cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Brain-type natriuretic peptide levels correlate with pulmonary hypertension and requirement for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Abstract Purpose B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP), an established biomarker of ventricular pressure overload, is used in the assessment of children with pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH is commonly observed in congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). However, the use of BNP levels to guide treatment in this patient population has not been well defined. In this study, we investigate BNP levels in a large cohort of CDH patients treated at a single institution. Methods We retrospectively reviewed charts of all CDH patients enrolled in our pulmonary hypoplasia program from 2004–2013. PH was assessed by echocardiography using defined criteria, and patients were further stratified into the following cohorts: no PH, short-term PH (requiring nitric oxide but no additional vasodilatory therapy), long-term PH (requiring continued vasodilatory therapy post-discharge), and ECMO (requiring ECMO therapy). Results A total of 132 patients were studied. BNP levels were significantly increased in patients with PH compared to patients with normal pulmonary pressures ( P Conclusion Our findings indicate that plasma BNP levels correlate with pulmonary hypertension as well as the requirement for ECMO in CDH patients. Monitoring of serial BNP levels may provide a useful prognostic tool in the management of CDH.
THE VANISHING MEDICAL HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR.

(1965). The Vanishing Medical Hospital Administrator. Hospital Topics: Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 41-49.
Geometry and Topology for Mesh Generation

1. Delaunay triangulations 2. Triangle meshes 3. Combinatorial topology 4. Surface simplification 5. Delaunay tetrahedrizations 6. Tetrahedron meshes 7. Open problems.
LIMITS TO CCD ENSEMBLE PHOTOMETRY PRECISION, AND PROSPECTS FOR ASTEROSEISMOLOGY

We report results of CCD ensemble, time-resolved photometry with the KPNO 2.1-m telescope yielding precision of 400 umag per minute of integration. Previous experience on 1-m class telescopes and well-known scaling laws for the limiting noise sources indicate that current 4-m class telescopes and existing detectors, operated as a network for about five days, would allow detection of coherent (solar-like) oscillations at an amplitude of 15 umag. We provide detailed stellar-evolution modeling and eigenfrequency-analysis results for the stars of the old open cluster M67. Using observed amplitudes of solar p-mode oscillations, and published scaling laws with spectral type, we show that direct detection of solar-analog oscillations on 13th-magnitude M67 stars is possible with a several-night 4-m network campaign. Asteroseismology on a substantial ensemble of cluster stars promises to allow fundamental new tests of stellar structure and evolution theory.
How well do we (and will we) know solar neutrino fluxes and oscillation parameters

Individual neutrino fluxes are not well determined by the four operating solar neutrino experiments. Assuming neutrino oscillations occur, the pp electron neutrino flux is uncertain by a factor of 2, the $^{8}\mathrm{B}$ flux by a factor of 5, and the $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ flux by a factor of 45. For matter-enhanced oscillation (MSW) solutions, the range of allowed differences of squared neutrino masses, \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathit{m}}^{2}$, varies between 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}6}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{2}$ and 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}4}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{2}$, while 4\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}3}$\ensuremath{\le}${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}$2\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\le}1.5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2}$ or 0.5\ensuremath{\le}${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}$2\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\le}0.9. For vacuum oscillations, \ensuremath{\Delta}${\mathit{m}}^{2}$ varies between 5\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}11}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{2}$ and 1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}${10}^{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}10}$ ${\mathrm{eV}}^{2}$, while 0.7\ensuremath{\le}${\mathrm{sin}}^{2}$2\ensuremath{\theta}\ensuremath{\le}1.0. The inferred ranges of neutrino parameters depend only weakly on which standard solar model is used. Calculations of the expected results of future solar neutrino experiments (SuperKamiokande, SNO, BOREXINO, ICARUS, HELLAZ, and HERON) are used to illustrate the extent to which these experiments will restrict the range of the allowed neutrino mixing parameters. For example, the double ratio (observed ratio divided by standard model ratio) of neutral current to charged current event rates to be measured in the SNO experiment varies, at 95% confidence limit, over the range 1.0 (no oscillations into active neutrinos), 3.${1}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1.3}^{+1.8}$ (small mixing angle MSW), 4.${4}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}1.4}^{+2.0}$ (large mixing angle MSW), and 5.${2}_{\mathrm{\ensuremath{-}}2.9}^{+5.6}$ (vacuum oscillations). We present an improved formulation of the ``luminosity constraint'' and show that at 95% confidence limit, this constraint establishes the best available limits on the rate of creation of pp neutrinos in the solar interior and provides the best upper limit to the $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ neutrino flux. The actual rate of creation of solar neutrinos in the solar interior to the rate predicted by the standard solar model can vary (while holding the CNO neutrino flux constant) between 0.55 and 1.08 for pp neutrinos and between 0.0 and 6.35 for $^{7}\mathrm{Be}$ neutrinos. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Coupling legacy geomorphic surface facies to riparian vegetation: Assessing red cedar invasion along the Missouri River downstream of Gavins Point dam, South Dakota

