cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A successive approximation based process-invariant ring oscillator

In this paper, we present a successive approximation based compensation scheme to minimize the process and temperature induced variation in a ring oscillator topology. This scheme is able to reduce the standard deviation of the oscillation frequency to less than 2%, as compared to more than 9.3% in a typical uncompensated ring oscillator implemented in 65nm CMOS process. The improved variation performance of the proposed scheme is supported by simulation results over a wide frequency range and under different process and temperature conditions in 65nm technology.
Mechanisms of tolerance induction in allergic disease: integrating current and emerging concepts

The prevalence of atopy and allergic disease continues to escalate worldwide. Defining immune mechanisms that suppress the underlying Th2-driven inflammatory processes is critical for the rational design of new treatments to prevent or attenuate disease. Allergen immunotherapy has provided a useful framework for evaluating changes in the immune response that occur during the development of tolerance. Despite this, elucidating the phenotypic and functional properties of regulatory cells, has proven challenging in humans with allergic disease. This article provides an overview of our current understanding of the immune pathways that orchestrate allergen tolerance, with an emphasis on emerging concepts related to human disease. A variety of regulatory cell types, including IL-10-secreting T and B cells, play a pivotal role in suppressing allergic responses to inhaled, ingested and injected allergens. These cells may inhibit Th2 effectors directly, or else indirectly, through other cell types and mediators. Protective antibodies, including IgG4, Fc sialylated IgG, and IgA, have the capacity to modulate the response by preventing allergen binding to surface-bound IgE, or inhibiting dendritic cell maturation. Immune cell plasticity may augment suppression of Th2 cells by T regulatory cells, through mechanisms that involve T-cell conversion, or else unconventional roles of classical effector cells. These actions depend upon external cues provided by the in vivo milieu. As such, specific anatomic sites may preferentially favor tolerance induction. Recent scientific advances now allow a global analysis of immune parameters that capture novel markers of tolerance induction in allergic patients. Such markers could provide new molecular targets for assessing tolerance, and for designing treatments that confer long-lasting protection in a safe and efficacious fashion.
Phycoperiphyton in selected reaches of the Upper Mississippi River: community composition, architecture, and productivity

Attached algal communities were studied during ice-free periods along the borders of the main channel and in backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River. Diatoms strongly dominated the phycoperiphyton except during late June through August when the green alga Stigeoclonium was abundant. Two distinct assemblages were apparent: a diverse, complex assemblage during spring and late fall annd a less complex, adnate, two-dimensional summer assemblage dominated by Cocconeis placentula var. euglypta and Navicula tripunctata var. schizonemoides. Simultaneous studies revealed two-dimensional periphytic colonization in the main channel and more complex communities in backwaters. Greater physical turbulence (e.g., surface waves) in the main channel may have favored adnate taxa and two-dimensional architecture, whereas lesser turbulence (e.g. protected backwaters) favored the more diverse, complex community. Community architecture and species composition were similar among communities on artificial substrates within each navigation pool (median SIMI≥0.87), but communities on artificial substrates were not taxonomically very similar (median SIMI=0.44) to epiphytic communities on Cladophora. Accrual of algal cells, chlorophyll a, and aufwuchs ash-free dry weight was usually greater in Pool 5 than in Pool 9. This may have been due to differences in discharges and/or sampler placement. The greatest accrual of cells and chlorophyll a occurred during summer and early fall. Chironomid and tricopteran larvae were common at that time and are known to affect algal accumulation by grazing.
A prototype for ovulation detection: pros and cons.

A noninstrumented enzyme immunoassay for urinary estrone conjugates was adapted from an instrumented microtiter plate enzyme immunoassay assay. The end point of the assay was a color change from green to clear, which was visible to the unaided eye. The visible color change was adjusted to allow 80 ng/ml estrone conjugates (on the basis of a sample size of 6.5 µl urine) to be distinguished from an infinite dilution without instrumentation. The evaluation of human urine collected from ovulatory ovarian cycles demonstrated that early follicular phase concentrations (35.9 ± 6.8 to 79.4 ± 14.7 ng/ml, n = 10) produced a dark-green color, whereas late follicular phase concentrations (162.9 ± 20.1 ng/ml, n = 10) produced no color. Daily urine samples throughout 10 ovulatory ovarian cycles produced parallel profiles when compared to measurements of estradiol in paired blood samples. Complete analysis of the data indicated that ovarian follicular dynamics can be accurately monitored through the noninstrumented analysis of daily estrone conjugates in urine samples.
Superheterodyne Frequency Conversion Using Phase-Reversal Modulation

