cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Antiangiogenic Approaches to Age-Related Macular Degeneration Today

Intravitreal ranibizumab reduces the risk of visual acuity loss and increases the chance of visual acuity gain compared with no treatment or photodynamic therapy for selected cases of subfoveal choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Although intravitreal ranibizumab did not result in substantial improvement (15 or more letters on an ETDRs chart) in the majority of cases treated in the MARINA (Minimally classic/occult trial of the Anti-VEGF antibody Ranibizumab in the treatment of Neovascular AMD) or ANCHOR (Anti-VEGF Antibody for the Treatment of Predominantly Classic CHORoidal Neovascularization in AMD) trials, few cases experienced substantial visual acuity loss. The most serious known risk of treatment, endophthalmitis, although rare, is always a possibility. Intravitreal bevacizumab might be considered when ranibizumab is not available because of regulatory or financial constraints, and it might be considered in place of ranibizumab even without financial constraints if noninferiority trials show that bevacizumab is almost as good as-or is better than-ranibizumab. Systemic risks of intravitreal ranibizumab or bevacizumab are unknown, although trials have ruled out moderate or large systemic risks for ranibizumab. This therapy should be considered when initiating therapy for lesions that are subfoveal, and predominantly CNV when the lesion composition on fluorescein angiography (FA) is predominantly classic, or when there is presumed recent disease progression and the lesion composition is minimally classic or occult with no classic. Optical coherence tomography, FA, or both also might be of value to assist with decisions regarding continuation of treatment after it has been initiated. However, to date, there is little consistent information to suggest that utilizing these imaging modalities to consider withholding treatment before 2 years has been shown confidently to result in outcomes as good as monthly treatment. Extrapolation of these recommendations should be done with caution when considering the treatment of subfoveal CNV that is not predominantly CNV, such as predominantly blood lesions or lesions that are predominantly scar, as well as lesions associated with very low levels of visual acuity or those owing to causes other than AMD. A subsequent review in this series discusses other therapies for CNV being considered in the future.
On the interpretation and application of shock-test results in engineering designs

A theoretical study of the characteristics of a shock spectrum which is measured in a shock test of equipment is presented. For this purpose, the machine and the equipment are represented by two systems connected in series; an upper and a lower bound of the spectrum of the shock motion at the interface of the two systems are found using the Fourier transform and impedance method. The spectrum is shown to be affected by the characteristics of both systems. It is demonstrated that in a system containing negligible damping, hills would occur in the spectrum at the resonant frequencies of the combined system, whereas valleys (spectrum dips) would appear in the neighborhood of the fixed-base resonant frequencies of the equipment. The possible effects of damping and of the variation in the characteristics of the system on the phenomenon are also discussed. The results support, at least in the case of systems with low damping, the current design practice of the Navy in which an envelope of a group of the dips of measured spectra is used in creating a design spectra for similar equipment. The analysis developed here would also be useful in understanding the behavior of vibration absorber and other shock phenomena.
Transrectal hyperthermia as palliative treatment for advanced adenocarcinoma of prostate and studies of cell-mediated immunity.

During a fifteen-month period, 15 patients with progressive adenocarcinoma of the prostate (CaP) were treated with transrectal microwave hyperthermia (TRHT). There were 5 Stage T4 and 11 Stage T3 patients including 6 patients with skeletal metastases. Nine of the patients had severe and 6 had moderately severe signs and symptoms of CaP. TRHT was given six times at 2,450 MHz with temperature controlled at 43.5° for thirty minutes. Cell-mediated immunity tests were performed before TRHT and at two, four, and six months post-therapy. The results of these tests were compared with those of 15 patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treated with the same TRHT and with 30 untreated normal volunteers. TRHT was well tolerated with mild acute toxicity noted in 3 patients (20 %). Of the 15 patients treated, 2 (13 % ) showed scintigraphic evidence of regression of bone metastases. Five patients survived more than five years since treatment, and in 3 patients there was no evidence of CaP. A decrease of marked or moderate degree in signs and symptoms of CaP was noted in 8 patients (53 %). The results of cell-mediated immunity tests were of interest. The 15 CaP patients prior to TRHT had lower OKT4/OKT8 ratio, lower PHA transformation index, and lower Con-A induced T-cell suppressor activity as compared with the 15 BPH patients and 30 healthy volunteers, who had normal immune parameters (p < 0.01). Following TRHT there was a significant increase in the monitored immune parameters noted in the 15 CaP patients (p<0.01). This immune stimulation peaked at two months and gradually decreased to near pretreatment levels at six months. In the 15 BPH patients post- TRHT changes in immune tests were less apparent. The results of this small study, if confirmed, could be of clinical importance in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Physical chemical observations on the α-chymotrypsin glutaraldehyde system during formation of an insoluble derivative☆

