cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome of transurethral puncture of ectopic ureteroceles: initial success and late problems.

AbstractPurpose: We studied the long-term outcome of transurethral puncture of ectopic ureteroceles specifically associated with duplex systems.Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients who underwent transurethral puncture of an ectopic ureterocele. Study exclusion criteria were orthotopic, bilateral and prolapsing ureteroceles.Results: We identified 19 girls and 2 boys, of whom 11 presented with prenatal hydronephrosis and 10 presented with urinary tract infection. Mean age at puncture was 5 months (range 0.5 to 60). Preoperatively voiding cystourethrography revealed no reflux in 7 patients, isolated ipsilateral lower pole reflux in 8, and bilateral and/or contralateral reflux in 6. Postoperatively studies initially showed no reflux in 8 cases but in 4 of the 8 reflux recurred up to 4 years after puncture. In 10 patients (48%) reflux developed into the ureterocele and upper pole segment. Repeat puncture was required 1 to 13 months after the initial procedure in 4 patients...
Ultimate channel capacity of free-space optical communications (Invited)

Feature Issue on Optical Wireless Communications (OWC) The ultimate classical information capacity of multiple-spatial-mode, wideband optical communications in vacuum between soft-aperture transmit and receive pupils is considered. The ultimate capacity is shown to be achieved by coherent-state encoding and joint measurements over entire code words. This capacity is compared with the capacities realized with the same encoding and homodyne or heterodyne detection, which are single-channel-use measurements. Realistic background spectral-radiance values are used to obtain tight bounds on the capacity of single-spatial-mode, narrowband 1.55 μm wavelength free-space communications in the presence of background light.
Inhibited drinking and reduced glucoprivic feeding after 2-deoxy-D-glucose in rats adapted to quinine-adulterated water

Glucoprivic responsivity after administration of 500 mg/kg of 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2DG) was evaluated in seven rats adapted to a 0.1% (w/v) quinine-adulterated water supply. Quinine subjects failed to display a significant drug-induced increase in eating, and 2DG actively inhibited their drinking behavior. Significant but reduced glucoprivic responsivity was observed in a larger sample of quinine-adapted animals treated with 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of 2DG; and the drug once again inhibited quinine fluid intake. These data further suggest the importance of considering hydrational factors in analyzing 2DG effects, although other variables, including palatability-related processes and a quinine × 2DG interaction effect, also appear to be implicated.
Linear reconstruction of compensated images: theory and experimental results.

Linear image reconstruction techniques are proposed for postprocessing astronomical images measured with compensated imaging systems. Linear techniques use averaging to overcome the effects of noise and deconvolution to remove system effects. Experimental results from compensated image measurements of four single stars and one binary star at visible wavelengths are reported for the first time, to our knowledge, and a previously derived analytic expression relating the statistics of the compensated optical transfer function to the compensated image spectrum signal-to-noise ratio is verified. The performance of deconvolution on a bright binary star with angular subtense previously estimated to be 0.52 arcsec (2.52 μrad) is demonstrated.
Mapping for prevention: GIS models for directing childhood lead poisoning prevention programs.

Environmental threats to children's health--especially low-level lead exposure--are complex and multifaceted; consequently, mitigation of these threats has proven costly and insufficient and has produced economic and racial disparities in exposure among populations. Policy makers, public health officials, child advocates, and others currently lack the appropriate infrastructure to evaluate children's risk and exposure potential across a broad range of risks. Unable to identify where the highest risk of exposure occurs, children's environmental health programs remain mitigative instead of preventive. In this article we use geographic information system spatial analysis of data from blood lead screening, county tax assessors, and the U.S. Census to predict statistically based lead exposure risk levels mapped at the individual tax parcel unit in six counties in North Carolina. The resulting model uses weighted risk factors to spatially locate modeled exposure zones, thus highlighting critical areas for targeted intervention. The methods presented here hold promise for application and extension to the other 94 North Carolina counties and nationally, as well as to other environmental health risks.
Demonstration of herpes group virus in acute retinal necrosis syndrome

Tissue for pathologic examination was obtained from three cases of acute retinal necrosis syndrome. Virus particles belonging to the herpesvirus family were demonstrated in retinal biopsies from two patients, one of whom was immunosuppressed. Despite removal of large biopsy specimens, the retina has remained attached for 20 months postoperatively in one case and for three months in the other. In a third patient with acquired immune deficiency syndrome, the clinical course and postmortem immunopathology were suggestive of a herpes simplex virus infection, initially affecting the retina and subsequently the optic nerves, chiasm, tracts, and central nervous system. These cases illustrate that the virus associated with the acute retinal necrosis syndrome is easily demonstrable using vitrectomy and endoretinal biopsy in the acute phase of the disease, but may be difficult to demonstrate in chronically detached atrophic retinas.
Data Requirements for Implementation of N-Process Mutual Exclusion Using a Single Shared Variable

