cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Venous Thromboembolism after Urological Surgery

Purpose: We determined the rates of deep venous thromboembolism and pulmonary embolism after common urological procedures in the United States.Materials and Methods: The NSQIP database was used to identify common urological procedures performed between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2011. A total of 82,808 patients were included in the study.Results: Overall 633 (0.76% of 82,808 subjects) deep venous thromboses occurred within 30 days of surgery in this cohort of patients treated with common urological procedures. Among procedures performed at least 500 times the rates of deep venous thrombosis were highest for cystectomy/urinary diversion (3.96% [71/1,792]), partial cystectomy (2.35% [17/722]) and open radical nephrectomy (1.67% [45/2,702]). The rates of deep venous thrombosis were lowest in patients undergoing laparoscopic colpopexy (0.00% [0/707]), placement of a female sling (0.08% [9/10,648]) and hydrocelectomy/spermatocelectomy/varicocelectomy (0.13% [3/2,333]). A total of 349 (0.42%) pulmonary em...
Classical r-Matrices and Compatible Poisson Structures for Lax Equations on Poisson Algebras

Given a classical r-matrix on a Poisson algebra, we show how to construct a natural family of compatible Poisson structures for the Hamiltonian formulation of Lax equations. Examples for which our formalism applies include the Benny hierarchy, the dispersionless Toda lattice hierarchy, the dispersionless KP and modified KP hierarchies, the dispersionless Dym hierarchy, etc.
Development of the Orthogonal-Transfer Array †

The orthogonal-transfer array (OTA) is a new charge-coupled device (CCD) concept for wide-field imaging in groundbased astronomy based on the orthogonal-transfer CCD (OTCCD). This device combines an 8×8 array of small OTCCDs, each about 600×600 pixels with on-chip logic to provide independent control and readout of each CCD. The device provides spatially varying electronic tip-tilt correction for wavefront aberrations, as well as compensation for telescope shake. Tests of prototype devices have verified correct functioning of the control logic and demonstrated good CCD charge-transfer efficiency and high quantum efficiency. Independent biasing of the substrate down to -40 V has enabled fully depleted operation of 75-μm-thick devices with good charge PSF. Spurious charge or "glow" due to impact ionization from high fields at the drains of some of the NMOS logic FETs has been observed, and reprocessing of some devices from the first lot has resolved this issue. Read noise levels have been 10 - 20 e-, higher than our goal of 5 e-, but we have identified the likely sources of the problem. A second design is currently in fabrication and uses a 10-μm pixel design resulting in a 22.6-Mpixel device measuring 50×50 mm. These devices will be deployed in the U. of Hawaii Pan-STARRS focal plane, which will comprise 60 OTAs with a total of nearly 1.4 Gpixels.
Optogenetic control of ATP release

Controlled release of ATP can be used for understanding extracellular purinergic signaling. While coarse mechanical forces and hypotonic stimulation have been utilized in the past to initiate ATP release from cells, these methods are neither spatially accurate nor temporally precise. Further, these methods cannot be utilized in a highly effective cell-specific manner. To mitigate the uncertainties regarding cellular-specificity and spatio-temporal release of ATP, we herein demonstrate use of optogenetics for ATP release. ATP release in response to optogenetic stimulation was monitored by Luciferin-Luciferase assay (North American firefly, photinus pyralis) using luminometer as well as mesoscopic bioluminescence imaging. Our result demonstrates repetitive release of ATP subsequent to optogenetic stimulation. It is thus feasible that purinergic signaling can be directly detected via imaging if the stimulus can be confined to single cell or in a spatially-defined group of cells. This study opens up new avenue to interrogate the mechanisms of purinergic signaling.
Turbulent Boundary Layer Control by Wall Oscillations

The objective of this paper is to examine the effect and the effectiveness of wall oscillation as a control scheme of drag reduction in order to better understand the mechanism of drag reduction. Two flow configurations were considered: constant flow rate and constant mean pressure gradient. The Navier-Stokes equations were solved using Fourier-Chebyshev spectral methods and the oscillation in sinusoidal form was enforced on the walls through boundary conditions for the spanwise velocity component. Results to be shown included the effects of oscillation frequency, amplitude, oscillation orientation, and peak wall speed at Reynolds number of 180 based on wall-shear velocity and channel half-width as well as the Reynolds number dependency s in both flow configurations. Comparison of effectiveness made between these two flow configurations has showed similarities as well as differences. Drag reduction as a function of peak wall speed was compared with both experimental and numerical data and the agreement was good in the trend and in the quantity. Comparison between these two flow configurations in the transient response to the sudden start of wall oscillation, turbulence statistics, and instantaneous flow fields was detailed and differences were clearly shown. Analysis and comparison are allowed to shed some light on the way that oscillations interact with wall turbulence.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Learning to avoid aposematic prey

