cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide analyses of multiple obesity-related cytokines and hormones informs biology of cardiometabolic traits.

A complex set of perturbations occur in cytokines and hormones in the etiopathogenesis of obesity and related cardiometabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes (T2D). Evidence for the genetic regulation of these cytokines and hormones is limited, particularly in African-ancestry populations. In order to improve our understanding of the biology of cardiometabolic traits, we investigated the genetic architecture of a large panel of obesity- related cytokines and hormones among Africans with replication analyses in African Americans. We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) in 4432 continental Africans, enrolled from Ghana, Kenya, and Nigeria as part of the Africa America Diabetes Mellitus (AADM) study, for 13 obesity-related cytokines and hormones, including adipsin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL1-RA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), leptin, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), resistin, visfatin, insulin, glucagon, and ghrelin. Exact and local replication analyses were conducted in African Americans (n = 7990). The effects of sex, body mass index (BMI), and T2D on results were investigated through stratified analyses. GWAS identified 39 significant (P value < 5 × 10−8) loci across all 13 traits. Notably, 14 loci were African-ancestry specific. In this first GWAS for adipsin and ghrelin, we detected 13 and 4 genome-wide significant loci respectively. Stratified analyses by sex, BMI, and T2D showed a strong effect of these variables on detected loci. Eight novel loci were successfully replicated: adipsin (3), GIP (1), GLP-1 (1), and insulin (3). Annotation of these loci revealed promising links between these adipocytokines and cardiometabolic outcomes as illustrated by rs201751833 for adipsin and blood pressure and locus rs759790 for insulin level and T2D in lean individuals. Our study identified genetic variants underlying variation in multiple adipocytokines, including the first loci for adipsin and ghrelin. We identified population differences in variants associated with adipocytokines and highlight the importance of stratification for discovery of loci. The high number of African-specific loci detected emphasizes the need for GWAS in African-ancestry populations, as these loci could not have been detected in other populations. Overall, our work contributes to the understanding of the biology linking adipocytokines to cardiometabolic traits.
Sexual dimorphism in aortic endothelial function of Zucker diabetic fatty rats: possible involvement of superoxide production (1051.8)

Little is known about the interaction between diabetes and sex in vasculature. This study was designed to investigate whether there were sex differences in rat aortic endothelium-dependent vasodilation (EDV) in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats, and the potential role of superoxide. EDV to acetylcholine (ACh) was measured in aortic rings pre-contracted with phenylephrine before and after pretreatment with apocynin (100 μM), a NADPH oxidase (Nox) inhibitor. In addition, the level of Nox (a potent source of superoxide) and PKCβ mRNA expression were determined using real-time RT-PCR. ACh-induced relaxations were significantly greater in female lean rats compared with male lean rats. Accordingly, male lean rats had higher PKCβI expression level than female lean rats. Diabetes significantly impaired EDV in aortic rings from female ZDF rats, however, potentiated the relaxation in males. Pre-incubation of aortic rings with apocynin increased EDV only in diabetic female group, suggesting impairment of EDV in femal...
Long-term use of the thrombopoietin-mimetic romiplostim in children with severe chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Background Treatment of chronic severe pediatric ITP is not well studied. In a phase 1/2 12–16-week study, 15/17 romiplostim-treated patients achieved platelet counts ≥50 × 109/L, and romiplostim treatment was well tolerated. In a subsequent open-label extension (≤109 weeks), 20/22 patients received romiplostim; all achieved platelet counts >50 × 109/L. Twelve patients continued in a second extension (≤127 weeks). Longitudinal data from start of romiplostim treatment through the two extensions were evaluated to investigate the safety and efficacy of long-term romiplostim treatment in chronic severe pediatric ITP.
Comparison of patient visits to emergency departments, physician offices, and dental offices for dental problems and injuries.

Objectives: Our understanding of the use of emergency departments (EDs) and physician offices for the management of dental problems is limited. We undertook this study to examine whether there are differences in their use by low-income White and minority adults as compared with higher-income adults. Methods: Participants included White, Black, and Hispanic adults who had experienced a dental problem during the previous 12 months and who visited a physician, ED, or dentist for treatment. We selected a stratified random sample of 27,002 Maryland households with listed telephones to screen for eligibility. We identified 1,387 households with an eligible adult, selected 423 for interviews, and completed interviews with 401 (94.8%). Results: To restore correct proportionality to the sample, and to adjust for nonresponse and the distribution of demographic characteristics, weights were created for use in the analyses. Only 7.1 percent of respondents contacted an ED, while 14.3 percent contacted a physician and 90.2 percent a dentist. The vast majority of respondents who contacted an ED (96.0%) or a physician (92.2%) also contacted a dentist. Lower-income respondents were more likely to seek care from an ED, while higher-income respondents were more likely to seek care from a dentist. Overwhelmingly, respondents visiting EDs (89.4%) and physicians (51.7%) were instructed to see a dentist or given prescriptions/samples. Treatment provided by EDs, physicians, and dentists was not associated with the respondent's income or race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Respondents visiting EDs and physicians typically did not receive definitive care and subsequently visited a dentist for treatment.
Ultimate confusion: The economics of Julian Simon

