cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dose effect of moricizine on suppression of ventricular arrhythmias

Abstract To define the pharmacologic properties of moricizine in patients with benign or potentially lethal ventricular arrhythmias, 1,072 patients in the moricizine data base through February 1987 were evaluated. In dose-ranging and titration trials as well as in a cross-study analysis of the entire data base, the minimally effective dose for moricizine was found to be 600 mg/day and the optimal dose range from 600 to 900 mg/day. The dose efficacy relation plateaued beyond 900 mg/day. With use of a 75% reduction in ventricular premature complex frequency as the definition of a drug responder, 391 of 583 patients (67%) with paired Holter monitors demonstrated overall efficacy. The dose onset of moricizine was between 16 and 20 hours and the dose offset was at approximately 24 hours at the point when 50% of the ventricular arrhythmia frequency returned to baseline. Although moricizine was primarily given on a 3-times-a-day regimen during clinical trials, dose interval evaluation suggested that a twice-a-day regimen may produce the same degree of efficacy although there are limited data regarding comparable safety.
Fused Fibonacci-like (p,q) sequences with compression and barcoding applications

ABSTRACT A double-base number system (DBNS) has r ecently been introduced and investigated [1] [2] [3]. This system has been shown to have some interesting and potentially far-reaching applications in digital filtering, encryption, digital electronics, and image enhancement. In this paper we present a new concept of generating parametric number representations by fusing systems such as DBNS using multiplication and addition operations. We introduce Fibonacci like (p,q)-sequences an d determine their efficiency in representing data. We develop an algorithm to test the sparsity of fused number representation systems and explore the dual relationship between sparsity and memory. We also consider the applications of these representations in data compression and barcoding. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the performance of the new class of systems. A comparison with commonly used double-base number systems is also presented. Keywords : Multiple Base Representation, Sparsity, Me mory, Fibonacci/Lucas p-codes, Double Base Representation, Barcoding, Compression , Fibonacci/Lucas (p,q)-codes.
Radiostereometric analysis: the hip.

RSA is the most accurate technique available to measure implant migration following total hip arthroplasty. Implant migration is an important predictor of long term fixation of uncemented and cemented femoral and acetabular components. Especially with a more recent interest in uncemented fixation continuous migration after 6 months intervals might be evidence of inadequate bone ingrowths. RSA has the benefit of picking up continous migration long before clinical failure will be evident and is therefore considered to be perfectly suited to evaluate new implant designs and implant coatings. It can also be used to evaluate the impact of hard surface bearings including metal-on-metal and ceramic-on-ceramic on bone in-growth and migration of uncemented components. In the future RSA might be an interesting tool to pick up decreased rates of aseptic loosening with the use of computer navigation within short term follow-ups.
Chemiluminescence and photoluminescence of S2, SO and SO2 in SF6 afterglows

Abstract Frequently, the success of producing short-lived chemical species for use in chemical kinetic studies or for obtaining spectroscopic data depends on the chance finding of a source which gives high density of molecules. This paper describes methods of obtaining chemiluminescence of S2, SO and SO2 molecules, and, as well, sufficiently large concentrations of these species in their ground states to make possible the spectroscopic study by white light photoluminescence. A mixture of sulfur hexafluoride in helium passing through a microwave discharge serves as a source of these reactive atoms and molecules.
Development of an Active, Large Volume, Discrete Seawater Sampler for Autonomous Underwater Vehicles

Engineers and researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have developed a water sampler that rapidly captures a 2-liter sample of seawater. This syringe-like sampler is spring actuated and can acquire a full sample in less than two seconds. This sampler will complement the wide array of sensors currently integrated on MBARI's autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Although many properties of seawater can be analyzed by AUV onboard sensors, these measurements alone are often insufficient to fully investigate important scientific questions. Returning a discrete sample of seawater from the field, via an AUV, for laboratory analysis will expand the spectrum of research possible with AUV platforms. Using AUV onboard intelligence, designated sites and important phenomena can be targeted for acquiring water samples. This paper addresses the development, testing, and initial deployments of this sampler.
In Chronic Condition: Experiences Of Patients With Complex Health Care Needs, In Eight Countries, 2008

This 2008 survey of chronically ill adults in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States finds major differences among countries in access, safety, and care efficiency. U.S. patients were at particularly high risk of forgoing care because of costs and of experiencing inefficient, poorly organized care, or errors. The Dutch, who have a strong primary care infrastructure, report notably positive access and coordination experiences. Still, deficits in care management during hospital discharge or when seeing multiple doctors occurred in all countries. Findings highlight the need for system innovations to improve outcomes for patients with complex chronic conditions.
Comparative study on two types of mode-sensitive neural networks for damage assessment

