cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The effect of structural deformation on flapping wing energetics

Abstract Both flapping insect and robotic wings undergo structural deformation during flight. Deformation gives rise to considerable strain energy storage, and this energy can be recovered to accelerate/decelerate the wing over a flapping cycle. This mechanism is believed to reduce the inertial power requirements of flight. To investigate this, we develop a reduced-order flapping wing model integrating flexible structural mechanics and rigid aerodynamics. The model is applicable only for wings that experience small deformation with respect to prescribed rigid body motion. We apply the model to a simplified hawkmoth Manduca sexta forewing. The idealized wing is first assumed to undergo single degree-of-freedom rotation in vacuum. We determine that a tuned compliant wing requires 20% less RMS mechanical power than a rigid flapping wing with identical kinematics. The model is then applied to a wing undergoing three-dimensional rotation in air, and optimal flapping kinematics and wing fundamental frequency are determined. Optimized rotation amplitudes and fundamental frequency agree within reason to biologically observed values with the largest discrepancy occurring in pitching amplitude. The optimal flapping-to-fundamental frequency ratio is ω∕ω1 ≈ 0.35, though compliance reduces overall energetic expenditures over a wide range of frequency ratios. Under the optimal configuration, compliance reduces RMS power by 25% compared to a rigid wing, suggesting wing flexibility plays a significant role in insect flight efficiency. These results highlight the necessity for modal testing of robotic flapping wings. The natural frequency of the wing can be tuned by varying the effective diameter of the wing strut such that maximal efficiency is achieved. Tuned elastic wings can be used with other compliant drivetrain components to maximize energy efficiency in flapping-wing robots.
Medical Words and Phrases

Some people collect coins or postage stamps. Others collect Depression-era glass dishes or old guns. I collect words. My bookshelves at home groan from the weight of word origin books, and I advise young medical students to look up the source of each new word they encounter. My fascination with words began with the encouragement of my high school Latin teacher, Miss Irwin, and continued into college, where I began to keep notebooks of new words and—just as important—their origins. When I entered medical school, I was delighted to find a whole new world of medical terms, most of sufficiently recent coinage that the origin of a term could be traced. For me, some medical terms have remarkably absorbing histories. This chapter tells some of those tales.
Searching for Common Ground Between Low Cost and High Performance ATE Systems

A major challenge in the test domain is finding an ATE (Automatic Test Equipment) platform that meets both production requirements and engineering debug needs. Too often, the compromise is to support multiple test platforms for a single design. Another complication in the selection criteria can be the lack of or inadequacy of desired features on a particular tester. Furthermore, variations between product groups and companies can exacerbate the process of determining what qualifies as a mainstream ATE requirement. While this abstraction can be a daunting task, it is a necessary metric for ATE companies.
THE ROLE OF CYCLIC AMP ON THE SYNTHESIS OF PHENYLALANINE TRANSAMINASE

ABSTRACT By immune precipitation and pulse labeling technique we found that the increase in phenylalanine: pyruvate transaminase activity after N6, O2-dibutyryl cyclic AMP injection is due to an increase in the biosynthesis of the enzyme.
Dermal uptake of chemicals

Biomonitoring has revealed the signatures of hundreds of chemicals in human blood and excreta. Prevention of exposures, which is central to environmental health policy and practice, requires that r...
Wilfred Cantwell Smith, a Hermeneutic of Humanity, and the Islamic State in Pakistan

Abstract: W.C. Smith, the late great scholar of Islam, wrote extensively in his early career about Pakistan and the Muslims of India. His scholarship modelled a compassionate and affective engageme...
Jefferson A. Singer in Interview with Claude-Hélène Mayer; September 22, 2018

The following interview with Jefferson A. Singer highlights the differences between biography and psychobiography. It points to the limits that psychobiography may place on describing the comprehensive life, but the expansiveness it embraces in connecting aspects of that life to more general theories of personality and identity. The interview also identifies past problems associated with psychobiography and the promise that personality science presents for the future of psychobiographical studies.
The Feasibility and Efficacy of a Behavioral Intervention to Promote Appropriate Gestational Weight Gain

Nearly half of all women gain above gestational weight gain (GWG) recommendations. This study assessed the feasibility and efficacy of a pilot behavioral intervention on GWG and physical activity behaviors. Women (n = 45) 14–20 weeks gestation enrolled in a behavioral intervention. Physicians ‘prescribed’ the intervention to low risk patients. The intervention included self-monitoring, support, and optional walking groups. Process evaluation measures regarding usage and acceptability of study components were obtained. Physical activity was objectively measured at baseline and 35 weeks. The percentage of participants with appropriate GWG was calculated. Control data was obtained from the same clinic where participants were recruited. Overall, the intervention was acceptable to participants; attrition was low (6.7%), weekly contact was high (87%), and self-monitoring was high (Fitbit worn on 82% of intervention weeks; weekly weighing on 81%). Facebook (40% of weeks) and study website use (19%) was low, as was walking group attendance (7% attended a single group). Participants reported a lack of discussions about the study with their physician. Results showed no significant difference between intervention and control participants in the percentage who gained excess weight (p = 0.37). There was a significant decrease in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity in intervention participants (p < 0.0001). Continued efforts for promoting physical activity and appropriate GWG are needed. Although acceptable, the intervention was not efficacious. Trainings for, or input from prenatal healthcare providers on how to best encourage and support patients’ engagement in healthy behaviors, such as PA, are warranted.
A Coordinated Population Health Approach to Diabetes Education in Primary Care.

