cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Privacy preserving divisible double auction with a hybridized TEE-blockchain system

Double auction mechanisms have been designed to trade a variety of divisible resources (e.g., electricity, mobile data, and cloud resources) among distributed agents. In such divisible double auction, all the agents (both buyers and sellers) are expected to submit their bid profiles, and dynamically achieve the best responses. In practice, these agents may not trust each other without a market mediator. Fortunately, smart contract is extensively used to ensure digital agreement among mutually distrustful agents. The consensus protocol helps the smart contract execution on the blockchain to ensure strong integrity and availability. However, severe privacy risks would emerge in the divisible double auction since all the agents should disclose their sensitive data such as the bid profiles (i.e., bid amount and prices in different iterations) to other agents for resource allocation and such data are replicated on all the nodes in the network. Furthermore, the consensus requirements will bring a huge burden for the blockchain, which impacts the overall performance. To address these concerns, we propose a hybridized TEE-Blockchain system (system and auction mechanism co-design) to privately execute the divisible double auction. The designed hybridized system ensures privacy, honesty and high efficiency among distributed agents. The bid profiles are sealed for optimally allocating divisible resources while ensuring truthfulness with a Nash Equilibrium. Finally, we conduct experiments and empirical studies to validate the system and auction performance using two real-world applications.
Modulation of the Two-Pore Domain Potassium Channel TASK-1 by Caveolin-3

The two-pore domain potassium channel TASK-1 is strongly expressed in the heart and has been shown to regulate the resting membrane potential and action potential. Modulation of the TASK-1 backgrou...
Video Tracking of Cancellation Is Sensitive to Acute Brain Impairment and Disability (P3.226)

OBJECTIVE: To assess feasibility and sensitivity to brain illness and functional recovery of video tracking of cancellation tests. BACKGROUND: Search organization may reflect executive ability and thus be important to neurorehabilitation. Extant methods to quantify search organization are hindered by expense, complex instrumentation, or difficulty marking targets on touchscreens from impaired motor control. In contrast, pen-and-paper cancellation can easily be measured with automated video tracking and is negligibly affected by moderately impaired motor control. This method, therefore, may assess a wider range of brain-impaired subjects than previously. This is the first study of compliance with this method and sensitivity to acute brain illness and rehabilitation outcome. DESIGN/METHODS: 21 adults with acute disabling brain illness (stroke, trauma, tumor) from a rehabilitation hospital were compared to 22 age-matched healthy controls. Participants’ pens were video recorded while they completed 4 parallel versions of star cancellation pages. Commercial video tracking software converted pen movements to Cartesian coordinates, which were exported to Excel to regress x - and y -values against order of appearance (Mark et al, Neurology 2004). The higher correlation coefficient from x vs. y plots from each page quantified search organization; outcomes for each subject were the averaged correlation coefficients. Change in Functional Independence Measure (FIM) scores over the first 2 weeks of care was used to assess recovery. RESULTS: Brain-impaired patients had significantly worse cancellation organization (mean coefficient patients = 0.77 vs controls = 0.91, F =14.3, p r = 0.22). CONCLUSIONS: Video tracking of search on cancellation offers a simple, inexpensive, non-intrusive method to assess executive control in a wide variety of brain-impaired patients and appears to tap cognitive functions important to functional recovery. Study Supported by: UAB Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Resident Scholarly Project Program Disclosure: Dr. Mullins has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mark has nothing to disclose. Dr. Woods has nothing to disclose. Dr. Banasiewicz has nothing to disclose.
Abstract W P118: Ocular Circulation and Chronic Ocular Ischemic Syndrome in Carotid Artery Stenosis Treated by CEA and CAS

Background: We evaluated the effect of carotid revascularization surgery for ocular circulation and chronic ocular ischemic syndrome (OIS). Methods: We examined ninety-2 patients with carotid artery stenosis (more than 50% stenosis) at its origin treated by carotid endarterectomy (N=58) or carotid artery stenting (N=34). Twenty-five patients (28%) complained of chronic OIS. Ocular circulation was examined before and after revascularization surgery using ophthalmic artery (OphAr) and central retinal artery (CRA) color Doppler flow imaging. Results: 1) Ocular circulation: Preoperatively, the average OphAr peak systolic flow velocity (Vs) was 0.05 m/sec, and the average CRA Vs was 0.07 m/sec. At 1 week after surgery, the average OphAr Vs significantly increased to 0.32 ( p < 0.05), and the average CRA Vs significantly increased to 0.11 m/sec ( p < 0.05). These significant improvements were sustained throughout the three months of the follow up.2) OIS: During the follow-up period (mean: 3.6 years), 15 patients (60%) showed visual acuity improvement, and no patients complained of amaurosis fugax or worsening of the chronic OIS. Conclusion: Carotid revascularization surgery was effective in improving the ocular circulation, and it was also useful for the chronic OIS due to the carotid artery stenosis.
Compound-statistical features of deuteron-induced reactions: (II). The compound nucleus and stripping-evaporation mechanisms in (d, 2n) reactions

