cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Relation Between Normal Rectal Methylation, Smoking Status, and the Presence or Absence of Colorectal Adenomas

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is 1 of the leading causes of death in the Western world. CRC develops from premalignant lesions, chiefly colorectal adenomas. Currently, the most accurate and recommended screening method for finding colorectal adenomas is colonoscopy performed on all individuals aged >50 years. However, the costs and risks associated with this procedure are relatively high. The objectives of the current study were to correlate epigenetic alterations that occur in normal rectal mucosa, smoking status, and age with the presence or absence of concomitant colorectal adenomas and to assess the potential clinical value of methylation in normal rectal biopsies as a screening assay for the presence of polyps and, hence, the need for a full colonoscopy. METHODS: One hundred thirteen normal rectal mucosal biopsies from 113 patients were studied. DNA was extracted, modified with sodium bisulfite, and subjected to real-time quantitative, methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction analysis for the following genes: adenomatous polyposis coli (APC); cadherin 1, type 1, E-cadherin (epithelial) (CDH1); estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1); cytokine high in normal 1 (HIN1); hyperplastic polyposis protein 1 (HPP1); O-6 methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT); neural epidermal growth factor-like 1 (NELL1); splicing factor 3B, 14-kDa subunit (p14); cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor 2B (inhibits CDK4) (p15); retinoic acid receptor beta (RARβ); somatostatin (SST); tachykinin, precursor 1 (TAC1); and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) metallopeptidase inhibitor 3 (TIMP3). Data were then analyzed using several proprietary software programs. RESULTS: By using several sets of genes, clinical characteristics, and multivariate analyses, the authors developed a prediction model for the presence of concomitant colorectal adenomas at the time of rectal biopsy. They also observed strong correlations between smoking status and rectal methylation pattern and between smoking status and the presence or risk of concomitant adenomas. CONCLUSIONS: A prediction model was developed for the presence of colorectal adenomas based on gene methylation patterns in the normal rectum. The results indicated that these genes may be involved in early stages of adenoma formation. The observed epigenetic alterations in these markers may be caused in part by the effects of smoking and/or age. Normal rectal methylation may be useful as a biomarker for narrowing the population in need of screening colonoscopy. Cancer 2010. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Managing project expectations in human services information systems implementations: The case of homeless management information systems

Abstract Complex information management implementation projects develop cyclical downturn patterns that, if not managed effectively, can throw them off course. These cycles are intrinsically related to contradictions that are normally embedded in the project’s goals and expectations. The position presented in this article is that managing these cycles is more effective than attempting to eradicate them. Human services information systems are examples of systems that embed enormous contradictions. This paper uses the context provided by homeless management information systems to present a model of project management evolution. It explains how the cyclical pattern presented here can be used as a learning model that recognizes the limitations of deterministic project management thinking and the value of deferral planning, experimentation and balancing. The paper proposes a strategy to deal with this.
Academic Merit, Professional Needs, and Social Work Education:

It may be claimed that journals catering primarily to the needs of social work practitioners should place more emphasis on the practice wisdom and experiences of reviewers than on the academic criteria normally used by scholarly journals. This claim is rejected by the author, and instead, it is argued that social work journals need to be doubly vigilant to ensure that work only of the highest quality is published. Strict adherence to academic merit will not only serve the needs of social work educators but also of professional practitioners.
Connecting internet use with gaps in cancer knowledge.

This study applies the knowledge gap hypothesis to the specific domain of Internet use for cancer information. In particular, this study examines disparities in online information seeking by education and ethnicity, and subsequent gaps in cancer knowledge. Perceived risk of cancer and ease of connection to the Internet are concerned as contingent factors influencing knowledge gaps. A subsample of the 2003 Health Information National Trends Survey—those who have ever been online—was analyzed. Data supported the hypothesis that high education groups and White Americans were more likely to use the Internet for cancer information than were their counterparts, and online information seeking enlarged to some degree the cancer knowledge gaps between education groups. Perceived cancer risk had a weak but significant three-way interaction effect with ethnicity and online seeking on cancer knowledge, which suggests the importance of motivation in attenuating the knowledge gaps. The moderating role of ease of connec...
Assessment of Driver Fatigue, Distraction, and Performance in a Naturalistic Setting:

The results of a study to characterize episodes of driver fatigue and drowsiness and to assess the impact of driver fatigue on driving performance are documented. This data-mining effort performed additional analyses on data collected in an earlier study by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration of the effects of fatigue on drivers in local and short-haul operations. The primary objectives of the study were to investigate fatigue as a naturally occurring phenomenon by identifying and characterizing episodes of drowsiness during all periods of driving and to determine the operational or driving environment factors associated with drowsy driving. A total of 2,745 drowsy events were identified in approximately 900 total hours of naturalistic driving video data. Higher levels of fatigue were associated with younger and less experienced drivers. In addition, a strong and consistent relationship was found between drowsiness and time of day. Drowsiness was twice as likely to occur between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m., and approximately 30% of all observed incidences of drowsiness occurred within the first hour of the work shift. Insights about the relationship between driver fatigue and driver distraction and inattention are provided. This study presents an analytical framework for quantitatively assessing driver fatigue and drowsiness as a function of driver characteristics and the driving environment. It is hoped that the results will help to identify effective countermeasures for drowsy driving that will reduce the number of commercial-vehicle-related fatalities and injuries.
SU‐GG‐I‐74: Evaluation of Effective Dose in Region‐Of‐Interest Neuroimaging