In order to create a method to monitor the structural integrity of aerospace systems that can utilize current technology, effectiveness of processing data produced by current instrumentation is desired. Utilizing modal vibration methods to measure the dynamic characteristics of a structure, an ANN's ability to discern patterns and then interpolate similar patterns from information it is unfamiliar with, creates an appropriate vehicle for developing a damage assessment system that performs, in a manner, with relatively low computational time. In this study, two ANN paradigms were utilized to create neural network systems to identify, quantify, and locate damage to an ideal three-degree-of-freedom system. Damage was defined as a percentage reduction in the properties of the elements comprising the three-degree-of-freedom system. An artificial neural network damage assessment system based on the back- propagation paradigm was created and then compared against an artificial neural network damage assessment system based on the radial basis function paradigm. Both systems utilized the same data, consisting of resonant frequencies and modes of vibration, to evaluate the condition of all the elements of the three-degree-of-freedom system. Results show that the radial basis function network performed with a greater efficacy and robustness in assessing damage for this system.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Membrane-Induced Structural Rearrangement and Identification of a Novel Membrane Anchor in Talin F2F3

Experimental challenges associated with characterization of the membrane-bound form of talin have prevented us from understanding the molecular mechanism of its membrane-dependent integrin activation. Here, utilizing what we believe to be a novel membrane mimetic model, we present a reproducible model of membrane-bound talin observed across multiple independent simulations. We characterize both local and global membrane-induced structural transitions that successfully reconcile discrepancies between biochemical and structural studies and provide insight into how talin might modulate integrin function. Membrane binding of talin, captured in unbiased simulations, proceeds through three distinct steps: initial electrostatic recruitment of the F2 subdomain to anionic lipids via several basic residues; insertion of an initially buried, conserved hydrophobic anchor into the membrane; and association of the F3 subdomain with the membrane surface through a large, interdomain conformational change. These latter two steps, to our knowledge, have not been observed or described previously. Electrostatic analysis shows talin F2F3 to be highly polarized, with a highly positive underside, which we attribute to the initial electrostatic recruitment, and a negative top face, which can help orient the protein optimally with respect to the membrane, thereby reducing the number of unproductive membrane collision events.
Note on the fusion frequency for stimuli of alternating duration

The case of alternating stimulus patterns of moderately high intensity is considered in terms of the model previously discussed (Landahl, 1957,Bull. Math. Biophysics,19, 157–62). If both of the alternating patterns have the same light-dark ratio, then the relation between the period of the longer and the period of the shorter pattern at the critical flicker frequency is independent of the light-dark ratio and is given by a dimensionless expression which is roughly in agreement with data in which the light-dark ratio is one (C. R. Brown and D. M. Forsyth, 1959,Science,129, 390–91).
Prediction of nanoparticle size and the onset of dendrite formation using the method of characteristic times

The behaviour of an aerosol, in which particles are simultaneously growing by collisions and coalescing, is determined by the difference between the local collision and coalescence times. An equation is written for the dimensionless excess surface area of the agglomerates which shows the sharp change in the behaviour of the system when the characteristic times become equal. This sharp change and the growth of primary particles are illustrated by example calculations. The resulting primary particle size depends on the time-temperature history, volume loading and material properties of the system. Increasing initial temperature or volume loading increases primary particle size, while an increase in velocity decreases primary particle size.
Hypernatremic Disorders in the Intensive Care Unit

Hypernatremia, defined as plasma sodium concentration >145 mEq/L, is frequently encountered in critically ill patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). Hypernatremia indicates a decrease in total body water relative to sodium and is invariably associated with plasma hyperosmolality though total body sodium content may be normal, decreased, or increased. Hypernatremia usually occurs as a result of impaired thirst or access to water, with or without increased water losses from renal and extrarenal sources. Critically ill patients in ICU are at high risk of hypernatremia because of their inability to control free water intake as a result of sedation, intubation, change in mental status, and fluid restriction for various other reasons. In addition, excessive fluid losses from various renal or nonrenal sources and treatment with sodium containing fluids are commonly encountered in this population, predisposing them to hypernatremia. The consequences of hypernatremia result from osmotic movement of water across the cell membrane, leading to primarily intracellular and variable degree of extracellular volume depletion. The clinical features depend on severity and rapidity of hypernatremia development with abnormal cognitive and neuromuscular function in many cases and potential risk of hemorrhagic complications or death from vascular stretching and rupture in advanced cases. The management of hypernatremia focuses on judicious replacement of free water deficit to restore normal plasma osmolality as well as identification and correction of underlying causes of hypernatremia. Electrolyte-free water replacement is the preferred therapy though electrolyte (sodium) containing hypotonic fluids can also be used in some circumstances. Oral free water replacement guided by thirst is ideal though parenteral fluid replacement is usually necessary in critically ill ICU patients. Various calculations for estimating free water deficit are available and any can be used to guide initial fluid replacement therapy. Rate of correction depends on rapidity of hypernatremia development, though frequent monitoring of plasma sodium levels is essential to ensure appropriate response and to adjust the rate of fluid replacement to prevent the risk of cerebral edema from rapid correction of chronic hypernatremia. Free water requirements should be routinely assessed in ICU patients and judicious electrolyte and free water replacement prescribed for those at risk of hypernatremia.
A knowledge-based approach in designing combinatorial or medicinal chemistry libraries for drug discovery. 1. A qualitative and quantitative characterization of known drug databases.

