cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The IAP proteins: caspase inhibitors and beyond

Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, occurs as an outcome of signals that direct cells to perish. Whether initiated by specifically activated receptors or induced through viral infection, apoptosis is an important means by which organisms maintain health and homeostasis. The apoptotic pathway uses several regulatory proteins that prevent uncontrolled cell death, which would be detrimental to the organism. Richter and Duckett review the recently discovered and characterized inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAPs). Not surprisingly, IAPs were first identified in viruses that were able to subvert apoptosis in infected cells. Evidence exists suggesting that, in addition to inhibiting apoptosis, IAPs are involved in signal transduction and cell cycle regulation. Richter and Duckett also review other recent observations indicating that some IAPs may have roles in protein ubiquitination. Although the various roles of the IAPs are beginning to be uncovered, new questions arise about the breadth of their functions and the proteins to which IAPs bind.
Revascularization: reflections of a clinician.

In this supplement to the Journal of the American College of Cardiology , we are treated to a superb recount of the history, birth, growth and development of coronary revascularization as it exists today in the form of coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG) and percutaneous transluminal
Transconductance dependence on gate length for GaAs gate SISFETs

We have processed GaAs gate SISFETs with gate lengths varying from 0.75 μm to 20 μm and shown that the trans-conductance varies inversely with gate length at a rate similar to that observed in MODFETs. Short-gate-length effects are observed for gate lengths less than 4/xm. The intrinsic transconductances both at room temperature and at 77 K of 350mS/μm and 440mS/mm, respectively, for 0.75/μμm-gate-length devices are as far as we know the highest values ever reported and are essentially flat for gate voltages in the range of 0.2 to 0.9 V.
Low-cost low-power uncooled 120x160 a-Si-based microinfrared camera for law enforcement applications

Low power and low cost are primary requirements for an imaging infrared camera serving law enforcement applications. These include handheld, vehicle and helmet mounted systems for search and surveillance applications. In this paper, a 120 X 160 amorphous silicon (a-Si) microbolometer-based uncooled infrared camera technology offering a low cost, low power solution to infrared surveillance for UGS applications is presented. A 120 X 160 micro infrared camera has been demonstrated which exhibits a noise equivalent temperature difference sensitivity approximately 50 mK using f/1 optics and approximately 80 mK using f/1.2 optics. This sensitivity has been achieved without the use of a thermoelectric cooler for array temperature stabilization thereby significantly reducing the power requirements.
Sporting Events Affect Spectators' Cardiovascular Mortality: It Is Not Just a Game

Physiologic and clinical triggers, including mental stress, anxiety, and anger, often precipitate acute myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Sporting events can acutely increase cardiovascular event and death rates. A greater impact is observed in patients with known coronary artery disease and when stressful features are present, including a passionate fan, a high-stakes game, a high-intensity game, a loss, and a loss played at home. Sporting events affect cardiovascular health through neuroendocrine responses and possibly an increase in high-risk behaviors. Acute mental stress increases the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis and the sympathetic-adrenal-medullary system while impairing vagal tone and endothelial function. Collectively, these mechanisms increase myocardial oxygen demand and decrease myocardial oxygen supply while also increasing the risk of arrhythmias and thrombosis. Measures can be taken to reduce cardiovascular risk, including the use of beta-blockers and aspirin, stress management, transcendental meditation, and avoidance of high-risk activities, such as smoking, eating fatty foods, overeating, and abusing alcohol and illicit drugs. Sporting events have the potential to adversely affect spectators' cardiovascular health, and protective measures should be considered.
The stereoselective syntheses of 1-aryl-1,6-dideoxyinositol derivatives

Abstract This Letter describes the first report of a highly stereoselective synthesis of triethereal cyclohexanones via copper(I) mediated 1,4-addition of organometallic reagents to glucose-derived triethereal cyclohexenone. The cyclohexanones generated can be reduced with modest stereoselectivity to afford a variety of substituted inositol derivatives as potential pyranose sugar mimetics. The protocol generated a range of substituted cyclohexanones in good yield as single stereoisomers.
A review of colour and pattern polymorphisms in anurans

Species that exhibit polymorphism, the simultaneous occurrence of two or more discrete, genetically-based phenotypes in a population, are ideal for studying the microevolutionary forces that maintain genetic variation in nature. Many anuran species exhibit striking colour or dorsal pattern polymorphisms, and so provide an excellent system in which to study questions pertaining to the evolution and maintenance of polymorphisms. Despite the wide occurrence of pattern or colour polymorphisms in anurans (current records cite at least 225 species representing 35 genera and 11 families) surprisingly little conclusive work has been done on the inheritance and selective maintenance of this variation. The mode of inheritance has been investigated in 26 species, but conclusively demonstrated in only two. Forty-six species have been described as undergoing ontogenetic change, and 32 species have been described as sexually dimorphic. That anuran polymorphisms are under some sort of selection has been inferred from the large number of polymorphic species, from putative cases of apparent convergent evolution and the existence of identical polymorphisms in closely related species, from cyclical fluctuations in morph frequencies, and from a few observations of non-random survival during bouts of stress. The selective mechanisms maintaining these polymorphisms have been investigated in only 19 species. Most studies looked for physiological traits correlated with the polymorphism, rather than studying the most obvious mechanism, selective predation on colour/pattern itself. Thus, anuran polymorphisms remain a rich but largely unexploited system for studying the evolution of phenotypic variation in nature.
Adaptive source rate control for wireless video conferencing

