cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relative validity of clinical techniques for measuring the body composition of persons with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Tracking body composition is necessary to understand how amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is affecting a patient's morphology and to provide a basis for appropriate nutritional advice throughout disease progression. Dual X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) has been shown to reliably detect body composition changes in persons with ALS. However, this procedure is expensive and available primarily for research. The purpose of this study was to determine the relative validity of two common clinical techniques, anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA), for measuring the body composition of persons with ALS. Twenty-three persons with ALS volunteered for the study; seven with primarily bulbar symptoms, five with primarily arm weakness, five with primarily leg weakness, and six with significant weakness in all extremities. On a single day subjects underwent body composition analysis by the three techniques, with DEXA serving as the criterion method. Anthropometry and BIA results were converted to lean and fat mass using eight prediction equations commonly cited in the literature. Anthropometry measures were also converted to estimates of muscle mass using two additional equations. Both BIA and anthropometry tended to overestimate lean mass and underestimate fat mass compared to DEXA. However, the BIA prediction equations had smaller mean differences, larger correlations, and smaller standard errors of estimate than the anthropometry equations. The Lukaski et al. BIA equation (Lukaski, H.C., Bolonchuk, W.W., Hall, C.B., Siders, W.A., 1986. Validation of tetrapolar bioelectrical impedance method to assess human body composition. J. Appl. Physiol. 60, 1327-1332) most closely matched the values derived by DEXA and is probably the best method for measuring the lean and fat mass of persons with ALS, as long as they maintain adequate hydration levels. The Heymsfield et al. equation (Heymsfield, S.B., McManus, C., Smith, J., Stevens, V., Nixon, D.W., 1982. Anthropometric measurement of muscle mass: revised equations for calculating bone-free arm muscle area. Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 36, 680-690) for estimating muscle mass may also be a useful clinical tool for this population. Further longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether the equations that correlated best with DEXA at a single point in time are also sensitive enough to detect changes in body composition over a period of time.
Bayesian shear wave speed estimation for in vivo 3D imaging of the prostate

Shear wave elasticity imaging (SWEI) has shown promise for visualizing structure and pathology within multiple organs; however, due to the assumptions of time of flight algorithms, artifacts caused by reflected waves at structural boundaries may be present in the images. The maximum a posteriori (MAP) estimator provides a framework for Bayesian estimation of the shear wave speed in order to reduce the artifacts and noise in SWEI images. Finite element method simulations and data acquired in a calibrated CIRS phantom show reductions in the bias and variance of the shear wave speed estimates compared to least squares linear regression. In vivo data are presented along with concurrently acquired acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) images demonstrating correlation between the elasticity imaging modalities.
Ionization of water in interfacial electric fields: An electrochemical view

Abstract High electric fields promote ionization of water, yet relatively little is known about this topic due to the difficulty of generating such fields. The high field capability of field emitter tips enables study of ionization in water layers. Results from this work include ionization fields, water layer morphology, dielectric properties, coadsorbate interactions, cluster distributions of hydrated hydronium ions H + (H 2 O) m , and field ionization images. These experimental results, combined with theoretical findings, are interpreted in the context of four examples from electrochemistry; double layer structure, hydrogen oxidation, CO oxidation, and oxygen reduction; to reveal the research frontier in interfacial ionization of water.
Issues in analysing the effects of occupational exposure to low levels of radiation

A major objective of studying populations exposed to low levels of radiation is provision of direct assessment of the adequacy of estimates of health risks obtained by extrapolation of data on populations exposed at high levels. Meeting this objective requires the use of statistical methods that fully utilize available exposure measurements, and that consider the extensive body of prior knowledge regarding radiation-induced health effects. This paper describes various methods of analysis and illustrates the methods with data on workers at the Hanford Site. Special problems are discussed, with attention to comparability of estimates and confidence limits with those obtained from extrapolation.
The Conley index and the method of averaging

In particular, one useful theorem (see, e.g., Hale [S] for details) states roughly that if f satisfies certain uniformity hypotheses, and the averaged equation has x = 0 as a hyperbolic equilibrium point, then the timedependent equation has a unique almost periodic solution in a neighborhood of zero for sufficiently small E > 0. This solution is uniformly asymptotically stable if, in addition, x = 0 is asymptotically stable for the averaged equation. The hyperbolicity of x = 0 is clearly crucial, even for autonomous equations. For example, consider f (x, E) = -x3 +&x2. We obtain fo(x) = -x3,
Sexual Assault Risks Among Gay and Bisexual Men

The goal of this study was to examine lifetime patterns of sexual assault and associated risks among a purposive sample of gay and bisexual men (N = 183; 18 to 35 years old, M = 24.3). Cross-sectional data were collected via written, self-administered questionnaires and face-to-face, event-based qualitative interviews. Alcohol severity scores indicated high rates of hazardous drinking (53.0%) and possible dependence (14.2%) among participants. One-half of men (50.8%) reported childhood sexual abuse (CSA), and 67.2% reported adult sexual assault (ASA). Average age at most recent ASA was 21 years. Most perpetrators (83.9%) of recent ASA incidents were male; 67.0% of participants reported consuming alcohol and/or drugs prior to the most recent incident. Regression findings indicated more severe CSA experiences and past alcohol-related problems predicted recent severe ASA. Although we found similarities between gay and bisexual men in lifetime sexual assault history, we found some distinct differences in ASA ...
Precision Computer Display Techniques In Nuclear Medicine

