cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Factors promoting polyploid persistence and diversification and limiting diploid speciation during the K–Pg interlude

The large wave of polyploidization following the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction has been explained by enhanced polyploid persistence arising from adaptive properties of the polyploids themselves, as well as an increase in unreduced gamete production and diploid hybridization. We propose that the demise of diploids afforded opportunities for polyploid establishment and expansion into novel habitats. Augmented polyploid gene pools from diploid and polyploid relatives, in association with their multiple and independent origins (of both autopolyploids and allopolyploids), facilitated their subsequent diversification. Their ability to recruit genetic variation from their diploid relatives or from products of recurrent origins sharing their genome(s) ostensibly contributed to polyploid persistence. Concomitantly, we propose that the number of congeneric diploid species dramatically contracted disproportionally to polyploids during the K–Pg interval (i.e. a diploid trough), resulting in a reduction in the rate of diploid speciation. Accordingly, the preponderance of neopolyploids was likely autopolyploids.
Revealing the molecular structure of soot precursors

The earliest stages of soot formation in flames are believed to involve the formation of small, nanoscale clusters of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon molecules. The structure of these clusters is still highly uncertain, however, impeding the construction of quantitative models of soot inception and growth. To provide insight into the structure of incipient soot, we produced nanoclusters of hydrocarbon molecules by annealing coronene films deposited on Pt(111), and examined them with scanning tunneling microcopy. We find that clusters containing ∼20–100 molecules, are disordered agglomerations of stacks that are ∼5–6 molecules tall. These structures are quite distinct from crystalline coronene, but bear a striking resemblance to recently proposed models for the equilibrium structure of similarly-sized clusters that are assumed to initiate soot formation. In contrast to mature soot, the surfaces of these clusters contain very few molecules with graphitic planes oriented parallel to the surface.
Model-driven determination of Johnson-Cook material constants using temperature and force measurements

In this paper, an original approach was presented to identify the Johnson-Cook material constants (J-C constants). The Johnson-Cook model is one of the simplest models to describe the material behavior in machining. The five J-C constants are related to strain hardening effect, stain rate hardening effect, and thermal softening effect. The approach was developed based on a chip formation model in orthogonal cutting and Johnson-Cook model. This paper used process variables including the temperature at the primary shear zone, the temperature of the chip, cutting conditions, and the estimations of the material constants as inputs. The machining forces were calculated with the chip formation model using all estimated material constants that were being changed within intervals of 50% of the references. The five J-C constants were determined by searching minimum differences between the calculated forces and measured forces under each cutting condition. The workpiece material properties such as thermal conductivity, specific heat, and melting temperature were not required because of the measurements of the temperatures. The proposed approach has advantages of low experimental cost, low time cost, less experimental complexity, and less mathematical complexity. The determined J-C constants of AISI 1045 steel and 42CrMo4 alloy were compared to their J-C constants from Split-Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests respectively. Close agreements were found for both materials.
Differential inhibition of human leukemic natural killer cell function by statins

2412 The human leukemic natural killer cell line YT-INDY mimics many of the characteristics of normal natural killer cells. In addition, YT-INDY is a model for studying new therapies against these leukemias that have a poor prognosis. Using proliferation, cytotoxicity, and Western blot assays, our laboratory discovered that the cholesterol-lowering statin drugs inhibit YT-INDY proliferation, cytotoxicity, and ERK 1 and ERK 2 MAP kinase activation. The statin mechanism of action relies on interrupting the formation of cholesterol by inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, which is responsible for controlling the rate of cholesterol production. Aside from their effects on LDL-cholesterol, statins have been shown to inhibit the growth of and induced apoptosis in various leukemia cell lines. When used in in vitro cytotoxicity assays, lovastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, fluvastatin, and mevastatin had profound inhibitory effects with IC509s ranging from 0.8-3.1 uM. Simvastatin and fluvastatin were found to be most potent in the cytotoxicity assay. Inhibition of cytotoxicity was reversed in the presence of 1.0 mM mevalonate and partially reversed with 0.5 mM mevalonate. In addition, the statins were effective in inhibiting proliferation of YT-INDY, when 25 uM of statin was added to cell culture. Significant inhibition was noted for up to 72 hrs. after addition of each statin. Finally, Western blot analysis revealed that phosphorylation of ERK 1 and ERK 2 was nearly completely lost at the following statin concentrations, lovastatin (6.2 uM), simvastatin (1.6 uM), mevastatin (6.2 uM), fluvastatin (1.6 uM), and atorvastatin (6.2 uM). All statin-induced p-ERK inhibition was reversed w/ 1.0 mM mevalonate and partially reversed w/ 0.5 mM mevalonate. Interestingly, pravastatin had no effect on YT-INDY cytotoxicity or ERK 1 and ERK 2 activation. From this study, we conclude that 1) ERK 1 and 2 are constitutively activated in resting YT-INDY cells, 2) all statins, except pravastatin, had profound inhibitory effects on YT-INDY cytotoxicity, proliferation, and ERK 1 and 2 activation at physiologic drug concentrations, 3) simvastatin and fluvastatin were found to be the most potent in abrogating cytotoxicity and ERK 1 and 2 activation, and 4) statin-induced inhibition of cytotoxicity and p-ERK activation could be fully reversed by 1 mM mevalonate and partially reversed by 0.5 mM mevalonate, signifying that the inhibition was likely due to inhibition of HMG CoA reductase. The novel effect of statins on leukemia cells is a new, and potentially exciting, field of research. Future studies will investigate whether statins have the potential to inhibit the proliferative capacity of this natural killer cell leukemia in vivo as a possible basis of therapy.
Probing the topological charge in QCD matter via multiplicity up–down asymmetry

