cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Early Career Development in Academic Pediatrics of Participants in the APS-SPR Medical Student Research Program

To recruit and train the next generations of pediatric clinician-scientists, the American Pediatric Society and Society for Pediatric Research initiated a program in 1991 to support medical students with interests in research and pediatrics to conduct research at institutions other than their respective medical schools. Since 1991, the American Pediatric Society-Society for Pediatric Research Medical Student Research Program (MSRP) has funded 732 of 2209 applicants from 132 US or Canadian medical schools for 8–12 wk of research under the direction of experienced investigators. PubMed-attributable publications tabulated in 2001 for MSRP applicants through 2000 indicated that participants had published more actively than had nonparticipant applicants. Male nonparticipants exhibited greater publication activities than did female nonparticipants, but female and male participants published equally. Of all MSRP participants between 1991 and 1996, as of 2008, 36% were in pediatrics, and a remarkable 29% were in academic pediatrics.
T406 Engine Development Program

The T406 engine development is discussed. The T406 is a 6000 horsepower class turboshaft, front drive, free turbine engine being developed under U.S. Navy contract to power the V-22 Osprey V/STOL aircraft. The V-22 is a subsonic airplane which uses tiltrotor technology to achieve V/STOL capabilities. The engine FSD program began in May of 1986 and will continue until May 1992.A comprehensive engine description is given. The power/engine weight capability and growth potential make this engine the starting point for many future application.Copyright © 1990 by ASME
Accounts of Wildlife Law Violators: Motivations and Rationalizations

The illegal taking of wildlife resources has generated concern among natural resource scholars in recent years. This article explores some of the motivations and rationalizations associated with illegal hunting and fishing in Kentucky. Using qualitative data from mail surveys as well as in-depth interviews with 24 conservation officers and 33 wildlife law violators, several motivations and rationalizations for unlawful hunting and fishing were identified. Empirical verification of some of the 10 motivational categories of poaching identified by Muth and Bowe (1998) is provided, and the use of other rationalizations as a mechanism for engaging in these activities is examined. Motivations and rationalizations were categorized as ignorance/ forgetfulness/carelessness, recreational satisfactions, trophy poaching, poaching as a traditional right of use, and money profit. Responses by conservation officers indicated that individuals no longer hunt or fish illegally for household consumption because of the varie...
Accurate layout area and delay modeling for system level design

We discuss the problem of estimating design quality measures to accurately reflect design tradeofs and efficiently explore the design space. Specifreally, we are interested in predicting the layout area and delay of a given structural RT level design. Clearly, current RT level cost measures are highly simplified and do not reflect the real physical design. In order to establish a more realistic assessment of layout effects, we proposed a new layout model which accurately and efficiently accounts for the effects of wiring and Poorplanning on the area and performance layout of RT level designs. Benchmarking has shown that our model is quite accurate.
Pyridazines. III. The synthesis of substituted pyridazines

A series of pyridazines and pyridazones have been prepared substituted with alkyl, alkoxyl, halogen, mercapto, substituted mercapto, phenyl, morpholino, piperidino, styryl, substituted styryl and pyridylethenyl groups as potential antitumor agents. The compounds possessing antitumor or tissue culture activity are recorded in Table VI.
Children's episodic memory

Episodic memory develops during childhood and adolescence. This trajectory depends on several underlying processes. In this article, we first discuss the development of the basic binding processes (e.g., the processes by which elements are bound together to form a memory episode) and control processes (e.g., reasoning and metamemory processes) involved in episodic remembering. Then, we discuss the role of these processes in false-memory formation. In the subsequent sections, we examine the neural substrates of the development of episodic memory. Finally, we discuss atypical development of episodic memory. As we proceed through the article, we suggest potential avenues for future research. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 365-373 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.114 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
EMPLOYMENT STATUS AND HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN WOMEN : VARIATIONS BY TIME AND BY SOCIODEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS

Abstract PURPOSE: The association between employment status and high blood pressure in women was examined at two time periods to determine if associations between employment status and high blood pressure varied by time period or by age, race, education, marital status, or parental status. METHODS: Women participants from the National Health Examination Survey (1960) and the Second National Health and Nutrition Survey (1976–1980) between the ages of 25 and 64 and currently employed or keeping house were included. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the cross-sectional association between employment status and high blood pressure in each survey, taking into account potential effect modifiers and covariates. RESULTS: In 1960 employment was associated with a slight, but not statistically significant, elevation in odds of high blood pressure. In 1976–1980, it was associated with a modest but significant reduction in odds of high blood pressure. Variations in associations occurred by marital status (protective associations were limited to unmarried women) and race (associations were of stronger magnitude among African-American women). CONCLUSIONS: The employment status-high blood pressure relationship shifted across surveys Changes in the composition of the employed and nonemployed groups account for at least part of the varying relationships.
Luminescence Studies Of Energy Transfer, Relaxation, And Aggregation In Molecularly Doped Polymer Films

