cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The involvement of the endocrine system in regulating cardiovascular function: emphasis on vitamin D3.

Introduction DURING the last decade studies in a number of laboratories have provided evidence to suggest that the endocrine system plays an important role in regulating cardiovascular function. These studies have shown that the hormones insulin and thyroid hormone exert significant effects on key elements involved in regulating the activity of the cardiovascular system, including the distribution of myosin isozymes, the calcium pumping activity of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and coronary flow. Recently, investigations have shown that the hormone, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], which is the active metabolite of vitamin D3, can also regulate cardiovascular function. The regulatory effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 include enhancement of cardiac and vascular muscle contractile function, modulation of blood pressure, and changes in myocardial collagen. The purpose of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the involvement of the endocrine system in regulating cardiovascular function, with empha...
A comparative electromyographical investigation of muscle utilization patterns using various hand positions during the lat pull-down.

This study aimed at investigating the effects of different hand positions on the electromyographic (EMG) activity of shoulder muscles during the performance of the lat pull-down exercise. Ten healthy men performed 3 repetitions of the lat pull-down exercise using their experimentally determined 10RM (repetition maximum) weight. Four different common variations of the lat pull-down were used: close grip (CG), supinated grip (SG), wide grip anterior (WGA), and wide grip posterior (WGP). Normalized root mean square of the EMG (NrmsEMG) activity for the right posterior deltoid (PD), latissimus dorsi (LD), pectoralis major (PM), teres major (TM), and long head of the triceps (TLH) were recorded using surface electrodes and normalized using maximum voluntary contractions. Repeated measures analysis of variance for each muscle detected statistical differences (p WGP, SG, CG. For the TLH: WGA > WGP, SG, CG and WGP > CG, SG. For the PD: CG, WGA, SG > WGP. For the PM: CG, WGA, SG > WGP. During the eccentric phase, the LD produced the following patterns: WGA > WGP, SG, CG and WGP > CG. The TLH pattern showed WGA > SG and CG. For the PD: CG > WGA, WGP. The results indicate that changes in handgrip position affect the activities of specific muscles during the lat pull-down movement. Also, performance of the lat pull-down exercise using the WGA hand position produces greater muscle activity in the LD than any other hand position during both the concentric or eccentric phases of the movement.
Identification of the Protein 4.1 Binding Interface on Glycophorin C and p55, a Homologue of the Drosophila discs-large Tumor Suppressor Protein

Protein 4.1 is the prototype of a family of proteins that include ezrin, talin, brain tumor suppressor merlin, and tyrosine phosphatases. All members of the protein 4.1 superfamily share a highly conserved N-terminal 30-kDa domain whose biological function is poorly understood. It is believed that the attachment of the cytoskeleton to the membrane may be mediated via this 30-kDa domain, a function that requires formation of multiprotein complexes at the plasma membrane. In this investigation, synthetically tagged peptides and bacterially expressed proteins were used to map the protein 4.1 binding site on human erythroid glycophorin C, a transmembrane glycoprotein, and on human erythroid p55, a palmitoylated peripheral membrane phosphoprotein. The results show that the 30-kDa domain of protein 4.1 binds to a 12-amino acid segment within the cytoplasmic domain of glycophorin C and to a positively charged, 39-amino acid motif in p55. Sequences similar to this charged motif are conserved in other members of the p55 superfamily, including the Drosophila discs-large tumor suppressor protein. Our data provide new insights into how protein 4.1, glycophorin C, p55, and their non-erythroid homologues, interact with the cytoskeleton to exert their physiological effects.
Calcium and colon cancer

Calcium has been hypothesized as being a regulator of cell proliferation in the colon. Epidemiologic studies suggest that ingestion of higher levels of dietary calcium are related to a decreased risk for colon cancer. Short term studies in vitro and in vivo of the proliferative behavior of human and animal colon mucosa verify that calcium does modulate proliferative response. Preliminary clinical studies suggest that the hyperproliferative mucosa of patients at high risk for colon cancer, based on proliferation analysis of biopsied mucosa, became decidedly less proliferative when the subjects were given oral calcium. Our studies address the molecular mechanisms by which calcium controls mucosal proliferation and the ways in which tumor cells circumvent this regulation.
Role of protein binding in renal elimination of leptin.

