cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
SRT1720, a sirtuin 1 activator, attenuates organ injury and inflammation in sepsis.

Abstract Background Sepsis affects 800,000 patients in the United States annually with a mortality rate of up to 30%. Recent studies suggest that sepsis-associated metabolic derangements due to hypoxic tissue injury, impaired oxygen utilization, and mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to mortality. Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) is a crucial modulator of energy metabolism during starvation states and has anti-inflammatory effects. Here, we hypothesized that SRT1720, a Sirt1 activator, could attenuate the severity of sepsis. Materials and methods Male C57BL/6 mice (20-25 g) were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) to induce sepsis. SRT1720 (5 or 20 mg/kg BW) or 10% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) in 0.2-mL saline was injected intravenously at 5 h after CLP. Control animals were not subjected to any surgery. Blood and liver samples were harvested at 20 h after CLP for analysis. Results Administration of SRT1720 markedly reduced the serum levels of tissue injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase) and renal injury markers (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine) in a dose-dependent manner after CLP. Furthermore, the levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in the serum and liver were significantly inhibited by SRT1720 treatment after CLP. SRT1720 treatment resulted in a significantly decreased mRNA expression of inflammasome components (nucleotide oligomerization domain–like receptor protein 3, adapter apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing caspase-recruitment domain, IL-1β, and IL-18) in the liver, compared with the vehicle group. Conclusions SRT1720 treatment attenuates multiorgan injury in septic mice. SRT1720 treatment also decreases the production of proinflammatory cytokines and reduces inflammasome activation. Thus, pharmacologic stimulation of Sirt1 may present a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis.
Losartan did not improve survival more than did captopril but was better tolerated in symptomatic heart failure

Source Citation Pitt B, Poole-Wilson PA, Segal R, et al., on behalf of the ELITE II investigators. Effect of losartan compared with captopril on mortality in patients with symptomatic heart failure...
Inclusion-Exclusion Principle

The Inclusion-exclusion Principle is helpful for counting the elements of the union of overlapping sets. We consider a few basic examples.
Acute myeloid leukemia with coexistence of t(9;22) and inv(16).

![Figure][1] A young adult woman with no significant past medical history presented with marked leukocytosis. The blood smear showed 50% blasts (panel A, single arrow [original magnification ×1000; Wright-Giemsa stain]) in a background of neutrophilia with myelocytes and promyelocytes,
Abstract 1004: Tuft cell chemosensory signaling during pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is the second most common cause of cancer death in the US with a 10% 5-year survival rate and, as such, is one of the most common deadly cancers. PDA is characterized by a robust stromal reaction, a large portion of which is composed of infiltrating immune cells. This inflammatory response has been previously shown to promote both the initiation and progression of PDA. Current research has been to understand the interaction between tumor cells and infiltrating immune cells and the contribution to cancer progression. In this work we focus on a specific cell population present in the epithelium during pancreatic tumorigenesis called a tuft cell. Tuft cells have been found in luminal surfaces throughout the body, most notably characterized in the intestine where these cells have been shown to directly regulate the immune response to parasitic infection, but have also been found in the nasal, respiratory and bladder epithelium. These solitary chemosensory cells, as they are also known, use a common chemosensory pathway, previously characterized in type-II taste cells, in order to interact with the luminal environment. Interestingly, tuft cells in the metaplastic pancreas uniquely express TRPM5 and alpha-gustducin, both components of the chemosensory cascade, suggesting these cells have the potential to mediate a response to extracellular signals. Pancreatic tuft cells also make an array of cytokines and immunomodulatory factors that can directly alter the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. These data leads us to hypothesize that tuft cells utilize the chemosensory response pathway to remodel the tumor microenvironment in PDA. In order to answer this question, we ablated a key protein in the chemosensory cascade, alpha-gustducin, and found that this loss increases aggressiveness in a model of pancreatitis-associated tumorigenesis. We are currently exploring differences in the tumor microenvironment that may explain these results. Citation Format: Megan T. Hoffman, Howard Crawford. Tuft cell chemosensory signaling during pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 1004.
Impact of Screening Mammography on Treatment in Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer

Screening mammography reduces breast cancer mortality; however, screening recommendations, ordering, and compliance remain suboptimal and controversies regarding the value of screening persist. We evaluated the influence of screening mammography on the extent of breast cancer treatment. Patients ≥ 40 years of age diagnosed with breast cancer from September 2008 to May 2016 at a single institution were divided into two groups: those with screening 1–24 months prior to diagnosis, and those with screening at 25+ months, including patients with no prior mammography. The association between the two groups and various clinical factors were assessed using logistic regression models. Subgroup analysis was performed based on age groups. Analysis included 1125 patients, 819 (73%) with screening at 1–24 months, and 306 (27%) with screening at 25+ months, including 65 (6%) who never had mammography. Overall, patients in the 25+ months group were more likely to receive chemotherapy [odds ratio (OR) 1.51, p = 0.0040], undergo mastectomy (OR 1.32, p = 0.0465), and require axillary dissection (AD; OR 1.66, p = 0.0045) than those in 1–24 months group. On subgroup analysis, patients aged 40–49 years with no prior mammography were more likely to have larger tumors (p = 0.0323) and positive nodes (OR 4.52, p = 0.0058), undergo mastectomy (OR 3.44, p = 0.0068), undergo AD (OR 4.64, p = 0.0002), and require chemotherapy (OR 2.52, p = 0.0287) than the 1–24 months group. Screening mammography is associated with decreased stage at diagnosis and receipt of less-extensive treatment. This was evident in all groups, including the 40–49 years age group, where controversy exists on whether screening is even necessary.
Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery alters serum metabolites and fatty acids in patients with morbid obesity