In radio reception using the superheterodyne principle the incoming signal is changed in frequency by the converter stage of the receiver to a new and lower frequency known as the intermediate frequency. The electron tubes used in the converter stage have been characterized in the past by poor performance as compared with that of tubes used for amplification. This paper describes a new principle whereby frequency conversion may be accomplished with substantially improved performance over that available from conversion methods heretofore used. The principle of conversion herein described is to reverse the phase of the signal output periodically at a rate which differs from the signal frequency by the intermediate frequency. This may be done either by continuous variation of phase or by continuous variation of tube transconductance from positive to negative. The result is a conversion transconductance which is twice as high as had heretofore been believed ideal. Furthermore, if the phase-reversal rate is made by any integral multiple of an applied local-oscillator frequency, equally good conversion is obtained at a harmonic of the local oscillator without spurious responses at any other harmonic than the one chosen. An electron tube with a multihumped characteristic has been devised as a means to this end since the transconductance characteristic will then vary from positive to negative as the control voltage is varied. An analysis of such a tube is carried out in detail, including the effect of fluctuation noise.
Development and evaluation of a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for darbepoetin alfa in healthy subjects

Aims Darbepoetin alfa (DA) is a novel erythropoiesis stimulating protein with longer half-life, which allows for less frequent dosing. DA is approved for treatment of anemia associated with chemotherapy and chronic kidney disease. We describe the development and evaluation of a population PK model of DA in healthy subjects. Methods Serum DA concentration data were gathered from 50 healthy subjects (age 53–88 years) after intravenous and/or subcutaneous doses ranging from 0.75 to 9 μg/kg. Intensive PK profiles were obtained after single doses in all subjects. Results A population PK model, including first order absorption, two-compartment disposition, and first order elimination, provided adequate description of data. The drug exhibited flip-flop kinetics after SC administration. The influence of baseline covariates such as age, body weight, height, baseline hemoglobin, and gender on the model parameters was evaluated to obtain the final model, which was tested with posterior predictive and bootstrap tests. Simulations were performed using the final model to compare the PK after fixed versus weight-based DA dosing. Conclusions A population PK model which describes the inter-individual and intra-individual variability in DA PK and PK parameter-baseline covariate relationships was developed using robust modeling methodologies. The model is being used to predict PKPD response of DA in various therapeutic settings. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2005) 77, P76–P76; doi: 10.1016/j.clpt.2004.12.182
Strong intersubband absorption by photogenerated carriers in quantum wells

Intersubband absorption spectra in the 10-micrometers region are measured between 4.2 and 290 K in four n-type GaAs/Al0.28Ga0.72As multiple-quantum-well samples. The carriers responsible for the absorption are generated by a cross-gap pump laser operating at 0.75 micrometers . The absorption strength per unit pump power is found to depend strongly on the background electron sheet density (sigma) B, and is greatest by far in a sample having (sigma) B approximately equals 4 X 1010 cm-2. By measuring the speed of response, the cause of the strong photoabsorption is found to be a long photoelectron lifetime. The sample with the strongest photoabsorption is used to make an efficient CO2-laser modulator.© (1992) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition limits dysfunction in adjacent noninfarcted regions during left ventricular remodeling

Objectives. We hypothesized that angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors would limit dysfunction in the first 8 weeks after transmural infarction in adjacent noninfarcted regions, as well as attenuate left ventricular remodeling. Background. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition limits ventricular dilation and hypertrophy and improves survival after anterior infarction, but its effect on regional function during remodeling is not well characterized. Methods. Thirteen sheep underwent coronary ligation to create an anteroapical infarction. At postinfarction day 2, eight sheep were randomized to therapy with the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor ramipril, and five sheep received no therapy. Animals were studied with magnetic resonance myocardial tagging before and 8 weeks after infarction. Left ventricular volume, mass and ejection fraction were measured, as were changes in percent circumferential shortening within the subendocardium and subepicardium of infarcted and noninfarcted myocardium, both adjacent to and remote from the infarction. Results. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition limited the increase in end-diastolic volume from a mean (±SD) of +1.5 ± 0.7 ml/kg in control animals to +0.5 ± 0.8 ml/kg in the treated group (p Conclusions. In concert with a reduction in left ventricular remodeling after anterior infarction, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition limits the decline in function in the adjacent noninfarcted region. Dysfunction in adjacent noninfarcted regions may be an important determinant of left ventricular remodeling after infarction.
Quantitative imaging of perfusion using a single subtraction (QUIPSS and QUIPSS II)

In the pulsed arterial spin labeling (ASL) techniques EPISTAR, PICORE, and FAIR, subtraction of two images in which inflowing blood is first tagged and then not tagged yields a qualitative map of perfusion. An important reason this map is not quantitative is that there is a spatially varying delay in the transit of blood from the tagging region to the imaging slice that cannot be measured from a single subtraction. We introduce here two modifications of pulsed ASL (QUIPSS and QUIPSS II) that avoid this problem by applying additional saturation pulses to control the time duration of the tagged bolus, rendering the technique relatively insensitive to transit delays and improving the quantitation of perfusion.
USSR: Training in tourism professions

The information for the present article was collected by the author during a two‐week visit to Moscow in the summer of 1973. The success of the visit is primarily due to the support the author received from Intourist, the USSR's organization for foreign travel, in specific from Mr. Nikitin, chief administrator of Intourist, Mr. Lebedeve, director of foreign organizations, Mr. Khodorkov, deputy director of superior courses, Mrs. Smirnowa, deputy director of permanent courses, and professors Ozira and Orlov from the Plekhanov Institute in Moscow. Information was further collected by talking to senior staff members of hotels and restaurants and to recent graduates of two of the schools.
Nasogastric aspiration and lavage in emergency department patients with hematochezia or melena without hematemesis.

