cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Astronomical Refraction–Some History and Theories

Astronomical refraction has had a long and fascinating history. Cleomedes (100 A.D.) and Ptolemy (200 A.D.) were aware of its existence and understood in a qualitative way some of its properties. Alhazen (1100 A.D.) quite correctly suggested that the flattening of the sun’s disk near the horizon was due to astronomical refraction. Tycho Brahe in 1587, however, was the first to make direct measurements of the magnitude of the refraction. The first theory of astronomical refraction based on Snell’s law was that of Cassini, who in 1656 looked upon the earth’s atmosphere as being of constant refractive index up to its upper limit at which all the refraction took place. Extensive investigations of the physical properties of the atmosphere modified these ideas and led to the “concentric spherical shell model” and the “plane parallel layer model,” the latter being an approximation for the former. Attempts to evaluate the “refraction integral” for the concentric spherical shell model have led to the theories of Bessel, Bradley, Gylden, Ivory, Laplace, Mayer, Simpson, Young, and others. At the beginning of the twentieth century, investigations on the physical properties of the atmosphere extended to higher elevations, and new physical properties appeared which were not anticipated by the earlier workers. This led to the celebrated work of Harzer, who for the first time was able to compute the astronomical refraction purely from meteorological measurements. Harzer also made the first detailed investigation of the applicability of the spherical shell model, which is used almost universally by workers in this field. Harzer’s work has served as a source of inspiration, but much remains to be done. This paper attempts to give a brief chronological description of some of the more significant theories of astronomical refraction for the purpose of pointing out the types of problems which have existed, how these problems were attacked, and the problems which still remain. It also gives adequate references for those wishing additional information.
Expression of Leukocyte Adhesion Molecules in Human Subfoveal Choroidal Neovascular Membranes Treated with and without Photodynamic Therapy

Purpose The purposes of this study were to investigate the immunostaining of the leukocyte adhesion molecules intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1 and E-selectin in subfoveal choroidal neovascular membranes (CNVMs) surgically excised from patients with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and to determine whether prior photodynamic therapy (PDT) alters their immunostaining. Methods The localization of ICAM-1 and E-selectin in 10 subfoveal CNVMs was determined by immunohistochemistry. Membranes were also immunostained for CD31 to assess vascularity. Results Significantly higher numbers of CD31-staining vessels per unit membrane area were found in the peripheral regions of the membranes compared with the central regions (P = 0.05). ICAM-1 immunoreactivity in the CNVMs was found predominantly on RPE cells, but also on small vessels in the periphery. ICAM-1 staining was significantly more intense in the peripheral, more cellular areas of the membranes than in the central, more fibrotic regions (P = 0.04). ICAM-1 staining in the periphery of the CNVMs was greater than that in choroidal vessels and the RPE of the normal control eye. ICAM-1 immunostaining grade in peripheral regions of the CNVMs decreased with the increasing number of PDT treatments (P = 0.05). Some of the CNVMs also stained for E-selectin in RPE cells and small vessels in the periphery. Conclusions In subfoveal CNVMs from patients with AMD, there is increased immunostaining for leukocyte adhesion molecules, particularly in the peripheral, more cellular regions where angiogenesis may be ongoing. Increasing numbers of PDT treatments may be associated with decreased ICAM-1 immunostaining in the proliferating edges of the CNVMs.
NIRCam Long Wavelength Channel grisms as the Dispersed Fringe Sensor for JWST segment mirror coarse phasing

The baseline wavefront sensing and control for James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) includes the Dispersed Hartmann Sensors (DHS) for segment mirror coarse phasing. The two DHS devices, residing on the pupil wheel of the JWST's Near Infrared Camera (NIRCam) Short Wavelength Channel (SWC), can sense the JWST segment mirror pistons by measuring the heights of 20 inter-segment edges from the dispersed fringes. JWST also incorporates two identical grisms in the NIRCam's Long Wavelength Channel (LWC). The two grisms, designed as the Dispersed Fringe Sensor (DFS), are used as the backup sensor for JWST segment mirror coarse phasing. The versatility of DFS enables a very flexible JWST segment coarse phasing process and the DFS is designed to have larger piston capture range than that of DHS, making the coarse phasing more robust. The DFS can also be a useful tool during JWST ground integration and test (I&T). In this paper we describe the DFS design details and use the JWST optical model to demonstrate the DFS coarse phasing process during flight and ground I&T.
FACTOR EFFICIENCY, SUBSTITUTION, AND THE BASIS FOR TRADE: SOME EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE*

SUMMARY This study provides evidence on the causes of per capita output differences between the United States on the one hand and Britain and Germany on the other. By assuming first-degree homogeneous production functions and using capital data, we find that more than half of such differences were due to capital endowment and the remainder to resource effectiveness in the U. S. -German comparison. In the U. S. -British case resource effectiveness was the main cause. Of at least equal interest was the difference from one industry to another in productivity ratios. This fact casts some doubt on the factor-endowment explanation for international trade, at least so far as manufactures arc concerned. Level of technology, organization, and scale may be causes at least as important for trade in industrial products. Elasticities of substitution between labor and capital were calculated and they were found to be quite small. These were used to check whether actual factor-rental ratios were safely within a range where intensity reversals would not take place for substantial further rental changes. This proved indeed to be the case. A tentative conclusion is therefore that the Heckscher-Ohlin explanation of trade is not called into question so much by shifting of relative factor-intensities as by large domestic inter-industry differences of efficiency.
Prognostic features of pathologic stage T1 renal cell carcinoma after radical nephrectomy.

