cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Patterns of mechanical energy change in tetrapod gait: pendula, springs and work.

Kinematic and center of mass (CoM) mechanical variables used to define terrestrial gaits are compared for various tetrapod species. Kinematic variables (limb phase, duty factor) provide important timing information regarding the neural control and limb coordination of various gaits. Whereas, mechanical variables (potential and kinetic energy relative phase ,% Recovery, %Congruity) provide insight into the underlying mechanisms that minimize muscle work and the metabolic cost of locomotion, and also influence neural control strategies. Two basic mechanisms identified by Cavagna et al. (1977. Am J Physiol 233:R243-R261) are used broadly by various bipedal and quadrupedal species. During walking, animals exchange CoM potential energy (PE) with kinetic energy (KE) via an inverted pendulum mechanism to reduce muscle work. During the stance period of running (including trotting, hopping and galloping) gaits, animals convert PE and KE into elastic strain energy in spring elements of the limbs and trunk and regain this energy later during limb support. The bouncing motion of the body on the support limb(s) is well represented by a simple mass-spring system. Limb spring compliance allows the storage and return of elastic energy to reduce muscle work. These two distinct patterns of CoM mechanical energy exchange are fairly well correlated with kinematic distinctions of limb movement patterns associated with gait change. However, in some cases such correlations can be misleading. When running (or trotting) at low speeds many animals lack an aerial period and have limb duty factors that exceed 0.5. Rather than interpreting this as a change of gait, the underlying mechanics of the body's CoM motion indicate no fundamental change in limb movement pattern or CoM dynamics has occurred. Nevertheless, the idealized, distinctive patterns of CoM energy fluctuation predicted by an inverted pendulum for walking and a bouncing mass spring for running are often not clear cut, especially for less cursorial species. When the kinematic and mechanical patterns of a broader diversity of quadrupeds and bipeds are compared, more complex patterns emerge, indicating that some animals may combine walking and running mechanics at intermediate speeds or at very large size. These models also ignore energy costs that are likely associated with the opposing action of limbs that have overlapping support times during walking. A recent model of terrestrial gait (Ruina et al., 2005. J Theor Biol, in press) that treats limb contact with the ground in terms of collisional energy loss indicates that considerable CoM energy can be conserved simply by matching the path of CoM motion perpendicular to limb ground force. This model, coupled with the earlier ones of pendular exchange during walking and mass-spring elastic energy savings during running, provides compelling argument for the view that the legged locomotion of quadrupeds and other terrestrial animals has generally evolved to minimize muscle work during steady level movement. J. Exp. Zool.
Quasiparticle behavior in tunnel junction refrigerators

Abstract We present simulations of quasiparticle creation, propagation, and loss in the superconducting electrode of a normal-insulator–superconductor tunnel junction refrigerator. We calculate the electronic temperature in the superconducting electrode from self-consistent solutions to the diffusion equation. We then calculate the power load on the normal electrode due to recombination phonons and the reduction in cooling power due to the elevated temperature of the superconductor. Our calculations explain the degraded cooling performance observed in 20 μm sized Ag/AlO x /Al junctions.
ACF, an ISWI-Containing and ATP-Utilizing Chromatin Assembly and Remodeling Factor

We describe the purification and characterization of ACF, an ATP-utilizing chromatin assembly and remodeling factor. ACF is a multisubunit factor that contains ISWI protein and is distinct from NURF, another ISWI-containing factor. In chromatin assembly, purified ACF and a core histone chaperone (such as NAP-1 or CAF-1) are sufficient for the ATP-dependent formation of periodic nucleosome arrays. In chromatin remodeling, ACF is able to modulate the internucleosomal spacing of chromatin by an ATP-dependent mechanism. Moreover, ACF can mediate promoter-specific nucleosome reconfiguration by Gal4-VP16 in an ATP-dependent manner. These results suggest that ACF acts catalytically both in chromatin assembly and in the remodeling of nucleosomes that occurs during transcriptional activation.
Olfactory Experience Modifies Semiochemical Responses in a Bark Beetle Predator

A typical feature of forest insect pests is their tendency to undergo large fluctuations in abundance, which can jeopardize the persistence of their predaceous natural enemies. One strategy that these predators may adopt to cope with these fluctuations would be to respond to sensory cues for multiple prey species. Another possible adaptation to temporal variation in the prey community could involve the learning of prey cues and switching behavior. We conducted three experiments to investigate the ability of the generalist bark beetle predator Thanasimus dubius (F.) (Coleoptera: Cleridae) to respond to different prey signals and to investigate the effect of olfactory experience. We first conducted a field choice test and a wind tunnel experiment to examine the kairomonal response of individual predators toward prey pheromone components (frontalin, ipsenol, ipsdienol, sulcatol) along with the pine monoterpene α-pinene, which is a volatile compound from the host of the prey. We also presented semiochemically naive predators with two prey pheromone components, frontalin and ipsenol, alone or associated with a reward. Our results showed that T. dubius populations are composed of generalists that can respond to a broad range of kairomonal signals. Naive T. dubius also were more attracted to ipsenol following its association with a reward. This work constitutes the first evidence that the behavior of a predatory insect involved in bark beetle population dynamics is influenced by previous olfactory experience, and provides a potential explanation for the pattern of prey switching observed in field studies.
AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF CEFDINIR VERSUS LORACARBEF FOR TREATMENT OF ACUTE EXACERBATIONS OF CHRONIC BRONCHITIS