Objectives: The utility of nasogastric aspiration and lavage in the emergency management of patients with melena or hematochezia without hematemesis is controversial. This evidence-based emergency medicine review evaluates the following question: does nasogastric aspiration and lavage in patients with melena or hematochezia and no hematemesis differentiate an upper from lower source of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding? Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and other databases were searched. Studies were selected for inclusion in the review if the authors had performed nasogastric aspiration (with or without lavage) in all patients with hematochezia or melena and performed esophagogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGD) in all patients. Studies were excluded if they enrolled patients with history of esophageal varices or included patients with hematemesis or coffee ground emesis (unless the data for patients without hematemesis or coffee ground emesis could be separated out). The outcome was identifying upper GI hemorrhage (active bleeding or high-risk lesions potentially responsible for hemorrhage) and the rate of complications associated with the nasogastric tube insertion. Quality of the included studies was assessed using standard criteria for diagnostic accuracy studies. Results: Three retrospective studies met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. The prevalence of an upper GI source for patients with melena or hematochezia without hematemesis was 32% to 74%. According to the included studies, the diagnostic performance of the nasogastric aspiration and lavage for predicting upper GI bleeding is poor. The sensitivity of this test ranged from 42% to 84%, the specificity from 54% to 91%, and negative likelihood ratios from 0.62 to 0.20. Only one study reported the rate complications associated with nasogastric aspiration and lavage (1.6%). Conclusions: Nasogastric aspiration, with or without lavage, has a low sensitivity and poor negative likelihood ratio, which limits its utility in ruling out an upper GI source of bleeding in patients with melena or hematochezia without hematemesis. ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2010; 17:126–132 © 2010 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
A comparison of characteristics and outcomes of opioid-dependent patients initiating office-based buprenorphine or methadone maintenance treatment.

ABSTRACT. Background: The purpose of this study was to compare demographic factors and 1-year treatment outcomes of patients treated with buprenorphine or methadone. Methods: The study included 252 subjects who received a prescription for buprenorphine in an academic internal medicine practice and 252 subjects who enrolled in a methadone maintenance program located on the same campus over the same time frame. Data were collected retrospectively. Patients were classified as “opioid-positive” or “opioid-negative” each month for a year based on urine drug testing and provider assessment. Successful treatment was defined as remaining in treatment after 1 year and achieving 6 or more opioid-negative months. Results: Buprenorphine patients were more likely to be male, have health insurance, be employed, abuse prescription opioids, and be human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected; they were less likely to abuse benzodiazepines. At 12 months, 140 (55.6%) of buprenorphine patients and 156 (61.9%) of methadone pa...
Lowering of Serum Cholesterol by the Administration of a Plant Sterol

The plant sterol, beta-sitosterol, has been administered to nine subjects on unrestricted diet. A sustained reduction of serum total cholesterol and a lowering of the ratio of cholesterol to lipid phosphorus occurred. Interference by sitosterol with the absorption of cholesterol, both dietary and that excreted into the gastrointestinal tract, is presumably responsible for this hypocholesterolemic effect. No toxic or undesirable side effects were observed. A means of studying the effects of a sustained lowering of serum cholesterol on atherosclerotic states would now seem to be available.
Implementation of a Discovery Layer: The Franklin College Experience

This article describes the 2011 implementation process of Primo at Franklin College. The implementation consisted of assessing interface design and testing functionality through informal usability studies. In addition, the authors focus on marketing, instruction, and evaluation of the Primo discovery layer.
Fabrication and characterization of flexible high performance thermoplastic foams derived from rigid polyetherketoneketone via a VOC-free foaming method

There is a high demand for a volatile-organic-compound (VOC)-free approach to converting high performance polymers (HPPs), such as polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), to porous structures. This is particularly true for achieving flexible foams from these very rigid HPPs. This current work introduces a facile and environmentally benign approach to fabricating flexible PEKK foams via a hydration-induced foaming and desulfonation treatment. This foaming technique possesses three major advantages: energy efficiency, environment friendliness, and super flexibility. The resultant flexible PEKK foam has a uniform porous structure with a cell diameter of ca. 5 μm, as well as low mass density of ca. 0.42 g/cm3. Thermal analysis revealed that the porous PEKK showed a high thermal stability with a thermal degradation temperature of 520 °C, showing superiority over other reported flexible polymer foams. Compared with solid PEKKs fabricated by compression molding, the porous PEKK has a higher crystallinity and more thermodynamically stable crystal structures. According to nanoindentation analysis, the flexibility of porous PEKK may be a result of the better chain mobility in porous PEKK. The reduced modulus and hardness of porous PEKK are 0.73 ± 0.16 and 0.09 ± 0.03 GPa, respectively. The porous structures also efficiently reduced the dielectric constant from ca. 4.0 to 2.6 in a wide frequency range.
Lutenizing hormone bioassay based on uptake of radioactive phosphorus by the chick tests