Objectives. To assess the effect of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) subtype, tumor size, and Fuhrman grade on clinical outcome in patients with pathologic T1 (pT1) RCC treated with radical nephrectomy. Methods. Between 1970 and 1998, 840 patients underwent radical nephrectomy for pT1 RCC. Tumors were subtyped and graded. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to assess the features associated with metastasis-free survival (MFS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS). We identified a range of tumor sizes of clear cell RCC in which a transition occurred from low to high risk. Cox proportional hazards models were then fitted by using size cutoffs. Results. The mean follow-up (± SD) was 9.4 ± 6.6 years among the patients alive at latest follow-up. At 10 years, the CSS and MFS for clear cell RCC (n = 682) were 89.1% and 88.6%, respectively; for papillary RCC (n = 122), they were 95.5% and 93.8%; and for chromophobe RCC (n = 33), they were both 100%. The differences in CSS (P = 0.013) and MFS (P = 0.023) between clear cell RCC and the other subtypes were statistically significant. For clear cell RCC, tumor size and Fuhrman grade were independently associated with CSS and MFS (P <0.001). A transition in risk occurred for tumor sizes between 4.5 and 5.0 cm, and the tumor size cutoff of 5.0 cm had the highest concordance index for predicting CSS and MFS. Conclusions. RCC subtype is a strong independent prognostic variable for patients with pT1 RCC treated with radical nephrectomy. For clear cell RCC, Fuhrman grade and tumor size are independently associated with CSS and MFS.
Testing the Empirical Relationship between Best Management Practice Adoption and Farm Profitability

Several “best management practices” (BMPs) aimed at reducing movement of nutrients, pesticides, and sediment into surface water resources have been developed and promoted by Extension and other agencies over the past several years. This study utilizes actual farm-level economic and BMP adoption data to rigorously analyze the relationship between BMP use and farm profitability. Results indicate that adoption of nutrient BMPs has a significant positive effect on net farm income (NFI) for wheat and corn, while herbicide BMP adoption, particularly use of BMPs related to the application of atrazine on corn, has a small (but statistically significant) negative impact on income. Adoption of soil conservation BMPs is not shown to have a statistically significant impact on farm income.
The effects of baby sign training on child development

Although Baby Sign is gaining in popularity, there is a scarcity of research supporting its use. The research that has been conducted is conflicting. In the current study, nine families with children ranging in age from six months to two years and five months participated in a baby sign workshop. A pre–post-test design was used to assess the effects the baby sign training had on the communicative, cognitive, social, adaptive behaviour, and physical development. A Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to analyse the data. The data suggest that the baby sign training had a significant, positive impact on the overall development of the children. The use of baby sign was supported. Key aspects of baby sign training will be discussed.
Recent advances in mid-infrared (3–6 μm) emitters

Abstract We describe the metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) of InAsSb/InAs multiple quantum well (MQW) and InAsSb/InAsP strained-layer superlattice (SLS) active regions for use in mid-infrared emitters. We have made gain-guided, injection lasers using undoped, p-type AlAs0.16Sb0.84 for optical confinement and both strained InAsSb/InAs MQW and InAsSb/InAsP SLS active regions. The lasers and light emitting diodes (LED) utilize the semi-metal properties of a p-GaAsSb/n-InAs heterojunction as a source for electrons injected into active regions. A multiple-stage LED utilizing this semi-metal injection scheme is reported. Gain-guided, injected lasers with a strained InAsSb/InAs MQW active region operated up to 210 K in pulsed mode with an emission wavelength of 3.8–3.9 μm and a characteristic temperature of 29–40 K. We also present results for both optically pumped and injection lasers with InAsSb/InAsP SLS active regions. The maximum operating temperature of an optically pumped 3.7 μm SLS laser was 240 K. An SLS LED emitted at 4.0 μm with 80 μW of power at 300 K.
Effects of El Niño Southern Oscillation and Pacific Interdecadal Oscillation on Water Supply in the Columbia River Basin

