cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A statistical framework for post-silicon tuning through body bias clustering

Adaptive body biasing (ABB) is a powerful technique that allows post-silicon tuning of individual manufactured dies such that each die optimally meets the delay and power constraints. Assigning individual bias control to each gate leads to severe overhead, rendering the method impractical. However, assigning a single bias control to all gates in the circuit prevents the method from compensating for intra-die variation and greatly reduces its effectiveness. In this paper, we propose a new variability-aware method that clusters gates at design time into a handful of carefully chosen independent body bias groups, which are then individually tuned post-silicon for each die. We show that this allows us to obtain near-optimal performance and power characteristics with minimal overhead. For each gate, we generate the probability distribution of its post-silicon ideal body bias voltage using an efficient sampling method. We then use these distributions and their correlations to drive a statistically-aware clustering technique. We study the physical design constraints and show how the area and wirelength overhead can be significantly limited using the proposed method. Compared to a fixed design time based dual threshold voltage assignment method, we improve leakage power by 38-71% while simultaneously reducing the standard deviation of delay by 2-9X.
The correlation between the saturation of membrane fatty acids and the presence of membrane fracture faces after osmium fixation

Abstract In osmium-fixed membranes, there is a decrease in the membrane fracture faces concomitant with an increase in unsaturation of the membrane fatty acids. The data suggest that both the number of double bonds and their position in the fatty-acid chain are critical to the disappearance of membrane fracture faces.
Reversal of the inhibitory action of the hemin-controlled translational repressor by a post-ribosomal supernatant factor from rabbit reticulocyte lysate.

Abstract The inhibitory effect of the hemin-controlled translational repressor (HCR) on protein synthesis by rabbit reticulocyte lysates can be overcome by a factor in the post-ribosomal supernatant fraction. When chromatographed on Sepharose 6B, this supernatant factor migrates as a high molecular weight component that is distinct from the precursor of HCR (prorepressor). The supernatant factor does not appear to act by enzymatically degrading the repressor or by forming a stoichiometric complex with it, but may, rather, replace what has become limiting for protein synthesis due to repressor action.
Structural characterization and diffusional analysis of the inclusion complexes of fluoroadamantane with β-cyclodextrin and its derivatives studied via 1H, 13C and 19F NMR spectroscopy

This research conducts method development to study the diffusions of β-cyclodextrin and its derivatives (collectively called β-CDs) in biological systems. We proposed using fluoroadamantane (FA) β-CD inclusion complexes as a model system to study the diffusion of β-CDs by using 19F self-diffusion NMR technique. The use of 19F signal over 1H signal arises from the advantage of being able to avoid the interference of 1H signals from biological molecules and water. Another benefit of using FA is that the 19F relaxation times are not significantly influenced by viscous biological solutions due to the tumbling nature of FA in β-CD cavities. To synthesize the FA β-CD inclusion complexes, a FA THF (tetrahydrofuran) solution and a β-CD water solution were mixed together followed by lyophilization. The formation of the inclusion complexes in water were determined using HMQC and ROESY NMR experiments with the assistance of molecular modeling. To assess the method, both 1H and 19F diffusion NMR were carried out to study the diffusions of four typical FA β-CD inclusion complexes. The results of this study illustrate that the diffusion coefficients obtained from the FA 19F signal truly measure those of the β-CDs’ diffusion coefficients in water. Thus, the proposed technique using our model system is valid to be used to study the diffusions of β-CDs in biological systems.
Sequential Analysis of Censored Data with Linear Transformation Models

Abstract Sequential tests have been used commonly in clinical trials to compare treatments. For sequential analysis of right-censored survival data with covariate adjustment, several different methods have been studied based on either Cox proportional hazards model or accelerated failure time model. Here we propose a test process based on linear transformation models for staggered entry data. The proposed test process is motivated by Chen et al.'s (2002) estimating equations for linear transformation models. We show that the test process can be approximated by a mean 0 multidimensional Gaussian process. A consistent estimator of its covariance matrix function is provided. For given interim analysis time points, a repeated significant test is developed based on the boundaries procedure proposed by Slud and Wei (1982). Numerical studies show that the proposed test process performs well.
Mean-field analysis of pairing in asymmetric Fermi systems at finite temperature

We study the phase diagram of a two component Fermi system with a weak attractive interaction. Our analysis includes the leading order Hartree energy shifts and pairing correlations at finite temperature and chemical potential difference between the two fermion species. We show that in an asymmetric system, the Hartree shift to the single particle energies are important for the phase competition between normal and superfluid phase and can change the phase transition curve qualitatively. At large asymmetry we find that a novel but somewhat fragile superfluid state can be favored due to finite temperature effects. We also investigate the transition between the normal phase and an inhomogeneous superfluid phase to study how gradient instabilities evolve with temperature and asymmetry. Finally, we adopt our analysis to study the density profiles of similar asymmetric Fermi systems that are being observed in cold atom experiments.
A simple approximation of the hydrograph downstream of a flooded area

