cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric sparsification of complex multiscale networks.

Many real-world networks tend to be very dense. Particular examples of interest arise in the construction of networks that represent pairwise similarities between objects. In these cases, the networks under consideration are weighted, generally with positive weights between any two nodes. Visualization and analysis of such networks, especially when the number of nodes is large, can pose significant challenges which are often met by reducing the edge set. Any effective “sparsification” must retain and reflect the important structure in the network. A common method is to simply apply a hard threshold, keeping only those edges whose weight exceeds some predetermined value. A more principled approach is to extract the multiscale “backbone” of a network by retaining statistically significant edges through hypothesis testing on a specific null model, or by appropriately transforming the original weight matrix before applying some sort of threshold. Unfortunately, approaches such as these can fail to capture multiscale structure in which there can be small but locally statistically significant similarity between nodes. In this paper, we introduce a new method for backbone extraction that does not rely on any particular null model, but instead uses the empirical distribution of similarity weight to determine and then retain statistically significant edges. We show that our method adapts to the heterogeneity of local edge weight distributions in several paradigmatic real world networks, and in doing so retains their multiscale structure with relatively insignificant additional computational costs. We anticipate that this simple approach will be of great use in the analysis of massive, highly connected weighted networks.
Left Ventricle as a Mixing Chamber

It is generally assumed that blood is completely mixed while passing through a ventricular chamber. This assumption underlies use of indicator dilution technics for estimation of ventricular volume. In the left ventricle of the exposed canine heart, complete mixing of blood and injected saline during one cycle was rare, especially if the heart rate was in the normal range. Computations of absolute ventricular volume are subject to error if they are based on the assumption that indicator injected into the ventricular cavity becomes uniformly dispersed throughout the ventricular cavity before the end of diastole.
An efficient total synthesis of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (AZDDU, CS-87) from D-mannitol

Abstract An efficient stereoselective total synthesis of 3′-azido-3′-deoxythymidine (AZT) and 3′-azido-2′,3′-dideoxyuridine (AZDDU, CS-87) from readily available and inexpensive starting material, D -mannitol has been achieved.
Entanglement, Interference, and Measurement in a Degenerate Parametric Oscillator

Quantum dynamical equations of motion for homodyne detection of the degenerate optical parametric oscillator are solved exactly. Nonclassical photon statistics are shown to be a consequence of interference of probability amplitudes, entanglement of photon pairs from such an oscillator, and the role of measurement in quantum evolution.
Abstract 3735: Mathematical modeling of the inflammatory breast cancer age-patterns indicates its unique biology

Introduction: Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is the most fatal form of breast cancer (BC) with unknown etiology. IBC is characterized by rapid onset (3-6 month) with unusual clinical presentation (redness, edema, warmth, and pain), sometimes without an underlying tumor mass, whereas non-inflammatory BC most often presents as painless breast mass. IBC also presents with higher nuclear grade, more frequent involvement of lymph nodes, and negative hormone receptor status than non-inflammatory locally-advanced BC (NI-LABC). Finally, the incidence age-pattern of IBC has been shown to be distinctly different from NI-LABC. The differences in the cancer incidence age-patterns, as hypothesized by Armitage and Doll, reflect different number of successive cellular transitions necessary for the development of a clinically significant malignancy. We used extended Armitage-Doll model and SEER data for 2004-2007 to describe age-patterns of IBC and NI-LABC incidence and to estimate the number of cellular transitions involved in the development of these two BC types. Also, it was important to compare earlier described IBC age-patterns to the most recent as coding of IBC has been changed since 2004. Methods: Using SEER data for 2004-2007, we estimated age-specific incidence rates of IBC and NI-LABC for ages 20-84. IBC cases were defined as having Common Stage Extension Codes 71-73. Incidence rates were modeled using extended Armitage-Doll model with four parameters reflecting the baseline hazard, the number cellular transitions, and properties of the distribution of individual predisposition. Results and Conclusions: As expected, IBC incidence age-pattern was distinctly different from that of NI-LABC and similar to the earlier described by Hance et al. Specifically, the IBC incidence increased with age and peaked between ages 50 and 60 with obvious deceleration after 60. In contrast, NI-LABC incidence continued to increase after 50 years of age without a peak or deceleration. The number of estimated cellular transitions was ∼7 for IBC and ∼ 9 for NI-LABC; this difference in cellular transition number was statistically significant. In theory, each transition represents a distinct stage with a rate-limiting event. We discuss different interpretations of the lower transition steps estimated for IBC in light of its unique presentation and age-pattern. Finally, the similarity of age-patterns with the previously published analysis of SEER data confirms the validity the new definition of IBC. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 3735. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-3735
Time-Resolved Interferometry with Picosecond Laser Pulses

The use of short-duration laser pulses in both two-beam and multiple-beam interferometry, and a new interferometer configuration adapted for short-pulse usage are described. Avoidance of spurious phase shifts due to nonlinearities in the propagation of the short pulses, and the relationship between finesse and pulse duration are discussed. Experimental data is shown to demonstrate time-integrated and time-resolved short-pulse interferometry.© (1977) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Magnetron-based inline microwave fluid warmer.

