cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Bumetanide on the Serum Disappearance of Warfarin Sodium

Ten normal subjects were given 0.8 mg/kg warfarin orally, and daily blood samples were taken for one week to test for prothrombin activity and warfarin levels, the latter determined specifically by a high-performance liquid chromatography method. Bumetanide at a dose of 1 mg/day was then administered for 14 days. A second dose of warfarin was given on the eighth day of bumetanide administration. The curves showing disappearance of warfarin from the blood were identical before and during bumetanide administration. The prothrombin times were similar in both studies. It is concluded that bumetanide does not influence anticoagulant activity or its duration when warfarin and bumetanide are given simultaneously.
The Russian Economy in the Year 2006

(2007). The Russian Economy in the Year 2006. Post-Soviet Affairs: Vol. 23, No. 1, pp. 38-49.
Identification and expression of genes of potential interest in plant biotechnology

Abstract A substantial number of plant genes have been identified and isolated recently, and methods for the rapid identification of other genes that are difficult to isolate using present techniques have been devised. Alterations to fundamental aspects of plant growth, and also to the structure and amount of storage products, are now possible. A wide variety of crop plants can now be transformed and a rapid increase in our knowledge of gene regulation in plants is taking place. The manipulation of plant genes for the benefit of argriculture now looks more promising than ever before.
Plant science in forest canopies – the first 30 years of advances and challenges (1980–2010)

Contents Summary 12 I. Introduction 12 II. History of canopy access 13 III. Consequences of whole-tree approaches to forest science 15 IV. Canopy communities – their inhabitants, environment, and processes 16 V. The role of forest canopies in providing ecosystem services 21 VI. Using canopy science as a ‘hook’ to inspire forest conservation 21 VII. Conclusions –‘black boxes’ in canopy science that remain 22 Acknowledgements 23 References 24 Summary As an emerging subdiscipline of forest biology, canopy science has undergone a transition from observational, ‘oh-wow’ exploration to a more hypothesis-driven, experimental arena for rigorous field biology. Although efforts to explore forest canopies have occurred for a century, the new tools to access the treetops during the past 30 yr facilitated not only widespread exploration but also new discoveries about the complexity and global effects of this so-called ‘eighth continent of the planet’. The forest canopy is the engine that fixes solar energy in carbohydrates to power interactions among forest components that, in turn, affect regional and global climate, biogeochemical cycling and ecosystem services. Climate change, biodiversity conservation, fresh water conservation, ecosystem productivity, and carbon sequestration represent important components of forest research that benefit from access to the canopy for rigorous study. Although some canopy variables can be observed or measured from the ground, vertical and horizontal variation in environmental conditions and processes within the canopy that determine canopy–atmosphere and canopy–forest floor interactions are best measured within the canopy. Canopy science has matured into a cutting-edge subset of forest research, and the treetops also serve as social and economic drivers for sustainable communities, fostering science education and ecotourism. This interdisciplinary context of forest canopy science has inspired innovative new approaches to environmental stewardship, involving diverse stakeholders.
T-maze behavior and early egg production in Japanese quail selected for contrasting adrenocortical responsiveness.

Broiler chicks that traverse a T-maze quickly to reinstate contact with their companions (HP, high performance) are known to grow faster, be more social, and exhibit a reduced plasma corticosterone (B) response to acute stress than slower (LP, low performance) chicks. Genetic lines of Japanese quail selected for reduced (LS, low stress) or exaggerated (HS, high stress) plasma B response to brief restraint also differ in sociality and performance. In the present study, we asked if divergence in early T-maze behavior was associated with differential attainment of puberty and early egg production in these lines. At 3 d of age, LS and HS quail were categorized as HP or LP birds based on running times in a T-maze. Thus, there were four treatment combinations: HP-LS, HP-HS, LP-LS, and LP-HS birds. Daily egg records were kept for 8 wk. The average ages at first egg lay (FIRST), at 25% egg production (A25%EP), and weekly and cumulative hen-day egg production (HDEP) where calculated. Daily egg weight (EWT) data were also collected, and BW measures were made at the end of the trial. Mean FIRST and A25%EP responses were lower (P < 0.02) and cumulative HDEP was greater (P < 0.04) in HP than in LP quail. Despite considerable numerical reductions in FIRST and A25%EP, as well as 5% elevation in cumulative HDEP in LS quail, line differences in these variables were not significant. On the other hand, FIRST and A25%EP were reduced (P < 0.05) in HP-LS quail when compared to LP-HS ones, whereas HP-HS and LP-LS quail showed intermediate and similar responses that did not differ from the other two treatment groups. Mean cumulative HDEP findings for the interactive effect of performance category with line mimicked these puberty findings. EWT and BW measures were not affected by any of the treatments or their interactions. Our results suggest that rapid negotiation of the T-maze by quail chicks is associated with accelerated puberty and increased HDEP in quail of two genetically diverse lines. This effect is particularly evident in quail selected for reduced adrenocortical responsiveness, suggesting possible additive effects.
A Movable Surface: Formation of Yersinia sp. Biofilms on Motile Caenorhabditis elegans

