cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Endogenous creatinine clearance as a measure of renal function in normal and toxemic pregnancies.

Abstract A method of measuring glomerular filtration during pregnancy by use of the 24 hour endogenous creatinine clearance test is described. This method is compared with other measures of renal function during pregnancy. Antepartum and postpartum quantitative creatinine and protein determinations in both blood and urine were carried out in three groups of patients: (1) control series of normal pregnant women, (2) patients with diseases or medical histories predisposing them to the development of toxemia, and (3) those patients not included in Group 2 who developed pre-eclampsia-eclampsia. In an additional series of normal women, the creatinine content of maternal and cord blood and amniotic fluid were determined from specimens obtained at the time of delivery. An increase in the endogenous creatinine clearance from early pregnancy with a decrease at or near term was observed in normal patients. A normal range during pregnancy was established. Decreases in the creatinine clearances paralleled the clinical evidence of severity of the toxemias of pregnancy. Little or no decrease was observed in those patients with slight evidence of pre-eclampsia, suggesting that depression of the glomerular filtration is not an early change. However, further experience with more frequent clearances will be essential to establish whether or not the creatinine clearance may serve as an early index of the development of pre-eclampsia-eclampsia. The creatinine clearance indicated depressed renal function earlier than did the blood serum creatinine alone. All three of the pregnant diabetic patients studied started out with normal clearances which subsequently were depressed well in advance of clinical evidence of superimposed pre-eclampsia. If these observations are repeated in a larger group, such testing would be of real prognostic value in the management of the pregnant diabetic. In most of the patients with toxemia there was a poor correlation between the quantitative blood serum and urinary protein and the creatinine clearance and clinical severity of the toxemia. On the basis of our experience to date we believe that the endogenous creatinine clearance test has proved to be a practical and clinically useful means of measuring renal function during pregnancy as well as evaluating residual renal effects of the toxemias of pregnancy.
Numerical study of diffraction of plane elastic waves by a finite crack with application to location of a magma lens

abstract Location, shape, and size of near-surface heterogeneities in the Earth may be determined by active or passive seismic diffraction experiments. An array of geophones would be set up to record near-field wave motion resulting from diffraction by the inhomogeneity. As an example of such inhomogeneities, we study the diffraction of plane P and S waves by a finite two-dimensional crack as a function of wavelength and direction of incident wave. We develop a method which can be used to solve for diffraction effects by empty and fluid-filled (zero viscosity) cracks. The magnitude of the effect of the fluid in the crack is governed by a parameter called the crack stiffness factor which is the ratio of bulk modulus of the fluid in the crack to the rigidity of the solid divided by the crack aspect ratio. The diffraction problem is solved using the finite difference scheme developed by Madariaga (1976) to study dynamic crack propagation problems. It is found that a crack has little effect on wave motion for incident wave with wavelengths greater than 10 times the crack length. For wavelengths less than 5 times the crack length there is a complicated diffraction pattern. The amplitude and phase of both components of motion are affected by the crack. We find that the diffraction effect decreases as the crack stiffness factor increases. For wavelengths less than 2 times the crack length there is a region of reduced amplitude (shadow zone) behind an empty crack. Relative phase of two components of particle motion varies rapidly with position inside the shadow zone. The results of the theoretical calculation are used to try to locate the edge of a magma lens in Kilauea Iki Crater, Hawaii. It is found that the ratio of vertical-to-horizontal displacement and the direction of rotation of initial particle motion measured by a seismic array located on the floor of the crater agree qualitatively with what the theory predicts. The edge of the magma found by this method shows excellent agreement with the one inferred from the distribution of seismic events originating in the crust of the lava lake (Aki et al. , 1977).
Eliminating versus reducing smoking using pocket timers

Abstract I f you want to stop smoking, any number of procedures can be recommended as effective temporarily. However, follow-up data for these methods are often lacking or disappointing (Marston and McFall, 1971). The two purposes of this study were to (a) replicate and provide follow-up data for a promising method developed by Upper and Meredith (1970), and (b) compare the success of those who set out to “quit” versus those trying merely to “cut down”. The method used is based on the theory that if smoking can be brought under the control of a single stimulus rather than the usual, multiple elicitors, then it can be more easily modified. The stimulus used in this particular approach was the buzz of a pocket timer.
The vibrational analysis of the 2700–4800 A absorption system of ClO2 and the vibrational constants of the associated electronic states☆☆☆

A critical list of 143 vibronic bands of the 2700–4800 A absorption system of ClO2 vapor is compiled. Vibrational quantum number assignments are given to 117 of these bands. Five progressions (a), (b), (c), (m), (d) including the four strongest are given the assignments (a) (v1′00) ← (000), (b) (v1′10) ← (000), (c) (v1′02) ← (000), (m) (v1′12) ← (000), (d) (v1′04) ← (000). The fact that three of the anharmonicity constants are calculated in several independent ways with consistent results is regarded as support for this analysis. The three zero order frequencies and the six anharmonicity constants are determined for the excited electronic state. Furthermore, by combining information obtained from electronic spectra with that obtained from known infrared data, the nine vibrational constants of the ground electronic state are determined. An explanation of anomalous intensities is suggested.
Expression of the glucose-regulated proteins (GRP94 and GRP78) in differentiated and undifferentiated mouse embryonic cells and the use of the GRP78 promoter as an expression system in embryonic cells

