cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Monitoring of Somatosensory Evoked Potentials: A Primer on the Intraoperative Detection of Spinal Cord Ischemia During Aortic Reconstructive Surgery

The acute interruption of blood supply to the spinal cord during thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic reconstructions, if unabated, inevitably causes neurological injury secondary to regional hypoxia. Techniques that address the multifactorial nature of spinal cord ischemic injury have evolved to preserve neuromotor function. However, the overall incongruity of the spinal cord's vascular anatomy makes it virtually impossible to predict, with any degree of certainty, the duration of aortic cross-clamping (AXC) that can safely be endured. The sensitivity of evoked potential monitoring to the disruption of spinal cord perfusion has led to the emergence of this modality as an effective tool at the surgeon's disposal for the intraoperative assessment of distal aortic perfusion and cord viability during proximal AXC. Somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) provide invaluable diagnostic data as to the status of cord function, through the continuous appraisal of signal amplitude and latency. A latency increase, as small as 10% of the pre-AXC value, is linked to a reduction of spinal cord perfusion pressure and thereby associated with a high incidence of neurological impairment. Four discrete types of SSEP responses have been identified to represent differing surgical scenarios during AXC. The Type I response (deterioration of SSEP within 3 to 5 minutes) is indicative of a failure to maintain a distal pressure of at least 60 mm Hg, whereas a Type II signifies adequate distal aortic perfusion. Sudden loss of signal as witnessed in a Type III SSEP implies compromised critical intercostal vessels and indicates their expeditious reimplantation. A gradual (30 to 50 minutes) SSEP "fadeout" corresponds to marginal distal perfusion, suggesting the presence of extensive pathology. Intraoperative evoked potential monitoring, in conjunction with distal aortic perfusion, permits rapid identification and correction of compromised spinal cord blood flow, permitting repair of aortic lesions without the added liability of time constraints.
Device Infections Management and Indications for Lead Extraction

An 83-year-old woman is referred for lead extraction as a result of pacemaker pocket infection. She has a history of atrial fibrillation and complete heart block after an AV node ablation. A left-sided pacemaker was placed in 2007. One month before admission, she developed urosepsis, followed by an infection of the pacemaker pocket. Blood cultures revealed methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus . She was admitted to an outside institution where the device was removed, but the leads were left in place after a failed attempt to remove the leads with traction alone. A new single-chamber pacemaker was placed on the right side. On presentation to our institution, the patient appeared quite ill. Physical examination documented congestive heart failure and evidence of pocket infection at sites on both the right and left sides of the chest. Serum chemistry was significant for worsening renal function. A chest x-ray demonstrated a large right pleural effusion. The patient was taken to the hybrid operating room for further management. A transesophageal echocardiogram performed under general anesthesia showed a large pericardial effusion compromising ventricular filling, and a pericardial drain was placed. A temporary pacing wire was placed in the right ventricular apex via a femoral approach. The recently implanted right-sided pacemaker system could then be removed with traction under fluoroscopic guidance. The 2 left-sided leads were extracted with locking stylets and a laser sheath. Both wounds were extensively debrided, and bilateral wound vacuums were placed. An active fixation pacemaker lead was then placed via a right internal jugular approach and connected to a previously used, resterilized pacemaker to provide temporary/permanent right ventricular pacing. Finally, a right-sided chest tube was placed. The patient remained hospitalized for 2 weeks for management of her infected pacemaker sites and sepsis, with her initial care in the intensive care unit and with collaboration …
Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) Techniques for Quality Characterization of Food Products: A Review

Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) is a relatively new sampling technique wherein sample extraction and pre-concentration could be achieved in a single step. The handling of an SPME device is simple, and the analysis of volatiles could be easy. However, the process becomes complex while analyzing sample matrices of heterogeneous nature. The complexity also increases depending upon the nature of compounds to be extracted. Careful selection and optimization of extraction parameters like fiber coating selection, extraction time, agitation, addition of salt, and extraction temperature have to be undertaken to improve the sensitivity and the reproducibility of this method. This paper reviews the principles associated with SPME technique from a general application viewpoint. Also, a comprehensive review of prior research related to characterization of food quality has been reported. SPME-related solutions for environmental applications have also been analyzed to be applied for new food-related applications.
Solving the Liouville equation for conservative systems: Continued fraction formalism and a simple application

Abstract There are very few formalisms available to solve the Liouville equation for energy-conserved systems. The continued fraction formalism, introduced through the works of Zwanzig, Mori, Kubo, Lee, Grigolini and others is described here. A detailed discussion is presented on ways to apply the continued fraction formalism to solve for relaxation functions and for the dynamical variable itself for a simple and exactly solvable quantum spin system.
OPTIMAL AND HEURISTIC SOLUTIONS FOR THE MULTI‐ITEM NEWSVENDOR PROBLEM WITH A SINGLE CAPACITY CONSTRAINT

