cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Percutaneous occlusion of a pseudoaneurysm evolving after homograft aortic valve and root replacement with the Amplatzer muscular ventricular septal defect occluder.

of an early aggressive treatment was life saving. Compared with the scheduled device implantation in patients deteriorating on the waiting list, management of emergencies requiring circulatory support is still a challenging situation. We have developed in our unit a mobile kit of emergency circulatory support to deal with this problem. This ECLS has become a useful adjunct to our cardiac assist device program, allowing patient transfer and secondary implantation of a more long-term sophisticated device. As expected in this catecholamine-induced cardiomyopathy, the patient recovered after surgical resection of the tumor, but recovery is not so fast as to allow the use of an ECLS device alone, and implantation of a long-term device was mandatory.
Effect of temperature and holding period on some physical and chemical characteristics of lemon fruits

SUMMARY Changes were followed in fresh weight, juice content, soluble solids, total acidity, and ascorbic acid of lemon fruits during 4, 8, and 12 weeks at 4, 13, and 24°C and after 3 and 14 days at 24°C following 4, 8, and 12 weeks at 4 and 13°C. Juice content, soluble solids, and total acidity increased during storage. The increase was greatest for fruit held at 24°C and least for fruit held at 4°C. Upon transfer to 24°C from 4 and 13°C, all three constituents increased. Changes in ascorbic acid in the lemon fruit do not appear related to the mechanism of chilling injury, but the losses observed in chilled fruit when transferred to 24°C were secondary, probably associated with symptom development.
Well Resolved Wall Pressure Measurements in a High Reynolds Number Turbulent Boundary Layer

In order to better understand boundary layer turbulence at high Reynolds number, the fluctuating wall pressure was measured within the turbulent boundary layer that forms over the salt playa of Utah’s west desert. Pressure measurements simultaneously acquired from an array of nine microphones were analyzed and interpreted. The wall pressure intensity was computed and compared with low Reynolds number data. This analysis indicated that the variance in wall pressure increases logarithmically with Reynolds number. Computed autocorrelations provide evidence for a hierarchy of surface pressure producing scales. Space-time correlations are used to compute broadband convection velocities. The convection velocity data indicate an increasing value for larger sensor separations. To the author’s knowledge, the pressure measurements are the highest Reynolds number, well resolved measurements of fluctuating surface pressure to date.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Generalized resistance to thyroid hormone associated with possible selective cardiac nonresistance.

Objective: To review the condition of generalized resistance to thyroid hormone and to report a case of generalized thyroid hormone resistance associated with atrial fibrillation. Methods: A case report is presented of a 52-year-old man with atrial fibrillation who was referred by a cardiologist for thyroid ablation because of "hyperthyroidism," when his free thyroxine was found to be 4.35 ng/dL (normal, 0.55 to 2.46) and his free triiodothyronine was 6.5 pg/mL (normal, 1.4 to 4.4). Results: This clinically euthyroid man with no signs or symptoms of hyperthyroidism except for the possibly related atrial fibrillation had a thyrotropin level of 3.45 mIU/L (normal, 0.46 to 4.7) in conjunction with the aforementioned increased levels of thyroid hormones. Further evaluation revealed normal 6-hour (11.7%) and 24-hour (27.6%) 123I uptakes. Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary revealed a normal-sized gland with no masses. Conclusion: This is a rare case of generalized resistance to thyroid hormone in a pat...
Efficiency of a Kernel Density Estimator under an Autoregressive Dependence Model

Abstract The problem of estimating the probability density function of a strictly stationary process is considered. To study the effect of a dependence structure on the efficiency of a kernel density estimator, the mean integrated squared error (MISE) of the Fourier integral estimator (FIE) is derived on the assumption that the observed data are generated by a first-order autoregressive process. Numerical results for the normal and Cauchy densities show that even moderate departures from independence can lead to a considerable loss in efficiency of the FIE. In addition to efficiency considerations, the issue of determining an optimal smoothing parameter for the FIE under the autoregressive model is addressed.
Quantum optics of dielectrics in momentum-space

Abstract The relationship of the Hopfield model of the electromagnetic field in a dielectric to Ginzburg's macroscopic quantization of the field is established from first principles. The diagonal Hopfield momentum-space Hamiltonian becomes equivalent to macroscopic quantization of the electromagnetic field upon substitution of photon energies ℏ ω for polariton eigenenergies ℏ ω kν in the polariton dispersion relation. The effect of this substitution is to eliminate the matter degrees of freedom in the good-cavity limit and to impose the rotating-wave and adiabatic-following approximations.
Advances in Families and Health Research in the 21st Century