We examined the expression of GRP94 and GRP78 in embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells and during early mouse development. The GRP78 protein is constitutively expressed in the undifferentiated F9 cells whereas the level of GRP94 is below detection limit. These cells, like adult differentiated cells, exhibit enhancement of the GRP94 and GRP78 transcript levels in response to the calcium ionophore A23187, resulting in an increase of GRP94 and GRP78 proteins after 8 h of treatment. The GRP78 promoter has been identified as containing a strong enhancer. To test whether the GRP78 promoter is effective in directing expression of a heterologous gene in F9 cells, CAT fusion genes containing the GRP78 promoter were transfected into F9 cells. In non-induced F9 cells the activity of the GRP78 promoter was about 5- and 10-fold higher than the RSV promoter and the SV40 early promoter, respectively. Treatment of the cells with A23187 further increased the GRP78 promoter activity 3-fold. Since GRP78 is expressed during mouse embryogenesis and the promoter is also active in F9 cells treated with retinoic acid, the GRP78 promoter may be useful for the efficient expression of heterologous genes in undifferentiated and differentiated mouse embryonal cells.
Theory of the Miscibility of Fullerenes in Random Copolymer Melts

We combine polymer integral equation theory and computational chemistry methods to study the interfacial structure, effective interactions, miscibility and spatial dispersion mechanism of fullerenes dissolved in specific random AB copolymer melts characterized by strong noncovalent electron donor–acceptor interactions with the nanofiller. A statistical mechanical basis is developed for designing random copolymers to optimize fullerene dispersion at intermediate copolymer compositions. Pair correlation calculations reveal a strong sensitivity of interfacial packing near the fullerene to copolymer composition and adsorption energy mismatch. The potential of mean force between fullerenes displays rich trends, often nonmonotonic with copolymer composition, reflecting a nonadditive competition between direct filler attractions and polymer-mediated bridging and steric stabilization. The spinodal phase diagrams are in qualitative agreement with recent solubility limit experimental observations on three systems, ...
Five Ethical Paradigms for Community College Leaders: Toward Constructing and Considering Alternative Courses of Action in Ethical Decision Making

This article encourages community college leaders to employ ethical paradigms when constructing and considering alternative courses of action in decision-making processes. The authors discuss four previously articulated paradigms (e.g., ethic of justice, ethic of critique, ethic of care, and ethic of the profession) and propose an additional paradigm—the ethic of local community. The ethic of local community is a communitarian and utilitarian frame embodied by the philosophical underpinnings and mission of the community college. Questions designed for praxis are proffered following a discourse on how each paradigm is defined and described in extant literature.
Some systemic effects of malignant tumors. I. Co-enzyme A levels.

The Co-enzyme-A level of all malignant tumors regardless of source, whether from rats, mice, or humans, was consistently and dramatically lower than the corresponding normal tissues, whether the tumors were already existing, or induced chemically, physically, or biologically. Furthermore, the Co-enzyme-A levels of livers, adrenals, spleens, or kidneys of animals bearing a malignant tumor were also consistently lower than those of normal counterparts.
Effects of Rifampin on Tacrolimus Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers

Tacrolimus is a marketed immunosuppressant used in liver and kidney transplantation. It is subject to extensive metabolism by CYP3A4 and is a substrate for P-glycoprotein-mediated transport. A pharmacokinetic interaction with rifampin, an antituberculosis agent and potent inducer of CYP3A4 and P-glycoprotein, and tacrolimus was evaluated in six healthy male volunteers. Tacrolimus was administered at doses of 0.1 mg/kg orally and 0.025 mg/kg/4 hours intravenously. The pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus were obtained from serial blood samples collected over 96 hours, after single oral and intravenous administration prior to and during an 18-day concomitant rifampin dosing phase. Coadministration of rifampin significantly increased tacrolimus clearance (36.0 +/- 8.1 ml/hr/kg vs. 52.8 +/- 9.6 ml/hr/kg; p = 0.03) and decreased tacrolimus bioavailability (14.4% +/- 5.7% vs. 7.0% +/- 2.7%; p = 0.03). Rifampin appears to induce both intestinal and hepatic metabolism of tacrolimus, most likely through induction of CYP3A and P-glycoprotein in the liver and small bowel.
Structural organization of the cytoskeleton in SV40 human corneal epithelial cells cultured on nano- and microscale grooves.