PurposeThe purpose of this feasibility study was to determine the effectiveness of an insurer-based diabetes educator (DE)–driven intervention that relies on systematic restructuring of primary car...
Readmission After Surgical Aortic Valve Replacement in the United States.

Background Reducing inpatient readmissions is a national priority for improving healthcare quality and decreasing costs. Previous studies have shown that readmissions after surgical aortic valve replacement are frequent and contribute to increased healthcare costs, yet no studies have analyzed risk factors for readmission. Methods The Nationwide Readmissions Database was used to identify adult patients undergoing surgical aortic valve replacement from 2010 to 2015. Incidence, patient characteristics, causes, resource utilization, and predictors of 30-day readmission were determined. International Classification of Diseases codes were used to capture surgical aortic valve replacement. Results Among 136,051 patients, 18,631 (13.7%) were readmitted within 30 days of discharge. Readmitted patients were more commonly women (47.4% vs 41.6%; P Conclusions Using a national inpatient database, we found readmission after surgical aortic valve replacement to be common and resource-intensive. Enhanced management of comorbidities and targeted postdischarge interventions for patients at high risk of readmission may help decrease healthcare utilization.
Impact of Autologous Hematopoetic Stem Cell Transplant (AHCT) on Measurable Residual Disease (MRD) By Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in the Setting of Daratumumab, Carfilzomib, Lenalidomide and Dexamethasone (Dara-KRd) Quadruplet Induction.

Introduction Unprecedented depth of response is obtained with regimens incorporating monoclonal antibodies in the management of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM). The incremental benefit of AHCT in this setting is being reconsidered but can be appraised by systematic assessment of disease burden pre- and post-AHCT utilizing NGS MRD. Methods We performed a multi-center clinical trial with Dara-KRd induction, AHCT (Melphalan conditioning), and post-AHCT, MRD response-adapted Dara-KRd consolidation. Primary endpoint was MRD Results To date, 82 patients have been enrolled, and 77 (94%) have disease trackable by NGS. Of those, 54 have completed post-induction and 29 post-AHCT assessment. The median age of the cohort is 61 years (range 36-79), with 46% females, 31% with high-risk FISH abnormality [t(4;14) or t(14;16) or del17p] and 20.3% ISS III disease. All patients obtained objective responses with the rate of best responses ≥VGPR of 93% after induction and 100% after AHCT and rate of sCR of 46% and 79%, respectively. MRD responses are displayed in Figure 1a. Patients with MRD Conclusion While a subset of patients with NDMM receiving Dara-KRD achieved MRD negativity after four cycles of induction, subsequent AHCT significantly increased the number of patients obtaining this status. Despite a quadruple induction regimen utilizing what are considered the most effective anti-myeloma drugs, AHCT resulted in a substantial reduction of disease burden in a majority of patients and should remain part of current therapy for fit, NDMM patients. Future trial designs with the intent to defer AHCT for patients may need to demonstrate high rates of MRD negativity to show benefit ultimately.
Pornography and Dehumanization: The Essentialist Dimension

The objective of this paper is to show that pornography dehumanizes women through essentialization. First, I argue that certain acts of subject-essentialization are acts of subject-dehumanization. ...
Flow cytometric evaluation of platelet–leukocyte conjugate stability over time: methodological implications of sample handling and processing

Platelet activation and subsequent aggregation is a vital component of atherothrombosis resulting in acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, quantifying platelet aggregation is a valuable measure for elucidating the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Circulating platelet-monocyte conjugates (PMC) as determined by flow cytometry (FCM) are an important measure of in vivo platelet aggregation. However, the influence of sample handling on FCM measurement of PMC is not well-studied. The changes in FCM measurement of PMC with variation in sample handling techniques were evaluated. The stability of PMC concentrations over time with changes in fixation and immunolabeling intervals was assessed. The effect of Time-to-Fix and Time-to-Stain on FCM PMC measurements was investigated in five healthy volunteers. Time-to-Fix (i.e., interval between phlebotomy and sample fixation) was performed at 3, 30, and 60 min. Time-to-Stain (i.e., time of fixed sample storage to staining) was performed at 1, 24, and 48 h. Increasing Time-to-Stain from 1 to 24 or 48 h resulted in lower PMC measures (p < 0.0001). A statistically significant difference in PMC measurement with increasing Time-to-Fix was not observed (p < 0.41). Postponement of sample staining has deleterious effects on the measurement of PMC via FCM. Delays in immunolabeling of fixed samples compromised measurement of PMC by 30% over the first 24 h. Staining/FCM should be completed within an hour of collection.
The large pBS32/pLS32 plasmid of ancestral Bacillus subtilis