Abstract Physical chemical observations have been made on the α-chymotrypsin-glutaraldehyde system during formation of an insoluble, enzymically active product. Lightscattering measurements indicate a two-step reaction, the second step being a linear condensation polymerization reaction. The effects of pH and ionic strength on the rate of the second-step reaction are best explained in terms of an acid shift in the p K a of the ϵ-amino groups of glutaraldehyde-modified lysine residues and a decrease in attractive forces between enzyme particles with increasing ionic strength, respectively. The large cross-linked particles formed appear to be branched flexible coils. Time-dependent ultraviolet spectra demonstrate an apparent hyperchromism due to increased scattering with no new absorption bands. Optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) and circular dichroism (CD) measurements show no gross unfolding of the α-chymotrypsin molecule upon cross-linking, although small local changes in conformation could be indicated by changes in the CD spectrum at 255 and 229 nm. Measurements on small soluble polymers show that there is a large loss in activity (60%–70%) during formation of these relatively small derivatives, suggesting that reaction of glutaraldehyde with primary amino groups and not intermolecular cross-link formation could be the main reason for the loss in activity.
Primary Vaginal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Presenting as a Cystic Pelvic Mass

A 57-year-old woman presented with urinary retention, diarrhea, rectal bleeding, a cystic pelvic mass with thick irregular borders posterior to the vagina displacing the cervix and the bladder, and an intact vaginal mucosa. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy on the assumption that she had an ovarian neoplasm. The mass originated from the posterior vaginal wall and was consistent with primary squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was treated with surgical cytoreduction followed by external radiation therapy and weekly cisplatin with good response. One year following treatment the patient remains without evidence of disease. Primary vaginal squamous cell carcinoma arising from the posterior vaginal wall can present as a cystic pelvic mass resembling an ovarian neoplasm. Cytoreductive surgery followed by chemoradiation might be of value in some patients with primary vaginal carcinoma.
Comparison of functional and total capillary densities in fast and slow muscles of the chicken.

The anterior latissimus dorsi (ALD) and posterior latissimus dorsi (PLD) of the domestic chicken were used to study the possible differences in functional capillary density of slow and fast skeletal muscle. Frozen sections of each muscle were prepared for histochemical determination of fiber homogeneity, capillary/fiber ratios, and capillary densities. The functional capillary bed (percent open capillaries) was determined by comparing the number of ink-filled capillaries, after a systemic injection of india ink (for 90–120 s), with the total number of capillaries/mm2. ALD is a slow-tonic muscle consisting of two fiber types, with an average of 1.34±0.03 capillaries/fiber, a density of 699±20 capillaries/mm2, and a functional capillary bed representing 29% (ratio of open to total number of capillaries/mm2 was 0.286±0.022) of the total bed. PLD is a fast-twitch muscle also having two fiber types, with an average of 1.08±0.04 capillaries/fiber, a density of 561±26 capillaries/mm2, and a functional bed representing 11% (ratio of open capillaries to total is 0.111±0.014) of the total. These findings of increased capillarity (24% more capillaries/fiber and 25% more capillaries/mm2) and higher functional capillary density in an avian pure slow muscle (ALD), corroborate previous findings of increased capillarity around slow fibers in mixed muscles of several mammalian species. The values given represent the means ± SEM.
Effects of applied vibration on triphasic electromyographic patterns in neurologically ballistic head movements

Vibration of agonist or antagonist muscle tendon produced changes in the triphasic electromyographic pattern of neck muscles; EMG signals were rectified, averaged, and also integrated by planimetry. The triphasic EMG envelopes obtained during fast horizontal head rotation showed unmodified early agonist pulse, the action pulse (PA), under all conditions; increased antagonist pulse, the braking pulse (PB), only with antagonist muscle vibration; and increase of late agonist pulse, the clamping pulse (PC), only with agonist muscle vibration. Vibration experiments can be considered as a model for studying interactions between central and peripheral effects on control of normal movements.
Palynology of cushion bogs of the Cordillera Pelada, Province of Valdivia, Chile

Fossil pollen identified in the earliest sediments of three cushion bogs in the Cordillera Pelada (40°10′S, 73°30′W) dated 10,425 14C yr B.P. includes the subantarctic species Dacrydium fonckii, Tetroncium magellanicum, Astelia pumila, Gaimardia australis, Donatia fascicularis, and Drosera uniflora. All grow today in the Cordillera Pelada and range poleward to the southernmost Province of Magallanes; one species, Drapetes muscosa, included with the pollen of these plants in the earliest record, is no longer a constituent of the flora but is limited only to subantarctic Chile. Available evidence indicates that plants survived the last glaciation north of the glacial border with the course of postglacial migration southward following the wastage of the glacier complex. Holocene climatic and vegetational changes in the Cordillera Pelada are interpreted in the context of regional reconstructions which show maximum warmth about 9000 yr ago with a pronounced dry period lasting from 9000 to 6500 yr B.P. Maximum precipitation was later reached around 4000 yr ago but has decreased overall since then. The regional decline of the endemic gymnosperm Fitzroya cupressoides, which today is extensively destroyed in the Cordillera Pelada, follows this decrease in precipitation. These climatic data suggest a net south ward shift in the zone of westerly winds that bring rainfall to the region over the past 4000 yr.
Inflected prepositions in Italian

