cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Timing slack aware incremental register placement with non-uniform grid generation for clock mesh synthesis

A novel clock mesh network synthesis approach is proposed in this paper which generates an improved mesh size with registers placed incrementally considering the timing slack on the data paths and the non-uniform grid wire placement. The primary objective of the method is to reduce the power dissipation without a global skew degradation, which is achieved through a sparse and non-uniform mesh implementation with registers incrementally placed in close vicinity to the mesh grids. The incremental register placement is based on the timing information in order to preserve the timing slack of the circuit. Experimental results show that the total wirelength (mesh grid wires and stub wires) as well as the power dissipation is reduced significantly on the clock mesh network. Specifically, the wirelength of the mesh network and the power dissipation of the clock network are reduced by 52% and 48% on average, respectively. Moreover, the global clock skew and the non-negative timing slack are preserved.
Ubiquitin chain trimming recycles the substrate binding sites of the 26 S proteasome and promotes degradation of lysine 48-linked polyubiquitin conjugates

The 26 S proteasome possesses two distinct deubiquitinating activities. The ubiquitin (Ub) chain amputation activity removes the entire polyUb chain from the substrates. The Ub chain trimming activity progressively cleaves a polyUb chain from the distal end. The Ub chain amputation activity mediates degradation-coupled deubiquitination. The Ub chain trimming activity can play a supportive or an inhibitory role in degradation, likely depending on features of the substrates. How Ub chain trimming assists degradation is not clear. We find that inhibition of the chain trimming activity of the 26 S proteasome with Ub aldehyde significantly inhibits degradation of Ub4 (Lys-48)-UbcH10 and causes accumulation of free Ub4 (generated from chain amputation) that can be retained on the proteasome. Also, a non-trimmable Lys-48-mimic Ub4 efficiently targets UbcH10 to the 26 S proteasome, but it cannot support efficient degradation of UbcH10 compared with regular Lys-48 Ub4. These results indicate that polyUb chain trimming promotes proteasomal degradation of Lys-48-linked substrates. Mechanistically, we propose that Ub chain trimming cleaves the proteasome-bound Lys-48-linked polyUb chains, which vacates the Ub binding sites of the 26 S proteasome, thus allowing continuous substrate loading.
Multiple Mentoring Relationships Facilitate Learning During Fieldwork

Fieldwork provides a means by which students are socialized into their profession and their careers. During Level I and Level II fieldwork, students acquire and apply the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will enable them to achieve entry-level competence The experiences that students have during Level II fieldwork influence their subsequent career choices. To support these experiences, students form a variety of helping relationships with faculty members, clinicians, peers, family, and friends. This article examines the role and responsibilities of the student as protege and of the clinical educator as information peer, collegial peer, special peer, and mentor. In light of the challenges faced by most clinicians secondary to health care reform, an alternative to the one-to-one supervision model is presented. The multiple mentoring model of fieldwork supervision has several advantages: (a) fieldwork educators work with students according to their strengths and interests; (b) the model promotes collegiality and clinical reasoning skills because students use each other as resources and observe different fieldwork educators approaching similar situations; and (c) the model allows a fieldwork site to accept more students at one time, while minimizing stress on any one fieldwork educator. A framework defining the functions of the mentor-protege relationship is provided, with an emphasis on the effect that clinical educators have in their roles as mentors, guides, role models, and teachers who provide opportunities for the student to develop entry-level competency in a chosen profession.
Positive‐outcome Bias: Comparison of Emergency Medicine and General Medicine Literatures

Objective:The existence of positive-outcome bias in the medical literature is well established. Positive-outcome bias in two emergency medicine journals was compared with that found in two general medicine journals. Methods:Published original contributions from Annals of Emergency Medicine, American Journal of Emergency Medicine, JAMA, and New England Journal of Medicinewere reviewed. Articles were categorized as demonstrating a positive or negative outcome or showing no difference using new criteria. Descriptive articles were excluded. Results:Of 700 articles reviewed, 177 emergency medicine and 211 general medicine articles met the study criteria. The emergency medicine journals had 142 articles (80%) with positive outcomes, 27 (15%) with negative outcomes, and 8 (5%) with no difference. The general medicine journals had 169 articles (80%) with positive outcomes, 33 (16%) with negative outcomes, and 9 (4%) with no difference. There was no significant difference between journal groups (chi-square; p = 0.99). The power of the study was 0.80 to detect a difference of 15% between groups with alpha set at 0.05. Conclusions:There was no significant difference in the proportions of positive-outcome studies published in this sample of the emergency medicine literature compared with the general medicine literature. The potential impact of positive-outcome bias and methods of dealing with the problem are reviewed.
Effects of Olanzapine–Fluoxetine Combination Treatment of Major Depressive Disorders on the Quality of Life During Acute Treatment Period