An analysis is made of the shared memory requirements for implementing mutual excluslon of N asynchronous parallel processes m a model where the only primitive communication mechamsm is a general test-and-set operation on a single shared variable. While two variable values suffice to tmplement simple mutual exclusion without deadlock, it is shown that any solution whJch avoids possJble lockout of processes requires at least 2~ + ½ values A technical restnctmn on the model increases this requtrement to N/2 values, while achieving a fixed bound on wamng further increases the reqmrement to N + 1 values. These bounds are shown to be nearly optimal, for algorithms are exhibited for the last two cases which use (N/2J + 9 and N + 3 values, respectively All of the lower bounds apply afortiori to the space requirements for weaker primitives, such as P and V, using busy waiting Categones and Subject Descnptors D 4 1 (Operating Systems)" Process Management--mutual
Globalisation and New Zealand: Anchoring the Leviathan in a Regional Context

Despite its ambiguity and contentiousness, the term globalisation is widely used in New Zealand, as it is elsewhere, in analyses of contemporary times. Yet the concept of globalisation is frequently invoked at a high level of generality with little consideration of the specificities of the particular contexts to which it is applied; and in the case of New Zealand, the notion seems incongruous in many respects. We therefore seek to anchor the notion in the regional context of Canterbury, where our historical and ethnographic research leads us to suggest that globalisation is a misleading and contentious description of contemporary New Zealand. As a set of discourses, however, globalisation is pervasive and powerful. The contemporary policy climate strongly reflects the hegemonic discourse of hyperglobalism, which emphasises generic globality, novelty and change at the expense of continuity and the particularity of place, limiting the possibilities for action. Thus while empirically, many parallels with the past persist, nevertheless, contemporary policy-makers understand New Zealand's options as determined by globalisation as an external force. This contrasts with past policy discourses which emphasised the scope for domestic decision-making, within the context of inextricable connections with the outside world. Our emphasis on the discursive construction of the globalisation imperative draws attention to possible alternative interpretations of New Zealand's contemporary options.
Kinetic study of OH radical reactions with volatile organic compounds using relative rate/discharge fast flow/mass spectrometer technique

Abstract The combination of the relative rate method with the discharge fast flow/mass spectrometer technique (RR/DF/MS) has been developed to measure the rate constants for gas phase reactions involving OH radicals. The RR/DF/MS technique was used to measure the rate constant for reactions of the OH radical with n -octane ( k 3 ) and cyclohexane ( k 5 ) using 1,4-dioxane as a reference compound, and with n -decane ( k 12 ) using n -octane and 1,4-dioxane as reference compounds. At 298 K, these rate constants were determined to be k 3 =(8.88±0.31) × 10 −12 , k 5 =(6.95±0.20) × 10 −12 , and k 12 =(1.38±0.08) × 10 −11 cm 3 molecule −1 s −1 , respectively, which are in very good agreement with those measured using different techniques. The features of the RR/DF/MS technique are discussed.
Quantifying value in software product line design

A software product line is a strategic investment for an organization. Besides the initial decision to use a product line approach other strategic decisions are made, including which variations to accommodate. In this paper we present an adaptation of an equation for computing option values. The equation can be used to understand the economic impact of adding a variation point to the product line architecture. The equation was exercised on multiple sets of hypothetical data and and produced the expected changes from one data set to another. In the future the equation will be validated with data from real projects. We describe some practical sources of values for the parameters of the equation.
Chemotherapeutic options in lung cancer

Lung carcinoma is the leading cause of cancer death in both men and women, accounting for 29% of all cancer deaths. There are no established screening measures, no established prevention agents, and current systemic therapies, such as cytotoxic chemotherapy, fail to cure metastatic disease. The cure rate is a low 14%. A review of past and present literature was performed to discuss new measures used for early detection, primary and secondary prevention, and therapeutic options of lung carcinoma. The vast majority of lung carcinomas are caused by active tobacco smoking. The death rate is declining in men but rising in females. Primary preventions to stop individuals from smoking include Food and Drug Administration regulation of nicotine use and tobacco advertising and educational programs aimed at the younger population. One-half of lung carcinomas occur in former smokers. Beta carotene, as a chemoprevention agent, paradoxically increased lung carcinoma incidence and mortality. Early promising results were obtained with vitamin A and selenium as potential chemoprevention agents. Analysis of sputum of high risk individuals using new methods, such as analysis of multiple cell parameters, cell surface antigen analysis, molecular analyses using fluorescent in situ hybridization techniques, and fluoroscopic bronchoscopy to detect early lesions, can be effective as screening measures. The majority of patients who are cured have early stages (I and II), which can be resected completely at thoracotomy. Yet, the majority of patients who undergo a complete surgical resection still later fail in distant sites. Older postoperative, adjuvant, cisplatin-based chemotherapies reduced the hazard rates of death by 13%. New agents are now under evaluation. Postoperative radiotherapy reduced the rate of local recurrence but had no impact on distant failure rate. Combined modality therapy with chemotherapy and radiotherapy increased the survival of patients with Stage III nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, increasing median survival by about 4 months and 5-year survival from 5% to as much as 20%. In Stage IV patients, cisplatin-based chemotherapies improved survival, relieved symptoms in the majority of patients, improved quality of life, and was cost effective compared with other therapies. New chemotherapeutic agents, such as vinorelbine, the taxanes paclitaxel and docetaxel, and gemcitabine, as single agents and in combination with platinum agents, have equivalent or higher response rates and longer survival compared with prior cisplatin-based combinations. There are signs that the therapeutic outlook for lung carcinoma is changing with newer methods available to detect early disease. New chemotherapeutic agents with less toxicity alone or in combination with either radiotherapy or surgery can improve survival and quality of life for advanced lung carcinoma patients and may increase the cure rate for earlier stage patients.
Muroid Copulatory Plugs and Female Reproductive Tracts: A Comparative Investigation

