cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Central production of η and η ′ via double Pomeron exchange in the Sakai-Sugimoto model

We construct a string-inspired model for the central production of $\ensuremath{\eta}$ and ${\ensuremath{\eta}}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ mesons in proton-proton collisions via double Pomeron exchange. Using general symmetry considerations, we construct a low-energy differential cross section for double glueball exchange in terms of some undetermined coupling constants and form factors. We extend this model to the Regge regime, replacing the glueball propagators with Pomeron trajectories and modifying the interaction term by a factor derived from the five-string scattering amplitude in flat space. We then fix the couplings which remain undetermined, using the Sakai--Sugimoto framework to model low-energy QCD. Finally, we generate a simulation of the scattering process at $\sqrt{s}=29.1\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$, where double Pomeron exchange should play a role (secondary to double Reggeon exchange). We focus on the dependence of the scattering cross section on ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{34}$, the angle between the scattered protons in the transverse plane. The results exhibit a definite deviation from the pure ${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}{\ensuremath{\theta}}_{34}$ dependence that arises as a consequence of natural parity violation alone. The amount of deviation is primarily determined by couplings that come from the Chern--Simons action of the anti-de Sitter/QCD supergravity dual, which is directly related to the QCD gravitational anomaly, and thus constitutes a universal part of any five-dimensional string/gravity dual theory of QCD. We argue that this makes the high-energy central production of pseudoscalar mesons an interesting probe of anti-de Sitter/QCD models.
Distribution and Abundance of Adult Aquatic Insects in the Forest Adjacent to a Northern California Stream

The distribution of adult aquatic insects in the mixed evergreen forest adjacent to Big Sulphur Creek, Sonoma Co., Calif., was examined using sticky traps (0.26 m2 each) that were placed in trees at three distances (5, 40, 150 m) from the stream and at three heights (2, 5, 8 m) above the ground. Species richness, number of individuals, and biomass of aquatic insects, and number of individuals for seven of 12 common aquatic insect taxa decreased (P ≤ 5 0.05) as distance from the stream increased. Species richness, number of individuals, and biomass of aquatic insects showed no relationship with height above the ground, but of the 12 common taxa, three were most abundant near tree tops and one was most abundant near tree bases (P ≤ 0.05). Adult aquatic insects represented 36.9 and 15.4% of total arthropod numbers and 25.3 and 10.7% of total arthropod biomass at the 5-m and 150-m sites, respectively. The abundance of adult aquatic insects in the forest bordering this stream suggests that adult aquatic insects provide an important conduit for energy and nutrients from the aquatic system to the terrestrial food web.
Ebola Virus’ Zoonotic Roots and Horrific Path.

Review of: Ebola: The Natural and Human History of a Deadly Virus; David Quammen; (2014). W.W. Norton & Company, NY, NY. 119 pages.
Methods for evaluating inflammation in cystic fibrosis

Cystic fibrosis is characterized by excessive pulmonary inflammation, which presents early in life and becomes self-sustaining, eventually leading to the destruction of the lung. Treating inflammation is one of the most pressing needs in CF therapy and has been shown to slow lung function deterioration. However, it remains unclear whether excessive inflammation is a direct result of CFTR dysfunction, and thus innate, or develops in response to early stimulation of inflammatory pathways. Here, we will discuss clinically relevant studies and the methods employed by them. We will focus on investigations in cell and animal models as well as patients. Our discussion will describe the character of pulmonary inflammation in CF and present potential therapeutic approaches that can ameliorate excessive responses and improve disease prognosis.
Mexican-American Educational Stagnation: The Role of Family-Structure Change

High school dropout rates among Mexican Americans decline markedly between the first and second immigrant generations and, consequently, move closer to non-Hispanic white levels. However, the third...
An Overview of Four Nonpharmacologic Complementary and Alternative Medicine Modalities

Objective: To provide an overview of 4 nonmedical complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) modalities with an emphasis on 1 mind-body approach (yoga), 2 alternative systems (acupuncture, tai chi), and 1 energy therapy(therapeutic touch). Support in the scientific literature for the usefulness of each technique is presented. Data Sources: Primary articles on alternative medicine were obtained by performing a MEDLINE search. An online book search was conducted on the Ohio Library and Information Network, a consortium of 79 Ohio colleges, universities, and community colleges and the State Library of Ohio. Data Synthesis: All 4 CAM modalities had a scientific basis and were supported in the literature. Main drawbacks to many scientific studies were in methodologic flaws such as small sample sizes, variable interventions, and the absence of controls. Many researchers are beginning to include evidence-based and scientific techniques in their studies that more closely meet established scientific standards. This will lead to more robust, valid, reliable, and uniform methodologic approaches. Discussion: Many patients use both CAM and mainstream therapies for their medical conditions. As the quality of scientific studies improves, pharmacists can gain confidence in using the results to provide pharmaceutical care to such patients. It is the pharmacists' responsibility to educate themselves about CAM therapies. Conclusions: Embracing a holistic approach to care may enable pharmacists to optimize the pharmaceutical care they provide to all their patients.
How, Local Events Drove the National Movement

