cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Regional Adipose Tissue Associations With Calcified Atherosclerotic Plaque: African American–Diabetes Heart Study

Coronary artery calcified atherosclerotic plaque (CP) is strongly associated with nonsubcutaneous adipose tissue, particularly pericardial adipose tissue (PAT), in community-based studies. We tested for relationships between regional adipose tissue depots and CP in African Americans with longstanding type 2 diabetes. Infrarenal aorta, coronary, and carotid artery CP and pericardial, visceral, intermuscular, and subcutaneous organ-specific adipose tissue volumes were measured using single and multidetector computed tomography (CT) in 422 African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Generalized estimating equations using exchangeable correlation and the sandwich estimator of the variance were used to test for associations between CP and adipose tissue depots. Mean (s.d.) age was 56.5 (7.6) years, diabetes duration 10.3 (7.6) years, PAT 85.3 (36.1) cm3/45 mm and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) 174.9 (70.1) cm3/15 mm. Adjusting for age, gender, BMI, blood pressure, medications, proteinuria, smoking, lipids, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D, PAT was positively associated with the presence (P = 0.009) and quantity of coronary artery CP in African Americans (P = 0.004), as well as the quantity of infrarenal aorta CP (P = 0.004). As in European Americans, PAT is associated with CP in African Americans with type 2 diabetes. Ethnic differences in the relationships between organ-specific adipose tissue depots and atherosclerosis require further study.
Vertex potentials associated with an auditory discrimination

distance of 1 m . He was given a button to press, which controlled a signal marker on the EEG monitor tape. Beckman miniature skin electrodes were positioned at the vertex (active electrode), right postauricular area (reference), and on the forehead (ground) . Ongoing EEG was monitored throughout the session with a Grass polygraph (Model 'I) set to pass 0.3 to 35 Hz. Stimulus presentations and S responses (buttonpresses) were recorded with the EEG tracing so that correct responses, errors , eye blinks, and muscle artifacts could be observed. A special -purpose computer, HAVOC (Davis et al, 1966), sampled the electrical activity of the brain for 600-msec epochs: 50 msec of baseline preceding the stimulus onset and 550 msec following. Stimuli were presented in cylces of four : a 600-Hz tone pip (filtered click) , 1.3
Fungistatic Compounds in Broiler Production.4. Microbiological and Physical Characteristics of Litter

Abstract Experiments were conducted at the University of Florida and Mississippi State University to study the effect of several dietary fungistatic compounds on microbial characteristics and physical condition of broiler litter. Microbiological analysis and moisture determinations of the litter were made immediately before birds were placed in pens and every two weeks, thereafter, for a period of eight weeks. At the end of the study litter was scored at Florida for physical condition individually by three persons. At both institutions, dietary sorbic acid at 400 ppm and sorbic and adipic acids at 200 ppm each markedly depressed yeast and mold populations in the litter especially when the diet with the high level of moisture was fed. Both additives slightly reduced total aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the litter. At Florida, it was found that fresh litter contained a higher number of yeasts and molds but less bacteria when compared with old litter. Data from the same institution also showed slightly dryer litter with better physical condition when broilers were fed the fungistatic compounds. At Mississippi State, a higher litter moisture was found when birds were fed the high moisture diet. A 2% elevation in litter moisture resulted in higher yeast and mold counts and total bacterial counts. Data obtained from these experiments indicated that the inclusion of sorbic acid or a combination of sorbic and adipic acids in broiler diets has a potential benefit in controlling fungal growth in the litter and improving its physical condition.
5-Fluorouracil and Levamisole Exacerbate Demyelination in Susceptible Mice Infected with Theiler's Virus☆

A multifocal inflammatory leukoencephalopathy is associated with the administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), a pyrimidine analogue, and levamisole (LE), an immunomodulator, in patients receiving adjuvant therapy for colon cancer. Cerebral biopsy demonstrated features indistinguishable from multiple sclerosis. We tested whether administration of these agents directly resulted in inflammatory demyelination in mice or whether they exacerbated demyelination in a host predisposed to myelin injury. We used mice intracerebrally infected with Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV) which serves as an excellent model for multiple sclerosis. Varying dosages of 5-FU (240 micrograms-2.4 mg) and LE (40 micrograms-1 mg) were administered alone or in combination on a fixed schedule to 52 normal SJL mice and 61 Theiler's virus-infected mice (51 SJL/J mice susceptible to demyelination; 10 C57BL10 mice resistant to demyelination). Controls included 6 noninfected SJL and 26 infected mice (16 susceptible; 10 resistant) treated with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Inflammation or demyelination was not detected in brains or spinal cords of noninfected SJL mice treated with 5-FU and/or LE. TMEV-susceptible SJL mice treated with LE alone or in combination with 5-FU demonstrated more extensive inflammation and demyelination at Day 45 than mice treated with PBS. Demyelination was accelerated in infected animals treated with these agents at 45 days but at 70 days a significant difference in extent of demyelination was no longer appreciated between treatment and control groups. Treatment with 5-FU and LE did not convert normally resistant TMEV-infected C57BL/10 mice to demyelination. These experiments support the hypothesis that 5-FU and LE may exacerbate inflammatory demyelination in a susceptible host.
Dapsone-Associated Methemoglobinemia in a Patient With Slow NAT2*5B Haplotype and Impaired Cytochrome b5 Reductase Activity

Dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone; DDS) is a sulfone antimicrobial used to treat leprosy, malaria, and inflammatory dermatoses and to prevent and treat opportunistic infections in immunocompromised patients, particularly those who cannot tolerate sulfonamide antimicrobials.1 However, dapsone can lead to dose-dependent hematologic toxicity and is the most commonly recognized cause of acquired methemoglobinemia in human patients.2 The hydroxylamine metabolite of dapsone oxidizes the iron moiety of hemoglobin,3 which leads to increased levels of methemoglobin, impaired oxygen delivery, and cyanosis. Dapsone hydroxylamine is generated by CYP2C9 and CYP2C19, with minor contributions from other P450s.4,5 A rapid activity variant for CYP2C19 (CYP2C19*17) has been reported6 but not for CYP2C9. Dapsone hydroxylamine is detoxified by cytochrome b5 (b5) and its electron donor, cytochrome b5 reductase (b5R),7 which are expressed in blood, liver, and other tissues. This reduction pathway converts the hydroxylamine back to the parent dapsone. Dapsone itself is inactivated and eliminated following N-acetylation by the enzyme NAT2 in the liver,8 and impaired N-acetylation activity is a risk factor for hematologic and neurologic toxicity from dapsone.9,10 However, genotypic analysis of the CYP2C19, NAT2, and b5/b5R pathways has not been performed in the setting of dapsone-associated methemoglobinemia. This report describes a patient who developed methemoglobinemia at prophylactic dosages of dapsone, for which we characterized wild-type alleles at the CYP2C19*17 loci, but low activity of the b5/b5R pathway along with low expression of the CYB5A gene encoding b5, and a homozygous slow NAT2*5B haplotype, both of which may have contributed to defective dapsone detoxification.
Smart velocity ranging quantifiable optical microangiography

We introduce a new type of Optical Microangiography (OMAG) called Quantifiable Optical Microangiography (QOMAG) which is capable of performing quantitative flow imaging with smart velocity ranging. In order to extracting multi-range velocity, two three dimensional data sets need to be acquired at the same imaging area. One data set performs dense scanning in B-scan direction and Doppler analysis was done at the basis of subsequent A-scans, while the other data set performs dense scanning in C-scan direction and Doppler analysis was done at the basis of consecutive B-scan. Since the velocity ranging is determined by the time interval between consecutive measurements of the spectral fringes, longer time interval will give us higher sensitivity to slow velocity. By simultaneous acquiring data sets with different time intervals, we can perform smart velocity ranging quantification on blood flow characterized by different velocity values. The feasibility of QOMAG for variable blood flow imaging is demonstrated by in vivo studies executed on cerebral blood flow of mouse model. Multi-range detailed blood flow map within intracranial Dura mater and cortex of mouse brain can be given by QOMAG.
Thermometric and potentiometric titrations of modified glass surfaces

Abstract Glass surfaces modified with N-2-aminoethyl-3-aminopropyltrimethoxysilane have been titrated with copper(II) by constant rate thermometric titration and by manual potentiometric titration with Gran plot end-point location. The results indicate that the titrant reacts with the bound ligand in a two-step process, with the thermometric titration responding to the first step and the potentiometric titration responding to the combined steps.
Near infrared magneto-absorption in the laser material KZn1−xCoxF3

Infrared absorption (1.4–2μm) of KZn1−xCoxF3 (0⩽ x<0.15) at 4.2 K has been studied in a magnetic field (B⩽7 T). Large field-induced splittings were observed for Co2+-ion lines. Details of the cobalt concentration dependence of the absorptivity at B = 0 and at field are given along with the dependences on field direction and strength. Assignments are made of the observed Co2+ single-ion and pair transitions. The data has enabled the determination of the infrared (IR) transition g values.
Welcome to Bioengineering: A New Open-Access Journal

It is my great pleasure to welcome you to a new open access journal, Bioengineering, which represents a scope that fits squarely with the core expertise and growing ambitions and interests of bioengineers globally. Of particular interest are the transdisciplinary and translational research represented by the activities within centers and institutes where the biological sciences and engineering disciplines cohabit seamlessly for a focus on solutions to global challenges in human, veterinary and ecological health, bioenergy, bioprocess and sustainability. Bioengineering emphasizes the publication of novel and high quality peer reviewed articles via an open access platform. The scope includes: [...]
Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument for mental health needs of juvenile justice youths.