ABSTRACT Laser excited phosphorescence spectra were used to probe the structure and energy transfer dynamics of molecules embedded in a polymer film. The systems studied consisted of 4,4'-di- bromobenzophenone (DBF) and 4,4'-bromochlorobenzophenone (BCB) doped into polystyrene films. The processes of direct donor-acceptor energy transfer and spectral diffusion were investi­ gated. From the donor-acceptor energy transfer kinetics, a fractal dimension of 2.4 was found to characterize the topology of the donor-acceptor system in the polymer matrix. For these experiments, the acceptor was 1,4-dibromonaphthalene. For BCB, aggregation occurs abruptly around a concentration of 12% by weight. This transition is reminiscent of percola­ tion, and a statistical percolation-like model describes the concentration dependence of the aggregation process. Rapid spectral diffusion was found to occur in the aggregates at 4.2 K. The spectral diffusion appears to involve relaxation to low energy states in the interior of the aggregate, and energy transfer from molecules on the boundaries of the aggregate to dis­ crete molecules outside the aggregate.
Computational economy improvements in PRISM

The PRISM piecewise solution mapping procedure, in which the solution of the chemical kinetic ODE system is parameterized with quadratic polynomials, is applied to CFD simulations of H{sub 2}+air combustion. Initial cost of polynomial construction is expensive, but it is recouped as the polynomial is reused. We present two methods that help us to parameterize only in places that will ultimately have high reuse. We also implement non-orthogonal Gosset factorial designs, that reduce polynomial construction costs by a factor of two over previously used orthogonal factorial designs.
Treatment of osteosarcoma at first recurrence after contemporary therapy: the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center experience.

Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan-Ket-tering Cancer Center, New York, New York.Preliminary data were presented at the 10th An-nual Connective Tissue Oncology Society Meeting,Montreal, Quebec, Canada, November 11–13,2004.The authors thank Karen Allison, Stephanie Vito-lano, Jamie Voccola, Yune Fontaine, Jackie Simp-son, and the dedicated pediatric nursing staff whohelped in the care of these patients.Address for reprints: Paul A. Meyers, M.D., De-partment of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Ketter-ing Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, NewYork, NY 10021; Fax: (212) 717-3447; E-mail:meyersp@mskcc.orgReceived May 19, 2005; revision received June10, 2005; accepted July 7, 2005.
Changes in the solar constant and climatic effects

Spacecraft measurements have established that the total radiative output of the Sun varies at the 0.1–0.3% level. The observed fluctuations are well modelled as radiative deficits proportional to the area of the solar disk covered by sunspots. Historical records of projected sunspot areas allow an accurate reconstruction of these short-term fluctuations over the past century. Such changes can be expected to perturb the terrestrial surf ace temperature by a fraction of a degree centigrade and probable evidence of this solar-induced signal has been found. The effect, though important in terms of understanding the climate system, is too small to be significant in practical weather or climate predictions.
Ticrynafen in anephric patients: Effects on uric acid and pharmacokinetics

Ticrynafen was given to 6 anephric patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis. Ticrynafen was given daily for the 3 days between hemodialyses. Ticrynafen had no effect on the interdialysis rise in serum uric acid levels. Ticrynafen did not accumulate in serum, but levels of metabolites continued to rise over the 3 days. Hemodialysis (5 hr) reduced levels of ticrynafen by 38% but had less effect on metabolite levels. There was no effect on serum cholesterol or triglycerides. Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (1980) 27, 686–689; doi:10.1038/clpt.1980.97
Rates of distress vocalizations in naive domestic chicks as an index of approach tendency to an imprinting stimulus

Naive chicks were exposed to an imprinting target, consisting of a bank of miniature flashing lights, under normal (100°F) and reduced temperatures (75 and 57°F). It was found that cold reliably evoked distress calls and that the cyclic presentations of the target substantially reduced distress calling when the target was present, relative to when it was absent. When later tested for approach tendencies to the target, clear differences between temperature groups did not emerge. Evidence was obtained, however, that chicks that showed the greatest reduction in distress calling in response to the presentation of the target under the cold conditions showed significantly greater approach tendencies in the subsequent tests.
Tetrasomy 15q25.3 --> qter resulting from an analphoid supernumerary marker chromosome in a patient with multiple anomalies and bilateral Wilms tumors.

We describe a girl who had been followed since birth for apparent Shprintzen-Goldberg syndrome (SGS), with macrosomia, long fingers and toes, and craniosynostosis, and presented at 4 years of age with bilateral Wilms tumors (also called nephroblastoma). Cytogenetic analysis of her peripheral blood revealed a de novo supernumerary marker chromosome. This stable marker chromosome is present in 19 of 20 lymphocytes analyzed, as well as in all 40 tumor cells (20 from each tumor) studied. Classical and molecular cytogenetic studies indicate that the marker is derived from an inverted duplication of chromosome 15q25.3 --> qter and contains a neocentromere. The presence of this marker chromosome in our patient results in tetrasomy 15q25.3 --> qter. The relationship between her genotype and phenotype are discussed in light of genes, including IGF1R and FES, mapped to the aneusomic segment.
Bacteria localization and chorion thinning among preterm premature rupture of membranes.

