cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Impact of smoking in patients with pancreatic cancer receiving a PET scan. S. Gresens, E. Braun, A.M. Voslar; Nuclear Medicine, Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

179 Objectives: Smoking has been linked to numerous health problems and the development of numerous cancers. With PET imaging, the uptake of radioactive tracers F-18 FDG and Ga-68 Dotatate into cancerous regions can be seen. The objective of this study is to determine whether smoking contributes to the development of pancreatic cancer and if there’s a statistical difference in smokers and non-smokers in patients with pancreatic cancer undergoing PET scans. Methods: Patients were selected at random from an inpatient and outpatient population over a 15 month period. The patients selected underwent either a full body or head to mid-thigh PET scan with the clinical indication of pancreatic cancer. Patients were injected with either F-18 FDG or Ga-68 Dotatate. Once pancreatic cancer was confirmed by the physician’s report, whether or not the patient was a smoker was recorded. A Chi-Square Goodness of Fit test was used to determine whether the number of patients who smoked matches the expected number, and whether the results were statistically significant. Of the 59 selected patients with pancreatic cancer, 100% were expected to be smokers. Results: Out of the 59 patients selected with pancreatic cancer, 28 (47%) were non-smokers and 31 (53%) were smokers. The chi squared value was infinite with a p value of < 0.00001, which is less than the critical value of 0.05. Conclusions: There is no evidence supporting a statistical association between smoking and the development of pancreatic cancer. While the majority of selected patients were smokers, it’s important to include that smoking does not guarantee the development of pancreatic cancer. This concludes that although smoking might have been a factor in developing pancreatic cancer, there are too many outside variables not examined that contribute to pancreatic cancer to solidify a link between smoking and pancreatic cancer.
The Mating-Type Locus and Mating of Candida albicans and Candida glabrata

In 1999, Hull and Johnson identified the emerging Candida albicans genome database a mating-type-like (MTL) locus. The configuration of this putative mating-type locus contrasted markedly with those of S. cerevisiae. Lachke and coworkers considered the possibility that rather than mating in the body, C. albicans might mate outside on the body surface. In this chapter, the mating systems of C. albicans and Candida glabrata have been compared to that of S. cerevisiae. Since the last of these has been so intensely studied over the past three decades and thus provides a contextual framework for interpreting the first two. Incorporation of both the white-opaque switching program and the filamentation program into the mating process may be due at least in part to the intimate relationship C. albicans has developed with its host. In contrast to C. albicans, the configuration and structure of mating-type genes and loci are highly similar to those of S. cerevisiae. One must wonder, for both C. albicans and C. glabrata, why complex mating systems are maintained, given the predominantly clonal population structure of both. Why devote so many genes, especially in C. albicans, to such a rare event? The answer is that it may be that mating and associated recombination, although rare, is essential for the continued survival of the species. Secondly, it may be that the mating process has become integral to pathogenesis.
Sub-wavelength resolution using apertureless terahertz near-field microscopy

We demonstrate apertureless near-field terahertz imaging by introducing a metallic probe above a sample surface. The amplitude of the scattered pulses is very sensitive to the tip-sample distance. A spatial resolution of /spl lambda//520 is demonstrated.
The Steiner Tree Problem and Its Generalizations

We will survey recent approximation algorithms for the metric Steiner tree problem and its generalization, the Steiner network problem. We will also discuss the bidirected cut relaxation for the metric Steiner tree problem.
Imaging and tracking of targets in clutter using differential time-reversal

This paper discusses the performance of two radar imaging techniques for detecting and tracking multiple moving targets in cluttered environments based on differential time-reversal (TR) techniques. The first technique classifies existing targets into stationary versus moving ones based on information provided by multistatic data matrices (MDMs) corresponding to successive pulse radar acquisitions (snapshots). Under certain conditions, the singular value decomposition (SVD) of the (time-averaged MDM provides information (number and location) on stationary targets, whereas the SVD of the differential MDM provides similar information on moving targets. The second imaging technique is aimed at providing real-time tracking of the moving targets. This technique exhibits superior clutter rejection and requires minimal processing costs. We show that the tracking technique benefits from statistical stability (self-averaging) provided by ultra-wideband (UWB) TR operation.
Aortocoronary bypass grafting with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene: 12- year patency

Prosthetic coronary artery bypass conduits are rarely used because the rate of thrombosis is inherently higher than that with autologous conduits. The low medium-term patency rates of prosthetic grafts have restricted their use primarily to patients with inadequate autologous conduits or to selected emergencies. We describe a patient treated with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene who had documented patency 12 years after the operation.
Series and parallel resonant microwave oscillator design and realization using computer-aided design programs