Bubonic plague is transmitted by fleas whose feeding is blocked by a mass of Yersinia pestis in the digestive tract. Y. pestis and the closely related Y. pseudotuberculosis also block the feeding of Caenorhabditis elegans by forming a biofilm on the nematode head. C. elegans mutants with severe motility defects acquire almost no biofilm, indicating that normal animals accumulate the biofilm matrix as they move through a Yersinia lawn. Using the lectin wheat germ agglutinin as a probe, we show that the matrix on C. elegans contains carbohydrate produced by Yersinia. The carbohydrate is present in bacterial lawns prior to addition of nematodes, indicating that biofilm formation does not involve signaling between the two organisms. Furthermore, biofilm accumulation depends on continuous C. elegans exposure to a lawn of Yersinia bacteria.
A NEW SILICON-BASED MATERIAL FORMED BY PYROLYSIS OF SILICON RUBBER AND ITS PROPERTIES AS A MEMBRANE

A new, highly porous silicon-based membrane was developed by pyrolyzing a silicon-rubber material (polydimethyl siloxane)in two steps. The first step was performed under an inert-gas environment below 800°C. The second step was performed in air below 950°C to oxidize and cross-link Si-O chains. The resulting silicon-based material was highly porous and had a fine pore structure (maximum porosity of 50%, BET surface area of I40m2/g) suitable for hot industrial gas separation even in a highly oxidizing environment. Gas permeability studies were performed at several different temperatures using a material derived by the pyrolysis of commercial silicon-rubber tubes. The results indicated that the flow through the membrane could be adequately explained by the Knudsen diffusion mechanism. The average permeabilities were 10 to 50 times those of porous Vycor glass.
High affinity binding of human and bovine thrombins to p-chlorobenzylamido-ϵ-aminocaproyl agarose

Abstract Human thrombin (EC 3.4.21.5) binds tightly to p-chlorobenzylamido-ϵ-aminocaproyl agarose, and is not eluted by 2 M NaCl at pH 8. Its zymogen, human prothrombin, does not bind to the same adsorbent. 2 M NaCl partially elutes DFP-treated thrombin. For native human and bovine thrombins, protein and activity are quantitatively eluted by 25% dioxane, and upon rechromatography the active human enzyme exhibits the same binding properties. Equally tight binding of human thrombin occurs with derivatives of the m- and p-chlorobenzylamines. With the o-chloro derivative or benzylamine itself insolubilized to ϵ-aminocaproyl agarose, thrombin is eluted by high ionic strength. Bovine trypsin and bovine factor Xa bind less tightly than thrombin to p-chlorobenzylamido-ϵ-aminocaproyl agarose, being eluted by high ionic strength. It is proposed that the specific thrombin adsorption is related to a secondary binding site of high affinity and with hydrophobic properties. This site is not available in the zymogen. Furthermore, the less specific protease, trypsin, and the more specific protease, factor Xa, lack this binding site.
Opportunities for Improvements in Environment Simulation

*One important capability of flight training simulators is that they allow flight crews to safely train for events that they are unlikely to experience in flight. Unfortunately, events rare for an individual crewmember are less rare for the air carrier fleet as a whole and can initiate an accident sequence. Among these events are such environmental phenomena as airframe icing and aircraft wake vortices. The National Transportation Safety Board has discovered during several of its accident investigations that environmental phenomena are sometimes simulated incorrectly, leading to negative training. That is, when environmental factors are improperly modeled, simulator training can impair a flight crew’s ability to respond to an encounter correctly. This paper discusses the character of icing and the character of wake vortices based on the Safety Board’s extraction of icing and vortex effects from aircraft accident and incident investigations. Common characteristics are identified that should be included in models of these phenomena used for flight simulator training. The paper suggests that these real world data can be used as a guide for development and validation of airframe icing and wake vortex encounter simulation and as a resource for potential areas of research for improving environmental simulation.
The Prevalence of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms among Addiction Treatment Patients with Cocaine Use Disorders

Co-occurring cocaine use and posttraumatic stress disorders are prevalent and associated with negative treatment, health and societal consequences. This study examined the relationships among PTSD symptoms, gender, and cocaine use problems. Within a cross-sectional design, we gathered archival point prevalence data on new admissions (n = 573) to three addiction treatment agencies. Demographic, substance use, and PTSD symptom information were collected across the three agencies. Logistic regression analyses revealed that patients with cocaine use disorders had a two-fold increased odds for a probable PTSD diagnosis, compared to patients without a cocaine use disorder (OR = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.49-3.22, p < 0.001). Among females with cocaine use disorder, multinomial regression yielded a significant increase in the risk of moderate (RRR = 2.12, 95% CI = 1.10-4.10, p < 0.05) and severe (RRR = 2.87, 95% CI = 1.33-6.21, p < 0.01) PTSD symptoms. Males with cocaine use disorders had a two-fold increase in the risk of moderate PTSD symptoms (RRR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.23-3.68, p < 0.01), but had no increased risk of developing severe PTSD symptoms (RRR = 1.93, 95% CI = 0.85-4.39, p = 0.117). Cocaine use appears to impact the risk of PTSD symptoms, especially in females. Future research should explore the generalizability of these findings to more racially and ethnically diverse samples, as well as among persons with this comorbidity who are not engaged in treatment services.
Urine nitrite not correlated with bacterial resistance to cephalosporins