The evolution of prey warning coloration is, literally, a textbook example of Darwinian adaptive evolution by natural selection. The cornerstone of this evolutionary process is a predation event, the dynamics of which are poorly understood. Aposematic (warningly coloured) prey are relatively unpalatable and their conspicuous appearance should enable predators to avoid them, but such is not always the case. Based on models of conditioned learning, it has been assumed that the number of aposematic prey that a predator will attack as it learns to avoid such prey should be constant or declining as the prey's abundance increases. However, empirical studies have shown that predators make more attacks on aposematic prey when those prey are more common. I suggest that this failure of theory to predict behaviour probably arises from limitations of the learning models in question. Rather than using mechanistic models of conditioned learning, I used signal detection theory to provide a functional characterization of the uncertainty that inexperienced predators encounter when learning to distinguish prey types. This characterization explains otherwise puzzling data on predation on aposematic prey and can offer insight on the selective pressures driving the evolution of aposematism and mimicry.
Electrophysiology Methods to Investigate Molecular Interactions Between Nanoparticles and Lipid Bilayers

A diverse range of molecular interactions can occur between engineered nanomaterials (ENM) and cell membranes, some of which could lead to toxic outcomes. The ability to measure, predict, and control these molecular interactions would enable ENM to be designed to be both effective and safe. While some classes of ENM-membrane interactions involve participation of proteins or other membrane-associated macromolecules, ENM can also interact directly with the membrane's lipid bilayer. This latter class of interactions can be characterized using electrophysiology methods, in which transient ionic currents through a synthetic bilayer lipid membrane (BLM) are measured to obtain a rapid and sensitive signature of BLM disruption. In this study, we describe application of electrophysiology methods to investigate molecular interactions between a variety of ENM and BLM. To explore the effect of ENM surface properties on ENM-BLM interactions, BLM were challenged with custom-fabricated polypropargyl glycolide nanoparticles having a variety of surface functional groups. Polyethylene glycol functionalized ENM triggered ionic current spikes having a duration of milliseconds, while carboxyl-functionalized ENM generated both rapid current spikes and extended integral conductance. Ion selectivity of the ENM-generated conductance was investigated by measuring reversal potential of transmembrane currents at various applied potentials in the presence of a 10:1 KCl gradient. Reversal potentials for different types of ENM varied from 0 mV, indicating no ion preference, to 37 mV, indicating preference for K+. To explore the effect of BLM composition on ENM-BLM interactions, two BLM compositions were tested: pure DOPC, and a 3:1 ratio of POPC:POPE. For a variety of ENM, the DOPC BLM consistently exhibited ion currents at lower concentrations and lower transmembrane voltages than did the POPC:POPE BLM. These results demonstrate the utility and versatility of electrophysiology methods to characterize molecular interactions between ENM and BLM.
Pairing on striped t-t'-J lattices

Results are given from a density matrix renormalization group study of pairing on a striped $t$-$t'$-$J$ lattice in the presence of boundary magnetic and pair fields. We find that pairing on a stripe depends sensitively on both $J/t$ and $t'/t$. In the strong-pairing model-parameter regime the stripes are easily coupled by the pair field, and have a uniform phase. There is a small but measurable energy cost to create anti-phase superconducting domain walls.
Knowledge of Medication Abortion Among Adolescent Medicine Providers

Abstract Purpose Adolescents are at high risk for unintended pregnancy and abortion. The purpose of this study was to understand whether providers caring for adolescents have the knowledge to counsel accurately on medication abortion, a suitable option for many teenagers seeking to terminate a pregnancy. Methods Using an online questionnaire, a survey related to medication abortion was administered to U.S. providers in the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine. We conducted χ 2 analyses to evaluate the knowledge of medication abortion by reported adolescent medicine fellowship training, and to compare responses to specific knowledge questions by medication abortion counseling. Furthermore, we examined the relationship between providers' self-assessed and actual knowledge using ANOVA. Results We surveyed 797 providers, with a 54% response rate. Almost 25% of respondents incorrectly believed that medication abortion was not very safe, 40% misidentified that it was r 2 = .08). Conclusions Knowledge regarding medication abortion safety, effectiveness, expected outcomes, and complications is suboptimal even among adolescent medicine fellowship trained physicians, and self-assessment poorly predicts actual knowledge. To ensure pregnant teenagers receive accurate counseling on all options, adolescent medicine providers need better education on medication abortion.
Time-multiplexed real-time one-way image compensation for high-spatial-frequency aberration correction

A new self-aligning geometry for real-time holographic image reconstruction for one-way imaging through a phase aberrator is demonstrated. The input beams are time multiplexed to isolate the diffracted image from the reference beams after the image beams propagate through the hologram. This geometry permits the image-bearing beam and the reference beams to copropagate through the holographic plane.
Gravitational Red-Shift in Nuclear Resonance

