cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Case for a 700+GeV WIMP: Cosmic ray spectra from PAMELA, Fermi, and ATIC

Multiple lines of evidence indicate an anomalous injection of high-energy e{sup +}e{sup -} in the galactic halo. The recent e{sup +} fraction spectrum from the payload for antimatter matter exploration and light-nuclei astrophysics (PAMELA) shows a sharp rise up to 100 GeV. The Fermi gamma-ray space telescope has found a significant hardening of the e{sup +}e{sup -} cosmic-ray spectrum above 100 GeV, with a break, confirmed by HESS at around 1 TeV. The advanced thin ionization calorimeter (ATIC) has also detected a similar excess, falling back to the expected spectrum at 1 TeV and above. Excess microwaves towards the galactic center in the WMAP data are consistent with hard synchrotron radiation from a population of 10-100 GeV e{sup +}e{sup -} (the WMAP 'Haze'). We argue that dark matter annihilations can provide a consistent explanation of all of these data, focusing on dominantly leptonic modes, either directly or through a new light boson. Normalizing the signal to the highest energy evidence (Fermi and HESS), we find that similar cross sections provide good fits to PAMELA and the Haze, and that both the required cross section and annihilation modes are achievable in models with Sommerfeld-enhanced annihilation. These models naturally predict significant productionmore » of gamma rays in the galactic center via a variety of mechanisms. Most notably, there is a robust inverse-Compton scattered (ICS) gamma-ray signal arising from the energetic electrons and positrons, detectable at Fermi/GLAST energies, which should provide smoking gun evidence for this production.« less
Influence functions for certain parameters in multivariate analysis

The influence function introduced by Hampe1 (1968, 1973, 1974) is a tool that can be used for outlier detection. Campbell (1978) has obtained influence function for Mahalanobis’s distance between two populations which can be used for detecting outliers in discrim-inant analysis. In this paper influence functions for a variety of parametric functions in multivariate analysis are obtained. Influence functions for the generalized variance, the matrix of regression coefficients, the noncentrality matrix Σ-1 δ in multivariate analysis of variance and its eigen values, the matrix L, which is a generalization of 1-R2 , canonical correlations, principal components and parameters that correspond to Pillai’s statistic (1955), Hotelling’s (1951) generalized To2 and Wilk’s Λ (1932), which can be used for outlier detection in multivariate analysis, are obtained. Delvin, Ginanadesikan and Kettenring (1975) have obtained influence function for the population correlation co-efficient in the bivariate case. It is shown in...
Mask and wafer inspection and cleaning for proximity x-ray lithography

Over the past five years that eh IBM Advanced Lithography Facility (ALF) has been operational, we have learned much about the practical aspects of proximity x-ray lithography: synchrotron reliability; mask manufacturing; process development; and mask and wafer handling, inspection, and cleaning. Because proximity x-ray printing requires small mask-to-wafer gaps, the primary concern is protecting the mask from large foreign material (FM). Particle heights greater than the gap represent a mask scratch or breakage risk that must be managed. ALF, the IBM Advanced Mask Facility (AMF), and the Proximity x-ray Lithography Association have developed techniques for inspection and cleaning of masks and wafers to address both large and small FM concerns. This paper will review the practical implementation of inspection and cleaning techniques as presently used in ALF and AMF.
Two-frequency laser-induced fluorescence technique for rapid velocity-field measurements in gas flows.

A technique is presented for measurements of two-dimensional velocity fields in gas flows. The single-mode frequency of an argon-ion laser is fixed in the wing of an absorption line of iodine molecules that are seeded at low level in the flow of interest. The emitted fluorescence is detected with an image-intensified 100 x 100 photodiode-array camera. two pairs of counterpropagating laser sheets sequentially probe the flow to determine two velocity components. The frequency in one pair is shifted with respect to the other by an acousto-optic modulator. This two-frequency scheme eliminates the need to determine the slope of the line externally and offers the potential for combined pressure and velocity-field measurements.
The Rotation of the Globular Cluster 47 Tucanae in the Plane of the Sky

We have used the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) to measure the component of rotation of 47 Tuc in the plane of the sky, using background stars of the SMC as a reference. The rotation is comparable to that in the line of sight, showing that the axis of rotation of the cluster is considerably inclined. We also give an improved value of the absolute proper motion of 47 Tuc.
ABT-737 synergizes with Bortezomib to kill melanoma cells.