Abstract Six excitation functions for (d, 2n) reactions on 65Cu, 126Te, 128Te, 130Te, 133Cs and 186W have been measured radiochemically between ≈ 4 and 15 MeV. The excitation functions exhibit sharp rises above threshold and peak near the (d, 3n) thresholds at values approaching the cross sections for compound nucleus formation. The present results are included with previous data in a theoretical analysis covering the mass region above A = 47. Calculations of the excitation functions have been performed for two different mechanisms; compound nucleus formation followed by the evaporation of two neutrons and (d, n) stripping followed by the evaporation of one neutron. The compound-statistical model generally accounts very well for both the magnitudes and the energy dependences of the cross sections. The predictions of the stripping-evaporation mechanism are 15–30% of the observed cross sections. It is concluded that the compound nuclear mechanism predominates in (d, 2n) reactions above A = 47.
A single bout of exhaustive exercise affects integrated baroreflex function after 16 days of head-down tilt

We tested the hypothesis that one bout of maximal exercise performed 24 h before reambulation from 16 days of 6 degrees head-down tilt (HDT) could increase integrated baroreflex sensitivity. Isolated carotid-cardiac and integrated baroreflex function was assessed in seven subjects before and after two periods of HDT separated by 11 mo. On the last day of one HDT period, subjects performed a single bout of maximal cycle ergometry (exercise). Subjects did not exercise after the other HDT period (control). Carotid-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was evaluated using a neck collar device. Integrated baroreflex function was assessed by recording heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (MAP) during a 15-s Valsalva maneuver (VM) at a controlled expiratory pressure of 30 mmHg. The ratio of change in HR to change in MAP (delta HR/ delta MAP) during phases II and IV of the VM was used as an index of cardiac baroreflex sensitivity. Baroreflex-mediated vasoconstriction was assessed by measuring the late phase II rise in MAP. Following HDT, carotid-cardiac baroreflex sensitivity was reduced (2.8 to 2.0 ms/mmHg; P = 0.05) as was delta HR/ delta MAP during phase II (-1.5 to -0.8 beats/mmHg; P = 0.002). After exercise, isolated carotid baroreflex activity and phase II delta HR/ delta MAP returned to pre-HDT levels but remained attenuated in the control condition. Phase IV delta HR/ delta MAP was not altered by HDT or exercise. The late phase II increase of MAP was 71% greater after exercise compared with control (7 vs. 2 mmHg; P = 0.041).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Carcinoma of the pinna.

Ninety-seven consecutive cases of carcinoma of the pinna are reviewed in this report. Fifty-six of the tumors were basal cell and thirty-nine squamous cell carcinoma. Fifty patients were surgically treated and forty-five irradiated. Small and/or peripheral lesions were excised and the large and/or centrally located lesions referred for irradiation. Analysis of the results shows no difference in tumor control rate, and the complication rate was also comparable with both modalities. Although chondritis was seen in three cases after irradiation, it also occurred in one case after excision. Our results indicate that neither modality should be used with total exclusion of the other. Initial resection would seem preferable in small lesions where primary closure is possible and in extensive lesions where a good cosmetic result is precluded by the destruction of normal tissue. Radiotherapy seems of value in those lesions in which resection would result in objectionable cosmetic defect. Cancer 40:2891-2895, 1977.
Describing Head Start Family Service Workers: An Examination of Factors Related to Job Satisfaction, Empowerment, and Multiculturalism

The study describes a sample of Head Start family service workers and seeks to understand what personal and employment characteristics may be associated with empowerment, multiculturalism, and job ...
A stable fluorinated and alkylated lithium malonatoborate salt for lithium ion battery application

A new fluorinated and alkylated lithium malonatoborate salt, lithium bis(2-methyl-2-fluoromalonato)borate (LiBMFMB), has been synthesized for lithium ion battery application. A 0.8 M LiBMFMB solution is obtained in a mixture of ethylene carbonate (EC) and ethyl methyl carbonate (EMC) (1 : 2 by wt). The new LiBMFMB based electrolyte exhibits good cycling stability and rate capability in LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 and graphite based half-cells.
Multicomponent kinetic determinations using multivariate calibration techniques

Multivariate calibration techniques for use in multicomponent kinetic-based determinations are reviewed. Multivariate calibration is a chemometric tool that continues to grow in popularity among analytical chemists. Multicomponent kinetic methods depend on differences in rates of reactions or processes to distinguish among the components. Kinetic profiles or a combination of kinetic profiles and spectra are commonly used. Because of their ability to process large quantities of data, multivariate calibration techniques are well suited for kinetic-based determinations. The concepts and principles of multivariate calibration are discussed first. Classical least squares regression, principal component regression, partial least squares regression and artificial neural networks are the multivariate calibration techniques considered here in detail. Recent examples of the application of these techniques to multicomponent kinetic determinations are reviewed. Both single and multiwavelength kinetic data are considered.
Amylin–leptin coadministration stimulates central histaminergic signaling in rats