The discovery of various protein/receptor targets from genomic research is expanding rapidly. Along with the automation of organic synthesis and biochemical screening, this is bringing a major change in the whole field of drug discovery research. In the traditional drug discovery process, the industry tests compounds in the thousands. With automated synthesis, the number of compounds to be tested could be in the millions. This two-dimensional expansion will lead to a major demand for resources, unless the chemical libraries are made wisely. The objective of this work is to provide both quantitative and qualitative characterization of known drugs which will help to generate “drug-like” libraries. In this work we analyzed the Comprehensive Medicinal Chemistry (CMC) database and seven different subsets belonging to different classes of drug molecules. These include some central nervous system active drugs and cardiovascular, cancer, inflammation, and infection disease states. A quantitative characterization ...
Consumption and perceptions of soy among low-income adults.

Abstract Objective To assess the consumption and perceptions of soy among low-income adults. Design A survey, which included demographic items, Likert scales for items on perceived benefits and barriers to soy consumption and factors that may increase soy consumption, and a soy food consumption frequency questionnaire. Subjects/Setting A convenience sample of 353 adults enrolled in either the Pennsylvania Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program or the Pennsylvania Food Stamp Nutrition Education Program. Statistical Analyses Descriptive statistics. Results Few participants (13%; n = 44) reported currently consuming soy foods. The percentage of respondents recognizing potential health benefits of soy ranged from 53% to 57%. The major barriers to soy consumption were a lack of knowledge on how to use soy (87%), cost (55%), and unavailability (45%). Participants indicated that education on how to use and incorporate soy into the diet (88%) and addition of soy into familiar foods (82%) may increase their soy consumption. Applications/Conclusions The findings suggest that this population would benefit from exposure to soy foods and instruction on preparing low-cost soy foods that can easily be included in their diet, in addition to education on the potential health benefits of soy foods. The results may provide direction for the development of curricula that educate this population on the potential benefits and uses of soy.
Who, hobbies, and heroes.

lence.” The word pursuit seemed appropriate because it is an active verb meaning the act of chasing, striving; an act regularly engaged in; an avocation or a hobby. And the word excellence seemed to apply to us; the Latin base means “to rise high.” Others suggested that the title should be more specific; hence the title ”Who, Hobbies, and Heroes.” My purpose in talking about us is threefold. First, to describe with limited data a picture of who we are. How many are we? What is happening to us? What have we accomplished? What volume of services do we provide? What price do we pay? A second purpose is to suggest that high-performance, high-stress, no-margin-for-error professionals must have an outside interest, a hobby, to survive and to thrive. Finally, I will suggest to you that there is a need for heroes in our lives; an image to recall to point the way and encourage us in times of trouble, and to share in our triumphs.
Exploring second language learners' notions of idiomaticity☆

Abstract To what extent do adult second language (SL) learners desire to learn idioms? Are adult SL learners capable of predicting their performances on various idiomatic tasks? Do adult SL learners have specific beliefs regarding matters of idiomaticity? Rarely are such issues investigated and even more rarely are SL learners asked to voice their opinions on such issues. This article reports answers to two questionnaires given to 60 third-year adult learners of Spanish, French, and German. Analysis of data showed that (1) SL learners do want idioms to be an integral part of their language and culture training; (2) they can predict their performances on idiomatic tasks and, finally, (3) they have very specific beliefs about the importance of learning idioms, the nature of idiomatic learning, and the strategies that are most likely to facilitate such learning. It is concluded that SL instructors should introduce idioms to their students more regularly and systematically, regardless of the specific approaches they may take to idiomatic learning.
Purification and characterization of human-derived Pneumocystis jirovecii dihydrofolate reductase expressed in Sf21 insect cells and in Escherichia coli

Pneumonia caused by Pneumocystis jirovecii is still a major opportunistic infection among patients with AIDS. This opportunitistic pathogen is susceptible to therapy with inhibitors of the enzyme dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) that target cell growth. Recent studies have shown that recombinant human-derived Pneumocystis DHFR (pDHFR) differs from rat-derived pDHFR by 38% in amino acid sequence. However, characterization of drug susceptibility, kinetics, and the three-dimensional structure of human-derived pDHFR has been hampered by the limited availability of purified material. The present study was undertaken to develop procedures to prepare sufficient enzyme for structure/function studies. Protein yield was limited when human-derived pDHFR was expressed in Escherichia coli using a pET28a(+) vector with an N-terminal His-tag for the 25 kDa protein. Therefore, the protein was expressed in Sf21 insect cells by baculovirus infection. The soluble enzyme was purified from cell lysates via Ni-chelated chromatographic columns, yielding about 5.1 mg of human-derived pDHFR fusion protein per liter of Sf21 culture. The purified protein had the expected mass as determined from Western blots with antibody for the N-terminal His-tag. This His-tagged recombinant DHFR from human-derived Pneumocystis was catalytically active and demonstrated kinetics similar to the recombinant enzyme from rat-derived Pneumocystis. The present studies for production of soluble human-derived pDHFR indicated that the baculovirus expression system supported production of significantly purer catalytically active enzyme in higher yields than that expressed in bacterial cultures. These protocols now make it possible to facilitate screening of antifolates with selectivity for human-derived pDHFR and to determine its three-dimensional structure.
BOUND ON THE COUPLING CONSTANT FROM UNITARITY AND ANALYTICITY