The BH3 mimetic ABT-737 is a potent inhibitor of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, and Bcl-w. The Bcl-2 family modulates sensitivity to anticancer drugs in many cancers, including melanomas. In this study, we examined whether ABT-737 is effective in killing melanoma cells either alone or in combination with a proteasome inhibitor already in clinical use (Bortezomib) in vitro and in vivo, and further evaluated the mechanisms of action. Results showed that ABT-737 alone induced modest cytotoxicity in melanoma cells, but only at higher doses. Knock-down of the anti-apoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-XL, or Mcl-1 with siRNAs demonstrated that Mcl-1 is the critical mediator of melanoma's resistance to ABT-737 treatment. However, ABT-737 displayed strong synergistic lethality when combined with Bortezomib. Immunoblot analyses demonstrated that Bortezomib increased expression of Noxa, a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 member that antagonizes Mcl-1. Additionally, siRNA-mediated inhibition of Noxa expression protected melanoma cells from cytotoxicity induced by the combination treatment. These results demonstrate that Bortezomib synergizes with ABT-737 by neutralizing Mcl-1's function via increased levels of Noxa. In a xenograft mouse model, although drug doses were limited due to toxicity, ABT-737 or Bortezomib slowed melanoma tumor growth compared to the control, and the drug combination significantly decreased growth compared to either drug alone. These data imply that less toxic drugs fulfilling a function similar to Bortezomib to neutralize Mcl-1 are promising candidates for combination with ABT-737 for treating melanomas.
The passive behavior of 304 stainless steel in PCH2O and DMEH2O mixtures

Abstract The passivation and breakdown behavior of 304 stainless steel in propylene carbonate (PC) or dimethoxyethane (DME) mixtures with water and containing 0.5 M LiAsF 6 were studied. The air-formed film of 304 stainless steel provides a good passive film that resists breakdown. No pitting was observed in either PCH 2 O-0.5M LiAsF 6 mixtures or mixed DMEH 2 O-0.5M LiAsF 6 solutions if the polarizations were conducted below the oxidation potential [1800mV ( sce )] of the hexafluoroarsenate electrolyte. It is apparent that even small amounts of water were sufficient to stabilize the passive film on stainless steel through a probable oxide-oxyhydroxide formation. Pitting of the 304 stainless steel was observed in both mixed organic-water solutions at potentials above the oxidation potential of AsF 6 − because of the lack of passivating mechanisms such as salt film formation, electropolymerization, or oxide-oxyhydroxide formation.
Visualizing the turing tarpit

Minimal programming languages like Jot generate limited interest outside of the community of languages enthusiasts. This is unfortunate, because the simplicity of these languages endows them with an inherent beauty and provides deep insight into the nature of computation. We present a way of visualizing the behavior of many Jot programs at once, providing interesting images and also hinting at somewhat non-obvious relationships between programs.In the same way that fractals research has yielded new mathematical insights, research into visualization such as that presented here could produce new perspectives on the structure and nature of computation. A gallery containing the visualizations presented herein can be found at http://tarpit.github.io/TarpitGazer.
Influence of body weight and prostate volume on intraoperative, perioperative, and postoperative outcomes after radical retropubic prostatectomy

Abstract Objectives To determine the influence of body weight and prostate volume on surgical outcomes after radical retropubic prostatectomy. Methods Between January 1994 and July 2000, 1024 men underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy by a single surgeon. Information was collected on body weight, prostate volume, operative time, estimated blood loss, allogenic transfusion rate, intraoperative complications, perioperative complications, postoperative complications, surgical margin status, and length of hospital stay. Postoperative continence and erectile function were assessed from self-administered questionnaires. Results Body weight was not significantly related to operative time (P = 0.09), estimated blood loss (P = 0.12), allogenic transfusion rate (P = 0.49), intraoperative complications (P = 0.37), perioperative complications (P = 0.84), postoperative complications (P = 0.44), positive margin rate (P = 0.07), length of hospital stay (P = 0.27), postoperative continence (P = 0.72), or postoperative erectile function (P = 0.92). The prostate volume was significantly and directly related to the estimated blood loss (P = 0.02), allogenic transfusion rate (P = 0.01), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.01). The prostate volume was significantly and inversely related to the positive surgical margin rate (P = 0.03). The prostate volume was not significantly related to the operative time (P = 0.12), intraoperative complications (P = 0.68), perioperative complications (P = 0.73), postoperative complications (P = 0.14), postoperative continence (P = 0.23), or postoperative erectile function (P = 0.90). Conclusions No clinically relevant risks were associated with increasing body weight. Intraoperative bleeding resulting in higher transfusion rates represented the only clinically significant outcome that was adversely impacted by prostate volume. In the hands of experienced surgeons, radical retropubic prostatectomy can be performed in heavy men and in men with large prostates with excellent outcomes.
The General-Purpose Interface Bus

Inadequate documentation by instrument manufacturers is the source of most GPIB difficulties. A wise purchasing strategy may be the best solution to these problems.
Symmetry energy determination in heavy ion collisions

Abstract In this talk, we will examine isoscaling, the exponential dependence of the isotope yield ratios on the neutron number and proton number, as an experimental observable to explore the density dependence of the symmetry term in the nuclear Equation of State.
Endogenous cyclic electron transport in broken chloroplasts