Abstract Floods increase fluvial complexity by eroding established surfaces and creating new alluvial surfaces. As dams regulate channel flow, fluvial complexity often decreases and the hydro-eco-geomorphology of the riparian habitat changes. Along the Missouri River, flow regulation resulted in channel incision of 1–3 m within the study area and disconnected the pre-dam floodplain from the channel. Evidence of fluvial complexity along the pre-dam Missouri River floodplain can be observed through the diverse depositional environments represented by areas of varying soil texture. This study evaluates the role of flow regulation and depositional environment along the Missouri River in the riparian invasion of red cedar downstream of Gavins Point dam, the final dam on the Missouri River. We determine whether invasion began before or after flow regulation, determine patterns of invasion using Bayesian t -tests, and construct a Bayesian multivariate linear model of invaded surfaces. We surveyed 59 plots from 14 riparian cottonwood stands for tree age, plot composition, plot stem density, and soil texture. Red cedars existed along the floodplain prior to regulation, but at a much lower density than today. We found 2 out of 565 red cedars established prior to regulation. Our interpretation of depositional environments shows that the coarser, sandy soils reflect higher energy depositional pre-dam surfaces that were geomorphically active islands and point bars prior to flow regulation and channel incision. The finer, clayey soils represent lower energy depositional pre-dam surfaces, such as swales or oxbow depressions. When determining patterns of invasion for use in a predictive statistical model, we found that red cedar primarily establishes on the higher energy depositional pre-dam surfaces. In addition, as cottonwood age and density decrease, red cedar density tends to increase. Our findings indicate that flow regulation caused hydrogeomorphic changes within the study area that permitted red cedar invasion of the riparian habitat and that the type of depositional environment partially determines where along the riparian landscape red cedar invades.
One-stage reconstruction of complex pharyngoesophageal, tracheal, and anterior neck defects.

Background: Reconstruction of combined pharyngoesophageal, tracheal, and anterior neck defects is challenging and usually requires two flaps, which is sometimes accompanied by significant morbidity. Methods: Between March of 2002 and February of 2004, 18 consecutive patients with combined defects of the pharynx and cervical esophagus, trachea, and/or anterior neck skin underwent reconstruction with a single anterolateral thigh flap. The skin paddle was divided into two islands based on separate cutaneous perforators in 10 patients. In the remaining patients with only one cutaneous perforator, a portion of the vastus lateralis muscle was included to support skin grafting for anterior neck resurfacing. The clinical, functional, and aesthetic outcomes of these patients were reviewed. Results: All of the patients experienced complete healing of reconstruction of their anterior neck and tracheal defects with good aesthetic results and only minor complications. The average hospital stay was 7 days. Four patients had a small fistula, which healed spontaneously in three patients but did not heal because of a local recurrence in the fourth. Two patients had a stricture requiring endoscopic dilatation. All but one patient without recurrence tolerated an oral diet. Conclusion: Complex neck reconstruction can be accomplished with a single anterolateral thigh flap with good clinical and functional results, minimal morbidity, and quick recovery.
Tracking and separating non-stationary multi-component chirp signals

Abstract In this paper we are concerned with the problems of (1) tracking or estimating the unknown, time-varying instantaneous frequency (IF) of a chirp signal from a multi-component signal (we assume our multi-component signal to be formed of additive chirp signals, disjoint in the time–frequency domain, and Gaussian noise) and (2) reconstructing a specific chirp signal based on the estimate of its IF found at (1). The algorithm we developed is based on a previously proposed method adapted now for the case of multi-component signals. It combines an adaptive smoothing procedure with a noise resistant Fourier filter to generate an algorithm with an extremely fine frequency resolution. The method is non-parametric, that is, we assume no prior knowledge about the form of the time-varying IF of the chirp or about the chirp itself. We demonstrate how the method works on simulated data and compare its performance to other presently used procedures.
Comparison of emerging ground propulsion systems for electrified aircraft taxi operations

Abstract Aviation is a mode with high fuel consumption per passenger mile and has significant environmental impacts. It is important to seek ways to reduce fuel consumption by the aviation sector, but it is difficult to improve fuel efficiency during the en-route cruise phase of flight because of technology barriers, safety requirements, and the mode of operations of air transportation. Recent efforts have emphasized the development of innovative Aircraft Ground Propulsion Systems (AGPS) for electrified aircraft taxi operations. These new technologies are expected to significantly reduce aircraft ground-movement-related fuel burn and emissions. This study compares various emerging AGPS systems and presents a comprehensive review on the merits and demerits of each system, followed with the local environmental impacts assessment of these systems. Using operational data for the 10 busiest U.S. airports, a comparison of environmental impacts is performed for four kinds of AGPS: conventional, single engine-on, external, and on-board systems. The results show that there are tradeoffs in fuel and emissions among these emerging technologies. On-board system shows the best performance in the emission reduction, while external system shows the least fuel burn. Compared to single-engine scenario, external AGPS shows the reduction of HC and CO emissions but the increase of NO x emission. When a general indicator is considered, on-board AGPS shows the best potential of reducing local environmental impacts. The benefit-cost analysis shows that both external and on-board systems are worth being implemented and the on-board system appeals to be more beneficial.
Compulsive-like Behavior in Individuals with Down Syndrome: Its Relation to Mental Age Level, Adaptive and Maladaptive Behavior