OBJECTIVE: To perform an economic analysis for the treatment of Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis (AECB) comparing cefdinir 300mg twice a day for five days to loracarbef 400mg twice a day for seven days. METHODS: A randomized double-blind controlled trial conducted in twenty-four US centers between October 1995 and June 1997 collected data whether patients became cured or not after treatment with cefdinir or loracarbef as well as hospitalizations, clinic visits, and medications not related to the study medication. The final analysis is reported from a third party payer perspective. A total of 585 patients were randomized into two groups, 290 patients receiving cefdinir and 295 patients receiving loracarbef. Symptoms for inclusion criteria were cough and mucopurulent or purulent sputum production for three consecutive months. History or clinical evidence of other diseases and concomitant infections requiring systemic antimicrobial therapy were among the exclusion factors. RESULTS: The unadjusted cure rates for cefdinir and loracarbef were very similar at 82.4% (239/290) and 80% (236/295) using ANOVA. Comparable efficacy was further supported through a probit regression showing an insignificantly higher cure rate for cefdinir of 10.3% (p = 0.4903). The unadjusted mean medical costs per case for loracarbef were $345.03, 27.5 percent higher than cefdinir ($270.60). An ordinary least squares regression, including patient characteristics as covariates, showed a cost savings of $74.43 (p < 0.001) associated with cefdinir. CONCLUSIONS: The key findings of the economic analysis showed a significant cost savings by treating AECB with cefdinir 300mg twice a day for five days as compared with loracarbef 400mg twice a day for seven days. Furthermore, patients taking cefdinir had four less doses, resulting in a higher state of compliance and convenience.
The source of poor policy: controlling learning drift and premature consensus in human organizations

As system dynamicists, we spend our days finding and patching up faulty policies, giving surprisingly little thought to the origin of these poor decision rules. And yet, if we understood their origin, we might be able to attack the problem of faulty policy at its source. This article presents a theory of policy formation that is consistent with what is known about evolutionary processes and human psychology. The theory is translated into a computer simulation model, which is used to illuminate several ‘‘handles’’ on policy creation. The handles influence two potential failure modes in policy creation: (1) ‘‘learning drift’’, a process in which people learn unselectively and, hence, learn without improving; and/or (2) ‘‘premature consensus’’, a process in which managers agree on a policy before the ”best”one has emerged. Copyright  2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Syst. Dyn. Rev.17, 3‐32, (2001)
Depolarization of motor nerve terminals by pyrethroids in susceptible and kdr-resistant house flies

Abstract When applied at concentrations of one n M or higher to a house fly larval neuromuscular preparation, deltamethrin (DM) and fenvalerate (FV) greatly increased miniature excitatory postsynaptic potential (mepsp) rate and blocked neuromuscular transmission. The DM-induced mepsp discharge was abolished by tetrodotoxin (TTX), removal of Ca 2+ from the saline, or by application of hyperpolarizing stimuli to the nerve, indicating that it was due to depolarization of the presynaptic terminals. Also, in the presence of TTX, K + depolarization increased mepsp rate at the same external K + concentration before and after DM treatment, confirming that DM released transmitter by depolarizing the nerve terminals rather than by altering the voltage dependence of transmitter release. The potassium channel blocker tetraethylammonium (TEA) increased mepsp rate somewhat, while aconitine (20 μ M ), which keeps sodium channels open, increased mepsp rate consistently. Pretreatment of nerves with a subthreshold dose of TEA greatly increased the mepsp rate-increasing activity of DM and aconitine, while a subthreshold level of aconitine did not synergize DM. These observations suggest that DM, like aconitine, depolarized nerves by modifying the sodium channels. Knockdown resistant ( kdr ) larvae were resistant to the depolarizing action of DM and aconitine but not to that of TEA, indicating that the kdr gene produced a modified sodium channel which was less sensitive to the action of pyrethroids and aconitine. During sustained transmitter release by DM, evoked release gradually declined, resulting in a condition called early block in which spontaneous release was high and release could be evoked by electrotonic depolarization of the nerve terminals, but not by a nerve action potential. Early block was probably due to conduction block in the nerve terminals. Early block eventually gave way to late block, characterized by the decline of spontaneous release to subnormal levels and complete failure of evoked release. After late block, the calcium ionophore X-537A could not release transmitter, suggesting that late block was due to depletion of available transmitter. DM did not have a direct effect upon extrasynaptic muscle membrane. However, after late block, muscles were left insensitive to the putative transmitters glutamate and aspartate when these were bath or iontophoretically applied. A low rate of mepsps persisted after late block, indicating that the muscles were still sensitive to the natural transmitters.
Theories of Convergence and Growth in the Classical Period: The Role of Science, Technology and Trade

