cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An Approximate Distributed Gradient Estimation Method for Networked System Optimization Under Limited Communications

This paper considers the networked system optimization problem by cooperatively finding an approximately optimal solution to the overall network convex cost function, which is the sum of the individual cost functions of nodes (agents) in a networked system. A new distributed gradient descent algorithm is proposed based on the distributed estimation of the sum of gradients of individual cost functions using a consensus-type coordination algorithm. The proposed algorithm can address unknown directed communication topologies and only requires limited communications and information exchanges among nodes in the networked system. Under the assumption that the communication graph is strongly connected, the convergence of the proposed algorithm is rigorously analyzed. Simulation examples are presented to demonstrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed algorithm.
Evolution: The Genetics of Milk Champagne Yeast

A newly characterized group of budding yeast found in fermented milk drinks in West and Central Asia far outshines its relatives in the ability to use galactose, a milk sugar byproduct.
ANTIFERROMAGNETIC SPIN FLUCTUATIONS IN CUPRATE SUPERCONDUCTORS

In this paper we will discuss the results of some neutron scattering studies of antiferromagnetic spin fluctuations in the superconductors YBa2Cu3O6+x and La2-x Sr x CuO4. We begin by discussing spin wave measurements in the antiferromagnetic phases of these compounds and comparisons between experimental and theoretical results for the spin-1/2 Heisenberg model in two dimensions. Next, recent studies of antiferromagnetic excitations in metallic and superconducting phases are described. In particular, the topics of incommensurate scattering, the temperature dependence of the spin susceptibility, and the existence of spin fluctuations at temperatures below the superconducting transition temperature will be covered. Finally, we consider the connection between neutron scattering measurements and studies of nuclear spin relaxation rates obtained by nuclear magnetic resonance. The paper concludes with a short summary.
The Impacts of the Perceived Transparency of Privacy Policies and Trust in Providers for Building Trust in Health Information Exchange: Empirical Study

Background: In the context of exchange technologies, such as health information exchange (HIE), existing technology acceptance theories should be expanded to consider not only the cognitive beliefs resulting in adoption behavior but also the affect provoked by the sharing nature of the technology. Objective: We aimed to study HIE adoption using a trust-centered model. Based on the Theory of Reasoned Action, the technology adoption literature, and the trust transfer mechanism, we theoretically explained and empirically tested the impacts of the perceived transparency of privacy policy and trust in health care providers on cognitive and emotional trust in an HIE. Moreover, we analyzed the effects of cognitive and emotional trust on the intention to opt in to the HIE and willingness to disclose health information. Methods: A Web-based survey was conducted using data from a sample of 493 individuals who were aware of the HIE through experiences with a (or multiple) provider(s) participating in an HIE network. Results: Structural Equation Modeling analysis results provided empirical support for the proposed model. Our findings indicated that when patients trust in health care providers, and they are aware of HIE security measures, HIE sharing procedures, and privacy terms, they feel more in control, more assured, and less at risk. Moreover, trust in providers has a significant moderating effect on building trust in HIE efforts (P<.05). Results also showed that patient trust in HIE may take the forms of opt-in intentions to HIE and patients’ willingness to disclose health information that are exchanged through the HIE (P<.001). Conclusions: The results of this research should be of interest to both academics and practitioners. The findings provide an in-depth dimension of the HIE privacy policy that should be addressed by the health care organizations to exchange personal health information in a secure and private manner. This study can contribute to trust transfer theory and enrich the literature on HIE efforts. Primary and secondary care providers can also identify how to leverage the benefit of patients’ trust and trust transfer process to promote HIE initiatives nationwide.
Complete Genome Sequence of wAna, the Wolbachia Endosymbiont of Drosophila ananassae

ABSTRACT Here, we present the complete genome sequence of the Wolbachia endosymbiont wAna, isolated from Drosophila ananassae and derived from Oxford Nanopore and Illumina sequencing. We anticipate that this will aid in Wolbachia comparative genomics and the assembly of D. ananassae specifically in regions containing extensive lateral gene transfer events.
Bilingual Low-Resource Neural Machine Translation with Round-Tripping: The Case of Persian-Spanish

The quality of Neural Machine Translation (NMT), as a data-driven approach, massively depends on quantity, quality, and relevance of the training dataset. Such approaches have achieved promising results for bilingually high-resource scenarios but are inadequate for low-resource conditions. This paper describes a round-trip training approach to bilingual low-resource NMT that takes advantage of monolingual datasets to address training data scarcity, thus augmenting translation quality. We conduct detailed experiments on Persian-Spanish as a bilingually low-resource scenario. Experimental results demonstrate that this competitive approach outperforms the baselines.
Protein unties the pseudoknot: S1-mediated unfolding of RNA higher order structure