The objective of the study was to explore the effects of olanzapine-fluoxetine combination (OFC) treatment of major depressive disorders on the quality of life in the acute treatment period. Methods were prospective and observational design. One hundred and three patients of major depressive disorders were observed. One group of 53 patients received OFC treatment (OFC group); the other group of 50 patients received the treatment of duloxetine (duloxetine group). Two groups were needed to be observed 8 weeks. Observed indicators were Hamilton Depression Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-24) and four factor scores: the slow, sleep disorders, anxiety/somatization, and hopelessness, Clinical Global Impression-Severity of Illness (CGI-S), WHO quality of life scale (WHOQOL-BREF), and sub-rate measurements. HAMD-24 and four factor scores observation time were assessed before and after treatment; 1, 2, 4, 8 weeks, WHOQOL-BREF score, and sub-time measurements were assessed before treatment and 8 weeks after treatment. HAMD-24 scores of OFC patients in the first week were significantly lower than those of the duloxetine group. The sleep factor scores of OFC patients were significantly lower than those of the duloxetine group in 4 and 8 weeks. By the end of 8 weeks, OFC group was rated significantly lower than the duloxetine group in the physical area. In the acute treatment period, OFC treatment effected faster than the single duloxetine in patients with major depressive disorders. OFC effected within 1 week and was better than the single duloxetine in improving the sleep and physical conditions.
Ku is a 5′-dRP/AP lyase that excises nucleotide damage near broken ends

Most agents that generate breaks in DNA leave 'dirty ends' that cannot reunite without some intervening steps to restore the integrity of the nucleotides at the break. In this work, Roberts et al. show that the non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair pathway requires a 5′-dRP/AP lyase activity to remove abasic sites. Surprisingly, this activity is catalysed by Ku70, which, with its partner Ku86, had previously been thought only to recognize broken DNA ends and to recruit other NHEJ proteins to that site. Most agents that generate breaks in DNA leave 'dirty ends' that cannot be joined immediately; instead, intervening steps are required to restore the integrity of nucleotides at the break. Here it is shown that the non-homologous end joining pathway requires a 5′-dRP/AP lyase activity to remove abasic sites at double-strand breaks. Surprisingly, this activity is catalysed by the Ku70 protein, which, together with its partner Ku86, had been thought only to recognize broken DNA ends and to recruit other factors that process ends. Mammalian cells require non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) for the efficient repair of chromosomal DNA double-strand breaks1. A key feature of biological sources of strand breaks is associated nucleotide damage, including base loss (abasic or apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) sites)2. At single-strand breaks, 5′-terminal abasic sites are excised by the 5′-deoxyribose-5-phosphate (5′-dRP) lyase activity of DNA polymerase β (pol β)3,4,5,6: here we show, in vitro and in cells, that accurate and efficient repair by NHEJ of double-strand breaks with such damage similarly requires 5′-dRP/AP lyase activity. Classically defined NHEJ is moreover uniquely effective at coupling this end-cleaning step to joining in cells, helping to distinguish this pathway from otherwise robust alternative NHEJ pathways. The NHEJ factor Ku can be identified as an effective 5′-dRP/AP lyase. In a similar manner to other lyases7, Ku nicks DNA 3′ of an abasic site by a mechanism involving a Schiff-base covalent intermediate with the abasic site. We show by using cell extracts that Ku is essential for the efficient removal of AP sites near double-strand breaks and, consistent with this result, that joining of such breaks is specifically decreased in cells complemented with a lyase-attenuated Ku mutant. Ku had previously been presumed only to recognize ends and recruit other factors that process ends; our data support an unexpected direct role for Ku in end-processing steps as well.
A model for transient oxygen delivery in cerebral cortex.

Popular hemodynamic brain imaging methods, such as blood oxygen-level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI), would benefit from a detailed understanding of the mechanisms by which oxygen is delivered to the cortex in response to brief periods of neural activity. Tissue oxygen responses in visual cortex parenchyma following brief visual stimulation exhibit rich dynamics, including an early decrease in oxygen concentration, a subsequent large increase in concentration, and substantial late-time oscillations (“ringing”). We introduce a model that explains the full time-course of these observations made by Thompson et al. (2003). The model treats oxygen transport with a set of differential equations that include a combination of flow and diffusion in a three-compartment (intra-, peri-, and extravascular) system. Blood flow in this system is modeled using the impulse response of a lumped linear system that includes an inertive element; this provides a simple mechanism for the ringing. The model system is solved numerically to produce excellent fits to measurements of tissue oxygen. The results give insight into the dynamics of cerebral oxygen transfer, and can serve as the starting point to understand BOLD fMRI measurements.
Numerical calibration of donor systems for some GAP tests