Abstract Relativistic heavy ion collisions provide the possibility to study the topological charge in QCD matter through the event-by-event fluctuating net axial charge or nonequal numbers of left- and right-handed quarks they generate in the produced quark–gluon plasma. Based on the chiral kinetic approach for nearly massless quarks and antiquarks in the strong vorticity field produced along the normal direction of the reaction plane of non-central heavy ion collisions, we show that a unique signal for the topological charge in QCD matter can be identified from the asymmetric distribution of particles with momenta pointing to the upper and lower hemispheres of the reaction plane as a result of the fluctuating net axial charge.
Evaluation of esophageal motility during endoscopy with the functional luminal imaging probe

Abstract The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) provides a novel method to evaluate the esophageal response to distension. The comprehensive evaluation of esophageal function that includes esophagogastric junction (EGJ) distensibility and distension-induced contractility, i.e. FLIP panometry, provides an appealing method to evaluate esophageal motility at the time of sedated endoscopy. Abnormal EGJ distensibility is a consistently observed finding among patients with achalasia and EGJ outflow obstruction, while the normal contractile response to esophageal distension involves repetitive, antegrade contractions. Thus, the esophageal motility assessment with FLIP panometry was reported to effectively detect abnormal motility, including achalasia, and also may identify functional abnormalities that are not detected on manometry. Ultimately, FLIP panometry offers a well-tolerated method to potentially enhance the clinical evaluation of esophageal motility. This review aims to discuss the evaluation of esophageal motility at the time of endoscopy with FLIP panometry.
Corpus luteum with ovarian stromal edema is associated with pelvic pain and confusion for ovarian torsion

To distinguish the corpus luteum with adjacent ovarian stromal edema as an entity associated with pelvic pain, with confounding ultrasound features that may lead to false-positive diagnosis of ovarian torsion. This is a blinded, retrospective study of 243 corpora lutea on transvaginal ultrasound. Imaging parameters included ovarian and corpus luteum volumes, central cystic space within the corpus luteum, vascularity around the corpus luteum, peripherally displaced follicles, and complex free fluid. Residual volume (ovarian volume minus corpus luteum volume) was used as a surrogate for ovarian stromal edema. Clinical parameters included age, pregnancy, and location/acuity of pain if present. Concern for ovarian torsion in radiology reports was documented. 51.0% (124/243) of patients presented with pain. Multivariate regression analysis of factors significantly associated with pain (including age, p = 0.001; larger corpus luteum volume, p = 0.002; larger residual volume, p < 0.001; complex free fluid, p = 0.002; and peripherally displaced follicles, p < 0.001) left only increased residual volume as significantly associated with pain [OR 1.02–1.16; p = 0.01]. False-positive concern for ovarian torsion on ultrasound was present in 12.9% (16/124) of patients with pain, associated with enlarged ovaries (p < 0.001) and peripherally displaced follicles (p < 0.001). High correlation between location of pain and side of the corpus luteum was demonstrated in patients with pain < 14 days duration (p < 0.001). Corpus luteum with ovarian stromal edema is associated with pelvic pain and can mimic ovarian torsion on ultrasound. Further research should explore diagnostically useful differences between cases of ovarian torsion and cases of ovarian edema related to corpora lutea.
A Workflow for Successful Collaboration between Anatomists and Pathologists: An Example of Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Metastasis to a Virchow Node

Interprofessional collaboration between anatomists and pathologists is important, yet poses unique workflow challenges. Therefore, this report details a successful workflow example of a case of pul...
PD17-12 FREQUENCY OF DOWNGRADING FROM MR/US FUSION BIOPSY TO RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY BASED ON ISUP 2014 GRADING MODIFICATIONS

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES:The introduction of MR/US fusion biopsy has led to increased detection of clinically significant prostate cancer. Less certain are the concerns of prostate cancer oversa...
A Tale of 2 Hearts: Simultaneous Dual Tachycardias Occurring 22 Years After Orthotopic Heart Transplantation

Abstract At 22 years following heart transplantation, a patient presented with incessant atrial flutter. During electrophysiologic study, 2 simultaneous atrial arrhythmias were mapped, 1 from the donor and 1 from the recipient’s heart. High-density mapping allowed for rapid identification of electrically abnormal areas, which were successfully ablated, thus restoring sinus rhythm. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)
Anconeus syndrome: A potential cause for lateral elbow pain and its therapeutic management-A case report.