Abstract This article argues that there are profound mistakes and exaggerations in Simon's influential and popular ideas. It discusses Simon's denial of resource finitude and his views that neither ecology nor entropy exists. Finally it looks at Simon's The Resourceful Earth as an attack on Global 2000.
The Costs of Biopharmaceutical Firms Going Public in the U.S.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the process and costs associated with biopharmaceutical firms undertaking an initial public offering. It discusses the direct and opportunity costs associated with this process. It shows the historical mispricing of firms and costs associated with biopharmaceutical firms going public over the past several years. Private biopharmaceutical firms need to be aware of the process and costs of going public in order to determine if these costs are acceptable, compare these costs (and benefits) with those of other sources of funding, and better manage the IPO process.
Abundance and distribution of diverse membrane-bound monooxygenase (Cu-MMO) genes within the Costa Rica oxygen minimum zone.

Diverse copper-containing membrane-bound monooxygenase-encoding sequences (Cu-MMOs) have recently been described from the marine environment, suggesting widespread potential for oxidation of reduced substrates. Here, we used the well-defined oxygen and methane gradients associated with the Costa Rican oxygen minimum zone (OMZ) to gain insight into the physico-chemical parameters influencing the distribution and abundance of Cu-MMO-encoding marine microorganisms. Two Methylococcales-related Cu-MMO-encoding lineages, termed groups OPU1 and OPU3, demonstrated differences in their relative abundance, with both pmoA and candidate 16S rRNA genes correlating significantly with reduced environmental oxygen concentrations and depth. In contrast, a newly identified Cu-MMO-encoding lineage, Group C, was primarily associated with the oxygenated euphotic zone. An updated phylogenetic analysis including these sequences, a marine pxmABC gene cluster, ethylene-utilizing Cu-MMO-encoding lineages and previously reported planktonic Cu-MMOs (Groups W, X, Z and O) demonstrates the breadth of diversity of Cu-MMO-encoding marine microorganisms. Groups C and X affiliated phylogenetically with ethane- and ethylene-oxidizing Cu-MMOs, Groups W and O affiliated phylogenetically with the recently described Cu-MMO ‘pXMO’, and Group Z clustered with Cu-MMOs recovered from soils. Collectively, these data demonstrate widespread genetic potential in ocean waters for the oxidation of small, reduced molecules and advance our understanding of the microorganisms involved in methane cycling in the OMZ environment.
Electrical insulation system for the shell-vacuum vessel and poloidal field gap in the ZTH machine

The electrical insulation systems for the ZTH machine have many unusual design problems. The poloidal field gap insulation must be capable of conforming to poloidal and toroidal contours, provide a 25-kV hold off, and sufficiently adhere to the epoxy back-fill between the overlapping conductors. The shell-vacuum vessel system will use stretchable and flexible insulation along with protective hats, boots, and sleeves. The system must be able to withstand a 12.5-kV pulse and must be thermally insulated to limit the effects of the 300 degrees C vacuum vessel during operation and bakeout. The methodology required to provide the electrical protection, the testing data, and the material characteristics are presented. >
Teacher Communities for Equity.

Teachers working together in learning communities is a popular aspect of school reform projects in countries around the world. However, teacher communities vary greatly from one another. This artic...
Elevated Serum Methylmalonic Acid Concentrations Are Common among Elderly Americans

To describe serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) concentrations of elderly Americans and examine relationships between serum MMA and other factors, we used surplus serum samples collected from elderly (n = 1145) and young-adult (n = 1026) participants in Phase 2 of the third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1991-1994). In approximately 20% of participants >/=65 y old, serum MMA was >370 nmol/L, the 90th percentile of the distribution of participants aged 30-39 y. Consistent with previous reports, we observed strong, independent positive associations between serum MMA concentration and serum concentrations of creatinine and homocysteine. After controlling for demographic factors and creatinine, geometric mean MMA concentration was lower in non-Hispanic blacks [223.6 nmol/L; 95% confidence interval (CI), 198.8-251.5] than non-Hispanic whites (265.1 nmol/L; 95% CI, 240.3-292.4). However, the prevalence of elevated levels did not vary with race/ethnicity. Serum MMA concentration bore a strong inverse relation to serum vitamin B-12 concentration. Nevertheless, elevated serum MMA concentrations affected approximately 15% of those with both normal serum creatinine concentrations and serum B-12 concentrations >148 pmol/L. We conclude that many elderly Americans demonstrate metabolic evidence of low B-12 status, that elevations occur frequently in the absence of traditional deficiency indicators and that levels vary with race/ethnicity and renal function.
Minimally Invasive Resection of a Spinal Epidural Cavernous Hemangioma

