cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Traditional preparations used as uterotonics in Sub-Saharan Africa and their pharmacologic effects

Abstract Background Little is known about the use of traditional preparations for uterotonic effects at or near delivery in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective To describe (1) use of traditional preparations in Sub-Saharan Africa intended to have uterotonic effects at or near birth; and (2) results of pharmacologic investigations of the uterotonic properties of such preparations. Search strategy Structured review of 13 databases. Selection criteria Articles describing use of traditional preparations in Sub-Saharan Africa with primary data, published in English between January 1, 1980 and June 30, 2010. Data collection and analysis Full-text review using standard spreadsheet templates. Main results Objective 1 analysis identified 208 plant species used for uterotonic effects at or near delivery. The most common use was labor induction/augmentation (n = 185). Other uses were to expel the placenta, shorten the third stage of labor, manage retained placenta (n = 61), and prevent/manage postpartum hemorrhage (n = 20). Objective 2 analysis identified 82 species with uterotonic activity confirmed through pharmacologic evaluation. Studies also identified potentiating/inhibiting effects of extracts on pharmaceutical uterotonics. Conclusion Numerous plants are used for uterotonic effects in Sub-Saharan Africa; uterotonic activity has been confirmed in many through pharmacologic evaluation. Such use may increase the risk of adverse outcomes. Further research is needed on the uterotonic efficacy of traditional preparations and on interventions to address use during labor.
Industry and the profession of medicine: Balancing appropriate relationships with the need for innovation

Much has been made over the last few years about conflicts of interest in the health care community's relationships with industry members, including individual physicians, academic medical centers, and professional organizations. Not only has the Department of Justice (DOJ) been investigating questionable relationships, but House and Senate Oversight Committees have also weighed in on real and perceived conflicts. Most recently, the Physician Payments Sunshine Act of 2010 requires companies to begin recording any physician payments, including stock options, research grants, knickknacks, consulting fees, and travel to medical conferences that are worth more than ten dollars in 2012 and report them on March 31, 2013. To date, the American College of Cardiology (ACC) has developed and instituted one of the most stringent policies in the medical community to ensure that support from industry has no influence on any of its clinical documents. Furthermore, the need for the ACC's "Principles for Relationships with Industry," the organization's guide in nine key operational areas, are critical given that, when it comes to industry, properly managed partnerships are absolutely essential to maintaining scientific progress in cardiology and other specialties. The ACC relies on industry funding to advance cardiovascular research, as well as cardiovascular workforce training, practitioner diversity, medical education, and life-long learning. Without this funding, the ACC's ability to provide meaningful, unbiased education and to improve quality of care would be far more limited than that which is currently offered to its members and, ultimately, patients. Rather than restricting industry funding for such activities, the focus should instead be on transparency and actively and appropriately managing industry relationships. Ethical and appropriate partnerships with industry can prove beneficial in funding of education, research, and quality improvement activities. In addition, they are critical in the advancement of the quality of care for patients. The challenge is for medical societies to help the media, the public, and policymakers better understand the role of industry in promoting research, education, and innovation in medicine.
Individual differences in interpersonal touch: On the development, validation, and use of the “comfort with interpersonal touch” (CIT) scale

Abstract This research details the development of the “comfort with interpersonal touch” (CIT) scale designed to measure individual differences in interpersonal touch tendencies and preferences. The CIT construct is defined as the degree to which an individual is comfortable with intentional interpersonal touch from or to another person. The scale incorporates the distinction between initiating touch, which is the act of touching someone else, and receiving touch, which is the act of being touched by someone else. Investigation of this construct includes scale development, measure purification, and validation. We situate CIT-initiating and CIT-receiving within an approach–avoidance framework and demonstrate that comfort with initiating touch is more related to approach tendencies such as assertiveness while comfort with receiving touch is more related to avoidant tendencies such as avoiding crowded spaces. While previous research generally finds positive effects of interpersonal touch, we find that these effects, at least in part, depend on an individual's comfort with interpersonal touch. We discuss theoretical and managerial implications as well as future research opportunities using the CIT scale.
Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli-Induced Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Activation Contributes to Physiological Alterations in Intestinal Epithelial Cells

ABSTRACT The diarrheagenic pathogen enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) is responsible for significant infant mortality and morbidity, particularly in developing countries. EPEC pathogenesis relies on a type III secretion system-mediated transfer of virulence effectors into host cells. EPEC modulates host cell survival and inflammation, although the proximal signaling pathways have not been well defined. We therefore examined the effect of EPEC on the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a known upstream activator of both the prosurvival phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt and proinflammatory mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathways. EPEC induced the autophosphorylation of EGFR in intestinal epithelial cells within 15 min postinfection, with maximal phosphorylation being observed at 4 h. Filter-sterilized supernatants of EPEC cultures also stimulated EGFR phosphorylation, suggesting that a secreted component(s) contributes to this activity. EPEC-induced EGFR phosphorylation was blocked by the pharmacological inhibitor tyrphostin AG1478, as well as by EGFR-neutralizing antibodies. Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation by AG1478 had no effect on bacterial adherence, actin recruitment to sites of attachment, or EPEC-induced epithelial barrier function alteration. EPEC-mediated Akt phosphorylation, however, was inhibited by both AG1478 and EGFR-neutralizing antibodies. Correspondingly, inhibition of EGFR activation increased the apoptosis/necrosis of infected epithelial cells. Inhibition of EGFR phosphorylation also curtailed EPEC-induced ERK1/2 (MAP kinase) phosphorylation and, correspondingly, the production of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-8 by infected epithelial cells. Our studies suggest that EGFR is a key proximal signaling molecule during EPEC pathogenesis.
Petrographic criteria for recognizing certain types of impact spherules in well-preserved precambrian successions.