The basement membrane of human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) has a three-dimensional nanoscale architecture, which includes pores, bumps and fibers that may influence cell–substrate adhesion and spreading in the overlying cells. We previously demonstrated that nano- and microscale groove and ridge patterns influence the morphological response and the adhesive response of HCECs to a nominal wall shear stress. Cell–substrate adhesion is mediated by adhesion receptors that bind to extracellular matrix components and anchor the cytoskeleton (CSK) of cells to extracellular elements. Here we investigate the CSK organization in SV40-transformed HCECs grown on nano- and microscale groove and ridge patterns. X-ray lithography was used to fabricate uniform groove and ridge patterns with features ranging in size from 200 nm to 2 µm grooves. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy were used to investigate CSK structure and the distribution of -β1 integrin adhesion receptors. CSK elements aligned with the patterns; however, the spatial organization of these elements was influenced by feature size. Larger CSK bundles lay on top of the ridges and ran parallel to the patterns, whereas smaller CSK bundles, whose width was proportional to the groove size, spanned the grooves. -β1 integrins co-localized with the CSK and had a higher density at the poles of aligned spindle-shaped cells. Differences in organization seen on the different topographical feature sizes may be indicative of differences in extracellular matrix organization. This may explain, in part, previous observations regarding the dependence of cell adhesive responses on the size of topographic features in the substrate. SCANNING 30: 405–413, 2008. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Differentiation of toxigenic fungi using hyperspectral imagery

Some pathogenic fungi, Aspergillus flavus for example, produce mycotoxins that can contaminate grain products including wheat and corn. The contaminated grain poses a threat to the health of both humans and animals. Therefore, from the perspective of food safety and protection, it is important to detect and identify the different toxin-producing fungi encountered in food production. Earlier studies examined various spectral-based, non-destructive methods for the detection of fungi and toxins. The present report focused on the feasibility of using spectral image data for fungal species classification. A tabletop hyperspectral imaging system, VNIR-100E, was used for spectral and spatial data acquisition. A total of five fungal species were selected for a two-part experiment: Penicillium chrysogenum, Fusarium moniliforme (verticillioides), Aspergillus parasiticus, Trichoderma viride, and Aspergillus flavus. All fungal isolates were cultured on media under laboratory conditions and were imaged on day 5 of growth. The objective of the study was to use visible near-infrared hyperspectral imagery to differentiate fungal species. Results indicate that all five fungi are highly separable with classification accuracy of 97.7%. In addition, all five fungi could be classified by using only three narrow bands (bandwidth = 2.43 nm) centered at 743 nm, 458 nm, and 541 nm.
Improved version of group-theoretical analysis of lattice dynamics☆

Title of program: GROUP THEORY LATTICE DYNAMICS 2 Reference to other published version of this program: Catalogue number: ACMM Catalogue number: ACMI; Title: GROUP THEORY OF LATTICE DYNAMICS: Ref. in CPC: 3 (1972) 82 Program obtainable from: CPC Program Library, Queen’s University of Belfast N. Ireland (see application form in this
17O NMR spectroscopic study of substituted 9‐fluorenones

The 17O NMR chemical shift data for 23 9-fluorenones in acetonitrile at 75°C are reported. 17O NMR data for the 3-substituted 9-fluorenones are correlated with 17O NMR data for 4-substituted acetophenones. Chemical shift data for 1-halogeno-9-fluorenones are deshielded relative to the 3-isomers, suggesting important repulsive van der Waals interactions. The keto carbonyl signal for 9-fluorenone-1-carboxylic acid is substantially shielded, as expected, from intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The data for several multi-substituted 9-fluorenones demonstrate that substituent effects are additive for the 9-fluorenones.
Breaking the histone code with quantitative mass spectrometry.

Histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) comprise one of the most intricate nuclear signaling networks that govern gene expression in a long-term and dynamic fashion. These PTMs are considered to be ‘epigenetic’ or heritable from one cell generation to the next and help establish genomic expression patterns. While much of the analyses of histones have historically been performed using site-specific antibodies, these methods are replete with technical obstacles (i.e., cross-reactivity and epitope occlusion). Mass spectrometry-based proteomics has begun to play a significant role in the interrogation of histone PTMs, revealing many new aspects of these modifications that cannot be easily determined with standard biological approaches. Here, we review the accomplishments of mass spectrometry in the histone field, and outline the future roadblocks that must be overcome for mass spectrometry-based proteomics to become the method of choice for chromatin biologists.
A Note in Reference to “Quantum Biology and Psychology”

(1955). A Note in Reference to “Quantum Biology and Psychology”. The Journal of General Psychology: Vol. 53, No. 1, pp. 169-173.
In vivo leukemic transformation: Cytogenetic evidence of in vivo leukemic transformation of engrafted marrow cells