Cyclic electron flow around photosystem I plays an important role in providing sufficient ATP for the photosynthetic assimilation of COz [ 1,2]. Cyclic activity may be observed in isolated intact chloroplasts [2,3] but is lost, along with NADP+ reduction, during the isolation of naked thylakoids; however, addition of ferredoxin has been reported [4,5] to restore NADP+ reduction and cyclic photophosphorylation (i.e. phosphorylation resulting from cyclic electron flow around photosystem I). This reconstituted cyclic phosphorylation was found to resemble cyclic phosphorylation in intact chloroplasts in being inhibited by antimycin (a specific inhibitor of cyclic electron flow [1,6,7]), by the quinone-analogue DBMIB [6,8] or by poor redox poising [ 1,5,6,9,10]. The reconstituted cyclic system has special value in studies of the cyclic pathway because there is no permeability barrier isolating substrates, inhibitors and membrane probes from the outer thylakoid surface. It has, however, the disadvantage of requiring large amounts of exogenous ferredoxin while still not giving restoration of cyclic electron flow at the rates seen in intact chloroplasts. An improved procedure is reported here that gives envelope-free thylakoids retaining almost full activity of cyclic electron flow. A spectroscopic characteristic of intact chloroplasts is the slow (milliseconds rise time) electrochromic
Union loyalty antecedents: A justice perspective

Using a justice perspective, this study investigates the relationship between union instrumentality and union loyalty in terms of union ability to address both outcome-based and process-based membership concerns. The results of hierarchical regression analysis using a sample of 451 train crew members from four railroads showed that member satisfaction with outcome-based concerns (i.e., pay, time spent away from home, safety climate) did not significantly affect union loyalty, but that member satisfaction with process-based concerns (i.e., effectiveness of the grievance procedure and satisfaction with communication from national union leaders) was significantly related to union loyalty. Moreover, process-based concerns explained additional variance in union loyalty beyond that accounted for by outcome-based concerns. Results are discussed in light of the justice and human resource literatures.
Flexible texts: Computer editing in the study of writing

Word processing may generate more than letter-perfect copy. When students use the editing capacities of microcomputers to the fullest, their efforts at reordering and deleting may provide insight into developmental differences in the writer's ability to create coherent texts.
Automated infrared imaging temperature measurement with application to upward flame spread studies. Part I

Abstract This article describes a new experimental technique with wide application that has been proven for wall fires. To measure the spread rate of the pyrolysis front along vertically oriented flat and corner walls, it may be necessary to measure transient temperature profiles on the walls. Conventional thermocouple and visual observation methods, however, have limitations due to complexity of implementation and the inherent ambiguity of visual observations due to interference from flames. To overcome these limitations, an automated infrared imaging system was applied to obtain two-dimensional wall surface temperature data in a relatively large area. In addition, upward flame spread experiments were conducted over vertically oriented PMMA flat and color board corner walls; and surface thermocouple and infrared imaging temperature data were compared in the PMMA wall fires. All the results indicate that the infrared system with a (10.6 ± 0.5 μm) bandpass filter successfully avoids interferences from the flame allowing measurements of temperature distribution on the fire-heated wall, from which the spread rate in any direction can be deduced. However, this technique will fail for flames whose emissivity is greater than 0.1.
TU‐C‐144‐02: Antivascular Ultrasound for Cancer Treatment: The Role of Thermal Effects

Purpose: Tour previous studies1 have demonstrated that low‐intensity ultrasound (1∼2 W/cm2, 0.2‐0.3 MPa) in the presence of microbubbles disrupt tumor vasculature and behaves as an antivascular agent for the treatment of cancer. Although the antivascular effect is potent and reproducible, the mechanism of action is not fully understood. The goal of this study we evaluate the role of thermal effects in antivascular ultrasound. Methods: Studies were performed in mice with subcutaneous melanoma (K1735). Antivascular ultrasound (AVUS) therapy was performed at 1 and 3 MHz. During treatment temperature was measured with a fine wire thermocouple. Tumor vascularity (percentage area of perfusion, PAF) was assessed before and after each test and sham treatment with contrast‐enhanced Doppler US imaging. Simulations of microbubble induced heating were performed for mono‐and polydisperse (lognormal distribution) microbubbles under varying conditions of experiments and blood flowResults and Conclusions: AVUS reduced the tumor vascularity at both 1 MHz and 3 MHz. The vascularity reduction at 3 MHz was two times greater than with 1 MHz treatment. The enhanced antivascular action at 3 MHz was significant (P=0.02). The measured temperature increase was 5.2 ± 1.4°C for the 1 MHz ultrasound and 10.2 ± 2.7°C for 3 MHz ultrasound. Consistent with the experimental observations modeling showed that microbubble induced temperature increased more rapidly at 3 MHz than at 1 MHz. The observation that there is greater neovascular disruption and temperature change 3 MHz than at 1 MHz suggests that the ultrasound antivascular activity is primarily thermal in nature, although inertial cavitational effects cannot be excluded. The tissue response to antivascular ultrasound injuries could further stimulate an immune response and induce endogenous vaccination.1. Wood et al, Acad. Rad., 15, 1133, 2008; Levenback et al, JASA, 131, 540, 2012; IEEE Ultrasonics 2012.
House prices and female labor force participation