Combined amylin+leptin (AMN+LEP) can reduce diet induced obesity and is very effective in combating LEP resistance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of AMN+LEP on central histaminergic signaling in lean and obese rats. Male rats were administered LEP (300 μg/kg/d), AMN (100 μg/kg/d), AMN+LEP or vehicle (SAL, 0.9% normal saline), via a subcutaneous mini-osmotic pump or single injection (LEP, 300 μg/kg and AMN, 100 μg/kg) for acute studies. AMN+LEP administration increased expression of histamine H1 receptor (HIR) and histidine decarboxylase (HDC) mRNA in the hypothalamus. Increased levels of H1R were seen in arcuate (Arc) and ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) as well as the area postrema (APOS) and nucleus of solitary tract (NTS) following AMN+LEP administration. APOS and NTS also showed expression of immediate early gene c-FOS in the hindbrain in AMN+LEP-treated rats. We confirmed previous evidence indicating that AMN+LEP increased STAT-3 protein phosphorylation in Arc and VMH. Finally, by in vivo microdialysis, we observed an increase in methyl HIS levels in the VMH of AMN, LEP and AMN+LEP-treated rats. Taken together, these observations are consistent with an important role that neuronal HIS may play in mediating the potent effects of AMN+LEP on food intake and body weight.
Theoretical aspects of searches for new interactions using oriented nuclei

We review and discuss the information provided by some low-energy nuclear processes on physics beyond the standard model of the fundamental interactions. We focus on probes where nuclear orientation is either essential or helpful.
Engineered photoreceptors as novel optogenetic tools

Cellular processes and indeed the survival of entire organisms crucially depend on precise spatiotemporal coordination of a multitude of molecular events. A new tool in cell biology is denoted “optogenetics” which describes the use of genetically encoded, light-gated proteins, i.e. photoreceptors, which perturb and control cellular and organismal behavior in a spatiotemporally exact manner. Photoreceptors resemble fluorescent reporter proteins such as GFP in being genetically encoded, non-invasive, and applicable to intact cells and organisms. They are explicitly intended to modulate activity; in contrast, fluorescent proteins generally do not disturb the processes under study. Fluorescent proteins have revolutionized cell biology because they allow the monitoring of such processes by imaging techniques that offer superb spatiotemporal resolution and sensitivity. Optogenetics extends these advantages to offer control. The scope of optogenetics has recently been expanded beyond the use of naturally occurring photoreceptors by the biologically-inspired design of engineered (or synthetic) photoreceptors. These photoreceptors are derived by fusion of one or more light-absorbing sensor domains with an output or effector domain displaying the activity to be controlled. Here, we focus on the design and application of such engineered photoreceptors. We treat basic signaling principles and discuss the two photosensor classes which are currently most widely used in fusion-based design: LOV domains and phytochromes. Based on these principles, we develop general strategies for the engineering of photoreceptors. Finally, we review recently successful examples of the design and application of engineered photoreceptors. Our perspective provides guidelines for researchers interested in developing and applying novel optogenetic tools.
Extraction method for analysis of detergent-solubilized bacteriorhodopsin and hydrophobic peptides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The analysis of integral membrane proteins or transmembrane peptides by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) is difficult since detergents, used to solubilize these hydrophobic proteins and peptides, severely suppress analyte ion formation. This problem has been addressed previously by precipitating the protein, removing the detergent, and resolubilizing the protein in a nonpolar solvent. Here, we demonstrate a method that avoids protein precipitation and resolubilization. Detergent-solubilized bacteriorhodopsin is extracted into a nonpolar solvent phase by adding a chloroform/methanol/water solvent mixture to the aqueous detergent solution. ESI mass spectra of the nonpolar, chloroform-rich phase were dominated by peaks due to bacterioopsin. Bacterioopsin precursors with partially cleaved leader sequences were seen in all mass spectra. Additional peaks were likely due to intact bacteriorhodopsin, i.e., bacterioopsin with the retinal prosthetic group attached, and to bacterioopsin associated with lipid molecules. A separation process that occurred in the fused-silica capillary leading to the electrospray tip was essential for obtaining ESI mass spectra of bacterioopsin. The extraction-into-chloroform procedure also worked well with hydrophobic, transmembrane-type peptides that were insoluble in other electrospray solvents, including 100% formic acid, and the method has application to transmembrane peptides formed from digests of integral membrane proteins.
A standard grid for density functional calculations

Abstract An efficient and reasonably accurate grid, designated SG-1, is proposed for use in density functional calculations. Defined for all atoms from H to Ar, SG-1 is recommended as a standard grid, analogous to the various standard basis sets which are used in contemporary quantum chemistry. In calculations on systems of moderate size, the differences between SG-1 and very large grids are of the order of 0.2 kcal/mol, yet SG-1 is sufficiently small to be applied to large systems.
ADVANCED CHEMICAL OXIDATION OF 2,4,6 TRICHLOROPHENOL IN AQUEOUS PHASE BY FENTON'S REAGENT-PART I: EFFECTS OF THE AMOUNTS OF OXIDANT AND CATALYST ON THE TREATMENT REACTION