Recent interest in convergence raises questions in the history of thought concerning the origins of the concern over convergence. We find that in the classical period, interest in convergence centred around the connection between the growth of neighbouring countries and one's own country. Convergence was often thought to be parasitic; countries grow at the expense of their neighbours. Writers taking this view advocated policies designed to seal their country from the negative effects of such growth. Writers making the opposite connection, i.e. growth is contagious, advocated open market policies and based their optimism on the limitless expansion of scientific knowledge. between the growth of neighbouring countries and one's own country. The concern over convergence in the classical period of economic thought was that convergence is often parasitic, that countries may grow at the expense of their neighbours. Writers taking such a view advocated policies that were meant to seal their country from the negative effects of such growth (e.g. restrictions on the export of machines). Writers making the opposite connection, i.e. that growth is contagious, advocated open-market policies in both goods and tech- nology. The single most important link connecting writers taking this latter view is their belief in the continuous development of new technologies arising from a limitless expansion of scientific knowledge.' Most writers from the time of the Scottish Enlightenment through the Classical period of economic thought directly connect advances in technology with increased labour productivity and increased wealth. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated, convergence in this paper is defined as a closing of the technology gap that exists between richer and poorer countries. Convergence also, necessarily, refers to convergence in wealth, and often in per capita income, particularly for the working class. At issue among writers in this per- iod is how the connection is made between convergence in technology and convergence in these other variables. Writers taking the parasitic view connec- ted technology convergence with an absolute loss in a real living standard measure such as per capita income. Thus, convergence in living standards occurred through an absolute immiserization of the leading country. In the contagious view, convergence in technology generated a convergence of living
High-speed fixture interconnects for mixed-signal IC testing

The authors present a coaxial interconnect scheme that allows analog signals to cross the boundary between test instrumentation and a fixture-mounted DUT (device under test) without being corrupted by digital crosstalk and system noise. A compressible coaxial probe that maintains an uninterrupted 50- Omega environment and is compact and easy to service has been developed. The use of the coaxial test probe necessitates a redesign of existing DUT fixture board technology. A blind via is used to mate the coaxial probes to the DUT board. This technology provides the mechanical characteristics required for reliable contact over the long term and minimizes the length of unshielded signal path. The blind via also allows a board geometry that provides maximum separation of digital and analog signals. The combined effect of the coaxial probe and the blind via is improved adherence to 50- Omega signal path requirements and appreciably reduced crosstalk and noise in mixed-signal test systems. The resulting analog signal environment exhibited a noise floor below the -120-dB target. >
Utilization and Clinical Outcomes of Outpatient Physical Therapy for Medicare Beneficiaries With Musculoskeletal Conditions

Background Medicare beneficiaries frequently receive physical therapy for musculoskeletal conditions. Little information is available about this care. Objective The purposes of this study were: (1) to describe characteristics, clinical outcomes, and utilization for Medicare beneficiaries receiving physical therapy in outpatient clinics within one integrated health care system; (2) to compare characteristics, outcomes, and utilization based on the body region affected; and (3) to examine factors predictive of outcomes and utilization. Design This was a prospective, longitudinal study. Methods Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older (n=1,840 episodes of care) participated in the study. Descriptive statistics were calculated for patient characteristics and outcomes. Comparisons were made based on body region. Regression models evaluated factors associated with change in pain, improved outcome, and utilization. Results The patients' mean age was 74.2 years (SD=6.3), and 65.3% were female. The most common body regions were the lumbar spine, shoulder, and knee, collectively accounting for 71.3% of the episodes of care. Patients attended a mean of 6.8 visits (SD=4.7), and 63.9% experienced an improved outcome. Episodes of care for lumbar spine conditions had less reduction in pain, whereas shoulder conditions and foot/ankle conditions showed the greatest improvement. Care for hip conditions was least likely to result in an improved outcome. Knee conditions were most likely to have an improved outcome. Care for shoulder and knee conditions had the highest number of visits. Factors associated with greater reduction in pain and improved outcomes included greater initial pain or disability and attending more visits. Factors associated with greater utilization included a postsurgical condition and higher initial pain rating. Limitations The study was performed in one geographic region within a single health care delivery system. Conclusion The results provide information on outcomes of physical therapy for Medicare beneficiaries in one health care system. Further research is needed to examine optimal utilization and care for these patients.
A new perspective on multi-user power control games in interference channels

