cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Body Composition With Use of Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry: Evaluation and Comparison With Other Methods

Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) is a relatively new method of assessing body composition in humans. In the current study, DEXA was analyzed for accuracy and precision by using both anthropomorphic phantoms and a combination of body composition techniques in humans. Satisfactory precision for measurement of total body fat, fat-free mass, and total body bone mineral could be demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. Predictions of lean body mass in humans on the basis of DEXA, total body water, and total body potassium were significantly different. The results of multiple regression analysis suggested that a component of total body water was related to body potassium, and another component was predicted by body fat. In addition, extracellular fluid volume, as measured by the bromide space technique, was significantly associated with both fat-free mass and fat mass as measured by DEXA. These findings have implications for the interpretation of body composition data in humans.
Phase morphology in block copolymer systems

Microphase separation in block copolymer systems forms well-defined, periodic structure on the sub-micron length scale. This structure arises from the system striving to satisfy the delicate balance of minimizing the area of contact between incompatible chain segments and maximizing the conformational entropy of the macromolecules. Candidate geometries satisfying these constraints possess intermaterial dividing surfaces (IMDS) of constant mean curvature. These include triply periodic, bicontinuous structures related to minimal surfaces. These structures, recently observed in microphase-separated block copolymer systems, also arise in phase-separated surfactant-water systems, indicating the two phenomena may be driven by similar physical mechanisms. A complete description of block copolymer phase morphology requires characterization of the long-range ordered single grain microdomain structure, the defect structures within grains, and the microstructure of the boundary region between grains. The type of structure observed is sensitive to the architecture, chemical composition, and molecular mass of the copolymers. Thermodynamic treatments using a geometrical description of the IMDS provide a means for probing the physics of phase morphology in block copolymers.
In Support of Extreme Groups Design for Studying Masculinity-Femininity and Intelligence.

Abstract Humphreys (this issue) reanalyzed the data of Welsh and Baucom (1977) and stated that their conclusions were unsupportable. Humphreys's criticisms are inappropriate since his findings are based upon a measure of masculinity-femininity (M-F) which is different from the previous approach and based upon a sample which is somewhat different. Thus he addresses issues which are inconsistent with Welsh and Baucom's focus. Finally, Humphreys's insistence on correlational analysis to the exclusion of extreme groups design is viewed as inappropriately limiting.
A comparison of novice and experienced physicians performing hysteroscopic sterilization: an analysis of an FDA-mandated trial

Objective To assess the placement rates for experienced users versus newly trained physicians using the new ESS 305 delivery catheter for the Essure microinsert hysteroscopic sterilization system. Design Multicenter prospective cohort study. Setting Seventy-six sites throughout the U.S. comprising community hospitals, teaching institutions, surgery centers, and office-based practices. Patient(s) A total of 578 women seeking hysteroscopic sterilization. Intervention(s) Hysteroscopic sterilization with the ESS 305 device by either experienced or novice physicians. Main Outcome Measure(s) Successful bilateral placement of the Essure 305 device. Result(s) A total of 625 patients were recruited with 578 eligible cases performed by 37 newly trained and 39 experienced physicians: 562/578 (97.2%) overall had successful placement, with 98% successful placement rate versus 96.1% for experienced versus novice physicians, respectively. Mean procedural time was 9 minutes (±7 SD), with experienced physicians completing it on average quicker at 7.9 minutes (±5.8 SD) and novices completing it in 10.7 minutes (±8.3 SD). There was no significant association between successful placement with patient characteristics such as body mass index, surgical history, parity, or prior vaginal deliveries observed. Conclusion(s) The Essure procedure can be performed quickly and safely with high bilateral placement rates regardless of physician experience or patient characteristics.
beta-Catenin and p53 analyses of a breast carcinoma tissue microarray.

BACKGROUND Aberrant activation of the β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in several malignancies, including breast carcinoma. Recently, it was shown that p53 down-regulated β-catenin in a complex fashion. The authors examined the expression of β-catenin, key members of its signaling pathway, and p53 in a large cohort of breast tumors. METHODS The authors conducted an immunohistochemical analysis of the expression of β-catenin, upstream modulators (HER-2/neu, Met, and epidermal growth factor receptor [EGFR]), downstream target genes (cyclin D1 and matrix metalloproteinase-7 [MMP7]), and p53 on a tissue microarray of 346 lymph node-negative breast carcinomas. The results were correlated with one another and with standard clinicopathologic parameters. RESULTS β-Catenin expression was observed in the membrane and/or cytoplasm without any significant nuclear expression. HER-2/neu and EGFR were observed on the membrane in 21% and 6% of tumors, respectively, and Met stained in a membrane/cytoplasm distribution in 28% of cases. Cyclin D1 was expressed in the nucleus and MMP7 was expressed in the cytoplasm in 26% and 75% of tumors, respectively. Nuclear expression of p53 was noted in 31% of tumors. When each marker was analyzed separately, only p53 and Met demonstrated a significant correlation with survival. However, patients who had tumors that coexpressed high levels of β-catenin and p53 had markedly worse overall survival (P = 0.0026). In multivariate analysis, only tumor size, Met, and the coexpression of β-catenin and p53 retained statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS The current findings support a potential synergistic effect of abnormal β-catenin regulation and p53 status in the pathogenesis and natural history of lymph node-negative breast carcinoma. Furthermore, the results show that a combined analysis of multiple markers, notably β-catenin and p53, may enhance the prognostic capabilities compared with individual markers. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
An increase in p50/p65 NF-kB Binding to the HIV-1 LTR Is Not Sufficient to Increase Viral Expression in the Primary Human Astrocyte

