cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Baseline Clearance of Infliximab Is Associated With Requirement for Colectomy in Patients With Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis.

Background & Aims Hospitalized patients with acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) often require surgery. Although the tumor necrosis factor antagonist infliximab is an effective salvage therapy to prevent colectomy in patients with ASUC, optimal dosing is unclear. Calculated infliximab clearance has been associated with important outcomes in patients with ulcerative colitis, but its utility in patients with ASUC has not been established. We assessed the relationship between calculated the baseline infliximab clearance before infliximab salvage therapy and the requirement for colectomy in patients hospitalized for ASUC. Methods We obtained data from hospitalized patients with ASUC who initiated infliximab therapy. We then calculated the baseline infliximab drug clearance in these patients based on an existing formula. The primary aim was to compare clearance between patients who required colectomy 6 months later and patients who did not require colectomy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses evaluated clearance thresholds for colectomy. Multivariable logistic regression analysis evaluated factors associated with colectomy. Results In 39 patients with ASUC, the median baseline calculated clearance was higher in patients requiring colectomy at 6 months than in patients without colectomy (0.733 vs 0.569 L/d; P = .005). An infliximab clearance threshold of 0.627 L/d identified patients who required colectomy with 80.0% sensitivity and 82.8% specificity (area under the curve, 0.80). A higher proportion of patients with infliximab clearance of 0.627 L/d or more underwent colectomy within 6 months (61.5%) than patients with lower infliximab clearance values (7.7%) (P = .001). Multivariable analysis identified baseline infliximab clearance as the only factor associated with colectomy. The infliximab dose in the hospital was higher in patients who required colectomy. Results were similar at 30 days and 1 year. Conclusions In patients hospitalized with ASUC, higher values of calculated infliximab clearance before infliximab administration is associated with higher rates of colectomy. Although patients who required colectomies received higher doses, data on infliximab concentrations are lacking. Infliximab pharmacokinetic models are needed for patients with ASUC to allow comparative trials on clearance-based vs standard dosing.
Little cutie one piece: An innovative human classifier and its social indexicality in Chinese digital culture

Abstract This study investigates emerging usages in Chinese cyberspace of the numeral classifier mei that violate syntactic and semantic conventions of canonical grammar of modern Chinese. We treat these usages as constructional variants of the canonical classifier construction and show how they afford users of Weibo a device of social indexicality in the sense of Silverstein (1976, 1985, 2003) and Eckert (2000, 2003, 2008). We argue that the constructional variants facilitate the creation of a cute, chic, playful, humorous, and youthful online style and that its popularity draws on multiple indexical resources including contrast to canonical grammar, contemporary language contact with Japanese, influence of the cuteness culture and its commodification, and consumerism in the digital economy. This study contributes to research on the linguistic construction of identity and style, linguistic creativity in the new media and digital culture, and usage-based constructionist approaches to language.
An Unforeseen Journey

From an aimless undergraduate to teacher, school psychologist, and academic, Rubinson’s career path was rarely planned. Often, she did not know where she was going until she got there. Unintended maybe, but she was privileged to have such a wide array of opportunities throughout her professional life. Rubinson’s career has been directly influenced by incredible women who became her mentors and friends. Furthermore, throughout her professional journey, she managed to find amazing colleagues who influenced her both professionally and personally. Thus, she tells her story through the lens of relationships with these incredible women and colleagues.
Managing the Early Risk of Posttraumatic Osteoarthritis Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Approximately, one-third of individuals who sustain an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury and undergo ACL reconstruction develop radiographic posttraumatic osteoarthritis within one decade of injury. Traditional ACL reconstruction and therapeutic rehabilitation do not reduce the risk of developing posttraumatic osteoarthritis compared to individuals who do not elect to undergo ACL reconstruction. Currently, there is no cure for posttraumatic osteoarthritis; therefore, prevention of posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury and reconstruction is paramount for maintaining long-term joint health following injury. The purpose of the current clinical commentary is to review the overall global burden of knee osteoarthritis and further explain the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury and reconstruction, as well as outlining current methods for detecting joint tissue changes that may be indicative of early posttraumatic osteoarthritis following ACL injury. Finally, we review current concepts for managing the risk of posttraumatic osteoarthritis development following ACL injury and reconstruction. The overall goal of the current review is to provide sports medicine clinicians with knowledge to help improve the long-term health of patients with traumatic knee injuries.
Storms and silence: a case report of catatonia and paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity following cerebral hypoxia.