Abstract 1. 1. Neuraminidase, a bacterial enzyme, was used to selectively destroy follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) activity of chicken anterior pituitary glands. 2. 2. The enzyme-treated pituitary material and various other pituitary hormones were tested to determine their effect on 32 P uptake by chick testes. Adrenal cortical stimulating hormone (ACTH), growth hormone (GH) and prolactin did not increase 32 P uptake. 3. 3. Treatment with 1 mg of the enzyme-treated pituitary material resulted in a 150 per cent increase in 32 P uptake. This response was attributed solely to LH. 4. 4. An assay based on bovine LH standards (NIH-LH-B5) demonstrated that the LH activity of chicken anterior pituitary glands could be measured within the limits of 1·0 to 8·0 gmg.
System-based approach to management of neonatal jaundice and prevention of kernicterus.

tem-based approach to pre and postdischarge jaundice management that would minimize the potential for lapses in care and the risk of kernicterus. Such protocols need to be developed and implemented as soon as possible, with input from pediatricians, nurses, and family practitioners.
Non-equilibrium quark-gluon plasma at the initial stage of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions

Abstract There are discussed unstable plasma modes and screening lengths in the many-parton system created due to hard and semihard processes at the initial stage of ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions. Hard and semihard processes are expected to lead to a copious production of partons, mainly gluons, in ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions [1–8]. The number of gluons generated at the initial stage of central Au-Au collision is estimated [6] as 570 at RHIC and 8100 at LHC. Since the longitudinal momenta of the produced partons are, in average, much greater than the transverse momenta, one expects instability of such a many-parton system due to specific plasma modes. Using the Penrose criterion [9] we discuss the stability conditions and then we find explicitly the unstable mode. In the second part of this note we consider screening of the chromoelectric field in the many-parton system.
Subcellular localization of bovine heart calcium-dependent protease inhibitor

Four monoclonal antibodies for a calcium-dependent protease inhibitor protein were produced by fusing Sp2/0 myeloma cells with spleen cells from a Balb/C mouse immunized with purified bovine heart inhibitor. Each of the monoclonal antibodies was highly specific for the inhibitory protein as revealed by electro-blot analysis. The antibodies recognized different antigenic sites on CNBr peptides prepared from the purified inhibitor protein. Immunofluorescent microscopy of sections from bovine heart ventricles treated with each of the antibodies demonstrated the same fluorescent pattern. Fluorescence was observed at or near the sarcolemma of the myocytes, and along the Z-discs of relaxed myofibrils within the myocytes. Contracted myofibrils did not appear to bind antibody. Immunostaining of glycerinated relaxed cardiac myofibrils revealed staining at the Z-discs. One of the antibodies could also stain the Z-disc region of bovine skeletal muscle myofibrils.
Heckathorn disease revisited

To the editor: In 1975, Ratnoff and Lewis described a family with an X-linked, moderately severe, inherited bleeding disorder and named it Heckathorn disease after the 34-year-old index patient (patient V-14, [Figure 1][1]).[1][2] The patient and his maternal uncle (IV-3), also a bleeder, underwent
''I Did Not Get that Job Because of a Black Man...": The Story Lines and Testimonies of Color-Blind Racism

In this paper we discuss the dominant racial stories that accompany color-blind racism, the dominant post–civil rights racial ideology, and asses their ideological role. Using interview data from the 1997 Survey of College Students Social Attitudes and the 1998 Detroit Area Study, we document the prevalence of four story lines and two types of testimonies among whites. We also provide data on ideological dissidence among some whites (we label them racial progressives) and blacks. We show that although these stories, and the racial ideology they reinforce, have become dominant, neither goes uncontested.
Classical and atypical antipsychotic drugs: new insights

Abstract Electrophysiological studies suggest that classical and atypical antipsychotic drugs or neuroleptics interact differently with CNS dopamine systems. Classical neuroleptics which cause extrapyramidal side-effects influence both A-9 and A-10 neurons, but atypical neuroleptics which have a decreased propensity to cause these side-effects predominantly influence A-10 neurons following chronic administration.
An instance-based approach for domain-independent schema matching

