cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Injection-locked divider

An injection-Locked divider (ILD) can provide good synchronisation at lower input signal to noise ratio, which is its advantage over other types of divider. The general expression of phase equation and equivalent model are presented for the ILD with an input additive noise. In the absence of noise the performance of the phase-modulated signal through the ILD and synchronous ranges of the ILD are given. The effects of the additive noise on the ILD are discussed. The injection-locked amplifler (ILA) is only a particular case in whichn=1, therefore the given results are applicable to the ILA.
Agonist‐Induced, GTP‐Dependent Phosphoinositide Hydrolysis in Postmortem Human Brain Membranes

Membranes prepared from postmortem human brain were used to measure the activities of three components of the phosphoinositide second messenger system. [3H]Phosphatidylinositol ([3H]PI) hydrolysis was stimulated by directly activating phospholipase C with calcium, by activating guanine nucleotide-binding proteins (G proteins) with guanosine-5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) (GTP gamma S) or with AIF4, and by receptors activated with several agonists (in the presence of GTP gamma S), including (in order of increasing magnitudes of responses) carbachol, pilocarpine, histamine, trans-1-aminocyclopentyl-1,3-dicarboxylic acid (a selective excitatory amino acid metabotropic receptor agonist), serotonin, and ATP. Gq/11 was identified as the G protein most likely to mediate [3H]PI hydrolysis in human brain membranes based on the findings that this process was not impaired by pretreatment with pertussis toxin and it was inhibited by antibodies specific for the alpha-subunit of Gq/11 but not by antibodies for G0 or Gi1. The effects of postmortem delay on [3H]PI hydrolysis were examined by studying tissues obtained 6-21 h postmortem. A slight increase in basal [3H]PI hydrolysis was associated with increased postmortem time, suggesting a slow loss of the normal inhibitory control of phospholipase C. GTP gamma S-stimulated [3H]PI hydrolysis was unaffected by postmortem times within this range, but carbachol-induced [3H]PI hydrolysis tended to decrease with increasing postmortem times. These results demonstrate that the entire phosphoinositide complex remains functional and experimentally detectable in postmortem human brain membranes. This method provides a means to study the function, regulation, effects of diseases, and responses to drugs of the phosphoinositide system in human brain.
Quantifying the resource of sharing a reference frame

We define a quantity called a refbit, which allows one to quantify the resource of sharing a reference frame in quantum communication protocols. By considering both asymptotic and nonasymptotic protocols we find relations between refbits and other communication resources. We also consider the same resources in encoded, reference-frame-independent, form. This allows one to rephrase and unify previous work on phase references, reference frames, and superselection rules.
THE CLINICAL USEFULNESS OF HYDROGEN GAS AS AN INDICATOR OF LEFT-TO-RIGHT SHUNTS.

In 60 patients with congenital heart disease 210 observations with hydrogen gas as an indicator for left-to-right shunts were recorded at cardiac catheterization. All but nine had other definite evidence of the presence or absence of left-to-right shunting. In these nine, 21 early hydrogen arrival times formed the only conclusive evidence of left-to-right shunting. Although hydrogen and oxygen may form a highly explosive mixture, pure hydrogen used with proper precautions is a safe, reliable, and extremely simple indicator, eminently suited as a rapid screening procedure or as a supplementary tool in cases in which left-to-right shunts are difficult to prove.
Optimal power control strategies for neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter topology

A programmed pulsewidth modulation (PWM) technique for selectively eliminating several lower-order harmonics at the output of a neutral point clamped (NPC) inverter topology is investigated. The switching function approach is utilized to derive relevant analytical expressions for input/output variables. A thorough evaluation of the NPC inverter topology based on the switching function approach is described. Optimal power control strategies for an NPC inverter employing programmed PWM patterns are proposed. For a constant-frequency variable-voltage NPC inverter power supply, the proposed strategy is to maintain a minimum specified total harmonic distortion employing a low-output impedance filter. In the case of an NPC inverter powering an AC motor drive, the proposed strategy is to maintain a minimum specified harmonic current factor. The proposed power control strategies are achieved without substantial increase in inverter switching frequency and are therefore suitable for high-power applications employing gate-turn-off-thyristor (GTO) type devices. >
β-Lactam susceptibility of coagulase-negative staphylococci causing catheter sepsis in pediatric patients

We evaluated standard oxacillin and methicillin disk diffusion (DD) and broth microdilution (MD)-MIC tests with and without 2% NaCl for detecting heteroresistance among 47 blood isolates of coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) causing catheter sepsis in pediatric patients. The 24-hr oxacillin DD test detected the greatest number (40) of apparent hetero-resistant isolates, but methicillin DD and oxacillin MD-MIC with 2% NaCl performed equally as well (38 and 37 resistant isolates, respectively). An additional 24-hr incubation did not significantly increase the number of apparent heteroresistant isolates detected by these methods. Discrepant results with the various test methods occurred most commonly among Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates with MD-MIC values near the breakpoint concentrations for interpretation of susceptible and resistant strains. For detection of heteroresistance among the CNS, we encourage use of standard oxacillin DD and MD-MIC tests but would suggest that isolates with MIC values ranging from 1-2 micrograms/ml be interpreted cautiously until clinical studies demonstrate the efficacy of treating patients with infections caused by such strains.
Uncertainty about children's survival and fertility : a test using Indian microdata

