cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Maternal and perinatal outcome of expectant management of premature rupture of membranes in the midtrimester

The purpose of this clinical investigation was to determine the maternal and perinatal results of continuing pregnancy in 118 consecutive patients with premature rupture of the membranes at 16 to 26 weeks. The mean gestational age at diagnosis of premature rupture of the membranes was 23.1 ± 2.7 weeks, with a median of 23.5. The interval from rupture to delivery ranged from 1 to 152 days, with a mean of 13. There was no correlation between gestational age at the time of rupture and the latency period. Thirty-five patients received tocolytic agents and 24 received steroids. Forty-eight percent were delivered within 3 days, 67% within 1 week, and 83% within 2 weeks. There was one maternal death from sepsis; 46 (39%) had amnionitis, and 8 (6.8%) had abruptio placentae. The mean gestational age at the time of delivery was 24.7 ± 3.6 weeks. The 118 pregnancies resulted in 124 births. There were 17 stillbirths and 67 neonatal deaths, for a total perinatal mortality of 67.7%. In patients with premature rupture of the membranes at ⩽23 weeks the perinatal survival rate was 13.3%, while it was 50% in patients with premature rupture of the membranes at 24 to 26 weeks ( p
Stratospheric Wind Infrared Limb Sounder

The Stratospheric Wind Infrared Limb Sounder (SWIRLS), which measures wind, temperature, and the abundance of O3 and N2O in the stratosphere from earth orbit is selected as one of the complement of atmospheric sounders that will fly on the Earth Observing System B platform series. This paper outlines the SWIRLS investigation and describes laboratory experiments demonstrating SWIRLS wind measurement capabilities.
Uranus deep atmosphere revealed

We have examined Uranus' radio spectrum and the latitudinal variation in its radio brightness temperature. We conclude that Uranus' spectrum cannot be explained with models based upon thermochemical equilibrium. The spectrum can only be matched if there is a low ammonia volume mixing ratio (a few times 10 -7 between roughly 150 ~500x solar. The elemental ratios derived from our work support the theory of planetary accretion by Pollack and Bodenheimer (1989, in Origin and Evolution of Atmospheres (S. Atreya, Ed.)). The constant mixing ratio of NH3 in the 145 < T ~< 240 K range implies either vertical mixing on time scales much shorter than expected from reasonable values of the eddy diffusion coefficient, or supersaturation of NH4SH at levels where T ~ 240 K. The pole-equator gradient in Uranus' radio brightness temperature implies a latitude-dependent variation in the ammonia mixing ratio, ranging from a few times 10 -6 at altitudes where the temperature is 145 < T < 240 K in the equatorial region (latitudes <30-40°), a few times 10 7 at 145 < T < 220 K at midlatitudes, and --10 -7 down to 280 K in the polar region. Whereas the values in the equator and midlatitudes can be explained by condensation theories, the polar value can only be explained by invoking strong downdrafts of dry air (gas from which most of the ammonia vapor has been removed by condensation). A comparison of images taken at 2- and 6-cm wavelength show a difference in the spatial distribution of the brightness temperature. In addition, images at both wavelengths show time variability in the zonal brightness distribution.
Two Dubious Third Reich Diaries

DIARIES jusdy rank among the most valuable sources for historians. Committed to paper soon after the events and thoughts they record, diaries are free of the knowledge about what occurs afterward or only later takes on significance that adulterate memoirs and render them far more problematic for historians. It is therefore worthy of a cautionary note when his? torians confuse examples ofthe two genres. That has frequently occurred in the case of Bella Fromm's Blood and Banquets:A Berlin Social Diary. Published nearly sixty years ago in the form of a diary, it has been used as such in numerous historical studies of the Third Reich. A more recent book that poses problems similar to Fromm's and that has also been used by historians as a source for the Nazi period, is The Berlin Diaries, 1940-1945, attributed posthumously to Marie "Missie" Vassiltchikov.
This bridge called my leadership: an essay on Black women as bridge leaders in education

The purpose of this essay is to contextualize the existing research literature on leadership for diversity, equity, and social justice in education with bridge leadership as historically practiced by Black women leaders in the USA. Its primary aim is to demonstrate how the intersection of race and gender as experienced by the Black woman leader has, in many instances, resulted in her serving as a bridge for others, to others, and between others in multiple and often complicated contexts over time. Framed by a discussion of Black feminisms, this project centers the intersectionality of race and gender identities alongside context as important indicators in the development of leadership philosophies, epistemologies, and practice. It concludes with how and why bridge leadership can serve as an effective model for leading diverse school communities where race and class divides continue to stifle learning opportunities for large numbers of poor, Black, Latino, and immigrant children and youth in the USA.
Search for improved-performance scintillator candidates among the electronic structures of mixed halides