The several theories of relativity predict the frequency of electromagnetic spectral lines to be proportional to the gravitational potential. Experiments are proposed to observe the timekeeping of a "clcck" based on an atomic or molecular transition, when held aloft in a rocket-launched satellite, relative to a similar one kept on the ground. Methods for testing this on the ground are discussed. (W.D.M.)
The Effect of Relaxation Therapy on Preterm Labor Outcomes

Objective To examine the effect of relaxation on preterm labor outcome. Design Quasi-experimental, with women who experienced preterm labor randomly assigned to a control or experimental group. The experimental group was to do a daily relaxation exercise. A third group was added to the study: women who were originally assigned to the relaxation group but were unable to adhere to the daily practice. Final data were analyzed for three groups: control (n=40), experimental (n=44), and nonadherent (n=23) participants. Setting Women were referred to the study from physician offices and a hospital-based obstetric triage clinic in the Northwest. Participants Total sample was comprised of 107 women with singleton gestations, documented contractions with cervical change, and intact membranes. Interventions The experimental group was instructed in a progressive relaxation exercise. The participants were given tapes of the exercise and instructed to do it daily. Outcome Measures Study outcomes included gestational age at birth, rate of pregnancy prolongation, and birth weight. Results The outcome variables were analyzed using analysis of covariance, with the preterm labor risk score entered as a covariate to compensate statistically for group differences. A positive response to the relaxation intervention was found: The experimental group had significantly longer gestations and larger newborns when compared to the control and nonadherent groups. Conclusions Relaxation therapy made a difference in preterm labor outcome. Women who practiced relaxation had larger newborns, longer gestations, and higher rates of pregnancy prolongation. Given the low cost of the intervention, it should be offered to all women at risk for preterm labor.
Efficacy of an ankle orthosis with a subtalar locking system in restricting ankle kinetics and kinematics in lateral cutting

The ankle joint is the most injured joint during sports participation [1]. Ankle orthoses have been shown to be effective in reducing ankle inversion injuries and are often prescribed for rehabilitation and prevention of lateral ankle sprains. Efficacy of ankle orthoses is often assessed by comparing reduction of passive inversion ROM as well as ankle kinematics between braced and unbraced movements [2,3]. However, joint kinetic responses in lateral cutting were rarely examined. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a new semi-rigid ankle orthosis with a subtalar joint locking mechanism in restricting ankle kinetics and kinematics during a lateral cutting movement.
Generating UML models from domain patterns

The development of a family of applications in a domain can be greatly eased if patterns in the domain are systematically reused. Systematic use of such patterns can be achieved by tools that support the specification of patterns and their instantiation in a specific application context. In this paper, we present a prototype tool called RBML-Pattern Instantiator (RBML-PI) that generates application-specific UML class diagrams and sequence diagrams from a pattern specification described in the Role-Based Metamodeling Language (RBML), a pattern specification language defining a domain-specific sub-language of the UML. We give an overview of the RBML using the Visitor design pattern, and demonstrate the tool using an RBML specification for the CheckIn-CheckOut (CICO) domain pattern that specifies services to check in and check out items. We use the CICO pattern specification to generate an application-specific UML model of a library system using RBML-PI.
Some stochastic models of AIDS spread

In this paper we propose a stochastic model for the AIDS spread in a homosexual population. The probability generating function (PGF) of the numbers of latent persons, infective persons and AIDS cases is derived. By using the PGF, it is shown that the expected numbers and variances and covariances of these persons satisfy some ordinary differential equations. These equations have been solved numerically to assess effects of various factors on AIDS spread.
On the pursuit of enterprise opportunities by systems engineering organizations

The idea of focusing more on enterprise opportunities is used as an example for measuring the viscosity of information flow and acceptance within a large systems engineering organization. This work is motivated by apparent synergies between two current internal research projects involving a homeodynamics model from the medical field and organizational transformation ideas from the social dynamics field. A simple survey for characterizing the viscosity for this test case was used to establish an initial data baseline against which to measure future change. Also, relevant elements of organizational and individual behavior, including traits of high-performing members of work teams are introduced as a partial explanation for the preliminary results obtained.
Psychopathic personality or personalities? Exploring potential variants of psychopathy and their implications for risk assessment