A simple model for estimating the hydrograph at the outlet of a reach crossing a flood-prone area is investigated. The first part of the model involves routing of the inflow hydrograph through an ideal reach with infinite vertical extension of the walls. The second part routes the flow which determines a two-dimensional flooding (outbank flow) through a linear reservoir whose storage coefficient is linked with geometric features of the flood plain. The model was applied to various geometric configurations representative of real areas in Central Italy. Its calibration and validation were carried out by comparison of the results of a diffusion hydrodynamic model. The hydrodynamic model incorporates two-dimensional overland flow and one-dimensional open channel flow. The two models were in substantial agreement, as revealed by similar shape characteristics of the corresponding hydrographs and by the values of the peak runoff error which were lower than 15% of the maximum outbank flow. Model validity was also confirmed by a comparison of its results with observed outflow hydrographs.
Why Emerging Market Equities Belong in a Diversified Investment Portfolio

The decision to expand an investor9s portfolio into emerging markets is often difficult due to the risks involved. The benefits of adding emerging market equities to a globally diversified portfolio are examined with semideviation and downside beta, useful measures of downside risk in investments. Using the MSCI World Index as a proxy for the developed market portfolio of globally diversified investors, MSCI Emerging Market returns are shown to improve the risk/return profile of the diversified investment portfolio. The returns from emerging market investing have been superior to the required returns from both the CAPM and the downside CAPM. Improvements to the Sharpe ratio and the reward-to-semideviation ratio are found for portfolios which include sizable allocations to the emerging markets.
Schottky-barrier heights of Ti and TiSi2 on n-type and p-type Si(100).

The Schottky-barrier heights of Ti and ${\mathrm{TiSi}}_{2}$ on both n-type and p-type Si(100) have been measured in the temperature range 175--295 K with use of a current-voltage technique. Auger-electron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, and glancing-angle x-ray diffraction were used to monitor the silicide-formation reaction. The results showed that silicide formation has only a small effect on barrier height. The n-type and p-type barrier heights for both the metal and the reacted silicide phase were found to decrease with increasing temperature and with the same coefficient within the experimental accuracy. This coefficient was found to be approximately equal to one-half the temperature coefficient of the indirect energy gap in Si. These results are consistent with the predictions of recent models of barrier formation based on Fermi-level pinning in the center of the indirect band gap.
Deviatoric spontaneous curvature of lipid membranes induced by Siamese macromolecular cosurfactants

We study the anisotropy of the spontaneous curvature induced by a membrane inclusion consisting of two geminated polymer-lipid molecules. The anisotropy is found to be of the order of the mean spontaneous curvature. Such a strong anisotropy yields a significant reduction of the membrane bending rigidity K as well as an increase of the saddle splay , which might lead to curvature instabilities.
Built-in test enabled diagnosis and tuning of RF transmitter systems

Built-In RF test is a challenging problem due to the need to measure the values of complex test specifications on-chip with the precision of external RF test equipment. BIT techniques are necessary for guiding system adaptation during field operation. Prior research has demonstrated that embedded RF sensors can generate significant information about RF circuit performance. In this paper, we propose a test methodology that enables efficient BIT and BIT-enabled tuning of RF systems. A test generation approach is developed that co-optimizes the applied test stimulus, the type of embedded sensors, and the system response capture mechanisms for maximal accuracy of the BIT procedure. This BIT technique is also used to perform diagnostic testing of the transmitter. The information gathered from diagnosis is used to tune the transmitter for improved performance. Simulation results demonstrate that BIT-assisted diagnosis and tuning can be performed with good accuracy using the proposed methodology.
Exploring dicyano-ferriprotoporphyrin as a novel electrocatalytic material for selective H2S gasotransmitter detection

Abstract Dicyano-ferriprotoporphyrin supported on Pt microelectrodes was investigated as a possible electrocatalytic material capable of selectively oxidizing the gasotransmitter H 2 S over interfering gasotransmitters CO and NO. The modified microelectrodes were able to detect H 2 S concentrations as low as 50 nM at a potential of 0.15 V vs . Ag/AgCl and demonstrated a 100–1000× higher sensitivity toward H 2 S than CO and NO, respectively. However, H 2 S detection was affected by the presence of CO and NO due, at least in part, to imperfect coverage of the underlying Pt microelectrode by the electrocatalyst. Incomplete CN − coordination and questionable stability of the porphyrin layer are also discussed as possible causes of CO and NO interference. Work is on-going to alleviate these limitations in order to fully develop the material into a practical electrocatalyst capable of selective H 2 S oxidation.
Archaeological Excavation and Artefact Conservation at the Heroic-era Expedition Bases, Ross Island, Antarctica.