Abstract Human astrocytes can be infected with HIV-1 both in vivo and in vitro. The amount of HIV-1 p24 structural protein production is low in comparison to that of the macrophage. Several weeks following infection or transfection, however, cocultivation with uninfected lymphocytes or stimulation with the cytokines TNF-α and IL1-β will increase viral production from this cell type. In the present study we demonstrate that phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) also increases HIV-1 p24 production from the primary human astrocyte. Using electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in combination with supershift studies using specific antibodies, we demonstrate that PMA, Pike TNF-α, increases the p50/p65 form of NF-kB. Furthermore we demonstrate that the protein kinase inhibitor H7 inhibits PMA- and TNF-α-associated increases in HIV-1 expression at a time when it has little to no inhibitory effect on the associated increases in p50/p65 NF-kB. Thus, unless p50/p65 NF-kB or its binding is affected by H7 in a manner that cannot be resolved by EMSA, an increase in this form of NF-kB is not always sufficient to increase HIV-1 expression from the astrocyte.
Dye-marked paraventricular neuroendocrine cells in vivo in cat hypothalamus

In antidromically identified neurons in the cat hypothalamus we recorded and injected fluorescent dye-markers (Lucifer Yellow, LY; Procion Yellow, PY) intracellularly. The dye-filled neurons lay in the rostral portion of the magnocellular paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. We observed two morphological cell types of similar size based on the intracellular injections of LY or PY: a bipolar cell type with fusiform perikaryon and a multipolar cell type with a polygonal perikaryon. These morphological cell types correspond to previous descriptions of immunocytochemically identified vasopressinergic and oxytocinergic magnocellular neurons in mammals. This study demonstrates the feasibility of in vivo intracellular dye-marking and electrophysiological recordings from mammalian hypothalamic neurons. We have here a basis for correlating morphological characteristics with the physiological traits of single magnocellular neuroendocrine cells.
Exercise facilitates memory: Implications for helping youngsters learn in school

Up to this day I still can vividly remember a routine in my elementary school: the daily school-wide morning calisthenics. It started at about 7:45 am in the school courtyard. Our physical education teacher stood on the concrete stage where our principal would give her talk at school assemblies. All children and teachers would follow the teacher's lead to do the eight-segment national calisthenics in unison with loud music from loudspeakers affixed on trees around the courtyard. When I visited the school last May, I saw that students still performed the routine faithfully but with a different set of calisthenics program. The principal said, exactly like what my principal would, that the morning exercise could help students learn in classroom by following the “Three-Excellence” doctrine: excellent health, excellent learner, and excellent citizen.
Magnification and high-resolution radiography in sports-related injuries

Magnification, or high-resolution radiography, is a widely accepted technique and is currently used in angiography, mammography, and pediatric chest ra diographs. Small avulsion fractures of the bones of the hand and stress fractures of the tibia are examples of two areas where the fracture may not be apparent on conventional films, although in many cases mag nification radiography will demonstrate the lesions. Six representative case histories are provided to illus trate the use of magnification radiography in sports- related injuries.
"Everybody Does It": An Analysis of a Common Excuse

Making and evaluating excuses is a central part of administrative ethics. This article examines one of the most common excuses, "Everybody does it," by first providing examples of cases where the excuse might be used to justify action in public administration settings and then distinguishing several different senses of the excuse. "Everybody does it" may be an appeal to consensus, to tacit consent, or to fairness. The article provides tools for identifying which version of the excuse is relevant to the case at hand and for assessing whether a particular use of it is strong or weak.
Room temperature thermotropic liquid crystalline phases of catanionic surfactants derived from quaternary ammonium surfactants and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate

Abstract Hypothesis Properties of catanionic surfactants can be tailored by the choice of appropriate headgroups and hydrocarbon tails. Thermal behavior of catanionic surfactants can be influenced by the length and number of alkyl chains. Experiments A series of eight catanionic surfactants were synthesized from quaternary ammonium surfactants as the cationic counterpart and bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate (AOT) as the anionic counterpart. The thermal properties and the liquid crystalline properties of these catanionic surfactants were studied by the following methods: Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Hot-Stage Polarized Light Microscopy (HSPLM), and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). Findings The results indicate that transition temperatures, enthalpies of transition, and mesophase structures vary with the length and number of chains attached to the quaternary nitrogen. These compounds exhibit room temperature liquid crystalline (LC) textures that are predominantly “fan-like,” as observed by HSPLM, and phases that are hexagonal columnar, as observed by XRD, with the exception of one compound which exists as a nematic liquid crystal at 25 °C. Additionally, all of the surfactants also exhibit thermal stability in the range of 256–300 °C.
The Mersilene mesh suburethral sling: A clinical and urodynamic evaluation

