cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A DDPG-based Approach for Energy-aware UAV Navigation in Obstacle-constrained Environment

In this paper, we propose a three-dimensional autonomous UAV navigation framework using Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient (DDPG) learning approach. The objective is to employ a self-trained UAV as an airborne Internet of Things (IoT) unit to navigate obstacles and reach a destination point, where it can communicate with a ground sensor node with sufficiently high data rate. We develop a customized reward function which aims to minimize the distance separating the UAV and its destination while penalizing collisions. A dynamic energy threshold is also set to redirect the UAV towards the charging station in case of battery depletion. We numerically simulate the behavior of the UAV when learning the environmental obstacles, and autonomously selecting trajectories for selected scenarios. Finally, we show that our learning approach achieves close performance to the one of the graph-based Dijkstra's algorithm.
Pre-emptive ECMO cannulation in a patient with severe pulmonary hypertension and acute appendicitis undergoing appendectomy.

A 30-year-old woman presented with a 2-day history of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fever. She had a medical history of severe pulmonary hypertension, bilateral pulmonary emboli, right heart failure, hypothyroidism and systemic hypertension. She was classified as World Health Organization (WHO) functional class III for pulmonary hypertension. Physical examination was remarkable for tenderness to palpation over the right lower quadrant without rebound. Laboratory evaluation revealed leukocytosis (18.3 k/µL) with left shift (82.5% neutrophils). CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis was remarkable for distended fluid-filled appendix, with small appendicoliths and surrounding edema (figure 1). The patient was transferred to our facility for a higher level of care requiring cardiopulmonary evaluation and optimization before possible appendectomy. At the time of transfer, she had developed respiratory distress and was admitted directly to the intensive care unit. A right heart catheterization revealed severe pulmonary hypertension with a right ventricular systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg and moderate to severe tricuspid regurgitation. The patient was at high risk for right ventricular failure and pulmonary hypertensive crisis. The initial aim was to optimize medical condition of the patient with the hope to avoid operative …
The relationship between insurance and health outcomes of diabetes mellitus patients in Maryland: a retrospective archival record study

Past studies examining the health outcomes of diabetes mellitus (DM) patients found that social determinants of health disparities were associated with variabilities in health outcomes. However, improving access to healthcare, such as health insurance, should mitigate negative health outcomes. The aim of the study was to explore the association between four types of health insurance, namely, Medicare Fee-For-Service (FFS), Medicare Managed Care (MC), Private FFS, and Private MC plans, and the health outcomes of DM patients, controlling for patients’ social determinants of health. This is a retrospective cross-sectional archival record study to explore the relationships between types of health insurance and health outcomes of DM patients who were at least 65 years old, or the elderly. Data was drawn from the 2012 Maryland Clinical Public Use Data and received an exempt status from our Institutional Review Board. Elderly Maryland residents with chronic DM were included in the study, resulting in a sample size of 43,519 individuals. Predictor variables were four types of insurance and health outcome variables were length of hospital stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Control variables included hospital characteristics, patient characteristics, and social determinants of health. Student’s t-tests determined the statistical differences for the control variables between the types of insurance. Multiple hierarchical regression analysis was applied to test the association between insurance plans and LOS, while logistic regression analyses were applied to test the association between insurance plans with 30-day readmission and ESRD. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. t-test results indicated minimal statistical differences between the health statuses of patients enrolled in different insurance plans. After factoring out the control variables, regression analyses indicated that Medicare FFS patients had the worst outcome for LOS, 30-day readmission, and ESRD rates. Although patients on Medicare MC plans had lower LOS, 30-day readmission, and ESRD rates compared to those on Medicare FFS, patients enrolled in Private MC plans had the lowest odds of a 30-day readmission and patients enrolled in Private FFS had the lowest odds of an ESRD. The data suggests that insurance plans were related to the health outcomes of elderly DM patients after considering their social determinants of health. Specifically, DM patients enrolled in managed care and private insurance plans had better health outcomes compared to those on Medicare FFS plans.
Units of DNA Replication in Chromosomes of Eukaryotes

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses the units of DNA replication in chromosomes of eukaryotes. Considerable evidence has accumulated, which indicates that replication in chromosomes is regulated in a way, such that specific fractions or segments are replicated at specific times in the S phase. The replication of specific segments of chromosomes at limited times in the S phase is indicated by autoradiographic studies involving the X chromosome, the Y chromosome, and selected autosomes of the Chinese hamster genome. The chapter discusses a tentative model, which takes into account what is known about the organization of the genomes of higher cells and their regulatory features.
Zeus, Ancient Near Eastern Notions of Divine Incomparability, and Similes in the Homeric Epics

This article explores the significance of the following fact: in neither the Iliad nor the Odyssey does one find a simile about Zeus. I argue that just as ancient Near Eastern texts characterize a god by declaring it impossible to fashion a comparison about him or her, so the Homeric epics characterize Zeus by avoiding statements in the shape “Zeus (is) like X.”
Beginning Supervisees' Identity