The application of advanced theory and modeling techniques has become an essential component to understand material properties and hasten the design and discovery of new ones. This is true for diverse applications. Therefore, current efforts aimed towards finding new scintillator materials are also aligned with this general predictive approach. The need for large scale deployment of efficient radiation detectors requires discovery and development of high-performance, yet low-cost, scintillators. While Tl-doped NaI and CsI are still some of the widely used scintillators, there are promising new developments, for example, Eu-doped SrI2 and Ce-doped LaBr3. The newer candidates have excellent light yield and good energy resolution, but challenges persist in the growth of large single crystals. We will discuss a theoretical basis for anticipating improved proportionality as well as light yield in solid solutions of certain systems, particularly alkali iodides, based on considerations of hot-electron group velocity and thermalization. Solid solutions based on NaI and similar alkali halides are attractive to consider in more detail because the end point compositions are inexpensive and easy to grow. If some of this quality can be preserved while reaping improved light yield and possibly improved proportionality of the mixture, the goal of better performance at the low price of NaI:Tl might be attainable by such a route. Within this context, we will discuss a density functional theory (DFT) based study of two prototype systems: mixed anion NaIxBr1-x and mixed cation NaxK1-xI. Results obtained from these two prototype candidates will lead to further targeted theoretical and experimental search and discovery of new scintillator hosts.
Frontal lobe damage and neuropsychological assessment

Four cases with neuroradiologically verified frontal lobe damage are reviewed in terms of neuropsychological test performance and behavioral outcome. Frontal damage may result in a wide-spectrum of behavioral and cognitive changes that do not conform to a specific syndrome entity. Many of the traditional neuropsychological measures are insensitive to frontal lobe involvement. Various clinical guidelines are offered.
Polarisation switching in a single-frequency external-cavity semiconductor laser

Polarisation switching between the TE and TM modes is demonstrated in an external-cavity semiconductor laser. A novel polarisation-selective external cavity with an intra-cavity electro-optic intensity modulator is used to switch the polarisation between two stable single-frequency oscillations
Ecological Assessment and Intervention for Learning Disabled Students

Traditionally, the assessment of learning disabled children and youth focused on isolated factors such as deficits or strengths within the student, student learning style and interests, teacher variables, and the classroom setting. According to the “ecological” or “total” model described in this article, the assessment process must consider the interaction between all relevant factors in isolation. Such an inclusive approach to assessment has direct influence on the intervention strategies applied with the LD student. Specifically, components of the intervention will be designed to impact the setting as well as the student. Hardin presents a clear explanation of the basic principles of ecological assessment and its relevance for the assessment of the learning disabled.
Frequency Division Multiplexing Optical Processors

This paper describes a method by which optical time- and space-integrating processors may be generalized and expanded by accommodating vector inputs. Many architectures using this frequency division multiplexing approach are presented, demonstrating new operations and generalizations of old ones.© (1982) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Using differential ray tracing in stray light analysis

This paper describes differential ray tracing and shows how it can be used to great advantage in stray light analysis. Tracing a differential ray from a source to a target yields a set of derivatives that contain a complete first-order description of a ray bundle surrounding the ray being traced. These derivatives provide the information needed for aiming rays and transforming a sample area on a target surface into a solid angle seen by the source. By using targeted differential rays, we eliminate the need for defining importance curves for generating scattered rays. Convergence is accelerated, and the resulting irradiance distributions end up smoother than what one usually obtains with the traditional Monte Carlo approach. This paper also shows how the derivatives from a single ray can be used to define and propagate Gaussian beams without the need for secondary rays.
Unusual Electrochemical Properties of the Inclusion Complexes of Ferrocenium and Cobaltocenium with Cucurbit[7]uril

Ferrocenium and cobaltocenium form highly stable 1:1 inclusion complexes with the host cucurbit[7]uril. From electronic absorption spectroscopic data the association equilibrium constants for both complexes were found to be larger than 106 L/mol. The electrochemical reduction of either guest leads to a modest loss in binding affinity.
Novel targeted therapies for resistant ALK-rearranged non-small-cell lung cancer: ceritinib and beyond