Abstract OBJECTIVES: Our purpose was to determine the efficacy and safety of the Mersilene (Ethicon, Inc., Somerville, N.J.) mesh sling. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 110 women diagnosed at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center with recurrent genuine stress incontinence, low-pressure urethra, or chronically increased intraabdominal pressure underwent a Mersilene mesh sling procedure. The women were followed up with yearly clinical and 1-year urodynamic evaluations. Sixty-seven patients had both preoperative and postoperative complete urodynamic evaluations. Paired t test was used except where stated. RESULTS: Seventy-nine of 83 patients (95%) who were examined at a mean of 15 months reported complete stress continence. Objective cure rate ( n = 72) by 1-year postoperative stress test was 93%. The pressure transmission ratio increased from 75% to 112% ( p CONCLUSIONS: The suburethral sling with Mersilene mesh is a safe, effective treatment for specific types of genuine stress incontinence on the basis of yearly clinical and 1-year urodynamic follow-up, and it demonstrates a low rejection rate.
Stockholm, August 1956, Revisited (plasma astrophysics)

The author believes that the modern-day foundations of the plasma universe can be traced to a significant degree to the International Astronomical Union Symposium number 6 held in August, 1956, in Stockholm. He offers a few observations on the subjects and presentations at the Symposium which interest him most and the developments over the last three decades which have been closest to his own work. >
Superconductivity and magnetic interactions in Yb 1.2−x Eu x Mo 6 S 8 pseudoternary compounds

The superconducting and magnetic properties of the Yb /SUB 1.2-x/ Eu /SUB x/ Mo/sub 6/S/sub 8/ series of compounds have been investigated by means of ac magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, and upper critical magnetic field H /SUB c2/ measurements. The superconducting transition temperature at ambient pressure is depressed by Eu additions, until superconductivity disappears completely at x about0.7. For Eu concentrations x<0.45, H /SUB c2/ is enhanced at low temperatures and exceeds the values for pure Yb /SUB 1.2/ Mo/sub 6/S/sub 8/. The temperature dependence of H /SUB c2/ for the various Yb /SUB 1.2-x/ Eu /SUB x/ Mo/sub 6/S/sub 8/ compounds is analyzed using a multiple pair-breaking theory that includes the compensation of the applied magnetic field by the negative exchange field produced by antiferromagnetic interactions between the conduction electron spins and the Eu/sup 2 +/ spins (Jaccarino-Peter effect). Hydrostatic pressure was found to induce superconductivity in all Eu-rich compositions that were not superconducting at ambient pressure.
FENFLURAMINE IN THE TREATMENT OF OBESITY

Abstract 90 obese women taking fenfluramine for seven weeks were studied. This double-blind, between-patient study, the first to compare fenfluramine with an amphetamine, was carried out by six general physicians. Fenfluramine and dexamphetamine treatment produced similar weight-losses and had similar drop-out rates. Each drug produced a greater weight-loss and had a lower drop-out rate than did a placebo. Both drugs resulted in modest decreases in emotional symptoms, but fenfluramine produced more side-effects.
Ultraviolet extinction differences within NGC 6530

Ultraviolet extinction curves are presented for 14 stars in the very young cluster NGC 6530. The variation of the short-wavelength extinction is consistent with that expected based on random errors alone, although the weakest extinction is found only toward the cluster center. Variations significantly larger than the measurement uncertainty are found in the area, width, and central peak position of the 2200 A extinction bump. These parameters are largest in the cluster center and decrease systematically outwards. Physical processes capable of modifying the grains in the H II region containing the cluster are discussed.
Effect of fertilizer, N rate and nitrapyrin on Ca and Mg nutrition of corn (zea hays, L.)

Abstract Corn was grown with three rates (200, 400, 800 rng N/pot) of sewage sludge (Milorganite), KNO3, or (NH4)2SO. application in the presence (10 ppm) or absence of nitrapyrin, a nitrification inhibitor. Bleached areas appeared on the lower leaves of plants at the lowest application of sludge when nitrapyrin was added. No other visible symptoms were noted. Five‐week‐old seedlings were harvested, weighed and analyzed for Ca and Mg. Nitrapyrin restricted dry weight production of plants receiving sludge and increased growth in those receiving KNO3. Concentrations of Ca and Mg were reduced in all plants receiving nitrapyrin except in those grown at the lowest rates of sludge application.
Aberrant dopamine D2-like receptor function in a rodent model of schizophrenia.