Purpose: Small field‐of‐view (FOV) region‐of‐interest (ROI) imaging has been used for integral dose reduction and to improve image quality by reducing scatter and providing increased resolution. We quantify the reduction of effective dose (ED) realized when using ROI techniques in neuroimaging. Method and Materials: We have developed a high‐resolution microangiographic fluoroscopic (MAF) detector to provide improved visualization of fine detail in the treatment volume during neurointerventional procedures and in ROI cone‐beam CT. Using PCXMC (STUK, Helsinki, Finland), the ED was calculated for the 3.6×3.6‐cm FOV of the MAF, for the 20×20‐cm FOV of the Varian PaxScan 2020 FPD and for a 3.6×20‐cm FOV as used in dual detector ROI CBCT. Calculations were made for 210 degrees of RAO/LAO projections centered on the circle of Willis for spectra using the 3 beam filters available on the Toshiba Infinix C‐Arm fluoroscopic system. ED values were determined as a function of kVp for an air kerma at the detector for 1 microGray, where the entrance skin exposure was determined using SP78 software and the attenuation of the AAPM Report 31 head phantom. Values for individual projections and summed values for CBCT scans were determined. Results: Effective dose per detector exposure decreases with increasing kVp for all three filters and for all FOV's. Compared to the FPD, use of the MAF detector allows a reduction of ED by a factor ranging between 50 to 70 over the range of beam filters and kVp's used. Conclusions: Substantial reduction in effective dose per detector exposure is realized using ROI techniques in neuroimaging. This reduction would allow the dose in the ROI to be increased over an order of magnitude to provide increased contrast resolution without increasing the stochastic risk to the patient compared to full‐FOV imaging. (Support: Toshiba Medical Systems, NIH R01EB002873)
A hybrid approach to 2D robotic map evaluation

This article introduces the Temple Map Evaluation Toolkit (TMET), which is a tool for evaluating robotic maps produced by existing mapping algorithms. The toolkit performs ground truth based evaluation, i.e. it compares similarities between a map defined as ground truth and a target map. TMET allows for hybrid evaluation, since methods for pose based as well as grid based evaluation are implemented. For pose based evaluation, the user can define regions on the ground truth map which are handled as transformable sub-maps. TMET allows for evaluation of grid based maps as well as segment based maps, and therefore covers most of the representations of maps for existing mapping algorithms. The paper introduces the toolkit and the underlying design principles and algorithms. Experiments with maps from simulated as well as real world data are presented, demonstrating that the tool can be used to evaluate the quality of a map in a quantitative way.
Measurement of Drug in Small Particles from Aqueous Nasal Sprays by Andersen Cascade Impactor

To determine if cascade impactor (CI) measurement of drug in small particles from aqueous nasal sprays, described in FDA’s 2003 draft Nasal Bioavailability/Bioequivalence Guidance, can be optimized to reduce measurement variability. To examine the influence of flow rate configurations and number of impactor stages on CI deposition and explore the importance of inlet volume. A total of eight assemblies and manual vs. automatic actuation were tested for deposition on the sum of all stages of the CI, and for Group 2 total drug mass per the Guidance. Mean deposition and variance about the mean were determined for each assembly. The path length for a spherical 1 l inlet was too short to allow adequate aerosol formation. Data variance was reduced by a factor of two or more by using an automatic actuator relative to manual actuation. Impactor assembly modification did not improve variance over the standard assembly. Use of a spherical inlet (≥2 l volume) and automatic actuation are recommended for comparative measurements of drug in small particles arising from aqueous nasal sprays. The standard (8-stage) 28.3 lpm CI flow rate configuration is recommended when using the Andersen Cascade Impactor (ACI), as no other assembly showed a distinct advantage.
The inheritance of immunoglobulin E: Genetic linkage analysis

Linkage analyses between 21 genetic markers including HLA-A, B, and the postulated locus for determining total serum IgE levels were done to try to clarify the inheritance of total IgE levels and to map the locus. A total of 316 individuals from five Mormon kindreds were studied, and data from an additional 204 Amish individuals from 11 families were analyzed for possible HLA linkage. Segregation analyses of both data sets did not give clear definition of the mode of inheritance of total IgE levels, but purely environmental models were rejected. Linkage analyses gave significant evidence against HLA linkage with the codominant, recessive, or dominant model of inheritance for total IgE levels. No significant evidence for linkage with any of the genetic markers was obtained. Since total serum IgE levels are correlated with allergies, understanding the genetics of total IgE levels is important to understanding the genetics of allergic disease in man.
Reattachment model of the anode spot of a non-transferred DC arc