This paper considers the problem of how to allocate power among competing users sharing a frequency-selective interference channel. We model the interaction between selfish users as a non-cooperative game. As opposed to the existing iterative water-filling algorithm that studies the myopic users, this paper studies how a foresighted user, who knows the channel state information and response strategies of its competing users, should optimize its transmission strategy. To characterize this multi-user interaction, the Stackelberg equilibrium is introduced, and the existence of this equilibrium for the investigated noncooperative game is shown. We analyze this interaction in more detail using a simple two-user example, where the foresighted user determines its transmission strategy by solving as a bi-level program which allows him to account for the myopic user's response. It is analytically shown that a foresighted user can improve its performance, if it has the necessary information about its competitors. Since the optimal solution of Stackelberg equilibrium is computationally prohibitive, we propose a practical low-complexity approach based on Lagrangian duality theory. Numerical simulations verify the performance improvements. Possible ways to acquire the required information and to extend the formulation to more than two users are also discussed.
Comparison of In Vitro Fermentation and Molecular Microbial Profiles of High-Fiber Feed Substrates Incubated with Chicken Cecal Inocula

High fiber and nonstarch polysaccharide-based poultry diets have received more interest recently for retaining or promoting beneficial gastrointestinal microbial populations. The objective of this study was to investigate and compare the in vitro potential fermentability of high-fiber feed substrates (HFFS) by laying hen cecal microflora. Feed sources examined included soybean meal, soybean hull, beet pulp, wheat middlings, ground sorghum, cottonseed meal, 100% alfalfa meal, 90% alfalfa + 10% commercial layer ration, 80% alfalfa + 20% commercial layer ration, and 70% alfalfa + 30% commercial layer ration. Cecal contents and HFFS were incubated anaerobically in serum tubes at 39 degrees C for 24 h. Samples from 2 trials were analyzed at 0 and 24 h for short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Short-chain fatty acids in samples at 0 h were subtracted from 24-h samples to determine the net production of SCFA. In both trials involving HFFS incubations with cecal inocula, acetate production was highest followed by propionate and butyrate whereas isobutyrate and isovalerate production were in trace amounts. In trial 2, detectable valerate production appeared to consistently occur with alfalfa-based HFFS. It was clear that SCFA production was largely dependent upon HFFS, because cecal inoculum alone yielded little or no detectable SCFA production. For HFFS incubations without cecal inocula, acetate production was highest; propionate and butyrate were similar, and isobutyrate, valerate, and isovalerate production were in trace amounts. Polymerase chain reaction-based denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis results from both trials indicated 69 and 71% similarity for comparison of all feed mixtures in trials 1 and 2, respectively. All alfalfa-based HFFS yielded a higher similarity coefficient in trial 2 than in trial 1 with a band pattern of 90% similarity; diets containing 90% alfalfa + 10% commercial layer ration and 80% alfalfa + 20% commercial layer ration in trial 2 formed a subgroup with a 94% microbial similarity coefficient. These data suggest that high fiber sources may contribute to the fermentation and microbial diversity that occurs in the ceca of laying hens.
Vibration and audible noise of capacitors subjected to nonsinusoidal waveforms

Vibration and audible noise generated by power capacitors subjected to nonsinusoidal waveforms are discussed. A study of the relation between the vibration (audible noise generated) and the capacitor current (and voltage) is presented. Capacitor data obtained in the laboratory and in a distribution substation are compared. This investigation confirms that a bank of power capacitors can generate significant noise if the capacitor current contains high frequency harmonics. >
Time-Restricted Feeding without Reducing Caloric Intake Prevents Metabolic Diseases in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

While diet-induced obesity has been exclusively attributed to increased caloric intake from fat, animals fed a high-fat diet (HFD) ad libitum (ad lib) eat frequently throughout day and night, disrupting the normal feeding cycle. To test whether obesity and metabolic diseases result from HFD or disruption of metabolic cycles, we subjected mice to either ad lib or time-restricted feeding (tRF) of a HFD for 8 hr per day. Mice under tRF consume equivalent calories from HFD as those with ad lib access yet are protected against obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hepatic steatosis, and inflammation and have improved motor coordination. The tRF regimen improved CREB, mTOR, and AMPK pathway function and oscillations of the circadian clock and their target genes' expression. These changes in catabolic and anabolic pathways altered liver metabolome and improved nutrient utilization and energy expenditure. We demonstrate in mice that tRF regimen is a nonpharmacological strategy against obesity and associated diseases.
The impact of bark beetle infestations on monoterpene emissions and secondary organic aerosol formation in western North America