This study examined the nature of repetitive, ritualistic, and compulsive-like behaviors in 50 typically developing children and 50 individuals with Down syndrome (DS), matched on mental age (MA; M = 59.72 months). Parents reported on their children's compulsive-like behaviors — including ritualistic habits — and perfectionistic behaviors, as well as their children's adaptive and maladaptive behaviors. Results indicated that children with DS show similar MA-related changes in compulsive-like behaviors compared to the MA-matched comparison group. Younger children (both typical and DS) exhibited significantly more compulsive-like behaviors than older children. In general, children with and without DS did not differ from each other in terms of the number of compulsive-like behaviors they engaged in, although participants with DS engaged in more frequent, more intense repetitive behaviors. Compulsive-like behaviors were differentially related to adaptive and maladaptive behaviors across the MA and mental retardation groups. The results extend the “similar sequence” model of development to the construct of compulsive-like behaviors, and also suggest that some repetitive behaviors may be among the behavioral phenotype of individuals with DS.
Kahane using brownian local times of intersection

We show that if a set E in the positive real line has Hausdorff dimension greater than d/2 m, then the m-fold algebraic sum of the image of E by d-dimensional Brownian motion has an interior point. This extends a result of Kahane. The proof uses techniques found in Rosen (1983) and Geman, Horowitz and Rosen. We then show that the results do not hold for random sets and demonstrate that the above condition on the Hausdorff dimension of E is not close to being necessary
The Right to be Selfless and Other Prerogatives of the Weak in the Rhetoric of Sección Femenina

This article examines the contradictions underlying the Falangist feminine ideal as it oscillated between demure/traditional and enterprising/modern in the rhetoric of the Seccion Femenina. As the author demonstrates, the peculiarity of the Seccion Femenina—which acted as the dominant cultural filter for women's familial, social, and political obligations at the time—stems from its leaders' at once-dominated (vis-a-vis the state) and dominant (vis-a-vis the female constituents) position in the cultural, social, national, and political landscape of post-civil war Spain. Although the retrograde ways of the Seccion Femenina, whose statutes and rhetoric drew on the nineteenth-century bourgeois discourse of different and complementary gender relations, have elicited numerous studies, this article examines the use of this familiar and unthreatening (to the regime) model of female formation as the legitimating basis of its unconventional praxis.
Cardiac Nucleotides and Derivatives in Acute and Chronic Ventricular Failure of the Dog Heart

The levels and proportionate distribution of nucleotides, nucleosides, and bases were determined in myocardial samples from two freshly excised hearts, three acutely failing left ventricle preparations in which the nonworking right ventricle served as control, and two hearts from dogs in which aortic regurgitation was produced surgically as a source of chronic overload of the left ventricle. Ventricular performance was evaluated from cardiac function studies, including measurements of cardiac output, stroke work, and contractility. The compounds identified by chromatographic resolutions were AMP, ADP, ATP, DPN, UPP, and GPP; inosine and hypoxanthine; and uridine and uracil. Qnantitative analyses revealed no consistent difference in specific composition of nonfailing and acutely or chronically failing ventricles.
Physical activity and quality of life in multiple sclerosis: Possible roles of social support, self-efficacy, and functional limitations.

Objective: Quality of life (QOL) is compromised among individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS). Physical activity has been positively associated with QOL, but little is known about the factors that explain and/or confound the relationship in those with MS. On the basis of a social‐cognitive perspective and previous research, the authors tested the hypothesis that physical activity would be indirectly associated with QOL through a mediated pathway that included self-efficacy and functional limitations, after controlling for perceived social support. Participants: Participants were 196 individuals with a definite diagnosis of MS living in the Midwest region of the United States who completed a battery of questionnaires and wore a pedometer and accelerometer for a 7-day period. Results: Covariance modeling analyses indicated that physical activity was indirectly associated with QOL through a pathway that included self-efficacy and functional limitations, and the pattern of relationships was independent of the perception of social support. Conclusions: The findings support physical activity as a possible modifiable behavior for mitigating reductions of QOL in those with MS and suggest that a social‐ cognitive model aids in the understanding of physical activity’s relationships with QOL.
Energy use and CO2 emissions reduction: Integrating pricing and regulatory policies

