cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Formoterol Inhaled Dry Powder on Exercise Performance in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study

Abstract Background: Inhaled bronchodilators commonly are used to reduce the work of breathing in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The effects of bronchodilators are assessed in terms of symptom relief and/or improvements in spirometric indices. However, disability in COPD patients also is related to determinants such as exercise tolerance, which cannot be predicted on the basis of respiratory function. The effect of bronchodilators, such as inhaled beta 2 -agonists, on exercise performance of COPD patients needs to be tested. Objective: This study investigated the effects of formoterol inhaled dry powder on exercise performance assessed using the shuttle walking test (SWT) in patients with mild to moderate COPD. Methods: Patients having COPD with mild to moderate airway obstruction performed a pulmonary function test and an SWT before and after inhalation, on 2 consecutive days, of formoterol 12 μg or placebo, given by dry powder inhaler, according to a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study design. Breathlessness was measured using the Borg scale (BS) and a visual analog scale at baseline and after an SWT. Results: Twenty patients (15 men, 5 women; mean [SD] age, 65.95 [8.32] years) were included in the study. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV 1 ) ( P =0.009), forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF 25–75 ) ( P =0.011), and SWT ( P =0.005) improved significantly more with formoterol than placebo. Breathlessness decreased with formoterol, but the difference compared with placebo was statistically significant only when measured using the BS ( P =0.023). In the pooled placebo and formoterol tests, changes in the SWT were unrelated to changes in FEV 1 ( r =0.18) and in FEF 25–75 ( r =0.31). Conclusions: The results of this study showed that formoterol inhaled dry powder significantly improved exercise performance in patients with COPD and that this effect was at least partially independent of achieved bronchodilation. A larger cohort of patients should be studied and a more comprehensive protocol performed to verify whether the increase in exercise tolerance after administration of formoterol is related to a decrease in expiratory flow limitation during exercise and/or to systemic effects of the drug. Another issue to be clarified is whether the improvement in exercise capacity can significantly decrease disability in patients with severe COPD.
Corticotropin-releasing factor in the paraventricular nucleus modulates feeding induced by neuropeptide Y

Central administration of neuropeptide Y (NPY) exerts a potent orexigenic effect in rats, whereas injection of corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) suppresses food intake. Anatomical evidence of NPY-containing terminals located in close proximity to CRF-containing neurons and terminals of the hypothalamus and amygdala suggests possible interactions of these neuropeptide systems in food-intake regulation. The present study examined the effect of local administration of the CRF antagonist, alpha-helical CRF9-41, or peripheral treatment with dexamethasone on NPY-induced hyperphagia. Injection of a 250-ng dose of alpha-hel CRF within the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus significantly potentiated the feeding induced by a 500-ng dose of NPY injected into the same locus. In contrast, feeding induced by administration of the 500-ng dose of NPY into the ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) was not modified by intra-VMH pre-treatment with a 250-ng dose of CRF antagonist. No effects of NPY or alpha-hel CRF on feeding were observed after administration into the central nucleus of the amygdala. Systemic pre-treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone at a dose known to downregulate the function of CRF neurons in the PVN (100 micrograms/kg) enhanced feeding induced by intra-PVN administration of a 500-ng dose of NPY. These results suggest that hypothalamic CRF systems in the PVN exert inhibitory control over NPY-induced food intake.
Advanced system level simulation of UWB three-dimensional through-wall imaging radar for performance limitation prediction

A system level framework has been developed to simulate the UWB three-dimensional through-wall radar system and accurately predict its performance limitations. Only through a novel simulation model where Agilent ADS Ptolemy simulation is used combined with its Matlab co-simulation, is it possible to accurately simulate the UWB radar system. The developed simulation model has been validated experimentally using our UWB radar prototype. The system model can be easily extended to other UWB radar systems by simply changing the input pulse shape, UWB channel environment, wall characteristics, transceiver topology, etc. Various effects such as signal quality, pulse shape, wall characteristics can be easily investigated and re-optimized for high performance 3-D imaging using our developed model.
Magnetically Controlled Circumstellar Matter in the Helium-strong Stars

This paper reports the observation and interpretation of the ultraviolet spectrum variations of nine helium-strong stars: HD 36485, 37017, 37479, 37776, 58260, 60344, 64740, 96446, and 133518. A unified model is developed to account for the observed correlation among three stellar properties: the line profile characteristics of the C IV and Si IV resonance doublets, the variations in the strength of these lines, and the inferred magnetic field geometry. It is proposed that circumstellar plasma is trapped in the stellar magnetosphere near the magnetic equator or is channeled to form jetlike outflows from the magnetic polar regions. These results, together with those of a previous study of the helium-weak sn stars, show that both helium-weak and helium-strong stars can possess magnetospherically trapped plasma, notwithstanding their different photospheric properties. New results for radii and temperatures of the helium-strong stars in Ori OB 1 and for HD 64740 from low-dispersion IUE spectra are also presented.
Functional connectivity classification of autism identifies highly predictive brain features but falls short of biomarker standards