Hybrid ARQ schemes can yield much better throughput and reliability than static FEC schemes for the transmission of data over time-varying wireless channels. However these schemes result in higher delay. They adapt to the varying channel conditions by retransmitting erroneous packets, this results in variable effective data rates for current PCS networks because the channel bandwidth is constant. Hybrid ARQ schemes are currently being proposed as the error control schemes for real-time video transmission. The standardization process is on-going in ITU, MPEG-4 and wireless ATM forum. The important issue is how to ensure low delay while taking advantage of the high throughput and reliability that these schemes provide for. In this paper we propose an adaptive source rate control (ASRC) protocol which can work together with the hybrid ARQ error control schemes to achieve efficient transmission of real-time video with low delay and high reliability. The ASRC scheme adjusts the source rate based on the channel conditions, the transport buffer occupancy and the delay constraints. It optimizes the video quality by dynamically changing both the number of the forced update (intracoded) macroblocks and the quantization scale used in a frame. The number of the forced update macroblocks used in a frame is first adjusted according to the allocated source rate. This reduces the fluctuation of the quantization scale with the change in the channel conditions during encoding so that the uniformity of the video quality is improved. The simulation results show that the proposed ASRC protocol performs very well for both slow fading and fast fading channels.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
On cubic spline functions that vanish at all knots

In [4], Birkhoff and de Boor improved on earlier results by Ahlberg and Nilson [l] concerning the convergence of cubic spline interpolants to a smooth interpoland. Shortly thereafter, Sharma and Meir [20] gave much more general results using much simpler means of proof and thus made [4] seemingly obsolete. Yet, the basic idea of [4] has been of help recently in illuminating certain problems, as recounted below, and seems at present to be the one most likely to provide the right insight into general odd-degree spline interpolation at knots. This note is therefore intended to give [4] a second chance.
Low-loss bandpass antenna-filter-antenna arrays for applications in quasi-optical systems

A new type of 3-pole frequency selective surface (FSS) is proposed as a low-loss bandpass filter for quasi-optical applications. This FSS is realized as a uniform array of antenna-filter-antenna (AFA) elements. Each AFA element is a three layer structure consisting two slot antennas and a stripline resonator. A Chebyshev bandpass AFA with 9.5% bandwidth was designed for 32 GHz and fabricated on two layers of Teflon substrates (/spl epsiv//sub r/=2.2, tan /spl delta/=0.0009). The maximum measured in-band insertion loss for this design is <0.5 dB, which is limited by the in-band ripple of the Chebyshev response.
Stamey Endoscopic Bladder Neck Suspension for Stress Incontinence

Summary— Sixty female patients with clinically demonstrable stress incontinence of urine have had a Stamey operation during the last 3 years. The results have been good in curing stress incontinence, whilst the majority of the failures have been in patients with severe detrusor instability or a chronic cough. There have been few post-operative complications and urodynamic studies have shown improved cough urethral profiles and no evidence of bladder outflow obstruction. The Stamey procedure can be recommended as the initial operation for surgically curable incontinence. Mild bladder instability is not a contraindication to the operation and it is also useful in elderly, unfit or obese patients.
A Study of In Situ Specific Absorption Coefficients of Soot Particles in Laminar Flat Flames

Simultaneous measurements of absorption at 632 nm and emission at 800 nm and 900 nm along diametric paths are used to infer soot volume fractions based on both absorption and emission and temperatures based on emission in laminar, premixed flat flames. Agreement between soot volume fractions based on emission and absorption is used as an indicator of homogeneity of the optical path. Emission measurements at the gas band-free wavelengths of 2300 nm and 4000 nm for homogeneous paths are used to infer the specific absorption coefficients of soot particles. The results for methane, propane, and ethylene mixed with nitrogen and oxygen show insensitivity of the specific absorption coefficients to fuel type and weak dependence on temperature
Equivalent PI Circuit for Zero-sequence Networks of Parallel Transmission Lines

Abstract The equivalent PI circuit for single-circuit lines is well established in the literature based on the distributed parameter line model. However, the equivalent circuit for the mutually coupled zero-sequence networks of a double-circuit line has not yet been adequately addressed. This article endeavors to derive the equivalent PI circuit for the zero-sequence networks of a double-circuit line based on the distributed parameter model. The parameters of the equivalent circuits have a closed analytical form in terms of the line parameters in per-unit length. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the application of the proposed method.
Inverted colloidal crystals as three-dimensional microenvironments for cellular co-cultures