Abstract Masters level beginning supervisee practicum students (N = 98) from a western university were asked to identify what supervisor variables were most important for supervisees in their early developmental phase of becoming a therapist. The findings of the study indicated that supervisor care and concern as well as their clinical and supervisory experience were more important than supervisor-supervisee gender matches. The variables “supervisor care and concern” and “supervisor experience” were also indicators of supervisees' willingness to take risks in supervision.
Java 5: an evolving programming language

The tutorial focuses on evolution of the Java programming language into the version now referred to as Java 5 (J2SE 1.5). Particular emphasis will be on how the new capabilities of Java can enhance teaching of software development and data abstraction. The approach will be to compare and contrast Java 2 with Java 5 such that the participant may develop an appreciation for the value of the new features. Where appropriate, comparisons will also be made with C++.
Consumer Protection in Cyberspace

This critical essay introduces the problem of discrimination enabled through the use of transaction-generated-information derived from the analysis of user behaviors within the network environment. The essay begins by describing how segments of the population that are already vulnerable become further victimized through the strategic use of discriminatory algorithms in support of identification, classification, segmentation, and targeting. In response, it evaluates a set of policy options that might be used to limit the harm and compensate the victims of these inherently dangerous technologies. Traditional approaches that stress the protection of privacy through restrictions on the collection and use of personal information are compared with alternatives based on individual and class actions under tort law, as well as more traditional regulatory approaches developed in the area of consumer products safety and environmental regulation.
Robust ℋ2 and ℋ∞ switched feedforward control of uncertain LFT systems

Summary This paper presents a new robust switched feedforward control scheme for a class of uncertain systems described in a standard linear fractional transformation form. First, the analysis conditions for switching stability are derived by using a piecewise Lyapunov function incorporated with the min-switching control technique. Based on the analysis results, the synthesis conditions are then formulated as a special type of bilinear matrix inequalities, which can be solved by means of linear matrix inequalities and line search. Both robust and feedforward control problems are considered. The proposed robust switched control scheme outperforms existing robust feedforward control approaches for uncertain systems based on single quadratic Lyapunov function, and leads to less conservative control design. Numerical examples will be used to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resisting the Subject: A Feminist-Foucauldian Approach to Countering Sexual Violence

This essay makes a case for the relevance of Foucault’s critique of modern Western subjectivity for feminist efforts toward countering sexual violence against women. In his last four College de France courses, Foucault shows that subjectivity produces a normalizing relation of the self to itself, the effects of which extend beyond the self in equally harmful ways. As I see it, this harm is especially damaging to women who have experienced sexual violence; moreover, it inhibits effective feminist resistance to such violence. Through analyzing a particular instance of feminist activism, I argue for the anti-normalizing potential of a contemporary mode of self-relation that functions in a way analogous to that fostered by the ancient practice of parrhēsia .
Being and Becoming American: Triangulating Habitus, Field, and Literacy Instruction in a Multilingual Classroom

This case study research documents how one teacher’s personal language and literacy practices and the sociopolitical structures of her profession intersect in her literacy instruction for her multilingual third grade students. Centering my analysis on Graff’s (1987) notion of the “literacy myth,” I discuss how the dialectic between Bourdieu’s habitus and field unfolds in the performative space of the classroom, challenging this discourse in small but significant ways. Complimenting research exploring students’ out-of-school language and literacy practices, this paper addresses how a teacher’s literate life history is performed in the classroom and who stands to benefit from these discursive performances.
Statistics and Experimental Design

This chapter illustrates statistics and experimental design. Statistics in general is a discipline dealing with ideas on description of data, implications of data (relation to general pharmacological models), and questions such as what effects are real, and what effects are different? Biological systems are variable. Moreover, often they are living. What this means is that they are collections of biochemical reactions going on in synchrony. Such systems will have an intrinsic variation in their output due to the variances in the rates and set points of the reactions taking place during the natural progression of their function. In general, this will be referred to as biological “noise” or variation. For example, a given cell line kept under culture conditions will have a certain variance in the ambient amount of cellar cyclic AMP present at any instant. Pharmacological experiments strive to determine whether or not a given chemical can change the ambient physiological condition of a system and thus demonstrate pharmacological activity. The relevant elements in this quest are the level of the “noise” and the level of change in response of a system imparted by the chemical, that is, the signal-to-noise ratio. There are various statistical tools such as Gaussian distribution, populations and samples, confidence intervals, and paired data sets to help in statistical calculation.
Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity and C-Reactive Protein in U.S. Adults.