Although psychopathy typically has been construed as a relatively uniform construct, seminal theories and contemporary research suggest that it may be heterogeneous. In this article, the most promising literature is distilled to distinguish among potential variants of antisocial personality disorder (APD) that can be derived from, and informed by, modern conceptions of psychopathy. This analysis suggests that there are primary and secondary variants of psychopathy, which may be distinguished based on the extent to which they are heritable and are characterized by affective deficits, impulsivity, trait anxiety, and characteristics of borderline and narcissistic personality disorders (NPD). These variants also may differ in their patterns of violence and responsivity to treatment. If variants of psychopathy can be identified reliably and supported empirically, psychopathy may be transformed from a global label to a set of more specific constructs that improve our ability to understand, manage, and treat individuals who have largely been regarded as dangerous and untreatable.
Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver. Durable tumor regression by hepatic chemoembolization infusion with cisplatin and vinblastine

Background. Gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver is considered most resistant to any combination of systemic chemotherapy containing doxorubicin and/or ifosphamide. Methods. Fourteen patients with gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver were treated with hepatic chemoembolization infusion consisting of polyvinyl alcohol sponge particles mixed with cisplatin powder (150 mg) followed by an intrahepatic arterial infusion of vinblastine (10 mg/m 2 ). Results. Ten major (>50% regression) tumor responses were observed (70%) in patients lasting from 8 to 31 + months (median, 12 months) after an average of two hepatic chemoembolization procedures, usually 4 weeks apart. Transient side effects included right upper quadrant pain requiring narcotics, significant hepatic enzyme elevation, particularly of lactic dehydrogenase with a minimal increase in bilirubin, paralytic ileus requiring nasogastric suction up to 72 hours, urinary electrolyte losses (potassium + , magnesium ++ , sodium + ) requiring supplements, and occasionally mild but transient leukopenia and thrombocytopenia. Conclusions. Hepatic chemoembolization infusion appears to induce a high rate of durable tumor response in patients with notoriously chemoresistant gastrointestinal leiomyosarcoma metastatic to the liver. Cancer 1995 :75 :2083-8.
Cervical conization of adenocarcinoma in situ: a predicting model of residual disease

Objective To determine factors associated with the presence of residual disease in women who have undergone cervical conization for adenocarcinoma in situ (ACIS) of the cervix. Study Design We identified women who underwent a cervical conization for a diagnosis of ACIS followed by repeat conization or hysterectomy between Jan. 1, 1995, and April 30, 2010. Data were summarized using standard descriptive statistics. Results Seventy-eight patients met study criteria. The presence of ACIS at the internal conization margin or in the postconization endocervical curettage (ECC) correlated with residual ACIS ( P Conclusion The addition of postconization ECC to cone biopsy for ACIS of the cervix provides valuable prognostic information regarding the risk of residual ACIS. Women with ACIS who have both a negative postconization ECC and a negative conization margin have a 14% risk for residual ACIS and can be treated conservatively if desiring fertility. A positive postconization ECC or internal margin incurs significant risk of residual disease and 12-17% will have cancer.
The paradoxes of analysis and synonymy

The very idea of informative analysis gives rise to a well-known paradox. Yet a parallel puzzle, herein called the ‘paradox of synonymy’, arises for statements which do not express analyses. The paradox of synonymy has a straightforward metalinguistic solution: certain words are referring to themselves. Likewise, the paradox of analysis can be solved by recognizing that certain expressions in an analysis statement are referring to their own semantic structures.
Substituent-Induced Perturbation Symmetries and Distortions of meso-tert-Butylporphyrins.

The out-of-plane and in-plane distortions of a series of nickel(II) meso-substituted porphyrins with 0, 1, 2, or 4 tert-butyl groups [nickel(II) porphine (NiP), nickel(II) mono-tert-butylporphyrin ...
Neuropeptide Y and peptide YY do not bind to brain σ and phencyclidine binding sites

Abstract The binding of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and peptide YY (PYY) to σ and phencyclidine (PCP) receptors in brain membranes was studied. NPY and PYY at up to 500 nM did not bind to σ or PCP receptors under different binding conditions including different temperatures, membrane preparations, protease inhibitor and sources of the peptides. These findings are in contrast with the reported potent affinities of NPY and PYY for σ and PCP receptors by Roman et al. (1989, European J. Pharmacol. 174, 301).
Ultrastructure of human endometrial epithelium in monolayer culture with and without steroid hormones

Colonies of cells of epithelioid appearance were identified in monolayer cultures grown up to 50 days from normal human endometrial cell suspension obtained by a method designed to insure a maximum harvest of glandular cells. Groups of these cells were separated from stromal cells by means of cloning cylinders. Studies comparing the ultrastructure of cells of this type to fresh endometrial tissue revealed a number of similarities. The morphological characteristics common to both types of samples included junctional complexes, perinuclear microfilaments and microvilli with glycocalyx. Other common features were prominent nucleoli, well developed Golgi, rough endoplasmic reticulum and membrane-bound electron-dense bodies in the cytoplasm. A stripping technique applied to the fetal bovine serum used in the nutrient medium made it possible to initiate cultures in a steroid-free environment and to maintain them in the presence of the specified concentration of estradiol and/or progesterone. Isolation of epithelial cells of endometrium in monolayer culture may provide a useful model system in which to study the specific effects of steroid hormones on cellular function and differentiation.
Culture and the Care of Children With Chronic Conditions: Their Physicians' Views