Cellular scaffolds made on the basis of inverted colloidal crystals (ICC) provide a unique system for investigation of cell–cell interactions and their mathematical description due to highly controllable and ordered 3D geometry. Here, we describe three new steps in the development of ICC cell scaffolds. First, it was demonstrated that layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly with clay/PDDA multilayers can be used to modify the surface of ICC scaffolds and to enhance cell adhesion. Second, a complex cellular system made from adherent and non-adherent cells co-existing was created. Third, the movement of non-adherent cells inside the scaffold was simulated. It was found that floating cells are partially entrapped in spherical chambers and spend most of their time in the close vicinity of the matrix and cells adhering to the walls of the ICC. Using this approach one can efficiently simulate differentiation niches for different components of hematopoietic systems, such as T-, B- and stem cells.
Effects of race, ethnicity, and gender on surgical mortality in hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

Information is limited regarding the effect of race, ethnicity, and gender on the outcomes of the three palliative procedures for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). This study examined the effects of race, ethnicity, gender, type of admission, and surgical volume on in-hospital mortality associated with palliative procedures for HLHS between 1998 and 2007 using data from the University HealthSystem Consortium. According to the data, 1,949 patients underwent stage 1 palliation (S1P) with a mortality rate of 29 %, 1,279 patients underwent stage 2 palliations (S2P) with a mortality rate of 5.4 %, and 1,084 patients underwent stage 3 palliation (S3P) with a mortality rate of 4.1 %. The risk factors for increased mortality with S1P were black and “other” race, smaller surgical volume, and early surgical era. The only risk factors for increased mortality with S2P were black race (11 % mortality; odds ratio [OR], 3.19; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.69–6.02) and Hispanic ethnicity (11 % mortality; OR 3.30; 95 % CI 1.64–6.64). For S2P, no racial differences were seen in the top five surgical volume institutions, but racial differences were seen in the non-top-five surgical volume institutions. Mortality with S1P was significantly higher for patients discharged after birth (37 vs 24 %; p = 0.004), and blacks were more likely to be discharged after birth (12 vs 5 % for all other races; p < 0.001). No racial differences with S3P were observed. The risk factors for increased mortality at S1P were black and “other” race, smaller surgical volume, and early surgical era. The risk factors for increased in-hospital mortality with S2P were black race and Hispanic ethnicity.
Electronic conduction in Zr-doped TiO2

Abstract The conductivity, Hall mobility, and Seebeck coefficient of Zr doped TiO 2 have been measured as a function of temperature. N-type conduction dominates with electrons apparently being excited from the lowest bound state of donors at low temperatures and from the second bound state at room temperature and above. The temperature dependence of the Hall mobility is adequately described by weak-coupling continuum polaron theory implying a reasonably large conduction band width in this compound.
Three genera of Myxosporida (Protozoa) in macrourid fishes.

Abstract Three genera and eight species, three new, of myxosporida were recovered from seven genera and twenty species of geographically dispersed macrourid fishes. The constancy in spore dimensions of these species over large distances and among many host species was remarkable. Two genera of myxosporida had species which dwelled in both the gall bladder and urinary bladder/kidney.
Fibers from flexible liquid crystal main‐chain polymers. II. Functional copolymers based on the 4,4′‐dihydroxy‐2,2′‐dimethylazoxybenzene mesogen and spacers based on 2‐dodecenedioic and nonanedioic acids

Fibers spun from liquid crystalline solutions or melts are characterized by a high degree of chain alignment which promotes high values of tenacity and tensile modulus in the direction of fiber axis but lower values in the transversal direction. Structural modifications are introduced into the flexible moiety and the mesogenic group to alleviate this shortcoming. The incorporation of a spacer based on 2-dodecenedioic acids into a thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester was studied. A phase diagram was established to optimize the composition of such copolyesters. A significant increase in mechanical properties on crosslinking through UV irradiation was observed. A remarkable property of such systems is the retention of molecular chain order in spite of temperatures in excess of Tg. This is valid for both crosslinked and uncrosslinked systems. Remarkable also is the crystallization on annealing of a number of copolymer compositions in spite of a structural difference between the comonomer units.
Serrated Adenoma: A Distinct Form of Non-Polypoid Colorectal Neoplasia?

Until recently, 2 major forms of colorectal polyp were recognized: the adenoma and the hyperplastic polyp. Adenomas were known to represent a precursor to colorectal cancer, whereas hyperplastic polyps were viewed as nonneoplastic, having no potential for progression to malignancy. We now recognize, however, that the lesions diagnosed as hyperplastic polyps in the past represent a heterogeneous group of polyps, some of which truly are hyperplastic, and others that truly have a significant risk for transformation to colorectal cancer. These polyps have a characteristic serrated architecture, and include not only hyperplastic polyps but also the recently recognized serrated adenomas. Serrated adenomas occur in 2 forms: the traditional serrated adenoma, which is usually a polypoid lesion endoscopically, and the sessile serrated adenoma, a flat or slightly raised, usually right-sided lesion. Serrated adenomas of both types show characteristic molecular alterations not commonly seen in traditional colorectal adenomas, and probably progress to colorectal cancer by means of a different pathway, the so-called serrated neoplasia pathway. The morphologic features of serrated colorectal lesions, the molecular alterations that characterize them, and their role in colorectal cancer development are discussed.
Imaging of three-dimensional epithelial architecture and function in cultured CaCo2a monolayers with two-photon excitation microscopy.

