cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Identification of risk and age-at-onset genes on chromosome 1p in Parkinson disease.

We previously reported a linkage region on chromosome 1p (LOD = 3.41) for genes controlling age at onset (AAO) in Parkinson disease (PD). This region overlaps with the previously reported PARK10 locus. To identify the gene(s) associated with AAO and risk of PD in this region, we first applied a genomic convergence approach that combined gene expression and linkage data. No significant results were found. Second, we performed association mapping across a 19.2-Mb region centered under the AAO linkage peak. An iterative association mapping approach was done by initially genotyping single-nucleotide polymorphisms at an average distance of 100 kb apart and then by increasing the density of markers as needed. Using the overall data set of 267 multiplex families, we identified six associated genes in the region, but further screening of a subset of 83 families linked to the chromosome 1 locus identified only two genes significantly associated with AAO in PD: the γ subunit of the translation initiation factor EIF2B gene (EIF2B3), which was more significant in the linked subset and the ubiquitin-specific protease 24 gene (USP24). Unexpectedly, the human immunodeficiency virus enhancer-binding protein 3 gene (HIVEP3) was found to be associated with risk for susceptibility to PD. We used several criteria to define significant results in the presence of multiple testing, including criteria derived from a novel cluster approach. The known or putative functions of these genes fit well with the current suspected pathogenic mechanisms of PD and thus show great potential as candidates for the PARK10 locus.
A Walk in the Woods: "Re-Membering" a Place to Teach Preservation.

This ethnographic study explores the educational practice of interpretive naturalists in a Midwestern US state park. The construction of affective memories and direct experiences is examined from the perspectives of a group of naturalists to understand how they teach about a specific place. Enlisting phenomenological insights of lived experience and embodied and emplaced awareness, a conceptualisation of re-membering is developed. This retooling of the concept of re-membering addresses the intersection of direct experience and embodied memories as central foci of naturalist practice. Further, this re-membering is a key way that naturalists teach about sustaining and preserving human experiences, memories and places. The findings highlight the important ways that naturalists perceive memory construction and how this is connected to place through direct experience and subsequently as a way to teach preservation.
Familial true hermaphrodism in pre- and postpuberal genetic females; hormonal and morphologic studies.

The clinical findings, urinary hormonal patterns and gonadal morphology in 2 genetic female siblings with scrotal testes and ovaries are presented. As far as is known, this is the first reported instance of familiar true hermaphrodism. The tostos of the postpuberal sibling showed seminiferous tubule dysgencsis which was identical to that found in Klinefelter’s syndrome, whereas the testes of tho propuberal sibling were histologically normal. These findings are particularly significant in the natural history of seminiferous tubule dysgenesis.
An experimental study of waterflooding from a two-dimensional layered sand model

The effect of flow rate on oil recovery by waterflooding is studied with a two-dimensional (2D), layered sand model that allows visual observation. The model consists of three communicating layers of equal thickness of water-wet sand with the permeability ratio of 2:4:1 from top to bottom. Three white mineral oils of viscosity 15, 30, and 150 cp (15, 30, and 150 mPa . s) have been used for immiscible liquid/liquid displacement under constant pressure drops covering a range of flow rates. The changes in flow regimes in the various layers are observed with respect to the variations in pressure drop across the model. The effects of capillary imbibition, gravity segregation, and viscous pressure gradient are observed and an attempt is made to calculate the instantaneous crossflow. Crossflow of oil from the tight layers to the most-permeable layer increases the intermediate oil recovery for a given volume of water injected. Oil recovery increases somewhat with a decrease in flow rate and considerably with a decrease in oil viscosity. Slow flow rates produce higher recovery but may not be feasible in the field for economic reasons. For M>1, viscous crossflow contributes very slightly to oil recovery until the time of breakthrough ofmore » water from the most-permeable layer. After that, the viscous crossflow increases and creates a secondary oil stream close to the interfaces of the most-permeable layer. The additional oil is produced until the least-permeable layer also breaks through.« less
The role of antiphospholipid antibodies in reproductive failure

The relationship between antiphospholipid antibodies and the clinical features of placental insufficiency, pre-eclampsia, and fetal loss has emerged as one of the most exciting new observations in obstetrics in the last 15 years. Antiphospholipid syndrome is the only convincing ‘immunologic’ disturbance of pregnancy affecting the fetus other than anti-erythrocyte or antiplatelet alloimmunization disorders, and it is now routine to test patients with fetal loss for the two best characterized antiphospholipid antibodies, lupus anticoagulant and anticardiolipin. Although there is no proven mechanism for fetal loss, treatment of antiphospholipid antibody-positive mothers during pregnancy with heparin improves pregnancy outcome.
The Transaxillary Approach to Breast Augmentation