Ribosomal protein S1 plays important roles in the translation initiation step of many Escherichia coli mRNAs, particularly those with weak Shine-Dalgarno sequences or structured 5' UTRs, in addition to a variety of cellular processes beyond the ribosome. In all cases, the RNA-binding activity of S1 is a central feature of its function. While sequence determinants of S1 affinity and many elements of the interactions of S1 with simple secondary structures are known, mechanistic details of the protein's interactions with RNAs of more complex secondary and tertiary structure are less understood. Here, we investigate the interaction of S1 with the well-characterized H-type pseudoknot of a class-I translational preQ1 riboswitch as a highly structured RNA model whose conformation and structural dynamics can be tuned by the addition of ligands of varying binding affinity, particularly preQ1, guanine, and 2,6-diaminopurine. Combining biochemical and single molecule fluorescence approaches, we show that S1 preferentially interacts with the less folded form of the pseudoknot and promotes a dynamic, partially unfolded conformation. The ability of S1 to unfold the RNA is inversely correlated with the structural stability of the pseudoknot. These mechanistic insights delineate the scope and limitations of S1-chaperoned unfolding of structured RNAs.
Allegories of the Anthropocene: by Elizabeth M. DeLoughrey, Durham, Duke University Press, 2019, x + 269 pp., US $26.95 (paperback), ISBN: 978-1-4780-0471-4

‘Allegories are, in the realm of thoughts, what ruins are in the realm of things’, Walter Benjamin tells us in The Origin of German Tragic Drama (1928). This quote, an epigraph from one of the chap...
Rhetorics of Race and Religion on the Christian Right: Barack Obama and the War on Terror: by S. P. Perry, Lanham, MD, Lexington Books, 2019, 166 pp., $90.00 (hardcover), ISBN: 9781498586733

Rhetorics of Race and Religion on the Christian Right: Barack Obama and the War on Terror by Samuel P. Perry builds a cogent case for how the rhetoric after 9/11 primed us for Campaign 2016. Perry ...
Energy Efficiency Optimization in UAV-Assisted Communications and Edge Computing

Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) as aerial base stations has recently emerged as a promising solution to provide rapid connectivity in several scenarios. Motivated by these, we study a wireless network in which a UAV is an aerial platform and serves terrestrial non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) user equipments (UEs). In particular, we assume that the UAV acts as a mobile edge computing (MEC) node, offloading computation from the NOMA UEs. Our goal is to minimize the total power consumption in the network subject to deadline constraints for the computation task of each UE. We propose a framework to optimize both the power allocation and the trajectory of the UAV. To deal with the coupled parameters in the optimization, we decompose the optimization into three subproblems in order to optimize the power allocation, amount of data to be processed per UE per time slot, and trajectory of UAV, respectively. Simulation results demonstrate that the NOMA approach outperforms orthogonal multiple access (OMA) in terms of energy efficiency.
Long-term follow-up of perianchor cyst formation after rotator cuff repair

Background Perianchor cyst formation (PCF) can occur after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) anchors; however, little is known about PCF after all-suture anchor (ASA) use. Methods We reviewed patients who underwent double-row arthroscopic rotator cuff repair from 2012 to 2017 with ASAs implanted in the medial row and PLLA anchors in the lateral row. We evaluated PCF (graded on magnetic resonance imaging) and compared physical examination and functional surveys between patients with PCF (WC) and without PCF (WoC) at long-term follow-up. Results Among twenty-two patients (23 shoulders), 93% of PLLA anchors (vs. 79% ASA) displayed a grade 0 PCF, P = .100. No PLLA anchors had a grade 3 or 4 PCF, compared to 11% of ASAs, P = .158. At a mean postoperative follow-up time of 113 weeks, there was no significant difference between WC and WoC cohorts with regard to range of motion, rotator cuff strength, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons survey scores, or retear rates. However, the WoC cohort had a significantly higher University of California at Los Angeles shoulder survey score at final follow-up (34.3 WoC vs. 30.9 WC, P = .024). Conclusion No difference was found in PCF between ASAs and PLLA anchors. At long-term follow-up, WoC patients had significantly improved functional outcome scores, based on the University of California at Los Angeles survey, but equivalent range of motion and rotator cuff strength examinations compared with WC patients.
Beyond the Clinic Walls: Empowering Young People Through Youth Peer Providers Programmes in Ecuador and Nicaragua

Youth in Latin America experience high rates of teen pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections, but traditional health services are not meeting their health care needs. Youth require access to tailored health care and information to make informed, healthy decisions. To break down barriers to these vital sexual and reproductive health services, Planned Parenthood Global, a division of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, developed a Youth Peer Provider model which has been implemented in Latin America since the early 1990s. The model goes beyond peer education to train Youth Peer Providers under age 20 to provide condoms, oral contraceptive pills, emergency contraception, injectable contraceptives, and sexual and reproductive health information to their peers. Peers with needs beyond Youth Peer Providers' capacity are referred to health professionals offering youth-friendly services. Survey results reveal high levels of contraceptive use among those served by the Youth Peer Providers: 98% of sexually active survey respondents wishing to avoid pregnancy report contraceptive use at least five years after joining the programme. Results of qualitative programme evaluations highlight higher self-esteem, stronger communication and decision-making skills, close relationships with friends and family, more interest in school, understanding of responsibility in relationships, and other positive outcomes among programme participants.
First-principles study of Suzuki segregation at stacking faults in disordered face-centered cubic Co-Ni alloys