Based on the observation that antipsychotic medications display antagonist properties at dopamine D2-like receptors, aberrant dopamine signaling has been proposed to underlie psychosis in patients with schizophrenia. Thus, it is not surprising that considerable research has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms involved in the antipsychotic action of these compounds. It is important to note that the majority of these studies have been performed in “normal” experimental animals. Given that these animals do not possess the aberrant neuronal information processing typically associated with schizophrenia, the aim of the current study was to examine the dopamine D2 receptor system in a rodent model of schizophrenia. Here, we demonstrate that methylazoxymethanol acetate (MAM)-treated rats display an enhanced effect of quinpirole on dopamine neuron activity and an aberrant locomotor response to D2-like receptor activation, suggesting changes in postsynaptic D2-like receptor function. To better understand the mechanisms underlying the enhanced response to D2-like ligands in MAM-treated rats, we examined the expression of D2, D3, and dopamine transporter mRNA in the nucleus accumbens and ventral tegmental area by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. MAM-treated rats displayed a significant increase in dopamine D3 receptor mRNA expression in the nucleus accumbens with no significant changes in the expression of the D2 receptor. Taken together, these data demonstrate robust alterations in dopamine D2-like receptor function in a rodent model of schizophrenia and provide evidence that preclinical studies examining the mechanisms of antipsychotic drug action should be performed in animal models that mirror aspects of the abnormal neuronal transmission thought to underlie symptoms of schizophrenia.
AN OVERVIEW OF PULMONARY COMPLICATIONS OF AIDS

Pulmonary complications in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) occur because the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has neutralized the cellular defenses of the lung, and in part, the mechanical and inflammatory responses as well. The consequence of this unopposed invasion, is that rare malignant tumors, opportunistic infections, as well as recognized pathogens gain entry into the reluctant host, and culminate in the host's eventual destruction. An acceptable prognosis awaits development of more effective antiretroviral therapy, as well as more efficient specific therapy for MOST of the pulmonary complications.
Repair and/or acromioplasty added to physiotherapy did not improve outcome in rotator cuff tear more than physiotherapy alone.

Kukkonen J, Joukainen A, Lehtinen J, Mattila KT, Tuominen EK, Kauko T, Aarimaa V. Treatment of Non-Traumatic Rotator Cuff Tears: A Randomised Controlled Trial with One-Year Clinical Results. Bone Joint J. 2014 Jan;96-B(1):75-81. ### Question: In patients with atraumatic small rotator cuff tears, is rotator cuff repair and/or acromioplasty added to physiotherapy superior to physiotherapy alone? ### Design: Randomized (allocation concealed), blinded (outcome assessor), controlled trial with 1 year of follow-up. ### Setting: The Turku University Hospital, Kuopio University Hospital, and Hatanpaa Hospital in Finland. ### Patients: 180 shoulders (173 patients ≥55 years of age) with an atraumatic symptomatic supraspinatus tendon tear that involved less than 75% of the tendon insertion and that was documented by magnetic resonance imaging were included. Exclusion criteria included symptoms related to history of trauma, massive tendon tear, stiffness of the glenohumeral joint, glenohumeral osteoarthritis with the presence of osteophytes, systemic corticosteroids or antimetabolite medication, other serious disease, and previous surgery performed on the same shoulder. 167 shoulders (93%; mean age, 63 years; 53% women) were included in the …
The in vivo biodynamic properties of the intact equine linea alba

Liquid metal strain gauges (LMSG) were implanted surgically at three locations on the intact linea alba (LA) in eight horses. LA strain, strain rate, change in strain and stress were recorded during general anaesthesia, recovery from anaesthesia, standing, vocalisation, rectal palpation and at the walk, trot and canter. LA stress was quantitated using an in vitro tensiometric technique. Stress-strain responses differed significantly (P < 0.05) with location, but each described a characteristic relationship for viscoelastic tissues. Maximum peak stress, peak strain and change in strain occurred during anaesthetic recovery. Maximum strain rate occurred at the canter. An abdominal bandage provided no consistent change in strain magnitude. The caudal LA experienced greater stress and strain than the cranial LA. LA strain varied cyclically with cadence. It was concluded that: LMSGs provide a suitable technique for recording LA biodynamics; the dynamic properties of the LA are not homogenous throughout its length; the LA is suited to accommodate the rapid acceleration/deceleration forces associated with strenuous activity which might otherwise cause injury to abdominal viscera; and LA resultant strain alters significantly with phase of stride. It was implied that the likelihood of incisional dehiscence is reduced by minimising exercise and rectal palpation post operatively. The data will permit a more accurate representation of physiological conditions for future laboratory studies.
Planar Realization of a Triple-Mode Bandpass Filter Using a Multilayer Configuration

A triple-mode bandpass filter has been designed using a multilayer approach. The filter topology consists of a square loop resonator located inside a resonant cavity. The walls of the cavity were designed using periodic metal vias that connect the top and bottom ground planes for an overall planar configuration. A filter prototype was fabricated and measured, producing a fully canonical filtering function with three resonant poles and three transmission zeros. The filter yielded an insertion loss of 1.1 dB at the passband centered at 5.8 GHz
Imaging artificial caries under composite sealants and restorations

Polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (PS-OCT) is used to monitor the progression of simulated caries lesions on occlusal surfaces and image the lesions underneath composite sealants. The polarization-sensitive system, recording images in both the parallel and perpendicular axes, is useful for enhancing the image contrast of the artificial caries and minimizing the interference of the strong reflections at surface interfaces. Using the perpendicular-axis signal, the mean reflectivity increase from day 0 to day 14 is 5.1 dB (p<0.01, repeated-measures analysis of variation, Tukey-Kramer). For imaging lesions underneath the sealants, the mean reflectivity of the enamel underneath 250, 500, 750, and 1000 µm of composite is calculated for demineralized and control samples. The artificial lesions can be detected under 750 µm of visibly opaque sealant, with a 5.0-dB difference from the control samples (t-test, p<0.001). Tooth colored sealants allow deeper imaging depth. The artificial lesions could be detected under 1000 µm of sealant, with a 6.6-dB difference from the control samples (t-test, p<0.001). This study demonstrates that PS-OCT can be used to track lesion progression on occlusal surfaces nondestructively with or without sealants.
Inorganic phosphate blocks binding of pre-miRNA to Dicer-2 via its PAZ domain.

In Drosophila, Dicer-1 produces microRNAs (miRNAs) from pre-miRNAs, whereas Dicer-2 generates small interfering RNAs from long double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), a process that requires ATP hydrolysis. We previously showed that inorganic phosphate inhibits Dicer-2 cleavage of pre-miRNAs, but not long dsRNAs. Here, we report that phosphate-dependent substrate discrimination by Dicer-2 reflects dsRNA substrate length. Efficient processing by Dicer-2 of short dsRNA requires a 5′ terminal phosphate and a two-nucleotide, 3′ overhang, but does not require ATP. Phosphate inhibits cleavage of such short substrates. In contrast, cleavage of longer dsRNA requires ATP but no specific end structure: phosphate does not inhibit cleavage of these substrates. Mutation of a pair of conserved arginine residues in the Dicer-2 PAZ domain blocked cleavage of short, but not long, dsRNA. We propose that inorganic phosphate occupies a PAZ domain pocket required to bind the 5′ terminal phosphate of short substrates, blocking their use and restricting pre-miRNA processing in flies to Dicer-1. Our study helps explain how a small molecule can alter the substrate specificity of a nucleic acid processing enzyme.
Control of place-cell activity in an open field

The nature of place-cell firing in the hippocampus is discussed with relevance to control of discharge characteristics in a “cue-sterile” open-field environment. Although it can be demonstrated that cell firing in this context is controlled by spatial influences, it is also shown that firing within the place field and the location of the place field can be altered by nonspatial influences as well. Within-field firing in this environment is controlled to a large degree by the trajectory of the animal’s movements. Analyses involving forward or backward time shifts in firing, adjusted for variation in speed of movement, trajectory convergence, and number of spikes, produced no indication that complex cell firing reflects either memory for, or anticipated arrival in, locations other than where the cell fired originally. Nor is the location of the place field strictly dependent upon the spatial features of the apparatus, since it is shown that place-cell firing can be changed readily by altering the significance or relevance of a particular location. Place-cell plasticity in this context suggests nonspatial control over where place cells fire. These results are considered in terms of hippocampal cell coding of specific types of spatial information. Considerable discussion is devoted to whether coding of place is shifted in the same cell, or whether there is emergence of place firing by a different cell (detected by the same electrode), as an explanation for this apparent plasticity. Although no resolution is provided, the implications of these findings for a strict spatial mapping theory of the hippocampus are addressed and other interpretations are explored.
Monotonic iterative reconstruction algorithms for targeted reconstruction in emission and transmission computed tomography

Targeted reconstruction is reconstruction of a portion of an object, even when sufficient data are available to reconstruct the entire object. It is used in CT to zoom in on a region using smaller pixels without the burden of reconstructing a larger array. This is straightforward when using analytic algorithms. It is less apparent how to perform this kind of targeted reconstruction using iterative algorithms, since these algorithms involve reprojecting the entire object for comparison with the data. In this work, we consider two approaches to this problem. One is a simple extension of an approach previously proposed by Ziegler but which better preserves the statistical properties of the raw data. An initial analytic reconstruction is performed, the ROI of interest is removed, and what remains is reprojected to obtain an estimate of the contributions of the area outside the ROI to the projections. Then this estimate is added to the projections of the ROI at each iteration, allowing for comparison to be made with the original, unmodified data. The second approach treats the set of non-ROI projections as a second vector of unknowns, in addition to the pixel values within the ROI. We then seek to maximize a joint penalized likelihood objective function and we do so using an alternating update strategy that is guaranteed to monotonically increase the objective function.
Power optimized LC VCO and mixer co-design