Structural variations in copulatory plugs and female reproductive tracts are described for 23 species of muroid rodents. Females were killed and examined 15 min after receiving one ejaculation from a conspecific male. Measurements of the copulatory plug and the female's reproductive tract were then recorded. The data suggest that: 1) vaginal length may be a significant determinant of plug length, the coagulant essentially occupying the entire vaginal lumen; 2) vaginal length significantly covaries with penile length; 3) lengths of the upper reproductive tract of the female are significantly related to her body mass and do not appear to be influenced by insemination; and 4) tract lengths do not appear to vary appreciably with the estrous cycle, at least in Peromyscus maniculatus bairdi .
Economic reform and health sector policy: Lessons from structural adjustment programs

From a purely economic perspective, structural adjustment programs (SAPs) and economic reform policies are viewed as short-term austerities that lead to long-term growth and development. These intertemporal trade-offs, however, are not always acceptable in health. Unique biologic events such as intrauterine development and neural development cannot be postponed even for a short period. Health policymakers need to understand the expected and unexpected impacts of economic reform on health outcomes in individuals and on the population. The interactions are complex, involve multiple sectors, and can be better understood by looking at the experience of developing countries over almost fifteen years of SAP experience. Health care budgets may be vulnerable to reduced government spending, quality of care deteriorates, nutrition will suffer more likely in urban areas, and cost-effective preventive programs may stop if labor and capital are not properly matched. Health outcomes overall do not appear to suffer but a more detailed look, with better data, shows that the incidence of preventable diseases rises and irreversible deterioration in health status does occur within countries. To prevent this from happening in the future, health policymakers need to take a multidisciplinary focus to first understand the effects of economic reform and then to plan a coordinated response. Better data, alternative financing, and strong political leadership are also important lessons.
Announcing the Formation of the Boston Anesthesia History Group

In October 2010, history enthusiasts from Boston area teaching hospitals formed the Boston Anesthesia History Group. The primary reason for joining forces and working together was the recognition that collective action was necessary to promote the study of history. Our group is not affiliated with any particular Department, Hospital, Medical School, University, or Professional Organization. Members do not pay dues and the group does not maintain a bank account or undertake financial dealings. Founding members were selected on the basis of an interest in history, and they represent anesthesia departments from each of the four medical schools in Massachusetts. We seek to promote history by supporting and undertaking the following activities:
Detection of surface atoms by energy analysis of scattered primaries and recoiled secondaries from CsBr under Ar + and Ar + bombardment

Abstract Time-of-flight (TOF) and electrostatic sector analysis (ESA) have been used to measure particles scattered and sputtered by direct recoils and surface recoils during 3 keV Ar + and 6 keV Ar 2+ bombardment of CsBr at forward and backscattering angles. Charge fractions of scattered argon and recoiling surface atoms are obtained. Hydrogen and oxygen surface impurities are detected predominantly as directly recoiled neutrals.
Revisiting the Nucleolus: From Marker to Dynamic Integrator of Cancer Signaling

Key signaling pathways (such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Myc, and RAS) act as sensors of energy, stress, and nutrient availability and integrate these inputs to directly control ribosome production and gene expression at the translational level. This activity is normally directly coupled to cell growth, division, and survival. However, it remains poorly understood the extent to which changes in ribosome number and nucleolar integrity downstream of these key signaling pathways contribute to their oncogenic activity. Emerging studies provide interesting insight into how deregulations in RNA polymerase I activity may lead to tumorigenesis and suggest that new drugs targeting ribosomal DNA transcription may hold great promise for the treatment of cancer.
The nonlinear instability of Hill's vortex