Abstract The formation of stacking faults (SFs) observed in various metallic materials, such as Co-, and Ni-based alloys, influence the plastic deformation and strain-induced phase transformations. One possible explanation for the propensity of SF formation is Suzuki segregation, which is the localized segregation of solute to SFs. Through first-principles calculations, we investigate the driving force of Suzuki segregation in the disordered face-centered cubic Co-Ni binary system and quantitatively predict the resulting temperature- and composition-dependent stacking fault energies (SFEs). We predict the segregation of Co to the stacking fault region in the disordered face-centered cubic Co-Ni binary alloy system utilizing a combination of cluster expansions and Monte Carlo simulations. We find that configurational and vibrational effects aid in stabilizing the SFs through segregation of Co to the two innermost (111) planes in the SFs and predict a reduction of segregation with increasing temperature. We further emphasize that the experimentally determined SFE is strongly related to Co segregation and vibrational free energy contributions. The method developed herein could be leveraged to inform alloy design strategies and predict segregation in other interfacial problems such as grain boundaries and heterointerfaces.
Diagnostic approach to well-differentiated hepatocellular carcinoma

Abstract Well-differentiated hepatocellular mass-lesions in non-cirrhotic livers have a differential diagnosis of focal nodular hyperplasia, regenerative hepatic pseudotumors, hepatic adenoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and fibrolamellar carcinoma. Despite significant advances in characterizing these pseudotumors and tumors, they remain a diagnostic challenge, especially on needle biopsy. This review focuses on a systematic diagnostic approach, one that allows confident diagnosis of these lesions.
Shock Response of a Simple Beam on Nonlinear Supports

THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF AN ELASTIC, LINEAR, SYMMETRICAL, UNIFORM BEAM SIMPLY SUPPORTED AT BOTH ENDS ON IDENTICAL NONLINEAR SPRINGS AND SUBJECTED TO TRANSIENT EXCITATION IS INVESTIGATED. BOTH SOFTENING AND HARDENING NON-LINEARITIES ARE CONSIDERED. THE EXCITATIONS INCLUDE VELOCITY SHOCK AND HALF-SINE-PULSE ACCELERATION. THE CALCULATIONS WERE PERFORMED ON A HIGH-SPEED DIGITAL COMPUTER. RESPONSE SPECTRA ARE PRESENTED WHICH SHOW THE MAXIMA OF BEAM RELATIVE-DISPLACEMENTS, ACCELERATIONS, AND BENDING MOMENTS PLOTTED TO EMPHASIZE THE EFFECTS OF THE NONLINEARITIES. /RRL/A/
Gas-Phase Amidation of Carboxylic Acids with Woodward’s Reagent K Ions

Gas-phase amidation of carboxylic acids in multiply-charged peptides is demonstrated via ion/ion reactions with Woodward’s reagent K (wrk) in both positive and negative mode. Woodward’s reagent K, N-ethyl-3-phenylisoxazolium-3′-sulfonate, is a commonly used reagent that activates carboxylates to form amide bonds with amines in solution. Here, we demonstrate that the analogous gas-phase chemistry occurs upon reaction of the wrk ions and doubly protonated (or doubly deprotonated) peptide ions containing the carboxylic acid functionality. The reaction involves the formation of the enol ester intermediate in the electrostatic complex. Upon collisional activation, the ethyl amine on the reagent is transferred to the activated carbonyl carbon on the peptide, resulting in the formation of an ethyl amide (addition of 27 Da to the peptide) with loss of a neutral ketene derivative. Further collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the products and comparison with solution-phase amidation product confirms the structure of the ethyl amide.
Sumary of part three—Historical basis for the growth of cities

This chapter focuses on historical basis for the growth of cities. Urban development is a fundamental part of industrial development. Industrial or plant development (which has been defined by some as the provision of supplies for the filling of the needs of trade routes) involves other factors than just the natural features that favor the selection of a site. The business climate is also a major element that influences location. Factors that influence the location of industry have been shown in the chapter to be bound closely with those factors that influenced the early location of trade routes. History provides the basis for investigating the body of economic and other theories now available to guide industrial economists or plant location engineers in their industrial location activities. The historical validity and present day usefulness of programs can be checked. The same body of historical fact allows communities to verify relevant techniques currently used by planners and engineers in locating industry.
Infrared spectra of single crystals: Part I. Orthorhombic n-C24H50, monoclinic n-C36H74, and triclinic n-C18H38 and n-C20H42

Abstract The infrared absorption spectra of single crystals, and of suitably cut slices of single crystals, of several long-chain normal paraffins were investigated with the aid of a Perkin-Elmer Model 112 double-pass spectrometer equipped with polarizer and reflecting microscope. For orthorhombic n -C 24 H 50 , spectra were obtained with the electric field of the incident radiation in the directions of the a , b , or c crystallographic axes, respectively. For monoclinic n -C 36 H 74 , spectra were recorded with the electric field parallel to the a axis, the b axis, and perpendicular to the ab plane. Spectra of triclinic n -C 18 H 38 were obtained with the electric field parallel and perpendicular to the skeletal planes, and parallel and perpendicular to the chain axes. The stronger bands of triclinic n -C 26 H 42 were recorded with the electric field parallel and perpendicular to the skeletal planes. The spectral data thus obtained were used to verify, extend or revise previous interpretations of the infrared bands of crystalline normal paraffins.
Treatment of metastatic trophoblastic disease: good and poor prognosis.