ABSTRACT Objective This report describes the development of the Massachusetts Youth Screening Instrument-Second Version (MAYSI-2), a brief screening measure to identify youths with potential mental, emotional, or behavioral problems at entry points in the juvenile justice system. Method This 52-item self-report measure, with content relevant to common mental health problems in delinquent populations, was administered to 1,279 male and female youths, aged 12 to 17, in Massachusetts juvenile justice facilities. A subsample of youths also received the Millon Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MACI) and the Youth Self-Report (YSR). The instrument was subsequently administered to 3,804 male and female youths in California Youth Authority custody. Results Factor analyses of the 52 items identified seven scales that were conceptually associated with various mental, emotional, and behavioral problems of youths, which were generally confirmed by separate factor analyses with the California sample. The scales manifested adequate internal consistency and test-retest reliability. Most scales were substantially correlated with conceptually similar scales in the MACI and YSR, and they identified most youths who scored at clinically significant levels on those instruments. Conclusions The MAYSI-2 shows promise as a reliable and valid screening tool to assist juvenile justice staff in identifying youths who may need an immediate response to mental or emotional problems.
SIMULATION-BASED ECONOMETRIC METHODS

The accessibility of high-performance computing power has always influenced theoretical and applied econometrics. Gourieroux and Monfort begin their recent offering, Simulation-Based Econometric Methods, with a stylized three-stage classification of the history of statistical econometrics. In the first stage, lasting through the 1960's, models and estimation methods were designed to produce closed-form expressions for the estimators. This spurred thorough investigation of the standard linear model, linear simultaneous equations with the associated instrumental variable techniques, and maximum likelihood estimation within the exponential family. During the 1970's and 1980's the development of powerful numerical optimization routines led to the exploration of procedures without closed-form solutions for the estimators. During this period the general theory of nonlinear statistical inference was developed, and nonlinear micro models such as limited dependent variable models and nonlinear time series models, e.g., ARCH, were explored. The associated estimation principles included maximum likelihood (beyond the exponential family), pseudo-maximum likelihood, nonlinear least squares, and generalized method of moments. Finally, the third stage considers problems without a tractable analytic criterion function. Such problems almost invariably arise from the need to evaluate high-dimensional integrals. The idea is to circumvent the associated numerical problems by a simulation-based approach. The main requirement is therefore that the model may be simulated given the parameters and the exogenous variables. The approach delivers simulated counterparts to standard estimation procedures and has inspired the development of entirely new procedures based on the principle of indirect inference.
Hepatitis Hyperimmune Globulin and Exposure to Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Excerpt To the editor: Although the relative risk of transmission of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, formerly HTLV-III/LAV) from high-risk patients to health care workers is low, ...
Homozygous α-Thalassemia Treated with Intrauterine Transfusions and Unrelated Donor Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Recently, intrauterine transfusions and hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) have changed homozygous alpha-thalassemia from a frequently fatal disease to a potentially survivable condition. We present a patient with Hemoglobin Bart's disease who was cured after failing to engraft with 1 unrelated HCT, but engrafting after a second unrelated donor HCT.
Airflow and air quality simulations over the Western Mountainous region with a four-dimensional data assimilation technique

Abstract We apply a three-dimensional meteorological model with a four-dimensional data assimilation (4-DDA) technique to simulate diurnal variations of wind, temperature, water vapor, and turbulence in a region extending from the west coast to east of the Rockies and from northern Mexico to Wyoming. The wind data taken during the 1985 SCENES ( S ubregional C ooperative E lectric Utility, Dept. of Defense, N ational Park Service, and E nvironmental Protection Agency S tudy on Visibility) field experiments are successfully assimilated into the model through the 4-DDA technique by ‘nudging’ the modeled winds toward the observed winds. The modeled winds and turbulence fields are then used in a Lagrangian random-particle statistical model to investigate how pollutants from potential sources are transported and diffused. Finally, we calculate the ground concentrations through a kernel density estimator. Two scenarios in different weather patterns are investigated with simulation periods up to 6 days. One is associated with the evolution of a surface cold front and the other under a high-pressure stagnant condition. In the frontal case, the impact of air-mass movement on the ground concentrations of pollutants released from the Los Angeles area is well depicted by the model. Also, the pollutants produced from Los Angeles can be transported to the Grand Canyon area within 24 h. However, if we use only the data that were obtained from the regular NWS rawinsonde network, whose temporal and spatial resolutions are coarser than those of the special network, the plume goes north-northeast and never reaches the Grand Canyon area. In the stagnant case, the pollutants meander around the source area and can have significant impact on local air quality.
The lack of nephrotoxicity in the rat by sodium chlorite, a possible byproduct of chlorine dioxide disinfection in drinking water

Abstract This study evaluated the nephrotoxic effects of sodium chlorite when administered in the drinking water of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. Sodium chlorite was administered for periods of 30, 90, and 180 days and at concentrations of 31.2, 125, and 500 ppm (along with appropriate negative and positive controls). Examination of sections by light microscope revealed no abnormalities in the kidneys of the rats in the chlorite exposure groups. Water consumption, mortality, kidney weight, body weight change, and percent kidney to body weight ratio showed no statistically significant relationship to chlorite ion concentration, although an association was observed between the latter two parameters and sodium concentration of treatment water.
Neuroendocrine-induced synthesis of bone marrow-derived cytokines with inflammatory immunomodulating properties.