A 4-year-old girl with acute myeloblastic leukemia was treated with 50 mg/kg cyclophosphamide daily for 4 days before being given 1.7 X 10(8) bone marrow cells/kg from her HL-A identical, MLC nonreactive, cytogenetically normal brother. The patient died 92 weeks after the marrow graft. Postmortem examination showed increased myeloblasts and promyelocytes. Cytogenetic studies before transplantation showed that all sex determination metaphases had an XX pattern, and 41% of the hyperdiploid metaphases had an additional 19-20(F) chromosome. At autopsy all hyperdiploid metaphases with XY pattern and 43% of the hyperdiploid metaphases with an XX pattern had an additional F chromosome. Occasional metaphases with 47, XX, + F or 47, XY, + F were seen during the follow-up studies. These findings indicated that an acute leukemia had developed in the XY cell line of this artifically induced sex chimeric child. This suggests that a leukemic stimulus other than that proposed to be induced by total-body irradiation existed in this patient and transformed the engrafted cells.
Drawbacks of using linear mixture modeling on hyperspectral images

Hyperspectral spectroscopy can be used remotely to measure emitted radiation from minerals and rocks at a series of narrow and continuous wavelength bands resulting in a continuous spectrum for each pixel, thereby providing ample spectral information to identify and distinguish spectrally unique materials. Linear mixture modeling ("spectral unmixing"), a commonly used method, is based on the theory that the radiance in the thermal infrared region (8-12 μm) from a multi-mineral surface can be modeled as a linear combination of the endmembers. A linear mixture model can thus potentially model the minerals present on planetary surfaces. It works by scaling the endmember spectra so that the sum of the scaled endmember spectra matches the measured spectrum with the smallest "error" (difference). But one of the drawbacks of this established method is that mathematically, a fit with an inverted spectrum is valid, which effectively returns a negative abundance of a material. Current models usually address the problem by elimination of endmembers that have negative scale factors. Eliminating the negative abundance problem is not a major issue when the endmembers are known. However, identifying unknown target composition (like on Mars) can be a problem. The goal of this study is to improve the understanding and find a subsequent solution of the negative abundance problem for Mars analog field data obtained from airborne and ground spectrometers. We are using a well-defined library of spectra to test the accuracy of hyperspectral analysis for the identification of minerals on planetary surfaces.
Empirical Characterization, Modeling, and Analysis of Smart Meter Data

Smart meter deployments are spurring renewed interest in analysis techniques for electricity usage data. However, an important prerequisite for data analysis is characterizing and modeling how electrical loads use power. While prior work has made significant progress in deriving insights from electricity data, one issue that limits accuracy is the use of general and often simplistic load models. Prior models often associate a fixed power level with an “on” state and either no power, or some minimal amount, with an “off” state. This paper's goal is to develop a new methodology for modeling electric loads that is both simple and accurate. Our approach is empirical in nature: we monitor a wide variety of common loads to distill a small number of common usage characteristics, which we then leverage to construct accurate load-specific models. We show that our models are significantly more accurate than binary on-off models, decreasing the root mean square error by as much as 8× for representative loads. Finally, we demonstrate three novel applications that use our empirical load models to analyze and derive insights from smart meter data, including i) generating device-accurate synthetic traces of building electricity usage; ii) filtering out loads that generate rapid and random power variations in smart meter data; and iii) detecting the presence of specific load models in time-series power data.
Serum Protein Response to Surgery and Starvation

To investigate the effect of stress on the dynamics of serum protein response during starvation, serum albumin, prealbumin, and transferrin changes were studied in six chair-adapted macaques during two separate 7-day test periods: (1) Starvation--NPO + IV D5/W (100 cc/kg/day), and (2) Surgery/starvation--laparotomy and gastrostomy + NPO + IV D5/W (100 cc/kg/day). During the starvation period, transferrin was the only protein that decreased from baseline values and did so at day 7 of the study period. In contrast, during the period of starvation following surgery, both prealbumin and transferrin were significantly decreased at both day 4 and day 7 of the study period, whereas albumin was only decreased at day 7 of this period. These findings indicate that the addition of a surgical stress to starvation results in a depression of serum protein levels that is not only of greater magnitude, but also more rapid in onset than observed with starvation alone. In addition, the differential response of prealbumin and transferrin to starvation and stress may provide a useful indicator of the presence and/or degree of stress in certain situations. The clinical utility of this finding remains to be ascertained.
Design of Nonbinary LDPC Codes over GF(q) for Multiple-Antenna Transmission

In this paper, we investigate the application of nonbinary low density parity check (LDPC) codes over Galois field GF(q) for multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) fading channels. Depending on the size of the Galois field GF(q), we study both iterative systems which employ joint MIMO detection and channel decoding, and non-iterative systems which employ separate MIMO detection and channel decoding. Based on the concept of coset LDPC code and coset MIMO detector, we develop extrinsic information transfer chart (EXIT) approaches for the design of nonbinary LDPC codes for MIMO channels. Simulation results show that the proposed systems employing the designed nonbinary LDPC codes achieve a superior performance than that of the best optimized binary LDPC codes at a reduced complexity.
The role of negation in implication versus inference