In Italian certain prepositions (Ps) can appear morphologically combined with articles, inflecting for number and gender. We will dub this the inflected form of the P for the moment, without prejudice as to the analysis of this form:(1) Sta nella terza camera ‘It's in the third bedroom’ is in/the (fern sg) third bedroom(2) C' e abbastanza carta sulle scrivanie there is enough paper on/the (fern pi) desks ‘There's enough paper on the desks’(3) Ci va col vicino there goes with'the (masc sg) neighbour ‘He's going there with his neighbour’(4) L' ho dato ai ragazzi ‘I gave it to the boys’ it I–have given to/the (masc pi) boysThe inflected form of the P has desinences similar to those found on the articles and the demonstrative adjective quel(lo). These forms are given overleaf in Table I (where only one inflected P is shown, but the forms for the other inflected Ps vary for number and gender in the same way).
Environmental effects on immune responses in patients with atopy and asthma

Despite attempts and some successes to improve air quality over the decades, current US national trends suggest that exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution remains a significant risk factor for both the development of asthma and the triggering of asthma symptoms. Emerging science also suggests that environmental exposures during the prenatal period and early childhood years increase the risk of asthma. Multiple mechanisms mediate this risk because a wide range of deleterious air pollutants contribute to the pathogenesis of asthma across a variety of complex asthma phenotypes. In this review we will consider the role of altered innate and adaptive immune responses, gene-environment interactions, epigenetic regulation, and possibly gene-environment-epigene interactions. Gaining a greater understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the effect of exposure to air pollution on asthma, allergies, and other airway diseases can identify targets for therapy. Such interventions will include pollutant source reduction among those most exposed and most vulnerable and novel pharmaceutical strategies to reduce asthma morbidity.
Image recognition neural network: IRNN

Abstract Artificial neural network models are becoming very attractive in image processing where high computational performance and parallel architectures are required. Recently, many papers appeared on applications of neural networks to problems where some degree of intelligence or human-like performance is desired. This paper describes a novel neural network architecture for image recognition and classification. The proposed neural network, called an image recognition neural network (IRNN), is designed to recognize an object or to estimate an attribute of an object. IRNN takes an analog gray level image as an input and produces an appropriate recognition code at the output.
H + + H − Mutual Neutralization Cross Section Obtained with Superimposed Beams

The ion-ion mutual neutralization cross section for ${\mathrm{H}}^{+}$ + ${\mathrm{H}}^{\ensuremath{-}}$ has been measured over the barycentric energy range from 0.15 to 300 eV using a merged-beam technique. The results are compared with theoretical calculations and with a recent higher energy experimental measurement. An estimate of the thermal rate coefficient is made.
Non-Isochoric Bending and Shearing

Two families of non-homogeneous finite deformations are treated. For each family, the governing system of second-order nonlinear partial differential equations reduces to a system of first-order non-linear ordinary differential equations for homogeneous compressible elastic solids with arbitrary isotropic or anisotropic response.
Social disorganization theory and the contextual nature of crime in nonmetropolitan counties

Abstract This research explores violent and property crime rates in nonmetropolitan counties. It is argued that crime rates are lower in these counties because of higher levels of social integration. We test the hypothesis that predictors of crime from social disorganization theory exert different effects on violent and property crimes at different levels of population change in nonmetropolitan counties. We use a spatial lag regression model to predict the 1989–1991 average violent and property crime rates for these counties, taken from the Uniform Crime Reports (UCR). The results show that a factor-analyzed index of resource disadvantage (poverty rate, income inequality, unemployment, percent female-headed households) has different effects on both violent and property crime at different levels of population change in nonmetropolitan counties. Contrary to expectations, we find that resource disadvantage exerts a greater positive effect on both violent and property crimes in nonmetropolitan counties that lost population between 1980 and 1990. Implications for theory and research are discussed.
Orbital or medial frontal cortical lesions have different effects on tail pressure-elicited oral behaviors in rats.