Objective Bacterial colonization of the fetal membranes and its role in pathogenesis of membrane rupture is poorly understood. Prior retrospective work revealed chorion layer thinning in preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) subjects. Our objective was to prospectively examine fetal membrane chorion thinning and to correlate to bacterial presence in PPROM, preterm, and term subjects.
Mitigating Diesel Truck Impacts in Environmental Justice Communities: Transportation Planning and Air Quality in Barrio Logan, San Diego, California

This paper describes a series of sequentially implemented policies to mitigate local diesel truck impacts resulting from goods movement activity at two port facilities and simultaneously to improve traffic operations in the communities of Barrio Logan in San Diego, California, and Old Town in National City, California, both low-income communities of color. The paper provides the first comprehensive documentation of the unique process and solutions that emerged following the collaboration of all major stakeholders. Local impacts in Barrio Logan comprised air pollution, noise, and decreased pedestrian safety, while traffic operations in both communities were affected by congestion on the main freeway access, interchanges with insufficient capacity, and heavily mixed land uses both within and adjacent to the communities. These issues provided the impetus for the mitigation effort, the final implementation of which involved a permanent rerouting of all trucks weighing more than 5 tons to roads external to the community. Previous assessments of the project have described the extent to which mitigation strategies are expected to improve traffic operations or have assumed air quality improvements without carrying out an air quality analysis. A local-scale analysis of diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions in Barrio Logan is given. The results show that while the mitigation did not result in improved regional air quality, it did significantly improve air quality in the primary affected corridor and resulted in a 99% reduction in DPM emissions and an 87% reduction in diesel truck vehicle miles traveled.
Taking LSD1 to a New High

Histone modifications mediate changes in gene expression by altering the underlying chromatin structure or by serving as a binding platform to recruit other proteins. One such modification, histone methylation, was thought to be irreversible until last year when Shi and co-workers broke new ground with their discovery of a lysine-specific histone demethylase (LSD 1). They showed that LSD 1, a nuclear amine oxidase homolog, is a bona fide histone H3 lysine 4 demethylase (Shi et al., 2004). Now, a new study from published in a recent issue of Molecular Cell, together with two studies recently published by and in Nature, reveal that LSD 1's specificity and activity is in fact regulated by associated protein cofactors.
The financial consequences of lost demand and reducing boarding in hospital emergency departments.

Study objective Some have suggested that emergency department (ED) boarding is prevalent because it maximizes revenue as hospitals prioritize non-ED admissions, which reimburse higher than ED admissions. We explore the revenue implications to the overall hospital of reducing boarding in the ED. Methods We quantified the revenue effect of reducing boarding—the balance of higher ED demand and the reduction of non-ED admissions—using financial modeling informed by regression analysis and discrete-event simulation with data from 1 inner-city teaching hospital during 2 years (118,000 ED visits, 22% ED admission rate, 7% left without being seen rate, 36,000 non-ED admissions). Various inpatient bed management policies for reducing non-ED admissions were tested. Results Non-ED admissions generated more revenue than ED admissions ($4,118 versus $2,268 per inpatient day). A 1-hour reduction in ED boarding time would result in $9,693 to $13,298 of additional daily revenue from capturing left without being seen and diverted ambulance patients. To accommodate this demand, we found that simulated management policies in which non-ED admissions are reduced without consideration to hospital capacity (ie, static policies) mostly did not result in higher revenue. Many dynamic policies requiring cancellation of various proportions of non-ED admissions when the hospital reaches specific trigger points increased revenue. The optimal strategies tested resulted in an estimated $2.7 million and $3.6 in net revenue per year, depending on whether left without being seen patients were assumed to be outpatients or mirrored ambulatory admission rates, respectively. Conclusion Dynamic inpatient bed management in inner-city teaching hospitals in which non-ED admissions are occasionally reduced to ensure that EDs have reduced boarding times is a financially attractive strategy.
Relationships between human parotid saliva lysozyme lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase and secretory immunoglobulin A in a large sample population

Saliva antimicrobial proteins may interact in a common system for host defence. This study applied multivariate analysis as a means of describing inter-person variation in that system. Samples of stimulated parotid saliva were obtained from 198 subjects. Flow rate was determined, and assays run for total protein, lysozyme, lactoferrin, salivary peroxidase and secretory IgA. Correlation and principal components analysis were used to define the relationships between proteins; cluster analysis was used to identify persons with similar protein concentration profiles. All proteins were significantly correlated at p < 0.002 (r = 0.20–0.52). Principal components analysis identified a major axis of common variation, defined by lysozyme and salivary peroxidase, and a second axis, defined by secretory IgA. Lactoferrin was associated with both axes. Seven major groupings were obtained by cluster analysis; these were significantly different at p < 0.001. Such groupings may prove useful in comparing the antimicrobial properties of saliva samples.
Forced vibration of two beams joined with a non-linear rotational joint : Clamped and simply supported end conditions