A capacitively source degenerated buffer provides a negative impedance and can be used as the negative resistance cell in the voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO). This eliminates the need for a negative resistance cell within the VCO itself. Eliminating the negative resistance cell within the VCO allows us to reduce the overall power consumption for a design that combines a VCO with a follow-on mixer stage. Further, as the VCO directly drives the mixer, the input capacitance of the mixer can be incorporated into the degeneration capacitor of the negative resistance cell. In other words, the mixer and VCO when co-designed can result in a significantly more optimal design. This paper presents the design for a prototype 4 GHz LC VCO and a mixer that has been designed for a 5 GHz RF and 1 GHz IF radio application in the 0.18 /spl mu/m TSMC CMOS technology.
OUTCOME OF NURSING HOME CARE FOR RESIDENTS WITH ALCOHOL USE DISORDERS

Objectives. To describe the outcome of nursing home (NH) care for a previously established cohort of residents with active, inactive or no alcohol use disorder (AUD), and to examine demographic variables, health services utilization, mortality and drinking behaviors in this group. Design. Retrospective cohort study with participant interviews at NH admission and 3 years later. Setting. Urban Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Center and Nursing Home Care Unit (NHCU). Participants. Patients older than age 50 admitted consecutively to a VA NHCU between July 1991 and February 1993 who completed a structured interview, N=117. Main outcome measures. AUD as determined by DSM-III-R criteria. Demographics, health services utilization and mortality as abstracted from the VA medical record. Results. Health service utilization as measured by care episodes was not significantly different in the three groups (active, inactive and no AUD), but subjects with AUD had documented health services use related to alcoholism, including hospitalizations for alcohol-related illness, placements in long-term care facilities to control drinking and death from alcohol-related causes. The mean age at death was significantly younger for study participants with active or inactive AUD compared to those with no AUD: 67.7, 70.4 and 77.9 years, respectively (p<0.004). Of the 21 participants with active AUD at NHCU entry, 11 resumed drinking after discharge and six still met criteria for active AUD 3 years later. Conclusions. The subset of NHCU patients with active AUD continued to incur alcohol-related hospitalizations and institutionalizations following NHCU discharge and suffered early mortality relative to their peers. Effective models of care for this subset of patients should be sought. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Lethal Factor, but Not Edema Factor, Is Required to Cause Fatal Anthrax in Cynomolgus Macaques after Pulmonary Spore Challenge

Inhalational anthrax is caused by inhalation of Bacillus anthracis spores. The ability of B. anthracis to cause anthrax is attributed to the plasmid-encoded A/B-type toxins, edema toxin (edema factor and protective antigen) and lethal toxin (lethal factor and protective antigen), and a poly-d-glutamic acid capsule. To better understand the contribution of these toxins to the disease pathophysiology in vivo, we used B. anthracis Ames strain and isogenic toxin deletion mutants derived from the Ames strain to examine the role of lethal toxin and edema toxin after pulmonary spore challenge of cynomolgus macaques. Lethal toxin, but not edema toxin, was required to induce sustained bacteremia and death after pulmonary challenge with spores delivered via bronchoscopy. After intravenous challenge with bacilli to model the systemic phase of infection, lethal toxin contributed to bacterial proliferation and subsequent host death to a greater extent than edema toxin. Deletion of protective antigen resulted in greater loss of virulence after intravenous challenge with bacilli than deletion of lethal toxin or edema toxin alone. These findings are consistent with the ability of anti–protective antigen antibodies to prevent anthrax and suggest that lethal factor is the dominant toxin that contributes to the escape of significant numbers of bacilli from the thoracic cavity to cause anthrax after inhalation challenge with spores.
Estimating dispersal rate of the silky cane weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)*

The objective of this study was to estimate the silky cane weevil rate of dispersal under near-natural conditions inside a screened enclosure where an array of buckets was baited with cut sugarcane stalks. One hundred weevils were released and weevils inside the buckets were counted hourly for 8 h, and then 24 and 48 h after release. A passive diffusion model was used to estimate the weevil's dispersal and disappearance rates, within and between rows of buckets with sugarcane. The weevils concentrated around the release point and slowly moved towards the boundaries of the experimental plot over time with an overall average dispersal rate of 2.8 ± 3.58 cm 2 /h. Dispersal and disappearance rates within and between rows were not significantly different among the time intervals considered (1-8, 8-24 and 24-48 h after release) except for the 1-8 time interval on the array representing the release point when the dispersal rate, D, was significantly higher than those at other time intervals. Continuum of the substratum to disperse from one side of the array to another via a wooden bridge may explain the higher dispersal rate through this array. The number of buckets exposed to the sun during the morning hours was significantly higher on those rows exposed to the sun (south side of the screen enclosure) than on the shaded side. Longer times of bucket exposure to the sun may explain the predominant distribution of weevils in that area suggesting that the weevil population is constantly expanding and retracting according to micro environmental conditions.
Teaching EEs in Australia and the USSR

The author compares the teaching of electrical engineering in Australia and the USSR with the norm in the US. Although the purpose of the trips made by the author was not to make a scientific comparison of electrical engineering education under different economic systems, he bases the comparison on features that would be considered during an accreditation visit, namely, curriculum, faculty, students, and facilities and equipment. >
A Preliminary Investigation of How States Are Responding to the Transition Assessment Requirements under IDEIA 2004