Abstract Study Design This is a case report. Introduction Anconeus is a small, triangular muscle in the posterior aspect of the elbow, and it functions as weak elbow extensor and abducts the ulna during pronation. The contribution of anconeus muscle can cause lateral elbow pain, which is difficult to diagnose and treat. It also does not respond to the regular treatment for lateral epicondylitis. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to report anconeus muscle irritation as a sole cause for lateral elbow pain. Methods The patient was given an elbow splint for 4-6 weeks followed with eccentric and concentric strengthening to the elbow and wrist. Result At the end of week 9, the patient was pain-free. Conclusion The clients who are not responding with the usual treatment of lateral epicondylitis should be considered for any anconeus involvement.
Of Disputes and Petitions: Exploring Media Framing of the 2012 Presidential Election Petition In Ghana

This exploratory study investigates how the media in Ghana framed the 2012 presidential Election Petition case. Using quantitative content analysis of stories from the digital platforms of an elite...
Lower-Third SLOE Rankings Impede, But Do Not Prevent, A Match in Emergency Medicine Residency Training.

Objective:Emergency medicine program directors (PD) value the standardized letter of evaluation (SLOE) as the most important aspect of a residency application when making both invitation and rankin...
Variation in vocal production learning across songbirds

Songbirds as a whole are considered to be vocal production learners, meaning that they modify the structure of their vocalizations as a result of experience with the vocalizations of others. The mo...
Practicing with a mental illness: state statutes pertaining to licensed mental health professionals

Social workers and other licensed mental healthcare providers are affected by state statutes that require reporting when they are perceived as being in need of mental health treatment or when they ...
Increased volumes of lobule VI in a valproic acid model of autism are associated with worse set-shifting performance in male Long-Evan rats.

Abstract Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a skewed sex-based diagnostic ratio. While males are at a higher risk for ASD, it is critical to understand the neurobiology of the disorder to develop better treatments for both males and females. Our prior work has demonstrated that VPA (valproic acid) treated offspring had impaired performance on an attentional set-shifting task. The current study used MRI and regions of interest analyses to measure the volumes of cerebellar subregions in VPA and controls rats that had participated in the attentional set-shifting task. VPA males had significantly more volume in lobule VI compared to male controls. VPA female rats had significantly less volume in lobules I, IV and X compared to female controls. In addition, it was revealed that decreases in volume for VPA females was associated with worse performance. Males with increases in lobule VI were also impaired on the set-shifting task. Similar volumetric differences within the cerebellum have been observed in humans with ASD, which suggests that the VPA model is capturing some of the same brain changes observed in humans with ASD, and that these changes in volume may be impacting cognition.
Dosimetric, Volumetric, and Positional Stability After Submandibular Gland Transfer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE(S) Xerostomia and its effects are significant challenges for patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancers (HNC). Submandibular gland (SMG) transfer has demonstrated promise in reduction of subjective and objective xerostomia. However, SMG transfer investigations have largely employed conventional RT or adjuvant RT, with little evaluation in patients treated with definitive modern RT. Furthermore, there has been no assessment of whether anatomic changes during RT may affect the potential benefits of SMG. We sought to characterize the preliminary dosimetric, volumetric, and positional stability of SMG transfer on an ongoing prospective case-control study. MATERIALS/METHODS Previously untreated patients with oropharyngeal HNC, N0-N2b (unilateral neck disease) were enrolled. SMG transfers were performed by experienced surgeons per the Jha and Seikaly technique, transposing the gland anteriorly into the submental neck. Definitive VMAT plans were optimized according to institutional guidelines (goal mean SMG dose < 26 Gy), patients were treated to 70 Gy in 33-35 fractions. To assess the stability of planned dose and change in SMG volume and position, repeat CT simulation was performed at week 4. These were rigidly registered to the initial simulation centered about the mandible and hyoid, with the original dose superimposed. Glands were meticulously re-contoured on both scans. Statistical comparisons were by Wilcoxon paired rank tests or Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS To date, 11 patients with SMG transfer and 5 controls have been treated, all male. In 3 cases, no re-simulation was available and a week 4 cone-beam CT was used. The mean time from gland transfer to RT start was 28.3 days. From simulation to week 4, transposed SMGs shrunk by a mean of 3.49 cc (27.6%), no different than corresponding contralateral SMGs at 2.37 cc (23.5%) or control SMGs (SMGs in control patients on the N0 side) at 1.71 cc (22.8%). There were no associations between SMG volume change and dose by linear regression or Spearman's rank correlation. Transposed SMGs had an average mean dose of 28.2 Gy on initial sim. At week 4, extrapolated to a full course, this increased to 32.8 Gy (P = 0.01). Average mean dose to control glands was 46 Gy, statistically greater than transposed glands (P = 0.03), with a non-significant 1.5 Gy increase at week 4. Mean change in geometric position was 0.45 cm for transposed glands, 0.37 cm for contralateral glands (P = .19), and 0.32 for control glands (P = .37). CONCLUSION SMG transfer achieved significant reduction in dose compared to controls. While SMG shrinkage and movement were not separately different from contralateral or control glands, the higher dose at re-simulation indicates these factors may together have an effect, calling for careful SMG delineation, attention to daily position and image guidance, and planned re-simulation in order to maximize dosimetric benefits. Our trial is ongoing and clinical and QoL endpoints will be examined with these findings in mind.
Laryngologists' Reported Decision-Making in Presbyphonia Treatment.