The authors present a non-altruistic model of demand for children, in the presence of uncertainty about children's survival. Children are seen as assets, as they provide help during old age. If certain conditions are met, both the financial market, and the family network are used to transfer resources to old age. Theoretical predictions relative to the change in the mean, and variance of the survival rate are derived. The empirical analysis is based on data from the Human Development of India (HDI) Survey. Different models for count variables, such as Poisson, Hurdle, and ZI models have been employed in the empirical analysis. The results highlight the importance of the uncertainty about children's survival in determining parental choices, thus showing that realized, or expected children's death, is not the only dimension that links fertility decision to children's mortality. The policy implications of such findings are briefly discussed.
Minimal embedded robustness requirements analysis

That a significant fraction of software-related accidents are due to requirements problems is no longer news. Numerous researchers have taken the trouble to sift through the available data and concluded that requirements problems are involved in between 30 to 60% of software related accidents, many of them caused by factors more prosaic than the usually domain-dependent hazards identified by a Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) [1]. The focus in this paper is to build on the previous work of the author [2] and other researchers (particularly R. Lutz [3]), which has provided some “checklist”-like guidelines for reviewing software requirements for safety-critical system, but categorize and organize them in terms of the concepts and vocabulary from more traditional hazard analyses. The result, it is hoped, will be a useful definition of a basic set of hazard and robustness analyses for the software requirements for embedded systems; analyses that are applicable, indeed only possible, during or after the software requirements development phase, usually long after the PHA has been performed by domain safety experts. To set this work in the proper (limited!) context, it must be emphasized that the taxonomy and analyses here focus on identification of potential hazards. Determining whether or not a potential hazard is actually a hazard for a specific application will still require domain-specific knowledge, as will determining the appropriate additions or modifications to the software requirements to preclude or reduce the severity of such hazards. But although final resolution may require domain expertise, the identification of a broadly applicable set of potential problems need not. The taxonomy presented here starts from the conventional notions of hazards of commission (both direct and indirect) versus hazards of omission and discusses some subtleties in how these standard concepts pertain to software in embedded systems. It then extends the taxonomy further, specifically into the realm of embedded systems software.
Second-hand stress: inhalation of stress sweat enhances neural response to neutral faces

This study investigated whether human chemosensory-stress cues affect neural activity related to the evaluation of emotional stimuli. Chemosensory stimuli were obtained from the sweat of 64 male donors during both stress (first-time skydive) and control (exercise) conditions, indistinguishable by odor. We then recorded event-related potentials (ERPs) from an unrelated group of 14 participants while they viewed faces morphed with neutral-to-angry expressions and inhaled nebulized stress and exercise sweat in counter-balanced blocks, blind to condition. Results for the control condition ERPs were consistent with previous findings: the late positive potential (LPP; 400–600 ms post stimulus) in response to faces was larger for threatening than both neutral and ambiguous faces. In contrast, the stress condition was associated with a heightened LPP across all facial expressions; relative to control, the LPP was increased for both ambiguous and neutral faces in the stress condition. These results suggest that stress sweat may impact electrocortical activity associated with attention to salient environmental cues, potentially increasing attentiveness to otherwise inconspicuous stimuli.
Optimizations enabled by a decoupled front-end architecture

In the pursuit of instruction-level parallelism, significant demands are placed on a processor's instruction delivery mechanism. Delivering the performance necessary to meet future processor execution targets requires that the performance of the instruction delivery mechanism scale with the execution core. Attaining these targets is a challenging task due to I-cache misses, branch mispredictions, and taken branches in the instruction stream. To counter these challenges, we present a fetch architecture that decouples the branch predictor from the instruction fetch unit. A Fetch Target Queue (FTQ) is inserted between the branch predictor and instruction cache. This allows the branch predictor to run far in advance of the address currently being fetched by the cache. The decoupling enables a number of architecture optimizations, including multilevel branch predictor design, fetch-directed instruction prefetching, and easier pipelining of the instruction cache. For the multilevel predictor, we show that it performs better than a single-level predictor, even when ignoring the effects of cycle-timing issues. We also examine the performance of fetch-directed instruction prefetching using a multilevel branch predictor and show that an average 19 percent speedup is achieved. In addition, we examine pipelining the instruction cache to achieve a faster cycle time for the processor pipeline and show that pipelining provides an average 27 percent speedup over not pipelining the instruction cache for the programs examined.
X-ray Observation of Stress Gradients and Precipitation in Passivated Al-0.5%Cu Films