Abstract Three groups of rats were tested with daily tail pressure (TP) tests until reliable and stable baseline eating, gnawing or licking was observed. One group then received bilateral aspiration of the medial frontal cortex, a second group received orbital frontal cortical lesions, and a third group received control lesions of the motor cortex. Daily TP tests were continued postoperatively. There was no disruption of TP-elicited oral behaviors after medial frontal or motor cortex lesions. In contrast, orbital frontal lesions abolished TP behaviors on the first day postoperatively, and there was a slow recovery of TP until day 5 when the elicited behaviors were about 80% of preoperative levels. The time course of recovery of TP-elicited oral behavior closely paralleled the recovery of elective eating after orbital frontal lesions, both in the group given TP and in another group given orbital lesions but not TP. These data demonstrate a marked difference between the medial and orbital divisions of the prefrontal cortex in the mediation of stress-induced oral behavior, and we discuss our data in terms of the possible role of dopamine terminals in these regions.
NADPH oxidase activation in fibronectin adherent human neutrophils: A potential role for β1 integrin ligation

Abstract Background. Hydrogen peroxide production by human neutrophils is tightly coupled to integrin ligation. This provides a means for spatial localization of oxidant production. However, integrin specificity and consequent signaling mechanisms for this process remain undefined. In the present study we demonstrate that otherwise unstimulated neutrophils adherent to fibronectin, a β1 ligand, but not fibrinogen, a β2 ligand, produce hydrogen peroxide in a time-dependent fashion. We hypothesized that signaling proceeded through focal, adhesionlike structures. Methods. Triton-X insoluble (actin cytoskeleton) fractions from suspension phase cells and cells adherent to the β1 integrin ligand fibronectin were assessed for the presence of the integrin-associated kinase Pyk2, the scaffolding protein paxillin, and the downstream Src family kinase Lyn. Lysates were subjected to immunoprecipitation with anti-phosphotyrosine and probed for Pyk2, paxillin, and Lyn. Associations between focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and paxillin were determined by immunoprecipitation with anti-FAK and probing with anti-paxillin antibody. Activation of NADPH oxidase was determined by demonstration of redistribution of p47phox in Triton-X insoluble fractions. Results. NADPH oxidase activation, as judged by H2O2 production, occurred with fibronectin-, but not in suspension or fibrinogen-adherent cells. Cells adherent to fibronectin for 20 minutes demonstrated marked increases in Pyk2, paxillin, and Lyn activation in comparison to fibronectin-adherent and suspension phase cells. Conclusion. This study demonstrates that fibronectin adherence is a significant initiating factor for NADPH oxidase assembly in human neutrophils. This appears to be mediated by β1 integrins. We demonstrate formation of focal adhesions containing Pyk2/FAK, paxillin, and Lyn, and translocation of p47phox. (Surgery 2003;133:378-83.)
Percentage Points of Multivariate t Distribution with Zero Correlations and their Application

The k-variate t distribution plays an important role in the application of Multiple Comparison Procedures, Ranking and Selection Procedures, and Estimation of Ranked Parameters. This distribution was considered by several authors in the past and is now widely used. In this paper, tables of some percentage points of the multivariate t distribution are tabulated for given probability level γ = 0.80, 0.90, 0.95, and 0.99; population size k = 2(1)20; and degrees of freedom v=2(1) 30(5)60 with common correlation coefficient ϱ = 0. The accuracy of the percentage points is specifically determined (and is up to the fourth decimal place). An application of these tables is considered for interval estimation of the largest mean of k(≧2) normal populations.
Predicting the Course of Unstable Angina

To the Editors: The recent article by Marmur and colleagues (1) suggests that quantitative tomographic exercise thallium scintigraphy is of value in identifying patients who are at risk for subsequ...
CORRELATIONS BETWEEN POWDER DEPOSITION METHODS AND GREEN COMPACT QUALITY: PART II COMPACT QUALITY AND CORRELATIONS

ABSTRACT The effect of three deposition methods (funnel, rainy and feed shoe) was studied on the green compact quality of two powders - microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) and silicon nitride (KY 3500). The green compacts were prepared using a commercially available single-action mechanical press namely the Powder Testing Center (PTC)1. These compacts were then tested for their quality using a universal testing machine (Instron 1000), The various compact quality parameters that were determined included axial compressive strength, radial strength and work of failure (axial and radial). From the compact quality tests, it was observed that in 6 out ofl2 cases for KY 3500 compacts, there was a good linear correlation (R2>0.90) between compact quality parameters and isotropic pressure of compaction. In the case of MCC compacts, 10 out of 12 cases had a good linear correlation (R2>0.90) between quality parameters and isotropic pressure of compaction. In addition, for KY 3500 compacts, the deposition methods had a ...
Ab initio theoretical and matrix isolation experimental studies of hydrogen bonding: evidence of a dramatic effect of the matrix on the structure and vibrational spectrum of HBr:3,5-dichloropyridine

Abstract Ab initio calculations at the MP2/6–31 + G(d,p) level of theory have been carried out to determine the structure and vibrational spectrum of two hydrogen-bonded complexes, HBr:3,5-dichloropyridine and HBr:3,5-dichloropyridine:2Ne. The presence of the two Ne atoms leads to dramatic structural and spectral changes. The computed HBr:3,5-dichloropyridine:2Ne spectrum exhibits strong low-frequency bands, in agreement with the experimental spectrum of HB:3,5-dichlropyridine obtained in an Ar matrix.
146: Selenium and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in dietetically treated patients with metabolic diseases