Providing the clinician with an accurate visual representation of digital nuclear medicine data requires 1) interpolation to fill in the intensity field between grid points, 2) correction for grayscale nonlinearities inherent in the display and film, and 3) sufficiently fine graylevel resolution to avoid generating artificial contours. Results from preliminary experiments using a precision computer display/film system have been encouraging, indicating improved image interpretation is frequently possible compared with both conventional analog scintigrams and commonly available computer displays, A wider range of count rate data was visible in the digital images giving better identification of low count rate areas, display artifacts due to regularly spaced data samples were eliminated as were contour artifacts caused by too few graylevels, and the relevant anatomy and or pathology was frequently demonstrated with greater clarity. Clinical examples will be presented which illustrate the benefits to be gained by using these techniques.© (1979) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Massively parallel synthetic-aperture radar autofocus

The iterative phase gradient autofocus (PGA) algorithm for automatically focusing synthetic aperture radar images has been implemented on both a 16384-processor Connection Machine and the 1024-processor nCUBE 2 hypercube. Massive parallelism has proven its value by dramatically reducing processing times over those achieved on sequential machines by an order of magnitude or more. This is especially important for very large images or where high volumes of input and output are encountered. We provide an overview of the PGA algorithm, highlighting opportunities for significant speed-up in parallel architectures. This is followed by implementation details and timing results.© (1991) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
ARTERIAL DUODENOVESICAL FISTULA AFTER SIMULTANEOUS PANCREAS AND KIDNEY TRANSPLANTATION

Diabetes mellitus is the most frequent cause of end stage renal disease. Simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation is an option for patients with end stage renal disease due to diabetes, since it relieves them from insulin dependency. 1 Hematuria and recurrent urinary tract infections are the most common, occasionally life threatening complications of simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation. We report a case of severe recurrent hematuria from the duodenal patch successfully managed with transcatheter arterial embolization. CASE REPORT A 38-year-old woman underwent simultaneous kidney and pancreas transplantation, drained into the bladder with the duodenal segment sutured to the cystotomy. A Lich ureteroneocystostomy was performed for urinary drainage. Preoperatively vancomycin, imipenem and fluconazole were given intravenously. Immunosuppression was induced with antithymocyte globulin, methylprednisolone and azathioprine. After a normal cystogram on postoperative day 13, the Foley catheter was removed. Recurrent gross hematuria required many hospital admissions and cystoscopies with fulguration of a bleeding lesion in the duodenal stump. The patient underwent arteriography, which demonstrated active extravasation into the bladder from a small branch of the allograft pancreaticoduodenal artery. The artery was selectively embolized using a 3Fr microcatheter with multiple helical microcoils. Arteriography after embolization demonstrated occlusion of the segment and no further extravasation (see figure). There was no evidence of recurrent bleeding at 6-month followup. DISCUSSION
Broadband Silicon Electro-Optic Absorption Modulator

Here we propose a design for a broadband electro-optic absorption modulator. The device is simply a 50μm long silicon waveguide with integrated Schottky diodes. It achieves 64% modulation depth up to at least 10 Gb/s.
Surface reactivity measurements for OH radicals during deposition of SiO2 from tetraethoxysilane/O2 plasmas

Abstract The surface reactivity of OH radicals has been measured during plasma deposition of SiO 2 from tetraethoxysilane (TEOS)-based plasmas by the Imaging of Radicals Interacting with Surfaces (IRIS) method. This technique combines molecular beam and plasma technologies with spatially-resolved laser-induced fluorescence to provide two dimensional images of radical species during surface modification. OH radicals were not detected in a 100% TEOS plasma, but were observed in 20% TEOS/80% O 2 plasmas. The reactivity of OH is measured as 0.40 ± 0.10 while depositing SiO 2 on a 300 K Si substrate. This intermediate reactivity indicates that OH may play a role in formation of SiO 2 films.
Critical Elections in Illinois: 1888–1958

In the past seventy years, lasting reorientations of the national electorate have taken place in two periods, centering about the presidential elections of 1896 and 1918. Most other presidential elections have involved relatively uniform swings of states or counties toward one party or the other; Louis Bean summarized this phenomenon in his chapter title, "As Your State Goes, So Goes the Nation."' But the occasions when this uniform swing does not occur are of special interest, because if the reorientations persist they can mark the injection of new issues into national and state politics for a generation. Lubell noted the importance of the "Al Smith revolution" which preceded the "Roosevelt revolution" ;2 and Key, naming these phenomena "critical elections," went on to show that Bryan's candidacy in 1896 marked an earlier major reorientation of the electorate.3 He defined a critical election as one in which "the depth and intensity of electoral involvement are high, in which more or less profound readjustments occur in the relations of power within the community, and in which new and durable electoral groupings are formed."4 Since no sample survey data are available for either 1896 or 1928, the systematic study of voting in these elections must rest largely on analysis of voting statistics. These statistics can be interpreted more fully with the aid of
The effect of sex on risk of mortality during the Black Death in London, A.D. 1349–1350