The nonlinear instability of Hill's spherical vortex, subject to axisymmetric perturbations is considered. The problem is formulated as a nonlinear integrodifferential equation for the motion of the vortex boundary. This equation is solved employing a numerical procedure which involves a piecewise representation of the vortex contour with discrete elements. This formulation offers an efficient method for studying a variety of vortex flows in axisymmetric geometry.Our results indicate that if Hill's vortex becomes a prolate spheroid, a certain amount of rotational fluid is detrained from the rear stagnation point of the vortex, leaving behind a reduced vortex of approximately spherical shape. The amount of detrained fluid is a function of the initial deformation. If the vortex becomes an oblate spheroid, irrotational fluid is entrained into the vortex from the rear stagnation point, reaches the front vortex boundary, and circulates along the vortex boundary in a spiral pattern. In this fashion, the vortex reduces to a nearly steady vortex ring whose asymptotic structure is a function of the initial deformation. The structure of the asymptotic rings arising from oblate vortices is similar to that of steady rings described by Norbury (1973). The vortex speed is shown to tend to a constant value for prolate perturbations, and to fluctuate around a mean value for oblate perturbations.
Macrophage plasminogen activator: Modulation of enzyme production by anti-inflammatory steroids, mitotic inhibitors, and cyclic nucleotides

Abstract Plasminogen activator production by cultured mouse peritoneal macrophages can be modulated in vitro by low concentrations of various pharmacologically active molecules. Glucocorticoid hormones and their synthetic derivatives, as well as cholera toxin, colchicine, and vinblastine markedly inhibit production of this enzyme without affecting other important macrophage functions. The effect of glucocorticoids is of particular interest, both because their relative in vivo anti-inflammatory potencies correlate exactly with their effect on plasminogen activator production in culture and because this effect occurs at near physiological concentrations. In view of the correlations established in other systems between plasminogen activator production and cell migration, we have also examined the age of the macrophages in thioglycollate-induced exudates. Confirming the results of Van Furth and Cohn (1968), we have found that the majority of these cells are young, having recently replicated and arrived in the peritoneal cavity. Using a fibrinagar overlay technique which allowed us to determine the production of plasminogen activator by individual cells, we have also found that the majority of these cells produce the enzyme. The potential roles of plasminogen activator in monocyte migration and the relationship of this enzyme to the anti-inflammatory effect of glucocorticoids are correlated and emphasized.
Studies of metabolism in embryonic development. V. Biosynthesis of corticosteroids by trout embryos.

Abstract 1. 1. Endogenous cortisol and cortisone were isolated from embryonated trout eggs. 2. 2. Homogenates prepared from isolated embryos converted 14C-labelled progesterone to cortisol and cortisone. 3. 3. Although endogenous aldosterone could not be identified, [1,2-3H]corticosterone was converted to aldosterone and 18-hydroxycorticosterone. 4. 4. The addition of cortisol (10−7 M) to washed isolated trout embryos at the eyed-up stage resulted in induction of tyrosine aminotransferase.
Marble weathering and air pollution in Philadelphia

Abstract Maps of damage to marble tombstones in the urban region of Philadelphia demonstrate a close spatial correspondence with airborne pollutant concentrations. Mean recession rates on upper tombstone faces are an order of magnitude greater (3.5 mm (100a)−1) in the center of the city than they are 20 km away in the suburbs and countryside (
Learning a two-stage SVM/CRF sequence classifier

Learning a sequence classifier means learning to predict a sequence of output tags based on a set of input data items. For example, recognizing that a handwritten word is "cat", based on three images of handwritten letters and on general knowledge of English letter combinations, is a sequence classification task. This paper describes a new two-stage approach to learning a sequence classifier that is (i) highly accurate, (ii) scalable, and (iii) easy to use in data mining applications. The two-stage approach combines support vector machines (SVMs) and conditional random fields (CRFs). It is (i) highly accurate because it benefits from the maximum-margin nature of SVMs and also from the ability of CRFs to model correlations between neighboring output tags. It is (ii) scalable because the input to each SVM is a small training set, and the input to the CRF has a small number of features, namely the SVM outputs. It is (iii) easy to use because it combines existing published software in a straightforward way. In detailed experiments on the task of recognizing handwritten words, we show that the two-stage approach is more accurate, or faster and more scalable, or both, than leading other methods for learning sequence classifiers, including max-margin Markov networks (M3Ns) and standard CRFs.
Estimates for coefficients of univalent functions from integral means and Grunsky inequalities

Sharp bounds are obtained for the coefficients of inverses of univalent functions in the class Σ(p) by using results on integral means and generalized Grunsky inequalities. A new and elementary proof is given for a result due to Lowner about sharp bounds for coefficients of inverses of functions in the classS.
Some downwards transfer properties for N2

Construction d'un modele de Zermelo-Fraenkel+axiome du choix (ZFC)+Hypothese du continu generalise ou le cardinal (aleph) 2 possede des proprietes de transfert descendant
Modified limiting dilution assay for cell systems