Delayed Post Hypoxic Leukoencephalopathy (DPHL) is a syndrome that occurs after hypoxia, and can present with a variety of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including catatonia and paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH). The gold standard for the treatment of catatonia is electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). However, ECT can exacerbate the paroxysms of sympathetic hyperactivity and complicate recovery from DPHL. The treatment of PSH is not well established. We present a case of a patient with multiple opiate overdoses who presented with altered mental status. He was diagnosed with catatonia and subsequently treated with ECT. His clinical condition worsened, and a revised diagnosis of PSH was established. The patient’s condition improved with medical management. This case highlights the need to distinguish between these two related symptom clusters, as the incidence of DPHL and opioid overdose related neuropsychiatric problems increase. This distinction can greatly influence the course of treatment, and the need to consider alternative treatments.
Generalized rate-and-state model linking rheology and soft matter tribology

Abstract In the present work, a complex fluid lubrication model based on a single state variable named the structural parameter was used to predict steady-state frictional responses for a continuous hydrogel-on-flat contact. The model predicts the steady-state lubrication curve, or steady-state friction versus sliding speed curve, that was only previously predicted by the adsorption friction model, a widely used model for hydrogel lubrication. For the first time, model can predict the analytical solutions of two transition speeds in the steady-state lubrication curve rather than the single critical speed in the adsorption model. Finally, we suggest a physical meaning of the structural parameter based on a comparison with the rate-and-state friction model used for geological events. We posit that it is measure of real contact area mediated by the water intervention. This is the first study to connect various fields including rheology, soft matter tribology, and geological physics.
Never underestimate your opponent: Hindsight bias causes overplacement and overentry into competition

Abstract This study investigates a source of comparative overconfidence, or overplacement, which occurs when people overestimate themselves relative to others. We present a simple application of information projection ( Madarasz, 2012 ) to show that hindsight bias can lead to overplacement and excessive willingness to compete. We run an experiment in which subjects choose between a competitive tournament and piece-rate compensation after observing some of their competitors' past performance. We exogenously manipulate whether subjects have ex post information about their competitors' past tasks (hindsight) or not (no hindsight). We find that hindsight bias generates overplacement and increases subjects' valuation of tournament participation by 19%. In line with theory, the additional tournament entry in the hindsight setting is driven by low-performing participants who should not have entered the tournament.
Sedentary Behavior Associates with Young Adult Smoking Prevalence: Short Communication

Background Sedentary behavior and smoking prevalence in young adults, both prominent population health risks, are high value health promotion targets. Methods Cross sectional design: Public-use data drawn from Wave 3 of the 2001-2002 National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent and Adult Health (Add Health), representing 18-26 year-old young adults, n = 4203. This study examined the association of sedentary behavior and educational attainment with young adult smoking status (smoker versus nonsmoker), using logistic regression analysis. Sedentary behavior was approximated by self-reported hours spent weekly watching television. Follow-up analysis examined the association of nicotine dependence, measured by the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI), and sedentary behavior in young adult smokers, using General Linear Modeling. Results Comparing sedentary behavior quartiles (1 and 4, least and most), smoking prevalence was 30% lower in quartile 1 (OR=0.698 [CI=0.566-0.862] (p=0.001), and 19% lower in quartile 2 (OR=0.813 [CI=0.662-0.998] (p=0.048). Young adult smoking prevalence was increased among young adults with high school education or less compared to those having attended at least some college (OR=2.22 [CI=1.876-2.635], p=0.001). Follow-up General Linear Modeling showed no effect of sedentary behavior on the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) among young adult smokers, p=0.065. Conclusion Although sedentary behavior and lower educational attainment associate with greater young adult smoking prevalence, more sedentary young adult smokers are no more nicotine dependent. Potential benefits of incorporating measures to increased daily movement in into smoking cessation programs are discussed.
A Physics Based Unified Circuit Model for Single Photon and Analog Detector

Photodetectors having an internal carrier multiplication mechanism such as avalanche detectors and recently discovered detectors with cycling excitation process (CEP) have attracted tremendous interests for their high sensitivity and flexibility of being operable in analog, sub-Geiger and Geiger mode. Detection of single or few photons in Geiger mode or sub-Geiger mode is particularly interesting as LiDAR systems are finding a wide range of applications in autonomous driving, augmented and virtual reality, robotics, imaging, sensing, and communications. In this paper, we present a universal detector equivalent circuit model, applicable to all modes of operation, for photodetectors with carrier multiplication gain. The bias-dependent gain, bandwidth, as well as gain buildup dynamics are rooted in device physics and translated into an equivalent circuit model that can be readily incorporated into integrated circuit design. The model simulates the characteristics of devices biased below and above breakdown voltage, making seamless transitions between analog, sub-Geiger, and Geiger mode with the same set of parameters directly obtained from the material properties. As a result, circuit designers can choose detectors using different gain medium (e.g., Si, InP, InAlAs) to simulate device effects on system performance. The circuit model is implemented in Orcad PSpice circuit simulator. Its wide applicability is demonstrated by simulating the device in linear, sub-Geiger and Geiger mode with external amplifiers and quenching circuits, as well as the gain-bandwidth product of detectors with a Si and InAlAs gain medium.
Mutual Triggering of Gene Expression in Plant-Fungus Interactions