Four expedition bases built during the Heroic Era (1897- 1922) of polar exploration remain standing in the Ross Sea region in Antarctica. Conservation work and archaeological excavation carried out by the Antarctic Heritage Trust on two of these huts, Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s 1910 base at Cape Evans, and Sir Ernest Shackleton’s 1907 base at Cape Royds is the focus of this article. A combined estimate of 14000 artefacts are contained within these base buildings and in their immediate environs. The buildings and their contents provide unique connections and insights into life, expeditions and science in Antarctica 100 years ago. Many artefacts which lie outside the huts remain buried in permafrost or frozen in ice. These are often well preserved in this frozen state. However, artefacts can become exposed during periods of low snowfall, the summer melt period, and during any excavation work that forms part of the building conservation programme. Exposed artefacts can be subjected to increased UV, wind and wind-blown gravel erosion, freeze-thaw cycles, melt-water, wildlife and human visitor damage. This paper will describe the logistical challenges faced by working on conservation at these historic bases in Antarctica. Antarctic archaeological process and decision making by the Antarctic Heritage Trust will be discussed, as developed following earlier work by Dr Neville Ritchie. Strategies for mitigating future degradation will also be explored.
Frequency and fluorescent lamps

Although 60-cycle alternating current is almost universally employed for lighting purposes in this country, fluorescent lamps can be operated more economically on higher frequencies and at the same time their light output and life are increased.
Coordination of Mn(I) and Re(I) carbonyls with nitrogen heterocyclic ligands

Abstract Complexes of the type fac-M(CO)3LX where M = Mn, Re; X = Cl, Br, NO3; L = 1,8-napthydridine, 2-methyl-1,8-naphthyridine, 2,7-dimethyl-1,8-napthyridine, 1,10-phenanthroline and 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline have been synthesized and characterized using i.r. and PMR spectroscopy. All ligands, L, behave in a bidentate manner with both the 4- and 5-membered chelate ring systems yielding complexes of similar stability. The π-bonding ability of the naphthyridine ligands with these metal carbonyls is better than or equal to the phenanthrolines.
What is good Urbanism

Abstract Across the globe, we are currently undergoing a paradigm shift that is fostering a felicitous turn in urban design, place-making, and community building. This “good urbanism” begins with appreciative inquiry and engages in meaningful co-creation, enabling us to envision best possibilities and rally resources to realize them. Good urbanism adds a few instruments to our planning and design toolkits that enhance the health and well-being of places and move beyond sustainability to prosperity.
Damage quantification using attenuation based signal processing for health monitoring in carbon fiber composites

Carbon-fiber composites will increasingly be used in next generation air transportation vehicles. Therefore, it is critical to develop state awareness models that can accurately capture the damage states and predict remaining useful life based on current and future loading conditions. In the current research, a structural health monitoring (SHM) and prognosis framework is being developed for heterogeneous material systems. The objective of this paper is to present some of the experimental components of this work. In the experiments preformed, the use of a pitch catch method using piezoelectric transducers for both the actuator and sensor were employed for collecting information on the damage status. The focus of this work is to quantify damage within the sample by relating parameters in the sensor signal to damage intensity. Good correlation has been observed in several tests between damage level and wave attenuation. These results are confirmed using off-the-shelf NDE techniques.
Intraoperative pelvic brachytherapy for treatment of locally advanced or recurrent colorectal cancer

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and morbidity of intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) for advanced colorectal cancer.
Mutants of the two-component regulatory protein FixJ of Rhizobium meliloti that have increased activity at the nifA promoter

Abstract FixL and FixJ belong to a two-component regulatory system in Rhizobium meliloti that induces the expression of numerous nitrogen-fixation genes during symbiosis with alfalfa. FixJ is a positive activator required for transcription of the regulatory genes nifA andfixK, while FixL is an oxygen-binding hemoprotein capable of regulating the phosphorylation status of both itself and FixJ, in response to oxygen availability. In this study, we isolated four FixJ mutants that display increased activity at the nifA promoter (PnifA) in Escherichia coli. All four mutants possess amino acid changes in a domain of FixJ that is conserved in other response regulator proteins, and all exhibit increased activity at PnifA in R. meliloti that is dependent on the presence of FixL. One of the mutant proteins, while less efficient at accepting phosphate from a truncated derivative of FixL (FixL∗), nevertheless has a phosphorylated form that is more stable than the phosphorylated form of wild-type (wt) FixJ and is more resistant to the phosphatase activity of FixL∗. The wt FixJ-phosphate was found to have a half-life of approximately 4 h, which makes it an unusually long-lived response regulator protein. The exceptional stability of wt FixJ-phosphate and the altered phosphorylation properties observed for the mutant are discussed in relation to signal transduction in the FixLJ system.
Dicyclomine, an M1 muscarinic antagonist, reduces infarct volume in a rat subdural hematoma model.