Abstract Fenton's Reagent is a strong oxidant for 2,4,6 Trichlorophenol (TCP) in aqueous phase. This reaction can be effectively utilized to treat an industrial wastewater containing TCP, and reduce the toxicity of the discharge. This paper reports the effects of the amounts of the oxidant (hydrogen peroxide) and the catalyst (ferrous ions), relative to TCP, on the rates and extents of reaction. The progress of each reaction has been monitored in terms of TCP removal, chloride ions release from the organic structure, change in pH, and the reductions in COD and TOC. This information is important in order to maximize the level of treatment with minimum application of chemicals. A set of optimum molar ratios of oxidant to substrate, and catalyst to oxidant were determined.
Comparison of bladder rupture pressure after intestinal bladder augmentation (ileocystoplasty) and myomyotomy (autoaugmentation)

Objectives. To compare the risk of bladder rupture of bladder augmentation using ileocystoplasty versus that of autoaugmentation with myomyotomy in a rat model. Methods. Bladder rupture pressure and volume of three groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats were determined by cystometry. The first group of 11 rats had undergone ileocystoplasty using a detubularized 1-cm segment of ileum. A second group of 9 rats had undergone autoaugmentation with myomyotomy. One month after surgery the animals were studied cystometrically to determine the bladder rupture pressure, then killed. A third group, consisting of 10 nonoperated rats, was studied and served as controls. Results. Nonoperated, control rat bladders were able to sustain 154 ± 43 mm Hg pressure and 2.5 ± 2.0 mL volume prior to bladder rupture. Conventional ileocystoplasty was noted to increase bladder capacity to 4.0 ± 1.9 mL, but decrease rupture pressure to 111 ± 49 mm Hg. Myomyotomy resulted in a mean bladder rupture volume of 1.2 ± 0.4 mL, with a rupture pressure of 101 ± 13 mm Hg. The rupture pressure after myomyotomy is significantly lower than that of the native bladder (P < 0.001), whereas the rupture volume after myomyotomy is significantly lower than either after the ileocystoplasty or with the native bladder (P < 0.001). Bladder rupture occurred at the augmented ileal bladder dome in 7 of 11 ileocystoplasty animals and at the anastomotic suture line in 4 animals. Bladder rupture occurred at the area of bladder diverticulum in all 9 myomyotomy animals. Among controls, no specific site pattern of bladder rupture was noted. Conclusions. Bladder augmentation with myomyotomy increases vulnerability to urinary extravasation, evidenced by a significantly reduced rupture pressure and bladder volume at rupture when compared to the native bladder.
Particle response and turbulence modification in isotropic turbulence

The effect of turbulence on particle concentration fields and the modification of turbulence by particles has been investigated using direct numerical simulations of isotropic turbulence. The particle motion was computed using Stokes’ law of resistance and it was also assumed the particle volume fraction was negligible. For simulations in which the particles do not modify the turbulence field it was found that light particles collect preferentially in regions of low vorticity and high strain rate. For increased mass loading the particle field attenuated an increasing fraction of the turbulence energy. Examination of the spatial energy spectra showed that the fraction of turbulence kinetic energy in the high wave numbers was increased relative to the energy in the low wave numbers for increasing values of the mass loading. It was also found that the turbulence field was modified differently by light particles than by heavy particles because of the preferential collection of the light particles in low‐vorticity, high‐strain‐rate regions. Correlation coefficients between the second invariant of the deformation tensor and pressure showed little sensitivity to increased loading while correlations between enstrophy and pressure were decreased more by the light particles than by the heavy particles for increased mass loading.
Preparation and Characterization of Magnetically Active Dual-Zone Sorbent

The present study reports the preparation and performance evaluation of a new class of hybrid sorbent that is, (i) magnetically active, (ii) selective toward a wide array of target inorganic and organic environmental contaminants, and (iii) amenable to efficient regeneration and reuse. The preparation of this material is operationally simple and involves partial sulfonation of a widely available polymeric material, followed by dispersion of iron oxide nanoparticles within the polymer phase using a simple chemical−thermal technique developed earlier. Experimental results show that the new sorbent material, referred to as dual-zone sorbent (DZS), can remove arsenites or As(III); arsenates or As(V); copper(II); and dichlorophenol, a synthetic organic compound, simultaneously in addition to being magnetically active. These new hybrid particles exhibit complementary attributes that are not present in currently available commercial polymeric or inorganic ion exchangers. The newly developed polymeric−inorganic m...
An Adaptable Crash Faults Detector for Mobile Ad-Hoc Networks

Failure detectionforms a basic block when deploying dependable wireless networks which are required to provide reliable and continuous services despite the failure of some of their hosts. The role of the failure detection service is to provide information on which hosts have crashed and which ones are still alive. In this work, we introduce an adaptable failure detector (AFD) that can tolerate mobility and topology changes. The new AFD is shown to be eventually perfect, by satisfying both strong completeness (i.e., there is a time after which every faulty host is permanently suspected by every fault-free host) and eventual strong accuracy (i.e., no host will be suspected before it crashes).
Assessing the Given–Find–Solution Method in an Undergraduate Thermodynamics Course

This paper describes the given–find–solution method as a general approach to solving engineering problems. An in-classroom study was conducted to provide evidence of its effectiveness in increasing, students' problem-solving proficiency. The target course was an undergraduate service thermodynamics course taught at Montana State University. Results indicate that the given—find—solution method seems to be effective for most students. The implications for assessment and methodological improvements are discussed.
Predictability of intranasal pharmacokinetics in man using pre-clinical pharmacokinetic data with a dopamine 3 receptor agonist, PF-219061.

