cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Osteolysis of the distal clavicle in the overhead athlete

Abstract Atraumatic osteolysis of the distal clavicle (AODC) is a painful stress overload syndrome of the distal clavicle. Early AODC research basically concentrated on primary weight-lifters (PWL). A review of the literature shows that this condition has been infrequently described in throwing athletes who were adjunct weight-lifters (AWL). Adjunct weight-lifters train with heavy resistance in addition to their sport-specific conditioning program. It appears that the throwing athlete who lifts weight as adjunct training is susceptible to AODC. Although throwing athletes have been included in previous research studies, there has been no specific review of the relationship between AODC and the throwing athlete. The purpose of this article is to investigate whether there are significant differences between the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of AODC in the throwing athlete who is an AWL and the PWL. It is our belief that there is a cumulative affect, when combining throwing sports with weight-training, that leads to an earlier age of presentation of AODC in adjunct weight-lifters. We have found the diagnostic results, treatment options, and treatment outcomes to be identical for AWLs and PWLs with AODC. Therefore, we recommend all throwing athletes with a history of weight training and shoulder pain be evaluated for AODC, even when presenting as a teenager.
Protease-activated receptor 2 signaling in inflammation

Protease-activated receptors (PARs) are G protein-coupled receptors that are activated by proteolytical cleavage of the amino-terminus and thereby act as sensors for extracellular proteases. While coagulation proteases activate PARs to regulate hemostasis, thrombosis, and cardiovascular function, PAR2 is also activated in extravascular locations by a broad array of serine proteases, including trypsin, tissue kallikreins, coagulation factors VIIa and Xa, mast cell tryptase, and transmembrane serine proteases. Administration of PAR2-specific agonistic and antagonistic peptides, as well as studies in PAR2 knockout mice, identified critical functions of PAR2 in development, inflammation, immunity, and angiogenesis. Here, we review these roles of PAR2 with an emphasis on the role of coagulation and other extracellular protease pathways that cleave PAR2 in epithelial, immune, and neuronal cells to regulate physiological and pathophysiological processes.
A fast double template convolution isocenter evaluation algorithm with subpixel accuracy

Purpose: To design a fast Winston Lutz (fWL) algorithm for accurate analysis of radiation isocenter from images without edge detection or center of mass calculations. Methods: An algorithm has been developed to implement the Winston Lutz test for mechanical/radiation isocenter agreement using an electronic portal imaging device (EPID). The algorithm detects the position of the radiation shadow of a tungsten ball within a stereotactic cone. The fWL algorithm employs a double convolution to independently find the position of the sphere and cone centers. Subpixel estimation is used to achieve high accuracy. Results of the algorithm were compared to (1) a human observer with template guidance and (2) an edge detection/center of mass (edCOM) algorithm. Testing was performed with high resolution (0.05mm/px, film) and low resolution (0.78mm/px, EPID) image sets. Results: Sphere and cone center relative positions were calculated with the fWL algorithm for high resolution test images with an accuracy of 0.002{+-}0.061 mm compared to 0.042{+-}0.294 mm for the human observer, and 0.003{+-}0.038 mm for the edCOM algorithm. The fWL algorithm required 0.01 s per image compared to 5 s for the edCOM algorithm and 20 s for the human observer. For lower resolution images the fWL algorithm localized themore » centers with an accuracy of 0.083{+-}0.12 mm compared to 0.03{+-}0.5514 mm for the edCOM algorithm. Conclusions: A fast (subsecond) subpixel algorithm has been developed that can accurately determine the center locations of the ball and cone in Winston Lutz test images without edge detection or COM calculations.« less
Balance on Unbalanced Growth

In his paper Baumol raised a number of important issues. Included are several knotty problems of an empirical nature: Can measures of outputs which we normally classify as services be reasonably divorced from measurement of the inputs of labor involved in their provision? Can commodities be satisfactorily divided into two classes: those for which the technology of production is inherently stagnant, and those for which technological progress is possible? It should be clear that in this paper no attempt has been made to address these or any other factual questions.
SU-D-18C-05: Variable Bolus Arterial Spin Labeling MRI for Accurate Cerebral Blood Flow and Arterial Transit Time Mapping