This research considers a multi-item newsvendor problem with a single capacity constraint. While this problem has been addressed in the literature, the focus here is on developing simple, closed-form expressions for the order quantities. The benefit of such an approach is that the solutions are straightforward to calculate and have managerial appeal. Additionally, we show these expressions to be optimal under a variety of conditions. For more general cases when these optimality conditions do not hold, we use these expressions as heuristic solutions. Via computational studies, we demonstrate that these heuristics are extremely effective when the optimality conditions are not satisfied.
Time evolution of unstable quantum states and a resolution of Zeno's paradox

The time evolution of quantum states for unstable particles can be conveniently divided into three domains: the very short time where Zeno's paradox is relevant, the intermediate interval where the exponential decay holds more or less, and the very long time where the decay is governed by a power law. In this work, we reexamine several questions relating to the deviations from the simple exponential decay law. On the basis of general considerations, we demonstrate that deviations from exponential decay near $t=0$ are inevitable. We formulate general resonance models for the decay. From analytic solutions to specific narrow-width models, we estimate the time parameters ${T}_{1}$ and ${T}_{2}$ separating the three domains. The parameter ${T}_{1}$ is found to be much much less than the lifetime ${\ensuremath{\Gamma}}^{\ensuremath{-}1}$, while ${T}_{2}$ is much greater than the lifetime. For instance, for the charged pion decay, ${T}_{1}\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{{10}^{\ensuremath{-}14}}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$ and ${T}_{2}\ensuremath{\sim}\frac{190}{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}$. A resolution of Zeno's paradox provided by the present consideration and its limitaions are discussed.
Specification and managed development of information technology curricula

The Information Technology (IT) movement in higher education has been growing over several years, leading to a draft ACM CC2004 report that defines Information Technology in relation to other computing disciplines and a draft ABET/CAC accreditation standard that calls for documented educational objectives. As yet, there is no authoritative agreement on educational objectives for Information Technology. While proposing an Information Technology (IT) definition and objectives that compares Information Technology graduates with Computer Science (CS) graduates, this paper more significantly proposes a framework in which dialog about educational objectives can occur. This framework is based on identifying objectives by first identifying recurring concepts we wish to teach and then outlining essential questions and uncovering projects that teach the recurring concepts. This paper then continues by proposing a curricular development methodology based on the use of three-course threads that combine to reveal the previously identified recurring concepts. The significance of this methodology to an academic unit considering implementing an Information Technology (IT) curriculum is its ability to use existing courses in computer science and related cognate areas and thus to minimize the impact on existing resources while presenting an opportunity for gradual and managed curricular change.
The Influence of Reflective Self-Explanations on Problem-Solving Performance:

In this study, the effects of reflective self-explanations on conceptual understanding and problem solving are investigated in a domain of computer programming. After completing a multiple-choice test, 33 students were asked to reflect on and explain why their answers were correct or incorrect. Groups were divided for post hoc analysis based on the degree of reflective self-explanation and prior knowledge. Results indicated that students who actively engaged in the reflective self-explanation process performed better in problem solving tasks with minimal guidance. Prior knowledge was critical for effective reflection, especially recalling principles. Although low prior knowledge students tended to persist with their faulty mental models, self-explanation activities helped them to repair their models. The relationship between reflective self-explanation and prior knowledge is discussed.
Extrahelical cytosine bases in DNA duplexes containing d[GCC]n·d[GCC]n repeats: detection by a mechlorethamine crosslinking reaction

The cytosine–cytosine (C–C) pair is one of the least stable DNA mismatch pairs. The bases of the C–C mismatch are only weakly hydrogen bonded, and previous work has shown that, in certain sequence contexts, they can become unstacked from the core helix, and adopt an ‘extrahelical’ location. Here, using DNA duplexes with d[GCC]n·d[GCC]n fragments containing C–C mismatches in a 1,4 bp relationship, we show that cytosine bases of different formal mismatch pairs can be crosslinked by mechlorethamine. For example, in the duplex d[CTCTCGCCGCCGCCGTATC]·d[GATACGCCGCCGCCGAGAG], where underlined cytosine bases are present as the formal C–C mismatch pairs C7–C32, C10–C29 and C13–C26, we show that two mechlorethamine crosslinks form between C13 and C29 and between C10 and C32, in addition to crosslinks at C7–C32, C10–C29 and C13–C26 (we have reported previously the crosslinking of formal C–C pairs by mechlorethamine). We interpret the formation of the C13–C29 and C10–C32 crosslinks as evidence of an extrahelical location of the crosslinkable cytosines. Such extrahelical cytosine bases have been observed previously for a single C–C mismatch pair (in the so-called E-motif conformation). In the E-motif, the extrahelical cytosines are folded back towards the 5′-end of the duplex, consistent with our crosslinking data, and also consistent with the absence of C7–C29 and C10–C26 crosslinks in the current work. Hence, our data provide evidence for an extended E-motif DNA (eE-DNA) conformation in short d[GCC]n·d[GCC]n repeat fragments, and raise the possibility that such structures might occur in much longer d[GCC]n·d[GCC]n repeat tracts.
Ask and you shall Receive? Gender Differences in Negotiators' Beliefs about Requests for a Higher Salary