AIM Bariatric surgery induces significant weight loss, increases insulin sensitivity, and reduces mortality, but the underlying mechanisms are not clear. It was hypothesized that Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery improves metabolic profile along with weight loss. The objective of this pilot study was to evaluate changes in serum metabolites and fatty acids (FA) at 2 weeks and 6 months after RYGB. MATERIALS AND METHODS Serum samples were collected pre-surgery, at 2 weeks and 6 months post-surgery from 20 patients undergoing RYGB surgery. Serum non-esterified free FA (NEFA) were measured. Serum metabolites and FA were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and improved direct fatty acid methyl ester synthesis and the gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method, respectively, in subjects who completed follow-up at 6 months (n = 8). RESULTS Mean (standard deviation) percent total weight loss was 6.70% (1.7) and 24.91% (6.63) at 2 weeks (n = 15) and 6 months (n = 8) post-surgery, respectively. NEFA were significantly reduced at 6 months post-surgery (P = 0.001, n = 8). Serum branched chain amino acids, 2-aminobutyrate, butyrate, 2-hydroxybutyrate, 3-hydroxybutyrate, acetone, 2-methylglutarate, and 2-oxoisocaproate were significantly reduced, while serum alanine, glycine, pyruvate, and taurine were significantly elevated at 6 months post-surgery compared with pre-surgery (n = 8, P < 0.05). Also, serum FA C10:0, C13:0, C14:0, C15:0, and C18:0 increased significantly (n = 8, P < 0.05) by 6 months post-surgery. CONCLUSIONS Changes in serum metabolites and FA at 6 months post-RYGB surgery in this pilot study with limited number of participants are suggestive of metabolic improvement; larger studies are warranted for confirmation.
Future considerations for clinical dermatology in the setting of 21st century American policy reform: Corporatization and the rise of private equity in dermatology.

Within the past 2 decades, for-profit financial groups have become increasingly involved in health care. Outlier dermatology practices with high volumes of well-reimbursed procedures are attractive to consolidation backed by private equity. With fewer choices for independent or group private practice, junior dermatologists are increasingly seeking employment without ownership in private equity–backed corporate groups whose primary fiscal responsibility lies with their investors. Medicare's response to corporatization and consolidation has already changed the practice of dermatopathology. Dermatologists should be aware of this history, given the ability of corporations and private equity groups to shape the present and future of our field.
Electrospray Functionalization of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles with Transferrin for Cerenkov Radiation Induced Cancer Therapy

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have shown success as photosensitizers in the form of light-based cancer therapy called Cerenkov radiation induced therapy (CRIT). While TiO2 nanoparticles hav...
Endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation and beyond: The multitasking roles for HRD1 in immune regulation and autoimmunity

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD) is a mechanism against ER stress, wherein unfolded/misfolded proteins accumulated in the ER are transported to the cytosol for degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome system. The ER resident E3 ubiquitin ligase HRD1 has been identified as a key ERAD factor that directly catalyzes ubiquitin conjugation onto the unfolded or misfolded proteins for proteasomal degradation. The abnormally increased HRD1 expression was discovered in rheumatoid synovial cells, providing the first evidence for HRD1 dysregulation involved in human inflammatory pathogenesis. Further studies shown that inflammatory cytokines involved in rheumatoid pathogenesis including IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-17 and IL-26 induce HRD1 expression. Recent studies using mice with tissue-specific targeted deletion of HRD1 gene have revealed important functions of HRD1 in immune regulation and inflammatory diseases. HRD1 has been shown critical for dendritic cell expression of antigens to both CD4 and CD8 T cells. Both TCR and costimulatory receptor CD28 signaling induces HRD1 expression, which promotes T cell clonal expansion and IL-2 production. Together with the fact that HRD1 is required for maintaining the stability of regulatory T cell (Treg) stability, HRD1 appears to fine tone T cell immunity. In addition, HRD1 is involved in humoral immune response by regulating early B cell development and maintaining B cell survival upon recognition of specific antigen. HRD1 appears to target its substrates for ubiquitination through, either ERAD-dependent or -independent, at least two distinct molecular mechanisms in a cell or tissue specific manner to achieve its physiological functions. Dysregulation of HRD1 expression and/or it functions are involved in autoimmune inflammatory diseases in particular rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Here, we review current findings on the mechanism of HRD1 protein in immune regulation and the involvement of HRD1 in the pathogenesis of autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Chapter 16 – Policies for a Solar Economy