Purpose: Arterial spin labeling (ASL) is an MRI perfusion imaging method from which quantitative cerebral blood flow (CBF) maps can be calculated. Acquisition with variable post-labeling delays (PLD) and variable TRs allows for arterial transit time (ATT) mapping and leads to more accurate CBF quantification with a scan time saving of 48%. In addition, T1 and M0 maps can be obtained without a separate scan. In order to accurately estimate ATT and T1 of brain tissue from the ASL data, variable labeling durations were invented, entitled variable-bolus ASL. Methods: All images were collected on a healthy subject with a 3T Siemens Skyra scanner. Variable-bolus Psuedo-continuous ASL (PCASL) images were collected with 7 TI times ranging 100-4300ms in increments of 700ms with TR ranging 1000-5200ms. All boluses were 1600ms when the TI allowed, otherwise the bolus duration was 100ms shorter than the TI. All TI times were interleaved to reduce sensitivity to motion. Voxel-wise T1 and M0 maps were estimated using a linear least squares fitting routine from the average singal from each TI time. Then pairwise subtraction of each label/control pair and averaging for each TI time was performed. CBF and ATT maps were created using the standard model by Buxton et al. with a nonlinear fitting routine using the T1 tissue map. Results: CBF maps insensitive to ATT were produced along with ATT maps. Both maps show patterns and averages consistent with literature. The T1 map also shows typical T1 contrast. Conclusion: It has been demonstrated that variablebolus ASL produces CBF maps free from the errors due to ATT and tissue T1 variations and provides M0, T1, and ATT maps which have potential utility. This is accomplished with a single scan in a feasible scan time (under 6 minutes) with low sensivity to motion.
Parameters contributing to efficient ion generation in aerosol MALDI mass spectrometry

The Bioaerosol Mass Spectrometry (BAMS) system was developed for the real-time detection and identification of biological aerosols using laser desorption ionization. Greater differentiation of particle types is desired; consequently MALDI techniques are being investigated. The small sample size (∼1 μm3), lack of substrate, and ability to simultaneously monitor both positive and negative ions provide a unique opportunity to gain new insight into the MALDI process. Several parameters known to influence MALDI molecular ion yield and formation are investigated here in the single particle phase. A comparative study of five matrices (2,6-dihydroxyacetophenone, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, ferulic acid, and sinapinic acid) with a single analyte (angiotensin I) is presented and reveals effects of matrix selection, matrix-to-analyte molar ratio, and aerosol particle diameter. The strongest analyte ion signal is found at a matrix-to-analyte molar ratio of 100:1. At this ratio, the matrices yielding the least and greatest analyte molecular ion formation are ferulic acid and α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid, respectively. Additionally, a significant positive correlation is found between aerodynamic particle diameter and analyte molecular ion yield for all matrices. SEM imaging of select aerosol particle types reveals interesting surface morphology and structure.
Kernel and Application Integrity Assurance: Ensuring Freedom from Rootkits and Malware in a Computer System

Malware and rootkits are serious security vulnerabilities, and they can be designed to be resistant to anti-viral software, or even totally undetectable. This paper described a hierarchical trust management scheme, where the root of trust is in a non-tamperable hardware co-processor on a PCI bus. The hardware checks a part of the OS kernel for integrity which in turn checks other parts till we ensure the entire system is free of rootkits and viruses. Our system can detect illegal modifications to kernel, loadable kernel modules and user applications. It also provides a secure communication line for user interaction to enable legal software updates.
Examination of Life Satisfaction, Child Maltreatment Potential and Substance Use in Mothers Referred for Treatment by Child Protective Services for Child Neglect and Substance Abuse: Implications for Intervention Planning

There is evidence to suggest mothers who are served by child protective service agencies are relatively dissatisfied in their lives, leading some investigators to conclude life dissatisfaction may be associated with child maltreatment. To assist in better understanding this relationship the Life Satisfaction Scale for Caregivers (LSSC) was psychometrically developed in a sample of 72 mothers who were referred for behavioral treatment for child neglect and substance abuse by caseworkers from a local child protective service agency. The LSSC was developed to assess mothers’ happiness in nine domains (family, friendships, employment/work, spirituality/religion, safety, sex life/dating, ability to avoid drugs, ability to avoid alcohol, control over one’s own life). Results indicated two factors that appeared to be relevant to Social Satisfaction and Safety and Control Satisfaction. Higher satisfaction scores on both of these scales were negatively associated with child maltreatment potential and substance use at baseline (i.e., positive urinalysis test). Mothers who exposed their children to substances in utero or in infancy (a distinct type of child neglect) were found to report higher satisfaction scores on the LSSC than other types of child neglect. Hispanic-American, African-American, and Caucasian women reported similar levels of life satisfaction. Application of the LSSC as a non-stigmatizing, wellness-focused instrument is discussed within the context of intervention planning.
CHARACTERIZATION OF SEVERE SMALL AIRWAY DISEASE IN A PUPPY USING COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY

A young Golden Retriever dog developed severe respiratory distress following an initial clinical diagnosis of infectious tracheobronchitis. Severe expiratory flow limitation, associated with exertional respiratory distress and hypoxemia was present. Thoracic images obtained with conventional radiography were characterized by hyperinflation and abnormal bronchial and alveolar patterns. Computed tomography was performed and in conjunction with pulmonary functional changes was diagnostic of small airway disease. The dog was treated with a variety of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antitussives, but the clinical signs worsened and the puppy was euthanized. Pathologic examination confirmed severe small airway disease, with emphysema and bronchiolitis.
Common agency and partial cooperation

A modified common agency model is used to investigate the impact of partial cooperation on agent incentives. In the case where principals move simultaneously, it is shown that partial cooperation is self-defeating from the organizing principals' perspective despite a strengthening of agent incentives and effort. In the second scenario, where the organizing principals have a first-mover advantage, it is demonstrated that not only are individual cooperating principals better off but the outcome in terms of agent incentives and effort is constrained Pareto efficient. This latter scenario illustrates the possibility that partial cooperation, when coupled with a strategic advantage, improves efficiency.
Deltamethrin-induced changes in synaptosomal transport of 3H-epinephrine in the squid optic lobes.