Previous research has failed to identify urine nitrite as a useful marker for bacterial resistance to trimethorprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX). Evolving resistance to TMP/SMX has encouraged the use of alternate antibiotics, including first-generation cephalosporins. The objective of this study was to reanalyze the relationship between urine nitrite results and bacterial resistance, focusing on first-generation cephalosporins. This was a retrospective review of consecutive culture positive urinalyses collected from December 2002 to July 2003. The majority of the 642 cultures reviewed contained Esherichia coli (74%). Thirty-six percent (233/642) were nitrite positive. Ten percent (24/233) of the nitrite positive urines were resistance to first-generation cephalosporin (cefazolin). In the nitrite-negative group 15.0% (62/409) were resistant. This difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that the detection of urine nitrites should not influence the use of first-generation cephalosporins for urinary tract infection.
Optophysiological Analysis of Associational Circuits in the Olfactory Cortex

Primary olfactory cortical areas receive direct input from the olfactory bulb, but also have extensive associational connections that have been mainly studied with classical anatomical methods. Here, we shed light on the functional properties of associational connections in the anterior and posterior piriform cortices (aPC and pPC) using optophysiological methods. We found that the aPC receives dense functional connections from the anterior olfactory nucleus (AON), a major hub in olfactory cortical circuits. The local recurrent connectivity within the aPC, long invoked in cortical autoassociative models, is sparse and weak. By contrast, the pPC receives negligible input from the AON, but has dense connections from the aPC as well as more local recurrent connections than the aPC. Finally, there are negligible functional connections from the pPC to aPC. Our study provides a circuit basis for a more sensory role for the aPC in odor processing and an associative role for the pPC.
Scalable I/O forwarding framework for high-performance computing systems

Current leadership-class machines suffer from a significant imbalance between their computational power and their I/O bandwidth. While Moore's law ensures that the computational power of high-performance computing systems increases with every generation, the same is not true for their I/O subsystems. The scalability challenges faced by existing parallel file systems with respect to the increasing number of clients, coupled with the minimalistic compute node kernels running on these machines, call for a new I/O paradigm to meet the requirements of data-intensive scientific applications. I/O forwarding is a technique that attempts to bridge the increasing performance and scalability gap between the compute and I/O components of leadership-class machines by shipping I/O calls from compute nodes to dedicated I/O nodes. The I/O nodes perform operations on behalf of the compute nodes and can reduce file system traffic by aggregating, rescheduling, and caching I/O requests. This paper presents an open, scalable I/O forwarding framework for high-performance computing systems. We describe an I/O protocol and API for shipping function calls from compute nodes to I/O nodes, and we present a quantitative analysis of the overhead associated with I/O forwarding.
In vitro activities of garenoxacin (BMS-284756) against 170 clinical isolates of nine Pasteurella species.

The in vitro susceptibilities of 170 clinical isolates plus 12 American Type Culture Collection strains of Pasteurella species comprising nine species and three Pasteurella multocida subspecies were studied by an agar dilution method. Garenoxacin (BMS-284756), a new des-fluoro(6) quinolone, was active at ≤0.06 μg/ml against all isolates, including four β-lactamase-producing strains, with >90% of the strains susceptible to ≤0.008 μg/ml. Garenoxacin was generally 1 to 2 dilutions more active than levofloxacin and moxifloxacin and was the most active agent tested. Cefoxitin required 1 μg/ml for inhibition of 51 of 182 (29%) of strains, and 3 strains (also β-lactamase producers) were resistant to doxycycline.
Antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products as an emerging risk factor for antibiotic resistance in the community

Antibiotic resistance within the community setting is an emerging public-health concern. Infection with antibiotic-resistant organisms in the community among people lacking traditional risk factors has been reported. In addition, prevalence studies have identified individuals carrying antibiotic-resistant organisms in the absence of known risk factors. These studies strongly suggest the presence of contributing factors that have yet to be identified. In this paper we review the burden of antibiotic resistance and known risk factors within the community setting, assess the potential role of antibacterial cleaning and hygiene products containing triclosan in the emergence of resistance, and recommend future research on the assessment of household cleaning and hygiene products containing triclosan.
Pseudo‐isolated FSH deficiency caused by an inhibin B‐secreting granulosa cell tumour: Case report

