cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Flavor is in the brain

Flavor is perhaps the most multi-modal of all of our sensory experiences. Here flavor is defined as a perception that includes gustatory, oral-somatosensory, and retronasal olfactory signals that arise from the mouth as foods and beverages are consumed. Although the sights, sounds and smells of foods that occur just before, or in the absence of eating, can impact flavor perception, it is argued that these sensory signals exert their influence by creating expectations based upon prior associations. The primary aim of the paper is to review anatomical and neurophysiological data towards an understanding of how the core sensory signals combine in the central nervous system of humans. Based upon the extant literature it is proposed that taste, oral-somatosensory and olfactory inputs are first integrated in the anterior ventral insula. The core flavor percept is then conveyed to upstream regions in the brainstem and thalamus, as well as downstream regions in the amygdala, orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cingulate cortex to produce the rich flavorful experiences that guide our feeding behavior.
Energy: The Issue of the 21st Century

Energy usage makes modern life possible. Without it we would have no communications, transportation, food, health, and many other services and products that we rely on daily. Energy issues are moving to the forefront in the 21 st century because of constraints imposed by increasing energy needs, climate change, energy security, and the apparent decline of fossil fuel resources. The main challenge is how to provide more energy for more people worldwide while at the same time reducing greenhouse gas and pollution emissions and providing secure and plentiful energy supplies. There is no silver bullet, so a variety of energy resources and technologies will be required.
Quantitative evaluation of software process improvement

Abstract This article describes statistical analysis techniques and results used to quantitatively evaluate software process improvement. The analysis techniques include linear regression, rank correlation, and χ2 tests that have been successfully used to quantitatively assess the software process of a large military subcontractor. A logical extension of this work is to examine the results of these statistical techniques after process improvement. We perform these investigations by altering original data to reflect varying types and degrees of process improvements and then repeating the statistical analyses. We find that different types of process improvement generate very different statistical results. The techniques and results presented here can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of process improvements and determine where continued process improvement is needed.
Effect of pH and excipients on structure, dynamics, and long-term stability of a model IgG1 monoclonal antibody upon freeze-drying.

Purpose To investigate the mechanism of IgG1 mAb stabilization after freeze-drying and the interdependence of protein structural preservation in the solid state, glassy state dynamics and long-term storage stability under different formulation conditions.
Mixed human/entity games and the anomalous effects of misattributing strategic agency

People sometimes make better decisions either by treating inanimate objects like strategic reasoners or by treating other reasoners as if they were inanimate objects. I advance âstrategic agenthood attributionâ as a psychological mechanism for modulating economic behavior. From a design perspective, inducing or suppressing the attribution of strategic abilities can influence aggregate social outcomes. Drawing from experiments in behavioral and institutional economics, developmental and social psychology, and human-robot interaction, I document human strategic reasoning in environments that mix typical adult humans with other kinds of entities. I then discuss anomalous misattributions of strategic agenthood and non-agenthood, with special attention to settings in which two types of error-either attributing strategic reasoning abilities to objects that can't think, or failing to attribute such abilities to typical human subjects-actually led to better economic outcomes. Because over- and under-mentalizing are endemic to human decision-making processes, game theory can be applied to improve interaction design, whether or not a given interaction is a game. I show that the flexible nature of human agenthood attribution increases the scope of game theory in some places, reduces it elsewhere, and generally introduces behavioral economics as a promising source of theory for human interactions with equivocal agents.
Comparative error bound theory for three location models: continuous demand versus discrete demand

We develop a unified error bound theory to compare a given p-median, p-center or covering location model with continuously distributed demand points in R n to a corresponding given original model of the same type having a finite collection of demand points in R n . We give ways to construct either a continuous or finite demand point model from the other model and also control the error bound. Our work uses Voronoi tilings extensively, and is related to earlier error bound theory for aggregating finitely many demand points.
Cognitive, Affective, and Psychiatric Features of Parkinson's Disease

Nonmotor symptoms, including cognitive deterioration and dementia, depression and apathy, and psychosis, are common in Parkinson's disease. Their presence is associated with a tremendous burden for the patient and family members. This article reviews the pathophysiololgy, risks, impact, major features, diagnosis, and treatment of these symptoms in Parkinson's disease.
Range extension using optimal node deployment in linear multi-hop cooperative networks

This paper considers the optimal deployment of nodes in a one-dimensional multi-hop cooperative network for obtaining the maximum network coverage under a quality of service constraint. It is assumed that the total number of nodes to be deployed are fixed and the objective is to arrange the nodes in the form of clusters to obtain maximum coverage such that the end-to-end probability of making successful hops is greater than a threshold. The transmissions that originate from one cluster to another are modeled as discrete-time Markov chain and the transition probability matrix of the chain is derived. By invoking the Perron-Frobenius Theorem and studying its properties, it is shown that a smaller sized cluster of nodes provides the maximum coverage of the network if the path loss exponent is large and vice versa.
The surface area of aggregates applied to dental materials.