The rat subdural hematoma (SDH) model produces a zone of ischemic brain damage within the hemisphere beneath the SDH. Previous studies have measured large increases in extracellular acetylcholine during cerebral ischemia in the rat. We examined infarct volume after selectively blocking muscarinic M1 receptors with dicyclomine during SDH. Rats were anesthetized with isoflurane (2%), intubated, and femoral artery and vein cannulated. Autologous blood (0.375 ml) was injected (0.05 ml/min) under the dura of the right parietal cortex. Dicyclomine (5 mg/kg, i.v.) was injected at 5 min after and again at 2 h after completion of the subdural blood infusion. Blood pressure and intracranial pressure (ICP) were continuously measured. At 4 h after SDH rats were euthanized, brains sectioned, and immunoreacted with glia fibrillary acidic protein. Cortical infarct volume was quantified in coronal brain sections at 0.7-mm intervals from +1.0 mm to −3.9 mm relative to bregma. Infarct volume in drug-treated rats (n=10) 22.1±6.99 mm3 was significantly smaller (p<0.02) than vehicle treated rats (n=10) 56.7±9.59 mm3. ICP, blood pressure and cerebral perfusion pressure were not significantly different between groups. These data suggest that activation of M1 muscarinic receptors during an ischemic event may contribute to the development of subsequent pathology.
A study of intercellular bridges during spermatogenesis in the rat

A morphological evaluation of intercellular bridges was undertaken during rat spermatogenesis. The dimensions and relationships of the bridges were shown to vary during different phases of spermatogenesis. Cellular divisions of spermatogonia and spermatocytes resulted in the partitioning of pre-existing bridges by complex structures termed bridge partitioning complexes, which are described in detail, as is the process whereby new bridges are formed. The structure of premeiotic bridges was generally consistent; however, during spermiogenesis, the structure of bridges and bridge contents were modified at specific phases of their development. The plasma membrane density associated with the cytoplasmic aspect of early step 1 spermatids separated into multiple dense bands that encircled the peripheral aspect of late step 1 spermatid bridges. By step 2 of spermiogenesis, these dense bands became associated with several cisternae of endoplasmic reticulum, which later coalesced into a single saccule that completely encircled the bridge structure by step 4. At steps 10-13 of spermiogenesis, the single saccule of endoplasmic reticulum vesiculated into many smaller cisternae. Also, filament-bounded densities (measuring 10-12 nm in diameter) appeared within the bridge channel. At step 17 of spermiogenesis, the filament-bounded densities were no longer apparent, but an anastomosing network of endoplasmic reticulum, often in the configuration of a sphere, occupied the entire central region of the bridge. In step 19 spermatids, the smooth endoplasmic reticulum within the bridge channel and the multiple cisternae lining the bridge density were gradually displaced. The subsurface density of bridges gradually lost its prominence. Some cytoplasmic lobes were connected by extremely narrow (approximately 22 nm) cytoplasmic channels. Similar-appearing channels were seen on the surface zone of cytoplasmic lobes or residual bodies, this observation suggesting that channels were sites of severence of bridges. Just prior to the separation or disengagement of the spermatid from the cytoplasmic lobe, selected bridges appeared to open to form large masses. After spermiation, residual bodies were not found joined by bridges; but from the size of some of the residual bodies, it was suspected that they were formed by coalescence of more than one cytoplasmic lobe. Freeze-fracture demonstrated few intramembranous particles on either the P or E face of the plasma membrane forming the bridge; this finding suggested bridge structures restricted free lateral movement of membrane constituents across the bridge.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Effects of antihypertensive drugs on hepatic heme biosynthesis, and evaluation of ferrochelatase inhibitors to simplify testing of drugs for heme pathway induction.

Abstract Effects of a series of antihypertensive drugs on the activity of δ-aminolevulinate synthase and on the formation of porphyrins and cytochrome P -450 were examined in the 18-day-old chick embryo liver in ovo. Hydralazine, pargyline, phenoxybenzamine, clonidine, and spironolactone were found to induce δ-aminolevulinate synthase in this system. These drugs therfore have the potential to precipitate clinical expression in human hereditary hepatic porphyrias and should be avoided or used with caution in patients with these disorders. Differential effects of these and other drugs were observed in the avian liver, in that δ-aminolevulinate synthase was more commonly induced thatn were porphyrins and cytochrome -450; the synthase was usually highest 6–12 h after injection, whereas porphyrins and cytochrome P -450 were highest at 24 h. Furthermore marked porphyrin accumulation was not seen with many drugs that induce σ-aminolevulinate synthase and cytochrome P -450 but was more characteristic of compounds that reduced the metabolism of protoporphyrin to heme, such as 1,4-dihydro-3,5-dicarbethoxycollidne (DDC) and high dose of hydralazine. A sensitive and convenient method to test for capacity to induce heme biosynthesis was adapted for use in the chick embryo liver. This employed a relatively small “priming” dose (0.25 mg) of DDC given with a drug being tested and a fluorometric assay of porphyrins in a liver homogenate obtained at 24 h. This simple method should facilitate screening for those drugs which induce the synthesis of δ-aminolevulinate synthase and/or cytochrome P -450 and are potentially dangerous to patients with hereditary hepatic porphyria.
On the phenomenon of curved microcracks in [(S)/90n]s laminates: Their shapes, initiation angles and locations