A systematic methodology for designing transistor microwave oscillators with both series and parallel resonant configurations is described. The procedure allows the reference planes of the active device to be adjusted so that there is considerable flexibility in accommodating a chosen circuit configuration while satisfying the oscillation conditions. Experimental results of 2.0 GHz oscillator circuits using this approach are presented. The circuits realized produce the desired output power and oscillate very near the targeted frequency. Therefore, it can be concluded that the measurement results substantially support the design procedure used, thus attesting to its effectiveness. >
Molecular dynamics simulations of the effects of carbon dioxide on the interfacial bonding of polystyrene thin films

Fabrication of nanoscale polymer-based devices, especially in biomedical applications, is a challenging process due to requirements of precise dimensions. Methods that involve elevated temperature or chemical adhesives are not practicable due to the fragility of the device components and associated deformation. To effectively fabricate devices for lab-on-a-chip or drug delivery applications, a process is required that permits bonding at low temperatures. The use of carbon dioxide (CO2) to assist the bonding process shows promise in reaching this goal. It is now well established that CO2 can be used to depress the glass transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer, allowing bonding to occur at lower temperatures. Furthermore, it has been shown that CO2 can preferentially soften a polymer surface, which should allow for effective bonding at temperatures even below the bulk Tg. However, the impact of this effect on bonding has not been quantified, and the optimal bonding temperature and CO2 pressure conditions are unknown. In this study, a molecular dynamics model is used to examine the atomic scale behavior of polystyrene in an effort to develop understanding of the physical mechanisms of bonding and to quantify how the process is impacted by CO2. The final result is the identification of a range of CO2 pressure conditions which produce the strongest bonding between PS thin films at room temperature. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2011
A study on MR fluids subjected to high shear rates and high velocities

ABSTRACT Magnetorheological (MR) fluids offer solutions to many engineering challenges. The success of MR fluid is apparent in many disciplines, ranging from the automotive and civil engineering communities to the biomedical engineering community. This well documented success of MR fluids continues to motivate current and future applications of MR fluid. One such application that has been considered recently is MR fluid devices for use in impact and other high velocity applications. In such applications, the fluid environment within the device may be well beyond the scope of our understanding for these fluids. To date, little has been done to explore the suitability of MR fluids in such high velocity and high shear applications. The aim of the current study is to identify the behavior of the fluid under these extreme operating conditions. Specifically, this study intends to identify the behavior of MR fluid subject to high rates of shear and high flow velocities. A high shear rheometer is built which allows for the high velocity testing of MR fluids. The rheometer is capable of fluid velocities ranging from 1 m/s to 37 m/s, with corresponding shear rates ranging from 0.14x10
Calling on Scientists to Fight Budget Cuts

The funding levels requested by the Bush Administration for 2006 (“Caught in the squeeze,” J. Mervis, News Focus, 11 Feb., p. 832) represent a decrease in science and technology funding across the board. This budget and its priorities do not bode well for American science and technology or for America's scientists and science students. Underfunding science and technology research and education today is short-sighted. It puts our nation's strong global standing in science and technology at risk now and in the future. As ranking member of the U.S. House of Representative's Committee on Science (which has jurisdiction over all nondefense science research and development including the National Science Foundation), I am familiar with the realities of our country's current fiscal crisis and attempts to “remedy” that situation by cutting “lesser priorities.” I assure you that some Members of Congress, including myself, are fighting to push science and technology as a priority in this and future budgets. However, Congress cannot achieve this alone; we must have your help. Adding your voices to ours is essential in presenting a unified front in support of additional science and technology funding. In a time of necessary fiscal restraint, advocates of science must be vocal in communicating science's centrality to our nation's future. It must be clear that science is not just an academic exercise. The current downward trend in funding can be reversed. The federal budget is not irrevocably set and can be redrawn. Researchers, students, faculty, this affects you. Write, call, e-mail, and speak on the importance of what you do for this nation's economy. Help us help you by being your own unrelenting advocates.
Glow-like atmospheric pressure micro-discharges produced by charge rollers

Summary form only given. Conductive charge rollers (CR) are used in print engines for surface charging of the cylindrical photoconductor (PC) at atmospheric pressure. The charging process is essentially a dielectric-barrier-discharge (DBD). Microplasmas are produced in the narrowing gap between the CR and PC, which then charges the PC. The streamer-like plasmas can be terminated by surface charging of the PC if operated with a dc or quasi-dc voltage on the CR. From a practical matter, the surfaces of both the CR and PC are rotating. The rotation of the PC brings in uncharged surface which reestablishes the voltage between the CR and PC, and re-ignites the plasma. As a result, a periodic charging pattern on the PC surface may be formed. Under certain operating conditions, a glow-like discharge was simulated in the CR and a quasi-dc current was collected on the PC surface. These behaviors and the uniformity of surface charging are sensitive to the speed of the PC and applied voltage.In this presentation, we will discuss the behavior of atmospheric pressure microplasmas sustained in air between the CR and PC, and the charging properties on the PC surface using results from a 2-dimensional simulation. The model, nonPDPSIM, solves Poisson's equation and transport equations for charge and neutral species and the electron energy conservation equation for electron temperature. A Monte Carlo simulation is used for tracking sheath accelerated electrons. Rate and transport coefficients for bulk electrons are obtained from local solutions of Boltzmann's equation for the electron energy distribution. Radiation transport is addressed using a Green's function approach.
Influence of the Protein Environment on the Redox Potentials of Flavodoxins from Clostridium beijerinckii