The principal functions of the gastrointestinal tract mucosa include nutrient absorption, protein and fluid secretion, and the regulated symbiosis with intraluminal contents. Research in epithelial biology has benefited significantly from the use of cultured monolayer preparations, which closely replicate the structure and function of normal gastrointestinal mucosa. Given the explicit importance of epithelial architecture to its physiology, investigations of epithelial biology should be enhanced by the capacity to track microscopic structures and substances in live cells. In order to achieve this goal, it is necessary to employ a microscopic technique with the capability of imaging deep into the tissue or cell preparation, without adversely affecting its physiology. Two-photon excitation microscopy may constitute such a technique, due to its ability to provide fluorescence excitation of fluorophores using near infrared radiation, that has lower tissue absorption and scattering coefficients. This allows the efficient collection of light energy from sites hundreds of microns deep, with only minimal tissue damage. In this report, we have presented an introduction to the theory and practice of two-photon microscopy for imaging the GI tract epithe- lium, and have presented examples of its utility in discerning three-dimensional structure and function in CaCo2A epithelial cell monolayers. Microsc. Res. Tech. 51:204-210, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Regulation of urease production in soil by microbial assimilation of nitrogen

Studies of the effects of different forms of N on urease production in soils amended with organic C showed that although microbial activity, as measured by CO2 production, was stimulated by the addition of NH4+ or NO3- to C-amended soils (200 μmol glucose-C g−1 soil), urease production was repressed by these forms of N. The addition of L-methionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of inorganic N assimilation by microorganisms, relieved the NH4+ and NO3- repression of urease production in C-amended soil. The addition of sodium chlorate, an inhibitor of NO3- reduction to NH4+ by microorganisms, relieved the NO3- repression of urease production, but did not eliminate the repression associated with NH4+. These observations indicate that microbial production of urease in C-amended soils is not directly repressed by NH4+ or NO3-, but by products formed by microbial assimilation of these forms of N. This conclusion is supported by our finding that the biologically active L-isomers of alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartate, and glutamine, repressed urease production in C-amended soil, whereas the D-isomers of these amino acids had little or no influence on urease production. This work suggests that urease synthesis by soil microorganisms is controlled by the global N regulon.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND RAPID DECLINE IN KIDNEY FUNCTION AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Background Habitual physical activity (PA) has both physiologic and metabolic effects that may moderate the risk of kidney function decline. We tested the hypothesis that higher levels of PA are associated with a lower risk of kidney function decline using longitudinal data from a large cohort of older adults. Methods We studied 4011 ambulatory participants aged 65 or older from the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS) who completed at least 2 measurements of kidney function over 7 years. We calculated a PA score (range, 2-8) by summing kilocalories expended per week (ordinal score of 1-5 from quintiles of kilocalories per week) and walking pace (ordinal score for categories of 3 mph). Rapid decline in kidney function decline (RDKF) was defined by loss of more than 3.0 mL/min/1.73 m2per year in glomerular filtration rate, which we estimated by using longitudinal measurements of cystatin C levels. Results A total of 958 participants had RDKF (23.9%; 4.1 events per 100 person-years). The estimated risk of RDKF was 16% in the highest PA group (score of 8) and 30% in the lowest PA group (score of 2). After multivariate adjustment, we found that the 2 highest PA groups (scores of 7-8) were associated with a 28% lower risk of RDKF (95% confidence interval, 21%-41% lower risk) than the 2 lowest PA groups (score of 2-3). Greater kilocalories of leisure-time PA and walking pace were also each associated with a lower incidence of RDKF. Conclusion Higher levels of PA are associated with a lower risk of RDKF among older adults.
Aldose Reductase in Diabetic Cataracts

AN ASSOCIATION between cataracts and diabetes in humans has been suspected for about two centuries. This in turn has resulted in considerable laboratory research in the development of animal models in which the eye disease process could be studied in detail. From these studies, it was observed that diabetes produced either by pancreatomy or by chemical destruction of beta cells of the pancreas leads to cataracts in dogs, rats, rabbits, monkeys, and other animals. Moreover, the rapidity of cataract development paralleled the severity of the diabetes. 1 Thus, this diabetic complication appears directly related to the glucose level. The cataractous process, first appearing as vacuoles in the equatorial region, proceeds to opacification of the lens nucleus and finally the entire lens (Fig 1). An understanding of the mechanism involved in the development of diabetic cataracts was greatly accelerated by the fact that the process could be duplicated in rats fed
Inflammatory, apoptotic, and survival gene signaling in Alzheimer's disease. A review on the bioactivity of neuroprotectin D1 and apoptosis.