There is a continuing need for the complete characterization of the physica and chemical properties of dental materials. Among these properties is surface area. The problem is further complicated by the fact that most dental materials are, themselves, mixtures of two or more identifiable components. If the vapor adsorptive properties of these components are different in the mixture from that which would be expected of them collectively, then interaction is present. Interaction must not be confused with the lack of additivity which results from the limitations of the BET theory applied to mixtures. Equations are derived herein to estimate the extent of this latter source of variability and to correct for it giving a “true” surface area for the aggregate. Conversely, the adsorptive properties of either component can be calculated from the properties of the mixture and the remaining component together with the percentage composition. An immediate application can be made in determining the water-vapor adsorptive properties of human dentinal collagen without necessitating its removal from dentin. Any attempt to extract it chemically may produce denaturation or chain rupture thus precluding the possibility of direct determination. In the case of nitrogen adsorption, however, interaction definitely is indicated.
Decreased serum group-specific component protein levels and complexes with actin in fulminant hepatic necrosis

Monomeric G-actin has recently been shown to form high-affinity complexes with group-specific component protein (Gc), and this process might be expected to occur in vivo when hepatocyte necrosis with release of actin takes place. We therefore measured serum Gc levels and searched for evidence of actin-containing complexes of Gc in 147 sera from 21 normal subjects and 126 patients with acute and chronic liver diseases. Sera were examined for Gc concentration using an ELISA with purified Gc as standard. Gc levels were greatly diminished (<10 mg per dl) in 5 of 37 patients with acute hepatitis and 1 of 3 patients with subacute hepatic necrosis, and the mean values for these groups overall as well as those for chronic active hepatitis patients were significantly less than that observed in the normal controls (mean, 35.5 mg per dl). No significant alteration in Gc level was observed in the chronic disease categories studied. In contrast, Gc concentrations < 10 mg per dl were found in 12 of 14 patients with fulminant hepatic necrosis, and the mean for this group (9.7) was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Sequential studies in 12 patients with acute hepatitis of moderate to marked severity but without a fulminant phase showed significant diminutions in initial Gc levels when these were compared with Gc levels obtained during recovery. Using analytical isoclectric focusing with print immunofixation, variable amounts of Gc:G-actin complexes could be demonstrated in virtually all sera examined, but the proportion of total Gc present as complex with G-actin appeared greater in fulminant hepatic necrosis sera. The marked reduction of serum Gc levels in fulminant hepatic necrosis is likely due in part to decreased hepatic synthesis of Gc; however, the increase in Gc:G-actin complexes may also affect Gc levels. These findings support the hypothesis that Gc, in binding to G-actin, may function to maintain homeostasis in situations of massive actin release.
Comparison of Shoulder Muscle Electromyographic Activity During Standard Manual Wheelchair and Push-Rim Activated Power Assisted Wheelchair Propulsion in Persons With Complete Tetraplegia

Abstract Lighthall-Haubert L, Requejo PS, Mulroy SJ, Newsam CJ, Bontrager E, Gronley JK, Perry J. Comparison of shoulder muscle electromyographic activity during standard manual wheelchair and push-rim activated power assisted wheelchair propulsion in persons with complete tetraplegia. Objectives To compare spatio-temporal propulsion characteristics and shoulder muscle electromyographic activity in persons with cervical spinal cord injury propelling a standard pushrim wheelchair (WC) and a commercially available pushrim-activated power assisted wheelchair (PAPAW) design on a stationary ergometer. Design Repeated measures. Setting Motion analysis laboratory within a rehabilitation hospital. Participants Men (N=14) with complete (American Spinal Injury Association grade A or B) tetraplegia (C6=5; C7=9). Intervention Participants propelled a standard pushrim WC and PAPAW during 3 propulsion conditions: self-selected free and fast and simulated 4% or 8% graded resistance propulsion. Main Outcome Measures Median speed, cycle length, cadence, median and peak electromyographic activity intensity, and duration of electromyographic activity in pectoralis major, anterior deltoid, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus muscles were compared between standard pushrim WC and PAPAW propulsion. Results A significant ( P Conclusions For participants with complete tetraplegia, push phase shoulder muscle activity was decreased in the PAPAW compared with standard pushrim WC, indicating a reduction in demands when propelling a PAPAW.
Secondary Hyperparathyroidism, and not β2-Microglobulin Amyloid, as a Cause of Spontaneous Tendon Rupture in Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Spontaneous bilateral rupture of the extensor mechanisms of the knees, without significant history of trauma, has been reported rarely, generally in association with chronic metabolic disorders, such as chronic renal failure and secondary hyperparathyroidism. We report spontaneous tendon rupture in two patients on chronic hemodialysis for 4 and 11 years, with documented severe secondary hyperparathyroidism. One patient had spontaneous bilateral rupture of his quadriceps and partial avulsion of the left triceps tendons. The other patient had spontaneous rupture of his right quadriceps tendon. Both patients had markedly elevated serum intact parathyroid hormone and moderately elevated serum beta 2-microglobulin levels. Pathologic examination revealed diffuse immunohistochemical staining for beta 2-microglobulin but negative Congo-red staining of the ruptured tendon specimens. These cases and the previous reports in the literature suggest that secondary hyperparathyroidism may play a role in the pathogenesis of this clinical entity.
Patterns of mRNA for epidermal growth factor receptor and keratin B-2 in normal cervical epithelium and in cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.