Abstract 1. In fresh synaptosomal preparation from the squid optic lobe 3 H-epinephrine transport was significantly affected by deltamethrin at > 10 −9 M. 2. Under the experimental conditions such an effect of deltamethrin manifested as either a reduction (at nondepolarized state) or an increase (at depolarized state) in the final level of 3 H-epinephrine accumulated in the synaptosomes. 3. Only a part of such a deltamethrin effect was due to its effect on the sodium channel. 4. The remainder of the deltamethrin effect was strongly influenced by agents or treatments which are known to influence internal Ca 2+ concentration, suggesting a possible involvement of Ca 2+ regulatory mechanisms in the process of stimulation of transmitter release by deltamethrin.
Lethality of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type I

p < 0.02) or than all kindred members who did not die of MEN-I disease (median 55 years,p < 0.05). The causes of death of the MEN-I patients included islet cell tumor (n= 12), ulcer disease (n= 6), hypercalcemia/uremia (n= 3), carcinoid tumor (n= 6), and nonendocrine malignancies (n= 9). There was no difference in survival between MEN-I carriers and unaffected kindred members. Of our MEN-I patients, 46% died from causes related to their endocrine tumors after a median age of 47 years, which was younger than family members who did not die from these tumors. Pancreatic islet cell tumors were the most common cause of death of MEN-I patients. Management of kindreds with MEN-I should include an aggressive screening program with early therapeutic intervention when a tumor is identified.
Column chromatography of phosphorylated nucleosides and deoxynucleosides on PEI-cellulose

Abstract A simple ion-exchange column for the chromatography of nucleoside and deoxynucleoside 5′-phosphates is described. The exchanger used was PEI-cellulose. Two methods are given for the separation of various nucleotide mixtures. The separations are rapid and of excellent resolution. The column can be regenerated many times.
647 WHERE DOES THE BILIRUBIN GO WHEN YOU TURN ON THE LIGHTS

Phototherapy has been used to reduce bilirubin levels in jaundiced infants for more than 25 years. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that bilirubin is converted to more polar isomeric forms when exposed to light. There are two types of isomers formed, configurational (E-bilirubins) and structural (lumirubins). The relative contribution of these two photo-products to the response of neonates to phototherapy has not previously been established. The E-bilirubins are formed more rapidly than the lumirubins; however, the decline in plasma bilirubin depends not only upon formation but also upon excretion. In a previous study we found that the excretion of the E-bilirubins in premature infants is too slow (serum half-life = 15 hours) to account for observed reduction in bilirubin levels. We report here evidence that excretion of lumirubins is the principal route of pigment elimination during phototherapy. The study population consisted of nine premature infants with a mean gestational age of 31 ± 2 weeks (± S.D.). Bile samples were obtained during phototherapy and analyzed by high pressure liquid chromatography for bilirubin and its isomers. We found that the major pigment, and in some infants the only pigment, present in the bile was lumirubins. Five serum samples were obtained from each infant during the first 90 minutes after stopping phototherapy, and the measured serum half-life of lumirubins was 120 ± 25 minutes. This is the first demonstration that lumirubins are more important than E-bilirubins to the efficacy of phototherapy.
A novel algorithm for determining contact area between a respirator and a headform.

The contact area, as well as the contact pressure, is created when a respiratory protection device (a respirator or surgical mask) contacts a human face. A computer-based algorithm for determining the contact area between a headform and N95 filtering facepiece respirator (FFR) was proposed. Six N95 FFRs were applied to five sizes of standard headforms (large, medium, small, long/narrow, and short/wide) to simulate respirator donning. After the contact simulation between a headform and an N95 FFR was conducted, a contact area was determined by extracting the intersection surfaces of the headform and the N95 FFR. Using computer-aided design tools, a superimposed contact area and an average contact area, which are non-uniform rational basis spline (NURBS) surfaces, were developed for each headform. Experiments that directly measured dimensions of the contact areas between headform prototypes and N95 FFRs were used to validate the simulation results. Headform sizes influenced all contact area dimensions (P < ...
Critical exponents and elementary particles

Particles are shown to exist for a.e. value of the mass in single phase φ4 lattice and continuum field theories and nearest neighbor Ising models. The particles occur in the form of poles at imaginary (Minkowski) momenta of the Fourier transformed two point function. The new inequalitydm2/dσ≦Z, where σ=m02 is a bare mass2 andZ is the strength of the particle pole, is basic to our method. This inequality implies inequalities for critical exponents.
Algebraic Tails of Probability Density Functions in the Random-Force-Driven Burgers Turbulence.