Objective. To develop an in-line microwave fluid warming system that eliminates the difficulties of uneven heating that are characteristic of batch-mode microwave fluid warmers.Methods. Using a commercial microwave oven, we developed a method for warming fluid as it flowed through tubing along a defined path in the oven's cavity. Algorithms utilizing either proportional or adaptive control were used to control microwave heating cycles by varying the heating pulse-width during 3-second epochs. Methods of fluid entry and exit were devised to minimize microwave leakage. Heating performance was tested using icewater at multiple flow rates from 18 mL/min to 105 mL/min.Results. In all warming tests, the system achieved temperature control without exceeding the maximum temperature allowable based on American Association of Blood Banks requirements. The adaptive control maintained the set temperature, with peak-to-peak oscillations of 2°C or less. Microwave leakage was below the commercially required limit for home microwave appliances.Conclusions. The combination of proportional and adaptive control is successful in controlling the permanent magnet magnetron microwave energy to heat the icewater tested. The in-line microwave warmer has the potential to become a successful medical fluid warmer. More study is needed to determine the stability of the control system under clinical conditions, and to evaluate its utility for warming blood.
Processing of angiotensin peptides by NG108-15 neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cell line

Abstract The metabolism of angiotensin (Ang) peptides was studied in NG108-15 neuroblastoma × glioma hybrid cells which express Ang II receptors, renin, dipeptidyl carboxypeptidase A (converting enzyme), as well as Ang I and Ang II. In these experiments, 0.2 nM of either 125I-Ang I or 125I-Ang II was incubated with intact cell monolayers and the medium was analyzed for 125I-products by high performance liquid chromatography. The major product generated from the metabolism of labeled Ang I or Ang II was identified as the amino-terminal heptapeptide Ang-(1–7). N-benzyloxycarbonyl-prolyl-prolinal (ZPP), a specific inhibitor of prolyl endopeptidase, inhibited the formation of Ang-(1–7) from Ang I by 35%. Complete inhibition of Ang-(1–7) generation was attained with p- chloromercuriphenylsulfonate , which suggests that a sulfhydryl-containing peptidase other than prolyl endopeptidase is also involved in Ang-(1–7) formation. Ang II was observed to be a minor product resulting from Ang I metabolism. Although the converting enzyme inhibitor enalaprilat (MK-422) significantly reduced Ang II formation, it had no effect on the levels of Ang-(1–7). These findings demonstrate a preferential processing of Ang I into Ang-(1–7) which is not dependent on the prior formation of Ang II.
Fabrication and Characterization of a Metal-Based Micro-Heat Exchanger by Electrodeposition Technique

The investigation of a small-scale, MEMS-based heat exchanger is reported in this work. The Exchanger is based on capillary action and is designed for use in low-temperature thermal energy scavenging applications. The device is a microfabricated design, employing unique nickel channels for capillary effect.Fabrication of the nickel channels is based on processes that pattern and develop SU-8 negative photoresist on the substrate. Electroplating is then used to form metal channels between the bounding SU-8 structures. The removal of the SU-8 leaves only the metallic channels behind. Channels are fabricated to heights of 115 μm using these methods. The operation of this micro heat exchanger (MHE) is compared to other exchangers fabricated with SU-8 channels.Working fluid mass transfer rate from the heated MHE is utilized as a basic metric of operation. The mass transfer rate recorded from the nickel-based MHE is 2.51 mg/s. By contrast, an MHE fabricated with 150 μm tall SU-8 channels is shown to evaporate up to 3.01 mg/s. This translates into an effective thermal power consumption rate of 1.92 kW/m2 and 2.28 kW/m2 for the nickel and SU-8 based MHE respectively. Investigations of working fluid contact angle with the electroplated nickel surface are also presented. The surface is found to be a porous structure stemming from the electroplating process.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
A comparison of the dynamic response of the ACS and SLS models for linear viscoelasticity

Abstract Using asymptotic analysis and numerical computation, we compare the behaviour of the three-parameter viscoelastic model proposed by Achenbach and Chao (ACS) with that of the Standard Linear Solid (SLS) in one-dimensional wave propagation. Our study shows that the models behave very similarly in both the near and far fields and that the much simpler form of the fundamental solution for the Achenbach-Chao model may take it preferable in many applications.
Endoscopic management of renal hemangioma.