Plant-fungus interactions that ultimately result in disease development or resistance involve mutual triggering of gene expression. Penetration of pathogenic fungi into the plant through the cuticle is achieved by the production of cutinase. The transcription of cutinase gene is induced by the unique cutin monomers. Transformation of Fusarium solani pisi and deletion analysis identified monomer-inducible cutinase promoter activity in a specific 135 bp region. The same 5′- flanking region showed binding to the protein factor required for cutinase transcription activation in isolated fungal nuclei. The protein factor requires phosphorylation for binding and a protein kinase C appears to be involved. Fungal invasion triggers expression of many plant genes including those involved in reinforcing the host cell walls by making them resistant to the fungal hydrolytic enzymes. To achieve this the cell walls are suberized. A highly anionic peroxidase plays a crucial role in this process. The expression of the host gene coding for this enzyme is triggered by the fungal signals in the host that is resistant to the fungal attack but not in the susceptible host. The wound-inducible expression of this peroxidase gene in transgenic plants has been demonstrated.
Summing-up II

A good three-day conference generates a huge volume of information, not only from the papers and formal discussions, but also from participants’ comments and informal interaction. I do not want to summarize it all — indeed, I could not — but rather try to use this brief summary to make links between sessions and draw some conclusions. In doing so I shall try to identify both common themes and unresolved disputes. I shall not be designing a future research programme, but I hope that some of my points will be taken on to someone’s agenda. My comments are divided into five parts, in more-or-less random order.
Strawberry Cultivar Trial

This project was designed to evaluate 18 strawberry cultivars for their adaptation and fruit quality in Iowa. Cultivar selection is an important component of successful strawberry production and this evaluation provides information about recently released cultivars and germplasm of interest to commercial growers and homeowners.
Privacy of Individuals in Social Research: Confidentiality

This article is a revision of the previous edition article by R. Boruch, volume 18, pp. 12070–12072, © 2001, Elsevier Ltd.
Genes upregulated in the human trabecular meshwork in response to elevated intraocular pressure.

PURPOSE To identify genes upregulated in perfused, intact human trabecular meshwork (TM) in response to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). METHOD Two pairs of anterior segments of normal human eyes from postmortem donors were placed in culture and perfused 24 hours at constant flow (3 microl/min). After reaching baseline, the flow of one eye from each pair was raised to obtain an incremental pressure (deltaP) of 50 mm Hg for 6 hours. The anterior segments were then quickly frozen in liquid nitrogen, and their TMs were dissected for RNA extraction. SMART cDNA libraries were generated from control and high-pressure human TM RNAs and hybridized to sets of identical high-density cDNA gene arrays. These arrays contained 18,376 human expressed sequence tags (ESTs), corresponding to both characterized and unknown genes. Differentially expressed genes were identified by different-intensity hybridization signals and confirmed by semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Eleven genes were found to be consistently upregulated in the human TM by elevated IOP: interleukin-6, preprotachykinin-1, secretogranin-II, cathepsin-L, stromelysin-1, thymosin-beta4, alpha-tubulin, alphaB-crystallin, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, metallothionein and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase. The products of these genes are involved in vascular permeability, secretion, extracellular matrix remodeling, cytoskeleton reorganization, and reactive oxygen species scavenging. CONCLUSIONS Elevated IOP induced specific upregulation of 11 physiologically relevant genes. On the basis of their known activities, the products of each of these genes might predict homeostatic mechanisms similar to those involved in the regulation of blood vessel permeability. We hypothesize that similar mechanisms might be involved in regulating flow through Schlemm's Canal endothelium.
Optimal secondary user packet size in mobile cognitive radio networks under fading channels

The size of a packet has a strong influence on the quality of wireless data communications. In traditional wireless networks, there is an inherent trade-off in determining the packet size. First of all, compared with long packets, short packets are less likely to be affected by the error-prone wireless channels. However, short packets suffer overhead due to headers. In mobile cognitive radio (CR) networks, determining the secondary user (SU) packet size becomes much more complicated and critical. In addition to all the impacts in traditional wireless networks, the primary user (PU) activity and the mobility of SUs and PUs have significant impacts on the SU packet size. Moreover, the channel fading caused by the SU mobility also has an impact on the SU packet size. More importantly, all these impacts on SU packet size constantly vary with time and space, which makes this issue extremely challenging. Without a careful design of the SU packet size, both SU and PU transmissions may suffer severe performance degradation. In this paper, the optimal SU packet size issue in mobile CR networks under fading channels is studied. We mathematically model these impacts and derive the optimal SU packet size. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work that systematically investigates the optimal SU packet size issue in mobile CR networks.
Interaction of lateral electromagnetic waves with metallic surfaces

For techniques that use propagating electromagnetic (EM) waves, there are three modes for wave transmission from the source to the receiver: direct, reflected and lateral (or surface) waves. A useful characteristic of lateral waves is that they propagate along the boundary between two different materials with the interaction being confined to the boundary region. In this work, the use of lateral waves for remote and noncontacting sensing is considered with an emphasis on characterization of metallic surfaces.
An efficient packet sensing MAC protocol for wireless networks

The Group Allocation Multiple Access with Packet-Sensing (GAMA-PS) protocol for scheduling real-time and datagram traffic in a wireless LAN is specified and analyzed. By maintaining a dynamically-sized cycle that changes in length depending on the amount of network traffic, GAMA-PS is able to efficiently control channel access while ensuring that there are no collisions of data packets. Each cycle contains a contention period and a group-transmission period; a station with data to send competes for membership in the “transmission group” by using packet sensing to successfully complete an RTS/CTS message exchange during the contention period. Once a station is a member of the transmission group, it is able to transmit a collision-free data packet during each cycle; as long as a station has data to send, it maintains its position in the group.
Exciton-state hybridization in Cd1-xMnxTe.