Impact spherule layers in sedimentary successions can open a new window on large impacts to complement the better-known record of terrestrial craters. At least six spherule layers have been found i...
Establishing a laparoscopic gastric bypass program

Abstract Objective To evaluate the outcomes for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass in a newly developed bariatric surgery program. Methods: A prospective analysis of the initial 100 patients who underwent laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at a community based teaching hospital between December 2000 and October 2001 was performed. Study endpoints included operative time, early (less than 7 days) and late complication rates, hospital length of stay (LOS), time to initiation of oral diet, and percentage of excess body weight loss. Results There were 91 women and 9 men with a mean age of 39 years (range 21 to 57). Mean preoperative weight was 126.4 kg (range 92.3 kg to 214 kg), with a mean preoperative body mass index of 47.4 (range 37.3 to 75.7). Ninety (90%) patients had at least one significant medical comorbidity (median = 6 per patient). Mean operative time was 2.4 hours (range 1.0 to 6.5; 3.0 hours for the first 50 patients and 1.8 hours for the last 50 patients). Three patients required conversion to open gastric bypass, all due to equipment failure (two harmonic scalpel failures and one linear stapler malfunction). Seven patients had early complications, 3 with anastomotic hemorrhage requiring transfusion, 3 with intestinal leaks requiring reoperation, and 1 with transected nasogastric tube. Eleven patients had late complications: 5 patients with small bowel obstruction, all due to herniation through the transverse colon mesentery (these occurred early in the series, prompting a change in technique, with no subsequent occurrences), 3 with gastrojejunostomy strictures requiring endoscopic dilation, 2 superficial wound infections, and 1 port-site incisional hernia. No complications occurred in the last 40 patients. No deaths occurred. Median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1 to 37); 3 days in the first 50 cases and 1 day in the last 50 cases. The median number of days to the start of an oral diet was 1 day. Average excess body weight loss was 34% (median follow-up 4 months). Conclusions: Laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a technically challenging procedure that can be safely integrated into a bariatric treatment program with good results. Improved outcomes, shorter operative times, and fewer complications are associated with increased surgical experience.
Radial flow of viscous non-Newtonian fluids between disks

Abstract A theoretical solution is given for the laminar flow of a non-Newtonian fluid between two circular parallel disks. The fluid under consideration is assumed to obey a model recently proposed by Sisko [1] which has been checked experimentally to fit accurately the viscosity data of greases over a very wide range of shear rates. By equating to zero one of the constants in the model, the model equation reduces to the power law equation which is known to represent the behavior of a large number of non-Newtonian fluids.
Height is not associated with long-term survival after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Studies show an inverse association between height and risk of myocardial infarction. How height affects survival after acute myocardial infarction is uncertain. Methods In the Determinants of Myocardial Infarction Onset Study, trained interviewers performed chart reviews and face-to-face interviews with 1935 patients hospitalized with acute myocardial infarction in 45 US medical centers between 1989 and 1993. We excluded 15 patients with missing information on height. After a search of the National Death Index for patients who died before 1996, we analyzed the relationship of height and survival with Cox proportional hazards regression. Results Of the 1920 eligible patients, 317 (17%) died during a median follow-up of 3.8 years. Height was positively associated with younger age, greater educational attainment, and a lower likelihood of being sedentary among both men and women. Height was not associated with long-term survival among women in unadjusted or adjusted analyses. Among men, height was associated with survival only in unadjusted analyses; adjustment for age eliminated this association. We found no relationship between height and survival in any individual age group among men or women. Conclusions Although stature may be associated with the risk of acute myocardial infarction, it is not associated with long-term survival after such an event. (Am Heart J 2001;142:852-6.)
Abnormal head posture associated with high hyperopia

Abstract Background: An abnormal head posture may be adopted for ocular or nonocular reasons. The most common ocular reasons are to maintain binocularity and to obtain the best possible visual acuity. Patients with undercorrected or overcorrected refractive errors have been reported to adopt a variety of head positions, thought to be an attempt to obtain the best possible visual acuity. Methods: Five patients with symmetric high hyperopia (at least +5.00 D) and an abnormal head posture are presented. Results: All five patients demonstrated an abnormal head posture of chin down for fixation without the spectacle correction in place. This abnormal head posture was eliminated by occlusion of either eye and also by wearing of the refractive correction. No patient demonstrated significant strabismus. Conclusion: An abnormal head posture when not wearing spectacle correction can occur in children who have high hyperopia and insignificant strabismus. This may be a mechanism by which the best visual acuity is obtained (indicated by the disappearance of the abnormal head posture on wearing of the glasses) and also to maintain binocularity (indicated by the disappearance of the abnormal head posture under monocular testing conditions). The presence of a chin-down abnormal head posture should alert the examiner to the possible presence of high hyperopia and therefore the necessity for a cycloplegic refraction.
Mean ionic charge on two components of technetium pyrophosphate prepared using stannous chloride.