Objective and ImportanceMinimally invasive techniques for spinal surgery are rapidly evolving. We present a rare case of a symptomatic spinal epidural cavernous hemangioma that was treated using minimally invasive surgical techniques. The pathophysiology, radiology, and histology of epidural cavernous hemangiomas are reviewed. The advantages and pitfalls of minimally invasive spinal surgery techniques are discussed.Clinical PresentationA 45 year-old woman presented with a four-year history of right leg weakness and difficulty with ambulation. MRI examination of the lumbar spine revealed an epidural mass.InterventionThe patient elected to undergo a minimally invasive, microendoscopic resection of the lesion. The MetRxTM (Medtronic, Memphis, TN) dilator system was employed to gain access to the L2 lamina. A hemilaminectomy and resection of the lesion was accomplished without complication.ConclusionSpinal epidural masses, in this case a cavernous hemangioma, can be safely and effectively treated with minimally invasive techniques. With decreased soft tissue injury, minimal blood loss, and shortened operative time, minimally invasive techniques should be considered when resecting epidural masses.
But Do They Have To See It To Know It? the Supreme Court's Obscenity and Pornography Decisions

That the area of obscenity and pornography is a difficult one for the Supreme Court is well documented (e.g., Sunderland 1975; Woodward and Armstrong 1979: 192-204, 244-53; Nowak, Rotunda, and Young 1983: 1008-10; McGuire 1990). Justice Brennan makes this point quite clearly: "As a result of our failure to define standards with predictable application to any given piece of material, there is no probability of regularity in obscenity decisions by state and lower federal courts" (Paris Adult Theatre I v. Slaton, 413 U.S. 49, 92 [1973], Brennan, J., dissenting). Despite the Court's numerous attempts to define obscenity (see Roth v. United States [1957], Redrup v. New York [1964], and Miller v. California [1973]), its obscenity and pornography decisions are made on a case-by-case basis (see Jenkins v. Georgia [1974]) and left to the subjective preferences of the justices. Perhaps Justice Stewart put it best when, after refusing to define obscenity, he declared, "But I know it when I see it" (Jacobellis v. Ohio, 378 U.S. 184, 197 [1964]). The vagueness of the Court's obscenity guidelines as laid out in Miller,' force us to look elsewhere for a determination of the factors affecting the Court's obscenity decisions.
Superior performance and nutrient-use efficiency of invasive plants over non-invasive congeners in a resource-limited environment

Invasive plant species are often found to have advantages over native species in growth-related traits, such as photosynthetic rate, in disturbed or resource-rich environments. However, resource-use efficiency, rather than opportunistic resource capture, may confer more advantages when resources are scarce. In this study, performance and functional traits of invasive and non-invasive members of the genus Pinus were contrasted under the condition of nutrient limitations. Invasive species outperformed non-invasive congeners by growing 28% faster, on average. Invasives and non-invasives did not differ in biomass allocation traits (root-weight ratio, stem-weight ratio, leaf-weight ratio, leaf area ratio, root: shoot coefficient), but invaders had thinner and/or less dense leaves, as shown by a significantly lower leaf mass per area and leaf dry mass fraction. No differences between invasives and non-invasives were apparent in area-based leaf content of nitrogen, chlorophyll, or total protein, nor did the two groups differ in how efficiently they took up nutrients (specific absorption rate per unit root mass). The trait most strongly associated with invasives’ superior performance was photosynthetic nitrogen-use efficiency. Non-invaders were more water-use efficient. The results suggests that the relative performance of invasive and non-invasive species is context-dependent. Invaders may allocate leaf nitrogen more efficiently to maximize photosynthesis and growth in nitrogen-poor soils, while non-invaders with more heavily defended leaves may have an advantage in drier areas. Rather than searching for a suite of traits that constitutes “invasiveness”, it may be necessary to identify potential invaders by traits that are most adaptive to the local resource context.
Safe Administration of Iodine-131 Tositumomab After Repeated Infusion-Related Reactions to Rituximab

Infusion-relatedreactionsduringadministrationofmonoclonal antibody therapy are often mild and unlikely to recur with subsequent treatment. If patients experience another severe reaction upon reattempting treatment, future treatments with the same agent are typically not pursued. It is unclear whether different monoclonal antibodies that bind the same tumor cell or antigen are likely to induce similar infusion reactions. Here, we report the case of a patient with repeated severe infusion reactions with rituximab who subsequently safely received treatment with iodine-131 tositumomab and discuss the relevant literature. The Oncologist 2007;12:338–340
Closing the gap between guidelines and practice: ensuring safe and healthy beginnings.