Aging is associated with an enhanced susceptibility to brain dysfunction, loss of memory, and cognitive decline and significantly influences the quality of life for the affected individual. Recent molecular–genetic approaches have provided powerful insights into common age-related diseases that are both progressive and multifactorial, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and in vitro in AD models. These investigations have uncovered consistent deficits in brain gene signaling mechanisms and neurotrophic substances known to contribute to normal brain function. Inflammatory signaling pathways involving up-regulation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 and the arachidonic acid cycle, the depletion of the brain-essential fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and DHA-derived neuroprotectin D1, and changes in the expression of key proapoptotic and antiapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 gene family are thought to be major contributors to pathogenic processes in degenerating brain tissue. This review will focus on the roles of stress genes, apoptosis-related genes, and inflammation in the molecular genetics of AD with emphasis on the interactive nature of inflammatory, neurotrophic, and apoptotic signaling and will highlight areas of rapid progress in the characterization of action of DHA and neuroprotectin D1 and address important research challenges. We also attempt to integrate these molecular, genetic, and neurochemical changes with cellular pathways involved in brain aging to formulate an integrated understanding of multifactorial age-related neurologic disease and pharmacotherapeutic strategies that may be useful in the restoration of homeostatic brain function.
Acute tarsal tunnel syndrome following partial avulsion of the flexor hallucis longus muscle: A case report

An acute posterior tibial nerve compression from a partially ruptured flexor hallucis longus (FHL) muscle is reported. This etiology for acute tarsal tunnel syndrome has not been previously described. A 17-year-old male sustained multiple injuries in a motor vehicle accident, including a tibial shaft fracture and a posterior medial right ankle laceration of the same limb. The injured limb had no sensation on the plantar aspect of the foot and heel, decreased active great toe flexion, and associated leg pain. Exploration of the posterior tibial nerve for presumed laceration revealed the nerve to be intact, but compressed in a tense tarsal tunnel from a retracted partially ruptured flexor hallucis longus tendon. Decompression of the tunnel and resection of the devascularized muscle resulted in complete neurologic recovery.
Are brain-damaged patients inappropriately labeled as malingering using the 21-item Test and the WMS-R Logical Memory Forced Choice Recognition Test.

Sz(mnzary.-This study examined the false positive hit rate of the 21-item Test and the WMS-R Logical Memory Forced Choice Recognition Test and compared the relationship between the measures in classifying biased responding/malingering. Of 40 patients referred for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation, 18 were classified as brain-damaged based on independent neurological or neuroradiological examination. The remaining 22 patients could not be so classified on neurological or neuroradialogical evidence and thus served as a medical control group. Findings indicated the brain-damaged group performed more poorly than did the conrrol group across measures, and both groups, on the average, perfor~ned markedly better than that required to suggest biased responding. Also, tahg both rests together, no individual patient was classified as malingering. Malingering may be characterized as the intentional production and presentation of false or grossly es,~ggerated symptomatology in the presence of a clearly definable external goal, such as the avoidance of occupational re~~onsibhties, mhtary duty, or criminal prosecution or the attainment of financial compensation or medication (American Psychiatric Association, 1994; Kaplan, Sadock, & Grebb, 1994). Cltnical neuropsychologists are often confronted with evaluating patients in disabhty, forensic, or competency proceedings, conditions under which patients' presentations may be prejudiced by the prospect of such beneficial gain or avoidance of adverse consequences (Iverson, Franzen, & McCracken, 1994). Of particular concern in such cases is the possibhty of erroneously suggesting that a patient is mahgering when substandard performances are the result of legitimate neurocognitive compromise. Although malingerers express primarily subjective, vague, LU-defined symptoms (Kaplan, et al., 1994), research (e.g., Heaton, Smith, Lehman, & Vogt, 1978) has suggested that reliance on clinical judgment alone may be insufficient to detect the presence of such biased responding. It is therefore necessary to include in the test battery objective measures useful in establishing whether a deliberate exaggeration of deficiencies by the patient has occurred.
Etiology of osteogenesis imperfecta: an overview of biochemical and molecular genetic analyses.

(1995). Etiology of Osteogenesis Imperfecta: An Overview of Biochemical and Molecular Genetic Analyses. Connective Tissue Research: Vol. 31, No. 4, pp. 257-259.
Intraspeaker variability in fundamental frequency stability: An age‐related phenomenon?