Abstract Ionic charge, complexation equilibria, and acid-base equilibria can be measured at tracer concentrations by ion-exchange chromatography. To characterize better the principal components found in [ 99 m Tc]pyrophosphate preparations used for diagnostic bone and heart scanning, these were studied in two ion-exchange chromatographic systems: (A) DEAE-cellulose in pyrophosphate form at pH 6.0–7.5, and (B) DEAE-cellulose in perchlorate form at pH 3.7–4.8. The chromatographic retention times were measured as a function of pH and electrolyte concentration, and compared with those of trisoxalachromium (III) complex, which was chosen as reference ion because of its similarity in charge and retention to the Tc-pyrophosphate complexes. The pyrophosphate complexes were even more sensitive to electrolyte concentration than was the triply negative reference ion: the calculated mean net charge in the mobile phase for the two principal Tc-pyrophosphate species were −4.5 ±0.5 and −4.9 ± 0.5 at pH 4.3, and −11.2 ± 1.3 and −10.1 ± 1.0 at pH 7.0. It can be concluded that the two principal radioactive components in clinical Tc-pyrophosphate preparations both bear a high, pH-dependent negative charge.
Novel neuropeptide Y receptor antagonists block vasoconstriction in the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation.

Abstract We investigated the efficacy of novel neuropeptide Y (NPY) antagonists to inhibit the microcirculatory dynamics of NPY in the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation using intravital microscopy and computer-assisted image analysis. Changes in arteriolar diameter served as an index of vasomotor alterations. Fluorescein isothiocyanate-labeled Dextran 150 served as a tracer for measurements of macromolecular transport. GW 383 and GW 1229, two novel NPY receptor antagonists, were applied topically in separate experiments. Pretreatment with 10 −5 , 10 −6 and 10 −7 M GW 383 and with 10 −6 and 10 −8 M GW 1229 attenuated the vasoconstriction induced by 10 −7 M NPY in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, pretreatment with 10 −7 and 10 −8 M GW 1229 significantly inhibited the 10 −9 M NPY-induced vasoconstriction. At these doses, the NPY antagonists did not alter microvascular permeability. Our results demonstrate that the novel NPY antagonists inhibit the vasoconstriction induced by NPY in the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. We suggest that the inhibition is due to binding of antagonists to Y1-type NPY receptors.
An expert system for sorting

: Sorting an internal list is an indispensable requirement in numerous data processing applications, and many algorithms have been devised for accomplishing those tasks. Furthermore, it is fairly simple to derive order of magnitude of effort measures for particular sorting strategies, and within classes of equivalent theoretical power, practice has shown which algorithms prevail in which circumstances. Thus there is a useful background for testing a system's ability to learn which problem solving technique should be applied in a given instance, for the expert knowledge is rather concise and structured and facilitates comparison to machine decisions. The paper describes the construction of such a system and analyzes the results.
Radiation effects on the microstructure of a 9Cr-ODS alloy

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) steels are prime candidates for high-temperature, high-dose cladding in advanced nuclear reactors. When a 9Cr-ODS alloy was irradiated with 5 MeV nickel ions at temperatures of 500–700°C to doses up to 150 dpa, there was no significant change in the dislocation arrangement. For oxide particles, there is a small shrinkage in size and increase in density with increasing irradiation dose. This work confirms that oxide particles and the microstructure of the 9Cr-ODS show minimal changes under irradiation at temperatures up to 700°C and doses up to 150 dpa.
Laparoscopic cholecystectomy as an outpatient procedure

Abstract Background: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still done mainly on an inpatient basis at hospitals or on an outpatient basis at ambulatory care departments inside hospitals. Study Design: We reviewed 213 cases in which outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy was done at an ambulatory surgical center not associated with a hospital physically or administratively. Patients were selected solely on the basis of medical history and physical examination results. Patients received general anesthesia as is typical for outpatient procedures. Narcotic use was minimized to prevent postoperative nausea. The procedure did not include intraoperative cholangiography. Results: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy took 1 to 2 hours in three quarters of patients. Rate of conversion to open cholecystectomy was 2.8% (6 of 213 patients). The mean recovery period was 6.6 hours, and 97% of patients were discharged on the same day (ie, were treated as outpatients). We identified no cases of retained common duct stone. Wound complications included mainly seroma, wound seepage, and wound infection; 18% of these complications were seen at trocar sites. No major complications were seen. Conclusions: Elective outpatient laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be done safely with low morbidity, high patient acceptance, and same-day discharge in
Synthesis and Characterization of Colloidal β-HgS Quantum Dots