We have observed and analyzed the hybridization of a \ensuremath{\pi}-exciton excited state with its ground state in ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te. Magnetoreflectance spectra of ${\mathrm{Cd}}_{1\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}\mathit{x}}$${\mathrm{Mn}}_{\mathit{x}}$Te recorded at temperature T=1.3 K and for magnetic fields 11.0\ensuremath{\le}B\ensuremath{\le}15.5 T show that the transition strength of the low-energy Zeeman component of the \ensuremath{\pi} exciton decreases with increasing B while that of another exciton which appears above 4 meV lower in energy increases. A spherical model of the exciton which incorporates the valence-band degeneracies, the effects of an applied magnetic field, and the exchange interaction between the band electrons and the localized Mn 3d electrons gives good agreement with the data. The model shows that the low-energy Zeeman component of the \ensuremath{\pi} exciton hybridizes with an excited state which seemingly leads to another exciton transition in the magnetoreflectance spectra. We have also observed and analyzed an excited state transition of the ${\mathrm{\ensuremath{\sigma}}}_{+}$ exciton using the same model.
Em direção a uma sociologia comparativa da valoração e da avaliação

Este artigo foi originalmente publicado em ingles com o titulo “ Toward a Comparative Sociology of Valuation and Evaluation ”, na Annual Review of Sociology, Vol. 38: 201-221, Agosto de 2012. Traduzido por Marina de Souza Sartore. Revisado por Elaine da Silveira Leite. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabela normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin-top:0cm; mso-para-margin-right:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:8.0pt; mso-para-margin-left:0cm; line-height:107%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}
Electron (and Positron) Acceleration with Lasers

The acceleration gradient of a linear accelerator is on the order of 10 MeV/m, limited by breakdown and heating effects in the slow wave structure. Laser beams can be focussed in vacuum to a field intensity greater than 1010V/cm, suggesting that much higher gradients could be achieved if these fields were to be used effectively for particle acceleration. A variety of schemes have been proposed for laser-driven accelerators, and several of these are discussed and compared.
Nietzsche Contra the Real World

This essay outlines three geographical problem-spaces illuminated by Nietzsche. The first is Nietzsche’s counterpoint to the ‘real world’: the ‘apparent world’. The second is a non-totalizing, political elaboration of the first, what Deleuze once called “the local fires of Heraclitus.” The third, Europe, is a space that Nietzsche wrote from and against, a space best approached through a postcolonial, transcritical reading.
The Impact of Web Page Usability Guideline Implementation on Aesthetics and Perceptions of the E-Retailer

This study examined the impact of front-end, web page usability guideline implementation on aesthetic evaluations of e-commerce web pages and perceptions of the e-retailer. Four design factors (background color, white space, thumbnail image location, and thumbnail image size) were selected and varied based upon an in-depth review of the usability, human factors, and human-computer interaction literature. As a secondary focus, this study also explored the impact of these design factors on consumer trust, product preference, and purchase intention. Conjoint analysis and optimal design methodologies were used to develop sixteen web page prototypes, which were assessed through an online survey. Results indicated that subtle design manipulations had significant effects on consumer evaluations of web page aesthetics and perceptions of the e-retailer.
Milrinone increases middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity after cardiopulmonary bypass.

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the effects of milrinone on middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (Vmca) and pulsatility index (PI) during normocapnia and hyperventilation in adults after cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Design: A prospective study. Setting: University-affiliated hospital and Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Participants: Twenty-five adults with left ventricular ejection fraction >40% undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Interventions: After separation from CPB, using transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, peak and mean Vmca and PI were recorded before and after the administration of 50 μg/kg of milrinone under normocapnia and with hyperventilation. Measurements and Main Results: Heart rate, arterial blood pressure, central venous pressure, and cardiac output were documented after each study period. Compared with baseline, milrinone increased peak Vmca by 20%, increased mean Vmca by 19%, and decreased PI by 16% (p
Blunted glucose metabolism in anorexia nervosa.