The transaxillary approach to breast augmentation provides patients with an option for augmentation that avoids any visible scars on the breast. The versatility of the endoscopic technique allows the surgeon to reliably dissect the submuscular pocket under direct visualization and to control the position of the inframammary fold while still enabling the use of any of a wide variety of both saline and silicone implants. This article addresses issues related to patient selection and preoperative assessment of this technique as well as technical aspects of performing this operation. In addition, the article reviews postoperative management of the endoscopic augmentation patient and describes potential complications associated with this technique.
Correlation as a deceiving measure of fit

There has been a continuing controversy over the use of correlations for evaluating fit of a model. Lost in this controversy, however, has been any evidence that correlations have in fact proved to be deceptive. This note discusses three instances in the human judgment/decision making literature where such deception has actually taken place. In each instance, high correlations provided initial support for the models involved. Reanalyses and later evidence, however, have shown that these correlations were deceptive. Thus, correlations not only can be deceptive, as has been argued earlier; these instances illustrate that correlations have been deceptive.
Mental models and human reasoning

To be rational is to be able to reason. Thirty years ago psychologists believed that human reasoning depended on formal rules of inference akin to those of a logical calculus. This hypothesis ran into difficulties, which led to an alternative view: reasoning depends on envisaging the possibilities consistent with the starting point—a perception of the world, a set of assertions, a memory, or some mixture of them. We construct mental models of each distinct possibility and derive a conclusion from them. The theory predicts systematic errors in our reasoning, and the evidence corroborates this prediction. Yet, our ability to use counterexamples to refute invalid inferences provides a foundation for rationality. On this account, reasoning is a simulation of the world fleshed out with our knowledge, not a formal rearrangement of the logical skeletons of sentences.
Nonsolvable groups with no prime dividing three character degrees

Abstract We consider nonsolvable finite groups G with the property that no prime divides at least three distinct character degrees of G. We first show that if S ⩽ G ⩽ Aut S , where S is a nonabelian finite simple group, and no prime divides three degrees of G, then S ≅ PSL 2 ( q ) with q ⩾ 4 . Moreover, in this case, no prime divides three degrees of G if and only if G ≅ PSL 2 ( q ) , G ≅ PGL 2 ( q ) , or q is a power of 2 or 3 and G is a semi-direct product of PSL 2 ( q ) with a certain cyclic group. More generally, we give a characterization of nonsolvable groups with no prime dividing three degrees. Using this characterization, we conclude that any such group has at most 6 distinct character degrees, extending to the nonsolvable case the analogous earlier result of D. Benjamin for solvable groups.
Syntrophococcus sucromutans sp.nov.gen.nov. uses carbohydrates as electron donors and formate, methoxymonobenzenoids or Methanobrevibacter as electron acceptor systems

Most probable number (MPN) estimates indicated that a mean of 4.3×107 and 5×106 bacteria per ml of rumen fluid from a predominantly alfalfa hay-fed steer demethoxylated ferulate and syringate, respectively. After further enrichment from an MPN tube of the highest dilution showing demethoxylation of syringate, strain S195 was isolated using roll tubes with syringate as an added energy source. S195 was an anaerobic, Gram-negative, nonmotile coccus, 1 to 1.3 μm in diameter, and was unique in using various carbohydrates as electron donor with acetate as the sole organic product. One of the following electron acceptor systems allowed growth (organic products in parentheses): Methanobrevibacter simithii (CH4), formate (acetate), 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate and syringate (acetate and gallate), vanillate (acetate and protocatechuate), vanillin (acetate, protocatechuic aldehyde and protocatechuate), ferulate (acetate, caffeate and hydrocaffeate), caffeate (hydrocaffeate). Strain S195 required 30% (v/v) rumen fluid in the medium for good growth. S195 was placed in a new genus and species, Syntrophococcus sucromutans, of the family Veillonellaceae.
Postbinding functions of CD4 in HIV infection

Several studies have suggested that the CD4 molecule, in addition to serving as the HIV receptor, may also be involved in postbinding events of HIV infection. The CD4 molecule has been shown to assume an altered conformation on the T-cell surface following HIV binding, which may be involved in these postbinding events.
Multifrequency EM image system

A digital, multi-frequency EM image system is developed based on the induction principle for subsurface imaging near a sewage pipe. This system, which features a broadband operation, can transmit sinusoidal in a frequency range of 1.25 KHz to 10 KHz. A micro controller is used for all controls and computations for both the transmitter and receiver circuits. Synchronous sampling is used for digitization in order to compute the phase as well as the amplitude of the receiving signal. The system operates in the frequency domain and both the phase and amplitude information can be computed through a DSP algorithm. Test results indicate that the multi-frequency EM sensor is superior in both the missing manhole detection and general subsurface conductivity imaging to the conventional single- frequency sensors. For loop antennas with a spacing of 0.5 m, the system has phase resolution about 1 degree(s) and amplitude resolution about 0.5 percent.© (2000) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Effects of carotid denervation on interactions between lung inflation and PaCO2 in modulating phrenic activity.