Unitarity of the $S$ matrix is used to bound the sum of the pole term and the left-hand contribution appearing in a dispersion relation for a partial-wave scattering amplitude. An upper bound for the coupling constant is then constructed for the case of an arbitrary distribution of any finite number of sign changes in the left-hand cut discontinuity.
Automata, formal languages abstract switching, and computability in a Ph.D. computer science program

A number of courses are listed in the area described as automata, formal languages, abstract switching, and computability, that might be available to a Ph.D. student in computer science. A brief catalog description of each course is supplied and the role of each of the courses in the graduate program is discussed.
Image-guided fiberoptic molecular imaging in a VX2 rabbit lung tumor model.

Abstract Purpose To show the feasibility of computed tomography (CT) image-guided fiberoptic confocal fluorescence molecular imaging in a rabbit lung tumor model. Materials And Methods Eight lung tumor models were created by injection of a VX2 cell suspension. The fluorescent imaging agent IntegriSense 680 was given to the animals 3.5–4 hours before the procedure. CT images were obtained and transferred to the minimally invasive multimodality image-guided (MIMIG) system as a guidance map. A real-time electromagnetically tracked needle was inserted under the visual guidance of the MIMIG system. A second CT image was obtained to confirm the location of the needle tip. Next, fiberoptic fluorescence imaging was acquired along the needle track. Finally, tumor samples were obtained for histopathologic confirmation. Results All cases were performed during breath-hold. Tumor size was 12.5 mm ± 1.6; the distance from the chest wall was 2.1 mm ± 0.5. The needle tip reached the tumor in all cases with an accuracy of 3.3 mm ± 1.6. Only one skin entry point was necessary, and no needle adjustments were required. No pneumothorax was observed. At least two-fold α v β 3 integrin image contrast was detected in the tumor compared with normal lung tissue. Tumor samples were confirmed to have viable VX2 cells and contrast uptake. Conclusions The MIMIG system enables effective in situ fluorescence molecular imaging in a needle biopsy lung procedure. In situ α v β 3 integrin molecular imaging allows molecular characterization of lung tumors at multiple regions and can be used to guide biopsy procedures.
Bootstrapping and knowledge of reliability

This is a critical discussion of a paper on the problem of bootstrapping by Jose Zalabardo.
Structural Proteomics of Dengue Virus

In this paper, we discuss recent advances in our knowledge of the dengue virus life cycle based on new structural data of the virus and its proteins. Specifically, we focus on the structure of the pre-membrane protein, prM and its role in virus assembly, the first full-length structure of a multi-domain dengue virus replication protein, NS3, and the recently solved structures of NS5 methyltransferase and polymerase domains. These structures provide a basis for describing function and predicting putative host interactions.
Specific-heat spectroscopy and dielectric susceptibility measurements of salol at the glass transition.

We compare specific-heat-spectroscopy and dielectric susceptibility measurements of salol (phenyl salicylate) near the glass transition. The specific-heat-spectroscopy measurements cover 5 decades in frequency; the dielectric susceptibility measurements cover 13 decades. Over their common range, both probes measure the same characteristic relaxation time. In contrast to the viscosity measurements of salol reported in the literature, the characteristic relaxation time measured by these techniques shows non-Arrhenius behavior near ${\mathit{T}}_{\mathit{g}}$. The Vogel-Fulcher divergence temperature is consistent with the Kauzmann temperature. As is seen in other glass formers, the relaxation widths broaden rapidly with decreasing temperature.
Gasoline Pipeline Rupture and Explosion at Whatcom Creek: A Focus on Response Management

ABSTRACT Safety for the public and responders was the first priority in responding to the estimated 231,000 gallons unleaded gasoline release and explosion that killed three boys in Whatcom Park in Bellingham, Washington and devastated the environment. Establishment of the Unified Command structure was critical to manage the vast resources and multitude of issues that arose in the wake of the release to Hannah and Whatcom Creeks on June 10, 1999. The pollution response, investigations, infrastructure rebuilding, natural resource (trustee) restoration, and community outreach/public information were completed with funds from the potentially responsible party (PRP), Olympic Pipe Line (OPL), as mandated by the Oil Pollution Act of 1990. Goals evolved as projects changed from fire and explosion emergencies to time critical environmental emergencies. Bellingham's drinking water capacity was restored, and initial restoration of the creeks was completed in time for the August salmon runs. Ongoing activities inclu...
Parental history of hypertension and enhanced cardiovascular reactivity are associated with decreased pain ratings