The Black Death of 1347–1351 was one of the most devastating epidemics in human history, and though it is frequently assumed that the epidemic killed indiscriminately, recent research suggests that the disease was selective, at least with respect to frailty. The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Black Death was similarly selective with respect to biological sex—that is, did either sex face an elevated risk during the epidemic or were men and women at equal risk of dying? A sample of 298 victims of the Black Death, from the East Smithfield cemetery in London, is compared to a pre-Black Death normal mortality sample of 194 individuals from two Danish urban cemeteries, St Mikkel Church (Viborg) and St Albani Church (Odense). To assess the effect of sex on risk of death, sex is modeled as a covariate affecting the Gompertz–Makeham model of adult mortality. The results suggest that sex did not strongly affect risk of death in either the normal mortality or Black Death samples. These results are important for improving our understanding of Black Death mortality patterns. This is essential for understanding the effects the Black Death had on European populations, and the methods used here can potentially be informatively applied to investigations of other episodes of epidemic diseases in past populations. Am J Phys Anthropol 2009. © 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion increases circulating heparinoid activity in rabbits.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if an increase in circulating heparinoid activity contributes to the hemostatic abnormalities associated with hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion. Materials and Methods: Anesthetized rabbit (n = 18) underwent thoracic aorta occlusion for 30 minutes with a balloon catheter, followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. Blood samples were obtained after 30 minutes of equilibration and 30 minutes of reperfusion. Hemostatic function was assessed by changes in the thrombelastographic variables R (reaction time), α (a measure of the speed of clot formation), and G (a measure of clot strength). Thrombelastography was performed on blood without platelet inhibition in the presence or absence of heparinase (n = 9 rabbits). Additional samples (n = 9) were exposed to cytochalasin D (platelet inhibitor) with or without heparinase. Results: Compared with preischemic values, blood samples with intact platelet function obtained during reperfusion demonstrated a decrease in hemostatic function evidenced by a significant (P < .05) increase in R, decrease in α, and decrease in G. R, α, and G values of samples without platelet inhibition exposed to heparinase did not significantly change after ischemia. Blood samples exposed to cytochalasin D displayed a similar pattern. Conclusion: An increase in circulating heparinoid activity significantly contributes to the hemostatic disorder associated with hepatoenteric ischemia-reperfusion in rabbits. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Coordination need not be a problem

Abstract In a game of common interest there is one action vector that all players prefer to every other. Yet there may be multiple Pareto-ranked Nash equilibria in the game and the “coordination problem” refers to the fact that rational equilibrium play cannot rule out Pareto-dominated equilibria. In this paper, I prove that two elements — asynchronicity and a finite horizon — are sufficient to uniquely select the Pareto-dominant action vector (in subgame perfect equilibrium play). Asynchronicity may be exogenously specified by the rules of the game. Alternatively, in a game where players choose when to move, asynchronicity may emerge as an equilibrium move outcome.
Efficacy of a Ternary Blend Mixture in Improving Bridge Deck Concrete Durability in Tennessee

AbstractStudies related to the durability of bridge deck concrete in the state of Tennessee have been ongoing at the University of Tennessee for the past decade. The most recent phase of this research began in the fall of 2009 with a focus on developing a criteria and methodology to assess the durability of bridge deck concrete in Tennessee. The concrete’s resistance to chloride ion penetration was used to evaluate durability. This resistance was measured by two test methods: the surface resistivity (SR) test and the rapid chloride ion penetration (RCP) test. Current guidelines set forth by the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) require that a Class D concrete mixture be placed on all bridge deck applications. The SR and RCP tests have been performed on Class D concrete cylinders from various bridge deck placements across the state for the past 2.5 years. The Class D mixture consists of 75% cement and 25% fly ash (generally Class F). Results indicate that the current concrete mixture fails to a...
The hermeneutic and dialectic of community in development

Discusses the implications of two traditional philosophical notions ‐ hermeneutic and dialectic ‐ for contemporary theory and practice in the field of social and economic development. States that hermeneutic and dialectic are forms of inquiry and discourse dedicated to grasping cultural meaning from within, but also to finding resources criticism and reform within that understood universe of cultural meaning. Emphasizing H.‐G. Gadamer’s work on philosophical hermeneutics, shows how the appropriation of one’s own horizon of assumptions is essential to the task of listening to and interpreting unfamiliar cultural horizons. Emphasizing the Socratic, dialogical conception of dialectic, shows how risking opinions through mutual inquiry can be a more fruitful form of cultural critique than the more confrontational rhetorical models of debate. Concludes that these collaborative qualities of hermeneutic and dialectic are especially relevant to varieties of development theory that emphasize ethics, community development, and the need to involve all participants in the task of defining the aims of development.
Protein phosphorylation in pancreatic islets induced by 3-phosphoglycerate and 2-phosphoglycerate