Abstract Objectives Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are diagnosed based on early-manifesting clinical symptoms, including markedly impaired social communication. We assessed the viability of resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) connectivity measures as diagnostic biomarkers for ASD and investigated which connectivity features are predictive of a diagnosis. Methods Rs-fMRI scans from 59 high functioning males with ASD and 59 age- and IQ-matched typically developing (TD) males were used to build a series of machine learning classifiers. Classification features were obtained using 3 sets of brain regions. Another set of classifiers was built from participants' scores on behavioral metrics. An additional age and IQ-matched cohort of 178 individuals (89 ASD; 89 TD) from the Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE) open-access dataset ( http://fcon_1000.projects.nitrc.org/indi/abide/ ) were included for replication. Results High classification accuracy was achieved through several rs-fMRI methods (peak accuracy 76.67%). However, classification via behavioral measures consistently surpassed rs-fMRI classifiers (peak accuracy 95.19%). The class probability estimates, P(ASD|fMRI data), from brain-based classifiers significantly correlated with scores on a measure of social functioning, the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), as did the most informative features from 2 of the 3 sets of brain-based features. The most informative connections predominantly originated from regions strongly associated with social functioning. Conclusions While individuals can be classified as having ASD with statistically significant accuracy from their rs-fMRI scans alone, this method falls short of biomarker standards. Classification methods provided further evidence that ASD functional connectivity is characterized by dysfunction of large-scale functional networks, particularly those involved in social information processing.
Patterns of morphogenesis medicated by dynamic microvilli: chaetogenesis in Nereis vexillosa.

The pattern of morphogenesis of the chitinous compound (jointed) setae of the larvae of polychaete Nereis vexillosa Grube was deduced from electron-microscopic analyses of many stages of secretion. Each seta is secreted over a period of three days within an epidermal follicle consisting of several lateral cells and a basal cell (chaetoblast). The configuration of the apical surface of the chaetoblast changes continuously during secretion. Secreted setal material is polymerized into longitudinally oriented setal filaments, probably by enzymes located on the surfaces of microvilli of the chaetoblast. As a result of this process the setae lengthen by basal appositional growth. We infer that the precise size and shape of each complex seta (a characteristic of the species and the age of the worm) is controlled by sequential modulations of the number, size, shape, arrangement and orientation of the microvilli of the chaetoblast. Each seta embodies a cryptic record of the activities of the chaetoblast on which it formed. The genetic and epigenetic mechanisms involved in chaetogenesis are problematic.
Urinary Incontinence and Hysterectomy in a Large Prospective Cohort Study in American Women

Purpose: We investigated the effects of hysterectomy with and without concomitant urinary incontinence repair on incontinence severity in one of the largest prospective studies of hysterectomy outcomes performed in the United States.Materials and Methods: We administered the Urinary Symptoms Scale for Women to 1,299 women before hysterectomy done for benign conditions, and 6, 12, 18 and 24 months postoperatively to measure the presence, severity and type of urinary incontinence.Results: Before hysterectomy 29.5% of participants had severe urinary incontinence, which decreased to 10% 12 and 24 months after hysterectomy. Most women with severe incontinence before hysterectomy showed improved incontinence 1 year after surgery (89.1%) and were still improved after 2 years (86.5%). The majority of women with moderate incontinence before hysterectomy showed improved incontinence 1 year after surgery (62.4%) and were still improved after 2 years (61.2%). However, some women with mild or no incontinence before hy...
Insulin-dependent diabetic microangiopathy in the inner ear

Thickening of the basement membrane in capillaries is implicated in the microangiopathic complications of diabetes mellitus. This study was designed to evaluate microangiopathic changes of the inner ear associated with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) and concurrent moderate-intensity noise exposure. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) to induce IDDM. Half of the control and diabetic animals were exposed to chronic noise of 95 dB over the 6-month study period. Photomicrographs of the capillaries in the stria vascularis were obtained by transmission electron microscopy, and basement-membrane thickness was measured with an image processing system. This study quantitatively demonstrates basement-membrane thickening consistent with diabetic microangiopathy in the inner ear of IDDM rats. Noise exposure did not significantly change basement-membrane thickness in either diabetic or control animals.
Cytogenetic and molecular cytogenetic studies of a variant of t(21;22), ins(22;21)(q12;q21q22), with a deletion of the 3′ EWSR1 gene in a patient with Ewing sarcoma

