cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Safe, timely, convenient, and cost-effective: a single-center experience with bedside placement of enteral feeding tubes by midlevel providers using fluoroscopic guidance.

Abstract Background Enteral feeding tube placement has been performed by nurses, gastroenterologists using endoscopy, and interventional radiologists. We hypothesized that midlevel providers placed feeding tubes at bedside using fluoroscopy safely, rapidly, and cost-effectively. Methods We retrospectively analyzed bedside feeding tube placement under fluoroscopy by trained nurse practitioners. We compared charges for this method with charges for placement by other practitioners. Results Nurse practitioners placed 632 feeding tubes in 462 patients. Three hundred seventy-nine placements took place in mechanically ventilated placements. Ninety-seven percent of tubes were positioned past the pylorus. The mean fluoroscopy time was 0.7 ± 1.2 minutes. The mean procedure time was 7.0 ± 5.1 minutes. All tubes were placed within 24 hours of the request. There were no complications. Institutional charges for tube placement were $149 for nurse practitioners, $226 for gastroenterologists, and $328 for interventional radiologists. Conclusions The placement of feeding tubes under fluoroscopy by nurse practitioners is safe, timely, and cost-effective.
Austin's ‘Philosophical Papers’

The essays collected in this volume, appearing between the years 1939 and 1958, include all of the late Professor J. L. Austin's published papers, and in addition two unpublished papers, ‘The Meaning of a Word’ (1940) and ‘Unfair to Facts’ (1954), as well as an unscripted talk, ‘Performative Utterances’, given in the Third Programme of the B.B.C. in 1956. The editors, J. O. Urmson and G. J. Warnock, have performed a real service in making these papers available in one volume; for the cumulative impact of the method Austin pursued in doing philosophy, and the questions this method raises, can be felt and appreciated more fully when a considerable assemblage of illustrative papers is brought together. The debt Austin owes to the tradition to which G. E. Moore and Wittgenstein contributed is quite clear, and the divergences from them are equally clear. In reviewing the contents of the ten articles in this volume I shall try to single out what is unique about his contribution, in particular what features of his procedure, falling as it does under the general classification ‘linguistic analysis’, were so distinctive as to win for it the attention accorded to a new departure.
Development of an electrohydrodynamic injection micropump and its potential application in pumping fluids in cryogenic cooling systems

Cryogenic cooling has become a widely adopted technique to improve the performance of electronics and sensors. A potential application of an electrohydrodynamic (EHD) pumping system is its use in pumping fluids in cryogenic cooling systems. In this paper, we present the results of a theoretical/experimental investigation to study the feasibility of using an EHD injection micropump for pumping liquid nitrogen. First, the mechanisms of charge transport and ionization phenomenon in cryogenic liquids are discussed. Next, the design and fabrication of an EHD injection micropump that employs an array of interdigitated saw-tooth/plane electrodes are described. Finally, experimental results and observations are presented. An asymmetric saw-tooth/plane geometry was designed to achieve a strong inhomogeneous electric field. Each emitter electrode had a base width of 10 /spl mu/m. Each tooth on the emitter electrode had a base length of 10 /spl mu/m with a tip angle of 60/spl deg/. The collector electrode consisted of a planar strip with a width of 10 /spl mu/m. The gap between emitter and collector electrodes was 20 /spl mu/m. The distance between each neighboring stage (a pair of emitter and collector electrodes) was 40 /spl mu/m. The patterned area was 10 mm by 20 mm allowing approximately 200 stages to be fabricated along the length of the micropump. The maximum pressure head achieved by this micropump in the absence of a net flow was 550 and 205 Pa for 3M's HFE-7100 thermal fluid and liquid nitrogen, respectively. Also, the maximum mass flow rate was 3.9 g/min at the generated pressure of 180 Pa during a closed loop test with HFE-7100.
On the utility of subharmonic microbubble signals to detect portal hypertension

In this work, the efficacy of subharmonic aided pressure estimation to detect portal hypertension (PH; i.e., portal vein (PV) pressures > 6-10 mmHg) is investigated. A Logiq 9 ultrasound scanner (GE Healthcare, Milwaukee, WI) with a 4C probe (transmit/receive: 2.5/1.25 MHz) was configured to obtain unprocessed radiofrequency (RF) data post pulse inversion. Fourteen canines were scanned. The main PV was accessed following a mid-line abdominal incision. Acute PH was induced using Gelfoam administration (8 canines; low-flow PH model) and using an arteriovenous fistula (6 canines; femoral artery to PV; high-flow PH model). A Millar pressure catheter introduced in the main PV indicated reference PV pressures. The RF data corresponding to 4 transmit cycles at 20% and 40% incident acoustic power (IAP) levels and pressure catheter data were acquired synchronously during infusion of Sonazoid (GE Healthcare, Oslo, Norway; 0.015 μl/kg/min) microbubbles, before and after inducing PH (5 s acquisitions; n = 3). The mean subharmonic amplitude from all acquired frames was extracted from the RF data corresponding to PV location. Linear regression analyses with leave-one-out cross validation technique were used to obtain PV pressures from the subharmonic amplitude (data from 3 canines was excluded due to extraneous conditions). The resulting PV pressures were compared to pressure catheter data. Overall, mean errors were -0.15 mmHg (p = 0.92) and -0.09 mmHg (p = 0.95) with 20 and 40% IAP levels, respectively. For baseline PV pressures, mean errors were 3.50 mmHg (p = 0.11) and 3.64 mmHg (p = 0.10), while for PH pressures the mean errors were -3.80 mmHg (p = 0.07) and -3.83 mmHg (p = 0.06), with 20 and 40% IAP levels, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of detecting moderate through severe PH (cut-off value: 16 mmHg PV pressure) in this cohort (n = 9) were 78%, 69% and 73% for 20% IAP and 78%, 77% and 77% for 40% IAP. Ambient pressure modulated subharmonic signals can be used for detecting PH in canines and thus, might be used to diagnose patients in the future.
Activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor during development enhances the pulmonary CD4+ T-cell response to viral infection

