cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Association between the amygdala and nucleus of the solitary tract in μ-opioid induced feeding in the rat

Abstract The central nucleus of the amygdala (CNA) and the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) are important in the regulation of ingestive behavior. We evaluated whether opioid–opioid signaling between the CNA and rostral NTS (rNTS) affect feeding behavior. To test this, rats were doubly cannulated with one cannula placed in the rNTS and one cannula in the CNA, allowing for co-administration of an opioid agonist into one site and an opioid antagonist into the other. Tyr- D -Ala-Gly-(me) Phe-Gly-ol (DAMGO) (2 nmol) injected into the CNA (CNA DAMGO) increased feeding more than two-fold compared to the vehicle-injected rats. This increase in food intake was blocked when doses of 26.5 and 79 nmol of naltrexone (NTX) were injected into the rNTS. In the reverse situation, rNTS DAMGO increased food intake above control levels, and CNA NTX blocked DAMGO-induced feeding when administrated in doses of 26.5 and 79 nmol. This suggests that a bi-directional opioid–opioid signaling pathway exists between the CNA and the rNTS which influences feeding via μ-opioid receptors.
Assessing the use of multiple sources in student essays

The present study explored different approaches for automatically scoring student essays that were written on the basis of multiple texts. Specifically, these approaches were developed to classify whether or not important elements of the texts were present in the essays. The first was a simple pattern-matching approach called “multi-word” that allowed for flexible matching of words and phrases in the sentences. The second technique was latent semantic analysis (LSA), which was used to compare student sentences to original source sentences using its high-dimensional vector-based representation. Finally, the third was a machine-learning technique, support vector machines, which learned a classification scheme from the corpus. The results of the study suggested that the LSA-based system was superior for detecting the presence of explicit content from the texts, but the multi-word pattern-matching approach was better for detecting inferences outside or across texts. These results suggest that the best approach for analyzing essays of this nature should draw upon multiple natural language processing approaches.
Keeping Both Sides Winning: Wafer Fabrication Equipment Suppliers And Semiconductor Manufacturers In The Year 2000 And Beyond

Global demand for semiconductor IC solutions has kept both semiconductor manufacturers and wafer fabrication equipment suppliers in a state of rapid growth since the 1970's. As the next century approaches, new manufacturing challenges arise due to decreasing feature sizes, increasing metal layers, and the transition to 300" wafer size. Technology and productivity shifts such as these represent tremendous economic risks for both semiconductor manufacturers and equipment suppliers. This paper will briefly discuss historical drivers of growth for both semiconductor manufacturers and equipment suppliers, examine semiconductor manufacturers' priorities for the year 2000 and beyond, discuss equipment trends for the 2lSt century, and highlight winning strategies for the next century for wafer processing.
The physiologic basis of the radiodense renal medulla after the administration of blood pool contrast agent PFOB

The hypothesis that the greater CT enhancement of the renal medulla relative to cortex after the administration of perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) was due to the renal medullary osmotic gradient was tested in eight dogs infused with 10 g/kg PFOB. Urine osmolarity and CT attenuation of the cortex and medulla of each kidney under the full effect of antidiuretic hormone were measured before and after 40 mg of furosemide given intravenously, which is known to destroy the renal osmotic gradient. In an attempt to measure the fractional blood volume of the cortex and medulla, which could account for the observed difference on CT, 10 mCi of 99mTc-labeled erythrocytes were given and cortical and papillary tip tissue samples harvested within 1 minute of the animals' death. Cortical blood volume was eight times that of the medulla (21.6 +/- 5.1% vs 2.7 +/- 0.5%, P less than 0.01) and was not significantly affected by furosemide. Furosemide markedly decreased urine osmolarity (1473 +/- 176 mOsm to 454 +/- 45 mOsm, P less than 0.01), had a minor effect on cortical attenuation (decreased from 90.4 +/- 8.2 to 85.1 +/- 8.1 HU, P less than 0.01), and a marked effect on medullary attenuation (decreased from 140.9 +/- 12.4 to 85.9 +/- 8.9 HU, P less than 0.01) which resulted in total loss of corticomedullary contrast (decreased from 20.0 +/- 3.1% to 0.1 +/- 2.2%, P less than 0.01). Thus, the observed greater CT attenuation of the medulla than cortex following the administration of PFOB, a blood pool agent, is due to the osmotic gradient across the medulla which increases the concentration of the agent in the vasa rectae.
The renal clearance of neutral 17-ketosteroids in man.