Ischemic pain was examined in adult males with and without a parental history of hypertension. Blood pressure and heart rate were recorded during baseline, cold pressor, and ischemia. Repeated pain ratings were obtained during cold pressor and ischemia, and the McGill Pain Questionnaire was completed after each stressor. A median split was used to identify high and low mean arterial pressure and heart rate reactors to cold pressor. Parental history of hypertension, high heart rate reactivity, and high mean arterial pressure reactivity were each associated with significantly lower ischemic pain ratings on the McGill Pain Questionnaire, suggesting that risk for hypertension is associated with hypoalgesia in normotensives.
The precious bane

Abstract Are natural resources harmful to growth? We address this question using a two-sector, endogenous growth model in which human capital is the engine of growth. By increasing the rewards to unskilled labor, natural resources make schooling more expensive. As long as the intertemporal elasticity of consumption substitution is not too high, this slows down human capital accumulation and growth. The presence of production spillovers from human capital, however, implies that a planner could react to a resource boom by increasing human capital accumulation even though the decentralized solution yields the exact opposite. The paper also shows that as the production complementarity between natural resources and unskilled labor declines, the growth effects of natural resources become increasingly sensitive to whether or not there is free trade in goods. The empirical evidence lends support to the main channel – natural resources to human capital to growth – that is suggested in the paper.
Kinetic properties of steroid 19-hydroxylase and estrogen synthetase from porcine ovary microsomes.

Abstract Androstenedione and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione are mutually competitive inhibitors in the steroid aromatization reaction catalyzed by a small-particle fraction from sow ovary. Apparent Michaelis constants ( K M ) of 1.0μM and 1.7μM, and inhibition constants ( K I ) of 0.4μM and 2.0μM, were calculated for androstenedione and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione respectively, using data from competitive inhibition experiments. The K M for androstenedione calculated from simple single substrate experiments was 0.8μM. Aromatization of both androstenedione and 19-hydroxyandrostenedione, as well as 19-hydroxylation of androstenedione, was inhibited by carbon monoxide. The aromatization reactions had Warburg constants of 0.9 for androstenedione and 2.4 for 19-hydroxyandrostenedione, and 19-hydroxylation of androstenedione had a Warburg constant of 1.4. The results are consistent with the presence of a single steroid binding site on a single enzyme complex, estrogen synthetase, which catalyzes all three of these reactions.
Effect of Retainer Margin and Distribution of Mercury on Dental Amalgam Mercury Vaporization Patterns

The results of this study showed that mercury vaporization patterns were not related directly to specimen postset mercury distribution. During the setting process, amalgam specimen retainer configurations affected these patterns significantly.
Communication Apprehension and Imagined Interactions

Communication apprehension (CA) is associated with fear of anticipated communication. Yet, imagined interactions (IIs) can help reduce fear of communication in which individuals use mental imagery before and after to prepare and review communication. A series of regression analyses in which characteristics of IIs were the independent variables was used to predict overall CA, as well as in four different contexts. The regression analysis indicated that CA could be predicted by the II characteristic of discrepancy across multiple contexts. The II catharsis function was predictive in one context. Results are discussed in terms of cognitive modification as a therapeutic technique for treating CA.
The Mec-8 Gene of Caenorhabditis Elegans Affects Muscle and Sensory Neuron Function and Interacts with Three Other Genes: Unc-52, Smu-1 and Smu-2

Mutations in the Caenorhabditis elegans gene mec-8 were previously shown to cause defects in mechanosensation and in the structure and dye filling of certain chemosensory neurons. Using noncomplementation screens, we have identified eight new mec-8 alleles and a deficiency that uncovers the locus. Strong mec-8 mutants exhibit an incompletely penetrant cold-sensitive embryonic and larval arrest, which we have correlated with defects in the attachment of body muscle to the hypodermis and cuticle. Mutations in mec-8 strongly enhance the mutant phenotype of unc-52(viable) mutations; double mutants exhibit an unconditional arrest and paralysis at the twofold stage of embryonic elongation, a phenotype characteristic of lethal alleles of unc-52, a gene previously shown to encode a homolog of the core protein of heparan sulfate proteoglycan, found in basement membrane, and to be involved in the anchorage of myofilament lattice to the muscle cell membrane. We have identified and characterized four extragenic recessive suppressors of a mec-8; unc-52(viable) synthetic lethality. The suppressors, which define the genes smu-1 and smu-2, can weakly suppress all mec-8 mutant phenes. They also suppress the muscular dystrophy conferred by an unc-52(viable) mutation.
Leader–Member Exchange Quality and In-Role Job Performance: The Moderating Role of Learning Organization Culture