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in both sexes, accounting for over one quarter of cancer deaths. Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) comprises 85%–90% of lung cancer diagnoses and despite advances in multimodality therapies, 5-year survival rates remain dismal with a median survival for patients with metastatic disease of 1 year. The positive outcomes of targeted therapies against the kinase domain of epidermal growth factor receptor in NSCLC triggered consistent efforts to identify the so-called driver mutations as other potential targets. Anaplastic large-cell kinase (ALK) gene rearrangements were identified and targeted resulting in promising response rates in early studies. Unfortunately, most of the patients treated with crizotinib, the first-generation ALK inhibitor, progressed within 9 months. Ceritinib is a second-generation ALK inhibitor that has demonstrated activity in crizotinib-resistant patients, becoming a promising treatment option in this population. Furthermore, additional novel ALK inhibitors and agents targeting alternative pathways have been recruited to rechallenge this evasive disease post-crizotinib resistance.
Subcutaneous Botulinum Toxin A for the Treatment of Refractory Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a chronic neuropathic pain condition of unclear etiology that can be very difficult to treat. Typically, CRPS affects the extremities, although it can affect any area of the body [1]. In 2010, the Budapest criteria for the clinical diagnosis of CRPS were established as an update to the more nonspecific criteria originally given in 1994 [2]. Currently, to meet the diagnosis of CRPS, a patient must present with the following conditions: 1. Continuing pain that is disproportionate to any inciting event. 2. At least one symptom reported in 3 of the 4 following categories: a. Sensory: reports of allodynia and/or hyperesthesia type symptoms. b. Vasomotor: temperature asymmetry and/or skin color changes. c. Sudomotor/edema: edema and/or sweating changes/asymmetry. d. Motor/trophic: decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin). 3. At least one sign at the time of evaluation in 2 or more of the following categories: a. Sensory: hyperalgesia to pinprick and/or allodynia to light touch (or deep somatic pressure or joint movement). b. Vasomotor: temperature asymmetry and/or skin color changes (or asymmetry). c. Sudomotor and/or edema: edema and/or sweating changes (or asymmetry). d. Motor and/or trophic: decreased range of motion and/or motor dysfunction (weakness, tremor, dystonia) and/or trophic changes (hair, nail, skin).
Achieving generalized object recognition through reasoning about association of function to structure

An attempt is made to demonstrate the feasibility of defining an object category in terms of the functional properties shared by all objects in the category. This form of representation should allow much greater generality. A complete system has been implemented that takes the boundary surface description of a 3D object as its input and attempts to recognize whether the object belongs to the category 'chair' and, if so, into which subcategory if falls. This is, to the authors' knowledge, the first implemented system to explore the use of a purely function-based definition of an object category (that is, no explicit geometric or structural model) to recognize 3D objects. System competence has been evaluated on a database of over 100 objects, and the results largely agree with human interpretation of the objects. >
Intracranial lipomas and epilepsy

Introduction Intracranial lipomas are rare, mostly congenital lesions. Sporadic case reports suggest an association with focal epilepsy.
Offshoring knowledge and service work: A conceptual model and research agenda

Abstract This paper presents two complementary conceptual models that help shed light on the complexities of offshoring service and knowledge work. In developing the model, we draw upon existing literature in the realm of service operations and delivery and build on insights from allied areas such as management and practice. The models offer a simple yet powerful way to conceptualize offshoring of knowledge and service work and to identify the inherent challenges that such strategies entail. The evolutionary model of offshoring parallels well-established work in the manufacturing literature to present a sequential view of building organizational competence in offshoring. The implications of the conceptual models have been discussed in a range of propositions that can be viewed as foundations for new inquiry in this research stream.
Propagation of femtosecond pulses in a fiber amplifier

The propagation over many dispersion lengths of femtosecond pulses in fiber amplifiers is analyzed. Pulses having width approximately equal to the inverse bandwidth of the amplifier are studied. The adopted theoretical model for the fiber amplifier incorporates the active medium nonlinear gain/absorption, dispersion and saturation effects through Bloch's equations and the passive fiber's group velocity dispersion, higher-order group velocity dispersion, self-steepening, and stimulated Raman scattering through the modified Schrodinger-like equation. The results obtained are also discussed within the context of different simplified models for the active atoms and for the passive fiber. We show that the full Maxwell-Bloch equations are necessary if an accurate quantitative analysis of the problem is desired. Results for both single pulses and for pulse trains propagation are presented.
Complementary medicine meets traditional system.

The Joint Commission's Continuum of Care Chapter addresses processes that apply to complementary care providers.
Nipple-Areolar Complex-Sparing Mastectomy: Feasibility, Patient Selection, and Technique

Background We assessed the feasibility, patient selection, and technique of nipple-areolar c omplex (NAC)-sparing mastectomy. This dynamic article includes a video that demonstrates that sentinel node biopsy or axillary dissection can be performed through the mastectomy incisions or through a separate axillary incision.
Microwulf: a beowulf cluster for every desk

A Beowulf cluster is a distributed memory multiprocessor built from commodity off-the-shelf PC hardware, an inexpensive network for inter-process communication, and open-source software. Today's multi-core CPUs make it possible to build a Beowulf cluster that is powerful, small, and inexpensive. This paper describes Microwulf, a Beowulf cluster that cost just $2470 to build, but provides 26.25 Gflops of measured performance. (For comparison: a 1996 Cray T3D MC256-8/464 provided 25.3 Gflops.) This makes Microwulf the first Beowulf with a price/performance ratio below $100/Gflop (for double-precision operations). The system measures just 11" x 12" x 17" (27.9 cm x 30.5 cm x 43.2 cm), runs at room temperature, and plugs into a standard wall outlet. These desirable characteristics combine to make Microwulf an attractive design for most computer science departments and/or individuals.
The Electoral Fate of Ethnoregionalist Parties in Western Europe: A Boolean Test of Extant Explanations