INTRODUCTION APPROXIMATELY 15 to 26 per cent of the neutral 17-ketosteroids in normal human urine consists of dehydroepiandrosterone (1). The realization that, in human peripheral blood, by far the greatest portion of the neutral 17-ketosteroids occurs as dehydroepiandrosterone (2, 3) has aroused curiosity concerning the role of this compound in the intermediary metabolism of the adrenocortical steroids. The quantities of androsterone in human blood have been reported to be much smaller (3). Although it is possible that the dehydroepiandrosterone itself in human plasma is not derived primarily from the adrenal cortex (4), its preponderance in the blood has not been explained. These investigations were designed to study the renal clearance of the 17-ketosteroids in man and to determine whether renal factors might account for the high level of dehydroepiandrosterone in human blood. METHODS A normal human subject, aged 34 years, was used for most of these studies. Dehydro epiandrosterone or androsterone was ...
Microblogging for distributed surveillance in response to violent crises: ethical considerations

The increased use of social media technologies over the past few years has altered the communication and information sharing activities surrounding crises. Local and non-local citizens can now create and distribute their own crisis-related information to a wide audience bypassing official communication channels. The purpose of our research is to identify patterns in citizen communications transmitted over Twitter and to identify ethical considerations of citizen participation through Twitter in response to violent crises. In a preliminary study, we examined the patterns of Twitter communications sent in response to a 2009 violent attack in the U.S. and found that the majority of communications contained information sharing content focused on the suspect and law enforcement activity. We also examined ethical considerations of the Twitter communications and found four main categories of behaviors that could potentially lead to more violence or harm to others including disseminating misinformation, promoting vigilante justice, conducting virtual attacks on fellow participants, and sharing real-time information on law enforcement locations. Data for four other U.S. 2009--2010 attacks have been collected and a more in depth analysis is in progress.
Microscopic model of anomalous low-frequency excitations in inorganic glasses: Molecular dynamics study of BeF/sub 2/

In molecular-dynamics simulations of Be${\mathrm{F}}_{2}$ glass, it is observed that a few percent of the ions are capable of displacements of the order of 1 \AA{} in 10 ps at temperatures lower than 300 K. It is shown that these ions are located at well-defined defect sites in the glass. The activation energy for such motion is between 0.03 and 0.2 eV. Ions making large displacements often return to their starting points after a few picoseconds (periodic motion). It is suggested that such mobile ions are responsible for the low-temperature anomalous properties of glass.
Two-phases clustering algorithm based on subtractive clustering and k-nearest neighbors

In this paper, a hybrid clustering method integrated subtractive clustering (SC) and shared nearest neighbor algorithms is proposed for data clustering. In the SC algorithm the parameter used to determine the radius of each cluster affects the performances of clustering results. This paper induces k-nearest neighbors(k-NN) into SC algorithms to solve mention-above problem. First, this paper evaluates the neighbors of each data. Then, a modified SC algorithm based on k-nearest neighbors is developed for indentifying the cluster centers. Three experiments show that proposed method outperforms fuzzy c-means algorithm.
Anaplastic thyroid cancer manifesting as new-onset Horner syndrome.

ABSTRACT Objective To report a case of Horner syndrome as the initial sign of locally advanced anaplastic thyroid cancer. Methods We present a case report in conjunction with a retrospective review and evaluation of the English-language literature on Horner syndrome and thyroid pathologic conditions. Results Horner syndrome is a rare complication of thyroid disease most often occurring in the postoperative setting after resections. Preoperatively, Horner syndrome is usually caused by a benign intrathoracic goiter that compresses the sympathetic plexus as it exits the thoracic cavity to enter the neck. Malignant thyroid disease leading to Horner syndrome is less common than benign causes of the syndrome. Treatment of compressive lesions can lead to resolution of nerve compression. Conclusion Horner syndrome is a rare complication of thyroid pathologic conditions. When present preoperatively, the majority of cases are due to benign compression of the cervical plexus. Therefore, Horner syndrome in the setting of a goiter does not necessarily portend a malignant process as one might suspect. Nonetheless, it still remains important that those patients who present with Horner syndrome undergo appropriate assessment for detection of mass lesions, underlying vascular etiologic factors, or other potentially treatable disorders causing sympathetic chain dysfunction. (Endocr Pract. 2009;15:563-566)
Positive first-order logic is NP-complete

The decision problem for positive first-order logic with equality is NP-complete. More generally, if Σ is a finite set of atomic sentences (i.e., atomic formulas of the form t1 = t2, or Rt1... tn containing no variables) and negations of atomic sentences and if φ is a positive first-order sentence, then the problem of determining whether φ is true in all models of Σ is NP-complete.
Computerized weighted voting reapportionment

A general model of a weighted voting legislature is described. The voting power of each of the N members is measured using the Banzhaf index. The voting power vector is a function of the vector of voting weights. An optimal weighted voting plan is one in which the voting powers are proportional to the respective constituencies. The optimization procedure is described in general terms and is demonstrated through real examples.
Structures and Energetics of Base Flipping of the Thymine Dimer Depend on DNA Sequence