Decadal climate variability in the form of the Pacific Interdecadal Oscillation ~PDO! is analyzed with the El Nino Southern Oscillation ~ENSO! to assess impacts on seasonal water supply in the Columbia River Basin and to test for statistical significance. The cross-correlation functions indicate a significant correlation between seasonal runoff and both the Southern Oscillation Index ~SOI! and PDO, suggesting a time period where ENSO events have the most significant impact on the January through July volume runoff at The Dalles Dam. Correlation functions indicate volume runoff is directly related to SOI phase and inversely related to PDO phase. Results show there is a statistically significant change in the mean January through July volume runoff only when El Nino events occur during the positive phase of the PDO and when La Nina events occur during the negative phase of the PDO. Precipitation and temperature patterns are illustrated to explain this shift in the mean runoff. While slight shifts in variability are evident for the various climate conditions, significance tests show that the changes in variability do not differ significantly from the neutral condition.
Effects of output harmonic termination on PAE and output power of AlGaN/GaN HEMT power amplifier

The authors experimentally investigate and discuss the effects of output harmonic termination on power added efficiency (PAE) and output power of an AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) power amplifier (PA). The AlGaN/GaN HEMT PA with gate periphery of 1 mm was built and tested at L-band. Large-signal measurements and comparisons of the PAE and output power were carried out at different DC bias conditions from 50% of saturated drain current (I/sub dss/) to 1% of Id., for the PA with and without output harmonic termination. For class-AB operation at 25% of I/sub dss/, an increase of about 10% in peak PAE and 1 dBm in output power were observed in saturated output power range. Improvements of up to 9% in PAE and 1.2 dBm in output power were achieved over the measured DC bias conditions provided the output harmonics are properly terminated.
White matter integrity is associated with cerebrospinal fluid markers of Alzheimer's disease in normal adults.

Abstract We explored whether white matter (WM) integrity in cognitively normal (CN) older adults is associated with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of Alzheimer's disease pathology. Twenty CN older adults underwent lumbar puncture and magnetic resonance imaging within a few days of each other. Analysis of diffusion tensor imaging data involved a priori region of interest and voxelwise approaches. The region of interest results revealed a positive correlation between CSF measures of amyloid-beta (Aβ 42 and Aβ 42 /p-Tau 181 ) and WM integrity in the fornix, a relationship which persisted after controlling for hippocampal volume and fornix volume. Lower WM integrity in the same portion of the fornix was also associated with reduced performance on the Digit Symbol test. Subsequent exploratory voxelwise analyses indicated a positive correlation between CSF Aβ 42 /p-Tau 181 and WM integrity in bilateral portions of the fornix, superior longitudinal fasciculus, inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and in the corpus callosum and left inferior longitudinal fasciculus. Our results link lower WM microstructural integrity in CN older adults with CSF biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease and suggest that this association in the fornix may be independent of volumetric measures.
L1‐regularization path algorithm for generalized linear models

Summary. We introduce a path following algorithm for L1-regularized generalized linear models. The L1-regularization procedure is useful especially because it, in effect, selects variables according to the amount of penalization on the L1-norm of the coefficients, in a manner that is less greedy than forward selection–backward deletion. The generalized linear model path algorithm efficiently computes solutions along the entire regularization path by using the predictor–corrector method of convex optimization. Selecting the step length of the regularization parameter is critical in controlling the overall accuracy of the paths; we suggest intuitive and flexible strategies for choosing appropriate values. We demonstrate the implementation with several simulated and real data sets.
Application of lead-free eutectic Sn-Ag solder in no-clean thick film electronic modules

As part of the lead-free solder development process currently underway, this paper presents the evaluation of the lead-free Sn-Ag solder for use in no-clean thick film electronics packages. The Sn-Ag (96.5/3.5 wt%) eutectic solder alloy, with a no clean flux system, is the focus of this study. Based on studies of metallurgical interactions, the conductor/substrate adhesion, and electromigration/dendritic growth, it is concluded that this solder has superior overall properties and is suitable for solder interconnects in thick film automotive electronics packages when used with a mixed bonded Ag conductor. >
The international influence of the Stockholm School

Erik Stensio revolutionized vertebrate palaeontology by introducing new methods to study the anatomy of fossil agnathans and fish. As head of the department of palaeozoology at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet in Stockholm, he formed the so-called ‘Stockholm School’ with his students and foreign researchers. Twice many foreign researchers worked together in the department; in the 1930s the group was composed of European nationals, whereas the group in the 1960s comprised researchers from China, Europe and North America. These people have carried on the ‘message’ in their countries. In contrast, palaeoichthyology faded out at the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, because Stensio and his followers persisted with the definitions attained without accepting new ideas from outside. The ‘Stockholm School’ therefore had its continuation outside Sweden, and it has only recently returned to Sweden, from England.
Understanding Organizational Behavior

The article reviews the book “Understanding Organizational Behavior,” by Stuart M. Klein and R. Richard Ritti.
Olympic Cities: Lessons Learned from Mega-Event Politics