In this study I argue that we need to rethink some theoretical and empirical considerations related to our understanding of ethnoregionalist (ETR) parties in Western Europe. Research has stressed the strong impact of structural attributes of political systems, mostly electoral systems with proportional representation (PR), on the electoral success of ETR parties. From applying Boolean analysis to compare 12 ETR parties with varied levels of electoral success, it is claimed that the emphasis on type of electoral system as the determinant factor present in the relevant literature on small and regional parties is unjustified and that the presence of a distinctive local language, understood as a facilitating factor to translate regional demands and protest into political influence, is the most critical variable to avoid electoral failure. Moreover, most causal factors are linked through a structure of ‘elective affinity’ (social and political determinants as lying in closely related bundles) according to the specificity of ethnoregionalist politics. This finding not only sheds light on the fate of ETR parties but may also apply to other ideologically eclectic political parties.
Evaluation of Clustering Algorithms for Protein Complex and Protein Interaction Network Assembly

Assembling protein complexes and protein interaction networks from affinity purification-based proteomics data sets remains a challenge. When little a priori knowledge of the complexes exists, it is difficult to place proteins in the proper locations and evaluate the results of clustering approaches. Here we have systematically compared multiple hierarchical and partitioning clustering approaches using a well-characterized but highly complex human protein interaction network data set centered around the conserved AAA+ ATPases Tip49a and Tip49b. This network provides a challenge to clustering algorithms because Tip49a and Tip49b are present in four distinct complexes, the network contains modules, and the network has multiple attachments. We compared the use of binary data, quantitative proteomics data in the form of normalized spectral abundance factors, and the Z-score normalization. In our analysis, a partitioning approach indicated the major modules in a network. Next, while Euclidian distance was sensitive to scaling, with data transformation, all the attachments in a data set were recovered in one branch of a dendrogram. Finally, when Pearson correlation and hierarchical clustering were used, complexes were well separated and their attachments were placed in the proper locations. Each of these three approaches provided distinct information useful for assembly of a network of multiple protein complexes.
Guidelines for alcohol screening in adolescent trauma patients: A report from the Pediatric Trauma Society Guidelines Committee

BACKGROUND: Alcohol misuse is an important source of preventable injuries in the adolescent population. While alcohol screening and brief interventions are required at American College of Surgeons-accredited trauma centers, there is no standard screening method. To develop guidelines for testing, we reviewed available evidence regarding adolescent alcohol screening after injury, focusing on the questions of which populations require screening, which screening tools are most effective, and at which time point screening should be performed. METHODS: A comprehensive PubMed search for articles related to alcoholism, trauma, and screening resulted in 1,013 article abstracts for review. Eighty-five full-length articles were considered for inclusion. Articles were excluded based on study type, location (non-US), year of publication, and nonapplicability to the study questions. RESULTS: Twenty-six articles met full inclusion criteria. Results support universal screening for alcohol misuse in the adolescent trauma population. Although adolescents 14 years and older are more likely to test positive for alcohol misuse, studies suggest screening may need to start at 12 years or younger. Both survey and biochemical screens can identify at-risk adolescents, with the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test and the two-question survey based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria for alcohol-use disorders being the most sensitive surveys available. CONCLUSION: Injured adolescent trauma patients should be universally screened for alcohol misuse during their hospital visit. To maximize the number of at-risk adolescents targeted for interventions, screening should begin at minimum at 12 years. As no screen identifies all at-risk adolescents, a serial screening method using both biochemical tests and standardized questionnaires may increase screening efficacy. Language: en
Tangible convex bodies. Appendix to “Multivariable Wiener-Hopf Operators I”

Study in a local geometry of non-smooth convex bodies via their supporting cones. The supporting cones are differential objects if the convex bodies are tangible. Examples of completely tangible and non-tangible convex bodies are presented.
‘To Be Successful in Research, You Must Ask Questions Which May Not Be Answered in Five, Ten or More Years’

Dr. Paul Webster is a pioneer in the field of pancreatic secretion. His work has been instrumental for the cellular characterization of this pancreatic function under physiological or disease conditions. He is a co-founder of the American Pancreatic Association, a landmark action that will certainly benefit future generations in pancreatology. In this interview, Dr. Webster discusses the importance of mentorship and gives advice for young investigators entering pancreatic research.
Sex-specific asymmetry within the cloacal microbiota of the striped plateau lizard, Sceloporus virgatus