Ewing sarcoma is the second most common malignant bone tumor in children and young adults. Cytogenetic analysis to identify a common t(11;22)(q23;q12) or less frequently a t(21;22)(q22;q12) or t(7;22)(p22;q12) plays an important role in the confirmation of the clinical diagnosis. We report a case of a 10-year-old female who had extraskeletal Ewing sarcoma. Conventional cytogenetic analysis revealed that 11 out of 20 cells had a derivative chromosome 22, possibly due to an insertion of the long arm of the 21q21 approximately q22. This finding was confirmed by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) utilizing whole chromosome paint probes specific for chromosomes 21 and 22. Hybridization utilizing LSI EWSR1, dual-color break-apart rearrangement probe unexpectedly revealed that the 3' EWSR1 gene was lost on the derivative chromosome 22. This finding suggests that the insertion of chromosome 21 is another mechanism that could lead to EWS-ERG gene fusion. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of an insertion of a segment of 21q21 approximately q22 into the long arm of 21q12 with a loss of a DNA segment around the breakpoint on the derivative chromosome 22 in Ewing sarcoma.
Quantification of Coating Adhesion Using Laser Induced Decohesion Spectroscopy

Abstract We present a new technique, laser induced decohesion spectroscopy (LIDS), which is capable of measuring the practical work of adhesion G between a transparent polymer coating and an opaque coating or substrate. In LIDS, a laser pulse directed onto the sample creates a blister at the transparent/opaque interface. The blister's internal pressure depends on the laser pulse energy, and at a critical pressure the sample fractures, creating an annular debond similar to that obtained in the standard blister test. By measuring physical variables such as the curvature of the blister, and its radius and thickness, it is possible to deduce G, Here we measure G between an automotive clearcoat and four opaque basecoats of various pigmentations (black, white, red, metallic green) as a function of clearcoat thickness. We find that G depends on pigmentation due to the various pigment volume concentrations (PVC's) and specific pigment-binder interactions. Also, G depends on the clearcoat thickness when the thickn...
Specific-heat spectroscopy of glycerol and propylene glycol near the glass transition.

We have measured the frequency-dependent specific heat of glycerol and propylene glycol near the glass transition. The measurements, covering a frequency range of five decades, probe the linear response of these supercooled liquids to small perturbations from equilibrium. The specific heat of these two liquids contains a contribution which relaxes increasingly slowly as the temperature is lowered. The relaxation time measured by specific-heat spectroscopy has the same temperature dependence as that measured by other techniques. This suggests that a single mechanism is responsible for all of the observed phenomena associated with the glass transition in these materials.
Cost‐Effective Hedges and Accounting Standards

Using return data from other studies, we show that traditional short hedgers often face a cost in the form of a positive derivative risk premium. Consequently, the hedge ratio chosen should be significantly less than the traditional risk minimum hedge ratio since marginal cost rises dramatically as the risk minimum position is approached. We present a modified hedge ratio and hedge effectiveness measures to replace the commonly used risk minimum equivalents. The use of these alternative measures is permissible under SFAS No. 133 and IAS No. 39 and leads to improved hedging decisions.
Generating functional complex-based ship arrangements using network partitioning and community preferences

Generating ship arrangements is inherently a problem of identifying the spatial regions to be occupied by shipboard elements while balancing the impact on performance. Traditionally, elements are assigned a Cartesian coordinate location, and the allocation problem is solved in three-dimensional space. The coordinates for each subsequent element are selected by considering the element's interactions with placed and yet-to-be-placed elements. This paper presents a new approach to ship arrangements that starts with a non-spatial, network theory-based perspective and results in the traditional assignment of shipboard items to designated structural zones. Network partitioning is used to identify groups of mutually compatible ship elements, termed communities. A metric is introduced to express each community's cumulative preference to be located in specified regions of the ship. The cumulative preferences are used in a direct community-to-structural zone seeding procedure that creates reasonable initial compartment allocations. The rudimentary design knowledge required to position a particular set of shipboard elements using the proposed methods is ideally suited to early-stage design processes.
Laboratory evaluation of a potential diesel fuel interference in the determination of polycyclic aromatic compounds on dermal samplers.

Road pavers are exposed to asphalt fumes through dermal contact, inhalation, or ingestion. These fumes contain polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs), a class of compounds including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The PAHs include compounds such as pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene and a large number of other compounds of known or suspected carcinogenicity. To estimate dermal deposition of asphalt fume particulate matter, polypropylene sampling patches can be worn on a worker's inside wrist. Diesel fuel used for cleaning can splash onto the dermal sampler. Exposed dermal patches were solvent extracted and PACs estimated in the extract using a modification of NIOSH Method 5800. The final solution was analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a fluorescence detector using an excitation wavelength of 270 nanometers and an emission wavelength of 415 nanometers. The PACs were concentrated on a C-18 reverse phase guard column but not separated so that they could be measured expediently as a gro...
Breaking the Barrier of Transmission Noise in Full-Duplex Radio