The ancestral strain of Bacillus subtilis NCIB3610 (3610) encodes a large, low copy number plasmid called pBS32 that was lost during the domestication of laboratory strain derivatives. Selection against pBS32 may have been due to the fact that it encodes a potent inhibitor of natural genetic competence (ComI), as lab strains were selected for high frequency transformation. Previous studies have shown that pBS32 and its sibling pLS32 in Bacillus subtilis subsp. natto encodes a replication initiation protein (RepN), a plasmid partitioning system (AlfAB), a biofilm inhibitor (RapP), and an alternative sigma factor (SigN) which can induce plasmid mediated cell death in response to DNA-damage. Here we review the literature on pBS32/pLS32, the genes encoded on it, and their associated phenotypes.
Temporal and Concentration Effects of Methanol on Cryopreservation of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Sperm

We evaluated the cryoprotective effects of methanol on zebrafish sperm at different concentrations, exposure times, and stages during cryopreservation. Samples were collected by crushing of dissect...
Iteratively weighted thresholding homotopy method for the sparse solution of underdetermined linear equations

Recently, iteratively reweighted methods have attracted much interest in compressed sensing, outperforming their unweighted counterparts in most cases. In these methods, decision variables and weights are optimized alternatingly, or decision variables are optimized under heuristically chosen weights. In this paper, we present a novel weighted $l_1$-norm minimization problem for the sparsest solution of underdetermined linear equations. We propose an iteratively weighted thresholding method for this problem, wherein decision variables and weights are optimized simultaneously. Furthermore, we prove that the iteration process will converge eventually. Using the homotopy technique, we enhance the performance of the iteratively weighted thresholding method. Finally, extensive computational experiments show that our method performs better in terms of both running time and recovery accuracy compared with some state-of-the-art methods.
TAK1: a potent tumour necrosis factor inhibitor for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Aberrant tumour necrosis factor (TNF) signalling is a hallmark of many inflammatory diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), irritable bowel disease and lupus. Maladaptive TNF signalling can l...
Molecular docking-based screening for novel inhibitors of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 protease that effectively reduce the viral replication in human cells

Abstract Therapeutic pressure by protease inhibitors (PIs) contributes to accumulation of mutations in the HIV type 1 (HIV-1) protease (PR) leading to development of drug resistance with subsequent therapy failure. Current PIs target the active site of PR in a competitive manner. Identification of molecules that exploit non-active site mechanisms of inhibition is essential to overcome resistance to current PIs. Potential non-active site HIV-1 protease (PR) inhibitors (PI) were identified by in silico screening of almost 140,000 molecules targeting the hinge region of PR. Inhibitory activity of best docking compounds was tested in an in vitro PR inhibition biochemical assay. Five compounds inhibited PR from multiple HIV-1 subtypes in vitro and reduced replicative capacity by PI-sensitive or multi-PI resistant HIV-1 variants in human cells ex vivo. Antiviral activity was boosted when combined with Ritonavir, potentially diminishing development of drug resistance, while providing effective treatment for drug resistant HIV-1 variants.
Regulation and the Cost of Child Care

Female labor market choices depend on the availability, affordability, and quality of child care. In this paper, we evaluate different regulatory measures and their effect on both the quality and the cost of child care. First, we analyze data on regulations and costs to estimate the effect of regulatory measures on the cost of child care. Next, we summarize the existing literature on the effect of regulation on child care quality. We find that regulation intended to improve quality often focuses on easily observable measures of the care environment that do not necessarily affect the quality of care but do increase the cost. Thus, we find that the regulatory environment could be improved by eliminating costly measures that do not impact quality of care.
Predicting the Distribution of Penaeid Shrimp Reveals Linkages Between Estuarine and Offshore Marine Habitats

Marine fish and shrimp species are often dependent on estuarine habitats for juvenile or other early life stages, yet the effect of estuarine habitat availability has rarely been linked to the offshore, marine distribution of species. Penaeid shrimp are an estuary-dependent taxa that have global economic importance and are frequently cited as prey of fish. Species distribution models were developed for three penaeid species in the northern Gulf of Mexico, USA, with the objectives of modeling the distribution of species and testing the influ ence of multiscale predictor variables depicting oceanography, geography, geomorphology, and area of nearby estuaries and coastal wetlands. Fishery-independent trawl survey data of brown shrimp (Penaeus aztecus), white shrimp (Penaeus setiferus), and pink shrimp (Penaeus duorarum) were analyzed with boosted regression tree statistics. Species distribution models of catch per unit effort explained 30–45% of model deviance for brown shrimp and white shrimp; the presence/absence model of pink shrimp had an area under the curve statistic of 0.85 and overall accuracy of 83% correct. Oceanographic predictors had the greatest influence in each of the models, and the spatial distribution of each species was distinct based on these conditions. The marine distribution of all three penaeids was associated with nearby wetland area, and white shrimp were additionally associated with nearby estuary area. Geomorphology predictors were retained less often and were of low relative influence. Our findings demonstrate the importance of considering multiple spatial scales when identifying species-habitat relationships, including the influence of adjacent or nearby environments.
Tuning the reduction potentials of benzoquinone through the coordination to Lewis acids.