Abstract This study reports results of therapy in 91 patients with metastatic gestational trophoblastic disease treated by physicians of the Southeastern Regional Trophoblastic Disease Center. The 91 patients were grouped into good (79 per cent) or poor (19 per cent) prognostic categories. “Poor prognosis” patients were identified by the presence of an initial pretreatment human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) titer greater than 100,000 I.U. per 24 hours, duration of disease greater than 4 months, or the documentation of cerebral or hepatic metastases. The patients with “good prognosis” metastatic disease were all treated with systemic single agent chemotherapy with methotrexate or actinomycin D. Seventy of these 71 patients were cured. The poor prognosis patients were treated by two treatment protocols. The earlier group of 7 patients in this category were treated with combination chemotherapy only after resistance to conventional single agent methotrexate and actinomycin D had failed to cure the patient. Only one patient surviced. The later group of 10 patients with “poor prognosis” disease were initially treated with combination chemotherapy and 7 were cured. The roles of hysterectomy with chemotherapy, simultaneous liver and/or hepatic irradiation with chemotherapy, and arterially infused chemotherapy are discussed.
Phosphorylation at serine 482 affects stability of NF90 and its functional role in mitosis.

Objectives: NF90 is a multifunctional double-strand RNA binding protein with documented roles in transcription, mRNA stability, translation, RNA processing and transport, and mitosis. It is a phosphoprotein that interacts with, and is a substrate for, several protein kinases. The study described here was initiated to gain better understanding of specific NF90 phosphorylation sites and their relationship to mechanisms by which NF90 performs its various functions. Materials and methods: Phosphoproteomic studies have identified NF90 serine 482 (S482) as a major phosphorylation site in vivo. Site-specific mutations were introduced at this site and the mutated proteins were expressed in MCF7 cells by transfection. Western blotting was used to examine NF90 expression, stability, and responsiveness to protein kinase activators and inhibitors. Flow cytometry was used to examine effects of NF90 mutation on cell cycle progression. Results: Non-phosphorylatable mutant S482A was unstable compared to phosphomimetic S482E mutant. NF90-S482A expression was greatly enhanced by inhibiting proteasomal degradation or by activating PKC. Identical treatments had little effect on NF90-S482E. In contrast to WT NF90 or NF90-S482E, cells stably expressing NF90-S482A accumulated in M phase when treated with TPA. Conclusions: Phosphorylation at S482 is important for NF90 stability and in regulating its functional role during mitosis. Based on the sequence surrounding S482, mitotic kinase PLK1 is a strong candidate for the enzyme that phosphorylates NF90 at this site.
Structure and mechanics of the San Andreas–San Gregorio fault junction, San Francisco, California

[1] The right-lateral San Gregorio and San Andreas faults meet west of the Golden Gate near San Francisco. Coincident seismic reflection and refraction profiling across the San Gregorio and San Andreas faults south of their junction shows the crust between them to have formed shallow extensional basins that are dissected by parallel strike-slip faults. We employ a regional finite element model to investigate the long-term consequences of the fault geometry. Over the course of 2–3 m.y. of slip on the San Andreas-San Gregorio fault system, elongated extensional basins are predicted to form between the two faults. An additional consequence of the fault geometry is that the San Andreas fault is expected to have migrated eastward relative to the San Gregorio fault. We thus propose a model of eastward stepping right-lateral fault formation to explain the observed multiple fault strands and depositional basins. The current manifestation of this process might be the observed transfer of slip from the San Andreas fault east to the Golden Gate fault.
Electric power and economic development: The case of India

Abstract This article explores the role of energy in the process of economic development, by studying the experience of India since independence. The analysis shows evidence of considerable flexibility in the energy consumption-income relationship. The case is made that policies for demand management in different sectors of the economy are just as important as plans to enhance supply. In general, the power industry in India has performed quite well, but it suffers from organizational weaknesses which have resulted in large financial losses and a record of unreliable supply. Organizational restructing would improve efficiency and bring a change in direction which is now essential for considering the adoption of decentralized generation technologies, particularly in rural areas. The lessons from India's experience are applicable in different degrees to either LDCs.
Purification and Allosteric Properties of a Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide-linked d(-)-Specific Lactate Dehydrogenase from Butyribacterium rettgeri