As cities compete for jobs and capital in the context of limited federal aid and increasing global economic competition, a new and potentially high-risk strategy for stimulating local economic growth has emerged. This strategy, called the mega-event strategy, entails the quest for a high-profile event to serve as a stimulus to, and justification for, local development. We examine how the mega-event strategy has played out in the three US cities with contemporary Olympic experience: Los Angeles (1984), Atlanta (1996), and Salt Lake City (2002). We analyze the approaches taken by these three cities to bidding for and staging an Olympic mega-event. Our comparison focuses on the decade long period that cities use to prepare to host the games. We conclude with a discussion of lessons learned and the policy implications of the mega-event strategy on urban politics.
On the use of surrogate end points in randomized trials

In a recent paper Day and Duffy proposed a strategy for designing a randomized trial of different breast cancer screening schedules. Their strategy was based on the use of predictors of mortality determined by patients' factors at diagnosis as surrogates for true mortality. On the basis of the Prentice criterion for validity of a surrogate end point, and data from earlier studies of breast cancer case survival, they showed that, not only would the trial require a much shorter follow-up, but also that the information (i.e. inverse variance) for evaluating a treatment effect on mortality would be greater by a factor of nearly 3 if the predictors of mortality were used, compared with a trial in which mortality was actually observed. Although these results are technically correct, we believe that the conceptual strategy on which they are based is flawed, and that the fundamental problem is the Prentice criterion itself. In this paper the technical issues are discussed in detail, and an alternative structure for evaluating the validity of surrogate end points is proposed.
Human cutaneous microvascular ageing: potential insights into underlying physiological mechanisms of endothelial function and dysfunction.

Attenuated human blood vessel reactivity, and an attendant loss of nitric oxide, is an independent risk factor associated with increased cardiovascular mortality and may be the earliest pathological finding associated with cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, vascular dysfunction resulting from decreased NO bioavailability is a systemic disease process that occurs simultaneously in multiple vascular beds affecting both the resistance and conduit vasculature (Abularrage et al. 2005).
Associations of multiple chronic health conditions with active life expectancy in the United States

AbstractPurpose: To estimate associations of eight common health conditions with life expectancy (LE) and disabled life expectancy (DLE), the percentage of life disabled in an activity of daily living. Methods: Data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics represented Americans ages 55+ (1999–2011, n = 2118, mean baseline age 63.3, 19 447 person-years). We estimated probabilities of death and disability with multinomial logistic Markov models adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity and education. We used the probabilities to create large populations with microsimulations, each individual having a known monthly disability status, age 55 through death. We calculated LE and DLE for the populations, repeating each microsimulation 100 times for confidence intervals. Results: Nearly half (48.8%) of the participants had two or more conditions, 24.7% had three or more, 11.5% had four or more. Having any one condition significantly reduced LE. For example, white women lived to age 87.3 (95% confidence interval 86.5–8...
Deformable boundary finding influenced by region homogeneity

Accurately segmenting and quantifying structures is a key issue in biomedical image analysis. The two conventional methods of image segmentation, region-based segmentation and boundary finding, often suffer from a variety of limitations. We propose a method which endeavors to integrate the two approaches in an effort to form a unified approach that is robust to noise and poor initialization. Our approach uses Green's theorem to derive the boundary of a homogeneous region-classified area in the image and integrates this with a grey-level-gradient-based boundary finder. This combines the perceptual notions of edge/shape information with gray level homogeneity. >
Shape matching through particle dynamics warping

Shape matching is fundamental to numerous computer vision algorithms and may be used for similarity determination and registration. Establishing correspondence and measuring similarity between shapes is of great importance. Shape matching often involves simultaneous estimation of both a correspondence and an alignment transformation. Such an estimate is particularly difficult when the alignment transformation is non-linear and so contains a large number of degrees of freedom. We describe a novel approach for shape matching that is based on shape contexts and uses particle dynamics warping to maximize the similarity of shapes while satisfying structural constraints. The approach is based on an iterative solution of a system of first order ordinary differential equations. The main advantage of the proposed approach is its ability to incorporate shape constraints into the matching process. Furthermore, the proposed approach does not require a solution of an optimal assignment problem which is sensitive to outliers, and does not require thin-plate spline warping which is computationally expensive. To illustrate the applicability of our approach we address the problem of offline signature recognition which in contrast to online signature recognition does not provide for a simple parametrization of the signature curves. The proposed approach is evaluated by measuring the precision and recall rates of documents based on signature similarity. To facilitate a realistic evaluation, the signature data we use was collected from real world documents spanning a period of several decades.
A flexible downlink scheduling scheme in cellular packet data systems