Three experiments are presented which tested the influence of negation on predication. Inferences draw on predications assumed to be certain, and implications draw on predications that are uncertain. Experiment I (136 subjects) found that presenting the behavior of an individual in the form of a negation invites the reasoner to select the opposite of two possible explanations accounting for the behavior in question (p <.05 or greater). Experiment II (85 subjects) found that this logical pull of negation extends to the changing of opinion (p <.004). Experiment III (99 subjects) demonstrated that people do cognize both inferentially and implicationally (p <.001); also, they recall descriptive terms better when they have been used inferentially than when they have been used implicationally (p <.001). It is argued that logical learning theory allows for the distinction between inference and implication whereas traditional computing and information-processing models do not, due to their Boolean presumptions.
Inexact reconstruction: Some improvements

We have recently proposed a new method of obtaining a 3D reconstruction of an object using only four 2D projections [A.V. Crewe and D.A. Crewe, Ultramicroscopy 12 (1984) 293)]. The method requires a few simple assumptions concerning the specimen and has been demonstrated using small arrays [A.V. Crewe, D.A. Crewe and O.H. Kapp, Ultramicroscopy 13 (1984) 365]. We have now extended the method to the case of large arrays and have improved both its speed and accuracy. In its new and revised form the reconstruction algorithm allows considerable flexibility, and many different reconstructions can be made and compared.
Scintillation and Optical Properties of ${\rm BaBrI}\!:\!{\rm Eu}^{2+}$ and ${\rm CsBa}_{2}{\rm I}_{5}\!:\!{\rm Eu}^{2+}$

This paper reports on the scintillation and optical properties of the recently discovered europium doped BaBrI and CsBa2I5 scintillators. Single crystals of BaBrI and CsBa2I5 were grown from the melt by the vertical Bridgman technique. Crystals were doped with 8% and 4% Eu2+ for BaBrI and CsBa2I5 , respectively. These crystals have higher optical quality and present improved scintillation performance compared to the previously reported values. An estimated light yield of 97,000±5,000 and 102,000±6,000 photons per MeV (ph/MeV) of absorbed gamma-ray energy is now measured for BaBrI:8%Eu2+ and CsBa2I5:4%Eu2+ , respectively. A better energy resolution has also been observed. BaBrI energy resolution for the 662 keV full absorption peak (FWHM over peak position) decreased to 3.4±0.2% and CsBa2I5:4%Eu2+ energy resolution decreased to 2.55±0.2% . Additional measurements show both scintillators with an excellent light yield proportionality. Finally, based on optical and x-ray excited emission spectra and decay curves, energy transfer mechanisms in BaBrI and CsBa2I5 scintillators are briefly discussed.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with benign gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM: To explore associations between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and benign gastrointestinal and pancreato-biliary disorders. METHODS: Patient demographics, diagnoses, and hospital outcomes from the 2010 Nationwide Inpatient Sample were analyzed. Chronic liver diseases were identified using International Classification of Diseases, the 9th Revision, Clinical Modification codes. Patients with NAFLD were compared to those with other chronic liver diseases for the endpoints of total hospital charges, disease severity, and hospital mortality. Multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses to assess for the independent association of demographic, comorbidity, and diagnosis variables with the event of NAFLD (vs other chronic liver diseases) were also performed. RESULTS: Of 7800441 discharge records, 32347 (0.4%) and 271049 (3.5%) included diagnoses of NAFLD and other chronic liver diseases, respectively. NAFLD patients were younger (average 52.3 years vs 55.3 years), more often female (58.8% vs 41.6%), less often black (9.6% vs 18.6%), and were from higher income areas (23.7% vs 17.7%) compared to counterparts with other chronic liver diseases (all P < 0.0001). Diabetes mellitus (43.4% vs 28.9%), hypertension (56.9% vs 47.6%), morbid obesity (36.9% vs 8.0%), dyslipidemia (37.9% vs 15.6%), and the metabolic syndrome (28.75% vs 8.8%) were all more common among NAFLD patients (all P < 0.0001). The average total hospital charge ($39607 vs $51665), disease severity scores, and intra-hospital mortality (0.9% vs 6.0%) were lower among NALFD patients compared to those with other chronic liver diseases (all P < 0.0001).Compared with other chronic liver diseases, NAFLD was significantly associated with diverticular disorders [OR = 4.26 (3.89-4.67)], inflammatory bowel diseases [OR = 3.64 (3.10-4.28)], gallstone related diseases [OR = 3.59 (3.40-3.79)], and benign pancreatitis [OR = 2.95 (2.79-3.12)] on multivariable logistic regression (all P < 0.0001) when the latter disorders were the principal diagnoses on hospital discharge. Similar relationships were observed when the latter disorders were associated diagnoses on hospital discharge. CONCLUSION: NAFLD is associated with diverticular, inflammatory bowel, gallstone, and benign pancreatitis disorders. Compared with other liver diseases, patients with NAFLD have lower hospital charges and mortality.
Data Display with the Q System

The Q data-acquisition system for PDP-11 minicomputers at the Clinton P. Anderson Meson Physics Facility (LAMPF) provides experimenters with basic tools for on-line data display. Tasks are available to plot one-and two-parameter histograms on Tektronix 4000 series storage-tube terminals. The histograms to be displayed and the display format may be selected with simple keyboard commands. A task is also available to create and display live two-parameter scatter plots for any acquired or calculated quantities. Other tasks in the system manage the display data base, list display parameters and histogram contents on hardcopy devices, and save core histograms on disk or tape for off-line analysis.
Robustness analysis of genetic programming controllers for unmanned aerial vehicles