Anode attachment of a non-transferred DC arc performs periodic motion: motion downstream, breakdown a cold gas layer that separates main arc column somewhere upstream, reattachment to the new anode spot, motion downstream etc. The phenomenon of reattachment the anode spot has not been completely understood yet. A simple model of the anode reattachment is suggested. Based on a fact that electron temperature doesn't drop as low as the heavy particles temperature does, it is assumed that some residue electrical conductivity (on the level of 10−2 Ohm−1m−1) exists in the cold anode layer. It is shown that increasing in time the voltage drop across the layer leads to a fast development of the overheating instability. This creates in an upstream location, where the voltage drop is the highest, a well electrically conductive column and to reconnection of the arc to this new attachment. Simple estimations of the amplitude of the voltage oscillations and their frequency correspond to experimental data.
The Economics of Conserved-Energy "Supply" Curves*

This paper develops the theoretical underpinnings of conservation " supply " curves (CSCs), and in doing so uncovers several problems with current procedures for their construction . The CSC is shown to be derivable from a production isoquant, and not to be a true supply curve . The traditional algorithm for constructing a CSC from discrete measures is shown to be suboptimal, contrary to prior claims . Omitting conservation measures from consideration can lead to systematic, excessive conservation. The CSC concept is extended from constant-service to constant-utility measures, and an improved approximation is suggested for the cost of conserved energy (CCE) of measures that cause rebound . The appendix provides a formula for CCE that is simple yet more general than the one currently in use, but shows that even with this generalization, CSCs cannot be constructed for a world with fluctuating energy prices .
Understanding the Memory-Utilization of MPI Libraries: Challenges and Designs in Implementing the MPI_T Interface

The MPI Tools information interface (MPI_T), introduced as part of MPI 3.0 standard, has been gaining momentum in both the MPI and performance tools communities. In this paper, we investigate the challenges involved in profiling the memory utilization characteristics of MPI libraries that can be exposed to tools and libraries leveraging the MPI_T interface. We propose three design alternatives to enable such profiling from within MPI, and study their viability in light of these challenges. We analyze the benefits and shortcomings of each of them in detail, with a particular focus on the performance and memory overheads that they introduce. We evaluate the performance and scalability of these designs using micro-benchmarks, MPI-level benchmarks and applications. The overheads of the proposed design amounts to just 0.8% of the MILC application runtime with 4,096 processes. The paper also presents a case study that uses the MPI_T memory profiling information in MVAPICH2 to optimize the memory utilization of UH3D application runs, where memory savings of up to 7.3x was achieved.
From Measurement Theory to Psychological Theory, in Reverse

As investigators who work in personality and social psychology, rather than on questions of measurement per se, our primary response to the target articles is to applaud. The authors are deeply and...
Mapping the Functional Interaction of Sco1 and Cox2 in Cytochrome Oxidase Biogenesis

Sco1 is implicated in the copper metallation of the CuA site in Cox2 of cytochrome oxidase. The structure of Sco1 in the metallated and apo-conformers revealed structural dynamics primarily in an exposed region designated loop 8. The structural dynamics of loop 8 in Sco1 suggests it may be an interface for interactions with Cox17, the Cu(I) donor and/or Cox2. A series of conserved residues in the sequence motif 217KKYRVYF223 on the leading edge of this loop are shown presently to be important for yeast Sco1 function. Cells harboring Y219D, R220D, V221D, and Y222D mutant Sco1 proteins failed to restore respiratory growth or cytochrome oxidase activity in sco1Δ cells. The mutant proteins are stably expressed and are competent to bind Cu(I) and Cu(II) normally. Specific Cu(I) transfer from Cox17 to the mutant apo-Sco1 proteins proceeds normally. In contrast, using two in vivo assays that permit monitoring of the transient Sco1-Cox2 interaction, the mutant Sco1 molecules appear compromised in a function with Cox2. The mutants failed to suppress the respiratory defect of cox17-1 cells unlike wild-type SCO1. In addition, the mutants failed to suppress the hydrogen peroxide sensitivity of sco1Δ cells. These studies implicate different surfaces on Sco1 for interaction or function with Cox17 and Cox2.
Physical Activity and Alcohol Use Disorders: What We Know and What We Don’t Know

The findings by Lisha and colleagues (1) add interesting and novel information related to the counterintuitive finding of previous studies (2–4): A positive association between mild to moderate alc...
Integrating Urban Information Systems and Spatial Models

The evolution of spatial and nonspatial information systems is rapidly altering the role of applied computing in urban and regional planning. Urban development tracking and monitoring systems are in place in many regions in the United States and Canada. These systems provide continual status reports on land-use activity. Also, spatial interaction models are being developed for several major cities in the United States. The corollary collection of many types of spatial information has been impressive, The US Census will produce TIGER geo-referenced files with the 1990 census, and information will be widely available on CD-ROM disks. In this paper current trends in the development of new data sources, information systems, and spatial modelling are discussed and the potential for integrating these elements into a working planning-support system is discussed.
ELEPHANTIDAE PHYLOGENY : MORPHOLOGICAL VERSUS MOLECULAR RESULTS