Punctuated by oil shocks and ultimately limited by environmental concerns, the fossil-fuel age may be nearing its close. While the renewable technologies are now available to make the transition away from today's coal- and oil-based energy system, existing energy policies do little to accelerate the commercial development of renewable energy. This paper examines some of the policy reforms needed to make the transition to a renewable energy economy, beginning with a change in energy pricing that internalizes the environmental and security costs of fossil fuels. Utility reform, a major shift in current energy research and development spending, and the creation of an international renewable energy agency are among the key elements of a sound energy policy that will allow the 60–80% reduction in carbon emissions needed to stabilize atmospheric CO2 concentrations.
Association of low FVC spirometric pattern with WTC occupational exposures.

Abstract Background A reduced forced vital capacity without obstruction (low FVC) is the predominant spirometric abnormality reported in workers and volunteers exposed to dust, gases, and fumes at the World Trade Center (WTC) disaster site in 2001–2002. While low FVC has been associated with obesity and metabolic syndrome, its association with WTC occupational exposures has not been demonstrated. We estimated the prevalence of this abnormality and examined its association with WTC exposure level. Methods Longitudinal study of the relation between arrival at the WTC site within 48 h and FVC below the lower limit of normal (FVC Results The prevalence of low FVC increased from 17.0% (95% CI 15.4%, 18.5%) in June 2003, to 26.4% (95% CI 24.8%, 28.1%) in June 2018, and exceeded at both times that of obstruction. The rate of FVC decline was −43.7 ml/year during the study period. In a multivariable analysis adjusting for obesity, metabolic syndrome indicators, and other factors, early arrival at the WTC disaster site was significantly associated with low FVC, but only among men (ORadj = 1.29, 95% CI 1.17, 1.43). Longitudinal FVC rate of decline did not differ by WTC site arrival time. Conclusions Among WTC workers, the prevalence of low FVC increased over a 16-year period. Early arrival to the WTC disaster site was significantly associated with low FVC in males.
Variation in additional testing and patient outcomes after stress echocardiography or myocardial perfusion imaging, according to accreditation status of testing site

The purpose of the present study was to determine whether patients receiving a stress echocardiogram or myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) test have differences in subsequent testing and outcomes according to accreditation status of the original testing facility. An all-payer claims dataset from Maine Health Data Organization from 2012 to 2014 was utilized to define two cohorts defined by an initial stress echocardiogram or MPI test. The accreditation status (Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC), American College of Radiology (ACR) or none) of the facility performing the index test was known. Descriptive statistics and multivariate regression were used to examine differences in subsequent diagnostic testing and cardiac outcomes. We observed 4603 index stress echocardiograms and 8449 MPI tests. Multivariate models showed higher odds of subsequent MPI testing and hospitalization for angina if the index test was performed at a non-accredited facility in both the stress echocardiogram cohort and the MPI cohort. We also observed higher odds of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) performed (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.13-2.50), if the initial MPI test was done in a non-accredited facility. Cardiac testing completed in non-accredited facilities were associated with higher odds of subsequent MPI testing, hospitalization for angina, and PCI.
Psychometric properties of the late positive potential in combat-exposed veterans.

Abstract Trauma exposure is prevalent, associated with multiple forms of psychopathology, and thought to alter the neurobiological substrates of threat processing. The late positive potential (LPP) is an event-related potential (ERP) that may be a clinically useful probe of the neurobiology of threat processing. Despite evidence that combat-exposed veterans exhibit aberrant threat modulation of the LPP, no studies to date have tested the psychometric properties of the LPP in combat trauma-exposed, symptomatic veterans. The primary aim of the current study was to evaluate the reliability (internal consistency, retest reliability) and convergent validity of LPP modulation by threatening faces and scenes in two common tasks among combat-exposed veterans. Participants included 82 combat-exposed veterans who completed face-matching and emotion regulation tasks during EEG recording at baseline and twelve weeks. Internal consistencies of the early LPP time windows ( 1000 ms). Twelve-week retest reliabilities were fair for the early window LPPs to threatening scenes and fear faces, as well as in the late time window for fear faces. Reliabilities were better for individual condition compared to difference scores. Finally, LPPs modulated by threatening scenes and faces were unrelated. Together, these results suggest that the LPPs to threatening scenes and faces reflect distinct forms of threat processing in combat-exposed veterans, and their reliabilities for the early window indicate potential clinical utility in this population.
Pigeons are attracted to a perceived gain without an actual gain