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of leader–member exchange (LMX) quality on in-role job performance and the moderating effect of learning organization culture in a Korean cong...
How do tiger moths jam bat sonar

The tiger moth Bertholdia trigona is the only animal in nature known to defend itself by jamming the sonar of its predators – bats. In this study we analyzed the three-dimensional flight paths and echolocation behavior of big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) attacking B. trigona in a flight room over seven consecutive nights to determine the acoustic mechanism of the sonar-jamming defense. Three mechanisms have been proposed: (1) the phantom echo hypothesis, which states that bats misinterpret moth clicks as echoes; (2) the ranging interference hypothesis, which states that moth clicks degrade the bats' precision in determining target distance; and (3) the masking hypothesis, which states that moth clicks mask the moth echoes entirely, making the moth temporarily invisible. On nights one and two of the experiment, the bats appeared startled by the clicks; however, on nights three through seven, the bats frequently missed their prey by a distance predicted by the ranging interference hypothesis (∼15–20 cm). Three-dimensional simulations show that bats did not avoid phantom targets, and the bats' ability to track clicking prey contradicts the predictions of the masking hypothesis. The moth clicks also forced the bats to reverse their stereotyped pattern of echolocation emissions during attack, even while bats continued pursuit of the moths. This likely further hinders the bats' ability to track prey. These results have implications for the evolution of sonar jamming in tiger moths, and we suggest evolutionary pathways by which sonar jamming may have evolved from other tiger moth defense mechanisms. * 3-D : three-dimensional D BM : minimum bat–moth distance DLT : direct linear transformation PI min : minimum pulse interval T click : time of first moth click T Eabort : time of aborted echolocation attack T Fabort : time of aborted flight φ : angle between the bat's flight vector and the bat–moth vector
A lower bound on PET timing estimation with pulse pileup

Pulse pileup is an important limiting factor on coincidence detection and timing estimation performance in conventional and time-of-flight (TOF) positron emission tomography (PET). The authors derive a Cramer-Rao (CR) lower bound on timing estimator mean-square error (MSE) when there are multiple overlapping single photon response (SPR) pulses within the photodetector coincidence window. This bound is used to study the loss in achievable timing resolution due to varying amounts of pulse overlap. The case of a biexponential BGO/Burle 8850 SPR is considered. It is shown that in this case timing resolution need not degrade significantly even when pulse overlap is quite severe; up to approximately 20% overlap of the leading edges of the overlapping pulses can be tolerated with less than a 25% degradation in achievable timing resolution. This suggests that multiple event separation and improved coincidence resolving time can be attained well beyond the photon saturation limit of current scintillation detectors. >
The Phage Mating Theory, With Lessons for Yeast Geneticists

WHEN physicist Max Delbruck undertook the study of phage growth (Ellis and Delbruck 1939), he anticipated that phage would be the best model for elucidating biological reproduction and mutation, uncomplicated by sex (Delbruck 1970). This Perspectives traces Max's attempt to come to grips with realities that threatened that view, and it considers present-day relevance for yeast geneticists of two lessons that remain from his heroic effort. Readers should understand (or recall) that in 1939 essentially nothing of what we now know about the chemistry of either reproduction or mutation was even imagined—for nucleic acids, it was “known” only that most of the DNA is in the nucleus and most of the RNA is in the cytoplasm and, for proteins, only that some were enzymes and that they were probably the stuff that genes are made of. Furthermore, Max seemed to have little hope that the biochemistry of the day would ask the right questions (Delbruck 1949). (Overheard, one graduate of Max's phage course to another: “Would you want your daughter to marry a biochemist?”) I think Max hoped to solve the secret of life using physics and algebra along with open communication subject to tough criticism.
The Egyptian Gods in Midrashic Texts

The engagement with Egypt and the Egyptian gods that transpired in the Hebrew Bible continued into the texts produced by rabbinic Judaism. Rabbinic texts of late antiquity and the early medieval period frequently presented images of Egypt and its religion. One of the critical objectives of these portrayals of Egypt was to set boundaries of Jewish identity by presenting rabbinic Judaism in opposition to Egyptian culture. The Egyptian cultural icons in rabbinic texts also demonstrate that the rabbis were aware of cultures other than their own.1 The presence of Egyptian elements in midrash had previously been noted to a very limited extent by scholars of the Wissenschaft des Judentums (the science of Judaism), and it has not escaped the attention of more recent scholarship.
Straight-Leg-Raising Test Comparison of Three Instruments

The purpose of this study was to compare three instruments in the assessment of the passive straight-leg-raising test: a standard plastic goniometer, a flexometer, and a tape measure. Hip flexion angles at the initial point of pelvic tilt were measured in 10 healthy subjects. All three methods showed excellent intrasession reliability with alpha coefficients greater than .94. The intersession reliabilities were identical for the goniometer and the flexometer (.88) and were higher than the reliability of the tape measure (.74). The tape measure had improved intersession reliability (.93) when a distance was used for calculation of the angle. Significantly lower hip flexion angles were obtained with the trigonometric method through use of tape measures than from use of either of the other two instruments. The flexometer is recommended for use in assessment of passive straight leg raise because it permits measurement by a single therapist without assistance.
Robust Brain Extraction Across Datasets and Comparison With Publicly Available Methods