146: Selenium and reduced glutathione peroxidase activity in dietetically treated patients with metabolic diseases
A statistical investigation of traveling convection vortices observed by the west coast Greenland magnetometer chain

[1] We report on the results of a statistical investigation of high-latitude traveling ionospheric convection vortices measured by the west coast Greenland magnetometer chain during the year 1996. The events were selected using a data-fitting procedure which identifies vortex-like structures in the ionospheric current distribution. The procedure identified about 22,150 vortices during 1996. For each vortex event, we compute the average value of the current and the average northward and eastward speed, and the standard deviations of the parameters are also computed. We investigate the local time and solar wind dependence of the vortex strength and movement. The solar wind speed appears to be the primary factor which correlates best with the field-aligned current strength related to individual ionospheric vortices. Increasing solar wind speed increases the vortex occurrence, as well as vortex intensity in all dayside local time sectors. The dependence is the strongest in the noon sector, followed by the morning and evening sectors. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Bz component has a nearly comparable influence on vortex strength as the solar wind speed; however, this is observed primarily in the noon sector. The final factor which we have found to correlate with vortex occurrence and strength is the standard deviation of the magnetic field.
Top-down effects of a terrestrial frog on forest nutrient dynamics.

Many studies have found top-down effects of predators on prey, but few studies have linked top-down effects of vertebrate predators to nutrient cycling rates in terrestrial systems. In this study, large and significant effects of a terrestrial frog, Eleutherodactylus coqui (coqui), were recorded on nutrient concentrations and fluxes in a subtropical wet forest. In a manipulative experiment, coquis at natural densities were contained in or excluded from 1 m3 enclosures for 4 months. Chemistry of leaf wash (throughfall), foliage, and decomposed leaf litter in the enclosures were measured as indicators of coqui effects on nutrient cycling. Coqui exclusion decreased elemental concentrations in leaf washes by 83% for dissolved organic C, 71% for NH4+, 33% for NO3–, 60% for dissolved organic N, and between 60 and 100% for Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, P, K, and Zn. Coqui exclusion had no effect on foliar chemistry of plants transplanted into the enclosures. However, coqui exclusion decreased nutrient availability in decomposing mixed leaf litter by 12% and 14% for K and P, respectively, and increased C:N ratios by 13%. Changes in nutrient concentrations that occurred with coqui exclusion appear to be due to concentrations of nutrients in coqui waste products and population turnover. The results supported our hypothesis that coquis have an observable effect on nutrient dynamics in this forest. We suggest that the primary mechanism through which they have this effect is through the conversion of insects into nutrient forms that are more readily available for microbes and plants. The potential for higher trophic level species to affect nutrient cycling through this mechanism should not be overlooked.
Vitamin D insufficiency in children, adolescents, and young adults with cystic fibrosis despite routine oral supplementation

BACKGROUND Cystic fibrosis (CF) with pancreatic insufficiency is associated with poor absorption of fat and fat-soluble vitamins, including vitamin D. Pancreatic enzyme supplementation does not completely correct fat malabsorption in CF patients. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to compare the vitamin D status of children, adolescents, and young adults with CF who were treated with routine vitamin D and pancreatic enzyme supplements with the vitamin D status of a healthy reference group from a similar geographic area. DESIGN Growth, dietary intake, and serum concentrations of 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)(2)D], and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured in 101 white subjects with CF and a reference group of 177 white subjects. RESULTS The median daily vitamin D supplementation in the CF group was 800 IU. The mean +/- SD serum concentrations of 25(OH)D were 20.7 +/- 6.5 ng/mL in the CF group and 26.2 +/- 8.6 ng/mL in the reference group (P < 0.001). Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency were defined as 25(OH)D concentrations < 11 ng/mL and < 30 ng/mL, respectively. Seven percent of the CF group and 2% of the healthy reference group were vitamin D deficient (P < 0.03). Ninety percent of the CF group and 74% of the healthy reference group were vitamin D insufficient (P < 0.01). Twenty-five percent of the CF group and 9% of the healthy reference group had elevated PTH (P < 0.006). The odds of vitamin D insufficiency in the CF group, compared with the healthy reference group, were 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.3) after adjustment for season and age. CONCLUSION Despite daily vitamin D supplementation, serum 25(OH)D concentrations remain low in children, adolescents, and young adults with CF.
Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Infections: Manifestations of Infection and Recent Advances in Understanding Pathogenesis and Control

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) continues to be of economic significance to the livestock industry in terms of acute disease and fetal loss. Many of the lesions relating to BVDV infection have been well described previously. The virus is perpetuated in herds through the presence of calves that are persistently infected. Relationships between various species and biotypes of BVDV and host defenses are increasingly understood. Understanding of the host defense mechanisms of innate immunity and adaptive immunity continues to improve, and the effects of the virus on these immune mechanisms are being used to explain how persistent infection develops. The noncytopathic biotype of BVDV plays the major role in its effects on the host defenses by inhibiting various aspects of the innate immune system and creation of immunotolerance in the fetus during early gestation. Recent advances have allowed for development of affordable test strategies to identify and remove persistently infected animals. With these improved tests and removal strategies, the livestock industry can begin more widespread effective control programs.
A Distributed Avionics Package for Small UAVs

