cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A 5.6GHz to 11.5GHz DCO for digital dual loop CDRs

A DCO is realized in 0.13µ CMOS using 4 cores for a 5.6 to 11.5 GHz octave tuning bandwidth to provide the clock for an all digital D/PLL CDR circuit. The DCO is novel in that it can track more than a 130 degree C temperature variation while the CDR maintains an error free lock to data. Each core is directly coupled to a div/2 to produce I/Q signals that a 4∶1 MUX combines into a single set of 2.8 to 5.8 GHz quadrature outputs to drive the sine interpolator of the CDR. Locked to maximum data rms jitter, integrated from 1 kHz to 1 GHz is 299 fs @ 9.953 Gb/s (Sonet OC-192) from a DCO phase noise of −116 dBc/Hz at 1 MHz offset. The kDCO gain is 190 ppm/bit with less than 2∶1 variation over the full BW. The combined DCO, divide by 2 and MUX current is 14 mA to 37 mA on a 1.2V regulated supply at 25C.
Opioid receptor antagonist affinity ligands: 6β-bromoacetamido-6-desoxynaltrexone and 6β-thioglycolamido-6-desoxynaltrexone

The present study, utilizing thioglycolamido as the reactive group, describes the synthesis and pharmacology of a new opioid antagonist affinity ligand, 6β-thioglycolamido-6-desoxynaltrexone (TAN) and compares TAN with a related known compound, 6β-bromoacetamido-6-desoxynaltrexone (BAN). Both compounds were tested for their reversible and irreversible inhibition of [3H]naloxone binding to calf brain membranes. Reversible binding of BAN and TAN had Ki values of 1×10−9 and 1×10−10 M, respectively as determined by log probit plots. Irreversible binding was determined after extensive washing to remove all non-covalently bound ligand. At a concentration of 5×10−8 and 1×10−8 M for BAN and TAN irreversible binding was inhibited 50% of the maximum value. A study of the time course of irreversible inhibition of [3H]naloxone binding revealed that maximal inhibition occurred within 5 min with a concentration of 1×10−7 M of either agent. TAN but not BAN when administered systematically to mice produced an antinociceptive effect as measured by the writhing test. When administered intracerebraventricularly BAN did not block morphine-induced analgesia for more than 2 hr; whereas, with a single ED50 dose of 20 nmoles of TAN i.c.v. morphine-induced analgesia was almost completely blocked for a period of over 24 hr, as determined by the tail flick test. Although the SH group of TAN were required for the covalent interaction with opioid receptors, the site of TAN's interaction appears to involve other than protein SH groups.
The Influence of Gender-Related Beliefs and Conceptions of Ability on Women Learning the Hockey Wrist Shot

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of beliefs about gender appropriateness and conceptions of ability on perceived and actual competence and patterns of behavior during practice of the hockey wrist shot. Sixty-eight undergraduate women formed four treatment conditions based on their beliefs about gender appropriateness and conceptions of ability. Four teachers taught across the treatment conditions for a total of 16 learning groups. Data were collected through a three-part questionnaire and from audio-video taping of the entire episode to ascertain the participants' competency beliefs, effort, and performance. Gender appropriateness impacted the participants' perceptions of competence and actual performance in the study, while beliefs about conceptions of ability did not produce a significant difference. This study reaffirms that educators must work diligently to combat the stereotypical beliefs many hold with respect to the gender appropriateness of physical activities.
Cis-Trans isomerization of unsaturated fatty acid methyl esters without double bond migration

Trans isomerization of monoenoic and dienoic fatty acid methyl esters has been carried out with thiols and diphenylphosphine in the presence of azobisisobutylnitrile. The equilibrium mixture contained 75–80%trans double bonds and there was no migration of the double bonds.
Assignment of human nerve growth factor receptor gene to chromosome 17 and regulation of receptor expression in somatic cell hybrids.

Nerve growth factor (NGF) is a polypeptide hormone which plays a central role in the development and growth of sympathetic and sensory neurons. The effects of NGF on target cells are mediated by a specific cell surface structure, nerve growth factor receptor (NGFr), which has been identified in human cells as a 75,000-mol-wt glycoprotein. We have used a monoclonal antibody to human NGFr to study cell-surface expression of the receptor on a panel of mouse-human neuroblastoma hybrids, and the serological typing results permit assignment of the gene coding for NGFr(NGFR) to chromosome 17q21-qter. In addition to mouse-human neuroblastoma hybrids, human NGFr was also detected on hybrids derived from fusions between mouse L-cell fibroblasts and human neuroblastoma and melanoma cells. Furthermore, induction of human NGFr expression was observed in hybrids derived from NGFr− human kidney epithelial cells and mouse L cells, but not in hybrids derived from human kidney epithelial cells and mouse RAG kidney carcinoma cells. These results suggest that cell-surface expression of human NGFr is controlled by transacting regulatory signals.
Cursive: controlling expressive avatar gesture using pen gesture