Grazing incidence x-ray scattering has been used with a synchrotron source to characterize the stress gradients during thermal cycling in 1.0 μm thick Al-0.5%Cu films passivated with silicon nitride. The films were cycled between room temperature and 400°C. The stress-temperature behavior is quantitatively similar to that measured for unpassivated films. The presence of an inhomogeneous strain is documented at low temperatures. The dissolution and precipitation of Al 2 Cu is suggested as an explanation for the gradients and asymmetric x-ray peak broadening.
Error Correction Capability of Random Network Error Correction Codes

In this paper, we study the error correction capability of random linear network error correction codes (Z. Zhang, 2006). We derive bounds on the probability mass function of the minimum distance of a random network error correction code and the field size required for the existence of a network error correction code with a given degradation, which is the difference between the highest possible minimum distance in the Singleton bound and the minimum distance of the code. The main tool that we use to study these problems is an improved bound on the failure probability of random linear network codes that at one or more sinks, the source messages are not decodable. This problem was originally studied in T. Ho et al. (2006).
Operational results of pulse shaping techniques for the High Voltage Convertor Modulator

The High Voltage Converter Modulators (HVCMs) are used to power the RF klystrons used throughout the accelerator systems at Spallation Neutron Source (SNS). The output voltage of the HVCM has significant droop and ripple which, combined with low level RF (LLRF) system limitations, affect performance and efficiency of accelerator cavities. In conjunction with the progress in development of the new HVCM controller, different pulse modulation techniques were implemented and studied on the test modulator. This paper discusses the results of implementation of frequency modulation and phase modulation on output voltage. Operational data, including full average power operation, of test modulator is also discussed. Future plans for the new modulation scheme will be presented.
Usefulness of Red Cell Distribution Width to Predict Mortality in Patients With Peripheral Artery Disease

Increased red blood cell distribution width (RDW), a marker of anisocytosis, has been associated with adverse outcomes in multiple settings. Whether RDW is predictive of mortality in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) is unknown. We studied 13,039 consecutive outpatients (69.5 ± 12.0 years of age, 60.9% men, 97.6% white) with PAD identified by noninvasive lower-extremity arterial testing at the Mayo Clinic from January 1997 through December 2007, with follow-up through September 2009. We defined PAD as a low (≤0.9) or high (≥1.4) ankle–brachial index (ABI). Cardiovascular risk factors and co-morbidities were ascertained using electronic medical record–based algorithms. RDW was obtained from the complete blood cell count drawn around the time of arterial evaluation. Mortality was ascertained using the Mayo electronic medical record and Accurint databases. Association of RDW with all-cause mortality was analyzed by multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression. During a median follow-up of 5.5 years, 4,039 (31.0%) deaths occurred (28.7% in low and 38.9% in high ABI subsets). After adjustment for age, gender, cardiovascular risk factors, and co-morbidities, patients in the highest quartile of RDW (>14.5%) had a 66% greater risk of mortality compared to the lowest quartile (
Long-term Neurocognitive and Neuroimaging Outcomes in Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome: Two Case Reports and Implications

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic and neurometabolic state associated with a distinct appearance on computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as particular clinical features. While PRES is defined as a reversible condition, instances of irreversible or persisting cytotoxic edema have been reported and appear to be associated with poor outcomes. Studies addressing the post-acute neurocognitive findings in persisting/irreversible PRES are lacking. We report two cases of persisting PRES with associated neurocognitive deficits and functional limitations following acute presentation. Neuroimaging revealed abnormalities within the posterior parietal lobes, along with bilateral involvement of the occipital and frontal lobes. The results from the neuropsychological examination revealed a pattern of impairment generally affecting spatial-perceptual and related functions and aspects of executive function. These cases document instances of irreversible/persisting PRES with associated neurocognitive deficits and functional limitations generally corresponding with the areas implicated on neuroimaging. Studies addressing the post-acute neurocognitive presentation and functional outcomes of PRES are needed.
Re: Specific targeting of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in human melanoma cells by a dietary triterpene lupeol.

Dear Editors, We were surprised during our reading of the recent article by Tarapore et al. (published online on 23 August) regarding the specific targeting of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in melanoma by dietary lupeol. In the abstract, the authors state that the one-third of melanomas with active Wnt/beta-catenin signaling have a poor prognosis, an assertion that is not supported by the literature (see ref. 1 for review of this topic). In fact, multiple publications have reported just the opposite, namely that the presence of active Wnt/beta-catenin signaling (as measured by nuclear beta-catenin) actually portends an unexpected IMPROVED survival, suggesting that the role of this pathway in melanoma (and other cancers) may be more complex than previously thought. None of these reports are addressed by the authors, and their failure to acknowledge these findings compromises the interpretation of their results in the larger context of what is known about melanoma progression. It is unfortunate that this oversight was not caught by either the authors themselves or the peer reviewers responsible for ensuring the scientific quality of the work.
Kinetic Analysis of the Steps of the Polyomavirus Lytic Cycle