The structure and diversity of microbial communities in wild vertebrate populations remain poorly understood, but are expected to have important consequences for individual survival and reproductive success. For instance, recent work has demonstrated that cloacal microbe assemblages of wild birds are related to the phenotypic quality of the host. To contribute to this field of study, we examined the composition and diversity of the cloacal microbiota of free-ranging striped plateau lizards, Sceloporus virgatus, using 16s rRNA-based culture independent techniques. Our dataset, generated from cloacal swabs of six males and six females, and based on twenty five 16s rRNA clones from each sample, revealed (i) low overall microbial diversity, (ii) a striking sex asymmetry in microbial community composition with males displaying cloacal microbiota more typical of gastrointestinal residents found in other organisms, while females display only gammaproteobacterial phylotypes, (iii) a significant sex difference in microbial community structure, with females having significantly lower microbial diversity and richness than do males, and (iv) that the diversity of the female microbial community is negatively correlated to her ectoparasitic mite load. It is not yet clear if the female-specific paucity of cloacal microbial diversity is due to host function or microbe-microbe interactions, or whether the relationship to female mite load is causal, however these findings are expected to have relevance to the species’ life history and ecology. Although the diversity of microbiota from humans, mice, birds, zebrafish, and invertebrates is widely investigated, this is one of only a few reports in the literature describing the cloacal microbiota of a wild vertebrate, and is perhaps the first report for wild reptiles that utilizes culture-independent techniques.
Scale-invariance of soil moisture variability and its implications for the frequency-size distribution of landslides

Abstract Power spectral analyses of soil moisture variability are carried out from scales of 100 m to 10 km on the microwave remotely-sensed data from the Washita experimental watershed during 1992. The power spectrum S(k) has an approximate power-law dependence on wave number k with the exponent −1.8. This behavior is consistent with the behavior of a stochastic differential equation for soil moisture at a point, and it has important consequences for the frequency-size distribution of landslides. We present the cumulative frequency-size distributions of landslides induced by precipitation in Japan and Bolivia as well as landslides triggered by the 1994 Northridge, California earthquake. Large landslides in these regions, despite being triggered by different mechanisms, have a cumulative frequency-size distribution with a power-law dependence on area with an exponent ranging from −1.5 to −2. We use a soil moisture field with the above statistics in conjunction with a slope stability analysis to model the frequency-size distribution of landslides. In our model, landslides occur when a threshold shear stress dependent on cohesion, pore pressure, internal friction and slope angle is exceeded. This implies a threshold dependence on soil moisture and slope angle since cohesion, pore pressure and internal friction are primarily dependent on soil moisture. The cumulative frequency-size distribution of domains of shear stress greater than a threshold value with soil moisture modeled as above and topography modeled as a Brownian walk is a power-law function of area with an exponent of −1.8 for large landslide areas. This distribution is similar to that observed for landslides. The effect of strong ground motion from earthquakes lowers the shear stress necessary for failure, but does not change the frequency-size distribution of failed areas. This is consistent with observations. This work suggests that remote sensing of soil moisture can be of great importance in monitoring landslide hazards and proposes a specific quantitative model for landslide hazard assessment.
RTNS-II - a fusion materials research tool

Abstract Rotating Target Neutron Source-II (RTNS-II) is a national facility for fusion materials research. It contains two 14 MeV neutron sources. Deuterons are accelerated to ∼ 400 keV and transported to a rotating titanium tritide target. Present source strength is greater than 1 × 10 13 n/s and source diameter is 1 cm fwhm. An air-levitated vacuum seal permits rotation of the target at 5000 rpm with negligible impact on accelerator vacuum system gas load. Targets are cooled by chilled water flowing through internal channels in a copper alloy substrate. Substrates are produced by solid-state diffusion bonding of two sheets, one containing etched cooling channels. An electroforming process is being developed which will reduce substrate cost and improve reliability. Titanium tritide coating thickness is ∼ 10 μm giving an initial tritium inventory for the present 23 cm diameter targets of 3.7 × 10 7 MBq. Operating interval between target changes is typically about 80 h. Thirteen laboratories and universities have participated in the experimental program at RTNS-II. Most measurements have been directed at understanding defect production and low-dose damage microstructure. The principal diagnostic tools have been cryogenic resistivity measurements, mechanical properties assessment and transmission electron microscopy. Some engineering tests have been conducted in support of near-term magnetic confinement experiments and of reactor materials which will see small lifetime doses.
BOLD MRI mapping of transient hyperemia in skeletal muscle after single contractions

Transient increases in signal intensity (DeltaSI, peak 2.6 +/- 0.6 %, mean +/- SE, n = 14) were observed in axial, gradient-echo, echo-planar magnetic resonance images acquired at 1.5 T from human anterior tibialis muscle following single, 1 s duration, isometric ankle dorsiflexion contractions. The magnitude of the MRI-measured DeltaSI was not significantly different using TR of 2000 vs 500 ms, or using spin-echo vs gradient-echo echo-planar pulse sequences. However, DeltaSI measured by gradient-echo sequences was significantly greater at 3 vs 1.5 T (3.8 +/- 0.8 vs 1.6 +/- 0.2 %, n = 5). The time course of the transient DeltaSI (peak at 7.9 +/- 0.4 s after each contraction, decay with half-time of 4.6 +/- 0.6 s) was comparable to the time course of the transient increase in relative heme saturation (13 +/- 2 %, n = 5) measured after single contractions in another group of subjects by near-infrared spectroscopy (peak at 9.3 +/- 0.5 s, decay with half-time 6.2 +/- 0.8 s, n = 8). Simulations of intravascular and extravascular blood-oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) effects in muscle suggested that intravascular BOLD makes a major contribution to the transient changes, although other factors such as increased vascular volume or increased muscle cell T2 may also contribute. The transients can be exploited for muscle functional imaging analogous to BOLD-based brain functional imaging, and might provide an index of peripheral vascular function.
Funding agendas: has bioterror defense been over-prioritized?