Abstract A procedure is described for the purification of a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide-linked, d(-)-specific lactate dehydrogenase from extracts of Butyribacterium rettgeri. This procedure yields a 300-fold purified enzyme with a 28% recovery of the activity present in crude, cell-free extracts. The purified enzyme is inhibited by sulfhydryl reagents but does not depend upon reduced sulfhydryl compounds for catalytic activity. It is relatively insensitive to inhibition by oxamate. The enzyme actively catalyzes the reduction of pyruvate to lactate with NADH as the coenzyme, but it is unable to catalyze the reverse reaction under conditions where lactate dehydrogenases from other sources can be shown to reduce NAD+ with lactate. It does catalyze the reduction of the 3-acetylpyridine analogue of NAD+ with d(-)-lactate, although several other NAD+ analogues were found to be ineffective as cofactors for lactate oxidation. Kinetic studies on the purified enzyme suggest that it possesses at least two binding sites for pyruvate, which interact with one another in a cooperative manner. The availability of these sites or the interaction strength between them (or both) is markedly influenced by pH. At pH 5.8, the concentration of pyruvate required for one-half maximal velocity is substantially lower than it is at pH 7.5, although pH changes in this range have no effect on Vmax. The data presented are consistent with the hypothesis that the B. rettgeri lactate dehydrogenase is an allosteric protein which is potentially capable of being regulated by one or more physiological effector ligands.
Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering Heterodyne Interferometry

A new interferometric technique is demonstrated for measuring Coherent Anti-Stokes Raman Scattering (CARS) signals. Two forward-directed CARS signals are generated, one in each arm of an interferometer. The deterministic nature of the CARS process allows for these two signals, when spatially and temporally overlapped, to interfere with one another. Heterodyne detection can therefore be employed to increase the sensitivity in CARS signal detection. In addition, nonlinear CARS interferometry will facilitate the use of this spectroscopic technique for molecular contrast in Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT).
The p53 Transcription Factor Modulates Microglia Behavior through MicroRNA-Dependent Regulation of c-Maf

Neuroinflammation occurs in acute and chronic CNS injury, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases. Microglia are specialized resident myeloid cells that mediate CNS innate immune responses. Disease-relevant stimuli, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), can influence microglia activation. Previously, we observed that p53, a ROS-responsive transcription factor, modulates microglia behaviors in vitro and in vivo, promoting proinflammatory functions and suppressing downregulation of the inflammatory response and tissue repair. In this article we describe a novel mechanism by which p53 modulates the functional differentiation of microglia both in vitro and in vivo. Adult microglia from p53-deficient mice have increased expression of the anti-inflammatory transcription factor c-Maf. To determine how p53 negatively regulates c-Maf, we examined the impact of p53 on known c-Maf regulators. MiR-155 is a microRNA that targets c-Maf. We observed that cytokine-induced expression of miR-155 was suppressed in p53-deficient microglia. Furthermore, Twist2, a transcriptional activator of c-Maf, is increased in p53-deficient microglia. We identified recognition sites in the 3' untranslated region of Twist2 mRNA that are predicted to interact with two p53-dependent microRNAs: miR-34a and miR-145. In this article, we demonstrate that miR-34a and -145 are regulated by p53 and negatively regulate Twist2 and c-Maf expression in microglia and the RAW macrophage cell line. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that p53 activation induced by local ROS or accumulated DNA damage influences microglia functions and that one specific molecular target of p53 in microglia is c-Maf.
Short- and long-term inhibition of respiratory carbon dioxide efflux by elevated carbon dioxide.

Etude du taux de croissance et du taux d'assimilation du carbone pour des feuilles d'Amaranthus hypochondriacus, de Glycine max, et de Lycopersicon esculentum et pour des concentrations elevees en dioxyde de carbone. Analyse de l'inhibition de la respiration a court terme ou a long terme selon les especes
Quantification of airflow into the maxillary sinuses before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery

Background The effects of increases in maxillary sinus (MS) airflow following functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) are unknown. The goal of this study was to quantify the effects of FESS on airflow into the MS in a cohort of patients with chronic rhinosinusitis, and compare MS flow rate with patient-reported outcome measures. Methods A pilot study was conducted in which preoperative and postoperative computed tomography scans of 4 patients undergoing bilateral or unilateral FESS were used to create 3-dimensional (3D) reconstructions of the nasal airway and paranasal sinuses using Mimics™ (Materialise, Inc.). The size of the maxillary antrostomies post-FESS ranged from 107 to 160 mm2. Computational meshes were generated from the 3D reconstructions, and steady-state, laminar, inspiratory airflow was simulated in each mesh using the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software Fluent™ (ANSYS, Inc.) under physiologic, pressure-driven conditions. Airflow into the MS was estimated from the simulations and was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. In addition, patients completed preoperative and postoperative Rhinosinusitis Outcome Measure-31 (RSOM-31) questionnaires and scores were compared with MS airflow rates. Results CFD simulations predicted that average airflow rate into post-FESS MS increased by 18.5 mL/second, and that average flow velocity into the MS more than quadrupled. Simulation results also showed that MS flow rate trended with total RSOM-31 and all domain scores. Conclusion CFD simulations showed that the healed maxillary antrostomy after FESS can greatly enhance airflow into the MS. Our pilot study suggests that to some extent, increasing airflow into the MS may potentially improve chronic rhinosinusitis patients’ quality of life pre-FESS and post-FESS.
Preparation of porous Si and TiO2 nanofibres using a sulphur-templating method for lithium storage