Reference dependence refers to the reduced value of a reward that is less than expected, or the added value of a reward that is greater than expected. There is evidence that when pigeons are offered an alternative that has 1 pellet versus an alternative that has 2 pellets, but one of the two pellets offered will be removed, the pigeons prefer the originally presented 1 pellet (loss aversion). In the present research, we tested for the opposite effect (gain attraction). In Experiments 1 and 2, pigeons could choose between 2 pellets, each one on a distinctive background. If they chose the optimal alternative, they received a second pellet. In Experiment 2, the second pellet obtained was the one not initially chosen (a task sometimes referred to as the ephemeral reward task). Pigeons learned to choose optimally in both experiments. In Experiment 3, we tested the pigeons for reference dependence. Pigeons were given an alternative that offered them one pellet or two pellets, if they chose the one-pellet alternative, they received an additional pellet, and if they chose the two-pellet alternative, they received the two pellets. In keeping with the reference dependence hypothesis, the pigeons preferred the 1-pellet alternative that gave them an extra pellet. These effects are related to similar findings with humans, including the endowment effect.
A Whole-Brain Functional Connectivity Model of Alzheimer’s Disease Pathology

Abstract Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a necessity as prognosis is poor upon symptom onset. Although previous work diagnosing AD from protein-based biomarkers has been encouraging, cerebrospinal (CSF) biomarker measurement of AD proteins requires invasive lumbar puncture, whereas assessment of direct accumulation requires radioactive substance exposure in positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)-based neuromarkers, offers an alternative, especially those built by capitalizing on variance distributed across the entire human connectome. In this study, we employed connectome-based predictive modeling (CPM) to build a model of functional connections that would predict CSF p-tau/Aβ42 (PATH-fc model) in individuals diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) and AD dementia. fMRI, CSF-based biomarker data, and longitudinal data from neuropsychological testing from the Alzheimer’s Disease NeuroImaging Initiative (ADNI) were utilized to build the PATH-fc model. Our results provide support for successful in-sample fit of the PATH-fc model in predicting AD pathology in MCI and AD dementia individuals. The PATH-fc model, distributed across all ten canonical networks, additionally predicted cognitive decline on composite measures of global cognition and executive functioning. Our highly distributed pathology-based model of functional connectivity disruptions had a striking overlap with the spatial affinities of amyloid and tau pathology, and included the default mode network as the hub of such network-based disruptions in AD. Future work validating this model in other external datasets, and to midlife adults and older adults with no known diagnosis, will critically extend this neuromarker development work using fMRI. Significance Statement Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is clinical-pathological syndrome with multi-domain amnestic symptoms considered the hallmark feature of the disease. However, accumulating evidence from autopsy studies evince support for the onset of pathophysiological processes well before the onset of symptoms. Although CSF- and PET-based biomarkers provide indirect and direct estimates of AD pathology, both methodologies are invasive. In here, we implemented a supervised machine learning algorithm – connectome-based predictive modeling – on fMRI data and found support for a whole-brain model of functional connectivity to predict AD pathology and decline in cognitive functioning over a two-year period. Our study provides support for AD pathology dependent functional connectivity disturbances in large-scale functional networks to influence the trajectory of key cognitive domains in MCI and AD patients.
Imaging Technique and Index of Suspicion Matter: Rare Vascular Ring

Introduction The presence of a right-sided brachiocephalic artery that branches into right common carotid artery and right subclavian artery is commonly used in echocardiography to prove normal aortic arch anatomy and exclude a vascular ring. We report a rare vascular ring consisting of a double aortic arch with near atresia of the dorsal right aorta, which had the appearance of normal neck vessel configuration by echocardiography. Case Description An 8-month-old premature infant born at 25 weeks gestation remained admitted with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. She had been reintubated and required high positive pressure ventilatory support. Echocardiography demonstrated a left aortic arch with normal branching pattern. Non-contrast dynamic computed tomography (CT) of …
Grain-Size Effects on the Deformation in Nanocrystalline Multi-Principal Element Alloy

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) continue to garner interest due to their remarkable mechanical properties, especially at elevated temperatures. Here, we examine a representative nanocrystalline refractory MPEA and identify a crossover from a Hall-Petch to inverse-Hall-Petch relation. While the considered MPEA predominantly assumes a single-phase BCC lattice, the presence of grain boundaries imparts amorphous phase distributions that increase with decreasing grain size (i.e., increasing grain boundary volume fraction). Using molecular dynamics simulations, we find that the yield strength of the MPEA increases with decreasing average grain size, but below a critical grain size < 23.2 nm the yield strength decreases. This change in the deformation behavior is driven by the transition from dislocation slip to grain-boundary slip as the predominant mechanism. Our results reveal that the change from Hall-Petch to inverse-Hall-Petch regime is correlated to dislocation stacking at the grain boundary when dislocation density reaches a maximum.
Evaluation of the available cholesterol concentration in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane of mammalian cells