Summary objective Leptin, a hormone produced by fat which signals to the brain the extent of fat stores, is known to be eliminated from circulation primarily by the kidney. The hormone circulates in both free and protein-bound forms, but there is little information concerning the inter-relationship of these forms of leptin, or which form is influenced by physiological processes such as renal elimination. We studied total, free and bound concentrations of leptin in ambulatory adults undergoing catheterization for diagnosis/management of congenital cardiac disease. design Blood specimens were collected from both the arterial circulation and the renal vein, for determination of the fractional extraction of leptin resulting from a single pass through the kidney. patients Thirteen subjects were studied. measurements Total leptin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay, and free/protein-bound leptin concentrations were quantified by an high-performance liquid chromatography method. Adequacy of renal vein sampling was assessed by comparing the creatinine concentration of arterial and venous specimens. results Mean fractional extraction of creatinine was 28 ± 7% in the 13 subjects studied. Fractional extraction of total leptin was 18 ± 8%, significantly less than that for creatinine. Fractional extraction of total leptin was not related to arterial leptin concentration or the fractional extraction of creatinine. Both free and bound fractions of leptin were significantly reduced by passage through the kidney, with fractional extractions of 22% and 25%, respectively. Efficiency of extraction was not influenced by the relative proportion of free or bound leptin fractions. Leptin-binding capacity (a measure of the concentrations of leptin-binding proteins) was not altered by passage through the kidney. conclusions Both free and bound leptin are metabolically active with regard to elimination. Protein-bound leptin equilibrates with the free leptin fraction in circulation as the result of a dynamic equilibrium. The data are consistent with either glomerular filtration or active uptake as mechanisms of elimination. Leptin-binding proteins are apparently neither eliminated or produced by the kidney.
Effects of different plant growth regulators and chemicals spray on post harvest physiology and vase life of heliconia inflorescence cv. Golden Torch

Effects of post harvest spray application of plant growth regulators, gibberellic acid (GA) and benzyl adenine (BA), alar (Daminozide) and chemicals like bovine serum albumin (BSA) and potassium permagnate (KMnO4) on post harvest quality of heliconia inflorescence were investigated. Post harvest spray treatments significantly influenced post harvest quality and life of heliconia inflorescence as compared to control. Spray treatments of GA (100 mg l−1) and BSA (50 mg l−1) effectively increased water uptake and retained fresh weight of cut inflorescence. The same treatments also reduce the levels of catalase (CAT) and peroxidase (POD) enzymatic activity and decreased the lipid peroxidation (measured as TBARS) in the bract tissue. Percent absolute integrity of bract cell membrane (PAI) was also high in GA (100 mg l−1) and BSA (50 mg l−1) spray treated cut inflorescence on 8th, 10th and 12th day of vase life. Post-harvest spray treatment of GA (100 mg l−1) showed significant increase (by almost twofold) in the vase life of heliconia inflorescence as compared to control. These results suggest that post-harvest spray of GA (100 mg l−1) or BSA (50 mg l−1) maintains higher inflorescence fresh weight, improve water uptake and reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging capacity, stabilizes absolute integrity of cell membrane leading to a delay in bract cell death in heliconia inflorescence cv. Golden Torch.
AUTOTROPHIC GROWTH AND PHOTOACCLIMATION IN KARLODINIUM MICRUM (DINOPHYCEAE) AND STOREATULA MAJOR (CRYPTOPHYCEAE)1

We compared autotrophic growth of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium micrum (Leadbeater et Dodge) and the cryptophyte Storeatula major (Butcher ex Hill) at a range of growth irradiances (Eg). Our goal was to determine the physiological bases for differences in growth-irradiance relationships between these species. Maximum autotrophic growth rates of K. micrum and S. major were 0.5 and 1.5 div. . d - 1 , respectively. Growth rates were positively correlated with C-specific photosynthetic performance (PP C , g C . g C - 1 . h - 1 ) (r 2 = 0.72). Cultures were grouped as light-limited (LL) and high-light (HL) treatments to allow interspecific comparisons of physiological properties that underlie the growth-irradiance relationships. Interspecific differences in the C-specific light absorption rate (E C a, mol photons.g C - 1 . h - 1 ) were observed only among HL acclimated cultures, and the realized quantum yield of C fixation (Φ C ( r e a l . ) , mol C.mol photons - 1 ) did not differ significantly between species in either LL or HL treatments. The proportion of fixed C that was incorporated into new biomass was lower in K. micrum than S. major at each Eg, reflecting lower growth efficiency in K. micrum. Photoacclimation to HL in K. micrum involved a significant loss of cellular photosynthetic capacity (P c e l l max), whereas in S. major, P c e l l max was significantly higher in HL acclimated cells. We conclude that growth rate differences between K. micrum and S. major under LL conditions relate primarily to cell metabolism processes (i.e. growth efficiency) and that reduced chloroplast function, reflected in PP C and photosynthesis-irradiance curve acclimation in K. micrum, is also important under HL conditions.
Bacterial diarrhea in HIV-infected patients: why Clostridium difficile, and why now?

