cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Rapid prototyping methodology for multiprocessor implementation of digital signal processing systems

A methodology for the hierarchical partitioning and mapping of digital signal processing (DSP) tasks to heterogeneous local cluster based network of very large scale integration (VLSI) processors is presented. The goal is to achieve rapid prototyping of VLSI DSP systems. The high level partitioning issues of DSP task graphs and the proposed metrics to guide the partitioning process are described in this paper. Partitioning tominimize power inefficiency in the DSP system is one important metric addressed by this work, since low power signal processing is paramount to new portable and high density multi-chip module (MCM) DSP systems. The application of theRatio Cut Partitioning approach to DSP graphs is explained. We illustrate our results with examples and show how the final partitions vary depending upon the target architecture to meet rapid prototyping requirements. We compare our approach with known techniques and show that it works much better for our target applications.
The design of self-replicating molecules

Abstract The relevance of autocatalysis to the molecular origins of biological metabolism is discussed as well as important considerations for the design of ‘self-replicating’ molecules. Typically, the source of autocatalysis is the template effect. DNA has proved to be a remarkably useful system for autocatalysis. The design of extrabiotic replicators highlights the features that are required for successful self-replication: self-complementarity, low dimerization of products, separation of reactive centers in a pre-associative bimolecular complex and effective binding in polar solvents.
Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Paresis Postpneumonectomy Contralateral to Site of Surgery

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury is a serious complication of thoracic surgery that increases morbidity and mortality. It is important to consider the long-term effects of mediastinal shift and the possibility of postpneumonectomy syndrome on RLN function. This report documents a unilateral vocal fold paresis contralateral to the side of pneumonectomy that presents for investigation 6 six years after surgery.
Determination of Odor Difference Thresholds

SUMMARY An olfactometer described previously was modified and used to determine odor-difference thresholds for 48 subjects at 4 levels of 2-heptanone. The apparatus was found to give rapid and reproducible threshold measurements. Difference thresholds were found to follow the Weber law. A Weber fraction of 0.23 mg/min/deviate was determined for 2-heptanone. The absolute threshold was found to be 8.97 × 10−4 mg of 2-heptanone/L air.
GENETIC SIMILARITY IS HIGH BETWEEN INTERCONTINENTAL DISJUNCT SPECIES OF SENECIO (ASTERACEAE)

Seneciofiavus (Decne.) Schultz-Bip. ofthe Saharo-Arabian and Namibian deserts and Senecio mohavensis Gray of the Mojave and Sonoran deserts form a pair of closely related disjunct annual taxa. The two species exhibit slight morphological differences and have different ploidy levels: all North American populations examined are tetraploid, while African and Asian populations are diploid. Senecioflavus comprises two morphologically and geographically distinct subspecies, subsp. flavus and subsp. breviflorus Kadereit. Electrophoretic examination of 13 enzymes revealed that the subsp. breviflorus has two additional isozymes relative to subsp. flavus, and that S. mohavensis has four additional isozymes relative to subsp. breviflorus. Senecio flavus subsp. breviflorus and S. mohavensis are identical at 20 of the 21 (I = 0.952) remaining homologous loci. This value is much higher than the genetic identity values observed in other taxa with disjunct intercontinental distributions such as members of Agastache, Datisca, Liriodendron, and Styrax. This suggests that the Senecio disjunction may be of recent origin. Senecio flavus subsp. flavus from North Africa and Namibia has lower genetic identity values with S. mohavensis (0.857 and 0.805, respectively), implicating S. flavus subsp. breviflorus as the progenitor of S. mohavensis. The complete lack of heterozygosity confirms that the plants are highly autogamous, and thus could have attained their disjunct distribution through long
934-27 Patterns of Target Lesion Calcification in Coronary Artery Disease

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and coronary angiography were used to assess target lesion calcium (Ca) in 1155 native vessels in 1117 pts. IVUS detected lesion Ca in 841 (73%). The arc of Ca measured 115 ± 110° and the length 3.5 ± 3.7 mm. Lesion Ca was only superficial in 48%, only deep in 28%, and both superficial and deep in 24%. The arc of superficial Ca measured 85 ± 108° and the length 2.4 ± 3.4 mm. 373 reference segments (32%) contained Ca; the arc measured 42 ± 80° and the length 1.7 ± 3.6 mm (all p l 0.0001 vs lesion). Angiography detected Ca in only 440 lesions (38%, p l 0.0001 vs IVUS), The angiographic detection of Ca was then compared to the arc, length, distribution (superficial vs deep), and location (lesion vs reference) of IVUS Ca. Using discriminant analysis, a model for predicting angiographic Ca included the arc of target lesion Ca, arc of superficial Ca, and length of reference Ca. It correctly predicted angiographic Ca in 74.4%. We Conclude IVUS imaging shows that Ca is highly prevalent in most native vessel lesions (73%) and is usually superficial (70%). Angiography identifies only half of the calcified lesions; its sensitivity is influenced by the circumferential distribution and superficial location of lesion Ca and by the length of reference segment Ca. IVUS may be a necessary adjunctive imaging modality if device therapy strategies are determined by the presence, location, and distribution of Ca.
Overexpression of Secreted Frizzled-Related Protein 1 Inhibits Bone Formation and Attenuates Parathyroid Hormone Bone Anabolic Effects

Secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (sFRP1) is an antagonist of Wnt signaling, an important pathway in maintaining bone homeostasis. In this study we evaluated the skeletal phenotype of mice overexpressing sFRP1 (sFRP1 Tg) and the interaction of parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment and sFRP1 (over)expression. Bone mass and microarchitecture were measured by micro-computed tomography (microCT). Osteoblastic and osteoclastic cell maturation and function were assessed in primary bone marrow cell cultures. Bone turnover was assessed by biochemical markers and dynamic bone histomorphometry. Real-time PCR was used to monitor the expression of several genes that regulate osteoblast maturation and function in whole bone. We found that trabecular bone mass measurements in distal femurs and lumbar vertebral bodies were 22% and 51% lower in female and 9% and 33% lower in male sFRP1 Tg mice, respectively, compared with wild-type (WT) controls at 3 months of age. Genes associated with osteoblast maturation and function, serum bone formation markers, and surface based bone formation were significantly decreased in sFRP1 Tg mice of both sexes. Bone resorption was similar between sFRP1 Tg and WT females and was higher in sFRP1 Tg male mice. Treatment with hPTH(1-34) (40 microg/kg/d) for 2 weeks increased trabecular bone volume in WT mice (females: +30% to 50%; males: +35% to 150%) compared with sFRP1 Tg mice (females: +5%; males: +18% to 54%). Percentage increases in bone formation also were lower in PTH-treated sFRP1 Tg mice compared with PTH-treated WT mice. In conclusion, overexpression of sFRP1 inhibited bone formation as well as attenuated PTH anabolic action on bone. The gender differences in the bone phenotype of the sFRP1 Tg animal warrants further investigation.
Optimized Coalescence Method for the Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) Growth of High Quality Al-Polarity AlN Films on Sapphire

Epitaxial Al-polarity AlN films were deposited on (0001) sapphire using a metalorganic chemical vapor deposition process involving a modulated ammonia/trimethyl aluminum flow, a pressure reduction from 150 Torr to 40 Torr after the first stage of growth, and growing the first ~0.1 µm of AlN at a moderate V/III ratio, followed by a switch to low V/III for the remainder of the growth. Smooth, flat epitaxial films with a full width half maximum of the X-ray rocking curves as low as 177 arcseconds/650 arcseconds for the (0002)/(1012) reflections were obtained.
The TRPC2 ion channel and pheromone sensing in the accessory olfactory system

The mammalian vomeronasal organ (VNO) has emerged as an excellent model to investigate the signaling mechanisms, mode of activation, biological function, and molecular evolution of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels in real neurons and real physiological systems. TRPC2, a member of the canonical TRPC subfamily, is highly localized to the dendritic tip of vomeronasal sensory neurons. Targeted deletion of the TRPC2 gene has established that TRPC2 plays a fundamental role in the detection of pheromonal signals by the VNO. TRPC2-deficient mice exhibit striking behavioral defects in the regulation of sexual and social behaviors. A novel Ca(2+)-permeable, diacylglycerol-activated cation channel found at the dendritic tip of vomeronasal neurons is severely defective in TRPC2 mutants, providing the first clear example of native diacylglycerol-gated cation channels in the mammalian nervous system. The TRPC2 gene has become an important marker for the evolution of VNO-dependent pheromone signaling in primates.
Rising and setting GPS occultations by use of open‐loop tracking

[1] The success of GPS occultations has been demonstrated by several missions including GPS/MET, CHAMP, SAC-C, GRACE, and COSMIC. However, tracking the GPS signal in the lower troposphere or obtaining accurate refractivity there has proven particularly challenging. The first receiver software with open-loop (OL) tracking capability was recently tested and successfully implemented on SAC-C. Besides improving the ability to probe deeper into the lower troposphere and planetary boundary layer, OL tracking also enables the acquisition of rising GPS signals for the first time, thereby doubling the number of occultations from the same instrument. In this paper, we describe the atmospheric Doppler and delay models used in the SAC-C and COSMIC OL tracking software. We discuss the testing carried out on SAC-C and present some examples of OL processing. We show that OL data give vast improvements in sampling the lowest part of the atmosphere. Over 80% of the SAC-C OL profiles now reach below 2 km altitude in the tropics, compared to only 50% achieved under closed-loop tracking.
An ab initio determination of the rate constant for H+H2CO →H2+HCO

The results of an ab initio determination of the rate of constant for H+H2CO are presented. (AIP)
A Novel Basis for Membrane Adaptive Optics: The Clamped Zernike Radial Polynomials

The future of adaptive optics relies heavily on the development of membranous optical lenses. Large, deformable mirrors offer clear advantages over their glass counterparts: flexibility, low density, and minimal actuation for optical aberration correction. This paper develops a novel set of polynomials to describe incoming wavefront aberrations that is amiable to a membrane mirror’s mode shapes. The novel basis, named the clamped Zernike radial polynomials, conveniently delineates the image correction into four distinct actuation categories feasible with membrane optics.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Dispersion measurements in a turbulent boundary layer