Abstract. Over the last decade, extensive beetle outbreaks in western North America have destroyed over 100 000 km2 of forest throughout British Columbia and the western United States. Beetle infestations impact monoterpene emissions through both decreased emissions as trees are killed (mortality effect) and increased emissions in trees under attack (attack effect). We use 14 yr of beetle-induced tree mortality data together with beetle-induced monoterpene emission data in the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Community Earth System Model (CESM) to investigate the impact of beetle-induced tree mortality and attack on monoterpene emissions and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation in western North America. Regionally, beetle infestations may have a significant impact on monoterpene emissions and SOA concentrations, with up to a 4-fold increase in monoterpene emissions and up to a 40% increase in SOA concentrations in some years (in a scenario where the attack effect is based on observed lodgepole pine response). Responses to beetle attack depend on the extent of previous mortality and the number of trees under attack in a given year, which can vary greatly over space and time. Simulated enhancements peak in 2004 (British Columbia) and 2008 (US). Responses to beetle attack are shown to be substantially larger (up to a 3-fold localized increase in summertime SOA concentrations) in a scenario based on bark-beetle attack in spruce trees. Placed in the context of observations from the IMPROVE network, the changes in SOA concentrations due to beetle attack are in most cases small compared to the large annual and interannual variability in total organic aerosol which is driven by wildfire activity in western North America. This indicates that most beetle-induced SOA changes are not likely detectable in current observation networks; however, these changes may impede efforts to achieve natural visibility conditions in the national parks and wilderness areas of the western United States.
Cigarette Smoking and Advice to Quit in a National Sample of Homeless Adults

Background Cigarette smoking is common among homeless people, but its characteristics in this vulnerable population have not been studied at a national level. Whether homeless smokers receive advice to quit from healthcare providers is also unknown. Purpose To determine the prevalence and predictors of current cigarette smoking, smoking cessation, and receipt of clinician advice to quit in a national sample of homeless adults. Methods This study analyzed data from 966 adult respondents to the 2003 Health Care for the Homeless User Survey, representing more than 436,000 people nationally. Using multivariable logistic regression, the independent predictors of smoking, quitting, and receiving advice to quit were identified. Analyses were conducted in 2008–2009. Results The prevalence of current smoking was 73%. The lifetime quit rate among ever smokers was 9%. Among past-year smokers, 54% reported receiving clinician advice to quit. Factors independently associated with current smoking included out-of-home placement in childhood (AOR=2.79, 95% CI=1.03, 7.52); victimization while homeless (AOR=2.36, 95% CI=1.15, 4.83); past-year employment (AOR=2.52, 95% CI=1.13, 5.58); and prior illicit drug use (AOR=7.21, 95% CI=3.11, 16.7) or problem alcohol use (AOR=7.42, 95% CI=2.51, 21.9). Respondents with multiple homeless episodes had higher odds of receiving quit advice (AOR=2.51, 95% CI=1.30, 4.83) but lower odds of quitting (AOR=0.47, 95% CI=0.29, 0.78). Conclusions Compared to the general population, homeless people are far more likely to smoke and much less likely to quit, even though more than half of smokers received quit advice in the past year. Interventions for homeless smokers should address the unique comorbidities and vulnerabilities of this population.
Online Learning of Assignments

Which ads should we display in sponsored search in order to maximize our revenue? How should we dynamically rank information sources to maximize the value of the ranking? These applications exhibit strong diminishing returns: Redundancy decreases the marginal utility of each ad or information source. We show that these and other problems can be formalized as repeatedly selecting an assignment of items to positions to maximize a sequence of monotone submodular functions that arrive one by one. We present an efficient algorithm for this general problem and analyze it in the no-regret model. Our algorithm possesses strong theoretical guarantees, such as a performance ratio that converges to the optimal constant of 1 - 1/e. We empirically evaluate our algorithm on two real-world online optimization problems on the web: ad allocation with submodular utilities, and dynamically ranking blogs to detect information cascades.
Computed Tomographic Colonography: Current Perspectives and Future Directions

Computed tomographic (CT) colonography, also known as virtual colonoscopy or CT colography, is capable of detecting colon polyps and cancers. It is emerging rapidly and has gained great momentum over the past several years, to the point where it has been proposed to be a viable primary colon cancer screening option. Despite the current publicity, many issues concerning CT colonography remain. As of 2009, the following topics are of paramount importance: (1) accuracy, including both sensitivity and specificity, (2) bowel preparation, (3) safety, (4) extracolonic findings, (5) patient acceptability, (6) training and standardization, and (7) implementation of CT colonography. Although much about CT colonography has already been learned, more remains to be learned in the future.
Estimating Error Rate in Defective Logic Using Signature Analysis

As feature size approaches molecular dimensions and the number of devices per chip reaches astronomical values, VLSI manufacturing yield significantly decreases. This motivates interests in new computing models. One such model is called error tolerance. Classically, during the postmanufacturing test process, chips are classified as being bad (defective) or good. The main premise in error-tolerant computing is that some bad chips that fail classical go/no-go tests and do indeed occasionally produce erroneous results actually provide acceptable performance in some applications. Thus, new test techniques are needed to classify bad chips according to categories based upon their degree, of acceptability with respect to predetermined applications. One classification criterion is error rate. In this paper, we first describe a simple test structure that is a minor extension to current scan-test and built-in self-test structures and that can be used to estimate the error rate of a circuit. We then address three theoretical issues. First, we develop an elegant mathematical model that describes the key parameters associated with this test process and incorporates bounds on the error in estimating error rate and the level of confidence in this estimate. Next, we present an efficient testing procedure for estimating the error rate of a circuit under test. Finally, we address the problem of assigning bad chips to bins based on their error rate. We show that this can be done in an efficient, hence cost-effective, way and discuss the quality of our results in terms of such concepts as increase effective yield, yield loss, and test escape
Signal delay in RC networks with floating capacitors