Electron transfer promoted by the coordination of a substrate molecule to a Lewis acid or hydrogen bonding group is a critical step in many biological and catalytic transformations. This computational study investigates the nature of the interaction between benzoquinone and one and two Lewis acids by examining the influence of Lewis acid strength on the ability to alter the two reduction potentials of the coordinated benzoquinone molecule. To investigate this interaction, the coordination of the neutral (Q), singly reduced ([Q]˙−), and doubly reduced benzoquinone ([Q]2−) molecule to eight Lewis acids was analyzed. Coordination of benzoquinone to a Lewis acid became more favorable by 25 kcal mol−1 with each reduction of the benzoquinone fragment. Coordination of benzoquinone to a Lewis acid also shifted each of the reduction potentials of the coordinated benzoquinone anodically by 0.50 to 1.5 V, depending on the strength of the Lewis acid, with stronger Lewis acids exhibiting a larger effect on the reduction potential. Coordination of a second Lewis acid further altered each of the reduction potentials by an additional 0.70 to 1.6 V. Replacing one of the Lewis acids with a proton resulted in the ability to modify the pKa of the protonated Lewis acid–Q/[Q]˙−/[Q]2− adducts by about 10 pKa units, in addition to being able to alter the ability to transfer a hydrogen atom by 10 kcal mol−1, and the capacity to transfer a hydride by about 30 kcal mol−1.
Cytoplasmic organization promotes protein diffusion

The cytoplasm is highly organized. However, the extent to which this organization influences the dynamics of cytoplasmic proteins is not well understood. Here, we used Xenopus laevis egg extracts as a model system to study diffusion dynamics in organized versus disorganized cytoplasm. Such extracts are initially homogenized and disorganized, and will self-organize into cell-like units over the course of 20-60 min. Using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, we observed that self-organization is accompanied by changes in protein diffusivity; as the extract organizes, proteins diffuse about twice as quickly over a length scale of a few hundred nanometers. Even though the ordered cytoplasm contained organelles and cytoskeletal elements that might be expected to interfere with diffusion, after self-organization took place, the speed of protein diffusion approached that of organelle-depleted cytosolic extracts. This finding suggests that subcellular organization optimizes protein diffusivity. The effect of organization on diffusion varies with molecular size, with the effects being largest for protein-sized molecules. These results show that cytoplasmic organization promotes the efficient diffusion of protein molecules in a densely packed environment.
HTnet: Transfer Learning for Golden Chip-Free Hardware Trojan Detection

Design and fabrication outsourcing has made integrated circuits (IC) vulnerable to malicious modifications by third parties known as hardware Trojans (HT). Over the last decade, the use of side-channel measurements for detecting the malicious manipulation of the ICs has been extensively studied. However, the suggested approaches often suffer from three major limitations: 1) reliance on a trusted identical chip (i.e. golden chip), 2) untraceable footprints of subtle hardware Trojans which remain inactive during the testing phase, and 3) the need to identify the best discriminative features that can be used for separating side-channel signals coming from HT-free and HT-infected circuits. To overcome these shortcomings, we propose a novel neural network design (i.e. HTNet) and a feature extractor training methodology that can be used for HT detection in run time. We create a library of known hardware Trojans and collect electromagnetic and power side-channel signals for each case and train HTnet to learn the best discriminative features based on this library. Then, in the test time we fine tune HTnet to learn the behavior of the particular chip under test. We use HTnet followed by an anomaly detection mechanism in run-time to monitor the chip behavior and report malicious activities in the side-channel signals. We evaluate our methodology using TrustHub [15] benchmarks and show that HTnet can extract a robust set of features that can be used for HT-detection purpose.
Ausgewählte Anwendungen zur Laser-Meßtechnik in der Automobilindustrie

Optische Mestechnik im Maschinenbau — darunter verstand man fruher vor allem die Geratschaften im Feinmeswesen, also geometrisch-optische Koordinatenerfassung, Sichtgerate, Opt ik-Prufgerate, Interferenzmikroskope. Mit der Entwicklung von Lasermesverfahren ist hier ein griindlicher Wandel eiagetreten. Sie haben der optischen Mestechnik ganz neue Aufgabengebiete erschlossen, z.B. in der zerstorungsfreien Prufung von Werkstucken, in der Verformungs- und Schwingungsmessung oder in der Analyse von Stromungs- und Verbrennungsvorgangen. Die neuen Mestechniken basieren auf der Verfugbarkeit leistungsstarker koharenter Lichtquellen, einer Vielzahl optoelektronischer Bauelemente und dem Einsatz von Computern zur Mesdatenerfassung und -verarbeitung.
Neural network-based classification of electromyographic (EMG) signal during dynamic muscle contraction

A neural-network-based decision making tool was developed for online classification of various neuromuscular diseases. The problem was to design an automatic classification system based on signal processing techniques such as autoregressive modeling, the short-time Fourier transform, the Wigner-Ville distribution, and chaos analysis, by defining the region of normal, and various abnormalities such as neuropathy and myopathy. Using any one method, the probability density function of the features of the various patient groups often overlap and were difficult to classify based on the features of a single method. It was therefore necessary to develop a tool which would use all the quantitative features from each signal processing method and combine the human expertise to provide an expert decision to classify different pathologies. An attempt has been made to solve this problem using an artificial neural network. The results are discussed. >
USING A LAPLACE APPROXIMATION TO ESTIMATE THE RANDOM COEFFICIENTS LOGIT MODEL BY NONLINEAR LEAST SQUARES*: laplace approximation of the random coefficients logit model