This paper presents the design and implementation of a distributed computing architecture used to accommodate a wide range of operational environments. The architecture’s advantages include fault-tolerance and redundancy through an abstracted high and lowlevel bus protocol, and significant system scaling enabled by its modular nature. The current implementation was created for use in an avionics context, where it accommodates many payload sizes, levels of complexity, and configurations. Each of these advantages are evident in one of the many RECUV (Research and Engineering Center for Unmanned Vehicles at the University of Colorado) sponsored projects that use this system. This paper will describe some of these projects and how each maintains very dierent system requirements, ranging from providing a full-featured avionics system, to enabling control of a micro-UAV.
Motility initiation of sterlet sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) spermatozoa: Describing the propagation of the first flagellar waves

In the present study, for the first time in fish spermatozoa, we describe the precise chronology of motility initiation of sterlet (sturgeon) sperm from completely immotile flagella to regular full wave propagation. The successive activation steps were investigated by high-speed video microscopy, using specific experimental situation, where sperm motility initiation was delayed in time up to several seconds (10 ± 2.68 seconds). Starting from fully immotile, the flagellum shows some trembling for a brief period, soon followed by appearance of the first real bend (so-called "principal bend") with a large wave amplitude 4.28 ± 0.65 μm, then by the "reverse bend," the latter presenting a lower (P < 0.05) wave amplitude (1.14 ± 0.32 μm). This couple of first bends formed at the basal region begins to propagate toward the flagellar tip but gradually fades when reaching the midflagellum, wherein consequently the sperm cell remains nonprogressive. This behavior repeats several times until a stage where the amplitude of the reverse bend gradually reaches a value similar that of the principal bend: The larger amplitude of this couple of bends finally leads to sustain a real "takeoff" of the sperm cell characterized by a full flagellar wave propagation generating an active forward displacement similar to that occurring during regular steady state motility (several seconds after activation). Starting from the earliest stages of motility initiation, the wave propagation along the flagellum and formation of new waves proceeded in a helical manner leading to a 3-dimensional rotation of the whole spermatozoon. Eventually, we estimated that the time period needed from the activation signal (contact with fresh water) to full wave propagation ranges from 0.4 to 1.2 seconds.
Application of 3C/3D converted mode reflections, King County, Texas

AbstractWe used a 3C/3D seismic reflection data set from King County, Texas, to investigate the utility of multicomponent seismic data for improving reservoir characterization. We evaluated a new seismic processing/interpretation option, based on direct-S modes generated by a vertical-force source. This new seismic mode, SV-P, may allow legacy 3D P-wave data to be reprocessed to create converted-wave data without the need for additional data acquisition costs associated with multicomponent surveys. Using traveltime and amplitude analysis, P-P, P-SV, and SV-P reflectivity was compared to determine which seismic mode might give a clearer picture of the subsurface and subsequently reduce exploration risk.
Adverse Perinatal Outcomes and Risk for Postpartum Suicide Attempt in Washington State, 1987–2001

OBJECTIVE. Postpartum suicide attempts are serious events with a significant impact on women and their families. Our objectives were to determine the temporal risk period for these events and to assess whether maternal complications and adverse infant outcomes are associated with risk for postpartum suicide attempt. METHODS. We performed a case-control study that compared 520 women who were hospitalized for a postpartum suicide attempt with 2204 control women who were not hospitalized for a postpartum suicide attempt in Washington State from 1987 to 2001. We performed logistic regression to evaluate whether maternal complications and adverse infant outcome, after controlling for other risk factors, were associated with a hospitalization for a suicide attempt within 1 year after delivery. RESULTS. Most attempts were the result of poisoning (63.6%). Suicide attempts were most frequent in the first and 12th months after delivery. Maternal complications including labor and delivery complications and cesarean delivery were not associated with risk for postpartum suicide attempt. After adjustment for age and marital status, fetal or infant death was associated with postpartum suicide attempt. Other adverse infant outcomes, including preterm delivery, low birth weight, and congenital malformations, were not associated with attempts. CONCLUSIONS. Maternal complications were not associated with hospitalizations for suicide attempts in the year after delivery. However, fetal death or the death of an infant in the first year after delivery was strongly associated with hospitalization for a suicide attempt. These risk factors may be useful predictors for health care providers who care for women or children during the postpartum period.
Purpose in Life among High Ability Adolescents.