We review research on families and health published between 2000 and 2009 and highlight key themes and findings from innovative, methodologically rigorous studies. Whereas research in prior decades focused primarily on whether family structure affects child and adult health, contemporary research examines the contextual and processual factors that shape for whom, for which outcomes, and under what conditions families affect mental and physical health. We discuss how family structure, transitions, and processes within families of origin affect children's health over the life course. We then examine the effects of marital status, transitions, and quality for adult health. We point out limitations in current research, discuss implications of recent findings for policy, and highlight theoretical and methodological directions for future research.
Prognostic Role of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Solid Tumors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Inflammation may play an important role in cancer progression, and a high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) has been reported to be a poor prognostic indicator in several malignancies. Here we quantify the prognostic impact of this biomarker and assess its consistency in solid tumors. METHODS: A systematic review of electronic databases was conducted to identify publications exploring the association of blood NLR and clinical outcome in solid tumors. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome, and cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), and disease-free survival (DFS) were secondary outcomes. Data from studies reporting a hazard ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) or a P value were pooled in a meta-analysis. Pooled hazard ratios were computed and weighted using generic inverse-variance and random-effect modeling. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: One hundred studies comprising 40559 patients were included in the analysis, 57 of them published in 2012 or later. Median cutoff for NLR was 4. Overall, NLR greater than the cutoff was associated with a hazard ratio for OS of 1.81 (95% CI = 1.67 to 1.97; P < .001), an effect observed in all disease subgroups, sites, and stages. Hazard ratios for NLR greater than the cutoff for CSS, PFS, and DFS were 1.61, 1.63, and 2.27, respectively (all P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: A high NLR is associated with an adverse OS in many solid tumors. The NLR is a readily available and inexpensive biomarker, and its addition to established prognostic scores for clinical decision making warrants further investigation.
The Polarization of Broad Absorption Line QSOs

We present the combined results of optical polarization surveys of QSOs showing broad absorption lines (BALQSOs) conducted at the Steward and McDonald Observatories. The merged list of 53 objects provides the first statistical justification for claims of the tendency of BALQSOs to show stronger than average polarization, with a typical BALQSO being polarized a factor 2.4 times greater than a QSO from an optical survey selected without regard for absorption lines. Spectropolarimetry of sufficient quality to distinguish the polarization of emission lines versus absorption troughs versus continuum is also presented for six objects from the survey. When taken together with published data on other sources, the results lead to several significant correlations that can be used to gain insight into the structure of a BALQSO. These include: (1) a reduced degree of polarization in the broad emission lines, (2) enhanced polarization in the absorption troughs, and (3) an increase in the degree of polarization toward shorter wavelengths. In addition, BALQSOs with more prominent absorption systems tend to be more strongly polarized, and there is evidence that the subclass of low-ionization absorbers is more strongly polarized than other BALQSOs. If the increased polarization of BALQSOs is due to attenuation of direct, as opposed to scattered, lines of sight to the nucleus, absorption-line objects are underrepresented in optical surveys, and their true incidence is 20%-30% that of all UV-bright QSOs. Nevertheless, BALQSOs on average are not as highly polarized as their more obscured radio-quiet cousins, the IRAS QSOs/hyperluminous IR galaxies. We are led to a consistent picture in which broad absorption is observed in BALQSOs because they are inclined at intermediate inclinations, where our line of sight passes through gas clouds located near the surface of a dusty torus.
Knowing one's self: central tolerance revisited

Tissue-specific antigens are expressed in the thymic medulla under the influence of the AIRE gene, suggesting that unresponsiveness to these peripheral antigens is a result of central tolerance. New data on T cell tolerance in AIRE−/− mice strongly support this hypothsis.
Geomagnetic excursions date early hominid migration to China

Global-scale geomagnetic reversals, which are periods when the direction of Earth's magnetic field flips, leave imprints in magnetic minerals present in sediments. But so do smaller-scale, even local, changes in Earth's magnetic field direction. Paleomagnetists believe that the smaller-scale events represent “failed reversals” and refer to them as “geomagnetic excursions.” Scientists use geomagnetic excursions in sedimentary basins as markers to tie together events of Earth's history across the globe.
Higher radix, non-restoring division: History and recent developments

Developments Reported Prior to 1972. This paper reviews work related to the theory and application of higher-radix, non-restoring division as originally defined by Robertson in 1958 [1]. The class of division methods proposed by Robertson is described by the recursive relationship:
Strategic price positioning for revenue management: The effects of relative price position and fluctuation on performance

Emerging price optimization models systematically incorporate competitor price information into the derivation of optimal price points. While consideration of competitor pricing at this tactical level is essential to maximizing short-term revenues, the long-term impact of competitive price positioning on revenue performance should not be overlooked. This study examines the effect of two key dimensions of strategic price positioning – relative price position and relative price fluctuation – on the revenue performance of 6998 US hotels over an 11-year period. It finds that revenue performance is strongest for hotels that price higher than the competition and maintain a consistent relative price over time. Implications for revenue management practitioners are discussed.
Pulsed Microwave Irradiation of Graphite/Epoxy Composites