Abstract Although cytokines and other soluble regulators of immunity are known to be involved in hematopoiesis, little is known about the signals that induce the synthesis of those mediators locally. Based on recent studies linking the neuroendocrine hormone thyrotropin [thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)] to immune cell function in other tissues, we investigated the capacity of TSH to activate cytokine responses from bone marrow cells. These studies reveal that stimulation of the TSH receptor on bone marrow cells—using highly purified or recombinant TSH or by direct stimulation with anti-TSH receptor antibodies—rapidly induces the synthesis of cytokines from bone marrow cells that are classically used in the regulation of inflammatory responses. Of 13 cytokines screened for activity by ELISA or by RNase protection assays for gene expression, IL-6, IFN-β, TNFα, TNFβ, TGFβ2, and lymphotoxin-β responses were reproducibly induced by TSH within 2–3 h of stimulation. Intracellularly, TSH stimulation of bone marrow cells caused rapid increases in cAMP levels and induced the phosphorylation of the Jak2 protein kinase, thereby defining a novel G-protein-coupled receptor/cytokine synthesis pathway. These findings demonstrate that TSH can serve as a primary inductive signal of cytokine production by bone marrow cells.
Pressure dependence of the static and dynamic properties of KH2PO4 and related ferroelectric and antiferroelectric crystals

Abstract A summary of the effects of hydrostatic pressure on the properties of KDP and related crystals is presented with some emphasis on recent results. Topics discussed include the decrease and ultimate vanishing of Tc with pressure, the underdamped soft mode, the strong deuteration dependence of the pressure effects, the pressure-induced tricritical point in KDP, the unusual pressure behavior of CsH2PO4 and CsD2PO4, the proton glass behavior of Rb,1-x(NH4)xH2PO4 mixed crystals, and the pressure-induced crossover from classical to quantum behavior in KDP and NH4H2PO4. The results emphasize that pressure studies have been very significant, if not crucial, to the discovery and/or understanding of many phenomena in these materials. It will also be pointed out that KDP at high pressure was the first known quantum ferroelectric.
Deep inspiration breath-hold technique for lung tumors: the potential value of target immobilization and reduced lung density in dose escalation ☆

Abstract Purpose/Objective: This study evaluates the dosimetric benefits and feasibility of a deep inspiration breath-hold (DIBH) technique in the treatment of lung tumors. The technique has two distinct features—deep inspiration, which reduces lung density, and breath-hold, which immobilizes lung tumors, thereby allowing for reduced margins. Both of these properties can potentially reduce the amount of normal lung tissue in the high-dose region, thus reducing morbidity and improving the possibility of dose escalation. Methods and Materials: Five patients treated for non-small cell lung carcinoma (Stage IIA-IIIB) received computed tomography (CT) scans under 4 respiration conditions: free-breathing, DIBH, shallow inspiration breath-hold, and shallow expiration breath-hold. The free-breathing and DIBH scans were used to generate 3-dimensional conformal treatment plans for comparison, while the shallow inspiration and expiration scans determined the extent of tumor motion under free-breathing conditions. To acquire the breath-hold scans, the patients are brought to reproducible respiration levels using spirometry, and for DIBH, modified slow vital capacity maneuvers. Planning target volumes (PTVs) for free-breathing plans included a margin for setup error (0.75 cm) plus a margin equal to the extent of tumor motion due to respiration (1–2 cm). Planning target volumes for DIBH plans included the same margin for setup error, with a reduced margin for residual uncertainty in tumor position (0.2–0.5 cm) as determined from repeat fluoroscopic movies. To simulate the effects of respiration-gated treatments and estimate the role of target immobilization alone (i.e., without the benefit of reduced lung density), a third plan is generated from the free-breathing scan using a PTV with the same margins as for DIBH plans. Results: The treatment plan comparison suggests that, on average, the DIBH technique can reduce the volume of lung receiving more than 25 Gy by 30% compared to free-breathing plans, while respiration gating can reduce the volume by 18%. The DIBH maneuver was found to be highly reproducible, with intra breath-hold reproducibility of 1.0 (± 0.9) mm and inter breath-hold reproducibility of 2.5 (± 1.6) mm, as determined from diaphragm position. Patients were able to perform 10–13 breath-holds in one session, with a comfortable breath-hold duration of 12–16 s. Conclusion: Patients tolerate DIBH maneuvers well and can perform them in a highly reproducible fashion. Compared to conventional free-breathing treatment, the DIBH technique benefits from reduced margins, as a result of the suppressed target motion, as well as a decreased lung density; both contribute to moving normal lung tissue out of the high-dose region. Because less normal lung tissue is irradiated to high dose, the possibility for dose escalation is significantly improved.
Differences in Environmental Orientation among Homeowners

Abstract Responses to a contingent valuation (CV) survey were used to examine how homeowners distinguished among five environmental orientations and how demographic characteristics, political outlook, and perception of environmental quality related to particular orientations. High percentages of homeowners identified at least somewhat with all environmental orientations, but to a lesser degree with those that imply active use of the environment, strong ideological commitment, or willingness to sacrifice or make tradeoffs for environmental quality. Environmental orientations related to demographic characteristics, political outlook, and perception in ways that generally are consistent with existing hypotheses. The conclusions suggest that environmental orientations can be conceptualized on a continuum ranging from egoistic to biospheric.
Communication in Context: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis

The purpose of this study was to examine an insider’s perspective on communication in multiple sclerosis (MS), a disease of the central nervous system in which scattered lesions or plaques produce ...
On the prevalence of certain codons ("RNY") in genes for proteins.