Traditionally, morphologically based phylogenetic relationships within the famili Elephantidae (mostly Loxodonta, Elephas, and Mammuthus) depicted Elephas and Mammuthus as closely related taxa with Loxodonta, as a sister-group to this clade. Until recently, molecular studies were unable to resolve relationships among the woolly mammoth (Mammuthus), Asian (Elephas) and African (Loxodonta) elephants, or indicated a phenetic pairing of Loxodonta and Mammuthus with Elephas as a sister-group to this grade. In this study we provide further morphological evidence for the traditional hypothesis and data from aligned DNA sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome b in support of the monophyletic Mammuthus-Elephas clade.
Pion-Proton Scattering at 150 and 170 Mev

The pion-proton differential scattering cross sections have been measured at 150 and 170 Mev. Measurements were made at eight angles using scintillation counters and a liquid hydrogen target. Statistical errors are of the order 5 percent or less. Phase shift analyses of the data have been made on the assumption that the total isotopic spin is conserved and that only $s$ and $p$ waves are appreciably scattered. The angular distributions give no positive indication of any $d$-wave scattering.
Declaración Inaugural del Nuevo Equipo Editorial

Nos entusiasma afrontar el reto de reunir a todos los antropologos interesados en el uso de la antropologia, especialmente en este momento historico en el que mas de la mitad de los antropologos en Estados Unidos trabajan fuera de las universidades. Deseamos sobre todo aprovechar el potencial de los antropologos de acrecentar su conocimiento animandolos a participar en una revista diferente a las otras en las que ellos suelen publicar, usando nuevos formatos de comunicacion. Practicing Anthropology (PA) es una publicacion de la Society for Applied Anthropology, orientada hacia la profesion, que surgio del deseo de Sol Tax de establecer un vehiculo de comunicacion para los antropologos y una fuente de informacion profesional para los antropologos que trabajan fuera de la academia. Con este numero el Equipo Editorial de Practicing Anthropology regresa al lugar de su nacimiento, la Universidad de Maryland, en donde el Profesor Erve Chambers fue su primer editor.
Magnetic resonance imaging of children without sedation : Preparation with simulation

ABSTRACT Objective It was hypothesized that a scanner simulator that replicates the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) environment could be used to prepare pediatric subjects for successful completion of a diagnostic-quality MRI examination without pharmacological sedation. Method Sixteen healthy children, 6 to 17 years of age, were matched for age and sex with 16 psychotropic medication-naive children with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Distress was measured throughout simulation and scanning procedures using heart rate and a self-report distress scale. Ten healthy children, 6 to 17 years of age, also underwent the same actual MRI scanning procedure but did not undergo the simulation scanning procedure. Results Significant decreases in heart rate and self-reported distress level were observed in all subjects during the simulator session that were maintained to the end of the actual scanner experience. All subjects successfully completed MRI examinations without chemical restraint. Subjects who were not trained in the simulator had higher heart rates and self-reported distress levels in the actual scanner than did simulation-trained subjects. Conclusions Simulation without pharmacological sedation successfully prepared pediatric subjects in this pilot study for high-quality MRI studies. Subject preparation may be an alternative procedure to sedation for routine MRI examination in healthy and anxious children 6 years of age and older.
Open-field behavior in mice: effect of litter size.

Analyses were performed to assess the effects of natural litter size and post-weaning group size on open-field activity and defecation scores of 2705 mice from six generations (1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25) of the DeFries selection experiment. Statistical analyses which employed corrections for the nesting of litters within treatments revealed that neither litter size nor postweaning group size had significant effects on open-field behavior.
The Surgical Isolation Bubble System and patient temperature during ventriculoperitoneal shunt insertion in preterm and term newborn infants.

The ultraclean air environment in a plastic isolator has been used in cerebrospinal fluid shunt interventions in an attempt to reduce the incidence of infections. The blower that maintains a continuous flow of filtered air in the operative field may create body temperature changes. In this study we assessed the temperature before, during and at the end of the operation in preterm and term infants in whom ventriculoperitoneal shunts were being placed. There were 12 preterm and 9 term infants. The duration of the operative intervention ranged from 25 to 50 min. In the preterm infants the mean initial temperature was 36.2±0.2°C, and the final temperature was 35.7±0.2°C. This difference was not significant. The initial temperature in the term infants was 36.26±0.2°C, and the final temperature was 35.9±0.3°C, also not significantly different. The surgical isolation bubble system does not alter the temperature of preterm and term infants significantly during ventriculoperitoneal shunt procedures performed within the operative times seen in this study.
SU-GG-T-372: Design of a Leakage-Reducing Electron Applicator Retrofit