Abstract A form of mathematical analysis that permits an extended analysis of limiting dilution assays under conditions in which accessory factors or cells are limiting is presented. This is in contrast to the traditional form of analysis that permits only a single limiting parameter. Both make use of in vitro experiments to determine the number of antibody-producing cell precursors; the traditional form of analysis requires that all accessory cells or their factors be present in saturating concentrations, whereas in the analytic method employed here, not only B cells, but accessory cells (macrophages) or their factors are limiting. Analysis under nonsaturating conditions permits greater elucidation of the mechanisms of intercellular interaction.
Unions and environmental regulation

Several logical reasons for union support of environmental regulation suggest union memberships will be larger where expenditures on environmental control are larger. If the relative cost of labor is reduced when additional capital is required to produce a unit of output and if the larger interests of union members and some of the interests of firms can be satisfied by environmental regulation, empirical evidence of those effects should be available. Two statistical tests reported in this paper support the hypothesis that unions will demand certain amounts and forms of environmental regulation.
Auxiliary supergravity fields, Chern-Simons terms and the heterotic string

Abstract The generating functional of target space S -matrix amplitudes is generalized to include auxiliary field and fermionic vertex operators. Using this formalism, a new Green-Schwarz mechanism associated with the auxiliary vector field of the four-dimensional, N =1 supergravity multiplet of the heterotic string is derived.
The pangs of global citizen participation

Notice how certain concepts and phrases acquire a meaning of their own after a period of constant usage. On the surface they begin to resemble axiomatic truths even though the exigencies of time and context warrant their continual redefinition. One such notion is the ideal of “global citizenship,” pursued by many educational institutions across the globe. Proponents of this ideal include schools with Study Abroad Programs, scholars on Global Semesters overseas and the Quaker‐based Friends World Program in the United States. To most of these institutions, the goal is “the development of global and multicultural perspectives appropriate to an ethic of world citizenship, including a deep sense of social responsibility.” The search for global solutions must be informed by a participatory experience in a culture.
The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute Should Focus On High-Impact Problems That Can Be Solved Quickly

The Affordable Care Act created the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) to help patients, clinicians, and policy makers make well-informed decisions about health care. Because its funding expires in 2019, the institute has little time in which to produce timely, practice-changing results that will build public support for comparative effectiveness research. PCORI should plan its research agenda strategically, so that it addresses research questions that comparative effectiveness research could answer quickly and decisively. To date, the institute has not chosen this path. In January 2012 PCORI’s first research agenda described broad research priorities rather than specific clinical questions. The institute must drive the burgeoning discipline of comparative effectiveness research forward, starting with a research project agenda that conveys a sense of urgency and strategic direction.
Using Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart in Introductory Geography Courses

Abstract Nigerian novelist Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart can be productively used in introductory geography courses at the university or high school level. This paper discusses why and how this novel is used in an introductory course. This discussion includes the use of fiction in the geography classroom, a summary and analysis of Things Fall Apart, and a personal account of how the book is taught. Things Fall Apart tells the story of traditional Igbo life when colonialism and Christianity first penetrated eastern Nigeria at the turn of the century. Classroom discussion of Things Fall Apart centers on an explication of its deep sense of place and on an examination of the book within the context of political geography. A primary goal is to move students toward a deeper understanding and empathy for Third World cultures.
CA125 level association with chemotherapy toxicity and functional status in older women with ovarian cancer.

Objective Older women with ovarian cancer have increased cancer-related mortality and chemotherapy toxicity. CA125 is a sensitive biomarker for tumor burden. The study evaluates the association between CA125, geriatric assessment (GA), and treatment toxicity. Methods This is a secondary subset analysis of patients 65 years or older with ovarian cancer accrued to a multicenter prospective study that developed a predictive toxicity score for older adults with cancer. Clinical and geriatric covariates included sociodemographics, GA (comorbidity, social support, functional, nutritional, psychological, cognitive status), treatment, and laboratory studies. Using bivariate analyses, we determined the association of abnormal CA125 (≥35 U/mL) with baseline GA, grades 3 to 5 toxicity (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3), dose adjustments, and hospitalization. Logistic regression analysis was used to check for potential confounder for association between CA125 and chemotherapy toxicity. Results Fifty-one (10%) of 500 patients accrued to the primary study had a diagnosis of ovarian (92%), peritoneal (4%), or fallopian tube (4%) cancer. Median age was 72 years (range, 65–86 years). Forty-six patients (90%) had stage III-IV disease. Twenty-three patients (45%) received first-line chemotherapy, and 34 (67%) received platinum-doublet therapy. Thirty-six (71%) had an abnormal CA125. Grades 3 to 5 toxicity occurred in 19 patients (37%). Abnormal CA125 was associated with assistance with instrumental activities of daily living (P Conclusions Among older women with ovarian cancer, abnormal CA125 was associated with poor pretreatment functional status and an increased probability of chemotherapy toxicity and dose reduction.
Detection of differences in oligonucleotide-influenced aggregation of colloidal gold nanoparticles using absorption spectroscopy