Abstract : We have measured the microwave induced damage to the near surface region of a graphite/epoxy composite material for 1.1-microsecond pulses at a frequency of 2.865 GHz and a pulse power of up to 8 MW. Rectangular samples were irradiated by single pass TE10 traveling wave pulses inside a WR-284 waveguide, and in situ and post irradiation studies were performed to characterize the material modifications induced by the microwave pulses. The results of time resolved optical measurements in vacuo show that surface decomposition of the epoxy resin occurs for incident pulse powers exceeding 1.1 MW, and that the surface damage is accompanied by a large increase in the reflected microwave power. Simultaneous with the onset of surface decomposition, we observe significant light emission from the sample and a large enhancement of the gas pressure in the test cell. The large increments in the reflected power and light emission are attributed to the formation of a plasma due to electrical breakdown of the gas at (or near) the sample surface.
Effect of systemic tetracycline on endodontic cultures

Abstract The effect of systemic tetracycline therapy on endodontic culture procedures was investigated. A method of assaying tetracycline absorbed by endodontic paper points was developed. The procedure was consistently reproducible and was capable of detecting tetracycline levels ≥ 25 ng. from a paper point. This technique was utilized to determine whether systemic tetracycline would infiltrate from the general circulation into a tooth undergoing endodontic therapy. The concentration of tetracycline necessary to inhibit the growth of nine organisms in endodontic culture media was determined. These organisms were inhibited by drug concentrations ranging from 50 μg to 390 ng. per milliliter, with a geometric mean of 5.12 μg per milliliter. Tetracycline was recovered after 48 hours from the root canal of one of ten patients in this study. The small amount of tetracycline (greater than 12.5 ng. but less than 25 ng.) recovered from the tooth of this patient would not be of sufficient magnitude to interfere with bacterial growth in endodontic culture media.
Real and imaginary parts of hadronic amplitudes, diffractive contribution and the Chew-Rosenzweig pomeron

Abstract We show that when the f′ and the diffractive elastic (and quasi-elastic) contributions are included within the Chew-Rosenzweig type solution for the pomeron, one can explain reasonably well the π and 2 K − π total cross sections as well as the ratios of the real over imaginary parts of the forward π and K amplitudes.
Eruptive patterns and structure of Isla Fernandina, Galapagos Islands, from SPOT-1 HRV and large format camera images

SPOT-1 HRV, and large format-camera images were used to investigate the distribution and structure of erupted materials on Isla Fernandina, Galapagos Islands. Maps of lava flows, fissures, cones and topography derived from these data allow the first study of the entire subaerial segment of this geographically remote and ecologically sensitive volcano. No significant departure from a uniform distribution of erupted lava with azimuth can be detected. Short (less than 4 km) lava flows commonly have their source in the summit region and longer (greater than 8 km) lava flows originate from vents at lower elevations. Catastrophic landslides are proposed as a possible explanation for the asymmetry of the coastline with respect to the caldera.
EUK-134 ameliorates nNOSμ translocation and skeletal muscle fiber atrophy during short-term mechanical unloading

Reduced mechanical loading during bedrest, spaceflight, and casting, causes rapid morphological changes in skeletal muscle: fiber atrophy and reduction of slow-twitch fibers. An emerging signaling event in response to unloading is the translocation of neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOSμ) from the sarcolemma to the cytosol. We used EUK-134, a cell-permeable mimetic of superoxide dismutase and catalase, to test the role of redox signaling in nNOSμ translocation and muscle fiber atrophy as a result of short-term (54 h) hindlimb unloading. Fischer-344 rats were divided into ambulatory control, hindlimb-unloaded (HU), and hindlimb-unloaded + EUK-134 (HU-EUK) groups. EUK-134 mitigated the unloading-induced phenotype, including muscle fiber atrophy and muscle fiber-type shift from slow to fast. nNOSμ immunolocalization at the sarcolemma of the soleus was reduced with HU, while nNOSμ protein content in the cytosol increased with unloading. Translocation of nNOS from the sarcolemma to cytosol was virtually abolished by EUK-134. EUK-134 also mitigated dephosphorylation at Thr-32 of FoxO3a during HU. Hindlimb unloading elevated oxidative stress (4-hydroxynonenal) and increased sarcolemmal localization of Nox2 subunits gp91phox (Nox2) and p47phox, effects normalized by EUK-134. Thus, our findings are consistent with the hypothesis that oxidative stress triggers nNOSμ translocation from the sarcolemma and FoxO3a dephosphorylation as an early event during mechanical unloading. Thus, redox signaling may serve as a biological switch for nNOS to initiate morphological changes in skeletal muscle fibers.
Toxicity of fenvalerate to developing steelhead trout following continuous or intermittent exposure.