Kinetic studies of the accumulation of early and late transcripts, early and late proteins, genomes, and live virus, during the lytic cycle of murine polyomavirus wild-type A2, were carried out in synchronized NIH 3T3 cells released from G0 by the addition of serum after infection. This first-time simultaneous analysis of all parameters of the virus life cycle led to new insights concerning the transcriptional control at the early-to-late transition. During the early phase, early transcripts were synthesized at very low levels, detectable only by reverse transcription-PCR, from 6 h postinfection (hpi). Large T protein could be detected by 8 hpi (while infected cells were in the G1 phase). The level of expression of the middle T and small T proteins was lower than that of large T at all times, due, at least in part, to a splicing preference for the large-T 5′ splice site at nucleotide 411. A large increase in the level of both early and late transcripts coincided closely with the detection in mid-S phase of viral genome amplification. Thereafter, both classes of transcripts continued to further accumulate up to the end of the experiments (48 hpi). In addition, during the late phase, “giant” multigenomic transcripts were synthesized from the early as well as the late promoter. Thus, a major type of transcriptional control appears to be applied similarly to the transcription of both early and late genes. This view differs from that in the literature, which highlights the enhancement of late transcription and the repression of early transcription. However, despite this parallel transcriptional control, additional regulations are applied which result in higher levels of late compared to early transcripts, as previously described. In the accompanying article, a key role for middle T and/or small T in this late-phase enhancement of early and late transcription is demonstrated (16). Other novel findings, e.g., the synthesis of a very abundant short early promoter proximal RNA, are also described.
Information Theory and Multivariate Techniques for Analyzing DNA Sequence Data: An Example from Tomato Genes

DNA and amino acid sequences are alphabetic symbols having no underlying metric. Use of information theory is one of the solutions for sequence metric problems. The reflection of DNA sequence complexity in phenotype stability might be useful for crop improvement. Shannon-Weaver index (Shannon Entropy, H') and mutual information (MI) index were estimated from DNA sequences of 22 genes, consisted of two gene families of tomato, namely disease resistance and fruit quality. Main objective was use of information theory and multivariate techniques to understand diversity among genes and relate the sequence complexity with phenotypes. The normalized H' value ranged from 0.429 to 0.461. The highest diversity was observed in the gene Crtr-B (beta carotene hydroxylase). Two principal components which accounted for 36.65% variation placed these genes into four groups. Groupings of these genes by both principal component and cluster analyses showed clearly the similarity at phenotypes levels within cluster. Sequences similarity among genes was observed within a family. Diversity assessment of genes applying information theory should link to understand the sequences complexity with respect to gene stability for example stability of resistance gene.Key words: Diversity analysis; DNA sequences; principal component analysis; tomato genesNepal Journal of Biotechnology, 2011, Vol. 1, No. 1 pp.1-9
A High Performance Work Practices Taxonomy Integrating the Literature and Directing Future Research

High Performance Work Systems are designed to enhance organizational performance by improving employee capability, commitment, and productivity. Yet there is very little consensus about the structure of these systems and the practices therein. The lack of structure may be inhibiting the growth of knowledge in this field and the degree to which organizations adopt these systems. To address these concerns we develop a comprehensive High Performance Work Practices (HPWPs) taxonomy. We analyzed 193 peer-reviewed articles published over the past 20 years (1992-2011). We classified 61 specific practices into nine categories. We analyze the usefulness of this taxonomy using frequency, time, and countries. Directions for future research are provided.
Long‐term effects of elevated CO2 and nutrients on photosynthesis and rubisco in loblolly pine seedlings

The effects of long-term CO2 enhancement and varying nutrient availability on photosynthesis and ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) were studied on loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seedlings grown in two atmospheric CO2 partial pressures (35 and 65 Pa) and three nutrient treatments (low N, low P, and high N and P). Measurements taken in late autumn (November) after 2 years of CO2 enrichment and nutrient addition showed that photosynthetic rates were higher for plants grown at elevated CO2 only when they received supplemental N. Total rubisco activity and rubisco content decreased at elevated CO2, but there was an increase in activation state. At elevated CO2, proportionately less N was found in rubisco and more N was found in the light reaction components. These results demonstrate acclimation of photosynthetic processes to elevated CO2 through reallocation of N. Loblolly pine grown in nutrient conditions similar to native soils (low N availability) had lower needle N and chlorophyll content, lower total rubisco activity and content, and lower photosynthetic rates than plants grown at high N and P. This suggests that the magnitude of the photosynthetic response to a future, high-CO2 environment will be dependent on soil fertility in the system.
A Note on Warner's Vagus Heart Rate Control Model