Isolated FSH deficiency due to a mutation in the FSHbeta subunit is characterized by an extremely low serum FSH concentration. We report a patient who presented with an FSH of 0.8 mIU/ml and infertility associated with anovulation. Endocrinological assessment and immunohistochemistry revealed that a granulosa cell tumour was secreting inhibin B and suppressing FSH; however, LH and estradiol were within their normal ranges. Upon removal of the tumour, inhibin B decreased and FSH levels rose to normal values. The patient subsequently conceived and delivered successfully. Based on this case and on those previously described in the literature, we suggest that inhibin B levels should be evaluated in anovulatory patients having a clinical presentation consistent with functional hypothalamic amenorrhoea and very low to normal values of FSH.
Numerical Simulations of an Observed Narrow Cold-Frontal Rainband

Abstract A cold-frontal rainband, which occurred during the afternoon of 28 December 1988, is numerically simulated using the Penn State–NCAR three-dimensional MM5 modeling system. This case is characterized by a line of severe convection that has a gravity current–like structure along the leading edge of a strong surface cold front. The authors test whether this gravity current–like structure is associated with the cold-air outflow boundary generated by the evaporation of hydrometeors from the postfrontal precipitation system. It is found that the neglect of moist processes in the model did not significantly affect the gravity current–like structure of the front. PBL (planetary boundary layer) frictional processes, which produce cross-frontal low-level wind shear (uz), play an important role. The role of this cross-frontal low-level wind shear is to generate low-level convergence and to steepen the frontal slope. Thus, the observed intense NCFR (narrow cold-frontal rainband) is closely related to frictio...
On the Use of the Linear Assignment Algorithm in Module Placement

This paper examines the application of the computationally powerful linear assignment algorithm to the placement problem. A brief description of the algorithm is given, followed by a discussion of its use with various problem constraints, for improving existing placements, and in a constructive-initial placement procedure. Several examples are included.
Current-limiting thermistors for high-power applications

Applications of positive-temperature-coefficient polymer thermistors as current-limiting elements in high-power systems are complicated by the nonlinear scaling of device parameters. The spatial and temporal evolution of the internal quantities temperature and electric field, and the temporal evolution of the external device property resistance, are described here as calculated according to a one-dimensional electrothermal model. Under a steeply ramping current excitation, a longitudinal heating instability compresses the electric field into the center of the material, thereby inducing dielectric failure. Insight into the design of a useful device is provided by results of calculations under three different conditions.
A different type of success: teaching important life skills through project based learning

US high schools appear to measure success according to the number of students admitted into four-year institutions each year. Although this is one measure, there are some schools that focus on developing important life skills needed to become productive members of society. Online surveys were sent out to alumni, students, teachers, and parents to a student-centered charter school in Minnesota to explore definitions of success and determine if this school teaches life skills. One hundred and forty-seven surveys were collected from these four groups. Life skills such as creativity (94%) and ability to find information (92%) were ranked much higher than academic skills such as test taking (33%) and note taking (39%). Academic skills ranked low, yet 50 percent of the alumni polled graduated from college, which is considerably higher than the national average (39%). To further enhance the learning at project based learning schools, educators should provide opportunities for students to practice academic skills...
Optimization of Pulse-Echo Array Transducer System for Identification of Specified Targets

The output signal from an ultrasound pulse-echo system is a function of several factors: the geometry of the ultrasound transducer, and the location, orientation, shape and size of the reflecting structure. The relationship between these factors and the output signal is very complex, so numerical modeling is required to predict the output signal for a given measurement configuration.
Nonconstant Thermal Regimes Enhance Overwintering Success and Accelerate Diapause Development for Smicronyx fulvus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

Recent populations of the red sunflower seed weevil, Smicronyx fulvus LeConte (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), have been inconsistent or declining, particularly in North Dakota. Consequently, research on weevil biology, including development of resistant germplasm, has been limited. To determine whether cold storage of diapausing larvae could be improved, nonconstant temperature treatments (fluctuating thermal regime [FTR] and thermoperiod [TP]) were tested versus a constant 6°C for storage up to 365 d. Both alternate temperature treatments produced more adult weevils than constant 6°C for short (42, 91 d) storage, while all temperature treatments were good (≥60% adult emergence) at moderate term (182 d) cold storage, and FTR was best for long (365 d) periods. Excluding the 14-d storage period, which produced too few weevils for comparison, each doubling of cold storage time (e.g., from 42 to 91 d, 91 to 182 d), usually decreased the number of days to 50% relative emergence by ∼10 d. After 365 d of larval storage, emerged S. fulvus adults successfully infested sunflowers in a plant growth chamber, with damage per female similar to that observed in field trials. Compared with previous efforts to store weevil larvae, the method of collection and FTR storage is either more effective (greater adult emergence and reduced parasitism) or more time-efficient, and should permit year-round research using S. fulvus adults. Because successful emergence under FTR was >75% after 365 d, additional research would be required to determine the maximum effective duration of cold storage for S. fulvus.
Essay Review: Physical Relativity and Understanding Space‐Time*