A rapid, simple, and reproducible assay is described that can be used to detect differences in the ability of oligonucleotides to influence the aggregation of colloidal gold nanoparticles. The aggregation reaction of the gold colloid was monitored through UV-visible absorption spectroscopy. Single isolated colloidal gold particles have a surface plasmon resonance manifested as a single absorbance peak at approximately 520 nm, and aggregated gold complexes develop new red-shifted peaks/shoulders depending on the nature and extent of the aggregated complex. A simple ratiometric study of the area under the single and aggregated plasmon resonance peaks thus gives information about the extent of the aggregation. It is postulated that differences in dynamic flexibility of the oligonucleotides affect their influence on the aggregation state of the gold nanoparticles. The results of this study provide new clues toward unraveling the causes behind the preferential affinity of the Hermes transposable element for certain insertion sites compared to other sequences that also contain recognizable target sites. The technique is robust and thus can potentially be used to study similar questions for numerous transposable elements and target sequences.
Next generation of ultra high brightness direct diode lasers

Direct diode lasers have some of the most attractive features of any laser. They are very efficient, compact, wavelength versatile, low cost, and highly reliable. However, the full utilization of direct diode lasers has yet to be realized. This is mainly due their poor output beam quality. Because of this, direct diode lasers are typically used to pump other lasers such as bulk solid-state (rod and thin disk) and fiber lasers. In other words these other lasers are primarily used as brightness converters. Thus, currently industrial lasers for high brightness applications such as cutting and welding are dominated by CO2, fiber, and bulk solid-state lasers.
LINEAR SEMIBRIDGING CARBONYLS. 6. STRUCTURE AND BONDING IN THE DIMERS OF 17-ELECTRON TANTALUM HEXACARBONYL AND TETRACARBONYL DIPHOSPHINE

The geometric and electronic structures of the 17-electron, metal-centered radicals Ta(CO)_6 and Ta(CO)_4(PH_2CH_2CH_2PH_2) and the corresponding dimers were studied by density functional theory. For the monomer, a nearly octahedral structure was determined and calculated to have frequencies that are in good agreement with those observed in the experimental work. Additional calculations led to the determination of a [Ta(CO)_6]_2 dimer that was energetically bound with respect to the monomeric species. Inclusion of the bidentate phosphine ligands in various relative orientations resulted in several energetically competitive chelated dimers. In all of the stable dimers, linear semibridging carbonyls are supporting a weak, delocalized Ta−Ta interaction.
Using Family Systems and Birth Order Dynamics as the Basis for a College Career Decision-Making Course

This article shows how family systems, birth order, and sibling dynamics ideas can be used as the foundation of a college career planning course.
In favor of (plain) phenomenology

Plain phenomenology explains theoretically salient mental or psychological distinctions with an appeal to their first-person applications. But it does not assume (as does heterophenomenology) that warrant for such first-person judgment is derived from an explanatory theory constructed from the third-person perspective. Discussions in historical phenomenology can be treated as plain phenomenology. This is illustrated by a critical consideration of Brentano’s account of consciousness, drawing on some ideas in early Husserl. Dennett’s advocacy of heterophenomenology on the grounds of its supposed “neutrality” does not show it is preferable to plain phenomenology. In fact the latter is more neutral in ways we ought to want, and permits a desirable (and desirably critical) use of first-person reflection that finds no place in the former.
Blind channel identification and equalization in dense wireless sensor networks with distributed transmissions

In densely deployed wireless sensor networks, signals of adjacent sensors can be highly cross-correlated. This property is utilized for blind channel identification and equalization. Blind equalization can be performed with linear complexity and with robustness to all channel conditions. Transmissions are more power and bandwidth efficient, which is especially important for wideband sensor networks. The cross-correlation property and the finite sample effect are analyzed. Simulations demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed method.
Peroxisome size provides insights into the function of autophagy-related proteins.