Environmental toxicant exposures commonly vary in terms of duration and concentration. However, laboratory toxicity tests usually entail continuous exposures to constant concentrations. We compared survival, growth, and toxicant accumulation in early life‐stage steelhead trout intermittently or continuously exposed to fenvalerate (FV) for 70 d after fertilization. Acute lethality was assessed in ancillary 96‐h LC50 determinations with juvenile fish. Intermittent exposures were daily 4.5‐h introductions of toxicant, and continuous exposures were to constant concentrations. All tests were conducted in a flow‐through dilution apparatus, and mean concentrations for the entire exposure period were calculated for comparisons between regimens. The respective 96‐h LC50 values for intermittently and continuously exposed were 88 and 172 ng/l. In the subchronic study, marked lethality (32%) and reduced terminal weight (50%) were found following exposures to cyclic FV concentrations that yielded an average of 80 ng/l...
Experimental fetal tracheal ligation prevents the pulmonary hypoplasia associated with fetal nephrectomy: possible application for congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Pulmonary hypoplasia has a definite clinical impact in a variety of congenital diseases such as renal dysplasia and congenital diaphragmatic hernia. These diseases have in common inadequate growth and development of fetal lungs. Previous reports have demonstrated increased lung growth with in utero tracheal ligation. The purpose of this study was to determine if lung growth can be accelerated in the setting of experimental pulmonary hypoplasia. Ninety-five-day gestation fetal sheep were divided into four experimental groups: nephrectomy, nephrectomy with tracheal ligation, tracheal ligation alone, and sham-operated control animals. Animals were delivered near term and their lungs inflation fixed at 25 cm H2O. Total alveolar number (Alv#), total alveolar surface area (AlvSA), and lung volume to body weight ratios (LV:BW) were determined for apical and basilar segments of each animal and then averaged. Total lung DNA and protein content were also analyzed. The nephrectomy group had smaller lungs than control animals with decreased Alv#, AlvSA, and LV:BW. In contrast, nephrectomy with tracheal ligation produced large lungs which had increased Alv#, AlvSA, and LV:BW when compared with both the nephrectomy and the control group (P < .01). Total lung DNA and protein concentrations were both markedly elevated in the tracheally obstructed groups. However, the DNA/protein ratios remained constant in all four groups, suggesting that lung growth had occurred through cell multiplication. Photomicrographs of the lung demonstrated a histologically immature appearance in the nephrectomy group and a histologically mature appearance in the tracheally obstructed groups.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Transplantation of glial‐restricted precursor cells into the adult spinal cord: Survival, glial‐specific differentiation, and preferential migration in white matter

Glial-restricted precursor (GRP) cells are among a number of candidate cells for transplantation repair of CNS injury. The isolation and characterization of these cells in vitro have been described previously, but their in vivo properties are not well understood. We examined the fate and migration of grafted fetal GRP cells harvested from alkaline phosphatase-expressing transgenic rats into intact and injured spinal cord. Transplanted GRP cells survived for at least 6 weeks and differentiated along astrocytic and oligodendrocytic but not neuronal lineages. Cells grafted into the intact spinal cord exhibited robust migration along longitudinal white matter tracts and by 6 weeks migrated more than 15 mm. In contrast, migration of GRP cells in the gray matter was very limited. We then examined the phenotypic properties of proliferating endogenous precursors in response to injury by BrdU labeling. The predominant proliferating population seen after injury consisted of GRP-like cells with Nkx2.2/olig2 phenotype. Incorporation of BrdU by endogenous cells suggests that the environment provides proliferation signals and is permissive to glial precursor survival. To test if exogenous GRP cells would respond similarly, we transplanted GRP cells into a lateral funiculus injury. GRP cells survived and differentiated along glial lineages and migrated along white matter tracts in the injured spinal cord. Directed homing toward the lesion was not seen and there was no significant bias in differentiation between cells transplanted into injured and uninjured spinal cord. GRP cell transplants may therefore provide a cellular transplant that can respond to appropriate endogenous cues to produce therapeutic molecules and new glial cells after injury.
Gender Bias in Doctoral Programs in Economics.

This study focuses on the state of gender bias in graduate economic education, using a mail questionnaire to persons earning Ph.D.'s in economics during 1970–1989. Responses suggest that certain gender-based differences do characterize graduate economic programs. Potential ways to achieve a gender-neutral environment and directions for further research are proposed.
Robotic surgery in ophthalmology: reality or fantasy?

Advantages of robotic surgery During the past 5 years, robotic surgery has gained increasing acceptance in mainstream clinical care owing to dramatic improvements in technology and ergonomics. Robotic surgery offers several advantages compared with other minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical techniques, including a three-dimensional view, superior instrument manoeuvrability, greater magnification and reduced tremor. Minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery has been poorly implemented despite a clear improvement in morbidity compared with open surgical techniques. Despite similar cost barriers, robotic surgery offers several important advantages and opens a new frontier for minimally invasive surgery, but will it have a role in ophthalmology? Robotic surgery as performed by the da Vinci robot allows the surgeon to remain seated when …
Sibship size and intellectual development: Is the relationship causal?