Purpose: Design a retrofit to Siemens electron applicators meeting IEC leakage standards with minimal effect on treatment field. Method and Materials: Dose to air measured on a Siemens Oncor linac with electron applicators, both at the patient plane and outside the applicator enclosure, by scanning an ion chamber and with film. Material added to applicator and change in dose measured. Monte Carlo simulations of modifications done to guide measurement, using either a virtual CT of the applicator or a new applicator component module. Both these methods allow addition of extra shielding outside the existing applicator. Measurements and simulation were done at 6 energies from 6 to 21 MeV, and 4 applicator sizes, from 10 to 25 cm. Results: Leakage is predominantly scatter from the stainless/aluminum scraper bar and from the top of the Al sidewall. A 1 cm thick Al shield over the entire side of the applicator, although not practical, reduces leakage to nearly acceptable levels while only affecting the treatment field at the 1% level. Shielding around the outside of the stainless/aluminum scraper and at the top of the sidewall is sufficient for some applicators. For the 15 cm applicator, with its thinner sidewall, additional shielding is necessary. It is not necessary to shield the air gaps in the applicator. A discrepancy exists between simulation and data, with measured leakage values several percent greater than simulation. Conclusion: A retrofit design is presented such that the applicators meet IEC specifications without requiring recommissioning. Minimization of material used, for esthetic and practical reasons, is ongoing. Conflict of Interest: Support from Siemens and NIH R01 CA104777‐01A2.
Size-dependent angular distributions of low-energy photoelectrons emitted from NaCI nanoparticles

Angle-resolved threshold photoelectron spectra are recorded for size-selected beams of sodium chloride nanoparticles (radius = 25−250 nm). The photoelectron angular distributions exhibit a size-dependent asymmetry that is inversely proportional to particle radius. A model of the internal electric field amplitude and the photoelectron escape probability inside the particles reveals that the asymmetry in photoemission arises because the finite dimensions of the particle are comparable to both the photon penetration depth (14−22 nm) and electron escape length (10 nm).
Biopsy Technique for Malignant Melanoma

A properly performed and informative biopsy is necessary for planning the definitive surgical treatment of melanoma. If possible, the diagnosis of melanoma should be established by a total excisional biopsy. On occasion the lesion may be so large, or so anatomically situated, that a biopsy in part is indicated. The techniques for both methods of biopsy are described in detail. The importance of the classification of melanoma as determined by biopsy is emphasized.
The University of Michigan Affirmative Action Cases and Public Personnel Decisions

In Grutter v. Bollinger (2003), the United States Supreme Court held that the University ofMichigan Law School’s use of race preferences in admissions did not violate the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. Specifically, the Court ruled, the law school’s purported goal in using the preferences, namely the promotion of diversity, is a compelling state interest, and the means by which the law school used race are narrowly tailored to advance diversity. Since public personnelmanagers have long sought to use race preferences in employment decision-making, Grutter may appear to provide constitutional permission for such practices. Nonetheless, key differences between the public university admissions and public employment contexts counsel against this assumption.
Rapid diffusion of the poloidal geomagnetic field through the weakly conducting mantle: a perturbation solution

Summary. A systematic regular perturbation procedure is developed to account for weak mantle conduction as unsteady electromagnetic fields are extrapolated downward from the Earth’s surface to the core-mantle boundary. The mantle is treated as a radially symmetric conductor of highly variable conductivity. The unique poloidal-toroidal decomposition of a magnetic vector potential leads first to three-dimensional and then, after spherical harmonic analysis, to one-dimensional linear diffusion equations for the two defining scalar functions. Emphasis is placed on a regular perturbation solution to the inverse poloidal diffusion problem, for the case where diffusion through the mantle is rapid on the time-scale for changes in forcing at the core-mantle boundary. The perturbation theory is evaluated with reference to a range of proposed conductivity profiles and two geomagnetic field models. It is found that uncertainty in the conductivity is at present less important than errors in the field models, and that the first-order corrections to the main field and secular variation at the core surface are likely to be negligible and small, respectively.
Low earth orbit rendezvous strategy for lunar missions

On January 14, 2004 President George W. Bush announced a new Vision for Space Exploration calling for NASA to return humans to the moon. In 2005 NASA decided to use a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) rendezvous strategy for the lunar missions. A Discrete Event Simulation (DES) based model of this strategy was constructed. Results of the model were then used for subsequent analysis to explore the ramifications of the LEO rendezvous strategy.
THE CRITICAL ROLE OF THE MELANOCORTIN SYSTEM IN THE CONTROL OF ENERGY BALANCE