A scheme is presented for the estimation of signal delay in RC networks with floating capacitors. The scheme involves finding signal delays in the network with the floating capacitors either replaced by open circuits or short circuits. Preliminary experiments have shown that the scheme is viable and could be used to build an efficient RC simulator that handles RC networks with floating capacitors. The results are pertinent to the use of linear lumped RC networks in timing simulators to model MOS digital circuits. >
Oral Modified-Release Tranexamic Acid for Heavy Menstrual Bleeding:

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety profile of an oral modified-release (MR) formulation of tranexamic acid.DATA SOURCES:Literature was accessed through MEDLINE (1966-July 2012), Iowa Drug Information Service (1997-July 2012), and bibliographies of pertinent articles. Search terms included tranexamic acid, Lysteda, menorrhagia, menstrual blood loss, and heavy menstrual bleeding.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:All available English-language abstracts and human studies were identified for review. Data provided by the manufacturer and the Food and Drug Administration were also evaluated. Efficacy was evaluated in 2 clinical trials, change in quality of life was evaluated in 3 clinical trials, and safety was evaluated in 4 clinical trials.DATA SYNTHESIS:Tranexamic acid is a synthetic lysine analogue with antifibrinolytic activity. It interferes with the binding of plasminogen to fibrin, resulting in enhanced fibrin clot integrity. A novel MR formulation of oral tra...
Exploiting inter-operation parallelism in XPRS

In this paper, we study the scheduling and optimization problems of parallel query processing using interoperation parallelism in a shared-memory environment and propose our solutions for XPRS. We first study the scheduling problem of a set of a continuous sequence of independent tasks that are either from a bushy tree plan of a single query or from the plans of multiple queries, and present a clean and simple scheduling algorithm. Our scheduling algorithm achieves maximum resource utilizations by running an IO-bound task and a CPU-bound task in parallel with carefully calculated degrees of parallelism and maintains the maximum resource utilizations by dynamically adjusting the degrees of parallelism of running tasks whenever necessary. Real performance figures are shown to confirm the effectiveness of our scheduling algorithm. We also revisit the optimization problem of parallel execution plans of a single query and extend our previous results to consider inter-operation parallelism by introducing a new cost estimation method to the query optimizer based on our scheduling algorithm.
Invasion dynamics of Cytisus scoparius: a matrix model approach.

It is at the level of population dynamics that an invasion either fails or succeeds. By elucidating patterns of variation in population growth rates or demographic rates, it is possible to forge a connection between quantitative field data and theoretical ideas about invasiveness, invasibility, and rates of spread. Demographic models also provide a tool to guide control strategies for invasive pests. Here I report the results of a demographic study of Cytisus scoparius, an exotic shrub on the west coast of North America. I used matrix population models to describe demographic patterns in six populations (three in prairies and three in urban fields) and across advancing stages of invasion. At the edge of the invading front, all populations showed finite rates of increase (λ) >1; however, prairie populations were increasing much more rapidly than urban ones. While many individual vital rates differed between prairie and urban populations, Life Table Response Analysis revealed that seedling establishment mad...
Movements and dispersal patterns of blue trevally (Caranx melampygus) in a fisheries conservation zone

Abstract The short- and long-term movement patterns of blue trevally (Caranx melampygus) were monitored using a combination of sonic tracking and tag-and-release techniques. All fish were captured and released on the patch reef surrounding Coconut Island in Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii, which has been a no-fishing conservation zone for over 30 years. Sonic tracking produced fine-scale movement data from five fish for periods spanning up to 18 days. All fish displayed diel movement patterns within consistent home ranges, which encompassed different parts of the reef during the night than during the day. Movements were predominantly along the walls of the patch reef, with occasional forays to nearby sections of adjacent reefs. Four hundred and ten fish were tagged and released on the Coconut Island reef, and the recapture sites of 85 recaptured fish indicated that most did not move far from their point of release; 75.5% were recaptured within 0.5 km of their release points. Time at liberty ranged from 4 to 454 days, and distance between release and recapture sites was not related to time at liberty. Some fish were observed many times in the same areas over periods of several months. Both the tracking and recapture data indicate strong site fidelity in this species and low occurrence of long distance emigration. These behavioral traits suggest that successful husbandry of this species may be accomplished through the use of management practices such as establishing no-fishing zones.
First Report of Leech Parasitism in the Amphibian Family Sirenidae