The most recent reauthorization of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act, retitled the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA, 2004), strengthened the transition requirements by including specific language regarding age-appropriate transition assessments. This study was designed to examine how states are interpreting and implementing the new transition assessment requirements. Thirty-six state educational agencies responded to an online survey that examined state activities with respect to state education agency (SEA) interpretation of the transition assessment language in IDEIA. In addition, data were collected regarding whether state policies, guidance documents, and recommendations to the field were being developed. The results indicated that 2 years after the reauthorization, most of the SEAs had at least begun to discuss the regulations, but very few have developed policy and guidance documents for the field. Implications for future research are addressed.
Functional anatomy of limbic epilepsy: a proposal for central synchronization of a diffusely hyperexcitable network

The limbic/mesial temporal lobe epilepsy syndrome has been defined as a focal epilepsy, with the implication that there is a well defined focus of onset, traditionally centered around the hippocampus. The pathology of the hippocampus in this syndrome has been well described and a number of physiological abnormalities have been defined in this structure in animal models and humans with epilepsy. However, anatomical and physiological abnormalities have also been described in other limbic sites in this form of epilepsy. Previous studies have shown broadly synchronized or multifocal seizure onset within the limbic system of the animal models and human patients. We hypothesized that the epileptogenic circuit for the initiation of seizures was distributed throughout the limbic system with a possible central synchronizing process. In vitro studies showed that multiple limbic sites in epileptic animals (hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, piriform cortex and amygdala) have epileptiform changes with prolonged depolarizations and multiple superimposed action potentials. In vivo studies revealed that thalamic stimulation yields short latency excitatory responses in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus. In addition, in epileptic animals, thalamic stimulation caused epileptiform responses in the hippocampus. Based on the findings of this study and on previous anatomy and physiology reports, we hypothesize that the process of seizure initiation involves broad circuit interactions involving multiple independent limbic structures, and that the midline thalamus may act as a physiological synchronizer. We offer a new proposal for the functional anatomy of limbic epilepsy that takes widespread hyperexcitability in the limbic system and the potential for thalamic synchronization into consideration.
Effect of hyposalinity on the photophysiology of Siderastrea radians

Tolerance to hyposalinity of the scleractinian coral S. radians was examined in a mesocosm study. Colonies of S. radians were collected from five basins in Florida Bay, USA, which occur along a northeast-to-southwest salinity gradient. Salinity treatments were based on historical salinity records for these basins. Photophysiology of the endosymbiont Symbiodinium spp. (maximum quantum yield; Fv/Fm) was measured as an indicator of holobiont stress to hyposalinity. Colonies from each basin were assigned four salinity treatments [The Practical Salinity Scale (PSS) was used to determine salinity. Units are not assigned to salinity values because it is a ratio and has no unit as defined by UNESCO (UNESCO Technical papers no. 45, IAPSO Pub. Sci. No. 32, Paris, France, 1985)] (30, 20, 15, and 10) and salinities were reduced 2 per day from ambient (30) to simulate a natural salinity decrease. Colonies treated with salinities of 20 and 15 showed no decrease in Fv/Fm versus controls (i.e. 30), up to 5 days after reaching their target salinity. This indicates a greater ability to withstand reduced salinity for relatively extended periods of time in S. radians compared to other reef species. Within 1 day after salinity of 10 was reached, there was a significant reduction in Fv/Fm, indicating a critical threshold for hyposaline tolerance. At the lowest treatment salinity (10), Fv/Fm for the more estuarine, northeast-basin colonies were significantly higher than the most marine southwest-basin colonies (Twin Key Basin). Our results suggest that historical salinity ranges within basins determine coral population salinity tolerances.
Cytochrome P-450 ω-hydroxylase senses O2 in hamster muscle, but not cheek pouch epithelium, microcirculation

The goal of this study was to investigate the role of cytochromeP-450 ω-hydroxylase in mediating O2-induced constriction of arterioles in the microcirculation of the hamster. Male Golden hamsters w...
Virtual services in data grids

Data grids enable next generation scientific explorations that require intensive computation and analysis of petabyte-scale shared data collections. Apart from the challenge in creation and management of the data, another major challenge is the discovery of derived data products that have already been created. This work addresses the later challenge in minimizing response time and conserving the computing cycles in the grids by using "virtual services" to access derived data products. We analyze the role of virtual services for long running services in a service-oriented architecture and contribute a technique called "semantic mirror". A prototype was developed to discover derived data products of grid services using SRB-MCAT technology and GriPhyN Virtual Data Language (VDL).
An intelligent strategy to robot coordination and control

Constructs an intelligent control strategy for the robust coordination and control of robot manipulators. Two strategic issues are considered for robot position/force control: (1) the effective integration of the low-level adaptive control law with the coordination-level intelligent system; (2) the design a robust robot controller to account for the contact forces frequently encountered in the execution of a specific task. The two-level hierarchical structure of an intelligent/adaptive control scheme can resolve a complex contact problem. On the control level, fast convergence and robustness properties are dealt with, and position and force control are applied separately to quasi-static contact problems. On the coordination level, the strategic fuzzy rule base is exploited to cope with uncertainties by utilizing a logic-branching feedback control. A technique for a real-time trajectory modifier is developed for complex tasks, and the pin-insertion problem is used to demonstrate the integration of both levels, including manipulator dynamics and positional uncertainty in the workspace. >
Magnetoluminescence and Resonant Electronic Raman Scattering Investigation of Donors and Excitons in Hydride Vpe and Mocvd GaN