J.C. Shepherd notes that codons of the type RNY (R = purine, N = any nucleotide base, Y = pyrimidine) predominate over RNR in the genes for proteins. He has hypothesized that RNY codons are the relics of “a primitive code” composed of repeating RNY triplets. He found that RNY codons predominated in fourfold RNN codon sets (family boxes). These family boxes code for valine, threonine, alanine, and glycine. We argue that the proposed “comma-less” code composed of RNY never existed, and that, in any case, survival of such a code would have long since been erased by mutations. The excess of RNY codons in family boxes is probably attributable to preference for the corresponding tRNAs.
A dynamical model for reflex activated head movements in the horizontal plane

We present a controls systems model of horizontal-plane head movements during perturbations of the trunk, which for the first time interfaces a model of the human head with neural feedback controllers representing the vestibulocollic (VCR) and the cervicocollic (CCR) reflexes. This model is homeomorphic such that model structure and parameters are drawn directly from anthropomorphic, biomechanical and physiological studies. Using control theory we analyzed the system model in the time and frequency domains, simulating neck movement responses to input perturbations of the trunk. Without reflex control, the head and neck system produced a second-order underdamped response with a 5.2 dB resonant peak at 2.1 Hz. Adding the CCR component to the system dampened the response by approximately 7%. Adding the VCR component dampened head oscillations by 75%. The VCR also improved low-frequency compensation by increasing the gain and phase lag, creating a phase minimum at 0.1 Hz and a phase peak at 1.1 Hz. Combining all three components (mechanics, VCR and CCR) linearly in the head and neck system reduced the amplitude of the resonant peak to 1.1 dB and increased the resonant frequency to 2.9 Hz. The closed loop results closely fit human data, and explain quantitatively the characteristic phase peak often observed.
Cancer stem-like cells and thyroid cancer

Thyroid cancer is one of the most rapidly increasing malignancies. The reasons for this increase is not completely known, but increases in the diagnosis of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas and follicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinomas along with the enhanced detection of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas are probably all contributing factors. Although most cases of well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas are associated with an excellent prognosis, a small percentage of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinomas as well as most patients with poorly differentiated and anaplastic thyroid carcinomas have recurrent and/or metastatic disease that is often fatal. The cancer stem-like cell (CSC) model suggests that a small number of cells within a cancer, known as CSCs, are responsible for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as for recurrent and metastatic disease. This review discusses current studies about thyroid CSCs, the processes of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition that provide plasticity to CSC growth, in addition to the role of microRNAs in CSC development and regulation. Understanding the biology of CSCs, EMT and the metastatic cascade should lead to the design of more rational targeted therapies for highly aggressive and fatal thyroid cancers.
Cross-linking and relaxation of supercoiled DNA by psoralen and light.

Abstract Photoreaction of 4,5′,8-trimethylpsoralen with superhelical ColE1 and ColE1amp DNA was studied. Changes in mobilities in agarose gels, formation of interstrand cross-links, and DNA strand breaks were determined. Psoralen and light treatment removed negative superhelical turns, and extensive treatments failed to produce positive superhelical turns in covalently closed plasmid DNA. The rate of relaxation of superhelical turns by psoralen photobinding appeared to be directly proportional to the number of superhelical turns remaining. A unique reaction mechanism is presented to explain these results. By this interpretation the initial rate of psoralen photobinding to superhelical DNA was estimated to be 3 times that for linear DNA, and the ratio of cross-linding to monofunctional adducts appears to be dependent on the superhelical conformation of the DNA. The estimated ratio of psoralen molecules bound to DNA strand breaks was 1.7 · 10 4 :1, and 70% of this breakage is caused by the light alone.
Wave motion over a breakwater system of a horizontal plate and a vertical porous wall

A two-dimensional analytical solution is presented to study the reflection and transmission of linear water waves propagating past a submerged horizontal plate and through a vertical porous wall. The velocity potential in each fluid domain is formulated using three sets of orthogonal eigenfunctions and the unknown coefficients are determined from the matching conditions. Wave elevations and hydrodynamic forces acting on the porous wall are computed. Reflection and transmission coefficients are presented to examine the performance of the breakwater system. The present analytical solutions are found in fairly good agreement with the available laboratory data. The results indicate that the plate length, the porous-effect, the gap between plate and porous wall, and the submerged depth of the plate all show a significant influence on the reflected and transmitted wave fields. It is also interesting to note that the submerged plate plays an important role in reducing the transmitted wave height, especially for long incident waves.
Implementation of Sub-Resolvable Features for Precise Electrical Characterization of SiC Gate Oxide Parameters

