cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Dodecafluoropentane Emulsion (DDFPe) Decreases Stroke Size and Improves Neurological Scores in a Permanent Occlusion Rat Stroke Model.

Background: Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), given IV one hour after stroke, has been shown to greatly reduce the percent stroke volume (%SV) in rabbits. With repeated doses its effect continued for 24 hours. Purpose: Test DDFPe as neuroprotective agent in permanent occlusion rat stroke models in Sprague Dawley (SD) and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) measuring both %SV and neurological assessment scores (NAS). Methods: The male rats received either saline (control), or one or four doses (1x or 4x) of DDFPe (0.6ml/kg IV) one hour post stroke. Treatment groups were SD (n=26) (control, 1x and 4x; n=12, 7 and 7) and SHR (n=14) (control, 1x and 4x; n=7, 3 and 4). The 4x doses were given at 1.5 hour intervals. At six hours post stroke, the rats received a NAS using standard tests for balance, reflexes, and motor performance. Then rats were euthanized and brains removed for TTC evaluation of %SV. Results: For %SV analysis strain differences were not significant therefore strains were combined. DDFPe significantly decreased %SV in 1x and 4xDDFPe groups compared to control groups (2.59±1.81 and 0.98±0.88 vs. 9.24±6.06, p<0.001 each; p<0.0001 for the overall test for treatment effect). The 1x versus 4xDDFPe groups were not significantly different (p=0.40). In NAS analysis both strains showed significant improvement with 4xDDFPe therapy vs. controls, (SD: 5.00+2.45 vs. 9.36+3.56, p=0.01; SHR: 7.75+4.43 vs. 12.14+3.08, p=0.05). Differences between the 1x DDFPe group and controls were not significant (SD: 8.43+3.69; SHR: 9. 33+3.51).
Improving accuracy in a robust algorithm for three-dimensional Voronoi diagrams

Abstract This paper describes extensions to a previous algorithm that robustly builds three-dimensional Voronoi diagrams in the presence of inexact numerical computations. The extensions improve the algorithm's accuracy, making its results more nearly represent the proximity properties of an ideal Voronoi diagram. In empirical tests, these extensions have improved accuracy by more than eight orders of magnitude. Complete pseudocode for the algorithm appears in an appendix of this paper.
Networks for parallel processors: measurements and prognostications

Improvements in the performance of communication networks will soon alter the criteria for multicomputers efficient algorithm design. To study the performance of existing and proposed network implementations, we conducted parametric simulation studies of several message routing paradigms, assuming an equivalent hardware implementation. Using the results of these simulations, we have developed qualitative analytic models that provide insight into network behavior.
A preliminary algorithm for determining the order of a linear stochastic dynamic system

This paper presents a preliminary algorithm for determining the orders of a linear stochastic dynamic system solely from the observation of the system output. The scalar transfer function of the system contains both poles and zeros, however, no a priori information is available about the numbers and values of these poles and zeros. The driving input of this system is assumed to be white. Such a system is called a mixed type process, since it is a combination of the autoregressive (all-pole) and the moving-average (all zero) processes. The objective of this algorithm is thus to determine the number of poles (order of the autoregressive portion of the process) and the number of zeros (order of the moving-average portion of the process) of the mixed type process. The algorithm suggested in this paper is based on a two stage process: first take those output correlations which follow a repetitive pattern to determine the order of the autoregressive portion, then proceed to estimate the autoregressive parameters and lower the index of the correlation until the significant deviation from the repetitive pattern is observed, the order of the moving-average then can be determined.
Radioactivity in Cervidae antlers.

The experience gained in this study indicated that Cervidae antlers afford a convenient means for measuring levels of ambient radioactivity over large areas. By the use of antlers, it was possible to compare Sr90 levels resulting from bomb testing “fallout” year by year from 1943 through 1958 in a number of areas in the United States, Canada, and Alaska. The most surprising finding was the very high levels for Alaska in 1958. From calculations based on total beta counts in antlers, it was possible to show that the radiation dose delivered to bone from short-lived fission products is insignificant as compared to the dose delivered by Sr90/Y90.
A simple package for front tracking

A general purpose software package for the geometry and dynamics of an interface has been extracted from the FronTier code developed by the authors and colleagues, and is now publicly available. The purpose of this paper is twofold. We describe significant improvements to the Front Tracking package, especially in the 3D handling of topological bifurcations. We also assess the performance of the package, in comparison with publicly distributed interface codes (the level set method), with published performance results (VOF and other methods) and with previous versions of front tracking. The major new algorithm presented here is Locally Grid Based tracking, which combines the best features of two previous 3D tracking algorithms. It combines the robustness of grid-based tracking with the accuracy of grid free tracking, and thus it is a significant improvement to both of these algorithms. We also discuss the surface curvature and normal algorithms and a higher order propagation algorithm, used for the comparison studies presented here. The code is downloadable from the web, and is accompanied by a web-based testing and evaluation site and extensive web-based documentation.
Attributes of images in describing tasks