Fast downlink scheduling algorithms play a central role in determining the overall performance of high-speed cellular data systems, characterized by high throughput and fair resource allocation among multiple users. We propose a flexible channel-dependent downlink scheduling scheme, named the (weighted) alpha-rule, based on the system utility maximization that arises from the Internet economy of long-term bandwidth sharing among elastic-service users. We show that the utility as a function of per-user mean throughput naturally derives the alpha-rule scheme and a whole set of channel-dependent instantaneous scheduling schemes following different fairness criteria. We evaluate the alpha-rule in a multiuser CDMA high data rate (HDR) system with space-time block coding (STBC) or Bell Labs layered space-time (BLAST) multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channel. Our evaluation shows that it works efficiently by enabling flexible tradeoff between aggregate throughput, per-user throughput, and per-user resource allocation through a single control parameter. In other words the Alpha-rule effectively fills the performance gap between existing scheduling schemes, such as max-C/I and proportional fairness (PF), and provides an important control knob at the media-access-control (MAC) layer to balance between multiuser diversity gain and location-specific per-user performance.
Replacing Error Vector Magnitude Test with RF and Analog BISTs

RF and analog BIST techniques are capable of replacing the traditional error vector magnitude (EVM) test used in production. In a case study, four BISTs detected actual production faults in a commercial, highly integrated WLAN device. In combination with traditional digital testing, the BISTs caught an impressive 100% of EVM failures during production of over a million devices, which presents significant opportunities for both cost and time savings.
Understanding food choice in adult men: Influence of nutrition knowledge, food beliefs and dietary restraint

Abstract Previous studies investigating the influence of nutrition knowledge and attitudes and beliefs on food choice of consumers h ave not measured restrained eating. The present study examined the effects of restrained eating, nutrition knowledge, beliefs about selected foods and demographic variables on self-reported food choice using a convenience sample of 137 adult males from the local community. The foods were grouped into general categories and the results were analyzed using logistic regression. Logistic regression tested the hypothesis that the explanatory variables influenced the decision to consume the various food groups. Results showed that dietary restraint was a consistent predictor of food choice in this population. Restraint score influenced the reported consumption of all food groups except desserts. Subjects with high restraint scores were less likely to consume whole-fat dairy foods and eggs, beef and cured meats, fast foods, fats and oils and regular soda than those with low restraint scores. Those high in restraint were also more likely to consume ‘healthy’ foods. Other factors, such as living in an urban area, income, age and education, influenced the consumption of several of the food groups, but their impact on the regression models was less consistent than was the impact of restraint. In contrast to previous research, nutrition knowledge and food beliefs played only modest roles in the reported food choices of the subjects.
A smooth transition method between position sensorless control algorithms of PM machines

This paper presents a method of smoothly transitioning between low-speed and high-speed position sensorless control algorithms of permanent magnet synchronous machines (PMSMs). The transition method estimates the load torque, synchronizes the estimated outputs of both algorithms, and then smoothly transitions from one algorithm to the other. This is achieved by commanding a calculated open-loop torque reference while the estimator that is taking over reaches steady-state. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been experimentally verified by transitioning between various low-speed and high-speed control algorithms using an 11-kW interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor.
Discovery of Novel DENN Proteins: Implications for the Evolution of Eukaryotic Intracellular Membrane Structures and Human Disease

The tripartite DENN module, comprised of a N-terminal longin domain, followed by DENN and d-DENN domains, is a GDP-GTP exchange factor (GEFs) for Rab GTPases, which are regulators of practically all membrane trafficking events in eukaryotes. Using sequence and structure analysis we identify multiple novel homologs of the DENN module, many of which can be traced back to the ancestral eukaryote. These findings provide unexpected leads regarding key cellular processes such as autophagy, vesicle-vacuole interactions, chromosome segregation and human disease. Of these, SMCR8, the folliculin interacting protein-1 and 2 (FNIP1 and FNIP2), nitrogen permease regulator 2 (NPR2) and NPR3 are proposed to function in recruiting Rab GTPases during different steps of autophagy, fusion of autophagosomes with the vacuole and regulation of cellular metabolism. Another novel DENN protein identified in this study is C9ORF72; expansions of the hexanucleotide GGGGCC in its first intron have been recently implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and fronto-temporal dementia (FTD). While this mutation is proposed to cause a RNA-level defect, the identification of C9ORF72 as a potential DENN-type GEF raises the possibility that at least part of the pathology might relate to a specific Rab-dependent vesicular trafficking process, as has been observed in the case of some other neurological conditions with similar phenotypes. We present evidence that the longin domain, such as those found in the DENN module, are likely to have been ultimately derived from the related domains found in prokaryotic GTPase-activating proteins of MglA-like GTPases. Thus, the origin of the longin domains from this ancient GTPase-interacting domain, concomitant with the radiation of GTPases, especially of the Rab clade, played an important role in the dynamics of eukaryotic intracellular membrane systems.
Acute Effects of Estrogen on Neuronal Physiology

It has been known for more than 30 years that estrogen can alter the intrinsic and synaptic physiology of neurons within minutes. The physiological significance of these acute effects has been unclear, however, because some effects require higher concentrations of estrogen than are detected in plasma, and because estrogen secreted by the ovary rises and falls over a time course of days, not minutes. These concerns may be answered by new research demonstrating that estrogen is produced at high levels within the brain itself, and that production of estrogen in the brain may be regulated by neuronal activity. Additionally, recent studies indicate that classical estrogen receptor proteins are found not only in the nucleus where they regulate gene expression but also at extranuclear sites, including at synapses. These findings, together with evidence for new types of extranuclear estrogen receptors, suggest that estrogen might act directly at synapses to activate second messenger signaling, thereby rapidly altering neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and/or synaptic plasticity.
Placental adaptive responses and fetal programming