The purpose of this investigation was to gather information on the extent to which intraspeaker variability on measures of jitter (%) and fundamental frequency standard deviation (F0 s.d.) is age related in women. Fifteen repeat productions of the vowels /i/, /a/, and /u/ from 22 young women (18-22 years) were analyzed for F0 s.d. and jitter. Findings for these young speakers were compared with those for elderly speakers tested previously (Linville and Korabic, 1987). Results indicate that the aging process brings about increases in the variability individual women demonstrate on measures of F0 stability when producing sustained vowels as steadily as possible. Further, young speakers differed markedly from elderly speakers in the pattern of frequency instability variations observed across the three vowels tested.
Fluid inclusions as petrogenetic indicators in granulite xenoliths, Pali-Aike volcanic field, Chile

Granulite xenoliths within alkali olivine basalts of the Pali-Aike volcanic field, southern Chile, contain the mineral assemblage orthopyroxene + clinopyroxene + plagioclase + olivine + green spinel. These granulites are thought to be accidental inclusions of the lower crust incorporated in the mantle-derived basalt during its rise to the surface. Symplectic intergrowths of pyroxene and spinel developed between olivine and plagioclase imply that the reaction olivine+plagioclase = Al-orthopyroxene + Al-clinopyroxene + spinel (1) occurred during subsolidus cooling and recrystallization of a gabbroic protolith of the granulites.
A Bayesian model for longitudinal count data with non-ignorable dropout.

Summary. Asthma is an important chronic disease of childhood. An intervention programme for managing asthma was designed on principles of self-regulation and was evaluated by a randomized longitudinal study.The study focused on several outcomes, and, typically, missing data remained a pervasive problem. We develop a pattern–mixture model to evaluate the outcome of intervention on the number of hospitalizations with non-ignorable dropouts. Pattern–mixture models are not generally identifiable as no data may be available to estimate a number of model parameters. Sensitivity analyses are performed by imposing structures on the unidentified parameters.We propose a parameterization which permits sensitivity analyses on clustered longitudinal count data that have missing values due to non-ignorable missing data mechanisms. This parameterization is expressed as ratios between event rates across missing data patterns and the observed data pattern and thus measures departures from an ignorable missing data mechanism. Sensitivity analyses are performed within a Bayesian framework by averaging over different prior distributions on the event ratios. This model has the advantage of providing an intuitive and flexible framework for incorporating the uncertainty of the missing data mechanism in the final analysis.
An Akt- and Fra-1-dependent pathway mediates platelet-derived growth factor-induced expression of thrombomodulin, a novel regulator of smooth muscle cell migration.

Overdistension of hollow organs evokes pathological changes characterized by smooth muscle remodeling. Mechanical stimuli induce smooth muscle cell (SMC) growth through acute activation of signaling cascades and by increased expression of soluble mitogens. Physical forces have also been implicated in ligand-independent activation of receptor tyrosine kinases, including the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, although the extent to which this occurs in intact tissue is unknown. Previously, we implicated Akt and activator protein-1 (AP-1) as mediators of growth and gene expression in SMC exposed to cyclic stretch or PDGF. Here we show that bladder wall distension leads to PDGFR activation and identify thrombomodulin (TM) as an Akt and AP-1 target in SMC. We demonstrate that TM, also induced by bladder stretch injury, is regulated at the transcriptional level by the AP-1 components c-jun and Fra1. Mutation of an AP-1 motif at −2010/−2004 abolished both AP-1 binding and PDGF responsiveness of the TM promoter. Fra1 silencing diminished PDGF-induced TM expression and SMC cell cycle transit. In contrast, TM knockdown did not affect cell growth but attenuated PDGF-stimulated SMC migration. Taken together, these results reveal new facets of TM regulation in SMC and provide the first demonstration of a role for endogenous TM in PDGF-induced cell migration. Moreover, TM induction on bladder injury suggests that it may be a biomarker for pathological smooth muscle remodeling.
Microbial community structure in a biofilm anode fed with a fermentable substrate: The significance of hydrogen scavengers

We compared the microbial community structures that developed in the biofilm anode of two microbial electrolysis cells fed with ethanol, a fermentable substrate-one where methanogenesis was allowed and another in which it was completely inhibited with 2-bromoethane sulfonate. We observed a three-way syntrophy among ethanol fermenters, acetate-oxidizing anode-respiring bacteria (ARB), and a H2 scavenger. When methanogenesis was allowed, H2-oxidizing methanogens were the H2 scavengers, but when methanogenesis was inhibited, homo-acetogens became a channel for electron flow from H2 to current through acetate. We established the presence of homo-acetogens by two independent molecular techniques: 16S rRNA gene based pyrosequencing and a clone library from a highly conserved region in the functional gene encoding formyltetrahydrofolate synthetase in homo-acetogens. Both methods documented the presence of the homo-acetogenic genus, Acetobacterium, only with methanogenic inhibition. Pyrosequencing also showed a predominance of ethanol-fermenting bacteria, primarily represented by the genus Pelobacter. The next most abundant group was a diverse community of ARB, and they were followed by H(2)-scavenging syntrophic partners that were either H2-oxidizing methanogens or homo-acetogens when methanogenesis was suppressed. Thus, the community structure in the biofilm anode and suspension reflected the electron-flow distribution and H2-scavenging mechanism.
The Role of Intrusive Thoughts during the First Weeks of Smoking Cessation

Intrusive thoughts could impair smoking cessation or cause relapse to the extent that the thoughts are stimuli for smoking. This is a secondary analysis of data provided by 61 participants attempting to quit smoking. Participants used a hand-held computer to capture, in real time, the experience of quitting smoking. Intrusive thoughts related to smoking were assessed and participants completed assessments when they had an urge to smoke or after they slipped. The outcomes included were proximal measures of smoking cessation: number of slips, number of resisted temptations to smoke, and urge levels of during cessation. Independent variables were smoking stimuli, intrusive thoughts and depressive symptoms. Data were analyzed using multilevel modeling. Intrusive thoughts were significantly and positively related to each cessation outcome (slips, resists, urge levels). Smoking stimuli were differentially related to outcomes; cigarette availability was related to slips; being in usual smoking situations was ass...
Metabolic, pathologic, and genetic analysis of prostate tissues: quantitative evaluation of histopathologic and mRNA integrity after HR-MAS spectroscopy.