We describe an interaction technique for expressive nonverbal communication through an avatar. The input consists of letters written with expressive modulation, by hand, using a pen tablet input device. This technique, which we call Cursive, translates an alphabetic letter into a body gesture. Our design is inspired by the observation that handwriting, like some kinds of human gesture, informs through the symbols it depicts, and through the manner in which the symbols are produced. The technique is especially suited for desktop and portable virtual reality applications--applications that do not use special rooms or equipment but only two-dimensional displays and simple pointing devices for interaction with the virtual environment. Our system solves the difficult problem of controlling the movements of a highly articulated, 3D avatar using a common input device within the context of an office or other real world environment.
Parents and Court-Ordered Services: A Descriptive Study of Service Use in Child Welfare Reunification

Child welfare-involved parents use court-ordered services to resolve their problems and reunify with children removed from their care. Often this requires the use of multiple service types, service providers, and service locations. Very little research takes this diversity into account: Most studies of service use examine only a single service area. As a result, the field lacks information to guide the development of interventions to increase reunification service use. This descriptive study examines service use across the array of services ordered for a sample of 223 parents attempting to reunify with their children. Most parents had a mixed pattern of service use, with different patterns emerging by parent age, ethnicity, gender, and custodial status. These findings suggest that targeted interventions or service adjustments may be needed.
Emergency Department Opioid Prescribing Practices for Chronic Pain: a 3-Year Analysis

Chronic pain is a common reason for emergency department (ED) visits. Our objective was to describe opioid prescribing practices of ED providers when treating patients with chronic pain. We retrospectively evaluated opioid prescriptions from EDs at two tertiary care military hospitals. We queried the outpatient record database to obtain a list of opioid medications prescribed and ICD-9 codes associated with visits for chronic pain. We collected provider type and gender, number of pills, opioid type, and refills. We compared the incidence with chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests. Wilcoxon test was used for non-parametric continuous variables. Over 3 years, 28,103 visits generated an opioid prescription. One thousand three hundred twenty-two visits were associated with chronic pain, and 443 (33 %) visits were associated with an opioid prescription. Providers were 79 % physicians, 19 % physician assistants (PAs), 81 % male, and 69 % active duty military. Medications were 43 % oxycodone, 30 % hydrocodone, 9.5 % tramadol, 2.5 % codeine, and 15 % other. The number of pills was 20 [interquartile range (IQR) 15–30] (range 1–240), morphine equivalents (M.E.) per pill was 7.5 [7.5–7.5] (2.5–120) and total M.E. per prescription was 150 [112.5–270] (15–6000). Physicians were more likely to prescribe a non-opioid than PAs (77 vs 45 %, p < 0.0001). Civilian providers were more likely to prescribe an opioid than active duty providers (58 vs 42 %, p < 0.0001). Providers prescribed a median of 20 pills per prescription and most commonly prescribed oxycodone. PAs were more likely to prescribe an opioid for chronic pain than physicians. Civilian providers were more likely to prescribe an opioid than active duty providers.
Nonlinear plasmonics with Kerr-like media for sensing

Sensing technologies are currently needed for better maintainability, reliability, safety, and monitoring small variable changes on microscopic and nanoscale systems. Plasmonic sensor research has contributed to chemical and biological sensing needs by monitoring ultrafast temporal and spatial changes in optoelectronic systems. Nonlinear plasmonic waveguides with subwavelength confinement can further enhance the capabilities of plasmonic devices. Results in this paper highlight the derivation of the full-vector Maxwell Equations for the single metal- dielectric slot waveguide and the metal –dielectric –metal waveguide with the dielectric having a Kerr-like nonlinearity. These waveguides, typically have metallic losses that compete with nonlinearity at certain frequencies that can hinder surface plasmon wave propagation. By considering temporal and spatial beam propagation in these waveguides one expects to observe novel effects that could be used for sensing applications such as femtosecond pulse propagation with plasmon self-focusing, self-trapping, and frequency conversion with reduction in metallic losses.
TRP-16 IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE ACTIVITY OF ALPHA -GALACTOSIDASE AND ALPHA -N-ACETYLGALACTOSAMINIDASE

By expressing site-directed mutants in the methylotrophic yeast strain Pichia pastoris, the role of a tryptophan residue at position 16 in the activity of alpha-galactosidase and alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, two closely related exoglycosidases, was studied. A substitution of Trp-16 with an arginine residue in alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase abolished the enzyme activity, which was confirmed by replacing a 600 bp fragment containing the mutation with the corresponding wild-type sequence. The same tryptophan residue was then substituted with an alanine in both enzymes by site-directed mutagenesis to reveal a possible relationship between their active sites. The purified alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase mutant demonstrated a specific activity of 2.8 x 10(-2) U/mg and a Vmax/K(m) of 4.3 x 10(-2), which were both more than a thousandfold lower than corresponding values for the wild-type enzyme. Furthermore, the mutant failed to bind to an affinity resin, suggesting the involvement of Trp-16 in substrate-binding. In addition, the purified alpha-galactosidase mutant resulted in more than a 10(4)-fold decrease in specific activity. Thus our data suggest that Trp-16 in both alpha-galactosidase and alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase is critical for enzymatic activity, which in turn supports the hypothesis that these two enzymes may share a catalytic mechanism involving similar residues in their active sites.
Langmuir Wave Phase Velocity in Unneutralized Beams