Abstract Hypercapnia attenuates the effects of static airway pressure (Paw) on phrenic burst frequency (f) and the expiratory duration. We examined the role of carotid chemoreceptors in this response using an experimental preparation that allowed independent control of lung inflation and CO 2 reflexes. Experiments were conducted in intact (n = 6) and carotid denervated (CBX;n = 12) chloralose/urethane anesthetized dogs. Integrated phranic amplitude (Phr), f, and the inspiratory (T i ) and expiratory durations (T e ) were measured as a function of Paw (2–12 cm H 2 O) at levels of Pa CO 2 between 30 and 80 mm Hg. In intact dogs: (1) f decreased as Paw increased, and elevated Pa CO 2 decreased the slope of this relationship; (2) neither Pa CO 2 nor Paw affected T i ; and (3) T e increased hyperbolically with Paw, and elevated Pa CO 2 attenuated this relationship. In CBX dogs: (1) f decreased as Paw increased, but this relationship was not affected by Pa CO 2 ; (2) T i increased as Pa CO 2 increased but was unaffected by Paw; and (3) T e increased as Paw increased but was unaffected by Pa CO 2 . The results indicate that carotid chemoreceptors are necessary in the mechanism whereby hypercapnia attenuates the effects of Paw on f and T e . Furthermore, carotid denervation reveals an effect of hypercapnia on T i , a effect that is not evident in dogs with functional carotid chemoreceptors.
A Study of a Computer-Assisted Instructional System Using Causal Modeling

A causal model was developed to test the effects of scholastic ability, computing attitudes, and computing background on the use of a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) system called PLATO-LDEC, on attitudes about PLATO-LDEC, on computing attitudes after student's PLATO-LDEC experience, and on course grade. In general, the greater a student's ability as measured by the SAT, the less time the student spent using the PLATO-LDEC courseware. Students' prior attitudes about computers had an effect on how they perceived PLATO-LDEC and how they perceived computers after their CAI experience. Neither prior computing attitudes nor computing background had any effect on PLATO-LDEC usage, and only computing background had a small effect on course grade.
Nephroblastoma in a Koi (Cyprinus carpio)

Abstract A cachexic 2-year-old koi ( Cyprinus carpio ) presented with progressive distension of the coelom (1-month period) and anorexia of 2 days' duration. The fish had been maintaining a normal swimming position, although it was often observed low in the water column. Water quality was within normal limits. A skin scrape, fin clip, and gill clip were unremarkable. The respiration rate (opercular movement) was elevated at 100 breaths per minute. Blood chemistry values demonstrated a hypoalbuminemia (1.3 g/dL), elevated uric acid (1.3 mg/dL), elevated creatine kinase (>14,000 U/L), and hyperkalemia (3.9 mmol/L). Ultrasound revealed a fluid-filled coelom and a soft tissue mass containing large vessels filling most of the coelomic cavity. Fine-needle aspirates of the mass were nondiagnostic, though a poorly exfoliating mesenchymal tumor was suspected. The mass was surgically excised. Pathological examination of the mass revealed it to be a poorly demarcated and unencapsulated neoplasm forming 3 histological patterns in which a spindle cell stromal component predominated over an intermediate-sized blastema and much smaller tubular patterns. These features were most consistent with a nephroblastoma. The koi survived 5 days postoperatively but remained low in the water column and was found dead on day 6. A full necropsy of this patient was not performed.
Foreign Language Enrollments in Public Secondary Schools, Fall 1994

Foreign language enrollments continue to make healthy increases in public schools across the country, according to the seventeenth in a series of surveys conducted first by the Modern Language Association (1958–1970and then byACTFL (1974-present). The following report summarizes the responses received from a questionnaire sent to officials in each state and the District of Columbia. Forty-eight states responded; however, because not all states collect data, and some collect it in inconsistent formats, enrollments were estimated for several states in whole or in part. The survey was conducted pursuant to a grant from the U.S. Department of Education, International Research and Studies Program. The full report is available from ACTFL Headquarters or can be downloaded from the new ACTFL Web Site (http:www.actfl.org).
Induced moulting issues and alternative dietary strategies for the egg industry in the United States

The United States (US) poultry industry continues to implement induced moulting to extend egg production in commercial laying flocks. Achieving an optimal moult requires dietary manipulation to cause a complete regression of the reproductive organs and cessation of egg production. This is followed by rejuvenation and initiation of an additional egg laying cycle. Currently feed withdrawal is the primary means to initiate moult and is regarded as an optimal approach for achieving postmoult performance. However, removal of feed can lead to potential physiological stress in laying hens as well as an increased susceptibility to Salmonella enteritidis colonization and invasion. To retain the ecological benefits of induced moult will require development, testing and implementation of alternative dietary approaches that minimizes these problems and increase the egg production and egg quality benefits associated with the additional egg laying cycles. Strategies for accomplishing this are discussed.
A Novel Reflective Surface for an UHF Spiral Antenna