Abstract With the current rapid expansion in imaging technologies, access to collections of images is a subject of major interest. This exploratory research investigated image attributes typically noted by participants in a series of describing tasks involving activities such as viewing images, describing them for a retrieval system, and describing them from memory. Content analysis and descriptive statistics were used to characterize textual statements generated by participants; this analysis produced forty-seven image attributes which were grouped conceptually into twelve higher level classes of attributes. The data suggest that access to a wide range of attributes is needed to address all facets of interest to those using pictorial images. They further suggest that certain classes of attributes may appear more frequently in a set of tasks relating to the description of images, including literal objects, the human form and associated attributes, and color and location terms, More unexpectedly, terms describing the ‘story’ within the image also appeared frequently in this research. The disjunction between these results and those attributes typically addressed in traditional image indexing systems suggest revisiting assumptions upon which image indexing and retrieval systems are being created.
The Geography of U.S. Terrorist Incidents, 1970–2004

This paper describes the spatio-temporal trends in terrorist incidents in the United States, from 1970 through 2004. Utilizing the Global Terrorism Database (GTD) and ancillary data, we examine both the frequency of incidents and their characteristics: location, target type, attack type, weapon type, and perpetrator group. While the frequency of terrorist incidents has declined since the 1970s, there still is significant activity nationwide. Instead of urban-rural or West Coast-East Coast divisions, the pattern is a more complex mosaic based on group identity, target, and weapon type. We conclude that there is an explicit geography of terrorism, one that is quite decentralized and highly localized.
Microtubule dynamics modulated by guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis activity of beta-tubulin

Microtubule dynamic instability underlies many cellular functions, including spindle morphogenesis and chromosome movement. The role of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) hydrolysis in dynamic instability was investigated by introduction of four mutations into yeast beta-tubulin at amino acids 103 to 109, a site thought to participate in GTP hydrolysis. Three of the mutations increased both the assembly-dependent rate of GTP hydrolysis and the average length of steady-state microtubules over time, a measure of dynamic instability. The fourth mutation did not substantially affect the rate of GTP hydrolysis or the steady-state microtubule lengths. These results demonstrate that the rate of GTP hydrolysis can modulate microtubule length and hence dynamic instability.
Experimental programming of life histories: Toward an experimental science of individual differences

Four experimental variables were combined in a 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design. These were (1) infantile handling vs. no handling of the mothers of the subjects, (2) infantile handling vs. no handling of the subjects, (3)rearing of the subjects in either a maternity cage or a free environment between birth and weaning, and (4) rearing of the subjects in either a laboratory cage or a free environment between weaning and 42 days of age (N = 6 Purdue-Wistar rats per group). Starting at 220 days of age, the groups were given a battery of tests which measured emotional reactivity, exploratory behavior, and consumption-elimination. Analysis of the criterion data revealed the following: (1) handling pups in infancy reduced emotional reactivity and this reduction was found to be invariant with respect to different combinations of life history experiences; (2) exploratory behavior was markedly influenced by the animal's pattern of life experiences; (3) when mothers were handled during their infancy, their offspring explored significantly less than offspring of nonhandled mothers.
Dilemmas of western policies towards Iran

(2002). Dilemmas of western policies towards Iran. The International Spectator: Vol. 37, No. 3, pp. 69-81.
Excitation-Dependent Characteristics of H and He11 Lines used in Determining the Rydberg Constant

Series (1) has given an excellent general review of the situation concerning the Rydberg constant, and there is no need to elaborate here. Basically the problem is that most of the data on which the presently recommended value of the Rydberg constant is based was obtained more than thirty years ago, and that as a result of more recent advances in instrumental technique and in the understanding of various complications arising from the methods used in exciting hydrogen-like spectral lines there is the risk of uncertain systematic errors in the old data and the possibility of improved precision of future measurements. It is satisfying that at this conference there are two papers (2,3) from different laboratories reporting progress on new evaluations of the Rydberg constant based on measurements of deuterium and ionized helium. Since many of the technical complications in measuring hydrogen-like lines will be discussed in those papers, this paper will concentrate on the effects different excitation techniques can have on the appearance of these lines. The effects are of concern in measuring the Rydberg constant because the complicated fine structures of hydrogen-like lines are never fully resolved, and knowledge of the relative intensities and widths of the components is necessary for most satisfactory correction for blending. Moreover, it would be obviously advantageous if a method for producing very narrow hydrogen-like lines could be discovered.
Change in synthesis of sulfated glycoconjugates during muscle development, maturation and aging in embryonic to senescent CBF-1 mouse