Only few studies have specifically investigated diet-induced thermogenesis in anorexia nervosa. Twenty women, 10 anorectics (body mass index [BMI] = 14.98 +/- 1.02 kg/m(2)) and 10 controls (BMI = 22.53 +/- 0.75 kg/m(2)) were studied. Body composition was evaluated by isotopic dilution. Respiratory gas exchange was measured by indirect calorimetry. An oral glucose load (75 g) was administered to the anorectics (A) and the controls (CA). The controls underwent a second load (CB) with a higher glucose amount (1.85 +/- 0.11 g/kg body weight [BW]) to compare with the load taken by anorectics. Glucose-induced thermogenesis (GIT) was computed for 300 minutes following the load as the percent increase of energy expenditure (EE) above resting-EE (REE). Serum glucose levels were lower in anorectic patients both in fasting (3.46 +/- 0.66 v 5.23 +/- 0.23 in CA, P <.01 v 5.32 +/- 0.34 mmol in CB, P <.01) and in the postprandial state (glucose area under the curve [AUC] 175.51 +/- 6.40 v 289.80 +/- 7.30 in CA, P <.01 v 324.65 mmol in CB, P <.001); insulin AUC was lower, 1,926 +/- 452 versus 41,148 +/- 2,071 in CA, P <.0001 versus 60,765.5 pmol in CB, P <.0001. REE, normalized by fat-free mass (FFM), was similar between groups. GIT was lower in anorectics (3.58 +/- 1.20 v 5.45 +/- 1.83 in CA, P <.05 v 9.09% +/- 1.05% in CB, P <.01). Glucose oxidation was higher in anorectics than in CA (689.44 +/- 72.22 v 333.32 +/- 32.98 micromol/L/min, P <.001), but similar to CB. Lipid oxidation become negative after 30 minutes in anorectics (postprandial lipid oxidation = -93.58 +/- 39.86 v 370.61 +/- 21.73 in CA, P <.0001 v 119.01 +/- 12.32 micromol/L/300 min in CB, P <.0001). Anorectic patients displayed a low REE and GIT. Carbohydrate oxidation was similar between groups; lipid oxidation was extremely reduced. An increased protein catabolism was observed.
Hidradenitis suppurativa: A comprehensive review

Hidradenitis suppurativa, also known as acne inversa, is a chronic, often debilitating disease primarily affecting the axillae, perineum, and inframammary regions. Prevalence rates of up to 4% have been estimated. Our understanding of the disease has changed over time. It is now considered a disease of follicular occlusion rather than an inflammatory or infectious process of the apocrine glands. Clinically, the disease often presents with tender subcutaneous nodules beginning around puberty. The nodules may spontaneously rupture or coalesce, forming painful, deep dermal abscesses. Eventually, fibrosis and the formation of extensive sinus tracts may result. The location of the lesions may lead to social embarrassment and the failure to seek medical treatment. Therapies in the past have consisted of long-term antibiotics, antiandrogens, and surgery. New treatments like tumor necrosis factor-alfa inhibitors have given clinicians more options against this difficult disease.
Maintenance of Responding under a Fixed-Interval Schedule of Electric Shock-Presentation

Squirrel monkeys trained to respond under a schedule in which each response postponed the delivery of electric shock developed a steady rate of responding. When a schedule in which an electric shock was presented following the first response occurring after 10 minutes (10-minute fixed-interval schedule) was programed concurrently, there was little effect on the pattern of responding. When the shock-postponement schedule was eliminated, the fixed-interval schedule of shock-presentation maintained a pattern of positively accelerated responding that is characteristic of fixed-interval schedules of reinforcement.
Statistical analysis and modeling for error composition in approximate computation circuits

Aggressive requirements for low power and high performance in VLSI designs have led to increased interest in approximate computation. Approximate hardware modules can achieve improved energy efficiency compared to accurate hardware modules. While a number of previous works have proposed hardware modules for approximate arithmetic, these works focus on solitary approximate arithmetic operations. To utilize the benefit of approximate hardware modules, CAD tools should be able to quickly and accurately estimate the output quality of composed approximate designs. A previous work [10] proposes an interval-based approach for evaluating the output quality of certain approximate arithmetic designs. However, their approach uses sampled error distributions to store the characterization data of hardware, and its accuracy is limited by the number of intervals used during characterization. In this work, we propose an approach for output quality estimation of approximate designs that is based on a lookup table technique that characterizes the statistical properties of approximate hardwares and a regression-based technique for composing statistics to formulate output quality. These two techniques improve the speed and accuracy for several error metrics over a set of multiply-accumulator testcases. Compared to the interval-based modeling approach of [10], our approach for estimating output quality of approximate designs is 3.75× more accurate for comparable runtime on the testcases and achieves 8.4× runtime reduction for the error composition flow. We also demonstrate that our approach is applicable to general testcases.
The opposite effects of stress on dendritic spines in male vs. female rats are NMDA receptor-dependent