We have shown previously that 3-phosphoglycerate, which is a glycolytic metabolite of glucose, induces protein phosphorylation in bovine and rat brain and in rat heart, kidney, liver, lung, and whole pancreas. Since glycolytic metabolism of glucose is of paramount importance in insulin release, we considered the possibility that 3-phosphoglycerate may act as a coupling factor, and we searched for evidence for the existence of 3-phosphoglycerate-dependent protein phosphorylation systems in freshly isolated normal rat pancreatic islets. Membrane and cytosol fractions were incubated with [gamma-32P]ATP and appropriate test substances and were subjected to NaDodSO4/PAGE and autoradiography. As little as 0.005 mM 3-phosphoglycerate or 2-phosphoglycerate stimulated the phosphorylation of a 65-kDa cytosol protein by as early as 0.25 min. The phosphate bond of the 65-kDa phosphoprotein was sufficiently stable to withstand dialysis; the radioactivity could not be chased out by subsequent exposure to ATP, ADP, 3-phosphoglycerate, or 2,3-bisphosphoglycerate. Moreover, cAMP, cGMP, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, or calcium failed to stimulate the phosphorylation of the 65-kDa protein. Phosphoglycerate-dependent protein phosphorylation in islets may have relevance to stimulation of insulin secretion.
Friday, November 1, 2001 8:42–10:06 am Outstanding Papers and Presentation of NASS 2002 Recognition Awards

Background context: Calcium influx into cells is responsible for initiating the “final pathway” to cell death in neuronal tissue after traumatic or hypoxic injury. The specific pathways in this cascade are myriad, and the importance each one plays is controversial. It is clear, however, that blocking individual pathways confers protection to these tissues. Purpose: In the present study we examined the role of Cyclosporin A (CsA), FK506 and rapamycin modulating the effects of Ca2+ influx through their interactions with immunophilins and specifically the end result of calcineurin modulation. Study design: Dorsal columns were isolated from the spinal cord of adult rats and injured by exposure to hypoxic conditions for 60 minutes. The samples were monitored electrophysiologically in an in vitro recording chamber (maintained at 37 C) during injury, and the compound action potential (CAP) was monitored with glass microelectrodes. The dorsal column was exposed to ischemic Ringers solution alone or with the different immunosuppressants and compared with baseline readings. Functional recovery of the dorsal column was than assessed by recovery of the CAP. Results: The mean CAP decreased to about 20% of baseline control levels during hypoxia, and returned 53.8 ± 7.6% of baseline (p<.05) after reoxygenation. CsA, an immunosuppressant known to inhibit calcineurin, promoted a significantly greater recovery of CAP amplitude to 76.8 ± 5.2% and 72.1 ± 13.2% of control (p<.05) after hypoxic/ischemic injury and reoxygenation of dorsal column white matter when applied at concentrations of 1 μM and 10 μM, respectively. FK506, which also inhibits calcineurin, was applied at a concentration of (0.1 μM), and promoted CAP amplitude recovery to 82.6 ± 5.0% of control after hypoxic/ischemic injury and reoxygenation of dorsal column white matter. The addition of rapamycin (1 μM), which binds to the same immunophilin as FK506, to the FK506 (0.1 μM) solution during hypoxic/ischemic injury showed only recovery of CAP amplitudes to 56.9 ± 6.7% of control (p<.05). Electron microscopy revealed remarkable protection of axons and prevention of organelle disruption in segments treated with CsA and FK506 during hypoxia when compared with hypoxic controls. Conclusion: In conclusion, both CsA and FK506 confer in vitro protection to dorsal columns during hypoxic/ischemic injury at physiological temperatures, and rapamycin blocks the protective effect of FK506. Thus, calcineurin may play an important role in the physiology of neuronal injury. Disclosures: No disclosures. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts.
Intraflagellar transport at a glance.

Intraflagellar transport (IFT) is the bidirectional transport of multisubunit protein complexes, called IFT particles, along axonemal microtubules (MTs) beneath the ciliary membrane. IFT plays essential roles in the assembly and function of cilia and flagella by contributing to cell motility,
Follow-up skeletal surveys for suspected non-accidental trauma: Can a more limited survey be performed without compromising diagnostic information?