A variational analysis of the stress state in microcracked cross-ply laminates has been used to investigate the phenomenon of curved microcracking in /(S)/90n/s laminates. Previous investigators proposed that the initiation and orientation of curved microcracks are controlled by local maxima and stress trajectories of the principal stresses. We have implemented a principal stress model using a variational mechanics stress analysis and we were able to make predictions about curved microcracks. The predictions agree well with experimental observations and therefore support the assertion that the variational analysis gives an accurate stress state that is useful for modeling the microcracking properties of cross-ply laminates. An important prediction about curved microcracks is that they are a late stage of microcracking damage. They occur only when the crack density of straight microcracks exceeds the critical crack density for curved microcracking. The predicted critical crack density for curved microcracking agrees well with experimental observations.
The softwater modem: a software modem for underwater acoustic communication: short paper

The Softwater Modem is a software modem for underwater acoustic communication that enables users to run applications on the familiar sockets interface without any additional hardware except for transducers and associated amplification. A standard TCP or UDP transport protocol runs on top of IP, which via the Linux TUN driver, runs on top of custom datalink and PHY layers tailored specifically to the underwater channel. The datalink and PHY layers, written entirely in Java, use frequency-division multiple access (FDMA) with binary and 4-FSK (frequency shift keying) in any frequency band supported by the computer's sound card and can run at any bit rate supplied by the user. The transmitter sends a per-packet linear frequency modulated (LFM) chirp signal that the receiver uses for packet synchronization as well as channel estimation, with the option of applying impulse response estimates to channel equalization. Frames can contain up to 255 bytes and are encoded with Reed-Solomon (R-S) codes, for which the user can specify the number of parity bytes. The paper describes the architecture and performance of this system, which currently demonstrates two-way communication as well as realtime channel estimation.
The reception of the Latin Life of St Giles in Anglo-Saxon England

This article maps the textual transmission of the Vita S. Aegidii to identify the routes of its reception in Anglo-Saxon England. It shows how the Mass of Giles in Leofric's Missal offers new evidence of Leofric's links to the Liege area. The collation between the Old English Life of St Giles and the critical edition of the Latin source indicates first that the Life was translated from a Latin copy related to Vatican, Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana, Reginensis 497, containing a palimpsest of the Old English Orosius; second, it highlights the continuing exchanges between the Trier region and England in the eleventh century; and third, it applies inter-lingual transmission in order to understand translation practice. A new edition and translation of the Latin vita are included.
A trust management framework for service-oriented environments

Many reputation management systems have been developed under the assumption that each entity in the system will use a variant of the same scoring function. Much of the previous work in reputation management has focused on providing robustness and improving performance for a given reputation scheme. In this paper, we present a reputation-based trust management framework that supports the synthesis of trust-related feedback from many different entities while also providing each entity with the flexibility to apply different scoring functions over the same feedback data for customized trust evaluations. We also propose a novel scheme to cache trust values based on recent client activity. To evaluate our approach, we implemented our trust management service and tested it on a realistic application scenario in both LAN and WAN distributed environments. Our results indicate that our trust management service can effectively support multiple scoring functions with low overhead and high availability.
Preparing Advocates: Service‐Learning in TESOL for Future Mainstream Educators

Service-learning pedagogy can provide future educators a meaningful introduction to the field of TESOL and the English language learners (ELLs) it serves. This article briefly describes one approach to integrating service-learning into an Introduction to TESOL course and presents research findings on TESOL students' learning outcomes, which included a better understanding of TESOL practices and a sense of advocacy for ELLs.
Psychologic studies before and after clitoridectomy in female pseudohermaphroditism caused by congenital virilizing adrenal hyperplasia.

Psychobogic tests were performed with five female pseudohermaphrodites with congenital adrenal hyperplasia both before and some time after clitoridectomy. Of these children, four had been reared as girls. The child who had been reared as a boy underwent change of sex assignment at the age of 6 years, after performance of the initial psychologic tests. None of the children showed evidence of significant psychopathology before clitoridectomy. None showed evidence of deleterious psychologic effects after the operation. The child whose sex was changed at the age of 6 years apparently made a good adjustment and showed no adverse effects as evaluated by psychologic tests. If there is no significant psychopathology, clitoridectomy may be performed without fear of deleterious psychologic effects in female pseudohermaphrodites who have been reared as girls. While, in general, change of sex assignment should not be done in any hermaphrodite beyond the infantile age period, female pseudohermaphrodites with adrenogenital syndrome who have been reared as boys, because of an original diagnostic error, should be individually evaluated with regard to possible change of sex assignment. Despite the apparent success in the case reported here with its unusual special circumstances, the psychologic hazards involved will make reassignment of sex inadvisable in most of these cases.
Harnessing the Therapeutic Potential of MicroRNAs for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular diseases are one of the most common causes of death in humans and are responsible for billions of dollars in health care expenditures. As the molecular basis of cardiac diseases continues to be explored, there remains the hope for identification of more effective therapeutics. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are recognized as important regulators of numerous biological pathways and stress responses, including those found in cardiovascular diseases. MicroRNA signatures of cardiovascular diseases can provide targets for miRNA adjustment and offer the possibility of changing gene and protein expression to treat certain pathologies. These adjustments can be conferred using advances in oligonucleotide delivery methods, which can target single miRNAs, families of miRNAs, and certain tissue types. In this review, we will discuss the use of miRNAs in vivo and recent advances in their use for cardiovascular disease in mammalian models.
Bevacizumab and Other Targeted Agents in the Upfront Treatment of Glioblastoma