Autophagy is a major pathway of intracellular degradation mediated by formation of autophagosomes. Recently, autophagy was implicated in the degradation of intracellular bacteria, whose size often ...
Photodynamic Inactivation in Recurrent Infections with Herpes Simplex Virus

Photodynamic inactivation with neutral red (a heterotricyclic dye) and light was evaluated in a placebo-controlled study of 170 episodes of recurrent infection with herpes simplex virus in 96 patients. The technique inactivated herpes simplex virus in vitro. However, no beneficial effect, either on the rate of resolution of herpetic lesions or on the interval to subsequent recurrences, was observed in treated patients. These negative results should not deter further investigation of photodynamic inactivation as a potential treatment for herpes simplex virus infections, but the clinical application of this form of therapy should be limited to properly controlled studies until its efficacy is proven.
Postconstruction Environmental Monitoring of a Fly Ash-Based Road Subbase

This paper discusses the results of post-construction environmental monitoring studies performed on a 3.4-km-long industry access truck route with unstabilized F-fly ash subbase. The road utilized approximately 60,000 m3 of ponded F-fly ash as road subbase, generated by a nearby power plant. Long-term environmental monitoring has been an integral part of the project since the construction of the road in October 2002. Six, 9-m-deep boreholes were developed as monitoring wells around the project site to evaluate the direction of groundwater flow and changes in water quality over time. Preconstruction water quality studies were performed on water samples collected from the monitoring wells in June 2000, to establish baseline water quality data for groundwater. Samples of fly ash taken from the stockpile were subjected to leaching studies prior to construction of the road. In total, five water quality samples were collected from the monitoring wells at regular intervals, as part of the postconstruction monito...
Using the Fourier slice theorem for representation of object views and models with application to face recognition

A novel method unifying viewer and model centered approaches for representing structurally complex 3-D objects like human faces is presented. The unified 3-D frequency-domain representation (called volumetric/iconic spectral signatures-V/ISS) encapsulates both the spatial structure of the object and a continuum of the projection slice theorem is used to directly extract the frequency-domain image of an object as viewed from any direction. Each such Fourier-transformed view is a planar slice of the volumetric frequency representation. The V/ISS representation is employed for pose-invariant recognition of complex objects such as faces. The recognition and pose estimation is based on an efficient matching algorithm in a four dimensional Fourier space. Experimental examples of pose estimation and recognition of faces are presented.
Analysis of microsatellite DNA markers reveals no genetic differentiation between wild and hatchery populations of Pacific threadfin in Hawaii.

Pacific threadfin, Polydactylus sexfilis, is popular fish in recreational fishing, as well as aquaculture in Hawaii. Its natural population has been continuously declining in the past several decades. Microsatellite DNA markers are useful DNA-based tool for monitoring Pacific threadfin populations. In this study, fifteen Microsatellite (MS) DNA markers were identified from a partial genomic Pacific threadfin DNA library enriched in CA repeats, and six highly-polymorphic microsatellite loci were employed to analyze genetic similarity and differences between the wild population and hatchery population in Oahu Island. A total of 37 alleles were detected at the six MS loci in the two populations. Statistical analysis of fixation index (FST) and analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed no genetic differentiation between the wild and hatchery populations (FST=0.001, CI95%= -0.01-0.021). Both high genetic diversity (Ho=0.664-0.674 and He=0.710-0.715) and Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were observed in the wild and hatchery populations. Results of genetic bottleneck analysis indicated that the hatchery was founded with sufficient numbers of brooders as inbreeding coefficient is very low (FIS=0.052-0.072) in both wild and hatchery populations. Further studies are needed for comprehensive determinations of genetic varieties of primary founder broodstocks and successive offspring of the hatchery and wild populations with increased number of Pacific threadfin sample collections.
Exploring the consequences of climate change for indoor air quality

Climate change will affect the concentrations of air pollutants in buildings. The resulting shifts in human exposure may influence public health. Changes can be anticipated because of altered outdoor pollution and also owing to changes in buildings effected in response to changing climate. Three classes of factors govern indoor pollutant levels in occupied spaces: (a)?properties of pollutants; (b) building factors, such as the ventilation rate; and (c) occupant behavior. Diversity of indoor conditions influences the public health significance of climate change. Potentially vulnerable subpopulations include not only the young and the infirm but also those who lack resources to respond effectively to changing conditions. Indoor air pollutant levels reflect the sum of contributions from indoor sources and from outdoor pollutants that enter with ventilation air. Pollutant classes with important indoor sources include the byproducts of combustion, radon, and volatile and semivolatile organic compounds. Outdoor pollutants of special concern include particulate matter and ozone. To ensure good indoor air quality it is important first to avoid high indoor emission rates for all pollutants and second to ensure adequate ventilation. A third factor is the use of air filtration or air cleaning to achieve further improvements where warranted.
Potential therapeutic strategies to interrupt insulin-like growth factor signaling in breast cancer

Targeting growth factor receptor signaling pathways in breast cancer has proven to be a successful therapeutic strategy. Given the experimental and clinical evidence implicating the involvement of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in the maintenance of the malignant phenotype of breast cancer, blockade of this receptor system could have clinical implications for the treatment of breast cancer. In theory, there are several ways to disrupt growth factor receptor action. However, the best approach for inhibition of the IGF system has not been clearly defined. Several strategies to disrupt the action of the IGF system have been proposed, including suppression of IGF production, disruption of the ligand-receptor interaction, downregulation of cell surface IGF-IR expression, and inhibition of receptor activation and downstream signaling. These methodologies will be discussed.
Attenuator: towards preserving the original appearance of large documents when rendered on small screen mobile devices