Fetal programming occurs when the normal pattern of fetal development is disrupted by an abnormal stimulus or ‘insult’ applied at a critical point in in utero development. This then leads to an effect, for example diabetes or hypertension, which manifests itself in adult life. As the placenta is the regulator of nutrient composition and supply from mother to fetus and the source of hormonal signals that affect maternal and fetal metabolism, appropriate development of the placenta is crucial to normal fetal development. Placental function evolves in a carefully orchestrated developmental cascade throughout gestation. Disruption of this cascade can lead to abnormal development of the placental vasculature or of the trophoblast. Timing of a developmental ‘insult’ will be critical in consequent placental function and hence programming of the fetus. The ‘insults’ that alter placental development include hypoxia and abnormal maternal nutrient status, to which the placenta may adapt by alterations in transporter expression and activity to maintain fetal growth or by epigenetic regulation of placental gene expression. Hypoxia is physiological for organogenesis and placental tissue normally exists in a relatively hypoxic environment, but intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and pre-eclampsia are associated with a greater degree of trophoblast hypoxia. The metabolic activity of placental mitochondria leads to oxidative stress even in normal pregnancy which is exacerbated further in IUGR, diabetic and pre-eclamptic pregnancies and may also give nitrative stress known to lead to covalent modification and hence altered activity of proteins. Hypoxia, oxidative and nitrative stress all alter placenta development and may be a general underlying mechanism that links altered placental function to fetal programming.
Measure theory on granular fuzzy sets

A granular fuzzy set theory is modeled on fuzzy sets whose membership functions are defined on sets of sets (granules). The grade is interpreted literally; for example, that the grade of x is 1/2 means one half of the granule x belongs to the fuzzy set. By taking the union of these subgranules, one get a crisp set representation of a fuzzy set. In other words, a granular fuzzy set is a fuzzy set that has a crisp set representation. A measure theory based on such granular fuzzy sets is developed. The measure theory of crisp sets is imported to fuzzy sets via their crisp representations. Using such a notion, a belief function can be shown to be the inner probability of a probability theory of fuzzy sets.
Scale-Interaction Implications for the Waterspout Life Cycle. II

Abstract The high formation frequency and previously documented life cycle of Florida Keys' waterspouts result from energy and angular momentum cascades through five scales of atmospheric motion, namely the funnel, spiral, cumulus, cloud-line and synoptic scales. The funnel scale appears to be the most complicated in that pronounced horizontal and vertical flow asymmetries in the spray vortex and funnel-cloud walls have been quantitatively analyzed. Waterspouts are apparently a two-cell type of radial vertical circulation. The spiral scale of motion is first defined by sea surface spiral patterns during stage 2 of the waterspout life cycle. The spiral scale is important because it marks the primary waterspout growth phase and gives the first visual evidence of boundary layer rotation and inflow. The single-cumulus scale is important in providing updrafts and shower outflow for concentrating larger-scale vorticity. Motions on the cloud-line scale are perhaps most crucial for waterspout formation. Less than...
Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV): global status of outbreaks, diagnosis, surveillance, and research.

The spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV) is an OIE-listed rhabodovirus historically responsible for losses of cultured fish in Europe. Acute disease is associated with high mortality, especially in common carp Cyprinus carpio during their first spring season when water temperatures are 10-15°C. Mortality has been reported in other cyprinids and in the Wels catfish Siluris glanis. The disease is characterized by hemorrhages on the skin and bloody mucus in the intestine, clinical signs shared by other diseases including bacterial infections. In 2002, SVCV was detected on a large koi farm in the USA. The USA isolate was 98% identical to isolates associated with koi and goldfish imported from China, but distantly related to European strains. In spring 2002, a major SVCV kill of common carp occurred in Cedar Lake, Wisconsin. This isolate was also of the Asian type, as were subsequent isolates from wild and cultured fish in several states. In the USA, all infected farmed populations were destroyed and no additional isolates have been detected since 2004. One of the most critical aspects of SVCV diagnosis is to differentiate the disease from the koi herpesvirus (KHV). The most obvious difference is that KHV generally occurs in temperatures of 20-28°C while SVCV disease occurs below 18oC and commonly at 10-15°C.
A F(ab)′2-based EGFR targeted PET probe for glioma imaging