Men and women have been shown to negotiate different salary amounts, but little research has investigated whether their behavior differs and how their beliefs might affect behavior. Using quantitative data from simulated negotiations and qualitative data from post-negotiation interviews, this study examines differences in the amounts of men's and women's salary requests and their beliefs about these requests. Qualitative data show differences in the nature of men's and women's beliefs about requesting a higher salary. Quantitative findings show that men made significantly larger salary requests than women and that beliefs were related to these requests. Theoretical implications are discussed.
New algorithm for solving block matrix equations with applications in 2-D AR spectral estimation

The author presents an iterative algorithm to solve Toeplitz and non-Toeplitz block matrix equations. The development is based upon some well-known matrix iterative techniques. The algorithm is developed for the ideal case where the individual blocks in the autocorrelation matrix are Toeplitz, and it is then extended to a more general least squares data formulation case. It is shown that the algorithm requires fewer computations than the direct matrix inversion methods and is very simple to implement. The algorithm is applied to compute the spectral estimates of 2-D data of very small size based on the least squares data formulation with a quarter plane support. >
Nonenzymatic free radical-catalyzed generation of 15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2-like compounds (deoxy-J2-isoprostanes) in vivo

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15-d-PGJ2) is a reactive cyclopentenone eicosanoid generated from the dehydration of cyclooxygenase-derived prostaglandin D2 (PGD2). This compound possesses an α,β-unsaturated carbonyl moiety that can readily adduct thiol-containing biomolecules such as glutathione and cysteine residues of proteins via the Michael addition. Due to its reactivity, 15-d-PGJ2 is thought to modulate inflammatory and apoptotic processes and is believed to be an endogenous ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ. However, the extent to which 15-d-PGJ2 is formed in vivo and the mechanisms that regulate its formation are unknown. Previously, we have reported the formation of PGD2 and PGJ2-like compounds, termed D2/J2-isoprostanes (D2/J2-IsoPs), produced in vivo by the free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of arachidonic acid (AA). Based on these findings, we investigated whether 15-d-PGJ2-like compounds are also formed via this nonenzymatic pathway. Here we report the generation of novel 15-d-PGJ2-like compounds, termed deoxy-J2-isoprostanes (deoxy-J2-IsoPs), in vivo, via the nonenzymatic peroxidation of AA. Levels of deoxy-J2-IsoPs increased 12-fold (6.4 ± 1.1 ng/g liver) in rats after oxidant insult by CCl4 treatment, compared with basal levels (0.55 ± 0.21 ng/g liver). These compounds may have important bioactivities in vivo under conditions associated with oxidant stress.
EFFECTS OF CHRONIC DIETARY LEAD IN AMERICAN KESTRELS (FALCO SPARVERIUS)

American kestrels were fed a diet containing 0, 10, or 50 ppm lead (Pb) powder for at least 5 mo. Blood delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity in birds receiving 50 ppm Pb was as low as 20% of controls but no significant effects were noted in packed cell volume (PCV) or hemoglobin concentration (Hb). Mean liver Pb residues in birds fed 50 ppm Pb were 1.3 and 2.4 ppm (dry wt) for males and females, respectively. Liver Pb residues in birds fed 10 ppm Pb were not significantly greater than controls. There was no significant correlation between blood ALAD activity and blood Pb concentration, no consistent histopathological lesions were noted, and body and organ weights were not affected.
Total percutaneous endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms using Perclose ProGlide closure devices.

Purpose:To describe a technique for access site closure in percutaneous abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair using double Perclose ProGlide devices to overcome the problems associated with the bulky delivery system and braided suture of the antecedent (Prostar) device.Technique:After obtaining guidewire access, 2 Perclose ProGlide sutures are deployed at 90° to each other. The appropriate sheaths are placed over the stiff guidewires. After the stent-graft procedure is completed, an assistant holds pressure while the knots are tightened with the stiff guidewire still in the artery. Once the second knot is tightened with the knot pusher and after confirming adequate hemostasis, the wire is removed, pressure is applied, and heparin reversed. This method has been used in 17 consecutive patients (age range 65–85 years) undergoing endovascular AAA repair. One patient needed patch angioplasty and 2 required small incisions for additional suture placements (81% primary success rate for total percutaneous repair...
Abstract 2710: Pulmonary inflammation associated with Chitinase-3-like-1 protein (CHI3L1) expression accelerates breast cancer metastasis to the lung.