Abstract Previous biochemical and morphological studies have demonstrated a change in the synthetic pattern of sulfated proteoglycans during skeletal musculogenesis in the embryonic chick. These studies revealed that a transition occurs in both composition and deposition of sulfated glycoconjugates that parallels the developmental state of the tissue. The current study was undertaken to ascertain whether this transition in the embryonic chick is a conserved developmental process during musculogenesis in the mouse. Leg musculature from embryonic newborn, juvenile, adolescent, young adult, mature adult and senescent mice, radiolabeled in vivo with [ 35 S]sulfate, was analyzed for relative size and composition of newly synthesized sulfated macromolecules. The data reveal a transition in the synthesis of sulfated proteolgycans and glycoproteins that parallels the myogenic differentiative state of the mouse leg muscle. Embryonic mouse leg musculature synthesizes relatively large proteolgycan consisting of large chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans chains. Subsequently, these major newly synthesized proteolglycans are replaced synthetically by smaller molecules composed of mixtures of dermatan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (newborn through 2 weeks); dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate and chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans (13 months) and heparan sulfate and dermatan sulfate glycosaminoglycans (25–26 months). The sulfated glycoproteins demonstrate a reciprocal synthetic pattern. Early in development sulfated glycoproteins form a small proportion of the newly synthesized sulfated material. With increasing developmental and maturational age, the proportion of sulfated glycoproteins increases. This continues until they become the predominant sulfated moieties synthesized by senescent mouse muscle. The results from this study thus extend observations initially made in chick to muscle development in the mouse and, therefore, suggest that the transition in synthesis of sulfated glycoconjugates is a conserved developmental process during musculogenesis.
Cellular interactions in morphogenesis of the thyroid gland.

The existence of an epithelio-mesodermal interaction in the embryonic chick thyroid has been tested by reaggregation of 8- and 16-day epithelial monolayers with capsule, mesentery, heart ventricle, and perichondrial cells. Establishment of the histological anil cytological pattern of the thyroid occurred only in the presence of capsule. The loss of endoplasmic reticulum which occurs in monolayer culture was shown not to be a result of spreading, since organ cultures of immediately reaggregated cells undergo the same degenerative changes. Dissociation itself also cannot be the explanation for the loss since membrane destruction and recovery occur at different times in raft cultures and in chorio-allantoic grafts. The similarity of the results after immediate reaggregation and in combinations of epithelial cells with capsule after monolayer culture suggests that the role of the mesodermal component is to support the specialized cytoplasmic structure and function of the epithelial cell type.
Setting the stage for a `Festival of Lies': Notes on expertise and African Cultural Studies

This article is a two-part essay resulting from the author's experience as a public commentator on a performance in Seattle, USA by the Congolese choreographer Faustin Linyekula. The first part of the article explores the difficulties and opportunities that arise when Africanist scholars are asked to serve as cultural experts for a general audience. I outline some of the considerations in agreeing to provide commentary on a performance for which I could claim only a `close enough' kind of expertise, but which nevertheless seemed ideally suited for engaged public humanities scholarship. The second half of the article is the text of the resulting podcast. It first traces the historical background to Linyekula's `Festival of Lies', then presents general observations on African political performance. The script concludes with a reflection on the specificities and implications of viewing Linyekula's performance in Seattle.
Care of the infant with prolonged ventilator dependency.

The improved survival of critically ill infants has resulted in a rapid increase in the number of patients who require prolonged respiratory support. As a result of this, neonatal and pediatric intensive care units are frequently faced with the dilemma of having to allocate a portion of their limited resources to the care of infants who remain ventilator dependent for extended periods. Despite the magnitude of this problem, it has seldom been addressed in the medical literature. This may reflect the frustration inherent in this situation for care givers who are accustomed to dealing with acute rather than chronic illnesses. The article from Schreiner and collaborators 1 in this issue ofThe Journaldescribes many facets of this problem and raises several medical, ethical, and social issues. The first and most important question that needs to be considered is whether different treatment strategies for infants with acute respiratory failure can influence
Stacked Contact Electromigration in advanced SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistors

Contact Electromigration (EM) constraining the performance for a SiGe hetero-junction bipolar transistor (HBT) is investigated. By incorporating a stacked contact structure with Via, the time-to-fail (TTF) increases by ten-fold and contact EM current density (JC_CNT_EM) increases by three-fold. These improvements are shown in experiments incorporating a space between contact and Via, a multi-level stack, and multi-Via stack effects. Also this result can be theoretically explained by a restoring force between contact and Via called Blech effect and unidirectional current flow. Consequently, JC_CNT_EM is no longer limited in a safe operating area (SOA) of a HBT and EM is regulated by only the top metal in a stacked contact structure. This allows us to design an EM enhanced HBT primitive cell without compromising device performance and to eliminate processing problems caused by rectangular contact.
Relationship between serum α1-antichymotrypsin and Alzheimer's disease