Automatic whole-brain extraction from magnetic resonance images (MRI), also known as skull stripping, is a key component in most neuroimage pipelines. As the first element in the chain, its robustness is critical for the overall performance of the system. Many skull stripping methods have been proposed, but the problem is not considered to be completely solved yet. Many systems in the literature have good performance on certain datasets (mostly the datasets they were trained/tuned on), but fail to produce satisfactory results when the acquisition conditions or study populations are different. In this paper we introduce a robust, learning-based brain extraction system (ROBEX). The method combines a discriminative and a generative model to achieve the final result. The discriminative model is a Random Forest classifier trained to detect the brain boundary; the generative model is a point distribution model that ensures that the result is plausible. When a new image is presented to the system, the generative model is explored to find the contour with highest likelihood according to the discriminative model. Because the target shape is in general not perfectly represented by the generative model, the contour is refined using graph cuts to obtain the final segmentation. Both models were trained using 92 scans from a proprietary dataset but they achieve a high degree of robustness on a variety of other datasets. ROBEX was compared with six other popular, publicly available methods (BET, BSE, FreeSurfer, AFNI, BridgeBurner, and GCUT) on three publicly available datasets (IBSR, LPBA40, and OASIS, 137 scans in total) that include a wide range of acquisition hardware and a highly variable population (different age groups, healthy/diseased). The results show that ROBEX provides significantly improved performance measures for almost every method/dataset combination.
Inhibition of Bacillus anthracis Spore Outgrowth by Nisin

The lantibiotic nisin has previously been reported to inhibit the outgrowth of spores from several Bacillus species. However, the mode of action of nisin responsible for outgrowth inhibition is poorly understood. By using B. anthracis Sterne 7702 as a model, nisin acted against spores with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and an IC90 of 0.57 μM and 0.90 μM, respectively. Viable B. anthracis organisms were not recoverable from cultures containing concentrations of nisin greater than the IC90. These studies demonstrated that spores lose heat resistance and become hydrated in the presence of nisin, thereby ruling out a possible mechanism of inhibition in which nisin acts to block germination initiation. Rather, germination initiation is requisite for the action of nisin. This study also revealed that nisin rapidly and irreversibly inhibits growth by preventing the establishment of oxidative metabolism and the membrane potential in germinating spores. On the other hand, nisin had no detectable effects on the typical changes associated with the dissolution of the outer spore structures (e.g., the spore coats, cortex, and exosporium). Thus, the action of nisin results in the uncoupling of two critical sequences of events necessary for the outgrowth of spores: the establishment of metabolism and the shedding of the external spore structures.
Patient awareness and perception of stroke symptoms and the use of 911.

Background Response to stroke symptoms and the use of 911 can vary by race/ethnicity. The quickness with which a patient responds to such symptoms has implications for the outcome and treatment. We sought to examine a sample of patients receiving a Remote Evaluation of Acute isCHemic stroke (REACH) telestroke consult in South Carolina regarding their awareness and perception of stroke symptoms related to the use of 911 and to assess possible racial/ethnic disparities. Methods As of September 2013, 2325 REACH telestroke consults were conducted in 13 centers throughout South Carolina. Telephone surveys assessing use of 911 were administered from March 2012-January 2013 among 197 patients receiving REACH consults. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess factors associated with use of 911. Results Most participants (73%) were Caucasian (27% were African–American) and male (54%). The mean age was 66 ± 14.3 years. Factors associated with use of 911 included National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale scores >4 (odds ratio [OR], 5.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.63-11.25), unknown insurance which includes self-pay or not charged (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.15-7.28), and perception of stroke-like symptoms as an emergency (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 1.65-12.67). African–Americans were significantly more likely than Caucasians to call 911 (62% vs. 43%, P = .02). Conclusions African–Americans used 911 at a significantly higher rate. Use of 911 may be related to access to transportation, lack of insurance, or proximity to the hospital although this information was not available. Interventions are needed to improve patient arrival times to telemedicine equipped emergency departments after stroke.
Climate change and infectious disease: stormy weather ahead?

onstrate a strong association between heavy rainfall and outbreaks of Ross River virus disease. Ross River virus is mosquito borne, and, although the disease is little known outside of Australia, is found in nearly all parts of the continent. Infection can produce disabling polyarthritis, and there is no specific treatment. In southeast Australia, Ross River virus disease poses a threat not just to local populations, but also to tourism—Australia’s largest industry. The work of Woodruff et al. 3 adds to a growing body of studies 4 that explore the impact of weather on infec
Iodinated Contrast Prior to Thrombolysis Was Not Associated With Worse Intracranial Hemorrhage