In this study we test the alternative interpretation of the effect of sibship size on childs intellectual development through sibling analysis and analysis of repeated measures of the same individuals. Both analyses are variations of change models or fixed-effects models. Change models enable us to control permanent family effects including family socioeconomic status (SES) family genetic makeup and intellectual atmosphere in the home by `differencing them out. Thus we can determine if and how much the sibship-size effect is confounded by other family influences that are difficult or impossible to control in conventional regression analysis. The data are from the [U.S.] National Longitudinal Survey of Youth (NLSY). Also included are comments by Meredith Phillips (pp. 188-92) and D. B. Downey B. Powell L. C. Steelman and S. Pribesh (pp. 193-98) and a reply by Guo and VanWey (pp. 199-206). (EXCERPT)
Hypotonic bladder: Treatment by partial cystectomy

Abstract The authors believe partial cystectomy, combined with urethroplasty in women and/or prostatectomy or Y-V plasty of the bladder neck in men is the operation of choice for hypotonic bladder, if neurogenic disease can be controlled. Case reports are presented.
Viewpoint Invariant Human Re-Identification in Camera Networks Using Pose Priors and Subject-Discriminative Features

Human re-identification across cameras with non-overlapping fields of view is one of the most important and difficult problems in video surveillance and analysis. However, current algorithms are likely to fail in real-world scenarios for several reasons. For example, surveillance cameras are typically mounted high above the ground plane, causing serious perspective changes. Also, most algorithms approach matching across images using the same descriptors, regardless of camera viewpoint or human pose. Here, we introduce a re-identification algorithm that addresses both problems. We build a model for human appearance as a function of pose, using training data gathered from a calibrated camera. We then apply this “pose prior” in online re-identification to make matching and identification more robust to viewpoint. We further integrate person-specific features learned over the course of tracking to improve the algorithm’s performance. We evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm and compare it to several state-of-the-art algorithms, demonstrating superior performance on standard benchmarking datasets as well as a challenging new airport surveillance scenario.
Removal of Lead from Contaminated Soils Using Poly(amidoamine) Dendrimers

This study investigated the feasibility of using selected dendrimers for the removal of lead (Pb2+) from three contaminated soils. Lead removal was tested in a fixed-bed column setup, where a prescribed dendrimer solution was passed through a lead-loaded soil bed. Effects of dendrimer generation, concentration, type of the terminal groups, solution pH, and soil type were investigated. In all cases, lower pH increased the removal, lower-generation dendrimers were more effective than higher-generation dendrimers based on the same dose, whereas the effect of terminal groups was minimal. The removal was more effective for sandy soil than for clay soil. A sequential extraction experiment indicated that dendrimer treatment removed primarily (>82%) carbonate-bound Pb2+ cations. Approximately 95% of the spent dendrimers was recovered by nanofiltration, followed by acid regeneration. Approximately 96% of the Pb2+ cations in the solution can be retained by nanofiltration, and ∼94% of the retained Pb2+ cations can b...
Pharmacoeconomic evaluation of a pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic.

Study Objective. To measure clinical, economic, and humanistic outcomes associated with a pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic compared with physician-managed clinics. Design. Prospective, randomized, comparative study. Setting. Managed care organization. Patients. A total of 330 patients with mild-to-moderate essential hypertension. Intervention. Hypertension care provided by either the pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic or physician-managed general medical clinics. Measurements and Main Results. Baseline and 6-month evaluations consisted of systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements, a short-form health survey, and collection of health care utilization information. After treatment, blood pressure measurements were significantly lower (p<0.001) in the pharmacist-managed hypertension clinic group than in the physician-managed clinic group. Patient satisfaction was significantly higher in the hypertension clinic group. Total costs for the hypertension clinic group were not different from those of the physician-managed clinic group ($242.46 vs $233.20, p=0.71), but cost:effectiveness ratios were lower in the hypertension clinic group ($27 vs $193/mm Hg for systolic blood pressure readings, and $48 vs $151/mm Hg for diastolic blood pressure readings). Conclusion. In a hypertension clinic, pharmacists can be a cost-effective alternative to physicians in management of patients, and they can improve clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction.
The Alternating Syzygy Behavior of Monomial Algebras

Abstract In this paper we present a minimal projective resolution of a monomial algebra Λ over its enveloping algebra. The syzygies for this resolution exhibit an alternating behavior which is explained by the construction of a special sequence of paths from the quiver of Λ.
Interfacial polycondensation. IV. Polyphthalamides

High molecular weight polyphthalamides melting above 325°C. were prepared from piperazine, 2-methylpiperazine, and 2,5-dimethylpiperazine by interfacial polycondensation. The melt temperatures and decomposition points of the polyphthalamides, polyisophthalamides, and polyterephthalamides of the above diamines were determined. Only low molecular weight polyphthalamides were obtained from primary diamines. Copolymers of high molecular weight were prepared from piperazine and 2,5-dimethylpiperazine with phthaloyl chloride containing various proportions of terephthaloyl chloride, isophthaloyl chloride, adipoyl chloride, or ethylene bis(chloroformate).
Interpolation in loop-free logic

Model-theoretic methods are used to extend Craig's Interpolation Theorem to the loop-free portion of Pratt's dynamic logic of programs with simple assignments.
Reproductive Incompatibility Between Host Strains of the Fall Armyworm (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