While evolving evolutionary robotics controllers for real vehicles is an active area of research, most research robots do not require any assurance prior to operation that an evolved controller will not damage the vehicle. For controllers evolved in simulation where testing a poorly performing controller might damage the vehicle, thorough testing in simulation - subject to multiple sources of sensor and state noise - is required. Evolved controllers must be robust to noise in the environment in order to operate the vehicle safely. We have evolved navigation controllers for unmanned aerial vehicles in simulation using multi-objective genetic programming, and in order to choose the best evolved controller and to assure that this controller will perform well under a variety of environmental conditions, we have performed a series of robustness tests. The results show that our best evolved controller outperforms two hand-designed controllers and is robust to many sources of noise.
Pb and Sr isotopic data bearing on the origin of volcanic rocks from the Mariana island-arc system

Analyses of the isotopic composition of Pb in (1) western Pacific Ocean sediments [Jurassic(?) to Pleistocene in age, including clays and biogenic oozes], (2) Pacific Ocean basaltic rocks, (3) Mariana frontal arc volcanic rocks (Eocene to Miocene), and (4) Mariana active arc volcanic rocks [Pliocene (?) to Holocene] indicate that Pacific Ocean sediments could not have been a significant component of the source material for the Mariana arc volcanic rocks. Calculations involving the average concentrations and isotopic compositions of Pb in oceanic sediments, sea-floor basaltic rocks, and the Mariana arc volcanic rocks suggest that the sediment component must have been less than 1 percent of this source material. The Pb isotopic compositions of the Mariana arc volcanic rocks lie, within experimental error, along the trend of available Pacific Ocean basalt analyses in versus 207 Pb/ 204 Pb versus 206 Pb/ 204 Pb and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb versus 206 Pb/ 204 Pb diagrams. Isotopic analyses of Pb in Pacific Ocean sediments do not lie along this trend; they have higher 207 Pb/ 204 Pb and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb values for comparable 206 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios. Clayey sediments generally have higher 208 Pb/ 204 Pb and 207 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios than biogenic oozes regardless of the age of the sediment. Comparison of combined Sr and Pb isotopic analyses for (1) mantle-derived materials erupted through oceanic crust, (2) altered ocean-floor basaltic rocks, and (3) volcanic rocks from oceanic island arcs suggests that the Mariana arc volcanic rocks were derived, at least in part, from altered Pacific lithosphere subducted beneath the Mariana arc. Unaltered basalts from the Mariana inter-arc basin (Mariana Trough) have Pb and Sr isotopic compositions that are very similar to those reported for some Hawaiian volcanic rocks but distinct from Mariana active and frontal arc compositions. These observations, in addition to existing major-and trace-element data, support a mantle origin for the interarc basin volcanic rocks. Dacites dredged from the Mariana remnant arc (South Honshu Ridge) have Pb isotopic compositions that are within experimental error of the active-arc analyses, consistent with a genetic relation.
Superembedding methods for 4D N = 1 SCFTs

We extend the $SO(4,2)$ covariant lightcone embedding methods of four-dimensional CFTs to $\mathcal{N}=1$ superconformal field theory (SCFT). Manifest superconformal $SU(2,2|1)$ invariance is achieved by realizing 4D superconformal space as a surface embedded in the projective superspace spanned by certain complex chiral supermatrices. Because $SU(2,2|1)$ acts linearly on the ambient space, the constraints on correlators implied by superconformal Ward identities are automatically solved in this formalism. Applications include new, compact expressions for correlation functions containing one antichiral superfield and arbitrary chiral superfield insertions, and manifestly invariant expressions for the superconformal cross ratios that parametrize the four-point function of two chiral and two antichiral fields. Superconformal expressions for the leading singularities in the operator product expansion of chiral and antichiral operators are also given. Because of covariance, our expressions should hold in any superconformally flat background, e.g., ${\mathrm{AdS}}_{4}$ or $\mathbf{R}\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}{\mathbf{S}}^{3}$.
Video-assisted ductal ligation in premature infants.