OBJECTIVE Decision-making regarding behavioral versus procedural intervention in the treatment of presbyphonia has not been well defined. The study objective was to survey laryngologists' reported practice patterns and decision-making in presbyphonia. METHODS All laryngology faculty in U.S. academic medical centers with residency programs were recruited to complete an anonymous 29-item survey regarding decision-making in presbyphonia treatment. The survey included 5 sections: demographics, first-line treatment distribution, factors that drive decision-making toward procedural intervention, treatment progression if first-line treatment is insufficient, durable treatment. RESULTS Of 153 laryngologists surveyed, 89 responded (58%). Voice therapy (VT) was the most often reported first-line treatment, with 57% of respondents indicating the majority of their patients receive VT initially. Most respondents (83%) indicated they occasionally use procedural intervention as first-line treatment. Factors driving first-line procedural intervention were severe glottal insufficiency (87%), high occupational/social voice demands (76%), voice not stimulable for change (73%), difficulty attending VT (70%), severe dysphonia (65%), and dysphagia (61%). The majority of respondents indicated the following do not affect their decision to pursue procedural intervention: patient age (88%); medical comorbidities (63%); patient's desire for a "quick fix" (55%); patient-reported outcome measures (51%). Most respondents (81%) use trial injection augmentation before durable treatment. Of durable treatments, bilateral thyroplasty was preferred (71%), followed by CaHA (15%) and lipoinjection (11%). CONCLUSIONS This study is the first to our knowledge to examine factors that influence decision-making in presbyphonia treatment. While VT remains the most frequent first-line treatment, study results better inform decision-making regarding first-line procedural intervention.
Identification of EBV-Specific Antigens Following Microinjection of Subgenomic DNA Fragments

The regions of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) genome which code for proteins within the early antigen (EA) and viral capsid antigen (VCA) complex were identified by indirect immunofluorescence (IF) 2–4 days after microinjection of subgenomic cloned fragments of EBV DNA. Two new regions have been identified as part of the early antigen (EA) complex, namely, the Charon 4A cloned fragments which cover map units 38–47 and 83–93 respectively. One DNA fragment from map units 45–54, produces a protein in human cells after microinjection which reacts with EA-VCA+ human sera. Attempts to transform human B-lymphocytes from cord blood with a variety of EBV DNA fragments is described.
Organizational Structure as a Determinant of Academic Patent and Licensing Behavior: An Exploratory Study of Duke, Johns Hopkins, and Pennsylvania State Universities

This paper examines the influences of university organizational structure on technology transfer performance. The analysis treats the organizational structure of the technology-transfer office as an independent variable that accounts, in part, for measured differences in inter-institutional patenting, licensing, and sponsored research activities. We derive and investigate three hypotheses that link attributes of organizational form – information processing capacity, coordination capability and incentive alignment – to technology transfer outcomes. A detailed analysis of three major research universities – Johns Hopkins University, Pennsylvania State University, and Duke University – provides evidence of the existence of alternative organizational structures. The data also suggest that these organizational capabilities result in differences in technology transfer activity.
Analysis of the Fish Community on Tidal-Freshwater Constructed Reefs

ANALYSIS OF THE FISH COMMUNITY ON TIDAL-FRESHWATER CONSTRUCTED REEFS By Briana C. Langford, B.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2012 Major Director: Dr. Stephen McIninch, Environmental Science Constructed reefs are used successfully in marine systems to enhance spawning habitat; this study examines the effectiveness of constructed reefs in a tidal-freshwater river. Fish abundance, species diversity and richness, residency, water column position, reproductive guilds, and feeding guilds were analyzed on two constructed reefs in the tidal-freshwater James River and compared to silted regions representing the primary substrate in the river. Reefs were sampled using hydroacoustics, electroshocking, gillnetting, trawling, and egg mats. The constructed reefs had a greater proportion of fish that broadcast spawn over hard substrate and a trend of more overall individual, residential, and demersal fish. The results suggest that the reefs may be attracting a different fish community than their respective comparison sites, though additional research on the effectiveness of constructed reefs in tidal-freshwater rivers is recommended.
Recent advances in the use of mass spectrometry to examine structure/function relationships in photosystem II