Abstract Cholesterol is an essential component of the mammalian plasma membrane involved in diverse cellular processes. Our recent quantitative imaging analysis using ratiometric cholesterol sensors showed that the available cholesterol concentration in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane (IPM) is low in unstimulated cells and increased in a stimulus-specific manner to trigger cell signaling events. However, the transbilayer distribution of cholesterol in the plasma membrane of mammalian cells remains controversial. Here we report a systematic and rigorous evaluation of basal IPM cholesterol levels in a wide range of mammalian cells with different properties employing cholesterol sensors derived from the D4 domain of the Perfringolysin O toxin and a sterol-transfer protein, Osh4. Results consistently showed that, although basal IPM cholesterol levels vary significantly among cells, they remain significantly lower than cholesterol levels in the outer leaflets. We found that IPM cholesterol levels were particularly low in all tested primary cells. These results support the universality of the low basal IPM cholesterol concentration under physiological conditions. We also report here the presence of sequestered IPM cholesterol pools, which may become available to cytosolic proteins under certain physiological conditions. We hypothesize that these pools may partly account for the low basal level of available IPM cholesterol. In conclusion, we provide new experimental data that confirm the asymmetric transbilayer distribution of the plasma membrane cholesterol, which may contribute to regulation of various cellular signaling processes at the plasma membrane.
On the formation and decomposition of C7H8

The kinetics of reactions on the C{sub 7}H{sub 8} surface were studied with state-of-the-art ab initio transition state theory (TST) and master equation methodologies. A priori predictions of the capture rate for C{sub 6}H{sub 5} + CH{sub 3} and for C{sub 7}H{sub 7} + H are obtained from direct variable reaction coordinate TST simulations. These simulations employ small basis set CASPT2 interaction energies coupled with one-dimensional reaction path corrections based on higher level simulations for related reactions. For the C{sub 7}H{sub 7} + H reaction, predictions are obtained for both the total rate and for the branching between toluene, o-isotoluene and p-isotoluene. A mapping of the low energy pathways for isomerization from these three C{sub 7}H{sub 8} isomers identifies a number of processes with barriers at or below the dissociation threshold. Nevertheless, at combustion temperatures the dissociation rates are predicted to exceed the isomerization rates, and it is reasonable to treat the kinetics of each isomer as a simple single well association/dissociation equilibrium. Master equation simulations yield predictions for the temperature and pressure dependence of each of the recombination and dissociation processes, as well as for the C{sub 7}H{sub 7} + H {yields} C{sub 6}H{sub 5} + CH{sub 3} bimolecularmore » reaction. These simulations implement collisional energy transfer probabilities based on the work of Luther and co-workers. The theoretical predictions are found to be in satisfactory agreement with the available experimental data for the photodissociation of toluene, the temperature and pressure dependent dissociation of toluene, and the reaction of benzyl radical with H. For the C{sub 6}H{sub 5} + CH{sub 3} recombination, the theoretical predictions exceed the experimental measurements of Lin and coworkers by a factor of 2 or more for all temperatures.« less
Layer 3 Connectivity: IPv6 Technologies for the IoT

Internet Protocol Version6 (IPv6) is a newer version of the network layer protocol that is designed to coexist with IPv4. A full deployment of Internet of Things (IoT) applications will certainly stress the IPv4 environment. Internet service providers (ISPs) and carriers have been preparing for IP‐address exhaustion for a number of years, and there are transition plans in place. The expectation is that IPv6 can make IP devices less expensive, more powerful, and even consume less power; the power issue is not only important for environmental reasons, but also improves operability. IPv6 basic protocol capabilities include the following: addressing; anycast; flow labels; Internet Control Message Protocol version6 (ICMPv6); and neighbor discovery (ND). The use of network‐layer encryption mechanism nearly doubles IP operational overhead. Header compression (HC) is, therefore, of interest.
A Buy-Side Model of Lockups: Theory and Evidence

Lockups are an increasingly important element of M&A deals in the United States. We present, for the first time, descriptive data on lockup incidence, trends, and their relationship with Delaware case law. Prior commentators have argued that lockups should have little or no impact on allocational efficiency in the market for corporate control. We offer a new theoretical model of lockups that includes several "buy-side" distortions, such as agency costs, informational effects, switching costs, reputational effects, and endowment effects for bidders, and show that lockups can in fact change bid outcomes. We find strong support for this "buy-side" model of lockups from a large sample of M&A deals over the past twelve years. We also find that the type, size and structure of lockups affect deal outcomes. These results suggest that courts and corporate boards should scrutinize lockups more closely than prior commentators have advocated.
The Hazleton ecological land planning study: Human adaptations in a rural and urban environment: The basis for possible future land use patterns

Abstract Natural scientists, natural science trained land planners, and cultural anthropologists meshed their perceptions to study and plan for the Hazleton Region of northeastern Pennsylvania. This interdisciplinary group developed an applied human ecological approach to regions. This applied human ecology has expanded and enhanced the natural science based land use planning method. Land suitability formulation is presented as a composite evaluation of the ecological capabilities of the natural environment to support human use and the present and potential different human uses of regions based on a variety of adaptive postures. The various definitions of health or the quality of life of regional user groups become criteria for the compatibility and grouping of naturally capable sites.
Properties of the Brouwer Degree