We describe fabrication of Van der Pauw (VDP) structures for characterization of gate oxides grown on 4H SiC epi surfaces. Implementation of sub-resolvable features (SRF) as a corner compensation mechanism is analyzed with challenges and advantages presented. Results of on-wafer screening tests suggest that implementation of SRFs widens tolerance for misalignment, producing similar yield between uncompensated VDPs with 0.2 micron overlap and compensated VDPs with 0.1 micron overlap for structures with best alignment. Optimization of SRFs for SiC could be an attractive option for extending lithographic capability in advanced devices.
Membrane topology motifs in the SGLT cotransporter family.

Homologues of the Na+/glucose cotransporter, the SGLT family, include sequences of mammalian, eubacterial, yeast, insect and nematode origin. The cotransported substrates are sugars, inositol, proline, pantothenate, iodide, urea and undetermined solutes. It is reasonable to expect that the SGLT family members share a similar or identical topology of membrane spanning elements, by virtue of their common ancestry and similar coupling of solute transport to downhill sodium flux. Here we examine their membrane topologies as deduced from diverse analyses of their primary sequences, and from their sequence correlations with the experimentally determined topology of the human Na+/glucose cotransporter SGLT1. Our analyses indicate that all family members share a common core of 13 transmembrane helices, but that some, like SGLT1 itself, have one additional span appended to the C-terminus, and still others, two. One bacterial member incorporates an additional span at the N-terminus. Sequence comparisons indicative of common ancestry of the SGLT and the [Na++ Cl−] transporter families are introduced, and evaluated in light of their topologies. New evidence concerning the previously asserted common ancestry of SGLT1 and an N-acetylglucosamine permease of the bacterial phosphotransferase system is considered. Finally, we analyze observations which lead us to conjecture that the experimental strategy most commonly employed to reveal the topology of bacterial transporters (i.e., the fusion of reporter enzymes such as phoA alkaline phosphatase, beta-lactamase or beta-galactosidase, to progressively C-truncated fragments of the transporter) has often instead so perturbed local topology as to have entirely missed pairs of adjacent membrane spans.
Organizational change and the development of faculty evaluation systems

I n t r o d u c t i o n While most institutions of higher education support the concept of faculty evaluation, such appraisal systems are seldom well received. These negative reactions are often dismissed as resistance to accountability, but they can be based on knowledge of the many real problems associated with performance evaluation programs (Baird, Beatty & Schneier, 1982) and on policies affecting their implementation (Centra, 1980; Miltman, 1981). Addressing these problems through applicat ion of organizational change theory and diffusion strategies which are participatory permit faculty to construct evaluation systems which combine their practical knowledge and experience with expert suggestions so as to fit existing empirically derived evaluation principles. The resulting evaluation systems are more likely to reflect the needs and context of the institution. In this article, problems in faculty evaluation and performance appraisal are described. Assumptions and features of newer alternative faculty evaluation systems are presented. A strategy for developing systems involving use of committees and structured phases for faculty input based on organizational change theory is discussed. The recommendations here are based in part on a review of relevant literature and the authors' experiences devising a system for the School of Allied Health Sciences at the University of Texas--Houston. Problems in P e r f o r m a n c e Appraisal
Adhesion between addition-curable silicone elastomer and nylon using diallylbisphenol A as adhesion promoter

It was found that the incorporation of a small amount of 2,2′-diallylbisphenol A in a two-component room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone produced excellent adhesion on nylon substrates, whereas no adhesion was observed when this additive was excluded from the formulation. The effect of the chemical structure and the functionalities of this adhesion promoter were investigated by evaluation of several other molecules bearing both allylic and phenolic groups. No adhesion improvement was observed when 2-allyl 4-cumylphenol or 2-allylphenol was used as the adhesion promoter, whereas with 2-allylbisphenol A there was good adhesion between the two surfaces. Although it is quite clear that allyl groups react with the adhesive through the hydrosilylation reaction during the cure process of the RTV material, the interaction of the phenolic group with polymer surfaces seems to be largely dependent on the steric effect, that is, the ability of the OH group to be close enough to the plastic surface to develop a strong hydrogen bond. The minimum temperature required for adhesion to occur between nylon and RTV was determined to be in the range of 50°C–60°C. This temperature corresponds to the glass-transition temperature of the amorphous part of the nylon. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 89: 3496–3499, 2003
Expression of the Neuregulin Receptor ErbB4 in the Brain of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta)