1793 Objectives Distinguishing true progression of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) from pseudoprogression after surgery with chemoradiation is quite challenging using current imaging techniques. EGFR is overexpressed on 40-60% of GBMs, and we hypothesized that targeted imaging could provide a novel mechanism for distinguishing recurrence from pseudoprogression. We developed and preclinically tested a novel PET probe, 64Cu-DOTA-EGFR F(ab)’2, for direct tumor imaging based on EGFR expression. Methods An EGFR-specific imaging probe, 64Cu-DOTA-EGFR F(ab)’2 was developed with F(ab)’2 fragmentation and chelator conjugation of a humanized monoclonal antibody to EGFR. Probe affinity was assessed using 67Ga labeling and saturation binding studies with EGFR positive A345 cells. For in-vivo studies, mice were intracranially injected with EGFR WT-expressing U87 or EGFR vIII expressing Gli-36vIII, n=3 for each group. PET-CT imaging of tumors was performed 24 hours after injection with 64Cu-DOTA-EGFR F(ab)’2 . Blocking studies were performed by injecting cetuximab 24h prior to imaging agent administration into the mice with intracranial U87 or Gli36vIII tumors, n=3 respectively. Results 67Ga-DOTA-EGFR F(ab)’2 was generated with radiochemical purity of >95%, and binds to EGFR with a Kd of 11.5 nM. PET-CT imaging of intracranially injected tumors (n=3 for each group) demonstrated SUV of 0.83 ± 0.13 for U87 tumors, and a SUV of 0.89 ± 0.07 for Gli36vIII tumors, demonstrating TBRs of 27.7 and 25.5, respectively. After blocking with cetuximab (n=3 for each group), uptake of imaging agent was reduced by 58% and 68% in U87 and Gli36vIII tumors, respectively, demonstrating probe specificity. Conclusions Specific PET imaging of EGFR-expressing GBMs is possible using the novel PET imaging agent 64Cu-DOTA-EGFR F(ab)’2.
Scatter Photocoagulation Does Not Reduce Macular Edema or Treatment Burden in Patients with Retinal Vein Occlusion: The RELATE Trial.

Purpose To determine whether scatter and grid laser photocoagulation (laser) adds benefit to ranibizumab injections in patients with macular edema from retinal vein occlusion (RVO) and to compare 0.5-mg with 2.0-mg ranibizumab. Design Randomized, double-masked, controlled clinical trial. Participants Thirty-nine patients with central RVO (CRVO) and 42 with branch RVO (BRVO). Methods Subjects were randomized to 0.5 mg or 2.0 mg ranibizumab every 4 weeks for 24 weeks and re-randomized to pro re nata ranibizumab plus laser or ranibizumab alone. Main Outcome Measures Mean change from baseline best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at week 24 for BCVA at weeks 48, 96, and 144 for second randomization. Results Mean improvement from baseline BCVA at week 24 was 15.5 and 15.8 letters in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg CRVO groups, and 12.1 and 14.6 letters in the 0.5-mg and 2.0-mg BRVO groups. For CRVO, but not BRVO, there was significantly greater reduction from baseline mean central subfield thickness (CST) in the 2.0-mg versus 0.5-mg group (396.1 vs. 253.5 μm; P = 0.03). For the second randomization in CRVO patients, there was no significant difference from week 24 BCVA in the ranibizumab plus laser versus the ranibizumab only groups at week 48 (−3.3 vs. 0.0 letters), week 96 (+0.69 vs. −1.6 letters), or week 144 (+0.4 vs. −6.7 letters), and a significant increase from week 24 mean CST at week 48 (+94.7 vs. +15.2 μm; P = 0.05) but not weeks 96 or 144. For BRVO, there was a significant reduction from week 24 mean BCVA in ranibizumab plus laser versus ranibizumab at week 48 (−7.5 vs. +2.8; P P Conclusions In patients with macular edema resulting from RVO, there was no short-term clinically significant benefit from monthly injections of 2.0-mg versus 0.5-mg ranibizumab injections and no long-term benefit in BCVA, resolution of edema, or number of ranibizumab injections obtained by addition of laser treatment to ranibizumab.
Status and prospects of precision analyses with e + e − → W + W −

${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ is an integral part of the global precision analysis program which is becoming more relevant after the discovery of the Higgs boson. We analyze the current situation of precision calculations of inclusive ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ observables and study the prospects of incorporating them into the framework of global precision electroweak analyses in light of per-mil-level cross section measurements at proposed future facilities. We present expansion formulas for the observables, making the dependence on the inputs clear. Also, the calculation of new physics effects is demonstrated in the effective field theory framework for universal theories. We go beyond the triple-gauge-couplings parametrization and illustrate the complementarity of ${e}^{+}{e}^{\ensuremath{-}}\ensuremath{\rightarrow}{W}^{+}{W}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ and other precision data at the observables level.
Fragranced Orchid Species from Darjeeling District of West Bengal, India: Coelogyne Flaccida Lindl. and C. Pempahisheyana Chowdhery