Laboratory crosses between two host-associated strains of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were performed to determine if pre- or postreproductive incompatibilities existed. Two sets of experiments were conducted, the first (in October 1985) using a pair of fall armyworm strains from Puerto Rico, and the second (in September 1986) using a pair of strains from Louisiana. The same incompatibility was observed in both experiments. No successful matings occurred between females of the “corn strain” and males of the “rice strain,” and dissections of those females indicated that no spermatophores had been transferred. The reciprocal crosses between rice-strain females and corn-strain males resulted in fertile F1 progeny that were reared to adulthood and backcrossed to parental strains. No progeny were produced in backcrosses involving F1 females, but interbreeding did occur between F1 males and parental females and between a few interhybrid (F1 × F1) crosses. These results indicate that premating reproductive barriers exist at some stage in both crossing directions between fall armyworm strains, and support the contention that “fall armyworm” is composed of host-associated sibling species.
Metabolism of BW 1370U87 in rat, dog, and man

BW 1370U87 is a potent, selective inhibitor of rat and human brain MAO-A. The plasma concentrations of BW 1370U87 and its metabolites were determined in rat, dog, and man. After an oral dose, BW 1370U87 undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in all species studied. The 1-(1,2, dihydroxyethyl) metabolite, BW 1003U88, was a major metabolite in rat, dog, and human plasma. The 1-(1-hydroxyethyl) metabolite, BW 183U88, was a major metabolite in dog plasma, whereas it was present in much lower concentrations in the rat and man. Both BW 1003U88 and BW 183U88 are active MAO-A inhibitors although not as active as the parent compound. The inactive 1-(2-acetic acid) metabolite, BW 1552U88, was a major metabolite in rat plasma but a minor metabolite in the dog. Plasma concentration versus time profiles in both rat and man suggest that the metabolites undergo enterohepatic recycling. Although plasma concentrations of BW 1370U87 were relatively low compared to the metabolites, the concentrations detected in rat and man after a 50 mg/kg or 400 mg oral dose, respectively, exceeded the IC50 value measured in rat and human brain. Furthermore, the time course of MAO-A inhibition appears to follow the plasma concentration versus time profile of BW 1370U87 in the rat. Preliminary experiments in rats indicate that BW 1370U87 and its metabolites distribute into brain and inhibit MAO-A.
90: Oral misoprostol vs vaginal dinoprostone for labor induction in nulliparous women at term

between 34 0 and 36 6 weeks of gestation Giuliana Simonazzi, Alessandra Curti, Elisa Moro, Andrea Pedrazzi, Tiziana Martina, Antonio Farina, Nicola Rizzo St. Orsola Malpighi Hospital, University of Bologna, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Bologna, Italy OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of mode of delivery on respiratory morbidity among late-preterm neonates. STUDY DESIGN: Singleton pregnancies complicated by premature rupture of membranes (PROM) between 34 0 and 36 6 weeks were studied retrospectively. Pregnancies with corticosteroid administration after 34 6 weeks were excluded. Patients were divided into cesarean section (CS) and vaginal delivery groups, matched 1:3 for gestational age. The primary outcome was the rate of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Logistic regression was performed to assess the risk of RDS within groups. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2012, 360 patients delivered between 34 and 36 weeks after premature rupture of membranes at St. OrsolaMalpighi Hospital, Bologna (Italy). In 90 cases elective caesarean section was performed for previous CS (n 50), breech presentation (n 31) or maternal medical indications (n 9). No difference was found for antenatal betamethasone within groups. The overall RDS rate was 15%, while it was 30% and 10% in case of CS and vaginal delivery, respectively (p-value 0.0001). CS seems to be a risk factor for RDS (OR 4.2, p-value 0,0001), as does earlier gestational age at delivery (OR 0.9, p-value 0,0001). Table 1 shows the median risks of RDS in the study population according to the logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: After preterm PROM, CS is associated with a higher risk of neonatal RDS. This is more evident with increasing gestational age, when respiratory morbidity is thought to be less frequent.
Pulsed Doppler ultrasonographic evaluation of portal blood flow in dogs with experimental portal vein branch ligation.

Portal blood flow was measured using pulsed Doppler ultrasound in 6 dogs before and after left portal vein branch ligation. Mean portal vein blood flow velocity and mean portal vein blood flow were significantly reduced after ligation and the congestion index was increased (p<0.01). Pulsed Doppler ultrasound studies provide valuable physiological information which may assist the clinician with the diagnosis of canine hepatic circulatory disorders.
Angular-dependent partial widths in resonance reactions

In this paper we show that if a resonant state corresponding to a deformed nuclear system is specified by a well defined orientation of its principal axes then the partial width, which appears in the resonant scattering amplitude, depends on the angle between the direction of the emitted particle and the preferred direction of the resonant state. This effect may be observed in the scattering of actinide nuclei.
Testing the Cognitive Mediation Model The Roles of News Reliance and Three Gratifications Sought

With data from a 2000 telephone survey of a Midwestern community, the current study tests and reevaluates the cognitive mediation model. In doing so, the authors experiment with a news reliance index and three gratifications sought dimensions: surveillance, anticipated interaction, and guidance. Although there is support for the surveillance and guidance versions of the cognitive mediation model, findings change greatly with the inclusion of anticipated interaction gratifications sought. In a model with the three gratifications sought, the effects of surveillance and guidance on political knowledge fall out, whereas that of anticipated interaction is direct and unmediated. The authors explain these findings with reference to previous research and comment on how different measures of media use and gratifications sought may alter the cognitive mediation model.
ALTERNATE-DAY PREDNISONE THERAPY AFTER RENAL TRANSPLANTATION