The standard treatment for glioblastoma, the most common primary malignant brain tumor, has been maximal safe surgical resection followed by the combination of radiation and temozolomide. Bevacizumab has shown promise in the treatment of glioblastoma; it and a number of other new, targeted agents have been tested in combination with radiation and temozolomide. Results of recent studies of such agents are discussed. Although many of these agents show promise, none as yet has established a new standard of care for these difficult-to-treat tumors.
Epidemiology of Major Depressive Disorder: Results From the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcoholism and Related Conditions

Objective:To present nationally representative data on 12-month and lifetime prevalence, correlates, and comorbidity of DSM-IV major depressive disorder (MDD) among adults in the United States. Design/Setting/Participants:Face-to-face survey of more than 43000 adults aged 18 years and older residinginhouseholdsandgroupquartersintheUnitedStates. Main Outcome Measures: Prevalence and associationsofMDDwithsociodemographiccorrelatesandAxis I and II disorders. Results:Theprevalenceof12-monthandlifetimeDSM-IV MDD was 5.28% (95% confidence interval, 4.98-5.57) and 13.23% (95% confidence interval, 12.64-13.81), respectively. Being female; Native American; middleaged; widowed, separated, or divorced; and low income increased risk, and being Asian, Hispanic, or black decreased risk (P.05). Women were significantly more likely to receive treatment than men. Both current and lifetimeMDDweresignificantlyassociatedwithotherspecific psychiatric disorders, notably substance dependence, panic and generalized anxiety disorder, and several personality disorders. Conclusions:This large survey suggests a higher prevalence of MDD in the US population than large-sample estimates from the 1980s and 1990s. The shift in highest lifetime risk from young to middle-aged adults is an important transformation in the distribution of MDD in the United States and specificity in risk for an ageperiodcohort.AssociationsbetweenMDDandAxisIand II disorders were strong and significant, with variation within broad categories by specific diagnoses signaling the need for attention to the genetic and environmental reasons for such variation, as well as the implications for treatment response. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62:1097-1106
Abnormal axonal growth in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat.

Retino-geniculate axons in the cat were induced to grow abnormally by cutting one optic nerve in kittens. Surviving optic tract axons that had grown into the denervated regions were then filled in the adults with horseradish peroxidase to reveal the terminal arbors of individual axons. Two types of abnormal axonal growth are described—translaminar growth and monocular segment growth. Translaminar growth is the most common and occurs between lamine in the binocular part to the nucleus. Axons giving rise to translaminar growth do not branch as they pass through the denervated regions of the nucleus. Instead, the abnormal branches originate from portions of the terminal arbor within the normal target lamina. These axons look like normal retino-geniculate axons in terms of their branching patterns, cytological features, and patterns of synaptic contacts except that parts of their terminal arbors have expanded to innervate inappropriate laminae. The distribution of translaminar branches overlaps the distribution of a restricted group of surviving large neurons that have not undergone denervation atrophy. Monocular segment growth invades the lateral pole of the nucleus directly from the optic tract. These branches arise from axons passing through or near the denervated region and appear to represent the formation of new terminal arbors. The synaptic swellings arising from these branches have cytological features like the synaptic swellings arising from translaminar branches and they from similar patterns of synaptic contacts. However, monocular segment branches degenerate more rapidly when damaged and they are not associated with surviving large neurons.
Effects of Clostridium perfringens Beta-Toxin on the Rabbit Small Intestine and Colon