Abstract We examine integration of pricing and regulatory policies in the abatement of energy-related CO 2 emissions. Price-equilibrium models gauge the response of energy users to changing prices and are therefore appropriate for evaluating the impacts of carbon taxes. Technology-cost models estimate the level of energy use and carbon emissions that would arise given full implementation of cost-effective energy-efficient technologies and therefore capture the potential to reduce emissions through non-price regulatory measures. If market failures impede the adoption of cost-effective carbon-abatement technologies, achieving emissions reductions at minimum social cost requires the joint implementation of pricing and regulatory instruments.
Overexpression of myoglobin and assignment of its amide, Cα and Cβ resonances

Sperm whale apomyoglobin was expressed to high levels on minimal media and isotopically labeled with 13C and 15N nuclei. The isotopically labeled apoprotein was purified to homogeneity in a single step by reversed-phase chromatography and reconstituted with hemin and carbon monoxide gas for NMR analysis. Sequence-specific backbone 1HN, 15N and 13Cα as well as side-chain 13Cβ resonance assignments have been made for over 90% of the amino acids in the carbon monoxide complex of the protein. Resonance assignments were made by analysis of a series of 3D triple resonance spectra measured on the uniformly labeled sample. These assignments will provide the basis for analyzing the effects of point site mutations on the structure, stability and dynamics of the protein in solution.
The Minds of Peace Experiment: a laboratory for people-to-people diplomacy

How can effective peacemaking change be created in the Israeli–Palestinian struggle, a process that so far seems bogged down by political obstacles on both sides? Diplomacy, ‘the peaceful conduct o...
Testicular hormones reduce individual differences in the aggressive behavior of male mice: A theory of hormone action

A chronology of theoretical development in studies of the role of testicular hormones in murine aggression is presented. Evidence which brings into question the generality of current theory is reviewed, and the implications of this evidence for the direction of future research are discussed. A new method by which to characterize individual differences in aggressive behavior is described, and recent data which provide the basis for the development of a new theory are presented. It is theorized that testicular hormones reduce individual differences in the aggressive behavior of male mice, and that this behavioral “homogenization” is mediated by a testicular-hormone regulated “discrimination mechanism,” possibly localized within the mouse olfactory system. The generality of this theory and the implications for other hormone/behavior systems are also discussed.
The Influence of Certain Factors on the Methylene Blue Reduction Test for Determining the Number of Bacteria in Milk

Summary The importance of the bacterial content of milk in determining its quality is discussed and the need of some simple and inexpensive method for the bacteriological analysis of milk is presented. The methylene blue reduction test seems to meet the need. The literature treating of the reduction test has been reviewed and a study has been made of a number of factors which influence the results obtained with the test. In the work herein reported attention has been directed to the influence of the concentration of the dye, to the age of the solution of the dye, and to the source or brand of the methylene blue. The influence of temperature on the reduction time has been investigated. The direct dependence of the test on the vital activities of the cells is shown by the effect of heating the milk to relatively low temperatures and by the effect of antiseptics. The relationships which may exist between different groups of bacteria are discussed and data are presented to illustrate the effect of these relationships in influencing the reduction time. The reducing action of different groups of milk bacteria has been studied as well as the relation of reduction time to keeping quality. Directions for making the test are given.
Nuclear data sheets for A = 108*

Abstract Nuclear structure data from reaction and radioactivity studies on A = 108 have been evaluated and compiled, updating the 1960 Nuclear Data Sheets. Adopted level properties and decay schemes are presented. The compilers have used footnotes throughout the compilation to point out discrepancies, uncertainties, and the lack of data. It is hoped that this evaluation will serve as the basis for further experiments and calculations which will add to the spectroscopic knowledge in the A = 108 mass chain. All data received before November 1971 have been included.
Metabolism of endogenous arachidonic acid by isolated lungs of neonatal and adult rabbits stimulated with calcium ionophore: Effect of hypoxia

We have determined the effect of hypoxia on arachidonic acid metabolism by rabbit lungs stimulated with calcium ionophore A23187. Isolated lungs of neonatal and adult rabbits were perfused during normoxia (pO2 greater than 100 torr) or hypoxia (pO2 less than 40 torr) and arachidonic acid metabolism stimulated by the addition of A23187 (5 microM) to the perfusate. Cyclooxygenase metabolites PGE2, TxA2, and PGI2 were measured by radioimmunoassay and lipoxygenase metabolites LTB4, LTC4, LTD4, and LTE4 by HPLC. During normoxia, neonatal lungs synthesized the three cyclooxygenase metabolites that we measured in similar amounts. LTC4 constituted 56% of the leukotrienes produced. Hypoxia caused a 100% increase in the amount of PGI2 synthesized by neonatal lungs; however, total TxB2 and PGE2 production was not altered significantly. LTC4 production decreased significantly during hypoxia, whereas LTE4 production increased. Adult lungs synthesized significantly lower amounts of both cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase products than neonatal lungs. During normoxia, PGE2 was measured in highest amount in adult lungs. Similar to the neonatal lungs, LTC4 was the predominant leukotriene (56%) measured. During hypoxia, there was a 100% increase in PGI2 production by adult lungs, as was observed in neonatal lungs. There was also a small but significant increase in PGE2 production, with no change in TxA2 production. LTC4 production also decreased, but there was a marked increase in synthesis of LTB4 by adult lungs. Our data demonstrate that hypoxia alters the profile of arachidonic acid metabolites produced by rabbit lungs stimulated with A23187. Also, the age of the rabbit significantly affects both the amount and profile of metabolites synthesized by stimulated lungs during normoxia and hypoxia.
Aided integer ambiguity resolution algorithm