Abstract In 17 renal-transplant patients receiving daily azathioprine, supplementary prednisone was given on alternate days instead of daily. The side-effects of prednisone diminished, and all but two patients maintained stable renal function.
S-Nitrosylation of Proteins: A New Insight into Endothelial Cell Function Regulated by eNOS-derived NO

Nitric oxide (NO) is a messenger molecule that is highly diffusible and short-lived. Despite these two characteristics, seemingly unsuitable for intracellular reactions, NO modulates a variety of cellular processes via the mechanism of S-nitrosylation. An important factor that determines the specificity of S-nitrosylation as a signaling mechanism is the compartmentalization of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) with its target proteins. Endothelial NOS (eNOS) is unique among the NOS family members by being localized mainly near specific intracellular membrane domains including the cytoplasmic face of the Golgi apparatus and plasma membrane caveolae. Nitric oxide produced by eNOS localized on the Golgi apparatus can react with thiol groups on nearby Golgi proteins via a redox mechanism resulting in S-nitrosylation of these proteins. This modification influences their function as regulators of cellular processes such as protein trafficking (e.g., exocytosis and endocytosis), redox state, and cell cycle. Thus, eNOS-derived NO regulates a wide range of endothelial cell functions, such as inflammation, apoptosis, permeability, migration, and cell growth.
Incarnate Experience and Keeping the Soul Ajar

This essay offers a phenomenology of the new that entails hospitality and depends on an understanding of being as poetic; this poiesis is, per Jacques Derrida, hospitable, and per Maurice Merleau-Ponty, incarnate. This poiesis intertwines with aesthesis, as action and perception intertwine. Avoiding problems faced by both the materialist and idealist, Merleau-Ponty’s poetic phenomenology shows that perception always indicates a transcendent and vertical excess: the invisible lining of the visible. Two poems which speak of the human hosting the divine Stranger, one by George Herbert and one by Emily Dickinson, illustrate this poetic and incarnate hospitality, which permits the appearance of the divine other.
Age, Growth, and Food of Northern Pike in Eastern Lake Ontario

Abstract Northern pike (Esox lucius) from eastern Lake Ontario were sampled with gill nets and trap nets in 1972-1973. Fish of age-groups IV, V, and VI were predominant in the catch. Although males were slightly longer after the 1st yr of life, females gained a 25-mm advantage in the 2nd yr and a 30-mm advantage in the 3rd yr. In later years, the increments of growth of males and females were similar. All males were mature after 2 yr and females after 3 yr. The stomachs of northern pike contained only fish; the alewife (Alosa pseudoharengus) was the principal forage species consumed. Electivity indexes for alewives, white perch (Morone americana), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens), the three most common species in the diet, indicated a positive selection for alewives that increased from June to October during a period when the relative abundance of alewives steadily decreased.
Windborne transport and surface enrichment of arsenic in semi-arid mining regions: Examples from the Mojave Desert, California

Abstract Gold and silver mining conducted throughout the state of California has left an environmental legacy of exposed mine wastes containing elevated levels of toxic metals and metalloids including arsenic (As), a known carcinogen. These mine tailings, particularly the fine-grained size fractions, are susceptible to weathering and windborne transport, significantly increasing the spatial extent of contamination in topsoils and potential exposure of humans to toxic metal(loid)s. Depth-based field sampling of soils surrounding several abandoned mines in the Mojave Desert (Southern CA) have identified an exponential decline in As soil enrichment with both depth and increasing distance from tailings piles to the east, consistent with prevailing west-to-east wind directions. In vitro extraction studies using a phagolysosomal simulant fluid (PSF), mimicking the inhalation of the most finely sieved size fraction of selected samples (⩽20 μm), indicate that initial solid As concentration is the strongest indicator in predicting the concentration of As released in the lung. When extraction data are incorporated into exposure risk assessment calculations, the majority of samples investigated exceed both cancer risk thresholds and non-cancer-related minimal risk levels (MRLs) based on long-term chronic exposure to airborne mine tailings dusts. This suggests that long-term residents of communities located close to these abandoned mine sites, especially those who reside downwind (i.e. east) of mine tailings piles, face possible health effects due to the inhalation of fine-grained mine tailings mobilized through aeolian processes.
A nondestructive breakdown phenomenon in selenium rectifiers

Under conditions of excessive current or voltage overload a rectifier will exhibit some form of breakdown. Under practical conditions, breakdown is normally destructive although, with proper safeguards, it may be controlled. A voltage-induced electric breakdown is the type most commonly cited in theory, while in practice a considerable contribution from thermal effects is observed. Selenium rectifiers frequently exhibit the property of recovering from an overvoltage breakdown. The symptoms in this case range from the appearance of minor sparking and fumes of selenium to a very generous arc blowing a cavity in one of the cells. Two physical mechanisms of recovery are apparent; in one, small areas of separation occur between the selenium and the counter-electrode, without necessarily rupturing the latter; in the other, greater burnouts involve craters reaching down to the baseplate, with walls of insulating vitreous selenium, and all counter-electrode removed from the immediate vicinity.
Capital Asset Pricing and Farm Real Estate: Reply