(R)-3-(4-propylmorpholin-2-yl) phenol (PF-219061) is a potent, selective agonist of the dopamine 3 receptor for the treatment of female sexual dysfunction.In vivo, PF-219061 exhibits liver blood flow clearance in both rat and dog. Oral bioavailability was 0.7% in dog and less than 5% in rat.Intranasal dosing was investigated to improve bioavailability. Pre-clinical assessments in rat and dog demonstrated intranasal bioavailabilities of 16–38% in rat and 54–61% in dog with very rapid absorption. It was predicted that an intranasal dose in man would give approximately 25–50% bioavailability.The clinical data verified the preclinical predictions demonstrating rapid absorption and approximately dose-proportional increases in exposure. The intranasal bioavailability in man was estimated to be 26–38%.These findings indicate the potential utility of intranasal dosing as a route that circumvents the first-pass effects for PF-219061 resulting in high exposures.
Genome size variation among north american minnows (Cyprinidae). I. distribution of the variation in five species

Genome size variation among north american minnows (Cyprinidae). I. distribution of the variation in five species
Satellite observations of the southeast Pacific intertropical convergence zone during 1993-1998

An intertropical convergence zone in the southeast Pacific Ocean is described from monthly mean 1° × 1° ocean vector wind, rainfall, sea surface temperature, and integrated water vapor measurements recorded from satellites. Time interval of the investigation was January 1993 to December 1998, when ocean and atmosphere conditions during 1993–1996 were normal compared to the 1997–1998 El Nino. The southeast Pacific intertropical convergence zone (SITCZ) occurred in March-April at 8°S–2°S, 130°W–90°W. During 1993–1996 the average March-April values of SITCZ surface wind convergence, rain rate, sea surface temperature, and integrated water vapor were 3.3 × 10−6 s−1, 3.3 mm d−1, 27.3°C, and 45.3 mm, respectively. A statistical model of the monthly mean observations predicted rainfall greater than the 2 mm d−1 threshold when surface wind convergence was greater than the 1.5 × 10−6 s−1 threshold and sea surface temperature was above 27°C. During non-El Nino conditions, SITCZ sea surface temperature was greater than sea surface temperature in the 2°S–2°N equatorial band, with maximum difference in March–April which would create a surface wind convergence larger in March-April compared to other months. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), which occurred north of the equator throughout the year, and the SITCZ were separated by divergent wind, low (<2 mm d−1) rainfall, and cold (<27°C) surface water, except during the intense 1998 El Nino. The rain rate of the ITCZ was minimum in March-April during 1993–1996 and comparable to the SITCZ rain rate.
Ontogenetic changes in citrate synthase and lactate dehydrogenase activity in the jumping muscle of the American locust (Schistocerca americana)

Intraspecific studies have repeatedly shown that muscle-specific oxidative enzyme activities scale negatively with body mass while muscle-specific glycolytic enzyme activities scale positively. However, most of these studies have not included juveniles. In this study, we examined how citrate synthase (CS, EC 2.3.3.1) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH; EC 1.1.1.27) activity in the jumping muscle of Schistocerca americana grasshoppers varied with ontogeny across a 40-fold increase in body size. In contrast to the pattern observed when adult conspecifics are compared, we show that jumping muscle CS activity increased more than 2-fold from 2nd instars to adults, while jumping muscle LDH activity increased more than 5-fold. The increased LDH activity in older grasshoppers supports previous data that older grasshoppers have a reduced jumping endurance. The increased CS activity with age may help older grasshoppers efficiently produce aerobic ATP to bend cuticular springs for energy storage before a jump or alternatively recover from anaerobic metabolism after jumping. Metabolic changes in S. americana jumping muscle are similar to other developing taxa and highlight the importance of including juveniles within intraspecific studies. When compared to adults, juvenile locomotion may have increased selection pressure because of both greater energetic demands during growth and higher predation rates.
Primacy of dimensions in vibrotactile perception: an evaluation of early holistic models.

Early holistic models of perception presume that stimuli composed of interacting dimensions can be experienced initially as undifferentiated. This view, formalized through recourse to a Euclidean geometry of perceptual space, predicts that the orientation of axes used to create stimulus sets is unimportant to performance in speeded classification. We tested this idea by using the interacting vibrotactile dimensions of pitch and loudness. Despite perceivers’ relatively poor experience with these dimensions, we showed that the orientation corresponding to pitch and loudness was unique in vibrotactile perceptual space; subjects classified stimuli more efficiently at this orientation than at other orientations. Certain holistic models also claim that when stimulus differences are small, perceivers can recognize change without distinguishing the kind of change. We tested this idea by using a signal detection analysis of unspeededsame—different decisions. We found that subjects’ ability to notice the kind of change equaled their ability to notice the change alone. In view of these results, which indicate that pitch and loudness are primary in vibrotactile perception, we detail a new conception of dimensional interaction.
A randomized comparison of two motivationally enhanced Internet behavioral weight loss programs.