Highly porous Si/TiO2 composite nanofibres were prepared using a unique sulphur-templating method combined with electrospinning. The structure, morphology, surface area, phase and composition of these nanofibres were characterized using Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, surface area analyser and thermogravimetric analyser. The specific surface area of Si/TiO2 porous NFs is as large as 387 m2 g−1, whose silicon capacity can be maintained above 1580 mAh g−1 in 180 cycles.
Introduction to special section: Best of EuroGP/EvoBio

This special section comprises two invited articles from a joint session of the 10th European Conference on Evolutionary Computation, Machine Learning, and Data Mining in Computational Biology (EvoBIO 2012) and the 15th European Conference on Genetic Programming (EuroGP 2012). These two conferences met as part of the jointly organized EvoStar (www.evostar.org) event, which was held 11–13 April in Malaga, Spain. This first ever joint session of EuroGP and EvoBIO brought together researchers in genetic programming and researchers using AI inspired algorithms for analyzing biological datasets, to promote mutually beneficial conversations and collaborations. The two papers in this special section are fully revised and significantly extended versions of the research presented at the conference. These papers underwent the same rigorous review and editing process that readers have come to expect from this journal. The first paper in this special section is ‘‘Gene Regulatory Networks Reconstruction from Time Series Datasets using Genetic Programming: a Comparison Between Tree-Based and Graph-Based Approaches,’’ by Leonardo Vanneschi, Matteo Mondini, Martino Bertoni, Alberto Ronchi, and Mattia Stefano. This paper presents two genetic programming approaches to deciphering how genes in biological systems interact to regulate each others’ expression, given time series data about which genes are activated in what sequences. Much of the complexity in living organisms derives from these gene regulatory interactions, so it is fundamentally important to form testable hypotheses about expression pathways. Given the size of the relevant datasets, biologists would clearly benefit from an automated approach such as genetic programming. The authors present two GP
A technique for measuring thermoregulatory behavior in the fish

Apparatus and procedure are described for studying thermoregulatory behavior in fish. Results obtained with rainbow trout suggest that the described apparatus has several advantages over previously utilized devices.
An Automated Thermal Conductivity Probe and Applications to Powders

A thermal conductivity probe has been developed for measurements of powders and porous media from ambient temperature to 1300 K in vacuum or in an inert gas atmosphere. Automated data acquisition and graphical analysis programs have been developed in FORTRAN for use with a laboratory minicomputer. Nonlinear data analysis techniques are available which can account for the probe response due to the effects of contact resistance and the thermal mass of the probe. Programs have also been developed with terminal BASIC for use with a small, portable desktop computer system. Examples of the use of the probe and data acquisition and analysis system are shown for measurement of the effective thermal conductivity of ceramic and metal powders.
Program FACSTRAP: a program that computes bootstrap estimates of factor structure

In this paper program FACSTRAP is described. The program computes factor analytic results from either correlation or variance-covariance matrices. Pooled estimation procedures are accomodated by rotating each sample result into a common factor space. The program is useful for resolving numbers of factors questions, for estimating structure coefficients, and for estimating the invariance of results across samples.
1061 PULMONARY VASCULAR AND GRANULOCYTE RESPONSE TO GROUP B STREPTOCOCCAL (GBS) TOXIN

We have previously shown that a toxin isolated from GBS causes pulmonary hypertension, hypoxemia and fever in adult unanesthetized sheep. (Fed.Proc.37:854,1978) We have subsequently studied its effects on pulmonary vascular permeability and circulating granulocytes. Seven young adult sheep were instrumented to measure pulmonary artery and left atrial pressures, lung lymph flow and white blood cell and differential counts. Two mg of toxin caused an early phase of pulmonary hypertension and a late phase of increased lung vascular permeability. The granulocyte count fell to less than 10% of baseline values by 60 min and returned to near baseline by 5 hrs. The immature to total granulocyte ratio increased six fold by 5 hours. Granulocyte trapping and fragmentation in the pulmonary capillaries was demonstrated by electron microscopy in four sheep sacrificed during the second phase. To explore the role of prostaglandins we compared the response to GBS toxin alone with the response to the same dose of toxin during the infusion of indomethacin (IN) or methylprednisolone (MP). IN prevented the initial pulmonary hypertensive phase but did not modify the granulocytopenic response. In contrast, MP blocked the granulocytopenia but had little effect on the pulmonary hemodynamic changes. We concluded that the two components of the response seem to be independent. Biosynthesis of prostaglandin endoperoxides appears necessary for the acute pulmonary hypertensive response but not for the granulocytopenia. Sequestration of granulocytes may play an important role in the pathogenesis of the pulmonary vascular changes.
Bioevaluation of plasma polymerized films in skeletal muscle.