The process of schema matching lies at the heart of database applications related to data integration. Many instance-based solutions to the schema matching problem have been proposed. These approaches focus on analyzing the values of attributes especially within the application domain. The approach presented in this paper is a two-step domain-independent schema matching technique. The technique first measures shared information between pair-wise attributes using the concept of mutual information. Next, a graph representation with weighted links is constructed for each input schema. At this stage, schema matching switches to a weighted graph matching problem. At this stage, a graduated assignment algorithm is applied to find the correspondence of vertices between graphs. We perform experiments using two real-world data sets in different application domains to roughly evaluate the performance of this schema matching technique in terms of precision, recall and running time.
An RNA secondary structure workbench

Abstract A multiple approach to the study of RNA secondary structure is described which provides for the independent drawing of structures using base-pairing lists, for the generation of local structures in the form of hairpins, and for the generation of global structures by both Monte Carlo and dynamic programming methodologies. User-adjustable parameters provide for limiting the size of hairpin loops, bulges and inner loops, and constraints can be imposed relative to position-dependent base pairing.
Self-administration of neuroactive steroids by rhesus monkeys responding under a progressive-ratio schedule of i.v. midazolam injection

Aims: Neuroactive steroids (NSs) are natural or synthetic steroids that can rapidly alter the excitability of neurons via GABAA receptors. We previously have shown that the endogenous (progesterone-derived) NS pregnanolone, but not a synthetic NS (Co 8-7071), was self-administered by rhesus monkeys. Co 8-7071 had discriminative stimulus effects similar to benzodiazepines (BZs). Therefore, its lack of reinforcing effects might be due to DM/PKvariables (e.g., durationof action, efficacydifferences inparent compound vs. metabolites). In this study, we investigated the reinforcing effects of the synthetic NS ganaxalone (long duration of action) and alphaxalone (short duration of action). Methods: A progressive-ratio (PR) schedule of i.v. midazolam self-administration was used for determining the reinforcing effects of these NSs, in comparison with BZ-type drugs (alprazolam and zolpidem). Four adult rhesus monkeys were trained to press a lever that resulted in an i.v. midazolam injection (0.056mg/kg/injection) via a chronic venous catheter. Reinforcing effects of a drug were determined by comparing the average number of injections/session and the average break point (highest response requirement completed in a session) to results fromsaline tests. Results: Both NSs were self-administered above levels maintained by saline availability. The maximal level of selfadministration, measured by breakpoint, did not differ across the test drugs. Conclusions: These results demonstrated that two synthetic NSs were self-administered to a degree similar to the BZ-like drugs alprazolam and zolpidem. Because ganaxolone was selfadministered and has a relatively long duration of action, the previous demonstration of a lack of reinforcing effects of Co 8-7071 likelywasdue topro-drugproperties rather thandurationof action. Financial support: DA011792, DA033795 and OD011103.
Integration of the planetary vorticity equation on a parabolic circular grid

Abstract A nonuniform circular grid is defined based on equal azimuthal spacing and parabolic radial spacing for increased spatial resolution near the boundary. A conservative numerical scheme is devised to integrate the barotropic nondivergent potential vorticity equation. Examination of the truncation errors associated with the Jacobian and Laplacian approximations and trial integrations using linearized Rossby waves as exact solutions both indicate the parabolic scheme predicts linear fields poorly in a small annular region near the basin's center. Improved integrations are obtained with a modified numerical scheme.
Thermodynamic analysis of heparin binding to human antithrombin.

Abstract The binding of heparin to human antithrombin III (ATIII) was investigated by titration calorimetry (TC) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). TC measurements of homogeneous high-affinity pentasaccharide and octasaccharide fragments of heparin in 0.02 M phosphate buffer and 0.15 M sodim chloride (pH 7.3) yielded binding constants of (7.1 ± 1.3) · 105 M−1 and (6.7 ± 1.2) · 106 M−1, respectively, and corresponding binding enthalpies of −48.3 ± 0.7 and −54.4 ±5.4 kJmol−1. The binding enthalpy of heparin in phosphate buffer (0.02 M, 0.15 M NaCl, pH 7.3) was estimated from TC measurements to be −55 ± 10 kJ mol−1, while the enthalpy in Tris buffer (0.02 M, 0.15M NaCl, pH 7.3) was −18 ± 2 kJ mol−1. The heparin-binding affinity was shown by fluorescence measurements not to change under these conditions. The 3-fold lower binding enthalpy in Tris can be attributed to the transfer of a proton from the buffer to the heparin-ATIII complex. DSC measurements of the ATIII unfolding transition exhibited a sharp denaturation peak at 329 ± 1K with a van 't Hoff enthalpy of 951 ± 89kJ mol−1, based on a two-state transition model and a much broader transition from 333 to 366 K. The transition peak at 329 K accounted for 9–18% of the total ATIII. At sub-saturate heparin concentrations, the lower temperature peak became bimodal with the appearance of a second transition peak at 336 K. At saturate heparin concentration only the 336 K peak was observed. This supports a two domain model of ATIII folding in which the lower stability domain (329 K) binds and is stabilized by heparin.
Self-trapping in quasi-one-dimensional solids