Background Little is known about physicians' perceptions of the influence of culture on the health care of children with chronic and disabling conditions. Objective To identify physicians' perceptions of the impact of the family's ethnocultural background on the health care of school-aged children with chronic conditions and recommendations for improving care. Design Qualitative study in 2 midwestern metropolitan areas. Setting General community. Participants Convenience sample of 52 physicians nominated by 60 African American, Hispanic, and European American families of school-aged children with chronic conditions. Methods In-depth interviews were conducted with the physicians. Content analytic techniques were used to analyze the data. Results In 44% of the responses, the physicians reported that ethnocultural background did not influence the care the child received, noting that comparable care was provided to all of their patients. In 14% of the responses, the effect was unknown. The overall effect was negative in 26% of the responses and positive in 16%. Physicians' recommendations focused on 4 topics: improving the training and education of health care professionals and families; ensuring good communication between the child, family, and health care professionals; supporting families; and improving the access and provision of services for children from diverse cultural backgrounds. Conclusion Although the majority of participants reported that ethnocultural background did not affect the care the child received from the health care system, physicians' recommendations reflected awareness of the influence of culture on the care of children with chronic conditions and the need for further training on this issue.
Cyst nematode vs. tolerant and intolerant soybean cultivars

(...) A field study was conducted for 2 yr to determine the effect of SCN initial population (P i ) densities on soybean root and shoot development in the intolerant and suceptible cultivar, Bragg, and the moderately tolerant cultivar, Wright. Shoot and root growth was stimulated at the low P i but reduced at high P i in both years. Harvest seed weight showed a similar response in 1986, but declined steadily with increasing P i 1987 when there was less rainfall. The moderately tolerant cultivar, Wright appeared to be smaller, more efficient plant than the intolerant cultivar, Bragg (...)
Analyzing jitter at high data rates

Jitter is timing noise that causes bit errors in high-speed data transmission lines. If the data rate of a system is increased, the magnitude of jitter measured in seconds is roughly unchanged, but measured as a fraction of a bit period, it increases proportionally with the data rate and causes errors. Emerging technologies require the ratio of the number of errors to the total number of transmitted bits (the bit error rate, BER) to be less than one in a trillion (10/sup -12/). As datacom, bus, and backplane data rates have increased, many different techniques for characterizing jitter have been introduced, each using a variety of different types of laboratory equipment. To fix difficult jitter problems at high data rates, engineers need to understand the diverse jitter analysis techniques used in both synchronous and asynchronous networking. The article focuses on data rates of emerging technologies above 3 Gb/s. Below 3 Gb/s, real-time oscilloscopes can capture a contiguous data stream that can be analyzed simultaneously in both the time and frequency domains; at higher data rates jitter analysis is more challenging. This discussion is from the perspective of a digital engineer, drawing on the experience of synchronous optical network/synchronous digital hierarchy (SONET/SDH) where many challenges have already been addressed.
Neurologic complications of infectious mononucleosis

A review of the neurologic complications of Epstein-Barr viral (EBV) infections is presented. EBV has been associated with a wide range of acute neurologic diseases in children. Encephalitis, meningitis, cranial nerve palsies, mononeuropathies, and many other neurologic ailments have been described since the confirmation of EBV as the etiology of infectious mononucleosis. It is important to recognize that EBV can cause a myriad of neurologic illnesses with or without the stigmata of infectious mononucleosis.
Siting solar energy development to minimize biological impacts

After solar and other renewable energy developers select generally suitable sites for exploration, they frequently encounter conflict over biodiversity conservation values that were not factored into the initial suitability rating methods. This paper presents a spatial multicriteria analysis method for modeling risk of conflict with biological resources and applies the model in the California deserts where such conflicts are rapidly rising. The premise of the model is that the least conflict will occur on sites that are the most ecologically degraded with low conservation value and that would engender low off-site impacts when connecting to existing transmission infrastructure. Model results suggest sufficient compatible land exists in flat, non-urban areas to meet state solar energy targets of 8.7 GW of installed capacity in the California deserts for 2040. The model is a promising tool to fill the gap between site suitability analysis for renewable energy and regional biodiversity conservation planning to identify areas where rapid impact assessment and permitting will generate the least regrets.
Reading history: comment on Chenoweth and Feitelson