Respiratory infections are a threat to health and economies worldwide, yet the basis for striking variation in the severity of infection is not completely understood. Environmental exposures during...
On an optimum line source for maximum directivity

An exact solution is derived for the line source that maximizes a generalization D_{\alpha} of the directivity in any given direction \theta_{y}{0} for arbitrarily prescribed values of the aperture length l , the edge behavior exponent \alpha , and the constraining superdirectivity ratio \gamma_{\alpha} . The quantity D_{\alpha} represents exactly directivity for \alpha = 1 and approximately for any other value of \alpha > -1 . The solution is expressed in its natural form as a series of spheroidal functions \psi_{\alpha n}(c,\eta) of order \alpha . The most directive pattern space factor possible for an ( N + 1 )- term series expansion is shown to be F(c \cos \theta_{y}) = \sum\min{n=0}\max{N} a_{\alpha n}\psi_{\alpha n}(c, \cos \theta_{y}) and the resulting aperture distribution to be A \lgroup \frac{2y}{l} \rgroup = \lgroup 1-[\frac{2y}{l}]^{2} \rgroup^{\alpha} \sum\min{n=0}\max{N} \frac{a_{\alpha n}}{\nu_{\alpha n}(c)} \psi_{\alpha n} \lgroup c, \frac{2y}{l} \rgroup , where a_{\alpha 0} is an arbitrary (real) normalizing constant and the other a_{\alpha n} must satisfy the following set of N linear equations: \sum\min{n=1}\max{N} x_{pn}(\mu,D_{\alpha})a_{\alpha n} = -x_{p0}a_{\alpha 0} , p = 1,2,3,...,N in which X_{pn}(\mu,D_{\alpha}) = 2\psi_{\alpha n}(c, \cos \theta_{y0}) \psi_{\alpha p}(c, \cos \theta_{y0})(1 - \cos^{2} \theta_{y0})^{\alpha} +(\mu[\gamma_{\alpha n}(c) - \gamma_{\alpha}] - D_{\alpha})\Lambda_{\alpha n}(c) \delta_{pn} , and where the unknown directivity D_{\alpha} and Lagrange multiplier \mu , must be such that D_{\alpha} is the largest root of the determinantal equation | \{X_{pn}(\mu,D_{\alpha})\} | = 0 that satisfies the constraining condition \sum\min{n=0}\max{N} a_{\alpha n}^{2}[\gamma_{\alpha n}(c) - \gamma_{\alpha}]\Lambda_{\alpha n}(c) = 0 ; c is \pi l/\lambda , \nu_{\alpha n}(c) , and \gamma_{\alpha n}(c) are characteristic numbers of the spheroidal functions, and \Lambda_{\alpha n}(c) is the normalization factor for the spheroidal functions on the interval (-1,1). By letting N \rightarrow \infty the solution becomes exact. Numerical results obtained for l = 2\lambda and 5\lambda , when \alpha = 0 and \theta_{y0} = 90\deg (broadside), reveal that for every unit increase in maximum directivity the value of \gamma_{0} - 1 must be increased by a factor of about one hundred.
Hyperspectral excitation-resolved fluorescence tomography of quantum dots

The proposed method exploits the spectral properties of tissue hemoglobin for the purpose of 3D image reconstruction of quantum dot reporter probes inside scattering tissue. It advances fluorescence tomography in such way that only a single light source with tunable wavelength selection is required for fluorescence stimulation and image reconstruction. Numerical results suggest that current planar surface imaging technology could easily be retrofitted for performing fluorescence tomography without the use of elaborate source-detector multiplexing.
Neutron reflectometry reveals the internal structure of organic compounds deposited on aluminum oxide

Organic carbon (OC) stabilization in soils plays a significant role in the global C cycle, therefore understanding the structure and function of the OC–soil mineral interface is of high importance. To study the interface, films of simple OC compounds and natural organic matter (NOM) were deposited onto a soil mineral analogue (Al2O3) using spin coating and were exposed to humidity. The thickness, density and structure of the films were studied using a depth-sensitive, nano-scale technique of neutron reflectometry. A single homogenous layer was observed when NOM and glucose (GL) were adsorbed onto Al2O3. However, when stearic acid (SA) was added to either NOM or GL, separate layers attributed to SA and either NOM or GL were detected. The formation of distinct, immiscible layers is due to insolubility of SA with NOM and GL. In contrast, GL and NOM are both water-soluble, and therefore soluble with each other, forming a homogenous layer on the mineral surface. Our results suggest that the extent of complex layering formed on the OC–mineral interface may depend on the relative solubility of the compounds.
MDP25, A Novel Calcium Regulatory Protein, Mediates Hypocotyl Cell Elongation by Destabilizing Cortical Microtubules in Arabidopsis