Abstract Objective Follow-up skeletal surveys have been shown to improve the rate of fracture detection in suspected cases of non-accidental trauma (NAT). As these studies are performed in a particularly radiosensitive population, it is important to evaluate if all of the (approximately 20) radiographs obtained at repeat skeletal survey are clinically useful. Our goal was to evaluate if certain radiographs can be excluded at follow-up skeletal survey without compromising the clinical efficacy. Methods This retrospective study included 22 cases of suspected NAT (average age 3.8 months, range 0.7–15 months) in which patients received both initial and follow-up bone surveys. The follow-up survey was performed an average of 16.7 days (range 11–29 days) after the initial survey. Radiographs were reviewed by 2 pediatric radiologists, with discrepancies resolved by consensus. In addition, we combined our data with data from all known previously published reports of follow-up skeletal surveys for NAT for meta-analysis. Results A total of 36 fractures were found on the initial bone survey in 16/22 patients (73%). Six patients had no fractures detected at initial survey. Follow-up bone surveys demonstrated an additional 3 fractures (2 extremities and 1 rib) in 3/22 cases (14%); 1 was in a patient whose initial survey was negative. No additional fractures in the skull, spine, pelvis, feet, or hands were detected in any case. In combination with patients reported in the literature (194 patients total) no new fracture of the skull, spine, pelvis, or hands was detected at follow-up survey. The skull, spine and pelvis radiographs are the highest dose-exposure studies of the skeletal survey. Conclusion and practice implications If no injury is detected or suspected in the pelvis, spine, hands, or skull at initial bone survey for suspected NAT, a limited follow-up skeletal survey which excludes the pelvis, lateral spine, hands, and skull should be considered to limit radiation exposure without limiting diagnostic information.
Experience with targeted next generation sequencing for the care of lung cancer: insights into promises and limitations of genomic oncology in day-to-day practice

Abstract Introduction Tumor genotyping using single gene assays (SGAs) is standard practice in advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We evaluated how the introduction of next generation sequencing (NGS) into day-to-day clinical practice altered therapeutic decision-making. Methods Clinicopathologic data, tumor genotype, and clinical decisions were retrospectively compiled over 6 months following introduction of NGS assay use at our institution in 82 patient-tumor samples (7 by primary NGS, 22 by sequential SGAs followed by NGS, and 53 by SGAs). Results SGAs identified abnormalities in 34 samples, and all patients with advanced EGFR -mutated or ALK -rearranged tumors received approved tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) or were consented for clinical trials. NGS was more commonly requested for EGFR , ALK , and KRAS -negative tumors ( p FGFR1 ); 6 had other genomic events (all with TP53 mutations). In no cases were clinical decisions altered ( p =0.0538 when compared to ACs). Conclusions Targeted NGS can identify a significant number of therapeutically-relevant driver events in lung ACs; particularly in never or light smokers. For SC lung cancers, NGS is less likely to alter current practice. Further research into the cost effectiveness and optimal use of NGS and improved provider training in genomic oncology are warranted.
STUDIES ON BLOOD COAGULATION : I. THE RÔLE OF PROTHROMBIN AND OF PLATELETS IN THE FORMATION OF THROMBIN

1. A method is described for the preparation and titration of prothrombin and thrombin. 2. Confirming the views of Morawitz, Howell (1916-17, 1925), and Bordet, thrombin cannot be regarded as an artificial by-product of coagulation (Wooldridge, Nolf (both quoted from Morawitz)). Calcium, a platelet factor, and a plasma factor (prothrombin) interact to form thrombin, and this then acts upon fibrinogen to form fibrin. The amount and rate of thrombin formation in the first reaction are independent of the presence or absence of fibrinogen. After a variable latent period, thrombin suddenly appears in large quantities, coincident with or immediately preceding the deposition of fibrin if fibrinogen is present. 3. The amount of thrombin formed in a mixture of prothrombin, Ca and platelets is independent of the platelet or Ca concentration, and depends primarily upon the amount of prothrombin used. The platelets (or cephalin) enormously accelerate the transformation of prothrombin to thrombin, and this acceleration seems to be their physiological role in the coagulation process. 4. Contrary to previous reports, platelets have not been demonstrated to contain significant quantities of prothrombin. 5. The available data do not allow any definite decision as to whether the platelet factor actually combines with prothrombin to form thrombin, or merely catalyzes the transformation. The very slow formation of thrombin in the complete absence of platelets may be due to dissolved traces of platelet material released during the physical manipulation of the plasma (centrifuging, Berkefeld filtration). 6. There was no evidence for a species-specific activity of platelets in the transformation of prothrombin to thrombin.
Emerging silicon and nonsilicon nanoelectronic devices: opportunities and challenges for future high-performance and low-power computational applications

Several key emerging nanoelectronic devices, such as Si nanowire field-effect transistors (FETs), carbon nanotube FETs, and III-V compound semiconductor quantum-well FETs, are assessed for their potential in future high-performance, low-power computation applications. Furthermore, these devices are benchmarked against state-of-the-art Si CMOS technologies. The two fundamental transistor benchmarking metrics utilized in this study are: (i) CVII versus L/sub G/; and ii) CVII versus I/sub ON//I/sub OFF/. While intrinsic device speed is emphasized in the first metric, the tradeoff between device speed and off-state leakage is assessed in the latter. For high-performance and low-power logic applications, low CVII and high I/sub ON//I/sub OFF/ values are both required. Based on the results obtained, the opportunities and challenges for these emerging novel devices in future logic applications are highlighted and discussed.
Room Temperature Single Electron Charging in Gold Nanoparticle Networks Formed on Biopolymer Templates

We report the current-voltage characteristics of gold nanoparticle - biopolymer networks at room temperature. Above a threshold voltage the current-voltage relationship is almost linear. From the current-voltage scaling above threshold we argue that one-dimensional regions of the network dominate the transport. Periodic features in the conductance are found in many samples. Both the threshold voltage and the conductance features occur at voltages much greater than expected for the capacitance of the nanoparticles. Possible explanations for the structure are considered.
Ability of commercial and reference antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods to detect vancomycin resistance in enterococci.