A l'aide de l'hydrocode DYNA2D, on a depouille des modeles numeriques de divers systemes donneur/attenuateur (GAP) utilises pour des gap-tests. On a etudie trois configurations du donneur (pentolite presse) avec un attenuateur (PMMA). Dans les cas 1 et 2, on a utilise un donneur en pentolite de forme cylindrique 2 cm x 2 cm ; dans le premier cas, la taille des pores etait plus petite. Dans le cas 3, on a utilise un donneur en pentolite compose d'une longueur de 2,07 cm mais avec un diametre echelonne de 1 cm et 2 cm ; la taille des pores etait semblable a celle du cas 2. Les valeurs des pointes de pression (axiale) en fonction de la distance ont ete placees sur une echelle puis comparees aux valeurs experimentales du grand gap-test (LSGT) de NOL et du gap-test etendu (ELSGT) de NSWC. La comparaison a revele des valeurs tres bonnes pour le LSGT mais moins satisfaisantes pour le ELSGT. On a egalement confronte le cas 1 au cas 3 en ce qui concerne la correlation entre la pression maximale (axiale) et la distance. On a constate que le donneur en pentolite compose presentait des pointes de pression (axiale) semblables au modele LSGT. Pour les trois cas, on a compare les pointes de pression normalisees en fonction de la distance radiale, et les profils par chocs qui se sont averes tres semblables.
Real-Time Intraoperative Neurophysiological Monitoring

We discuss the utilization of signal processing techniques during surgical procedures. These techniques are used to provide real-time monitoring of nervous system function. We describe the historical development of these techniques and the hardware and software that have been used to implement them.
Nonsense-Mediated mRNA Decay in Health and Disease

All eukaryotes possess the ability to detect and degrade transcripts harboring premature signals for the termination of translation. Despite the ubiquitous nature of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD) and its demonstrated role in the modulation of phenotypes resulting from selected nonsense alleles, very little is known regarding its basic mechanism or the selective pressure for complete evolutionary conservation of this function. This review will present the current models of NMD that have been generated during the study of model organisms and mammalian cells. The physiological burden of nonsense transcripts and the emerging view that NMD plays a broad and critical role in the regulation of gene expression will also be discussed. Such issues are relevant to the proposal that pharmacological manipulation of NMD will find therapeutic application.
β-cell adaptation in a mouse model of glucocorticoid-induced metabolic syndrome

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are stress hormones primarily responsible for mobilizing glucose to the circulation. Due to this effect, insulin resistance and glucose intolerance are concerns in patients wi ...
Single chip for imaging, colour segmentation, histogramming and template matching

A 128(H)×64(V)×RGB CMOS imager is integrated with region-of-interest selection, RGB-to-HSI transformation, HSI-based pixel segmentation, 36 bin×12 bit HSI histogramming and sum-of-absolute-difference template matching. 32 learned colour templates are stored and compared to each image. Running at 30 fps, it uses 1 mW.
Absorptive capacity and disbursements by the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria: analysis of grant implementation

Summary Background The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was launched in 2002 to attract and rapidly disburse money to fight these diseases. However, some commentators believe that poor countries cannot effectively use such resources to increase delivery of their health programmes—referred to as a lack of absorptive capacity. We aimed to investigate the major determinants of grant implementation in developing countries. Methods With information available publicly on the Global Fund's website, we did random-effects analysis to investigate the effect of grant characteristics, types of primary recipient and local fund agent, and country attributes on disbursements that were made between 2003 and 2005 (phase one of Global Fund payments). To check the robustness of findings, regression results from alternative estimation methods and model specifications were also tested. Findings Grant characteristics—such as size of commitment, lag time between signature and first disbursement, and funding round—had significant effects on grant implementation. Enhanced political stability was associated with high use of grants. Low-income countries, and those with less-developed health systems for a given level of income, were more likely to have a higher rate of grant implementation than nations with higher incomes or more-developed health systems. Interpretation The higher rate of grant implementation seen in countries with low income and low health-spending lends support to proponents of major increases in health assistance for the poorest countries and argues that focusing resources on low-income nations, particularly those with political stability, will not create difficulties of absorptive capacity. Our analysis was restricted to grant implementation, which is one part of the issue of absorptive capacity. In the future, assessment of the effect of Global Fund grants on intervention coverage will be vital.
Biobank Participation and Returning Research Results: Perspectives from a Deliberative Engagement in South Side Chicago

To be respectful of the public, biobank guiding principles and operations should be responsive to and inclusive of the values and beliefs of their participants. In an effort to increase knowledge and inform institutional policies, we conducted a deliberative engagement of individuals from two healthcare facilities in South Side Chicago that serve different socioeconomic communities to consider biobank policies regarding return of research results. We recruited primary caregivers of children receiving care at either a Federally Qualified Health Center or a university-based practice to attend two full-day deliberative engagement sessions, which included four educational presentations followed by focus group discussions. Surveys were administered to assess attitudes before and after the engagement, and an evaluation was conducted to assess the deliberative engagement process. All 45 participants self-identified as African-American. Focus group themes included: (1) overall interest in biobank participation, broad consent, and recontact; (2) root causes of distrust and potential biobank strategies to facilitate trust; (3) perceived positive and negative aspects of receiving research results; and (4) strong interest in receiving and managing their children's research results. Survey data indicated the same degree of interest in receiving results about themselves as about their children. Pre- and post-session findings showed mainly non-significant attitudinal changes in level of interest in biobank participation and return of research results, although there was a decrease in level of concern regarding identification from research data. Our findings reveal shared community insights important in facilitating relationships and policy discussions between biobank researchers and research participants.
DETERMINATION OF BODY SEGMENT PARAMETERS.