Plasma polymerized ethylene (PPE), styrene (PPS), and chlorotrifluoroethylene (PPCTFE) were synthesized by exposing the monomeric gases to an inductively coupled radio frequency “glow-discharge” field. The polymer films were deposited on poly(dimethyl) siloxane (medical grade Silastic®), which was then surgically implanted in rat paravertebral muscle for periods up to 84 weeks. The biocompatibility of the plasma deposited films and uncoated Silastic® was evaluated by qualitative (graded inflammatory cell response) and quantitative (connective tissue capsule thickness) techniques as a function of time. The morphological features of the connective tissue capsule and the plasma polymerized films were examined by SEM after 75 weeks of implantation. Results showed that the acute inflammatory cell migration around PPS and PPCTFE was at a maximum in 2 weeks, decaying to control levels in 4 to 8 weeks. The PPE response was judged as less than the control response up to 4 weeks. After 8 weeks no qualitative difference could be detected between the plasma polymerized films and Silstic®. On the other hand, a quantifiable change in fibrous capsule response as a function of time and material was noted until 24 weeks. From these data we conclude that these types of films do not elicit an untoward foreign body reaction at a skeletal muscle implant site in rats.
HF–DFT calculations of 14 N and 35 Cl quadrupole coupling constants on optimized molecular structures of pyridine and the monochloropyridines

Abstract 14 N and 35 Cl nuclear quadrupole coupling constants in the monochloropyridines and 14 N in pyridine have been determined in the principal axes of both the inertia and coupling constant tensors by HF–DFT calculations of the molecular electric field gradients on B3P86/6-31G(3d,3p) optimized molecular structures. In the case of 4-chloropyridine, the calculated 14 N coupling constants are probably more accurate than the experimental values. Investigation of the substitution effect shows that the differences in nitrogen nqccs between 2-chloropyridine and pyridine are largely due to the presence of the chlorine substituent (as opposed to distortion of the ring). The small differences found in 3-chloropyridine can be understood as due to near cancellation of effects due to the substituent and ring distortion. In 4-chloropyridine, on the other hand, these effects are additive, accounting for the differences for this molecule.
Correlation of HSP70 Expression and Cell Viability Following Thermal Stimulation of Aortic Endothelial Cells

The goal of this study was to determine the kinetics of HSP70 expression and variations in cell viability resulting from thermal preconditioning of the heart. Experiments were conducted to determine combinations of elevated temperatures and brief heating durations that could produce enhanced HSP70 levels while maintaining high cell viability. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were heated with a water bath at temperatures ranging from 44–50°C and periods of 1–30 min consistent with anticipated protocols for cardiac preconditioning prior to surgery. Western blot and cell adhesion analysis in culture following heating were employed to determine HSP70 level and cell viability respectively. The results demonstrate that HSP70 expression and cell viability are not maximized simultaneously. To ensure cell viability greater than 90% required a heating protocol for which HSP70 expression was less than its maximum level. HSP70 expression increments from 2.3 to 3.6 times the value of the control can be achieved for thermal stimulation protocols varying from T = 46°C for 10 min to T = 50°C for 1 min while maintaining a cell viability of 90% or greater. An Arrhenius injury model was fit to the cell damage data yielding values for scaling and activation energy terms of A = 1.4×1066 s−1 and Ea = 4.1×105 J/mole.Copyright © 2004 by ASME
Conformational changes and their role in non-radiative energy dissipation in photosystem II reaction centres

Accumulation of reduced pheophytin in photosystem II under illumination at low redox potential is known to be accompanied by a pronounced decrease of a chlorophyll fluorescence yield. Simultaneous measurement of this fluorescence quenching and absorbance changes in photosystem II reaction centres, in the presence of dithionite, showed each event to have a different temperature dependence. While fluorescence quenching was suppressed more than 20 times when measured at 77 K, pheophytin accumulation decreased only 5 times. At 77 K, the fluorescence was quenched considerably, but only in those reaction centres where reduced pheophytin had been accumulated at room temperature before sample freezing. This showed that the accumulation of reduced pheophytin above 240 K was accompanied by an additional, most probably conformational, change in the reaction centre that substantially enhanced non-radiative dissipation of excitation energy.
The Effects of Language Impairment on the Use of Direct Object Pronouns and Verb Inflections in Heritage Spanish Speakers: A Look at Attrition, Incomplete Acquisition and Maintenance.

This study examined object clitic pronouns (OCPs) and verb inflections in twenty-five school-age children with typical development (TD) and twenty children with bilingual language impairment (BLI). MANOVA and ANOVA were used to explore differences according to grade level and language status (TD vs. BLI). Although children with BLI produced higher rates of grammatical errors overall, accuracy on number and gender assignment for OCPs was better for both groups in the higher grades. Although the rate of verb inflection errors did not differ for children with TD and BLI in the lower grades, a significant interaction yielded higher error rates on subject–verb agreement for third person singular and plural inflections in the later grades for children with BLI. Greater accuracy on OCP use in later grades weakens claims that bilingualism exacerbates language impairment. For BLI, whether incomplete acquisition or delayed development is the determining factor for verb inflection errors remains undetermined.
EVALUATION OF FLOW TOPOLOGY FROM NUMERICAL DATA

Results obtained from numerical calculations and modern (optical) diagnostics are often too complicated for manual inspection, manipulation and display. A simpler but still accurate description of these results is needed to facilitate data understanding. The paper discusses preliminary investigations into methods for the decomposition of 2-D and 3-D fluid flow data bases into elementary structures for purposes of description, analysis and comparison. An approach which involves the development of scene-like representation of the flow topology is presented. Using features such as critical points and dividing streamlines as a basis, a representation of the global topology of the flow is generated. The topology is then represented by a graph with the various structures represented by the nodes and their relationships in the flow by the connecting lines of the graph. Once the flow field has been placed in this form, it can be studied and compared with other data sets using techniques of syntactic pattern recognition or displayed using 3-D graphics techniques.
Tadpole antibodies against frog hemoglobin and their effect on development.