Purpose: Renal hemangioma is a rare clinical entity that is difficult to diagnose. In the past it was treated with partial or complete nephrectomy. However, in the age of minimally invasive procedures endoscopy has enabled more accurate diagnosis and management. We reviewed our experience with transurethral ureterorenoscopy using a flexible ureteroscope to determine the feasibility and success of endoscopic treatment of renal hemangioma.Materials and Methods: We reviewed the records of 15 patients with a mean age of 37.5 years who presented with recurrent lateralized gross hematuria and were diagnosed with renal hemangioma based on transurethral ureterorenoscopy using a flexible ureteroscope. Lesions were treated using a 2 or 3Fr electrocautery probe, or a 200 μ. laser fiber with holmium or neodymium:YAG energy.Results: Followup was 2 to 96 months (mean 20.2). Of the 15 cases 14 were successfully managed by endoscopy. A single patient initially treated with endoscopy in 1988 underwent partial nephrectomy ...
High-Temperature Raman Spectral Investigation of Sodium Sulfate

Abstract High-temperature Raman spectra were measured for sodium sulfate at various temperatures. Crystalline phases were identified at the various temperatures. Factor group and band assignment analysis were conducted for each observed phase in order to understand the vibrational nature of their Raman bands.
Ultrafast Control of Fragmentation Pathways of Soft X-Ray Driven Dissociation of Triatomic N 2 O Molecules

Ultrashort X-ray pulses initiate a coulomb explosion of N2O through two distinct fragmentation pathways, corresponding to breaking an NN or NO bond. The branching ratio between these channels is controlled using a 30fs infrared pulse.
Characterization of integrated heterostructures of SbSI–La0.67Ca0.33MnO3

Abstract Heterostructures of ferroelectric antimony sulpho iodide (SbSI) and colossal magnetoresistive La 0.67 Ca 0.33 MnO 3 (LCMO) have been grown on NdGaO 3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. The integrated structure, with SbSI acting as a gate insulator and LCMO as a semiconductor channel, exhibited field effect along with a channel modulation of about 10%. This ferroelectric field effect has been observed at a voltage of only 2 V. The field effect was non-volatile, and very little change was observed in the channel resistance after more than 2 h. Polarization switching tests showed a small polarization loss of about 5% after more than 10 7 bipolar switching cycles.
Multi-component Cycloaddition Approaches in the Catalytic Asymmetric Synthesis of Alkaloid Targets

Cycloaddition reactions are attractive strategies for the rapid formation of molecular complexity in organic synthesis, as multiple bonds are formed in a single process. To this end, several research groups have been actively involved in the development of catalytic methods to activate readily accessible π-components to achieve cycloadditions. However, the use of C–N π-components for the formation of heterocycles by these processes is less well developed. It has been previously demonstrated that the combination of different isocyanates with two alkynes yields pyridones of several types by metal-catalyzed [2 + 2 + 2] cycloadditions. The potential of this chemistry has been extended to alkenes as C–C π-components, allowing the formation of sp3-stereocenters. In this tutorial review directed towards [n + 2 + 2] cycloadditions of heterocumulenes, alkynes and alkenes, the recent advances in the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of indolizidine, quinolizidine and azocine skeletons are discussed.
Effects of amoxapine on serotonin uptake in human blood platelets of depressed patients and normal controls

The effect of amoxapine and imipramine on the serotonin (5-HT) uptake of blood platelets from depressed patients and normal controls was studied ex vivo or in vitro, respectively. Amoxapine was approximately one-tenth as potent as imipramine in inhibiting 5-HT uptake in blood platelets from normal controls in vitro. Both drugs inhibited 5-HT uptake in a competitive manner. However, ex vivo studies demonstrated that imipramine produced a mixed inhibition and amoxapine, a competitive inhibition of 5-HT uptake. There was no relationship between the change in the platelet affinity for 5-HT after treatment with amoxapine and clinical response to amoxapine.
The effect of ion-pair formation on the lethal dose of methantheline bromide.

Abstract Addition of neutralized trichloracetic acid to solutions containing methantheline bromide increased the lethal dose of methentheline bromide. This might be attributed to an increase in distribution of the drug in the body due to increased lipophilicity of the ion-pairs. Formulations of drugs as ion-pairs to increase distribution and decrease toxicity is a possibility.
Valuing the “Professional” in an International Direct‐Selling Organization: The Commodification of Class Identity in Southern Costa Rica

“4Life” is an American nutritional supplement company that entered Costa Rica in 2004. Its representatives portray their company as a provider of new forms of work and consumption that anyone can embrace, regardless of age, socioeconomic status or gender to enhance their material returns and social status. The appeal is especially strong for older women who increasingly face part-time work, irregular scheduling and remuneration, and few or no fringe benefits. Informed by scholarship on work, consumption, and identity, this article combines a political economic perspective with a sociolinguistic approach in order to unpack the economic and social implications of employment in direct sales positions.
A controlled, randomized, double-blind trial of prophylaxis against jaundice among breastfed newborns