The dynamics of velocity fluctuations governed by the Burgers equation, driven by the white-in-time random forcing function with f fsx 1 r , td 2 fsx, t0dg2 ~ rdst 2 t0d is considered on the interval 0 , x , L. The properties of the probability density function of velocity differences PsDu, rd are investigated for the three cases j ­ h0; 1y2; 2j. It is shown that the tail of the probability density function in the interval Duyrz o 21; jDuj o urms and r o L is accurately described by the asymptotic algebraic relation P sDu, rd ~ rysDud with g ­ 1 1 1yz, where z ­ sj 1 1dy3. A detailed numerical investigation, performed in this work, supports this result. [S0031-9007(96)01384-1]
Ethics corner: cases from the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged--restraint complaint.

This article is the third of a six-part JAMDA series devoted to medical ethics in the nursing home. In each issue, a case is presented from the Ethics Committee at the Hebrew Rehabilitation Center for Aged (HRCA) in Boston, Massachusetts. After a description of the case and a discussion of the ethical issues that the case raises, Dr. Steven Levenson discusses the implications for medical directors.
Blood lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations in Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds

Abstract Insulin resistance has been detected in obese Morgan horses and it has been suggested that horses of this breed are predisposed to this condition. The objective of this study was to determine whether blood lipid, glucose, and insulin concentrations differed between Morgan horses and Thoroughbreds housed at the same facility. Fourteen Morgan horses (five mares, nine geldings) ranging in age from 4 to 14 years were compared with 21 Thoroughbreds (11 mares, 10 geldings; age range 7–20 years) from the same herd. A single blood sample was collected from each horse after grain was withheld overnight. Variables were compared between breed groups and breed-specific reference ranges were calculated. Triglyceride, cholesterol, nonesterified fatty acid, glucose, and insulin concentrations did not differ between breeds of horse in this study. This may be because horses included in this study did not suffer from obesity and were regularly exercised.
Cognitive manipulation of pain

Abstract The experiment tests the notion that naturally occurring states of physiological arousal are manipulable in the same way that drug-induced arousal states have proven to be. The state of arousal studied is that produced by pain from electric shock. All subjects were given a placebo before the shock experience and half were told that the side effects would cause arousal symptoms such as palpitation, tremor, etc. The other half expected no such symptoms. Subjects believing themselves to be in an artificial state of arousal failed to attribute their shock-created arousal to the shock, and found the shock less painful and were willing to tolerate more of it. This “relabeling” of a naturally occurring state was shown to occur only for subjects in a relatively low state of fear.
Relationship between adolescent–parental communication and initiation of first intercourse by adolescents

Abstract Objective: To examine the level of communication between parents and adolescents and correlate the findings with onset of sexual intercourse . Methods: This was a 10-year longitudinal study. Subjects filled out questionnaires at the time of each health supervision visit. The data in this article were harvested at enrollment and at the 5-year point. Comparisons of adolescent–parental communication were first compared between the virginal and nonvirginal groups at the initiation of the study. The results were then confirmed by adding data from patients in the virginal group who converted over the first 5 years of the study to the nonvirginal group. Two hundred and three patients, aged 12–21 years, were studied from a pediatrician's practice panel in Middleton, Wisconsin. The questionnaires inquired about grades and activities school, relationship with siblings and parents at home, and risk-taking behaviors involving alcohol, drugs, and sex with peers. Statistical analysis included the Student's t -test to determine the mean difference between groups. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate the association of variables to the status of patients' sexual activity at enrollment. Multiple logistic regression was conducted on the initial enrollment data to examine the association between the initial covariates and patients' sexual status. Results: During the initial survey, 172 enrolled patients were in the virginal group and 31 in the nonvirginal group. The virginal group had a higher rating of communication with their parents after adjusting for age ( p p Conclusions: Teenagers who perceive that they have a better level of communication with their parents are less likely to engage in sexual intercourse.
Double-Stranded RNA Deaminase ADAR1 Increases Host Susceptibility to Virus Infection

The RNA-editing enzyme ADAR1 is a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein that modifies cellular and viral RNA sequences by adenosine deamination. ADAR1 has been demonstrated to play important roles in embryonic erythropoiesis, viral response, and RNA interference. In human hepatitis virus infection, ADAR1 has been shown to target viral RNA and to suppress viral replication through dsRNA editing. It is not clear whether this antiviral effect of ADAR1 is a common mechanism in response to viral infection. Here, we report a proviral effect of ADAR1 that enhances replication of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) through a mechanism independent of dsRNA editing. We demonstrate that ADAR1 interacts with dsRNA-activated protein kinase PKR, inhibits its kinase activity, and suppresses the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF-2α) phosphorylation. Consistent with the inhibitory effect on PKR activation, ADAR1 increases VSV infection in PKR+/+ mouse embryonic fibroblasts; however, no significant effect was found in PKR−/− cells. This proviral effect of ADAR1 requires the N-terminal domains but does not require the deaminase domain. These findings reveal a novel mechanism of ADAR1 that increases host susceptibility to viral infection by inhibiting PKR activation.
Communication and Pain