Objectives The objective was to assess relative incidence of clinical adverse effects between patients receiving, and not receiving, iodinated contrast prior to thrombolysis. Methods This was a retrospective registry review of patients presenting to the emergency department treated with recombinant tissue-type plasminogen activator (rt-PA) for acute ischemic stroke between 2004 and 2012. The authors compared the occurrence of all grades of intracranial hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and in-hospital deaths between patients undergoing computed tomographic angiography (CTA) prior to thrombolysis and those who did not. Results A total of 1,014 patients were available for analysis meeting inclusion criteria. A total of 473 patients underwent CTA prior to rt-PA administration. Baseline characteristics were generally similar across groups, excepting fewer signs of acute infarct and old stroke in the CTA group (28.8% vs. 8.5% and 9.9% vs. 3.7%, respectively) and creatinine. Adverse event outcomes were not consistently distributed across the groups. Patients in the CTA group had a similar incidence of any ICH (11.0% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.120), but fewer type II parenchymal hemorrhages (2.1% vs. 4.6%, p = 0.025) and fewer in-hospital deaths (7.2% vs. 12.6%, p = 0.005). Conclusions No consistent harms were observed in association with intravenous iodinated contrast prior to rt-PA administration. It is reasonable to continue CTA prior to thrombolysis as clinically indicated.
Testing the null hypothesis: comments on ‘Culture-gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene’

Chiao & Blizinsky's [[1]][1] recently published study, ‘Culture-gene coevolution of individualism–collectivism and the serotonin transporter gene’, addressed an important and under-studied area. It stands in contrast to the dogma that, despite the dramatic cultural and biological diversity of
Phanerozoic trends in ecospace utilization: The bivalve perspective

Abstract Ecologic diversity within marine invertebrates has typically been reconstructed by examining three components: mobility, feeding habit, and tiering. Based on various combinations of these three features, a wide range of hypothetical ecospaces or “cubes” (the agglomeration of which forms a “Bambachian cube”) can be delineated. Given the range of constraints on a specific clade's morphologic diversity, however, only a relatively limited proportion of these possible combinations are actualized. Previous studies investigating Phanerozoic trends have documented the general pattern of ecologic diversity – measured as the total number of filled cubes – of all metazoan groups which displays a major increase in the range of ecospace inhabited. However, detailed, clade-specific studies are limited. In this Phanerozoic-level study on the Class Bivalvia, a group with a very robust and virtually unparalleled fossil record, the clade's ecologic diversity is reconstructed based on a set of newly compiled taxonomic and ecologic databases that were initially derived from a combination of the Sepkoski Compendium and the Paleobiology Database. These data have been binned into 94 intervals, from the Fortunian up to the Piacenzian. The ecologic position of each genus was determined relative to the 140 ecologic cubes that reflect the hypothetical range of ecospace bivalves may have inhabited (i.e. fundamental cubes or ecospaces) and which are based on a substantially modified version of the earlier Bambachain cube (Bambach et al., 2007). The overall results show several features: (1) given the various morphologic constraints, bivalves have only occupied 44 of the total, hypothetically available cubes which represents the clade's realized ecospace; (2) the most significant and dramatic phase of increase in the range of ecologic types occurred during the Ordovician; following this event, new ecospace was exploited in a much more limited fashion; (3) most changes in ecospace utilization involved increased packing within a relatively limited suite of cubes; and (4) mass extinctions had a very limited impact on ecospace utilization despite their impacts on bivalve taxonomic richness; only the K-Pg extinction had significant effect on the overall ecologic diversity of bivalves, largely reflecting the demise of a novel reef-building group, the rudistids.
The Bruhat Decomposition

The Bruhat decomposition was discovered quite late in the history of Lie groups, which is surprising in view of its fundamental importance. It was preceded by Ehresmann’s discovery of a closely related cell decomposition for flag manifolds. The Bruhat decomposition was axiomatized by Tits in the notion of a Group with (B, N) pair or Tits’ system. This is a generalization of the notion of a Coxeter group, and indeed every (B, N) gives rise to a Coxeter group. We have remarked after Theorem 25.1 that Coxeter groups always act on simplicial complexes whose geometry is closely connected with their properties. As it turns out a group with (B N) pair also acts on a simplicial complex, the Tits’ building. We will not have space to discuss this important concept but see Tits [163] and Abramenko and Brown [1].
MINERVA ON THE SURREY DOWNS: READING PLINY (AND HORACE) WITH JOHN TOLAND

John Toland's Description of Epsom (1711) is one of the most remarkable creative responses, ancient or modern, to Pliny's Epistles. Drawing on the villa letters and the collection as a whole for both topographical description and self-styling, Toland moulds himself after an intensely ruralist – and strikingly Horatian – Pliny. This article reads Epsom together with Toland's translations from the Epistles (1711–12) as a case study in reception which can also shed fresh light on Pliny's own epistolary self-portraiture.