The flavin mononucleotide (FMN) quinones in flavodoxin have two characteristic redox potentials, namely, Em(FMNH·/FMNH–) for the one-electron reduction of the protonated FMN (E1) and Em(FMN/FMNH·) for the proton-coupled one-electron reduction (E2). These redox potentials in native and mutant flavodoxins obtained from Clostridium beijerinckii were calculated by considering the protonation states of all titratable sites as well as the energy contributed at the pKa value of FMN during protonation at the N5 nitrogen (pKa(N5)). E1 is sensitive to the subtle differences in the protein environments in the proximity of FMN. The protein dielectric volume that prevents the solvation of charged FMN quinones is responsible for the downshift of 130–160 mV of the E1 values with respect to that in an aqueous solution. The influence of the negatively charged 5′-phosphate group of FMN quinone on E1 could result in a maximum shift of 90 mV. A dramatic difference of 130 mV in the calculated E2 values of FMN quinone of the native and G57T mutant flavodoxins is due to the difference in the pKa(N5) values. This is due to the difference in the influence exerted by the carbonyl group of the protein backbone at residue 57.
Synergistic effects of interleukin 4 and interferon-gamma on monocyte phosphodiesterase activity.

Abstract Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have elevated leukocyte cyclic AMP-phosphodiesterase (PDE) activity and increased in vitro IgE synthesis compared to normal (NL) subjects. Interleukin 4 (IL-4), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and PDE inhibitor have been shown to regulate in vitro IgE synthesis. This study investigated whether soluble T-cell factors such as IL-4 and IFN-γ could account for elevated PDE activity in patients with AD. Both rhIL-4 and IFN-γ significantly increased normal monocyte PDE activity to a maximum of 188% (n = 6, p This study demonstrates that IL-4 and IFN-γ can increase PDE activity in normal monocytes. Though the levels of IL-4 and IFN-γ in T-cell supernatants are undetectable with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) assay, the concentration of these cytokines below the detectable level can significantly increase PDE activity of monocytes in a synergistic and dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that cytokine-mediated activation of monocytes can increase PDE activity. Furthermore, lymphokines may play an important role in modulating the cyclic nucleotide regulatory pathway.
The rheological nature of solid pressures of granular media

Abstract Solid pressures exerted by a granular material contained in a vessel are shown to be rheologically related to the yield stress of the medium. The internal friction coefficient is shown to be the ratio between the yield stress and the horizontal solid pressure of a granular medium. A drawing-plate test is performed to measure the yield stress of steel spheres in a vessel to demonstrate this notion. Using Janssen's formula for data interpretation, satisfactory experimental results were obtained. The distributions of yield stress of a contained granular medium is indeed verified to be of the same functional form as the solid pressures.
The economic status of union workers in the United States

Although American labor unions evolved out of poverty, today’s typical union worker is relatively affluent. Current Population Survey data show that average annual household earnings in 2002 for full-time union workers were nearly $79,000, nearly double the median of all households (including ones with non-workers), and more than for nonunion worker households. While relatively few union workers are truly “poor,” a larger proportion (over one-third for members of teachers’ unions) comes from households with over $100,000 in annual income. A puzzle: why do union members tend to support liberal policies and politicians far more than their relative affluence would predict? Perhaps it partly reflects rent-seeking behavior.
Tweeting nano: how public discourses about nanotechnology develop in social media environments

The growing popularity of social media as a channel for distributing and debating scientific information raises questions about the types of discourse that surround emerging technologies, such as nanotechnology, in online environments, as well as the different forms of information that audiences encounter when they use these online tools of infor- mation sharing. This study maps the landscape surrounding social media traffic about nanotechnol- ogy. Specifically, we use computational linguistic software to analyze a census of all English-language nanotechnology-related tweets expressing opinions posted on Twitter between September 1, 2010 and August 31, 2011. Results show that 55 % of tweets expressed certainty and 45 % expressed uncertainty. Twenty-seven percent of tweets expressed optimistic outlooks, 32 % expressed neutral outlooks and 41 % expressed pessimistic outlooks. Tweets were mapped by U.S. state, and our data show that tweets are more likely to originate from states with a federally funded National Nanotechnology Initiative center or network. The trend toward certainty in opinion coupled with the distinct geographic origins of much of the social media traffic on Twitter for nanotechnology-related opinion has significant implications for understanding how key online influencers are debating and positioning the issue of nanotechnology for lay and policy audiences.
Generalized multiple scale reproducing kernel particle methods