▪ Abstract Animals have developed highly adaptive and redundant mechanisms to maintain energy balance by matching caloric intake to caloric expenditure. Recent evidence has pointed to a variety of peripheral signals that inform specific central nervous system (CNS) circuits about the status of peripheral energy stores as critical to the maintenance of energy balance. A critical component of these CNS circuits is the melanocortin system. Regulation of signaling by melanocortin 3 and melanocortin 4 receptors in the CNS is controlled via neuronal cell bodies in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus that synthesize melanocortin receptor agonists such as alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) or antagonists such as agouti-related protein (AgRP). The activity of these two populations of neurons is reciprocally regulated by a number of peripheral and central systems that influence energy balance. Further, increased melanocortin signaling via pharmacological or genetic means in the CNS causes potent reduc...
Techniques to Reduce the Soft Error Rate of a High-Performance Microprocessor

Transient faults due to neutron and alpha particle strikes posea significant obstacle to increasing processor transistor counts infuture technologies. Although fault rates of individual transistorsmay not rise significantly, incorporating more transistors into adevice makes that device more likely to encounter a fault. Hence,maintaining processor error rates at acceptable levels will requireincreasing design effort.This paper proposes two simple approaches to reduce errorrates and evaluates their application to a microprocessor instructionqueue. The first technique reduces the time instructions sit invulnerable storage structures by selectively squashing instructionswhen long delays are encountered. A fault is less likely to cause anerror if the structure it affects does not contain valid instructions.We introduce a new metric, MITF (Mean Instructions To Failure),to capture the trade-off between performance and reliability introducedby this approach.The second technique addresses false detected errors. In theabsence of a fault detection mechanism, such errors would nothave affected the final outcome of a program. For example, a faultaffecting the result of a dynamically dead instruction would notchange the final program output, but could still be flagged by thehardware as an error. To avoid signalling such false errors, wemodify a pipeline's error detection logic to mark affected instructionsand data as possibly incorrect rather than immediately signalingan error. Then, we signal an error only if we determine laterthat the possibly incorrect value could have affected the program'soutput.
Information as a Double-Edge Sword: Implications for Food Standards and Labels

by B. James Deaton and John P. HoehnB. James DeatonResearch AssociateInstitute for Food and Agricultural StandardsMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI 48823deatonbr@pilot.msu.eduJohn P. HoehnProfessor of Environmental and Natural ResourcesDepartment of Agricultural EconomicsMichigan State UniversityEast Lansing, MI 48823hoehn@pilot.msu.eduCopyright 2000 by B. James Deaton and John P. Hoehn. All rights reserved. Readers may makeverbatim copies of this document for non-commercial purposes by any means, provided that thiscopyright notice appears on all such copies.
Essential roles of sphingosine-1–phosphate receptor 2 in human mast cell activation, anaphylaxis, and pulmonary edema

Systemic exacerbation of allergic responses, in which mast cells play a critical role, results in life-threatening anaphylactic shock. Sphingosine-1–phosphate (S1P), a ligand for a family of G protein–coupled receptors, is a new addition to the repertoire of bioactive lipids secreted by activated mast cells. Yet little is known of its role in human mast cell functions and in anaphylaxis. We show that S1P2 receptors play a critical role in regulating human mast cell functions, including degranulation and cytokine and chemokine release. Immunoglobulin E–triggered anaphylactic responses, including elevation of circulating histamine and associated pulmonary edema in mice, were significantly attenuated by the S1P2 antagonist JTE-013 and in S1P2-deficient mice, in contrast to anaphylaxis induced by administration of histamine or platelet-activating factor. Hence, S1P and S1P2 on mast cells are determinants of systemic anaphylaxis and associated pulmonary edema and might be beneficial targets for anaphylaxis attenuation and prophylaxis.
Reifying human difference: the debate on genetics, race, and health.

The causes of racial and ethnic inequalities in health and the most appropriate categories to use to address health inequality have been the subject of heated debate in recent years. At the same time, genetic explanations for racial disparities have figured prominently in the scientific and popular press since the announcement of the sequencing of the human genome. To understand how such explanations assumed prominence, this essay analyzes the circulation of ideas about race and genetics and the rhetorical strategies used by authors of key texts to shape the debate. The authority of genetic accounts for racial and ethnic difference in disease, the author argues, is rooted in a broad cultural faith in the promise of genetics to solve problems of human disease and the inner truth of human beings that is intertwined with historical meanings attached to race. Such accounts are problematic for a variety of reasons. Importantly, they produce, reify, and naturalize notions of racial difference, provide a scienti...
Sedimentology in a reduced-gravity environment: Submarine analogs for streamlined forms on Mars

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Mars Exploration Program is focused on understanding the past or present habitability of Mars (MEPAG, 2010). Central to this aim is determining the history of liquid water on Mars. Some of the most salient evidence for liquid water is giant
High-Intensity Acoustics for Military Nonlethal Applications: A Lack of Useful Systems

There have been many previous claims of nonlethal acoustic weapon effects, mostly in the popular rather than the scientific literature. Anecdotal reports of extraordinary effects can make meaningful assessment and review of this area very difficult. Acoustics research has shown that the nonlethal weapon capabilities of audible sound generators have been grossly overstated. Although high-intensity infrasound significantly disrupted animal behavior in some experiments, the generation of such energy in a volume large enough to be of practical use is unlikely because of basic physical principles. On the basis of experimentation completed to date at a number of institutions, it seems unlikely that high-intensity acoustic energy in the audible, infrasonic, or low-frequency range can provide a device suitable for use as a nonlethal weapon.
Design and analysis of hybrid control schemes for sandwich nonlinear systems