Tandem mass spectrometry often coupled with chemical modification techniques, is developing into increasingly important tool in structural biology. These methods can provide important supplementary information concerning the structural organization and subunit make-up of membrane protein complexes, identification of conformational changes occurring during enzymatic reactions, identification of the location of posttranslational modifications, and elucidation of the structure of assembly and repair complexes. In this review, we will present a brief introduction to Photosystem II, tandem mass spectrometry and protein modification techniques that have been used to examine the photosystem. We will then discuss a number of recent case studies that have used these techniques to address open questions concerning PS II. These include the nature of subunit-subunit interactions within the phycobilisome, the interaction of phycobilisomes with Photosystem I and the Orange Carotenoid Protein, the location of CyanoQ, PsbQ and PsbP within Photosystem II, and the identification of phosphorylation and oxidative modification sites within the photosystem. Finally, we will discuss some of the future prospects for the use of these methods in examining other open questions in PS II structural biochemistry.
The Future of Technology in Education

Higher education has faced many challenges in the early 2000s. Downturns in the national economy have often led to increased enrollments in higher education by people who lost their jobs and are looking to retrain for new careers (Carnevale, Jayasundera, & Cheah, 2012). However, the most recent downturn in the national economy saw with it a downturn in funding for higher education. Furthermore, college costs have outpaced inflation since the early 1980s (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2010). The increased cost of attendance, especially at publicly funded institutions, has spurred increased scrutiny by politicians and society at large. These groups have called for greater accountability to show that higher education institutions are adding value to our students’ lives. The rise of for‐profit institutions has intensified the call for accountability. Online‐ only programs and universities have seen sharp increases in enrollment. New models of course delivery, such as the MOOC (Massive Open Online Course), have grown in popularity. Sadly, many of these online service delivery models assume that content delivery is the key ingredient driving learning – that providing students with content knowledge is the sole requirement for improving educational outcomes. However, this is farthest from the truth. Student learning is not only measured in quiz scores but in domains that include psychosocial development, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, peer to peer learning, and learning how to be a lifelong learner. While new modes of online course delivery are growing in popularity, offline institutions have started to implement programs such as flipped classrooms in order to more fully engage students. In these classrooms, students use technologies like learning management systems to cover course material outside of class time and use class time to engage in active learning led by the instructor. Again, issues of accountability are in play for flipped classrooms have the potential to improve student retention and therefore to increase profits for educational institutions. In their desire to provide the best learning experience for students, educators have also examined the viability of tablets to promote student learning. Many K‐12 school districts have programs to provide iPads for students, identifying their ease of use and
Characterization of the interface between cellulosic fibers and a thermoplastic matrix

The applicability of the microbond test to evaluate the interfacial properties between cellulosic fibers and thermoplastics was studied. Acetylation and heat treatment were applied to modify the surface of cellulosic fibers (rayon, cotton, and wood). The apparent diameters and surface free energies of the fibers were estimated by dynamic contact angle (DCA) analysis. Interfacial shear strengths between the cellulosic fibers and the polystyrene matrix were determined using the microbond test method. The test results indicate that acetylation increases the total surface free energy of the wood fibers, whereas heat treatment dramatically decreases the surface free energy of all cellulosic fibers tested. For heat treated and acetylated fibers, the greater the surface free energy, the greater the interfacial shear strength (ISS) regardless of fiber types. For control group fibers, a low ISS exists even though the fibers have high surface free energies because of the formation of a weak boundary layer. The high...
Generalizations of the Hamming Associative Memory

This Letter reviews four models of associative memory which generalize the operation of the Hamming associative memory: the grounded Hamming memory, the cellular Hamming memory, the decoupled Hamming memory, and the two-level decoupled Hamming memory. These memory models offer high performance and allow for a more practical hardware realization than the Hamming net and other fully interconnected neural net architectures.
Hill climbing with reduced search space (logic optimization)

A general optimization algorithm, which in some areas successfully competes with simulated annealing and the Kernighan-Lin algorithm, as well as special heuristics, is presented. It gains speed by taking advantage of the structure of the objective function in order to reduce the search space. Results obtained from the implementation of the algorithm on three problems are presented. >
Book Review. Democracy and Political Ignorance: Why Smaller Government Is Smarter by Ilya Somin

A review of Ilya Somin's book documenting Americans' political ignorance and recommending smaller government as the solution.
Abdominal vagal mediation of the satiety effects of exogenous and endogenous cholecystokinin in rats

The hypothesis that peripherally administered cholecystokinin C-terminal octapeptide (CCK-8) and endogenous CCK act by the same abdominal vagal mechanism to produce satiety was tested by injecting rats with CCK-8 or the type A CCK receptor antagonist MK-329 after they had received bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomies. CCK-8 (8 nmol/kg ip) inhibited 1-h food intake by 60%; vagotomy and MK-329 (0.5 mg/kg sc) each completely blocked this effect. In contrast, vagotomy did not alter the stimulatory effect of MK-329 (0.5 mg/kg sc) on feeding; 3-h cumulative intake in control and vagotomized animals was increased by 25 and 34%, respectively. These results suggest that satiety is mediated in part by an endogenous CCK action that is independent of abdominal vagal innervation.
Design of a Self-Organizing Learning Array system

This paper discusses a concept of Self-Organizing Learning Array developed for programmable hardware realization. This system is designed for solving an unspecified machine-learning problems such as classification and recognition. Basic design of the array including neurons interconnections and organization is described. Symbolic values assignment method and self-organizing principle are also discussed in this paper.
Eplerenone — A Novel Selective Aldosterone Blocker