The impact of high-resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) spectroscopy on the histopathologic and mRNA integrity of human prostate tissues was evaluated. Forty prostate tissues were harvested at transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided biopsy (n = 20) or radical prostatectomy surgery (n = 20), snap-frozen on dry ice, and stored at −80°C until use. Twenty-one samples (n = 11 biopsy, n = 10 surgical) underwent HR-MAS spectroscopy prior to histopathologic and cDNA microarray analysis, while 19 control samples (n = 9 biopsy, n = 10 surgical) underwent only histopathologic and microarray analysis. Frozen tissues were sectioned at 14-µm intervals and placed on individual histopathology slides. Every 8th slide was stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE however, one pathologist's scores were significantly lower for biopsy tissues following HR-MAS while the other pathologist's scores were not. mRNA integrity assays were performed using an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and the electrophoretic traces were scored with an RNA integrity number (RIN) from 1 (degraded) to 10 (intact). RIN scores were not significantly different for surgical tissues, but were significantly lower for biopsy tissues following HR-MAS spectroscopy. The isolated mRNA then underwent two rounds of amplification, conversion to cDNA, coupling to Cy3 and Cy5 dyes, microarray hybridization, imaging, and analysis. Significance analysis of microarrays (SAM) identified no significantly over- or under-expressed genes, including 14 housekeeping genes, between HR-MAS and control samples of surgical and biopsy tissues (5% false discovery rate). This study demonstrates that histopathologic and genetic microarray analysis can be successfully performed on prostate surgical and biopsy tissues following HR-MAS analysis; however, biopsy tissues are more fragile than surgical tissues. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DNA Repair Capacity in Peripheral Lymphocytes Predicts Survival of Patients With Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy

Purpose Platinum-based regimens are the standard chemotherapy for patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). DNA repair capacity (DRC) in tumor cells plays an important role in resistance to platinum-based drugs. We have previously reported that efficient DRC, as assessed by an in vitro lymphocyte-based assay, was a determinant of poor survival in patients with NSCLC in a relatively small data set. In this larger independent study of 591 patients with NSCLC, we further evaluated whether DRC in peripheral lymphocytes predicts survival of patients with NSCLC who receive platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients and Methods All patients were recruited at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and donated blood samples before the start of any chemotherapy. We measured DRC in cultured T lymphocytes by using the host-cell reactivation assay, and we assessed associations between DRC in peripheral lymphocytes and survival of patients with NSCLC who were treated with first-line platinum-base...
Study of the Inverse Magnetostriction Effect on Machine Deformation

This paper studies the inverse magnetostriction effect on the magnetization characteristics of electrical steel as well as the magnetoelastic behavior of electrical machines. They include the measurement of the inverse magnetostriction effect, the magnetoelastic coupled FEM analysis including the inverse magnetostriction effect, and its application on a PM motor. The magnetic force on the stator irons with and without IME are calculated numerically and compared. Conclusions on the magnetostrictive force calculated by the virtual work principle are given. They show that the inverse magnetostriction effect is significant and should be accounted.
Mutants, Suppressors, and Wrinkled Colonies: Mutant Alleles of the Cell Division Gene ftsQ Point to Functional Domains in FtsQ and a Role for Domain 1C of FtsA in Divisome Assembly

Cell division in Escherichia coli requires the concerted action of at least 10 essential proteins. One of these proteins, FtsQ, is physically associated with multiple essential division proteins, including FtsK, FtsL, FtsB, FtsW, and FtsI. In this work we performed a genetic analysis of the ftsQ gene. Our studies identified C-terminal residues essential for FtsQ's interaction with two downstream proteins, FtsL and FtsB. Here we also describe a novel screen for cell division mutants based on a wrinkled-colony morphology, which yielded several new point mutations in ftsQ. Two of these mutations affect localization of FtsQ to midcell and together define a targeting role for FtsQ's alpha domain. Further characterization of one localization-defective mutant protein [FtsQ(V92D)] revealed an unexpected role in localization for the first 49 amino acids of FtsQ. Finally, we found a suppressor of FtsQ(V92D) that was due to a point mutation in domain 1C of FtsA, a domain previously implicated in the recruitment of divisome proteins. However, despite reports of a potential interaction between FtsA and FtsQ, suppression by FtsA(I143L) is not mediated via direct contact with FtsQ. Rather, this mutation acts as a general suppressor of division defects, which include deletions of the normally essential genes zipA and ftsK and mutations in FtsQ that affect both localization and recruitment. Together, these results reveal increasingly complex connections within the bacterial divisome.
Advanced tunnel dielectrics for flash memory technology