Abstract Background: Several studies have revealed inverse associations between physical activity (PA) and C-reactive protein (CRP). However, few studies have examined associations between vigorous intensity PA (VIPA) and CRP using nationally representative samples. Methods: The sample (n = 14,461) included adults (≥20 years of age) who participated in the 1999–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Reported VIPA was categorized into none, insufficient (<500 MET·min·wk−1), and meeting the 2008 Department of Health and Human Services PA recommendation (≥500 MET·min·wk−1). The dependent variable was elevated CRP (3<CRP≤10mg/L). Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds and adjust for potential confounding variables. Results: Analysis revealed significantly lower odds of having elevated CRP for those reporting volumes of VIPA meeting the 2008 DHHS PA recommendation (odds ratio 0.75; 95% confidence interval 0.64–0.87, P = 0.0004). Adjustment for several metabolic risk factors mini...
Cloning of a crustacean myosin heavy chain isoform: exclusive expression in fast muscle.

A clone of a fast isoform of myosin heavy chain (HC) gene was isolated from a cDNA1 expression library made from mRNA purified from the deep abdominal flexor muscle of the lobster, Homarus americanus. The cDNA (1.5 kb) contained the 3′ untranslated region (UTR) and the coding sequence for the last 413 amino acid residues of the carboxyl terminus of the polypeptide. The deduced amino acid sequence showed high homology with that of myosin HCs from Drosophila (73% identity), nematode (57% identity), and vertebrates (49% identities). Hydropathy plots showed a 28-amino acid periodicity that is consistent with the α-helical coiled coil structure of the rod region of native myosin. Northern blot analysis and in situ hybridization showed that the fast myosin HC isoform was expressed only in fast fibers; the probes did not hybridize to mRNA from slow fibers. The message consisted of a single transcript of 6.6 kb. The intracellular localization of the fast myosin mRNA was not uniform. The mRNA was largely confined to the intermyofibrillar spaces and to the subsarcolemmal cytoplasm of the fiber periphery and large infoldings of the cell membrane. Within these regions the mRNA was concentrated in the cytoplasm immediately surrounding the nuclei. This constitutes the first report of the cloning and expression of a myosin HC gene from a crustacean species. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic relationships for mixed insoluble monolayers

Abstract The thermodynamic criteria for the stability of a multicomponent insoluble monolayer at a liquid-gas interface are reviewed. It is possible to extend the analysis of the free energy of mixing in such films to yield some information on their collapse and the maximum molar areas which they may occupy.
The IL-8–Regulated Chemokine Receptor CXCR7 Stimulates EGFR Signaling to Promote Prostate Cancer Growth

The pro-inflammatory chemokine receptor CXCR7 that binds the ligands CXCL11 and CXCL12 (SDF-1a) is elevated in a variety of human cancers, but its functions are not understood as it does not elicit classical chemokine receptor signaling. Here we report that the pro-cancerous cytokine IL-8 up regulates CXCR7 expression along with ligand-independent functions of CXCR7 that promote the growth and proliferation of human prostate cancer cells (CaP cells). In cell culture, ectopic expression or addition of IL-8 selectively increased expression of CXCR7 at the level of mRNA and protein production. Conversely, suppressing IL-8 signaling abolished the ability of IL-8 to up regulate CXCR7. RNAi-mediated knockdown of CXCR7 in CaP cells caused multiple anti-tumor effects, including decreased cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest in G1 phase, and decreased expression of proteins involved in G1 to S phase progression. In contrast, addition of the CXCR7 ligand SDF-1a and CXCL11 to CaP cells did not affect cell proliferation. Over expression of CXCR7 in normal prostate cells increased their proliferation in a manner associated with increased levels of phospho-EGFR (pY1110) and phospho-ERK1/2. Notably, co-immunoprecipitation studies established a physical association of CXCR7 with EGFR, linking CXCR7-mediated cell proliferation to EGFR activation. Consistent with these findings, CXCR7-depleted CaP tumors grew more slowly than control tumors, expressing decreased tumor associated expression of VEGF, cyclin D1 and p-EGFR. Together, these results reveal a novel mechanism of ligand-independent growth promotion by CXCR7 and its co-regulation by the pro-inflammatory factor IL-8 in prostate cancer.
Quantitative X-ray diffraction study of the atomic structure of the ∑ = 5(θ = 36.9°) [001]twist boundary in gold

Abstract Quantitative X-ray diffraction techniques have been used to determine the structure of the large angle ∑ = 5(θ = 36.9°)[001]twist boundary in Au to a resolution of better than ±0.09A. Large portions of the reciprocal lattice in three dimensions were mapped out using synchrotron radiation. The atomic structure was obtained by testing model structures against the intensity observations with a χ2 analysis. Details of the atomic structure of the grain boundary, including measurement of the magnitude of the expansion at the interface, are presented. The grain boundary structure was shown to consist of arrays of two kinds of distorted octahedra and special configurations of distorted tetrahedra interwoven together by the boundary symmetry. This work points to the possibility of obtaining Pauling's type rules for grain boundary structures based on X-ray diffraction observations that give the atomic positions with high resolution. Studies were performed to search for diffraction effects that are expected to be caused by structural multiplicity of the boundary, and no evidence for its occurrence was found.
Preparation of α-synuclein fibrils for solid-state NMR: Expression, purification, and incubation of wild-type and mutant forms