Once you bring life into this world, you must protect it. We must protect it by changing the world. Elie Weisel The revised American Academy of Pediatrics’ (AAP’s) guideline for the management of hyperbilirubinemia in infants ≥35 weeks’ gestation,1 published in the July issue, provides a contemporary evidence-based approach to a condition that affects the majority of otherwise healthy newborns. Adherence by clinicians to the recommendations is expected to prevent most cases of kernicterus, the devastating, irreversible neurologic damage associated with excessive serum levels of bilirubin. Despite the publication of a previous version of the guideline in 1994, kernicterus continues to occur.2 Many contributing factors may be at play. For example, the change to early discharge, often at <48 hours after birth, disrupted the previous patterns of care associated with a longer postpartum hospitalization.3 As a result, newborns now experience the usual peak of serum bilirubin concentration, at 3 to 5 days of age, at home rather than observed by clinicians in the nursery as in previous times. This change in clinical venue also contributes to gaps in communication, continuity, and parent education. Discharge now generally occurs before lactation is well established and often without adequate support, further increasing the risk of hyperbilirubinemia. Furthermore, follow-up visits are scheduled at a median of 1 week of age, later than would be optimal for assessment of jaundice and lactation. … Reprint requests to (C.L.) North Carolina Center for Children’s Healthcare Improvement, University of North Carolina, UNC CB 7226, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7226. E-mail: clannon{at}aap.org
Polymer Composites Obtained by Polymerization of Microemulsions Formed with Inorganic and Organic Monomers

Phase behavior studies of microemulsions containing the monomers methyl methacrylate (MMA), acrylic acid (AA), and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), the cross-linking agent ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), and water (W), stabilized by the surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), were carried out. An analagous surfactant-free system was also studied and compared with the surfactant-based system. Macroscopically single-phase, transparent microemulsions were formed over a considerable portion of the composition domain for the surfactant-based system. The effects of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and base (NH4OH) on the gel times were examined. Selected compositions in the surfactant-based system were chosen to examine the effect of the water to TEOS ratio (R) on the thermal stability and pore morphology of the polymer composite formed from the hydrolysis and condensation reactions of TEOS and the polymerization of organic-monomer-containing microemulsions. The polymer composites thus obtained exhibit high t...
A spectrographic analysis of human blood.

Abstract 1. 1. A qualitative study of the inorganic metals (including P and Si) present in human blood was made using a spectrographic technique. 2. 2. Analyses were made on plasma, erythrocyte contents, and erythrocyte ghosts. 3. 3. The following elements were found in plasma: Na, K, Ca, Cu, Cr, P, Fe, and possibly Ag; in erythrocyte contents: Na, K, Ca, Cu, Cr, P, Fe, Ag, Si, Ni, Mg, Zn, Mn, Sn, Cd, and possibly Ba, Pb, and B; in erythrocyte ghosts: Cu, P, Fe, Si, and possibly Ca and Ag. 4. 4. The techniques followed to obtain spectrographically pure materials are described in detail, and certain theoretical implications of the findings are discussed.
Spatial Filtering Using 3 X 3 Kernel Convolutions

The equivalence of 3 x 3 linear discrete convolution filtering to spatial frequency domain multiplication is reviewed in this paper. DPCM (Differential Pulse Code Modulation) is simply a low pass filter in the frequency domain. More complex 3 x 3 filters allow the choice of a band stop locus in the frequency domain in order to reduce unwanted spatial frequency components. This real time spatial filtering is readily implemented using a multitapped CCD delay line coefficients on-chip with a CCD imager.
Dreamless Sleep and the Whole of Human Life: An Ontological Exposition

This paper explores the meaning of dreamless sleep. First, I consider four reasons why we commonly pass over sleep’s ontological significance. Second, I compare and contrast death and sleep to show how each is oriented to questions regarding the possibilities of “being-a-whole.” In the third and final part, I explore the meaning and implications of “being-toward-sleep,” arguing that human existence emerges atop naturally anonymous corporeality (i.e. living being). In sum, I try to show that we can recover an authentic – if somewhat ambiguous – sense of “being-a-whole” only by recognizing the ontological significance of dreamless sleep.
Functional liver recovery parallels autologous gut salvage in short bowel syndrome.

Abstract Background/purpose Parenteral nutrition (PN) is life saving in short bowel syndrome. However, long-term parenteral nutrition is frequently complicated by a syndrome of progressive cholestatic liver disease that is considered to be irreversible beyond the early stages of cholestasis, particularly in the presence of any degree of fibrosis in the liver. The purpose of this study was to examine apparent improvement in PN-associated liver dysfunction in a cohort of children with short bowel syndrome. Methods A retrospective case-record review of all patients managed within a dedicated Intestinal Rehabilitation Program (IRP) identified 13 patients with short bowel who had PN-associated liver dysfunction, defined for this purpose as hyperbilirubinemia or an abnormal liver biopsy. Results At referral, 12 of the 13 patients were exclusively on PN, and one was on 50% PN. At current follow-up, 3 patients have achieved complete enteral autonomy from PN, and 7 patients have had smaller decrements in PN requirements. Specific operative procedures to improve intestinal function were undertaken in 11 patients; 4 patients also underwent cholecystectomies with biliary irrigation at the time of intestinal reconstruction. The median highest bilirubin level in these 13 patients was 10.7 mg% (range, 3.2 to 24.5 mg%). Liver biopsy results indicated that 5 patients were cirrhotic, 3 had bridging fibrosis, and 4 had severe cholestasis or lesser degrees of fibrosis. Of 10 survivors in this series, 9 patients currently have a serum bilirubin less than 1 mg% with a median bilirubin in the group of 0.6 mg% (range, 0.3 to 6.4 mg%). Twelve of the 13 patients in this series were initially referred for liver-small bowel transplantation. Conclusions This preliminary experience suggests that PN-dependent patients with advanced liver dysfunction in the setting of the short bowel syndrome may, in some instances, experience functional and biochemical liver recovery. The latter appears to parallel autologous gut salvage in most cases. As a corollary, the authors believe that even advanced degrees of liver dysfunction should not preclude attempts at autologous gut salvage in very carefully selected patients. Such a policy of "aggressive conservatism" may help avoid the need for liver/intestinal transplantation in some patients who appear to be not responding to PN.
Trouble with physics: Time to boost the energy?