The cis,syn-cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD) is a photoinduced DNA lesion leading to a significant distortion of the DNA structure. Its repair by DNA photolyase requires a flip of the damaged base into an extrahelical position. This base flip is expected to be sequence-dependent, but the structures and energetics as a function of the bases 3' and 5' to the CPD lesion are unknown. Eight-nanosecond MD simulations of four different hexadecamer duplexes with the CPD were performed for the flipped-in and flipped-out structures. Analysis of these results indicates clear sequence-dependent differences. Significant disruptions of the base pairs to the 3' side of the CPD are observed for the flipped-out structures with adjacent A-T pairs, whereas those with G-C pairs adjacent show no such distortions. The conformational spaces occupied by these two duplexes are significantly different. The structural differences correlate well with the free energy differences for base flipping calculated using the previously established 2D potential of mean force (PMF) method. The energy differences for base flipping in duplexes containing A, T, G, and C pairs adjacent to the CPD were found to be 6.25-6.5, 5.25-5.5, 7.25-7.5, and 6.5-6.75 kcal/mol, respectively. These energy differences of up to 2 kcal/mol should be large enough to be detected experimentally using sensitive probes.
Rheumatologic diseases and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: two case reports and review of the literature

Rheumatologic diseases have varied clinical presentations, and posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) can be one of their presentations. The exact etiology of PRES is unknown, but endothelial dysfunction and immunosuppressive medications seem to be the likely cause in rheumatologic diseases. Clinical features include headaches, seizures, altered mental status, cortical blindness, vomiting, and focal neurologic deficits. The diagnosis of PRES can be difficult because several neuropsychiatric illnesses are generally prevalent in rheumatologic diseases; however, a high index of suspicion among physicians along with neuroimaging can help in the accurate diagnosis. Treatment guidelines are lacking, but in a few case series, lowering the blood pressure, controlling the seizures, and removing the immunosuppressive drugs have shown good results. There is need for randomized controlled trials addressing the treatment of PRES in rheumatologic diseases. Medline search was done from year 1950 to March 2011 using “posterior reversible encephalopathy” as keyword, and articles relevant to rheumatology were reviewed. We found 48 case reports showing PRES in patients with rheumatologic disease. Most of the patients were female. Age range was from 6 to 59 years. Out of the 48 case reports, 38 patients had systemic lupus erythematosus and most of them had renal disease. Five patients with autoimmune diseases presented with PRES after being started on immunomodulatory drugs. The most frequent symptoms were headache, seizures, and visual changes.
Adaptive numerical methods for reacting flows

Abstract In the present paper the advantages and disadvantages of adapting the numerical grid for certain classes of problems has been discussed with the use of examples, physical proofs, and numerical experiments. The major unifying aspect of the subject is the appearance of asymptotically thin regions in space which must be resolved because of their important internal structure. A very good example of this type of problem is convection/diffusion regions in general and flames in particular. For these problems adaptive grid methods are shown to offer very large advantages in efficiency and accuracy, and definitely represent an attractive area for future research. The major problem areas are shown to be the choice of adaptive strategy, geometry and grid non-orthogonality.
High frequency of pro-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults with secondary leukemia with 11q23 abnormalities

To evaluate the frequency and cytogenetic and immunophenotypic features of therapy-related, precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 152 cases of immature B-cell ALL were reviewed. These were compared to the frequency of therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia (t-AML) during the same time period. Eight ALL cases with a prior diagnosis of malignancy were identified, including six (4.0%) with prior therapy considered to be therapy-related ALL (t-ALL). The t-ALL cases followed treatment for breast carcinoma (two cases), lung carcinoma (two cases), lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin's disease and follicular lymphoma with a latency period of 13 months to 8 years. All t-ALL cases had a pro-B (CD10-negative) immunophenotype with significantly higher expression of CD15 and CD65, compared to the de novo CD10-positive ALL cases. All six t-ALL cases had MLL abnormalities by fluorescence in situ hybridization, and four showed t(4;11)(q21;q23). These represented half of all 11q23-positive adult ALL cases. During the same time period, 4.9% of all AML cases were considered t-AML. There was a 16.7% frequency of 11q23 abnormalities in the t-AML group. Despite the similar frequency in therapy-related disease among ALL and AML cases, there were differences in the frequency of the diseases and t-ALL represented 12% of all therapy-related leukemias. However, t-ALL represented 46% of all 11q23-positive therapy-related leukemias. The immunogenetic features of t-ALL appear distinct and may aid in identifying more cases of this disease type in the future.
Upsizing of the artificial urinary sphincter cuff to facilitate spontaneous voiding