The regulation of hypocotyl elongation is important for plant growth. Microtubules play a crucial role during hypocotyl cell elongation. However, the molecular mechanism underlying this process is not well understood. In this study, we describe a novel Arabidopsis thaliana microtubule-destabilizing protein 25 (MDP25) as a negative regulator of hypocotyl cell elongation. We found that MDP25 directly bound to and destabilized microtubules to enhance microtubule depolymerization in vitro. The seedlings of mdp25 mutant Arabidopsis lines had longer etiolated hypocotyls. In addition, MDP25 overexpression resulted in significant overall shortening of hypocotyl cells, which exhibited destabilized cortical microtubules and abnormal cortical microtubule orientation, suggesting that MDP25 plays a crucial role in the negative regulation of hypocotyl cell elongation. Although MDP25 localized to the plasma membrane under normal conditions, increased calcium levels in cells caused MDP25 to partially dissociate from the plasma membrane and move into the cytosol. Cellular MDP25 bound to and destabilized cortical microtubules, resulting in their reorientation, and subsequently inhibited hypocotyl cell elongation. Our results suggest that MDP25 exerts its function on cortical microtubules by responding to cytoplasmic calcium levels to mediate hypocotyl cell elongation.
TTF and TCNQ adducts of trimeric perfluoro- ortho -phenylene mercury

Abstract Combination of trimeric perfluoro-ortho-phenylene mercury (1) with TTF and TCNQ in a 1:1 mixture of CH2Cl2 and CS2 followed by slow evaporation of the solvent leads to the formation of orange needles of [(1)2·TTF] (2) and light yellow needles of [(1)2·TCNQ] (3), respectively. The structure of both complexes has been determined by X-ray analysis. The solid-state structure of 2 consists of centrosymmetrical supramolecules of [(1)2·TTF], in which the TTF molecule is sandwiched by two molecules of 1. This supramolecule is held by multiple Hg···S secondary interactions ranging from 3.467(5) A to 3.533(5) A. The solid state of 3 also consists of centrosymmetrical molecules of [(1)2·TCNQ]. In this case, however, the TCNQ molecule is approximately perpendicular to the neighboring molecules of 1 with which it interacts by coordination of two nitrile groups. Examination of the atomic connectivity indicates the simultaneous coordination of the coordinated nitrile nitrogen atoms to the three mercury centers of 1. The resulting Hg···N distances range from 3.102(11) to 3.134(11) A. To cite this article: M.R. Haneline et al., C. R. Chimie 7 (2004).
Epilepsy Following Neonatal Seizures Symptomatic Of Stroke

Investigators from Child Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Pediatric University Hospital, Padua, Italy studied the long term risk of developing epilepsy in patients with EEG confirmed neonatal seizures and arterial ischemic stroke.
Accurate Loop Self Inductance Bound for Efficient Inductance Screening

An analytical model for the upper bound of loop self inductance has been developed that is applicable to a wide range of layout geometries commonly encountered in high performance integrated circuits. We demonstrate that the existing analytical models can significantly underestimate the value of loop self inductance producing optimistic results. When compared with field solver results, the developed model shows an average error of 2%. A speedup of more than three orders of magnitude is obtained enabling our model to be fit for applications in inductance screening, inductance aware physical synthesis and prelayout inductance estimation
Zinc ion-DNA polymer interactions

The adjacent GN7-M-GN7 cross-linking and adjacent G-M-G sandwich-complex models for DNA metal ion binding were evaluated both with native DNAs differing in GC content as well as with the synthetic polymers poly [(dGdC)]2, poly[(dAdT)]2, and poly[(dAdC)(dGdT)]. The effect of Zn2+ was studied in depth, and limited studies were also performed with Co2+ and Mg2+. The results were compared to the extensive information available on Cu2+ binding to native DNAs and poly[(dAdT)]2. At high ratios of metal/base (R), Zn2+ caused all native DNAs to denature with the same melting temperature Tm, approximately 61 degrees C. A similar pattern was reported previously for Cu2+, but the typical Tm was approximately 35 degrees C. The extent of renaturation on cooling DNAs denatured in the presence of Zn2+ increased with GC content, as reported previously for Cu2+. These results, together with previously reported similarities, strongly indicate that the DNA binding characteristics of the two cations are similar. By comparison of the Tm values and hyperchromicity changes monitored at 260 and 282 nm, it is clear that, during thermal denaturation in the presence of Zn2+, both AT and GC regions were denatured, even at high R. The Tm vs R profile for the native DNAs was typical. The rise at low R and subsequent decrease at high R were inversely and directly related, respectively, to GC content. Except for poly[(dAdT)]2, where Tm increased with R, the other synthetic polymers exhibited the increase/decrease pattern. Poly[(dAdC)(dGdT)] gave a Tm value at high R of 54 degrees C. In the absence of Zn2+, this polymer exhibited little hypochromicity on cooling of denatured polymer. However, in the presence of Zn2+, nearly complete hypochromicity was observed, although the midpoint of the cooling curve was lower than the Tm value by approximately 15 degrees C at R = 10. These characteristics were similar to those with native DNAs, although viscosity and CD studies suggested that the "renatured" polymer was not identical to the unheated polymer. Furthermore, addition of Zn2+ after denaturation nearly completely reversed the absorption increase. This finding contrasts with those for native DNAs, where the Zn2+ must be present during denaturation in order to reverse the absorption increase nearly completely on cooling. With some caveats, poly[(dAdC)(dGdT)] appears to be a good model for native DNAs since its properties, including CD and uv changes on addition of Zn2+ to premelted and melted polymer, parallel those of the native polymers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
USGS Groundwater Report