OBJECTIVE:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of eplerenone, a new selective aldosterone blocker.DATA SOURCES:Primary literature and review articles were obtained via MEDLINE search (1966–April 2002). Additional studies and abstracts were identified from the bibliographies of reviewed literature.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Studies and review articles related to eplerenone, aldosterone, aldosterone antagonist, and spironolactone were reviewed. Data pertinent to this article were included.DATA SYNTHESIS:Eplerenone is a selective aldosterone blocker. Recent data have demonstrated the deleterious effects of aldosterone in several chronic disease states including hypertension and heart failure. Animal studies using eplerenone have shown a positive role for aldosterone antagonism in the treatment of hypertension, heart failure, myocardial infarction, renal disease, and atherosclerosis. In humans, eplerenone appears to be effective for the treatment of hypertension...
The design of an ECR plasma system and its application to InP grown by CBE

An electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasma system has been designed for the purpose of using an excited beam of gases during CBE growth. The system was designed to use hydrogen, nitrogen and argon. An ECR plasma system has the ability to ignite a low pressure and low temperature plasma with very low ion energies, which should minimize any damage to the growing layer. The motivation behind using a plasma during growth is the ability of atomic hydrogen to remove contaminants from the growing layer and to enhance the decomposition of organometallic precursors at low substrate temperatures. InP grown with a hydrogen plasma showed an n-type background carrier concentration of 6.0X1016 cm-3, with a rough surface and a strong photoluminescence peak at 1.378 eV. A control sample grown with excess hydrogen but without the plasma had a background carrier concentration of 1.0X1015 cm-3, a 77 K mobility of 65,000 cm2/V·s and a very weak photoluminescence peak at 1.378 eV. The most likely cause for the layer degradation during plasma growth is an intrinsic defect such as an antisite defect or a vacancy. The n-type nature of the layer and the relatively high carrier concentration would seem to exclude the possibility of carbon or any other unintentional impurities.
Stiff-Man Syndrome: GABA, GAD, and Mechanisms of Disease:

Stiff-man syndrome (SMS) is a rare disease of progressive muscle stiffness, most common in middle age, often associated with autoimmunity to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and responsive to treatment with GABA agonists. Diagnosis is established by clinical characteristics and confirmed by EMG or antibody testing. Anti-GAD antibodies are present in 60% of those with SMS and antiamphiphysin antibodies are found in fewer than 10%. The production of antibodies has an unclear relationship to the pathological processes of the disease. GABA receptors and GABA receptor mRNAs are found in high density in the spinal cord laminae and identify possible sites of dys-function in SMS. At some spinal cord synapses, GABA co-localizes with glycine, a neurotransmitter implicated in hyperekplexia. Failure of spinal cord reflexes explains the symptoms of SMS, but electrophysiological studies have not yet identified a single locus of inhibitory failure. Immunomodulation may alter the disease course, but consistently effecti...
A rare cervical dystonia mimic in adults: congenital muscular torticollis (fibromatosis colli)

Congenital muscular torticollis (CMT), also known as fibromatosis colli, is recognized as unilateral contracture and shortening of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle due to muscle atrophy and interstitial fibrosis, causing ipsilateral head tilt and turn (Do, 2006). Its frequency ranges from 0.3 to 2% in newborns with history of perinatal injury, but it is far less common in adults, who are often misdiagnosed as cervical dystonia (Patwardhan et al., 2011). In cases recognized during adulthood, subtle torticollis may have been overlooked since infancy or become apparent in the second decade of life or later (Brans et al., 1996). We report two cases recognized in adulthood initially misdiagnosed as cervical dystonia, whereby standard antidystonic treatments were unrewarding but SCM release proved beneficial.
High-throughput dynamic impact characterization of polymer films

An instrumented falling weight impact apparatus has been designed and constructed for high-throughput characterization of polymer films in the 5–100 μm thickness range. The primary intended use of the instrument is rapid and accurate characterization of the dynamic impact response of multiple (∼100) positions on a combinatorial library film. This will allow future exploration of the dependence of mechanical response on polymer composition, thickness, and annealing temperature using combinatorial synthesis and characterization methods. This paper describes the instrument and presents validation measurements using polyethylene films of uniform thickness (25 μm) and poly(urethaneurea) elastomers of thicknesses from 10–30 μm. Measurements on the polyethylene film demonstrate the reproducibility and lack of interaction effects for multiple measurements on the same film. Poly(urethaneurea) elastomer impact measurements are used to indicate the instrument sensitivity to controlled variations in polymer chemistry and structure. In particular, the results from force-deformation profiles indicate an optimum curing temperature and the expected trend in mechanical response with respect to polyurethaneurea diamine chain extender composition.
Tragedy Made Flesh: Constitutional Lawlessness in Du Bois's Black Reconstruction