The key technical challenge in making a full-duplex radio is self-interference cancelation (SIC). The self-interference received by a full-duplex radio has two major components: one corresponds to an information-carrying waveform meant for a remote radio and the other corresponds to the noise generated from the transmit chain of the full-duplex radio. The transmission signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of a typical radio is only about 30dB. This severely limits the performance of any SIC methods which ignore the transmission noise. None of the previously known digital or hybrid methods for SIC has any built-in mechanism to handle the transmission noise. In this paper, we present a new analog-digital hybrid method whose performance is no longer limited by the transmission noise. This method also involves a blind system identification and equalization algorithm for finding the optimal parameters of the cancelation filter.
The Application of the Minimum Cut Sets in Reliability Evaluation of Power Transmission and Transformation System

As an important part of power systems, power transmission and transformation system involves various equipments, complicated structure and operation modes, and its reliability level has a significant influence on the reliability of the whole system. The paper proposes a practical method for reliability evaluation of power transmission and transformation system based on minimum cut sets. The algorithm, based on topological structure and reliability data without power flow, analyses the reliability of system by different voltage grades. In each voltage grade analysis, the method resolves minimum path sets by depth first search method, gets minimum cut sets, and calculates reliability index. The method considers three states involved normal operating, schedule repair and fault repair, and it makes the evaluation process much more reasonable and effective as it resolves branch-node mixed cut sets. The paper verifies the effectiveness of the algorithm by the test of IEEE-RTS 79 system
Can the knemometer shorten the time for growth rate assessment

. Hermanussen, M., Geiger-Benoit, K., Burmeister, J., and Sippell, W. G. (Endocrine Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Children's Hospital, and Institute for Jnformatics and Practical Mathematics, University of Kiel, Kiel, West Germany. Acta Paediatr Scand [Suppl] 337:30, 1987. A total of 105 healthy children of both sexes and various ages were measured once or twice weekly by knemometry over periods of 161–202 days on 11–50 occasions. These data were used to calculate percentiles of the predictive error that occurred if short-term lower leg length differences were used to extrapolate half-annual growth rates. From these data, and observations on day-to-day variations of the lower leg length, it was concluded that growth rates derived from single differences between two consecutive lower leg length measurements are invalid and without predictive power for mean long-term lower leg increments. However, a novel statistical approach is presented, which results in the evaluation of daily lower leg growth rates to visualize quasi-continuous growth kinetics. Examples of successful and unsuccessful growth promoting therapeutic interventions are provided to demonstrate knemometric assessment of a significant modification of short-term growth kinetics.
Accountability and Demands on Staff.

Educators require better planning skills if today's demands for improved educational programs are to be met. To this end, colleges of education as well as the schools themselves must adjust their focus.
Dynamic Interactions between DNA and the T4 Single-Stranded Binding Protein gp32: Multi-Dimensional Correlation Analysis of Microsecond Single-Molecule FRET and Linear Dichroism Fluctuations

Protein-nucleic acid interactions are of central importance in genome-regulatory processes. The DNA replication system of the T4 bacteriophage is an excellent model system to study DNA replication in higher organisms, since the T4-coded replication machinery utilizes many of the same components. Here we present studies of the kinetics of binding of gp32, the single-stranded (ss) DNA binding protein of the T4 system, whose roles include the functional integration of the other components of the T4 replication complex as well as protecting the transiently-exposed single-stranded DNA template sequences from DNA nucleases and melting out unfavorable secondary structures potentially formed by the lagging strand during DNA replication. We have performed single-molecule measurements of internally-labelled Cy3/Cy5 labeled primer-template DNA constructs in the presence of gp32 by simultaneously monitoring single-molecule Forster resonance energy transfer (smFRET) and single-molecule fluorescence-detected linear-dichroism (smFLD) on the microsecond time scale. smFRET measurements probe the distance between the fluorophores, while smFLD measurements are sensitive to local orientations of the Cy3-labeled sugar-phosphate backbones of the DNA construct. Multiple transient FRET states are observed when adding gp32 protein to tethered model replication fork DNA constructs, permitting us to track the dynamics of millisecond interconversions between various configurations of the gp32 / ssDNA system. The distribution of FRET states changes as a function of gp32 concentration, suggesting that we may be monitoring fluctuations that reflect changes associated with the progression from isolated to cooperative gp32 binding. We apply a multi-dimensional correlation function analysis to our microsecond-resolved smFRET and smLD data to reveal statistically relevant mechanistic information about the reaction pathways of the ssDNA-gp32 system at the replication fork.
In vivo and in vitro responses of the bovine corpus luteum after exposure to exogenous gonadotropin-releasing hormone and prostaglandin F(2α).