Post-9/11, concern about bioterrorism has transformed public health from unappreciated to a central component of national security. Within the War on Terror, bioterrorism preparedness has taken a back seat only to direct military action in terms of funding. Domestically, homelessness, joblessness, crime, education, and race relations are just a few of a litany of pressing issues requiring government attention. Even within the biomedical sciences and healthcare, issues surrounding the fact that more than 40 million Americans lack health insurance, the rising cost of prescription medications, and the use of government funds for research using embryonic stem cells remain unresolved. Should we prioritize a hypothetical threat (bioterrorism), or existing conditions that have implications for identifiable individuals? Even more fundamentally, should we prioritize research aimed at defense from bioterrorism (or even terrorism in general) when there are so many pressing social problems that affect the U.S. popula...
Accumulation of the female sex pheromone and its transfer to, and metabolism in, the male housefly, Musca domestica L., during courtship and mating

Abstract Accumulation of the C23 sex pheromone components on the female housefly, Musca domestica L., as a function of age was determined. They first appear on the surface of the female 2 days after emergence to the adult and the amounts increase with age. At all ages, higher amounts of (Z)-9-tricosene (“muscalure”) are found internally than are present on the surface of the insect. Transfer of the sex pheromone to males during the mating strike and subsequent copulation was studied by applying high specific activity [9,10-3H](Z)-9-tricosene to the female and then determining the amount transferred to the male and the metabolite profile. At the mating strike, transfer ranged from 1.2±0.6% (about 7 ng) in 3-day-old insects to 1.7 ± 0.7% (about 45 ng) in 5-day-old insects. The amount of pheromone transferred to males by both the combined mating strike and copulation was 2- to 3-fold higher than the amount transferred during the mating strike alone. (Z)-9-Tricosene was metabolized by the male to C23 epoxide, C23 ketone and more polar metabolites. The length of time for males to initiate the mating strike was significantly shorter for day-5 vs day-4 and day-3 insects, apparently in part reflecting the differences in the amount of pheromone present on females. The length of time a male remained in copulation with the female varied from 30 to 145 min with a mean of 90.5 ± 21.8 min.
Altered pituitary-adrenal interaction in nocturnal asthma.

Abstract Background: Increased airway inflammation at night contributes to the nocturnal worsening of asthma, but the mechanisms regulating circadian variations in airway inflammation are unknown. Objective: We hypothesized that altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function serves as an endogenous controller of inflammation in nocturnal asthma. Methods: Patients with nocturnal asthma (n = 7), patients with nonnocturnal asthma (n = 13), and healthy control subjects (n = 11) adhered to a regular sleep-wake cycle for 1 week. Corticotropin and cortisol levels were assayed every 2 hours for 24 hours. Low-dose corticotropin stimulation was performed. Circadian hormonal flux was analyzed by means of cosinor modeling and calculation of the area under the 24-hour curve. Results: Corticotropin peak levels and areas under the 24-hour curve were significantly increased in patients with nocturnal asthma versus values in patients with nonnocturnal asthma and control subjects. Patients with nonnocturnal asthma demonstrated significantly increased areas under the 24-hour cortisol curve when compared with control subjects, but peak cortisol levels did not differ between groups. Cortisol levels after low-dose corticotropin stimulation did not differ between groups. Corticotropin and cortisol levels were not correlated with the degree of physiologic impairment. Conclusion: Nocturnal asthma is marked by increased corticotropin levels that are not accompanied by commensurate increases in cortisol levels. This observation might indicate blunted adrenal responsiveness in the nocturnal asthma phenotype. Conversely, adrenal response to corticotropin might be enhanced in nonnocturnal asthma, attenuating nocturnal worsening of airway inflammation. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2003;112:52-7.)
Overexpression of pairedless Pax6 in the retina disrupts corneal development and affects lens cell survival.