We investigate the dispersion relation for long wavelength slow Langmuir waves in a relativistic particle beam propagating along a strong magnetic guide field in an evacuated metallic waveguide. For a large class of beam radial profiles, wave phase velocity drops to zero with infinite slope as beam current approaches the space-charge limit. This result is of importance to certain collective ion acceleration proposals.
Aging and mortality: Manisfestations of natural ‘non-selaction’

Aging and mortality have long been a source of concern, fascination and investigation. The ultimate question being, why do we age and die? The method of longitudinal Gompertzian analysis demonstrates that aging and mortality are deterministically linked. Moreover, this method of analysis reveals that with enhanced human survival, mortality patterns have changed primarily as the result of the unmasking of latent susceptibilities to other Gompertzian diseases rather than altered environmental etiopathogenic influences. That is, the Gompertzian model of human aging and mortality suggests that redundant programmed failure is the primary reason for ultimate and inevitable mortality. A process by which redundant deterministic disease susceptibilities could accumulate within the genome is natural 'non-selection'. Random genetic mutations which enhance survival until reproduction facilitate the processes of natural selection and evolution. However, random genetic mutations that program for late failure or disease susceptibility would not be eliminated from the gene pool. Thus, random genetic mutations which have programmed for late susceptibility to Gompertzian diseases, and their cumulative non-selection, may be the basis for the deterministic relationship between aging and mortality.
FPGA implementation of a coherent SOQPSK-TG demodulator

In this paper, we present a hardware implementation of a demodulator for shaped offset quadrature phase shift keying, telemetry group version (SOQPSK-TG). The demodulator is implemented based on maximum likelihood sequence detection of SOQPSK using the soft-output Viterbi algorithm (SOVA). Symbol timing and carrier phase recovery are fundamental operations required for the best symbol detection. We describe how to generate time and phase error signals from the SOVA which are fed in two separate discrete phase locked loops (PLLs). The PLLs work along with other blocks including a down converter, matched filters and the SOVA in order to provide optimal sequence detection of the received signal from analog to digital converter. Additionally, the SOVA provides output reliabilities for the detected bits which can be used by iterative error correction schemes such as low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes. Moreover, we propose a simplified implementation of the SOVA based on the two-traceback method which reduces the overall size of the demodulator by 25%. The simplification causes a slight degradation in the output reliabilities which is examined by LDPC decoding of its output. The demodulator is targeted for field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) which provide us with flexibility and rapid prototyping. Finally, the FPGA performance and utilization results along with bit error rate performance of both demodulator and LDPC coded system are presented.
71.4: Invited Paper: Imaging via Backlights

We have used a wedge light guide to capture images in front of an LCD as if from a point deep behind. We have also used it to illuminate an LCD so as to be visible to only one viewer. These two features offer the prospect of a digital window.
Assessment in the Context of Licensure and Certification

Over the past 25 years, three major forces have had a significant influence on licensure and certification: the shift in focus from educational process to educational outcomes, the increasing recognition of the need for learning and assessment throughout a physician's career, and the changes in technology and psychometrics that have opened new vistas for assessment. These forces have led to significant changes in assessment for licensure and certification. To respond to these forces, licensure and certification programs have improved the ways in which their examinations are constructed, scored, and delivered. In particular, we note the introduction of adaptive testing; automated item creation, scoring, and test assembly; assessment engineering; and data forensics. Licensure and certification programs have also expanded their repertoire of assessments with the rapid development and adoption of simulation and workplace-based assessment. Finally, they have invested in research intended to validate their prog...
A method for eliminating the stimulus artifact from digital recordings of the direct cortical response

A computer algorithm which removes the electrical pulse stimulus artifact from digitized electrophysiological recordings is described. The technique has been applied to recordings of the direct cortical response (DCR). The process removes the stimulus artifact without removing the overlapping physiological signal. The results from recordings of the DCR in the rat before and after the artifact removal process are shown. The validity of the method is demonstrated from simultaneous recording of the same response with a minimal and maximal artifact. An examination of the residual artifact and degree of signal distortion after the algorithm has been applied is presented.
Effect of delayed irrigation on isoxaben and oryzalin runoff from a container nursery

Abstract The presence of herbicides in runoff water after application to container plant nurseries warrants investigation of methods to reduce the amount of runoff. During the summer of 2000, field research was conducted at a commercial nursery to determine the effect of a delay in irrigation after herbicide application on herbicide levels in runoff water. Two studies were conducted in June and August. Isoxaben and oryzalin were sprayed on container plants in production beds at a rate of 1.4 and 2.9 kg ai ha−1, respectively. Treatments were pulse irrigated either immediately or 24 h after herbicide application. Pulse irrigation consisted of three 30-min irrigation cycles, with a 90-min rest between cycles, that supplied a total of 1.8 to 2.0 cm of water. Runoff samples were collected from both treatments after 0, 15, and 30 min of runoff flow from each pulse cycle for 3 consecutive d of pulse irrigation. The maximum isoxaben detected in June for the immediate irrigation treatment was 2.2 μg ml−1. The maxi...
Tensor Virial Equations