Administration of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) early in the estrous cycle has been shown to cause subsequent altered luteal function. To determine whether membrane-related events may be involved in GnRH-attenuated luteal function, corpora lutea (CL) were removed from beef heifers on day seven of the estrous cycle after iv injection of GnRH or saline on day two of the cycle (n=5/group). Luteal slices were incubated with saline (control), luteinizing hormone (LH), or 8-bromo-cAMP for 2h. In vivo administration of GnRH reduced LH and cAMP-stimulated progesterone production by tissue (p 0.05). Luteal adenylyl cyclase activity did not differ between saline and GnRH-treated animals (p>0.05). Then to examine if early administration of GnRH alters response of the CL to prostaglandin (PG) F2α, beefheifers were injected with GnRH as described above (n=4/group), and then injected with PGF2α on day eight and the CL removed 60 min later. Blood samples were collected for oxytocin (OT) analysis at frequent intervals after PGF2α injection and for progesterone at 0 and 60 min. Induction of the early response gene c-jun or release of OT by PGF2α was not altered by GnRH injection (p>0.05). Injection of PGF2α decreased serum progesterone by 60 min postinjection (p 0.05). Collectively, these data suggest that GnRH-induced alteration of bovine luteal function may be owing to events distal to cAMP synthesis that do not interfere with PGF2α-induced expression of c-jun or OT release, cellular phenomena involved in luteolysis.
Simplified parameter identification for circular tunnels

A fundamental component of the observational method in tunneling is the use of monitoring data to assess the adequacy of the employed design. Monitoring data can also be used to calibrate numerical or analytical models. In this paper a simplified back-analysis procedure to calibrate models based on a statistical framework is examined. The method can be quickly used as a first degree approximation of the actual problem using simple spreadsheet calculations. (A) This paper was presented at Safety in the underground space - Proceedings of the ITA-AITES 2006 World Tunnel Congress and the 32nd ITA General Assembly, Seoul, Korea, 22-27 April 2006. For the covering abstract see ITRD E129148. "Reprinted with permission from Elsevier".
The Macrophage in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Macrophages are the predominant defense cell in the normal lung and during conditions associated with chronic inflammation such as COPD. However, the role of the macrophage in the development of COPD has been controversial. Scientific evidence from a variety of sources is emerging that supports a primary role for the macrophage in regulating the inflammatory response and tissue destruction associated with COPD. The role of macrophage proteinases in the development of emphysema, a major component of COPD, will be discussed. Shapiro SD. The macrophage in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Experimental Study of Stationary Head-Disk Contact in Magnetic Disk Drives

Magnetic disk drives are vulnerable to «stiction» a contact phenomenon in which staticfriction greatly exceed kinetic friction. Stiction tends to increase dramatically with time of stationary contact. Thus, processes leading to stiction in the stationary head-disk contact are an important subject of tribological studies. Measurements of the static friction force are accompanied in this work by measurements of the capacitance between a resting slider and a thin-film rigid disk. Capacitance provides a sensitive measure of the surface separation and allows in-situ monitoring of the stationary contact
Ploidy determination and agronomic characterization of small burnet germplasm.

Small burnet (Sanguisorba minor Scop.) is an evergreen forb readily utilized by livestock and wildlife that lacks persistence under heavy graz- ing. Our objective was to characterize all avail- able National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS) small burnet germplasm for ploidy level and agronomic characteristics before initiating a breeding program. Ploidy level was determined by fl ow cytometry. Forage yield, fl owering date, mortality, growth habit, and leafi ness were deter- mined at two locations in Utah. Of the materials tested 68% were tetraploids (2n = 4x = 28) and 32% octaploids (2n = 8x = 56). Signifi cant varia- tion was observed for all traits. Mean forage yield of the small burnet was 1.45 Mg ha -1 , ranging from not measurable to 2.96 Mg ha -1 compared to Ladak alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) at 2.28 mg ha -1 . Flowering date varied among accessions by 12 d while mortality ranged from 0 to 100%. Variation was displayed in growth habit, includ- ing prostrate and upright forms, and leafi ness. The range among accessions was similar within the two ploidy levels for all traits except fl ower- ing date which was 2 d earlier in the octaploids. It was shown that tetraploids and octaploids are present in roughly a 2:1 ratio in the NPGS small burnet germplasm. The forage production of some small burnet accessions can be compa- rable to alfalfa, and phenotypic variation is such that the germplasm has potential for improve- ment through recurrent selection. USDA-ARS, Forage and Range Research Lab., 695 N. 1100 E., Logan, UT 84321-6300. Joint contribution of the USDA-ARS and the Utah Agricultural Experiment Station, Utah State University. Journal Paper
Comparative effects of acute and chronic administration of amphetamine on local cerebral glucose utilization in the conscious rat.