Abstract The Pax6 transcription factor is required for multiple aspects of vertebrate eye development. The Pax6 gene encodes isoforms that either contain (Pax6 + PD) or lack (Pax6ΔPD) the N-terminal paired-box DNA-binding domain, in addition to the homeodomain. Alternative promoters control the expression of Pax6 + PD and Pax6ΔPD in the eye. Using a modified bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgene that specifically expresses Pax6ΔPD, but not paired-containing Pax6, in the normal endogenous pattern, we show that overexpression of Pax6ΔPD causes a severe microphthalmic phenotype in both wild-type and Pax6-deficient (Sey/+) mice in a dosage-dependent manner. The microphthalmic phenotype is due to lens degeneration during embryonic development. Lens development initiates correctly, but cells in the lens undergo apoptotic cell death between E12 and E13. Concomitantly, in these mice, changes in Bmp4, Msx1, and Wnt2b expression were observed in the mesenchymal cells of the developing cornea. To visualize Pax6ΔPD expression, we developed a dual-reporter Pax6 BAC transgene in which EGFP and DsRed demonstrate paired-containing and pairedless transcripts, respectively. In BAC transgenic mice, DsRed is predominantly expressed in the peripheral neural retina during early eye development, but not in the developing lens or cornea. Later DsRed is strongly expressed in the developing ciliary body, but not in the iris. We suggest that the ratio of Pax6 + PD and Pax6ΔPD isoforms in the distal retina is important for both cornea and lens development, either directly by controlling transcription of necessary growth factors or indirectly by controlling development of the distal neural retina.
3-D Monte Carlo simulation of particle deposition on a permeable surface

Abstract Monte Carlo simulations are performed to investigate deposition phenomena of sticky particles that undergo diffusive, convective, and gravitational influences on a highly permeable surface. Deposited structures are studied in 3-D space using a Pelcet number as the key parameter. Fractal dimensions of the particle trajectory and deposit structure indicate that a transition from diffusion-limited to convection (and gravitation)-limited transport occurs at the Peclet number of Pe = 10− 0.84 = 0.146. Analysis of the lateral density shows three distinct regions of deposit structures (defined in this study): founding, grown, and progressing regions. A penetration depth is defined to explain the relationship between particle transport and the evolution of deposit structures.
Using Software Dependencies and Churn Metrics to Predict Field Failures: An Empirical Case Study

Commercial software development is a complex task that requires a thorough understanding of the architecture of the software system. We analyze the Windows Server 2003 operating system in order to assess the relationship between its software dependencies, churn measures and post-release failures. Our analysis indicates the ability of software dependencies and churn measures to be efficient predictors of post-release failures. Further, we investigate the relationship between the software dependencies and churn measures and their ability to assess failure-proneness probabilities at statistically significant levels.
Possible Mechanism for Concentration of Brines in Subsurface Formations

Brines with concentrations three to six or more times the concentration of present sea water occur in subsurface formations. A mechanism is suggested whereby such concentrations can develop, if given time of such magnitude as recognized in geology. Recent work has shown that clay membranes may restrict the transfer of ions in ion-containing water transmitted through them. Under artesian conditions common in geologic basins, water enters aquifers near the outcrop area and is discharged slowly through confining layers in areas where the hydraulic head in the aquifer exceeds the head in the adjoining beds. If either fresh water containing small quantities of ions or formation water containing higher concentrations of ions is transmitted through an argillaceous layer, the transfer of dissolved ions is impeded. The ions that fail to pass the clay membranes thus become concentrated in the aquifer. The mathematical model presented here predicts the distribution of ions within a particular formation under ideal conditions. Although the model is idealized, the theoretical concentrations show a striking similarity to observed concentrations, indicating that this mechanism could explain some of the highly concentrated subsurface brines.
Infrared Microscopy as Applied to Failure Analysis of P-DIP Devices

Infrared microscopy is an important tool to the failure analyst, and its uses in failure mode identification are becoming more varied and numerous. Recent advances in equipment have enabled high magnification examination with very good resolution when analyzing plastic encapsulated devices from the backside of the die. This paper will discuss various anomalies observable with this technique as well as sample preparation techniques and a description of the IR equipment used.
elegantRingAnalysis: An Interface for High-Throughput Analysis of Storage Ring Lattices Using Elegant

The code elegant is widely used for simulation of linacs for drivers for free-electron lasers. Less well known is that elegant is also a very capable code for simulation of storage rings. In this paper, we show a newly developed graphical user interface that allows the user to easily take advantage of these capabilities. The interface is designed for use on a Linux cluster, providing very high throughput. It can also be used on a single computer. Among the features it gives access to are basic calculations (Twiss parameters, radiation integrals), phase-space tracking, nonlinear dispersion, dynamic aperture (on-and off-momentum), frequency map analysis, and collective effects (IBS, bunch-lengthening). Using a cluster, it is easy to get highly detailed dynamic aperture and frequency map results in a surprisingly short time.
UWB radar target sensing and imaging for granular materials research applications