In the situation of a constant vagus impulse rate, Warner's model for vagal stimulation heart rate (HR) control is a linear differential equation. The particular constants in the Warner model that may be explicitly computed from the experimental data and the sensitivity of the simulation of Warner's model to variations in these parameters are determined. The performance of the Warner model and that of a first-order differential equation model are compared with each other and with experimental data. On the basis of this study, it is concluded that Warner's published experimental data are more supportive of a first-order differential equation model for vagal heart control than it is of a second-order model.
Low-power ultrashort optical pulse characterization using linear dispersion

We demonstrate a new technique to characterize short optical pulses, which is both simple and capable of yielding pulse characteristics in near-real time (greater than once a second). The optical pulse to be characterized is spectrally dispersed until it is long enough to be easily measured by a fast detector and electronic oscilloscope. The phase of this dispersed pulse is then determined, in our case by means of an optical delay-line discriminator. Once the phase and intensity of the dispersed pulse is known, and knowing the linear dispersion, one can use a simple linear transform to obtain the phase and intensity of the original input pulse. We have applied this technique to the characterization of subpicosecond and picosecond pulses from various fiber lasers. In one set of experiments a fiber ring laser provided roughly transform-limited pulses of 0.63 ps width at an 11-MHz repetition rate. The pulses were attenuated to 10 /spl mu/W, to eliminate any nonlinear effects, and coupled into 6 km of standard telecommunications fiber. The output of the 6 km fiber was coupled into the discriminator and the output detected using a fast detector and oscilloscope.
The presentation of irritable bowel syndrome in the context of somatization disorder

Background & Aims: Somatization disorder, a female predominant disorder, has been found with higher than expected prevalence in previous studies of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and might be responsible for some of the comorbidity and excessive health care resource use associated with IBS. The study's aim was to determine within a female IBS population the degree of segregation of psychiatric illness, functional disorders, and health care utilization with somatization disorder. Methods: In a prospective, 6-month follow-up study, psychiatric disorders were assessed with the Diagnostic Interview Schedule, gastrointestinal and other symptoms with self-report questionnaires, and medically unexplained complaints by thorough chart review. The setting was a university gastroenterology clinic. The participants were a convenience sample of female clinic attendees with IBS (N = 56). Results: Somatization disorder was diagnosed in 25% of patients and highly probable in another 5%. Somatization disorder was associated with significantly greater numbers of gastrointestinal and other symptoms, psychiatric disorders, physicians consulted, telephone calls to physicians, urgent care visits, medication changes, and missed work days and with benzodiazepine use. On follow-up, somatization disorder was associated with psychiatric and IBS symptoms, medication changes, and treatment dissatisfaction. Both somatization disorder and other psychiatric illnesses were associated with other functional gastrointestinal disorders; only somatization disorder remained predictive in a regression model that controlled for the presence of other psychiatric illness. Conclusions: Among female IBS patients attending a university gastroenterology clinic, many aspects of comorbidity and health care behaviors previously associated with IBS segregated with the diagnosis of somatization disorder. Recognition and appreciation of somatization disorder in IBS have important ramifications for the conduct of research and clinical practice.
Rossby Wave–Coastal Kelvin Wave Interaction in the Extratropics. Part II: Formation of Island Circulation

The formation of an island circulation is investigated both theoretically and numerically in light of the dynamics of coastal Kelvin waves and Rossby waves. An island circulation is formed in three stages. First, the direction of the circulation is initiated by the coastal Kelvin wave; second, the transport of the circulation is established by the short Rossby wave dissipated against the eastern coast of the island; and finally, the basinwide circulation pattern is completed by the long Rossby wave radiated from the western coast of the island. An island circulation can be forced by either a local alongshore wind or a remote vorticity forcing to the east of the island; the initial Kelvin wave is directly forced by the alongshore wind in the former case, but indirectly forced by a planetary wave incident on the eastern coast of the island in the latter case. A comparison is also made between the spinup of an island circulation and a basin circulation. In addition, this spinup study also provides an alternative derivation of the island rule in light of the dynamics of Kelvin and Rossby waves. The implication for understanding the temporal response of an island circulation to a variable forcing is also discussed.
Helminths of ten species of geckos (squamata: Gekkonidae) from papua new guinea, with comparisons between immigrant and endemic geckos

Abstract: Two hundred three individuals representing 10 species of gekkonid lizards from Papua New Guinea collected from 2002 to 2005 were examined for helminths: Cyrtodactylus epiroticus (n = 2), C. klugei (n = 2), C. loriae (n = 7), C. novaeguineae (n = 3), C sermowaiensis (n = 30), Gehyra mutilata (n = 22), G. oceanica (n = 27), Gekko vittatus (n = 41), Hemidactylus frenatus (n = 29), and Lepidodactylus lugubris (n = 40). One species of Digenea, one species of Cestoda, 18 species of Nematoda, as well as three taxa of nematode larvae (in cysts) were found. Thirty-one new host records and six new locality (= country) records are reported. Prevalence in endemic geckos was significantly higher than in non-endemic geckos.
WALLINIA CHAVARRIAE N. SP. (TREMATODA: MACRODEROIDIDAE) IN ASTYANAX AENEUS (GÜNTHER, 1860) AND BRYCONAMERICUS SCLEROPARIUS (REGAN, 1908) (OSTEICHTHYES: CHARACIDAE) FROM THE AREA DE CONSERVACIÓN GUANACASTE, COSTA RICA