This paper addresses an open control problem: control of sandwich nonlinear systems. Of interest are sandwiched nonsmooth nonlinearities between linear dynamic blocks. Several hybrid control schemes for control of such sandwich systems are presented. The proposed control schemes employ an inner-loop discrete-time feedback design and an outer-loop continuous-time feedback design, combined with a nonlinearity inverse, to cancel the effect of the sandwiched nonlinearity, for improving output tracking. Stability and tracking performance of the closed-loop control system are analyzed.
Comparison of barium strontium titanate varactors on magnesium oxide and alumina substrates

A comparison of tunability and nonlinearity of planar (interdigital) barium strontium titanate varactors fabricated on magnesium oxide (MgO) and alumina substrates is presented. The results show that higher tunability is obtained on alumina than on MgO substrates. Two-tone measurements reveal that the devices fabricated on alumina exhibit more nonlinearity than those fabricated on MgO at relatively high RF power levels. The observed geometry-dependence of the non-linear performance is discussed.
Protease-Activated Receptor-1–Mediated DNA Synthesis in Cardiac Fibroblast Is via Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Transactivation: Distinct PAR-1 Signaling Pathways in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Cardiomyocytes

Proteases elaborated by inflammatory cells in the heart would be expected to drive cardiac fibroblasts to proliferate, but protease-activated receptor (PAR) function in cardiac fibroblasts has never been considered. This study demonstrates that PAR-1 is the only known PAR family member functionally expressed by cardiac fibroblasts and that PAR-1 activation by thrombin leads to increased DNA synthesis in cardiac fibroblasts. The increase in DNA synthesis induced by PAR-1 substantially exceeds the effects of other G protein- coupled receptor agonists in this cell type. PAR-1 stimulates phosphoinositide hydrolysis and mobilizes intracellular calcium via pertussis toxin (PTX)-sensitive and PTX-insensitive pathways. Activation of PAR-1 leads to an increase in Src, Fyn, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) phosphorylation, with EGFR receptor transactivation by Src family kinases the major mechanism for PAR-1- dependent activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase, p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase B. Activation of PAR-1 also leads to an increase in DNA synthesis. PAR-1 signaling is highly contextual in nature, inasmuch as PAR-1 activates extracellular signal-regulated kinase and only weakly stimulates protein kinase B via a pathway that does not involve EGFR transactivation in cardiomyocytes. PAR-1 responses in cardiac fibroblasts and cardiomyocytes are predicted to contribute importantly to remodeling during cardiac injury and/or inflammation. (Circ Res. 2002;91:532-539.)
Evaluation of interaction devices for projector based virtual reality aircraft inspection training environments

The Aircraft maintenance and inspection is a complex system wherein humans play a key role in ensuring the worthiness of the aircraft. Traditional visual inspection training consisted mainly of on-the-job training (OJT). While OJT provides novice inspectors with the hands-on experience critical to effective transfer, it lacks the ability to provide real-time feedback and exposure to various scenarios in which to inspect. With advances in technology, computer simulators have been developed to train the novice inspector and reduce the learning curve inherent with transitioning from the classroom to the workforce. Advances in graphics and virtual reality (VR) technology have allowed for an increase the sense of involvement in using these simulators. Though these simulators are effective, their deployment in aircraft maintenance training schools is limited by the high cost of VR equipment. This research investigates the effectiveness of different interaction devices for providing projector based simulated aircraft maintenance inspection training.
Energy and thermal regulation during bed rest and spaceflight

In planning for long-duration (1- to 2-yr) space missions (microgravity), the availability of oxygen, water, and food is critical for survival. If astronauts would consume approximately 3,100 kcal and 2.2 liters of fluid per day, the requirements for a 2-yr flight would be 2,263,000 kcal and 1,606 liters for each astronaut. These estimates, based on limited microgravity simulation and flight data, include 1 h/day of moderate isotonic exercise. Each 30-min/day reduction in exercise training time would save 110,869 kcal and 91 liters of water per year. One daily 5-h extravehicular sortie at an average work rate of 1.7 l/min would require an additional 529,250 kcal and 1,095 liters of water per year. Results from microgravity simulation (bed rest) experiments suggest that 1) there is uncertainty whether basal metabolism is unchanged, 2) submaximal ergometer exercise oxygen uptake appears to be unchanged or lower, and 3) without vigorous exercise training near peak levels, the peak oxygen uptake is definitely reduced. In addition, the equilibrium level of exercise core temperature is elevated excessively by approximately 0.5 degrees C after bed-rest acclimation. Changes in the efficiency of work or metabolism in any or all of these conditions could affect nutritional requirements for long spaceflights. Further research is necessary to elucidate the metabolic factors that would be changed and the energy cost of intra- and extravehicular activity during prolonged exposure to microgravity.
LAB-1 Targets PP1 and Restricts Aurora B Kinase upon Entrance into Meiosis to Promote Sister Chromatid Cohesion