The tensor virial equations for an aggregate of particles are developed. They are tensor equations of second rank, and on contraction yield the familiar virial equation. To illustrate their application, the diffusion of molecules through a gas is considered and a kinetic derivation of the Navier-Stokes equations is worked out. The latter may here be carried out in more general terms than is usual, the generalization leading to results that are of interest in turbulence theory. In anisotropic systems the use of the tensor in place of the scalar virial becomes imperative. An astrophysical example of this (anisotropic star cluster) is given in outline.
Rapid thermal annealing effects on the photoluminescence properties of molecular beam epitaxy-grown GaIn(N)As quantum wells with Ga(N)As spacers and barriers

This article describes the effects of rapid thermal annealing (RTA) on the photoluminescence (PL) emission from a series of GaIn(N)As quantum wells. Indium compositions of both 20% and 32% were examined with nominal N compositions of 1% or 2%. The N location was varied within our quantum structure, which can be divided into three regions: (1) quantum well, (2) Ga(N)As spacer layers at the barrier-to-well interface and well-to-barrier interface, and (3) barriers surrounding each quantum well. Eight combinations of samples were examined with varying In content, Ga(N)As spacer layer thickness, N content, and N location in the structure. In the best cases, the presence of these Ga(N)As spacer layers improves the PL properties, due to annealing, with a reduction in the emission wavelength blueshift by ∼400 A, a reduction of the decrease in the full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) by ∼5 meV, and a threefold reduction of the increase in integrated intensity. It was also observed that relocating N from the quantum wells to the barriers produces a comparable emission wavelength both before and after annealing. Our results further show that the composition of incorporated N in the material is most influential during the stages of RTA in which relatively small amounts of thermal energy is present from our lower annealing times and temperatures. Hence, we believe a low thermal-energy anneal is responsible for the recovery of the plasma-related crystal damage that was incurred during its growth. However, the In composition in the quantum well is most influential during the latter stages of thermal annealing, at increased times and temperatures, where the wavelength blueshift was roughly independent of the amount of incorporated N. As a result, our investigations into the effects of RTA on the PL properties support other reports that suggest the wavelength blueshift is not due to N diffusion.
CO hydrogenation over rhodium supported on SiO2, La2O3, Nd2O3 and Sm2O3

Abstract The kinetics of CO hydrogenation over Rh supported on SiO2, La2O3, Nd2O3 and Sm2O3 were investigated. Large differences were observed between silica-supported Rh and the rare earth oxide-supported Rh catalysts, in the apparent activation energies for the synthesis of methane, methanol, and C2-oxygenates. Large differences were also observed, between Rh/SiO2 and the rare earth oxide-supported Rh catalysts, in the H2 and CO partial pressure dependences for the synthesis of C2-oxygenates. These differences are attributable to metal-support interactions. No clear correlation was found between the activity or selectivity for CO hydrogenation of the rare earth oxide-supported Rh catalysts and basicity of the support. For each of the catalysts studied, acetaldehyde was found to be the primary C2-oxygenated product. Ethanol appears to be formed via the hydrogenation of acetaldehyde, a process which occurs much more readily over the rare earth oxide-supported catalysts than over the silica-supported catalyst.
Spectral analysis of a solubilized hepatic cytochrome P-450 preparation for determination of contamination by cytochrome b5 and unreactive cytochrome P-450.

Summary A solubilized hepatic cytochrome P-450 preparation was obtained from phenobarbital-treated rabbits. Spectral analyses of this preparation revealed an anomalous absorption peak at 423 nm in the absolute reduced-carbon monoxide (CO) spectrum. The reduced-carbon monoxide minus reduced difference spectrum indicated a near absence of cytochrome P-420 from the preparation. The concentration of cytochrome b5, determined by normal assay procedures, was insufficient to explain the 423 nm absorption. The concentration of cytochrome b5 determined by dithionite reduction, however, did account for the majority of the 423 nm absorbance peak in the absolute reduced-carbon monoxide spectrum. The apparent extinction coefficient calculated from the reduced-carbon monoxide minus reduced difference spectrum of the cytochrome P-450 in the solubilized preparation was 63 mM−1 cm−1 when all of the cytochrome b5 was accounted for. It was determined that the difference between 63 mM−1 cm−1 and the normally accepted cytochrome P-450 extinction coefficient of 91 mM−1 cm−1 was not the result of an alteration of the extinction properties of cytochrome P-450 in the solubilized preparation. It is suggested that incomplete formation of the reduced cytochrome P-450-carbon monoxide complex in the solubilized preparation results in the lower apparent extinction coefficient.
Parameter Estimation for the Nonlinear Muskingum Model Using the BFGS Technique