The key issue in precise positioning using the GPS carrier phase is to solve for the integer ambiguities quickly and correctly. For some navigation applications, external sensors am available that provide auxiliary measurements. For example, in the control and guidance of land vehicles relative to a desired trajectory (e.g., lane-keeping on a highway) the altitude of the roadway as a function of arclength can be accurately curve fit and the lateral distance from the lane center may be measurable by other sensors. These auxiliary sensors can be used to aid and facilitate the GPS integer ambiguity resolution problem. Use of such auxiliary sensors offers the potential to obtain the correct integers when few satellites are available. This paper describes a fast and efficient technique for integer ambiguity resolution when auxiliary sensors are available. The paper will present the theoretical approach and results of experimental tests of the method. Preliminary experimental results (based on 11999 epochs) show that, while the GPS-only integer resolution success rate with 5 satellites is 18%, the altitude aided GPS Integer resolution finds the correct Integers with a 98% success rate. Using the declaration decision parameters |res12| < 0.027, |res1w| < 0.095, |res1n| < 0.012, the correct integers were accepted 87% of the 11999 epochs with no erroneous integers.
TIGERA: A New Tool for Illumina Gene Expression Reads Analysis

Next-generation sequencing platforms, including Illumina, 454, and SOLiD are emerging as easier, faster, and cheaper alternatives to traditional sequencing platforms. Illumina digital gene expression (DGE) tag profiling allows comprehensive analysis of differentially expressed genes in organisms. Computer programs are necessary to handle the overwhelming amount of data generated by the Illumina Genome Analyzer. Here we report the design and implementation of a program for the analysis of differential gene expression based on Illumina data. The program TIGERA (Tool for Illumina Gene Expression Reads Analysis) was written in perl utilizing newly-implemented and preexisting algorithms with a simple graphical user interface. The program performs the following tasks automatically after the required inputs are provided. The expression levels of high-quality Illumina tags for each of the two groups of libraries are determined and normalized as transcript per million (TPM). The Illumina tags are mapped to the annotated reference sequences to identify uniquely mapped tags. The mapping results are validated using information generated by digital restriction enzyme digestion of the reference sequences. Based on whether the tags matched to unique or multiple reference sequences after validation, the tags are grouped in three categories: one tag-one reference, one tag-one gene, and one tag-multiple genes. The tags within the first two categories are analyzed further to determine the reference sequences that contain unique expression levels or have potential alternative transcript splicing products. A Poisson mixture model is applied to analyze the differential expression of reference sequences with unique expression levels and the tags not being matched to the reference sequences. The progress of the analysis is monitored and reported. The analysis results are presented as text files and also deposited in a MySQL database that can be visualized and searched in Internet browsers. Two biological replicates of the DGE tag libraries of the infective juveniles of the entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora TT01 and GPS11 strains were sequenced using Illumina platform to demonstrate the performance of the program.
Cavity-enhanced near-field optical magnetometry

We present the first near-field scanning optical magneto-optic Kerr effect (MOKE) of sub-micron magnetic structures, where a Kerr rotation of 0.11° from a 0.25μm nickel magnet was observed. This is enabled by a cavity based technique to enhance the Kerr rotation of light reflected from a magnetized surface. Spatially resolved magneto-optic measurements are performed involving both conventional microscopy and near-field scanning optical microscopy (NSOM). Cavity enhancement is achieved with either a single dielectric coating or a dielectric-metal bilayer coating applied to the ferromagnetic structure of interest. We present a scattering matrix approach to calculating the enhancement resulting from a multilayer dielectric coating and show good agreement with experiment. This demonstrates a non-invasive optical technique for magnetometry with ultrahigh spatial resolution.
Chemical-Mediated Predator Avoidance in the European House Cricket (Acheta domesticus) is Modulated by Predator Diet