Abstract An analytical model is proposed which consists of two Euler–Bernoulli beams joined by a torsional spring with linear and cubic stiffness. The method of harmonic balance is used to find an approximate solution supported and clamped end conditions. Specifically, a one term harmonic balance solution is developed for two beams with unsymmetric properties and symmetric distributed loading. Solutions are given for three cases: no non-linearity, and two cases with different levels of non-linearity. For all cases, frequency–amplitude relations are given, and the effects of the cubic non-linearity are observed and discussed.
Dimethyl methylphosphonate and tri-n-butylphosphine oxide complexes with trivalent rare earth perchlorates

Abstract Dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP) and tri-n-butylphosphine oxide (TBPO) complexes with Y(III) and lanthanide(III) perchlorates of the general types M(DMMP) 6 (ClO 4 ) 3 and M(TBPO) 4 (ClO 4 ) 3 were synthesized and characterized by means of infrared spectral and molar conductivity measurements. Although the complexes with each of the above ligands exhibit identical stoichiometries, it was found that, with increasing lanthanide contraction, the steric hindrance introduced by the coordination of six DMMP or four TBPO ligands becomes increasingly severe and makes the first coordination sphere of the metal ion less accessible for the coordination of perchlorato ligands. Thus the DMMP complexes of the larger Ln 3+ ions involve one coordinated unidentate—OClO 3 ligand (MO 7 chromophores), i.e. [M(DMMP) 6 -(OClO 3 )] (ClO 4 ) 2 ( M = La − Gd ), whereas the Y 3+ and Dy 3+ to Yb 3+ complexes contain exclusively DMMP ligands and ionic perchlorate (MO 6 chromophores: [M(DMMP) 6 ](ClO 4 ) 3 ). The TBPO complexes involve MO 6 and in one case MO 5 ( M = Yb ) chromophores and were formulated as follows: [M(TBPO) 4 (OClO 3 ) 2 ](ClO 4 ) ( M = La − Eu ) with two unidentate perchlorato ligands; [M(TBPO) 4 (O 2 ClO 2 )](ClO 4 ) 2 ( M = Y , Gd − Er ) with one bidentate perchlorato ligand; and [Yb(TBPO) 4 (OClO 3 )](ClO 4 ) 2 , involving one unidentate perchlorato ligand and the unusual coordination number five for the central Yb 3+ ion.
Detection and Correction Methods for Single Event Effects in Analog to Digital Converters

This paper presents detection and correction methods for single event effects in analog to digital converters. Multi-path ADC based detection method is proposed for single event effects and bit error rate. Two correction schemes are proposed for single event effects based on multi-path ADC structure. Two-path ADC based detection scheme with skip and fill algorithm based correction scheme. Three-path ADC based detection scheme with majority voting based correction scheme. Advantages and limitations of both the methods are presented with simulation results. In particular, the three-path ADC can detect and correct for single event effects independent of repetition rate, magnitude of single event effects and the choice of data converter architecture. In three path ADC technique, the accuracy degradation is less than 1.7 dB or 0.28 bit for the Nyquist bandwidth for single event effects. Bit-Error Rate (BER) is effectively squared for three-path ADC as compared to a conventional ADC.
Chiral specificity in responses by the bark beetle Dendroctonus valens to host kairomones.

The attraction of the red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valens, to the resin volatiles of its host,Pinus ponderosa, is elicited by three chiral monoterpenes. In field assays response was greatest to (S)-(−)-β-pinene; 92% (S)-(−)-α-pinene found inP ponderosa resin was not attractive. However, 75% (R)-(+)-α-pinene, which occurs inPinus lambertiana, a sympatric host ofD. valens, was attractive. (S)-(−)-α-Pinene interrupted response to (R)-(+)-α-pinene. (S)-(+)-3-Carene from both hosts was attractive at the (R)-(+)-α-pinene level. Three sympatric coniferous nonhosts each have the same attractive monoterpenes but produce less resin. These studies demonstrate the importance of chirality of host compounds in the host finding behavior of this bark beetle.
Compressibility of Nanocrystalline TiO2 Anatase

Using high-resolution, synchrotron-based powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), we have studied the high-pressure behavior of the anatase phase of nanocrystalline TiO2 (nc-TiO2) under hydrostatic conditions. We find that for anatase with a grain size larger than ∼40 nm, the room-pressure bulk modulus K0 remains constant at ∼200 GPa to within experimental uncertainties. An ∼15% decrease in K0 is observed for grains that are ∼20 nm in size and remains unchanged for grains down to 6 nm in diameter, indicating a rapid increase in compressibility for nc-TiO2 anatase between 40 and 20 nm.
The Role of Whole Grains in Body Weight Regulation