United States [1], is responsible for a substantial proportion of antibiotic-associated diarrhea [2]. After fecal-oral transmission, C. difficile spores colonize the colonic lumen, especially after antibiotic suppression of the normal protective biota [3]. In highly C. difficile-contaminated environments, such as intensive care units and long-term care facilities, -30% of patients who receive antibiotics are colonized
Microarchitecture-aware floorplanning using a statistical design of experiments approach

Since across-chip interconnect delays can exceed a clock cycle in nanometer technologies, it has become essential in high performance designs to add flip-flops on wires with multi-cycle delays. Although such a wire pipelining strategy allows higher operating frequencies, it can reduce the delivered performance of a microarchitecture, since the extra flip-flops inserted may increase the operation latencies and stall cycles. Moreover, the addition of latencies on some wires can have a large impact on the overall performance while other wires are relatively insensitive to additional latencies. This varying sensitivity suggests the need for a throughput-aware strategy for pipelining the interconnects that interacts closely with the physical design step, which determines the lengths of these multicycle wires. We use a statistical design of experiments strategy based on a multifactorial design, which intelligently uses a limited number of simulations to rank the importance of the wires. When applied at the floorplanning level, our results show improvements both in the overall system performance and in the total wire length when compared with an existing technique.
Simulations of the rotating positron target in the presence of omd field

For an International Linear Collider (ILC) undulator-based positron source target configuration, a strong optical matching device (OMD) field is needed inside the target to increase the positron yield (by more than 40%). It is also required that the positron target is constantly rotated to reduce thermal and radiation damage. We report on a simulation of the rotating metal target wheel under a strong magnetic field. By rearranging Maxwell's equations for a rotating frame and using Comsol, we have solved the detailed magnetic field distribution and eddy current of a rotating metal disk in magnetic field, and so the required power to drive the target wheel. In order to validate the simulation process, we have compared our results with previous experimental data and found they are in very good agreement. Here we give detailed results on the proposed ILC target system, such as induced magnetic field (dipole and higher orders), eddy current distribution and the driving force requirements. The effect of these higher order fields on the positron beam dynamics is also considered.
Central Nervous System Tuberculosis: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects

Tuberculosis of the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly devastating form of tuberculosis, which, even in the setting of appropriate antitubercular therapy, leads to unacceptable levels of morbidity and mortality. Despite the development of promising molecular diagnostic techniques, diagnosis of CNS tuberculosis relies largely on microbiological methods that are insensitive, and as such, CNS tuberculosis remains a formidable diagnostic challenge. Insights into the basic neuropathogenesis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and the development of an appropriate animal model are desperately needed. The optimal regimen and length of treatment are largely unknown, and with the rising incidence of multidrug-resistant strains of M. tuberculosis, the development of well-tolerated and effective antibiotics remains a continued need. While the most widely used vaccine in the world largely targets this manifestation of tuberculosis, the BCG vaccine has not fulfilled the promise of eliminating CNS tuberculosis. We put forth this review to highlight the current understanding of the neuropathogenesis of M. tuberculosis, to discuss certain epidemiological, clinical, diagnostic, and therapeutic aspects of CNS tuberculosis, and also to underscore the many unmet needs in this important field.
I'm No Jezebel; I am Young, Gifted, and Black: Identity, Sexuality, and Black Girls:

Scholars have highlighted the detrimental influence of racially charged stereotypes and images on self-perception and well being. Others have suggested that identity components (e.g., ethnic identi...
Invisible Axions and the {QCD} Phase Transition in the Early Universe