The two books discussed here make important contributions to our understanding of the role of spacetime concepts in physical theories and how that understanding has changed during the evolution of physics. Both emphasize what can be called a ‘dynamical’ account, according to which geometric structures should be understood in terms of their roles in the laws governing matter and force. I explore how the books contribute to such a project; while generally sympathetic, I offer criticisms of some historical claims concerning Newton, and argue that the dynamical account does not undercut ontological issues as the books claim.
All-Arthroscopic Ligamentum Teres Reconstruction With Graft Fixation at the Femoral Head-Neck Junction

Ligamentum teres (LT) tears are increasingly being recognized as a source of pain and dysfunction in the hip. Although debridement for partial tears of the LT has long been established as the standard of care with good pain relief, reconstruction has been successfully performed in select patients to address concerns of persistent symptomatic instability. The current technique for femoral tunnel preparation carries the added morbidity of open dissection in the peritrochanteric space, an unnecessarily long tunnel with excessive bone removal, and a need for a very long graft due to distal fixation at the lateral femoral cortex. To address these shortcomings, we present a technique for arthroscopic femoral tunnel drilling at the level of the head-neck junction, allowing for an all-arthroscopic LT reconstruction.
The Majority of Expedited Investigational New Drug Safety Reports Are Uninformative

Sponsors of human drug and biologic products subject to an investigational new drug (IND) application are required to distribute expedited safety reports of serious and unexpected suspected adverse reactions to participating investigators and the FDA to assure the protection of human subjects participating in clinical trials. On September 29, 2010, the FDA issued a final rule amending its regulations governing expedited IND safety reporting requirements that revised the definitions used for reporting and clarified when to submit relevant and useful information to reduce the number of uninformative reports distributed by sponsors. From January 1, 2006, to December 31, 2014, the FDA's Office of Hematology and Oncology Products received an average of 17,686 expedited safety reports per year. An analysis of FDA submissions by commercial sponsors covering this time period suggested a slight increase in the number of expedited safety reports per IND per year after publication of the final rule. An audit of 160 randomly selected expedited safety reports submitted to the FDA's Office of Hematology and Oncology Products in 2015 revealed that only 22 (14%) were informative. The submission of uninformative expedited safety reports by commercial sponsors of INDs continues to be a significant problem that can compromise detection of valid safety signals. Clin Cancer Res; 22(9); 2111-3. ©2016 AACR.
A Study of Earthquake Science

After an extended period of study, the National Research Council's Committee on the Science of Earthquakes has finally released its report, Living on an Active Earth: Perspectives on Earthquake Science . As the chairman of the committee that produced the report, I hope it will be effective in documenting the marvelous progress made in earthquake research and in helping scientists and their supporting agencies set a vigorous research agenda for the years ahead. I have to admit, however, that digesting this tome—more than 400 pages long and hardly the type of book one hauls to the beach—could be a challenge. So I jumped at the opportunity offered by the SRL editor to summarize some aspects of the report and salt in a few personal perspectives. The NRC study was motivated by questions surrounding the effectiveness of the “knowledge based” strategy taken by the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program. The NRC study was motivated by questions surrounding the effectiveness of the “knowledge based” strategy taken by the National Earthquake Hazard Reduction Program (NEHRP), the mainstay of federal earthquake research since 1977. A series of critiques in the early to mid-1990's, including a 1995 report by the congressional Office of Technology Assessment titled Reducing Earthquake Losses , concluded that the NEHRP approach short-changed practical measures for mitigating earthquake losses, creating an “implementation gap” in which risk-reduction efforts lagged far behind the knowledge base created by basic research. I was chairman of the NRC Committee on Seismology at the time, and it seemed to us that, while everyone could get behind a more vigorous program to implement research, the implication that the $100 million per year allocated to NEHRP—a small budget for a vast problem—would be better spent on short-term mitigation efforts was misguided. Missing from the NEHRP debate was an appreciation of …
The Design Tradeoffs of Linear Functionally Graded Piezoceramic Actuators

It is common practice to reduce the voltage level within piezoelectric actuators by utilizing multiple layers, typically bonded together. Unfortunately, this has a tendency to result in device failure due to delamination. For example, with benders the typical lifetime is 105 to 106 cycles, limiting its use in practical applications. This poses an interesting design tradeoff: the stroke is increased due to sharper gradients between material layers; however, the higher gradients lead to high stress concentrations at those interfaces. One approach to reducing these stresses is to grade the material properties through a monolithic piece of piezoceramic so that no interfaces or bonding elements exist, but this comes at the cost of stroke. This paper explores the design tradeoff inherent to monolithic functionally graded piezoelectrics. An analytical free-displacement model for a monolithic piezoceramic beam with a generic gradient is derived. Key to this is the inclusion of the complex electric field distribution which rises from the non-homogeneous material properties. This model is used along with finite element models to examine the effect of continuous linear and stepwise material gradients on the displacement performance as well as the stress levels. The study shows that using monolithic functionally graded piezocermics can significantly reduce the stresses with only a minor impact on the device stroke.© 2003 ASME
Vertical Distribution of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus-Infected Gypsy Moth (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) Larvae and Effects on Sampling for Estimation of Disease Prevalence