Current methods of estimating the random coefficients logit model employ simulations of the distribution of the taste parameters through pseudo-random sequences. These methods suffer from difficulties in estimating correlations between parameters and computational limitations such as the curse of dimensionality. This article provides a solution to these problems by approximating the integral expression of the expected choice probability using a multivariate extension of the Laplace approximation. Simulation results reveal that our method performs very well, in terms of both accuracy and computational time.
End stage renal disease

Introduction End stage renal disease (ESRD) affects over 1500 people per million population in countries with a high prevalence, such as the USA and Japan. Approximately two thirds of people with ESRD receive haemodialysis, a quarter have kidney transplants, and a tenth receive peritoneal dialysis.
Book review: From the Yenisei to the Yukon: Interpreting Lithic Assemblage Variability in Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene Beringia

From the Yenisei to the Yukon: Interpreting Lithic Assemblage Variability in Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene Beringia Edited by Ted Goebel and Ian Buvit Texas A&M University Press, 2011, pp. 394. ISBN 978-1-60344-321-0 http://www.tamupress.com/product/From-the-Yenisei-to-the-Yukon,6578.aspx
Histone Synthesis in Vitro on HeLa Cell Microsomes THE NATURE OF THE COUPLING TO DEOXYRIBONUCLEIC ACID SYNTHESIS

Microsomes isolated from HeLa cells during DNA replication synthesize electrophoretically identifiable histones in vitro. Inhibition of DNA synthesis with hydroxyurea or high concentrations of thymidine results, within 30 min, in a termination of histone synthesis in vitro. Under these conditions, the labeling of other acid-soluble, nonhistone proteins is not affected. Inhibition of RNA synthesis with actinomycin D or 2-mercapto-1-(β-4-pyridethyl)benzimidazole in whole cells up to 90 min does not interfere with the histone synthesis in vitro. A rapidly labeled RNA with an approximate sedimentation constant of 8 to 9 S is connected with the microsomal fraction only when histones are being synthesized. The existence is inferred of a short-lived factor which facilitates the translation of histone messenger RNA in the cytoplasm.
Differential Role of Insulin/IGF-1 Receptor Signaling in Muscle Growth and Glucose Homeostasis.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) are major regulators of muscle protein and glucose homeostasis. To determine how these pathways interact, we generated mice with muscle-specific knockout of IGF-1 receptor (IGF1R) and insulin receptor (IR). These MIGIRKO mice showed >60% decrease in muscle mass. Despite a complete lack of insulin/IGF-1 signaling in muscle, MIGIRKO mice displayed normal glucose and insulin tolerance. Indeed, MIGIRKO mice showed fasting hypoglycemia and increased basal glucose uptake. This was secondary to decreased TBC1D1 resulting in increased Glut4 and Glut1 membrane localization. Interestingly, overexpression of a dominant-negative IGF1R in muscle induced glucose intolerance in MIGIRKO animals. Thus, loss of insulin/IGF-1 signaling impairs muscle growth, but not whole-body glucose tolerance due to increased membrane localization of glucose transporters. Nonetheless, presence of a dominant-negative receptor, even in the absence of functional IR/IGF1R, induces glucose intolerance, indicating that interactions between these receptors and other proteins in muscle can impair glucose homeostasis.
Electron mobility model for silicon carbide inversion layers

This paper presents, a physically based inversion layer electron mobility model which takes into account the combined effects of surface roughness and coulomb scattering the two main mechanisms limiting the electron mobility in SiC MOSFETs. The MOSFET was fabricated on an aluminium-implanted surface and the transfer characteristics are analysed, then the corresponding transconductance curves are compared.
Estradiol Membrane-Initiated Signaling and Female Reproduction

The discoveries of rapid, membrane-initiated steroid actions and central nervous system steroidogenesis have changed our understanding of the neuroendocrinology of reproduction. Classical nuclear actions of estradiol and progesterone steroids affecting transcription are essential. However, with the discoveries of membrane-associated steroid receptors, it is becoming clear that estradiol and progesterone have neurotransmitter-like actions activating intracellular events. Ultimately, membrane-initiated actions can influence transcription. Estradiol membrane-initiated signaling (EMS) modulates female sexual receptivity and estrogen feedback regulating the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge. In the arcuate nucleus, EMS activates a lordosis-regulating circuit that extends to the medial preoptic nucleus and subsequently to the ventromedial nucleus (VMH)—the output from the limbic and hypothalamic regions. Here, we discuss how EMS leads to an active inhibition of lordosis behavior. To stimulate ovulation, EMS facilitates astrocyte synthesis of progesterone (neuroP) in the hypothalamus. Regulation of GnRH release driving the LH surge is dependent on estradiol-sensitive kisspeptin (Kiss1) expression in the rostral periventricular nucleus of the third ventricle (RP3V). NeuroP activation of the LH surge depends on Kiss1, but the specifics of signaling have not been well elucidated. RP3V Kiss1 neurons appear to integrate estradiol and progesterone information which feeds back onto GnRH neurons to stimulate the LH surge. In a second population of Kiss1 neurons, estradiol suppresses the surge but maintains tonic LH release, another critical component of the estrous cycle. Together, evidence suggests that regulation of reproduction involves membrane action of steroids, some of which are synthesized in the brain.
The American Standards Association - our colleague in standardization