Abstract Objectives Following placement of an artificial urinary sphincter (ADS) in the male child, functional and mechanical alterations can ensue, resulting in an inability to void spontaneously. One possible mechanical etiology in the patient entering puberty is prostatic growth within the fixed mechanical confines of the AUS cuff, resulting in progressive bladder outlet obstruction. Unrecognized infravesical obstruction can, in turn, lead to upper urinary tract deterioration, sepsis, or renal failure. We evaluated the effect of somatic growth and maturation of the male urethra on voiding dynamics in boys with an AUS to specifically determine whether revision of the sphincter cuff (ie, upsizing) is beneficial in restoring the ability to void spontaneously. Methods A retrospective review of 124 children with an AUS was performed. Eleven boys were identified whose bladder neck cuffs were later upsized in an attempt to improve bladder emptying. All boys were prepubertal at the time of original cuff placement. The average interval between the initial operation and cuff upsizing was 5 years. Results Following original sphincter placement, 8 patients emptied to completion spontaneously and 3 patients emptied by intermittent catheterization. All eight of the spontaneous voiders experienced progressive difficulty emptying after they entered puberty and ultimately had to rely on clean intermittent catheterization to empty completely. Follow-up subsequent to cuff exchange averaged more than 5 years (range 1 to 10 years). Despite an average increase of 10 mm in cuff size, all patients continued to depend on intermittent catheterization to empty completely. Conclusions Upsizing the bladder cuff in the maturing male who experiences difficulty with bladder emptying does not restore the ability to void spontaneously.
Using CAD to design receptor targeting of potent drugs

The computer simulation for receptor targetting of a potent drug is described. This method is carried out by using molecular dynamics calculation and animated computer graphics. A ligand is targetted in the active site of an enzyme by the superimposition, based upon previously reported X-ray structures. By using the topology and the coordinate files, simulation can be performed and animated pictures can be drawn on a display. For example, a peptide, glycyl-glycyl-glycine was targetted in the active site of porcine pancreatic elastase. The energies of the complex molecule were minimized.
Investigating unique environmental contributions to the neural representation of written words: A monozygotic twin study

The visual word form area (VWFA) is a region of left inferior occipitotemporal cortex that is critically involved in visual word recognition. Previous studies have investigated whether and how experience shapes the functional characteristics of VWFA by comparing neural response magnitude in response to words and nonwords. Conflicting results have been obtained, however, perhaps because response magnitude can be influenced by other factors such as attention. In this study, we measured neural activity in monozygotic twins, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. This allowed us to quantify differences in unique environmental contributions to neural activation evoked by words, pseudowords, consonant strings, and false fonts in the VWFA and striate cortex. The results demonstrate significantly greater effects of unique environment in the word and pseudoword conditions compared to the consonant string and false font conditions both in VWFA and in left striate cortex. These findings provide direct evidence for environmental contributions to the neural architecture for reading, and suggest that learning phonology and/or orthographic patterns plays the biggest role in shaping that architecture.
Copper Deposition in the Presence of Surface‐Confined Additives

The galvanostatic deposition of Cu from sulfuric acid solutions onto evaporated (111) Au electrodes bearing alkanethiol monolayers (SAMs) was studied with a combination of cyclic voltammetry, in situ atomic force microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the electrodeposit was found to depend on the chain length of the alkanethiol used to form the SAM and the applied current density. It was found that short chain length (n - 4) thiols and high current densities (j {ge} 1.67 mA/cm{sup 2}) promote the formation of smooth deposits. The authors attribute this effect to the overpotential-driven activation of numerous monolayer defects that play the role of nucleation centers. The passage of the current was found to cause a change in the monolayer in a completely reversible manner and that the deposition and subsequent stripping did not affect the S-Au bond of most thiolate moieties contained in the SAM. The implications of these results for additive-based electrodeposition are discussed.
Dual Formulation of Controlled Markov Diffusions and Its Application

Abstract Information relaxation and duality in Markov decision processes have been studied recently to derive upper bounds on the maximal expected reward (or lower bounds on the minimal expected cost). The idea is to relax the non-anticipativity constraint on the controls and impose a penalty to punish such a violation. In this paper we generalize this dual approach to controlled Markov diffusions. We develop the weak duality and strong duality results, and explore the structure of the optimal penalty. We demonstrate the use of this dual formulation by computing upper bounds on the optimal expected utility in a dynamic portfolio choice problem.
Determining the Rate of Unfolding and Refolding of FNIII Domains by Labeling Buried Cysteine

We used thiol reactive DTNB to measure the kinetics of labeling of buried Cys in ten FNIII domains from fibronectin. This gave a comprehensive analysis of unfolding/folding kinetics of each domain, equivalent to analysis by H-D exchange (Table 1). Domains with similar stabilities like FNIII3Cys & FNIII12Cys can have very different folding/unfolding kinetics. In a previous study (JBC 286:26375-82), buried Cys in domains 2,3,11,12,6 labeled with maleimide in FN matrix fibrils. In the present study these are not obviously distinguished from 7, which did not label.
3S-Fluoroproline as a probe to monitor proline isomerization during protein folding by 19F-NMR

Variable-temperature inversion transfer NMR is used to determine the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of cis–transisomerization of N-Ac-(3R) and (3S)-fluoroproline-OMe.
Widths of the 6.92 and 7.12 MeV levels in 16O and the influence of the effective temperature.