Macrobdella ditetra were found to take blood meals from the salamander Siren intermedia collected from Tuskegee National Forest in Alabama, U.S.A. This is a new host record for M. ditetra, the first record of leech parasitism in this family of salamanders, and only the second article reporting an ectoparasite from this family.
STAT3 Activation of miR-21 and miR-181b-1 via PTEN and CYLD Are Part of the Epigenetic Switch Linking Inflammation to Cancer

A transient inflammatory signal can initiate an epigenetic switch from nontransformed to cancer cells via a positive feedback loop involving NF-kappaB, Lin28, let-7, and IL-6. We identify differentially regulated microRNAs important for this switch and putative transcription factor binding sites in their promoters. STAT3, a transcription factor activated by IL-6, directly activates miR-21 and miR-181b-1. Remarkably, transient expression of either microRNA induces the epigenetic switch. MiR-21 and miR-181b-1, respectively, inhibit PTEN and CYLD tumor suppressors, leading to increased NF-kappaB activity required to maintain the transformed state. These STAT3-mediated regulatory circuits are required for the transformed state in diverse cell lines and tumor growth in xenografts, and their transcriptional signatures are observed in colon adenocarcinomas. Thus, STAT3 is not only a downstream target of IL-6 but, with miR-21, miR-181b-1, PTEN, and CYLD, is part of the positive feedback loop that underlies the epigenetic switch that links inflammation to cancer.
Synthesis and Spectroscopic Studies of Macrocyclic Polystyrene Containing Two Fluorene Units and Single 9,10-Anthracenylidene Group

The synthesis of narrow distribution model macrocyclic polystyrenes initiated with 1,4-dipotassio-bis-1,4-(9′,9′-dimethyl-2′-fluorenyl)butane (DMFB) containing 12 to 55 styrene units and coupled to a single 9,10-anthracenylidene (AN) unit (PS-DMFB-AN) is reported. The initiator is formed via electron transfer/coupling from potassium naphthalenide to give nearly pure DMFB, followed by the addition of styrene and protonation or intramolecular end-to-end coupling with 9,10-bis(chloromethyl)anthracene to give the linear and cyclic polymers, respectively. Forster transfer from the 9,9-dimethyl-2-fluorenyl (DMF) group donors to the AN groups, surprisingly, only slightly increased with lower degrees of polymerization of the PS segments. Extensive simulations indicate the presence of highly asymmetrical polymers in which the two arms of the polymer dianion significantly differ in the degree of polymerization. This appears to be partially due to chain statistics but also to slow initiation relative to polymerization.
A Case For Integrating Technology Into Small Enterprises Development In Nigeria

This article presents arguments to support the integration of simple and easily adaptable forms of technology into small and medium-sized enterprises. Empirical evidence with Nigerian data shows that technological orientation leads to efficient production measured in terms of increased output (gross sales), employment and start-up capital. However, research data from other developing economies show that there are many more advantages, which may also apply to Nigeria. These include easy access to the global market made possible by the use of the Internet and web site procurement and advertising.
A Modular Approach to Phosphoglycosyltransferase Inhibitors Inspired by Nucleoside Antibiotics

Phosphoglycosyltransferases (PGTs) represent "gatekeeper" enzymes in complex glycan assembly pathways by catalyzing transfer of a phosphosugar from an activated nucleotide diphosphosugar to a membrane-resident polyprenol phosphate. The unique structures of selected nucleoside antibiotics, such as tunicamycin and mureidomycin A, which are known to inhibit comparable biochemical transformations, are exploited as the foundation for the development of modular synthetic inhibitors of PGTs. Herein we present the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of two readily manipulatable modular scaffolds as inhibitors of monotopic bacterial PGTs. Selected compounds show IC50 values down to the 40 μM range, thereby serving as lead compounds for future development of selective and effective inhibitors of diverse PGTs of biological and medicinal interest.
Renal Capabilities of an Argentine Desert Armadillo

The desert armadillo ( Chaetophractus vellerosus ) survives in portions of the Monte Desert of Argentina where rainfall is as low as 130 millimeters per year. The nine-banded armadillo ( Dasypus novemcinctus ) is not able to exist in arid areas because of a dependence on water. Measurements of kidney relative medullary thickness (RMT) indicate that the Chaetophractus kidney has a higher concentrating ability than expected for a xeric mammal of its weight. The efficiency of the Dasypus kidney is lower than expected for a xeric mammal yet higher than a mesic mammal. On a dehydrated meat diet, Chaetophractus is able to remain in water balance whereas Dasypus is not.
A Novel Skin Friction Sensor for Hypersonic Flow