Electronic excitations in highly anisotropic quasi-one-dimensional solids are often regarded as being in a one-dimensional system. Here we determine the degree of anisotropy that is required to justify treating an excess carrier in this manner. In particular, we consider the adiabatic ground-state eigenfunctions for an excess electron in an electronically anisotropic solid in which the electron-lattice interaction is short ranged. In this circumstance an excess carrier in a one-dimensional system always self-traps to form a finite-radius (generally, large) polaron. On the other hand, in a three-dimensional system, an excess carrier will either self-trap to form a severely localized (small) polaron or it will not self-trap at all. We determine that the one-dimensional behavior typically requires the ratio of the electronic transfer integral for the easy direction to that for the transverse directions to be at least two orders of magnitude. Thus, estimated electronic anisotropies in many quasi-one-dimensional systems are not sufficient for these systems to be regarded as one dimensional with regard to self-trapping.
Fault-tolerant operation strategy for claw-pole generators with stator turn-to-turn short circuits

The stator turn-to-turn short circuit is an important type of fault in automotive claw-pole generators (CPGs). If left unprotected, the fault may develop into catastrophic stator winding failures or stator core failures. This paper proposes a fault-tolerant operation strategy for CPGs with stator turn-to-turn short circuits. A dynamic model of the CPG with stator turn faults is presented in this paper to analyze how the fault would interact with the connected battery and the static full-bridge rectifier, and how it would affect the generator's output voltage and current. The derived model, when implemented in its equivalent-circuit form, is able to accurately determine the fault current from the observed fault signature. Using a database generated by this model, an optimal fault-tolerant operation strategy is proposed to prevent the stator winding insulation from further thermal degradation while preserving as much as possible the limp-home capability of the automobile. Although the method is originally proposed for CPGs, it is also applicable to other poly-phase AC generators with a DC link rectifier.
Queering Queer Theory, or Why Bisexuality Matters

Bisexuality is an often invisible identity. Heterosexual and homosexual communities contribute to bisexual erasure, acting in concert to protect a binary system that is complicated and disrupted by the possibility and presence of bisexuality. This article approaches bisexual erasure from three different perspectives: historical context, contemporary media and literary representations. Contemporary cultural norms and “pop science” demonstrate the acceptance of two types of partner choice—heterosexual and homosexual—whereas the bisexual person is made virtually invisible. A historical analysis reveals that our modern categories of sexuality came into existence as recently as the 19th century, and that the selection of gender of object choice as the salient feature of sexuality was not accidental, but rather it developed out of pressure to reinforce the sexual binary between men and women. When a literary character engages in sexual acts with members of both sexes, the character's sexual orientation is most ...
Development of synthetic Brassica amphidiploids by reciprocal hybridization and comparison to natural amphidiploids

In a previous study we proposed that cytoplasmic genomes have played an important role in the evolution of Brassica amphidiploid species. Based on this and other studies, we hypothesized that interactions between the maternal cytoplasmic genomes and the paternal nuclear genome may cause alterations in genome structure and/or gene expression of a newly synthesized amphidiploid, which may play an important role in the evolution of natural amphidiploid species. To test this hypothesis, a series of synthetic amphidiploids, including all three analogs of the natural amphidiploids B. napus, B. juncea, and B. Carinata and their reciprocal forms, were developed. These synthetic amphidiploids were characterized for morphological traits, chromosome number, and RFLPs revealed by chloroplast, mitochondrial, and nuclear DNA clones. The maternal transmission of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes was observed in all of the F1 hybrids examined except one hybrid plant derived from the B. rapa x B. oleracea combination, which showed a biparental transmission of organelles. However, the paternal chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes were not observed in the F2 progeny. Nuclear genomes of synthetic amphidiploids had combined RFLP patterns of their parental species for all of the nuclear DNA clones examined. A variation in fertility was observed among self-pollinated progenies of single amphidiploids that had completely homozygous genome constitutions. Comparisons between natural and synthetic amphidiploids based on restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) patterns indicated that natural amphidiploids are considerably more distant from the progenitor diploid species than the synthetic amphidiploids. The utility of these synthetic amphidiploids for investigating the evolution of amphidiploidy is discussed.
Management of patients with concomitant lung cancer and abdominal aortic aneurysm

Abstract Background Management of patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and malignancy is challenging. We aimed to define the coincidence of AAA and lung cancer and to determine a treatment strategy. Methods The outcomes for patients diagnosed with AAA and lung cancer between 1991 and 2004 at our institution were reviewed retrospectively. Results We identified 75 patients with both lesions among 1,096 AAA and 1,875 lung cancer patients. Survival correlated with cancer stage; only 3 deaths were directly attributable to the patient's AAA. Of 59 patients who did not have AAA repair at the time of cancer diagnosis, 12 were repaired. Twenty-seven of those 59 patients had a 5.0-cm or larger AAA; only 1 patient with a 7.5-cm AAA had a rupture 5 months after thoracotomy and died. Conclusions The co-existence of AAA and lung cancer is not rare; prognosis is poor and largely determined by the lung cancer stage. Open or endovascular repair of AAA rarely is justified in patients with advanced disease unless the AAA is symptomatic or large (>7 cm). Treatment for AAAs greater than 5.5 cm should be based on stage, histology, and patient comorbidities.
The moribund mango tree