The 2-deoxyglucose method was employed in rats following either acute or chronic administration of d-amphetamine. The drug was given either by a single intravenous and/or repeated daily intraperitoneal injections or by osmotic pumps implanted subcutaneously. Each mode of administration resulted in a specific constellation of metabolic effects. Acute doses of d-amphetamine, 5 mg/kg, stimulated glucose utilization in a number of cerebral structures, particularly the components of the extrapyramidal motor system. No effects were observed in components of the mesolimbic dopaminergic system. Repeated daily doses of 5 mg/kg for 2 weeks had no effects unless the dosage was progressively increased to toxic levels of 15 mg/kg over a 3-week period. Dosage sustained by osmotic pumps (12–15 mg/kg/day for 1 week or 6–7 mg/kg/day for 2 weeks), however, resulted in a selected increase in glucose utilization in the accumbens, an important component of the mesolimbic system. This finding may be of significance to the mech...
Silicon bipolar transistor scaling for advanced BiCMOS SRAM applications

In this paper, we discuss scaled silicon bipolar transistor performance for advanced BiCMOS SRAM applications. In particular, we present experimental results of non-self aligned, single poly emitter bipolar transistors with critical dimensions scaled vertically and laterally. We demonstrate the device performance enhancement by properly scaling and show device design tradeoffs with key bipolar device parameters.
Fitting piecewise linear continuous functions

Abstract We consider the problem of fitting a continuous piecewise linear function to a finite set of data points, modeled as a mathematical program with convex objective. We review some fitting problems that can be modeled as convex programs, and then introduce mixed-binary generalizations that allow variability in the regions defining the best-fit function’s domain. We also study the additional constraints required to impose convexity on the best-fit function.
A detector system for SPIDR, A mission to perform spectroscopy and photometry of the IGM's diffuse radiation

The primary goal of the Spectroscopy and Photometry of the IGM's Diffuse Radiation (SPIDR) Mission is to detect and map the huge filamentary structures, the "cosmic web", predicted to be present in the IGM. The SPIDR instrument comprises six imaging spectrographs providing 8° x 8° and 2.5° x 2.5° high-resolution spatial maps of IGM features in the OVI and CIV wavelength bands. For simplicity and economy all six spectrographs utilize virtually identical detector systems. Each detector records a two-dimensional image whose axes represent spectral and one-dimensional spatial information, the second spatial axis being obtained by tomographic reconstruction. We describe the design of the prototype detector built for the SPIDR mission. The detector uses a conventional microchannel plate (MCP) arrangement with a charge division readout anode used in the image charge configuration. The image charge technique provides enhanced resolution, linearity and stability in a more compact mechanical design. The predictable distribution of the induced image charge footprint has allowed us to accurately simulate the readout performance in software. The conservative requirements of the SPIDR spectrograph allow the use of a conventional wedge and strip anode which benefits from the design improvements generated using our software simulation. Redesign of the boundary electrodes has enabled us to improve overall linearity and increase useful imaging area. We describe the integrated electronics system for the SPIDR prototype, designed for low mass and power consumption. A single printed circuit board is used to house analog signal processing, digital processing, and power systems.
Spectral radiance of a low current graphite arc.

The spectral radiance of the anode of a low current graphite are has been determined throughout most of the 850–210 nm region by utilizing a recently developed high accuracy spectroradiometer. The estimated standard deviation uncertainty varies from about 1.5% at the longer wavelengths to about 5% at the shorter. Results are given at twenty wavelength points in the region and also as a continuous function of wavelength throughout most of the region, excluding some areas of high molecular band radiation originating in the arc stream.
Bearers of properties in the quantum mechanical description of nature

Abstract Responding to the question of how would we have to speak about the world if a realist interpretation of quantum physics is attempted, here we propose a vocabulary built on the notion of a “bearer of properties” (BP) for talking about the physicists’ models of the atomic systems used to interpret the phenomenal evidence. We analyze the “mysterious” nature of the quantum world by contrasting this discourse to that engendered by the classical ontological expectations and use it to discuss the view of Bohr, the Bell results, and the difficulties in moving from a description of the model to a discourse about the nature of quantum microsystems themselves.
A test of the Heckscher-Ohlin-Vanek theorem: The Leontief commonplace

Abstract This paper provides a logically complete empirical test of the HOV theorem for the United States by comparing measures of factor intensities, trade, and factor endowments. Under the appropriate computations of the factor contents of trade and production, U.S. data are shown to diverge often from their values as predicted by HOV. As a result, it appears that paradoxical outcomes may be common in empirical applications of the theorem.
Column chromatography of RNA and oligonucleotides on denatured proteins.

Abstract Protein of the E. coli phage MS2 was denatured with phenol and used as insoluble support for the column chromatography of MS2 RNA, tRNA, and oligonucleotides. The ion-exchange capacity of denatured protein differed little, if at all, from that of denatured (commercial) egg albumin, and was comparable to that of DEAE- and benzoylated DEAE-cellulose. Large oligomers were adsorbed more strongly than smaller ones, and elution was achieved by positive salt gradients in the range of 0–1 M NaCl.
Argentina: public health genomics.

Argentina’s population numbers about 40 million, with main genetic contributions from Europeans, Amerindians and, to a much lower extent, West Africans. There is a traditional health care system publi
Synthesis of Triamidoamine Complexes of Niobium.