Patterns of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and keratin B-2 (KB2) mRNA localization were studied in samples of normal cervical squamous epithelium and in samples of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). 35S-Labeled EGFR and KB2 DNA probes were used for in situ hybridization on formalin-fixed tissue sections. Normal cervical squamous epithelium showed predominantly basal and parabasal expression of EGFR mRNA and suprabasal and midepithelial localization of KB2 mRNA. CIN lesions with moderate to severe dysplasia were generally characterized by continued expression of EGFR mRNA and decreased KB2 mRNA in midepithelial locations. Ratios of KB2 mRNA levels at the basal layer to KB2 mRNA levels at the midepithelial location were increased in moderate and severe dysplasia (CIN II and III) compared with normal epithelium (P less than .01). Ratios of EGFR mRNA levels at the midepithelial level to those of EGFR mRNA at the basal layer were increased in moderate to severe dysplasia compared with normal epithelium. These findings indicate a possible in vivo role of EGFR gene expression in normal and neoplastic proliferation and in prevention of differentiation of the cervical epithelium.
Optical insignificance of the nose and the pinocchio effect in free-scan visual straight-ahead judgments

We tested whether the retinal projection of the nose was used to reduce error in free-scan judgments of straight-ahead. Subjects set a luminous target straight ahead with no restrictions on eye position. On half the trials, the nose was visible; on the other half, it was not. Nose visibility did not reduce absolute error. To check response measure sensitivity, an external reference condition was added. The two nose conditions were run with no external surrogate reference, or with a reference on the nose, 3/8 of the way between the target and the observer, or directly in front of the target, which was 183 cm from the observer. There was no advantage of a reference on the nose as compared to no reference, and nose visibility did not interact with the surrogate reference conditiori. However, the external reference became much more effective in reducing absolute error as it approached the target. We called this the Pinocchio effect. It is consistent with the adjacency principle, but its cause is not certain. Most importantly, the Pinocchio effect showed that the null nose result was not simply a matter of an insensitive response measure.
The Impact of a Training Program for Endosonographers in Cytopathology for Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine Needle Aspiration

Introduction: Onsite cytopathology services have a significant impact on the efficiency and accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle * Exempt Fellow **Current Off-Cycle Fellow to date aspiration (EUS-FNA). This pilot study evaluated the impact of an intensive two day training program to educate endosonographers in EUS-related cytopathology. Materials and Methods: Six endosonographers (maleZ 5; median ageZ35yrs) with minimal prior cytopathology exposure, representing all time zones in the United States, with a median annual EUS volume of 250 procedures (academic: private practiceZ3:3) comprised the study cohort. A preand post-training cytopathology test was administered at the beginning and end of the two-day program. Training commenced with a 90 minute cytopathology tutorial focusing on four performance measures: specimen adequacy, sample interpretation, specimen processing and preliminary diagnosis. Eight live EUS-FNA cases were then performed and study participants independently completed four questions based on the performance measures for each case. The ability to independently smear and stain slides and operate a microscope was additionally assessed after a hands-on tutorial. Main outcome measures were improvement in pre and posttraining scores, improvement in performance measures for live cases, and the ability to independently handle specimens and operate a microscope. Results: Compared to pre-training, the mean post-training test scores improved by 63% from 48 to 78 out of 100. The mean live case performance score was 95%. Performances improved from 89% on day 1 to 100% on day 2. After training, all endosonographers could independently smear and stain slides and operate a microscope. Conclusions: An intensive two day program was effective in training endosonographers in some functions related to EUS-cytopathology. Incorporating basic cytopathology in EUS fellowship curriculum will likely improve the diagnostic performance of tissue acquisition and handling and lead to substantial cost and time savings for cytopathologists, because many programs do not have onsite cytopathology this training could have a major impact in advancing/improving EUS-FNA worldwide.
Orthotropic Viscoelastic Behavior of Polymer Tape in a Wound Roll