The vertical distribution of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV)-infected gypsy moth, Lymantria dispar (L.), larvae in natural and artificial infestations was examined; two methods that use burlap bands to estimate the incidence of NPV in gypsy moth populations were evaluated. We found that infected larvae tend to aggregate in the upper portions of trees before death. Because of this infection-induced behavioral effect, burlap band-based methods may tend to underestimate the incidence of NPV in gypsy moth populations.
The new legal realism and the pre-sale of the real estate

The new legal realism takes neutral and legal approaches to the real estate pre-sale mechanisms.This research adopts an empirical study of the indigenous characteristics,like monopoly.It is found that giving up is a dominating method to deal with disputes,and the law has been marginalized,which motivates self protection and for the good in real estate transactions.
An accurate and fast phase unwrapping algorithm based on constructed edge

For complex wrapped phase image,phase usually changes drastically and phase unwrapping computing is very time-consuming.In this paper,a fast and accurate unwrapping algorithm is designed to solve these problems.Firstly,the wrapped phase image is obtained through the three-step phase shift method.The quality map is calculated according to the wrapped phase.Then,the horizontal and vertical weight edges are constructed by using two neighboring pixels′quality value.The phase unwrapping path is guided by weight value of constructed edges.The unwrapping procedure uses two pixels as a unit.All the pixels are unwrapped successively by using a discontinuous path.The proposed algorithm in this paper can reduce the influence of region discontinuities,measurement occlusion and ambient noise on unwrapping accuracy effectively.Only by sorting all edges once,the order of phase unwrapping can be determined.So the efficiency of unwrapping phase is improved significantly.We also make further optimization on the unwrapping algorithm according to the characteristics of constructed weight graph.By this way,the redundant edges are removed.It can rapidly speed up the unwrapping process.Through the comparison of experiment results with other algorithms,it indicates that the proposed algorithm is faster and more accurate.
Analysis of Seasonal Characteristics of Respiratory Infectious Diseases from 2004 to 2010 in Yinchuan

Objective To explore the characteristics of several respiratory infectious diseases in Yinchuan district of Ningxia and to to provide scientific basis for the surveillance,prevention and control of the diseases.Methods Concentration method were employed to analyze the seasonal characteristics of several respiratory infectious diseases such as mumps,measles,rubella,scarlet fever and tuberculosis from 2004 to 2010 in Yinchuan.Results were compared with those conventional linear curve method did.Results This study showed that occurrence of rubella was obviously seasonal in Yinchuan and the peak incidence was from April to June;There was a certain seasonality in the prevalence of measles,scarlet fever,mumps;The peak incidence was from April to May,May to June,May to July,respectively;But tuberculosis had poor seasonality.Chronic respiratory infectious diseases showed less seasonality than acute respiratory infectious diseases did.Conclusion Different measures should be taken based on the characteristics of seasonal distribution of specific infectious diseases before the seasonal peak for the effective prevention and control of the diseases.
The Fibrinolytic System and Its Pharmacologic Activation for Thrombolysis

When in 1977 the Food and Drug Administration approved streptokinase for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonarye mbolism, a new and exciting field of therapies was opened up fort he clinician. In the period since the approval of streptokinase, the number of pharmacologic agents that activate the fibrinolytic system for thrombolysis has increased. Hence, this article reviews the history of this evolving field of therapies
Justice Across Borders: Human Rights Entrepreneurs: NGOs and the ATS Revolution

DOE V. SARAVIA “In the name of God, then, and in the name of this suffering people, whose cries rise to heaven each day more tumultuous, I beseech you, I beg you, I order you, in the name of God, stop the repression.” On March 23, 1980, Archbishop Oscar Romero, delivered this homily in El Salvador demanding that the military cease its campaign of repression. The next day an assassin shot Archbishop Romero to death as he blessed the Eucharist during mass. Romero was a champion for the justice and dignity of the poor in El Salvador. “During his life he came to be known as the ‘Voice of the Voiceless,’ and his model has stood for nearly 25 years as one of the world's most revered beacons of hope.” As one of his fellow priests recalled, the poor in El Salvador “saw him as a man of God, a man who spoke the truth, a man that defended the poor, a man that was close to them.” He was one of the most important and recognizable figures in the struggle for human rights in Latin America. His assassination was a seminal event for El Salvador and the region. Nonetheless, no one has ever been punished for committing or planning the crime. Those responsible for the assassination thwarted any attempt to hold them accountable. On the night of the killing, Judge Ramirez Amaya began an investigation by ordering an autopsy and securing bullet fragments.
Thyroglossal Duct Cysts

Among congenital neck masses seen in the pediatric population, thyroglossal duct cysts are the most common. This chapter will explore the cyst’s underlying embryologic pathogenesis from a persistent thyroglossal tract and why the lesion presents in a typical midline position. Additional sections are dedicated to epidemiology, pertinent history, physical exam findings, and differential diagnosis. Successful management of thyroglossal lesions requires imaging, preferably ultrasonography, to document the presence of a functioning thyroid gland, and excision of the cyst using the Sistrunk procedure. Strategies for dealing with a recurrent or infected cyst are also included.
Acetonitrile Ion Suppression in Atmospheric Pressure Ionization Mass Spectrometry.