Objectives. Neonatal jaundice is a greater problem for infants fed breast milk, compared with formula. This study tested the hypotheses that feeding breastfed newborns β-glucuronidase inhibitors during the first week after birth would increase fecal bilirubin excretion and would reduce jaundice without affecting breastfeeding deleteriously. Methods. Sixty-four breastfed newborns were randomized to 4 groups, ie, control or receiving 6 doses per day (5 mL per dose) of l-aspartic acid, enzymatically hydrolyzed casein (EHC), or whey/casein (W/C) for the first week. l-Aspartic acid and EHC inhibit β-glucuronidase. Transcutaneous bilirubin levels (primary outcome) were measured daily (Jaundice Meter [Minolta/Air Shields, Hatboro, PA] and Bilicheck [Respironics, Pittsburgh, PA]). All stools were collected, and fecal bile pigments, including bilirubin diglucuronide, bilirubin monoglucuronides, and bilirubin, were analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Follow-up assessments included day 7 body weight, day 6/7 prebreastfeeding/postbreastfeeding weights, maternal ratings, and ages at formula introduction and breastfeeding cessation. Results. The groups were comparable at entry. Overall, the l-aspartic acid, EHC, and W/C groups had significantly lower transcutaneous bilirubin levels than did the control group (75.8%, 69.6%, and 69.2%, respectively, of the control mean, 8.53 mg/dL, at the bilirubin peak on day 4). The l-aspartic acid, EHC, and W/C groups had significantly lower transcutaneous bilirubin levels on days 3 to 7. Fecal bile pigment excretion was greatest in the l-aspartic acid group, significantly greater than control values. There were no significant differences in dosages, follow-up measurements, and maternal ratings. Conclusions. Use of minimal aliquots of l-aspartic acid and EHC for β-glucuronidase inhibition results in increased fecal bilirubin excretion and less jaundice, without disruption of the breastfeeding experience. Decreased jaundice in the W/C group, which lacked a β-glucuronidase inhibitor, suggests a different mechanism.
Nerve regeneration after femtosecond laser nanosurgery

We demonstrate sub-micron scale surgery with femtosecond lasers in a tiny living organism. By just cutting few nano-scale nerve connections inside the nematode C. elegans, we succeeded to stop the whole animal from moving backwards. This delicate axotomy keeps the surrounding of the severed axons un-damaged so that the axons can regrow back, and the worms recover and can move backwards again. These results demonstrate, for the first time, nerve regeneration in such a tiny organism, in its evolutionarily simplest form. The ability to perform precise sub-micron scale axotomy on such organisms provides tremendous research potential for rapid screening of drugs and discovery of new biomolecules affecting regeneration and development.
The Patient-Centered Medical Home for Refugee Children in Rhode Island

Purpose. To describe a “medical home” for pediatric refugees and its ability to provide culturally competent care, to partner with and train medical interpreters, and to improve health screening and follow-up adherence rates of pediatric refugees immigrating to Rhode Island. Methods. A retrospective chart review of refugees was performed. Background information, initial laboratory data, whether patients completed the recommended follow-ups scheduled at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months, and completion of tuberculosis treatment were recorded. Results. Since its initiation, 104 refugee children have attended the clinic ranging in age from 5 months to 18 years. Since the initiation of the medical home for refugee children in 2007, initial screening rates have gone up to 99-100% compared to a low of 41% in 2003–2006 prior to the establishment of the medical home. There was a 43% reduction in missed appointments in 15-month follow-up. Conclusion. The refugee “medical home” allows refugees to benefit from a comprehensive system for disease detection and ongoing primary health care.
Preferred orientations in extruded nickel and iron aluminides

A plotting of inverse pole figures is used to characterize the preferred orientations in both powder-extruded and cast-and-extruded NiAl, FeAl, and Ni3Al; the preferred 111 orientation has been noted along the extrusion direction in both powder-extruded and cast-and-extruded NiAl. While powder-extruded FeAl also had a 111 preferred orientation in the as-extruded condition, 110 was observed upon casting and extrusion; this was in turn replaced by a 211 orientation preference upon annealing, although annealing did not change the preferred orientation in either NiAl or in powder-extruded FeAl.
Fully quantal calculation of H2 translation-rotation states in (H2)4@51264 clathrate sII inclusion compounds

The quantal translation-rotation (TR) states of the (p-H2)4@51264 and (o-D2)4@51264 hydrate clathrate sII inclusion compounds have been computed by nuclear-orbital/configuration-interaction methods. The model of these compounds in a rigid, high-symmetry 51264 cage is treated in detail. The low-energy TR level structures of both isotopomers within this model are found to consist of states that can be readily described in terms of a small number of single-H2 and double-H2 excitation modes. The use of the high-symmetry results to facilitate the calculation and interpretation of (p-H2)4 and (o-D2)4 TR states in low-symmetry physically realizable 51264 cages is also reported.
Estimation of material parameters from the observation of paraconductivity in YBaCuO

Abstract We report observations of paraconductivity in a polycrystalline high-temperature superconductor, YBa2Cu3O7−δ, which are consistent with the predictions of Aslamazov and Larkin for three dimensional fluctuations. We thus obtain an estimate of the coherence length, ξ O = 13.4±4.8 A , which is consistent with an earlier estimate, based in part on heat capacity measurements. We use the Ginzburg criterion to estimate Hc2(O)≈500kG.
Effect of various bile salts on the anticandidal activity of amphotericin B and gentian violet and on the anti-staphylococcal activity of neomycin.