The quality of the nation's groundwater is good, overall, according to Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science, James W. Ziglar. But “its management and protection present a major challenge.” Ziglar was speaking at a press conference October 7 in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Geological Survey recently released its fourth National Water Summary 1986—Hydrologic Events and Ground-Water Quality. The summary says that most fresh groundwater meets federal and state drinking water standards and is suitable for most uses. Groundwater is the source of more than half the nation's drinking water, including almost all of its rural population. The 560-page report covers hydrologie conditions and waterrelated events for water year 1986 (Oct. 1, 1985 to Sept. 30, 1986), hydrologie perspectives on water issues, and a state-by-state summary of groundwater quality.
p53 and p21 expression in precancerous lesions and carcinomas of the uterine cervix: overexpression of p53 predicts poor disease outcome.

Abstract Objectives. Abnormal expression of the p53 and p21 waf1/cip1 tumor suppressor genes has been observed in a variety of human tumors, but little is known about its expression during cervical tumorigenesis. To identify the potential implications of both genes in the development of cervical carcinoma and explore the clinical importance of changes in gene expression, we assessed the levels of both proteins in precancerous lesions and carcinomas of the cervix. Methods. In our study, 10 low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 35 high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 12 microinvasive carcinomas, and 103 invasive carcinomas were evaluated. The expression of p53 and p21 was studied by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies specific for these proteins. Results. p21 was expressed in all samples of normal epithelium, LSIL, and HSIL, and the mean values of expression were 50.3, 42.5, and 44.5%, respectively. Conversely, the expression of p21 was significantly reduced in microinvasive (30.7%) and invasive carcinomas (9.9%). p53 nuclear staining was not detected in normal epithelium samples or LSILs, while 4 (11.4%) of 35 HSILs, 1 (8.3%) of 12 microinvasive carcinomas, and 38 (36.9%) of 103 invasive carcinomas were positive for p53. Compared with the results of the control group, precancerous lesions, and microinvasive carcinoma, the mean value of p53 expression (4.8%) in invasive carcinoma was significantly higher. Furthermore, p53 overexpression was significantly associated with advanced stage of the tumor ( P Conclusions. The trend of reduced p21 expression in microinvasive and invasive carcinomas suggests that p21 may play a tumor-suppressor function in neoplastic transformation in cervical epithelium and inactivation of p21 may be an early event in cervical carcinogenesis. Our results indicated that p53 overexpression was a significant predictor of poor disease outcome in univariate analysis. Moreover, significantly increased expression of p53 in advanced-stage cervical carcinoma implies that inactivation of p53 is associated with tumor progression. Finally, this study further supports the notion that induction of p21 expression can be regulated in a p53-independent manner.
A universal structure for SRAM cell characterization

A universal test structure (UTS) for SRAM cell characterization is proposed and implemented in 65nm -28nm technologies. The structure allows, for the first time, measurement of nearly all transistor and cell characteristics of an SRAM cell on silicon. It hence enables direct correlation among various measured transistor and cell characteristics, collection of intra-bit transistor mismatch data, and assessment of wafer level Vmin sensitivity on transistor characteristics. Measured data are presented.
Miniature continuous coverage wideband GPS antenna array

A four element spiral array was designed to operate continuously from 1100-1600 MHz with greater than 1 dBic peak realized gain and good upper hemispherical coverage (greater than -4.5 dBic for thetasles80deg). The array including its dielectric loading has a size of 3.5"(L) x 3.5"(W) x 0.8"(H). As such, it fits into the existing FRPA-3 footprint and radome. In addition, the array has four elements which allow spatial nulling of interfering signals, common in GNSS applications. Further return loss improvements are being investigated and will be included with measurement results during the presentation.
Variation in the Associations of Education, Occupation, Income, and Assets with Functional Limitations in Older Mexican Americans

Purpose The primary aim was to examine the particular components of socioeconomic status that may be associated with functional limitation among older Mexican American men and women. Methods Using baseline data from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly, the education, past occupation, household income, and assets of those with and without limitations in activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and those scoring ⩾ 9 versus Results Not completing at least 12 years of education was associated with a two-fold higher likelihood of having an IADL limitation, but not significantly associated with other indicators of functional limitation. Men who had been skilled manual, farm workers, or laborers were 1.82 to 2.59 times as likely as those who had been white-collar workers to have a POMA score below 9. Homemakers had significantly higher odds of all three measures of functional/mobility impairment than women white-collar workers. Conclusions Different dimensions of socioeconomic status may be associated with separate aspects of functional limitation in distinct ways, which vary by sex.
Stability of Hierarchical Mobile Ad Hoc Networks