Clostridium perfringens type B and type C isolates, which produce beta-toxin (CPB), cause fatal diseases originating in the intestines of humans or livestock. Our previous studies demonstrated that CPB is necessary for type C isolate CN3685 to cause bloody necrotic enteritis in a rabbit ileal loop model and also showed that purified CPB, in the presence of trypsin inhibitor (TI), can reproduce type C pathology in rabbit ileal loops. We report here a more complete characterization of the effects of purified CPB in the rabbit small and large intestines. One microgram of purified CPB, in the presence of TI, was found to be sufficient to cause significant accumulation of hemorrhagic luminal fluid in duodenal, jejunal, or ileal loops treated for 6 h with purified CPB, while no damage was observed in corresponding loops receiving CPB (no TI) or TI alone. In contrast to the CPB sensitivity of the small intestine, the colon was not affected by 6 h of treatment with even 90 μg of purified CPB whether or not TI was present. Time course studies showed that purified CPB begins to induce small intestinal damage within 1 h, at which time the duodenum is less damaged than the jejunum or ileum. These observations help to explain why type B and C infections primarily involve the small intestine, establish CPB as a very potent and fast-acting toxin in the small intestines, and confirm a key role for intestinal trypsin as an innate intestinal defense mechanism against CPB-producing C. perfringens isolates.
The LIN-15A and LIN-56 Transcriptional Regulators Interact to Negatively Regulate EGF/Ras Signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans Vulval Cell-Fate Determination

The restricted expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) family ligands is important for proper development and for preventing cancerous growth in mammals. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the class A and B synthetic multivulva (synMuv) genes redundantly repress expression of lin-3 EGF to negatively regulate Ras-mediated vulval development. The class B synMuv genes encode proteins homologous to components of the NuRD and Myb-MuvB/dREAM transcriptional repressor complexes, indicating that they likely silence lin-3 EGF through chromatin remodeling. The two class A synMuv genes cloned thus far, lin-8 and lin-15A, both encode novel proteins. The LIN-8 protein is nuclear. We have characterized the class A synMuv gene lin-56 and found it to encode a novel protein that shares a THAP-like C2CH motif with LIN-15A. Both the LIN-56 and LIN-15A proteins localize to nuclei. Wild-type levels of LIN-56 require LIN-15A, and wild-type levels and/or localization of LIN-15A requires LIN-56. Furthermore, LIN-56 and LIN-15A interact in the yeast two-hybrid system. We propose that LIN-56 and LIN-15A associate in a nuclear complex that inhibits vulval specification by repressing lin-3 EGF expression.
Hybrid Technique for Repair of Recurrent Pectus Excavatum After Failed Open Repair

Background Successful repair of recurrent pectus excavatum (PE) after failed open procedure has been reported using minimally invasive repair (MIRPE) and open approaches. Neither approach alone may be adequate for some patients. A hybrid technique for repair is presented for revision of recurrent PE. Methods A retrospective review of adults undergoing repair for recurrent PE after prior open repair from January 2010 to June 2014 was performed. Results Seventy-three adult patients underwent repair for recurrent PE, with 48 patients (65.8%) undergoing repair for recurrence after at least one prior open PE repair. Mean patient age was 34.5 years (range, 19 to 54 years); mean Haller index was 4.7 (range, 2.8 to 14.7). Fourteen (29%) recurrences with adequate chest wall pliability and no malunion were repaired with MIRPE alone; 34 patients (71%) underwent a hybrid procedure for repair (20 for PE recurrence alone; 14 for PE with acquired thoracic dystrophy). All had at least two support bars placed, and 11 patients (23%) had three bars placed. Mean hospitalization for MIRPE was 5 days, for hybrid was 7 days, and for hybrid because of acquired thoracic dystrophy was 10 days. One patient died of unexpected out-of-hospital arrest; there was one emergent conversion to open sternotomy for bleeding. Conclusions Most recurrent PE may be repaired with excellent results and minimal complications. Those with adequate chest pliability and no malunion are candidates for MIPRE alone. A hybrid procedure with thoracoscopic support bars combined with sternal elevation, multiple open osteotomies, and chest wall fixation is appropriate for recurrences associated with malunion or fixation of the anterior chest and failure to lift with MIRPE.
Unexpected Density Fluctuations in Jammed Disordered Sphere Packings

We computationally study jammed disordered hard-sphere packings as large as a million particles. We show that the packings are saturated and hyperuniform, i.e., that local density fluctuations grow only as a logarithmically augmented surface area rather than the volume of the window. The structure factor shows an unusual nonanalytic linear dependence near the origin, S(k) approximately |k|. In addition to exponentially damped oscillations seen in liquids, this implies a weak power-law tail in the total correlation function, h(r) approximately -r(-4), and a long-ranged direct correlation function c(r).
A Multicenter Study of Students' Sensitivity to Screen-Update Delay.

In a climate of shrinking educational budgets, online learning courses offer many advantages; however there are several possible problems associated with electronic learning. There may be problems associated with learning style preferences, student apathy, instructional support, accessibility, and problems with technology. This paper examines a technological problem associated with the effects of screen-update-delay and student enjoyment, student self-reported comprehension, and student objective comprehension. In particular, this paper attempts to identify the point at which longer screen updates will be detrimental to the student’s enjoyment and/or have a significant negative impact on the student’s self-reported comprehension and retention of material.
Initial Experience with the Use of Thrombopoetin Receptor Agonists in Patients with Refractory HIV-Associated Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura A Case Series