Wallinia chavarriae n. sp. is described from the small-bodied characids Astyanax aeneus and Bryconamericus scleroparius in the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, northwestern Costa Rica. The species differs from W. valenciae in possessing an acetabulum that is smaller than the oral sucker and vitelline follicles that are ovoid or rounded rather than elongate and tubular. Detailed comparison between these 2 species is handicapped by the less than satisfactory condition of the type and only museum specimen of W. valenciae. Wallinia chavarriae and W. valenciae belong to a subfamily of trematodes, Walliniinae, that arguably includes Creptotrematina spp., Magnivitellum simplex, and possibly Margotrema. The morphology of walliniines suggests that they are macroderoidids, but a clearer understanding of their classification could be gained from their larval morphology or from molecular systematic studies. The host associations of a monophyletic Walliniinae would indicate diversification within 2 groups of freshwater fishes: the neotropical characids for species of Wallinia, Creptotrematina, and Magnivitellum and the endemic central Mexican goodeids for those of Margotrema. The biogeography and host associations of these parasites provide a system for studies of potential host switching and vicariance, involving the middle-American and neotropical regions.
The Ontogenesis of Hemispheric Specialization: Insights from Acquired Aphasia of Childhood

The current state of knowledge about the developmental course of hemispheric specialization in man rests in large part on concepts derived from the study of acquired aphasia of childhood. Basic questions center about the concepts of inter- and intra-hemispheric functional equipotentiality, progressive lateralization/localization of function, and regional functional commitment. It is suggested that the two hemispheres begin with a high degree of equipotentiality that is gradually lost beginning with late prenatal development, albeit with an asymmetric time-course. It is further suggested that progressive loss of regional potential for one function comes with progressive actualization of another rather than through progressive localization of initially widespread functional activity. Finally, it is suggested that newer techniques for imaging brain metabolic activity will permit experimental testing of these assumptions.
Care of the Organ Donor

Care of the organ donor is a multifaceted process that requires time, knowledge, and compassion to manage complex and rapidly changing physiological aberrations, provide emotional support to distraught families, and coordinate efforts with the local organ procurement organization (OPO). The limited supply of organs and the inherent instability of the potential organ donor emphasize the importance and urgency of a coordinated and focused approach to management in the intensive care unit (ICU). Success in providing high-quality organs requires early recognition of potential donors, accurate and rapid diagnosis of brain death, and continuous monitoring and life support directed at the preservation of vital organ function (1).
Amperometric mediatorless hydrogen peroxide sensor with horseradish peroxidase encapsulated in peptide nanotubes

Abstract A mediatorless sensor with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzymes encapsulated inside peptide nanotubes (PNTs) has been proposed for amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. PNTs not only encapsulate the enzymes to retain their activity and stability, but also can provide direct electron transfer between an electrode and the electroactive sites of HRP without mediators. Experimental results were compared with hydroquinone (HQ)-mediated electron transfer results. The PNT/HRP sensor produced a current signal comparable to the HQ/HRP sensor in the entire range of hydrogen peroxide concentrations (0–60 mM). The amperometric signal was the greatest when PNT and HQ were used together. The current signal of the PNT/HQ/HRP system increased rapidly with the hydrogen peroxide concentration while the PNT/HRP and HQ/HRP systems showed a similar increase in the rate of current with hydrogen peroxide. The current-H 2 O 2 concentration relations of the tested systems were analyzed using the Michaelis–Menten type equation. Using PNTs as immobilizing agents for enzymes may circumvent the drawbacks of chemical mediators such as HQ that may interfere with the redox reactions and may cause toxicity problems to enzymes.
Model reduction for combined surface water/groundwater management formulations

A methodology for clustering stresses on a groundwater system based on similarity of hydrologic response produced by the stress is presented. The method is relevant to the computationally efficient calculation of response matrixes for use in groundwater management and other applications. The procedure is presented for the case in which the impact of pumping withdrawals on streamflow is of interest. The method uses cluster analysis on multiple, transient responses and a simplified response matrix for the modeled system. It is demonstrated on a field scale hypothetical management problem applied to a portion of the Republican River basin in the High Plains Aquifer of the United States with a multi-decadal planning horizon that maximizes well withdrawal while requiring that minimum streamflows be maintained. For this case, the clustering approach both reduces the computational requirement and helps to produce response coefficients with meaningful precision. The effectiveness of the model reduction is tested by comparing the optimal solutions produced by a full scale formulation and two reduced size formulations. A methodology for clustering stresses based on similarity of hydrologic response.For computationally efficient calculation of response matrixes.For use in groundwater management and other applications.Method uses cluster analysis on multiple, transient responses and a simplified response matrix.May help produce response coefficients with meaningful precision.
Obama and Romney photos receive equal treatment