Dendritic spines in the hippocampus are sources of synaptic contact that may be involved in processes of learning and memory [Moser (1999) Cell. Mol. Life Sci., 55, 593–600]. These structures are sensitive to sex differences as females in proestrus possess a greater density than males and females in other stages of the estrous cycle [Woolley et al. (1990) J. Neurosci., 10, 4035–4039]. Moreover, exposure to an acute stressful event increases spine density in the male hippocampus but decreases spine density in the female hippocampus [Shors et al.. (2001) J. Neurosci., 21, 6292–6297]. Here we demonstrate that antagonism of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors prevents the increase in spine density as females transition from diestrus 2 to proestrus, when estrogen levels are rising. Antagonism of NMDA receptors during exposure to the stressful event also prevented the changes in spine density in males and females, despite differences in the direction of these effects. Thus, the stress-induced increase in spine density was prevented in the male hippocampus as was the stress-induced decrease in spine density in the female hippocampus. NMDA receptor antagonism during exposure to the stressful event did not alter corticosterone levels or the corticosterone response to stress. These data suggest that both increases and decreases in spine density can be dependent on NMDA receptor activation.
A Test of Multiple-Discriminant Analysis as a Means of Determining Evolutionary Changes and Intergroup Relationships in Physical Anthropology

T HE classification of races into subgroups has long been a primary problem in physical anthropology, but one very difficult to solve with traditional techniques for establishing typologies. The present paper reports some of the promising results when modern methods of multiple-discriminant analysis are applied to series of Indian crania from the Eastern United States in a test of G. Neumann's (1952) classification of these populations into Iswanid, Walcolid, Otamid, and Lenapid groups.' On the basis of purely metric analysis, for example, the following refinements and revisions of the G. Neumann classification are suggested: 1. There is no statistical evidence for the existence of an Otamid variety, although individuals assigned to that group for purposes of this analysis are not ideal examples by G. Neumann's (1952:15-17) definition. 2. The present analysis suggests the existence of a basic and widespread group from the Paleo Indian period or Archaic horizon to the historical period. Although not defined from a particular site as in the G. Neumann classification (1952:12-20), this purely metric type would include his individuals. The term Iswanid is therefore retained.
Detector array for direct control of a deformable mirror

A wavefront sensing detector array is presented with capabilities suited towards high-order adaptive optics systems. The phase of the wavefront is sensed by modulating and synchronously sampling the fringes of a white light interferogram imaged onto the array. The nature of the modulation is characterized by a voltage signal, which is delivered as an input to the array. As a fringe moves across an individual detector, the null is sensed, triggering a sampling of the modulation signal. The sampled signal represents the phase of the wavefront and is held until the next null is sensed. The signal makes it possible to directly send commands to a deformable mirror to correct the phasefront. This chip is optically mapped such that each pixel in the array corresponds to an actuator on the deformable mirror. The array outputs both the photodetector current and the sampled modulation signal voltage from individual pixels by means of bit parallel row and column inputs. A prototype of this array has been fabricated in a 0.5μm CMOS process with 21 × 21 detectors, suitable for (circular) deformable mirrors with up to 349 actuators. Experimental results suggest refresh rates in excess of 3kHz are attainable. This wavefront sensor could greatly simplify the process of controlling a deformable mirror for many applications, thereby increasing refresh rates and improving sensitivity.
Purification of cytochrome P-450, NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase, and epoxide hydratase from a single preparation of rat liver microsomes.

Abstract A simplified procedure is presented for the simultaneous purification of the enzymes cytochrome P-450, epoxide hydratase (EC 3.3.2.3), and NADPH-cytochrome P-450 reductase (EC 1.6.2.4) from a single preparation of rat liver microsomes. All three enzymes can be recovered after chromatography of detergent-solubilized microsomes on a column of n-octylamino-Sepharose 4B. The major form of cytochrome P-450 (of phenobarbitaltreated rats) is purified by subsequent DEAE-cellulose chromatography, epoxide hydratase is purified by DEAE- and O-(carboxymethyl)-cellulose chromatography, and NADPH-cyto-chrome P-450 reductase is purified using 2′,5′-ADP agarose chromatography. The nonionic detergent Lubrol PX and the ionic detergents sodium cholate and deoxycholate are used in these procedures to permit utilization of uv-absorbance measurements in monitoring protein during purification. Overall yields of the three enzymes are approximately 20, 25, and 60%, respectively. All three enzymes are apparently homogeneous as judged by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and are functionally active. The same procedure can be used to obtain the major cytochrome P-450 present in liver microsomes isolated from β-naphthoflavone (5,6-benzoflavone)- or 3-methylcholanthrene-treated rats. Thus, the described procedures permit the rapid and reproducible purification of three major rat liver microsomal enzymes which can be coupled to study bioactivation and detoxification of a variety of xenobiotics in reconstituted systems.
Interfacial oxide and carbide phases in the deposition of diamond films on beryllium metal