Throughout our childhood, my sister and I spent the hot summers of India in grandfather’s village. Grandfather, in his crisp white shirt and trousers, greeted us at the railway station, always arriving at least a half-hour early. “Guess what your grandmother has cooked for you today,” he would
Effects of physician-related factors on adult asthma care, health status, and quality of life.

Abstract Purpose To study the association of physician characteristics, the characteristics of their practice settings, patient mix, and reported frequency of prescribing asthma medication with patients' health status and health-related quality of life in asthma. Methods We conducted a mail-back survey of physicians (n = 147) that included demographic characteristics, practice and training characteristics, and reported prescribing frequencies for common asthma treatments. We also conducted structured telephone interviews with 317 of their patients, assessing demographic characteristics, health status (as measured by the Short Form–12 [SF-12] physical component score), and asthma-specific quality of life (as measured by the Marks questionnaire). Results In adjusted analyses, pulmonary specialists were more likely to report using leukotriene modifiers (odds ratio [OR] = 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.2 to 18) and theophylline (OR = 3.0; 95% CI: 1.0 to 9.0) in adult patients with asthma. Working in a practice of >75% health maintenance organization (HMO)– or preferred provider organization (PPO)–insured patients was associated with a lower likelihood of prescribing leukotriene modifiers (OR = 0.1; 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.5). Adjusting for patient demographic characteristics and steroid dependence, physician prescribing tendencies were not associated with patients' perceived health status or quality of life. Although an HMO- or PPO-predominant practice was associated with better physical health status (mean difference in SF-12 physical component score, 3.1; 95% CI: 0.05 to 6.2; P = 0.05), there was no statistical association with quality of life. Conclusion The characteristics of physicians, their practices, and the asthma medication prescribing strategies that they adopt are not strongly associated with patients' perceived outcomes.
Generation of electromotor neurons in Sternarchus albifrons: differences between normally growing and regenerating spinal cord

This study examines the regulation of the number of electromotor neurons during postnatal growth of the spinal cord in the gymnotiform teleost Sternarchus albifrons. It specifically asks whether a large overproduction of electromotor neurons and a wave of cell death, similar to those occurring during spinal cord regeneration in this species, play a role in the on-going growth at the caudal tip of the normal spinal cord. Neurons are produced from ependymal precursors at the caudal end of the spinal cord during both normal growth in the adult and regeneration of the spinal cord in this species. Previous studies have demonstrated that during spinal cord regeneration after amputation of the tail in Sternarchus, there is an initial massive (up to fivefold) overproduction of electromotor neurons, followed by a wave of cell death which reduces the number of these neurons to the normal level. In the present study, transverse sections through the caudalmost spinal segment of normal adult Sternarchus were examined. Proceeding rostrally from the caudal tip of the cord, the number of electromotor neurons increases monotonically to reach the normal number at a site 4-5 mm rostral to the caudal tip. Neither a massive overproduction of electromotor neurons nor a wave of neuronal death are observed during on-going growth of the normal spinal cord. The mechanisms by which the neuronal number is modulated are therefore different in the on-going normal growth of spinal cord versus regeneration of spinal cord in this species.
On Having a Life

tally infirm' was never implemented." As for the Biomedical Ethics Advisory Committee meeting once not twice, I stand corrected. If it is technically correct that this committee was funded, it is also true that it never accomplished anything substantive with the money. Finally, Herdman's claim that the OTA report does not argue for a standing body for considering ethical issues is unreasonable. Anyone reading the report will come away with the idea that the report's authors think a standing body is a good idea. Sentences such as " OTA fully concurs with the National Commission's work
Lack of Association between Carotid Artery Stenosis and Stroke or Myocardial Injury after Noncardiac Surgery in High-risk Patients

Background:Whether carotid artery stenosis predicts stroke after noncardiac surgery remains unknown. We therefore tested the primary hypothesis that degree of carotid artery stenosis is associated with in-hospital stroke or 30-day all-cause mortality after noncardiac surgery. As carotid artery steno
Funding and Forums for ELSI Research: Who (or What) is Setting the Agenda?