The NZS’ relationship with its challengers and their allies is integral to explaining this uniquely situated student organization. This chapter will provide an overview of the relationship of the NZS to the authorities and their allies, then proceed to analyze how events in three academic centers—Łodź, the Firefighters’ Academy, and Radom—came to dominate the NZS and involve Solidarity.
Biochemical Mechanisms of Cold Adaptation and Stenothermality in Antarctic Fish

Antarctic fish thrive at water temperatures near the freezing point of seawater, thermal conditions which would be lethal for virtually all other fish. The physiological and biochemical adaptations that underlie the abilities of antarctic fish to survive at these low temperatures are widespread, and represent the extremes of low-temperature adaptation found among the vertebrates. Certainly the most dramatic, and essential, of these adaptations are those that prevent the hypoosmotic antarctic fish from freezing. Freezing avoidance is due to the presence of freezing-point-depressing “antifreeze” molecules, either peptides or glycopeptides, in most of the extracellular fluids of these fish (reviewed in DeVries 1988; DeVries, this Vol.). These antifreezes protect the fish from ice crystal formation and/or crystal growth, even when the animals encounter ice in their habitats.
Superhard W0.5Ta0.5B nanowires prepared at ambient pressure

The primary focus of superhard materials development has relied on chemical tuning of the crystal structure. While these intrinsic effects are invaluable, there is a strong possibility that hardness can be dramatically enhanced using extrinsic effects. Here, we demonstrate that the superhard metal W0.5Ta0.5B can be prepared as nanowires through flux growth. The aspect ratios of the nanowires are controlled by the concentration of boride in molten aluminum, and the nanowires grow along the boron-boron chains, confirmed via electron diffraction. This morphology inherently results from the crystal habit of borides and can inspire the development of other nanostructured materials.
Gendered Accounts of Expertise Within Islamic Finance and Financialization in Malaysia

Examining the dynamic interplay of gender, Islam, and financial power, this chapter examines the work of ethnic Malay women working in the Islamic financial services industry in Malaysia. As they seek to constitute their sharia expertise as mobile and valuable, these women are refashioning a version of gender complementarity that recognizes and values women’s essential difference on the market. But due to a dearth of networking between elite sharia experts and other women’s networks, the potential of their work to alter social relationships and larger configurations of power remains unrealized. In Malaysia, women’s newly valorized sharia expertise is thus constricted even as a new generation of elite women are achieving considerable gains in power and prestige.
Terrestrial sequestration of carbon dioxide (CO2)

Abstract: Carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems, comprising soils and biota, is one of several possible strategies being considered to stabilize atmospheric concentration of CO 2 and other greenhouse gases. This chapter looks at basic techniques of carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystems by which atmospheric CO 2 is transferred into the terrestrial and aquatic C pools via the natural process of photosynthesis. The role of the terrestrial pool in the global carbon cycle, agricultural emissions, sequestration of carbon in soil and the potential benefits and challenges of terrestrial carbon sequestration are described together with the role of soil and terrestrial carbon as indicators of climate change.
PERBANDINGAN KINERJA BANK BERDASARKAN ANALISIS RASIO RENTABILITAS

Bank is an industry which main activity is to mobilize funds from public and then distribute it in order to earn income. Therefore, it is important for banks to maintain public’s trust because its business is to rely on public’s trust. One of some attempts to maintain public’s trust is by increasing the performance of the bank institution itself.This research aims to determine the differences in the financial performance of the bank with a case study is PT Bank Mandiri (Persero), Tbk and PT Bank Central Asia (Persero), Tbk period 2002 – 2012. The data processing in this research performed using statistical techniques such as average two different test (independent sample T-Test). The puRp.ose of testing the hypothesis of average two different test on this research is to accept or reject the hypothesis that has been made. The data being used is secondary data which is the statements of published financial such as balance sheet and income statement obtained from the website of Bank Indonesia ( www.bi.go.id ).The performance of the two banks are measured using the financial ratio, Return on Assets ratio (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Net Interest Margin (NIM), Operating Expenses/ Operating Income (BOPO). The result of this research which uses financial ratio analysis shows that the performance of BCA is better than Bank Mandiri during the period 2002 – 2012. The overall financial performance shows that BCA has better financial performance than Bank Mandiri. The average value of ROA from Bank Mandiri period 2002 – 2012 is 2,3280, and BCA is 3,1780. The average value of ROE from Bank Mandiri is 16,3510, and BCA is 23,1040. The average value of NIM from Bank Mandiri is 3,9110 and BCA is about 4,7090. And the average value of BOPO from Bank Mandiri is 75,4210 and BCA is 67,6660. Keywords : Comparative Analysis, ROA, ROE, NIM and BOPO
Dutchmen and Their Politics