We obtained serum samples and measured α1-antichymotrypsin (ACT) levels in 36 pairs of consecutive probable Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients and age- and sex-matched, cognitively intact control subjects. Serum ACT was measured by radial immunodiffusion. Unique to this study, we found that ACT levels rose significantly with age within controls (but not within AD cases), thus ACT may be related to the aging process. Consistent with other reports, we found that AD cases had greater serum ACT in 27 of 36 pairs [mean difference = 135.5 (SE = 50.8) mg/l (p < 0.05)]. Severity and duration of AD were not significantly associated with the observed difference. The ACT increase observed in AD is not sufficient to recommend ACT's use as a diagnostic marker for AD. Because adult Down's syndrome (DS) persons are known to have pathologic features of AD, we also measured serum ACT levels in 11 adult, noninstitutionalized, DS persons paired with 11 age- and sex-matched, volunteer control subjects; we found no statistically significant difference. The unexpected age-associated increase in ACT among normal controls could be an indicator of early amyloid plaque formation. Future studies comparing ACT levels in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid should help to clarify the origin of ACT found in amyloid plaques and its value as a diagnostic marker for AD.
Fourier models and the loci of adaptation

First measures of sensitivity and the need for a model to interpret them are addressed. Then modeling in the Fourier domain is promoted by a demonstration of how such an approach explains spatial sensitization and its dependence on luminance. Then the retinal illuminance and receptor absorptions produced by various stimuli are derived to foster interpretation of the neural mechanisms underlying various psychophysical phenomena. Finally, the sequence and the anatomical loci of the processes controlling visual sensitivity are addressed. It is concluded that multiplicative adaptation often has effects identical to response compression followed by subtractive adaptation and that, perhaps as a consequence, there is no evidence of retinal gain changes in human cone vision until light levels are well above those available in natural scenes and in most contemporary psychophysical experiments; that contrast gain control fine tunes sensitivity to patterns at all luminances; and that response compression, modulated by subtractive adaptation, predominates in the control of sensitivity in human cone vision.
Magic structures of h-passivated 110 silicon nanowires.

We report a genetic algorithm approach combined with ab initio calculations to determine the structure of hydrogenated 〈110〉 Si nanowires. As the number of atoms per length increases, we find that the cross section of the nanowire evolves from chains of six-atom rings to fused pairs of such chains to hexagons bounded by {001} and {111} facets. Our calculations predict that hexagonal wires become stable starting at about 1.2 nm diameter, which is consistent with recent experimental reports of nanowires with diameters of about 3 nm.
Effects of Resynchronization Therapy on Cardiac Function in Pacemaker Patients “Upgraded” to Biventricular Devices

Effects of CRT on Cardiac Function. Introduction: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) improves echocardiographic measures of cardiac function and has a variable effect on QRS duration in patients with left bundle branch block (LBBB). How CRT affects these indices in patients with right ventricular (RV) pacing-induced LBBB who are "upgraded" with left ventricular (LV) leads for CRT is unknown. We studied the echocardiographic effects of RV pacing and CRT in patients with prior continuous RV pacing after LV lead placement. Methods and Results: Fifteen consecutive patients (age 73 ′ 11 years, LV ejection fraction 24 ′ 6%, QRS duration 190 ′ 27 msec) with New York Heart Association class IIIB-IV symptoms and continuous RV pacing underwent LV lead placement for CRT. Echocardiography and ECG were performed sequentially during RV pacing and CRT.CRT was associated with significantly reduced QRS duration (190 ′ 27 msec vs 165 ′ 18 msec, P = 0.005) and reduced LV electromechanical delay (180 ′ 33 msec vs 161′ 43 msec). Baseline QRS duration correlated with CRT response. After CRT, patients had significant improvements in indices of systolic function, including LV ejection fraction, myocardial performance index (MPI), and LV ejection time. Abnormal baseline MPI was associated with greater improvement after CRT. LV end-diastolic and systolic volumes were similarly decreased with CRT. Mitral valve deceleration time, an index of diastolic function, was not affected by CRT. Conclusion: "Upgrading" RV paced patients with advanced heart failure to CRT improves measures of electrical and LV mechanical synchrony and improves systolic function.
Induced halogen exchange in 1,2-dichloroethane by bis(NN-diethyldithiocarbamato)nickel(II)

Abstract Halogen exchange was observed when bis(NN-diethyldithiocarbamato) nickel(II), Ni(dtc)2, was refluxed with excess α,α′-dibromo-o-xylene in 1,2-dichloroethane forming α,α′-dichloro-o-xylene and α, α′-bromochloro-o-xylene. This exchange is absent without Ni(dtc)2 or when bis(o-ethylaxanthato)_nickel(II) is substituted for Ni (dtc)2.
Neuraminidase inhibitors for influenza