As is well known, metallic cavity backings reduce antenna gain particularly for broadband configurations at low frequencies. This letter presents a novel reflective surface consisting of a ferrite tile with variable conductive coating as a backing for a conformal UHF spiral antenna. The ferrite material is used in the outer region to preserve the free-space antenna gain at low frequencies. Toward the center, the backing tapers to a conductive coating making it suitable for high frequency operation. It is shown that this hybrid surface (ferrite to metallic) improves the antenna performance significantly at lower frequencies without compromising the high frequency gain.
Implications of image plane line-edge roughness requirements on extreme ultraviolet mask specifications

Achieving line-edge/width roughness (LER/LWR) specifications remains as one of the most significant challenges facing the commercialization of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography. LER is typically viewed as a resist problem; however, recent simulation results have shown that the mask can also be a significant contributor. Problems arise from both mask absorber LER as well as mask multilayer roughness leading to random phase variations in the reflected beam and consequently speckle. Here we describe these effects in detail and explore how they will impact EUV mask requirements for the 22-nm half-pitch node and beyond. Process window analysis yields mask multilayer roughness specifications on the order of 50 pm.
Interstitial Fluid Pressure: III. Its Effect on Resistance to Tissue Fluid Mobility

The resistance to fluid mobility in the interstitial fluid spaces has been measured between perforated catheters inserted into the subcutaneous abdominal tissues of the dog and between perforated capsules implanted in the tissues 1 month previously. When the pressures in the catheters or perforated capsules were less than atmospheric pressure, the resistance to fluid movement was almost infinite, but when the pressures were increased almost to or above atmospheric pressure the resistance usually decreased more than 100,000-fold, indicating a suddenly increased size of the tissue spaces. The shape of the pressure-volume curve relating (a) interstitial fluid pressure to (b) volume of mobile interstitial fluid was calculated from pressure-conductance curves recorded in these experiments. On comparing this pressure-volume curve with a previously measured pressure-volume curve of the entire interstitial fluid compartment, two important points were observed: first, both curves exhibit a sudden increase in volum...
Estimation of Critical Value of Friction Coefficient for Brake Squeal Analysis

Automotive brake squeal which is generated during brake application has become a major concern in automotive industry. Warranty costs for brake noise have been greatly increasing in recent years. Brake noise and vibration control are important for the improvement of vehicle quietness and passenger comfort. In this work, the mode coupling instability mechanism is discussed, and a method to estimate the critical value of friction coefficient is presented to predict the onset of brake squeal. A modal expansion method is developed to calculate eigenvalue and eigenvector sensitivities. Different types of mode couplings and their relationships with squeal are discussed. A reduced-order characteristic equation method based on the statically coupled eigenvalues and their derivatives is presented to estimate the critical value of friction coefficient. The significance of this method is that the critical value of friction coefficient can be predicted accurately without the need for a full complex eigenvalue analysis, making it possible to determine the sensitivity of system stability with respect to design parameters directly.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Reduced nitrogen influences somatic embryo quality and plant regeneration from suspension cultures of orchardgrass

Production of somatic embryos in suspension cultures ofDactylis glomerata L. (orchardgrass) was stimulated by the addition of various compounds containing reduced nitrogen to Schenk and Hildebrandt (SH) basal medium. Equimolar concentrations of combinations of proline and either serine or threonine supported embryogenesis, whereas, these amino acids individually did not promote embryogenesis. SH medium supplemented with 6 to 25 mM ammonium ion or Murashige-Skoog basal medium also supported embryo production. Ammonium ion did not act synergistically with either proline or serine to enhance embryogenesis. Embryos produced in media containing amino acid combinations were formed singly, did not exhibit secondary embryogenesis, and had significantly higher conversion rates compared to those formed in either SH medium supplemented with ammonium ion only or in combination with amino acids.
Specifying and checking semantic atomicity for multithreaded programs