Efforts to analyze trace levels of cyclic peroxides by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry gave evidence that acetonitrile suppressed ion formation. Further investigations extended this discovery to ketones, linear peroxides, esters, and possibly many other types of compounds, including triazole and menadione. Direct ionization suppression caused by acetonitrile was observed for multiple adduct types in both electrospray ionization and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization. The addition of only 2% acetonitrile significantly decreased the sensitivity of analyte response. Efforts to identify the mechanism were made using various nitriles. The ion suppression was reduced by substitution of an acetonitrile hydrogen with an electron-withdrawing group, but was exacerbated by electron-donating or steric groups adjacent to the nitrile. Although current theory does not explain this phenomenon, we propose that polar interactions between the various functionalities and the nitrile may be forming neutral aggregates that manifest as ionization suppression.
Stage IV large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) of the lung: Clinicopathologic features, treatment, and survival.

e19046 Background: LCNEC is a rare thoracic malignancy, for which optimal therapy is not well-defined. We report the largest series of stage IV LCNECs, evaluating clinicopathologic features, treatment and survival outcomes. Methods: Patients (pts) with stage IV LCNEC evaluated at MSKCC from 2006-2013 were identified. Clinicopathologic and treatment data were collected. Primary endpoint was overall survival (OS) defined as time from stage IV diagnosis to death from any cause. Secondary endpoints included: disease-control rate (DCR: partial response + stable disease) and time to progression (TTP: time from stage IV diagnosis to radiologic progression). OS and TTP were analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: 52 pts were identified (median age: 63; 62% male; 88% current/former smokers (smk). Common sites of metastasis: lymph nodes (n=29); brain (n=22); liver (n=13). 32% of pts had standard mutational analyses: 25% had KRAS mutations (n=4/17; G12D, n=2; G12C, n=1; Q61H, n=1) and no EGFR mutations or ALK ...
Magnetic resonance imaging of odorant activity-dependent migration of neural precursor cells and olfactory bulb growth

Neural progenitors or neuroblasts are produced by precursor cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and migrate along the rostral migratory stream (RMS) to the olfactory bulbs (OB) throughout life. In the OB, these adult born neurons either die or replace existing olfactory interneurons, playing a critical role in the stabilization of OB circuitry. Although several aspects of the addition of new neurons into the OB have been studied, it is unclear whether long-distance activity from the OB can regulate the influx of migrating neuroblasts along the RMS. In this study, iron oxide-assisted MRI was used to track the migration of neuroblasts in combination with reversible naris occlusion to manipulate odorant-induced activity. It was found that decreasing olfactory activity led to a decrease in the rate of neuroblast migration along the RMS. Removal of the naris occlusion led to an increase in migratory rate back to control levels, indicating that olfactory activity has regulatory function on neuroblast migration in the RMS. Blocking odorant activity also led to an arrest in OB growth and re-opening the block led to a rapid re-growth returning the bulb size to control levels. Furthermore, pharmacogenetic elimination of the neuroblasts demonstrated that they were required for re-growth of the bulb following sensory deprivation. Together, these results show that sensory activity, neural migration and OB growth are tightly coupled in an interdependent manner.
Do we really need more evidence to use hepatitis C positive donor kidney more liberally

The number of patients listed active for kidney transplantation has continued to rise over the last 10 years, leading to significantly increased wait-list time for patients awaiting kidney transplantation in the USA. This increased demand has led to a supply-demand mismatch and should prompt clinicians to seek timely solutions to improve access to available organs. Hepatitis C virus positive [HCV(+)] kidneys continue to be discarded without clear evidence that they lead to poor outcomes in the current era of highly efficacious HCV treatment with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs). Increased utilization of HCV(+) donor kidneys will decrease wait-list time and improve availability of donor organs. Emerging data suggests that HCV can be successfully treated with DAAs after kidney transplantation with 100% sustained virologic response rates and no significant changes from baseline kidney function. Utilization of HCV(+) donor kidneys should be considered more liberally in the era of highly effective HCV treatment. Further studies are warranted to assess the long-term effect of HCV(+) donor kidneys in transplant recipients in the new era of DAAs.
Thick Walls, Thin Data: Measuring Left Ventricular Wall Thickness With MRI Versus Echocardiography