The American Standards Association (ASA) is a federation of technical societies, trade associations, and departments of the Federal Government. Its purpose is to promote engineering progress and economy in industrial production and processes through standardization of definitions, specifications, ratings, and methods of test affecting industrial equipment, manufacturing practices, consumer's goods, and the like. The Institute of Radio Engineers, as one of the sponsoring groups, has played an active role in the affairs of the Association; and now anticipates an even closer participation in matters of over-all policy and standardization in the field of radio and electronics. It is believed, therefore, that readers of the Proceedings of the IRE and Waves and Electrons will be interested in a brief description of the ASA, its organization and functions, and the nature of IRE collaboration in its work.
Characterization of a Discontinuous Epitope of the HIV Envelope Protein gp120 Recognized by a Human Monoclonal Antibody Using Chemical Modification and Mass Spectrometric Analysis

A subset of the neutralizing anti-HIV antibodies recognize epitopes on the envelope protein gp120 of the human immunodeficiency virus. These epitopes are exposed during conformational changes when gp120 binds to its primary receptor CD4. Based on chemical modification of lysine and arginine residues followed by mass spectrometric analysis, we determined the epitope on gp120 recognized by the human monoclonal antibody 559/64-D, which was previously found to be specific for the CD4 binding domain. Twenty-four lysine and arginine residues in recombinant full-length glycosylated gp120 were characterized; the relative reactivities of two lysine residues and five arginine residues were affected by the binding of 559/64-D. The data show that the epitope is discontinuous and is located in the proximity of the CD4-binding site. Additionally, the reactivities of a residue that is located in the secondary receptor binding region and several residues distant from the CD4 binding site were also altered by Ab binding. These data suggest that binding of 559/64-D induced conformational changes which result in altered surface exposure of specific amino acids distant from the CD4-binding site. Consequently, binding of 559/64-D to gp120 affects not only the CD4-binding site, which is recognized as the epitope, but appears to have a global effect on surface exposed residues of the full-length glycosylated gp120.
What the scientific community can do.

In his Editorial “Show us the money” (8 Dec. 2006, p. [1515][1]), Donald Kennedy suggests that the scientific community should tell the Administration, the public, and Congress what it can accomplish for our society. As chairman and member of the executive committee of the Association of
Density of states and carrier dynamics in amorphous silicon germanium alloys and amorphous germanium

Several a-Si1−xGex:H alloys and a-Ge:H grown by PECVD have been investigated using transient and steady state junction capacitance techniques. From transient photocapacitance and transient photocurrent measurements we estimate (μτ)h of order 10−10cm2/V and deep defect densities of order 1016cm−3 for our best a-Si1−xGex:H sample. The a-Ge:H samples investigated exhibited a large defect density (Nd℞1018cm−3) but a low Urbach parameter (Eu=50meV). We found a large role of lattice relaxation for the dominant deep defect band in a-Si1−xGex:H.
Two-photon excitation spectra of the low energy excited states of diphenylhexatriene and diphenyloctatetraene

Abstract All- trans diphenylhexatriene and diphenyloctatetraene in solution show a very strong two-photon absorption beginning at about the same energy as the one-photon spectrum. This supports the postulated presence of a low-lying 1 A g electronic state.
MODELING OF THE STEADY-STATE RESPONSE OF GRANULAR SOILS

ABSTRACT The paper presents a study of the static liquefaction of granular soils, particularly the existence and uniqueness of the so-called steady-state and the conditions leading to the steady-state. The study is carried out using a simple constitutive model for granular soils established using a few well-known relationships based on results of drained triaxial tests on sands and silts. The paper clarifies the necessary theoretical and experimental conditions in determining whether a soil has achieved the steady-state. The results of the analytical study strongly emphasize the importance of dilatancy and deformability on the steady-state response of granular soils. It is shown that, in the absence of instability, liquefaction should be treated simply as another aspect of the stress-strain response of granular soils, and liquefaction should be treated not just as a strength problem but also as a deformation problem.
Evaluation of left atrial appendage anatomy and function in recent-onset atrial fibrillation by transesophageal echocardiography

Abstract Data regarding left atrial (LA) and LA appendage anatomy and function among patients with newly recognized atrial fibrillation (AF) who have not received longterm warfarin are currently unknown. To identify echocardiographic indexes which characterize those at increased risk for thrombus formation, we analyzed transesophageal echocardiographic studies in 100 consecutive patients with newly recognized AF (duration 2.6 ± 0.3 week) who had not received long-term warfarin. Fourteen percent of patients had LA thrombi. LA thrombi were associated with larger LA appendages, more depressed LA appendage outflow velocities, and a higher prevalence of severe spontaneous LA contrast. Patients with spontaneous contrast had larger LA and LA appendage anatomy and lower LA appendage ejection velocity. Among patients presenting with their first episode of AF, greater LA appendage ejection and filling velocities and smaller LA and LA appendage sizes were seen among those with AF of 2 weeks. Thus, patients with recent onset AF and LA thrombi or spontaneous echo contrast have more dilated LA and LA appendage anatomy, and more depressed LA appendage systolic function. Data from patients with their first episode of AF suggests that AF is associated with rapid LA remodeling.
Fluxoid Pinning by Vanadium Carbide Precipitates in Superconducting Vanadium.