This paper describes methods presently being used by the Research Staff of New York University to evaluate the important parameters of human body segments: mass, volume, center of mass and mass mom...
A wireless sensor system for validation of real-time automatic calibration of groundwater transport models

In this paper, we present the use of a wireless sensor network in a lab for subsurface contaminant plume monitoring with the objective of automatic calibration of groundwater transport models. A tank configured to simulate an aquifer was used as a testbed, and a 2D model was created based on the setup. To simulate a contaminant plume, an ion tracer was injected into the tank. Sensor probes capable of detecting the plume were buried inside the tank, and wireless motes used to take readings from the sensors and relay data to a base station. More importantly, a run-time fault detection and diagnosis for abnormal sensor readings is designed and integrated into the data acquisition system. Further, an adaptive data collection technique is integrated that is able to provide evidence about the effectiveness of the groundwater transport model in use. Results from the tracer tests are presented, as well as lessons gained.
Factor structure of the Smith irrational beliefs inventory: results of analyses on six independent samples.

Summary This study reports the results of six factor analyses (alpha factoring, direct oblimin rotation, Delta = .4) on six items from the Smith Irrational Beliefs Inventory. Six independent samples of 1851 college students (521 men, 1,280 women, 50 sex unstated) were tested. Three factors emerged with identical content for each analysis. Distorted Egocentrism was defined by two items reflecting feelings of entitlement and the naive assumption that events should always turn out favorably the way one desires; Task Exaggeration/Catastrophizing was defined by two items directly depicting a tendency to view challenges as overwhelming and catastrophic; and Isolated Low Self-esteem was defined by two items expressing the feeling that one has unacceptable feelings that could lead to isolation or rejection. Previous research on other irrational belief inventories has yielded inconsistent results, with multifactorial solutions emerging for clinical samples and unifactoral solutions for student samples. That the pr...
Expression and Localization of Gonadotropin-releasing Hormone Receptor in the Rat Oviduct During Pregnancy

A recent study from our laboratory has shown cellular and ultrastructural distribution of the gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and the relative expression of its mRNA in the rat oviduct during the postimplantation period of pregnancy (days 7, 9, 16, and 20). To determine the possible autocrine/paracrine involvement of the oviductal GnRH during pregnancy in rats, the present investigation aims at the study of the relative expression of GnRH receptor (GnRHR) mRNA by real-time PCR followed by immunolocalization of the peptide in the oviduct during pregnancy. Semiquantitative analysis of the oviductal GnRHR expression by Western blot was done by densitometry of the signal intensity. Our results indicate the expression of GnRHR mRNA in the rat oviduct throughout the postimplantation period of pregnancy with no significant difference in expression between the selected time points. Immunoreactive GnRHR peptide was localized predominantly in the cytoplasm of the luminal epithelial cells, with less expression in the cytoplasm of the stromal cells and the smooth muscles throughout the oviduct. Signal intensity of GnRHR was significantly lower during day 16 when compared to days 7 and 20. These results, for the first time, support the transcription of GnRHR mRNA and its translation to protein in the rat oviduct throughout the postimplantation period of pregnancy. The lower protein content of GnRHR by day 16 may be indicative of ligand-induced downregulation of the receptor expression. The present investigation thus strengthens our previously postulated hypothesis regarding the receptor-mediated autocrine/paracrine role of oviductal GnRH during pregnancy in rats.
Relationships among the Otmoor villages and surrounding communities as inferred from surnames contained in the current register of electors

SummaryThe interrelationships of 17 villages and a town near Otmoor have been investigated by means of the coefficients of relationships by isonymy: Ri = Σ(Si1Si2)/2N1N2 in which Si1 and Si2 are the respective frequencies of the ith surname in communities 1 and 2 and N1 and N2 are the respective sample sizes. The coefficients calculated from all adult males listed in the current registers of electors range from 0 to over 0·008. The coefficient of relationship within the town and between the town and villages average 0·0005. Those between villages average 0·0007. The correlation between the coefficient of relationship by isonymy with the frequency of marriages between parishes is +0·75 but this high correlation rests largely on a few very closely related pairs of parishes and largely on the contribution to Ri of relatively rare surnames. The method can easily be applied to wide surveys, and even to historic data, to explore the development of intercommunity relationships in the period since surnames became...
C-Reactive Protein and Risk of Lung Cancer

Purpose Chronic inflammation could play a role in lung carcinogenesis, underscoring the potential for lung cancer prevention and screening. We investigated the association of circulating high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP, an inflammation biomarker) and CRP single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with prospective lung cancer risk. Patients and Methods We conducted a nested case-control study of 592 lung cancer patients and 670 controls with available prediagnostic serum and 378 patients and 447 controls with DNA within the screening arm of the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial (N = 77,464). Controls were matched to patients on age, sex, entry year, follow-up time, and smoking. We measured CRP levels in baseline serum samples and genotyped five common CRP SNPs. Results Elevated CRP levels were associated with increased lung cancer risk (odds ratio [OR], 1.98; 95% CI, 1.35 to 2.89; P-trend < .001 for fourth quartile [Q4, ≥ 5.6 mg/L] v Q1 [< 1.0 mg/L]). The CRP association d...
Examining the Relationship Between Medical Diagnoses and Patterns of Performance on the Modified Dynamic Gait Index