Abstract Dispersion in a turbulent boundary layer was measured in a wind tunnel, downstream of a long heated wire located (successively) at the wall, at 1.66 displacement thickness from the wall, at the position beyond which the intermittency drops below 1.0, and in the intermittent region. Mean temperature profiles approached nearly the same asymptotic shape in all cases. A turbulent Prandtl number, defined by U ∞ μ t ∂ ∂x 1 2 (Y − Y ) 2 −1 was not far from the “Reynold analogy” value of 1 (0·6 to 0·8). Furthermore this turbulent Prandtl number was approximately independent of downstream position and showed little variation with source distance from the wall. Mean wall concentrations (temperatures) as a function of downstream distance were fitted with simple power laws. The constant b in Batchelor's ]1, 2theory for the mean particle displacement perpendicular to the wall was calculated from the wall source data, although a basic hypothesis of the theory (V≈), was contradicted by the data. The b value agreed closely with the estimates of Ellison [3] and Pasquill [4]. Restrictions of the theory were not satisfied for the other source positions. Comparisons with Poreh and Cermak's [5] measurements (at about the same Reynolds number) showed some areas of agreement.
Why Do Engineers Wear Black Hats

Engineers often consider their foremost responsibility to serve the public good, seeing themselves as the translators of science to technology for the benefit of the public. Yet, engineers often find themselves as the villains in public/private conflicts. The public sees engineers as the despoilers of the environment, the diligent destroyers, the tools of the establishment. This image confuses engineers who believe that they perform the function for which they were educated and for which there is public demand. The present paper suggests that the confusion is the result of differing philosophical outlooks between the engineers and the public at large. The majority of the public believes that standard engineering tools such as cost/benefit analyses are unethical, whereas the engineers believe that these techniques allow for the most fair distribution of benefit and cost. The engineering codes of ethics are a mirror of the engineers' utilitarian nature, and promote this paternalistic nature of engineering. ...
Sigma receptor ligands alter concentrations of corticosterone in plasma in the rat

Abstract Both BMY-14802 (alpha-(4-fluorophenyl)-4-(5-fluoro-2-pyrimidinyl)-1-piperazine-butanol hydrochloride) and gevotroline (WY-47384; 8-fluoro-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-2-[3-(3-pyridinyl)-propyl]-1 H -pyrido[4,3- b ]indole hydrochloride) are known to antagonize the psychotomimetic action of N -allyl-normetazocine (NAN; SKF-10047) and exhibit a high affinity for the sigma receptor. Unexpectedly, the putative antagonists BMY-14802 and gevotroline acted like the agonist NAN and increased activity in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis to elevate levels of corticosterone in plasma. During the acrophase (peak) of the effects of the circadian rhythm on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, the ED 50 was 6.5 mmol/kg for BMY-14802 and 9.6 mmol/kg for gevotroline. The ED 50 s for BMY-14802 and gevotroline during the low activity phase were 15.8 and 21.2 mmol/kg, respectively. The efficacies during both phases of the circadian rhythm were similar for each drug. Additive effects on the levels of corticosterone in plasma were observed when the animals were pretreated with doses above the respective ED 50 values and then subjected to a rotational stress, but a small dose of BMY-14802 (0.5 mg/kg) had the opposite effect and completely inhibited the stress-related increases in corticosterone in plasma. Neither drug, at large doses, altered the increase in levels of corticosterone in plasma generated by the circadian rhythm, but at smaller doses BMY-14802 did lower circadian-related levels of corticosterone. Pretreatment with dexamethasone blocked the gevotroline-related increase in corticosterone in plasma, but not the BMY-14802-related increase. These data suggest that central sigma receptor mechanisms are involved in the regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and that therapeutic agents that affect these receptors may alter the activity in this axis.
A Survey of Management Educators’ Perceptions of Unethical Faculty Behavior

To help academic associations in management develop, refine, and implement a code of ethics, we conducted a survey of management educators’ perception of the ethicality of 142 specific behaviors in teaching, research, and service. The results of the survey could be used to inform ethics committees of these associations regarding the level of acceptability of such conduct. The potential value of our study for the Academy of Management or similar management associations lie in our (1) systematically involving the members in building support for the code of ethics, (2) assessing members’ ethical judgments on both cross-sectional and longitudinal bases so as to identify areas needing particular attention in ethical training, (3) providing an extensive list of specific examples of questionable and potentially unethical behaviors so as to make it easier to implement the code, and (4) providing a template survey document for potential use in involving more stakeholder groups in the development of codes of ethics.
Recent advances in white organic light-emitting diodes employing a single-emissive material

Recent progress in the development of materials and devices for single-doped white devices is presented with a particular focus on the development of platinum complexes exhibiting excimer emission. White organic light emitting diodes (WOLEDs) are strong candidates for the next generation of solid-state lighting, yet many of the best devices generate white light using multiple emitters embedded in a comparably complex device structure, raising the difficulty of consistently manufacturing these devices at a low cost and leading to challenges in color stability. These problems can be overcome by fabricating excimer-based WOLEDs, which construct a broad spectrum from a single emitter using blue monomer emission and red excimer emission. Through rational emitter design, the color quality and device efficiencies have steadily improved with recent achievements of external quantum efficiencies over 20% and a color rendering index greater than 80. Furthermore, recent applications of tetradentate platinum complexes for single-doped WOLEDs have yielded devices with a performance superior to many state-of-the-art multilayer WOLEDs as well as promising device operational stability.
The NestEgg: a budgeting tool