Metastasis of a primary tumor to distant organs is the principal cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer. Recently, it was reported that asthmatic patients have a greater propensity to develop distant metastasis to the lung. Using a ragweed pulmonary inflammation model, we found that asthmatic mice implanted with 4T1 mammary tumors have a 5-fold increase in formation of metastatic foci in their lungs compared to non-asthmatic 4T1 mammary tumor-bearing mice. Further, asthmatic tumor-bearing mice showed accelerated tumor growth and shorter disease-free survival. We have previously reported that Chitinase-3 like-1 protein (CHI3L1) expression is increased in mammary tumor-bearing mice and that it induces production of prometastatic mediators, CCL2, CXCL2 and MMP-9 by macrophages. Asthmatic patients have been reported to exhibit elevated levels of CHI3L1 in their lungs and circulation while in breast cancer patients these levels are further elevated. We found that the levels of CHI3L1 are higher in circulation and lungs of asthmatic mammary tumor-bearers compared to mice with either asthma or tumor alone. It is unknown if exposure to high levels of CHI3L1 previous to tumorigenesis accelerates metastasis. We hypothesize that CHI3L1-induced pulmonary inflammation generates the proper environment for recruiting circulating breast cancer cells as well as proinflammatory leukocytes (M2 macrophages and myeloid derived suppressors), resulting in increased rate of metastasis to the lung. Treatment of 4T1 asthmatic mammary tumor-bearing mice with chitin microparticles, the ligand of CHI3L1, resulted in decreased levels of metastasis to the lung. These studies provide an understanding of the role of CHI3L1 and existing inflammation in accelerating metastasis, the major cause of death in breast cancer patients. Citation Format: Stephania Libreros, Ramon Garcia-Areas, Roberto Carrio, Vijaya Iragavarapu-Charyulu. Pulmonary inflammation associated with Chitinase-3-like-1 protein (CHI3L1) expression accelerates breast cancer metastasis to the lung. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2710. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-2710
Identification of Three Highly Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium Mutants That Are More Immunogenic and Protective in Mice than a Prototypical aroA Mutant

A panel of Salmonella typhimurium 14028s mutants, which were previously shown to be highly attenuated in the BALB/c mouse model of infection, were analyzed for their potential as live Salmonella oral-vaccine candidates. A prototypical aroA mutant was chosen as a basis of comparison. From the panel of mutants initially chosen for this study, three mutants with comparable levels of attenuation elicited higher Salmonella-specific serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and/or mucosal secretory-IgA antibody titers than the aroA vaccine strain. The three mutants, CL288, CL401, and CL554, also elicited a better protective immune response than the aroA control strain, after a single oral dose of 1 × 109 to 2 × 109 bacteria.
Chip multiprocessor architecture: A programmability-driven approach

Chip multiprocessors (CMPs) are now the dominant architecture in microprocessor design. However, in many software environments, due to the difficulty of writing correct and high performing parallel programs, the capability of CMPs is underutilized. In this talk, I will argue that to enable more parallel programs to be written more easily, the design of CMPs should be driven by the needs of programmability. To demonstrate the benefits of this approach, I will describe example CMP designs where a focus on programmability has resulted in a simpler programming model and excellent performance. I will also describe a programming environment where programmability can be used to drive the development of future CMP architectures.
Membrane ion transport in non-excitable tissues *

The facilitated movement of ions across cell membranes can be characterized as occurring through active (ATP-dependent), secondary active (coupled), or passive transport processes. Each of these processes is mediated by a diverse group of membrane proteins. Over the past fifteen years, studies of membrane transport in C. elegans have benefited from the fact that worms are anatomically simple, easily and economically cultured, and genetically tractable. These experimental advantages have been instrumental in defining how membrane transport processes contribute to whole organism physiology. The focus of this review is to survey the recent advances in our understanding of membrane transport that have arisen from integrative physiological approaches in the nematode C. elegans.
The B-cell biology of aging

Although both the number and responsiveness of peripheral B cells in aged mice remain relatively intact, there are dramatic changes in B-cell generation. Alterations in B-cell development include both a skewing of V-gene utilization, especially in cells responsive to phosphorylcholine, and a decrease in the generation of various developmental B-cell subsets. The altered representation of these subsets appears to be the consequence of two developmental blocks. The first developmental block occurs during the maturation of pro-B cells and is evidenced by a decrease in the number of pre-B cells. The second developmental block occurs at the earliest stage of sIg(+)-cell maturation (sIgMvery lo). Because of this block in B-cell maturation, in spite of a decrease in incoming pre-B cells, the number of sIgMvery lo cells appears to increase in aged mice. Additionally, the time of residence of cells within this maturational stage increases dramatically, while the proportion of cells in more mature (sIgMhi) stages of bone marrow development are decreased. In addition to the decreased number of maturing bone marrow B cells, the population of splenic B cells that represent recent bone marrow emigres (HSAvery hi) is markedly decreased. In the face of this decrease in newly emerging cells from the bone marrow, the population of mature splenic B cells is maintained by their increased longevity.
Locally Adaptive Nearest Neighbor Algorithms

Four versions of a k-nearest neighbor algorithm with locally adaptive k are introduced and compared to the basic k-nearest neighbor algorithm (kNN). Locally adaptive kNN algorithms choose the value of k that should be used to classify a query by consulting the results of cross-validation computations in the local neighborhood of the query. Local kNN methods are shown to perform similar to kNN in experiments with twelve commonly used data sets. Encouraging results in three constructed tasks show that local methods can significantly outperform kNN in specific applications. Local methods can be recommended for on-line learning and for applications where different regions of the input space are covered by patterns solving different sub-tasks.
Role of Porins for Uptake of Antibiotics by Mycobacterium smegmatis