Whole grain (WG)-rich diets are purported to have a variety of health benefits, including a favorable role in body weight regulation. Current dietary recommendations advocate substituting WG for refined grains (RG), because many of the beneficial bioactive components intrinsic to WG are lost during the refining process. Epidemiological studies consistently demonstrate that higher intakes of WG, but not RG, are associated with lower BMI and/or reduced risk of obesity. However, recent clinical trials have failed to support a role for WG in promoting weight loss or maintenance. Though the biochemical and structural characteristics of WG have been shown to modulate appetite, nutrient availability, and energy utilization, the capacity of WG foods to elicit these effects varies with the type and amount of grain consumed as well as the nature of its consumption. As such, WG foods differentially affect physiologic factors influencing body weight with the common practice of processing and reconstituting WG ingredients during food production likely mitigating the capacity for WG to benefit body weight regulation.
DNA content and expression of genes related to cell cycling in developing Gossypium hirsutum (Malvaceae) fibers

The cell cycle in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) fibers is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cell cycle status and DNA content in developing cotton fibers. The DNA content and cell cycle distribution in fiber and hypocotyl cells were determined by flow cytometry. Expression levels of minichrosomal maintenance protein(mcm), cyclin B, and a retinoblastoma-like protein (rb) genes were determined with real-time PCR in fibers and dividing and nondividing tissues. No endoreduplication occurred, nor did genome size or percentage of G1-phase nuclei differ between hypocotyls and fibers. Approximately 13 and 17% of fiber nuclei were in the S phase in 14 days after anthesis (d) fibers and 25 d fibers, respectively. Themcm and cyclin B were expressed at higher levels in fibers than in mature leaves, but expression levels in fibers were less than 15% of meristematic tissues.Rb was expressed in fibers at levels less than 50% of mature leaves or meristematic tissues. Based on an apparent increase in S-phase cells as fibers mature and the low level of expression of genes associated with cell cycle progression, we conclude that S-phase arrest occurs in developing cotton fiber. Short and long seed hairs are characteristic of several members of the genus Gossypium. These trichomes are singlecelled projections that, once matured, will have elongated up to 3000 times their initial length. In cultivated cotton ( G. hirsutum L.), about one in every four seed epidermal cells dif
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist use in assisted reproduction cycles: the influence of long and short regimens on pregnancy rates.

Abstract Objective: To compare the efficacy of GnRH agonists used in either the flare (short) or down-regulation (long) regimen as part of IVF or GIFT treatment cycles. Design: Observational study. Setting: Three IVF clinics. Patient(s): One thousand two hundred forty-four couples accepted for IVF or GIFT treatment at participating clinics. Intervention(s): In vitro fertilization or GIFT protocols standard to each clinic were recorded. Main Outcome Measure(s): Treatment cycle characteristics and outcomes, including E 2 level, number of oocytes retrieved, and clinical pregnancy rate. Result(s): At site 1, there were 146 clinical pregnancies in 980 flare cycles, for a pregnancy rate of 14.9%, compared with 148 clinical pregnancies in 650 down-regulation cycles, for a pregnancy rate of 22.8%. This difference persisted after adjustment for age, primary infertility diagnosis, GIFT or IVF therapy, and year of treatment, and appeared to be mediated largely by the number of oocytes retrieved (mean, 9.8 for down-regulation and 8.7 for flare in the first cycle). Despite having fewer oocytes retrieved, women who received flare regimens had higher E 2 levels before hCG administration. Conclusion(s): Women who received GnRH agonists in a flare regimen had 11% fewer oocytes retrieved and a 35% reduction in the clinical pregnancy rate compared with those who received them in a down-regulation regimen; this difference was not explained by patient selection factors.
Medical management and cardiovascular risk reduction in peripheral arterial disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common manifestation of atherosclerotic vascular disease. Its incidence increases with age and in the presence of known cardiovascular risk factors (eg, smoking and diabetes). PAD frequently coexists with coronary and/or cerebrovascular disease, probably because of common risk factors. Asymptomatic PAD of the lower limbs (defined as an ankle-brachial index of less than 0.9) is believed to be approximately three to four times more common than symptomatic PAD. Both symptomatic and asymptomatic diseases are associated with high risk of cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. Therefore, patients with PAD are candidates for preventive strategies for cardiovascular events. Platelet activation and aggregation is believed to significantly contribute to atherothrombotic events. Thus, patients with PAD can benefit from antiplatelet therapy. Both acetylsalicylic acid and clopidogrel decrease serious cardiovascular events in patients with PAD. However, acetylsalicylic acid is the preferred agent because of its low cost and wide availability. Cilostazol is recommended for use in patients with severe and disabling symptoms but not for asymptomatic or less disabling disease. Currently, there is insufficient evidence to recommend routine use of newer agents such as picotamide in patients with PAD.
Microwave Reaction Enhancement: The Rapid Synthesis of SAPO-11 Molecular Sieves

The effect of microwave and conventional heating methods on the nucleation and growth of SAPO-11 molecular sieve was investigated. Microwave synthesis enhances both the nucleation and growth of SAPO-11. The rate of heating primarily influences the nucleation time for both microwave and conventional heating. A more uniform morphology and narrower size distribution are formed using microwave heating compared to conventional. This suggests that rapid and even nucleation is the enhancement mechanism. Crystallization by conventional heating can be accelerated by immersion in the pre-heated fluid due to the faster heating rate and improved thermal conduction. Microwave synthesis of SAPO-11 occurs in minutes and, thus, significant energy savings can be realized compared to the hours required for conventional synthesis.
Role of Isoprenylcysteine Carboxyl Methyltransferase in Tumor Necrosis Factor-α Stimulation of Expression of Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 in Endothelial Cells