In hierarchical mobile ad hoc networks, the architectural stability is a key factor in determining the network performance. There are many solutions proposed to construct stable clusters, none of which has however revealed the maximum stability attainable in the mobile environments. In this paper, we define two metrics to measure the stability of hierarchical networks: the cluster lifetime and the inter-cluster link lifetime. We model and analyze the maximum of these two lifetimes with consideration of node mobility. The analytical understanding of maximum stability provides a guideline for the clustering and routing protocol design to optimize network performance.
Some observations on the erosion of ductile metals

Abstract The factors which may influence the erosion of ductile metals are listed. It is shown that the effect of some of these variables may be predicted on simple fundamental grounds. On this basis, quantitative predictions may be made for the erosion of ductile metals by hard abrasive grains which strike at grazing angles. Other aspects of erosion which are not as well understood at the present time, are also discussed.
The Astrolabe Project

Marine astrolabes were a simplification of the existing Islamic calculating devices and were used during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries to measure the height of the sun at noon on sailing ships. With this value and the proper tables, sea captains could calculate the latitude and estimate the position of their ships during the long oceanic voyages that characterized the first age of globalization. This paper presents an inventory of all marine astrolabes known to exist, and proposes a taxonomy and chronology of their styles, based on the available data.
Strand and face: the topography of interactions between the SV40 origin of replication and T-antigen during the initiation of replication.

Abstract The mechanism by which a replicator (origin of replication) becomes denatured during the initiation of replication is not understood for any prokaryotic or eukaryotic system. To address this question, we chemically probed the molecular contacts on the SV40 origin of replication (ori) that are used by the SV40 large T-antigen and a single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSB) during ori denaturation. Prior to the actual denaturation step, the T-antigen double hexamer bound ori utilizing sugar-phosphate contacts that were located on opposite strands in each flanking domain of ori. Each set of flanking phosphate contacts were also located on approximately opposite faces of the ori duplex. While the phosphate contacts had a 2-fold symmetry with respect to the ori center, T-antigen contacts with nucleotide bases were polar with critical interactions detected in only one of the two flanking domains. During origin denaturation catalyzed by T-antigen and a SSB, numerous new contacts to flanking phosphates were observed on the strand not initially bound by T-antigen, suggesting movement of each T-antigen hexamer outward from ori. These data suggest that T-antigen initially binds ori in a manner that facilitates transfer of each T-antigen hexamer to opposite strands during the initiation of SV40 replication.
Release strategies affect survival and distribution of green lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae) in augmentation programs

We evaluated 3 aspects of release strategies used to augment green lacewings ( Chrysoperla spp.): the delivery system, the release rate and timing, and the lacewing developmental stage released. Tests were conducted in vineyards with either the common green lacewing, Chrysoperla carnea (Stephens); the Comanche lacewing, Chrysoperla comanche Banks; or Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister). Lacewings were released to suppress 2 leafhopper pests, Erythroneura variabilis Beamer and the western grape leafhopper, Erythroneura elegantula Osborn. Two commercial delivery systems were compared. In the 1st delivery system, a mixture of lacewing eggs and com grit was placed in paper cups, which were distributed to every 5th vine in every other row. This delivery system resulted in poor egg hatch and larval dispersal. Egg hatch was low (≈60%) in the paper cups, compared with egg hatch when lacewings were reared in individual cells (≈91%). The poor egg hatch is attributed primarily to cannibalism. Larval dispersal from paper cups with com grit was 25% lower than that from cups without com grit, resulting in incomplete distribution of lacewings throughout the vineyard. In a 2nd delivery system, lacewing eggs, combined with com grit, were dropped onto the vines from a moving flatbed trailer. Egg hatch was ≈62%. Eggs were delivered to each vine and vine row, although delivery of eggs was uneven. More eggs were dropped at the beginning (≈11 eggs per vine) of each release batch than at the end (≈5 eggs per vine). Using a noncommercial delivery system, release rates between 6,175 and 1,235,000 eggs or larvae per hectare were tested. No correlation between release rate and prey density was found. Releases timed to ≈50–70% leafhopper egg hatch had a greater effect on leafhopper densities than releases timed to peak leafhopper nymph densities. In the 3rd experiment, we tested the effectiveness of egg versus larval releases. In egg release plots, there was ≈70% egg mortality and leafhopper densities were not significantly different from no-release plots. In larval release plots, ≈50% of the larvae survived until the 3rd instar and there was a significant reduction in leafhopper densities.
Ileal cytokine dysregulation in experimental necrotizing enterocolitis is reduced by epidermal growth factor.