Abstract We report the expression and purification of α-synuclein, a protein implicated in Parkinson’s disease, from isotopically ( 13 C, 15 N) labeled bacterial growth media, as required for solid-state NMR structural studies. Expression from Escherichia coli (BL21(DE3)) was performed with a protocol optimized for time efficiency and yield. Chemical lysis, crude purification by ammonium sulfate precipitation, and two chromatography steps (hydrophobic interaction and size exclusion) yield 30–35 mg/L of growth medium. Purity is confirmed by gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. Furthermore, we demonstrate reproducible fibril growth by control of environmental incubation conditions. Highly resolved multidimensional solid-state NMR spectra indicate microscopic order throughout the majority of the AS fibril structure. The number of signals and intensities of well-resolved residue types (Thr, Ser, Ala, Gly, Val, and Ile) are consistent with a single conformation, which is reproducibly prepared by seeding consecutive preparations. Variations in the fibril growth rates and structural polymorphisms exhibited in the solid-state NMR spectra are minimized by careful control of incubation conditions.
The Shane-Wirtanen Counts: Plate Correction Factors and Correlation Functions

It has recently been argued that the break in the galaxy correlation function observed in the Lick counts of Shane and Wirtanen may be an artifact of plate variations in limiting magnitude. This has stimulated us to generalize our analysis of the effect of errors in the plate depths to include a possible systematic term, and to develop tests for the random and systematic errors. The tests show that neither can have appreciably affected the distinctive feature found in the galaxy two-point correlation function for the Lick sample.
Regulation of the timing of pollen germination by the pistil in Talinum mengesii (Portulacaceae)

In angiosperms selection among male gametophytes may take place between the time a flower is pollinated and the time its ovules are fertilized. With insect pollination, a surplus of male gametophytes in the form of pollen grains may be deposited on the stigma of a pistil and this provides the potential for gametophytic competition and selection. In all plants examined from two Talinum mengesii populations, pollen germination was delayed for up to two hours after pollination. In plants of two other populations pollen germination was not delayed or the time of germination varied. Reciprocal pollinations between plants with and without the delay trait and pollinations at different times during anthesis revealed that the timing of pollen germination was regulated by the maternal parent. Theoretically, the effect of the delay trait would be to promote the accumulation of pollen on the stigma and induce simultaneous germination. This would intensify intermale competition and provide a mechanism for the maternal parent to influence the paternal parentage of its offspring. IN ANGIOSPERMS selection among male gametophytes may take place between the time a flower is pollinated and the time its ovules are fertilized. For many insect-pollinated species, far more male gametophytes in the form of pollen grains may be deposited on the stigma of a pistil than are required for complete fertilization of its ovules. This provides the potential for gametophytic competition and selection. Mulcahy (1979) argues that the phenomenon of microgametophytic competition and selection may have great evolutionary importance. He states, "The gametophytic
The structure matrix and a generalization of Ryser's maximum term rank formula

Abstract Let U ( R,S ) denote the class of all (0,1)-matrices with row sum vector R = ( r 1 , r 2 , …, r m ) and column sum vector S = ( s 1 , s 2 , …, s n ). Suppose that r 1 ⩾ r 2 ⩾ ⋯⩾ r m and s 1 ⩾ s 2 ⩾⋯⩾ s n . A theorem of Ford and Fulkerson asserts that the class U ( R,S ) is nonempty if and only if r 1 + r 2 +⋯+ r m = s 1 + s 2 +⋯+ s n and the structure matrix T ( R,S ) associated with R and S is nonnegative. We show that this theorem remains valid under a weaker hypothesis on R and S than monotonicity. This stronger result enables us to prove a generalization of Ryser's maximum term rank formula. Moreover, if we extend our definitions suitably, then our results are valid for classes of matrices with elements in the set {0,1,…, q } in place of {0,1}. We work in the more general context throughout. Our theorems give information concerning the existence and size of matchings and other nearly regular subgraphs in bipartite graphs with prescribed degree sequences.
A new look at pass-through

Abstract This paper examines the relationship between exchange rates and prices. Rather than assuming exchange rate changes are exogenous shocks that affect prices, I use a long run restrictions VAR to identify shocks and explore the way domestic prices, import prices and exchange rates react to a variety of shocks. Consumer price pass-through is nearly complete in response to some shocks, but low in response to others. Alternatively, import prices and exchange rates typically respond in the same direction, and pass-through seems quick. This supports the idea that import prices are set in the producer's currency and that lower CPI pass-through is a result of changes in quantities or margins further down the supply chain.
Photonic Orbital Angular Momentum from HR 1895

Observations of HR 1895 for photonic orbital angular momentum captured two significantly different signals in three separate measurements. Here we show the outlying point is a strong photonic orbital angular momentum signal.
Long‐term glycaemic efficacy and weight changes associated with thiazolidinediones when added at an advanced stage of type 2 diabetes