We evaluated the abilities of 10 commercially available antimicrobial susceptibility testing methods and four reference methods (agar dilution, broth microdilution, disk diffusion, and the agar screen plate) to classify enterococci correctly as vancomycin susceptible or resistant using 50 well-characterized strains of enterococci. There was a high level of agreement of category classification data obtained with broth-based systems (Sceptor, MicroMedia, Pasco, and Sensititre), agar dilution, and an antibiotic gradient method (E test) with data obtained by reference broth microdilution; no very major or major errors were seen, and minor errors were < or = 6%. Increased minor error rates were observed with disk diffusion (12%), Alamar (16%), Uniscept (16%), and conventional (overnight) MicroScan panels (16%). The errors were primarily with Enterococcus casseliflavus strains and organisms containing the vanB vancomycin resistance gene. Very major error rates of 10.3 and 20.7% were observed with Vitek and MicroScan Rapid (MS/Rapid) systems, respectively; however, only the MS/Rapid system produced major errors (13.3%). On repeat testing of discrepant isolates, the very major error rate with the Vitek system dropped to 3.4%, while the very major error rate with the MS/Rapid system increased to 27.6%; major errors with the MS/Rapid system were not resolved. Many of the commercial systems had only 4 dilutions of vancomycin, which resulted in up to 84% of values being off scale (e.g., Uniscept). Of the methods tested, most conventional broth- and agar-based methods proved to be highly accurate when incubation was done for a full 24 h, although several of the tests had high minor error rates. Automated systems continued to demonstrate problems in detecting low-level resistance.
Destruction of trichloroethylene by UV light-catalyzed oxidation with hydrogen peroxide

Abstract Advanced oxidation processes provide a destructive, economical alternative to conventional treatment methods for the removal of hazardous organic pollutants from groundwaters and industrial wastewaters. This project investigated the kinetics of trichloroethylene oxidation by ultraviolet light and hydrogen peroxide. The reaction rate of trichloroethylene was first order in ultraviolet light intensity and pseudo first order in trichloroethylene concentration. The rate was first order in hydrogen peroxide concentration at low peroxide levels, but independent of peroxide concentration at high peroxide levels. The maximum rate attainable depended on the reactor depth, with the shallower reactor yielding the larger maximum rate. A mechanism for trichloroethylene oxidation was proposed which yielded a rate expression consistent with the experimental observations.
Oceanographic gradients and patterns in invertebrate assemblages on offshore oil platforms

We explored variability in the composition and cover of subtidal macroinvertebrate assemblages, and the recruitment and growth rates of selected invertebrate species, on seven offshore oil and gas platforms arrayed across a gradient in oceanographic conditions in the Santa Barbara Channel, CA, USA. The major macroinvertebrate taxa (sea anemones, mussels, barnacles, tubiculous amphipods, hydroids, and sponges) were common to all platforms. However, discriminant function analysis (DFA) revealed that the assemblages of two platforms (Gilda and Gail) clearly differed from the other platforms, a pattern attributable, in part, to the presence of conspicuous exotic species (the anemone, Diadumene sp., and encrusting bryozoan, Watersipora subtorquata) on these platforms. If these exotic species were excluded from the analysis, platforms in proximity to each other generally tended to have invertebrate assemblages more similar to each other than to platforms located farther away. Spatial variation in barnacle recruitment onto ceramic plates and mussel growth rate reflected prevailing oceanographic gradients. The existence of along-channel patterns in the composition of platform invertebrate assemblages, and in invertebrate recruitment and growth associated with oceanographic gradients, suggests that assemblages attached to platforms or other artificial structures may be useful barometers of short and perhaps longer term change in ocean climate.
Adaptive Reputation-Based Scheduling on Unreliable Distributed Infrastructures

This paper addresses the inherent unreliability and instability of worker nodes in large-scale donation-based distributed infrastructures such as peer-to-peer and grid systems. We present adaptive scheduling techniques that can mitigate this uncertainty and significantly outperform current approaches. In this work, we consider nodes that execute tasks via donated computational resources and may behave erratically or maliciously. We present a model in which reliability is not a binary property, but a statistical one based on a node's prior performance and behavior. We use this model to construct several reputation-based scheduling algorithms that employ estimated reliability ratings of worker nodes for efficient task allocation. Our scheduling algorithms are designed to adapt to changing system conditions, as well as nonstationary node reliability. Through simulation, we demonstrate that our algorithms can significantly improve throughput while maintaining a very high success rate of task completion. Our results suggest that reputation-based scheduling can handle a wide variety of worker populations, including nonstationary behavior, with overhead that scales well with system size. We also show that our adaptation mechanism allows the application designer fine-grain control over the desired performance metrics.
Theory of Electron Spin Relaxation in n-Doped Quantum Wells