Background: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is the most common gastrointestinal disease of premature infants. We have shown in previous studies that proinflammatory interleukin-18 and interleukin-12 are up-regulated in the ileum of rats with experimental NEC and that epidermal growth factor (EGF) reduces the development of disease. Here we investigated whether the protective effects of EGF are a result of changes in ileal interleukin-18, interleukin-12 and/or antiinflammatory interleukin-10. Methods: Newborn rats were artificially fed with either growth-factor-free rat milk substitute (RMS) or RMS supplemented with 500 ng/mL EGF (RMS + EGF) and NEC was induced via exposure to asphyxia and cold stress. Cytokine expression and localization were assessed using reverse-transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistology/confocal microscopy. Results: Enteral administration of EGF (RMS + EGF) decreased overproduction of interleukin-18 and increased interleukin-10 production in the ileum. Furthermore, increased interleukin-10 production was associated with up-regulation of the transcription factor Spl in RMS + EGF rats. Conclusions: These data suggest that EGF may reduce NEC via increased interleukin-10 and decreased interleukin-18 and that EGF-mediated up-regulation of Sp may account for the increased interleukin-10.
Our Roots Flourished in the Valley

D URING its fifty-eight years of existence under the cherished title "Mississippi Valley Historical Association," the organization generated many rich memories. All that happened did not get into the formal record of proceedings, or into any record for that matter. A vigorous opponent of the proposal to change the Association's name in 1951 contended that it had gathered about it a deep patina of human associations, accumulated wisdom, and a history of dedicated scholars working together. No one can be fully assured about the wisdom in all cases, but there is abundant evidence of people working together in rich and harmonious camaraderie. When I first came to know the Association in 1928, it was a pleasant if not joyous band of intellectual neighbors laboring in a common scholarly vineyard. I am reasonably certain that each member, old and young alike, knew almost everybody else. Soon after that affluent year, most of us found ourselves teetering on the brink of starvation in service to a depression-blighted profession. John D. Hicks, in his thoroughly delightful My Life with History, has preserved an intimate personal account of the ordeals of the pedant historian in those trying years.1 In good times and in bad, the Mississippi Valley Historical Association grew wiser through the varied experiences of its members who fired on many scholarly fronts. Annual meetings came and went. Lobby gossip was frequently more enlightening than were the papers of the formal programs. Each annual meeting brought into focus a human panorama of the profession of American historian. Like trusted bench marks in the progress of American civilization were the faces of scholars who had pioneered in their particular areas of interest. There were the younger
The Contribution of Training Effectiveness Analysis in the Army

The US Army Training and Doctrine Command's (TRADOC) Training Effectiveness Analysis (TEA) System studies assume that measured soldier job performance is a function of the interaction of five factors: the soldier, the trainer, the training subsystem, the hardware subsystem, and the training environment. Examples of how this assumption guides TEA studies and contributes to the analysis of Army training effectiveness are provided.
Heredity, Emotions and Cancer Control

Potentially malignant disease states that are inherited by simple mendelian patterns as well as malignancies that have a hereditary propensity are presented. Emotional factors contributing to delay in detecting cancer in a group of patients and in two “cancer families” are reviewed.
Evaluation of Uncertainty about Integrated Error of Electric Energy Metering

According to the question of evaluation of uncertainty about integrated error of electric energy metering, the paper gives the evaluation of uncertainty about integrated error of three phase four wire electric energy metering. It uses Excel assistant evaluation at the same time,and settles all the count problems of Evaluation,as well as the count of integrated error.
Effects of alternative interventions among hospitalized, cognitively impaired older adults.

Aim: Compare within site effects of three interventions designed to enhance outcomes of hospitalized cognitively impaired elders. Methods: Prospective, nonrandomized, confirmatory phased study. In Phase I, 183 patients received one of three interventions: augmented standard care (ASC), resource nurse care (RNC) or Transitional Care Model (TCM). In Phase II, 205 patients received the TCM. Results: Time to first rehospitalization or death was longer for the TCM versus ASC group (p = 0.017). Rates for total all-cause rehospitalizations and days were significantly reduced in the TCM versus ASC group (p < 0.001, both). No differences were observed between RNC versus TCM. Conclusion: Findings suggest the TCM is more effective than ASC. However, potential effects of the RNC relative to the TCM warrant further study.
Irinotecan: summary and future directions.

The quest for new, active chemotherapy regimens for lung cancer is an ongoing, dynamic process that has become more challenging in the past 10 years due to the increased number of "active" agents.
Recurrent facial neuromas

Objective: The study aimed to present clinical, radiographic, and operative findings in cases of recurrent facial neuromas and discuss changes in demographics of primary facial neuromas since 1986. Data Sources: MEDLINE search of English language literature since 1966 and bibliographies of collected articles were the data sources. Study Selection: All available reports of recurrent facial neuromas (N = 8) and case reports of primary facial neuromas since 1986 (N = 238) were selected. Data Extraction: Cases of facial neuromas confirmed by histologic and/or clinical and radiographic criteria are included. Data Synthesis: Compilation of reported anatomic and clinical data is included. Conclusions: Improved imaging techniques have documented an increased incidence of primary facial neuromas medial to the geniculate ganglion. Clinical suspicion, histologic confirmation of tumor-free margins, interspecialty cooperation in tumor resection, and routine follow-up imaging with magnetic resonance imaging are suggested to minimize recurrent facial neuromas.
Complications in Posterior Cranial Vault Distraction