> “Baseball is a game of inches.” > > ―Branch Rickey If baseball is a game of inches, then modern cardiology is a discipline of millimeters. Just over 3 millimeters separates abnormal from normal myocardial thickness in any of the myocardial segments. An end-diastolic myocardial wall thickness of 15 mm may lead to the diagnosis of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM); in relatives of a proband, this threshold drops to only 13 mm1 on a background of 11.8 mm as the upper limit of normal.2 Even these seemingly simple thresholds are not sufficient in the case of apical HCM, where the only image-based clue to diagnosis may be failure of the normal tapering of left ventricular wall thickness from base to apex, thus allowing for the diagnosis of HCM even in the absence of crossing the thresholds. Although the clinician making the diagnosis of HCM must incorporate clinical, electrocardiographic, and laboratory parameters to distinguish HCM from other causes of left ventricular hypertrophy, visualization with echocardiography or MRI is usually pivotal in this endeavor. The pattern and degree of myocardial thickening, often supported by other morphological features (eg, crypts and papillary muscle anomalies), offer critical diagnostic data.1,3,4 See Article by Hindieh et al Accurate measurement of left ventricular wall thickness is essential to the management in addition to the diagnosis of patients with HCM. The likelihood of success of alcohol septal ablation for HCM patients with left ventricular outflow tract obstruction can be predicted by echocardiographic and MRI wall thickness,5–7 whereas creation of a ventricular septal defect is a concern in patients with only modest septal hypertrophy undergoing either septal myectomy or …
Analytic Derivation of Battery SOC Estimation Error under Sensor Noises

Abstract It is well recognized that voltage and current sensor noises are one of the major sources of battery state of charge (SOC) estimation errors. However, quantitative relationship between the estimation error and sensing noises remains to be established systematically. This paper is devoted to filling this critical gap by deriving the analytic expression of the SOC estimation error under sensing noises. The considered sensing noises include both bias and variance. The derivation is based on a Kalman filter and an equivalent circuit battery model. The obtained analytic expressions can be conveniently used to evaluate the robustness and reliability of SOC estimation as well as guide observer design.
Subcomponent Timing-Based Detection of Malware in Embedded Systems

Network-connected embedded systems require multiple lines of defense against malware. In addition to preventing malware by designing secure interfaces and software, anomaly-based detection is needed to detect malware that successfully infiltrates these defenses. Timing based anomaly detection strengthens embedded system security by detecting anomalies in the execution time of critical software tasks. However, existing timing based anomaly detection methods use a lumped timing model that aggregates the timing of the software, processor architecture, operating system scheduling, etc., and thereby incurs significant variability. We present a non-intrusive hardware detector supporting two novel timing models, including a lumped timing multi-range model that clusters timing into multiple range bounds, and a subcomponent timing model that defines bounds for timing subcomponents of events. Timing subcomponents include intrinsic software execution, instruction cache misses, data cache misses, and interrupts. The experimental results demonstrate that the detection based on subcomponent timing model achieves greater malware detection accuracy compared to the lumped timing model without increasing false positives.
Sex Differences in Cardiac Arrhythmias: Clinical and Research Implications.

Sex differences have the potential to impact diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in a wide variety of medical conditions, and cardiac arrhythmias are no exception.1 Studies evaluating pathophysiology, disease course, and therapeutic options for cardiac arrhythmias have been performed predominantly in male patients. However, catheter and device-based therapies coupled with landmark clinical trials have contributed to an improved understanding of this important aspect. The objective of this review is to present the current state of knowledge on sex differences in cardiac arrhythmias with a focus on clinical management, while highlighting gaps in knowledge that would benefit from future investigation. ### Atrial Fibrillation and Atrial Flutter #### Disease Burden Atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) are the most commonly encountered tachyarrhythmias in clinical practice, with significant implications for public health and healthcare costs. Stroke, hospitalization, and loss of productivity are the major consequences of AF.2 The incidence of AF (per 1000 person-years) is reported to be between 1.6 and 2.7 in women and between 3.8 and 4.7 in men.2 The age-adjusted incidence and prevalence of AF is lower in women compared with that in men, and accordingly, the lifetime risk of AF from the Framingham Heart Study at 40 years of age was higher in men (26.0% for men versus 23.0% for women).3 Another analysis from the Framingham Heart Study demonstrated no significant sex differences in the risk of developing AFL.4 The prevalence of AF continues to rise among both men and women. In a study investigating the global burden of disease from 1980 to 2010, there was not only an increase in overall burden, incidence, and prevalence of AF, but most importantly an increase in AF-associated mortality in both men and women (Figure 1).5 The age-adjusted mortality for women was consistently higher compared with that for men from 1990 to 2010 (Figure …
The social mediated age of information: Twitter and Instagram as tools for information dissemination in higher education:

Despite high levels of global connectivity, Americans are generally underinformed about the world. The US Department of Education named social media as a viable option for improving learning object...