Objective: To describe the outcome of 35 patients with type 2 diabetes prospectively followed for 6 years after the addition of a thiazolidinedione (TZD) to a failing regimen of a sulphonylurea and metformin – triple oral therapy. Methods: Study patients were assessed for the need for the addition of insulin to their regimen, and follow-up clinical and laboratory findings were analysed. Results: At a mean follow-up of 72 ± 1.5 months (range 53–80), 18 (51%) of patients remained well controlled on triple oral therapy with a mean glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) value of 6.9 ± 0.2% (upper limit of normal 6.2%). In 17 other patients, triple oral therapy failed and the use of insulin was necessary after a mean duration of 38 (range 18–68) months. The mean HbA1c in these patients was 8.0 ± 0.3%. The group that was maintained on triple oral therapy gained 15.2 ± 1.9 lbs over the 6-year study which was significantly higher than the baseline weight. Alternatively, the group that failed and had insulin added to their therapy gained 20.2 ± 4.5 lbs over the same period which was also significantly different from baseline but not from the triple oral therapy group. Although after 3 years a trend towards weight loss occurred in the triple oral therapy group, the insulin-added group continued to gain weight. Stimulated C-peptide levels increased significantly in the triple therapy group from 3.6 ± 0.9 to 4.3 ± 1.2 ng/ml and had not increased or decreased non-significantly from 3.7 ± 0.8 to 3.2 ± 0.6 ng/ml at the time of insulin initiation in the insulin-requiring group. Conclusion: When used late in the course of type 2 diabetes, TZDs result in improved and prolonged glycaemic control which persisted for a median time of 6 years. Weight gain with TZDs peaks and then plateaus (and even trends downwards) at 3 years, although the addition of insulin to a failing oral therapy regimen results in a further and continuing weight gain in spite of inferior glycaemic control. Continuing glycaemic control with triple oral therapy is dependent on preservation or augmentation of endogenous insulin production.
Mesoporous Titanosilicate Molecular Sieves Prepared at Ambient Temperature by Electrostatic (S+I-, S+X-I+) and Neutral (S°I°) Assembly Pathways: A Comparison of Physical Properties and Catalytic Activity for Peroxide Oxidations

Hexagonal mesoporous titanosilicates with distinguishable framework charges and textural mesoporosity, namely, Ti-MCM-41 and Ti-HMS, were prepared at ambient temperature by electrostatic and neutral assembly processes, respectively. Titanium incorporation at the 2 mol % level for both materials was accompanied by increases in lattice parameters and wall thicknesses, but the framework pore sizes remained unaffected. Cross-linking of the anionic framework of as-synthesized Ti-substituted MCM-41 prepared by electrostatic S+I- and S+X-I+ assembly pathways (where S+ is a quaternary ammonium surfactant and I- and I+ are ionic silicon precursors) was enhanced significantly by Ti substitution, as judged by 29Si MAS NMR. The neutral framework of as-synthesized Ti-HMS formed by S°I° assembly (where S° is a primary amine and I° is a neutral silicon precursor) exhibited the same high degree of cross-linking as the unsubstituted silica analog. UV−vis and XANES spectra for the calcined forms of Ti-MCM-41 and Ti-HMS ind...
A model for stochastic hybrid systems with application to communication networks

Abstract We propose a model for stochastic hybrid systems (SHSs) where transitions between discrete modes are triggered by stochastic events much like transitions between states of a continuous-time Markov chains. However, the rate at which transitions occur is allowed to depend both on the continuous and the discrete states of the SHS. Based on results available for piecewise-deterministic Markov process (PDPs), we provide a formula for the extended generator of the SHS, which can be used to compute expectations and the overall distribution of the state. As an application, we construct a stochastic model for on-off TCP flows that considers both the congestion-avoidance and slow-start modes and takes directly into account the distribution of the number of bytes transmitted. Using the tools derived for SHSs, we model the dynamics of the moments of the sending rate by an infinite system of ODEs, which can be truncated to obtain an approximate finite-dimensional model. This model shows that, for transfer-size distributions reported in the literature, the standard deviation of the sending rate is much larger than its average. Moreover, the later seems to vary little with the probability of packet drop. This has significant implications for the design of congestion control mechanisms.
Influence of leaf size, orientation, and arrangement on temperature and transpiration in three high-elevation, large-leafed herbs