Recent experiments have demonstrated long spin lifetimes in uniformly n-doped quantum wells. The spin dynamics of exciton, localized, and conduction spins are important for understanding these systems. We explain experimental behavior by invoking spin exchange between all spin species. By doing so we explain quantitatively and qualitatively the striking and unusual temperature dependence in (110)-GaAs quantum wells. We discuss possible future experiments to resolve the pertinent localized spin relaxation mechanisms. In addition, our analysis allows us to propose possible experimental scenarios that will optimize spin relaxation times in GaAs and CdTe quantum wells.
A sensitivity relation for biquad filters

This paper presents a sensitivity relation for biquad filters. The sensitivity of the biquad magnitude frequency response is derived for low-pass, high-pass, band-pass, and band-stop filter types in a general approach. A new identity is proposed to relate pole sensitivity and filter Q sensitivity. This confirms the biquad sensitivity is dependent upon the circuit topology as well as circuit component tolerances.
Impact of immunomodulatory oligodeoxynucleotides on cytokine production in the lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human whole blood model.

Abstract Background In studying potential immunotherapeutics for sepsis, we used a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated whole blood model to test the immunomodulating capacity of cytosine-phospho-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG ODNs). We hypothesized that CpG ODNs would have considerable counterinflammatory effects on LPS-induced cytokine production. Methods We administered 4 μmol/L of CpG ODNs (2216, D19, 2006, K3, or 1668) or guanine-phospho-cytosine (GpC) ODNs (control D or control K) immediately after LPS (10 ng/mL) stimulation of heparinized human whole blood. Samples were incubated for 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Media and LPS were used as negative and positive controls. Cell-free supernatants were obtained and evaluated for interferon gamma (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-12(p40), tumor necrosis factor alpha, IL-6, IL-10, IFN-α, IL-8, and IL-1β by ELISA. Results Compared to LPS alone, significantly reduced levels of IFN-γ, IL-12(p40), tumor necrosis factor alpha, and IL-6 were associated with both CpG and GpC ODNs administration to LPS-stimulated whole blood. IL-10 levels were concomitantly increased. However, IFN-α generation was CpG specific as was increased IL-8 levels. Lastly, only 2216 was associated with decreased IL-1β levels. Conclusions CpG ODNs and GpC ODNs in the LPS-stimulated whole blood model demonstrate differential counterinflammatory effects, but only CpG ODNs were associated with proinflammatory cytokine production. With further examination, we may find that these observed immunomodulatory differences could potentially be exploited for therapeutic benefit.
Teleradiology: A Review

Teleradiology is the electronic transfer of radiology images to a distant location. Healthcare reform and advances in computer technology are providing the impetus for increased use of teleradiolog...
An integrated life-cycle model for software maintenance

An integrated life-cycle model is presented for use in a software maintenance environment. The model represents information about the development and maintenance of software systems, emphasizing relationships between different phases of the software life cycle. It provides the basis for automated tools to assist maintenance personnel in making changes to existing software systems. The model is independent of particular specification, design, and programming languages because it represents only certain 'basic' semantic properties of software systems: control flow, data flow, and data structure. The software development processes by which one phase of the software life cycle is derived from another are represented by graph rewriting rules, which indicate how various components of a software system have been implemented. This approach permits analysis of the basic properties of a software system throughout the software life cycle. Examples are given to illustrate the integrated software life-cycle model during evolution. >
Resource allocation in buffered crossbar switches for supporting network virtualization

Network virtualization has been proposed as a diversifying attribute of the future inter-networking paradigm. By allowing multiple heterogeneous network architectures to cohabit on a shared physical substrate, network virtualization provides flexibility, promotes diversity, and promises increased manageability. One of the most fundamental issues in network virtualization is to support multiple virtual networks in the packet switches that constitute the underlying network infrastructures. A key challenge to supporting network virtualization in switches lies in resource allocation for meeting the performance requirements of different virtual networks. Buffered crossbar is becoming one of the dominating switch architectures widely deployed in network infrastructures. Therefore, how to support network virtualization in buffered crossbar switches becomes a significant research problem. The research study presented in this paper addresses the problem of resource allocation in buffered crossbar switches for supporting network virtualization. The main contributions of this paper include an analytical model for traffic control in buffered crossbar switches to support network virtualization and the analysis techniques for allocating resources, including processing capacity and buffer space, in the switch for supporting the performance requirements of various virtual networks. The modeling and analysis techniques developed in this paper are general and flexible; thus are applicable to support heterogeneous virtual networks in buffered crossbar switches with various packet scheduling schemes.
Sharing, Trading, Stealing: Exploring the Role of Peers in Shaping Foods Available at Lunchtime.