In practice, it is quite difficult to write correct multithreaded programs due to the potential for unintended and nondeterministic interference between parallel threads. A fundamental correctness property for such programs is atomicity---a block of code in a program is atomic if, for any parallel execution of the program, there is an execution with the same overall program behavior in which the block is executed serially.We propose semantic atomicity, a generalization of atomicity with respect to a programmer-defined notion of equivalent behavior. We propose an assertion framework in which a programmer can use bridge predicates to specify noninterference properties at the level of abstraction of their application. Further, we propose a novel algorithm for systematically testing atomicity specifications on parallel executions with a bounded number of interruptions---i.e. atomic blocks whose execution is interleaved with that of other threads. We further propose a set of sound heuristics and optional user annotations that increase the efficiency of checking atomicity specifications in the common case where the specifications hold.We have implemented our assertion framework for specifying and checking semantic atomicity for parallel Java programs, and we have written semantic atomicity specifications for a number of benchmarks. We found that using bridge predicates allowed us to specify the natural and intended atomic behavior of a wider range of programs than did previous approaches. Further, in checking our specifications, we found several previously unknown bugs, including in the widely-used java.util.concurrent library.
The Relationship Between Unwillingness-to-Communicate and Students' Facebook Use

A survey with 172 students was conducted at a large southern research university to examine how unwillingness-to-commu- nicate in interpersonal communication influences gratifications sought and gratifications obtained from Facebook use. The study inves- tigated the relationship between two dimensions of unwillingness-to-communicate (approach-avoidance and reward) and different mo- tives of Facebook use. In addition, it examined the relationship between unwillingness-to-communicate and the behavioral and attitudinal outcomes of Facebook use (e.g., the number of hours spent on Facebook, duration of use, the number of Facebook friends, satisfaction with Facebook). Results of multiple regression analysis revealed that respondents who felt anxiety and fears in their face-to-face com- munication used Facebook to pass time and feel less lonely more than other respondents, but they had fewer Facebook friends. Overall, this paper finds evidence that people who are involved in online relationships are those who are willing to communicate in real life, rather than the opposite. Such results seem to justify the rich-get-richer hypothesis, which states that the internet primarily benefits extraverted individuals. Our results are in contrast to findings that socially anxious individuals are more likely to form relationships online.
The inner side of wisdom: suicide in early modern England

This essay traces the shifting perception of the nature and prevalence of suicide in early modern England. Suicide is presented as one form of deviance contemporaries recognized and is used to illuminate the history of mental disorder in its social and intellectual context.Daft Meg [an idiot and suicide] was a sort of household familiar among us, and there was much like the inner side of wisdom in the pattern of her sayings, many of which are still preserved as proverbs.John Galt, Annals of the Parish, p. 126.
Predicting Final Course Performance From Students’ Written Self-Introductions A LIWC Analysis

Using a sample of 363 participants, we tested whether differences in the use of linguistic categories in written self-introductions at the start of the semester predicted final course performance a...
A Frame Construction and a Universal Distortion Bound for Sparse Representations

We consider approximations of signals by the elements of a frame in a complex vector space of dimension N and formulate both the noiseless and the noisy sparse representation problems. The noiseless representation problem is to find sparse representations of a signal r given that such representations exist. In this case, we explicitly construct a frame, referred to as the Vandermonde frame, for which the noiseless sparse representation problem can be solved uniquely using O(N2) operations, as long as the number of non-zero coefficients in the sparse representation of r is isinN for some 0 les isin les 0.5. It is known that isin les 0.5 cannot be relaxed without violating uniqueness. The noisy sparse representation problem is to find sparse representations of a signal r satisfying a distortion criterion. In this case, we establish a lower bound on the tradeoff between the sparsity of the representation, the underlying distortion and the redundancy of any given frame.
Secure content delivery in information-centric networks: design, implementation, and analyses

In this paper, we propose a novel secure content delivery framework, for an information-centric network, which will enable content providers (e.g., Netflix and Youtube) to securely disseminate their content to legitimate users via content distribution networks (CDNs) and Internet service providers (ISPs). Use of our framework will enable legitimate users to receive/consume encrypted content cached at a nearby router (CDN or ISP), even when the providers are offline. Our framework would slash system-downtime due to server outages, such as that recently experienced by Netflix, Pinterest, and Instagram users in the US (October 22, 2012). It will also help the providers utilize in-network caches for shaping content transmission and reducing delivery latency. We discuss the handling of security, access control, and system dynamics challenges and demonstrate the practicality of our framework by implementing it on a CCNx testbed.
Vapor pressures of methyl methacrylate and styrene