A model is developed to predict time dependent behavior of polymer tape in a wound roll where the bulk radial modulus, or intrinsic stiffness of the roll in the radial direction, has different time dependent properties than the tape material itself. This work examines the combined effects of viscoelasticity and the evolution of anisotropy and will aid in the development of technology to increase dimensional stability, ensuring that data may be read after long periods of time. The results of this work show that the evolution of anisotropy may amplify or counteract the effects of viscoelasticity in a roll.
On Validity Theory and Test Validation

Lissitz and Samuelsen (2007) propose a new framework for conceptualizing test validity that separates analysis of test properties from analysis of the construct measured. In response, the author of this article reviews fundamental characteristics of test validity, drawing largely from seminal writings as well as from the accepted standards. He argues that a serious validation endeavor requires integration of construct theory, subjective analysis of test content, and empirical analysis of item and test score data. He argues that the proposals presented by Lissitz and Samuelsen require revision or clarification to be useful to practitioners for justifying the use of a test for a particular purpose. He discusses the strengths and limitations of their proposal, as well as major tenets from other validity perspectives.
The Use of Perfluorophenanthrene in the Removal of Intravitreal Lens Fragments

We used perfluorophenanthrene as an aid during pars plana vitrectomy in removing lens fragments dislocated posteriorly into the vitreous cavity. We reviewed the records of all patients (nine patients, nine eyes) referred with dislocated lenses who underwent pars plana vitrectomy with perfluorophenanthrene for removal of the lens material at Wills Eye Hospital from July 1, 1991, through Nov. 30, 1991. The lens was dislocated during cataract extraction in eight eyes. One eye had a history of nonpenetrating trauma and lens dislocation. In one eye a retinal tear was noted intraoperatively and treated. Six eyes had postoperative visual acuity of 20/50 or better. In all eyes the lens was removed without further complications. Perfluorocarbon liquids such as perfluorophenanthrene may enhance current techniques by allowing easier and safer removal of displaced lens fragments through the pars plana.
Performance of a computational fluid dynamics code on NEC and Cray supercomputers: beyond 10 gigaflops

The implementation and optimization of a production mode Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to NEC and Cray supercomputing platforms are discussed. It is intended to assess the impact of different computer architectures and High Power Computing approaches while studying a problem of engineering and scientific importance. The computational model solves the viscous compressible flow equations for high-speed wall-shear layer flows. The code is very versatile and has performed extremely well in vector machines as well as on massively parallel platforms. It is written in FORTRAN programming language while implementing the recent extensions such as HPF and FORTRAN 90. With this approach, an almost perfect level of portability is achieved while the performance on a particular supercomputing platform does not degrade.
Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy in elderly subjects: splenic vessel sacrifice may be associated with a higher rate of splenic infarction

Background Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy has gained popularity in recent years. Splenic preservation can be achieved with or without splenic vessel preservation (SVP). The potential morbidity of this approach in patients aged >70 years has not been well defined.
Extraversion predicts heavy drinking in college students

Relationships between drinking (consumption and problems) and three personality characteristics (extraversion, anxiety, and anger) were examined in a sample of 100 undergraduate students (42 male, 58 female). Extraversion was found to be the best single predictor variable.
Considerations for technology that support physical activity by older adults

Barriers to physical activity prevent older adults from meeting recommended physical activity levels necessary for maintaining quality of life. As technology becomes more advanced, we have the opportunity and the responsibility to address concerns faced by the aging population. We seek opportunities for technology to empower older adults to overcome barriers on their own by interviewing and learning from older adults who have successfully overcome these barriers. In this paper, we present a set of needs that technology can address, and considerations for designing technology interventions that support physical activity by older adults.
Monitoring Corneal Hydration With a Mid-infrared (IR) Laser

Abstract A mid-infrared (IR) source at ∼ 3 μ m radiation is used as a probe to measure hydration in porcine cornea. Since the Er 3+ :YAG emission targets vibrational modes (around 3300 cm −1 ) in the H 2 O molecule, it is highly sensitive to changes in water content in the first ∼10 μ m of the corneal tissue.
PURIFICATION OF BARLEY YELLOW DWARF VIRUS.