The NestEgg is a simple to use budgeting tool designed to help people who earn a low income. These individuals may be one paycheck away from no longer being able to afford housing, thus living on the edge of homelessness. Sometimes referred to as the "working poor," one in every five people in the United States was classified as such by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2003 [1]. By providing a mechanism to track their income and expenses and teach solid money management skills, financial stability can be achieved, aiding in the prevention of homelessness.
Sprouting and connectivity of embryonic leech heart excitor (HE) motor neurons in the absence of their peripheral target

The rhythmic pumping of the hearts in the medicinal leech,Hirudo medicinalis, is neurogenic and mediated by a defined circuit involving identified interneurons in a central pattern generator (CPG) and segmentally iterated motor neurons that drive the heart muscle. During early embryogenesis, presumptive heart excitor (HE) motor neurons extend many axon branches into the body wall; they later innervate the heart while retracting the supernumerary peripheral axons, and only much later in development receive synaptic input from the central pattern generator (Jellies, Kopp and Bledsoe (1992)J. Exp. Biol., 170, 71–92.)- In this study, HE motor neurons were deprived of an early interaction with the heart by surgical ablation of a circumscribed portion of body wall including the heart primordium. Anatomical and electrophysiological data were obtained using intracellular techniques to examine the hypothesis that peripheral interactions with the developing heart provide instructive cues for the final differentiation of these neurons. Target-deprived HE motor neurons continued to extend multiple axons in ventral, lateral and dorsal body wall throughout late embryonic and into postembryonic stages and they extended anomalous axons within the CNS. This resembles the early embryonic growth of HE motor neurons before heart tube differentiation. Furthermore, HE motor neurons deprived of heart contact exhibited tonic activity similar to the situation during early development before they are contacted by the CPG interneurons. In contrast, sham-operated and contralateral HE motor neurons oscillated normally. These results suggest that heart tube contact is specifically required for at least some aspects of HE development and provide a framework in which to identify cell-cell interactions that are involved in matching neurons and targets to generate behaviorally relevant neural circuits.
Acoustical source characterization studies on a multi-cylinder engine exhaust system

Abstract It is well known that the characterization of the acoustic source in an exhaust muffler system is of utmost importance in the proper evaluation of the acoustic performance of the muffler. However, in the literature, there are very few experimental studies on source characterization of a multi-cylinder internal combustion engine. This paper describes the use of a transfer function method (with a random excitation source) for measurement of the internal source impedance of an eight-cylinder engine under running conditions. The results obtained agree well with those obtained by the standing wave method by earlier investigators. The studies include the effect on the measured internal source impedance caused by variation of engine speed and load. The source impedance results obtained for the engine in operation are compared with those for the engine not in operation. The use of these results in the overall modeling of the exhaust system is described in an accompanying paper.
Effectiveness of Emission Control Technologies for Auxiliary Engines on Ocean-Going Vessels

ABSTRACT Large auxiliary engines operated on ocean-going vessels in transit and at berth impact the air quality of populated areas near ports. This paper presents new information on the comparison of emission ranges from three similar engines and the effectiveness of three control technologies: switching to cleaner burning fuels, operating in the low oxides of nitrogen (NOx) mode, and selective catalytic reduction (SCR). In-use measurements of gaseous (NOx, carbon monoxide [CO], carbon dioxide [CO2]) and fine particulate matter (PM2.5; total and speciated) emissions were made on three auxiliary engines on post-PanaMax class container vessels following the International Organization for Standardization-8178-1 protocol. The in-use NOx emissions for the MAN B&W 7L32/40 engine family vary from 15 to 21.1 g/kW-hr for heavy fuel oil and 8.9 to 19.6 g/kW-hr for marine distillate oil. Use of cleaner burning fuels resulted in NOx reductions ranging from 7 to 41% across different engines and a PM2.5 reduction of up...
High-Titer, High-Thermal-Amplitude Cold Autoagglutinin Not Associated with Hemolytic Anemia

An example of an unusual cold autoagglutinin is reported. The antibody was monoclonal IgMKappa able to fix complement, and, in the presence of albumin, had both a high titer (greater than 4,096 at 4 degrees C) and a wide thermal range (4-37 degrees C). The patient was closely followed over a 3-year period with no evidence of hemolysis ever documented, despite a persistently positive direct antiglobulin test and the presence of the cold autoagglutinin. In contrast to previous reports regarding cold-agglutinin disease, this case demonstrates that in vivo hemolysis is not always associated with cold autoagglutinins that in vitro show a high thermal range in the presence of albumin.
Urban Early Adolescent Narratives on Sexuality: Accidental and Intentional Influences of Family, Peers, and the Media