*† ‡ A non-intrusive, direct measuring skin friction gage was developed for hypersonic ground and flight tests. Design conditions required gage robustness and performance at extreme temperatures and adverse vibration conditions at various altitudes and speeds. A unique feature is that the gage incorporates a bellows, secured to the floating element and the surrounding housing-shrouding, that shields particulate matter and hot gas streams from impinging the sensor interior. The device internal volume is filled with a lowcompressibility thermal transfer fluid to minimize pressure effects, dampen vibrations and help regulate the internal thermal environment. Preliminary tests conducted at the Virginia Tech High Speed wind tunnel in a Mach 4.0 flow yielded skin friction measurements in good agreement with previous tests and various indirect methods and analogies generally valid for 2D, steady flows. Further testing of the sensor will be performed in Scramjet ground test facilities and reported at a future date. Hypersonic flight testing is also envisioned.
Curative effect of torsional phacoemulsification for microcoria cataract

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of torsional phacoemulsification for microcoria cataract.Methods A total of 29 microcoria cataract patients(31 eyes)were performed with torsional phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation.All patients were followed up for 1 month.Visual acuity,pupils and complications were observed.Results At postoperative 1 month,visual acuity of 28 eyes were improved significantly,and uncorrected visual acuity was 1.0 or better in 7 eyes,from 0.5 to 0.9 in 14 eyes,from 0.1 to 0.4 in 7 eyes and less than 0.1 in 3 eyes.For pathological changes of eye ground,postoperative visual acuity had no obvious change with preoperative visual acuity for patients with visual acuity less than 0.1.All pupils were round or nearly round.Syncretio was not found at 1 month after following up.There were 1 eye with posterior capsule rupture intraoperatively,2 eyes with slight loss of pigment at local iris postoperatively,3 eyes with fibrous exudation in the anterior chamber,2 eyes with slight corneal edema,and took a favorable change after treatment.Conclusion Torsional phacoemulsification is safe and effective,with slight postoperative reaction and fewer complications for microcoria cataract.
Epidemiological analysis on acute viral hepatitis in Yangpu district Shanghai from year 2005 to 2007

[Objective] To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of acute viral hepatitis in Yangpu district,Shanghai in order to provide related evidence for perfecting the strategies and measures for the treatment and prevention on hepatitis. [Methods] The information of the epidemics of acute viral hepatitis and its pathogenic typing obtained directly from computer disease reporting system in Yangpu district,Shanghai during years 2005-2007,as well as data on the investigation of special subjects were analyzed. [Results] The annual average incidence rate of acute viral hepatitis in Yangpu district from year 2005 to 2007 was 12.17 per 100,000.The annual average incidence rate of permanent residents was 11.79 per 100,000,and the annual average incidence rate of floating population was 15.05 per 100,000.The highest incidence rate were in both Wujiaochang and Yinhang regions,where the annual average incidence rate was 24.35 per 100,000 and 23.50 per 100,000,respectively.The pathogenic typing showed that the cases among permanent residents was hepatitis B in direct computer reporting,while the cases of floating proportion was untyped hepatitis. [Conclusion] The incidence rate of acute viral hepatitis in Yangpu district from year 2005 to 2007 shows an declining trend.In the computer disease reporting system,not all the cases of hepatitis B was acute hepatitis B cases.Many of them were untyped cases caused by misdiagnosis,misreporting,or untimely correction of virus typing,when center of disease prevention and control has not carried out well supervision on virus typing in their surveillanced hospitals.
OMAP4430 architecture and development

• OMAP 4430 - State of the art application processor - Best in class power/performance - All the fundamental IP blocks are major upgrades from the OMAP 3430 [state of the art in 2007‥] - All the supporting devices - ready and waiting - • Power management/Audio chips • Clock distribution chips • WLAN/GPS/BT/Fm radio + S/W integration • Modem integration • If interested contact your local TI representative‥
Cabin air quality. Aerospace Medical Association.

THIBEAULT C. Special Committee Report: Cabin air quality. Aviat Space Environ Med 1997; 68:80-2. Cabin Air Quality has generated considerable public and workers' concern and controversy in the last few years. To clarify the situation, AsMA requested the Passenger Health Subcommittee of the Air Transport Medicine Committee to review the situation and prepare a position statement. After identifying the various sources of confusion, we review the scientifically accepted facts in the different elements involved in Cabin Air Quality: pressurization, ventilation, contaminants, humidity and temperature. At the same time, we identify areas that need more research and make recommendations accordingly.
Stockouts and Restocking: Monitoring the Retailer from the Supplier’s Perspective

Suppliers and retailers typically do not have identical incentives to avoid stockouts (lost sales due to the lack of product availability on the shelf). Thus, the supplier needs to monitor the retailer’s restocking efforts with the available data. We empirically assess stockout levels using only shipment and sales data that is readily available to the supplier. The model distinguishes between store stockouts (zero inventory in the store) and shelf stockouts (an empty shelf but some inventory in other parts of the store), thereby identifying the cause of the stockout to be either a supply chain or a restocking issue. We find that, as suspected by the supplier, the average stockout rate is much higher than published averages. In addition, stockout rates vary widely between stores. Moreover, almost all stockouts are shelf stockouts. The model identifies stores that may have restocking issues.