Abstract A vector-specific strain of barley yellow dwarf virus (transmitted selectively by Macrosiphum avenae) was partially purified from frozen oats by differential centrifugation following clarification by chloroform. Since the virus is not mechanically transmissible to plants, infectivity assays were based on feeding aphid vectors through membranes on test inocula. Concentrated virus preparations stored at 3°C remained infectious for up to 16 weeks; similar preparations were infectious following treatment (18 hours at 15°C) with any of several proteases and nucleases. A major limiting factor in purification appeared to be the low concentration of virus in source plants; usually the yield of purified virus from 1 liter of plant juice was only about 25–50 μg. Analytical sucrose density-gradient centrifugation of preparations made from infected oats revealed a component (sedimentation coefficient 115–118 S) that was not present in comparable preparations made from healthy oats in each of three experiments. A dense polyhedral particle about 30 mμ in diameter was the major constituent of the extra component from infected plants. This polyhedral particle is believed to be the virus because it sedimented to the same depth as did the infectious entity in rate- and equilibrium-zonal centrifugations, and it migrated with the infectious entity in Sephadex4 gel filtration. The particle also was obtained from viruliferous aphids.
Outcomes of anticoagulation therapy in patients with mental health conditions.

Background Patients with mental health conditions (MHCs) experience poor anticoagulation control when using warfarin, but we have limited knowledge of the association between specific mental illness and warfarin treatment outcomes.
Partial cDNA sequencing of mouse dentine sialoprotein and detection of its specific expression by odontoblasts

Abstract Dentine sialoprotein (DSP), a 53-kDa acidic glycoprotein, is expressed by odontoblasts and secreted into the dentine extracellular matrix. Although little is known about its biological function, it might play a part in dentinogenesis. Because DSP has only been shown to occur in rat dentine, it is important to demonstrate its existence in another species. Here, the presence of DSP gene in the mouse genome, and the cloning of a mouse DSP cDNA coding for about one-fifth of the molecule with a nucleotide sequence similar to that for rat cDNA, are reported. Using in-situ hybridization, DSP mRNA was uniquely detected in mouse odontoblasts.
Enhancing Power Harvesting using a Tuned Auxiliary Structure

Future, self-contained sensors and processing units will need onboard, renewable power supplies to be truly autonomous. One way of supplying such power is through energy harvesting, a process by which ambient forms of energy are converted into electricity. One energy harvesting technique involves converting kinetic energy, in the form of vibrations, into electrical energy through the use of piezoelectric materials. This study examines the use of auxiliary structures, consisting of a mechanical fixture and a lead zirconate/lead titanate (PZT) piezoelectric element, which can be attached to any vibrating system. Adjusting various parameters of these structures can maximize the strain induced in the attached PZT element and improve power output.
Effects on offspring of chronic maternal methamphetamine exposure.

Twenty-five Sprague-Dawley derived rats were administered 1.0, 3.0, or 5.0 mg/kg of methamphetamine HCl or saline twice daily throughout gestation beginning on Day 1 of pregnancy. Rats were allowed to deliver normally; offspring were culled to 8 and sexed on Day 7, and weaned on Day 21. All females had viable litters except at the 5.0 mg/kg dose where 4 of 7 failed to deliver. The rats given methamphetamine delivered earlier than did controls. Weight gian over gestation decreased as a function of increasing drug dose. No gross anomalies were visible in the offspring. Litter size decreased as a function of increased dose and eye opening was delayed in the drug groups; the 5.0 mg/kg offspring made more conditioned avoidance responses than did the 3.0 mg/kg and saline offspring.
The use of Constituent Focus Groups for More Effective Program Planning and Management: A Case Study of the Clean Ohio Revitalization Fund

Ohio's industrial legacy includes thousands of abandoned or underutilized properties with environmental contamination that precludes economically beneficial use of the property. This paper describes the program planning process and its outcomes for one program authorized by new legislation to fund cleanup of these brownfields. Local administrative committees that would eventually make the funding award decisions were organized into focus groups across 19 administrative districts in the state of Ohio. These groups specified the program's award criteria and their definitions, established funding priorities, and developed a scoring rubric to award grants for brownfield cleanup activities. Findings from our analysis are important for understanding how stakeholder involvement in development of the scoring rubric allowed the administrative managers to improve the overall effectiveness of the program.
Enzyme-linked immunomagnetic electrochemical detection of Salmonella typhimurium

There is a need for rapid methods to detect pathogenic bacteria in food products as alternatives to the current laborious and time-consuming culture procedures. We report a microbial detection technique that combines the selectivity of antibody-coated superparamagnetic beads with the rapidity and sensitivity of electrochemical detection in a format termed enzyme-linked immunomagnetic electrochemistry. In it, Salmonella typhimurium were sandwiched between antibody-coated magnetic beads and an enzyme-conjugated antibody. With the aid of a magnet, the beads (with or without bound bacteria) were localized onto the surface of disposable graphite ink electrodes in a multi-well plate format. Enzyme substrate was added and conversion of substrate to an electroactive product was measured using electrochemical detection. The electrochemical response was directly proportional to the number of captured bacteria. Using this technique, a minimum detectable level of 8 × 103 cells/ml of Salmonella typhimurium in buffer was achieved in ca. 80 min.
An experimental investigation of the plasma contacting process