Abstract We have investigated beryllium metal as a substrate for the microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition of diamond films. The dependence of oxide and carbide interfacial phase formation with temperature and their influence on diamond nucleation and growth behavior were studied by thin film X-ray diffraction. Although a native oxide (BeO with the hexagonal wurtzite structure) remains for the range of substrate temperatures studied (700–800°C), the formation of a carbide (Be2C with the cubic antifluorite structure) is found only above a critical substrate temperature of approximately 750°C. Without the formation of Be2C, the diamond growth rate is low and a significant amorphous carbon component is observed. Just above the critical temperature, films exhibited high growth rates with high phase-purity diamond. Thick films (>30 μm) grown above the critical temperature were observed to fracture completely within the Be2C layer, suggesting this to be the weak structural link.
A prototype case-based reasoning system for real-time freeway traffic routing

Abstract With the recent advances in communications and information technology, real-time traffic routing has emerged as a promising approach to alleviating congestion. Existing approaches to developing real-time routing strategies, however, have limitations. This study examines the potential for using case-based reasoning (CBR), an emerging artificial intelligence paradigm, to overcome such limitations. CBR solves new problems by reusing solutions of similar past problems. To illustrate the feasibility of the approach, the study develops and evaluates a prototype CBR routing system for the interstate network in Hampton Roads, Virginia. Cases for building the system’s case-base are generated using a heuristic dynamic traffic assignment (DTA) model designed for the region. Using a second set of cases, the study evaluates the performance of the prototype system by comparing its solutions to those of the DTA model. The evaluation results demonstrate that the prototype system is capable of running in real-time , and of producing high quality solutions using case-bases of reasonable size.
Expression and Reconstitution of NF-κB from Insect Cells Using a Baculovirus Vector

Abstract NF-κB is a pleiotropic transcriptional activator originally identified by its ability to regulate immunoglogulin κ light chain expression. Purification of this DNA-binding complex demonstrated that NF-κB is a heterodimer composed of two subunits, NFKB1 and RelA. Previous studies have shown that truncated versions of these proteins could be expressed and purified from bacterial cells. In the present study, we utilize a baculovirus expression vector system (BEVS) to overexpress each subunit independently to produce homodimers or together to reconstitute functional NF-κB. These proteins can be enriched to >70% homogeneity on a κB–agarose DNA- affinity column. The purified proteins are active in DNA binding as measured by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Finally, transcriptional activation of these recombinant proteins can be measured by their ability to activate a κB-CAT reporter plasmid in transiently transfected/infected SF-9 cells. Thus, BEVS provides a method for production of full-length, transcriptionally active NF-κB proteins.
In vitro susceptibilityof Mycobacterium fortuitum to non-antituberculous antibacterial agents

Summary A study was made of the in vitro susceptibility of 37 strains of Mycobacteriumfortuitum to 14 antimicrobial agents using disc diffusion techniques on Mueller-Hinton agar plates. Nitro-5-hydroxy-8-quinoleine and pipemidic acid inhibited all strains, while furantoin, mandelamine, metronidazole, nalidixic acid, oxolinic acid and trimethoprim proved to be inactive. In addition, various sulphonamides inhibited 59% of the strainstested. Sulphadiazine inhibited 54.1%, sulphafurazole 64.9%, sulphamethizole 64.9%, sulphametoxypyridazine 62.2% and sulphisoxazole 59.5%. Trimethoprim-sulphamethoxazole was effective against 48.6% of the strains due to its sulph component. The sensitivity to sulphonamides varied in accordance with the originof the strains, those of human origin being generally much more susceptible than those of non-human origin.
Synthesis and Characterization of In-Plane and Out-of-Plane Enone−Lewis Acid Complexes: Implications for Diels−Alder Reactions1

In order to determine the reactive geometries of enone−TiCl4 complexes in Diels−Alder reactions compounds 1a·TiCl4 and 1b·TiCl4 were prepared. A crystal structure of 1a·TiCl4 confirmed that the titanium in this complex has the desired out-of-plane geometry, with a TiOCC dihedral angle of 57.6°, a value remarkably similar to dihedral angles found in simple carbocyclic compounds. Difference NOE studies support a similar geometry in solution. The magnitudes of key 1H and 13C NMR chemical shift changes upon complex formation indicate that the out-of-plane TiCl4 in 1a·TiCl4 is a stronger Lewis acid than the in-plane TiCl4 of 1e·TiCl4. These results are further supported by the changes in carbonyl stretching frequencies upon complex formation, with a ΔνCO for 1a·TiCl4 which is 24 cm-1 larger than that for 1e·TiCl4. Expectations of heightened reactivity for 1a·TiCl4 as compared to 1e·TiCl4 have been confirmed; the former complex undergoes Diels−Alder reactions with cyclopentadiene 15 times more rapidly than the ...
Juvenile Chemical Sediments and the Long Term Persistence of Water at the Surface of Mars