Abstract Is there a causal connection between house prices and labor force participation of married women? The simple correlation between house prices and married women’s labor force participation across U.S. metro areas is positive. Plausible, informal arguments have been advanced to support causation in either direction: prices raising participation (negative income effects of higher house prices lead more married women to work) or participation raising prices (richer two-earner households bid up the price of scarce housing). I construct an equilibrium model of location, labor supply and real estate (land) prices within a metro area which predicts that (1) metro areas with exogenously less buildable land will have higher house prices and more labor force participation of married women, while (2) metro areas with married women exogenously more prone to work will have higher house prices. Using geographic instruments for housing supply, I find little evidence of a positive effect of house prices on married women’s labor force participation, but a somewhat greater possibility that house prices raise their earnings. Likewise, an instrument for married women’s labor supply reveals no consistent significant causal effect of two earner households on housing prices, although the possibility of a positive effect cannot be ruled out.
Regulation of alkyl-dihydrothiazole-carboxylates (ATCs) by iron and the pyochelin gene cluster in Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Using the pyochelin (pch) gene cluster as an example, we demonstrate the utility of untargeted metabolomics in the discovery and characterization of secondary metabolites regulated by biosynthetic gene clusters. Comparison of the extracellular metabolomes of pch gene cluster mutants to the wild-type Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain PA 14) identified 198 ions regulated by the pch genes. In addition to known metabolites, we characterized the structure of a pair of novel metabolites regulated by the pch gene cluster as 2-alkyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole-4-carboxylates (ATCs), using a combination of mass spectrometry, chemical synthesis, and stable isotope labeling. Subsequent assays revealed that ATCs bind iron and are regulated by iron levels in the media in a similar fashion as other metabolites associated with the pch gene cluster. Further genetic complementation and overexpression analyses of the pch genes revealed ATC production to be dependent on the pchE gene in the pch gene cluster. Overall, these studies highlight the ability of untargeted metabolomics to reveal regulatory connections between gene clusters and secondary metabolites, including novel metabolites.
Macrolide Antibiotics and Survival in Patients With Acute Lung Injury

Background Animal models suggest that immunomodulatory properties of macrolide antibiotics have therapeutic value for patients with acute lung injury (ALI). We investigated the association between receipt of macrolide antibiotics and clinical outcomes in patients with ALI. Methods Secondary analysis of multicenter, randomized controlled trial data from the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome Network Lisofylline and Respiratory Management of Acute Lung Injury Trial, which collected detailed data regarding antibiotic use among participants with ALI. Results Forty-seven of 235 participants (20%) received a macrolide antibiotic within 24 h of trial enrollment. Among patients who received a macrolide, erythromycin was the most common (57%), followed by azithromycin (40%). The median duration of macrolide use after study enrollment was 4 days (interquartile range, 2-8 days). Eleven of the 47 (23%) patients who received macrolides died, compared with 67 of the 188 (36%) who did not receive a macrolide (P = .11). Participants administered macrolides were more likely to have pneumonia as an ALI risk factor, were less likely to have nonpulmonary sepsis or to be randomized to low tidal volume ventilation, and had a shorter length of stay prior to trial enrollment. After adjusting for potentially confounding covariates, use of macrolide was associated with lower 180-day mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 0.46; 95% CI, 0.23-0.92; P = .028) and shorter time to successful discontinuation of mechanical ventilation (HR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.18-3.17; P = .009). In contrast, fluoroquinolone (n = 90) and cephalosporin antibiotics (n = 93) were not associated with improved outcomes. Conclusions Receipt of macrolide antibiotics was associated with improved outcomes in patients with ALI.
Heterogeneity of atherosclerotic plaque characteristics in human coronary artery disease: A three‐dimensional intravascular ultrasound study

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the intraplaque variability of coronary atherosclerosis in humans. Background: Atherosclerosis is a heterogeneous process. The degree and patterns of intraplaque heterogeneity are not well described. This study uses 3D intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to examine variability in individual atherosclerotic plaques in human coronary arteries. Methods: IVUS images of 170 coronary plaques in 98patients were evaluated. Each plaque was divided into proximal, middle, and distal sections. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were performed for each section using a dedicated 3D IVUS protocol. Intralesion heterogeneity was assessed between sections. Results: Heterogeneity in composition was observed in most plaques (89%). The pattern of remodeling was heterogeneous in 23% of lesions. External elastic membrane (EEM) areas demonstrated an average percent deviation of 28.9% ± 15.5%. Positive remodeling was associated with longer lesions (≫ median length of 12.7 mm) (P = 0.031). Soft and calcific sections had a smaller mean EEM area (P = 0.034). Calcific lesions had a smaller mean lumen area (P = 0.027) and a greater percent plaque burden (PPB) (P = 0.001). Neither the location within the vessel or within the plaque was associated with plaque morphology. Greater qualitative heterogeneity was found in patients presenting with acute coronary syndrome (P < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate a high degree of heterogeneity in composition and morphological features within individual atherosclerotic plaques in human coronary arteries. Intraplaque heterogeneity represents a challenge for imaging protocols correlating plaque features with cardiovascular events and for the development of future therapeutic options. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Warped Circumstellar Disk of HD 100546

