layer but maintains diffusion parameters similar to pentacene on Si(001). The nucleation of pentacene layers on cyclohexene/Si(001) can be described by classical nucleation theory with a critical nucleus size i≈6. Simple surface modification techniques such as e-beam irradiation of the substrates prior to pentacene adsorption can also have a significant effect on the pentacene nucleation density.
Lithium ion batteries for Mars exploration missions

Abstract The desired performance characteristics and physical requirements of spacecraft batteries for planetary exploration are reviewed, particularly with respect to surface landers and rovers intended for near-future Mars missions. The use of lithium ion batteries is justified in terms of significant savings on mass and volume, and more importantly of superior low temperature performance deemed essential in the Mars lander and rover missions. Use of these batteries in planetary orbiters may require further improvements in their cycle life, especially at low depths of discharge. Various strategies currently being adopted to prolong the cycle life for orbiter applications, as well as, for extending their operating range down to temperatures as low as −30°C for more imminent Mars lander and rover missions are briefly discussed.
ZEKE Spectroscopy of the Organometallic Radicals MgCH3 and ZnCH3: Construction of a High-Resolution “Experimental” Molecular Orbital Diagram

The resonance-enhanced multiphoton ionization (REMPI) and zero kinetic energy (ZEKE) photoelectron spectra of the organometallic radicals MgCH3 and ZnCH3 are reported. The radicals were generated i...
CMOS-integrated high-speed MSM germanium waveguide photodetector

A compact waveguide-integrated Germanium-on-insulator (GOI) photodetector with 10 ± 2fF capacitance and operating at 40Gbps is demonstrated. Monolithic integration of thin single-crystalline Ge into front-end CMOS stack was achieved by rapid melt growth during source-drain implant activation anneal.
Imaging spectrometers for remote sensing from space

Three imaging spectrometers and two camera systems for remote sensing are described. Two of the imaging spectrometers are versions of the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) for Mars Observer and the Comet Rendezvous Asteroid Flyby (CRAF) mission. The other spectrometer is the Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) which is currently under construction. The optical imaging systems are the wide angle and narrow angle cameras for the CRAF mission.
Pressure distribution and bubble formation induced by longitudinal vibration of a flexible liquid-filled cylinder

Time dependent pressure distribution and threshold acceleration for bubble formation in longitudinally vibrating flexible liquid filled cylinder
Impact of Polyphenol Antioxidants on Cycling Performance and Cardiovascular Function

This investigation sought to determine if supplementation with polyphenol antioxidant (PA) improves exercise performance in the heat (31.5 °C, 55% RH) by altering the cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to exercise. Twelve endurance trained athletes ingested PA or placebo (PLAC) for 7 days. Consecutive days of exercise testing were performed at the end of the supplementation periods. Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory measures were made during exercise. Performance, as measured by a 10 min time trial (TT) following 50 min of moderate intensity cycling, was not different between treatments (PLAC: 292 ± 33 W and PA: 279 ± 38 W, p = 0.12). Gross efficiency, blood lactate, maximal neuromuscular power, and ratings of perceived exertion were also not different between treatments. Similarly, performance on the second day of testing, as assessed by time to fatigue at maximal oxygen consumption, was not different between treatments (PLAC; 377 ± 117 s vs. PA; 364 ± 128 s, p = 0.61). Cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses to exercise were not different between treatments on either day of exercise testing. Polyphenol antioxidant supplementation had no impact on exercise performance and did not alter the cardiovascular or thermoregulatory responses to exercise in the heat.
Feature selection for partial discharge diagnosis