Triamidoamine complexes of niobium where E = O, NSiMe3 can be prepared by treating NbOCl3(THF)2 or Nb(NSiMe3)Cl3(py)2, respectively, with Li3[(Me3SiNCH2CH2)3N] (Li3[N3N]). [N3N]NbO reacts with exce...
Damage evaluation of Timoshenko beams using invariant stress resultants

Abstract This paper presents an explicit damage evaluation methodology that utilizes the fundamental principles of mechanics to relate the changes in the physical properties of an undamaged and damaged structure to measurable response quantities. The proposed methodology is based on the principle of invariant stress resultants and the Timoshenko beam theory. First, damage in a structure is expressed in terms of local decreases in the bending stiffnesses of structural members. These stiffness decreases are in turn related to appropriate response quantities utilizing the Timoshenko beam theory. Next, a set of numerical experiments using results from two dimensional finite element models of cantilever and fixed–fixed beams are introduced to evaluate the performance of the proposed damage evaluation scheme. Results indicate that the proposed methodology can identify the location, the extent, and the severity of the local stiffness degradations in beams of arbitrary aspect ratios.
Modeling the effect of patient choice on the performance of open access scheduling

Abstract Open access scheduling, introduced in recent years, is a revolutionary concept for improving healthcare access and reducing patient no-shows. In this paper, a Markov chain model is presented to capture appointment scheduling in open access clinics when considering patient choice of appointments. Due to the curse of dimensionality, it is impossible to solve the steady-state distribution of the Markov chain model for a typical-size open access primary care clinic. Therefore, an approximate approach is proposed to efficiently estimate the performance of a provider capacity policy based on the Markov chain model. This approach can accurately estimate the performance of a practical capacity policy in a significantly shorter time. Using this approach, the impact of patient choice on the performance of provider capacity policies is investigated.
Determination of regional pulmonary parenchymal strain during normal respiration using spin inversion tagged magnetization MRI

In clinical practice, the assessment of lung mechanics is limited to a global physiological evaluation, which measures, in the aggregate, the contributions of the pulmonary parenchyma, pleura, and chest wall. In this study, we used an MR imaging methodology which applies two-dimensional bands of inverted magnetization directly onto the pulmonary parenchyma, thus allowing for the quantification of local pulmonary tissue deformation, or strain, throughout inhalation. Our results showed that the magnitude of strain was maximal at the base and apex of the lung, but was curtailed at the hilum, the anatomical site of the poorly mobile bronchial and vascular insertions. In-plane shear strain mapping showed mostly positive shear strain, predominant at the apex throughout inhalation, and increasing with expanding lung volume. Anisotropy mapping showed that superior-inferior axial strain was greater than medial-lateral axial strain at the apex and base, while the opposite was true for the middle lung field. This study demonstrates that localized pulmonary deformation can be measured in vivo with tagging MRI, and quantified by applying finite strain definitions from continuum mechanics.
Hydrogen bonding versus hyperconjugation in condensed-phase carbocations

Hyperconjugative stabilization of positive charge in tertiary carbocations is the textbook explanation for their stability and low frequency νCH bands in their IR spectra have long been taken as confirming evidence. While this is substantiated in the gas phase by the very close match of the IR spectrum of argon-tagged t-butyl cation with that calculated under C(s) symmetry, the situation in condensed phases is much less clear. The congruence of νCH(max) of t-Bu(+) in superacid media (2830 cm(-1)) with that in the gas phase (2834 cm(-1)) has recently been shown to be accidental. Rather, νCH(max) varies considerably as a function of counterion in a manner that reveals the presence of significant C-H···anion hydrogen bonding. This paper addresses the question of the relative importance of hyperconjugation versus H-bonding. We show by assigning IR spectra in the νCH region to specific C-H bonds in t-butyl cation that the low frequency νCH(max) band in the IR spectrum of t-butyl cation, long taken as direct evidence for hyperconjugation, appears to be due mostly to H-bonding. The appearance of similar low frequency νCH bands in the IR spectra of secondary alkyl carboranes such as i-Pr(CHB11Cl11), which have predominant sp(3) centres rather than sp(2) centres (and are therefore less supportive of hyperconjugation), also suggests the dominance of H-bonding over hyperconjugation.
Critical window of male reproductive tract development in rats following gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate.