We propose that the two-armed spiral features seen in visible Hubble Space Telescope images of scattered light in HD 100546's circumstellar disk are caused by the illumination of a warped outer disk. A tilt of 6°-15° from the symmetry plane can cause the observed surface brightness variations, providing the disk is very twisted (highly warped) at radii greater than 200 AU where the spiral features are seen. Dust lanes are due in part to shadowing in the equatorial plane from the inner disk within a radius of 100 AU. HD 100546's outer disk, if viewed edge-on, would appear similar to that of Beta Pictoris. A disk initially misaligned with a planetary system becomes warped due to precession induced by planetesimal bodies and planets. However, the twistedness of HD 100546's disk cannot be explained by precession during the lifetime of the system induced by a single Jovian-mass planet within the clearing at ~13 AU. One possible explanation for the corrugated disk is that precession was induced by massive bodies embedded in the disk at larger radius. This would require approximately a Jupiter mass of bodies well outside the central clearing at 13 AU and within the location of the spiral features or at radii approximately between 50 and 200 AU.
Monoclonal antibodies reactive with keratan sulfate-bearing tryptic fragments of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan.

Monoclonal antibody-producing cell lines were derived from BALB/c mice immunized with a testicular hyaluronidase digest of tryptic fragments of bovine nasal cartilage proteoglycan. Sera and hybridoma culture supernatants were screened by solid-phase immunoassay for reactivity against a chondroitinase ABC digest of the same proteoglycan fragment fraction. Antibody specificity was determined by competitive inhibition with purified proteoglycan fragment subfractions and their enzymatically modified derivatives. Two monoclonal antibodies were produced which reacted with keratan sulfate-rich fragments from bovine nasal and human articular cartilage proteoglycan. One, monoclonal LC8.13, is directed against keratan sulfate itself, but differs from 5-D-4, a previously described monoclonal antibody to keratan sulfate, in its lesser reactivity with keratanase-treated fragments. The second, monoclonal F1.2, appears to be directed against a conformation-dependent determinant on the core protein of this segment of the...
420 SIGNIFICANCE OF GENETIC AND NEUROPHYSIOLOGICAL ASPECTS IN FIBROMYALGIA

Background and Aims: The published experience about the multidisciplinary treatment of fibromyalgia is controversial. Our aim is to describe the results of our multidisciplinary treatment in a group of selected fibromyalgia patients with disability, and willing to return to work. Methods: After multidisciplinary meeting, 264 patients with fibromyalgia (94% female; mean age 43 (8.6) years) were included in the study, and allocated by consensus to an intensive medical, psychological, physical and occupational treatment (twelve sessions, three-day weekly basis). Patients were affected by significant disability, were free of major psychopathology (suicide risk, schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders, and severe personality disorder), considered return-to-work as a therapeutic aim, and were not applying for disability pension or in the course of labor litigation. All patients were followed at discharge, and at 6 and 12 months. Results: Significant differences were observed in pain (VAS) at discharge (Mean difference: 3.1; p< 0.01), at 6 and at 12-month follow-up (Mean difference: 2.1 and 3.2; p< 0.01), in depressive symptoms at discharge and at 12 month follow-up (Mean difference (BDI): 5.7 and 8.4; p< 0.01), and in functional ability (HAQ) at discharge, at 6 and at 12 month follow-up (Mean difference: 0.8, 0.8 and 0.9 respectively p< 0.01). At discharge, 63% of patients returned to work. Conclusions: The intensive multidisciplinary treatment for fibromyalgia is effective in patients with possibilities of functional restoration, and willing to return to work.
High-order Compact Schemes for Nonlinear Dispersive Waves

High-order compact finite difference schemes coupled with high-order low-pass filter and the classical fourth-order Runge---Kutta scheme are applied to simulate nonlinear dispersive wave propagation problems described the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV)-like equations, which involve a third derivative term. Several examples such as KdV equation, and KdV-Burgers equation are presented and the solutions obtained are compared with some other numerical methods. Computational results demonstrate that high-order compact schemes work very well for problems involving a third derivative term.
Reply to Sheward et al.: Two sampling issues in using Primer IDs