Answers undoubtedly exist beyond the standard model of particle physics – but we might need bigger machines to find them, worries Lisa Randall
Speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus of alkyl monoesters at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Biodiesel is a biodegradable, sulfur-free, oxygenated, and renewable alternative diesel fuel consisting of the alkyl monoesters of FA from vegetable oils and animal fats. Biodiesel can be used in existing diesel engines without significant modifications. However, differences in physical properties between biodiesel and petroleum-based diesel fuel may change the engine's fuel injection timing and combustion characteristics. These altered physical and chemical properties also may cause the exhaust emissions and performance to differ from the optimized settings chosen by the engine manufacturer. In particular, the density, speed of sound, and isentropic bulk modulus have a significant effect on the fuel injection system and combustion. The objective of this study was to measure these three properties for biodiesel (and the pure esters that are the constituents of biodiesel) at temperatures from 20 to 100°C and at pressures from atmospheric to 32.5 MPa. Ten different biodiesel fuels, 16 different pure FA esters, three hydrocarbons, and one diesel fuel were tested. The measured values of density, speed of sound, and isentropic bulk modulus are presented. Correlations between pressure and temperature are demonstrated. Speed of sound and isentropic bulk modulus tend to increase as the degree of unsaturation increases and as the chain length increases. However, density increased with shorter chain length and decreased with saturation.
Properties of static menisci on cylinders: Analytical expressions for curvature and height at contact

Abstract Analytical expressions are derived for properties of static menisci based on recently published tabular values. The first case considered is the profile on the outside of a vertical cylinder at zero wetting angle. An expression is derived for the curvature at the top of the meniscus and is shown to be precise for a wide range of radii. Expressions are developed to describe the effect of radii on the height of the meniscus. The height expressions for large radii and small radii are compared with asymptotic expressions in the literature. Also discussed are the cases for nonzero wetting angle.
Growth Sensitivity of a Recombinant Simian Virus 5 P/V Mutant to Type I Interferon Differs Between Tumor Cell Lines and Normal Primary Cells

Abstract A paramyxovirus SV5 mutant (rSV5-P/V-CPI−) that encodes 6 naturally-occurring P/V gene substitutions is a potent inducer of type I interferon (IFN) and is restricted for low moi growth, two phenotypes not seen with WT SV5. In this study, we have compared the IFN sensitivity of WT SV5 and the rSV5-P/V-CPI− mutant in tumor cell lines and in cultures of normal primary cells. We have tested the hypothesis that differences in IFN induction elicited by WT rSV5 and rSV5-P/V-CPI− are responsible for differences in low moi growth and spread. In contrast to WT SV5, low moi infection of A549 lung carcinoma cells with rSV5-P/V-CPI− resulted in a plateau of virus production by 24–48 h pi when secreted IFN levels were between ∼100 and 1000 U/ml. Gene microarray and RT-PCR analyses identified IFN genes and IFN-stimulated genes whose expression were increased by infection of A549 cells with WT and P/V mutant viruses. Restricted low moi growth and spread of rSV5-P/V-CPI− in A549 cells was relieved in the presence of neutralizing antibodies to IFN-β but not TNF-α. When A549 or MDA-MB-435 breast tumor cells were pretreated with IFN, both WT and P/V mutant viruses showed delayed spread and ∼10-fold reduction in virus yield, but infections were not eliminated. Using normal primary human epithelial cells that have undergone limited passage in culture, WT rSV5 and rSV5-P/V-CPI− displayed high moi growth properties that were similar to that seen in A549 cells. However, IFN pretreatment of these primary cells as well as normal human lung cells eliminated low moi spread of both mutant and WT rSV5 infections. Together, these data demonstrate that SV5 growth in normal primary human cells is highly sensitive to IFN compared to growth in some tumor cell lines, regardless of whether the P/V gene is WT or mutant. These results suggest a model in which spread of WT SV5 in normal human cells is dependent on the ability of the virus to prevent IFN synthesis. The implications of these results for the use of recombinant paramyxoviruses as vectors are discussed.
Post Silicon Power/Performance Optimization in the Presence of Process Variations Using Individual Well-Adaptive Body Biasing