We have previously shown that cytokine stimulation of the expression of vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), but not that of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), is redox sensitive in endothelial cells. Here, we investigated the role of isoprenylcysteine carboxyl methyltransferase (ICMTase), which methylates isoprenylated CAAX (where C indicates cysteine; A, aliphatic amino acids; and X, almost any other amino acid) proteins, including Rac1, a component of superoxide-generating NAD(P)H oxidase, in the expression of VCAM-1. Pretreatment of endothelial cells with N -acetyl- S -farnesyl-l-cysteine (AFC) or N -acetyl- S -geranylgeranyl-l-cysteine (AGGC), specific inhibitors of ICMTase, inhibited the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) stimulation of mRNA expression of VCAM-1 but not that of ICAM-1. Endothelial cells expressed constitutively active ICMTase, as suggested by the presence of methylated Rac1 and the methylation of AFC by the cells. TNF-α stimulation of the cells significantly increased the methylation of AFC and Rac1 in endothelial cells. That ICMTase was a component of the redox-sensitive signaling pathway was also suggested by the AFC inhibition of the generation of reactive oxygen species by TNF-α. Interestingly, the dominant-negative isoform of Rac1 was not selective but inhibited the TNF-α stimulation of the mRNA expression of VCAM-1 and ICAM-1. Thus, ICMTase is a critical component of the redox-sensitive VCAM-1-selective signaling pathway, and it appears to activate a discrete inflammatory signaling pathway, at least in part, through the methylation of Rac1.
Rituximab and Statins

TO THE EDITOR: We read with interest the article by Nowakowski et al concerning statin use and prognosis in patients with lymphoma treated in the rituximab era. As a result of the work of Winiarska et al and correspondence with Rabinowitz, we reviewed our recent experience at the Abramson Cancer Center of the University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) in a similar cohort of patients. After approval by the institutional review board, we examined the medical records of 108 patients with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma who were treated with rituximab. The primary end point was clinical response 1 year after therapy completion. Response was defined according to standard definitions. We used 2 analysis to compare the proportions of complete responders, partial responders, and nonresponders in the statin group with those in the nonstatin group. We found no significant difference in these proportions between the two groups. According to our analysis, the proportion of complete responders in the statin group was 0.7 versus 0.662 in the nonstatin group (P .75; 95% CI, 0.760 to 1.470). Additional analysis revealed no relationship between type of statin, dose used, or duration of therapy before start of chemotherapy. Our findings are consistent with those of Nowakowski et al and represent additional evidence that the concurrent use of statins in the clinical setting during treatment of patients with lymphoma does not adversely affect outcome.
Methods for constructing and assessing propensity scores.

Objectives To model the steps involved in preparing for and carrying out propensity score analyses by providing step-by-step guidance and Stata code applied to an empirical dataset. Study Design Guidance, Stata code, and empirical examples are given to illustrate (1) the process of choosing variables to include in the propensity score; (2) balance of propensity score across treatment and comparison groups; (3) balance of covariates across treatment and comparison groups within blocks of the propensity score; (4) choice of matching and weighting strategies; (5) balance of covariates after matching or weighting the sample; and (6) interpretation of treatment effect estimates. Empirical Application We use data from the Palliative Care for Cancer Patients (PC4C) study, a multisite observational study of the effect of inpatient palliative care on patient health outcomes and health services use, to illustrate the development and use of a propensity score. Conclusions Propensity scores are one useful tool for accounting for observed differences between treated and comparison groups. Careful testing of propensity scores is required before using them to estimate treatment effects.
Modulo path history for the reduction of pipeline overheads in path-based neural branch predictors

Neural-inspired branch predictors achieve very low branch misprediction rates. However, previously proposed implementations have a variety of characteristics that make them challenging to implement in future high-performance processors. In particular, the path-based neural predictor (PBNP) and the piecewise-linear (PWL) predictor require deep pipelining and additional area to support checkpointing for misprediction recovery. The complexity of the PBNP predictor stems from the fact that the path history length, which determines the number of tables and pipeline stages, is equal to the history length, which is typically very long for high accuracy. We propose to decouple the path-history length from the outcome-history length through a new technique called modulo-path history. By allowing a shorter path history, we can implement the PBNP and PWL predictors with significantly fewer tables and pipeline stages while still exploiting a traditional long branch outcome history.
The correlation between gate current and substrate current in 0.1 /spl mu/m NMOSFET's

The correlation between gate and substrate currents in NMOSFET's with effective channel length, L/sub eff/, down to 0.1 /spl mu/m is investigated within the general framework of the lucky-electron model. It Is found that the correlation coefficient, /spl Phi/b//spl Phi//sub i/, decreases with decreasing L/sub eff/ in the 0.1 /spl mu/m regime, where /spl Phi//sub b/ is the effective Si-SiO/sub 2/ barrier height for channel hot-electrons, and /spl Phi//sub i/ is the effective threshold potential for impact ionization. Furthermore, this effect becomes stronger in NMOSFET's with shorter L/sub eff/. These experimental results suggest the need for further investigation on specific assumptions in the lucky-electron model to understand hot-electron behavior and impact ionization-mechanisms in 0.1 /spl mu/m-scale NMOSFET's. >
Low levels of somatomedin C in patients with the fibromyalgia syndrome. A possible link between sleep and muscle pain.