Granular materials research involves the study of dynamic movement of objects with granular shape and characteristics. Researchers in this field of study rely on accurate experiments to validate theoretical models or solve problems empirically. Current experiments are either expensive (e.g., MRI or X-ray technologies), limited in scope (e.g., High-Speed High-Resolution Photography which is limited to 2D experiments due to granular material opacity) or extremely tedious and time-consuming. In this paper, we investigate a first-generation prototype of a radar system that will provide a minimally invasive fully automated measurement of individual and bulk particle movement in a 3D volume. The radar system [1] comprises inexpensive tracer particles as targets, a test signal generation and measurement unit, and a post-processing unit for imaging. The proposed target is a square retroreflector, which is made up of three orthogonal square metal plates (see Figure 1). An array of wideband antennas surrounding the testbed is operated in monostatic mode using swept-frequency VNA measurements that are processed to mimic an ultrawideband (UWB) bandpass pulse. In our first-generation prototype, we synthesize a linear array by moving the testbed relative to a single antenna. The testbed contains one or more targets deployed in a free-space (rather than granular material) volume. We perform delay-and-sum beamforming to reconstruct an image of the testbed. Images are generated for the retroreflector at two distinct orientations - (normal and oblique) relative to the array.
Wavenumber selection in ramped Rayleigh–Bénard convection

We consider wavenumber selection for the periodic two-dimensional Rayleigh–Benard problem on a horizontally infinite domain. The temperature difference (and hence the Rayleigh number) is assumed to be a slowly varying function of the horizontal coordinate perpendicular to the convection rolls. Under this condition Kramer et al. have shown that a unique wavenumber of convection is selected by a certain solvability condition if the domain contains a subcritical region. They performed analytic calculations for a model problem and for small-amplitude convection of an infinite-Prandtl-number fluid between stress-free boundaries. Their results are extended here to the realistic case of large-amplitude convection of a finite-Prandtl-number fluid between rigid boundaries. The temperature difference may be ‘ramped’ by changing either the temperature at the lower boundary or at the upper boundary, or both. It is shown that the choice has a significant effect on the ‘mean flow’, but no effect on the selected wavenumber.
Self-Regulation and Conduct Problems Among Low-Income African American Youth From Single-Mother Homes: The Roles of Perceived Neighborhood Context and Child Gender

The present study examines perceived neighborhood context and gender as moderators of the relation between self-regulation and conduct problems among low-income African American youth (7 to 15 year...
A Combinatorial Interpretation of a Catalan Numbers Identity

Their generating function E, 0 C,, x is given by C( x) A4X (expand the radical by the binomial theorem). Once an identity involving C(x) is found-by whatever means-the question of a combinatorial interpretation anises. For example, isolating the radical and squaring leads to a fundamental identity: xC(x)2 = C(x) 1. Equating coefficients of x, this says that C,n = COCn-1 + CICn-2 + ... +Cr -Ico, n 21, an identity with a well-known interpretation: the left side C,, counts Catalan paths of 2n steps (see below) and the right side counts these paths by "first return to the diagonal." The following identity is obtained in [4] in connection with "moments of a Catalan triangle":
Homogeneous bundles and the trace of the heat kernel

On etudie l'equation de la chaleur sur un fibre homogene sur un groupe de Lie compact. On calcule explicitement la trace du noyau de la chaleur. En la comparant avec la formule construite a partir des valeurs propres du laplacien on obtient une formule contenant les nombres de Clebsch-Gordan
Y Not a Dead End: Epistatic Interactions Between Y-Linked Regulatory Polymorphisms and Genetic Background Affect Global Gene Expression in Drosophila melanogaster

The Y chromosome, inherited without meiotic recombination from father to son, carries relatively few genes in most species. This is consistent with predictions from evolutionary theory that nonrecombining chromosomes lack variation and degenerate rapidly. However, recent work has suggested a dynamic role for the Y chromosome in gene regulation, a finding with important implications for spermatogenesis and male fitness. We studied Y chromosomes from two populations of Drosophila melanogaster that had previously been shown to have major effects on the thermal tolerance of spermatogenesis. We show that these Y chromosomes differentially modify the expression of hundreds of autosomal and X-linked genes. Genes showing Y-linked regulatory variation (YRV) also show an association with immune response and pheromone detection. Indeed, genes located proximal to the euchromatin–heterochromatin boundary of the X chromosome appear particularly responsive to Y-linked variation, including a substantial number of odorant-binding genes. Furthermore, the data show significant regulatory interactions between the Y chromosome and the genetic background of autosomes and X chromosome. Altogether, our findings support the view that interpopulation, Y-linked regulatory polymorphisms can differentially modulate the expression of many genes important to male fitness, and they also point to complex interactions between the Y chromosome and genetic background affecting global gene expression.
Magnetic interference effect in amorphous D-band metals with high electrical resistivity

Abstract Systematic occurence of low temperature resistivity anomalies (upturn) in amorphous alloys Zr50Cu50, Zr75Ni25, and Y75Al25 containing up to 4 at .% Gd is observed. Detailed analysis of ‘background’ impurity (other than Gd) effects on the electrical resistivity of the alloy host Zr50Cu50 provides unambiguous evidence that the anomalies are due solely to the Gd ions. The present results are interpreted in terms of conduction electrons with short mean free path scattering from nearest neighboring pairs of Gd spins. Predictions derived from the diffraction type model of magnetic interference, however, fail to describe all the results on metals with high electrical resistivity. Data on Zr50Cu50 containing Fe and Mn are also discussed.