Abstract Chemical sediments and the aqueous alteration products of volcanic rocks clearly indicate the presence of water, at least episodically, at the Martian surface. Compared to similar materials formed on the early Earth, however, Martian deposits are juvenile, or diagenetically under-developed. Here we examine the role of water in facilitating various diagenetic reactions and evaluate the predicted effects of time and temperature for aqueous diagenesis on Mars. Using kinetic formulations based on terrestrial sedimentary geology, we quantify the integrated effects of time and temperature for a range of possible burial and thermal histories of precipitated minerals on Mars. From this, we estimate thresholds beyond which these precipitates should have been converted to the point of non-detection in the presence of water. Surface water has been shown to be at least episodically present in recent times. Nonetheless, the integrated duration of aqueous activity recorded over geologically long intervals by hydrated amorphous silica, smectite clays and Fe-sulfate minerals suggests that where these minerals occur water did not persist much beyond their initial deposition. This geochemical conclusion converges with geomorphologic studies that suggest water limitation during the late Noachian–Hesperian peak of valley formation and a still more limited footprint of water since that time. In addition to documenting the presence of water and its chemical properties, a complete assessment of potentially habitable environments on Mars should address the timescales on which liquid water has persisted and the timing of aqueous episodes relative to major planetary events.
Magnetoelectric effects in ferromagnetic cobalt/ferroelectric copolymer multilayer films

Interactions between a ferromagnet, cobalt, and a ferroelectric copolymer, poly(vinylidene fluoride with trifluoroethylene) in thin film heterostructures result in a 5% change in the ferroelectric polarization on application of a perpendicular 6 kG magnetic field corresponding to a magnetoelectric coupling coefficient of α=5.45 V/cm Oe. The effect disappears on magnetic saturation, ruling out conventional strain coupling. A simple model posits that the ferroelectric film develops in-plane strain gradients, a consequence of the coupling to strain gradients present at the domain walls in the multidomain Co layer, resulting in the measured polarization change via the flexoelectric effect.
New force or thermal convection in the differential-accelerometer experiment?

Abstract Recently Thieberger reported that the result of his differential-accelerometer experiment is consistent with the existence of a substance-dependent medium-range repulsive force. It is shown that the effect due to thermal convection is not negligible and can be large enough to account for his data. Methods of measuring and minimizing the thermal convection effect, as well as several ways of improving the differential-accelerometer experiment, are proposed.
Heterodimerization and surface localization of G protein coupled receptors

G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the largest human gene families, and are targets for many important therapeutic drugs. Over the last few years, there has been a major paradigm shift in our understanding of how these receptors function. Formerly, GPCRs were thought to exist as monomers that, upon agonist occupation, activated a heterotrimeric G protein to alter the concentrations of specific second messengers. Until recently, this relatively linear cascade has been the standard paradigm for signaling by these molecules. However, it is now clear that this model is not adequate to explain many aspects of GPCR function. We now know that many, if not most, GPCRs form homo- and/or hetero-oligomeric complexes and interact directly with intracellular proteins in addition to G proteins. It now appears that many GPCRs may not function independently, but might more accurately be described as subunits of large multi-protein signaling complexes. These observations raise many important new questions; some of which include: (1) how many functionally and pharmacologically distinct receptor subtypes exist in vivo? (2) Which GPCRs physically associate, and in what stochiometries? (3) What are the roles of individual subunits in binding ligand and activating responses? (4) Are the pharmacological or signaling properties of GPCR heterodimers different from monomers? Since these receptors are the targets for a large number of clinically useful compounds, such information is likely to be of direct therapeutic importance, both in understanding how existing drugs work, but also in discovering novel compounds to treat disease.
Diffusion doublet research

Abstract The diffusion doublet consists of two surfaces, one an evaporating surface and the other a condensation surface, separated by a thin space of gas (usually air at atmospheric pressure). Evaporation is effected by diffusion through the separation medium. The research which we have undertaken is aimed at reducing the distance between the evaporating and condensation surfaces through the insertion of a membrane permeable to water vapor. The outline of the new type of diffusion doublet is that of a counter-current heat exchanger in which the heat transfer is effected mainly via distillation. On the basis of tests so far effected, it would be possible to obtain performance ratios of 50...60...70.. The apparatus can utilize waste hot water. It should therefore be possible to use it for solar distillation.
Events Related to Microembolism during Extracorporeal Perfusion in Man: Effectiveness of In-Line Filtration Recorded by Ultrasound

Abstract Microparticle generation during cardiopulmonary bypass was monitored continuously in 60 adult patients who underwent open-heart operations. Echo-ultrasound transducers of 5 mHz frequency were interposed in a bubble oxygenator arterial line proximal and distal to a commercially available micropore filter. Ordinary perfusion events correlated with an increase in embolic counts and were recorded graphically. Calculation of filter efficiency revealed that all filters decreased measurable embolic counts. Platelet and leukocyte determinations and plasma hemoglobin values were not altered beyond limits ordinarily encountered during perfusion without filters. No patient in any filter group experienced postoperative respiratory distress, diffuse pulmonary infiltrate, or low Pao 2 . The 20 μ woven nylon mesh filter and the Dacron-wool filter showed greater than 90% effectiveness in removing recorded particles. Insertion of a cardiotomy filter did not appreciably alter recorded embolic counts distal to the arterial line filter.