The radiative widths of two $^{16}\mathrm{O}$ levels were determined using photon scattering and self-absorption measurements. The results were ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$(6.917)=0.094\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004 eV and ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$(7.117)=0.054\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.004 eV. The effective temperature ${T}_{e}$ of the O atom in a water target is calculated by accounting for the effect of the zero-point molecular vibrations of the atom. The influence of this new value of ${T}_{e}$ on the Doppler broadening of the nuclear level and hence on the resulting value of ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}_{0}$ as deduced from a self-absorption measurement is discussed.
SaPOSM: an optimization method applied to parameter extraction of MOSFET models

Points out that SaPOSM integrates an efficient deterministic optimization algorithm, called POSM, with the popular stochastic optimization paradigm simulated annealing (SA). It offers great promise for improving the optimization results significantly while using only a moderate amount of computing time. Tested on a suite of multi-minima optimization benchmark problems, SaPOSM's performance rivals a recently reported fast simulated diffusion method. SaPOSM was used to extract the parameters of state-of-the-art submicron (0.3- mu m channel length) MOSFET transistors, and very favorable results have been obtained. For a second difficult parameter extraction problem (18 parameters, five different channel lengths), simulation results indicate that SaPOSM achieves performance comparable to the SA method. Specifically, both SA and SaPOSM are able to minimize the modeling error to several orders of magnitude smaller than that obtained using POSM alone. At the same time, the computing time taken by SaPOSM is only a very small fraction of that taken by the SA method. >
Direct comparison of the neural substrates of recognition memory for words and faces

For the purpose of identifying the relatively specific brain regions related to word and face recognition memory on the one hand and the regions common to both on the other, regional cerebral blood flow associated with different cognitive tasks for recognition memory was examined using [H215O]PET in healthy volunteers. The tasks consisted of recognizing two types of stimuli (faces and words) in two conditions (novel and familiar), and two baseline tasks (reading words and gender classification). The statistical analyses used to identify the specific regions consisted of three subtractions: novel words minus novel faces, familiar words minus familiar faces, and reading words minus gender classification. These analyses revealed relative differences in the brain circuitry used for recognizing words and for recognizing faces within a defined level of familiarity. In order to find the regions common to both face and word recognition, overlapping areas in four subtractions (novel words minus reading words, novel faces minus gender classification, familiar words minus reading words, and familiar faces minus gender classification) were identified. The results showed that the activation sites in word recognition tended to be lateralized to the left hemisphere and distributed as numerous small loci, and particularly included the posterior portion of the left middle and inferior temporal gyri. These regions may be related to lexical retrieval during written word recognition. In contrast, the activated regions for face recognition tended to be lateralized to the right hemisphere and located in a large aggregated area, including the right lingual and fusiform gyri. These findings suggest that strikingly different neural pathways are engaged during recognition memory for words and for faces, in which a critical role in discrimination is played by semantic cueing and perceptual loading, respectively. In addition, the investigation of the regions common to word and face recognition indicates that the anterior and posterior cingulate have dissociable functions in recognition memory that vary with familiarity, and that the cerebellum may serve as the co-ordinator of all four types of recognition memory processes.
Education and training for CAD in the auto industry

Abstract CAD-systems envisioned and remarkably well specified in the 1950s have powered themselves into the central role they enjoy in today's automotive industry through continuous improvements and technological breakthroughs. This paper emphasizes the parallel and continuing evolution in the training and educational needs of users of CAD-systems. In the context of early historical developments of CAD at General Motors, this paper categorizes CAD-users in the automobile industry and presents their current and future needs. The variance in their educational and training needs poses an ongoing challenge for educational and industrial institutions to meet.
High-level debugging with the aid of an incremental optimizer

The design of a high-level debugger that tailors optimizations to conform to desired debugging capabilities is presented. In this scheme, debugging requests are specified before program execution and viewed as changes that inhibit optimizations in ways similar to program edits invalidating optimizations. Debugging requests are honored by detecting and temporarily disabling those optimizations that prohibit correct debugging response. An intermediate program representation keeps a history of all optimizations possible prior to debugging. Any modifications to debugging requests are incrementally incorporated into this representation which is then used to generate optimized code tailored to the new desired debugging capabilities. When debugging requests have little effect on optimizations, code closely related to the final optimized code is debugged. Execution time and debugging accuracy are always comparable to debugging unoptimized code as no additional analysis or optimization history is needed at run time. >
Two variables are not enough

Let n be the smallest integer such that every closed lambda term beta converts to one with at most n bound variables. We show that n = 3.
Scheduling for Fading Multiple Access Channels with Heterogeneous QoS Constraints

This paper addresses cross-layer resource allocation in quasi-static fading multiple access channels (MAC) with no channel state information at the transmitters (CSIT). Under the cross-layer approach without CSIT, the power and rate are determined based on an outage rate region as well as the current queue state information (QSI). For heterogeneous quality-of- service (QoS) requirements, an individual outage rate region results in better performance compared to the common outage rate region that is widely considered in the literature. This paper first reviews the recent notion of an individual outage rate region for the quasi-static fading MAC without CSIT. Individual outage rate regions are then used in two major types of scheduling policies: maximum weight matching scheduling (MWMS) and queue proportional scheduling (QPS). It is shown that MWMS and similar techniques based on weighted-sum-rate maximization require exponential complexity in the number of users because of the non-convex nature of the relevant optimization problems. By contrast, QPS can be very efficiently solved by using a successive feasibility check. Stochastic simulations show that compared to MWMS and the common outage rate region, significant throughput increase and delay reduction are possible by using the QPS scheduling policy with the individual outage rate region.
CMOS VLSI implementation of a low-power logarithmic converter