Abstract : The purpose of this investigation is to study fluxoid pinning in a Type II superconductor. Vanadium was chosen as the superconductor to study because it is obtainable in high purity and its microstructure can be readily controlled. The pinning centers are formed by introducing carbon into the vanadium matrix forming vanadium carbide precipitates. The vanadium carbide precipitates are disc-shaped particles whose thickness is only a few atomic layers. The precipitates are likely to be superconducting when H = 0 by reason of the proximity effect. The vanadium carbide precipitates on the (310) habit planes. According to studies with the transmission electron microscope, the particles are uniformly distributed throughout the specimen. The particle size and number density is changed by aging the specimens for fixed amount of time at 350 C. The present results are based on the study of thirty specimens. A 99.95% pure annealed vanadium specimen was used as a control. The other vanadium specimens contain 0.1 atomic percent to 0.6 atomic percent carbon. As a result of metallurgical analysis, the mean diameters of the particles range from less than 100 A to 2613 A and the number density of the pinning centers range from 3.3 x 10 to the 15 power particles/cc to 4.2 x 10 to the 17th power particles/cc. The measurement of the superconducting properties lead to values of the macroscopic pinning force density ranging from 33400 dynes/cc to 3170000 dynes/cc for T - O K.
Competition among Streptococcus pneumoniae for intranasal colonization in a mouse model

Widespread use of conjugate vaccines against Streptococcus pneumoniae, by reducing carriage of S. pneumoniae serotypes included in the vaccine, may result in an increase in nasopharyngeal carriage of - and disease from - nonvaccine serotypes of the same species. Mathematical models predict that the extent of such replacement will depend positively on the degree to which carriage of vaccine-type S. pneumoniae inhibits acquisition of nonvaccine-type pneumococci, and may depend negatively on the inhibition of vaccine-type pneumococci by nonvaccine-type pneumococci. We used a mouse model of intranasal carriage of pneumococci to test whether such inhibition occurs between different pneumococcal strains. Mice carrying a streptomycin-resistant derivative of S. pneumoniae BG9163 (serotype 6B) as a resident strain showed reduced levels of colonization when challenged intranasally by optochin-resistant derivatives of the same strain and of a serotype 23F pneumococcus, BG8826. Inhibition could be overcome by increasing the dose of the challenge strain. Carriage of optochin-resistant BG9163 did not inhibit acquisition of the streptomycin-resistant variant. Colonization by a challenge strain did not significantly affect the level of colonization with the resident strain. These results provide evidence that is consistent with several hitherto untested assumptions of mathematical models of serotype replacement and suggest that a biological mechanism exists that could account for serotype replacement that is observed in clinical trials. The findings provide a basis for further studies of in vivo interactions between strains of S. pneumoniae.
Effect of dietary supplements commonly used in Standardbred racing on plasma total carbon dioxide.

Ten mature Standardbred mares (9–13 years, ,522 kg) were used to test the hypothesis that pelleted dietary supplementation would alter total plasma bicarbonate (tCO2) concentrations. All the mares used in this study were unconditioned, but were familiarized to the laboratory setting and running on a treadmill. Each of the ten mares was semi-randomly assigned one of four dietary treatments. The four treatments (oats as control and three pelleted feed supplements: Drive, Omolene and Strategy) were administered in a crossover fashion throughout a 4-week testing period. These products were chosen based on the frequency of their use by Standardbred/Thoroughbred owners and trainers in New Jersey. The horses underwent a simulated race test (SRT) on a treadmill (6% grade) at the end of each administration period. During the SRT, horses ran for 2 min at 4 m s 21 , 2 min at the speed previously shown to correspond to VO2max and 2 min at 4 m s 21 . Blood was collected before supplement treatment (24 h), 10 min prior to exercise and at 0, 60 and 90 min post-exercise. Plasma concentrations of bicarbonate, sodium, potassium and chloride were measured using a Beckman ELISE analyser. The major finding of this study indicates that the plasma [tCO2], chloride and sodium concentrations were not altered by the dietary supplements studied (P . 0.05). There were differences (P , 0.05) in plasma [tCO2] across sampling intervals (2 4h , 2 10 min, þ0 min, þ60 min and þ90 min) that were attributable to acute exercise (mean ^ SE: 34.4 ^ 0.9, 33.2 ^ 1.1, 20.2 ^ 0.8, 31.5 ^ 0.8, 30.3 ^ 1.6 mmol l 21 ). There was a slight effect of treatment (P ,2 0.05) on potassium levels. However, exercise was the main factor that caused substantial changes (P , 0.05) in the plasma tCO2, potassium, haematocrit and total protein concentrations. It was concluded that the pelleted diet supplements examined do not alter plasma [tCO2] in horses.
Retropharyngeal adenopathy as a predictor of outcome in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Background. Little information about the incidence of retropharyngeal adenopathy and its impact on prognosis has been published. Methods. For 774 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or supraglottic larynx, pretreatment CT and, in selected cases, MRI scans were reviewed to determine the presence of rotropharyngeal adenopathy. Results were analyzed in 619 patients treated with curative intent to determine the prognostic impact of retropharyngeal adenopathy. Results. The highest incidence of retropharyngeal adenopathy was seen in patients with nasopharyngeal (74%) and pharyngeal wall (19%) cancers. The number of cervical nodal groups involved was the most significant factor (p < .0001) relating to the incidence of retropharyngeal adenopathy. The rates of neck relapse (40% at 5 years) and distant metastasis were significantly higher in patients with retropharyngeal adenopathy, and the rates of 5-year relapse-free survival and absolute survival were significantly lower. Conclusions. Retropharyngeal adenopathy is a strong predictor of poor prognosis, particularly for patients with advanced neck disease. © 1995 Jons Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Therapeutics of Wegener's granulomatosis