Abstract While Chenoweth and Feitelson have done a service to the futures community by comparing the Global 2000 Report with The Resourceful Earth–two important books of the late 1970s/early 1980s—their comparison is flawed in three dimensions: (1) they treat the books as though they were intended to be accurate predictions of the future. Their intention, instead, was to influence public policy in certain, often contrasting, directions; (2) by using in 2000 the same data sources the two books used in the 1970s (rather than better data sources available now, but not then), the authors' comparative conclusions are often flawed; and (3) in spite of this, their own conclusions often do not seem to follow from the comparative data they present: using only the data the two authors present, The Resourceful Earth does not appear to have been more ‘accurate’ in ‘predicting’ the year 2000 than was the Global 2000 report.
Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome: Diseases of the connexome

This review summarizes data in support of the notion that the cardiac intercalated disc is the host of a protein interacting network, called "the connexome", where molecules classically defined as belonging to one particular structure (e.g., desmosomes, gap junctions, sodium channel complex) actually interact with others, and together, control excitability, electrical coupling and intercellular adhesion in the heart. The concept of the connexome is then translated into the understanding of the mechanisms leading to two inherited arrhythmia diseases: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and Brugada syndrome. The cross-over points in these two diseases are addressed to then suggest that, though separate identifiable clinical entities, they represent "bookends" of a spectrum of manifestations that vary depending on the effect that a particular mutation has on the connexome as a whole.
Building k-edge-connected neighborhood graph for distance-based data projection

Neighborhood graph construction is the first step of data projection based on geodesic distances. This paper presents an approach for constructing a k-edge-connected neighborhood graph. The approach works by applying a greedy algorithm to add edges in a non-decreasing order of edge length to the neighborhood graph if end vertices of each edge are not yet k-edge-connected on the graph. The approach is applicable to a wide range of data including data distributed in clusters. It is compared with other approaches through experiments.
Changes in Fertility and Hormone Replacement Therapy in Kidney Disease

Infertility is common among men and women with CKD and fertility is usually restored with successful kidney transplantation. There are many causes of infertility in those on dialysis, including sexual dysfunction and impaired spermatogenesis and ovulation resulting from an altered hormonal milieu. There is little information about infertility in CKD, but it is clear that ESRD results in low rates of pregnancy in women. Early reports of increased pregnancy rates in women on nocturnal hemodialysis suggest that this modality may improve the abnormal reproductive hormonal milieu of ESRD; small studies of men on dialysis also suggest this. Just as the specific causes of infertility in men and women with CKD/ESRD are unknown, we also lack information about the appropriateness of hormone replacement in these patients. This paper reviews these linked issues, pointing out the lack of data upon which to base clinical decision-making about these quality-of-life issues in our CKD/ESRD patients.
p53 is abnormally elevated and active in the CNS of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a form of apoptosis, but the mechanisms for this neuronal cell death are not known. We evaluated whether motor neuron degeneration in ALS is associated with changes in the levels and function of the apoptosis regulating protein p53. The protein levels and localizations of p53 are abnormal in ALS. By immunoblotting, p53 is elevated in the nuclear compartment of selectively vulnerable CNS regions in individuals with ALS compared to age-matched controls. The levels of a carboxyl-terminal degradation fragment of p53 were decreased in cases of ALS. DNA binding assay demonstrated that the increased p53 in individuals with ALS had competent DNA binding activity. Immunocytochemistry revealed that in normal human CNS p53 is expressed in subsets of nonneuronal cells, but it is found only rarely in neurons; in contrast, in individuals with ALS, p53 is frequently found in motor neurons of spinal cord and motor cortex and is upregulated in astroglia. It is concluded that p53 may participate in the mechanisms for motor neuron apoptosis in ALS.
Cyclic short-term scheduling of multiproduct batch plants using continuous-time representation

The idea of cyclic scheduling is commonly utilized to address short-term scheduling problems for multiproduct batch plants under the assumption of relatively stable operations and product demands. It requires the determination of optimal cyclic schedule, thus greatly reducing the size of the overall scheduling problems with large time horizon. In this paper a new cyclic scheduling approach is proposed based on the state-task network (STN) representation of the plant [Comput. Chem. Eng. 17 (1993) 211] and a continuous-time formulation [Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. 37 (1998a) 4341]. Assuming that product demands and prices are not fluctuating along the time horizon under consideration, the proposed formulation determines the optimal cycle length as well as the timing and sequencing of tasks within a cycle. This formulation corresponds to a non-convex mixed integer nonlinear programming (MINLP) problem, for which local and global optimization algorithms are used and the results are illustrated for various case studies.
Human Cytomegalovirus TRS1 Protein Is Required for Efficient Assembly of DNA-Containing Capsids

The human cytomegalovirus tegument protein, pTRS1, appears to function at several discrete stages of the virus replication cycle. We previously demonstrated that pTRS1 acts during the late phase of infection to facilitate the production of infectious virions. We now have more precisely identified the late pTRS1 function by further study of a mutant virus lacking the TRS1 region, ADsubTRS1. We observed a significant reduction in the production of capsids, especially DNA-containing C-capsids, in mutant virus-infected cells. ADsubTRS1 exhibited normal cleavage of DNA concatemers, so the defect in C-capsid production must occur after DNA cleavage and before DNA is stably inserted into a capsid. Further, the normal virus-induced morphological reorganization of the nucleus did not occur after infection with the pTRS1-deficient mutant.
Phenotypic plasticity in plants: a case study in ecological development.