In design of partial discharge (PD) diagnostic systems, finding a set of features corresponding to an optimal classification performance (accuracy and reliability) is critical. A diagnostic system designer typically does not have much difficulty to obtain a decent number of features by applying different feature extraction methods on PD measurements. However, the designer often faces challenges in finding a set of features that give optimal classification performance for the given PD diagnosis problem. The primary reasons for that are: a) features cannot be evaluated individually since feature interaction affects classification performance more significantly than features themselves; and b) optimal features cannot be obtained by simply combining all features from different feature extraction methods since there exist redundant and irrelevant features. This paper attempts to address the challenge by introducing feature selection to PD diagnosis. Through an example this paper demonstrates that feature selection can be an effective and efficient approach for systematically finding a small set of features that correspond to an optimal classification performance of PD diagnostic systems.
The Crystal Structure of the Yeast Hsp40 Ydj1 Complexed with Its Peptide Substrate

Abstract The mechanisms by which Hsp40 functions as a molecular chaperone to recognize and bind nonnative polypeptides is not understood. We have identified a peptide substrate for Ydj1, a member of the type I Hsp40 from yeast. The structure of the Ydj1 peptide binding fragment and its peptide substrate complex was determined to 2.7 A resolution. The complex structure reveals that Ydj1 peptide binding fragment forms an L-shaped molecule constituted by three domains. The domain I exhibits a similar protein folds as domain III while the domain II contains two Zinc finger motifs. The peptide substrate binds Ydj1 by forming an extra β strand with domain I of Ydj1. The Leucine residue in the middle of the peptide substrate GWLYEIS inserts its side chain into a hydrophobic pocket formed on the molecular surface of Ydj1 domain I. The Zinc finger motifs located in the Ydj1 domain II are not in the vicinity of peptide substrate binding site.
Differential Maintenance of Penile Responses and Copulatory Behavior by Gonadal Hormones in Castrated Male Rats

Sexually experienced male rats were castrated and immediately received implants of Silastic tubing containing either testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol (E), or nothing (blank). The ability of these hormone treatments to maintain precastration levels of copulatory behavior and ex copula penile responses was assessed for 40 days after castration. Throughout the study T- and E-treated males, but not males with DHT or blank implants, maintained normal copulatory behavior. In contrast males treated with T and DHT, but not E or blanks, maintained penile responses ex copula. In blank-treated males, penile-response latencies increased more rapidly than did intromission latencies. These results, together with those of previous studies, appear to rule out a role for estradiol and reinforce the role of androgens in the activation of rats' penile-response potential ex copula. Similarly, the results support the conclusion that in castrated male rats estradiol treatment is sufficient for the activation of masculine copulatory behavior, and that the penile actions necessary for intromission are not dependent on androgen. Thus, the evocability of penile actions and their relative androgen dependence are context sensitive.
Tick Paralysis: 33 Human Cases in Washington State, 1946–1996

Tick paralysis is a preventable cause of illness and death that, when diagnosed promptly, requires simple, low-cost intervention (tick removal). We reviewed information on cases of tick paralysis that were reported to the Washington State Department of Health (Seattle) during 1946-1996. Thirty-three cases of tick paralysis were identified, including 2 in children who died. Most of the patients were female (76%), and most cases (82%) occurred in children aged <8 years. Nearly all cases with information on site of probable exposure indicated exposure east of the Cascade Mountains. Onset of illness occurred from March 14 to June 22. Of the 28 patients for whom information regarding hospitalization was available, 54% were hospitalized. Dermacentor andersoni was consistently identified when information on the tick species was reported. This large series of cases of tick paralysis demonstrates the predictable epidemiology of this disease. Improving health care provider awareness of tick paralysis could help limit morbidity and mortality due to this disease.
Analysis of adsorption selectivity in a one-dimensional model system

The adsorption selectivity, Si, j = (Xi/yi)/(xj/yj), is examined in a 1–D model of a mixture of hard rods adsorbing on a linear substrate. The adsorbed components are characterized by their length, li, and equilibrium constant, ki. We derive an expression for the bulk-phase pressure Po, for which there is no separation of components i and j, S,i, j = 1, in terms of these parameters. The selectivity of the smaller component always increases with the bulk pressure, which results in a selectivity reversal if, as is usually the case, the larger component is more strongly adsorbed at low surface coverages. In a binary mixture, when P Po, the reverse is true. The effect of varying the molecular parameters on the selectivity is also studied.
Frailty as a Predictor of Morbidity and Mortality in Inpatient Head and Neck Surgery