We thank Sheward et al. (1) for their letter regarding our article (2) and for reminding the reader of the importance of sampling depth when using unique sequence tags (Primer IDs) to determine the starting number of templates. A Primer ID reveals previously unseen biases and errors from PCR and deep sequencing protocols, especially when applied to highly heterogeneous viral populations. One of the major artifacts it overcomes is resampling of the PCR product.
Airway clearance in children with neuromuscular weakness

Purpose of review Assistance with airway clearance is critical for reducing morbidity and mortality in children with neuromuscular weakness. Several techniques and devices are available to enhance airway clearance in patients with neuromuscular disease. Only recently, however, has assessment of their effectiveness included children. This review highlights the rationale for use of both secretion extraction and mucus mobilization techniques and devices, emphasizing findings in pediatric patients whenever possible. Recent findings Cough in adults is adequate when peak cough flow exceeds 160 l/min. Similar threshold values in young children have not been established. Those methods that enhance secretion extraction include breath stacking, manual or mechanical insufflation, manually assisted cough, and mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. All are well tolerated in children and can increase peak cough flows, although the greatest increase occurs with mechanical insufflation-exsufflation. Techniques successfully used to help mobilize secretions include high frequency chest wall oscillation and intrapulmonary percussive ventilation. Various modalities can be used successfully alone or in combination. Summary Secretion extraction and mobilization techniques are safe, even in infants who require airway clearance assistance. To date, however, criteria specific for children are lacking to determine when such modalities should be used and which ones are most effective.
Distance center students deserve main campus resources

As universities attempt to expand access to higher education through the establishment of distance centers, it is important that those distance students receive library services equivalent to those offered on the main campus. The author describes how Southeast Missouri State University is attempting to serve these non‐traditional learners through innovative techniques and resources. By making use of both subscription and freely available online databases, providing document delivery through the interlibrary loan department, recycling still valuable reference materials, and developing a list of recommended materials that each distance center should have available in its own collection, the library is fulfilling its mission to these students.
PROTEIN UTILIZATION IN THE FRESHWATER SHRIMP Macrobrachium rosenbergii

Experimental diets were fed to juvenile Macrobrachium rosenbergii with subsequent measurement of metabolic response in terms of oxygen consumption and nitrogen excretion. Dietary formulation was evaluated by correlating observed metabolic response with levels of protein, lipid and carbohydrate in the diet. Rates of oxygen uptake and nitrogen production were also used to quantify sparing and specific dynamic action (SDA), 2 physiological processes known to influence nutrient utilization. Comparative analysis of the magnitude of sparing and SDA as well as calculation of several closely related qualitative indices of assimilation (atomic O:N, respiratory quotient) provide a suitable means of determining the dietary formulation producing the most efficient utilization of dietary protein. Preliminary results indicate that protein influences the magnitude Of SDA in the 15–25% range of dietary protein levels; levels in excess of 25% had no effect on SDA. In addition, SDA appears to be a threshold phenomenon, operating independently on the quantity of food intake. Measurements of exogenous nitrogen excretion and corresponding O:N ratios suggest that a fat:carbohydrate ratio of 1:3-1:4 results in more efficient utilization of dietary protein than ratios of 1:l or 1:2, which result in excessive mobilization of protein for catabolic purposes.
Determination of minimum suction level necessary for field dental units.

ABSTRACTA significant problem with most field dental units is that their suction is too weak to effectively remove debris from the mouth. The purpose of this study was to determine the minimum clinically acceptable suction level for routine dentistry. A vacuum pump was connected to a high-volume dental evacuation line in a simulated clinical setting and different suction airflow rates were evaluated by nine evaluator dentists for their capability to effectively remove amalgam debris and water. Airflow levels were rated as “clinically acceptable” or “clinically unacceptable” by each evaluator. Data were analyzed using a χ2 test for trend. Analysis indicated a significant linear trend between airflow and ratings (p < 0.0001). The first airflow level considered by all evaluators as producing clinically acceptable suction was 4.5 standard cubic feet per minute (0.127 standard cubic meters per minute). This value should be the minimum level required for all military field dental units.
Multiple Contact and Axisymmetric Inflation of Hyperelastic Cylindrical Membranes

The confined axisymmetric inflation of a hyperelastic isotropic and homogeneous cylindrical membrane, with ends fixed, is examined in this study. The material is assumed to obey the Mooney-Rivlin constitutive model. The radius and thickness distributions of the undeformed cylinder are non-uniform. The problem is formulated to account for single- and multiple contact. At a point of contact, in contrast to most existing formulations on contact problems, the tangency condition between elastic membrane and solid boundary is respected. This translates into compatibility relations which are derived in the form of boundary conditions. Contact is also assumed to be slipless. There are three dimensionless parameters in the problem: (a) the initial cylinder length-radius ratio S, (b) the ratio m = C2 C1 of the Mooney constants and (c) an inflation parameter Rp. The influence of S and m is closely examined in the context of free inflation. Numerical illustrations are given for single- and double-contact problems.
Impact of phenylephrine administration on cerebral tissue oxygen saturation and blood volume is modulated by carbon dioxide in anaesthetized patients