We present a unique 32-bit binary-to-binary logarithm converter including its CMOS VLSI implementation. The converter is implemented using combinational logic only and it calculates a logarithm approximation in a single clock cycle. Unlike other complex logarithm correcting algorithms, three unique algorithms are developed and implemented with low-power and fast circuits that reduce the maximum percent errors that result from binary-to-binary logarithm conversion to 0.9299 percent, 0.4314 percent, and 0.1538 percent. Fast 4, 16, and 32-bit leading-one detector circuits are designed to obtain the leading-one position of an input binary word. A 32-word/spl times/5-bit MOS ROM is used to provide 5-bit integers based on the corresponding leading-one position. Both converter area and speed have been considered in the design approach, resulting in the use of a very efficient 32-bit logarithmic shifter in the 32-bit logarithmic converter. The converter is implemented using 0.6/spl mu/m CMOS technology, and it requires 1,600/spl lambda//spl times/2,800/spl lambda/ of chip area. Simulations of the CMOS design for the 32-bit logarithmic converter, operating at V/sub DD/ equal to 5 volts, run at 55 MHz, and the converter consumes 20 milliwatts.
Free phenytoin toxicity

Phenytoin has a narrow therapeutic window, and when managing cases of toxicity, clinicians are very wary of this fact. Typically, if patient presents with symptoms suggestive of phenytoin toxicity, total serum phenytoin is promptly ordered. That could be falsely low especially in elderly or critically ill patients, which may lead to a low albumin level resulting in this discrepancy. The free phenytoin can be best estimated using the Sheiner-Tozer equation. Herein, we describe a case of an elderly male patient who presented with drowsiness, gait changes, and elevated liver enzymes and a normal total serum phenytoin level of 18 ng/dL (normal, 10-20 ng/dL).After taking his albumin level into account, his free phenytoin level was calculated to be 27 ng/dL, and the phenytoin was discontinued leading to resolution of his symptoms as well as a return of his liver function panel values to baseline.
Assessment of mitochondrial membrane potential using an on-chip microelectrode in a microfluidic device

The mitochondrial membrane potential is used to generate and regulate energy in living systems, driving the conversion of ADP to ATP, regulating ion homeostasis, and controlling apoptosis, all central to human health and disease. Therefore, there is a need for tools to study its regulation in a controlled environment for potential clinical and scientific applications. For this aim, an on-chip tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP(+)) selective microelectrode sensor was constructed in a microfluidic environment. The concentration of isolated mitochondria (Heb7A) used in a membrane potential measurement was 0.3 ng microL(-1), four orders of magnitude smaller than the concentration used in conventional assays (3 microg microL(-1)). In addition, the volume of the chamber (85 microL) is 2 orders of magnitude smaller than traditional experiments. As a demonstration, changes in the membrane potential are clearly measured in response to a barrage of well-known substrates and inhibitors of the electron transport chain. This general approach, which to date has not been demonstrated for study of mitochondrial function and bio-energetics in generally, can be instrumental in advancing the field of mitochondrial research and clinical applications by allowing high throughput studies of the regulation, dynamics, and statistical properties of the mitochondrial membrane potential in response to inhibitors and inducers of apoptosis in a controlled (microfluidic) chemical environment.
Stability of simulation of a population of chemical polymers on the massively parallel processor

An investigation is described of the suitability of the massively parallel processor (MPP) for the extension of a program which simulates the degradation of the heparin polymer by the enzyme heparinase. The architecture of the MPP offers massive fine-grained parallelism, with the following limitations: there is a single instruction stream, i.e. each of the 16384 processing elements (PEs) executes the same instruction; each PE communicates directly with only four neighboring PEs, and the opposite edges of the grid of PEs are logically connected to each other; and each PE has 1024 bits of local random access memory as well as (slower) access to a large (20 Mbyte) staging memory. A report on the use of the MPP Pascal programming language to implement the simulation program is provided, including the representation of polymer chains, the cleaving of chains into smaller chains, and the search for (stable) chains which are impervious to the actions of heparinase. >
Cysteine Protease Activity of Feline Tritrichomonas foetus Promotes Adhesion-Dependent Cytotoxicity to Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Trichomonads are obligate protozoan parasites most renowned as venereal pathogens of the reproductive tract of humans and cattle. Recently, a trichomonad highly similar to bovine venereal Tritrichomonas foetus but having a unique tropism for the intestinal tract was recognized as a significant cause of colitis in domestic cats. Despite a high prevalence, worldwide distribution, and lack of consistently effective drugs for treatment of the infection, the cellular mechanisms of T. foetus pathogenicity in the intestinal tract have not been examined. The aims of this study were to determine the pathogenic effect of feline T. foetus on porcine intestinal epithelial cells, the dependence of T. foetus pathogenicity on adhesion of T. foetus to the intestinal epithelium, and the identity of mediators responsible for these effects. Using an in vitro coculture approach to model feline T. foetus infection of the intestinal epithelium, these studies demonstrate that T. foetus promotes a direct contact-dependent activation of intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis signaling and progressive monolayer destruction. Moreover, these pathological effects were demonstrated to be largely dependent on T. foetus cell-associated cysteine protease activity. Finally, T. foetus cysteine proteases were identified as enabling cytopathic effects by promoting adhesion of T. foetus to the intestinal epithelium. The present studies are the first to examine the cellular mechanisms of pathogenicity of T. foetus toward the intestinal epithelium and support further investigation of the cysteine proteases as virulence factors in vivo and as potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating the pathological effects of intestinal trichomonosis.
Homozygous deletions and loss of expression of the CDKN2 gene occur frequently in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell lines but infrequently in primary tumors.