Background The use of posterior cranial vault distraction for the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure is gaining popularity and is a standard for first-stage cranial expansion in syndromic craniosynostosis at many institutions. However, although the operation is faster and less complex than other cranial vault remodeling procedures, it is not without its own unique set of complications. Methods We surveyed the published literature for case series and case control studies on posterior vault distraction. Complication rates and types for these series were tabulated and grouped by management. When outcomes were unclear, corresponding authors were contacted for clarification and treatment plans. Results Eleven reports were found from a search of all the literature on posterior cranial vault distraction with a range of 1 to 22 included patients. The average age at surgery was 16.2 ± 11.8 months. Complication rates ranged from 12.5% to 100%, with the average of 30% of patients across all studies. The most common complications reported were cerebrospinal fluid leak or dural injury, followed by wound infections or device exposures, and device failure. There were no reported patient deaths or long-term morbidities. Conclusions Posterior cranial vault distraction is a relatively safe and effective therapy for the treatment of elevated intracranial pressure in the setting of syndromic craniosynostosis. The majority of described complications center on the interaction of the device with the dura, device extrusion, and infection. Extreme care must be used with the placement of these distraction devices and with handling of the dura at the osteotomy sites to ensure successful outcomes and avoid complications. Conclusions Levels of Evidence: III
Central Government Credibility and Monetary Expansion: a Game Theoretic Model

This chapter formalizes the central-local monetary game, discussed in the previous chapter, in a formal model. This model shows how China’s inflation over the past decade may be a consequence of the decentralized financial system in which the central bank determines the credit ceilings and the local banks allocate credits between different projects. The institutional factors that contribute to inflation will be identified and particular attention will be given to the role played by the central bank’s lack of commitment to its credit policy.
Choosing between warfarin (Coumadin) and aspirin therapy for patients with atrial fibrillation.

Pooled data from randomized trials show that warfarin reduces the risk of stroke from 4.5 percent to 1.4 percent per year in patients with nonvalvular atrial fibrillation and no history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA).
Development of a refill pattern method to measure polypharmacy in administrative claims databases

Purpose The purposes of the study were to develop a refill pattern method to identify polypharmacy in pharmacy billing records and to compare the method with traditional days' supply overlap algorithms. Methods This method is characterized by the assessment of prescription refill pattern. Concomitant therapy is assumed when two drugs are dispensed repeatedly during the active days' supply of each other. We tested the refill pattern method in a simplified scenario in which two drugs (methylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate and atomoxetine) for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) were considered. Children who had at least one prescription of methylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate or atomoxetine in 2008 were included for the calculation of 2-year prevalence of ADHD treatment polypharmacy. Results were compared with traditional method that requires a minimum overlap of 30, 60 or 90 days of filled prescriptions. We compared polypharmacy prevalence estimated by the two methods and explored reasons for disagreement. Results Among 131 385 children who had at least one prescription of methylphenidate/dexmethylphenidate or atomoxetine, the refill pattern method identified 4021 patients who had ADHD treatment polypharmacy (2-year prevalence = 3.1%). This prevalence estimate fell between those from a 30- to 60-day overlap method. The Cohen's kappa regarding determination of polypharmacy was 0.83, 0.92 and 0.80 considering 90-, 60- and 30-day overlap method, respectively. Conclusions The refill pattern method can be used as another way to measure polypharmacy in administrative claims databases and can be adapted to a wide variety of research questions, diseases and study populations. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The history, origin, and meaning of Nietzsche’s slave revolt in morality

AbstractWhile it is uncontroversial that the slave revolt in morality consists in a denial of the nobles as objects of value, Nietzsche’s account in the Genealogy’s first essay invites ambiguities concerning its origin, ressentiment’s relationship to value creation, and its meaning. In this paper, I address these ambiguities by analyzing the morality of good and evil as an historical artifact of Judeo-Christian tradition, and I argue for a two-stage, non-strategic interpretation of the slave revolt, according to which Judaism and Christianity each made essential and different contributions. The inversion of values began with the Jewish prophets, who claimed the poor were holy and ‘good’ and the rich ‘evil’ (BGE 195), and it was sustained throughout the Second Temple period by the Jewish priests in relation to a ‘priestly-noble’ (GM I 7) conception of the virtuous person as holy and pure. Christ, through his espousal of egalitarianism (A 27), negated the pathos of distance essential to noble values, thus b...
A molecular Rayleigh scattering setup to measure density fluctuations in thermal boundary layers

A Rayleigh scattering-based density fluctuation measurement system was set up inside a low-speed wind tunnel of NASA Ames Research Center. The immediate goal was to study the thermal boundary layer on a heated flat plate. A large number of obstacles had to be overcome to set up the system, such as the removal of dust particles using air filters, the use of photoelectron counting electronics to measure low intensity light, an optical layout to minimize stray light contamination, the reduction in tunnel vibration, and an expanded calibration process to relate photoelectron arrival rate to air density close to the plate surface. To measure spectra of turbulent density fluctuations, a two-PMT cross-correlation system was used to minimize the shot noise floor. To validate the Rayleigh measurements, temperature fluctuations spectra were calculated from density spectra and then compared with temperature spectra measured with a cold-wire probe operated in constant current mode. The spectra from the downstream half of the plate were found to be in good agreement with cold-wire probe, whereas spectra from the leading edge differed. Various lessons learnt are discussed. It is believed that the present effort is the first measurement of density fluctuations spectra in a boundary layer flow.
Hemodialysis in the Morbidly Obese