In this paper, we examine the ways that early adolescents talked, interacted, and made references to events in their individual and collective lives during photography-based focus groups about sexuality and relationships. Twenty-three participants (10 boys and 13 girls) were recruited from three urban schools participating in a comprehensive sex education impact evaluation in the Northeast. We analyzed conversational narratives that were elicited in a group process while sharing photos of important people, contexts, and situations, showcasing participants’ exploration of sexuality and relationships. Our analysis revealed four main themes: (a) direct and indirect family communication about sexuality, (b) accidental and intentional Internet usage, (c) shared and contested peer knowledge, and (d) school as a direct and indirect learning context. Implications and future directions for practice, research, and policy are explored.
Sarcoidosis and ranula of a sublingual gland

A case is reported in which ranula was successfully managed by excision of the sublingual gland in a 26-year-old Negro man. Histopathologic examination revealed sarcoidosis of the sublingual gland. The transsected Wharton's duct was successfully transplanted in the floor of the oral cavity.
Glucocorticoid-mediated BIM induction and apoptosis are regulated by Runx2 and c-Jun in leukemia cells

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are common components of many chemotherapeutic regimens for lymphoid malignancies. GC-induced apoptosis involves an intrinsic mitochondria-dependent pathway. BIM (BCL-2-interacting mediator of cell death), a BCL-2 homology 3-only pro-apoptotic protein, is upregulated by dexamethasone (Dex) treatment in acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells and has an essential role in Dex-induced apoptosis. It has been indicated that Dex-induced BIM is regulated mainly by transcription, however, the molecular mechanisms including responsible transcription factors are unclear. In this study, we found that Dex treatment induced transcription factor Runx2 and c-Jun in parallel with BIM induction. Dex-induced BIM and apoptosis were decreased in cells harboring dominant-negative c-Jun and were increased in cells with c-Jun overexpression. Cells harboring short hairpin RNA for Runx2 also decreased BIM induction and apoptosis. On the Bim promoter, c-Jun bound to and activated the AP-1-binding site at about −2.7 kb from the transcription start site. Treatment with RU486, a GC receptor antagonist, blocked Dex-induced Runx2, c-Jun and BIM induction, as well as apoptosis. Furthermore, pretreatment with SB203580, a p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor, decreased Dex-induced Runx2, c-Jun and BIM, suggesting that p38-MAPK activation is upstream of the induction of these molecules. In conclusion, we identified the critical signaling pathway for GC-induced apoptosis, and targeting these molecules may be an alternative approach to overcome GC-resistance in leukemia treatment.
Field theory: a two-dimensional case for not using finite or boundary elements

Abstract A numerical solution methodology for two-dimensional field theory problems is addressed. It is the contention of this paper that if the governing differential equation, e.g., a Poisson's equation, of a two-dimensional field theory problem can be transformed into an integral equation, the finite element method may not be needed to solve the problem. Instead, such boundary solution methods as the boundary element method and the method of direct integration of the integral equation can be utilized, leading to better solutions than the finite element method. The direct integration appears to give the most accurate and efficient solutions.
Effectiveness of nicotine-containing gum in the Physician-Delivered Smoking Intervention Study.

Abstract Background. We tested the role of nicotine-containing gum (NCG) in conjunction with brief physician counseling in smoking cessation in the Physician-Delivered Smoking Intervention Project (PDSIP). Method. Subjects were smokers randomized to the Counseling + NCG arm of the PDSIP. However, receipt and use of NCG were not randomized. Data from baseline, pharmacy records, and 6-month monitoring calls were used in these post hoc analyses. Results. Of the 299 study subjects, 57% accepted NCG and 36% of acceptors used it for more than 7 days. Predictors of NCG acceptance included high desire to quit (OR = 1.21; 95% CI 1.10, 1.35), social support to quit (OR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.01, 2.59), being a general medicine patient compared with a family practice patient (OR = 3.22; 95% CI 2.01, 5.21), and receiving the intervention from a female physician (female physician-male patient OR = 2.27; 95% CI 0.95, 5.46; female physician-female patient OR = 1.94; 95% CI 1.06, 3.57) relative to the male physician comparisons. Subjects who refilled the NCG prescription had higher cessation rates than those who did not refill or did not accept the prescription (37% vs 19% and 20%, respectively; P = 0.04). Predictors of 6-month cessation among NCG users included a previous period(s) of abstinence >3 months (OR = 1.23; 95% CI 1.04, 1.47), abstinence during illness (OR = 0.39; 95% CI 0.17, 0.86), and absence of smoking-related physical complaints the month prior to the physician-delivered intervention (OR = 0.40; 95% CI 0.17, 0.94). Conclusion. Amount of NCG use in conjunction with physician-delivered smoking cessation counseling might have contributed in helping unselected smokers quit.
Automated actuation of nasal spray products: determination and comparison of adult and pediatric settings

Objective: To determine and compare patient-relevant settings for automated nasal spray actuation stations from adult and pediatric hand data. Methods: Twenty adults and 20 pediatric participants were asked to spray Flonase® Nasal Spray six times in a Hand Actuation Monitor, which records force and displacement data in 5-ms increments. Settings for force- and velocity-controlled actuation stations were determined from the data using a predefined set of calculations. Results: For force-controlled settings, hand spraying by children resulted in lower actuation forces, and longer force rise, hold and fall times. Pediatric velocity-controlled actuator settings were lower for travel, compression velocity, and release velocity compared with adults. The pediatric spray weight recorded during hand spraying was significantly lower than the spray weight generated by adult participants. Adult participants were able to generate full sprays with each attempt, whereas 11 out of 120 actuations performed by pediatric par...
Late and postglacial vegetation and fire history from Cord?n Serrucho Norte, northern Patagonia