Background: Discussion of the influence of money on bioethics research seems particularly salient in the context of research on the ethical, legal, and social implications (ELSI) of human genomics, as this research may be financially supported by the ELSI Research Program. Empirical evidence regarding the funding of ELSI research and where such research is disseminated, in relation to the specific topics of the research and methods used, can help to further discussions regarding the appropriate influence of specific institutions and institutional contexts on ELSI and other bioethics research agendas. Methods: We reviewed 642 ELSI publications (appearing between 2003 and 2008) for reported sources of funding, forum for dissemination, empirical and nonempirical methods, and topics of investigation. Results: Most ELSI research is independent of direct grant-based funding sources; 66% reported no such sources of funding. The National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI) is the most dominant source of fundi...
Intracellular H+ concentration of the isolated urinary bladder of the toad.

A CONSIDERABLE body of evidence now supports the proposal of Orloff and Handler1 that adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic AMP) is an intracellular mediator of the antidiuretic response to the neurohypophyseal nonapeptides. Experiments with an isolated target tissue, the urinary bladder of the toad, showed that the permeability changes occur at the urinary (mucosal) surface of the responsive cell; the nonapeptides, however, are active only via the body fluid (serosal) surface2. Knowledge of the cellular level at which the nonapeptides react with initial receptors is therefore valuable in defining the mode of the hormonal action. Recent studies on the uptake of 3H-oxytocin by the toad bladder showed rapid and continual penetration of the hormone into the cells3. The local conditions (ionic composition, pH, etc.) vital to the initial hormonal interaction, therefore, may well be those within the cell.
Error measures for comparing bioelectromagnetic simulators

Various error norms that can be used to quantify the accuracy of large-scale, high-fidelity bioelectromagnetic simulations are presented. The merits of the norms are highlighted and they are used to compare large-scale benchmark simulations for voxel-based and CAD models of multi-layered spherical head and leg phantoms.
Content-based retrieval of medical images with relative entropy

Medical image databases are growing at a rapid rate because of the increase in digital medical imaging modalities and the deployment of Picture Archiving and Communication Systems (PACS), Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and telemedicine applications. There is growing research interest in Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) of medical images from such digital archives. A new distance function for CBIR is presented for measuring the similarity between two images. The distance function is a variant of relative entropy, or the Kullback-Liebler distance. The new distance is the sum of the relative entropy of the two images to each other. The latter is a symmetric non-negative function and is only zero when the two images have identical probability distributions. This method has been implemented in a prototype system and has been applied to a database of medical images. Initial results demonstrate improvements over L 1 -norm and L 2 -norm histogram matching. The method is computationally simple since it does not require image segmentation. It is invariant to translation, rotation and scaling. The method has also been extended to support retrieval based on Region-Of-Interest (ROI) queries.
Development of a method based on alkaline gel electrophoresis for estimation of oxidative damage to DNA in Escherichia coli

A method for estimating DNA strand breakage and subsequent repair based on alkaline gel electrophoresis was developed and tested with isogenic strains of Escherichia coli deficient in DNA repair enzymes. Samples from a cell suspension were removed at 2 min intervals following a 15 min exposure to 20 mmol l-1 H2O2. Catalase was added and the cells were embedded in blocks of low-melting point agarose and lysed. After alkaline gel electrophoresis, photographs of the gels were taken and the relative lengths of the distributions of DNA fragments were measured with a scanner and computer. The lengths were correlated with survival of the cells exposed to H2O2 and with the importance of particular DNA repair enzymes. Alkaline gel electrophoresis appears to be a relatively simple method for analysing the level of H2O2-caused DNA damage and repair in E. coli.
How do exemplary Chinese and U.S. mathematics teachers view instructional coherence

The purpose of this cross-national study is to understand teachers’ views about the meaning of instructional coherence and the ways to achieve instructional coherence. With respect to the meaning of instructional coherence, whereas the majority of U.S. teachers paid attention to connections between teaching activities, lessons, or topics, the majority of Chinese teachers emphasized the interconnected nature of mathematical knowledge beyond the teaching flow. U.S. teachers expressed their views about ways to achieve instructional coherence through managing a complete lesson structure. In contrast, Chinese teachers emphasized pre-design of teaching sequences, transitional language and questioning based on the study of textbooks and students beforehand. Moreover, they emphasized addressing student thinking and dealing with emerging events in order to achieve “real” coherence. The findings of the study contribute to our understanding about the meaning of instructional coherence and ways to achieve instructional coherence in different cultural contexts.
Microlaparoscopy for Suspected Pelvic Pathology A comparison of 2mm versus 10mm laparoscope

Summary: This study presents an independently-assessed comparison of the laparoscopic view obtained using a 2mm versus 10mm laparoscope in women with suspected pelvic pathology. Fifteen female volunteers booked for laparoscopy with clinical evidence of pelvic abnormality according to clinical findings and/or pelvic ultrasound were recruited for this study. Sequential observations were carried out by independent observers for clinically significant differences. Although discrepancies were noted in 3 patients the view obtained with the 2mm microendoscope was considered to be comparable to that obtained with the 10mm telescope. The cases with discordant findings included mild or minimal endometriosis and distal tubal disease. The results of this study suggest that microendoscopy is likely to be entirely adequate for many routine laparoscopic procedures and sterilization.