Abstract An approach to unify reproducing kernel methods under one large umbrella and an extension to include time and spatial shifting are proposed. The study is divided into three major topics. The groundwork is set by revisiting the Fourier analysis of discrete systems. The multiresolution concept and its significance in devising the reproducing kernel methods and its discrete counterpart, reproducing kernel particle methods, are explained. An edge detection technique based on multiresolution analysis is developed. This wavelet approach, together with particle methods, gives rise to a straightforward h-adaptivity algorithm. By using this framework, a Hermite reproducing kernel method is also proposed, and its relation to wavelet methods is presented. It is also shown that the new approach generalizes existing kernel methods, and it can easily be degenerated into other widely used methods such as partition of unity, moving least-square interpolants, smooth particle hydrodynamics, scaling functions and wavelets, and multiple scale analysis. Furthermore, the Hermite reproducing kernel particle method, a particle based discrete version of the Hermite reproducing kernel method is developed. Finally, multiple-scale methods based on frequency and wave number shifting techniques are presented. A stability analysis is also presented for Newmark time-integration schemes for the low frequency equation. Numerical examples are presented throughout the paper to illustrate the flexibility and accuracy of this class of multiple scale methods.
Behavioral responses of the marine tintinnid favella sp to phytoplankton influence of chemical mechanical and photic stimuli

Computerized motion analysis was used to experimentally investigate the locomotory responses of a tintinnid, Favella sp., to phytoplankton and to chemosensory and mechanosensory stimuli associated with the presence of phytoplankton. When exposed to increased concentrations of the dinoflagellate Heterocapsa triquetra (strain HT984), Favella show transient change in behavior which result in a decrease in swimming speed, increase in turning rate and a decrease in net to gross displacement ratio; this should result in the aggregation of Favella in patches of the dinoflagellate. Similar behavioral responses are elicited by exposure to exudates of H. triquetra and to plastic beads of approximately the same size as the alga. When Favella was exposed to other phytoflagellates or their exudates, the behavioral responses were less pronounced or absent. Favella do not respond to beads < 6 μm; for larger beads, the response appears to depend on the concentration of beads. Favella do not exhibit a phototaxis or photokinesis but they do have diel behavior patterns that may be entrained by the light cycle. These diel changes in locomotory behavior may increase the probability of encounter with food patches.
Fiber probes used in optical coherence tomography

Quality and parameters of probing optical beams are extremely important in optical coherence tomography (OCT) systems both for image quality and light coupling efficiency considerations. For example, the shape, size, focal position, and focal range of such beams could have a great impact on the lateral resolution, penetration depth, and signal-to-noise ratio of the image. We present a design, construction and characterization of different variations of GRIN and ball fiber lenses, for ultra-small OCT probes. Those fiber probes are made of a single mode fiber and a GRIN or ball fiber lens with or without a fiber spacer between them. The probe diameters are smaller than 0.3 mm. We discuss design methods, fabrication techniques, and measured performance compared with modeling results. We demonstrate swept-source OCT images with different fiber probes.
Solvent effects on the structural and formyl substrate reactivity properties of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex.

The solution structural and formyl substrate reactivity properties of a nitrogen/sulfur-ligated zinc hydroxide complex, [(bmnpaZn)2(μ-OH)2](ClO4)2 (1, bmnpa = N,N-bis-2-(methylthio)ethyl-N-((6-neop...
The Caenorhabditis elegans Skp1-related gene family: diverse functions in cell proliferation, morphogenesis, and meiosis.

Background The SCF ubiquitin-ligase complex targets the ubiquitin-mediated degradation of proteins in multiple dynamic cellular processes. A key SCF component is the Skp1 protein that functions within the complex to link the substrate-recognition subunit to a cullin that in turn binds the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme. In contrast to yeast and humans, Caenorhabditis elegans contains multiple expressed Skp1-related ( skr ) genes. Results The 21 Skp1-related ( skr ) genes in C . elegans form one phylogenetic clade, suggesting that a single ancestral Skp1 gene underwent independent expansion in C . elegans . The cellular and developmental functions of the 21 C . elegans skr genes were probed by dsRNA-mediated gene inactivation (RNAi). The RNAi phenotypes of the skr genes fall into two classes. First, the highly similar skr-7 , -8 , -9 , and -10 genes are required for posterior body morphogenesis, embryonic and larval development, and cell proliferation. Second, the related skr-1 and -2 genes are required for the restraint of cell proliferation, progression through the pachytene stage of meiosis, and the formation of bivalent chromosomes at diakinesis. CUL-1 was found to interact with SKR-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, and -10 in the yeast two-hybrid system. Interestingly, SKR-3 could interact with both CUL-1 and its close paralog CUL-6. Conclusions Members of the expanded skr gene family in C . elegans perform critical functions in regulating cell proliferation, meiosis, and morphogenesis. The finding that multiple SKRs are able to bind cullins suggests an extensive set of combinatorial SCF complexes.
Results of Elective Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Graft Surgery in a Community Hospital