Background In the original and modified Dynamic Gait Index (mDGI), 8 tasks are used to measure mobility; however, disagreement exists regarding whether all tasks are necessary. The relationship between mDGI scores and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) severity indicators in the mobility domain has not been explored. Objective The study objectives were to examine the relationship between medical diagnoses and mDGI scores, to determine whether administration of the mDGI can be shortened on the basis of expected diagnostic patterns of performance, and to create a model in which mDGI scores are mapped to CMS severity modifiers. Design This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study. Methods The 794 participants included 140 people without impairments (control cohort) and 239 people with stroke, 140 with vestibular dysfunction, 100 with traumatic brain injury, 91 with gait abnormality, and 84 with Parkinson disease. Scores on the mDGI (total, performance facet, and task) for the control cohort were compared with those for the 5 diagnostic groups by use of an analysis of variance. For mapping mDGI scores to 7 CMS impairment categories, an underlying Rasch scale was used to convert raw scores to an interval scale. Results There was a main effect of mDGI total, time, and gait pattern scores for the groups. Task-specific score patterns based on medical diagnosis were found, but the range of performance within each group was large. A framework for mapping mDGI total, performance facet, and task scores to 7 CMS impairment categories on the basis of Rasch analysis was created. Limitations Limitations included uneven sample sizes in the 6 groups. Conclusions Results supported retaining all 8 tasks for the assessment of mobility function in older people and people with neurologic conditions. Mapping mDGI scores to CMS severity indicators should assist clinicians in interpreting mobility performance, including changes in function over time.
Demand Response For Power System Reliability: FAQ

Demand response is the most underutilized power system reliability resource in North America. Technological advances now make it possible to tap this resource to both reduce costs and improve. Misconceptions concerning response capabilities tend to force loads to provide responses that they are less able to provide and often prohibit them from providing the most valuable reliability services. Fortunately this is beginning to change with some ISOs making more extensive use of load response. This report is structured as a series of short questions and answers that address load response capabilities and power system reliability needs. Its objective is to further the use of responsive load as a bulk power system reliability resource in providing the fastest and most valuable ancillary services.
Tibial fixation of bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a cadaveric study of bovine bone screw and biodegradable interference screw.

BackgroundThe use of interference screw fixation for bone-patellar tendon-bone grafts in anterior cruciate ligament fixation is well established. No previous study has compared bovine bone screws and biodegradable interference screws or demonstrated their efficacy for requirements associated with early rehabilitation.HypothesisThere is no difference in tension loss and pull-out strength between bovine bone screws and biodegradable interference screws.Study DesignControlled laboratory study.MethodsAnterior cruciate ligament reconstructions with bone-patellar tendon-bone allografts were performed in 40 human tibiae from 20 donors. A bovine bone screw and a polylevolactide interference screw were used for tibial fixation in each pair. A cyclic testing protocol with varying magnitude and orientation of the graft loading was developed. Cyclic tests were performed at 1 Hz for 5000 cycles with a peak force of 200 N applied to the graft. Survival rate and postcyclic-test pull-out strength were compared.ResultsFif...
Localization of curved parts through continual touch

We describe a simple system that localizes two-dimensional curved shapes through touch sensing, offering computational and experimental studies. The idea lies in determining the placement of a manipulator on a curved object during some special motion-rolling. A geometric algorithm is introduced to locate the boundary segment traced out by their contact using tactile data. Both completeness and local convergence have been established. The algorithm is asymptotically as efficient as evaluating the object's perimeter through numerical integration. For implementation, a two-axis force/torque sensor has been designed to realize contact sensing. Functioning like a "wrist," the sensor is calibrated over the ratio between the bending and twisting moments, eliminating the need for known weights. A simple geometry-based control strategy is devised to implement the rolling motion. Experiments have been conducted with an Adept Cobra 600 manipulator.
Capacitive RF MEMS Switches With Tantalum-Based Materials

In this paper, shunt capacitive RF microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are developed in III-V technology using tantalum nitride (TaN) and tantalum pentoxide (Ta2O5) for the actuation lines and the dielectric layers, respectively. A compositional, structural, and electrical characterization of the TaN and Ta2O5 films is preliminarily performed, demonstrating that they are valid alternatives to the conventional materials used in III-V technology for RF MEMS switches. Specifically, it is found that the TaN film resistivity can be tuned from 0.01 to 30 Ω · cm by changing the deposition parameters. On the other hand, dielectric Ta2O5 films show a low leakage current density of few nanoamperes per square centimeter for E ~ 1 MV/cm, a high breakdown field of 4 MV/cm, and a high dielectric constant of 32. The realized switches show good actuation voltages, in the range of 15-20 V, an insertion loss better than -0.8 dB up to 30 GHz, and an isolation of ~-40 dB at the resonant frequency, which is, according to bridge length, between 15 and 30 GHz. A comparison between the measured S-parameter values and the results of a circuit simulation is also presented and discussed, providing useful information on the operation of the fabricated switches.
Ruthenium[(1S)‐[1,1′‐Binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diylbis[bis(4‐methylphenyl)phosphine‐κP]]dichloro(2‐pyridinemethanamine‐κN1,κN2)