We demonstrated recently that frontal cortical expression of the Neuregulin (NRG) receptor ErbB4 is restricted to interneurons in rodents, macaques, and humans. However, little is known about protein expression patterns in other areas of the brain. In situ hybridization studies have shown high ErbB4 mRNA levels in various subcortical areas, suggesting that ErbB4 is also expressed in cell types other than cortical interneurons. Here, using highly-specific monoclonal antibodies, we provide the first extensive report of ErbB4 protein expression throughout the cerebrum of primates. We show that ErbB4 immunoreactivity is high in association cortices, intermediate in sensory cortices, and relatively low in motor cortices. The overall immunoreactivity in the hippocampal formation is intermediate, but is high in a subset of interneurons. We detected the highest overall immunoreactivity in distinct locations of the ventral hypothalamus, medial habenula, intercalated nuclei of the amygdala and structures of the ventral forebrain, such as the islands of Calleja, olfactory tubercle and ventral pallidum, and medium expression in the reticular thalamic nucleus. While this pattern is generally consistent with ErbB4 mRNA expression data, further investigations are needed to identify the exact cellular and subcellular sources of mRNA and protein expression in these areas. In contrast to in situ hybridization in rodents, we detected only low levels of ErbB4-immunoreactivity in mesencephalic dopaminergic nuclei but a diffuse pattern of immunofluorescence that was medium in the dorsal striatum and high in the ventral forebrain, suggesting that most ErbB4 protein in dopaminergic neurons could be transported to axons. We conclude that the NRG-ErbB4 signaling pathway can potentially influence many functional systems throughout the brain of primates, and suggest that major sites of action are areas of the “corticolimbic” network. This interpretation is functionally consistent with the genetic association of NRG1 and ERBB4 with schizophrenia.
Nondestructive Evaluation of Strength and Separation Modes in Adhesively Bonded Automotive Glass Fiber Composite Single Lap Joints

Ultrasonic and acoustic emission (AE) nondestructive evaluation (NDE) characteriza tions of flawed (undercure of adhesive and excessive mold release on the adherends prior to bonding) and unflawed (proper cure of adhesive) adhesively bonded fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) specimens are conducted. Single lap-joint specimens are considered. The specimens consist of sheet molding compound (SMC) composite adherends bonded together with a urethane adhesive.
High temperature kinetics of solid boron gasification by B2O3(g) - Chemical propulsion implications

New flow reactor measurements are reported of the intrinsic kinetics of the gasification of solid boron by each of these important vapors: B2O3(g), O2(g), CO2(g), and H2O(g) at surface temperatures between 1330 and 2050 K. For illustrative purposes, our data for the remarkably efficient B2O3(g)/B(s) reaction and the O2(g)/B(s) reaction are used to discuss the expected sequence of rate-controlling processes for the combustion of individual B(s) particles in air under typical ramjet conditions. A diagram of (log-) particle diameter vs (log-) chamber pressure is shown to be particularly useful for this purpose, as well as to display the onset of noncontinuum behavior and the locus of expected particle extinction due to passivation associated with the kinetically controlled onset of condensed B2O3 on the gas/solid interface. In this way we show that, whereas most previous boron particle combustion and extinction laboratory experiments have been performed in the regime of gas-phase diffusion control, under conditions of actual ramjet interest the gas/solid kinetics for the efficient B2O3(g)/B(s) reaction and the slower O2(g)/B(s) reaction, as well as noncontinuum transport effects, become rate limiting.
Mode locking the cell cycle.

A characteristic property of nonlinear oscillatory systems is their ability to mode lock to a periodic, external, driving signal. In an n :m mode-locked state, the driven system executes n oscillations to every m oscillations of the driving signal, with a constant phase relationship between the two oscillations. We investigate mode locking for a mathematical model of the cell cycle in budding yeast. We determine which variables are most effective in coupling an external stimulus to the cell cycle oscillator, and speculate about whether experiments are feasible and informative for this model organism.
Statins and risk of incident diabetes.

The meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials is the apotheosis of scientifi c enquiry in clinical medicine. Naveed Sattar and colleagues (Feb 27, p 735) diligently apply this method to the vexing question of whether statin therapy aff ects incident diabetes. They report that statins increase the odds of incident diabetes. This fi nding is contrary to that of an original report by many of the same authors in 2001. With non-adherence rates of up to 20% among the approximately 24 million patients receiving statin therapy in the USA, it behoves us to question these results rigorously before their dissemination to the popular media. Reported limitations of this metaanalysis include the loss of statistical signifi cance on exclusion of the two trials in which incident diabetes was by physician report only (CORONA and HPS). Sattar and colleagues should also have excluded the JUPITER data here (the numbers used [270 vs 216] were actually physician reported). Non-reported limitations include the use of post-hoc analysis, with only three of the 13 trials including incident diabetes as a prespecifi ed endpoint (HPS, ASCOT, LIPID). Subgroup analysis was done in 12 trials (only JUPITER excluded patients with diabetes). Post-hoc and subgroup analyses introduce analytical errors that can lead to misleading conclusions. Further, quantitative interactions in which treatment eff ects are consistent are more credible than are interactions in which treatment eff ects vary between trial subgroups (see fi gure 3 of Sattar and colleagues’ meta-analysis). Therefore, these capricious fi ndings should be regarded as a hypothesisgenerating statistical anomaly, lest we fall foul of the logical fallacy, “Post hoc ergo propter hoc”. I declare that I have no confl icts of interest.
Acute induction of autophagy as a novel strategy for cardioprotection: getting to the heart of the matter.