A MIXTURE of bile salts contained in ‘Bacto Bile Salts’ (Difco) has been found capable of: (a) neutralizing the anti-candidal activity of a number of anti-mycotic agents including amphotericin B and gentian violet1; (b) potentiating the anti-staphylococcal activity of neomycin2; (c) effecting a mucin-like enhancement of intraperitoneal staphylococcal virulence for mice3. Considering the last, with the exception of sodium dehydrocholate, each salt contained in the bile salts mixture is capable of exerting this in vivo action4. Mucin, cholesterol and lecithin, which are present in unspecified amounts, also possess this same capability5. The work recorded here is concerned with the effectiveness of various bile salts as well as of mucin, cholesterol and lecithin on the first two in vitro activities already noted.
The concept of measurement-precision

The science of metrology characterizes the concept of precision in exceptionally loose and open terms. That is because the details of the concept must be filled in—what I call narrowing of the concept—in ways that are sensitive to the details of a particular measurement or measurement system and its use. Since these details can never be filled in completely, the concept of the actual precision of an instrument system must always retain some of the openness of its general characterization. The idea that there is something that counts as the actual precision of a measurement system must therefore always remain an idealization, a conclusion that would appear to hold very broadly for terms and the concepts they express.
Quantitative characteristics of inhibition in the cuneate nucleus of the cat.

Abstract Several properties of inhibition in the cuneate nucleus were investigated as an aid in deriving cuneate circuitry. Inhibition was examined by measuring changes in primary afferent terminal depolarization (PAD) and in the size of evoked medial lemniscal activity. Inhibition was produced by stimulation of several peripheral and central sites. Quantitative measurements were made of the inhibitory time course and degree of facilitation to conditioning trains of different lengths. The data suggest a dual organization of inhibition, dependent upon the conditioning site and characterized by the inhibitory time course. Additional information was derived from PAD measurements following simultaneous stimulation of two conditioning sites and from an investigation of a cortico-cuneate feedback loop. The proposed two inhibitory systems appear to converge for simultaneous activation did not produce simple summation of PAD. These results were substantiated when PAD was measured from single, identified cutaneous fibers. The time course of single fiber PAD was similar to that in a whole nerve preparation. Single fibers could be depolarized by conditioning several sites and with no apparent fiber class dependence. Several models of inhibitory circuitry are presented, and the features that must be taken into account are discussed.
An investigation of flap-lag stability of wind turbine rotors in the presence of velocity gradients and helicopter rotors in forward flight

The flap-lag equations of motion of a torsionally rigid and centrally hinged spring-restrained rigid blade are developed using quasi-steady blade-element aerodynamic theory. These equations have periodic coefficients and are applicable to both wind-turbine rotors with velocity gradients and helicopter rotors in forward flight. By solving these equations both by the Floquet-Liapunov method and by an approximate method, the range of applicability of the latter method is established. Flap-lag and pure flapping stability boundaries illustrating the effects of flow and rotor parameters are presented. Finally, some discussion on the techniques for generating the Floquet transition matrix and on the relative merits of the coordinate axes system is presented.
Teaching and Learning Strategies That Work

For more than four decades, we have taught chemistry. As we struggled to become better teachers, we developed (and borrowed) a number of effective strategies. Learning and teaching are a double flame—each feeds the other. We begin with some suggestions for instructors. Foster the mentor-
Composting Ecosystem Management for Waste Treatment

A rational strategy for composting is developed based on the interacting factors of microbial heat generation, temperature, ventilation, and vaporization of water. Because the heat generation results from decomposition of organic material, its rate should be maximized. Implementation is by means of an interactive ventilation control system to remove heat as needed to prevent a temperature increase to activity–limiting levels. The threshold to limitation is approximately 60°C. Since heat generation drives vaporization, the material dries as composting progresses. In contrast, current processes typically operate at 80°C; consequently, waste is decomposed slowly and little water is vaporized.
Brainstem auditory evoked potentials in young children before and after tympanostomy tube placement

Tp evaluate the effect of tympanostomy tube placement upon the hearing function of infants and young children, brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAEP) were recorded in a group of young children (mean age 22 mos) receiving this treatment for otitis media with effusion (OME). For comparison, a group of healthy infants with normal behavioral audiometry were also tested with BAEP. Hearing loss was estimated for each ear using peak V latency-intensity curves. To evaluate the immediate effect of tube placement, 98 ears in 52 children were tested immediately before and after tube insertion. The 63 ears with effusion had prolonged peak latencies that decreased significantly (P < 0.001) immediately after tube placement and a mean hearing loss estimate of 22 dB that improved significantly (P < 0.0001) to 11 dB immediately after tube insertion. The 35 ears without effusion at myringotomy had a mean hearing loss estimate of 8 dB that did not change significantly after tube insertion. To evaluate the short-term effect of tube presence, 39 ears in 25 children were tested 3 weeks to 18 months after tube insertion. The 28 ears with dry tubes had a mean hearing loss estimate of 3 dB, and the 11 ears with otorrhea had a mean hearing loss estimate of 31 dB. The magnitude of mean hearing loss estimates in these young children with OME and the improvement in hearing function with tube placement is similar to that reported in older children studied with BAEP and audiometry. The study groups with a history of otitis media that had resolved by the time of testing had isolated prolongation of mean III–V interpeak latencies compared to normals (P < 0.01). These studies show that BAEP techniques are useful in estimating hearing loss in children with OME who are difficult to test by behavioral audiometry and show changes in rostral brainstem transmission in very young children with a history of OME.
Spreadsheet as a Data Acquisition Tool in Turbomachinery