HIV-associated immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has decreased in incidence 10-fold since the advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). For patients with detectable HIV viral loads, first-line treatment approaches involve optimizing HAART followed by standard ITP options used to treat those without HIV infection. In the general population, the thrombopoetin receptor agonists (TRAs), eltrombopag and romiplostim, are effective when used as salvage ITP therapy. In addition, eltrombopag has been used effectively in patients with thrombocytopenia secondary to hepatitis C--a virus seen commonly in HIV-infected patients, especially in those who also have a history of intravenous drug use. There are, however, few reports or studies of TRAs use in those with HIV infection. Herein, we describe 5 cases of refractory HIV-associated ITP managed with TRAs. Although platelet counts improved for all patients, 2 patients succumbed to thromboembolic complications. Our initial experience, as well as our findings from a Medline review, supports the potential utility of TRA as salvage therapy in the treatment of HIV-related ITP; however, we recommend caution in the use of these agents in those who are at highest risk of thrombosis. Additional studies are needed to determine the efficacy and, more importantly, the safety of TRAs in treatment of HIV-associated ITP.
Modeling the invasive emerald ash borer risk of spread using a spatially explicit cellular model

The emerald ash borer (EAB, Agrilus planipennis) is decimating native ashes (Fraxinus sp.) throughout midwestern North America, killing millions of trees over the years. With plenty of ash available throughout the continent, the spread of this destructive insect is likely to continue. We estimate that the insect has been moving along a “front” at about 20 km/year since about 1998, but more alarming is its long-range dispersal into new locations facilitated by human activities. We describe a spatially explicit cell-based model used to calculate risk of spread in Ohio, by combining the insect’s flight and short-range dispersal (“insect flight”) with human-facilitated, long-range dispersal (“insect ride”). This hybrid model requires estimates of EAB abundance, ash abundance, major roads and traffic density, campground size and usage, distance from the core infested zone, wood products industry size and type of wood usage, and human population density. With the “insect flight” model, probability of movement is dependent on EAB abundance in the source cells, the quantity of ash in the target cells, and the distances between them. With the “insect-ride” model, we modify the value related to ash abundance based on factors related to potential human-assisted movements of EAB-infested ash wood or just hitchhiking insects. We attempt to show the advantage of our model compared to statistical approaches and to justify its practical value to field managers working with imperfect knowledge. We stress the importance of the road network in distributing insects to new geographically dispersed sites in Ohio, where 84% were within 1 km of a major highway.
Stabilization of a mobile robot climbing stairs

Remotec's Andros VI mobile robot is physically capable of ascending and descending stairs. However, the teleoperated control of the robot climbing stairs is difficult, as the operator's feedback is limited to visual and audio cues only. Our analysis and experiments show that this tracked mobile robot is inherently unstable in open-loop stair climbing, and the robot under telemanipulation is prone to falling. We describe the design and validation of a feedback system for automatic heading control for stabilization of stair climbing. The design incorporates solid-state attitude sensors as inputs to an on-board multiprocessor system. We have experimentally demonstrated stability of the robot in stair climbing, even in the presence of large disturbances and noise. With the addition of the on-board computing, control of the robot is elevated from teleoperation to supervisory control. >
Radio-frequency-induced thermal lesions: subacute magnetic resonance appearance and histological correlation.

Purpose To investigate the relationship between subacute magnetic resonance (MR) images of radio-frequency (RF) ablation lesions and tissue viability as determined from histological tissue samples. Materials and Methods We generated lesions (N = 5) in a rabbit thigh model. Four days later, we obtained in vivo T2- and contrast-enhanced (CE) T1-weighted images and ex vivo histological samples approximately perpendicular to the electrode path. Using three-dimensional registration and warping, we spatially compared manually segmented boundaries apparent on MR images to boundaries separating distinct histological zones determined from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson trichrome (MT) stains, as well as birefringence studies. Results Lesions have a characteristic MR appearance: an outer hyperintense margin (M2) separating background tissue (M3) from an inner core (M1), in both T2 and CE T1 images. Histologically, there are two zones of damage: an outer zone of likely nonviable cells (H2) separating background tissue (H3) from an inner core of coagulated nonviable cells (H1). We measured distances between automatically computed correspondence points along histological and MR boundaries. For T2 and CE T1 images, respectively, M1 vs. H1 distances were 0.72 ± 0.99 mm (mean ± SD) and 0.10 ± 0.95 mm, while outer M2 vs. H2 boundary distances were 0.26 ± 1.16 mm and 0.05 ± 1.08 mm. The discrepancy between histological and MR boundaries was larger than the variability in segmenting MR images, but probably within registration error. There were no significant differences between T2 and CE T1 boundaries. Conclusion Lesion boundaries apparent in both T2- and CE T1-weighted MR scans, performed several days postablation, similarly predict the histological response. That is, the lesion core (M1) corresponds to nonviable coagulated cells (H1), while the hyperintense margin (M2) corresponds to likely nonviable cells undergoing necrotic changes (H2). J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2003;18:487–495. © 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.