Objective Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome of musculoskeletal pain and fatigue. Lacking distinctive tissue or laboratory correlations, it has often been considered a form of "psychogenic rheumatism." In the present study, the notion that the stage-4 sleep anomaly typically seen in the fibromyalgia syndrome may disrupt growth hormone secretion was tested. Because growth hormone has a very short half-life, serum levels of somatomedin C were measured; somatomedin C is the major mediator of growth hormone's anabolic actions and is a prerequisite for normal muscle homeostasis. Methods Serum levels of somatomedin C were measured in 70 female fibromyalgia patients and 55 healthy controls, using a peptide-specific radioimmunoassay. Results Significantly lower levels of somatomedin C were observed in the fibromyalgia patients compared with controls (mean +/- SD 124.7 +/- 47 ng/ml versus 175.2 +/- 60 ng/ml; P = 0.000001). These results could not be explained by concomitant therapy or by weight, and in a subset of 21 patients in whom this was investigated, there was no correlation with various indices of disease activity. Conclusion These findings indicate that there is a distinctive disruption of the growth hormone-somatomedin C neuroendocrine axis in a majority of fibromyalgia patients. It is hypothesized that this abnormality may explain the link between disturbed sleep and predisposition to muscle pain.
Influence of Roughages on Certain Biochemical Properties of Milk

Evidence indicates that ~ roughages and supplements fed to cows and the physiological response of the animal to feed are largely responsible for the biochemical make-up of milk that regulates its oxidative changes. Conflicting views are expressed in the literature on the part played by some of the milk constituents in the promotion or retardation of oxidative processes that result in the development of objectionable flavors. The reason for these divergent opinions may well be the variable feeding conditions and laboratory methods under which milk is produced and studied (14). Consequently, a new factor is often brought to light, which, with as yet unknown systems involved, leads to subjective interpretation of the results obtained. In a series of studies (1, 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17, 23) it has been shown not only that the carotene, vitamin.A, and tocopherol content of the milk fat vary with the type and quality of the roughages and supplements fed to the cow but that a relationship exists between the tocopherol content of the milk fat and the ability of milk to resist reactions that produce oxidized flavors. Furthermore, there is reason to believe that certain roughages impart unidentified compounds to the watery phase of milk which influence the oxidative processes. Apparently, the preferential oxidation of these compounds in the milk causes the postponement or prevention of reactions that produce the oxidized flavors, depending upon the availability of ascorbic acid and copper during storage (11, 12, 13, 14). The present paper reports data on the assimilation and deposition of the fatsoluble vitamins and the antioxidant properties of the fat and plasma phases of the milk as influenced by varietal factors, such as the seasonal trends for the plant species, the method of storage for the roughage, and the physiological response of the cow to the feed consumed.
The new AP101S general-purpose computer (GPC) for the space shuttle

This paper describes the development of the new AP101S General-Purpose Computer (GPC) for the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The GPC is the primary data processing computer on-board the Shuttle. It controls and monitors spacecraft functions. In recent years, the requirements for expanding the Shuttle's capabilities have surpassed the capabilities of the current GPC, the AP101B. This upgrade necessity and expected longevity of the Space Shuttle program has given birth to the AP101S GPC. The AP101S evolved from a line of pipeline processors flexible enough to support the Space Shuttle requirements. It offers many features vital to the expected needs of the space program. This paper describes the design philosophy, methodology, primary features, and functionality of the AP101S. The testing and development, which led to the integration of the processor are also detailed. Finally, the application of using it on-board the Space Shuttle Orbiter is portrayed. Indeed, the AP101S is an integral part of an aggressive and expanding Space Shuttle program, and is one which will serve well into the future.
Examining the recent climate through the lens of ecology: inferences from temporal pattern analysis

Ecological theory asserts that the climate of a region exerts top-down controls on regional ecosystem patterns and processes, across space and time. To provide empirical evidence of climatic controls, it would be helpful to define climatic regions that minimized variance in key climate attributes, within climatic regions—define the periods and features of climatic regimes, and then look for concordance between regional climate and ecosystem patterns or processes. In the past, these steps have not been emphasized. Before we evaluated the recent climate of the northwestern United States, we established a Northwest climatic region by clustering time series of the Palmer Drought Severity Index (PDSI) for the period of 1675–1978, for the western United States. The background climatic regime and anomalies of the recent northwestern U.S. climate were then identified through temporal pattern analysis involving application of correspondence analysis to the same PDSI time series. Our analysis distinguished 10 disti...
Proteomic Analysis of the Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Terminal Repeat Element Binding Proteins