The vapor pressures of monomeric styrene and methyl methacrylate have been measured over a wide range of temperatures. The data are compared with values in the literature where this is possible.
Distinguishing second primary tumors from lung metastases in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Background: In patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the lung represents either another primary tumor or a metastasis. This distinction greatly influences patient prognosis and could guide treatment strategies, but the nature of a solitary lung nodule is often difficult to discern by use of standard clinical and histologic parameters. Comparison of genetic alterations in the tumors could resolve this dilemma. Methods: We compared paired tumors from 16 patients with HNSCC and a solitary lung SCC for loss (i.e., deletion) of loci on chromosomal arms 3p and 9p. Losses at these loci occur early during neoplastic transformation of the respiratory tract. DNA from microdissected tumors and normal tissues was subjected to polymerase chain reaction-based microsatellite analysis. An effort was also made to distinguish primary lung cancers from lung metastases on the basis of clinical and histopathologic features. Results: In most cases, comparison of genetic alterations clarified the relationship between the lung tumor and the primary HNSCC. The paired tumors from 10 patients had concordant patterns of loss at all loci suggesting metastatic spread, whereas three paired tumors had discordant patterns of loss at all loci suggesting independent tumor origin. These observations were supported by the clinical and pathologic findings. Conclusions/Implications : In patients with HNSCC and a solitary SCC in the lung, microsatellite analysis provides a rapid genetic approach for discerning clonal relationships. In such patients, we found that a solitary SCC in the lung more likely represents a metastasis than an independent lung cancer. Microsatellite analysis could potentially be applied to any patient with multiple tumors, where tumor relationships are not clear on clinical, radiographic, or even histopathologic grounds.
Identification of significant periodic genes in microarray gene expression data

One frequent application of microarray experiments is in the study of monitoring gene activities in a cell during cell cycle or cell division. A new challenge for analyzing the microarray experiments is to identify genes that are statistically significantly periodically expressed during the cell cycle. Such a challenge occurs due to the large number of genes that are simultaneously measured, a moderate to small number of measurements per gene taken at different time points, and high levels of non-normal random noises inherited in the data. Based on two statistical hypothesis testing methods for identifying periodic time series, a novel statistical inference approach, the C&G procedure, is proposed to effectively screen out statistically significantly periodically expressed genes. The approach is then applied to yeast and bacterial cell cycle gene expression data sets, as well as to human fibroblasts and human cancer cell line data sets, and significantly periodically expressed genes are successfully identified. The C&G procedure proposed is an effective method for identifying statistically significant periodic genes in microarray time series gene expression data.
Stability derivatives for a flapping wing MAV in a hover condition using local averaging

We present an analytically tractable method of obtaining the stability derivatives for a flapping wing MAV, in the vicinity of a hover condition, using local averaging techniques. The analytical stability derivatives are obtained for the longitudinal equations of motion, under the constraint of symmetrical flapping with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central body. The analysis results in an eigenvalue structure consisting of two stable subsidence modes and one unstable oscillatory mode. Analysis shows a modal structure consistent with the standard VTOL structure. The unstable oscillatory mode is close to the imaginary axis, consistent with the modal structure of hovering helicopters. Scaling properties are consistent with previous numerical results. The method does not require numerically intensive calculations or frequency response analysis to gain an approximation of the stability of a potential flapping wing MAV in the vicinity of a hover condition.
Hydrodynamics, shell shape, behavior and survivorship in the owl limpet Lottia gigantea.

On wave-swept rocky shores, limpets are subjected to water velocities in excess of 20 m s -1 , which may impose large hydrodynamic forces. Despite the extreme severity of this flow environment, predictions from conical models suggest that limpets’ shells are typically far from the optimal shape that would minimize the risk of dislodgment, a deviation that is allowed by the high tenacity of the limpets’ adhesive system. In this study, we test this conclusion using an actual limpet. The shell of Lottia gigantea differs substantially from the hydrodynamic optimum in that its apex is displaced anteriorly to form a plough, which is used to defend the limpet’s territory. The hydrodynamic effects of this shape are similar to those observed in conical models: the animal experiences an increased lift when facing into the flow and a decreased lift when the flow is at its back. However, neither effect has a substantial impact on the risk of dislodgment. When the animal is stationary, its adhesion to the substratum is very strong, and its risk of being dislodged is small regardless of its orientation to the flow and despite its sub-optimal shape. In contrast, when the animal is crawling rapidly, its adhesion is substantially decreased, and it would probably be dislodged by rapid flow even if the shell were shaped optimally. The risk of dislodgment by waves is therefore functionally independent of shell shape. In essence, despite the extremely high water velocities to which this species is subjected, its shell has had the ‘permission’ of the flow environment to respond to other selective factors, in particular those associated with its aggressive, territorial behavior. The result is a shell that is both a potent territorial weapon and a functional (albeit less than optimal) hydrodynamic shape. Summary
Embedded Control Systems Development with Giotto

Giotto is a principled, tool-supported design methodology for implementing embedded control systems on platforms of possibly distributed sensors, actuators, CPUs, and networks. Giotto is based on the principle that time-triggered task invocations plus time-triggered mode switches can form the abstract essence of programming real-time control systems. Giotto consists of a programming language with a formal semantics, and a retargetable compiler and runtime library. Giotto supports the automation of control system design by strictly separating platform-independent functionality and timing concerns from platform-dependent scheduling and communication issues. The time-triggered predictability of Giotto makes it particularly suitable for safety-critical applications with hard real-time constraints. We illustrate the platform-independence and time-triggered execution of Giotto by coordinating a heterogeneous flock of Intel x86 robots and Lego Mindstorms robots.
Eikenella corrodens Infections in Children and Adolescents: Case Reports and Review of the Literature