Abstract Background Video-assisted thoracic surgery has been shown to be a safe and effective method of closing the patent ductus arteriosus in infants and children. We have applied this technique in low birth weight premature infants and now report our experience. Methods Since 1996, we have used video-assisted thoracic surgery ligation as the treatment of choice for all patent ductus arteriosus, including 100 performed on premature infants (23 to 31 weeks' gestation, mean 25.6 weeks; 0.420 to 1.5 kg, mean 0.859 kg). A modification of our previously described technique was used with a three-port approach. All patients had some degree of symptoms of congestive failure with failure to wean from ventilatory support or oxygen dependency. Five infants had associated patent foramen, and 1 had a small ventricular septal defect. Results All 100 procedures were performed in the operating room. One infant was found to have a coarctation, and the procedure was aborted. The remaining 99 were successfully ligated, although three were converted to an open procedure (3%) because of coagulopathy, poor pulmonary compliance, or hemodynamic instability. There were no procedure-related deaths; however, 15 infants subsequently died of complications of prematurity, including enterocolitis, sepsis, and late respiratory failure. Six infants had chest tubes left in place for coagulopathy, effusions, suspected air leak, and existing empyema. There were six residual pneumothoraces, four requiring treatment. Conclusions Video-assisted thoracic surgery is a safe and effective technique for patent ductus arteriosus ligation in premature infants, including those with very low and extremely low birth weight.
Multi-scale graph theoretic image segmentation using wavelet decomposition

We present a novel implementation of multi-scale graph-theoretic image segmentation using wavelet decomposition. This bottom-up segmentation through a weighted agglomeration approach utilizes the specific statistical characteristics of vehicles to quickly detect regions of interest in image frames. The method incorporates pixel intensity, texture, and boundary values to detect salient segments at multiple scales. Wavelet decomposition creates gradient and image approximations at multiple scales for fast edge weighting between nodes in the graph. Nodes with strong edge weights merge to form a single node at a higher level, where new internal statistics are calculated and edges are created with nodes at the new scale. Top-down saliency energy values are then calculated for each pixel on every scale, with the pixel labeled as a member of the node (segment) at the scale of highest energy. Salient node information is then used for binary classification as a potential object or non-object passes to classification and tracking algorithms. The method provides multi-scale segmentations by agglomerating nodes that consist of finer node agglomerations (lower scales). Criteria for weights between nodes include multi-level features, such as average intensity, variance, and boundary completion values. This method has been successfully tested on an electro-optical (EO) data set with multiple varying operating conditions (OCs). It has been shown to successfully segment both fully and partially occluded objects with minimal false alarms and false negatives. This method can easily be extended to produce more accurate segmentations through the sensor fusion of registered data types.
Comment on “The effect of velocity structure errors on double‐difference earthquake location” by A. Michelini and A. Lomax

[1] Michelini and Lomax [2004] (hereinafter ML2004) make some statements regarding the double-difference (DD) tomography method of Zhang and Thurber [2003] (hereinafter ZT2003) that are incorrect or misleading. In this comment, we indicate the ways in which ML2004 misrepresent characteristics of ZT2003's DD tomography algorithm and the associated code tomoDD. In the process, we clarify the ways in which tomoDD differs from the DD location code hypoDD of Waldhauser [2001] and Waldhauser and Ellsworth [2000] (hereinafter WE2000).
Treatment of inflammatory bowel disease with corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are a mainstay in the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease. Administered topically, orally, or intravenously corticosteroids rapidly and consistently improve moderate to severe active ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, although they are ineffective in the maintenance of remission in either illness. The beneficial effects of corticosteroid therapy are counterbalanced by their many side effects. A better understanding of the mechanism of steroid action and toxicity has led to the development of novel corticosteroids that offer the promise of continued efficacy with minimal toxicity. This article reviews the role of conventional and novel corticosteroids in the management of inflammatory bowel disease.
Rotations in the actively colliding Finisterre Arc Terrane: paleomagnetic constraints on Plio-Pleistocene evolution of the South Bismarck microplate, northeastern Papua New Guinea

Abstract We report paleomagnetic results from 12 Plio-Pleistocene localities in the actively colliding Finisterre Arc Terrane of northeastern Papua New Guinea (PNG). Calcareous, hemipelagic cover rocks possess a stable, syn-collisional remagnetization indicating a clockwise rotation of the colliding terrane through about 40° in post-Miocene time. A decrease in paleomagnetic declination anomalies as a function of along-strike distance in the Finisterre Arc Terrane, analyzed by our preferred model of a linear remagnetization and a migrating Euler pole, suggests an average rotation rate of 8° Ma −1 , in good agreement with the instantaneous rate from global positioning system geodesy. Thus, we propose that this rotation results from a coherent, rigid-body rotation of the Finisterre Terrane rather than from sequential docking of independently colliding blocks of the terrane. Moreover, we conclude that these paleomagnetic declinations result mainly from South Bismarck Plate motion, and not decoupled rotation of the crustal terrane independent of the underlying lithosphere. We examine models of a syn-collisional remagnetization with both fixed and migrating Euler poles of South Bismarck/Australia plate relative motion, and suggest that the Euler pole describing South Bismarck Plate motion has migrated southwestward to its present location on the collision suture in response to the propagating collision. This plate kinematic model agrees with the variability in depth of the seismogenic slab beneath the collision zone. Our best-fit model of pole migration describes South Bismarck/Australia relative motion producing a highly oblique collision in its early stages, with the Finisterre Arc Terrane converging along a left-lateral Ramu-Markham suture, gradually changing to the nearly orthogonal convergence observed today.
Welcoming Them Home: Supporting Service Members and Their Families in Navigating the Tasks of Reintegration

To date, more than 1.3 million service members have served in the Global War on Terrorism. These men and women and their families face a range of stressful situations and must navigate many important tasks after a deployment. This article outlines four of the tasks of reintegration: redefining roles, expectations, and division of labor; managing strong emotions; abandoning emotional constriction and creating intimacy in relationships; and creating shared meaning. For each task, potential challenges are discussed and suggestions for how psychologists can support families are described. In addition, potential red flags and indicators that more intensive services may be warranted are reviewed.
Stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques: new mechanisms and clinical targets.