Measurements including plasma potential profile measurements made on a simple hollow cathode plasma contactor operating in the electron collection and emission modes are described. The ignited electron collection mode of contactor operation is identified, shown to improve contactor performance and found to be facilitated by increasing the size of the contactor anode. Potential profile data are compared to the predictions of a simple theoretical model that describes space-charge-current limitations imposed by the formation of a double sheath and found to agree with each other to within about + or - 25 percent. Because electrons, which are the dominant charge carriers, tend to be emitted from the hollow cathode in the emission mode and collected by the anode in the collection mode it is suggested that operation at high electrodynamic tether currents will probably require switching the point of tether connection to the contactor between its cathode and anode when the direction of tether current is reversed.
Usage of Antibiotics in a General Hospital: Effect of Requiring Justification

The amounts of certain antibiotics used at Boston City Hospital during recent years have been reviewed and correlated with the requirement to justify the choice of those antibiotics. This mild restraint on the prescribing of antibiotics for hospitalized patients appears to have substantially limited the use of certain potentially toxic or expensive agents, and removal of that restriction has been followed by an increase in use of those agents. Similar, relatively simple requirements may promote more effective and economical use of antibiotics and perhaps of other classes of drugs.
Adenosine Induced Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia in Adults Without Structural Heart Disease

Adenosine has been reported to cause polymorphic VT in patients with congenital or acquired prolonged QT intervals and to cause pause dependent VT in a patient with a normal QT interval. There have been no previous reports of adenosine causing nonpause dependent polymorphic VT in patients without structural heart disease. We report two patients, with normal hearts and normal QT intervals, who developed nonsustained polymorphic VT that was not pause dependent. Adenosine induced polymorphic VT does not appear to be a marker of the long QT syndrome, but may be an uncommon yet not unexpected pharmacological response to drug administration.
A simple alignment technique for consolidated tri-state multi-rate burst-mode DPSK transmitters

We demonstrate an average-power-based technique for aligning data and clock signals in consolidated tri-state multi-rate burst-mode DPSK transmitters with a simple and low-SWaP implementation.
A case study: Using hierarchical decision model voting in theoretical market share investigation

Traditional HDM (hierarchical decision model) methods use mainly the mean values to aggregate the opinions of the experts and get the rankings of candidates as the decision result. The HDMV (hierarchical decision model voting) method uses voting method with the hierarchical decision models to facilitate the voters making decisions and get the voter's proportion as the result.
Reconsidering the placebo response from a broad anthropological perspective.

This paper considers how the full range of human experience may catalyze a placebo response. The placebo effect has been characterized as something to control in clinical research, something to cultivate in clinical practice, and something present in all healing encounters. We examine domains in which the term ‘placebo’ is used in discourse: clinical research, clinical practice, media representations of treatment efficacy, and lay interpretations of placebo—an under-researched topic. We briefly review major theoretical frameworks proposed to explain the placebo effect: classical conditioning, expectancy, the therapeutic relationship, and sociocultural ‘meaning.’ As a corrective to what we see as an over-emphasis on conscious cognitive approaches to understanding placebo, we reorient the discussion to argue that direct embodied experience may take precedence over meaning-making in the healing encounter. As an example, we examine the neurobiology of rehearsing or visualizing wellness as a mode of directly (performatively) producing an outcome often dismissed as a ‘placebo response.’ Given body/mind/emotional resonance, we suggest that the placebo response is an evolutionarily adaptive trait and part of healing mechanisms operating across many levels—from genetic and cellular to social and cultural.
Cellular Characterization of the Primosome and Rep Helicase in Processing and Restoration of Replication following Arrest by UV-Induced DNA Damage in Escherichia coli

Following arrest by UV-induced DNA damage, replication is restored through a sequence of steps that involve partial resection of the nascent DNA by RecJ and RecQ, branch migration and processing of the fork DNA surrounding the lesion by RecA and RecF-O-R, and resumption of DNA synthesis once the blocking lesion has been repaired or bypassed. In vitro, the primosomal proteins (PriA, PriB, and PriC) and Rep are capable of initiating replication from synthetic DNA fork structures, and they have been proposed to catalyze these events when replication is disrupted by certain impediments in vivo. Here, we characterized the role that PriA, PriB, PriC, and Rep have in processing and restoring replication forks following arrest by UV-induced DNA damage. We show that the partial degradation and processing of the arrested replication fork occurs normally in both rep and primosome mutants. In each mutant, the nascent degradation ceases and DNA synthesis initially resumes in a timely manner, but the recovery then stalls in the absence of PriA, PriB, or Rep. The results demonstrate a role for the primosome and Rep helicase in overcoming replication forks arrested by UV-induced damage in vivo and suggest that these proteins are required for the stability and efficiency of the replisome when DNA synthesis resumes but not to initiate de novo replication downstream of the lesion.
Transcriptional activation: risky business