Eikenella corrodens is a slow-growing, gram-negative, nonmotile, facultative rod that can cause infection in humans. Although the clinical characteristics of Eikenella infections in adults are well described, the literature regarding Eikenella infections in children is lacking. Thirteen cases of Eikenella infection in children and adolescents reported from a hospital and an additional 41 cases from the literature were reviewed. Eikenella species can be serious pediatric pathogens, particularly when there is an exposure to human oral secretions. Empirical therapy used to manage most oropharyngeal flora may be ineffective against Eikenella species. The treatment of choice for children and adolescents who are infected with Eikenella species includes a combination of surgical management and antibiotics.
On the impoverishment of scientific education

Hannah Arendt, one of the foremost political philosophers of the twentieth century, has argued that it is the responsibility of educators not to leave children in their own world but instead to bring them into the adult world so that, as adults, they can carry civilization forward to whatever challenges it will face by bringing to bear the learning of the past. In the same collection of essays, she discusses the recognition by modern science that Nature is inconceivable in terms of ordinary human conceptual categories - as she writes, ‘unthinkable in terms of pure reason’. Together, these views on scientific education lead to an educational process that transforms children into adults, with a scientific adult being one who has the ability to conceptualize scientific systems independent of ordinary physical intuition. This article begins with Arendt’s basic educational and scientific points and develops from them a critique of current scientific education in conjunction with an appeal to educate young scientists in a manner that allows them to fulfill their potential ‘on the shoulders of giants’. While the article takes a general philosophical perspective, its specifics tend to be directed at biomedical education, in particular, how such education pertains to translational science.
Whole-body metabolism of glucose and lactate in productive sheep and cows

Constant infusions of D-[U-14C]glucose, D-[6-3H]glucose and L-[U-14C]lactate were used to determine rates of apparent turnover, de novo production, disposal and interconversions of glucose and lactate, together with total recycling of glucose-C, in ewes and dairy cows during late pregnancy and early lactation. The cows were also examined while being fasted. In the fed animals, infusions were made within 5 h after the morning meal when steady-state conditions appeared to exist. In the ewes, circulating concentrations of glucose and lactate, and magnitudes of apparent turnovers of glucose and lactate, tended to be higher during lactation than during pregnancy, while the extent of interconversions of glucose and lactate tended to be lower. Although the metabolic pattern seen in the cows appeared to be similar to that of the ewes during pregnancy, there were clear differences during lactation. Thus, in the lactating cows, as compared with the lactating ewes, circulating concentrations of glucose and lactate were lower, as was apparent turnover related to metabolic body-weight. Furthermore, the percentage of lactate turnover converted to glucose was higher. In the cows, fasting was characterized by low rates of apparent turnover of glucose and lactate and relatively high rates of interconversion of the two compounds. The results indicated that, under the conditions used in this study and when feeding is to recommended levels, carbohydrate metabolism in ewes is more precarious during late pregnancy than during early lactation, while in dairy cows it is more or less equally precarious in both physiological states. A further conclusion is that the extent of glucose-lactate interconversions, and thus Cori cycle activity, seems to be lower in ruminants than in other species.
The role of physician characteristics in clinical trial acceptance: Testing pathways of influence

Eight videotaped vignettes were developed that assessed the effects of three physician-related experimental variables (in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial design) on clinical trial (CT) knowledge, video knowledge, information processing, CT beliefs, affective evaluations (attitudes), and CT acceptance. It was hypothesized that the physician variables (community versus academic-based affiliation, enthusiastic versus neutral presentation of the trial, and new versus previous relationship with the patient) would serve as communication cues that would interrupt message processing, leading to lower knowledge gain but more positive beliefs, attitudes, and CT acceptance. A total of 262 women (161 survivors and 101 controls) participated in the study. The manipulated variables primarily influenced the intermediary variables of post-test CT beliefs and satisfaction with information rather than knowledge or information processing. Multiple regression results indicated that CT acceptance was associated with positive post-CT beliefs, a lower level of information processing, satisfaction with information, and control status. Based on these results, CT acceptance does not appear to be based on a rational decision-making model; this has implications for both the ethics of informed consent and research conceptual models.
Effects of an osteoporosis prevention program incorporating tailored educational materials.