The outer membrane of mycobacteria presents an effective permeability barrier for many antibiotics. Transport pathways across this membrane are unknown for most drugs. Here, we examined which antibiotics utilize the porin pathway across the outer membrane of the model organism Mycobacterium smegmatis. Deletion of the porins MspA and MspC drastically increased the resistance of M. smegmatis ML10 to β-lactam antibiotics, while its β-lactamase activity remained unchanged. These results are consistent with the ninefold-reduced outer membrane permeability of the M. smegmatis porin mutants for cephaloridine and strongly indicate that β-lactam antibiotics rely on the porin pathway. The porin mutant ML10 accumulated less chloramphenicol and norfloxacin and was less susceptible to these antibiotics than wild-type M. smegmatis. These results demonstrated that small and hydrophilic antibiotics use the Msp porins for entering the cell. In contrast to norfloxacin, the hydrophobic moxifloxacin was 32-fold more effective in inhibiting the growth of M. smegmatis, presumably because it was able to diffuse through the lipid membrane. Structural models indicated that erythromycin, kanamycin, and vancomycin are too large to move through the MspA channel. This study presents the first experimental evidence that hydrophilic fluoroquinolones and chloramphenicol diffuse through porins in mycobacteria. Thus, mutations resulting in less efficient porins or lower porin expression levels are likely to represent a mechanism for the opportunistic pathogens M. avium, M. chelonae, and M. fortuitum, which have Msp-like porins, to acquire resistance to fluoroquinolones.
Geochemistry of tholeiites of the basic igneous complex of northwestern South America

Chemical analyses of basaltic rocks from the Basic Igneous Complex of the Pacific coastal areas of northern South America clearly demonstrate a consistent tholeiitic affinity for this belt and a geochemical similarity of samples from Ecuador, Colombia, and Panama. The rocks are more like ocean-ridge tholeiites than other varieties, but they have higher than expected K, Sr, and Rb contents. Most probably, alteration has caused these anomalies, but a firm conclusion has been frustrated by the lack of correlation of concentration of these elements with the degree of three types of microscopically observable secondary mineralogic changes in the rocks. The rocks form a bimodal geochemical population, about two-thirds basalt and one-third basaltic andesite; both groups are geographically widespread. The increased geochemical information confirms the correlation of this complex with similar rocks in the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia and Ecuador and the Nicoya Peninsula of Costa Rica.
Estimating random amplitude polynomial phase signals: a cyclostationary approach

Modeling of a class of nonstationary signals with randomly time-varying amplitude and parametric polynomial phase is addressed. A novel approach is proposed for the estimation of the time-varying phase by exploiting the higher order cyclostationarity of these signals. The method does not require nonlinear search, is easy to implement, and yields consistent estimates for the parameters. The resulting algorithms are theoretically tolerant to a large class of noises including additive stationary non-Gaussian noise and any Gaussian noise. Simulation examples supporting the theory are provided. >
CHANGES IN URBAN STRUCTURE IN BANGLADESH

This paper examines the structural effects of colonization on city-size distribution in Bangladesh. It also explores how development policies of independent Bangladesh impacted subsequent patterns and trends of urbanization in the country. The urban structure is analyzed using rank-size plots, a rank-size regression model, and a rank-mobility index. The historical analysis of city rank-size relationships reveals the structural effect of the policies of the British to concentrate urban functions in few urban centers, the Pakistani period of primate-city development, and the deconcentration policies of the Bangladeshi period. The top few cities continue to dominate, irrespective of Bangladesh's government plan to reverse development polarization caused by urban primacy.
Pathfinding by cranial nerve VII (facial) motorneurons in the chick hindbrain

Cranial nerve VII (facial) motorneurons begin extending axons through rhombomeres 4 and 5 (R4 and R5) in the chick hindbrain on the second day of incubation. Without crossing the midline, facial motorneuron axons extend laterally from a ventromedial cell body location. All facial motorneuron axons leave the hindbrain through a discrete exit site in R4. To examine the importance of the exit site in R4 on motorneuron pathfinding, we ablated R4 before motorneuron axonogenesis. We find that mechanisms intrinsic to R5 direct the initial lateral orientation of R5 motorneuron axons. Upon reaching a particular lateral position, all R5 motorneuron axons must turn. In normal embryos the axons all turn rostrally to reach the nerve exit in R4. In embryos with R4 ablated, sometimes the axons turn rostrally and sometimes they turn caudally. A model combining permissive fields and chemotropic cues is presented to account for our observations.
An efficient placement algorithm for run-time reconfigurable embedded system