Purpose: Sixty-six women participated in this study, which compared two 16-week motivationally enhanced weight loss interventions. Both intervention groups, which are entitled ‘‘Minimal’’ and ‘‘Enhanced’’ throughout the description that follows, received a motivationally enhanced initial face-to-face weight loss session. The initial session was followed by a 16-week Internet behavioral weight loss program, which included a study website with weekly lessons, an online self-monitoring diary form, web links to related sites, and separate message boards. The Enhanced group also received weekly moderated online chat group sessions led using motivational techniques. Results: Both groups lost weight over time (p < 0.001), however the group by time interaction was nonsignificant (p ¼ 0.19). The Minimal group lost 5.22 � 4.72 kg and the Enhanced group lost 3.71 � 4.46 kg. In the Enhanced group, online chat session attendance averaged 8.0 of the 16 chats offered. Greater program utilization was associated with greater weight loss in both groups. Conclusions: The addition of weekly motivationally enhanced online chats did not increase weight loss in this study. Further research is needed on the type and frequency of group support that is most desirable and beneficial in Internet weight loss interventions and could also explore building motivation for program utilization.
Abstract SY17-02: A systems approach to understanding tumor specific drug response

Proceedings: AACR 102nd Annual Meeting 2011‐‐ Apr 2‐6, 2011; Orlando, FL Systematic characterization of cancer genomes has revealed a staggering complexity of aberrations among individuals, such that the functional importance and physiological impact of most tumor genetic alterations remains poorly defined. A major challenge involves the development of analysis methods to uncover biological insights from the data, including the identification of the key mutations that drive cancer and how these events alter cellular regulation. We have developed Conexic, a novel Bayesian Network-based framework to integrate chromosomal copy number and gene expression data to detect to detect driver genes located in regions that are aberrant in tumors. The underlying assumption is that a driving mutation might be associated with a characteristic gene expression signature representing genes whose expression is modulated by the driver. Thus our score guided approach searches for genes that are both recurrently aberrant and associated with variance of expression patterns across tumor samples. This method not only pinpoints specific regulators within a large aberrant region, but also by associating drivers with gene modules whose expression vary with the driver, provides insight into the physiological roles of drivers and associated genes. We demonstrated the utility of the CONEXIC framework using a melanoma dataset, our analysis correctly identified known drivers in melanoma (such as MITF) and connected these to many of their known targets, as well as the biological processes they regulate. In addition, it predicted multiple tumor dependencies TBC1D16 and RAB27A in melanoma and showed that tumors highly expressing these genes are dependent on the same gene for growth. Additionally, gene expression in the associated modules is altered following knockdown as predicted by our model. The identity of these drivers suggests that abnormal regulation of protein trafficking is important for cell survival in melanoma and highlights the importance of protein trafficking in this malignancy. We also present more recent results of applying CONEXIC to additional cancers, including glioblastoma and ovarian cancers, as well as additional phenotypes including invasion and drug resistance. Together, these results demonstrate the ability of integrative Bayesian approaches to identify novel drivers with biological, and possibly therapeutic, importance in cancer. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2011 Apr 2-6; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2011;71(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY17-02. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2011-SY17-02
Long-term effect of chronic oral anticoagulation with warfarin after acute myocardial infarction

Abstract Background Antiplatelet therapy is the principal component of the antithrombotic regimen after acute myocardial infarction. It remains unclear whether additional chronic oral anticoagulation (OAC) improves outcomes. We set out to evaluate the risk and benefit of long-term OAC after myocardial infarction. Methods We pooled 10 randomized clinical trials comparing warfarin-containing regimens (OAC) with or without aspirin with non-OAC regimens with or without aspirin (No OAC) for patients with recent infarction. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Other endpoints included recurrent infarction, stroke, and major bleeding. We calculated the odds ratio (OR) (fixed effect, OR Results Among 24,542 patients, 14,062 were assigned to OAC and 10,480 to no OAC. The patients were followed for 3-63 months, for 89,562 patient-years. Death occurred in 2424 patients (9.9%), 1279 OAC patients, and 1145 in the no OAC group, OR 0.97 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.88-1.05), P =.43. Similarly, there was no effect on recurrent infarction. Stroke occurred in 578 patients (2.4%), 271 in the OAC group and 307 in the no OAC group, OR 0.75 (95% CI, 0.63-0.89), P =.001. There was substantially more major bleeding (OR 1.83 [95% CI, 1.50-2.23], P Conclusion As compared with placebo or aspirin, OAC with or without aspirin does not reduce mortality or reinfarction, reduces stroke, but is associated with significantly more major bleeding.
Xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptors involved in drug metabolism: a structural perspective

Xenobiotic compounds undergo a critical range of biotransformations performed by the phase I, II, and III drug-metabolizing enzymes. The oxidation, conjugation, and transportation of potentially harmful xenobiotic and endobiotic compounds achieved by these catalytic systems are significantly regulated, at the gene expression level, by members of the nuclear receptor (NR) family of ligand-modulated transcription factors. Activation of NRs by a variety of endo- and exogenous chemicals are elemental to induction and repression of drug-metabolism pathways. The master xenobiotic sensing NRs, the promiscuous pregnane X receptor and less-promiscuous constitutive androstane receptor are crucial to initial ligand recognition, jump-starting the metabolic process. Other receptors, including farnesoid X receptor, vitamin D receptor, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha, peroxisome proliferator activated receptor, glucocorticoid receptor, liver X receptor, and RAR-related orphan receptor, are not directly linked to promi...
Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine stabilization of RNA: comparison with dithiothreitol for use with nucleic acid and thiophosphoryl chemistry.