On February 9, more than four months after his return from Stockholm, Pomponne left for The Hague. His children remained behind in France, in the care of their grandfather, Arnauld d’Andilly. His wife, Catherine, although four months pregnant, accompanied Pomponne; The Hague was less distant than Stockholm, where he had gone alone. A new carriage eased the discomfort of her journey across France in mid-winter, when the roads were either all ruts or all mud. Her sister, Charlotte Ladvocat, came along to assist her, and to indulge her own wish to see strange places.1
Role of the Autonomic Nervous System in Vasovagal Syncope

Vasovagal syncope (VVS) syndrome is a prime example of dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system where the abrupt slowing of the heart rate (probably “vagally mediated”) along with the development of profound hypotension (either from sympathetic withdraw or from neurohumoral vasodilation) results in the loss of consicouness. In this chapter, we outline the contribution of many parts of the autonomic nervous system that are involved in the initiation and development of vasovagal episodes.
An application of outcrop analogues to understanding the origin and abundance of natural fractures in the Woodford Shale

Abstract Subsurface natural fractures in shales are vital for fluid transport pre- and post-hydraulic fracturing in naturally fractured reservoirs such as the Woodford Shale. However, the dominant fracture sets that control the fluid flow in the subsurface are mostly unseen, and their intensity variation is unknown due to non-availability of image logs in most wells. In this paper, we have assessed the possibility of the existence of subsurface natural fractures in the Woodford Shale by understanding their generation history from outcrop and thin section studies. Additionally, we have addressed their relative abundance based on the bed thickness and composition. Out of the several fracture sets identified in the Woodford Shale, two joint sets (E-W and NE-SW) were interpreted as the oldest sets based on crosscutting and fill. These sets date back to before the Mid-Virgilian Arbuckle Orogeny and likely have different generation timings. The relatively silica- and carbonate-rich beds primarily contain the E-W fractures and the highly clay- and organic-rich beds mainly contain the NE-SW fractures. The E-W and NE-SW sets origins (both not related to local structural bending) are likely more numerous in the flat subsurface compared to fractures sets whose origins are related to structural bending. These two fracture sets probably also control the fluid flow in the subsurface. Younger fracture sets show more influence of local folding and are overrepresented in the outcrops with tilted beds. Therefore, they do not likely control relatively flat subsurface fluid flow. Although some fractures (fold or non-fold related) only have one type of cement or bitumen fill, others have two types of fills, i.e., bitumen along with another cement, or two types of cement (non-bitumen) indicating that these fractures underwent more than one stage of opening. Also, a negative correlation between fracture intensity and bed thickness, and a positive relationship between fracture intensity and quartz/carbonate content exist in the studied location.
Neuroendocrine Properties of the Ciliary Epithelium

The ocular ciliary epithelium is a bilayer of neuroepithelial cells, sharing the same embryological origin than the retina and the retinal pigment epithelium. It specializes in forming the eye's aqueous humor, a fluid that nourishes the avascular tissues of the anterior segment of the eye. It carries endocrine factors including neuropeptides, bioactive peptides, and hormones to establish cell-to-cell communication with itself and neighboring cells. The ocular hypotensive action of some of the neuropeptides and hormones released by the ciliary epithelium suggest a local endocrine system in the regulation of aqueous humor secretion and possibly its drainage.
MICROBIAL PROCESSES | Community Analysis

This chapter focuses on various methods used to study the ecological diversity of soil microbial communities. Background information is given on fundamental concepts of genetic material and how it can be extracted from soils. Both direct nucleic acid interogation and non-direct PCR based methods for examining soil microbial community structure and composition are discussed.
The Mathematics of Finance

Most readers have some idea of the mathematics of finance, but will be surprised by what they do not know. In this chapter we look at simple and compound interest, the mathematics of compounding, and define the annual percentage rate (the one lenders tell you about) and annual percentage yield (the one you actually pay). Geometric growth is introduced.
D: a programming language for our time

The D Programming Language is a hybrid of C++ and modern scripting languages: it compiles statically to native code, but is also garbage collected. It is a multi-paradigm language, supporting imperative, object-oriented and functional programming styles, and has a number of software engineering features built-in. This paper explores how D is suitable for courses in the CS curriculum as well as for the workplace.
CVS Health and the Imaginary Worlds of the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER).