[857678-55-8] C54H48Cl2N2P2Ru (MW 958.89) InChI = 1S/C48H40P2.C6H8N2.2ClH.Ru/c1-33-13-23-39(24-14-33)49(40-25-15-34(2)16-26-40)45-31-21-37-9-5-7-11-43(37)47(45)48-44-12-8-6-10-38(44)22-32-46(48)50(41-27-17-35(3)18-28-41)42-29-19-36(4)20-30-42;7-5-6-3-1-2-4-8-6;;;/h5-32H,1-4H3;1-4H,5,7H2;2*1H;/q;;;;+2/p-2 InChIKey = UCHLDFFOSWUXLN-UHFFFAOYSA-L (used as catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones) Alternate Names: dichloro[2-(aminomethyl)pyridine][(S)-2,2′-bis(di-p-tolylphosphino)-1,1′-binaphthyl]ruthenium(II), (S)-Tol-Binap RuCl2AMPY. Physical Data: mp <150 °C (decomp.). 1H-NMR (400 MHz, [D6]benzene): δ = 1.78 (s, 3, CH3), 1.90 (s, 3, CH3), 2.28 (s, 3, CH3), 2.33 (s, 3, CH3), 2.86 (br s, 1, NHH), 3.22 (br s, 1, NHH), 3.95 (br s, 1, CHH), 4.93 (br s, 1, CHH), 6.19–8.36 ppm (m, 32, aromatics); 31P (161.7 MHz, [D6]benzene): δ = 44.74 (d, J = 35.6 Hz), 41.93 ppm (d, J = 35.6 Hz). Solubility: soluble in common organic solvents. Form Supplied in: yellow powder. Handling, Storage, and Precautions: moisture-sensitive reagent should be handled under nitrogen. Irritant to eyes, skin, and the respiratory system. Handle with appropriate safety protection and use under fume hood. Preparative Methods: can be prepared in three steps by a one-pot procedure in 86% yield from commercially available benzeneruthenium(II) chloride dimer (eq 1).1 (1)
Mainstem bronchial atresia: a lethal anomaly amenable to fetal surgical treatment.

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study was to review the unique imaging characteristics, prenatal course, and outcomes for fetuses with mainstem bronchial atresia (MBA). Methods The records of all patients referred for a fetal lung malformation from 2001 to 2012 and the medical literature were reviewed to identify cases of MBA. Results Of 129 fetuses evaluated, 3 were diagnosed prenatally with right-sided MBA. The first had a CCAM-volume ratio (CVR) of 9, hydrops, mirror syndrome, and preterm delivery of a nonviable fetus. The second (CVR 2.6) had ascites, preterm delivery at 34-weeks, and neonatal demise. The third fetus (CVR 5.7) presented with hydrops at 21-weeks, prompting fetal pneumonectomy. Postoperatively, hydrops resolved, and the contralateral lung grew dramatically, but preterm delivery occurred 3 weeks later. Ventilation could not be sustained, and the infant died. Four similar cases of MBA were in the literature, all right-sided. Two fetuses with hydrops delivered at 25-weeks and died immediately. One pregnancy was terminated. One fetus underwent pneumonectomy at 24-weeks but died intraoperatively. Conclusion MBA is a rare and lethal lesion that must be distinguished from other right-sided lung masses. Fetal pneumonectomy can be performed with resolution of hydrops and compensatory contralateral lung growth, but remains limited by complications of preterm birth.
Fuarmolic Mounds and Ridges of the Bishop Tuff, California

Fumarolic mounds and ridges are prominent surface features of the southern part of the Bishop Tuff and are characterized by their greater induration relative to the surrounding ash or tuff. They stand 0.5 to 15 m above the surrounding terrain and are of two main types: (1) domical mounds up to 60 m in diameter, and (2) straight or curved vertical joint ridges 1.5 to 5 m high and up to 600 m long. Fumaroles were formed in greatest numbers where crystallization within the sheet was intense and are absent from areas where the sheet was thick and densely welded but remained vitric. Early conjugate joint sets, which followed welding but predated escape of fumarolic vapors, controlled the distribution of fumarolic mounds and ridges. Later random orthogonal joints, which postdate vapor-phase activity, resulted from release of thermal stress stored in the cooling sheet. Welding, conjugate fumarolic jointing, fumarolic activity, and random orthogonal jointing represent successive discrete stages in the cooling history of the Bishop Tuff. The general mineralogy of the fumarolic areas and the vapor-phase zone are similar, but hydro-biotite and marialite are identified in the inner alteration zone. Likewise, the chemical composition of the fumarolic mounds is similar to that of the vapor-phase zone. The inner zone around some fumarolic vents shows significant changes through a decrease in SiO 2 and an increase in A1 2 O 3 , K 2 O, and H 2 O.
Synergistic Pandemics: Confronting the Global HIV and Tuberculosis Epidemics