This paper shows the power of spreadsheets as a strong tool in engineering teaching and research labs. In applied thermo-fluid education, even the one dimensional design or simple experimental measurement and analysis becomes a very complex exercise unless the procedure is programmed. Due to lengthy calculations and iterations, simple solutions are not possible. Exercises have therefore been limited in the classroom. But recent advances in powerful spreadsheets have opened a simple and fast way of performing design and advanced measurements. In recent times due to the introduction of a variety of mathematical soft wares, students have been relived from unnecessary time consuming chores; and therefore, complex measurements can now be carried out more comprehensively and easily. This paper reports on an experimental investigation to determine the effect of the vaneless diffuser width on the unsteady flow performance of a centrifugal compressor stage, where the whole data processing was carried out using a spreadsheet both for the steady and unsteady characteristics. Two compressor configurations with different vaneless diffuser width were investigated at four different impeller speeds and compared in the frequency and time domain. Only one diffuser rotating stall but different types of impeller rotating stalls were detected. The experiments show that the diffuser has a strong influence on the flow in the impeller including in areas way upstream. Analysis of the results indicated: • With increasing diffuser width the onset of impeller rotating stall was shifted to lower flow rates. • With increasing diffuser width the frequencies of the rotating stalls decreased. • There is a common tendency in most of the experiments to lower numbers of rotating cells with increasing relative speed. The whole data acquisition, processing and presentation are carried out using Excel.Copyright © 2010 by ASME
Noninvasive cardiac output determination for children by the inert gas-rebreathing method.

Standard methods for determination of cardiac output (CO) are either invasive or technically demanding. Measurement of CO by the inert gas–rebreathing (IGR) method, applied successfully in adults, uses a low-concentration mixture of an inert and a blood-soluble gas, respectively. This study tested the feasibility of this method for determining CO during exercise for pediatric patients with complete congenital atrioventricular block (CCAVB) stimulated with a VVI pacemaker. In this study, 5 CCAVB patients (age 9.2–17.4 years) were compared with 10 healthy age-matched boys and girls. Testing was performed with the Innocor system. The patients were instructed to breathe the test gas from a closed system. Pulmonary blood flow was calculated according to the washout of the soluble gas component. During standardized treadmill testing, CO was determined at three defined levels. The CO measurements were successful for all the study participants. The patients reached a lower peak CO than the control subjects (5.9 l/min/m2 vs 7.3 [boys] and 7.2 [girls]). The stroke volume increase under exercise also was reduced in the patients compared with the control subjects. The feasibility of the IGR method for exercise CO testing in children was documented. Application of the IGR method for children requires careful instruction of the patients and appears restricted to subjects older than 8 years. The method offers new insights into mechanisms of cardiovascular adaptation in children with congenital heart disease.
Spurring Enrollment In Medicare Savings Programs Through A Substitute For The Asset Test Focused On Investment Income

Fewer than one-third of eligible Medicare beneficiaries enroll in Medicare savings programs, which pay premiums and, in some cases, eliminate out-of-pocket cost sharing for poor and near-poor enrollees. Many beneficiaries don’t participate in savings programs because they must complete a cumbersome application process, including a burdensome asset test. We demonstrate that a streamlined alternative to the asset test—allowing seniors to qualify for Medicare savings programs by providing evidence of limited assets or showing a lack of investment income—would permit 78 percent of currently eligible seniors to bypass the asset test entirely. This simplified approach would increase the number of beneficiaries who qualify for Medicare savings programs from the current 3.6 million seniors to 4.6 million. Such an alternative would keep benefits targeted to people with low assets, eliminate costly administrative expenses and obstacles to enrollment associated with the asset test, and avoid the much larger influx o...
A Global Monthly Sea Surface Temperature Climatology

The paper presents a new global 2 deg x 2 deg monthly sea surface temperature (SST) climatology, referred here to as the Shea-Trenberth-Reynolds (STR) climatology, which was derived by modifying a 1950-1979-based SST climatology from the Climate Analysis Center (CAC), by using data from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set to improve the SST estimates in the regions of the Kuroshio and the Gulf Stream. A comparison of the STR climatology with the Alexander and Mobley SST climatology showed that the STR climatology is warmer in the Northern Hemisphere, and colder poleward of 45 deg S.
Intrinsic basicity of oligomeric peptides that contain glycine, alanine, and valine—The effects of the alkyl side chain on proton transfer reactions

The gas-phase basicities of oligomers of alanine and valine have been determined by bracketing measurements in an external source Fourier transform mass spectrometer. The results are compared to the oligomers of glycine, which were reported in an earlier publication, to observe the effect of the alkyl group and the increasing gas-phase basicity of the monomer units on the rates of proton transfer reactions. Molecular orbital calculations were performed on protonated triglycine and trialanine to determine how the alkyl groups affect intramolecular interactions. The results show that a high degree of ordering of the carbonyl groups is present in the protonated species. The carbonyl groups in turn order the side chain alkyl groups and decrease the rates of proton transfer reactions in, for example, the oligomers of valine.
Retinal degeneration in rhesus monkeys, Macaca mulatta. Survey of three seminatural free-breeding colonies