In the past, various methods have been used to estimate the parameters in the nonlinear three-parameter Muskingum model to allow the model to more closely approximate a nonlinear relation compared to the original two-parameter Muskingum model. In this study, the Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (BFGS) technique, which searches the solution area based on mathematical gradients, is introduced. The technique found the best parameter values compared to previous results in terms of the sum of the square deviation between the observed and routed outflows, using the smallest number of computational iterations. A sensitivity analysis showed that the initial values of certain parameters were critical when finding the optimal solution. Although this gradient-based technique makes use of initial value assumptions and involves complicated calculus, different initial values reach the same optimal or near-optimal solution within less time. Moreover, this mathematical technique does not require the algorithm parameters ...
High-resolution transmission electron microscopy/analytical electron microscopy characterization of epitaxial oxide multilayers fabricated by laser ablation on biaxially textured Ni

Abstract Microstructural characterization of rolling-assisted biaxially textured substrates (RABiTS) was conducted using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and high-resolution analytical electron microscopy (AEM). RABiT substrates with a multilayer configuration YSZ (0.2 μm)/CeO 2 (0.9 μm)/Ni (125 μm) were studied. The substrates were fabricated by epitaxial deposition of oxide layers using laser ablation on biaxially textured Ni substrates. High critical current density YBa 2 Cu 3 O x thick films have been fabricated on such RABiT substrates and typically yield J c values over 1 MA/cm 2 . TEM examinations show that a reaction layer 10–40 nm thick is formed at the CeO 2 /Ni interface. Detailed microstructural and chemical analyses indicate that the layer is epitaxial {001} nickel oxide on {001} Ni. The CeO 2 layer is found to consist of three distinct morphologies corresponding to the growth atmosphere during the deposition. The YSZ layer exhibited a columnar structure aligned along the [100] axis, with little or no orientation variation between the columns. The interface between the YSZ and CeO 2 layers is atomically sharp and neither interdiffusion of elements nor an interfacial reaction layer is observed. Implications of these results on processing are discussed.
Cell-mediated immune response to dog pulp tissue altered by N2 paste within the root canal.

Abstract After pulpal extirpation of twenty teeth in each of four dogs, these animals were primarily immunized intramuscularly with the dog's own pulp (three dogs) and saline solution with pulp (one dog). A fifth dog was used as a control for skin tests. Secondary immunizations were accomplished via the root canal every 7 days over a 28-day period. Cell-mediated skin-test reactions demonstrated less of a response to the eugenol alone than when the dogs' pulp was incubated with this material. In vitro analysis of cell-mediated immune response (lymphocyte proliferation) showed a marked response to the pulp altered by eugenol as compared to the saline-treated pulp (p
1/f Noise QWIPs and nBn detectors

Abstract The low-frequency noise is a ubiquitous phenomenon and the spectral power density of this fluctuation process is inversely proportional to the frequency of the signal. We have measured the 1/f noise of a 640 × 512 pixel quantum well infrared photodetector (QWIP) focal plane array (FPA) with 6.2 μm peak wavelength. Our experimental observations show that this QWIP FPA’s 1/f noise corner frequency is about 0.1 mHz. With this kind of low frequency stability, QWIPs could unveil a new class of infrared applications that have never been imagined before. Furthermore, we present the results from a similar 1/f noise measurement of bulk InAsSb absorber (lattice matched to GaSb substrate) nBn detector array with 4.0 μm cutoff wavelength.
Optimizing injection into large-mode-area photonic crystal-fiber amplifiers by spatially resolved spectral interferometry

Spatially resolved spectral interferometry is used to measure the mode content of a Yb-doped photonic crystal-fiber amplifier having a 2300-µm2 mode area. The impact of misalignment at signal injection on the relative mode powers is quantified.
Fiber Stress Concentrations in Kevlar/Epoxy Monolayers

A stress-based finite element analysis, formulated within the context of a shear-lag theory, is used to analyze a Kevlar 49/epoxy monolayer containing a single, preexisting fiber break. The highest and most localized stress concentration occurs when the epoxy matrix is idealized as linearly elastic and perfectly bonded to the fibers. This calculation suggests, however, that the fiber-matrix bond strength will be exceeded at relatively low load levels and fiber-matrix debonding will occur. Calculations which permit debond ing and also consider a residual frictional interface stress after the primary bond fails are presented. When there is no residual frictional stress, the fiber stress concentration is fully relieved and debonding occurs along the entire fiber length at loads only slightly higher (∼ 10%) than that needed to initiate bond failure. A residual frictional stress stabilizes debond growth. The fiber stress concentration factor decreases as the magnitude of the residual frictional stress decrease...
Blind Image Deconvolution Through Support Vector Regression

This letter introduces a new algorithm for the restoration of a noisy blurred image based on the support vector regression (SVR). Experiments show that the performance of the SVR is very robust in blind image deconvolution where the types of blurs, point spread function (PSF) support, and noise level are all unknown
Predation reduces visual communication distance in an Anolis lizard