Health practitioners' styles of interactions show a disconfirming response and often a denial of patients'pain.
Aortic Root Replacement: Results Using the St. Jude Medical/Hemashield Composite Graft

Abstract Background . Aortic root replacement remains a formidable operation. Although perioperative mortality has declined steadily, there is no consensus regarding the preferred method of reconstruction or type of composite to be used. We present our last 2 years' experience with aortic root replacement using the St. Jude Medical/Hemashield composite valve conduit. Methods . A retrospective review of 52 consecutive patients undergoing aortic root replacement from February 1994 through October 1996 is presented. Both the open/exclusion and Cabrol methods of reconstruction were used. Results . Thirty-one percent of the patients had undergone previous procedures of the aortic root. Thirty-seven percent required aortic arch replacement and 35% required concomitant cardiac or vascular procedures. Perioperative morbidity was low, as was perioperative mortality (3.8%). Both of the deaths that occurred were related to complications with the management of remaining thoracoabdominal aneurysms. Conclusions . Using meticulous surgical technique and the St. Jude Medical/Hemashield composite valve conduit, one can expect low mortality and complication rates for complex aortic root reconstruction.
Methods to find sub-pixel targets in hyperspectral data

This paper investigates the improvement in sub-pixel target detection when image sharpening is applied to the data. A hyperspectral data cube was created using random linear mixtures of spectra and a grid of sub-pixel targets were inserted. The data cube was then convolved with a point-spread function to simulate blurring, noise was added and the output quantized. The resulting image cube is then pre-processed using various sharpening algorithms. We found that sharpening the hyperspectral cube generally increases the number of correctly identified sub-pixel targets compared to no pre-processing. In a simulation we quantified this result using a clutter matched filter ratio. We propose that all sub-pixel target detection algorithms could benefit from sharpening of the spectral cube.
Growth and characterization of InAs quantum dots on Si(0 0 1) substrates

Abstract Self-assembled InAs quantum dots were grown on (0 0 1) orientated Si substrates by molecular beam epitaxy. Growth condition dependence of dot formation was studied. The evolution of size and shape of quantum dots with InAs coverage was examined using plan-view and cross-section transmission electron microscopy. Dot formation started at below 1 monolayer (ML) of InAs coverage, indicating Volmer–Weber growth mode. Dot size and density grew with increasing InAs coverage up to 0.7 ML. Dot density was observed to be strongly dependent on arsenic (As) beam equivalent pressure (BEP). A decrease of As BEP from 9.2×10 −6 to 1.2×10 −7 torr resulted in an increase in dot density from 4.3×10 9 to 1.8×10 11 cm −2 at a constant InAs coverage of 0.7 ML. Further increase in InAs coverage led to a clear broadening of dot size distribution and a slight decrease in dot density, presumably due to coarsening.
Voltage pre-conditioning technique for optimisation of migration-time reproducibility in capillary electrophoresis

Abstract An additional tool for pre-conditioning a capillary electrophoretic system is described which involves the application of a short-term voltage (30 kV for 120 s) prior to analysis. Using this technique, migration-time reproducibility was improved to ⪕0.25% R.S.D. ( n = 10). This report comprises the first demonstration of the utility and capillary-to-capillary reproducibility of such a technique. Given the buffering capacity of the electrolyte this is not due to pH stabilisation; other possible mechanisms are discussed.
Coal-fueled diesel development: A technical review

The purpose of this paper is to describe and summarize the results of the Coal-Fueled Diesel Engine Development Program, sponsored by the US Department of Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology Center. The results of the program indicate that diesel engines can be designed to operate reliably on coal-water slurries. The engine must be modified to include hard-wear resistant rings and liners. The injection system design must be modified to accommodate the slurry and to incorporate hard materials for wear prevention.
(+)-4-[2-[4-(8-Chloro-3,10-dibromo-6,11-dihydro-5H-benzo[5,6]cyclohepta[1,2-b]- pyridin-11(R)-yl)-1-piperidinyl]-2-oxo-ethyl]-1-piperidinecarboxamide (SCH-66336): A Very Potent Farnesyl Protein Transferase Inhibitor as a Novel Antitumor Agent

We have previously shown that appropriate modification of the benzocycloheptapyridine tricyclic ring system can provide potent farnesyl protein transferase (FPT) inhibitors with good cellular activity. Our laboratories have also established that incorporation of either pyridinylacetyl N-oxide or 4-N-carboxamidopiperidinylacetyl moieties results in pharmacokinetically stable inhibitors that are orally efficacious in nude mice. We now demonstrate that further elaboration of the tricyclic ring system by introducing a bromine atom at the 7- or the 10-position of the 3-bromo-8-chlorotricyclic ring system provides compounds that have superior potency and selectivity in FPT inhibition. These compounds have good serum levels and half-lives when given orally to rodents and primates. In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a panel of these inhibitors has led to identification of 15 (SCH 66336) as a highly potent (IC50 = 1.9 nM) antitumor agent that is currently undergoing human clinical trials.
Crystal and molecular structure of bis(tetramethylammonium) di(π-(1)-2-thiollyl)iron(II)