The ophthalmoscopic investigation of 162 seminatural, free-breeding rhesus monkeys is reported. The age (ranging from 1 month to 21 years), the maternal lineage and sibling relationships of these monkeys were known. Age-related changes in the fundus appearance, macula, retinal vessels, remnants of the hyaloid arteriole and choroidal patterns are described. Two major fundus pathologies were observed: a macular pigmentary anomaly and paramacular drusen-like lesions. These appeared separately or in combination, unior bilaterally. Less frequent pigmentary anomalies were observed outside the macula. The macular pigmentary anomalies and drusen-like lesions affect both sexes (male: 44%; female: 56%). Both pathologies were observed in fairly severe form in very young animals (1 to 3 years), but the frequency increases with age. In the old adult group (16–21 years) one or both eyes of 83% of the animals were affected. Since the same pathology with a some-what lower frequency was also found in a genetically unrelated group of (12+-year-old) monkeys living in cages in a completely different environment, and in a genetically-related group living on a different diet, environmental and nutritional causes in etiology were excluded. The hereditary nature of the disease is highly probable, but the mode of inheritance could not be determined from the data available. The fundus pathology described resembles in many respects some human hereditary retinal degenerations, and therefore it is hoped that further studies of this disease will shed some light on the etiology and pathophysiology of pigmentary and drusen-like disorders in humans.
Peptide nucleic acid-assisted topological labeling of duplex dna.

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are a family of synthetic polyamide mimics of nucleic acids that offer a variety of applications. Pyrimidine bis-PNAs can be used for rational design of novel interlocked DNA nanostructures, earring labels, representing locked pseudorotaxanes or locked catenanes. These structures are created through DNA ligase-mediated catenation of duplex DNA with a circularized oligonucleotide tag at a designated DNA site. The assembly is performed via formation of the PD-loop consisting of a pair of bis-PNA openers and the probe oligonucleotide. The openers locally expose one of the two strands of duplex DNA for hybridizing the probe, whose termini are complementary to the displaced DNA strand. After hybridization, they are in juxtaposition and can subsequently be linked by DNA ligase. As a result, a true topological link forms at a precise position on the DNA double helix yielding locked, earring-like label. DNA topological labeling can be done both in solution and, for longer templates, within the agarose gel plug. Accordingly, highly localized DNA detection with rolling circle amplification of hybridization signal and effective micromanipulations with DNA duplexes become possible through precise spatial positioning of various ligands on the DNA scaffold.
Pollination ecology of Oxalis violacea (Oxalidaceae) following a controlled grass fire

Vernal grass fires may encourage profuse flowering in clonal, colonies ofOxalis violacea. Long-styled colonies appear to be more floriferous than short-styled colonies and set a greater number of capsules. Individual flowers of both morphs live one or two days, change position on their respective pedicels and advertise nectar concealed at the base of the floral throat. AlthoughDiptera, Hymenoptera, andLepidoptera forage for nectar, bees (Andrenidae,Anthophoridae, Halictidae, andMegachilidae) probably make the only effective pollen transfers between the two morphs. Both male and female bees may transport pollen of both morphs and short-tongued bees (e.g.,Augochlorella spp.,Dialictus spp.) may be more common but as effective as pollinators as long-tongued bees (e.g.,Calliopsis andreniformis andHoplitis spp.). The conversion rate of flowers into capsules is only 13–17%. The spreading style in the short-styled morph is interpreted as an adaptation restricting insect-mediated, self-pollination but encouraging bee-stigma contact during nectar foraging.
Influence of a terminal period of fasting on the serum and tissue lipid effects of ethyl chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB)

Abstract The apparent effect of ethyl chlorophenoxyisobutyrate (CPIB) on serum and tissue lipids of rats was markedly influenced by a terminal period of fasting and/or discontinuation of the drug. The significant reduction of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, and phospholipid observed during CPIB administration was no longer present 18 to 24 hours after withdrawal of the drug. The increase in liver triglycerides during CPIB administration was reversed after 24 hours withholding of both food and drug, liver triglycerides then being lower than in fasted control animals.
Staged reconstruction for hypoplastic left heart syndrome: a single institution experience

Abstract Objective: This study reviews our results with staged Norwood reconstructive surgery for hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) with emphasis on early and midterm outcomes. Methods: A total of 115 children underwent staged repair for HLHS between 1991 and 2002. The median age at stage I was 13.3 days (range 2 to 68 days), and the median weight was 3.6 kg (1.8 to 4.8 kg). Malformations in 115 patients were classified as HLHS, defined as aortic and mitral atresia or severe stenosis, intact ventriculat septum, and hypoplasia of the LV. Results: Operative ( 4 mm; p = 0.02), and longer circulatory arrest time (> 50 min; p = 0.02) were all risk factors for early death. Of the 89 survivors of stage I, 54 have undergone (medium age 6.8 months) the second stage (hemi-Fontan), and 37 have completed the Fontan protocol (medium age 18.8 months). Conclusions: Norwood palliation gives an acceptable outcome for infants with HLHS. We conclude that factors for improved survival for stage I are earlier diagnosis and aggressive medical treatment, improved perioperative care, increased experience, and refined surgical techniques. Improved outpatient monitoring of patients between stages I and II may decrease interval mortality and increase overall survival.
Whiz deletion and adjective‐preposing