Successful execution of the meiotic program depends on the timely establishment and removal of sister chromatid cohesion. LAB-1 has been proposed to act in the latter by preventing the premature removal of the meiosis-specific cohesin REC-8 at metaphase I in C. elegans, yet the mechanism and scope of LAB-1 function remained unknown. Here we identify an unexpected earlier role for LAB-1 in promoting the establishment of sister chromatid cohesion in prophase I. LAB-1 and REC-8 are both required for the chromosomal association of the cohesin complex subunit SMC-3. Depletion of lab-1 results in partial loss of sister chromatid cohesion in rec-8 and coh-4 coh-3 mutants and further enhanced chromatid dissociation in worms where all three kleisins are mutated. Moreover, lab-1 depletion results in increased Aurora B kinase (AIR-2) signals in early prophase I nuclei, coupled with a parallel decrease in signals for the PP1 homolog, GSP-2. Finally, LAB-1 directly interacts with GSP-1 and GSP-2. We propose that LAB-1 targets the PP1 homologs to the chromatin at the onset of meiosis I, thereby antagonizing AIR-2 and cooperating with the cohesin complex to promote sister chromatid association and normal progression of the meiotic program.
A eudaimonic theory of marital quality.

This article explores a eudaimonic approach (a focus on human flourishing) for its value in enriching marital quality theory. Spouses' marital satisfaction is reinterpreted as the match between their actual marriage and their marital goals. Goal pursuit is proposed as a primary area of assessment and research in marital quality. Two dimensions of goal pursuit are highlighted. First is a continuum ranging from individually attainable goals to shared goals, which are always collective achievements. Second is a range of goals in which the means and ends are separable (instrumental) to goals in which the means and ends are inseparable (constitutive). These dimensions systematically encompass many currently disconnected areas of marital research, which indicates significant heuristic value in a eudaimonic theory of marital quality.
Therapeutic and Toxic Drug Concentrations in Post Mortem Blood: A Six Year Study in the State of Maryland

A six-year study of therapeutic and toxic drug concentrations in the blood from medical examiner's cases in the State of Maryland is reported. Statistical means, ranges, and number of cases are presented for three categories of cases; single drug deaths (53 drugs and 5 metabolitea), multiple drug deaths (40 drugs and 5 drug metabolltes), and non-drug related deaths (49 drugs and 5 metabolltes). Results are compared to previous studies from the literature to facilitate, augment, and improve the understanding of the concentrations of drugs consistent with therapy or death.
A Switched-Capacitor RF Power Amplifier

A fully integrated switched-capacitor power amplifier (SCPA) utilizes switched-capacitor techniques in an EER/Polar architecture. It operates on the envelope of a nonconstant envelope modulated signal as an RF-DAC in order to amplify the signal efficiently. The measured maximum output power and PAE are 25.2 dBm and 45%, respectively. When amplifying an 802.11g 64-QAM orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signal, the measured error vector magnitude is 2.6% and the average output power and power-added efficiencies are 17.7 dBm and 27%, respectively.
Studies of Vector Competency and Efficiency of North American Fleas for Yersinia pestis: State of the Field and Future Research Needs

The etiological agent of plague, Yersinia pestis, is most commonly transmitted by the bite of infectious fleas. To date, at least 28 flea species occurring in North America have been experimentally confirmed as vectors of Y. pestis. Transmission efficiency differs among species and also between different studies of a single species. These differences may, however, in large part reflect nonstandardized experimental conditions used during the first half of the 20th century when such studies were conducted in response to the rapid spread of Y. pestis across the western United States after its introduction at the beginning of this century. The majority of these early transmission studies focused on the blocked flea mechanism of transmission, which typically does not occur until > 2-3 wk after the flea becomes infected. Recent studies have challenged the paradigm that Y. pestis is usually spread by blocked fleas by demonstrating that numerous flea species, including the oriental rat flea Xenopsylla cheopis, which was the focus of the early classical studies on blocked flea transmission, are capable of"early-phase" transmission during the first few days after becoming infected and before a complete blockage can form. The aims of this review are to 1) summarize Y. pestis vector competency and efficiency studies for fleas occurring in North America, 2) discuss the implications of the results of these studies for our understanding of the dynamics of plague epizootics, 3) demonstrate why older transmission studies need to be repeated using a standardized experimental system, and 4) outline future directions for studies of fleas as vectors of Y. pestis.
Sympathetic nerve and cardiovascular responses to chemical activation of the midbrain defense region

The changes in mean arterial pressure (MAP), renal (RBF) and femoral (FBF) blood flows, and inferior cardiac (CN) and vertebral nerve (VN) sympathetic nerve discharges (SND) produced by chemical ac...