Deletion of 9p21–22 is a common genetic alteration in dysplastic, in situ, and invasive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, a candidate tumor suppressor gene (TSG) at this site has thus far not been identified in HNSCC. We report homozygous deletion of the recently identified multiple tumor suppressor I (MTSI)/cyclin-dependent kinase-4-inhibitor (CDKN2) gene mapped to 9p21, which encodes the p16 protein, a regulator of cyclin-dependent kinase 4, in six of 16 HNSCC cell lines. We also show absence of the CDKN2 mRNA in all cell lines with CDKN2 deletion as well as in an additional two cell lines without deletion. Overall, we have identified 9p abnormalities in 12 of 16 (75%) cell lines, at least nine of which involved CDKN2. We further demonstrate that the CDKN2 deletion in HNSCC is located within a previously described region of allelic loss between D9S171 and IFNW, which spans a 4 cM region of 9p. However, examination of 36 primary tumors revealed genetic alterations in only seven of 36 (19%) tumors. These results suggest that genetic alterations at CDKN2 are frequent in HNSCC cell lines, but the role of this gene in primary tumors is less compelling. CDKN2 does not appear to be the only TSG on 9p21 in HNSCC, and our results suggest that another region of deletion exists proximal to the IFNW locus. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Oxytocin does not attenuate the ex vivo production of inflammatory cytokines by lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytes and macrophages from healthy male and female donors.

Background: Oxytocin (OT) is a neuropeptide shown to attenuate inflammatory responses in both humans and animals, but the specific mechanism underlying these actions has not yet been identified. Preliminary research in humans suggests that monocytes (MOs) and macrophages (MPs) could be the target of anti-inflammatory actions of OT. Here, we present a series of ex vivo experiments in human MOs and MPs, testing whether OT attenuates the cytokine responses of these cells to a common bacterial product, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Methods: MO experiments were conducted using blood samples taken from healthy volunteers after obtaining informed consent. MPs were purchased frozen from a cell supplier. All samples were cultured under standard conditions: for 6 h at 37 ° C in a 5% CO 2 atmosphere. A number of variables were considered: volunteer sex, method of MO isolation, LPS concentration, OT concentration, preincubation with OT, cytokines measured, and method of cytokine measurement. Results: Regardless of the specific conditions, no attenuation of LPS-stimulated cytokine production by OT was observed in either MOs or MPs. Conclu
Health impact of external funding for HIV, tuberculosis and malaria: systematic review.

Conclusions Despite the large number of supported programmes worldwide and despite an abundance of published studies on HIV, TB and malaria control, we identified very few eligible studies that adequately demonstrated the full process by which external funding has been translated to health impact. Most of these studies did not move beyond demonstrating statistical association, as opposed to contribution or causation. We thus recommend that funding organizations and researchers increase the emphasis on ensuring data capture along the causal pathway to demonstrate effect and contribution of external financing. The findings of these comprehensive and rigorously conducted impact evaluations should also be made publicly accessible.
Biopharmaceutic and pharmacokinetic aspects in the design of controlled release peroral drug delivery systems

Present peroral controlled release drug delivery systems (CRDDS) are for a maximum of 24 hours clinical effectiveness. Such systems are primarily for drugs of short elimination half-life. However, ...
2007 Homer W. Smith Award: Control of Terminal Differentiation in Epithelia

The intercalated cell of the cortical collecting tubule exists in two functional and morphologic forms: α cells secrete acid, while β cells secrete HCO 3 . It was found that β cells convert to α type when the animal ingests an acid diet or when isolated perfused tubules are exposed to acid. This conversion of cell phenotype requires the induction of new genes, accompanied by a change in cell shape, development of microvilli, and apical endocytosis. All of these changes are reminiscent of terminal differentiation in epithelial cells. Using a β intercalated cell line, the cause of this phenotypic change was identified as a new extracellular matrix protein, which was termed hensin. When the action of hensin is blocked, the conversion of β to α intercalated cells is prevented and the animals develop distal renal tubular acidosis. Hensin is expressed in most epithelia, and global knockout of hensin results in embryonic lethality at the time of development of the first columnar epithelium, the visceral endoderm. Furthermore, hensin also seems to be involved in the differentiation of transitional and perhaps stratified epithelia as well. A large number of human carcinomas have deletions in the human ortholog of hensin (DMBT1). Collectively, these studies demonstrate that hensin is a mediator of terminal differentiation in many epithelia.
Construct validity of the endoscopic sinus surgery simulator: II. Assessment of discriminant validity and expert benchmarking.