In a community hospital setting, without academic affiliation or house staff coverage, 145 patients had elective saphenous vein graft surgery between January 1970 and January 1973. Patients with good left ventricular function, with or without associated procedures, had an operative mortality of 2.4%. The surgical mortality of patients who had associated procedures was 9.5%. The overall operative mortality was 6.2% with an immediate postoperative myocardial infarction rate of 17%. Results in 38 patients with pre-infarction angina were no different from the group as a whole. The risk of surgery is best categorized by a combination of angiographic severity of coronary artery disease plus severity of left ventricular dysfunction estimated by left ventriculogram.
Computational‐Chemistry‐Workshop in Wuppertal

Mitte November vergangenen Jahres trafen sich 20 Doktoranden und Postdocs aus akademischen Arbeitskreisen des deutschsprachigen Raums zu einem zweitagigen Workshop mit Vertretern von BayerHealthcare und BayerCropscience im Horsaal des Pharmaforschungszentrums Wuppertal, um ihre neuesten Forschungsergebnisse zu diskutieren und sich uber deren Anwendung in der Pharmaforschung auszutauschen.
Outcomes of reintervention for recurrent disease after percutaneous iliac angioplasty and stenting.

PURPOSE To evaluate the outcomes of percutaneous therapy for symptomatic >50% angiographic restenosis after iliac intervention versus outcomes of the primary procedure. METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of 937 patients (733 men; mean age 65 years) who underwent 1532 endovascular interventions for symptomatic atherosclerotic iliac artery obstruction and were followed by duplex ultrasound between 1990 and 2009. In this population, 374 vessels restenosed (>50% on duplex); about half (176, 47%) were associated with recurrent symptoms. In 102 symptomatic patients (58 men; mean age 61 years), 147 limbs (84%) had repeat angioplasty/stenting and were compared to the primary treatment group. RESULTS Thirty-day mortality was 50% restenosis on duplex was 15%±1% at 5 years. Gender (p = 0.03), diabetes (p = 0.04), metabolic syndrome (p = 0.001), symptoms (p<0.001), angioplasty alone (p = 0.04), concurrent superficial femoral artery occlusion (p = 0.02), and increasing complexity of the iliac intervention (p = 0.02) were associated with primary failure. Patency rates at 10 years for primary versus recurrent treatment were 73%±2% versus 66±8% for primary patency (p = 0.004); 88%±2% versus 74%±7% for assisted primary patency (p = 0.005); and 90%±2% versus 78%±10% for secondary patency (p = 0.002). Female gender (p = 0.01), continued smoking (p = 0.02), eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73m(2) (p = 0.03), lesion length (p = 0.02), lesion calcification (p = 0.005), and TASC II category (p = 0.04) negatively influenced patency of recurrent lesions. Sustained clinical success (absence of recurrent symptoms) was 74%±2% in the primary group and 66%±8% in the restenotic group (p = 0.014) at 10 years. Symptoms (p = 0.04), female gender (p = 0.002), hypertension (p = 0.004), eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m(2) (p = 0.02), external iliac artery disease (p = 0.02), lesion length (p = 0.02), and poor immediate clinical outcome (p<0.001) negatively influenced clinical success of recurrent lesions. CONCLUSION Percutaneous reintervention for recurrent iliac artery disease has a higher procedure-related morbidity compared to primary intervention. Longer-term outcomes are also poorer than for primary lesions. The patients who present with restenosis are more likely to be younger and of female gender than patients presenting for primary intervention. Both patency and functional outcomes after reintervention are worse than those for primary interventions.
Holant problems and counting CSP

We propose and explore a novel alternative framework to study the complexity of counting problems, called Holant Problems. Compared to counting Constrained Satisfaction Problems (CSP), it is a refinement with a more explicit role for the function constraints. Both graph homomorphism and CSP can be viewed as special cases of Holant Problems. We prove complexity dichotomy theorems in this framework. Because the framework is more stringent, previous dichotomy theorems for CSP problems no longer apply. Indeed, we discover surprising tractable subclasses of counting problems, which could not have been easily specified in the CSP framework. The main technical tool we use and develop is holographic reductions. Another technical tool used in combination with holographic reductions is polynomial interpolations. The study of Holant Problems led us to discover and prove a complexity dichotomy theorem for the most general form of Boolean CSP where every constraint function takes values in the complex number field {C}.
Knowledge management: practices and challenges

Knowledge management (KM) is a process that deals with the development, storage, retrieval, and dissemination of information and expertise within an organization to support and improve its business performance. Organizations are realizing that knowledge is a crucial resource for organizations and it should be managed judiciously. Organizations need to harness knowledge not only to stay competitive, but also to become innovative. KM requires a major shift in organizational culture and a commitment at all levels of a firm to make it work. Through a supportive organizational climate, ideally, through effective KM, an organization can bring its entire organizational learning and knowledge to bear on any problem, anywhere in the world, at anytime
Effects of buprenorphine sublingual tablet maintenance on opioid drug-seeking behavior by humans.