Although compact mobile devices are convenient and have many advantages, their small screens can present problems. A significant proportion of HTML documents are optimally designed to look best when rendered on high-resolution displays of desktop and laptop computers - not small screen mobile devices. Transcoding solutions exist that can intercept HTML pages and transform them for small screen devices, but as consequence the original visual layout and structure of the page is barely recognizable. Described in this paper is the mobile page attenuator, a proxy-based framework that preserves the view of the document as it was originally intended for the desktop in a form renderable on a small screen device. A scheme for region-based interactivity is also introduced, further ameliorating the need for excessive scrolling in either direction.
Panoptic DVS: A fine-grained dynamic voltage scaling framework for energy scalable CMOS design

The energy efficiency of a CMOS architecture processing dynamic workloads directly affects its ability to provide long battery lifetimes while maintaining required application performance. Existing scalable architecture design approaches are often limited in scope, focusing either only on circuit-level optimizations or architectural adaptations individually. In this paper, we propose a circuit/architecture co-design methodology called Panoptic Dynamic Voltage Scaling (PDVS) that makes more efficient use of common circuit structures and algorithm-level processing rate control. PDVS expands upon prior work by using multiple component-level PMOS header switches to enable fine-grained rate control, allowing efficient dithering among statically scheduled algorithms with sub-block energy savings. This way, PDVS is able to achieve a wide variety of processing rates to match incoming workload as closely as possible, while each iteration takes less energy to process than on architectures with coarser levels of rate control. Measurements taken from a fabricated 90nm test chip characterize both savings and overheads and are used to inform PDVS synthesis decisions. Results show that PDVS consumes up to 34% and 44% less energy than Multi-VDD and Single-VDD systems, respectively.
Small town renewal

Abstract Smalltowners are not as ambivalent about their towns as community developers. This article emphasized the importance of engaging in community analysis — identifying priority problems and needs, and the degree of external penetration; profiling community social, economic, political and value systems while probing the purposes of (re)development. Four distinct orientations — categorical, comprehensive, integrative, and dialogical — are presented. Three orientations were used in an Appalachian town. No one development orientation is the best. Instead, much depends upon how willing ; able and how much effort the participants put forth.
Chebyshev multilevel absorber design concept

Pyramidal- and wedge-absorber materials are used extensively in anechoic measurement chambers to attenuate stray signals. Typical absorber layouts result in large absorber walls in which the absorber tips and bases are roughly aligned in the same plane. Such a quasi-periodic configuration produces a strong coherent specular reflection which dominates the absorber scattered field. Based on the multisection impedance transformer concept, one can divide absorber elements into different levels (layers) so that this coherence can be destroyed to reduce the specular absorber scattering level. The synthesis of this desired behavior can be implemented by the Chebyshev transformer technique, which provides the largest bandwidth given a passband ripple threshold. The resulting reflected field is then the product of the original absorber response times the Chebyshev reduction factor, which is independent of polarization and absorber properties. Various measured results are used to show that more than a 10-dB improvement can be achieved at the critical low end of the frequency band using this approach. This improvement cannot be achieved using conventional design concepts unless the absorber size is doubled.
Femtosecond Optical Responses of Disordered Clusters, Composites, and Rough Surfaces: “The Ninth Wave” Effect

We predict that in the course of femtosecond excitation of random clusters, composites, or rough surfaces in the optically linear regime, ultrafast giant fluctuations of local fields occur. These fluctuations cause transient (on a femtosecond scale) formation of highly enhanced fields localized in nanometer-size regions (``the ninth wave effect''). The spatial distribution of those fields is dramatically different from the case of steady-state excitation. We discuss manifestations of this effect and possible experiments.
β-Blockade in adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy

Abstract β-Blockade consistently improves myocardial systolic function in patients with both non-ischemic and ischemic cardiomyopathy. The effects of β-blockade on Adriamycin-induced cardiomyopathy (ACM), however, are unknown. We retrospectively evaluated the effects of β-blockade on patients with ACM by using a case-controlled design. The control group consisted of 16 consecutively chosen age- and sex-matched patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) who were treated with β-blockers. Patients with ACM had a baseline mean left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) of 28%, which improved to 41% ( P = .041) after treatment with β-blockers. The control group had a baseline mean LVEF of 26%, which improved to 32% ( P = .015) after treatment. The mean duration of β-blocker therapy in the Adriamycin and control groups was 8 and 9 months, respectively. The degree of improvement between the 2 groups was not significantly different. β-Blockers have a beneficial effect on cardiac function in patients with ACM, which is at least comparable with other forms of heart failure with systolic dysfunction.