This supplement was envisioned to summarize the critical issues related to the 2 most deadly infectious diseases worldwide: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and AIDS and tuberculosis (TB). Together, these infections—1 viral and 1 bacterial, 1 recently emergent and 1 ancient—kill almost 4 million persons every year, most of whom live in developing nations. In tandem, HIV infection and TB create a deadly synergy. TB is the leading cause of death among persons with HIV infection, and areas with a high prevalence of HIV infection have had dramatic increases in the incidence of TB disease. The US government has played a leadership role in addressing the HIV and TB pandemics, most recently through the enactment of the Tom Lantos and Henry J. Hyde United States Global Leadership Against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria Authorization Act of 2008, which authorized $48 billion over 5 years to combat these deadly infectious diseases in developing nations. We hope that this supplement of scientific review articles focused on HIV infection prevention, TB, and HIV and TB coinfection will serve as a resource for policy makers, HIV and TB program
Current trends in the integration and reimbursement of complementary and alternative medicine by managed care organizations (MCOs) and insurance providers: 1998 update and cohort analysis.

Objectives. To assess the status of managed care and insurance coverage of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and the integration of such services into conventional medicine. Methods. A literature review and information search was conducted to determine which insurers had special policies for CAM. Telephone interviews were conducted with a definitive sample of 9 out of 10 new MCOs or insurers identified in 1998 and a cohort of eight MCOs and insurers who responded both to the original survey in 1997 and again in 1998 to determine trends. Results. This study constitutes the results of the second year of a 3-year ongoing survey. For 1998, 10 MCOs and insurance carriers initiated CAM coverage. Survey results are analyzed for these 10 new providers as well as the results of a cohort of eight insurers surveyed in both 1997 and 1998 to determine current trends. A majority of the insurers interviewed offer some coverage for the following: nutrition counseling, biofeedback, psychotherapy, acupuncture, p...
Methylcholine-activated eccrine sweat gland density and output as a function of age.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine eccrine sweat gland responsiveness to intradermal injections of methylcholine (MCh) across three age groups of men [young (Y) = 22-24; middle (M) = ...
High Conductivity, High Strength Solid Electrolytes Formed by in Situ Encapsulation of Ionic Liquids in Nanofibrillar Methyl Cellulose Networks

Strong, solid polymer electrolyte ion gels, with moduli in the MPa range, a capacitance of 2 μF/cm(2), and high ambient ionic conductivities (>1 × 10(-3) S/cm), all at room temperature, have been prepared from butyl-N-methyl pyrrolidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl) imide (PYR14TFSI) and methyl cellulose (MC). These properties are particularly attractive for supercapacitor applications. The ion gels are prepared by codissolution of PYR14TFSI and MC in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), which after heating and subsequent cooling form a gel. Evaporation of DMF leave thin, flexible, self-standing ion gels with up to 97 wt % PYR14TFSI, which have the highest combined moduli and ionic conductivity of ion gels to date, with an excellent electrochemical stability window (5.6 V). These favorable properties are attributed to the immiscibility of PYR14TFSI in MC, which permits the ionic conductivity to be independent of the MC at low MC content, and the in situ formation of a volume spanning network of semicrystalline MC nanofibers, which have a high glass transition temperature (Tg = 190 °C) and remain crystalline until they degrade at 300 °C.
Optimal row-column design for two treatments

Optimal row-column design for two treatments is investigated for settings where the observations are positively correlated. Universally optimal designs for generalized least-squares estimation are determined for models with and without row and column effects. In most cases considered, the chessboard design is found to be best.
Endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure after rescue surfactant therapy.

OBJECTIVE To determine if premature infants greater than 31 weeks of gestation with established hyaline membrane disease (HMD) can be treated with endotracheal continuous positive airway pressure (ETCPAP) after rescue surfactant replacement therapy. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective study of 46 premature infants (>31 weeks of gestation) admitted to Texas Children's Hospital with HMD. Tolerance to ETCPAP after surfactant replacement was evaluated. Prenatal and postnatal characteristics and outcome were compared in the success and failure groups. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine predictive factors associated with failure. RESULTS Thirty infants (65.2%) were successfully treated with rescue surfactant and ETCPAP. Cesarean section, higher 1-minute Apgar score, and higher FiO2 level at entry were independent predictors of failure to remain on CPAP due to hypoxemia (56.3%), hypercapnia (31.2%), and apnea (12.5%). In the success group duration of intubation (p 40% oxygen requirement (p < 0.001), hospital stay (p < 0.05), and respiratory support on day 7 (p < 0.001) were significantly favorable. CONCLUSION Two thirds of infants greater than 31 weeks of gestation, with HMD needing rescue surfactant treatment, can be successfully managed with ETCPAP.
Effect of Therapy on Left Ventricular Function in Hypertension