This paper introduces several advanced tunnel dielectrics, synthesized by the MAD technique, to overcome the scaling limitations encountered by the current flash memory technology. Because of space limitations, only trap-less silicon nitride will be covered in this write-up
Prevalence of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass

Although several studies describe the prevalence of coronary artery disease in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), the opposite relationship is virtually unexplored. It is the purpose of this study to determine the prevalence of AAA in patients with severe coronary artery disease undergoing bypass grafting (CABG). Patients scheduled for elective CABG underwent aortic ultrasound (US) preoperatively. A control group of patients without cardiovascular disease also underwent US. An AAA was defined as a maximal diameter ⩾3.0 cm. US was performed on 192 CABG patients and 140 controls. The overall prevalence (previously repaired AAA and new cases) of AAA in CABG patients was 18.2%. The prevalence of new cases of AAA was 13.0% compared to 1.4% in controls (p = 0.0001). Ten patients had an AAA greater than 5.0 cm in size (5.2%). Logistic regression identified age ≥65 years and smoking as significant risk factors for AAA in the CABG population. The higher prevalence of AAA in CABG patients was confirmed by a case-control analysis of 73 age-matched patients. This study provides the first convincing evidence that the prevalence of AAA is higher in patients undergoing CABG than in the control population in Vermont. Consideration should be given to screening patients for AAA who are undergoing CABG, particularly older, smoking males.
Relation of reward from food intake and anticipated food intake to obesity: a functional magnetic resonance imaging study

The authors tested the hypothesis that obese individuals experience greater reward from food consumption (consummatory food reward) and anticipated consumption (anticipatory food reward) than lean individuals using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) with 33 adolescent girls (mean age = 15.7, SD = 0.9). Obese relative to lean adolescent girls showed greater activation bilaterally in the gustatory cortex (anterior and mid insula, frontal operculum) and in somatosensory regions (parietal operculum and Rolandic operculum) in response to anticipated intake of chocolate milkshake (vs. a tasteless solution) and to actual consumption of milkshake (vs. a tasteless solution); these brain regions encode the sensory and hedonic aspects of food. However, obese relative to lean adolescent girls also showed decreased activation in the caudate nucleus in response to consumption of milkshake versus a tasteless solution, potentially because they have reduced dopamine receptor availability. Results suggest that individuals who show greater activation in the gustatory cortex and somatosensory regions in response to anticipation and consumption of food, but who show weaker activation in the striatum during food intake, may be at risk for overeating and consequent weight gain.
On the design of satellite transponder receive chain gain distribution for efficient wideband channel utilization

As the warfighter becomes mobile and beyond line-of-sight (BLOS) information exchange provides essential capabilities, satellite transmission systems arrive as a critical communications component. Receive chain gain characteristics drive the wideband satellite system noise performance. These characteristics must be carefully considered in regard to communication link closure. This paper presents solid evidence that not only must the low noise amplifier (LNA) noise characteristics be optimized, the entire receive gain/loss structure must be crafted to compensate for overall transponder gain distributions. In particular, the variable and cascaded gain or loss of each controlling the overall transponder transfer function must be properly designed. This paper highlights results showing the cascading of LNAs and attenuators in a fashion to accommodate large effective isotropic radiated powers (EIRP) as well as the generally smaller EIRP available from the warfighter's mobile terminals. The paper presents transponder gains for various cases of power and/or bandwidth limited terminals. Graphs and figures detail the overall satellite transfer characteristics as well. From these canonical cases, we explore different operational effects and the resulting communication link parameters. Combinations of large and small ground terminal EIRPs define useful transponder gain operating ranges as well as non-desirable regions. The paper further provides results of such operational conditions and how they can best be accommodated in MILSATCOM systems such as the wideband gapfiller satellite (WGS). Conclusions on reliable gain/loss combinations and channel utilization round out the paper. Overall, the paper presents various methods of achieving suitable satellite transponder transfer characteristics through careful satellite receive chain design.
Sex and the Revanchist City: Zoning out Pornography in New York

This paper is an investigation of the social, economic, legal, and cultural factors underlying the move, in New York City, to regulate the sale of pornographic materials through the promulgation of zoning laws. The campaign to zone out pornography, a point of solidarity around which a number of disparate and often hostile interest groups have rallied in order to reclaim public space in the name of community (as though the term itself were transparent and monovocal) is linked to both gentrification and the socioeconomic dynamics underlying the emergence of what Neil Smith has characterized as the revanchist city. ‘Quality of life’ issues stand euphemistically for the domestication and sanitization of an urban landscape whose perceived unruliness is emblematized not only by the presence of large numbers of homeless people, but also by the outre display of sexually explicit imagery associated with XXX-rated businesses. By focusing on the discursive strategies that seek to identify sex shops with so-called ‘s...