Abstract Purpose. To evaluate the effects of two interventions on calcium intake and exercise and assess whether intervention effects varied as a function of participants' stage of change. Design. The study used a 2 by 2 factorial research design. Baseline, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-up data were collected. Setting. Twelve counties in western North Carolina. Subjects. Of 714 women recruited, 547 (76.6%) completed all data collection procedures. Intervention. One intervention, conducted at the individual level, compared the effects of tailored vs. nontailored educational materials. The tailored educational intervention was delivered via two packets of written materials and one telephone counseling session. The written materials and counseling session were tailored according to participants' current calcium intake and exercise level, perceived adequacy of these behaviors, stage of change, behavioral goals, and perceived barriers to change. A community-based intervention was also evaluated. This interventio...
Non-Intravenous Sedatives and Analgesics for Procedural Sedation for Imaging Procedures in Pediatric Patients.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to describe the method of delivery, dosage regimens, and outcomes of sedatives administered by extravascular route for imaging procedures in children. METHODS: Medline, Embase, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were searched using keywords “child”, “midazolam”, “ketamine”, dexmedetomidine”, “fentanyl”, “nitrous oxide”, and “imaging.” Articles evaluating the use of extravascular sedation in children for imaging procedures published in English between 1946 and March 2015 were included. Two authors independently screened each article for inclusion. Reports were excluded if they did not contain sufficient details on dosage regimens and outcomes. RESULTS: Twenty reports representing 1,412 patients ranging in age from 0.33 to 19 years of age were included for analysis. Due to discrepancies in doses and types of analyses, statistical analyses were not performed. Oral midazolam was the most common agent evaluated; other ag...
Food-Deprivation-Induced Polydipsia in Two Species of Kangaroo Rats

Dipodomys panamintinus (n = 7) and merriami (n = 2), two species of kangaroo rats, were tested for drinking under total food deprivation. Both species showed polydipsia (elevated drinking) when food deprived for five days and more than tripled their average daily water intake, when food deprived, as opposed to drinking when food was ad lib. It is advanced that species which subsist on little free water respond mainly to decreased extracellular volume as a thirst cue. Since decreased vascular volume occurs during food deprivation, these species overdrink.
Locating and Sizing of Distributed Generators and Current Protection Strategy in Distribution Networks

When different capacities of distributed generations(DGs) are connected to different parts of distribution network,they have a great impact on protection,especially time inverse over current protection that is commonly used in the distribution network.The various influences of the inverter-based distributed generations on the properties and action feature of the traditional time inverse over current protection is analyzed,and then a new DG optimization strategy is proposed with its limitations pointed out.Based on the detailed analysis while focusing on the application of the fault current limiter(FCL) in the distribution network with its high impedance characteristics,a new and applicable protection scheme using FCL in the distribution network is put forward.It is then verified by actual simulation of Meizhou island energy storage power station in Fujian province with the PSCAD model.The protection method used in the distribution network can effectively reduce the impact of the inverter-based distributed generations on time inverse over current protection,coordinating the distribution network and traditional protection,and ensuring stable operation of the distribution network.
Reperfusion therapy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in the Veteran Administration Caribbean Healthcare System; search for improvement.

BACKGROUND Patients that present with acute STEMI have proven morbidity and mortality benefit from early reperfusion therapy. The American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association (ACC/AHA) guidelines recommend either fibrinolytic therapy within 30 minutes or a primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) within 90 minutes of patients arrival to the Emergency Department. Despite these recommendations, some patients do not receive reperfusion therapy and less than half receive it on time. OBJECTIVES Describe and analyze our reperfusion therapy performance in patients presenting with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarct (STEMI) in the Veteran Administration Caribbean Healthcare System (VACHS), and determine potential causes for reperfusion therapy delays and develop strategies and a tailored algorithm according to our clinical findings and available institutional resources. METHODS Retrospective analysis of patients admitted to the VACHS with a discharge diagnosis of STEMI, from 01/01/2007 until 04/10/2008. RESULTS A total of 55 patients met inclusion criteria for STEMI diagnosis. Of these, only 30 patients had active indication for reperfusion therapy. Reperfusion therapy was given in 97% of the cases, 69% with PPCI and 31% with fibrinolytic therapy (tenecteplase). In general the selection of reperfusion therapy seemed adherent to ACC/AHA STEMI guidelines. The reperfusion time goal was superior with thrombolytic therapy compared to PPCI, with 43% and 15% respectively. PPCI performed off regular tour of duty was significantly delayed compared to regular day shift, with a mean time of 221 and 113 minutes respectively (p=0.027). CONCLUSIONS Most of the patients presenting with STEMI to the VACHS undergo reperfusion therapy. PPCI was the most frequent selected reperfusion approach. The PPCI time goal was infrequently met. The most significant cause for PPCI delay was related to performance off regular tour of duty. These finding support the implementation of a tailored STEMI reperfusion algorithm favoring timely reperfusion.
Isolated chyle duct injury in blunt trauma.

We present a case of a patient sustaining an isolated injury to the right main branch of the cysterna chyli due to a high-speed motor vehicle accident. A 42-year-old man presented after a high-spee...