Chemical information often mediates interactions between predators and prey, and threat-sensitivity theory includes predictions that prey species should respond to chemical signatures of predators in a manner that is commensurate with the level of the assessed threat. Using the European house cricket (Acheta domesticus), we explored the influence of diet-derived cues from the centipede Scolopocryptops sexspinosus on anti-predator behavior in three laboratory experiments. In experiment 1, we compared the amount of time that adult female crickets spent on untreated filter paper and filter paper exposed to centipedes fed either the larvae of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly), crickets, or a mixture of fly larvae and crickets. We discovered that crickets spent significantly less time on filter paper exposed to centipedes fed crickets only or a mixture of crickets and fly larvae compared with blank filter paper or filter paper exposed to centipedes fed fly larvae only. In our second experiment, we compared the amount of time that crickets spent on blank filter paper and filter paper exposed to adult female conspecifics to rule out the possibility that crickets simply avoid all filter paper exposed to metabolic by-products, and crickets exhibited no discrimination. In our third experiment, we tested the potential effects of diet order on anti-predatory behaviors. Specifically, we compared the amount of time that adult female crickets spent on filter paper exposed to centipedes fed fly larvae followed by crickets and filter paper exposed to centipedes fed crickets followed by fly larvae. We discovered no diet sequence effect. Our study demonstrates that European house crickets are sensitive to the chemical cues of their centipede predators, but only when centipedes have fed upon crickets.
Activation of a translocated human c-myc gene by an enhancer in the immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus

A tissue-specific transcriptional enhancer element that is associated with the human immunoglobulin heavy-chain locus is defined. In a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that contains a translocated c-myc gene this enhancer is retained on the 14q+ chromosome and occurs within sequences shown to activate previously cryptic promoters of the c-myc gene.
On approaches to couple energy simulation and computational fluid dynamics programs

Energy simulation (ES) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) can play an important role in building design by providing complementary information of the building performance. However, separate applications of ES and CFD usually cannot give an accurate prediction of building thermal and flow behavior due to the assumptions used in the applications. An integration of ES and CFD can eliminate many of these assumptions, since the information provided by ES and CFD is complementary. This paper describes some efficient approaches to integrate ES and CFD, such as static and dynamic coupling strategies, in order to bridge the discontinuities of time-scale, spatial resolution and computing speed between ES and CFD programs. This investigation further demonstrates some of the strategies through two examples by using the EnergyPlus and MIT-CFD programs.
Cardiotoxic drugs: clinical monitoring and decision making

Through a variety of mechanisms, the heart is a target of injury for many drugs, both medically prescribed and not. Drugs with potential cardiac toxicity are particularly prominent in cancer treatment, and as survival of cancer patients continues to improve, drug toxicities feature more importantly in long term patient outcomes. This review will focus on intermediate and long term complications (in particular those related to cancer therapy), or acute effects related to drug toxicity (in particular those related to drugs of abuse), with emphasis on those toxicities that can be monitored and/or have specific treatment options. This review will not cover in detail acute complications of chemotherapeutic agents, which are typically transient and occur only during or shortly after drug administration, or toxicities related to overdose of cardiovascular drugs. Finally, note is made regarding epidemiologic associations between specific drugs and adverse cardiovascular outcomes. ### Anthracyclines The anthracyclines are used to treat a wide range of haematologic and solid malignancies, and are probably the most commonly recognised type of chemotherapy with known cardiac toxicity. Various approaches have been undertaken to reduce drug cardiotoxicity, including structural modifications to the doxorubicin molecule (epirubicin), incorporation into liposomes (doxorubicin, daunorubicin), or development of structurally related drugs (mitoxantrone).1 Long term cardiac toxicity manifests as ventricular dysfunction and clinical heart failure, and is thought to be due to direct myocardial injury from free radicals. Risk of heart failure is most directly related to cumulative dose and administration schedule. The risk of cardiomyopathy increases significantly at cumulative doses >550 mg/m2 although cardiomyopathy can still occur at lower doses. Although the reported incidence of heart failure in modern adjuvant anthracycline therapy trials is 2% or less, recent studies have reported up to 10–50% occurrence of subclinical decline in left ventricular function >10 percentage points after anthracycline treatment.2 Early …
On the stability of self-consistent large amplitude waves in a cold plasma. Part 1. Transverse circularly polarized waves in the absence of a large scale magnetic field

It is demonstrated that a self-consistent circularly polarized wave in an otherwise field-free homogeneous cold plasma is unstable to small amplitude perturbations. For either an electron-positron plasma or an electron-proton plasma the instability rate is at least about the order of the effective plasma frequency when the bulk flow speed is zero. For finite bulk flow speeds of the plasma, it is shown that the electron-positron plasma is unstable, again with a growth rate of the order of the effective plasma frequency; it is also shown that the electron-proton plasma is unstable (at least at small wave numbers, k) with a growth rate proportional to k. The calculated instability rates are conservative, for other modes not investigated here may be more unstable. The results of these calculations bear directly on the understanding of plasma systems thought to be driven by large amplitude waves.
Via processing options for MCM-D fabrication: excimer laser ablation vs. reactive ion etching

The use of reactive ion etching and excimer laser ablation processes for the etching of vias through thick layers of dielectric (up to 25 mu m thick) in multichip module fabrication is evaluated. A comparison of possible masking schemes is presented. Typical etch results obtained by these techniques are shown and compared. A throughput analysis of these two via fabrication techniques for use in a high-volume multichip module substrate facility is presented. Results obtained suggest that laser processing is a viable alternative to reactive ion etching for multichip module substrate via fabrication. >
Crystal structures of glutaryl 7-aminocephalosporanic acid acylase: insight into autoproteolytic activation.