Abstract Pollen, macrofossil and charcoal analyses of a peat record from the Cordon Serrucho Norte mountain range east of the Andes in northern Patagonia (41°46′5″S, 71°25′13″W) provide vegetation and fire histories for the last 17,500 cal yr BP. The site is very distinctive as two rainforest conifers, Fitzroya cupressoides and Pilgerodendron uviferum, grow on the wetland with the more xeric Austrocedrus chilensis on the adjacent slopes, posing the question of how far back in time these Cupressaceae taxa co-occurred at the site. Late glacial regional vegetation changed from a pioneer herbaceous steppe to grass-dominated steppe at 16,500 cal yr BP and to closed Nothofagus forest by 15,200 cal yr BP, reflecting a two-step increase in precipitation. A shift to open forest and high fire frequency between 11,200 and 7000 cal yr BP is a consistent feature throughout northern Patagonia, indicating variable precipitation and seasonal drought. Between 7000 and 3000 cal yr BP, Nothofagus forest expanded again, fire frequency decreased and a Sphagnum magellanicum bog developed, replacing the Cyperaceae wetland, indicating year-round moisture. Present-day mixed Nothofagus dombeyi–A. chilensis forest developed after 3000 cal yr BP when fire frequency was again high. High precipitation variability in the late Holocene is most likely related to the onset of strengthening of ENSO. Our data, including stomata and wood analyses, do not unequivocally identify the age of co-existence of the three Cupressaceae taxa in the region. However, inferred moisture conditions, combined with genetic and dendroclimatic studies on Fitzroya and Pilgerodendron, suggest that this wetland site could have offered suitable habitat for these rainforest taxa during the last 17,500 years, while the initial steppe environments and surrounding rocky and steep slopes could have provided adequate conditions for Austrocedrus.
The Anonymous “History of the Abbasid Family” and its Place in Islamic Historiography

A recent burst of interest in revisionist interpretations of early Islamic and especially Abbasid history may be attributed in large measure to the availability of a number of fresh source materials, one of the most important of which is an anonymous history of the Abbasid family. A number of problems surrounding this work are still far from being satisfactorily resolved, including the questions of its title, the date of its composition, the identity of its author, and its historical and historiographical value.
Transannular interactions in S82+ and Se82+: Reality or artifact?

Electronic structure calculations, carried out at the HF/6-311G*, MP2/6-311G*, and BLYP/6-311G* levels of theory, reveal an unexpectedly large influence of electron correlation on bonding in the octasulfur dication S82+. Whereas a structure with a strong transannular bond linking two sulfur atoms with localized positive charges is predicted within the Hartree–Fock (HF) approximation, second-order Moller-Plesset (MP2) and Becke-Lee-Yang-Parr density functional (BLYP) calculations produce delocalized dications in which the transannular interactions are completely missing. Rigorous analysis of the computed electronic wave functions explains this phenomenon, which is also observed in the HF/TZVP and MP2/TZVP optimized geometries of Se82+. In agreement with the experimental data, the endo–exo conformers are found to possess the lowest energies for the octachalcogen dications, in contrast to the corresponding neutral species in which steric interactions determine the relative energies, favoring the exo–exo ring conformations. None of the three theoretical approaches is capable of reproducing the experimental solid-state geometries of S82+ and Se82+, which are almost certainly distorted to a large degree by the crystal packing and counterion effects. The results of the present study underscore the need for a concerted experimental and theoretical effort to provide the definitive answer to the question of transannular interactions in chalcogen compounds. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Int J Quant Chem 65: 609–616, 1997
Of Dragons and Development

Economists could profitably treat academic publishing as a lagging economic indicator. Just as the Tokyo stock market hit its peak in late 1989, books on Japan's economic sucess began to pour off the presses; they still thrive today despite the fact that in the intervening three years, the Tokyo market has dropped over 50 per cent. In a like manner, academics are suddenly blessed with a plethora of studies of the countries presumably following in Japan's successful economic wake - the new Asian NICs of South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore; plus the potential 'next NICs', Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia - just at the time that the world's investors are liquidating their holdings in these rather stagnant Asian markets and pouring them into the suddenly thriving economies of Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Brazil. Fortunately for scholars, the dividends paid by good books are less affected by the transitory events that create such wild swings in the equities markets. Good scholarship, like blue chip stock, generates high dividends regardless of the short-term performance of the ephemeral economic markets.
Retinopathy of prematurity: prevalence and treatment over a 20 year period at Pennsylvania Hospital.