This chapter is devoted to the properties of the Brouwer degree that we will need in order to extend it to the Leray–Schauder degree. In all that follows, we assume that U is an open subset of R n and that we have a map \(f: \overline{U} \rightarrow \mathbf{R}^{n}\) such that \(F = f^{-1}(\mathbf{0})\) is admissible in U, that is, compact and disjoint from ∂ U, so the Brouwer degree deg(f, U) is well defined. The properties of the degree are given names for easy identification; the terminology I’m using for this purpose is pretty much standard. Some of the properties will carry over to the infinite-dimensional case and others are needed in order to make the transition to that more general setting.
Depression In New Mothers

* Foreword (Jane Honikman) * Preface * Acknowledgments * Chapter 1. Depression in New Mothers: Myths versus Reality * Myths About Postpartum Depression * Assumptions About Postpartum Depression * Symptoms of Depression * Incidence * Postpartum Psychosis * Conditions Comorbid with Postpartum Depression * Conclusion * Chapter 2. Why Depression Is Harmful for Mothers and Babies * Why Depression Is Bad for Mothers * Why Depression in Mothers Is Bad for Babies * Interaction Styles of Depressed Mothers * Infanticide and Maternal Suicide * Conclusion * Chapter 3. Physiological Influences in Postpartum Depression * Fatigue and Sleep Deprivation * Immune System Function and Depression * Pain * Hormonal Influences * Cholesterol * Conclusion * Chapter 4. Negative Childbirth Experiences * Characteristics of Negative Childbirth Experiences * Negative versus Traumatic Childbirth * The Efficacy of Debriefing * Conclusion * Chapter 5. Infant Characteristics and Depression in Their Mothers * Infant Temperament * Infant Health Issues * Conclusion * Chapter 6. Psychological Risk Factors * Attributional Style * Self-Efficacy, Self-Esteem, and Expectations * Previous Psychiatric History * Violence Against Women * Loss * Conclusion * Chapter 7. Social Risk Factors * Stressful Life Events * Maternal Age * Socioeconomic Status * Maternity Leave and Employment * Social Support * Supporting the Mother-Infant Relationship * Chapter 8. Assessment of Postpartum Depression * Challenges to Assessing Postpartum Depression * Screening for Depression * Assessment Scales * Additional Factors * Conclusion * Chapter 9. Alternatives and Complementary Therapies: Diet, Supplements, and Exercise * Diet * Supplements * Exercise * Combined Modalities and Other Techniques * Conclusion * Chapter 10. Community Interventions and Psychotherapy * Community Interventions * Psychotherapy * Trauma-Focused Treatment * Conclusion * Chapter 11. Psychoactive Substances: Herbs and Antidepressants * Herbal Antidepressants * Antidepressants * Medications for Comorbid Conditions * Phases of Depression Management with Medication * Conclusion * Chapter 12. Postpartum Depression and Psychosis: One Woman's Story * Background * The Birth Experience * The Postpartum Period * The Hospital Diary * The Psychiatric Evaluation * Analysis * Information on Past Sexual Abuse * The Road to Recovery * 2003 Update * Final Thoughts * Listen to Mothers * Let Mothers Know About Factors That Might Be Influencing Their Emotional States * Offer Specific Suggestions That Can Help * Help Mothers Mobilize Support * Conclusion * References * Index
Design of a versatile transdermal drug delivery system

A versatile iontophoretic pulse mode system that affords operation in either a constant voltage or constant current simulation mode is presented. The stimuli can be independently adjusted in amplitude, frequency, and duty cycle. A preliminary evaluation with a load equivalent to skin resistance suggests that this system has the potential to enhance transdermal drug delivery under in vivo conditions. >
Sol–Gel Technology

The sol–gel process, which has a potentially high technological value, enables materials having unique structures and properties seldom obtained by other processing methods to be produced. Materials prepared by sol–gel technology are of very high purity and homogeneity, having controlled multiphase microstructures, net-shape forming, and as-cast surface features made at lower temperatures than those used for other processes. High purity metal alkoxides are employed as precursors for the synthesis of nanometric entities dispersed in a liquid environment or sol that eventually forms a gel. The nanostructure of the gel can be tailored by controlling the chemical reactions involving the precursors. The steps of sol–gel processes for silica- and alumina-based materials are discussed. Sol–gel technology involves precursor mixing and formation of a colloidal suspension, generally followed by a casting operation in which the low viscosity sol is introduced in molds. Aging provides the required mechanical property for further handling. Following aging, the solvents within the pores are eliminated by drying. A stabilization step is also required to eliminate any residual chemisorbed water. Production of a fully dense body involves a densification step at higher temperatures when the porosity is reduced to zero. Application of the sol–gel process include preparation of porous and dense monoliths, silica and alumina fibers, ceramic thin films, biomedical devices, and organic–inorganic hybrid composites. Many of the materials prepared by sol–gel technology are nanostructed. The majority of these substances are multicomponent. The various compositional possibilities are presented. Keywords: Sols; Gels; Colloids; Compositions; Sol-gel process; Alumina; Thin films; Aluminum alkoxide; Drying; Fibers; Organic-inorganic hybrids; Bioactive glass
Moments Calculations of the Fermi Age in Moderators and Moderator–Metal Mixtures*