The economics of continued scaling of silicon process technologies beyond the 90-nm node will face significant challenges due to variability. The increasing relative magnitude of within die process variations will cause power-frequency distributions to widen, thus, reducing manufacturing yields. Mitigating the effects of these process variations can be done by using the proposed individual well-adaptive body biasing (IWABB) scheme of locally generated body biases. IWABB allows for highly localized circuit optimizations with very little overhead in silicon area and routing resources. We present two algorithms to find near-optimal configurations of these biases which can be applied as postsilicon tuning. The proposed IWABB scheme can improve an initial yield from 12% to 73%
Simulation of forest change in the New Jersey Pine Barrens under current and pre-colonial conditions

Abstract Changes in land use patterns in and around forests, including rural development and road building, have occurred throughout the United States and are accelerating in many areas. As a result, there have been significant departures from ‘natural’ or pre-settlement disturbance regimes. Altered disturbance regimes can shift composition and dominance in tree species communities, potentially affecting ecosystem functioning. We examined the potential consequences of various forest management practices and forest fragmentation on tree community composition. Both forest management and fragmentation are changing as land use changes within the New Jersey Pine Barrens (NJPB). The NJPB has and is continuing to experience rapid rural development and urbanization that are altering the types, frequency, and intensity of forest management, and are increasing forest fragmentation. In the NJPB, the size and frequency of wildfires have declined and the use of prescribed fires is limited to a small portion of the landscape. In addition, the expansion of roads and decline in total forested area – two common measures of fragmentation – may impede the ability of tree species to colonize available habitat. To assess the consequences of fire management and fragmentation on fire regimes and forest communities, we simulated forest landscape change using LANDIS-II, a stochastic, spatially dynamic forest succession model that simulates the growth of tree species cohorts (defined by species and age), dispersal and colonization, and mortality. Simulated fires are sensitive to fuel loads and fuel load continuity. We constructed scenarios to mimic the pre-colonial contiguous landscape with an estimated pre-colonial fire regime; scenarios of the current day landscape with current and potential fire management; and scenarios designed to highlight the effects of fragmentation. Our simulations indicate that relative to the pre-colonial landscape and fire regime, the landscape is changing from a pine-dominated to an oak-dominated state. However, within areas where prescribed burning remains a viable management option, a doubling of the mean annual area that is managed with prescribed burns may substantially push the system back towards pre-colonial conditions, although oaks will continue to retain a higher than pre-colonial dominance. Our results also indicate that aside from a reduction in the potential fire sizes, fragmentation does not appear to substantially alter forest successional dynamics. In summary, our simulations estimate the departure from pre-colonial conditions and indicate the potential for a limited restoration of these conditions.
Short-Term Ingestion of a High Protein Diet Increases Liver and Kidney Mass and Protein Accretion but not Cellularity in Young Pigs

AbstractIncreased visceral organ mass raises the energy cost of maintenance in animals. To determine the nutritional factors that affect organ size during growth and development, we studied 12 genetically obese 4-week-old pigs for 14 days. The piglets had free access to either a control (17% protein) or a high protein (34%) diet. They were sacrificed after 14 days and their empty gastrointestinal tracts, livers, and kidneys were weighed and samples were analyzed for protein and DNA concentrations. The absolute and relative (percentage of body weight) weights of liver and kidneys were greater in high protein than control piglets: liver (313 vs 246 g, SD = 24, P < 0.09; 3.61% vs 3.18%, SD = 0.04, P < 0.01); kidneys (57 vs 41 g, SD = 4, P < 0.04; 0.66% vs 0.55%, SD = 0.02, P < 0.01). Protein content was greater in high protein than control pigs in both liver (48.2 vs 34.0 g, SD = 3.4, P < 0.03) and kidneys (6.0 vs 4.6 g, SD = 0.5, P < 0.06). Liver and kidney total DNA were unaffected by diet in both groups. ...
WSGC Elijah High Altitude Payload 2012 Summer Team Final Report

The 2012 Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium Elijah High Altitude Payload Team explored four different experiments this summer. We investigated the motion of the payload during flight, designed several systems for two cameras, utilized a magnetometer, and inspected the use of thermistors. Each experiment had numerous subcategories that resulted in more work than we had time for. Because of these unforeseen consequences, our team had to urgently attempt to make the deadline of the launch date. Through this haste, sections were overlooked; therefore we lost the cameras during flight and were not able to gather data from the magnetometer and thermistor experiments. However, this experience demonstrated a lot about the engineering process and working as a team. The internship taught us how to become better engineers through our mistakes and was an extremely worthwhile experience.
The value of duplicate slides on atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade intraepithelial lesion

Atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (ASC-H) category was added to the 2001 Bethesda System. ASC-H accounts for a small percentage (0.2–0.6%) of abnormal Pap smears and includes heterogenous group of lesions. There are more high-grade cervical lesions (30–50%) in ASC-H than ASC-US (10–15%). An accurate Pap diagnosis is crucial for appropriate patient follow-up and treatment. A total of 43 consecutive ASC-H cases were collected from October 2007 to March 2008, and all duplicate and the original slides were reviewed blindly at the end of the study. On review of the duplicate Pap slides, 18 cases had diagnostic SIL cells (15 HSIL, 2 LSIL with ASC-H, and 1 LSIL). The duplicate slides could have potentially changed 18 (41.9%) ASC-H diagnoses to a more definitive SIL diagnosis. On review of the original Pap slides, 8 of these 18 cases also had HSIL cells. Twenty-one follow-up cervical biopsies (21/43, 48.8%) showed 12 CIN 2/3, 4 CIN 1, 1 VAIN 1, 2 cervical polyps, 1 negative for dysplasia, and 1 insufficient for diagnosis. The CIN 2/3 rate was 57.1% (12/21) based on the original ASC-H Pap diagnosis. The CIN 2/3 rates were 80% (8/10) with SIL cells on duplicate slides and 36.4% (4/11) without SIL cases on duplicate slides. Our study suggested that duplicate slides were very useful for further classification of ASC-H, but other ancillary tests might be necessary for some cases. We propose a systematic approach using combined duplicate slides and reflex HPV testing to further classify ASC-H. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2012. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Toxic serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Administration of medications which affect brain dopamine and serotonin levels are occasionally associated with neurotoxic behavioral and autonomic syndromes, variously described as the neuroleptic malignant (NMS) and the toxic serotonin (TSS) syndromes. Based on concepts of the presumed brain mechanisms of action of the drugs, different corrective interventions have been recommended. We describe a case of neurotoxic syndrome with characteristics indistinguishable from NMS in which the offending agents are those which affect the serotonin and not the dopamine systems. The patient recovered with lorazepam and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We argue that NMS and TSS are examples of a non-specific generalized neurotoxic syndrome, and not specific syndromes: and that these are subtypes of catatonia. Patients today should be treated with benzodiazepines, and if these fail, with ECT, interventions which are effective in relieving catatonia.
Does management experience change the ethical perceptions of retail professionals: A comparison of the ethical perceptions of current students with those of recent graduates?

The purpose of this study was to extend the previous research on ethics in retailing. Prior research of Dornoff and Tankersley (1985–1976), Gifford and Norris (1987), Norris and Gifford (1988), and Burns and Rayman (1989) examined the ethics orientation of retail sales persons, sales managers, and business school students. These studies found the college students less ethically-oriented than retail sales people and retail managers. The present study attempts to extend the research on ethics formation to a geographically and academically diverse sample, and to determine if retail management experience in the form of a professional practicum or internship, or entry level management training programs, such as experienced by recent graduates, are critical factors in the formation of business ethics. The sample consisted of thirty-three students majoring in Human Ecology with a concentration in Retail Merchandising and 51 recent graduates of the retail Merchandising program. The series of fourteen vignettes developed by Dornoff and Tankersley (1975–1976) was used. An acknowledged limitation of this study is the validity of the questionnaire developed by Dornoff and Tankersley due to the method of development and new laws concerning warranties and credit etc. which have occurred since 1976. The instrument was used, however, to maintain consistency with earlier studies for the purpose of comparison of groups. No significant differences were found in the students' perceptions of the fourteen actions presented in the vignettes, but the range of the responses in the post-internship tests increased in many cases. The alumni appeared to be slightly more ethical than the students but not as ethical as the managers surveyed in 1986 by Norris and Gifford. Indications are that the critical point of ethics formation may be at the mid-management level and that internships and management training programs have little effect on the ethical perceptions of participants. These findings are consistent with studies such as Gable and Topol (1988), and Jordan and Davis (1990) which showed high Machiavellian scores among young retailing executives, often buyers, as opposed to upper level retailing management. Scales with measure Machiavellianism, or manipulativeness, have been used as an alternative method of examining business ethics.
OH−-Binding Effects on Metallophthalocyanine Catalysts for O2 Reduction Reaction in Anion Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells

Electrocatalytic activity of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) on carbon-supported metallophthalocyanine (MPc/C, M = Fe, Co, Ni, and Mn) catalysts was studied with a rotating disk electrode (RDE) and a rotating ring-disk electrode (RRDE) in 0.1 M NaOH solutions. FePc/C shows better ORR activity than CoPc, NiPc, and MnPc in 0.1 M NaOH solutions. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to study the adsorption of O2, H2O, OH, HOOH, and H2OO molecules on FePc, CoPc, NiPc, and MnPc molecule catalysts. Investigations using various MPc/C molecules as the cathode catalyst in anion exchange membrane fuel cells (AEMFCs) revealed that the catalysts, such as FePc/C, with high ORR activities observed with a RDE in 0.1 M NaOH solutions, do not warrant the high performance observed in the AEMFCs. DFT calculation results indicate that the FePc molecules are favorable for the adsorption of OH− rather than O2 or H2O, especially under AEMFC operation conditions. Electrochemical impedance (EIS) spectra obtained while operating the AEMFCs revealed that the resistance of OH− transportation from the cathode to the anode depends on the cell potentials and the nature of the MPc molecules. As predicted by the DFT calculation results, the FePc/C catalyst shows the highest OH− transport resistant at a high current and a low cell voltage region. The bonding strength between OH− and MPc molecules is a critical factor that determines the performance of the MPc molecules in AEMFCs. The fundamental discrepancy between ORR activities observed with an RDE in a standard three-electrode cell and ORR activities observed in an AEMFC is discussed.
An iterated shift-and-invert Arnoldi algorithm for quadratic matrix eigenvalue problems