This paper presents the results of a 20 year survey of ROP among ⩽ 2000 g BW infants cared for at Pennsylvania Hospital. It relates changes in perinatal care and nutrition, survival rates, and serial serum E levels with incidence and severity of ROP. It includes our protocol for monitoring E nutrition so as to optimize its effectiveness at physiologic serum levels for prophylaxis for ROP. Also presented are the promising results of our experience with vitamin E at pharmacologic serum levels as a treatment for severe ROP (defined as in the Cryo ROP Trial). These indicate the need for a multicenter trial to assess the effect of pharmacologic Vitamin E therapy as an alternative or supplement to therapy of severe ROP with laser or cryo surgery.
Phenolate Hydroxylation in a Bis(μ-oxo)dicopper(III) Complex: Lessons from the Guanidine/Amine Series

A new hybrid permethylated-amine-guanidine ligand based on a 1,3-propanediamine backbone (2L) and its Cu−O2 chemistry is reported. [(2L)CuI(MeCN)]1+ complex readily oxygenates at low temperatures in polar aprotic solvents to form a bis(μ-oxo)dicopper(III) (O) species (2b), similar to the parent bis-guanidine ligand complex (1b) and permethylated-diamine ligand complex (3b). UV−vis and X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments confirm this assignment of 2b as an O species, and full formation of the 2:1 Cu−O2 complex is demonstrated by an optical titration with ferrocene-monocarboxylic acid (FcCOOH). The UV−vis spectra of 1b and 2b with guanidine ligation show low-intensity visible features assigned as guanidine π → Cu2O2 core transitions by time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations. Comparison of the reactivity among the three related complexes (1b−3b) with phenolate at 195 K is particularly insightful as only 2b hydroxylates 2,4-di-tert-butylphenolate to yield 3,5-di-tert-butylcatecho...
Property Rights and Genetic Engineering: Developing Nations at Risk

Eighty percent of (commercial) genetically engineered seeds (GES) are designed only to resist herbicides. Letting farmers use more chemicals, they cut labor costs. But developing nations say GES cause food shortages, unemployment, resistant weeds, and extinction of native cultivars when “volunteers” drift nearby. While GES patents are reasonable, this paper argues many patent policies are not. The paper surveys GE technology, outlines John Locke’s classic account of property rights, and argues that current patent policies must be revised to take account of Lockean ethical constraints. After answering a key objection, it provides concrete suggestions for implementing its ethical conclusions.
A time-domain decomposition iterative method for the solution of distributed linear quadratic optimal control problems

We study a class of time-domain decomposition-based methods for the numerical solution of large-scale linear quadratic optimal control problems. Our methods are based on a multiple shooting reformulation of the linear quadratic optimal control problem as a discrete-time optimal control (DTOC) problem. The optimality conditions for this DTOC problem lead to a linear block tridiagonal system. The diagonal blocks are invertible and are related to the original linear quadratic optimal control problem restricted to smaller time-subintervals. This motivates the application of block Gauss-Seidel (GS)-type methods for the solution of the block tridiagonal systems. Numerical experiments show that the spectral radii of the block GS iteration matrices are larger than one for typical applications, but that the eigenvalues of the iteration matrices decay to zero fast. Hence, while the GS method is not expected to convergence for typical applications, it can be effective as a preconditioner for Krylov-subspace methods. This is confirmed by our numerical tests.A byproduct of this research is the insight that certain instantaneous control techniques can be viewed as the application of one step of the forward block GS method applied to the DTOC optimality system.
Mycosis fungoides: pathologic findings in staging laparotomies.

Staging laparotomies were performed in 13 patients with mycosis fungoides for the purpose of determining the presence of visceral and deep lymph node involvement. The spleen was found to be involved in 4 of these patients, the abdominal lymph nodes in 3, and the liver in 1. Unlike the spleens in Hodgkin's disease, only one of the involved spleens showed grossly perceptible tumor nodules. In the remaining three, the infiltration was diffuse and affected primarily the red pulp. The range of weights of the four involved spleens was between 250 and 480 g, and those of the uninvolved spleens, between 65 and 155 g. In the lymph nodes, complete obliteration of the architecture was observed in one instance and focal involvement in two. The diagnosis of the involvement of spleen and lymph nodes depends on the recognition of abnormal cells, the sizes of which range between those of histiocytes and lymphocytes. Some of them have deeply indented nuclei. When these cells occur in clusters or continuous sheets, they are relatively easily recognized as neoplastic infiltration by mycosis fungoides. It is extremely difficult, however, to detect individual cells when the infiltration does not occur in the form of cohesive cell masses; negative histologic interpretation is therefore unreliable. Ultrastructural studies assist in the recognition of the characteristic cells and their occurrence in clusters. Cancer 33:1584–1600, 1974.
Abused Boys, Battered Mothers, and Male Involvement in Teen Pregnancy