Leading high ability scholars have proposed theories that suggest a purpose in life may be particularly prevalent among high ability youth; however, the prevalence of purpose has not been empirically assessed among this population. Therefore using in-depth interviews the present study established the prevalence of purpose among a sample of high ability adolescents and compared it to the prevalence of purpose among a sample of typical youth (N= 203). Results revealed that purpose was present among high ability early and late adolescents at roughly the same rate as among more typical youth. However, high ability youth reported embracing self-oriented life goals earlier than more typical youth, and they identified different types of inspiring life purposes. Implications, including steps practitioners can take to foster purpose among high ability youth, are addressed.
Quantitative Trait Loci (QTLs) mapping for growth traits in the mouse: A review

The attainment of a specific mature body size is one of the most fundamental differences among species of mammals. Moreover, body size seems to be the central factor underlying differences in traits such as growth rate, energy metabolism and body composition. An important proportion of this variability is of genetic origin. The goal of the genetic analysis of animal growth is to understand its "genetic architecture", that is the number and position of loci affecting the trait, the magnitude of their effects, allele frequencies and types of gene action. In this review, the different strategies developed to identify and characterize genes involved in the regulation of growth in the mouse are described, with emphasis on the methods developed to map loci contributing to the regulation of quantitative traits (QTLs).
Neuronal oxidative damage and dendritic degeneration following activation of CD14-dependent innate immune response in vivo

The cause-and-effect relationship between innate immune activation and neurodegeneration has been difficult to prove in complex animal models and patients. Here we review findings from a model of direct innate immune activation via CD14 stimulation using intracerebroventricular injection of lipopolysaccharide. These data show that CD14-dependent innate immune activation in cerebrum leads to the closely linked outcomes of neuronal membrane oxidative damage and dendritic degeneration. Both forms of neuronal damage could be blocked by ibuprofen and alpha-tocopherol, but not naproxen or gamma-tocopherol, at pharmacologically relevant concentrations. This model provides a convenient method to determine effective agents and their appropriate dose ranges for protecting neurons from CD14-activated innate immunity-mediated damage, and can guide drug development for diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, that are thought to derive in part from CD14-activated innate immune response.
Behavioral Intention and Behavior toward the Obese on a College Campus: An Exploratory Analysis of Discriminatory Behavior

Abstract Background: Discriminatory behavior toward the obese is ubiquitous, which can lead to psychological conditions that exacerbate physical repercussions. Purpose: Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), this study examined the link between college students' behavioral intention and self-reported behavior toward the obese. Possible connections with demographic variables were explored. Methods: Students at one university participated (n=718). Two scales were developed; one measured behavioral intention - College Obesity Behavioral Intention Scale (COBIS); one measured behavior - College Obesity Behavior Scale (COBS). Alphas fell in the acceptable to excellent range for both instruments. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation (r=0.6642; P=0.001) between the COBIS and COBS. Linear regression was significant (R2=0.4412; P=0.001). A significant regression model (P=0.001) consisting of age group, sex, and BMI status by COBIS and COBS scores was found. Discussion: Behavioral intentio...
Postapproval outcomes of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms treated with the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft.

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate postapproval outcomes of patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms treated with the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft (Cook Inc, Bloomington, Ind). Methods We reviewed clinical data of consecutive patients treated with the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft in the United States at seven institutions with early commercial access from July 2012 to December 2012. Clinical outcomes and compliance to anatomic guidelines were compared with results of the U.S. fenestrated trial (USFT). Results Fifty-seven patients were treated. There were significantly more ( P 4-mm infrarenal neck, and there were significantly more mesenteric stents (13 vs 0; P Conclusions Despite higher rates of comorbidities and more challenging anatomy, early 30-day outcomes of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms treated postapproval with the Zenith fenestrated endovascular graft compare well with USFT data. Future studies are needed to assess durability of this treatment modality as the technology diffuses and data mature.
Applications to Optics and Wave Mechanics of the Criterion of Maximum Cramer-Rao Bound

Abstract A wide class of physical problems requires the estimation of probability laws. Diffraction patterns and quantum mechanical probability laws on position are examples. Minimum Fisher information is one approach to estimating such laws; maximum entropy is another. In this paper, we show that the minimum Fisher information approach may be derived from a prior principle of maximum Cramer-Rao bound (MCRB). The MCRB-Fisher approach is then applied to some fundamental physical problems, including diffraction theory and quantum mechanics. It is found to give the correct physical solutions, that is the Helmholtz and Schrodinger wave equations respectively. By comparison, the maximum entropy approach gives incorrect solutions to these problems, except in the special (thermodynamic) case of a harmonic oscillator potential.
Recent historical perspectives regarding medical euthanasia and physician assisted suicide

Medical assistance in the termination of life, whether euthanasia or assisted suicide, is arguably one of the most hotly debated topics as we approach the millenium. While euthanasia has been a subject of controversy for thousands of years, the historical influences vis a vis the medical profession are primarily rooted in the past century. This chapter seeks to explore some of the recent historical developments which have had an impact on the emergence of medical euthanasia and physician assisted suicide. The objective is to juxtapose events in a way that relates historical fact (and fiction) to current events and debates. Sociology, law and theology have each a view and impact in this arena ; however they are deliberately left to the side, so as to allow for a longitudinal landscape.
Correction of cervical esophageal stricture using an axial island cheek flap.