The whole truth and nothing but the truth Informed choice requires comprehensive and credible information. Much of the rationale for the currently evolving movement to fully share data is to provide information for decision making, particularly in situations involving the need to balance the potential benefits and harms of medical products. This investment in data sharing is based on the premise that the value of the information from unavailable data is sufficiently meaningful to be worth the effort to make them available.1 Presumably, patients, with guidance from their doctors, might choose differently if data owners were to release all the information relevant to specific treatments and if independent scientists were able to properly analyze and communicate the results. The publication of the most recent iteration of Cochrane reviews on the benefits and harms of oseltamivir and zanamivir, two neuraminidase inhibitors approved for the treatment of influenza, marks the first time that reviews of these products included information from all the pertinent clinical trials conducted by the manufacturers.2 3 Prior reviews could consider only a proportion of the studies that scientists had conducted with the drugs, since many were unpublished or selectively published. As a result of having much data out of public view, the prior reviews expressed substantial uncertainty about the benefits and harms of these antiviral agents, which led to repeated requests for all data to be …
Purification and Characterization of Clavaminate Synthase from Streptomyces antibioticus: A MULTIFUNCTIONAL ENZYME OF CLAVAM BIOSYNTHESIS (∗)

Clavaminate synthase (CS), a key enzyme in the clavulanic acid biosynthetic pathway, has been purified to electrophoretic homogeneity from Streptomyces antibioticus (Tu 1718), a species that does not produce clavulanic acid. A comparison of the physical and kinetic properties of clavaminate synthase from S. antibioticus (CS3) and the two isozymes from Streptomyces clavuligerus (CS1 and CS2) has been conducted. In oxidative reactions requiring the co-substrates O2, alpha-ketoglutaric acid, and catalytic Fe2+, both CS1 and CS2 catalyze three distinct transformations, the hydroxylation of deoxyguanidinoproclavaminic acid to guanidinoproclavaminic acid, and the cyclization and desaturation of proclavaminic acid to clavaminic acid. We have demonstrated that CS3 from S. antibioticus also catalyzes these three oxidations. The apparent molecular mass of CS3 from matrix-assisted laser desorption mass spectrometry is 35,839 +/- 36 Da. The enzyme is a monomer in solution as determined by gel filtration chromatography. Analysis of the four possible proclavaminic acid diastereomers confirmed the absolute configuration of the substrate to be 2S,3R. Based upon N-terminal sequence comparisons among the three proteins, CS3 possesses the higher degree of homology with the CS1 isozyme from S. clavuligerus. Although previously associated solely with clavulanic acid biosynthesis, we propose these findings and recent precursor incorporation data support the view that clavaminate synthase plays a critical role in the biosynthesis of the clavam metabolites.
Hypermodification of tRNA in Thermophilic archaea. Cloning, overexpression, and characterization of tRNA-guanine transglycosylase from Methanococcus jannaschii.

tRNA is structurally unique among nucleic acids in harboring an astonishing diversity of modified nucleosides. Two structural variants of the hypermodified nucleoside 7-deazaguanosine have been identified in tRNA: queuosine, which is found at the wobble position of the anticodon in bacterial and eukaryotic tRNA, and archaeosine, which is found at position 15 of the D-loop in archaeal tRNA. From homology searching of the Methanococcus jannaschii genome, a gene coding for an enzyme in the biosynthesis of archaeosine (tgt) was identified and cloned. The tgt gene was overexpressed in anEscherichia coli expression system, and the recombinant tRNA-guanine transglycosylase enzyme was purified and characterized. The enzyme catalyzes a transglycosylation reaction in which guanine is eliminated from position 15 of the tRNA and an archaeosine precursor (preQ0) is inserted. The enzyme is able to utilize both guanine and the 7-deazaguanine base preQ0 as substrates, but not other 7-deazaguanine bases, and is able to modify tRNA from all three phylogenetic domains. The enzyme shows optimal activity at high temperature and acidic pH, consistent with the optimal growth conditions of M. jannaschii. The nature of the temperature dependence is consistent with a requirement for some degree of tRNA tertiary structure in order for recognition by the enzyme to occur.
Integrated data analysis and management for the problem solving environment

Abstract Large quantities of application oriented data (e.g. measurement data, planning data, etc.) have been accumulated or are still under development in science and industry. The detailed analysis and non-routine usage of such data collections by typical endusers (scientists, engineers, economists—with little or no programming skill and ambitions) has heavy demand for 1. —a powerful interactive language 2. —a flexible data base management system 3. —easy embedding of application specific programs 4. —facilities for graphical data presentation 5. —online usage-information on programs and data 6. —application oriented description of data and programs The Integrated Data Analysis and Management System (IDAMS) which combines several components to satisfy all the above requirements has been largely implemented in APL. IDAMS offers access to data (managed by a data base system) and to programs (from a library of APL and non APL programs) with a simple but powerful query language. The attributes of data and programs are specified in a dictionary and their meaning is described in an information network of the interactive user guidance component. User guidance and adaptivity of the IDAMS interface to the user's skill are the key to easy and comfortable usage of IDAMS for problems solving by non DP professionals.
Bayesian nonparametric regression with varying residual density