In this article, Gottdiener, Notargiacomo, and Freis studied the effect of antihypertensive therapy on left ventricular function in patients with no evident cardiac problems. This study compared ventricular function after reduction of arterial pressure by antihypertensive agents with the untreated state. They found that patients undergoing treatment demonstrated improved left ventricular function.
Early Silurian rhodocrinitacean crinoids (Brassfield Formation, Ohio)

Six Early Silurian Rhodocrinitacea (Crinoidea, Camerata) are recognized from the Brassfield Formation of Ohio. Previously only a single Early Silurian rhodocrinitacean was known. The new forms include Kyreocrinus constellatus n. gen., n. sp.; Rhachicrinus wrighti n. gen., n. sp.; Silfonocrinus siluricus n. gen., n. sp.; Stereoaster squamosus Foerste; Xysmacrinus greenensis n. gen., n. sp.; and Turbocrinus punctum n. gen., n. sp. Rhachicrinus and Silfonocrinus are assigned to the Opsiocrinidae, which previously included two Devonian genera; Turbocrinus is assigned to the Anthemocrinidae; and Kyreocrinus, Stereoaster and Xysmacrinus are assigned to the Rhodocrinitidae. The Opsiocrinidae are thought to be derived from the Reteocrinidae; and a possible basis for subdividing the Rhodocrinidae is proposed, based on the arms, plating in regular interrays, presence of median ray ridges and calyx shape.
Vegfc acts through ERK to induce sprouting and differentiation of trunk lymphatic progenitors

Vascular endothelial growth factor C (Vegfc) activates its receptor, Flt4, to induce lymphatic development. However, the signals that act downstream of Flt4 in this context in vivo remain unclear. To understand Flt4 signaling better, we generated zebrafish bearing a deletion in the Flt4 cytoplasmic domain that eliminates tyrosines Y1226 and 1227. Embryos bearing this deletion failed to initiate sprouting or differentiation of trunk lymphatic vessels and did not form a thoracic duct. Deletion of Y1226/7 prevented ERK phosphorylation in lymphatic progenitors, and ERK inhibition blocked trunk lymphatic sprouting and differentiation. Conversely, endothelial autonomous ERK activation rescued lymphatic sprouting and differentiation in flt4 mutants. Interestingly, embryos bearing the Y1226/7 deletion formed a functional facial lymphatic network enabling them to develop normally to adulthood. By contrast, flt4 null larvae displayed hypoplastic facial lymphatics and severe lymphedema. Thus, facial lymphatic vessels appear to be the first functional lymphatic network in the zebrafish, whereas the thoracic duct is initially dispensable for lymphatic function. Moreover, distinct signaling pathways downstream of Flt4 govern lymphatic morphogenesis and differentiation in different anatomical locations.
Correlations of Medial Joint Space Width on Fixed-Flexed Standing Computed Tomography and Radiographs With Cartilage and Meniscal Morphology on Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Objective To assess whether medial tibiofemoral joint space width (JSW) on 3-dimensional (3-D) standing computed tomography (SCT) correlates more closely with magnetic resonance imaging cartilage morphology (CM) and meniscal scores than does radiographic 2-D JSW. Methods Participants in the Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study, who had standing fixed-flexion posteroanterior knee radiographs, were recruited. Medial tibiofemoral 3-D JSW on SCT and 2-D JSW on fixed-flexion radiographs were compared with medial tibiofemoral cartilage and meniscal morphology using the Whole-Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score (WORMS). Associations between the area of the articular surface with 3-D JSW <2.5 mm on SCT, radiographic minimal 2-D JSW, and the WORMS-CM and meniscal scores were assessed using Spearman's rho. Results For the 19 participants included (33 knees), mean ± SD age was 66.9 ± 5.4 years, body mass index was 29.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, 42.1% of participants were female, and the Kellgren/Lawrence grades were 0 (21.2%), 1 (36.4%), 2 (18.2%), and 3 (24.2%). The articular surface area with 3-D JSW <2.5 mm on SCT correlated with WORMS-CM scores for the central medial tibia (rs = 0.84, P < 0.001), central medial femur (rs = 0.60, P < 0.007), and posterior medial meniscal tear (rs = 0.39, P < 0.026), as did other cut points for 3-D JSW. Correlations with radiographic minimal 2-D JSW were −0.66, −0.52, and −0.40, respectively, differing from SCT only for tibial cartilage (P = 0.001). Conclusion Greater surface area with a low JSW, measured by SCT, correlates more strongly with the severity of tibial cartilage lesions, while correlating with medial femoral cartilage and meniscal damage to a similar extent as radiographic minimal JSW. SCT may enable valid stratification of participants in clinical trials, through quickly and inexpensively characterizing osteoarthritis features.