In the era of application convergence, the small handheld battery-powered portable devices are required to multiplex their limited hardware resources between many complex applications. Our first contribution in this paper is a modular and block based configuration architecture for modern FPGAs like Xilinx's Virtex-4 and Virtex-5 devices, to increase multi-tasking capabilities, power savings and performance improvement of applications for mobile handsets. Our second contribution is an on-line placement algorithm based on bin packing, called Hierarchical Best Fit Ascending (HBFA) algorithm, which is more efficient than Best Fit (BF) algorithm for mapping a dynamic task list onto the FPGA. The overall time complexity of the proposed on-line placement algorithm, HBFA, is reduced to O(n) in comparison to the complexity of BF algorithm which is O(n2). The placement solution provided by HBFA algorithm is also better than that of BF algorithm.
Factor Analysis and Estimation of Covariance Matrix

Factor Analysis is a general method of computation whose purpose consists of reconstructing the random pattern of a set of Gaussian variables, whose covariance matrix has been empirically evaluated. This paper discusses a method for building a new matrix from vector samples of random process as “close” as possible to the former one with the desired features; signals matrix plus noise matrix; the noises are uncorrelated and have different variances or powers on each sensor. The theoritical foundation of the method is to assume that the random process is zero-mean multivariate Gaussian, and to find the maximum-likelihood covariance matrix that has the specified structure.
Cardioprotective effect of chronic hyperglycemia: effect on hypoxia-induced apoptosis and necrosis

It is generally accepted that mild forms of diabetes render the heart resistant to an ischemic insult. Because myocytes incubated chronically in medium containing high concentrations of glucose (25...
Affective responses towards service providers: implications for service encounter satisfaction

This study investigates the influence of affective responses towards service providers on service encounter satisfaction within the context of health care services. A model of Service Encounter Satisfaction that incorporates affective responses is proposed and tested. The results suggest that affective responses may exert significant influence on perceived performance of the service provider. Managerial implications and future research directions are discussed.
Bistatic Sonar Target Motion Analysis Based on Extend Kalman Filter

The extend Kalman filter theory is studied. The model of measure distances for the bistatic sonar system is proposed. Based on the range of bistatic sonar system, a method of target motion analysis is derived. The model of extend kalman filter algorithm is proposed. The simulation result verifies the effectiveness of the new method.
Sound Pulses and the Heart

A personal experience is reported for the benefit of persons experimenting with audible repetitive sound pulses. Prolonged exposure to pulses having a repetition rate higher than the normal heart-beat rate appears to fix the cardiac rhythm at an abnormally high rate. The heart-beat rate can be reduced again by listening to pulses at lower rates, but the time required to effect the cure may be considerable longer than is required to cause the abnormality.
Bilateral Ureteral Obstruction Secondary to Hypogastric Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report

Abstract A case of a hypogastric artery aneurysm associated with bilateral ureeral, bladder outlet and colonic obstruction is reported. This rare lesion posed a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. The radiographic and clinical findings are presented. The urologic aspects of this and similar aneurysmal disease are discussed.
Evolutionary inferences from non-monophyly on molecular trees

Traditional taxa that are non-monophyletic (paraphyletic or polyphyletic) on a molecular phylogenetic tree may be interpreted as surviving ancestors that are evolutionarily static in expressed traits but accumulating DNA changes used to track genetic continuity. In cases in which re-evolution (convergence) of such taxa is deemed improbable, non-monophyly may be used to infer evolutionary trees of virtual fossils reflecting macroevolution. A taxon tree or Besseyan cactus of the family Pottiaceae (Bryophyta) is presented as an example. Non-monophyly may be evolutionarily informative at the taxon level in the same way synapomorphies are phylogenetically informative at the molecular trait level.
Recurrence Rate and Complications of Pterygium Extended Removal Followed by Extended Conjunctival Transplant.

PURPOSE Independent evaluation of efficacy of P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique in preventing recurrence after pterygium surgery. METHODS Sixty consecutive cases of primary pterygium excision were performed between November 2006 and April 2012 using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique. RESULTS Fifty-four (90%) cases were followed up for at least 1 year, and 58 (97%) were followed up for at least 6 months. There was 1 recurrence (1.6%) and 1 complication of an avascular translucent mass. CONCLUSIONS To the author's knowledge, this is the first independent report on this technique in the US literature. It verifies that the recurrence rate is very low using the P.E.R.F.E.C.T. for PTERYGIUM technique.
Adaptive windowing in mechanically-steered intravascular ultrasound imaging: Ex vivo and in vivo studies with contrast enhancement

Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is utilized frequently in vascular diseases such as coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease. Many techniques—including but not limited to IVUS—seek to characterize plaques in coronary artery disease in order to determine which are likely to rupture. Biologists have recently identified the development of intra-plaque vasa vasorum, small vessels which supply the coronaries with oxygen and nutrients, as a potential indicator of plaque vulnerability. By imaging plaques with penetrating vasa vasorum, high resolution contrast-enhanced ultrasound imaging may allow identification of vulnerable plaques prior to rupture. Here we present processing techniques for improving spatial resolution and image contrast in mechanically steered ultrasound imaging based on minimum variance (MV) beamforming and the phase coherence factor (PCF). In tissue-mimicking phantom studies, PCF processing improved CTR by a mean of 4.2 dB, while combined MV and PCF processing improved spatial resolution by 41.7%. These processing strategies may improve image quality in both conventional B-mode IVUS and contrast-enhanced IVUS.
Activity-dependent formation and location of voltage-gated sodium channel clusters at a CNS nerve terminal during postnatal development