Abstract We assessed the utility of the sulfhydryl reductant Tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) for both nucleic acid and thiophosphate chemistry, including its effects on organomercurial gel electrophoresis, RNA catalysis, RNA backbone stability, and the intrinsic stability of TCEP. The sulfhydryls of dithiothreitol (DTT) compete with thiophosphates for binding to the mercury within [( N -acryloylamino)phenyl] mercuric chloride (APM) polyacrylamide gels, whereas millimolar concentrations of TCEP gave no difference in the fraction of thiophosphorylated RNA retained on the APM interface relative to samples containing no reductant. Ribozyme activity in TCEP, assessed by the self-thiophosphorylating Kin.46 ribozyme, was unaffected by the presence of DTT or TCEP or by the absence of reductant, as measured on APM gels and evaluated by Michaelis–Menten kinetics. Unexpectedly, TCEP more than doubled the half-life of full-length RNA at 50 and 70 °C, whether in 5 or 50 mM MgCl 2 , relative to DTT and the absence of reductant. Under these same conditions, the 5 ′ -thiophosphate showed negligible decay, and TCEP was more stable than DTT. TCEP thermostability was equivalent in the presence of 5 or 50 mM MgCl 2 and 10 mM adenosine or ATP.
Strategies for Flexible Pavement Rehabilitation Based on Case-Based Reasoning

Maintenance and rehabilitation strategies are critical components of a pavement management system. The on-time and effective rehabilitation not only improves the pavement performance, but also prolongs the service life of an existing pavement. The process to select feasible rehabilitation alternatives from a pool of available alternatives for pavement rehabilitation can range from using simple judgment to relying on a decision tree based expert system. However, the process of knowledge retrieval in an expert system is tedious and rule revision is not convenient. Therefore, a new technique called Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) is used in this paper to reduce the complexity of the problem solving process by relying on solution parameters that were successfully applied in the previous similar problems. The solution parameters are contained in an active case base that is continually updated with new solution parameters when new problems are solved. In this paper, a CBR system is proposed for determining pavement rehabilitation strategies by comparing the similarity between available solutions and new solutions.
Reduction of arsenic acid with aqueous sulfur dioxide

The reduction of arsenic acid with aqueous sulfur dioxide in sulfuric acid solutions is presented. First order kinetics with respect to arsenic acid and sulfur dioxide concentrations are observed. Appreciable reduction occurs only when tetravalent sulfur is present as sulfur dioxide. The protonation of arsenic acid in strong sulfuric acid solutions decreases the rate of pentavalent arsenic reduction.
Achieving Our Goals in Life

In 2009 we distributed a questionnaire on the deadly sins. It combined two research instruments—The Life Attitudes Inventory constructed by Capps (Pastoral Psychology 37:229–253, 1989) and the Deadly Sins Scale developed by Nauta and Derckx (Pastoral Psychology 56:177–188, 2007). In a previous article (Capps and Haupt 2011) we reported on findings from the Life Attitudes Inventory. In this article we report on findings from the Deadly Sins Scale and then discuss the fact that an unusually high percentage of the respondents identified positively with the item “I achieve my goals in life.” We suggest that their identification with this item is a reflection of the fact that humans are hopeful by nature.
The determinants of breastfeeding for Mexican migrant women.

This article develops an economic model for assessing Mexican agricultural migrants decision to breastfeed in a sample of 137 women in 3 agricultural communities in California. The resulting hypotheses from the model are linked to health care and welfare program access cultural factors and employment. Using a probit analysis of the variables a major finding is that non-traditional practices such as out-of-home child care birth control and alcohol use have a negative impact on the probability of breastfeeding. These findings were consistent with the hypothesis that women with more traditional values would be more likely to breastfeed. The authors also found that working women in the sample population were less likely to breastfeed. (authors modified)
Laparoscopic conversion of eroded adjustable gastric band to vertical sleeve gastrectomy

Band erosion (BE) into the gastric lumen occurs in 0.2–11% cases of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding(LAGB) [1,2]. The revision options for failed LAGB in-clude band replacement, conversion to Roux-en-Y gastricbypass, biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch, orvertical sleeve gastrectomy (VSG). LAGB revisions can beperformed at band removal or as a staged second procedure[3–5]. VSG has been successfully used as a revision proce-dure for failed gastric banding due to band intolerance,prolapse, or failed weight loss [6]. Laparoscopic transgastricexcision of an eroded band with immediate conversion toVSG has not been previously reported.
Modeling human pilot cue utilization with applications to simulator fidelity assessment