In August 2018, CVS Health released a position paper detailing policies in place and those being implemented to help reduce the costs of drugs. This paper introduced three new strategies for reducing costs. These are (i) zero out of pocket costs for chronic disease through a preventive drug list; (ii) reducing the launch price through adoption of modeled cost-per-QALY outcomes by the Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER) to guide clients to exclude drugs launched at a price of greater than $100,000 per QALY; and (iii) introducing tools to be used by doctors, pharmacists and consumers to create greater transparency in understanding the real cost of drugs. The purpose of this commentary is to consider the second of these strategies, the application of a willingness to pay threshold as a viable strategy for impacting launch costs. The arguments presented here are that while modeled cost-per-QALY claims are a staple of formulary committee deliberations in many single payer health systems, their adoption by CVS Health fails to take into account not only the imaginary nature of the modeled construct utilized to generate the cost-per-QALY estimate and its shortcomings but the fact that alternative model structures may render invalid the application of willingness-to-pay thresholds. The case is made that CVS Health could adopt a more rigorous process of formulary assessment to support both preliminary assessments of new products and also an ongoing process of formulary review that challenge manufacturers to justify pricing over product patent life. This process should capitalize on the development of formulary evaluation platforms, potentially involving blockchain technology and smart contracting, for therapy interventions in targeted patient populations. Introducing a more rigorous formulary process, in particular the requirement for claims evaluation protocols, will not only assist CVS Health in restraining price increases over the life of the product but, for the first time in the US, put manufacturers on notice that patently unreasonable pricing policies and claims for product performance can be systematically and effectively challenged. Article Type: Commentary
Cost-effectiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound in focal neuropathies

Objective To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of neuromuscular ultrasound (NMUS) for the evaluation of focal neuropathies. Methods A prior prospective, randomized, double-blind controlled trial demonstrated that NMUS, when added to electrodiagnostic testing, resulted in improved clinical outcomes after 6 months of follow-up. From this study, we abstracted quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) from the 36-item Short Form Health Survey and entered this health-utility estimate into a mixed trial and model-based cost-effectiveness analysis from the societal perspective. Costs of intervention (NMUS) were estimated from Medicare payment rates for Current Procedural Terminology codes. Health care use was otherwise estimated to be equal, but sensitivity analyses further examined this and other key assumptions. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was used as the primary outcome with a willingness-to-pay threshold of $50,000 per QALY. Results The predicted mean health outcome associated with use of NMUS was 0.079 QALY, and the mean cost was $37, resulting in an ICER of $463 per QALY. Results and conclusions remained robust across all sensitivity analyses, including variations in time horizon, initial distribution of health states, costs, and effectiveness. Conclusions From a societal perspective, the addition of NMUS to electrodiagnostic testing when evaluating a focal neuropathy is cost-effective. A study of longer follow-up incorporating total health care use would further quantify the value of NMUS. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01394822.
Do central vestibular findings predict abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging

OBJECTIVE To determine whether central findings from vestibular tests predict abnormal findings on magnetic resonance imaging. METHOD This study was a retrospective case series at a tertiary referral centre. The main outcome measure of this diagnostic intervention study was the positive predictive value of central vestibular findings in relation to magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. RESULTS Central vestibular findings had a 50.9 per cent positive predictive value for magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities across all age groups although they varied according to age group. Optokinetic nystagmus (p < 0.05) and abnormal findings on videonystagmography tests (p < 0.05) were the main predictors of magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities. White matter lesions constituted the bulk of the central lesions on magnetic resonance imaging followed by cortical and cerebellar atrophy. CONCLUSION Central vestibular findings had a 50.9 per cent positive predictive value for magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities across all age groups. Magnetic resonance imaging is medically justified to further evaluate patients with central findings on vestibular studies. Therefore, it is reasonable to request magnetic resonance imaging in these patients.
Infertility, impaired fecundity, and live birth/pregnancy ratio in women with epilepsy in the USA: Findings of the Epilepsy Birth Control Registry.

Objective To determine the current risks of infertility and impaired fecundity as well as the live birth/pregnancy ratio among women with epilepsy (WWE) in the USA and whether antiepileptic drug (AED) use is a factor. Methods These retrospective survey data come from the 2010-2014 Epilepsy Birth Control Registry (EBCR) Web-based survey of 1000 WWE in the USA, aged 18-47 years, who provided demographic, epilepsy, AED, reproductive, and contraceptive data. We report risks of infertility and impaired fecundity, live birth/pregnancy ratio, and whether outcomes differ by AED use or category versus No AED. Results A total of 978 of the 1000 USA WWE reported reproductive data; 373 WWE had 724 pregnancies and 445 births. An additional 38 WWE (9.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 6.7-12.4%) tried to conceive but were infertile. A total of 72.5% had a live birth outcome for their first pregnancy, 89.0% had at least one live birth for their first two pregnancies, and 61.6% had two live births for their first two pregnancies. Eighty-four of 406 WWE (20.7%, 95% CI = 17.0-2.9%) had impaired fecundity. The risk of impaired fecundity trended higher on AED polytherapy than on No AED (risk ratio [RR] = 1.79, 95% CI = 0.94-3.11, P = .08). The ratio of live birth/unaborted pregnancy (445/594, 74.9%) was similar among WWE on No AED (71.3%), AED monotherapy (71.8%), and polytherapy (69.7%). None of the AED categories differed significantly from No AED. Note that glucuronidated AED (lamotrigine), which had the highest ratio of live birth/pregnancy (89.1%), compared favorably to enzyme-inhibiting AED (valproate), which had the lowest (63.3%; RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.05-1.88, P = .02). Significance The EBCR finds 9.2% infertility risk and 20.7% impaired fecundity risk among WWE in the USA. Impaired fecundity trended higher on AED polytherapy than on No AED. Live birth/pregnancy ratio was higher with the use of lamotrigine than valproate. These findings may provide WWE a more objective basis for pregnancy planning.
Lyme Arthritis in Children on the Uptick in Western New York Area.