High-quality colloidal mercury sulfide quantum dots (QDs) are synthesized at room temperature using a strategy combining the effects of strongly binding Hg(II) ligands and metal/chalcogen precursor phase separation. This combination prevents both the rapid precipitation of bulk HgS in preparations involving only weak Hg(II) ligands and the reduction of mercury that takes place when only strongly binding ligands are used to slow the growth kinetics. Both the linear absorption and complementary band edge emission of the synthesized HgS QDs exhibit narrow, size-dependent transitions between 500 and 800 nm for sizes ranging from 1 to 5 nm in diameter. The metastable zinc blende phase of HgS is verified by wide-angle X-ray diffraction experiments and suggests potentially large tunable band edges if larger HgS nanocrystals that approach the bulk (zero energy) gap can be made. Growth of HgS QDs can be arrested by subsequent addition of Cd or Zn to the surface, after which the QDs can be stabilized with long-chai...
Statistical Fault Injection

A method for statistical fault injection (SFI) into arbitrary latches within a full system hardware-emulated model is validated against particle-beam-accelerated SER testing for a modern microprocessor. As performed on the IBM POWER6 microprocessor, SFI is capable of distinguishing between error handling states associated with the injected bit flip. Methodologies to perform random and targeted fault injection are presented.
LABELING OF MURINE MASTOCYTOMA CELLS IN VITRO WITH PLASMA TRITIATED THYMIDINE-LABELED ANIMALS

40 min after injecting tritiated thymidine into an animal, 20–30% of the total plasma radioactivity is nonvolatile. This fraction decreases to about 6% 10 hr after the injection and 3% 24 hr after the injection. There appears to be material in this nonvolatile fraction that can label mastocytoma cells in culture. The labeling indices decrease with time after injection in the same way as the nonvolatile fraction. The 40 min plasma sample contains sufficient material to allow accurate assessment of the fraction of cells in S in culture after a 6 wk exposure. The circulating material is not apparently available for incorporation into those cells in cycle in the donor animal. The material appears to be related to the G0 cell-specific pool that has been described elsewhere. The trichloroacetic acid-soluble or ethanol-soluble nonvolatile activity appears to contain thymine, and some thymidine-phosphorylated compounds.
Coulometric and spectroscopic analysis of the purified cytochrome d complex of Escherichia coli: evidence for the identification of "cytochrome a1" as cytochrome b595

Coulometric and spectroscopic analyses were performed on the three cytochrome components (cytochrome d, cytochrome b558, and the cytochrome previously described as cytochrome a1) of the purified cytochrome d complex, a terminal oxidase of the Escherichia coli aerobic respiratory chain. On the basis of heme extraction, spectroscopic, and coulometric data, the "cytochrome a1" component was identified as a b-type cytochrome: cytochrome b595. The pyridine hemochromogen technique revealed the presence of two molecules of protoheme IX per cytochrome d complex. This quantity of protoheme IX fully accounted for the sum of the cytochrome b558 and cytochrome b595 components as determined coulometrically. The renaming of cytochrome a1 as cytochrome b595 was further indicated by the lack of any heme a in the complex and by its resolved reduced-minus-oxidized spectrum. The latter was found to be similar to that of cytochrome c peroxidase, which contains protoheme IX. Coulometric titrations and carbon monoxide binding titrations revealed that there are two molecules of cytochrome d per complex. A convenient measurement of the amount of cytochrome b558 was found to be the beta-band at 531 nm since cytochrome b558 was observed to be the only component of the cytochrome d complex with a peak at this wavelength. By use of this method and the extinction coefficient for the purified cytochrome b558, it was estimated that there is one molecule of cytochrome b595 and one of cytochrome b558 per cytochrome complex.
Far-infrared frequency dependence of the ac Josephson effect in niobium point contacts

We have measured the far-infrared frequency dependence of the strength of the ac Josephson effect in Nb cat-whisker point contacts, which have consistent and reproducible behavior and minimal extrinsic high-frequency limitations due to capacitance and heating. We monitor the constant-voltage Josephson steps induced on the dc $I\ensuremath{-}V$ curves by an optically pumped far-infrared laser at fundamental frequencies corresponding to voltages from \ensuremath{\sim}0.2 to \ensuremath{\sim}2 times the energy-gap voltage. At all the frequencies studied, we find that the shape of the power dependence of the step amplitudes is fit reasonably well by Werthamer's frequency-dependent theory for tunnel junctions in the voltage-bias approximation. However, the observed magnitude of the steps is considerably less than predicted by the theory. By fitting to the $I\ensuremath{-}V$ curves of the steps, we find that some of this discrepancy can be accounted for by heating-enhanced noise rounding. The remaining discrepancies (of the order of a factor of 2) are attributed to departures from a voltage bias at low frequencies and, tentatively, to the effects of the Ginzburg-Landau relaxation time at higher voltages. Our data confirm the expected intrinsic roll off of the strength of the ac Josephson effect above the energy gap.
A non-spherically symmetric model for absorption regions near quasars