Obesity has increased substantially in the American population over the past two decades. Given this significant increase and the association with hypertension and diabetes, the hemodialysis access surgeon must be comfortable in creating functioning access in obese patients. Obese patients are at increased risk for surgical site infections, have deeper anatomic structures that may limit dialysis cannulation, and are in a systemic proinflammatory and prothrombotic state. The successful creation of hemodialysis access often requires adjunctive procedures to increase the produced reliable access, and techniques that have demonstrated efficacy include transposition, elevation, lipectomy, minimal incision superficialization technique (MIST), and suction lipectomy (liposuction). When autogenous fistula creation is not possible necessitating a graft for permanent access, adjunctive intraoperative procedures are useful, particularly with tunneling, in allowing repeated successful dialysis. Obese patients are also impacted by the need for tunneled dialysis catheters and may develop a central vein stenosis or occlusion. In this patient group, upper extremity dialysis access is preferred over the lower extremity, and Hemodialysis Reliable Outflow (HeRO) may provide a useful manner for successful dialysis.
Atypical anatomy associated with a lumbar far lateral disc herniation

Abstract Far lateral disc herniation is an uncommon but potentially significant cause of intractable leg pain associated with compression of the exiting nerve root and associated dorsal root ganglion. Since far lateral disc herniations are located outside the spinal canal, several minimally invasive paraspinal muscle-splitting techniques have been developed that allow for neural decompression with reduced soft tissue and bony trauma compared with conventional midline approaches. However, minimally invasive approaches require familiarity with the microsurgical anatomy of the extra-foraminal compartment because of the limited exposure. We report a case of an atypical anatomic relationship identified during far lateral discectomy involving a disc fragment located in a superolateral location relative to the exiting nerve root rather than the more common inferomedial location. This report highlights that familiarity with atypical locations of an extra-foraminal disc herniation and careful exploration of all quadrants in the surgical field is important during minimally invasive far lateral discectomy.
Mixed hyperbolic: Second-order parabolic formulations of general relativity

Two new formulations of general relativity are introduced. The first one is a parabolization of the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner formulation and is derived by the addition of combinations of the constraints and their derivatives to the right-hand side of the Arnowitt-Deser-Misner evolution equations. The desirable property of this modification is that it turns the surface of constraints into a local attractor because the constraint propagation equations become second-order parabolic independently of the gauge conditions employed. This system may be classified as mixed hyperbolic--second-order parabolic. The second formulation is a parabolization of the Kidder-Scheel-Teukolsky formulation and is a manifestly mixed strongly hyperbolic--second-order-parabolic set of equations, bearing thus resemblance to the compressible Navier-Stokes equations. As a first test, a stability analysis of flat space is carried out and it is shown that the first modification exponentially damps and smoothes all constraint-violating modes. These systems provide a new basis for constructing schemes for long-term and stable numerical integration of the Einstein field equations.
Friction at Ice-Ih/Water Interfaces Is Governed by Solid/Liquid Hydrogen-Bonding

Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations of solid/liquid friction at ice/water interfaces suggest that the surface density of solid to liquid hydrogen bonds directly correlates with interfacial friction. The basal {0001}, prismatic {1010}, pyramidal {2021}, and secondary prism {1120} facets of ice-Ih were drawn through liquid water with a momentum flux between the solid and liquid phases. Solid to liquid hydrogen bonds were identified using local tetrahedral ordering of the water molecules. An expression for friction coefficients appropriate for negative slip boundary conditions is presented, and the computed friction of these interfaces is found to be invariant to the shear rate and direction of shear relative to the surface features. Structural and dynamic interfacial widths for all four facets were found to be similar (6.6–9.5 A structural and 9–15 A dynamic) and are largely independent of the shear rate and direction. Differences in the solid to liquid hydrogen bond density are explained in te...
MCNP/X Form Factor Upgrade for Improved Photon Transport

The angular distribution of scattered photons is incorrect in MCNPX and MCNP5 because the incoherent and coherent form factors are obsolete. The obsolete data affect all photon transport problems w...
Platelet procoagulant phenotype is modulated by a p38-MK2 axis that regulates RTN4/Nogo proximal to the endoplasmic reticulum: utility of pathway analysis

Upon encountering physiological cues associated with damaged or inflamed endothelium, blood platelets set forth intracellular responses to ultimately support hemostatic plug formation and vascular ...
Products and Sums of Idempotent Matrices over Principal Ideal Domains

Writing a square matrix as a product of idempotent matrices attracted the attention of several linear algebraists. Equally interesting is the problem of writing a square matrix as a sum of idempotent matrices. Much work was done for real matrices and for matrices over other algebraic structures. We shall consider some of this work and present some new results for matrices over projective free rings.