Transcriptional regulation is all about getting RNA polymerase to the right place on the gene at the right time and making sure that it is competent to conduct transcription. Traditional views of this process place most of their emphasis on the events that precede initiation of transcription. We imagine a promoter-bound transcriptional activator (or collection of activators) recruiting components of the basal transcriptional machinery to the DNA, eventually leading to the recruitment of RNA polymerase II and the onset of gene transcription. Although these events play a crucial role in regulating gene expression, they are only half the story. Correct regulation of transcription requires that polymerase not only initiates when and where it should, but that it stops initiating when no longer appropriate. But how are the signals from transcriptional activators, telling RNA polymerase to fire, terminated? Is this process governed by chance, with activators simply falling off the promoter at a certain frequency? Or is there some more direct mechanism, whereby activators are aggressively limited from uncontrolled promoter activation? A new article by suggests the latter may be true, and provides a mechanism for how a component of the basal transcription machinery can mark the activators it has encountered, sentencing them to an early death or banishing them from the nucleus. The ability of the basal transcriptional apparatus to mark activators provides an efficient way to limit activator function and ensures that continuing transcription initiation at a promoter is coupled to the continuing synthesis and activation of transcriptional activators.
24/7 Attendings: “Helicoptering” the Housestaff?

Senior level physician oversight of resident activity has become mandated in graduate medical education since the advent of residency work hour limitations.1 Moreover, due to the influence of The Leapfrog Group, the in-hospital presence 24 hours per day, 7 days per week (“24/7”) of board-certified intensivists is now commonplace,2 despite inconsistent benefits to ICU patient safety and resident education.3,4 Concerns regarding 24/7 intensivist influence on resident autonomy and competence are now being recognized.5 In this issue of Pediatrics ,6 survey results from a large national sample of housestaff, fellows, and attending physicians engaged in pediatric residency activities reflected a negative perception of 24/7 pediatric ICU intensivist presence on housestaff autonomy by 38% of residents working in this model. This finding increased to 56% among fellows and 69% among intensivists in the 24/7 system. Almost one-half of attending intensivists in the 24/7 model believed that the residents they supervised would not be prepared to function competently as independent attending physicians; ∼25% of residents were similarly not confident of their competence after training. Autonomy and competence, along with a sense of relatedness, are human … Address correspondence to Ellen Burnham, MD, MS, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Research Complex 2, 12700 E. 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045. E-mail: ellen.burnham{at}ucdenver.edu
Considerations for the refinement of low-resolution crystal structures

It is often assumed that crystal structures have to be obtained at sufficiently high resolution in order to perform macromolecular refinement. In several recent structures, the threshold of what is considered `acceptable' has been pushed to lower diffraction resolutions. Here, considerations and modifications to standard refinement protocols are described that were used to solve and refine a particular set of low-resolution structures for the ATPase p97/VCP. It was found that reasonable Rfree values and good geometry can be achieved upon refinement that includes experimental phase information along with judicious use of restraints at diffraction limits as low as 4.7 A. At this resolution, the topology and the backbone-chain trace are mostly defined, some side-chain positions can be unambiguously assigned and ligands within known binding sites can be identified. Furthermore, large conformational changes can be discerned when structures in different states are available, information that is not easily obtainable by other means.
Stability of high order sigma-delta modulators

Nonlinear analysis of the stability of interpolative sigma-delta modulators is a problem which becomes increasingly difficult as the order of the modulator increases. In this paper we present a technique which, in many cases, greatly simplifies this analysis and, in addition, provides a convenient method of comparison between systems of different architectures. This technique involves a transformation of the state equations of a modulator into a form in which the individual state variables are essentially decoupled and interact only within the quantizer function. This allows for analysis of the system based on results from first order sigma-delta modulators. In this paper we present this transformation technique. We also present the relevant results for first order modulators which are used in the analysis of higher order systems. Finally, we show how these results can be applied to higher order systems and derive a set of sufficient conditions for AC stability for a class of general N'th order modulators.
Epithelium formation in the Drosophila midgut depends on the interaction of endoderm and mesoderm

The reorganization of mesenchymal cells into an epithelial sheet is a widely used morphogenetic process in metazoans. An example of such a process is the formation of the Drosophila larval midgut epithelium that develops through a mesenchymal-epithelial transition from endodermal midgut precursors. We have studied this process in wild type and a number of mutants that show defects in midgut epithelium formation. Our results indicate that the visceral mesoderm serves as a basal substratum to which endodermal cells have to establish direct contact in order to form an epithelium. Furthermore, we have analyzed the midgut phenotype of embryos mutant for the gene shotgun, and the results suggest that shotgun directs adhesion between midgut epithelial cells, which is independent from the adhesion between endoderm and visceral mesoderm.
Differential Distribution of Ciliated Epithelial Cells in the Trachea of Hamsters: Implications for Studies of Pathogenesis