Clustering of voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels and their distribution along the axon, specifically at the unmyelinated axon segment next to the nerve terminal, are essential for tuning propagate...
AFPep, anovel drug for the treatment and prevention of breast cancer: An investigation of potential side effects on the reproductive cycle

B131 Full term pregnancy lowers the risk of breast cancer, attributed partly to alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). A small AFP-derived peptide (AFPep) which mimics the active site of AFP has been developed and may be useful for decreasing the risk of breast cancer in women. AFPep has been shown to stop the growth of estrogen dependent human breast cancer xenografts in mice and prevent carcinogen-induced breast cancer rats. Since AFPep acts as an estrogen antagonist, it is important to assess the effects on the female reproductive cycle and fertility. If AFPep does not have any undesirable side effects, it will be more appealing as a preventative treatment in women with a high risk breast cancer. The hypothesis is that AFPep will not affect the estrous cycle or fertility in rats. Ten female Sprague-Dawley rats (age 81 days) were given 100 µg AFPep s.c. daily for 20 days. Another group of ten rats was given 50 µg tamoxifen s.c. daily and a third group received saline only. Vaginal smears were obtained twice per day and stained to assess estrous cycle phase. The females were then introduced into cages containing mature male Sprague-Dawley rats. Treatment continued daily for two weeks or until females showed signs of mating. Pregnant females were allowed to give birth, and pregnancy success was evaluated. AFPep did not have any significant effect on the incidences of any of the estrous cycle phases. Tamoxifen significantly increased the length of diestrus, locking the cycle of most animals in this phase. Half of the tamoxifen treated rats mated, and none of them became pregnant. Nine of ten rats in the AFPep group mated, and eight gave birth. Neither AFPep nor tamoxifen had any significant effect on body mass of treated females. We conclude that tamoxifen affects the estrous cycle to the extent that cycling ceases and causes delayed fertility in female rats. AFPep does not affect the cycle allowing it to continue normally and having no effect on fertility. Thus, AFPep may be an attractive option for breast cancer prevention.
An economic evaluation of alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA

Energy market conditions have shifted dramatically since the USA renewable fuel standards (RFS1 in 2005; RFS2 in 2007) were enacted. The USA has transitioned from an increasing dependence on oil imports to abundant domestic oil production. In addition, increases in the use of ethanol, the main biofuel currently produced in the USA, is now limited by the blend wall constraint. Given this, the current study evaluates alternative biofuel deployment scenarios in the USA, accounting for changes in market conditions. The analysis is performed with a general equilibrium model that reflects the structure of the USA biofuel market as the transition to advanced biofuels begins. Results suggest that ethanol consumption would increase, albeit slowly, if current biofuel deployment rates of about 10% are maintained as persistently lower oil prices lead to a gradual increase in the consumption of liquid transportation fuels. Without the blend wall constraint, this study finds that the overall economic impact of a full implementation of the USA RFS2 policy is largely neutral before 2022. However, the economic impacts become slightly negative under the blend wall constraint since more expensive bio-hydrocarbons are needed to meet the RFS2 mandates. Results for a scenario with reduced advanced biofuel deployment based on current policy plans show near neutral economic impacts up to 2027. This scenario is also consistent with another scenario where the volume of bio-hydrocarbons deployed is reduced to adjust for its higher cost and energy content relative to deploying the mandated RFS2 advanced biofuel volumes as ethanol. The important role of technological change is demonstrated under pioneer and accelerated technology scenarios, with the latter leading to neutral or positive economic effects up to 2023 under most blend wall scenarios. All scenarios evaluated in this study are found to have positive long-term benefits for the USA economy.
Hidden Children of the Holocaust: Belgian Nuns and Their Daring Rescue of Young Jews from the Nazis, Suzanne Vromen. Oxford University Press, Oxford and New York (2008), 178 pp.