An approximate analytic solution of the radiative-transfer equation is used to estimate upper limits on the fraction of sky covered (Omega/4pi) by absorption regions near broad absorption-line quasars. The resonance scattering of line radiation tends to 'fill in' absorption troughs, and regions with large Omega/4pi produce troughs that are severely 'filled in'. PHL 5200 and several other broad absorption line quasars have absorption troughs that are flat-bottomed and deep. It is noted that these quasars probably have small Omega/4pi. Simple solutions are obtained for the case of large optical depth and a point central source using a two-stream model for the radiation field. It is shown that the scattered radiation can produce flat-bottomed absorption troughs if the logarithmic velocity derivative in the outflow is constant. For a large class of models, Omega/4pi is approximately less than the residual intensity (the fraction left after absorption) in a deep flat-bottomed absorption trough.
Neurone-specific enolase is a molecular marker for peripheral and central neuroendocrine cells

NEURONE-SPECIFIC ENOLASE (NSE) is the most acidic brain isoenzyme of the glycolytic enzyme enolase (EC4.2.1.11) and has been shown to be homologous to the 14-3-2 protein isolated from bovine brain by Moore1–3. Whereas NSE is exclusively localised in neurones in mammalian nervous tissue4,5, another brain enolase isoenzyme termed non-neuronal enolase (NNE) is localised in glial elements5. As NSE and NNE are structurally, functionally and immunologically distinct isoenzymes that represent separate gene products6,7, they are useful markers for cell classes in the nervous system. Although NNE is probably identical to liver enolase, NSE has to date been considered to be localised in neurones. We now report that NSE is also present in peripheral and central neuroendocrine cells, also termed amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) cells8–10. Immunocytochemistry using the unlabelled antibody enzyme method of Sternberger11 demonstrates that APUD cells in both laboratory rat and rhesus monkey (Macacca mulatta) stain positively with NSE antiserum. Using a sensitive radioimmunoassay (RIA) for NSE, it is possible to confirm their localisation in adrenal gland and to support the finding in other APUD-cell-containing tissues in rat, monkey and man. The results in human tissues suggest that the immunocytochemical localisation in rat and monkey will be valid for man and prove useful in the study of human diseases involving the APUD cell class.
Self-bending of a cw laser beam in sodium vapor.

Continuous-wave self-deflection of an asymmetrical laser beam, with a deflection angle up to eight diffraction widths, and strong attenuation of the on-axis radiation were achieved in a short sodium-vapor cell. We determined that the nonlinear refractive index Δn varied almost linearly with intensity I, Δn ≈ n2I, with n2 ~ −10−7 cm2/W at ~200°C and intensities less than 220 W/cm2.
Electromagnetic and structural analyses of the ITER central solenoid feeders

In the current ITER design, the six central solenoid coils are fed with electrical currents through three upper feeders and three lower feeders. These feeders, that are mounted on the key blocks, are required to withstand cooling and electromagnetic loads through different ITER operation scenarios. The IxB interaction of the currents and the magnetic field exerts loads on the superconducting leads and busbars in the feeders. These loads are transferred to the feeder structures through clamps that hold the conductors along their paths. The upper and lower ITER CS feeder structures including the feeder boxes, bus bars, and coil leads for CS2U and CS2L coils were analyzed using finite element techniques. The coupled Electromagnetic-structural FEM analyses included the effect of electromagnetic forces as well as liquid Helium cooling on the bus bars and coil leads for two different ITER scenarios. The results of these analyses and their implications for the design of feeders are discussed in this paper.
Patients with primary hyperparathyroidism--why do some form stones?

Purpose: Primary hyperparathyroidism is a common cause of hypercalcemia with resulting hypercalciuria and a subset of these patients with primary hyperparathyroidism present with urolithiasis. We evaluated the metabolic stone profile in patients presenting for parathyroid surgery and determined whether there were differences between those with and without a history of urinary stones.Materials and Methods: A total of 60 patients with primary hyperparathyroidism presenting for parathyroid surgery were prospectively enrolled in the study, of whom 54 completed a preoperative 24-hour urine collection. Of these 54 patients 27 completed an additional postoperative 24-hour urine collection. We compared preoperative metabolic urinary profiles and serum calcium in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with and without a history of urolithiasis. In addition, we compared changes in urine metabolic profiles that occurred after successful parathyroid surgery.Results: There were no significant differences in preoper...
Hindbrain chemical mediators of reflex-induced inhibition of gastric tone produced by esophageal distension and intravenous nicotine

The purpose of this study was to activate a vagovagal reflex by using esophageal distension and nicotine and test whether hindbrain nitric oxide and norepinephrine are involved in this reflex funct...
Extending the role of social networks to study social organization and interaction structure of animal groups