BACKGROUND: Gestational exposure to di-n-butyl phthalate (DBP), a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been shown to interfere with the development of the male reproductive tract by acting as an antiandrogen. This study was conducted to identify the critical days for the abnormal development of the male reproductive tract, specifically the testis and epididymis. METHODS: Timed-pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were dosed with DBP at 500 mg/kg/day on gestation day (GD) 14 and 15, 15 and 16, 16 and 17, 17 and 18, 18 and 19, or 19 and 20 (GD 0=plug day). Anogenital distance (AGD) was measured on postnatal day (PND) 1 and 13, while areloa number was recorded on PND 13 only. After weaning, males were allowed to mature to PND 90 at which time they were necropsied. Areloa number and AGD were recorded and testes, epididymides, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, kidneys, and liver weighed. Blood serum was collected and assayed for total testosterone concentration. RESULTS: There were no observable effects on litter size, sex ratio, serum testosterone concentration, or mortality of pups. Statistically significant permanent reductions in AGD were seen in males exposed prenatally to DBP on GD 15 and 16 or GD 18 and 19. On PND 13, areola were present in males exposed to DBP on GD 15 and 16, 16 and 17, 17 and 18, and 19 and 20. However, permanent retention occurred only in males after DBP exposure on GD 16 and 17. Exposure to DBP on only GD 17 and 18 elicited a reduction in epididymal weights; while exposure on only GD 16 and 17 caused a significant increase in the weights of the testes due to edema. In this study, epididymal and testicular malformations were most prevalent after exposure to DBP on any gestational day. Epididymal malformations, characterized by agenesis of various regions and small or flaccid testes were significantly increased in DBP-exposed males only on GD 16 and 17. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that 2-day DBP exposure is highly detrimental to the developing reproductive tract of the male fetus and the critical window for abnormal development is GD 16–18. Birth Defects Res B 74:277–285, 2005. Published 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Remote exploratoriums: combining network media and design environments

Abstract In an educational context, World Wide Web clients such as NCSA Mosaic® are of limited value because they put learners in the role of information absorbers. Drawing on a museum analogy, learners using Mosaic can be perceived, similar to museum visitors, as passive observers of exhibits. Despite the richness of exhibits in terms of the amount of information as well as the use of multimedia, activity is restricted to navigation through real (museum) or hyper (Mosaic) spaces. More effective learning would include constructive activities that are more engaging than just browsing information spaces. Distance education could be improved by augmenting network media with design environments to create remote exploratoriums that encourage highly interactive, engaged learning experiences. In contrast to classical museums, exploratoriums, such as the one in San Francisco and several children's museums, feature hands-on learning exhibits that are not only observed but can be actively manipulated. The Agentsheets Remote Exploratorium is a mechanism to facilitate the easy exchange and distribution of interactive educational exhibits through the Internet. Agentsheets is a programming substrate to create design environments. In this paper, we discuss the implications of combining a network medium and a design environment in order to support distance education.
Combined aortic valve replacement and orthotopic liver transplantation.

MULTIPLE ORGAN transplantation including combined procedures involving the liver and the heart have been reported previously,1-7 but the number of these cases in the literature is small. Severe valvular heart disease not requiring orthotopic heart transplantation may occasionally be encountered in patients with end-stage liver disease (ESLD). Several cases of valvular heart disease requiring either valve repair or replacement secondary to bacterial endocarditis performed subsequent to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) have been reported.8-11 Two instances of aortic valve replacement (AVR) for aortic stenosis after liver transplantation have been presented in the literature.12,13 The authors now report the first case of combined AVR and OLT.
Non-invasive brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to quantify the efficacy of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for the treatment of motor dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Prospective studies which evaluated the effects of either TMS (12 studies) or ECT (five studies) on motor function in PD using the motor subscale of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) for TMS studies and any continuous measures of motor function in PD for ECT studies were included. The pooled effect size (standardised mean difference between pre-treatment versus post-treatment means) from a random effects model was 0.62 (95% confidence interval: 0.38, 0.85) for TMS treatment and 1.68 (0.79, 2.56) for ECT treatment, and from a fixed effects model was 0.59 (0.39, 0.78) for TMS treatment and 1.55 (1.07, 2.03) for ECT treatment. TMS, across applied stimulation sites and parameters, can exert a significant, albeit modest, positive effect on the motor function of patients with PD. ECT also may exert a significant effect on motor function in PD patients.
Spectral weighting for distributed backward propagation image reconstruction in diffraction tomography

The objective of this work is to provide the formulation of the spatial-frequency weighting of distributed filtered backward propagation in multiple-projection diffraction tomography. This formulation provides the precise frequency-weighting characteristics for the generalized tomographic data-acquisition configurations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 18, 307–309, 2008
A novel method for spatially complex diffraction‐limited photoactivation and photobleaching in living cells

Photoactivated probes have gained interest as experimental tools to study intracellular signalling pathways all the way to the molecular level. However technical limitations of the means to activate such compounds have put constraints on their use in spatially highly restricted subcellular areas. The Mosaic digital illumination system uses a high-speed array of individually addressable, tiltable micromirrors to direct continuous-wave laser light onto a specimen with diffraction-limited precision. The system, integrated into a Nikon A1R confocal microscope, was used to uncage Ca2+ or IP3 and conduct photobleaching experiments from multiple geometrically complex subcellular regions while simultaneously measuring [Ca2+]i with high-speed confocal imaging.
Language Diversity and Giftedness: Working with Gifted English Language Learners:

The challenge of serving gifted students from nonmainstream cultural backgrounds assumes greater complexity when accompanied by linguistic diversity. Gifted students with primary languages other th...