Rationale: Buprenorphine can decrease opioid self-administration by humans and animals, but its ability to decrease drug-seeking behavior and craving (i.e. motivational measures) among outpatient volunteers using clinically relevant dosing schedules has not been extensively studied. Objectives: We investigated whether daily versus alternating-day administration of high versus low buprenorphine doses influenced choice of, and operant responding for, hydromorphone versus money. Methods: Fourteen heroin-dependent outpatients were maintained under four buprenorphine sublingual tablet (double blind) dose conditions using a within-subject, randomized crossover design. All participants received, for 2 weeks each, buprenorphine doses of 2 mg daily, 4 mg/placebo on alternating days, 16 mg daily, and 32 mg/placebo on alternating days. In each laboratory test session, participants chose between money ($2/choice) and drug (1/8 of total hydromorphone, 4 or 24 mg IM in different sessions) alternatives using an eight-trial non-independent progressive ratio schedule (FR 100, 200, ...12,800). The drug dose and money amount earned was delivered after the end of the 2.5-h work period. Results: Hydromorphone 24 mg was more reinforcing than 4 mg. Higher versus lower average buprenorphine doses (regardless of daily versus alternate-day schedule) significantly decreased hydromorphone 24 mg choice and increased money choice. Baseline heroin craving questionnaire scores predicted drug choice, and craving scores were significantly decreased by high-dose buprenorphine. Conclusions: High-dose buprenorphine attenuated opioid drug-seeking behavior, heroin craving self-reports and increased sensitivity to alternative reinforcement. These beneficial effects were retained when high-dose buprenorphine was administered on alternate days.
Response of hatchling wood turtles (Glyptemys insculpta) to an aquatic thermal gradient

Abstract Effective thermoregulation and the ability to select preferred temperature is an important factor influencing fitness in hatchling and juvenile turtles. Six-month-old Glyptemys insculpta acclimated to 20 °C selected the warmest temperature available and avoided the coldest temperature available in a gradient of 12–27 °C. Turtles visited fewer chambers and switched chambers in the gradient tank less frequently when the gradient was present than during control tests. Mean selection of chambers differed between control and gradient tests across all temperatures except at 21 °C, the temperature closest to the acclimation and control temperature (20 °C).
Synthesis, enantiomeric resolution, and selective C-11 methylation of a highly selective radioligand for imaging the norepinephrine transporter with positron emission tomography.

Reboxetine, 2-[α-(2-ethoxyphenoxy)benzyl]morpholine, is a highly selective norepinephrine transporter (NET) blocker that has been used for the treatment of depression. Its methyl analogue, 2-[α-(2-methoxyphenoxy)benzyl]morpholine (MRB), has been radiolabeled with C-11 for studies of the NET system with positron emission tomography (PET). The normethyl precursor, 2-[α-(2-hydroxyphenoxy)benzyl]morpholine (desethylreboxetine), was synthesized in 6% overall yield via a multi-step regio- and stereo-specific synthesis, starting from a mono-O-protected catechol. The resulting racemic mixture of desethylreboxetine was resolved by chiral HPLC to provide the (2S,3S) and (2R,3R) enantiomers in >98% enantiomeric excess. These enantiomers were then used as precursors for radiosynthesis to prepare enantiomerically pure individual 11C-labeled MRB enantiomers for comparative PET studies in baboons. Selective C-11 methylation at the phenolic oxygen with [11C]CH3I was achieved in the presence of excess base. After HPLC purification, racemic ((2S,3S)/(2R,3R)) or enantiomerically pure ((2S,3S) or (2R,3R)) [11C]MRB was obtained in 61–74% decay-corrected radiochemical yields from [11C]CH3I in a synthesis time of 40 min with a radiochemical purity of >96% and a specific activity of 1.7–2.3 Ci/μmol (63–85 GBq/μmol) corrected from the end of bombardment (EOB). Chirality 16:475–481, 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Elk herbivory alters small mammal assemblages in high-elevation drainages.

Summary Heavy herbivory by ungulates can substantially alter habitat, but the indirect consequences of habitat modification for animal assemblages that rely on that habitat are not well studied. This is a particularly important topic given that climate change can alter plant–herbivore interactions. We explored short-term responses of small mammal communities to recent exclusion of Rocky Mountain elk (Cervus elaphus) in high-elevation riparian drainages in northern Arizona, where elk impacts on vegetation have increased over the past quarter century associated with climate change. We used 10-ha elk exclosures paired with unfenced control drainages to examine how browsing influenced the habitat use, relative abundance, richness and diversity of a small mammal assemblage. We found that the small mammal assemblage changed significantly after 5 years of elk exclusion. Relative abundance of voles (Microtus mexicanus) increased in exclosure drainages, likely due to an increase in habitat quality. The relative abundances of woodrats (Neotoma neomexicana) and two species of mice (Peromyscus maniculatus and P. boylii) decreased in the controls, while remaining stable in exclosures. The decline of mice in control drainages was likely due to the decline in shrub cover that they use. Thus, elk exclusion may have maintained or improved habitat for mice inside the exclosures while habitat quality and mouse abundance both declined outside the fences. Finally, small mammal species richness increased in the exclosures relative to the controls while species diversity showed no significant trends. Together, our results show that relaxation of heavy herbivore pressure by a widespread native ungulate can lead to rapid changes in small mammal assemblages. Moreover, exclusion of large herbivores can yield rapid responses by vegetation that may enhance or maintain habitat quality for small mammal populations.
Yttrium-tin alloy system