The major purposes of Colin Carter's "Comment" on my article are "to suggest that farmland returns are not dictated by returns in a portfolio comprised of bonds, stocks, and farmland, and it is unsuitable to investigate them with the CAPM model which assumes they are." His discussion includes the following items: (a) effects of nonfarm investor behavior, (b) CAPM applicability to farmland, (c) composition of the market portfolio, and (d) a numerical illustration of the correlation between changes in values of farmland and common stock. My "Reply" responds to these four items and raises some concerns about several points in his paper.
Customized prediction of respiratory motion with clustering from multiple patient interaction

Information processing of radiotherapy systems has become an important research area for sophisticated radiation treatment methodology. Geometrically precise delivery of radiotherapy in the thorax and upper abdomen is compromised by respiratory motion during treatment. Accurate prediction of the respiratory motion would be beneficial for improving tumor targeting. However, a wide variety of breathing patterns can make it difficult to predict the breathing motion with explicit models. We proposed a respiratory motion predictor, that is, customized prediction with multiple patient interactions using neural network (CNN). For the preprocedure of prediction for individual patient, we construct the clustering based on breathing patterns of multiple patients using the feature selection metrics that are composed of a variety of breathing features. In the intraprocedure, the proposed CNN used neural networks (NN) for a part of the prediction and the extended Kalman filter (EKF) for a part of the correction. The prediction accuracy of the proposed method was investigated with a variety of prediction time horizons using normalized root mean squared error (NRMSE) values in comparison with the alternate recurrent neural network (RNN). We have also evaluated the prediction accuracy using the marginal value that can be used as the reference value to judge how many signals lie outside the confidence level. The experimental results showed that the proposed CNN can outperform RNN with respect to the prediction accuracy with an improvement of 50p.
The Vapor Explosion-A Second Look

Explosions when molten metal is spilled on water are an ever-present danger in the metals industry. Similar explosions occur in spills of liquefied natural gas on water. The mechanisms are still under intensive investigation.
Improving learning of computational thinking using computational creativity exercises in a college CSI computer science course for engineers

Promoting computational thinking is a priority in CS education and other STEM and non-STEM disciplines. Our innovative, NSF-funded IC2Think project blends computational and creative thinking. In Spring 2013, we deployed Computational Creativity Exercises (CCE) designed to engage creative competencies (Surrounding, Capturing, Challenging and Broadening) in an introductory CSI course for engineering students. We compared this CCE implementation semester (80 students, 95% completing 3 or 4 CCEs) to the Fall 2013 semester of the same course (55 students) without CCEs. CCE implementation students had significantly higher scores on a CS concepts and skills knowledge test (F(1, 132) = 7.72, p < 01, partial Eta2 = .055; M=7.47 to M=6.13; 13 items) and significantly higher self-efficacy for applying CS knowledge in their field (F(1, 153) = 12.22, p < .01, partial Eta2 = .074; M=70.64 to M=61.47; 100-point scale). CCE implementation students had significantly higher study time (t(1, 136) = 2.08, p = .04; M=3.88 to M=3.29; 7-point scale) and significantly lower lack of regulation, which measures difficulties with studying (t(1, 136) = 2.82, p = .006; M=2.80 to M=3.21; 5-point scale). The addition of computational creativity exercises to CS courses may improve computational thinking and learning of CS knowledge and skills.
Rawlsian Resources for Animal Ethics

This article considers what contribution the work of John Rawls can make to questions about animal ethics. It argues that there are more normative resources in A Theory of Justice for a concern with animal welfare than some of Rawls's critics acknowledge. However, the move from A Theory of Justice to Political Liberalism sees a depletion of normative resources in Rawlsian thought for addressing animal ethics. The article concludes by endorsing the implication of A Theory of Justice that we look for ways other than rights discourse to respect and protect the well-being of animals.
Multidimensional partial response for parallel readout optical memories

We extend a serial communication technique, Partial Response (PR) precoding, to two and three dimensions to increase the capacity and signal separation in parallel readout optical memory systems. We also develop expressions for optimal 2D equalizers that improve signal separation by reshaping reconstructed pixels. We simulate and experimentally verify the performance of various forms of PR precoding in a coherent imaging readout system using 2D arrays of binary phase storage pixels. However, the techniques presented here may be applied to other readout systems and other storage values. With an equalizer, PR precoding yields a factor of two improvements in worst case signal separation over a system without precoding.
Narrative Techniques and Social Realities in Ferdinand Oyono’s Une vie de boy and Le Vieux Negre et la medaille

(1978). Narrative Techniques and Social Realities in Ferdinand Oyono’s Une vie de boy and Le Vieux Negre et la medaille. Critique: Studies in Contemporary Fiction: Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 89-102.