Social network analysis is an increasingly popular method for analyzing relational data in animal social systems. The abstract nature of network metrics primes them for use in cross-comparisons of social systems, but more work is needed to determine how well such measures can approximate meaningful biological properties. Finding biological correlates of network metrics, and extending the existing network methods to include the analysis of ongoing dynamics of social processes, will bring us closer to standardization of the terminology used to describe animal social and interaction networks. This will allow us to use the social networks in simultaneously studying the individuals embedded in a social setting, the consequences of their interactions, and the global properties of the social system. We discuss how certain facets of the existing network methods need be further developed to fulfill this potential and provide a multi-scale systems approach to the studies of animal sociality.
Joseph A. Schumpeter and The Theory of Democracy

Joseph A. Schumpeter is recognized, along with John Maynard Keynes, as one of the giants of economic thought of the first half of the twentieth century. But, like such pillars of economic thinking as David Ricardo, James and John Stuart Mill, and Karl Marx before him, Schumpeter also contributed significantly to political theory, for example on such topics as imperialism, social classes, and democracy. Indeed, on the last of these subjects, political scientists identify Schumpeter as a seminal thinker and profoundly influential figure. Political philosopher C. B. Macpherson, for instance, characterizes Schumpeter, in his classic work first published in 1942, Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy, as the founder and first systematic formulator of a "pluralist elitist equilibrium model" of democracy which, as subsequently elaborated, became predominant in much of the political theory of the second half of the twentieth century (1977, p. 77).1 Because of the compelling importance of democracy for social economics, Schumpeter's theory of democratic politics, relatively neglected by economists (See Coe and Wilber, 1985), deserves our attention in a volume devoted to Schumpeter as a social economist. This paper examines Schumpeter's democratic theory, notably as presented in his 1942 classic,2 and (briefly) compares Schumpeter's
Nociceptive aspects of fibromyalgia

Although characterized by a variety of symptoms, chronic widespread pain is the primary complaint bringing most patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) into the clinic. The etiology of this painful condition is unknown, and any possible relationship between pain and the many other symptoms of FMS is unclear. This article focuses on the unique characteristics of nociception in patients with FMS. The intent is to present criteria that should be considered in the search for biological events that contribute to FMS pain. Based on this approach, examples are proposed of factors that fulfill some criteria and may, therefore, deserve further study for their possible role in pain associated with FMS.
Interspecies Electron Transfer via Hydrogen and Formate Rather than Direct Electrical Connections in Cocultures of Pelobacter carbinolicus and Geobacter sulfurreducens

Direct interspecies electron transfer (DIET) is an alternative to interspecies H(2)/formate transfer as a mechanism for microbial species to cooperatively exchange electrons during syntrophic metabolism. To understand what specific properties contribute to DIET, studies were conducted with Pelobacter carbinolicus, a close relative of Geobacter metallireducens, which is capable of DIET. P. carbinolicus grew in coculture with Geobacter sulfurreducens with ethanol as the electron donor and fumarate as the electron acceptor, conditions under which G. sulfurreducens formed direct electrical connections with G. metallireducens. In contrast to the cell aggregation associated with DIET, P. carbinolicus and G. sulfurreducens did not aggregate. Attempts to initiate cocultures with a genetically modified strain of G. sulfurreducens incapable of both H(2) and formate utilization were unsuccessful, whereas cocultures readily grew with mutant strains capable of formate but not H(2) uptake or vice versa. The hydrogenase mutant of G. sulfurreducens compensated, in cocultures, with significantly increased formate dehydrogenase gene expression. In contrast, the transcript abundance of a hydrogenase gene was comparable in cocultures with that for the formate dehydrogenase mutant of G. sulfurreducens or the wild type, suggesting that H(2) was the primary electron carrier in the wild-type cocultures. Cocultures were also initiated with strains of G. sulfurreducens that could not produce pili or OmcS, two essential components for DIET. The finding that P. carbinolicus exchanged electrons with G. sulfurreducens via interspecies transfer of H(2)/formate rather than DIET demonstrates that not all microorganisms that can grow syntrophically are capable of DIET and that closely related microorganisms may use significantly different strategies for interspecies electron exchange.
Physicians’ communication and perceptions of patients: Is it how they look, how they talk, or is it just the doctor?