Essentially exact calculations of Fermi age in pure moderators and in moderator-metal mixtures are performed by computing the first few moments of the slowing-down distribution. The treatment of energy degradation takes into account the anisotropy of the elastic scattering to sixth order in a Legendre expansion. Energy degradation through inelastic and (n, 2n) processes is explicitly included. (auth)
Regulatory Elements Required for Development of Caenorhabditis elegans Hermaphrodites Are Conserved in the tra-2 Homologue of C. remanei, a Male/Female Sister Species

The Caenorhabditis elegans hermaphrodite is essentially a female that produces sperm. In C. elegans, tra-2 promotes female fates and must be repressed to achieve hermaphrodite spermatogenesis. In an effort to learn how mating systems evolve, we have cloned tra-2 from C. remanei, the closest gonochoristic relative of C. elegans. We found its structure to be similar to that of Ce-tra-2 but its sequence to be divergent. RNA interference demonstrates that Cr-tra-2 promotes female fates. Two sites of tra-2 regulation are required for the onset of hermaphrodite spermatogenesis in C. elegans. One, the MX region of TRA-2, is as well conserved in C. remanei as it is in C. briggsae (another male/hermaphrodite species), suggesting that this control is not unique to hermaphrodites. Another, the DRE/TGE element of the tra-2 3' UTR, was not detected by sequence analysis. However, gel-shift assays demonstrate that a factor in C. remanei can bind specifically to the Cr-tra-2 3' UTR, suggesting that this translational control is also conserved. We propose that both controls are general and do not constitute a novel "switch" that enables sexual mosaicism in hermaphrodites. However, subtle quantitative or qualitative differences in their employment may underlie differences in mating system seen in Caenorhabditis.
Performance evaluation of AC machines for propulsion in a range extended electric auto rickshaw

Auto rickshaws are a special form of three-wheeled motorcycle, which are extensively used in Asian cities. Due to the high population density and narrow and crowed roads in many Asian cities, these three-wheeled auto rickshaws with small size and narrow body become an important means of transport for urban resident. However, the conventional auto rickshaws with two or four strokes gasoline engines present serious pollution problem in the cities. Thus, the conventional gasoline auto rickshaws are forbidden in some cities by the local government. This has led to the conceptualization of an all-electric auto rickshaw. Electric power auto rickshaws use the electrical machines for propulsion instead of the gasoline engines. This paper aims to analyze and compare the performance of four different electrical machines: squirrel cage induction machine (IM), interior permanent magnet synchronous motor (IPM), synchronous reluctance machine (SynRM), surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SPMSM). The suitability of the electric machine for the application depends on the constraints such as output torque, power density, efficiency, power factor and so on. The analysis and comparison are based on finite element method (FEM) and provides information for making a suitable selection.
Systemic and intracerebroventricular effects of opioid peptides in withdrawn morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys

The effects of the degradation-resistant enkephalin analogs FK 33-824 and metkephamid were determined after systemic and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration in withdrawn morphine-dependent rhesus monkeys. Both peptides suppressed completely signs of 12-hr morphine deprivation, as does the prototype mu-receptor agonist morphine. The peptides were 100 and 2000 times more potent, respectively, after i.c.v. than s.c. injection. Thus, although peptidase-resistant, these compounds have restricted entrance into the central nervous system after systemic administration. The i.c.v. administration of compounds in rhesus monkeys should prove to be a valuable tool in the study of peptide ligands for opiate receptors.
Programmable Connections in Neuromorphic Grids

We describe asynchronous circuits that can relay spikes between multiple chips in a grid. These circuits interface with an on-chip SRAM to implement programmable connectivity among chips. We introduce a packet format that is compatible with updating the SRAM. From a high level specification, we synthesized and fabricated these circuits in an area of 0.206 mm2 in 0.18-mum CMOS technology. Test results that measure performance and demonstrate correct function on first silicon are presented.
Properties of Tango's index for detecting clustering in time

Tango proposed an index for detecting disease clustering in time applicable to grouped data obtained from a population that remains fairly stable over the study period. In this paper, we show that Tango's index is a two-dimensional U-statistic having an asymptotic normal distribution. To apply this result in the finite sampling situation, an Edgeworth expansion is used and is shown to be at least as accurate as Tango's best result in approximating the tails of his test statistic under the null hypothesis. This is extended to show that the Edgeworth expansion can be used to approximate the power of Tango's test statistic under selected alternatives to randomness. A power study based on simulations is conducted to compare the power of Tango's index to that of three of its competitors.
Thermal diffusivity of Fe-rich pyroxene glasses and their melts