Abstract A phase diagram is proposed for the yttrium-tin system based on thermal, microscopic and X-ray evidence. Tin additions lower the transformation temperature of pure yttrium from 1465 ° to 1360 °C by an inverse peritectic reaction while yttrium additions decrease the melting point of tin from 232 ° to 229 °C by a eutectic reaction. There is also a eutectic at 11.5 at.% tin and 1260 °C between yttrium and the compound Y 5 Sn 3 , which melts congruently at 1940 °C. There are four additional compounds in the system which result from peritectic reactions. The compositions of these compounds were determined to be Y 5 Sn 4 Y 11 Sn 10 , YSn 2 and YSn 3 . Horizontals associated with the decomposition of these compounds occur at 1790 °; 1600 °, 1140 ° and 515 °C, respectively.
Influenza-Associated Deaths among Children in the United States, 2003–2004

BACKGROUND Although influenza is common among children, pediatric mortality related to laboratory-confirmed influenza has not been assessed nationally. METHODS During the 2003-2004 influenza season, we requested that state health departments report any death associated with laboratory-confirmed influenza in a U.S. resident younger than 18 years of age. Case reports, medical records, and autopsy reports were reviewed, and available influenza-virus isolates were analyzed at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. RESULTS One hundred fifty-three influenza-associated deaths among children were reported by 40 state health departments. The median age of the children was three years, and 96 of them (63 percent) were younger than five years old. Forty-seven of the children (31 percent) died outside a hospital setting, and 45 (29 percent) died within three days after the onset of illness. Bacterial coinfections were identified in 24 of the 102 children tested (24 percent). Thirty-three percent of the children had an underlying condition recognized to increase the risk of influenza-related complications, and 20 percent had other chronic conditions; 47 percent had previously been healthy. Chronic neurologic or neuromuscular conditions were present in one third. The mortality rate was highest among children younger than six months of age (0.88 per 100,000 children; 95 percent confidence interval, 0.52 to 1.39 per 100,000). CONCLUSIONS A substantial number of influenza-associated deaths occurred among U.S. children during the 2003-2004 influenza season. High priority should be given to improvements in influenza-vaccine coverage and improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of influenza to reduce childhood mortality from influenza.
Option Value: Empirical Evidence from a Case Study of Recreation and Water Quality

A procedure for measuring option value and other preservation values of water quality is developed and applied to a case study area in the South Platte River Basin, Colorado. Benefits from water-based recreation activities are the focus of the study. The results provide an empirical test and confirmation of Weisbrod's proposal that option value and other preservation values represent important social benefits, and should be added to the aggregate consumer surplus of recreation activities to determine the total benefit of environmental amenities to society. In the absence of such an estimate, insufficient resources would be allocated by society to preservation of unique environments such as pristine mountain streams where mineral and energy development may irreversibly degrade water quality.
Condition monitoring system based on effects of electrical torque pulsations of wind turbine generators

Due to the increase in the number of failures in the wind turbine generators, the condition monitoring system plays a significant role in overcoming the negative effects resulting from the difficult operation conditions. Mechanical and electrical properties can be combined to detect the faults coming from wind turbine generators by analyzing their behavior under different (normal and abnormal) operation conditions. Studying the trend and effect of the electrical torque pulsations on wind turbine generators under different conditions allows for a proper condition monitoring. In this paper, different methodology has been adopted to develop a proper condition monitoring system on the wind generators by evaluating the generator electrical torque based on mechanical torque and taking into account the acceleration torque, which has not been considered in previous work. Using the electric torque with respect to the rotor angular speed of the generator, when it is running under different operation conditions, indicates the generator health, which is the main methodology of the proposed work. A case study, which is based upon collected data from actual measurements, is presented in this work in order to demonstrate the adequacy of the proposed model.
Hyponatremia associated with large-bone fracture in elderly patients

Hyponatremia has been shown to be associated with gait disturbances, decreased mentation, and falls. The study objective was to determine the incidence of hyponatremia in patients who experienced a substantial skeletal fracture (hip/pelvis/femur). During an 18-month period from March 2007 to August 2008 serum sodium levels were evaluated in 364 cases of bone fracture in patients aged 65 years or older and in 364 nonfracture patients aged 65 years and older seen in an urban emergency room setting. The incidence of hyponatremia in patients with fractures was more than double that of nonfracture patients (9.1% and 4.1%, respectively; P = 0.007). The degree of hyponatremia was noted to be mild to moderate. Mean serum sodium of the entire fracture group was 131 ± 2 mEq/L. In the fracture group the patients were 75.3% female, while females comprised 66.2% of the nonfracture group (P = 0.02). Of fracture patients with hyponatremia, 24.2% were taking antidepressants [3/4 of which were selective serotonin receptor inhibitors (SSRIs)], while none were taking these medications in the nonfracture group. Attention regarding careful follow-up of serum sodium levels in elderly patients seems appropriate.
Performance evaluation and receiver front-end design for on-chip millimeter-wave wireless interconnect