: environment-dependentphenotypic expression (Bradshaw 1965; Schlichting 1986;Sultan 1987, 1995, 2000; Scheiner 1993; Travis 1994; Schlich-ting and Pigliucci 1998; Pigliucci 2001). To determine pat-terns of individual plasticity, genotypes are cloned or inbredand the genetic replicates raised in a set of controlled envi-ronments. Traits of interest can then be measured in each en-vironment to characterize patterns of phenotypic response(termed
Regional and Diurnal Variability of the Vertical Structure of Precipitation Systems in Africa Based on Spaceborne Radar Data

Abstract The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) 2A25 radar reflectivity profiles and derived surface rain rates are used to describe the vertical structure of precipitation systems in Africa. Five years of data are used in both the boreal and austral summer rainy seasons. A number of climate regions are isolated and compared. To place the composite reflectivity profiles in context, they are contrasted against TRMM 2A25 observations over the Amazon. In all of tropical Africa, precipitation systems tend to be deeper and more intense than in the Amazon, and shallow warm-rain events are less common. In all African regions, but especially in the Sahel and northern Savanna, storms are characterized by high echo tops, high hydrometeor loading aloft, little indication of a radar brightband maximum at the freezing level, and evidence for low-level evaporation. Storms in Africa are generally most common, and deepest, in the late afternoon, and weaker shallow systems are relatively more common around noon. T...
Ethical hacking as a risk management technique

The rapid growth of the Internet has brought many constructive and valued solutions for our lives such as e-commerce, electronic communication, and new areas for research and information sharing. However, like many other technological advancements, there is also an issue of growing number of criminal hackers. Businesses are scared of computer experts who will penetrate into their web server and change their logo, steal their private emails or credit card numbers, or put in software that will quietly transmit their organization's data to somebody in another country. The need is to train our computer science students with ethical hacking techniques, so that they can fight against criminal hackers. Also, organizations should hire experts with hacking expertise to combat above mentioned problems. Hence, this paper will discuss ethical hackers; their expertise, attitude, how they assist their customers and their pros and cons.
Therapeutic immunization against Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an effective adjunct to antibiotic treatment.

Background. Recent advances in rational adjuvant design and antigen selection have enabled a new generation of vaccines with potential to treat and prevent infectious disease. The aim of this study was to assess whether therapeutic immunization could impact the course of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection with use of a candidate tuberculosis vaccine antigen, ID93, formulated in a synthetic nanoemulsion adjuvant, GLA-SE, administered in combination with existing first-line chemotherapeutics rifampicin and isoniazid. Methods. We used a mouse model of fatal tuberculosis and the established cynomolgus monkey model to design an immuno-chemotherapeutic strategy to increase long-term survival and reduce bacterial burden, compared with standard antibiotic chemotherapy alone. Results. This combined approach induced robust and durable pluripotent antigen-specific T helper–1-type immune responses, decreased bacterial burden, reduced the duration of conventional chemotherapy required for survival, and decreased M. tuberculosis–induced lung pathology, compared with chemotherapy alone. Conclusions. These results demonstrate the ability of therapeutic immunization to significantly enhance the efficacy of chemotherapy against tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, with implications for treatment duration, patient compliance, and more optimal resource allocation.
Explicit Poincaré equations of motion for general constrained systems. Part I. Analytical results

This paper gives the general constrained Poincareequations of motion for mechanical systems subjected to holonomic and/or nonholonomic constraints that may or may not satisfy d'Alembert's principle at each instant of time. It also extends Gauss's principle of least constraint to include quasi-accelerations when the constraints are ideal, thereby expanding the compass of this principle considerably. The new equations provide deeper insights into the dynamics of multi-body systems and point to new ways for controlling them.
Community composition and migration chronology of shorebirds using the saline lakes of the Southern Great Plains, USA