The crystal and molecular structure of bis(tetramethylammonium)di(π-(1)-2-thiollyl)iron(II), C8H44B20FeN2S2, has been determined from three-dimensional X-ray data collected by counter techniques. The material crystallizes in the orthorhombic system: space groupIbam, z=4, a=15·585(5), b=12·324(4), and c=14·806(6) A. The B10H10S2− moiety is an icosahedron with the sulphur atom and four boron atoms forming that part of the cage which is within bonding distance of the iron. The sulphur atom and one boron atom are disordered. The structure was solved by standard techniques and the least squares refinement, using 969 independent reflexions for whichF02⩾ 3σ(F02), converged to a conventionalR factor (onF) of 4·2%.
Immobilizing enzymes onto electrode arrays by hydrogel photolithography to fabricate multi-analyte electrochemical biosensors

This paper describes a biomaterial microfabrication approach for interfacing functional biomolecules (enzymes) with electrode arrays. Poly (ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel photopatterning was employed to integrate gold electrode arrays with the enzymes glucose oxidase (GOX) and lactate oxidase (LOX). In this process, PEG diacrylate (DA)-based prepolymer containing enzyme molecules as well as redox species (vinylferrocene) was spin-coated, registered, and UV cross-linked on top of an array of gold electrodes. As a result, enzyme-carrying circular hydrogel structures (600 μm diameter) were fabricated on top of 300 μm diameter gold electrodes. Importantly, when used with multiple masks, hydrogel photolithography allowed us to immobilize GOX and LOX molecules on adjacent electrodes within the same electrode array. Cyclic voltammetry and amperometry were used to characterize biosensor electrode arrays. The response of the biosensor array was linear for up to 20 mM glucose with sensitivity of 0.9 μA cm−2 mM−1 a...
Canine Factors: Bridging the Gap between Human Factors and Comparative Psychology

Working dogs have proven to be highly accurate and flexible extensions of our human senses. These trained dogs are increasingly employed in a multitude of occupational roles. The study of these highly trained working dogs bridges the gap between Human Factors and Comparative Psychology and offers many points of potentially fruitful exchange. The present paper presents two examples of issues where Human Factors and Comparative Psychologists share a common interest: expertise development and sustained attention. Dogs are, perhaps, unique among nonhuman animals in their adaptation to human culture and are amazingly flexible, often serving as human surrogates. Many issues discussed and investigated in the Human Factors literature are also relevant to the study of working canines and the study of working canines may enhance the Human Factors literature.
Methamphetamine Use and Sexual and Injection Risk Behaviors Among Out-of-Treatment Injection Drug Users

Our primary objective was to examine the relationship between methamphetamine use and sexual risk-taking behaviors—number of sexual partners, frequency of sexual behaviors with regular and casual partners, trading money or drugs for sex, and condom use—among male and female out-of-treatment injection drug users (OTIDUs). As a risk group for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission, we also investigated injection behaviors by methamphetamine use. Data were collected from 1392 OTIDUs within the California counties of Fresno, Sacramento, and San Diego. Excluded from this cross-sectional survey were male OTIDUs engaging in sex with only or mostly men since 1978. In bivariate analyses, we found that male OTIDUs with a history of methamphetamine use had more sex partners and participated in more acts of anal insertive intercourse with casual partners and vaginal intercourse with regular and casual partners than male OTIDUs never using methamphetamines. In addition, a greater percentage of male OTIDUs usi...
Comparison of Oxygen Therapy With Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Cheyne-Stokes Respiration During Sleep in Congestive Heart Failure*