This essay examines how Du Bois’s critique of global political economy proceeds as a critique of American constitutionalism in his 1935 Black Reconstruction in America, 1860–1880 . Analyzing how Du Bois reworks a set of Marxian concepts—phantasmagoria, fetish, and tran-substantiation—toward a theory of the “new imperialism,” Powers argues that Black Reconstruction subverts a triumphal narrative of American constitutionalism as exceptionalism by undoing the temporality of legal progressivism that sustains it. Writing against a generation of historians who treated Reconstruction as an anomalous deviation from an American constitutionalism thought to embody the realization of immanent reason at the end of history, Du Bois demonstrates that the forms of barbarism, custom, and status posited as prior in this telos of constitutional progress to be products of the American juridico-political regime. Through examining the ways in which the Constitution operates as a fetish that doubly posits a fiction of race war as an alibi for its own lawlessness, and a fiction of world-historical lawlessness as an alibi for empire, Du Bois punctures a doctrine of race that phantasmagorically distorts human capacity for both juridical and phenomenological modes of recognition.
Model filled rubber. I: Effect of particle morphology on suspension rheology

Monodispersed polystyrene (PS) particels, crosslinked with divinylbenzene (DVB), were prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. The colloidal-suspension rheology of a low-molecular-weight liquid polysulfide, which is used in commercial sealants, filled with these PS particles varying in size and particle-crosslink density, was studied. At low frequencies or shear rates, the dynamic moduli and viscosity increased as particle diameter decreased from 1.25 to 0.315 μm or particle crosslink density increased from 0 to 5 mole% DVB. We suggest that particle-particle interactions are dominant and lead to the formation of clusters in the concentrated suspension. Rheological properties associated with network buildup in suspensions were most sensitively monitored by a kinetic-recovery experiment. The strength of, as well as the tendency for, cluster network formation in the colloidal suspensions increases with decreasing particle size, and increasing particle-crosslink density, or decreasing surface roughness.
An asperity-deformation model for effective pressure

Abstract Variations of the mechanical and transport properties of cracked and/or porous rocks under isotropic stress depend on both the confining pressure ( P c ) and the pore-fluid pressure ( P p ). To a first approximation, these rock properties are functions of the differential pressure, P d = P c − P p ; at least for low differential pressures. However, at higher differential pressures, the properties depend in a more complicated way upon the two pressures. The concept of effective pressure, P e , is used to denote this variation and it is defined as P e ( P c , P p ) = P c − n ( P c , P p ) P p . If n = 1 (and therefore, is independent of P c and P p ), the effective pressure is just the differential pressure. We have used an asperity-deformation model and a force-balance equation to derive expressions for the effective pressure. We equate the total external force (in one direction), F c , to the total force on the asperities, F a , and the force of the fluid, F p , acting in that same direction. The fluid force, F p , acts only on the parts of the crack (or pore-volume) faces which are not in contact. Then, the asperity pressure, P a , is the average force per unit area acting on the crack (or grain) contacts P a = F a /A=F c /A−F p /A= P c − (1 −A c /A)P p , where A is the total area over which F c acts and A c is the area of contact of the crack asperities or the grains. Thus, the asperity pressure, P a , is greater than the differential pressure, P d , because P p acts on a smaller area, A − A c , than the total area, A . For elastic asperities, the area of contact A c and the strain (e.g., crack and pore openings) remain the same, to a high degree of approximation, at constant asperity pressure. Therefore, transport properties such as permeability, resistivity, thermal conductivity, etc. are constant, to the same degree of approximation, at constant asperity pressure. For these properties, the asperity pressure is, very accurately, the effective pressure, P c . Using this model, we find that the dynamic (undrained) elastic modulus ( M cr ) of saturated cracks (rocks) at low effective pressure is given by M cr = (1 − P p A′ f )M a + (1 − A f )M f = − w dP c /d w , where M a is the (dry-matrix or crack-) asperity modulus, M f is the fluid's modulus, A f is the fractional area of contact ( A f = A c / A ), A ′ f =d A f /d P a and w is a measure of the crack or pore openings. This simple model accounts for the dependence of the rock modulus (and elastic velocity) on: (1) the elastic properties of the fluid, (2) the elastic properties of the dry rock, and (3) the pore-fluid and confining pressures. Explicit expressions depend upon the choice of the asperity- (or grain-) deformation models and their contact distribution functions. The effective pressures for transport properties are different than the ‘effective pressure’ for the mechanical properties. Calculated results based on the ‘bed-of-nails’ model having power-law (or fractal) asperity-height distribution functions can be fitted quite well to experimental data with a minimum of fitting parameters.
Caffeine and ryanodine demonstrate a role for the ryanodine receptor in the organ of Corti.