The treatment of Wegener's granulomatosis, one of the most common forms of systemic vasculitis, has changed substantially over the past two decades. The principal aims of therapy are to control the disease swiftly, to limit the extent and severity of permanent organ damage, and to minimize the short-term and long-term morbidities that often result from therapy. This review provides an overview of the treatment regimens that are currently available for inducing and maintaining remission in patients with Wegener's granulomatosis, and also discusses newer agents that might have a role in the management of this disease in the future. Severe toxicity associated with the available agents and, therefore, there is keen interest in the development of alternative treatment strategies for this disease.
Doppler evaluation of the uterine, intraovarian, stromal and spiral arteries on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation

The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the ability of transvaginal power Doppler ultrasonography to assess the relationship between the pulsatility indices (PI) of uterine, spiral and ovarian arteries and endometrial thickness on the day of, but just before, human chorionic gonadotrophin administration and the relationship to pregnancy outcome. Fifty-seven patients were recruited to the study. The mean PI values of the uterine arteries demonstrate significant differences between the women who conceived and those who did not. The mean PI values of the intraovarian flow also demonstrated significant differences between the left and right PI values and between the PI of the women who conceived and those who did not. Mean PI values of the spiral arteries and endometrial thickness did not demonstrate any significant difference between the women who conceived and those who did not. The parameters used currently in colour Doppler assessment of ovarian stromal, uterine and spiral artery perfusion are clinically helpful in discriminating prospectively which patients will and will not become pregnant in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation, insemination programme.
Structural Distinction of Diacyl-, Alkylacyl, and Alk-1-Enylacyl Glycerophosphocholines as [M – 15] – Ions by Multiple-Stage Linear Ion-Trap Mass Spectrometry with Electrospray Ionization

We describe a linear ion-trap (LIT) multiple-stage (MSn) mass spectrometric approach towards differentiation of alkylacyl, alk-1-enylacyl- and diacyl-glycerophoscholines (PCs) as the [M – 15]– ions desorbed by electrospray ionization (ESI) in the negative-ion mode. The MS4 mass spectra of the [M – 15 – R2′CH = CO]– ions originated from the three PC subfamilies are readily distinguishable, resulting in unambiguous distinction of the lipid classes. This method is applied to two alkyl ether rich PC mixtures isolated from murine bone marrow neutrophils and kidney, respectively, to explore its utility in the characterization of complex PC mixture of biological origin, resulting in the realization of the detailed structures of the PC species, including various classes and many minor isobaric isomers.
Use of an electrocardiographic screening tool to determine candidacy for a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator

Background An electrocardiographic (ECG) screening test has been developed to identify patients being considered for a totally subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD) at risk for T-wave oversensing. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the proportion of potential S-ICD recipients who fail the ECG screening test and to identify predictors of failure. Methods Patients who already have an ICD but are not receiving antibradycardia pacing are representative of patients who might be considered for an S-ICD. One hundred such outpatients were enrolled in the study. Surface rhythm strips were recorded along the sensing vectors of the S-ICD system and the screening template applied. Clinical and standard ECG characteristics of patients who failed the test were compared to those who passed. Results Patients had the following characteristics: 72% male, age 57 ± 16 years, body mass index 29 ± 6 kg/m 2 , left ventricular ejection fraction 43% ± 17%, QRS duration 109 ± 23 ms, QTc interval 447 ± 39 ms, 44% had coronary disease, and 55% had heart failure. Among the 100 patients, 8% failed the screening test. There were no differences in patient clinical characteristics and most standard ECG measurements. However, patients with T-wave inversions in standard ECG leads I, II, and aVF had a 45% chance of failing. Conclusion Eight percent of potential S-ICD patients were not eligible for the S-ICD after failing the screening test designed to identify patients susceptible to T-wave oversensing. Patients with T-wave inversions in leads I, II, and aVF on a standard ECG were 23 times more likely to fail. More work is needed in S-ICD sensing algorithms to increase patient eligibility for the S-ICD.