Study objectives: Both oxygen therapy and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy have independently been shown to be effective in the treatment of Cheyne-Stokes respiration (CSR) in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF). The purpose of this study was to compare the short-term effects of oxygen therapy and nasal CPAP therapy on CSR in a group of stable patients with severe CHF. Design: Prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Setting: University hospital. Patients: Twenty-five stable patients (mean [6 SD] age, 56 6 9) with CHF and a mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 17 6 0.8%. Interventions and measurements: All patients had a right heart catheterization prior to the study and an echocardiogram performed to measure LVEF. In addition, all patients had an initial sleep study to identify the presence of CSR. Sleep studies included continuous recordings of breathing pattern, pulse oximetry, and EEG. Those patients identified as having CSR were randomized to a night on oxygen therapy (2 L/min by nasal cannula) and another night on nasal CPAP therapy (9 6 0.3 cm H2O). Results: Fourteen of the 25 patients (56%) studied had CSR (apnea hypopnea index [AHI], 36 6 7 events per hour) during their initial sleep study. Nine of the 14 patients with CSR completed the study. When compared with baseline measurements, both oxygen therapy and nasal CPAP therapy significantly decreased the AHI (from 44 6 9t o 186 5 and 15 6 8 events per hour, respectively; p < 0.05), with no significant difference between the two modalities. The mean oxygen saturation increased significantly and to a similar extent with oxygen therapy and nasal CPAP therapy (from 93 6 0.7% to 96 6 0.8% and 95 6 0.7%, respectively; p < 0.05), as did the lowest oxygen saturation during the night (from 80 6 2% to 85 6 3% and 88 6 2%, respectively; p < 0.05). In addition, the mean percent time the oxygen saturation was < 90% also improved with both interventions (from a baseline of 17 6 5t o 66 3% with oxygen therapy and 5 6 2% with nasal CPAP therapy; p < 0.05). When compared with baseline measurements, the apneahypopnea length, cycle length, circulation time, and heart rate did not significantly change with either oxygen therapy or nasal CPAP therapy. Total sleep time and sleep efficiency decreased only with nasal CPAP therapy (from 324 6 20 to 257 6 14 min, and from 82 6 3t o 726 2%, respectively; p < 0.05). The arousal index, when compared with baseline, remained unchanged with both oxygen therapy and nasal CPAP therapy. Conclusion: CSR occurs frequently in stable patients with severe CHF. In addition, oxygen therapy and nasal CPAP therapy are equally effective in decreasing the AHI in those CHF patients with CSR. (CHEST 1999; 116:1550 ‐1557)
The Effect of Relatedness on Spacing Behavior and Fitness of Female Prairie Voles

Numerous behavioral hypotheses have been suggested to explain population cycles in microtine rodents. Charnov and Finerty (1980) proposed that preferential behavior toward relatives drives population cycles through kin selection. Their hypothesis makes three assumptions: (1) individuals behaviorally discriminate kin from non—kin, (2) kin associate, and (3) kin benefit from this association. These assumptions were tested in female prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) in eastern Kansas. An equal number of laboratory—born females and males were released into 12 fenced enclosures; 6 enclosures contained groups of littermate sisters and 6 contained groups of unrelated females. Space use, reproductive success, and survival were monitored during two replications of the experiment (Fall 1989 and Spring 1990). Female survival and reproductive success were not affected by relatedness, although more young were born in the Spring than in the Fall. Home range size and overlap were greater for females in related groups than those in unrelated groups. Home range size also was larger in the Fall than in the Spring. Prairie vole sisters associated spatially, but our measurements showed no fitness benefits conferred by these associations. Although the kin—selection hypothesis could not be demonstrated in this experimental population, relatedness in local neighborhoods may have consequences for small mammal population ecology.
Flexure with damage

SUMMARY Ductile behaviour in rocks is often associated with plasticity due to dislocation motion or diffusion under high pressures and temperatures. However, ductile behaviour can also occur in brittle materials. An example would be cataclastic flow associated with folding at shallow crustal levels. Engineers utilize damage mechanics to model the continuum deformation of brittle materials. In this paper we utilize a modified form of damage mechanics that includes a yield stress. Here, damage represents a reduction in frictional strength. We use this empirical approach to simulate bending of the lithosphere through the problem of plate flexure. We use numerical simulations to obtain quasi-static solutions to the Navier equations of elasticity. We use the program GeoFEST v. 4.5 (Geophysical Finite Element Simulation Tool), developed by NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, to generate solutions for each time step. When the von Mises stress exceeds the critical stress on an element we apply damage to reduce the shear modulus of the element. Damage is calculated at each time step by a power-law relationship of the ratio of the critical stress to the von Mises stress and the critical strain to the von Mises strain. This results in the relaxation of the material due to increasing damage. To test our method, we apply our damage rheology to a semi-infinite plate deforming under its own weight. Where the von Mises stress exceeds the critical stress, we simulate the formation of damage and observe the time-dependent relaxation of the stress and strain to near the yield strength. We simulate a wide range of behaviours from slow relaxation to instantaneous failure, over timescales that span six orders of magnitude. Using this method, stress relaxation produces perfectly plastic behaviour in cases where failure does not occur. For cases of failure, we observe a rapid increase in damage, analogous to the acceleration of microcrack formation and acoustic emissions prior to failure. Thus continuum damage mechanics can be used to simulate the irreversible deformation of brittle materials.
Multiplexed systolic shared registers