The morphology of the inner aspect of the adult hamster trachea was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Relatively large patches of unciliated cells were observed in the epithelial layer. The patches, which covered several hundreds to thousands of square microns, were most conspicuous on the ventral surface of the trachea, especially in the middle third. The frequency of these areas of unciliated cells, both isolated and in patches, was much greater in hamsters than in mice, rats, or cats. Greatest ciliation in the hamster trachea was observed over the strip of trachealis muscle between the open ends of the cartilaginous rings. Areas with the heaviest ciliation also had the greatest activity of cellular metabolism, as measured by the tetrazolium reduction assay. The attachment of tritium-labeled cells of Mycoplasma pneumoniae was inversely correlated with extensive ciliation, since the greatest numbers of counts were found on the middle third and ventral regions of the tracheal surface. The results of this study suggest that the regional differences in ciliation of respiratory epithelium in hamsters may influence studies of pathogenesis and isolation of M. pneumoniae and that these differences should therefore be considered and controlled in the experimental design.
Gene action and combining ability for grain yield and yield related traits in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Line (five) × tester (two) analysis was conducted to determine good parents and the nature of gene action governing yield and its component traits in rice. The line × testers showed significant differences for all traits except for number of spikelets per panicle and hundred grain weight. Parents with low × high general combining ability (GCA) effects resulted in heterotic hybrid combination like the IR62829A/IR57301-158-1R. A low × low GCA gave the best heterotic combination i.e. IR68888A/’Sepidroud’. The study showed GCA to only identify better parental lots and it will be unwise to discard the low GCA types. Predominance of dominance gene action for all the traits studied except for flag leaf width and number of spikelets per panicle suggests heterosis breeding must be strongly pursued for exploitation of the yield advantage over the inbred varieties. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/ 10.4038/jas.v9i3.7423 The Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 2014, vol.9, no3: p.100-108
Metabolism of saturated fatty acids by Paramecium tetraurelia

Paramecium requires oleate for growth. The phospholipids of the ciliate contain high concentrations of palmitate and 18- and 20-carbon unsaturated fatty acids. We previously showed that radiolabeled oleate is desaturated and elongated to provide these 18- and 20-carbon unsaturated acids. We now report on saturated fatty acid (SFA) metabolism in Paramecium. Radiolabeled palmitate and stearate were incorporated directly into cellular phospholipids with little or no desaturation and/or elongation. Radiolabeled acetate, malonate, pyruvate, citrate, or glucose added to cultures were not incorporated into cellular phospholipid fatty acids indicating that these exogenously supplied putative precursors were not utilized for fatty acid synthesis by Paramecium. Radiolabel from octanoate or hexanoate appeared in fatty acyl groups of phospholipids, possibly by partial beta-oxidation and reincorporation of the label. Under oleate-free conditions in which cultures do not grow, radiolabel from these shorter chain SFA were beta-oxidized and preferentially used for the formation of arachidonate, the major end-product of fatty acid synthesis in Paramecium. Cerulenin inhibited culture growth apparently by inhibiting de novo fatty acid synthesis. Cerulenin-treated cells did not incorporate radioactivity from [1-14C]octanoate into esterified palmitate. However, total saponifiable phospholipid fatty acids, including SFA, per cell increased under these conditions.
Bandwidth-allocation schemes for variable-bit-rate MPEG sources in ATM networks

The complex traffic characteristics of variable-bit-rate (VBR) video sources makes them difficult to accommodate in asynchronous-transfer-mode (ATM) networks. To efficiently transport these services will require both an understanding of the source traffic and novel network control schemes. The performance of variable-bandwidth-allocation schemes that estimate the required bandwidth for a VBR Motion Picture Experts Group (MPEG) video source is studied using a simple prediction algorithm. The advantages of using a layered MPEG coder over the standard MPEG coder are discussed. A method for controlling a layered MPEG coder to reduce the effect of cell losses when compared to a standard MPEG coder is demonstrated. >
Reaction of protons with methane in the Jovian ionosphere

Abstract Laboratory data shows that the reaction of protons with methane proceeds at thermal ion energies to give both CH 3 + and CH 4 + ions in the ratio CH 3 + CH 4 + = 1.5 ± 0.3 . The overall rate constant for the reaction is 3.8 ± 0.3 × 10 −9 cm 3 /sec. This reaction may lead to the formation of hydrocarbon ions in the lower ionosphere of Jupiter, and the significance of this process for formation of hydrocarbons and HCN in the atmosphere of Jupiter is discussed.