The temperature and water relations of the largleafed, high-elevation species Frasera speciosa, Balsamorhiza sagittata, and Rumex densiflorus were evaluated in the Medicine Bow Mountains of southeast Wyoming (USA) to determine the influence of leaf size, orientation, and arrangement on transpiration. These species characteristically have low minimum stomatal resistances ( 260 mg m-2s-1 for F. speciosa). Field measurements of leaf and microclimatic parameters were incorporated into a computer simulation using standard energy balance equations which predicted leaf temperature (Tleaf) and transpiration for various leaf sizes. Whole-plant transpiration during a day was simulated using field measurements for plants with natural leaf sizes and compared to transpiration rates simulated for plants having identical, but hypothetically smaller (0.5 cm) leaves during a clear day and a typically cloudy day. Although clear-day transpiration for F. speciosa plants with natural size leaves was only 2.0% less per unit leaf area than that predicted for plants with much smaller leaves, daily transpiration of B. sagittata and R. densiflorus plants with natural leaf sizes was 16.1% and 21.1% less, respectively. The predicted influence of a larger leaf size on transpiration for the cloudy day was similar to clear-day results except that F. speciosa had much greater decreases in transpiration (12.7%). The different influences of leaf size on transpiration between the three species was primarily due to major differences in leaf absorptance to solar radiation, orientation, and arrangement which caused large differences in Tleaf. Also, simulated increases in leaf size above natural sizes measured in the field resulted in only small additional decreases in predicted transpiration, indicating a leaf size that was nearly optimal for reducing transpiration. These results are discussed in terms of the possible evolution of a larger leaf size in combination with specific leaf absorptances, orientations and arrangements which could act to reduce transpiration for species growing in short-season habitats where the requirement for rapid carbon fixation might necessitate low stomatal resistances.
Right atrial myxoma: echocardiographic, phonocardiographic, and hemodynamic signs.

Abstract A case of a right atrial myxoma successfully removed surgically and presenting clinically as right heart failure is described. The phonocardiogram revealed a systolic ejection and early diastolic sound, both of which may be the result of tumor movement. Cardiac catheterization showed right atrial hypertension, a diastolic gradient across the tricuspid valve, and a notch on the upstroke of the right ventricular pressure curve. Echocardiography demonstrated an abnormal cluster of echoes behind the tricuspid valve.
Millimeter-wave scattering from dry sand-covered surfaces

This paper examines recently acquired polarimetric data of dry sand with smooth air/sand interface at MMW frequencies. The data characterizes volume scattering from different types of sand as a function of the radar incidence angle, frequency, polarization, and particle size. The data shows substantial volumetric response from dry sand at MMW frequencies with significant depolarization (between −12 and −7 dB).
Map Manager QTX, cross-platform software for genetic mapping.

Map Manager QTX (QTX) is software for analysis of genetic mapping experiments in experimental plants and animals. It includes functions for mapping both Mendelian and quantitative trait loci. QTX is an enhanced version of Map Manager QT, rewritten with the aid of cross-platform libraries (XVT, Boulder Software Foundry, Inc.), which allow it to be compiled for multiple computer platforms. It currently is distributed for Microsoft Windows and Mac OS and is available at http://mapmgr.roswellpark.org/mmQTX.html.
Agglomerated vesicle technology: a new class of particles for controlled and modulated pulmonary drug delivery.

A new class of pulmonary delivery particles is described. These particles consist of multimicron sized chemically linked agglomerates of core nanoparticles. The links between the nanoparticles can be either permanent (e.g. carbonyl) or cleavable (e.g. disulfide or ester). Complex agglomerate structures can be achieved by scheduling the application of linker agents. The release rate of drugs from the assembly can be modulated by controlling the extent of cleavage of the links. One envisions the structure of the agglomerate during cleavage being controlled by the location of the permanent and cleavable links in the agglomerate. Data on the release of ciprofloxacin from these agglomerates in vitro are presented.
Common Leafspot of Alfalfa: Ascospore Germination and Disease Development in Relation to Moisture and Temperature

In a moist chamber Pseudopeziza medicaginis ascospores infected alfalfa (Medi sativa L.) moderately to abundantly within 6–10 h at 10–20 °C and within a longer time-span outside this temperature range. Approximate limits of the range were 2.5 and 28 °C; no infection took place at 30 °C. At 14°C ascospores infected alfalfa abundantly at 98 %relative humidity (RH) and above, moderately at 97%, sparsely at 95 and 96%, but not at 94% and below. Ascospores were hydrophilic, germinating best at or near 100%, RH but did not germinate at or below 93 % RH. After infection was established, tiny leafspots became visible within 6–7 days at constant temperatures of 15–25°, 10 days of 10°C, 13 days of 5 °C, and 25 days of 2.5 °C. They failed to develop into normal size spots within 4 weeks at constant temperatures near 30 °C, or near 10 °C and lower. Temporary exposure of incipiently diseased plants 1–6 days to 30–38 °C adversely affected subsequent leafspot development at 20–24°C. Inhibition depended on temperature and on the extent of post-infection disease development.
A Comparison of Impacts From Two Economic Downturns on Food and Beverage Revenues in U.S. Private Clubs

This study measured the degree of change in food and beverage revenue levels in private clubs in the United States during two economic downturns in 2003 and 2010. Additionally, the study investigated whether the 2010 economic downturn was more severe on clubs than the 2003 economic downturn. Specifically, the study explored if there were any differences in net food and beverage revenues, member dining covers, member dining revenues, private party covers, and private parties at private clubs in 2003 and in 2010. A questionnaire was sent via email to one thousand private club managers that were members of the Club Managers Association of American. The majority of respondents managed country clubs, and member-owned clubs from different regions of the United States. An overall response rate of 50% was achieved for the study. Of the two economic downturns studied in 2003 and 2010, most clubs experienced greater losses in their overall food and beverage operations in 2010 than 2003. Clubs reported a similar num...
Subdural haematomas in patients undergoing haemodialysis.