Chronic strictures of the cervical esophagus after laryngectomy and radiation therapy pose a difficult problem in reconstructive surgery. Most conventional operations for cervical esophageal reconstruction are not well suited to the treatment of stricture because of lack of mucosal surface, or because of bulky tissues that awkwardly fit around the tracheal stoma. This report describes our experience with a new operation designed to correct this defect. We transposed an island full-thickness cheek flap, which included an inner lining of mucosa and outer covering of skin. The flap was based on the facial artery and vein, and used as a patch to the stricture area. Normal swallowing and excellent cosmetic appearance were achieved. There has been minor numbness of the corner of the upper lip. This flap has excellent reach, and may have multiple applications to reconstruction problems in the head and neck.
Megahertz frequency characterization of transparent nanowire-based thin-film transistors

The megahertz frequency performance of fully transparent thin-film transistors (TFTs) based upon tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nanowires with indium tin-oxide (ITO) contacts and interconnects is presented. Utilizing arrays of the single-crystalline nanowires as the semiconductor channel material and a low-temperature fabrication process, fully transparent TFTs were fabricated on glass substrates. The nanowire TFTs show a current gain cut-off frequency f T of 44 MHz and power gain cut-off frequency f max of 109 MHz. The use of existing and scalable fabrication processes suggest that the nanowire thin-film approach may be promising for high-speed transparent and flexible integrated circuits fabricated on diverse substrates.
Ethics at Goldman Sachs

Goldman Sachs continues to defend its title in the media as the most maligned and unscrupulous company throughout this past decade's financial downfall and 'standing ten count.' Two of the largest and most scrutinized transactions during this period were the currency swaps designed to hide Greece's debt and the making of the Abacus deal that blindly fleeced investors of billions. We delve into the fine print of these two particular deals to try and evaluate whether Goldman was inherently immoral and unethical or a merely surfer responding to its environment and going with the flow of the moment.
Comparative analysis of temporal dynamics of EEG and phase synchronization of EEG to localize epileptic sites from high density scalp EEG interictal recordings

Our objective was to examine if the high-density, 256 channel, scalp interictal EEG data can be used for localizing the epilepsy areas in patients. This was done by examining the long-range temporal correlations (LRTC) of EEGs and also that of the phase synchronization index (SI) of EEGs. It was found that the LRTC of scalp SI plots were better in localizing the seizure areas as compared with the LRTC of EEGs alone. The EEG data of one minute duration was filtered in the low Gamma band of 30–50 Hz. A detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) was used to find LRTC of the scalp EEG data. Contour plots were constructed using a montage of the layout of 256 electrode positions. The SI was computed after taking Hilbert transform of the EEG data. The SI between a pair of channel was inferred from a statistical tendency to maintain a nearly constant phase difference over a given period of time even though the analytic phase of each channel may change markedly during that time frame. The SI for each electrode was averaged over with the nearby six electrodes. LRTC of the SI was computed and spatial plots were made. It was found that the LRTC of SI was highest at the location of the epileptic sites. A similar pattern was not found in the LRTC of EEGs. This provides a noninvasive way to localize seizure areas from scalp EEG data.
Using Lexical Stress in Authorship Attribution of Historical Texts

This paper presents some early results from a comprehensive project, whose goal is to investigate the use of intonation and lexical stress in authorship attribution. We demonstrate how lexical stress patterns extracted from written text can be used to train a variety of machine learning algorithms to perform attribution of texts of unknown or disputed authorship. Specifically, we apply our methodology to a collection of 18$$^\mathrm{th}$$ century American and British political writings, and demonstrate how combining lexical stress with other lexical features can significantly improve the attribution results.
IBM Bluemix Mobile Cloud Services

The Mobile Cloud Services offering of IBM Bluemix® is a platform for cloud-based mobile applications, providing data and file storage, application authentication, push notifications, and server-side application logic, all available through easy-to-use client software development kits (SDKs). In this paper, we describe the server-side architecture for the key components of the Mobile Cloud Services. For scalability and fault resilience, components are implemented as stateless services that communicate using a distributed message queue. We adopted a “design for failure” approach to all environmental services, including basic networking support. We developed a robust communications layer that adds timeout and retry logic to all external interactions. We also built a flexible and robust application-monitoring infrastructure to constantly probe the service components, test end-to-end functionality, and report any problems through web monitors and text messages. Finally, we designed and delivered client SDKs for Android®, iOS®, and JavaScript® that enable application developers to quickly create robust mobile applications that utilize IBM Mobile Cloud Services. These architecture and implementation choices have resulted in a robust and scalable cloud-based platform for mobile application developers.