Background. The relationship between boyhood exposure to physical abuse, sexual abuse, or to a battered mother and subsequent risk of impregnating a teenage girl has not previously been examined. Methods. In a retrospective cohort study set in a primary care clinic for adult members of a large health maintenance organization, questionnaire responses from 4127 men were analyzed. Respondents provided the age of the youngest female whom they had impregnated, their own ages at the time, and information regarding childhood exposure to physical or sexual abuse and battered mothers. We calculated the prevalence and adjusted odds ratio (OR) for having impregnated a teenage girl according to these 3 adverse childhood experiences , regardless of the male9s age at the time of impregnation. Using logistic regression, ORs were adjusted for the male9s age at time of survey, race, and education. Results. Nineteen percent of the men reported that they had ever impregnated a teenage girl. During childhood, 32% of respondents had been physically abused, 15% sexually abused, and 11% had battered mothers. Compared with respondents reporting no abuse, frequent physical abuse or battering of mothers increased the risk of involvement in teen pregnancy by 70% (OR: 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2–2.5) and 140% (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1–5.0), respectively. Sexual abuse as a boy at age 10 years or younger increased the risk of impregnating a teenage girl by 80% (OR: 1.8; 95% CI: 1.3–2.4); sexual abuse with violence increased the risk by 110% (OR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.2–3.4). We found a dose–response relationship between the number of types of exposures and the risk of impregnating a teenage girl; men who reported all 3 types of exposures were more than twice as likely to have been involved than those with no exposures (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 1.4–3.5). Conclusions. Boyhood exposure to physical or sexual abuse or to a battered mother is associated with an increased risk of involvement in a teen pregnancy—during both adolescence and adulthood. Because these exposures are common and interrelated, boys and adult men who have had these experiences should be identified via routine screening by pediatricians and other health care providers and counseled about sexual practices and contraception. Such efforts may prevent teen pregnancy and the intergenerational transmission of child abuse and domestic violence.
Evaporation of Ice in Space: Saturn's Rings

The photosputtering erosion velocity of ice in space is estimated to be 400 centimeters per billion years at 1 astronomical unit.
The role of the AT2 receptor in hypertension

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is integrally involved in maintaining the healthy body's hemodynamic status. It is also involved in many pathogenic situations. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is the major effector hormone of this system. Ang II subtype 1 receptor blockers (ARB), like angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, modulate the potent vasoconstricting and growth-promoting effects of Ang II. Thus, it is reasonable to assume that ACE inhibitors and ARB provide similar benefits in patients with hypertension and other diseases. There are salient differences, however, in that ARB antagonize Ang II at its AT1 receptor subtype but spare its AT2 receptor subtype, which has unique-and largely oppositional- effects on the blood vessels, kidneys, and adrenals. ACE inhibitors decrease the amount of Ang II available to its AT1 and AT2 receptors alike without totally suppressing its formation. This article reviews recent findings about the role of the AT2 receptor in both health and disease and the actions of ARB mediated by this receptor.
Synaptic activity bidirectionally regulates a novel sequence-specific S-Q phosphoproteome in neurons.

Protein phosphorylation plays a critical role in neuronal transcription, translation, cell viability, and synaptic plasticity. In neurons, phospho-enzymes and specific substrates directly link glutamate release and post-synaptic depolarization to these cellular functions; however, many of these enzymes and their protein substrates remain uncharacterized or unidentified. In this article, we identify a novel, synaptically-driven neuronal phosphoproteome characterized by a specific motif of serine/threonine-glutamine ([S/T]-Q, abbreviated as SQ). These SQ-containing substrates are predominantly localized to dendrites, synapses, the soma; and activation of this SQ phosphoproteome by bicuculline application is induced via calcium influx through L-type calcium channels. On the other hand, acute application of NMDA can inactivate this SQ phosphoproteome. We demonstrate that the SQ motif kinase Ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) can also localize to dendrites and dendritic spines, in addition to other subcellular compartments, and is activated by bicuculline application. Pharmacology studies indicate that ATM and its sister kinase ATR up-regulate these neuronal SQ substrates. Phosphoproteomics identified over 150 SQ-containing substrates whose phosphorylation is bidirectionally-regulated by synaptic activity.
DNA binding properties of a new class of linked anthramycin analogs.

Abstract We have investigated the DNA binding properties of the anthramycin analogues 4, 5, and 6 using fluorescence spectroscopy. A considerable fluorescence enhancement occurs when pyrrolo [1,4] benzodiazepines (P[1,4]Bs) are covalently attached to duplex DNA, which was used to show that neither the presence of RNA, single-stranded DNA, or protein had any effect on the degree of fluorescence enhancement resulting from the incubation of 5 and 6 with DNA. The enhancement was found to be dependent on the presence of the imine functionality in each of the compounds. A wavelength of 320 nm was used to excite the chromophore and its emission wavelength maximum was 420 nm. Additionally, we have discovered that the P[1,4]B ring system exhibits exceptionally favorable fluorescence polarization anisotropy (FPA) decay characteristics. For these more detailed fluorescence measurements, we used the structurally simpler analogue 4,. The time resolved maximum FPA for 4 in glycerol at 25 degrees C is 0.28. This result indicates that the P[1,4]B family of antibiotics could serve as sensitive probes of DNA dynamics in the 0.1 to 35 ns time scale.
Directional wide band time reversal digital beam forming FIR filter design using bore-sight calibration data

The time reversal wide band digital beam forming and calibration technique is briefly described. New techniques using the bore-sight probing RF signal alone to derive the time reversal FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter set are discussed. In the digital beam forming simulation, a set of 50-tap FIR filters measured from a 16 channel of 1 to 8GHz tunable 500Mhz bandwidth front end digitized system is used as RF front end. The simulation results of the previous time reversal approach and new approaches are compared.