Abstract Unsuspected subdural haematomas were found in three patients undergoing haemodialysis, including one patient who had been maintained with haemodialysis at home for 19 months. Diagnosis was delayed because of the resemblance of symptoms to those of the haemodialysis disequilibrium syndrome, and further haemodialysis was associated with deterioration in the neurological status of these patients.
Recent results on the Venus atmosphere from pioneer Venus radio occultations

Temperature structure of the Venus atmosphere was derived from radio occultation data collected by the Pioneer Venus spacecraft during seven occultation seasons in the 1978-1983 period. The measurements, which cover latitudes from both poles to the equator from 40 km to 85 km altitudes, show a latitudinal dependence. At latitudes below 45 deg, there is a smooth temperature transition from the troposphere to the mesosphere. Between 60 and 80 deg, in the 'collar cloud' region, a strong temperature inversion (up to 30 K) appears, which disappears again in the polar areas (80-90 deg), where the mesosphere becomes isothermal without inversion. This temperature behavior is related to the persistent circulation pattern, in which a zonal retrograde motion below 45 deg changes gradually to a circumpolar vortex at the 'collar cloud'. A considerable temporal variability was observed in the thermal structure above the tropopause, suggesting a weather-like variability in the persistent circulation pattern.
Trans Men: Embodiments, Identities, and Sexualities

This article examines the experiences of 25 persons who were assigned female status at birth but do not wish to live as women and take on a masculine or queer gender identity. We employ the concept of “gendered embodiment” and introduce the concept of “sexualized embodiment” to highlight what is involved in this process. We ask how experiencing a masculine gender identity is reflexively tied to a trans man's sexuality and the ways in which these two embodiments are tightly, moderately, or loosely coupled. For example, a tight coupling appeared when trans men began to use testosterone and obtained surgery such as breast removal; a moderate coupling was found where gender validation was sought from a sexual partner (with this being related to sexual preference identities as well as the interpretation of vaginal penetration); the loosest coupling of the gender-sexuality embodiments was linked to the liberality of the locale and whether “queer” identities could be easily adopted. In sum, our research demonstrates the link between gender and sexuality as a result of the body work trans men do and the historical and geographical situations in which they find themselves.
Variation in stereotypic behavior related to restraint in circus elephants

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of penning and chaining on circus elephant behavior. The behaviors of 10 Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) and three African elephants (Loxodonta africana) were videotaped for at least 24 hours at each of six performance locations. At four of these locations, the elephants were restrained in electric-wire pens on turf and at two locations the elephants were restrained via leg chains on macadam. Instantaneous scan sampling at 5-minute intervals during each observation period was conducted to determine the frequency of occurrence of seven behavior categories: aggression, comfort, ingestion, locomotion, resting, social, and stereotypy. Stereotypies and social interaction (P 0.6254). Variation in stereotypic activity was related to age (P = 0.0001), with younger elephants more likely to show stereotypic activity than older elephants. Zoo Biol 19:209–221, 2000. © 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
EOS data finder: A comprehensive web-based earth science data portal

The paper presents a comprehensive Web-based earth science data portal. It interoperates with an OpenGIS Catalogue Service for Web (CSW) wrapper for the NASA EOSDIS ClearingHOuse (ECHO) system to fulfill metadata queries, data orders and data customization from NASA?s Earth observing data holdings. It features a Google map based preview of the area of interest to enable multi-scale global browsing, provides a userfriendly asynchronous query and response mechanism, and implements a public OpenGIS CSW protocol to improve the system?s interoperability. The system design strategies, system architecture, and component view are described.
A comparison of shark and wolf research reveals similar behavioral responses by prey

Marine and terrestrial ecologists rarely exchange information, yet comparing research from both sides of the land–sea boundary holds great potential for improving our understanding of ecological processes. For example, by comparing the interaction between tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) and dugongs (Dugong dugon) to that between gray wolves (Canis lupus) and elk (Cervus elaphus), we show that top predators in marine and terrestrial ecosystems trigger three similar types of anti-predator behavior: (1) encounter avoidance, (2) escape facilitation, and (3) increased vigilance. By implication, the ecological roles of top predators in both ecosystems may be more similar than previously thought, and studies that fail to account for multiple modes of anti-predator behavior are likely to underestimate these roles and the consequences of eliminating predators from ecosystems. We encourage more communication between marine and terrestrial ecologists, in the interest of generating further insights into ecosystem dy...
Modeling the natural history of the fragile X gene

Elucidation of the nature of the mutational process that leads to fragile X syndrome and other triplet repeat disorders poses an interesting problem. At present, no experimental model systems are available to study the expansion process. Moreover, data from fragile X family studies reveal only the behavior of the highly expanded form of the mutation. Thus, mathematical modeling of the mutational process has become an important tool for use in examining the nature and fate of the fragile X gene. Such methods can be used to generate predictions that can be tested using empirical data. This article reviews these models and discusses the predicted allele frequencies at equilibrium and the approach to equilibrium. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Modafinil in the treatment of excessive daytime sleepiness in children.