We consider the problem of robust Bayesian inference on the mean regression function allowing the residual density to change flexibly with predictors. The proposed class of models is based on a Gaussian process prior for the mean regression function and mixtures of Gaussians for the collection of residual densities indexed by predictors. Initially considering the homoscedastic case, we propose priors for the residual density based on probit stick-breaking (PSB) scale mixtures and symmetrized PSB (sPSB) location-scale mixtures. Both priors restrict the residual density to be symmetric about zero, with the sPSB prior more flexible in allowing multimodal densities. We provide sufficient conditions to ensure strong posterior consistency in estimating the regression function under the sPSB prior, generalizing existing theory focused on parametric residual distributions. The PSB and sPSB priors are generalized to allow residual densities to change nonparametrically with predictors through incorporating Gaussian processes in the stick-breaking components. This leads to a robust Bayesian regression procedure that automatically down-weights outliers and influential observations in a locally-adaptive manner. Posterior computation relies on an efficient data augmentation exact block Gibbs sampler. The methods are illustrated using simulated and real data applications.
Climbing Ability of the Common Bed Bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae)

Little is known about what factors influence the climbing ability of bed bugs, Cimex lectularius L. (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), in relation to the various surfaces they encounter. We examined how sex, time since last fed, and what surfaces the bed bugs were in contact with affected their climbing performance. The effects of sex and time since fed were tested by counting the number of bed bugs able to climb a 45° slope. The pulling force was recorded using an analytical balance technique that captured the sequential vertical pulling force output of bed bugs attached to various surfaces. Recently fed female bed bugs were found to have the most difficulty in climbing smooth surfaces in comparison with males. This difference can be explained by the larger weight gained from bloodmeals by female bed bugs. A variety of vertical pulling forces were observed on surfaces ranging from sandpaper to talc powder-covered glass. For surfaces not treated with talc powder, bed bugs generated the least amount of vertical pulling force from synthetically created 0.6-µm plastron surfaces. This vast range in the ability of bed bugs to grip onto various surfaces may have implications on limiting bed bugs dispersal and hitchhiking behaviors.
Neer Award 2012: cerebral oxygenation in the beach chair position: a prospective study on the effect of general anesthesia compared with regional anesthesia and sedation.

Background Devastating neurologic ischemic episodes, such as stroke and deafness, have occurred in patients undergoing shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. We hypothesized that awake patients would be able to avoid significant cerebral deoxygenation events (CDEs) compared with anesthetized patients when procedures were performed in the beach chair position. Materials and methods Sixty patients underwent elective shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. Thirty patients underwent an interscalene block and monitored sedation (awake group); 30 patients underwent general anesthesia (asleep group). Cerebral oxygenation saturation (Scto 2 ) was measured during the procedure. Scto 2 values below critical thresholds were defined as CDEs and treated. Results Baseline mean arterial pressure and Scto 2 values were lower in the asleep group during the operation ( P P 2 below a threshold value of 55% was seen in 23.3% in the asleep group vs 3.3% in the awake group. A total of 89 combined desaturation events were documented in the asleep vs 1 in the awake group ( P Conclusions Patients in the beach chair position treated with regional anesthesia and sedation had almost no cerebral desaturation events, unlike patients who had general anesthesia. Avoidance of general anesthesia in the beach chair position may reduce the risk of ischemic neurologic injury.
Effect of porous reactor design on conversion of methane to hydrogen

ABSTRACT In this study, two different designs for a reactor to reform methane into hydrogen are examined. The two reactors were identical except the porous media in one was yttria stabilized zirconia (YZA) reticulated ceramic with 3.9 pores per centimeter (ppc), and in the other it was a packed bed consisting of 3 mm diameter aluminum oxide pellets. Exhaust gas concentrations and temperatures were measured for experiments over an equivalence ratio range of 2 to 5. Hydrogen production and percent conversion were significantly better for the reticulated ceramic reactor than the packed bed reactor when compared based on interstitial velocity. Material properties of the porous media were responsible for the greater percent conversion in the reticulated ceramic reactor. The largest effect was due to the lower volumetric heat transfer coefficient in the reticulated ceramic.
Kisspeptin Increases γ-Aminobutyric Acidergic and Glutamatergic Transmission Directly to Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Neurons in an Estradiol-Dependent Manner