Objective:This study explores a suspected increasing incidence of Lyme arthritis in the Western New York pediatric population. In addition, we aim to describe a clinical picture of Lyme arthritis a...
Estimating tie strength in follower networks to measure brand perceptions

As public entities like brands and politicians increasingly rely on social media to engage their constituents, analyzing who follows them can reveal information about how they are perceived. Whereas most prior work considers following networks as unweighted directed graphs, in this paper we use a tie strength model to place weights on follow links to estimate the strength of relationship between users. We use conversational signals (retweets, mentions) as a proxy class label for a binary classification problem, using social and linguistic features to estimate tie strength. We then apply this approach to a case study estimating how brands are perceived with respect to certain issues (e.g., how environmentally friendly is Patagonia perceived to be?). We compute weighted follower overlap scores to measure the similarity between brands and exemplar accounts (e.g., environmental non-profits), finding that the tie strength scores can provide more nuanced estimates of consumer perception.
Robot, Pass Me the Scissors! How Robots Can Assist Us in the Operating Room

The inclusion of robotics and automation to support and augment surgical performance offers the promise of shorter operating times, higher accuracy and fewer risks compared with traditional, human-only surgery. This paper discusses current research in the area of surgical robotics and human-robot collaboration. A multimodal robotic scrub nurse (Gestonurse) for the operating room (OR) is presented as a case study. Gestonurse assists the main surgeon by passing surgical instruments, thereby releasing the surgical technician to perform other tasks. Such a robotic system has the potential to reduce miscommunication and compensate for understaffing. The implications of the introduction of surgical robots, as assistants rather than autonomous agents, are discussed in terms of the societal and technological requirements. Quantitative and qualitative findings are presented as evidence to support the guidelines discussed.
Lipids of ocular tissues: IV. A comparison of the phospholipids from the retina of six mammalian species

The class and fatty acid compositions of the phospholipids from whole retinas of pig, sheep, human, dog, bovine and rabbit were determined. Each species has nearly identical composition; the major phospholipid classes are phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine. The same lipid class from each species has a similar fatty acid composition. Palmitic is the most abundant acid in phosphatidyl choline, which contains low levels of polyunsaturates. The compositions of phosphatidyl serine and phosphatidyl ethanolamine are similar, each containing high levels of stearic and docosahexenoic acids. Phosphatidyl inositol is characterized by high levels of stearic and arachidonic acids.
Channel noise scan for post-layout check of printed circuit board

Channel noise scan (CNS) approach is proposed in this paper to efficiently analyse the potential VR-signal coupling issue in the post-layout printed circuit board (PCB) check and the post-silicon debugging of the platform development. CNS is based on a new simulation methodology that includes the whole PCB with signals, voltage regulator (VR) networks, and the interaction. A frequency domain indicator is proposed to systematically analyse the VR-signal coupling problems. This methodology can also provide the ability for the designer to do performance/cost trade-off, layout optimization.
DSP synthesis with heterogeneous functional units using the MARS-II system

This paper presents a new heuristic, concurrent, iterative loop based scheduling and allocation algorithm for high-level synthesis of digital signal processing (DSP) architectures using heterogeneous functional units. In a heterogeneous architecture, functional units could be either bit-serial or digit-serial or bit-parallel. This paper assumes a library of heterogeneous implementation style based functional units to be available. The proposed heuristic synthesis approach generates optimal and near-optimal area solutions. Although optimum synthesis of such architectures were proposed using an integer linear programming (ILP) model our method can produce similar solutions in one to two orders of magnitude less time, at the expense of sacrificing the cost optimality. This new approach has been incorporated into the Minnesota Architecture Synthesis (MARS-II) system.
The psychological background of pregnancy outcome: a critical evaluation of research.

This paper concentrates on the scientific attempts to find psychological interpretations of pregnancy outcome. The author presents a critical discussion of the literature based on an extensive evaluation undertaken during 1988. The aim of the analysis was to clarify the state-of-the-art and choices of methodologies in studies exploring and identifying the nonmedical factors behind pregnan outcome. Three distinctive psychology based approaches an founy which are based on personality theory, psychosocial theory and lifeevent theory. These bases argue for very different causal contexts of pregnancy outcome and are, therefore, according to the author's view, very important to recognize, articularly when it comes to occupational health research on wor environment and pregnancy outcome.
The Next Frontier