For solving the large scale quadratic eigenvalue problem L(@l)x: =([email protected]^[email protected]+C)x=0, a direct projection method based on the Krylov subspaces generated by a single matrix A^-^1B using the standard Arnoldi algorithm is considered. It is shown that, when iteratively combined with the shift-and-invert technique, it results in a fast converging algorithm. The important situations of inexact shift-and-invert are also discussed and numerical examples are presented to illustrate the new method.
Reanalysis of the COCORP Utah Line 1 deep seismic reflection profile: toward an improved understanding of the Sevier Desert detachment question.

The Sevier Desert detachment (or "reflection," SDR), which underlies the Sevier Desert basin along the eastern margin of the USA Basin and Range, is commonly cited as a "type example" of a low-angle normal fault (LANF) in continental crust. We present the results of reanalyzing the SDR on the COCORP (Consortium for Continental Reflection Profiling) deep seismic profile crossing the Sevier Desert basin (Utah Line 1). We employ a strategy of showing how shallow crustal velocity models, derived from first-break analysis of the shot records, may be used to reduce the effect of lateral velocity variations on imaging the SDR. Our results imply that the irregularities and discontinuities along the SDR are likely caused by overlying lateral velocity variations. The reprocessed versions of the section reveal a smoother, simpler, and more continuous SDR, lacking most of the apparent large offsets and structural variations on the currently available version of the profile. Seismic attribute and structural analyses of the reflection indicate significant variations along the profile, which are likely related in part to the field acquisition, but may also suggest lateral variations in the physical origin of the SDR. Such lateral variations may be consistent with previous studies that challenge the LANF interpretation of the SDR on the basis of attributing different origins to different parts of the reflector; however, a smoother and more continuous SDR points to a tectonically uniform origin and is thus interpreted to be more consistent with a LANF explanation.
Refractive index of He in the region 920–1910 Å

The refractive index of He has been determined in the region 920-1910 A by measurements of wavelength shifts in a 3-m spectrograph alternately filled with He and evacuated. Differential pumping systems were used to allow operation of the light source at conveniently low pressures. Several plates were measured and analyzed in order to reduce statistical errors. The results at 919 A agree with the theory within 1%, i.e., less than the experimental error.
Reducing abdominal CT radiation dose with the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction technique in children: a feasibility study

Backgound The use of the adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction (ASIR) algorithm has been shown to reduce radiation doses in adults undergoing abdominal CT studies while preserving image quality. To our knowledge, no studies have been done to validate the use of ASIR in children.
Building high reliability teams: progress and some reflections on teamwork training

The science of team training in healthcare has progressed dramatically in recent years. Methodologies have been refined and adapted for the unique and varied needs within healthcare, where once team training approaches were borrowed from other industries with little modification. Evidence continues to emerge and bolster the case that team training is an effective strategy for improving patient safety. Research is also elucidating the conditions under which teamwork training is most likely to have an impact, and what determines whether improvements achieved will be maintained over time. The articles in this special issue are a strong representation of the state of the science, the diversity of applications, and the growing sophistication of teamwork training research and practice in healthcare. In this article, we attempt to situate the findings in this issue within the broader context of healthcare team training, identify high level themes in the current state of the field, and discuss existing needs.
Foucault and Power: The Influence of Political Engagement on Theories of Power

In “What Is an Author?,” Michel Foucault calls our attention to the many ways in which we, as readers, actively construct both the meaning of a text and the figure of the author. Foucault illustrat...
Decay of vibrational coherence in ortho-para mixtures of solid hydrogen

Hydrogen crystals were pumped by stimulated Raman gain into coherent superpositions of the ground and 2 v = 1 vibrational exciton state and its amplitude monitored by coherent anti-Stokes scattering. The resulting non-exponential and temperature independent (1.6–4.2 K) decays, for o-H2 concentrations between 0.22 and 2.7%, were attributed to compositional scattering.
Single coronary artery with the right coronary artery arising from the first septal perforator

A 50-year-old woman with chest pain and an exercise thallium-201 scintigram positive for focal ischemia was found on coronary arteriography to have a heretofore unreported variant of single left coronary artery with the right coronary artery originating as a branch from the first septal perforator. Proximally, the aberrant vessel coursed through the ventricular septum at the level of the right ventricular outflow tract. A conus artery was absent and this is a possible basis for the focal basal ventricular ischemia and the patient's symptoms.