GnRH neurons are the final central pathway controlling fertility. Kisspeptin potently activates GnRH release via G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54). GnRH neurons express GPR54, and kisspeptin can act directly; however, GPR54 is broadly expressed, suggesting indirect actions are possible. Transsynaptic mechanisms are involved in estradiol-induced potentiation of GnRH neuron response to kisspeptin. To investigate these mechanisms, separate whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were performed of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic and glutamatergic transmission to GnRH neurons in brain slices before and during kisspeptin treatment. To determine whether estradiol alters the effect of kisspeptin on synaptic transmission, mice were ovariectomized and either left with no further treatment (OVX) or treated with estradiol implants (OVX+E). Cells were first studied in the morning when estradiol exerts negative feedback. Kisspeptin increased frequency and amplitude of GABAergic postsynaptic currents (PSCs) in GnRH neurons from OVX+E mice. Blocking action potentials eliminated the effect on frequency, indicating presynaptic actions. Amplitude changes were due to postsynaptic actions. Kisspeptin also increased frequency of glutamatergic excitatory PSCs in cells from OVX+E animals. Kisspeptin did not affect either GABAergic or glutamatergic transmission to GnRH neurons in cells from OVX mice, indicating effects on transmission are estradiol dependent. In contrast to stimulatory effects on GABAergic PSC frequency during negative feedback, kisspeptin had no effect during positive feedback. These data suggest estradiol enables kisspeptin-mediated increases in GABA and glutamate transmission to GnRH neurons. Furthermore, the occlusion of the response during positive feedback implies one consequence of estradiol positive feedback is an increase in transmission to GnRH neurons mediated by endogenous kisspeptin.
Growth of Sapphire Disks from the Melt by a Gradient Furnace Technique

Abstract : Single crystal Al2O3 (sapphire) is a candidate material for various window applications. A gradient furnace technique has been developed for the growth of large sapphire disks, 7.3 cm in diameter and 1.5 cm thick, from the melt in molybdenum crucibles. The disks are free of gas bubbles and inclusions and consist of several large pie-shaped grains. Within the grains dislocation densities of 100,000/sq.cm. have been measured. The disks are essentially transparent to radiation from wavelengths of 0.25 micrometers in the ultraviolet spectrum to 4.5 micrometers in the infrared spectrum.
Patterns of skull base meningioma progression after failed radiosurgery

Object Stereotactic radiosurgery has been reported to be an effective alternative to surgical removal of small to medium benign meningiomas as well as an adjuvant treatment modality to reduce the risk of tumor progression after subtotal resection. Its efficacy has been proved by excellent short-term radiosurgically demonstrated control rates, which have been reported to approach or exceed 90% in many contemporary studies involving the use of either linear accelerator–based systems or the Gamma Knife. Little is known, however, regarding the growth patterns of meningiomas that fail to stabilize after radiosurgery. Methods The authors report 13 cases of benign skull base meningiomas (World Health Organization Grade I) that demonstrated progression after radiosurgical treatment as a primary or an adjuvant therapy. Several tumors demonstrated rapid growth immediately after radiosurgical treatment, whereas other lesions progressed in a very delayed manner in some patients (up to 14 years after treatment). Regar...
Psychiatric Ward Renovation: Staff Perception and Patient Behavior

Environmental improvements including new day hall furniture, plants, wallpaper and paint, and brighter lighting were carried out on four wards of a 40-year old state psychiatric facility. Staff on these wards rated environmental variables pre- and post renovation; behavioral mapping data for both patients and staff were also collected on one of those wards pre- and post renovation. Results indicate significant pre-post improvements in the ratings of day hall furnishings and plants. Significant main effects for ward were found in a number of environmental variables, reflecting the less demanding nature of the patient population and greater administrative support on these wards. Behavioral data showed a significant decrease in patient stereotypy and a preference for more private seating areas in the day hall following renovation.
Analysis on the miniaturization of reactive impedance surfaces with magneto-dielectrics

Miniaturization of the reactive impedance surfaces with the magneto-dielectric substrates is studied in this paper with their comparison to the high permittivity substrates. It has been found that magneto-dielectrics can provide wider reflection phase bandwidth while providing the same miniaturization with the high permittivity substrates. The application of these miniaturized surfaces to the low-profile microstrip patch antenna designs has also been included in this paper. It has been shown that the reactive impedance surfaces miniaturized with the magneto-dielectric materials provide better improvement in the bandwidth of the antenna compared to the reactive impedance surfaces miniaturized with the high permittivity substrates. It has also been found that the gain and the front-to-back ratio of the antennas on both type of substrates can be improved with the inclusion of RIS. Moreover, it has been observed that RIS performance becomes similar to that of a PEC ground plane as the size of the RIS decreases.
A Low Distortion Audio-Frequency Oscillator

In the first portion of this paper, which deals with the theory of negative resistance oscillators, it is shown that for small harmonic content the form of the negative resistance characteristic in the vicinity of the operating point should be such that the average negative resistance increases with amplitude of oscillation. It is then shown that Turner's Kallirotron circuit has negative resistance characteristics of the desired form. The final part of the paper describes an audio-frequency oscillator based on Turner's circuit. The second and third harmonic content of the output may be kept below 0.2 per cent by the use of low resistance coils and diode automatic amplitude control. Higher harmonics are negligible. At a thousand cycles per second the frequency drift relative to a tuning fork oscillator does not exceed 0.04 cycle. The frequency change caused by a 22½-volt change in plate supply voltage is 0.04 cycle.
Universal design and multimethod approaches to item review

Test items undergo multiple iterations of review before states and vendors deem them acceptable to be placed in a live statewide assessment. This article reviews three approaches that can add validity evidence to states’ item review processes. The first process is a structured sensitivity review process that focuses on universal design considerations for items. The second method is a series of statistical analyses intended to increase the limited amount of information that can be derived from analyses on low-incidence populations (such as students who are blind, deaf, or have cognitive disabilities). Finally, think aloud methods are described as a method for understanding why particular items might be problematic for students.
In vivo crevicular leucocyte response in humans to a chemotactic challenge. Effects of periodontal diseases.