Abstract Background Modafinil is an alerting agent approved for the treatment of narcolepsy in adults. There are no studies examining the long-term effects and safety profile of modafinil in children with excessive daytime somnolence (EDS). Objectives To determine the effects of modafinil on clinical manifestations of narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia. Methods A systematic chart review was conducted for 13 children (mean age 11.0±5.3years, six males, 10 with narcolepsy and three with idiopathic hypersomnia) receiving modafinil. Results The mean modafinil dose was 346±119mg/day, with a mean treatment duration of 15.6±7.8months. For approximately 90% of the children treated, parents reported a favorable response with the reduction in sudden sleep attacks, as documented by sleep–wake diaries. One child failed to improve on 400 mg/day modafinil and was switched to methylphenidate. Two other children showed only partial improvement and required additional stimulant medication to control EDS symptoms. Seven children underwent repeated nocturnal polysomnography and multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT). Compared to baseline MSLT measures (mean sleep latency: 6.6±3.7min), modafinil prolonged mean sleep latency (10.2±4.8min, p =0.02) without significant alteration in nocturnal polysomnographic measures. However, a trend towards REM sleep reduction was noted (16.8±5.1%TST vs. 11.8±6.2%TST). Exacerbation of seizures and psychotic symptoms was reported with modafinil therapy in two children with preexisting conditions. Hematological and hepatic functions assessed every 3 months remained unaltered. Conclusion Modafinil has a modest, yet significant effect on EDS in children and appears to be safe and well tolerated.
The angiomotins – from discovery to function

Angiomotins were originally identified as angiostatin binding proteins and implicated in the regulation of endothelial cell migration. Recent studies have shed light on the role of Angiomotins and other members of the Motin protein family in epithelial cells and in pathways directly linked to the pathogenesis of cancer. In particular, Motins have been shown to play a role in signaling pathways regulated by small G-proteins and the Hippo–YAP pathway. In this review the role of the Motin protein family in these signaling pathways will be described and open questions will be discussed.
135 Induction of Gene Expression for EGF‐like Ligands in Porcine Wounds Following Receptor Overexpession

A rationale to explain the role of the large and redundant family of EGF cytokines with multiple receptor combinations has proven elusive. We examined endogenous gene expression levels during wound repair for four EGF-like cytokines (Transforming growth factor-alpha (TGFα), Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), Epiregulin (EPR) and Betacellulin (BC) using a quantitative real-time PCR technique. In addition, cytokine gene expression was evaluated after overexpression of different of EGF receptor forms (erbB-1, erbB-3 and erbB-4) or a control B-galactosidase gene using an adenoviral transfection strategy to introduce either homo or heterodimer receptor combinations. At baseline, endogenous gene expression levels of TGFα and HB-EGF were 10-fold and 100-fold higher than EPR and BC, respectively. Expression of TGFα was increased by 3-fold in the receptor combination of erbB-1/erbB-4 expressing wounds. Recent studies on the EGF-related polypeptides HB-EGF, EPR and BC have shown preferential binding to erbB-4. Our study suggests that wounds predominantly expressing erbB-4 showed a 2.5-fold increase in gene expression of HB-EGF. A synergistic 4-fold increase in gene expression was noted when erbB-4 overexpression was treated with HB-EGF ligand. In contrast, wounds transfected with erbB-4 alone showed no change in EPR gene expression compared to controls. However, wounds treated with TGFα showed 3-fold increase in EPR gene expression and EPR potentiated itself. Similarly, wounds transfected with erbB-4 and treated with growth factors TGFα and EGF upregulated the gene expression of BC by 4-fold as compared to controls. Interestingly, wounds overexpressing erbB-3 with topica application of EGF accentuated expression of TGFα by 7-fold. In histologic sections, these wounds showed a 2-fold increase in the dermal region compared to control. Thus, the EGF-like family of ligands and its homo-or heterodimer receptor pairs have the potential in vivo to evoke differing profiles or intensities of gene expression patterns as they mediate wound repair.
Knowledge-based network operations

An expert system for enhancing the operability of the ground communication element of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Deep Space Network is described. The system performs network fault management, configuration management, and performance management in real time. Extracted management information serves as input to the expert system and is used to update a management information data base. The monitor and control activities involve dividing software for each processor into layers which are each modeled as a finite state machine.
Efforts toward fabricating micro-structured fiber with enhanced optical nonlinearity

We report on a procedure to fabricate a specific micro-structured fiber with metal wires array running down its length. The goal is to develop an unique photonic bandgap lattices with enhanced optical nonlinearity. Mechanism of enhanced nonlinearity is briefly discussed. FDTD simulation on single-wire fiber is presented.