Background. Multiple studies have shown that cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (SctO2 )i s decreased after phenylephrine treatment. We hypothesized that the negative impact of phenylephrine administration on SctO2 is affected by arterial blood carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO2 ) because CO2 is a powerful modulator of cerebrovascular tone. Methods. In 14 anaesthetized healthy patients, i.v. phenylephrine bolus was administered to increase the mean arterial pressure � 20‐30% during hypocapnia, normocapnia, and hypercapnia. SctO2 and cerebral blood volume (CBV) were measured using frequency domain near-infrared spectroscopy, a quantitative technology. Data collection occurred before and after each treatment. Results. Phenylephrine caused a significant decrease in SctO2 during hypocapnia [DSctO2 ¼ 23.4 (1.5)%, P,0.001], normocapnia [DSctO2 ¼ 22.4 (1.5)%, P,0.001], and hypercapnia [DSctO2 ¼ 21.4 (1.5)%, P,0.01]. Decreases in SctO2 were significantly different between hypocapnia, normocapnia, and hypercapnia (P,0.001). Phenylephrine also caused a significant decrease in CBV during hypocapnia (P,0.01), but not during normocapnia or hypercapnia. Conclusion. The negative impact of phenylephrine treatment on SctO2 and CBV is intensified during hypocapnia while blunted during hypercapnia.
Designs of superiority and noninferiority trials for binary responses are noninterchangeable.

To better understand the design of noninferiority trials for binary data, we identify analogies and contrasts between this and the more familiar superiority trial design. We restrict attention to the problem of detecting a difference between experimental and control response rates in the setting where there is no difference (πE – πC = 0) under the noninferiority alternative hypothesis and under the superiority null, and a matching difference between groups under the complementary hypotheses (|πE – πC| = δ). Our derivation of the constrained maximum likelihood estimates (MLEs) reveals that superiority and noninferiority trials have different nuisance parameters – the marginal response rate and the control-group response rate, respectively. Our empirical results show that when individuals are allocated to treatment groups in the ratio that minimizes the overall sample size, balanced allocation is optimal only for superiority trials when the error rates are equal; otherwise imbalanced allocation is optimal. Different allocation ratios between trial types lead to different variances, and thus to different sample sizes. Finally, since the value of the marginal response rate – a design parameter in noninferiority trials – typically cannot be obtained from preliminary or published studies, we suggest a means of identifying a value that can be used. We conclude that full documentation of the design of a trial requires specification not only of the design parameters but also of the allocation ratio and the nuisance parameter, the value of which is not obvious under unequal allocation. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the solution of the inverse problem with amplitude and natural frequency data, Part I

Abstract A procedure is presented for finding the elastic properties of a vibrating body. The data needed to insure a unique solution are contained in the impulse response. Thus both amplitude and natural frequencies are required. The particular case of a beam is used to illustrate the procedure.
Perioperative irradiation in extremity soft tissue sarcoma

Adjuvant radiotherapy constitutes an important component of the treatment of soft tissue sarcomas. Extremity soft tissue sarcomas constitute a large proportion of this rare mesenchymal tumor. Questions regarding timing, techniques and toxicity come into play about optimizing adjuvant radiotherapy. This article will discuss recent trends and outcomes of perioperative, that is, preoperative and postoperative, irradiation.
History of American paleoanthropological research on early Hominidae, 1925–1980

Understanding of the early stages of hominid evolution prior to 1925 was based primarily on comparative morphological evidence derived from extant primates. With the publication of Australopithecus by Dart in 1925 and subsequent research in South Africa, new possibilities for empirical assessment of early hominid evolutionary history were opened. It was Gregory's work, with Hellman, reported at the first meeting of the AAPA in 1930, that convinced many workers of the hominid status of Australopithecus. The debunking of Eoanthropus as a Pliocene hominid, far from having a totally negative effect, showed that cranial expansion had occurred after bipedalism in hominid evolution, demonstrated that chemical dating had come of age, and in a broader sense, had underlined that phylogenetic hypotheses are falsifiable by recourse to the evidence. The input of biological sciences into early hominid studies, as exemplified by Washburn's “new physical anthropology,” reduced taxonomic diversity and focused attention on paleoecology and behavior. The development of the multidisciplinary approach to field research, pioneered by L. Leakey and brought to fruition by Howell, was of fundamental importance in accurately dating and understanding the context of early hominids. Archaeology, primatology, comparative and functional morphology, and morphometrics have contributed substantially in recent years to a fuller understanding of early hominid evolution. American granting agencies have heavily supported early hominid research but patterns of funding have not kept pace with the change from research based largely on individualistic enterprise to multidisciplinary research projects. Future early hominid research, if funding is available, will likely be directed toward investigating temporal and geographic gaps now known in the fossil record and in more rigorous and multidisciplinary investigations of early hominid behavior.
Algorithm design for base station placement problems in sensor networks