There were any number of ways that ordinary Europeans could have helped Jews survive during the Nazi genocide. They could have hidden them in their homes. In states that maintained their own bureau...
Chapter 8 – Digestive System

This chapter begins with features characterizing the post-embryonic sea urchin digestive system as a whole (especially cellular- and organ-level morphology). Then, a more detailed review is presented of each of the main sub-regions: namely, the buccal cavity, pharynx, esophagus, stomach (with siphonal groove or siphon), intestine, and rectum. In addition, the bacterial, protozoan, and metazoan symbionts living in sea urchin digestive systems are covered. The chapter concludes with a description of the development of the embryonic, larval, and metamorphic digestive system of sea urchins.
Untangling the Processes of Leaving a Member-Abusive Organization

Prior to its dissolution, Mars Hill, a former megachurch, developed a reputation for abuse and dictatorial control, creating an organizational environment from which many sought to exit. However, f...
Optical Magnetic Force Induces Molecular Rotations

Optical interactions involving both electric and magnetic fields in two-photon scattering can stimulate molecular librations/rotations, via torque-enhanced magnetic transitions. Here we report ultrafast observations of magneto-electrically-induced vibrations and rotations.
CHAPTER 33 – Parathyroid Carcinoma

This chapter describes the clinical features, natural history, and prognosis of parathyroid cancer. The clinical features of parathyroid carcinoma are because of the effects of excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone by the functioning tumor, rather than to infiltration of vital organs by tumor mass. Thus, signs and symptoms of hypercalcemia often dominate the clinical picture with contributions from typical hyperparathyroid bone disease and features of renal involvement, such as nephrolithiasis or nephrocalcinosis. Parathyroid carcinoma is an indolent, albeit tenacious, tumor with rather low malignant potential. It tends to recur locally at the operative site and spread to contiguous structures in the neck. Metastases occur late in the course of the disease and spread via both lymphatic and hematogenous routes. Cervical nodes (30%) and lung (40%) are involved most commonly, followed by liver (10%). Occasional involvement of bone, pleura, pericardium, and pancreas has been reported. The prognosis of parathyroid carcinoma is quite variable. No one characteristic correlates predictably with outcome. Early recognition and complete resection at the time of the initial surgery carries the best prognosis.
Similar habitats, different communities: Fish and large invertebrate assemblages in eastern Gulf of Mexico polyhaline seagrasses relate more to estuary morphology than latitude

Abstract Seagrass habitats are a dominant component of coastal waters along the eastern Gulf of Mexico coast and are recognized as essential habitats for many species. Although various ecologically and economically important species depend on seagrass habitats at some life stages, these habitats are vulnerable to anthropogenic influences. As coastal human populations continue to grow, and nearshore habitats are affected, understanding the structure and function of assemblages associated with nearshore habitats is important for management and mitigation efforts. Therefore, we sampled estuarine and nearshore polyhaline seagrass beds monthly (May–November) from 2008 through 2015 using a 6.1-m otter trawl in seven estuaries in the eastern Gulf of Mexico. Despite latitudinal variability, assemblage structure of fishes and selected larger invertebrates was predominantly driven by estuary morphology—semi-enclosed estuaries had significantly higher catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) of estuarine obligates and incidental marine taxa, whereas open estuaries had higher CPUE of small forage and cryptic species. Furthermore, abundances of several important fishery species differed markedly between semi-enclosed and open systems. Our results highlight (1) the relative importance of different scales of environmental factors' influence on communities, (2) the need for understanding how seemingly similar habitats in estuaries of differing morphologies can support different fishery species, and (3) the importance of regional-scale monitoring data and its value in tracking ecological changes.
Can We Detect Submesoscale Motions in Drifter Pair Dispersion

AbstractA cluster of 45 drifters deployed in the Bay of Bengal is tracked for a period of four months. Pair dispersion statistics, from observed drifter trajectories and simulated trajectories base...
Utilizing the blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus to understand the genetic basis of behavioral evolution

Colonization of novel habitats often results in the evolution of diverse behaviors. Comparisons between individuals from closely related populations that have evolved divergent behaviors in different environments can be used to investigate behavioral evolution. However, until recently, functionally connecting genotypes to behavioral phenotypes in these evolutionarily relevant organisms has been difficult. The development of gene editing tools will facilitate functional genetic analysis of genotype-phenotype connections in virtually any organism, and has the potential to significantly transform the field of behavioral genetics when applied to ecologically and evolutionarily relevant organisms. The blind cavefish Astyanax mexicanus provides a remarkable example of evolution associated with colonization of a novel habitat. These fish consist of a single species that includes sighted surface fish that inhabit the rivers of Mexico and southern Texas and at least 29 populations of blind cavefish from the Sierra Del Abra and Sierra de Guatemala regions of Northeast Mexico. Although eye loss and albinism have been studied extensively in A. mexicanus, derived behavioral traits including sleep loss, alterations in foraging and reduction in social behaviors are now also being investigated in this species to understand the genetic and neural basis of behavioral evolution. Astyanax mexicanus has emerged as a powerful model system for genotype-phenotype mapping because surface and cavefish are interfertile. Further, the molecular basis of repeated trait evolution can be examined in this species, as multiple cave populations have independently evolved the same traits. A sequenced genome and the implementation of gene editing in A. mexicanus provides a platform for gene discovery and identification of the contributions of naturally occurring variation to behaviors. This review describes the current knowledge of behavioral evolution in A. mexicanus with an emphasis on the molecular and genetic underpinnings of evolved behaviors. Multiple avenues of new research that can be pursued using gene editing tools are identified, and how these will enhance our understanding of behavioral evolution is discussed.