This research examines photographs of candidates in the 2012 presidential general election to understand how newspapers presented Obama and Romney. Significant differences existed in regard to behavior, context and perspective, but photo coverage was balanced on the whole.
Adaptive Individual Blade Pitch Control for Large Wind Turbines with LiDAR Measurement of Wind Speed

With the increase in size of wind turbines, the rotor radius and hence length of the wind turbine blade is increasing significantly. These blades cannot be made stiff because it will significantly increase their weight due to their large size. Therefore, the blade becomes more flexible and hence more prone to fatigue damage with the increase in size. In this paper, an adaptive individual blade pitch controller is proposed to reduce the asymmetrical loading in wind turbine blades due to vertical wind shear. The horizontal hub-height wind speed and the vertical wind shear, which are required parameters to design the controller, are assumed to be measured using a LiDAR. The performance of the proposed controller is compared with the existing baseline controller using the simulation results from NREL’s 5 MW wind turbine model.
Clinical care models in the era of next-generation sequencing

Personalized (or precision) medicine utilizes genomic sequence for diagnosis, identifying, and managing presymptomatic conditions, and for evaluating risks and guiding treatments (Bowdin et al. 2016). Whole exome sequencing (WES) is a critical tool for the implementation of personalized medicine and had a transformative impact on patient care in the few years since its inception as a clinical test. WES has a success rate of approximately 25% for identifying causative variants for phenotypically and genotypically heterogeneous conditions, such as intellectual disability, and is thus widely acknowledged as an effective diagnostic tool (Dixon‐Salazar et al. 2012; Biesecker and Green 2014; Lee et al. 2014; Yang et al. 2014). However, WES is distinguished from other genetic tests by the sheer number of genes that are simultaneously targeted (estimated 20,000; Biesecker and Green 2014). Controversies, such as testing options for secondary variants and their disclosure, ongoing interpretation of variants of unknown significance (VUS), and returning results in children for adult onset disorders, are abundant. In addition, the consent process for WES is complex and can cover numerous topics, encompassing basic genetics (genes, mutations), inheritance patterns, penetrance and expressivity, types of DNA variants (pathogenic, benign, VUS), incidental findings, false‐positive and false‐negative results, the scientific discoveries that may result from testing results, information privacy, nonpaternity, and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (Bick and Dimmock 2011; Tabor et al. 2012). The informed consent process for WES in the pediatric population was first estimated to require 3–6 h (Mayer et al. 2011; Tabor et al. 2012); others have suggested that multiple encounters are needed due to the predictive component of the test and the number of potentially affected individuals (Bowdin et al. 2016). Other questions concern the incorporation of WES findings into the electronic medical record and the best method for educating health care professionals concerning the findings (Lazaridis et al. 2016).
Advance on research of hydrogen production by solar water splitting

Hydrogen is widely considered as a clean,efficient and renewable energy.Compared to traditional hydrogen-production technology,solar energy-driven water-splitting combines several attractive features for energy utilization.The energy source and reactive media for solar water-splitting are readily available and are renewable,and the discharge product of H2 utilization is environmentally benign too.A variety of approaches to and technological advances of producing hydrogen,including photovoltaic,indirect or direct thermo-chemical,photo-electrochemical and photo-thermal electrochemical solar water splitting are summarized.
Development & Implementation of a PyMOL 'putty' Representation

The PyMOL molecular graphics program has been modified to introduce a new 'putty' cartoon representation, akin to the 'sausage'-style representation of the MOLMOL molecular visualization (MolVis) software package. This document outlines the development and implementation of the putty representation.
Bones, Bacteria and Break Points: The Heterogeneous Spatial Effects of the Black Death and Long-Run Growth

The Black Death killed about 40% of Europe’s population between 1347-1352. Historical studies suggest that this mortality shock played a major role in shifting Europe onto a path to sustained economic growth. Using a novel dataset that provides information on spatial variation in plague mortality at the city level, as well as a range of controls and various identification strategies based on the spread of the epidemic, we explore the short-run and long-run impact of the Black Death on city growth. We find evidence for aggregate convergence. On average, cities recovered their pre-plague population within two centuries. However, there was considerable heterogeneity in the response to the shock, hence local divergence. The Black Death led to an urban reset: cities with better geographical and non-geographical endowments did relatively well, while other cities collapsed. In particular, our results emphasize the importance of trading networks in explaining urban recovery. Furthermore, the Black Death led to the creation of new cities in areas that were relatively less urbanized before it hit. Our analysis thus suggests that the Black Death may have permanently affected the spatial distribution and aggregate level of economic activity, potentially contributing to long-run growth in Europe.
Low-Cost Methodology for Skin Strain Measurement of a Flexed Biological Limb