Although physicians' communication style and perceptions affect outcomes, few studies have examined how these perceptions relate to the way physicians communicate with patients. Moreover, while any number of factors may affect the communication process, few studies have analyzed these effects collectively in order to identify the most powerful influences on physician communication and perceptions. Adopting an ecological approach, this investigation examined: (a) the relationships of physicians' patient-centered communication (informative, supportive, partnership-building) and affect (positive, contentious) on their perceptions of the patient, and (b) the degree to which communication and perceptions were affected by the physicians' characteristics, patients' demographic characteristics, physician-patient concordance, and the patient's communication. Physicians (N=29) and patients (N=207) from 10 outpatient settings in the United States participated in the study. From audio-recordings of these visits, coders rated the physicians' communication and affect as well as the patients' participation and affect. Doctors were more patient-centered with patients they perceived as better communicators, more satisfied, and more likely to adhere. Physicians displayed more patient-centered communication and more favorably perceived patients who expressed positive affect, were more involved, and who were less contentious. Physicians were more contentious with black patients, whom they also perceived as less effective communicators and less satisfied. Finally, physicians who reported a patient-centered orientation to the doctor-patient relationship also were more patient-centered in their communication. The results suggest that reciprocity and mutual influence have a strong effect on these interactions in that more positive (or negative) communication from one participant leads to similar responses from the other. Physicians' encounters with black patients revealed communicative difficulties that may lower quality of care for these patients.
Social media optimization: making library content shareable and engaging

Purpose – Social Media Optimization (SMO) offers guidelines by which libraries can design content for social shareability through social networking services (SNSs). The purpose of this paper is to introduce SMO and discuss its effects and benefits for libraries. Design/methodology/approach – Researchers identified and applied five principles of SMO. Web analytics software provides data on web site traffic and user engagement before and after the application of SMO. Findings – By intentionally applying a program of SMO, the library increased content shareability, increased user engagement, and built community. Research limitations/implications – Increasing use of SNSs may influence the study results, independent of SMO application. Limitations inherent to web analytics software may affect results. Further study could expand analysis beyond web analytics to include comments on SNS posts, SNS shares from library pages, and a qualitative analysis of user behaviors and attitudes regarding library web content a...
Short-term variations of the galactic cosmic ray intensity: 1964-1967

A statistical analysis of time variations in ground-level nucleonic cosmic-ray intensity for the interval from 1964 to 1967 is presented which incorporates synoptic observations of the solar white-light corona as well as indices of photospheric and chromospheric activity. Correlation analysis of solar activity and short-term modulation reveals that all indices vary significantly on time scales near the solar rotation period and that the correlation function exhibits a quasi-sinusoidal variation that maximizes near zero lag. It is found that 27-day variations of the indices were most pronounced in 1966-1967, that recurrent cosmic-ray depressions occurred in conjunction with observed solar-wind disturbances, and that two categories of interplanetary disturbance are sufficient to account for the large recurrent cosmic-ray depressions in 1966-1967. It is suggested that flare-generated shocks were the main source of these recurrent cosmic-ray variations and that the contribution of corotating cosmic-ray disturbances to the observed recurrent modulation was probably very small. This hypothesis is tested against the correlation functions of solar and cosmic-ray indices.
Improved growing rod for early onset scoliosis

Early onset scoliosis is a progressive spinal deformity that is diagnosed in patients before the age of five. Fusion surgeries are not applicable to these patients as their spine is still developing. Instead, the current treatment involves the use of ldquogrowing rods,rdquo fitted to the spine which can be extended manually by the surgeon semiannually, requiring invasive surgeries. This paper presents the development of an improved growing rod which can extend through a motorized mechanism using remote signals sent from an external transmitter. Testing via MTS machine and various apparatus, we have proved the efficacy and reliability of our growing rod in a clinical setting. This growing rod is readily compatible with existing pedicle screws and hooks used by current growing rods on the market, and provides a solution to the complications of multiple surgeries involved with the current treatment.
A phosphatidylinositol transfer protein controls the phosphatidylcholine content of yeast Golgi membranes

SEC14p is required for protein transport from the yeast Golgi complex. We describe a quantitative analysis of yeast bulk membrane and Golgi membrane phospholipid composition under conditions where Golgi secretory function has been uncoupled from its usual SEC14p requirement. The data demonstrate that SEC14p specifically functions to maintain a reduced phosphatidylcholine content in Golgi membranes and indicate that overproduction of SEC14p markedly reduces the apparent rate of phosphatidylcholine biosynthesis via the CDP-choline pathway in vivo. We suggest that SEC14p serves as a sensor of Golgi membrane phospholipid composition through which the activity of the CDP-choline pathway in Golgi membranes is regulated such that a phosphatidylcholine content that is compatible with the essential secretory function of these membranes is maintained.
The Capitalization Rate of Commercial Properties and Market Returns.

This study develops a model of real estate cap rates that draws on the weighted average cost of capital (WACC) theory and the capital asset pricing model (CAPM) in the finance literature. The model indicates cap rates are determined by debt and equity spreads. The debt spread is the risky debt rate less the risk-free rate, and the equity spread is the return on the market less the risk-free rate. The empirical results support the importance of both spreads; however, cap rates respond with significant adjustment lags to changes in capital market spreads. Our findings support the widely held belief that real estate markets are information inefficient and segmented from the national capital market.
Landscape-scale evaluation of genetic structure among barrier-isolated populations of coastal cutthroat trout, Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii

Relationships among landscape structure, stochastic disturbance, and genetic diversity were assessed by examin- ing interactions between watershed-scale environmental factors and genetic diversity of coastal cutthroat trout (Oncorhyn- chus clarkii clarkii) in 27 barrier-isolated watersheds from western Oregon, USA. Headwater populations of coastal cutthroat trout were genetically differentiated (mean FST = 0.33) using data from seven microsatellite loci (2232 individu- als), but intrapopulation microsatellite genetic diversity (mean number of alleles per locus = 5, mean He = 0.60) was only moderate. Genetic diversity of coastal cutthroat trout was greater (P = 0.02) in the Coast Range ecoregion (mean alleles = 47) than in the Cascades ecoregion (mean alleles = 30), and differences coincided with indices of regional within-watershed complexity and connectivity. Furthermore, regional patterns of diversity evident from isolation-by-distance plots suggested that retention of within-population genetic diversity in the Coast Range ecoregion is higher than that in the Cascades, where genetic drift is the dominant factor influencing genetic patterns. Thus, it appears that physical landscape features have influenced genetic patterns in these populations isolated from short-term immigration. Resume´ : L'examen des interactions entre les facteurs du milieu a l'echelle du bassin versant et la diversitegenetique chez des truites fardees (Oncorhynchus clarkii clarkii )c otieres dans 27 bassins versants isoles par des barrieres dans l'ouest de l'Oregon, E ´ .-U., a permis d'evaluer les relations entre la structure du paysage, la perturbation stochastique et la diversitegenetique. D'apres les donnees provenant de sept locus microsatellites (2232 individus), les populations des eaux d'amont de truites fardees cotieres sont differenciees genetiquement (FST moyen = 0,33), mais la diversitegenetique des microsatellites a l'interieur des populations (nombre moyen d'alleles par locus = 5, He moyen = 0,60) n'est que moderee. La diversitegenetique des truites fardees cotieres est plus forte (P = 0,002) dans l'ecoregion de la chaoˆne cotiere (alleles moyens = 47) que dans l'ecoregion des Cascades (alleles moyens = 30) et ces differences coo¨ncident avec des indices de complexiteet de connectiviteregionales al'interieur des bassins versants. De plus, les patrons regionaux de diversite ´, il- lustres par des graphiques d'isolement par la distance, laissent croire que la retention de la diversitegenetique a l'interieur des populations est plus elevee dans l'ecoregion de la chaoˆne cotiere que dans les Cascades, oula derive genetique est le facteur dominant ainfluencer les patrons genetiques. Ainsi, il apparaoˆt que les caracteristiques physiques du paysage ont influenceles patrons genetiques dans ces populations protegees de l'immigration a courte echelle temporelle. (Traduit par la Redaction)
The neurohormonal regulation of energy intake in relation to bariatric surgery for obesity

Obesity has reached pandemic proportions, with bariatric surgery representing the only currently available treatment demonstrating long-term effectiveness. Over 200,000 bariatric procedures are performed each year in the US alone. Given the reliable and singular success of bariatric procedures, increased attention is being paid to identifying the accompanying neurohormonal changes that may contribute to the resulting decrease in energy intake. Numerous investigations of postsurgical changes in gut peptides have been conducted, suggesting greater alterations in endocrine function in combination restrictive and malabsorptive procedures (e.g., Roux-en-Y gastric bypass) as compared to purely restrictive procedures (e.g., gastric banding), which may contribute to the increased effectiveness of combination procedures. However, very few studies have been performed and relatively little is known about changes in neural activation that may result from bariatric procedures, which likely interact with changes in gut peptides to influence postsurgical caloric intake. This review provides a background in the neurohormonal regulation of energy intake and discusses how differing forms of bariatric surgery may affect the neurohormonal network, with emphasis on Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, the most commonly performed procedure worldwide. The paper represents an invited review by a symposium, award winner or keynote speaker at the Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior [SSIB] Annual Meeting in Portland, July 2009.
Design principles for magnetic levitation

General relations and limitations pertinent to the design of an inductive magnetic suspension system are derived. It is shown that in order to reduce magnetic drag we must increase the vehicle field and decrease the guideway currents. But this then produces a stiff suspension unless we are willing to increase guideway cost. Reasonable and consistent design objectives are shown to be: vehicle natural frequency for heave≃1 Hz without secondary suspension; suspension power lossessime;10 kW/ton (L/D=120 at 270 mi/h); aluminum requirements≃80 kg/m for a dual guideway. It was shown to be theoretically possible to operate at arbitrarily low speeds by using either a superconducting guideway or a feedback control system for short distances near terminals. Between terminals the guideway might resemble a parallel-wire transmission line with a thin conducting sheet between the wires. The design of an active-guideway linear synchronous motor is discussed and shown to be capable of supplying 5 MW of power at efficiencies of about 85 percent and a power factor of 0.5. For a dual guideway the armature windings require about 40 kg/m of aluminum, but no steel. The total cost of the maglev portion of a 120 m/s (268 mi/h) high-speed ground transportation system is estimated to be about 1 million dollars/km, with at least half of this related to propulsion and power distribution and control. If speed is reduced to 90 m/s (202 mi/h), substantial economies are possible.