In his book Descent of Man and Selection in Relation to Sex, Darwin (1) made a compelling argument that evolution could not be explained solely on the basis of differential survival (natural selection). In particular, traits that enhance an individual’s reproductive success (sexual selection) often decrease its chances of survival. For example, the risks of injury and death can be high for males that fight for direct access to females or for territories that contain resources needed by females. Courtship ornaments and displays, which often determine territorial ownership or mating success, are not only energetically costly but frequently result in increased chances of predation. Some of the most striking and well-documented examples of the latter phenomenon involve reductions in sexual ornaments and modifications of behavior that reduce the conspicuousness of courting individuals in areas where predation is high compared with areas where predators are absent or uncommon (2, 3). These changes almost certainly increase survivorship at the expense of less effective territorial defense and lower mating success. In PNAS, Steinberg et al. (4) found that males of a semiarboreal lizard, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei), on islands in the Bahamas where a predator was introduced show a significant reduction in the amplitude of head bobs compared with lizards from predator-free islands. This behavioral change reduces the communication range of these visual signals, thus lowering the chances of being detected by a predator. By the same token, such signals are likely to be less effective in repelling more distant territorial rivals and attracting potential mates. Whereas a common response to predation is to reduce the duration or frequency of their displays (5), the main change in A. sagrei on islands with predators was head-bob amplitude, a display component used in territorial defense and mate attraction.
Tympanostomy tube in vitro biofilm potential of common otopathogens.

Objective. Post-tympanostomy tube otorrhea has been linked to microbial biofilms. The purpose of this study was to compare the tympanostomy tube-biofilm–forming propensity of common otopathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae, and Streptococcus pneumoniae.Study Design. Controlled, in vitro.Setting. Academic research laboratory.Subjects and Methods. Fluoroplastic coupons (1656 total, 46 per treatment per incubation period) were exposed to plasma and cultured with 3 strains each of the bacterial species for 2, 4, or 7 days. Half of the coupons were treated with antibiotics to kill planktonic bacteria. Total and biofilm colony counts and electron microscopy were performed.Results. S aureus formed biofilm after 2 days, not different from 4- or 7-day biofilms (P > .05), and was most tolerant to antibiotic treatment. P aeruginosa also formed biofilms at 2 days, reached a plateau at 4 days (P > .05), and decreased at 7 days (P < .01). H influenzae formed biofilm only after ...
Generation and Decay of Aryl Sulfinyl and Sulfenyl Radicals: A Transient Absorption and Computational Study1

Absorption spectra and extinction coefficients of phenylsulfinyl and phenylsulfenyl (thiyl) radicals are determined by nanosecond laser photolysis in various solvents. Direct observation and characterization of arylsulfinyl radicals from the photolysis of several aromatic sulfoxides provides the strongest evidence to date for α-cleavage as the predominant primary photochemical process for these compounds. The absorption spectrum of phenylsulfinyl, with λmax = 300 and 450 nm and e = 1.1 × 104 and 1.3 × 103 M-1 cm-1, is practically independent of solvent. Quantum yields of free sulfinyl radicals range from 0.09 to 0.18 in various solvents. Recombination rate constants very near diffusion control indicate that there is a large spin−orbital coupling in the radical pair. Rate constants for the reactions of arylsulfinyl radicals with stable nitroxide radicals are among the fastest known, but reactivity with O2 is very modest. Computations indicate that the singly occupied molecular orbital is a π* orbital large...
The Absent Image: Ekphrasis and the `Infinite Relation' of Translation

Ekphrasis, the verbal description of a visual work, is a crucial site for understanding what Foucault calls the `infinite relation' between seeing and saying. This article sketches a selective history of the genre, from Homer through Derrida and Lyotard, oriented to the question of this gap, and focused on the structural necessity of the absence of the image. This reading shows that Derrida and some other recent French thinkers have been mischaracterized as linguistic reductionists.
Race, religion, and support for the death penalty: A research note

Although prior research has shown race and affiliation with a fundamentalist Protestant church to be important predictors of support for the death penalty, this research has given little attention to the possible combined effect of race and religious affiliation on views about capital punishment. Do blacks and whites with similar religious affiliations view the use of capital punishment in the same way? I test three explanations of the relationship between race and religious affiliation with views about the use of capital punishment: political views, salience of religion, and religious ideology. Black and white fundamentalists are very similar on measures of religious behavior and beliefs, but black fundamentalists show the least support for the death penalty, while white fundamentalists show the greatest support. This pattern persists even after controlling for the respondent's political views, salience of religion, and religious ideology. These results call into question the assumption of homogeneity am...
Potentiating effects of chlorpromazine on the paralysis and toxicity induced by guaiacal glyceryl ether in rats