Base station placement has significant impact on sensor network performance. Despite its significance, results on this problem remain limited, particularly theoretical results that can provide performance guarantee. This paper proposes a set of procedure to design (1 -- e) approximation algorithms for base station placement problems under any desired small error bound e > 0. It offers a general framework to transform infinite search space to a finite-element search space with performance guarantee. We apply this procedure to solve two practical problems. In the first problem where the objective is to maximize network lifetime, an approximation algorithm designed through this procedure offers 1 / e2 complexity reduction when compared to a state-of-the-art algorithm. This represents the best known result to this problem. In the second problem, we apply the design procedure to address base station placement problem for maximizing network capacity. Our (1 -- e) approximation algorithm is the first theoretical result on this problem.
Obama's Wired Campaign: Lessons for Public Health Communication

For those who still question the value of new media in public health campaigns, the election of Barack Obama as the 44th president of the United States can be instructive. Obama's campaign strategy...
Heritable divergence of Rhagoletis pomonella host races by seasonal asynchrony

Possible mechanisms for animal speciation in the absence of geographic isolation remain controversial. Univoltine flies of the Rhagoletis pomonella sibling species group of larval fruit parasites have been cited1–5 as prime examples of sympatric speciation through divergence in host plant association. The recent emergence of several populations of R. pomonella associated with plants other than the fly's native hawthorn host has been attributed to the effects described by a model2–4 of sympatric host-race formation involving host recognition and survival genes; however, direct genetic evidence of biologically meaningful differentiation among putative host races has been lacking. In contrast, the potential importance of seasonal asynchrony (of flies adapted to host plants with different fruiting phenologies) in initial restriction of gene flow has been largely undervalued. Here I report heritable divergence in seasonal emergence of R. pomonella flies collected from sympatric populations on three host plant species in Illinois, in the United States.
Assessing the uncertainties of hydrologic model selection in climate change impact studies

The uncertainties associated with atmosphere-ocean General Circulation Models (GCMs) and hydrologic models are assessed by means of multi-modelling and using the statistically downscaled outputs from eight GCM simulations and two emission scenarios. The statistically downscaled atmospheric forcing is used to drive four hydrologic models, three lumped and one distributed, of differing complexity: the Sacramento Soil Moisture Accounting (SAC-SMA) model, Conceptual HYdrologic MODel (HYMOD), Thornthwaite-Mather model (TM) and the Precipitation Runoff Modelling System (PRMS). The models are calibrated based on three objective functions to create more plausible models for the study. The hydrologic model simulations are then combined using the Bayesian Model Averaging (BMA) method according to the performance of each models in the observed period, and the total variance of the models. The study is conducted over the rainfall-dominated Tualatin River Basin (TRB) in Oregon, USA. This study shows that the hydrologic model uncertainty is considerably smaller than GCM uncertainty, except during the dry season, suggesting that the hydrologic model selection-combination is critical when assessing the hydrologic climate change impact. The implementation of the BMA in analysing the ensemble results is found to be useful in integrating the projected runoff estimations from different models, while enabling to assess the model structural uncertainty. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
System Prototype and Verification Using Metamodel-Based Transformations

Mapping domain-specific languages' core concepts into the concurrent object-oriented Petri nets formal specification language provides users with the semantics necessary for developing prototypes for these DSLs. Different knowledge domains demand different types of support from software languages. Domain engineers often use domain-specific languages to overcome this problem. DSLs are difficult to design, implement, and maintain and are often less efficient than hand-coded software. To address some of these problems, we propose transforming a DSL into the concurrent object-oriented Petri nets formalism. The DSL metamodel serves as the transformation's starting point. The transformation represents the semantic mapping between the DSL and CO-OPN. We aim both to provide a formally defined semantics for the DSL and, because we integrate CO-OPN in a framework, to provide the functionalities that allow model verification and fast prototype generation for the DSL
Predicting Survival After Curative Colectomy for Cancer: Individualizing Colon Cancer Staging

Purpose Cancer staging determines extent of disease, facilitating prognostication and treatment decision making. The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM classification system is the most commonly used staging algorithm for colon cancer, categorizing patients on the basis of only these three variables (tumor, node, and metastasis). The purpose of this study was to extend the seventh edition of the AJCC staging system for colon cancer to incorporate additional information available from tumor registries, thereby improving prognostic accuracy. Methods Records from 128,853 patients with primary colon cancer reported to the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program from 1994 to 2005 were used to construct and validate three survival models for patients with primary curative-intent surgery. Independent training/test data sets were used to develop and test alternative models. The seventh edition TNM staging system was compared with models supplementing TNM staging with additional demographic a...