(1971). Whiz deletion and adjective‐preposing. Paper in Linguistics: Vol. 4, No. 3-4, pp. 595-599.
Self-protecting optical limiters using cascading geometries

An increase in the dynamic range of an optical limiting device is achieved by using two different nonlinear elements cascaded within a single limiting device. A comparison between the results of optical limiting experiments for a single nonlinear element limiter and a two element limiter shows a significant increase in the damage threshold of the latter with only a small increase of the limiting threshold.
IMPURITIES IN COMMERCIALLY PREPARED TRITIATED FOLIC ACID.

RADIOISOTOPICALLY labelled compounds are being used with increasing frequency in both basic science and clinical investigation. Most laboratories are dependent on commercial sources for these products, and although the specifications attesting to the purity of a compound are usually accurate, exceptions do occur.
Breath-holding spells in a patient with transient erythroblastopenia of childhood

We describe a child with transient erythroblastopenia of childhood and breath-holding spells. The spells resolved after oral iron supplementation but before the anemia resolved. The physiologic role of iron in autonomic nervous system regulation and its potential role in the treatment of breath-holding spells are discussed.
Renal regulation of plasma total antioxidant capacity

Hyperuricemia has been labeled both a risk factor and marker for cardiovascular pathology in addition to being associated with gout and kidney disease. Uric acid in vitro acts as a potent antioxidant capable of scavenging hydroxy radicals and peroxynitrite and reacting with nitric oxide. Some clinical studies have provided evidence that, in vivo, uric acid is oxidized under conditions associated with high oxidant stress and may spare other antioxidants such as ascorbic acid. The plasma level of uric acid is controlled by the rates of production and excretion or degradation of uric acid. Under most circumstances, it is the renal clearance of uric acid which primarily determines the plasma concentration. Many factors of exogenous and endogenous origin can influence renal tubular absorption and secretion of uric acid. We suggest that renal urate clearance is not haphazard but regulated by an unknown signal that is issued in response to the level of oxidative stress. Since much cardiovascular pathology is now believed to have an inflammatory component and is associated with enhanced production of free radicals, the accompanying hyperuricemia may be viewed as a compensatory response of potential benefit.
Multiple roots of the Tobit log-likelihood

Abstract We show that the occurence of multiple roots of the Tobit log-likelihood function in the untransformed parameter space is not nearly so likely as heretofore accepted. The conditions which must be met for them to occur require data configurations which could not be met in random sampling. Moreover, to find a ‘second root’ in practice would require computer programs far more accurate than those which currently exist. Similar results are obtained for a number of other limited dependent variable models.
New spielmeyer‐vogt variant with granular inclusions and early brain atrophy

Three females in 2 families were originally diagnosed with Spielmeyer-Vogt disease (SVD). The clinical course was different from SVD, with vision well preserved until age 10 years, and learning rather than visual difficulties the marker at the onset. Later, regression was unusually rapid, including global dementia, blindness, aphasia, and finally loss of self-feeding and ambulation between ages 12-18 years. MRI scan in patient 3 documented brain atrophy between ages 8-10 years. Position Emission Tomography (PET) scanning with fluorodeoxyglucose in patients 2 and 3 showed diffusely decreased or absent cortical glucose metabolism, comparable at ages 12 and 18 years, respectively, to the results found in the oldest typical SVD case tested at age 29 years. Fine granular inclusions, instead of the expected fingerprint inclusions, were demonstrated by electron microscopy of lymphocytes, conjunctiva, and skin. Usual markers on chromosome 16p12 were not present in the first family tested. The clinical course, with nonspecific initial behavior difficulties, late onset of visual decline followed by fast global regression, progressive brain atrophy, decreased cortical glucose utilization as shown by PET scanning, and granular tissue inclusions, suggest a genetic variant of SVD.
A homomolecular porous network at a Cu(111) surface.

Anthraquinone molecules self-assemble on a Cu(111) surface into a large two-dimensional honeycomb network (\batchmode \documentclass[fleqn,10pt,legalpaper]{article} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amsmath} \pagestyle{empty} \begin{document} \(\sqrt{304}{\times}\sqrt{304}\) \end{document}) R 23° with pore diameters of ≈50 A. The spontaneous formation of a pattern containing pores roughly five times larger than the size of the constituent molecules is unprecedented. The network originates from a delicate balance between substrate-mediated repulsion and intermolecular attraction involving an unusual chemical motif: hydrogen bonding between a carbonyl oxygen and an aromatic hydrogen atom. Substrate-mediated long-range adsorbate-adsorbate repulsion has been observed on anisotropic surfaces and in the context of the absence of pattern formation. Its applicability for the design of tailored molecular films is explored here.