Abstract The effect of chlorpromazine (CPZ) on guaiacol glyceryl ether (GGE) induced paralysis and toxicity was studied in rats. Pretreatment with CPZ potentiated the duration of paralysis and increased the toxicity of GGE. The magnitude of potentiation of the paralysis was directly related to the dose of CPZ. The mechanism of potentiation was not linked with the inhibitory effect of CPZ on the hepatic microsomal enzymes responsible for inactivation of GGE, since the plamsa concentration of GGE in both saline and CPZ pretreated rats was the same at all time intervals after GGE administration. The LD100 dose of GGE in rats pretreated with 10 mg/kg CPZ was 1000 mg/kg. This dose killed only 50% of rats pretreated with saline. An age-dependent susceptibility to the paralytic effect of GGE as well as to the potentiating effect of CPZ was also noticed. The duration of paralysis caused by GGE at 750 mg/kg was 80% longer in the younger (35–45 days old) than in the older (125–135 days old) rats. The potentiating effect of GGE by CPZ was, however, much more pronounced in the latter. In view of the extensive concomitant uses of GGE and CPZ in therapy, it was suggested that the indiscriminate use of their dosages in combination might lead to an unfavorable interaction.
An efficient algorithm for detecting frequent subgraphs in biological networks

Motivation: With rapidly increasing amount of network and interaction data in molecular biology, the problem of effectively analyzing this data is an important one. Graph theoretic formalisms, commonly used for these analysis tasks, often lead to computationally hard problems due to their relation with subgraph isomorphism. Results: This paper presents an innovative new algorithm for detecting frequently occurring patterns and modules in biological networks. Using an innovative graph simplification technique, which is ideally suited to biological networks, our algorithm renders these problems computationally tractable. Indeed, we show experimentally that our algorithm can extract frequently occurring patterns in metabolic pathways extracted from the KEGG database within seconds. The proposed model and algorithm are applicable to a variety of biological networks either directly or with minor modifications. Availability: Implementation of the proposed algorithms in the C programming language is available as open source at http://www.cs.purdue.edu/homes/koyuturk/pathway/
Effect of Hormonal Replacement Therapy on C-Reactive Protein and Cell-Adhesion Molecules in Postmenopausal Women

Recent secondary and primary prevention trials have shown no protection from coronary heart disease in postmenopausal women using hormonal replacement therapy (HRT). 1‐3 It has been hypothesized that the beneficial effects of HRT on plasma lipid levels may be counteracted by an increased thrombogenicity and inflammation. Women with mutations in the prothrombin gene have a sevenfold increased risk of developing myocardial infarction when exposed to HRT than women on HRT and with the wild-type gene. 4 HRT also increases plasma levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), 5,6 a predictor of atherosclerosis. 7,8 Although some studies have suggested that progestins can reduce CRP levels, 9 other studies have not found a beneficial effect of progestins on CRP. 5 HRT also decreases plasma levels of soluble adhesion molecules, 10,11 but the independent effect of progestins on these parameters is not clear. To clarify the role of medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), the most frequently prescribed progestin, on the regulation of cell-adhesion molecules and CRP levels, we performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study comparing the effects of conjugated equine estrogen (CEE) and the combination of CEE and MPA in postmenopausal women. ••• Healthy postmenopausal women were enrolled in a
Early Onset Periodontal Disease: A Genetics Perspective

Diabetes has been referred to as the "geneticist's nightmare'' because the tasks of sorting out etiologic factors (genetic and environmental) contributing to this heterogeneous and variable group of disorders appeared overwhelming. Early onset periodontal diseases present many similar characteristics and therefore offer similar challenges. Environmental agents, including bacteria, are known to be important, as well as the host immune response mechanism. As with diabetes, the relationships between challenge and response, underlying susceptibility and external triggers, are surely relatively complicated. Moreover, familial aggregation of environmental as well as genetic factors makes definition of inherited susceptibility difficult. Early onset periodontitis involves all these mitigating factors that complicate genetic analysis by:
An analysis of mechanisms for submesoscale vertical motion at ocean fronts

We analyze model simulations of a wind-forced upper ocean front to understand the generation of near-surface submesoscale, O(1 km), structures with intense vertical motion. The largest vertical velocities are in the downward direction; their maxima are situated at approximately 25 m depth and magnitudes exceed 1 mm/s or 100 m/day. They are correlated with high rates of lateral strain, large relative vorticity and the loss of geostrophic balance. We examine several mechanisms for the formation of submesoscale structure and vertical velocity in the upper ocean. These include: (i) frontogenesis, (ii) frictional effects at fronts, (iii) mixed layer instabilities, (iv) ageostrophic anticyclonic instability, and (v) nonlinear Ekman effects. We assess the role of these mechanisms in generating vertical motion within the nonlinear, three-dimensionally evolving flow field of the nonhydrostatic model. We find that the strong submesoscale down-welling in the model is explained by nonlinear Ekman pumping and is also consistent with the potential vorticity arguments that analogize down-front winds to buoyancy-forcing. Conditions also support the formation of ageostrophic anticyclonic instabilities, but the contribution of these is difficult to assess because the decomposition of the flow into balanced and unbalanced components via semigeostrophic analysis breaks down at O(1) Rossby numbers. Mixed layer instabilities do not dominate the structure, but shear and frontogenesis contribute to the relative vorticity and strain fields that generate ageostrophy.
Crystal structure of BMP-9 and functional interactions with pro-region and receptors.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), a subset of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β superfamily, regulate a diverse array of cellular functions during development and in the adult. BMP-9 (also known as growth and differentiation factor (GDF)-2) potently induces osteogenesis and chondrogenesis, has been implicated in the differentiation of cholinergic neurons, and may help regulate glucose metabolism. We have determined the structure of BMP-9 to 2.3 A and examined the differences between our model and existing crystal structures of other BMPs, both in isolation and in complex with their receptors. TGF-β ligands are translated as precursors, with pro-regions that generally dissociate after cleavage from the ligand, but in some cases (including GDF-8 and TGF-β1, -2, and -3), the pro-region remains associated after secretion from the cell and inhibits binding of the ligand to its receptor. Although the proregion of BMP-9 remains tightly associated after secretion, we find, in several cell-based assays, that the activities of BMP-9 and BMP-9·pro-region complex were equivalent. Activin receptor-like kinase 1 (ALK-1), an orphan receptor in the TGF-β family, was also identified as a potential receptor for BMP-9 based on surface plasmon resonance studies (BIAcore) and the ability of soluble ALK-1 to block the activity of BMP-9·pro-region complex in cell-based assays.
Probabilistic indexing for object recognition