Glutaryl 7-aminocephalosporanic acid acylase (GCA, EC 3.5.1.11) is a member of N-terminal nucleophile (Ntn) hydrolases. The native enzyme is an (R‚)2 heterotetramer originated from an enzymatically inactive precursor of a single polypeptide. The activation of precursor GCA consists of primary and secondary autoproteolytic cleavages, generating a terminal residue with both a nucleophile and a base and releasing a nine amino acid spacer peptide. We have determined the crystal structures of the recombinant selenomethionyl native and S170A mutant precursor from Pseudomonassp. strain GK16. Precursor activation is likely triggered by conformational constraints within the spacer peptide, probably inducing a peptide flip. Autoproteolytic site solvent molecules, which have been trapped in a hydrophobic environment by the spacer peptide, may play a role as a general base for nucleophilic attack. The activation results in building up a catalytic triad composed of Ser170/His192/Glu624. However, the triad is not linked to the usual hydroxyl but the free R-amino group of the N-terminal serine residue of the native GCA. Mutagenesis and structural data support the notion that the stabilization of a transient hydroxazolidine ring during autoproteolysis would be critical during the N f O acyl shift. The autoproteolytic activation mechanism for GCA is described.
Heritage tourism: A question of age

This research analyzes the demographic characteristics and motivations of the senior and non-senior market segments in selecting a heritage site. By studying how these two groups of individuals select heritage sites, planners will be better able to comprehend what these individuals expect from their visit. A survey consisting of a historic preservationist scale, benefits sought scale, services sought scale, historic site preference scale, and demographic information was mailed to a systematic random sample of 700 travelers requesting tourism information about Virginia. The findings show that many similarities exist between the senior and non-senior market. However, the senior market is more likely to visit a historic site that is less convenient to reach, has fewer facilities, and is more authentic and less developed; while the non-seniors are motivated more by opportunity to escape work overloads.
Measuring fiber and component DGD using polarized limited-bandwidth optical sources and monitoring the DOP

We identify four methods for measuring the differential group delay (DGD) of optical fibers and discrete optical components. We generate a test signal and launch it at 45/spl deg/ with respect to the principal state of polarization of a device under test (DUT). After the DUT, we measure the resulting minimum degree of polarization (DOP) and relate it to the DUT's DGD. Depending on the test signal used, along with the tone frequency-laser spacing and optical filter bandwidth, the relationship between DGD and the minimum DOP after the DUT may vary. In addition, these techniques can be used to measure the birefringence of nonmode-coupled and mode-coupled devices with a narrow transmission bandwidth. Our techniques are simple and provide flexibility in controlling the DGD measurement range and sensitivity.
Automated Health-Assessment of Software Components using Management Instrumentatio

Software components are regularly reused in many large-scale, mission-critical systems where the tolerance for poor performance is quite low. As new components are integrated within an organization?s computing infrastructure, it becomes critical to ensure that these components continue to meet the expected Quality of Service (QoS) requirements. Management instrumentation is an integrated capability of a software system that enables an external entity to assess that system?s internals, such as its operational states, execution traces, and various quality attributes during runtime. In this paper, we will present an approach that enables the efficient generation, measurement, and assessment of various QoS attributes of software components during runtime using management instrumentation. Monitoring the quality of a component in this fashion has many benefits, including the ability to proactively detect potential QoS-related issues within a component to avoid potentially expensive downtime of the overall environment. The main contributions of our approach consist of three parts: a lightweight component instrumentation framework that transparently generates a pre-defined set of QoS-related diagnostic data when integrated within a component, a method to formally define the health state of a component in terms of the expected QoS set forth by the target environment, and finally a method for publishing the QoS-related diagnostic data during runtime so that an external entity can measure the current health of a component and take appropriate actions. The main QoS types that we consider are: performance, reliability, availability, throughput, and resource usage. Experimentation results show that our approach can be efficiently utilized in large missioncritical systems.
Distributed LC resonant clock tree synthesis

Clock networks in high-performance designs are extremely power hungry. One potential method for reducing the power consumption is to use distributed LC tanks in which energy is conserved by shifting it between electrical and magnetic forms at the resonant frequency. However, no physical algorithms to physically synthesize resonant trees have been proposed. In order to utilize such techniques in ASICs, this work presents the first algorithm to synthesize resonant regional clock trees. Our results suggest that, on average, we can reduce clock power consumption by 41.7% at 2Ghz with no degredation to skew compared to a minimum buffer insertion algorithm.
Comparison of capsulorhexis resistance to tearing with and without trypan blue dye using a mechanized tensile strength model.