An analytical investigation to model the manner in which pilots perceive and utilize visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular cues in a ground-based flight simulator was undertaken. Data from a NASA Ames Research Center vertical motion simulator study of a simple, single-degree-of-freedom rotorcraft bob-up/down maneuver were employed in the investigation. The study was part of a larger research effort that has the creation of a methodology for determining flight simulator fidelity requirements as its ultimate goal. The study utilized a closed-loop feedback structure of the pilot/simulator system that included the pilot, the cockpit inceptor, the dynamics of the simulated vehicle, and the motion system. With the exception of time delays that accrued in visual scene production in the simulator, visual scene effects were not included in this study. Pilot/vehicle analysis and fuzzy-inference identification were employed to study the changes in fidelity that occurred as the characteristics of the motion system were varied over five configurations. The data from three of the five pilots who participated in the experimental study were analyzed in the fuzzy-inference identification. Results indicate that both the analytical pilot/vehicle analysis and the fuzzy-inference identification can be used to identify changes in simulator fidelity for the task examined.
Morphological and physiological measures of trophic dependence in a crustacean muscle

Tenotomy of crayfish opener muscles, or severing of the opener motor innervation while motor terminals may remain intact (decentralization), produces no change in fiber resting potential or input resistance within 75 to 245 days. Immobilization or “decentralization” of the same muscle mass produces no significant change in fiber diameter within 237 or 172 days, respectively, although some atrophy was noted after “denervation” for 267 days, at which time most severed nerve terminals have probably degenerated. Tenotomization produces a 15–35% shortening of the muscle resting length and leads to a significant decrease in fiber diameter within 15 days. Progressive atrophy following tenotomy is associated with a progressive decrease in fiber resting length. These results suggest that fiber diameter is heavily dependent upon the maintenance of a minimum resting length rather than upon muscle fiber activity (“use”) or upon a neurotrophic substance. Conversely, the maintenance of membrane resting potential and input resistance do not necessarily depend upon neurotrophic substances, muscle activity, or muscle resting length.
Pacing Induced Ventricular Fibrillation in Internal Cardioverter Defibrillator Patients: A New Form of Proarrhythmia

Current model internal cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have cardioversion, defibrillation, pacemaker, and telemetry function. Telemetry documents arrhythmia and facilitates therapeutic adjustments. We report two cases of pacing induced VF terminated by the defibrillator, with the device responsible for both initiation and correction of the arrhythmia.
Type 2 diabetes and cognitive decline over 14 years in middle-aged African Americans and whites: The ARIC Brain MRI Study

Background: Diabetes predicts late-life dementia, but the association with rate of cognitive decline is inconsistent and has rarely been examined in non-white populations, despite the high prevalence of diabetes in African Americans. We evaluated the effect of diabetes on cognitive decline in middle-aged African Americans and whites. Methods: Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Brain MRI Study participants (n = 1,886, mean age = 60, 49% African American) underwent assessments of verbal memory, processing speed, and verbal fluency four times over 14 years. Using race-stratified mixed linear effects models, we examined cognitive change for participants with prevalent (baseline) diabetes and incident (diagnosed after baseline) diabetes versus those without diabetes. Results: African Americans had more advanced diabetes, as indicated by fasting blood glucose levels, anti-diabetes medication use, and cardiovascular risk profiles. African Americans with prevalent diabetes experienced 41% greater annual decline in processing speed scores (p = 0.048) and 50% greater annual decline in verbal fluency scores (p = 0.042) than those without diabetes; incident diabetes was not associated with cognitive decline. Among whites, diabetes was not associated with cognitive decline. Conclusions: Prevalent diabetes was associated with greater cognitive decline in middle-aged African Americans, possibly reflecting adverse effects of longer duration and more advanced diabetes. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel
Characterization of a model of persistent postoperative pain evoked by skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR).

Various surgical procedures, e.g. thoracotomy and inguinal hernia repair, frequently evoke persistent pain lasting for many months following the initial surgery. The essential prolonged tissue retraction required during such surgeries may account for the persistence and high incidence of postoperative pain in these patient populations. This study describes a new rat model of persistent postoperative pain evoked by skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR), akin to a clinical procedure. Under anaesthesia, skin and superficial muscle of the medial thigh were incised and a small pair of retractors inserted. This tissue was retracted for 1 h causing potential stretch of the saphenous nerve. SMIR surgery evoked persistent significant mechanical hypersensitivity to von Frey stimulation of the plantar ipsilateral hindpaw, compared to either pre-surgery responses or concurrent responses of sham-operated rats. SMIR-evoked mechanical hypersensitivity was observed by postoperative day 3, most prominent between postoperative days 10 and 13, persisted until at least postoperative day 22 and had dissipated by postoperative day 32. Overall, mechanical sensitivity of the SMIR contralateral paw and the sham ipsilateral paw did not significantly change from pre-surgery responses. SMIR did not evoke significant heat hyperalgesia or cold allodynia. Light microscopy of saphenous nerve sections did not show degeneration or oedema in the saphenous nerve at, or proximally or distally to, the surgical site. In addition, very little to no degeneration was detected with ATF3 staining in DRG from SMIR-operated rats. These data suggest that prolonged retraction of superficial tissue evokes a persistent pain syndrome that is not driven by neuronal damage.