Today, multi/many core systems have become prevalent, with architectures more or less exotic and heterogeneous. The overall theoretical computational power of the new generation processors has thus greatly increased, but their programmability still lacks certainty. The many changes in the newest architectures have come so rapidly that we are still deficient in taking advantage of all the new features, in terms of high performance libraries and applications. Simultaneously, application requirements growat least at the same pace.Obviously,more computations require more data in order to feed the deepest processor pipelines.More data means either faster access to the memory or faster access to the network. But the improvement in access speed to all types of memory (network included) lags behind the increase in computational power. As a result, while extracting the right performance of the current and next generation architectures is still a challenge, it is compulsory to increase the efficiency of the current parallel programming paradigms.
Cardiac sodium channel gene mutations and sudden infant death syndrome: confirmation of proof of concept?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is a multifactorial disorder in which newborns tragically die in their sleep for no obvious reason and without prior warning. SIDS is defined as “the sudden death of an infant which is unexpected by history, and in which a full postmortem examination fails to demonstrate an adequate cause of death.”1 Although SIDS may occur in more than one child in a family, it has not been generally considered an inherited problem. The cause of SIDS has been speculated to be a mechanical airway problem, such as smothering, aspiration, or positional effects; child abuse; inborn errors of metabolism; brain stem dysfunction; or medication-induced.2 For many years, Schwartz and Sergantini3 and others4,5 have suggested the possibility of arrhythmogenic factors, although this has met with significant resistance over the years.6 In 1998, Schwartz et al7 presented titillating data suggesting that a significant percentage of SIDS cases were associated with a prolonged QT interval on screening ECGs and noted the possibility that long-QT syndrome (LQTS), an inherited disorder, is a common cause of SIDS. These authors then provided further support for this hypothesis when they identified a mutation in the cardiac sodium channel gene SCN5A in a near-SIDS case.8 In the present issue of Circulation , …
Drug–Drug Interactions 1: Inhibition

Predicting a potential drug–drug interaction of a new drug is not only judicious but also mandatory given the high incidences of avoidable deleterious drug–drug interactions that increase the exposure of the victim drug in the subject's bloodstream. Typically, a new chemical entity is tested for its potency to cause a clinically relevant drug–drug interaction. This is determined in in vitro studies that determine the mechanism of inhibition and the affinity of the inhibitor to a particular enzyme. The affinity (IC50 or Ki) is subsequently translated into a clinical AUC change via in vitro in vivo correlations. Translational models have explored roles of fraction metabolized, protein binding, physiological inhibitor concentration, intestinal contribution and the role of non-P450s towards worsening or ameliorating inhibition. Particular ambiguity exists in terms of the relevant concentration of inhibitor to be used in these models. While predictions have greatly improved and AUC changes within 2-fold can be made at least 70–90% of the time, the presence of false negatives provides room for caution. Further refinement of the model includes incorporation of in vivo data to build models, and building sophisticated compartmental models to improve prediction. Keywords: competitive inhibition; clinical drug–drug interactions; inhibition prediction; inhibitor concentration; in vitro in vivo correlations for inhibition
Contribution of alloantigens to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury: Roles of natural killer cells and innate immune recognition of nonself.

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) remains a major clinical problem and involves the innate immune system's recognition of “nonself.” Considering the efficient nonself recognition by natural killer (NK) cells, we hypothesize in this study that hepatic IRI associated with liver transplantation (LT) could be augmented in allogeneic rather than in syngeneic (Syn) grafts due to alloantigen recognition by innate immune cells, especially by NK cells. Using green fluorescent protein (GFP)/Sprague-Dawley rats, we tested our hypothesis in a rat LT model with 18 hours of cold storage in University of Wisconsin solution. Hepatic IRI was significantly augmented in allografts with higher alanine transaminase levels, increased necrosis, and vigorous proinflammatory mediator up-regulation compared to Syn grafts. Injury increased in allografts associated with augmented GFP+ host leukocyte infiltration due to significantly increased host CD11b/c+ and RP-1+ neutrophil recruitment. A large number of liver-resident (donor) mature CD11b/c+ NK cells quickly diminished from allografts, but not from Syn grafts. Depletion of mature NK cells from liver grafts with anti-asialo monosialotetrahexosylganglioside significantly improved hepatic IRI and reduced neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory mediators. In conclusion, early innate immune responses were more significantly enhanced in allografts than in Syn grafts during hepatic IRI, in part through NK cell recognition of “missing self.” Liver Transpl 22:80-90, 2016. © 2015 AASLD.
The effects of perchlorate on thyroidal gene expression are different from the effects of iodide deficiency.