Objective: The purpose of this manuscript is to compute skin strain data from a flexed biological limb, using portable, inexpensive, and easily available resources. Methods: We apply and evaluate this approach on a person with bilateral transtibial amputations, imaging left and right residual limbs in extended and flexed knee postures. We map 3-D deformations to a flexed biological limb using freeware and a simple point-and-shoot camera. Mean principal strain, maximum shear strain, as well as lines of maximum, minimum, and nonextension are computed from 3-D digital models to inform directional mappings of the strain field for an unloaded residual limb. Results: Peak tensile strains are ∼0.3 on the anterior surface of the knee in the proximal region of the patella, whereas peak compressive strains are ∼ −0.5 on the posterior surface of the knee. Peak maximum shear strains are ∼0.3 on the posterior surface of the knee. The accuracy and precision of this methodology are assessed for a ground-truth model. The mean point location distance is found to be 0.08 cm, and the overall standard deviation for point location difference vectors is 0.05 cm. Conclusion: This low-cost and mobile methodology may prove critical for applications such as the prosthetic socket interface where whole-limb skin strain data are required from patients in the field outside of traditional, large-scale clinical centers. Significance: Such data may inform the design of wearable technologies that directly interface with human skin.
Formal Methods at Intel - An Overview

Since the 1990s, Intel has invested heavily in formal methods, which are now deployed in several domains: hardware, software, firmware, protocols etc. Many different formal methods tools and techniques are in active use, including symbolic trajectory evaluation, temporal logic model checking, SMT-style combined decision procedures, and interactive higher-order logic theorem proving. I will try to give a broad overview of some of the formal methods activities taking place at Intel, and describe the challenges of extending formal verification to new areas and of effectively using multiple formal techniques in combination
Difficulty in finding manuscript reviewers is not associated with manuscript acceptance rates: a study of the peer-review process at the journal Radiology

Beyond explicit reviewer commentary, editors may rely on other metrics when evaluating manuscripts under consideration for publication. One potential, indirect measure of merit may be the ease or difficulty in identifying reviewers willing to review a given paper. We sought to determine whether reviewer decisions to agree or decline to review a manuscript are associated with manuscript acceptance. Original Research submissions to “Radiology” from 1/1/2008 to 12/31/2011 were studied. Using Student’s t tests, we studied the association between the ratio number-of-reviewers-declining:number-of-reviewers-agreeing to review manuscripts (“decline:agree ratio”) and editor decision to accept or reject the manuscript. A subgroup analysis of papers in which all four invited reviewers agreed to review the paper (“universal agree-to-review group”) was performed. Pearson’s correlation was used to study decline:agree ratio and accepted manuscript citation rate. Original Research manuscript acceptance rate at Radiology was 14.5% (780/5375). Decline:agree ratio was similar between accepted and rejected manuscripts (0.87 ± 0.84 versus 0.90 ± 0.86 respectively, P = 0.35). “Universal agree-to-review” papers were accepted at similar rates to other papers (15.7% [22/140] versus 14.5% [758/5235] respectively, P = 0.69). Higher decline:agree ratios corresponded to lower manuscript citation rates (r = 0.09, P = 0.048). Our study, based on the lack of correlation between agreement to review rate and acceptance rate to Radiology and the direct correlation between agreement to review rate and manuscript citation rate, suggests that reviewers may have a preference for manuscripts with greater potential scientific relevance, but that reviewer motivation to agree to review does not include the expectation of manuscript acceptance.
The Not So Peaceful Civilization: A Review of Maya War

The first Maya encountered by Europeans in the early sixteenth century were exceedingly warlike, but by the 1940s the earlier Classic Maya (AD 250–1000) were widely perceived as an inordinately peaceful civilization. Today, in sharp contrast, conflict is seen as integral to Maya society throughout its history. This paper defines war, reviews the evidence for it in the Maya archaeological record, and shows how and why our ideas have changed so profoundly. The main emphasis is on the Classic period, with patterns of ethnohistorically documented war serving as a baseline. Topics include the culture history of conflict, strategy and tactics, the scope and range of operations, war and the political economy, and the intense status rivalry war of the eighth and ninth centuries AD that contributed to the collapse of Classic civilization. Unresolved issues such as the motivations for war, its ritual vs. territorial aims, and sociopolitical effects are discussed at length.
Malik, A. I. (2015). U.S. Foreign Policy and the Gulf Wars: Decision Making and International Relations: Malik, A. I. (2015). London: I.B. Tauris, 298 pp., $110. ISBN: 978-1-78076-835-9

Since the end of the Cold War in the early 1990s, the United States has found itself deeply entangled in Iraq’s brutal and often chaotic politics. It has led to two major inter-state wars. The firs...