The donor and exciton states in ultra high-quality heteroepitaxial GaN grown by hydride vapor phase epitaxy (HVPE) and metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) on sapphire substrates are investigated using low temperature photoluminescence (PL), reflectance, magnetospectroscopy in fields up to 12 T, and resonant electronic Raman scattering (RERS). The A free exciton is confirmed to have a binding energy of about 26.4 meV, independent of strain in the material. Bound n=2 exciton peaks are distinguished in the PL spectrum by their thermalization and sample dependence. The Si donor is shown to have a binding energy of about 21 meV using Si-doped HVPE samples grown at Epitronics. Up to five additional residual donor species are observed when comparing various HVPE and MOCVD samples. Pronounced temperaturedependence of the two-electron satellites is observed, suggesting the existence of unresolved excited rotator states of the neutral donor-bound exciton. Highly resolved magnetic splitting patterns are observed in the two-electron satellites. A nonperturbative theory of these donor splittings is developed, including anisotropy. Resonant electronic Raman scattering from residual donors is reported, and yields improved linewidths compared to PL.
Ectoparasites of House Mice (Mus musculus) from Pet Stores in South Carolina, U.S.A

Abstract House mice, Mus musculus, are reservoirs of zoonotic pathogens and parasites, but most consumers assume mice sold by pet stores are disease- and parasite free. We purchased 30 frozen mice from 15 pet stores in South Carolina and examined them for ectoparasites. All mice were infested with 1 or more of the following ectoparasites: unidentified Acaridae, Liponyssoides sanguineus, Myocoptes musculinus, Myobia musculi, Ornithonyssus bacoti, Polyplax serrata, or Radfordia affinis. Both L. sanguineus and O. bacoti are vectors of zoonotic pathogens. The presence of ectoparasites on commercially available mice implies that other pets could be infested with ectoparasites.
Using labeled paths for loop-free on-demand routing in ad hoc networks

We present the Feasible Label Routing (FLR) protocol for mobilead hoc networks, which uses path information to establish routes to destinations on demand. FLR enables loop-free incremental(hop-by-hop) routing of data packets using only the addresses of their destinations. Like the dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol, FLR avoids the need for any time-stamps or sequence numbers by the use of path vectors exchanged when routes are established or repaired. Instantaneous loop freedom is attained by using path information for a destination as labels with which routers are ordered lexicographically with respect to the destination, i.e., FLR ensures that the labels of routers for a given destination become "smaller" the closer they are to the destination. Simulation experiments in Qualnet show that the performance of FLR is far better than the performance of the ad-hoc on-demand distance vector (AODV) protocol, the dynamic source routing (DSR) protocol, and the optimized link state routing (OLSR) protocol, in terms of the packet delivery ratio and average delivery latencies achieved, as well as the overhead incurred in the network.
Competitive Outcomes of Aquatic Container Diptera Depend on Predation and Resource Levels

Resources and predation are both known to be important in structuring communities; however the strength of one factor may be affected by the intensity of the other. This study used a fully crossed factorial experiment in laboratory microcosms to examine the ability of a predator, Corethrella appendiculata (Grabham), and basal resources (leaf litter) to differentially affect two competing species of mosquito prey. Increased resources resulted in shorter developmental time and increased survivorship, mass, and population performance for both prey species, except when predation levels were high. Increased levels of predation and resources reduced the negative competitive effects of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) on Ochlerotatus triseriatus (Say). At low levels of resources and predation, the superior competitor, A. albopictus had the higher survivorship, and at high levels of resources and predation, the inferior competitor’s survival was greater. Predators in high-resource treatments emerged larger than those in low resources, suggesting the occurrence of a bottom-up cascade or alternative feeding method. This study suggests that survival and coexistence of the two prey species may depend on the interaction of resources and predation, in that high levels of predation are important for the coexistence of both species.
Socialist State Strategy and Arms in Southern Africa

strategy and objectives of the Socialist powers and their associated socialist states in Southern Africa. A great deal of them are based upon the fears of rival powers and the propaganda of those ruling interests and minorities who sud
Behavioral Models for Analyzing Buyers

What happens in the buyer's mind between the acts of receiving impressions about products and making his purchasing decisions? Several theories exist, but there is no generally accepted comprehensi...
Branching Ratio for Λ → p μ ν

We have observed nine examples of the decay $\ensuremath{\Lambda}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p\ensuremath{\mu}\ensuremath{\nu}$ in a hydrogen bubble chamber. The branching ratio is (2.4 \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 0.8) \ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{} ${10}^{\ensuremath{-}4}$.