Summary form only given, as follows. The UCSC Kestrel parallel processor is a high performance SIMD computer implemented using a linear systolic array. In our current system systolic shared registers (SSR's) are used to combine computation and communication in one dimension. Our research efforts are focused on a single-chip VLSI implementation of our current 1024 processing element board. In order to address some of the shortcomings of very large SIMD array processors, our new architecture abandons the linear array configuration in favor of a 2-dimensional mesh structure. To support the added communication requirements, we have augmented our current inter-processor communication fabric with the introduction of the multiplexed systolic shared register (MSSR) architecture. We present some of the design and evaluation methods developed in order to fully understand the impact of the concepts behind MSSR. Multiplexed systolic shared registers offer greater flexibility with a minimum overhead in hardware resources. This allows our new architecture to be targeted towards applications for which our previous linear array was ill suited, at the same time that we are able to retain our original algorithmic domain. Programmability and data bandwidth are both vastly increased, thus MDSSR's can be used to generate scalable regular topologies that can be used in stream-oriented communication machines. We believe MSSR is a simple and elegant solution that will help in the implementation of very large SIMD machines in the near future.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Fungal Centromere H3 Proteins

Centromere H3 proteins (CenH3's) are variants of histone H3 specialized for packaging centromere DNA. Unlike canonical H3, which is among the most conserved of eukaryotic proteins, CenH3's are rapidly evolving, raising questions about orthology and conservation of function across species. To gain insight on CenH3 evolution and function, a phylogenetic analysis was undertaken on CenH3 proteins drawn from a single, ancient lineage, the Fungi. Using maximum-likelihood methods, a credible phylogeny was derived for the conserved histone fold domain (HFD) of 25 fungal CenH3's. The collection consisted mostly of hemiascomycetous yeasts, but also included basidiomycetes, euascomycetes, and an archaeascomycete. The HFD phylogeny closely recapitulated known evolutionary relationships between the species, supporting CenH3 orthology. The fungal CenH3's lacked significant homology in their N termini except for those of the Saccharomyces/Kluyveromyces clade that all contained a region homologous to the essential N-terminal domain found in Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cse4. The ability of several heterologous CenH3's to function in S. cerevisiae was tested and found to correlate with evolutionary distance. Domain swapping between S. cerevisiae Cse4 and the noncomplementing Pichia angusta ortholog showed that species specificity could not be explained by the presence or absence of any recognized secondary structural element of the HFD.
R–LINE: A Better Randomized 2-Server Algorithm on the Line

A randomized on-line algorithm is given for the 2-server problem on the line, with competitiveness less than 1.901 against the oblivious adversary. This improves the previously best known competitiveness of \(\frac{155}{78}\approx 1.987\) for the problem.
Rapid analysis of composition and reactivity in cellulosic biomass feedstocks with near-infrared spectroscopy.

Background Obtaining accurate chemical composition and reactivity (measures of carbohydrate release and yield) information for biomass feedstocks in a timely manner is necessary for the commercialization of biofuels. Our objective was to use near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and partial least squares (PLS) multivariate analysis to develop calibration models to predict the feedstock composition and the release and yield of soluble carbohydrates generated by a bench-scale dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis assay. Major feedstocks included in the calibration models are corn stover, sorghum, switchgrass, perennial cool season grasses, rice straw, and miscanthus.
Fast-wave current drive above the slow-wave density limit.

Fast-wave and slow-wave current drive near the mean gyrofrequency were compared in the Irvine Torus. The slow-wave current drive density limit observation was extended by an order of magnitude in wave frequency compared to previous tokamak results. At low densities, the fast-wave antenna was observed to launch slow waves which drove currents that suffered from the current drive density limit identical to waves launched from the slow-wave antenna. At higher densities, current was driven by the fast-wave antenna while none was driven by the slow-wave antenna.
Genes, Parenting, Self-Control, and Criminal Behavior

Self-control has been found to predict a wide variety of criminal behaviors. In addition, studies have consistently shown that parenting is an important influence on both self-control and offending. However, few studies have examined the role that biological factors may play in moderating the relationship between parenting, self-control, and offending. Using a sample of adolescent males drawn from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (N = 3,610), we explore whether variants of the monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) and the dopamine transporter (DAT1) gene interact with parenting to affect self-control and offending. Results reveal that parenting interacts with these genes to influence self-control and offending, and that the parenting-by-gene interaction effect on offending is mediated by self-control. The effects of parenting on self-control and offending are most pronounced for those who carry plasticity alleles for both MAOA and DAT1. Thus, MAOA and DAT1 may be implicated in offending beca...
Low-temperature CMOS-a brief preview

The advantages of operating CMOS at liquid nitrogen temperature (LN) are attributed to increased carrier mobility, reduced subthreshold swing, increased conductivity, reduced leakage, an improved device and circuit reliability such as electromigration ionic migration, and latchup. The gain in performance compared to room temperature (RT), however, begins to erode as the channel length is decreased below one micrometer, where increased lateral field causes the drift velocity to approach its scattering limited value along a large fraction of the channel. In the limit when saturation velocity is reached along the entire channel, the improvement at LN does not exceed a factor of approximately=2, after all other enhancements are considered. This gain must justify the added inconvenience and cost of operating the system at LN temperatures. As the channel length is reduced to deep submicrometer, below approximately=0.15 mu m, operating at low temperature could become a necessity rather than mere improvement over RT, because of the lack of a room-temperature process and device design point. >