This article deals with availability status and taxonomic details of most fragranced two Coelogyne epiphytic Orchid species Coelogyne flaccida Lindl. and C. pempahisheyana Chowdhery from Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. Description, date of collection, phenology, altitudinal ranges, status, local distribution and general distribution are given in detailed.bution are given in detailed.
Epilepsy Self-Management

Tony, a 32-year-old male, is pleasant, articulate and handsome. Dressed in his dark suit, white shirt, and conservative tie, he looks like any other business executive. Tony related that he has had seizures since he was 6 years old. Over time, the seizure types and medications have changed. A few years ago, Tony elected to stop taking all his antiepileptic medication because of intolerable side effects. Currently, he has several partial seizures and one or two complex partial seizures per year. When he feels a seizure coming on, he begins to count backward in Italian. He explains that he does not know the Italian language very well, and counting backward forces him to concentrate on the task. He believes that focusing on counting serves as a distraction and prevents him from having a seizure.
Consumption of Alfalfa by Adult Alfalfa Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)

Adult alfalfa weevils, Hypera postica (Gyllenhal), had two primary feeding periods. Newly matured weevils fed during midsummer, and old, overwintered weevils fed after returning to the fields the following spring. During each feeding period, weevil adults ate more, started feeding sooner, and reached feeding peaks sooner with each increase in temperature between 16.7 and 27.8°C. At 27.8°C, old weevils completed their feeding in about half as many days as at 22.2°C. At 27.8°C, each old adult ate an average total of 12.7 mg (dry weight) of alfalfa, and each new adult ate 22.6 mg (dry weight) of alfalfa. When data from old and new adults from the same generation were combined, each adult weevil ate ca. 4.5 times as much as each larva, or ca. 35.3 mg (dry weight). In field cages, new adults during their peak feeding activity consumed new growth of alfalfa plants after harvesting and reduced the length of the old stems. Five new adults per plant prevented most new growth, whereas 20 adults per plant killed the plants.
Investigation of the Water Vapor Influence on the Performance of Iron-, Copper-, and Nickel-Based Oxygen Carriers for Chemical Looping Combustion

The water vapor (WV) influence on the reactivity and capacity of three commonly used oxygen carriers (OCs), iron, nickel, and copper based on chemical looping combustion, was investigated. OC sampl...
Effect of bacterial lysates on humoral immunity and clinical therapy in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection

Objective To determine the effect of bacterial lysates on the changes of humoral immunity and clinical therapy in children with recurrent respiratory tract infection(RRTI).Methods A total of 200 patients with RRTI from Jan.2006 to Dec.2008 were included in the study.They were divided into 2 groups randomly.The experiment group were given 3.5 mg bacterial lysates for 10 consecutive days per month for 3 months.The control group did not have treatment with immunostimulation.Change of humeoal immunity in 3 months and clninical therapy in 6 months were observed.Results Serum IgG and IgA of the experimently group were significantly increased after the treatment compared with those of the control group(P0.05).There was no significant difference in IgM in the two groups.The total effective rate of the experiment group and the contronl group was 96% and 79% respectively with significant difference between the two groups(P0.01).Conclusion Bacterial lysates have good curative effect on RRTI.
Development of gastric mucosal protection against acid in the rat: Role of corticosteroids and prostaglandins

Abstract The ability of 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandin E 2 (dmPGE 2 ) to protect the gastric mucosa from acid-induced damage was assessed in suckling and adult rats. Suckling rats 9–11 days of age did not show protection with dmPGE 2 at doses up to 100 μg/kg, whereas adult rats had an ED 50 of ~2 μg/kg. The onset of responsiveness to dmPGE 2 (5 μg/kg) occurred in the suckling rat at an age between 14 and 21 days. The "intrinsic" ability of the gastric mucosa to protect itself against acid-induced damage increased gradually between 7 and 21 days. The appearance of dmPGE 2 sensitivity was unaffected by administration of hydrocortisone on day 7, although hydrocortisone alone induced a precocious development of the intrinsic protection against luminal acid. These data suggest that this mucosal protective property of the stomach appears during the end of the second week of life in the rat, just before the increase in acid secretory activity. This may be attributable to both the ontogenic appearance of a responsiveness to prostaglandins and an increase in circulating levels of adrenocorticosteroid hormones. Although the protective mechanisms responding to prostaglandins and the corticosteroids could be different, our results suggest that the two factors may act in concert to assure optimal protection against luminal acid.
On the Scharfetter-Gummel Box-Method

For a linear potential function one-dimensional constant current drift-diffusion equations can be integrated in closed form, yielding the Scharfetter-Gummel (SG) discretization. The box-method generalizes the insistence on exact current conservation to higher dimensions by imposing the exact balancing of Scharfetter-Gummel fluxes through box-faces.
Transurethral removal of migrated indwelling ureteral stents: a new technique.

Abstract Migration of indwelling ureteral stents out of the bladder poses a difficult technical challenge to the urologist. To avoid an open operative procedure a variety of transurethral approaches have been suggested. Herein we describe a technique recently used to remove a migrated catheter.