The hypothesis that the release of Ca2+ from ryanodine receptor activated Ca2+ stores in vivo can affect the function of the cochlea was tested by examining the effects of caffeine (1–10 mM) and ryanodine (1–333 μM), two drugs that release Ca2+ from these intracellular stores. The drugs were infused into the perilymph compartment of the guinea pig cochlea while sound (10 kHz) evoked cochlear potentials and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs; 2f1−f2=8 kHz, f2=12 kHz) were monitored. Caffeine significantly suppressed the compound action potential of the auditory nerve (CAP) at low intensity (56 dB SPL; 3.3 and 10 mM) and high intensity (92 dB SPL; 10 mM), increased N1 latency at high and low intensity (3 and 10 mM) and suppressed low intensity summating potential (SP; 10 mM) without an effect on high intensity SP. Ryanodine significantly suppressed the CAP at low intensity (100 and 333 μM) and at high intensity (333 μM), increased N1 latency at low intensity (33, 100 and 333 μM) and at high intensity (333 μM) and suppressed low intensity SP (100 and 333 μM) and increased high intensity SP (333 μM). The cochlear microphonic (CM) evoked by 10 kHz tone bursts was not affected by caffeine at high or low intensity, and ryanodine had no effect on it at low intensity but decreased it at high intensity (10, 33, 100 and 333 μM). In contrast, caffeine (10 mM) and ryanodine (33 and 100 μM) significantly increased CM evoked by l kHz tone bursts and recorded from the round window. Caffeine (10 mM) and ryanodine (100 μM) reversibly suppressed the cubic DPOAEs evoked by low intensity primaries. Overall, low intensity evoked responses were more sensitive and were suppressed to a greater extent by both drugs. This is consistent with the hypothesis that release of Ca2+ from ryanodine receptor Ca2+ stores, possibly in outer hair cells and supporting cells, affects the function of the cochlear amplifier.
Comparison of coronary artery calcium screening image quality between C-150 and e-Speed electron beam scanners1

Rationale and objective The newest generation of electron beam tomographic scanner (e-Speed) has increased spatial and temporal resolution compared with the C-150 XP scanner. The aim of this study was to evaluate coronary artery calcium screening image quality between the e-Speed and C-150 scanners (GE Imatron, San Francisco, CA). Materials and methods Studies from 41 patients (14 women and 27 men) who underwent serial coronary artery calcium screening with the C-150 (first study) and the e-Speed (second study) were analyzed. Individual computed tomography (CT) slices were assessed for coronary artery motion artifacts, and CT Hounsfield units (HU) and noise values (CT HU standard deviation) at 16 discrete cardiac sites were measured and averaged. Results With the e-Speed scanner, there were significant decreases in right coronary artery motion artifacts compared with the C-150 scanner (0.3% versus 1.8%, P < .001) as well as decreased noise values (24.3 versus 32.0 HU, P < .001). Conclusion Image quality is significantly improved with use of the e-Speed scanner, due to its improved temporal and spatial resolution, compared with the C-150 scanner.
FRESH: Fair and Efficient Slot Configuration and Scheduling for Hadoop Clusters

Hadoop is an emerging framework for parallel big data processing. While becoming popular, Hadoop is too complex for regular users to fully understand all the system parameters and tune them appropriately. Especially when processing a batch of jobs, default Hadoop setting may cause inefficient resource utilization and unnecessarily prolong the execution time. This paper considers an extremely important setting of slot configuration which by default is fixed and static. We proposed an enhanced Hadoop system called FRESH which can derive the best slot setting, dynamically configure slots, and appropriately assign tasks to the available slots. The experimental results show that when serving a batch of MapReduce jobs, FRESH significantly improves the makespan as well as the fairness among jobs.
Seasonal variations of elemental carbon in urban aerosols as measured by two common thermal-optical carbon methods.

Abstract Two commonly employed laboratory-based elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) thermal/optical methods for the analysis of ambient particulate matter were used to analyze 709 twenty-four hour integrated PM 2.5 samples along with 76 field blanks from the St. Louis-Midwest Supersite in East St. Louis, Illinois. The two laboratory ECOC methods were the Aerosol Characterization Experiment—Asia (ACE-Asia) method based on National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH 5040) method and the Interagency Monitoring of Protected Visual Environments (IMPROVE) protocol. As in previous intercomparisons between these two methods, there was excellent agreement for total carbon (i.e. sum of EC and OC), but significant differences were observed in the split between the measured EC and OC. The 709 daily PM 2.5 samples spanned a time series of two years that allowed an assessment of seasonal relationships between the EC reported by the two methods. Seasonal average ACE-Asia and IMPROVE EC concentration values were highest in the fall and lowest in the spring. Differences between the seasonal average IMPROVE and ACE-Asia EC concentration values were about 40% greater in summer compared to winter. While IMPROVE EC values were always larger than ACE-Asia EC, the EC difference between these methods exhibited a strong seasonal variation with largest differences occurring in the spring and especially summer with the smallest differences in the fall and winter. Seasonal average EC differences (IMPROVE − ACE-Asia) were anti-correlated with molecular markers for biomass burning and mobile source emissions that had wintertime maximum concentrations. The EC difference between methods did have a moderate positive correlation with indicators of secondary organic aerosol and sulfate suggesting that oxidized organic aerosol associated with atmospheric processing or other secondary components of ambient aerosol could be associated with the seasonal differences between these EC measurements.