Terminal repeat (TR) elements of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), the potential origin sites of KSHV replication, have been demonstrated to play important roles in viral replication and transcription and are most likely also critical for the segregation of the KSHV genome to daughter cells. To search for the cellular proteins potentially involved in KSHV genome maintenance, we performed affinity chromatography analysis, using KSHV TR DNA as the affinity ligand. Proteomic analysis was then carried out to identify the TR-interacting proteins. We identified a total of 123 proteins from both KSHV-positive and -negative cells, among which most were identified exclusively from KSHV-positive cells. These proteins were categorized as proliferation/cell cycle regulatory proteins, proteins involved in spliceosome components, such as heterogeneous nuclear ribonuclear proteins, the DEAD/H family, the switch/sucrose nonfermenting protein family, splicing factors, RNA binding proteins, transcription regulation proteins, replication factors, modifying enzymes, and a number of proteins that could not be broadly categorized. To support the proteomic results, the presence of four candidate proteins, ATR, BRG1, NPM1 and PARP-1, in the elutions was further characterized in this study. The binding and colocalization of these proteins with the TR were verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence in situ hybridization analysis. These newly identified TR binding proteins provide a number of clues and potential links to understanding the mechanisms regulating the replication, transcription, and genome maintenance of KSHV. This study will facilitate the generation and testing of new hypotheses to further our understanding of the mechanisms involved in KSHV persistence and its associated pathogenesis.
Prevalence of the slow metabolizer (SM) phenotype and single dose pharmacokinetics (PK) of desloratadine (DCL) in a population of healthy adults

Purpose To characterize the PK of DCL and 3-OH-DCL in SMs compared with normal metabolizers (NMs). DCL is metabolized to 3-OH-DCL by an unidentified enzyme(s). The product insert for DCL states that ~7% of the general population are apparent SMs, with higher prevalence estimates in blacks (~20%). Methods Blood samples were collected pre-dose and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 12, and 24 hrs following a single oral 5 mg dose of DCL. Plasma was assayed for DCL and 3-OH-DCL by LC/MS/MS and exposure measures computed by non-compartmental methods using WinNonlin; Cmax and Tmax were determined from observed data. SMs were identified by AUC(3-OH DCL):AUC(DCL) ratios <0.1. Results 170 non-smoking, male and female subjects 18–55 yrs of age received DCL. 14 of 170 (8.2%) subjects were identified as SMs; 7 had no measurable 3-OH-DCL concentrations. In addition to decreased hydroxylation, absorption appears delayed (possibly impaired) in SMs. DCL exposures are tabulated below. (see Table) Conclusions Plasma concentrations of DCL rise and fall more slowly in SMs. Consequently, SMs will accumulate DCL with recommended dosing and will be more susceptible to concentration-related adverse effects. Clinical risks of prolonged increased DCL exposure in SMs require further study, as do the underlying genotypes conferring different phenotypes for DCL PK. A mechanistic basis for both impaired absorption and metabolism is not immediately apparent. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2004) 75, P9–P9; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2003.11.033 Table 1. NMs SMs AUC(0–24) pghr/mL Cmax pg/mL Tmax h C24h pg/mL AUC(0–24) pghr/mL Cmax pg/mL Tmax h C24h pg/mL Min 9995 969 1 113 26916 1450 6 1128 Max 55776 5730 7 1470 73118 3777 24 3080 Median 26242 2252 3 442 40168 2227 12 1582 Mean 27114 2425 507 41955 2263 1782 SD 9384 875 250 13066 663 623 CV% 34.6 36.1 49.3 31.1 29.3 35.0
Racial differences in calcium retention in response to dietary salt in adolescent girls

Background: Sodium is an important determinant of urinary calcium excretion, and race is an important determinant of calcium retention. The effect of dietary sodium on calcium retention and the influence of race have not been studied in adolescence, the life stage during which peak bone mass is accrued. Objective: The study reported here was undertaken to compare racial differences in calcium retention as a function of dietary salt intake. Design: A total of 35 adolescent girls (22 black and 13 white) participated in two 20-d metabolic summer camps, separated by 2 wk, that simulated a free-living environment. The effect of changes in dietary sodium on calcium retention was tested in a randomized-order, crossover design with 2 concentrations of sodium-1.30 g/d (57 mmol/d) and 3.86 g/d (168 mmol/d)-and a constant calcium intake of 815 mg/d (20 mmol/d). Results: Both race and sodium intake significantly affected calcium retention (P < 0.01). Calcium retention was significantly greater in black girls than in white girls, regardless of dietary sodium intake (P < 0.001). The high-sodium diet significantly reduced calcium retention in both whites and blacks (P < 0.01), primarily through a decrease in net calcium absorption. Black girls excreted significantly less calcium in the urine than did white girls, regardless of diet (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Calcium retention is significantly greater in black girls than in white girls but is significantly reduced in girls of both races in response to salt loading.