Shorebirds migrating through the Southern Great Plains (SGP), USA, use freshwater playas and saline lakes as stopovers. The importance of playas is well documented, but the role of saline lakes is not clearly understood. During 2002 and 2003, we conducted surveys to determine the extent to which the saline lakes serve as stopovers. Twenty-eight species were recorded, and total seasonal abundance ranged from 6779 to 29,924 birds. Potential shorebird abundance for extant saline lakes was estimated at 37,000-71,000 shorebirds annually. American Avocets (Recurvirostra americana), Western Sandpipers (Calidris mauri), Baird's Sandpipers (C. bairdi), Least Sandpipers (C. minutilla), Snowy Plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus), Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus), and Wilson's Phalaropes (Phalaropus tricolor) were the most abundant species. Community composition of shorebirds differed between saline lakes and regional freshwater playas. Peak spring abundance was generally in April, whereas summer/fall migration was more protracted and shorebird abundance peaked during 6-8 weeks in August and September. Migration chronologies differed among morphologically similar species, and among representative species from different guilds. Such patterns of temporal separation permit partitioning of resources by shorebirds migrating through the SGP. The saline lakes of the SGP should be regarded as stopover sites of regional and international value. To ensure that saline lakes function as stopovers and to help maintain those unique communities that inhabit them, conservation of saline lakes should focus on preserving spring flows and conserving water. SINOPSIS. Composici´
Controversial company: The prudent layperson standard and the patients’ bill of rights ☆

Abstract [Asplin BR. Controversial company: the prudent layperson standard and the patients' bill of rights. Ann Emerg Med. March 2000;35:304-307.]
DCC: A Dependable Cache Coherence Multicore Architecture

Cache coherence lies at the core of functionally-correct operation of shared memory multicores. Traditional directory-based hardware coherence protocols scale to large core counts, but they incorporate complex logic and directories to track coherence states. Technology scaling has reached miniaturization levels where manufacturing imperfections, device unreliability and occurrence of hard errors pose a serious dependability challenge. Broken or degraded functionality of the coherence protocol can lead to a non-operational processor or user visible performance loss. In this paper, we propose a dependable cache coherence architecture (DCC) that combines the traditional directory protocol with a novel execution-migration-based architecture to ensure dependability that is transparent to the programmer. Our architecturally redundant execution migration architecture only permits one copy of data to be cached anywhere in the processor: when a thread accesses an address not locally cached on the core it is executing on, it migrates to the appropriate core and continues execution there. Both coherence mechanisms can co-exist in the DCC architecture and we present architectural extensions to seamlessly transition between the directory and execution migration protocols.
Kinetics study of endogenous heat shock protein 70 expression

The purpose of this study was to determine the kinetics of HSP70 expression in response to mild thermal stress. The rationale is to produce a basis for design of optimal heating methods to induce HSP70 expression for preconditioning in cardiac surgery. Bovine aortic endothelial cells were heated at 42 degrees C for 0.5 to 5 hours followed by 37 degrees C recovery for 1 to 48 hours. Quantitative analysis of western blot results showed HSP70 expression kinetics is a coupled function of heating temperature and time and of post-heating duration. Bimodal HSP70 expression kinetics were identified which may be an important cause of the "second window of protection" observed by other researchers.
Minimum-time trajectory control of a two-link flexible robotic manipulator

An analysis is made of the experimental results of a minimum-time trajectory control scheme for a two-link flexible robot. An offline optimization routine determines a minimum-time, straight-line tip trajectory which stays within the torque constraints of the motors and ends with no vibrational transients. An efficient finite-element model is used in the optimization to approximate the flexible arm dynamics. The control strategy described is used to determine the feedback gains for the position, velocity, and strain gage signals from a quadratic cost criterion based on the finite-element model linearized about the straight-line tip trajectory. These feedback signals are added to the modeled torque values obtained from the optimization routine and used to control the robot arm actuators. The results indicate that this combination of model-based and error-driven control strategies, achieves a closer tracking of the desired trajectory and a better handling of modeling errors than either strategy alone. >
A reconfigurable data-driven multiprocessor architecture for rapid prototyping of high throughput DSP algorithms

A data-driven multiprocessor architecture for the rapid prototyping of complex DSP algorithms, based on direct execution of data-flow graphs, is presented. High computation bandwidth is achieved by exploiting the fine-grain parallelism inherent in the target algorithms using simple processing elements called nanoprocessors interconnected by a configurable static communication network. The use of distributed control and the data-driven execution approach resulted in a highly scalable and modular architecture. A prototype chip, which is currently being designed, contains 64 nanoprocessors, 1 kByte of memory in four banks and eight 16-bit I/O ports, and provides 3.2 GOPS peak when running at 50 MHz. The benchmark results, based on a variety of DSP algorithms in video processing, digital communication, digital filtering and speech recognition, confirm the performance efficiency and generality of the architecture. >
MemCorp: An Open Data Corpus for Memory Analysis

Memory analysis, as with most areas of digital forensics, has suffered from a lack of open and available datasets. Such sets could be used to facilitate collaboration among researchers and practitioners, validate previous results or assess the capabilities of a tool. A memory analysis corpus may also be used by educators in a multitude of academic settings. This paper explores the needs in research, practical and educational settings and introduces such a corpus.