Recent papers have indicated that indexing is a promising approach to fast model-based object recognition because it allows most of the possible matches between sets of image features and sets of model features to be quickly eliminated from consideration. This correspondence describes a system that is capable of indexing using sets of three points undergoing 3D transformations and projection by taking advantage of the probabilistic peaking effect. To be able to index using sets of three points, we must allow false negatives. These are overcome by ensuring that we examine several correct hypotheses. The use of these techniques to speed up the alignment method is described. Results are given on real and synthetic data. >
Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization of Shear Formed Aluminum Alloys for Airframe and Space Applications

Advanced manufacturing processes such as near-net-shape forming can reduce production costs and increase the reliability of launch vehicle and airframe structural components through the reduction of material scrap and part count and the minimization of joints. The current research is an investigation of the processing-microstructure-property relationship for shear formed cylinders of the Al-Cu-Li-Mg-Ag alloy 2195 for space applications and the Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloy C415 for airframe applications. Cylinders which have undergone various amounts of shear-forming strain have been studied to assess the microstructure and mechanical properties developed during and after shear forming.
The Fibula Osteocutaneous Flap in Head and Neck Reconstruction A Critical Evaluation of Donor Site Morbidity

developed in 7 (27%) of the patients who underwent primary closure and 4 patients (15%) who underwent splitthickness skin grafting. Three patients who had major complications had residual sensory or motor deficits that resulted in impaired gait or alteration in their daily activities. Comparing all patients with complications (groups 1 and 2) to patients with no complications (group 3) demonstrated an increased incidence of donor site complications in heavy smokers (P,.05) and a strong trend toward higher donor site complications in patients who underwent primary closure (P=.10). Although trends were identified, no significant differences were found in age, comorbid illnesses, alcohol use, preoperative laboratory values, operating time, tourniquet time, or skin paddle width. Conclusions: A variety of patient-mix and operative factors are likely related to the development of donor site wound complications. Width of the skin paddle alone is not a reliable criterion for determining the need to skin graft the donor site. Primary closure tended to result in a higher rate of both major and minor wound complications compared with split-thickness skin grafting. Primary closure of fibula donor site defects should be undertaken if this can be accomplished with no tension along the suture line. If tension at the suture line is present, a skin graft should be strongly considered to minimize the possibility of a wound complication. Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2000;126:1467-1472
QUANTITATIVE GSTP1 METHYLATION LEVELS CORRELATE WITH GLEASON GRADE AND TUMOR VOLUME IN PROSTATE NEEDLE BIOPSIES

ABSTRACTPurpose:: Methylation of the GSTP1 gene promoter region is the most common epigenetic change in prostate cancer. The quantitative GSTP1 methylation assay, a recently developed methylation specific and polymerase chain reaction based technique, allows the accurate discrimination of benign prostate tissue and prostate cancer even in small, formalin fixed prostate needle biopsies. In this study we investigated whether GSTP1 methylation correlated with Gleason grade and tumor volume in prostate biopsies. We also compared quantitative GSTP1 methylation with the histological diagnosis in each biopsy.Materials and Methods:: Formalin fixed, paraffin embedded prostate needle cores (25 μ) were used for the GSTP1 methylation study. After excluding 98 prostate needle cores (47%) with insufficiently extracted DNA 109 biopsies from 40 patients with prostate cancer of various Gleason grades and tumor volume, and benign prostate tissue were tested for GSTP1 methylation using quantitative fluorogenic real-time met...
Hydrogen Isotope Analysis Using a Reduced-Pressure ICP Torch

Despite the apparent nonequilibrium conditions found in the plasma, this research has demonstrated that the flowing, reduced-pressure inductively coupled argon plasma can provide a rapid, sensitive, and effective new analytical method for hydrogen isotope analysis. The important characteristics which make this method useful include the following: no apparent molecular emission, the ability to correct the apparent isotope effect observed in static systems by flow regulation, the linearity of the response of atomic hydrogen and deuterium line intensities with concentration of H2 and D2 injected in the plasma gas mixture, and the minimal memory effects.