Abstract We provide new measurements of thermal diffusivity (D) of 8 synthetic glasses and melts along the enstatite–ferrosilite compositional binary, 4 remelted crystals which are close to the binary, plus one synthetic ternary composition (Fs15Wo40En45). Thermal diffusivity of these glasses is between 0.50 and 0.62 mm2 s− 1 at room temperature, decreases to ~ 0.45 to 0.50 mm2 s− 1 near 1000 K, then drops upon melting at 1100 K to ~ 0.34 mm2 s− 1. A roughly linear trend in D exists across the En–Fs binary at 298 K, with Fe-rich compositions having lower D, whereas at high temperatures all melts have similar D. The trend is not smooth, due to variable amounts of crystallites and residual strain in glasses, both of which affect D-values. Above about 700 K, ∂D/∂T is visibly positive for moderate Fe contents (i.e., Fe / (Fe + Mg) = 0.1 to 0.3), which we attribute to diffusive radiative transfer being enhanced by electronic–vibronic coupling. All data are well represented by equations of the form FT − G + HT, where F, G and H are fitting parameters. The fitting reveals a weak increase in D at high T for all of our glasses, consistent with weak radiative transfer in the infrared. Although data could only be collected on melts over a narrow temperature range, they also appear to have a positive ∂D/∂T, which is consistent with previous results on less mafic iron-bearing glasses and melts. Our results suggest that Fe-rich melts in the lower mantle could have thermal diffusivity higher than their crystalline counterparts due to the response of D to temperature.
Effect of Dietary Ascorbic Acid and Hesperidin on Capillary Fragility of Broilers

Abstract DISCOLORATIONS of poultry carcasses caused by bruises or hemorrhages continue to be a serious problem to the poultry processing industry. According to Crothers and Helbacks (1960), bruises and hemorrhages accounted for the greatest and fourth greatest causes, respectively of undergrade broilers in Delmarva processing plants. It was established by Hamdy et al. (1961a) that approximately 90 percent of the bruises on commercial broiler carcasses are inflicted within the 13 hours immediately preceding slaughter. Various handling techniques and equipment used to catch and transport chickens are factors partly determining the numbers of bruises inflicted. (Cox and May, 1964; Helbacka, 1962; Hough, 1954; Jewett, 1960; Jewett and Saunders, 1960; Kaiser and Smith, 1958). In addition to physical factors, certain physiological conditions of the bird such as age and previous bruising affect the incidence of bruising or rate of healing (Hamdy et al., 1961b, c). It would appear logical that the relative strength …
MATRIX GLA PROTEIN GENE EXPRESSION IS ELEVATED DURING POSTNATAL DEVELOPMENT

Matrix Gla protein (MGP) is a vitamin K-dependent extracellular matrix protein with a wide tissue distribution. Developmental expression of the MGP gene is characterized by competitive RT-PCR in kidney and calvaria. High levels of MGP mRNA were observed in kidneys and calvaria from 19-day-old embryos to 1-month-old rats. There was a peak in MGP mRNA at 7 days in both tissues. MGP mRNA expression was very low or undetectable in 3-, 5- and 7- month-old kidneys. Similar observations were seen in lung, heart and spleen. However, in connective tissues like calvaria, tibia and trachea, low levels of MGP mRNA are maintained throughout life. Kidney MGP protein was present from birth to 15 days, with the highest MGP protein level at 7 days. Calvarial MGP protein was present throughout development and maturation but peaked at 7 days. The highest MGP protein levels were coincident with peak levels of MGP mRNA. Thus, MGP protein level correlated with mRNA level during rat development. In situ hybridization revealed that MGP staining was most intense in the straight tubules of the developing kidney medulla at 7 days. Staining was absent in stromal cells and in mature nephrons. Taken together, our finding of high MGP mRNA and its intense in situ staining during the postnatal growth phase prove that increased MGP synthesis occurs at a specific time and place during development and maturation.
Design and application of a wireless, passive, resonant-circuit environmental monitoring sensor

Abstract A wireless, passive, remote query sensor platform is presented capable of monitoring the complex permittivity of a surrounding medium, temperature, humidity, and pressure. The sensor is a planar two-dimensional inductor–capacitor circuit, of scaleable-size, that resonates at a characteristic frequency the value of which is dependent upon the parameters of interest. The resonant frequency of the sensor is detected remotely with one or a pair of loop antennas by measuring the impedance or voltage spectrum of the antenna(s), with the environmental parameters of interest then calculated from the measured resonant frequency. The wireless, remote query nature of the platform enables the LC sensor to monitor the environmental conditions from within sealed opaque containers. The paper describes the operational principles, design criteria, illustrative applications, and performance limitations of the sensor platform.
Resonance Raman scattering from amorphous As2S3

Abstract Resonance Raman scattering from amorphous As2S3, obtained by temperature tuning the band edge through the He-Ne 6328 A laser line, is reported.