Childhood obesity continues to be a major concern in the United States, warranting a comprehensive approach. However, the majority of research studies continue to neglect the influence of peers on ...
Growth kinetics of ZnO prepared by organometallic chemical vapor deposition

Zinc oxide films were deposited using the reactants dimethyl zinc and tetrahydrofuran. Growth kinetics were determined from the dependence of the growth rate on substrate temperature and reactant partial pressure. A complex temperature dependence was observed over the temperature range of 300–500 °C. For a deposition temperature of 400 °C, the growth kinetics were modeled using a bimolecular surface reaction rate-limited mechanism. The layers were characterized using x-ray diffractometer and Auger spectroscopy measurements.
Intermittent Dosing of Alendronate

OBJECTIVE:To review data describing use of intermittent dosing of alendronate.DATA SOURCES:A comprehensive literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (1966–May 2001) and EMBASE (1974–May 2001) databases to identify all information regarding intermittent dosing of alendronate.DATA SYNTHESIS:A small number of clinical studies have evaluated the use of intermittent alendronate dosing in an attempt to improve patient compliance and adverse events.CONCLUSIONS:Evidence from more controlled clinical trials and postmarketing data are needed to demonstrate the therapeutic efficacy and tolerability of intermittent alendronate dosing. The definitive role of intermittent dosing in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis remains to be determined.
X/Ku Band CMOS LNA Design Techniques

This paper reports two 11 GHz low-noise amplifiers (LNA) in 0.18?m CMOS technology. A cascade two stage LNA achieves 12 dB of power gain, 3.5 dB of noise figure, and an input/output match of ?15 dB/?27 dB at 11GHz, while consuming 28mA from 1.8V supply. The second LNA is a modified cascode amplifier and it achieves 8 dB of gain, 3.1 dB of noise figure, and an input/output match of ?12 dB/?15 dB at 11GHz, consuming 18mA from the 1.8V supply. The paper also discusses design considerations such the effects of layout on frequency tuning and noise.
Mutation Rate, Spectrum, Topology, and Context-Dependency in the DNA Mismatch Repair-Deficient Pseudomonas fluorescens ATCC948

High levels of genetic diversity exist among natural isolates of the bacterium Pseudomonas fluorescens, and are especially elevated around the replication terminus of the genome, where strain-specific genes are found. In an effort to understand the role of genetic variation in the evolution of Pseudomonas, we analyzed 31,106 base substitutions from 45 mutation accumulation lines of P. fluorescens ATCC948, naturally deficient for mismatch repair, yielding a base-substitution mutation rate of 2.34 × 10(-8) per site per generation (SE: 0.01 × 10(-8)) and a small-insertion-deletion mutation rate of 1.65 × 10(-9) per site per generation (SE: 0.03 × 10(-9)). We find that the spectrum of mutations in prophage regions, which often contain virulence factors and antibiotic resistance, is highly similar to that in the intergenic regions of the host genome. Our results show that the mutation rate varies around the chromosome, with the lowest mutation rate found near the origin of replication. Consistent with observations from other studies, we find that site-specific mutation rates are heavily influenced by the immediately flanking nucleotides, indicating that mutations are context dependent.
Patterns of cytokine secretion in murine leishmaniasis: correlation with disease progression or resolution.

Susceptibility or resistance to infection with Leishmania major correlates with the ability of mice to produce characteristic panels of lymphokines in response to the parasite. To investigate the role of antigen-presenting cells in this phenomenon, we developed a model system which used congenic (H-2d) susceptible and resistant mice. L. major-specific T cells were isolated from infected BALB/c and B10.D2 mice, and the cells were restimulated in vitro on syngenic or congenic antigen-presenting cells. BALB/c L. major-reactive T cells restimulated with either antigen-presenting cell produced high levels of interleukin-4 and low levels of gamma interferon. In contrast, T cells from B10.D2 mice produced gamma interferon. Radiation-induced chimeras reconstituted with BALB/c bone marrow also produced more interleukin-4 in response to L. major than did chimeras reconstituted with B10.D2 bone marrow. To test whether this pattern of cytokine secretion was unique to infection with L. major, we infected the mice with a second intracellular pathogen, Mycobacterium bovis BCG. Mycobacterium-specific T cells from both BALB/c and B10.D2 mice produced interleukin-2 and no interleukin-4. Finally, when BALB/c mice were vaccinated with avirulent L. major, the induced resistance correlated with reduced production of interleukin-4 but no increase in gamma interferon production. Instead, T cells from the vaccinated mice produced high levels of tumor necrosis factor. This suggests that tumor necrosis factor, in addition to gamma interferon, may be involved in resistance to L. major and that interleukin-4 may inhibit the leishmanicidal activity of tumor necrosis factor and/or gamma interferon.
Fatal dabigatran-associated bleeding.

We described a catastrophic outcome in a patient with acute kidney injury who was treated with dabigatran and was unable to tolerate placement of a hemodialysis catheter. Dr. Joson and colleagues bring up several points related to anticoagulation therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF) specifically