Perchlorate (ClO4 −), which is a ubiquitous and persistent ion, competitively interferes with iodide (I) accumulation in the thyroid, producing I deficiency (ID), which may result in reduced thyroid hormone synthesis and secretion. Human studies suggest that ClO4 − presents little risk in healthy individuals; however, the precautionary principle demands that the sensitive populations of ID adults and mothers require extra consideration. In an attempt to determine whether the effects on gene expression were similar, the thyroidal effects of ClO4 − (10 mg/kg) treatment for 14 d in drinking water were compared with those produced by 8 wk of ID in rats. The thyroids were collected (n = 3 each group) and total mRNA was analyzed using the Affymetrix Rat Genome 230 2.0 GeneChip. Changes in gene expression were compared with appropriate control groups. The twofold gene changes due to ID were compared with alterations due to ClO4 − treatment. One hundred and eighty-nine transcripts were changed by the ID diet and ...
Intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas

Abstract Intramedullary spinal cord tumors (IMSCT) are rare lesions and can occur in any age group. They are the most common intramedullary spinal cord tumors in children and the second most common in adults. Most of these astrocytomas are low-grade and may present after a symptomatic period of months to years. They can become symptomatic with back or neck pain, radicular pain, motor deficits or sensory deficits (or both), spasticity, or bowel and bladder dysfunction. Diagnosis is best made by magnetic resonance imaging with and without intravenous contrast. These tumors widen the cord and are iso- to hypointense to the spinal cord on T1-weighted images and are hyperintense on T2-weighted images. They often have associated cysts and edema. Astrocytomas can enhance with contrast. They can occur anywhere in the spinal cord but are most frequently found in the cervical spine. Surgery is important to establish a histologic diagnosis, to reduce tumor burden, and possibly to improve neurologic function and survival. Whether the extent of tumor resection improves survival is controversal. Careful microsurgical technique can achieve substantial cytoreduction in lesions associated with an adequate tumor-spinal cord interface. Radiation therapy is a useful adjunct in treating low-grade intramedullary spinal cord astrocytomas; little seems to improve the dismal course of high-grade astrocytomas.
Intrapartum fetal pulse oximetry: the effects of maternal hyperoxia on fetal arterial oxygen saturation.

Objective: Our purpose was to observe the effects of maternal oxygen administration on fetal arterial oxygen saturation in normal human fetuses during labor. Study Design: Twenty healthy women with uncomplicated pregnancies were studied during active labor at term. Arterial oxygen saturation was measured by a noninvasive reflectance pulse oximeter designed for fetal application (Nellcor, Inc, Pleasanton, Calif.). The first group was studied during 20-minute intervals of inspired oxygen concentrations of 21%, 40%, and 100%. In a second group the effects of prolonged (45 minutes) supplemental 40% oxygen administration were evaluated. Differences between groups were analyzed by analysis of variance; significance was considered at p Results: A significant increase in fetal arterial oxygen saturation (50% ± 8% vs 64% ± 6%, p Conclusions: Prolonged maternal administration of 40% oxygen resulted in no significant demonstrable change in fetal arterial oxygen saturation determined by reflectance pulse oximetry in normal fetuses. Because the administration of oxygen by standard mask techniques rarely results in 40% inspired oxygen concentration, fetal benefits of such intrapartum maternal oxygen administration are questionable.
Inflation and reheating in Bianchi type-IX cosmology.

Within the framework of the Bianchi type-IX homogeneous space, we set up a system of coupled equations for the cosmic scale factors, scalar field, and radiative energy density. At the tree level, the equations are written in a self-consistent, Hartree-Fock form. For phi/sup 4/ theory, the system of nine first-order differential equations is solved numerically for a varying ratio of the energy of anisotropy to the vacuum energy. As the vacuum energy increases, there appears to be less reheating, since the energy of anisotropy is more efficiently converted into isotropic expansion. If the energy of anisotropy is large enough, the inflationary phase is prevented. In this case, a series of cosmological phase transitions will take place each time the square of the effective mass changes its sign.
Associations between body mass index, cardiorespiratory fitness, metabolic syndrome, and impaired fasting glucose in young, urban native american women.

Background: To investigate the baseline associations between body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, physical activity, family history of type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome and impaired fasting glucose (IFG) among 200 asymptomatic urban Native American women aged 18–40 years participating in a diabetes prevention intervention. Methods: Participants without diabetes who self-identified as Native American were recruited from the general urban community into a randomized controlled trial. Inclusion criteria included not being pregnant and willingness to stay in the urban area for 2 years. From June 2002 to June 2004, baseline measures were taken and included fasting serum glucose, insulin, and lipids, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, percent body fat, submaximal predicted cardiorespiratory fitness, and self-reported leisure physical activity and family history of type 2 diabetes. Results: Most participants were overweight or obese (mean BMI = 29.4 ± 6.3 kg/m2; mean percent body fat = 41.2% ±...
InAs/GaSb infrared photovoltaic detector at 77 K

The characterisation of an 8 mu m infrared photovoltaic detector based on InAs/GaSb superlattices is carried out at 77 K for the first time. The built-in field is established by the Fermi level difference between the superlattice surface and the InAs buffer layer. The photocurrent is from photoexcited carriers traversing through the superlattice conduction miniband. A current responsivity of 0.07 A/W has been obtained, implying that one out of 10 photoexcited electrons has been collected.
Approaches to the Difficult Drainage and Biopsy