There is no question that necrosis and apoptosis contribute to cardiomyocyte death in the setting of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion. Indeed, considerable effort and resources have been invested in the development of novel therapies aimed at attenuating necrotic and apoptotic cell death, with the ultimate goal of applying these strategies to reduce infarct size and improve outcome in patients suffering acute myocardial infarction (MI) or ‘heart attack’. However, an issue that remains controversial is the role of autophagy in determining the fate of ischemic-reperfused cardiomyocytes: i.e., is induction of autophagy detrimental or protective? Recent data from our group obtained in the clinically relevant, in vivo swine model of acute MI provide novel evidence of a positive association between pharmacological upregulation of autophagy (achieved by administration of chloramphenicol succinate (CAPS)) and increased resistance to myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.
Remote Sensing with imaging radar: a review

Abstract Research during the past five years has enabled us to define certain potentials and problems in the use of radar imaging systems for mapping and resource evaluation. This review article concentrates on the applications and difficulties encountered with a multiple polarization K-band real aperture radar system and touches very briefly on possible applications of synthetic aperture, multi-frequency, panchromatic, and other systems. Application studies have shown that imaging radar may be useful adjunct to aerial photography and in some cases an acceptable substitute for photography in the study of broad scale geologic structures, and in deriving stream network parameters in regions where mapping is inadequate. A review is also given of studies on crop discrimination with radar, in the mapping of natural vegetation, and in certain types of regional land classifications.
A new static shift register with dynamic transfer

Abstract A new shift register of extremely low d.c. standby power has been implemented in a simplified bipolar transistor technology using 4 mask steps up to metallization and 2 diffusions only. The bit density is 250 bit/mm 2 with 5 μm line dimensions, the standby power 0·1 μW/bit and the cycle time 150 nsec at 150 μW/bit. The shift register features a new operation principle: In standby, it is truly static, whereas for shifting the memory operates dynamically utilizing the effect that a dynamically unbalanced flip-flop switches into a definite state. The dynamic charge unsymmetry originates from the state of the previous cell and is shifted to the next one after each clock cycle.
Hyperparathyroidism and pregnancy.

Abstract Background: Hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy can carry significant morbidity to both mother and fetus. Surgery is the definitive treatment of choice although medical management is occasionally warranted. This report looks at 6 cases of hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy and reviews the morbidity and mortality of this entity. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all parathyroidectomies performed over a 21-year period (May 1975 to May 1996). A total of 750 cases were performed. In 6 cases, hyperparathyroidism occurred during pregnancy. Serum calcium was measured in all patients before and after parathyroidectomy. Results: A total of 6 of 750 patients (0.8%) were found to have hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy. In this review, fetal mortality rate was 17% (1 of 6). Two infants experienced neonatal tetany. Maternal morbidity included 1 woman who developed hypercalcemic crisis and acute pancreatitis. Two patients presented with hyperemesis gravidarum, 2 were asymptomatic, and 1 had recurrent urinary tract infection. Conclusion: Hyperparathyroidism during pregnancy, while rare, remains a preventable cause of fetal morbidity and mortality. Based on our case series and review of the literature, surgery is the definitive treatment of choice and is considered safe and effective if performed during the second trimester of pregnancy. Those involved with the care of the pregnant patient need to be diligent to diagnose and treat this entity promptly.
STUDIES ON X-RAY EFFECTS : XIII. HISTOLOGICAL STUDY OF THE FATE OF CANCER GRAFTS INOCULATED INTO AN X-RAYED AREA.

Cancer cells implanted in a skin region previously exposed to an erythema dose of x-rays show a series of degenerative changes in every way comparable to the frequently described stages of cancer cell degeneration following x-ray treatment. The findings contrast strongly with the survival and growth of grafts implanted in unexposed regions in the same animal. Since the changes are the same whether the cancer cells have been directly exposed in situ or merely implanted in the previously exposed skin, it follows that it is impossible to establish microscopically a direct injury from the x-raying as the principal factor in the therapeutic action of x-rays on cancer.
Effects of Modeled Auditory Information on a Sequential Timing Task

Abstract The purposes of the present experiment were to determine (a) whether an auditory model enhanced relative or absolute timing, (b) the extent to which the reduced frequency presentation of the auditory model resulted in enhanced retention, and (c) the degree to which executing the timing sequence was independent of the role of the effectors in carrying out the movement sequence. Participants (N = 45) were asked to alternately press two keys on a computer keyboard in an attempt to match the goal intervals presented on the computer monitor. Groups differed in terms of the frequency with which an auditory model (100, 50, or 0 %) was presented. The results indicated that the auditory model (100 % or 50 % groups) enhanced relative timing performance and learning but not the learning of absolute timing. In addition, the 50 % group did not appear to become dependent on the auditory model. However, significant decrements in performance were seen for the 100 % group when the model was withdrawn. Last, parti...