This paper illustrates the feasibility of designing a power-efficient millimeter-wave (mm-wave) transceiver for on-chip wireless communication networks. The performance of the on-chip wireless interconnect using mm-wave transceiver was evaluated through both theoretical analysis as well as system-level simulations in Simulink. To reduce the bit error rate degradation due to channel distortion, root-raised-cosine pulse shaping was performed. The simulation results were then used to define the design specifications of individual RF building blocks. Accordingly, a low-power receiver front-end, consisting of a three-stage wideband LNA, and a single-balanced down-conversion mixer, was also designed. The LNA was implemented using a feed-forward structure to extend the bandwidth at no cost in power consumption. The supply voltage of the mixer was reduced to 0.6 V by eliminating the transistor stack. Simulation results showed that the receiver has a 3-dB bandwidth of 19.2 GHz, a peak gain of 26.5 dB, a noise figure lower than 7.8 dB, and an input P 1dB of −28 dBm, while consuming only 11.6 mW.
Ostracitoxin: An Ichthyotoxic Stress Secretion of the Boxfish, Ostracion Lentiginosus

Boxfish under stress produce an ichthyotoxic, hemolytic, nonprotein poison in the mucous secretions of their skin. This heat-stable, nondialyzable "ostracitoxin" foams profusely in aqueous solutions and is toxic to various biological systems. It is apparently unique among known fish poisons; it is toxic to boxfish and resembles red tide and sea cucumber toxins in general properties.
Resynchronization therapy for heart failure

AbstractThis review article discusses the role of resynchronization therapy pacing in the treatment of drug-refractory heart failure. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying heart failure are first examined including the mechanical and electrical implications of a decrement in the cardiac contractile state. Next, the concept of atrial synchronized biventricular pacing and its effect of maintaining ventricular activation sequences near normalcy are discussed. Clinical evidence is cited concerning the hemodynamic improvement achieved by this mode of pacing. The placement of a lead to attain optimal left ventricular stimulation remains a challenging process and is still evolving as new pacemaker lead designs are being formulated. Overall, biventricular pacing seems to be a promising adjuvant treatment modality for severe heart failure; its true impact will become manifest as more patients receive resynchronization therapy.
Solid Propellant Kinetics. I. The Ammonium Perchlorate/Copper Chromite/ Fuel System

In order to elucidate the rate processes controlling solid propellant ignition and deflagration, the kinetics of reaction has been studied at the interface of gaseous fuel and catalyst-containing ammonium perchlorate (AP). As representative fuels propylene, propane, and ammonia were employed; as a representative catalyst, the burning rate promotor copper chromite (CC: a mixture of cupric oxide and copper chromite) was used. Both the temperature of the solid AP-CC and the chemical composition of the gas were monitored in order to interpret kinetically the rates of fuel disappearance and product formation. The results indicate that the catalyst CC plays the dual role of accelerating the decomposition of AP and of promoting the oxidation of the fuel by heterogeneous reactions. These surface-catalyzed reactions at the surface of the solid AP-CC yield a net exothermic heat release whose magnitude is a function of the partial pressure of gaseous fuel and the concentration of CC catalyst.
The Effects of Majority State Ownership of Significant Economic Sectors on Corruption: A Cross-Regional Comparison

Given both corruption's and bureaucratic inefficiency's importance for development and good governance, understanding their causes is paramount. This paper argues that majority state ownership of most the most important economic sectors of a country results in higher levels of corruption and inefficiency. When political and managerial elites both own and manage the country's most important economic resources, they have greater incentives for corrupt or inefficient behavior. These elites use national resources at their disposal more for short-term personal and political goals than for long-term economic ones. This paper tests this hypothesis on a relatively underused, but often cited, data set from the 1980s. Using a cross-national, regression analysis, this paper finds that the best predictors a country's level of corruption or bureaucratic inefficiency are these: majority state ownership of significant economic sectors, levels of GDP per capita, levels of government spending, and levels of democracy. Oth...
The Washington University Renorrhaphy for robotic partial nephrectomy: a detailed description of the technique displayed at the 2008 World Robotic Urologic Symposium

Robotic partial nephrectomy is an emerging procedure. The Washington University Renorrhaphy involves robotic assistance, rapid closure of the collecting system, and renorrhaphy with sliding nonabsorbable clips. Bolsters are rarely used. Preliminary results have shown very short ischemic times with few complications. This communication offers a short video describing the renorrhaphy.