Rana catesbeiana tadpoles immunized with the main hemoglobin component of the adult frog of the same species produced precipitating and agglutinating antibodies against the immunogen. After natural metamorphosis, the immunized froglets have as their only major hemoglobin a protein immunologically and electrophoretically different from the major hemoglobin of control froglets.
On optimizing an SQL-like nested query

SQL is a high-level nonprocedural data language which has received wide recognition in relational databases. One of the most interesting features of SQL is the nesting of query blocks to an arbitrary depth. An SQL-like query nested to an arbitrary depth is shown to be composed of five basic types of nesting. Four of them have not been well understood and more work needs to be done to improve their execution efficiency. Algorithms are developed that transform queries involving these basic types of nesting into semantically equivalent queries that are amenable to efficient processing by existing query-processing subsystems. These algorithms are then combined into a coherent strategy for processing a general nested query of arbitrary complexity.
Erratum to “Diagnostic accuracy and the observation option in acute otitis media: the Capital Region Otitis Project” [Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 68 (2004) 1315–1325]

doi of the original article: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2004.05.005 * Corresponding author. Tel.: +1 518 408 1224; fax: +1 518 408 1221. E-mail addresses: gurnaney@mailcity.com (H. Gurnaney), des06@health.state.ny.us (D. Spor), delaney.greene@bms.com (D.G. Johnson), rpp01@health.state.ny.us (R. Propp). 1 Tel.: +1 215 707 3506; fax: +1 215 707 8028. 2 Tel.: +1 518 473 0185; fax: +1 518 474 5508. 3 Tel.: +1 609 818 3741; fax: +1 609 818 6333.
On the role of statistics in the palaeomagnetic proof of continental drift

Magnetized rocks provide a “tape recording” of the more recent history of the earth. It was this evidence that broke the opposition to continental drift. The nature of the data - samples of unit vectors in three dimensions - demanded new forms of statistical treatment. I hope that my personal account will enable the general statistician to see a rare example of statistics being developed to be a modest help in a major scientific revolution. Les pierres magnetisees fournissent un “enregistrement” de l'histoire plus recente de la terre. C'est cette evidence qui a eu raison de l'opposition a la theorie de la derive des continents. La nature de ces donnees - des echantillons de vecteurs d'unites tri-dimensionnels - exigeait de nouvelles formes de traitement statistique. J'espere que mon compte-rendu personnel permettra au statisticien general de voir un exemple rare de statistiques developpees afin d'ětre d'une aide modeste lors d'une decouverte scientifique majeure.
Analyzing prehistoric hunter behavior with cultural algorithms

This paper details a cultural algorithm (CA) system designed to assist archaeological expedition teams in the task of finding historic artifacts. In our system, the goals that the agents are trying to achieve continuously change as the environment changes. We are thus able to simulate the real-world challenge of a dynamic environment that human cultures must deal with and react to, making our system a very useful tool for finding the archaeological remains of such cultures. Although it is very new, our system has already had yielded promising results in the service of Dr. John O'Shea's Lake Huron expedition team which is studying the prehistoric Alpena-Amberley Land Bridge. We hope to use it to assist other expeditions as well in the near future.
Impact of genome research on children and their families

Abstract Human genome research has made it possible to identify the presence of gene mutations in persons with specific genetic conditions, who may be carriers of genetic disorders, or who are at risk for future development of inherited diseases. Gene discovery has the potential to identify individual response to medications and new management and preventive interventions. Pediatric nurses must be informed about genetic discoveries and their implications for child and family health to act as advocates for children and their families in all child health care settings. Copyright © 2000 by W.B. Saunders Company
Estimation of calibration uncertainties for the Multiangle Imaging SpectroRadiometer (MISR) via fidelity intervals

Many techniques exist for statistically estimating measurement uncertainties in radiometric instruments. One method, the fidelity interval, is addressed here and applied to simulated calibration data for the multi-angle imaging spectroradiometer (MISR). The fidelity interval is the region within which the true radiance is expected to lie with a given probability and thus provides a measure of the calibration uncertainty. Calibration data are reduced using a least- squares approach to provide the gain and offset coefficients used in data reduction. It is from these calibration measurements that the fidelity interval is estimated. The technique allows us to optimize our calibration test plan through simulations which vary the number of radiometric levels, the radiometric range available for testing, and the number of data repetitions.