Purpose To evaluate the influence of trypan blue staining on capsulorhexis tear resistance using a model for mechanical measurement of the entire capsular bag of fresh human cadaver eyes. Setting John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. Design Experimental study. Methods After the cornea and iris were removed, a 5.0 to 5.5 mm anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) was created; the capsule in study eyes was stained with trypan blue. The nucleus was hydroexpressed and the capsular bag was evacuated by irrigation/aspiration. Two metal shoetree-shaped fixtures were implanted separately in the capsular bag and assembled using a screw nut. After zonulectomy, the fixture–capsular bag assembly was removed from the eye and loaded onto a mechanized tester. The fixtures were separated at a velocity of 7.0 mm/min in 0.15 μm intervals to stretch the capsulorhexis to its rupture point. A graph was generated for each eye. Results Ten study eyes were compared with 23 control eyes. The groups were comparable in donor age, time from death, and CCC diameter. The mean rupture load was 0.40 Newton (N) ± 0.13 (SD) in the trypan blue group and 0.39 ± 0.16 N in the control group ( P =.94). The mean extension was 5.70 ± 0.99 mm and 5.85 ± 1.17 mm, respectively ( P =.74). Conclusions There was no difference in CCC strength between trypan blue–stained capsules and control capsules. Staining with trypan blue did not reduce CCC tear resistance. Financial Disclosure No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.
The Infinite Dimensional Control of Flexible Cantilevers in AFM Based Nanomanipulation

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been extensively used and AFM based nanomanipulation has also been studied for many years. But efficiency and accuracy of AFM based nanomanipulation are still major issues. In order to accurately control the tip position, which is important to prevent the tip from missing the objects, the deformation of cantilever has to be compensated or eliminated during manipulation. An active AFM probe is used to eliminate the deformation of cantilever by directly controlling the cantilever's flexibility or rigidity during manipulation. In this paper, the active probe is modeled as an infinite dimensional system based on Euler-Bernoulli theory. A periodic-output-feedback (POF) controller is designed and simulations are carried out to optimize the parameters of the controller. The POF controller is implemented in a real time Linux system. Experimental results demonstrated the validity of infinite dimensional model and POF controller. Experimental results on nanomanipulation have also shown that the control accuracy of tip position is improved by using this controller of active probe.
‘The Ballad of Robert Crosse and Joseph Glanvill’ and the Background to Plus Ultra

Joseph Glanvill is well known for his enthusiastic support of the early Royal Society. Even before Thomas Sprat's History of the Royal Society of London (1667) appeared in full, Glanvill had set a philosophic background for the new science in his Vanity of dogmatizing (1661), had attacked the outdatedness of contemporary Aristotelians in a revised edition of Vanity called Scepsis scientifica (1665), had praised the Society at length in a flowery address in Scepsis , and had defended the programme of the Society in his private correspondence. If propaganda and enthusiastic support were needed for the growth of science in Restoration England, no one seems to have done more to supply these ingredients during the early years of the Royal Society's existence than the colourful rector of Bath and Frome.
Silencing of microRNAs in vivo with ‘antagomirs’

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are an abundant class of non-coding RNAs that are believed to be important in many biological processes through regulation of gene expression. The precise molecular function of miRNAs in mammals is largely unknown and a better understanding will require loss-of-function studies in vivo. Here we show that a novel class of chemically engineered oligonucleotides, termed 'antagomirs', are efficient and specific silencers of endogenous miRNAs in mice. Intravenous administration of antagomirs against miR-16, miR-122, miR-192 and miR-194 resulted in a marked reduction of corresponding miRNA levels in liver, lung, kidney, heart, intestine, fat, skin, bone marrow, muscle, ovaries and adrenals. The silencing of endogenous miRNAs by this novel method is specific, efficient and long-lasting. The biological significance of silencing miRNAs with the use of antagomirs was studied for miR-122, an abundant liver-specific miRNA. Gene expression and bioinformatic analysis of messenger RNA from antagomir-treated animals revealed that the 3' untranslated regions of upregulated genes are strongly enriched in miR-122 recognition motifs, whereas downregulated genes are depleted in these motifs. Analysis of the functional annotation of downregulated genes specifically predicted that cholesterol biosynthesis genes would be affected by miR-122, and plasma cholesterol measurements showed reduced levels in antagomir-122-treated mice. Our findings show that antagomirs are powerful tools to silence specific miRNAs in vivo and may represent a therapeutic strategy for silencing miRNAs in disease.