An in vivo assay was recently developed to monitor the crevicular leucocyte response to chemotactic agents, e.g., casein and N-formyl peptides. This method was used to monitor humans with little or no gingival disease (C group), gingivitis (G group), chronic periodontitis (CP group) and localized juvenile periodontitis (LJP group). Casein (0.2 μ1, 2 mg/ml) was placed into an isolated gingival crevice of each subject with a calibrated wire loop and the time recorded (t = 0). Leucocytes were counted in crevicular washes (10 μl) 15 minutes later and every 5 minutes thereafter up to t = 50 minutes. This protocol was repeated for the crevice of an adjacent tooth except that the crevicular fluid flow response to the chemotactic challenge was monitored. The C, G and CP subjects showed a similar pattern of response to the chemoattractant with a single “peak” of leucocytes at approximately t = 25 minutes. However, the peak cell count was much greater in the G and CP groups than in the C group. LJPs showed an abnor...
Analysis of strain-induced ground-water fluctuations at Devils Hole, Nevada

The pool in Devils Hole is a sensitive indicator of crustal strain and fluctuates in response to changes in atmospheric pressure, earth tides, earthquakes, large-scale tectonic activity and ground-water development. Short-term and cyclic water-level fluctuations caused by atmospheric pressure and earth tides were found to be on the order of millimeters to centimeters. The 1992 Landers/Little Skull Mountain earthquake sequence and the 1999 Hector Mine earthquake induced water-level offsets of greater than −12 and −3.6 cm, respectively. The results of a dislocation model used to compute volumetric strain for each earthquake indicates that the coseismic water-level offsets are consistent in magnitude and sense with poroelastic responses to earthquake-induced strain. Theoretical postseismic fluid-flow modeling indicates that the diffusivity of the system is on the order of 0.03 m2 sec−1, and identified areas of anomalous water-level fluctuations. Interpretation of model results suggests that while the persistent post-Landers rise in water-level can be attributed to deformation-induced channeling of fluid to the Devils Hole fault zone, the cause of the pre-Hector Mine water-level rise may be related to postseismic excess fluid pressures or preseismic strain accumulation.
An industrial hygienist's perspective on generic standards.

Abstract OSHA and EPA regulations promulgated to date contain the necessary framework to consider generic standards in the 1990s. Missing in OSHA standards has been the requirement for a competent person to define and manage an occupational health program and the requirement for all employers who have toxic materials with significant exposures to have a basic occupational health program. Certainly we have evolved to a point where every worker significantly exposed to toxic materials has a right to know what that exposure is. Fundamental to generic standards is the need to define what is meant by toxic substance and significant exposure level. It is suggested that NIOSH maintain a list of recognized safe exposure levels that have been recommended by credible organizations including NIOSH. It is suggested that action levels be defined as one-half the lowest recognized safe exposure level. It is proposed that all employers be required to conduct an initial inspection of their workplace, using competent persons, to determine if exposures exceed action levels. This is only one step beyond the requirements of the OSHA Hazard Communication Rule which requires that employers identify and maintain a list of all hazardous materials known to be present in the workplace and to inform workers of the hazards. If exposure levels are found in excess of action levels, then the basic elements of current standards would be required, including regular employee-exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, sanitation, training and education, and a management plan.
Immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D: implications for GVHD

GVHD remains a major source of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic BMT. GVHD is mediated by alloreactive T cells derived from the hematopoietic graft that target host tissues. Pre-clinical models have shown that presentation of alloantigens by host DCs results in the activation of donor-derived T cells that mediate GVHD. Strategies that interfere with the Ag-presenting capacity of DCs after allogeneic transplantation may decrease the risk of developing GVHD. Vitamin D is a hormone essential for calcium metabolism that shows immunomodulatory properties. We showed that correction of vitamin D deficiency appeared to mitigate manifestations of GVHD. In pre-clinical studies, we have shown that vitamin D inhibits DC maturation, polarizes T-cell populations toward the expression of Th2 as compared with Th1 cytokines, and blunts allogeneic T-cell proliferation in response to DC stimulation. Exposure to vitamin D resulted in increased expression of IDO, an enzyme responsible for tryptophan metabolism that is upregulated in tolerizing DCs. These data suggest that exposure to vitamin D results in immature DC populations that bias toward tolerizing rather than stimulatory T-cell populations. Vitamin D may therefore have a role in the prevention of GVHD.