Importance The increasing number of elderly and comorbid patients undergoing surgical procedures raises interest in better identifying patients at increased risk of morbidity and mortality, independent of age. Frailty has been identified as a predictor of surgical complications. Objective To establish the implications of frailty as a predictor of morbidity and mortality in inpatient otolaryngologic operations. Design Retrospective review of medical records. Setting National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) participating hospitals. Patients NSQIP participant use files were used to identify 6727 inpatients who underwent operations performed by surgeons specializing in otolaryngology between 2005 and 2010. The study sample was 50.3% male and 10.2% African American, with a mean (range) age of 54.7 (16-90) years. Main Outcomes and Measures A previously described modified frailty index (mFI) was calculated on the basis of NSQIP variables. The effect of increasing frailty on morbidity and mortality was evaluated using univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression was used to compare mFI with age, ASA, and wound classification. Results The mean (range) mFI was 0.07 (0-0.73). As the mFI increased from 0 (no frailty-associated variables) to 0.45 (5 of 11) or higher, mortality risk increased from 0.2% to 11.9%. The risk of Clavien-Dindo grade IV complications increased from 1.2% to 26.2%. The risk of all complications increased from 9.5% to 40.5%. All results were significant at P Conclusions and Relevance The mFI is significantly associated with morbidity and mortality in this retrospective survey. Additional study with prospective analysis and external validation is needed. The mFI may provide an improved understanding of preoperative risk, which would facilitate perioperative optimization, risk stratification, and counseling related to outcomes.
Kaolin—A most diverse rock in genesis, texture, physical properties, and uses

The rock kaolin exhibits wider diversity in genesis, texture, physical properties, and uses than probably any other common rock. Its diverse textures, shown in scanning electron micrographs, are correlative with, and indicative of genesis and industrial use of, kaolin. Kaolin originates by weathering, by hydrothermal alteration, or by crystallization from colloid-size sediment whose chemical composition is congruent with that of kaolinite. Some kaolins freely slake into clay-sized particles when wetted with water and likewise develop natural plasticity; their texture is characterized by loosely expanded and packed crystals. Industrial uses of this type of kaolin exploit its free-slaking property. Other kaolins, of diametrically opposite properties, do not slake and do not become plastic when immersed in water; their texture is one of compact, tightly interlocking crystals. They are appropriately used in industry where selected size, shape, and original bulk density in crushed clay particles must be maintained despite wetting.
A stream tapping protocol involving clients in the distribution of videos on demand

We present a stream tapping protocol that involves clients in the video distribution process. As in conventional stream tapping, our protocol allows new clients to tap themost recent broadcast of the video they are watching. While conventional stream tapping required the server to send to these clients the part of the video they missed, our protocol delegates this task to the clients that are already watching the video, thus greatly reducing the workload of the server. Unlike previous solutions involving clients in the video distribution process, our protocol works with clients that can only upload video data at a fraction of the video consumption rate and includes a mechanism to control its network bandwidth consumption.
Multiquantum well strained-layer lasers with improved low frequency response and very low damping

Strained-layer In 0.3 Ga 0.7 As/GaAs multiquantum well lasers fabricated by chemically assisted ion beam etching have achieved a record 3 dB modulation bandwidth of 28 GHz. The low frequency rolloff and nonlinear gain coefficient have been improved substantially by employing a separate confinement heterostructure design that has a fast carrier capture time
On the properties of arbitrary hypercubes

Abstract In this paper by a constructive method we show that the node connectivity of a hypercube of dimension n and base r is 2 n . Other interesting properties of the graph are also presented.