Objectives To establish discriminant validity of the endoscopic sinus surgery simulator (ES3) (Lockheed Martin, Akron, Ohio) between various health care provider experience levels and to define benchmarking criteria for skills assessment. Design Prospective multi-institutional comparison study. Setting University-based tertiary care institution. Participants Ten expert otolaryngologists, 14 otolaryngology residents, and 10 medical students. Interventions Subjects completed the ES3's virtual reality curriculum (10 novice mode, 10 intermediate mode, and 3 advanced mode trials). Performance scores were recorded on each trial. Performance differences were analyzed using analysis of variance for repeated measures (experience level as between-subjects factor). Main Outcome Measures Simulator performance scores, accuracy, time to completion, and hazard disruption. Results The novice mode accurately distinguished the 3 groups, particularly at the onset of training (mean scores: senior otolaryngologists, 66.0; residents, 42.7; students, 18.3; for the paired comparisons between groups 1 and 2 and groups 1 and 3, P = .04 and .03, respectively). Subjects were not distinguished beyond trial 5. The intermediate mode only discriminated students from other subjects ( P = .008). The advanced mode did not show performance differences between groups. Scores on the novice mode predicted those on the intermediate mode, which predicted advanced mode scores ( r = 0.687), but no relationship was found between novice and advanced scores. All groups performed equally well and with comparable consistency at the outset of training. Expert scores were used to define benchmark criteria of optimal performance. Conclusions This study completes the construct validity assessment of the ES3 by demonstrating its discriminant capabilities. It establishes expert surgeon benchmark performance criteria and shows that the ES3 can train novice subjects to attain those. The refined analysis of trial performance scores could serve educational and skills assessment purposes. Current studies are evaluating the transfer of surgical skills acquired on the ES3 to the operating room (predictive validity).
Seasonality and Lure Preference of Bark Beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and Associates in a Northern Arizona Ponderosa Pine Forest

Ponderosa pine forests in northern Arizona have historically experienced limited bark beetle-caused tree mortality, and little is known about the bark beetle community in these forests. Our objectives were to describe the flight seasonality and lure preference of bark beetles and their associates in these forests. We monitored bark beetle populations for 24 consecutive months in 2002 and 2003 using Lindgren funnel traps with five different pheromone lures. In both years, the majority of bark beetles were trapped between May and October, and the peak captures of coleopteran predator species, Enoclerus (F.) (Cleridae) and Temnochila chlorodia (Mannerheim), occurred between June and August. Trap catches of Elacatis (Coleoptera: Othniidae, now Salpingidae), a suspected predator, peaked early in the spring. For wood borers, trap catches of the Buprestidae family peaked in late May/early June, and catches of the Cerambycidae family peaked in July/August. The lure targeted for Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte attracted the largest percentage of all Dendroctonus beetles except for D. valens LeConte, which was attracted in highest percentage to the lure targeted for D. valens. The lure targeted for Ips pini attracted the highest percentage of beetles for all three Ips species [I.pini (Say), I. latidens (LeConte), and I. lecontei Swaine] and the two predators, Enoclerus and T. chlorodia. The lures targeted for D. valens and I. pini attracted the highest percentage of beetles in the Elacatis genus and the Cerambycidae family. Beetles in the Buprestidae family showed no strong preference for any lure type.
The 'Post-Racial' Effect: The Leadership of Black Mayors in Philadelphia, PA and Washington, D.C.

The paper will be a presentation of the findings from the dissertation that explores the emergence of a new type of Black leadership that has been developing in American cities since the late 1970s. My research looks at this leadership as an increasingly deracialized form of leadership because of two factors: (1) the need to solve the problems of society as a whole (particularly in urban enclaves) and (2) the lack of consideration that Black needs may have to be addressed differently from the rest of society. As a result of these factors we are seeing Black mayors focusing on tackling middle of the road issues that will appeal to a moderate, independent, and democratic White electorate and turning their backs on a faithful voting bloc the Black lower and working class. Meanwhile, the Black middle class and others are benefiting either through influential appointments in their cabinet or other government agencies or through programs such as set-aside city contracts or affirmative action policies. My study examines the effect that this type of leadership approach is having on the lower and working class Blacks of majority and plurality Black cities as seen through the cities of Philadelphia, PA and Washington, DC.