Research points to pivotal roles for lipids in the development of atherosclerotic plaques. Lipid-lowering statins substantially reduce acute coronary events resulting from plaque development, but only modestly reduce arterial stenosis. This apparent paradox has shifted the goal of therapy towards plaque stabilization rather than enlargement of the lumen. More thorough understanding of the biology of atherosclerosis should enable us to manipulate plaque stability, and reduce further the acute complications of atherosclerosis.
Diagnostic evaluations of microwave generated helium and nitrogen plasma mixtures

The goal of this work is to continue the development to fundamentally understand the plasma processes as applied to spacecraft propulsion. The diagnostic experiments used are calorimetric, dimensional, and spectroscopic measurements using the TM 011 and TM 012 modes in the resonance cavity. These experimental techniques are highly important in furthering the understanding of plasma phenomena and of designing rocket thrusters. Several experimental results are included using nitrogen and helium gas mixtures.
The Patent Is Political: The Consequences of Patenting the BRCA Genes in Britain

Objectives: The paper explores the attempt by an American biotechnology company, Myriad Genetics, to use its patent rights over the BRCA genes to transfer its technology of genetic
Uncertainties in the smoke source term for ‘nuclear winter’ studies

Climate models have shown that the effects on climate of a major nuclear exchange depend on the quantity and optical properties of the smoke that is dispersed into a global atmosphere. Published estimates for each of the factors necessary to determine the smoke optical depth yeild a wide range of values, which allows the prediction of either comparatively minor effects on climate or massive effects.
Presentation and initial clinical course in patients with chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy: comparison of patients without and with monoclonal gammopathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) may occur in association with a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) or a variety of other systemic illnesses. It is not known if the clinical features of CIDP are altered by the presence of an MGUS. We compared demographic features, clinical presentation, improvement and outcome after initial treatment, and electrodiagnostic features of a group of 77 patients with idiopathic CIDP (CIDP-I, no associated systemic illness) with 26 patients with CIDP in whom an MGUS was found during evaluation of the neuropathy (CIDP-MGUS). Patients with CIDP-MGUS had, on average, a more indolent course and less severe weakness than patients with CIDP-I, despite similar motor conduction studies. CIDP-MGUS patients also demonstrated less functional impairment, more frequent sensory loss, and more abnormal sensory conduction studies than patients with CIDP-I. Because of the greater improvement of CIDP-I patients with treatment, both groups had similar outcomes from their initial episodes of weakness. Subgroup analysis of CIDP-MGUS patients did not demonstrate differences between groups with IgM and IgG or IgA gammopathies.
Stresses and deformation processes in thin films on substrates

The stresses that develop in thin films on substrates can be detrimental to the reliability of thin film electronic devices. In order to design these devices for improved mechanical reliability, an...
A rapid, low-cost methodology for longitudinal evaluation of insecticide treated bednet distributions: a pilot survey coupling bednet usage with malaria prevalence at the household level

Tanzania’s National Malaria Control Program distributed 23.3 million insecticidetreated bed nets (ITNs) between 2009 and 2011. Annual randomized household surveys were conducted from 2009 to 2011 to assess the incremental effects of the distribution campaign on malaria prevalence and bednet usage in Kijumbura village in Kagera, Tanzania. Data was collected about household ITN ownership and individual use, and each household member was given a rapid malaria diagnostic test (RDT). In total, 1247 individuals from 285 households participated. From 2009 to 2011, household ITN ownership increased from 50.6 to 95.3% and individual usage increased from 9.7 to 55.3% in 2011. Malaria point prevalence decreased from 15.8% in 2009 to 6.5% in 2010, and increased from 6.5% in 2010 to 10.7% in 2011. The survey cost in 2011 was 23.50 USD per household; major expenses were transportation, personnel payment, and the purchase of the RDTs. Evaluations of bednet distribution programs generally rely on distribution data and selfreported net ownership, but it is important to also assess the goal endpoint of reduction in malaria prevalence. We show that this can be achieved quickly and cost-effectively through randomized surveys measuring bednet usage coupled with malaria prevalence at the household level.
Pulse shape analyzer for fast neutron-gamma ray discrimination

Abstract A wide-band differential amplifier has been built to extract pulse shape information from photomultiplier dynode pulses. A zero-crossing is measured at ≈90% of peak pulse amplitude from pulses produced by neutrons and gamma-rays in a liquid scintillator. Subsequent logic circuits uniquely select and sort the gamma ray pulses and neutron pulses into separate channels for identification at rates of up to 50 kHz.