Percutaneous abscess drainage and percutaneous biopsy are effective and widely used techniques in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with abdominal or pelvic abscesses and lesions. Some abscesses and lesions can initially appear unsuitable for percutaneous access for a variety of reasons. This article reviews the circumstances in which collections or lesions may appear undrainable or inaccessible to percutaneous biopsy, and it describes techniques for overcoming these circumstances.
The Challenge of the Market

Identifying markets for new or improved products for minor crops threatened with extinction is one critical component of any strategy intended to enhance prospects for sustainable production and use. Typically, however, activities linked to the sustainability of these commodities avoid addressing questions associated with assessing their commercial potential. After a brief review of this avoidance syndrome, this article presents a sample of practical, low-cost procedures to help evaluate the market prospects and procedures for crops like quinoa, while citing references to other methodological materials covering similar topics.
Bleomycin, vincristine, and methotrexate with citrovorum factor rescue in the treatment of advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix

Fourteen patients with advanced or locally recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the uterine cervix were treated with bleomycin, vincristine, and moderately high dose methotrexate with citrovorum rescue. Two patients (14%) had a partial response; no patient had a complete response. Two patients were felt to have significant bleomycin associated pulmonary toxicity. This chemotherapy regimen is not felt to be clinically useful in our patient population.
"Faces and Feelings": a projective technique for measuring young children's self-esteem.

A projective type "Faces and Feelings" measure was designed for use with kindergarten and first grade children. The underlying assumption was that the technique would elicit from this age group self-perceptions of worthwhileness. The unique methodology eliminated the most pervasive problems in self-esteem measurement, and results yielded important information about the effects of significant others on young children's self-esteem. Also, feelings about home and school activities addressed the multifaceted and specificity aspect of the self-esteem construct. Differences between American and Australian children and boys and girls in how Mom, Dad, Teacher, Friend, Home, School, Holiday, Reading, Math made children feel about themselves could be identified using "Faces and Feelings."
Inherited metabolic diseases of the nervous system

This overview was designed primarily to provide examples of hereditary metabolic disorders that result in nervous system dysfunction. Some of the more frequently encountered pathological conditions were selected in order to illustrate the mechanisms and the consequences of the metabolic derangements. Therapeutic approaches for the correction of such disorders are discussed where it appears appropriate. In time the precise etiology for those eponymous genetic conditions with stereotyped pathologic and clinical manifestations such as Huntington's chorea (79) and Friedreich's ataxia (80) will be disclosed. It is possible that some forms of epilepsy (81) and perhaps certain psychiatric disturbances (82) will be shown to be inherited metabolic disorders. As our knowledge and skill increase, this logic may eventually be extended to biochemical explanations of variation in individual skills and talents. Certainly innovative extrapolation and novel research directions will be necessary to provide an understanding of these differences. However, it is axiomatic in research that each useful contribution serves largely as a point of departure for further accomplishments.
Buckling of Porcine Aorta Under Static and Dynamic Loading

Tortuosity and buckling of blood vessels are defined as the deviation from original configuration and has been observed throughout the vascular system. The blood flow in the regions down-stream of tortuous section decreases, which may cause a deficiency in blood supply to the organs and ischemia. Although tortuosity of blood vessels has been associated with aging, atherosclerosis, hypertension, genetic and other cardiovascular disease, the mechanism behind its initiation and development is not yet understood. In a series of theoretical and experimental studies, biomechanical aspects of buckling of arteries has been investigated under quasi-static loading (Han, 2007; Liu and Han, 2011); however, it has been shown theoretically that the buckling behavior of arteries under dynamic loading are different and arteries may become mechanically unstable at pressures other than the static critical loading (Rachev, 2009). This work addresses buckling of porcine aorta and experimental verification of dynamic buckling in this case. We hypothesize that dynamic buckling can partly contribute to the traumatic rupture of aorta that is a leading cause of fatality in motor vehicle crashes.© 2012 ASME
Analytic Properties of Bloch Waves and Wannier Functions

The one-dimensional Schr\"odinger equation with a periodic and symmetric potential is considered, under the assumption that the energy bands do not intersect. The Bloch waves, ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{n,k}$, and energy bands, ${E}_{n,k}$, are studied as functions of the complex variable, $k$. In the complex plane, they are branches of multivalued analytic and periodic functions, ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{k}$, and ${E}_{k}$, with branch points, ${k}^{\ensuremath{'}}$, off the real axis. A simple procedure is described for locating the branch points. Application is made to the power series and Fourier series developments of these functions. The analyticity and periodicity of ${\ensuremath{\phi}}_{n,k}$ has some consequences for the form of the Wannier functions. In particular, it is shown that for each band there exists one and only one Wannier function which is real, symmetric or antisymmetric under an appropriate reflection, and falling off exponentially with distance. The rate of falloff is determined by the distance of the branch points ${k}^{\ensuremath{'}}$ from the real axis.