We examine, in detail, the conditions under which the quark-hadron phase transition in the early Universe can influence the previously determined upper bound on the axion decay constant f/sub a/< or approx. =5 x 10/sup 12/ GeV. By integrating the axion equation of motion (in general and in a specific model) through the phase transition we find that if the phase transition is sufficiently abrupt the limit on f/sub a/ may change by an order of magnitude in either direction (depending on initial conditions); the most probable result is a tightening of the bound by a factor approx.5. Sensitive axion detectors, as are now being contemplated, could conceivably provide information on the Universe at approx.10/sup -5/ sec after the big bang.
The Role of Parents and Related Factors on Adolescent Computer Use

Background. Research suggested the importance of parents on their adolescents’ computer activity. Spending too much time on the computer for recreational purposes in particular has been found to be related to areas of public health concern in children/adolescents, including obesity and substance use. Design and Methods. The goal of the research was to determine the association between recreational computer use and potentially linked factors (parental monitoring, social influences to use computers including parents, age of first computer use, self-control, and particular internet activities). Participants (aged 13-17 years and residing in the United States) were recruited via the Internet to complete an anonymous survey online using a survey tool. The target sample of 200 participants who completed the survey was achieved. The sample’s average age was 16 and was 63% girls. Results. A set of regressions with recreational computer use as dependent variables were run. Conclusions. Less parental monitoring, younger age at first computer use, listening or downloading music from the internet more frequently, using the internet for educational purposes less frequently, and parent’s use of the computer for pleasure were related to spending a greater percentage of time on non-school computer use. These findings suggest the importance of parental monitoring and parental computer use on their children’s own computer use, and the influence of some internet activities on adolescent computer use. Finally, programs aimed at parents to help them increase the age when their children start using computers and learn how to place limits on recreational computer use are needed.
Plasma membrane phospholipid scramblase 1 is enriched in lipid rafts and interacts with the epidermal growth factor receptor.

We have identified physical and functional interactions between the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor and phospholipid scramblase 1 (PLSCR1), an endofacial plasma membrane protein proposed to affect phospholipid organization. PLSCR1, a palmitoylated protein, was found to partition with the EGF receptor in membrane lipid rafts. Cell stimulation with EGF transiently elevated Tyr-phosphorylation of PLSCR1, peaking at 5 min. Although PLSCR1 is a known substrate of c-Abl [Sun, J., et al. (2001) J. Biol. Chem. 276, 28984−28990], the Abl inhibitor STI571 did not substantially affect its EGF-dependent phosphorylation, suggesting PLSCR1 is a substrate of the EGF receptor kinase, or another EGF-activated kinase. Coinciding with phosphorylation, there was a transient increase in physical association of PLSCR1 with both the EGF receptor and the adapter protein Shc, as determined by immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. Confocal immunofluorescence analysis revealed that EGF initiates rapid internalization of ...
Recognizing and using goals in event management

Personal event management involves planning when, where and how events should occur, making sure the event's prerequisites are satisfied, and developing contingencies for when things go wrong. Conventional calendar and project management tools, however, only record and visualize explicit human decisions regarding event specifics. We present Event Minder, a calendar program that takes into account the goals for which the events are scheduled. Users can input descriptions of events in natural language, mixing high-level objectives, concrete time and place decisions, and omit "obvious" common sense details. A commonsense knowledge base provides sensible defaults, and machine learning refines these defaults with experience. We can make recommendations for alternative plans, including alternatives that satisfy higher-level goals in different ways as well as those that meet immediate constraints. Our current system covers dining-related events, integrating commonsense with domain knowledge about specific restaurants, bars and hotels.
Loopback DFT for Low-Cost Test of Single-VCO-Based Wireless Transceivers

This article discusses a loopback DFT test approach for RFIC chips that provides quick, economical test results at the wafer level. By performing RF testing before chip packaging, the authors reduce test cost. They show that test yield on the ATE for Texas Instruments' RFIC devices is high when this loopback DFT approach is used.
Using Genetic Algorithms in Chem-Bio Defense Applications

There are many problems in security and defense that require a robust optimization technique, including those that involve the release of a chemical or biological contaminant. This paper discusses using a genetic algorithm for addressing such problems. An example is given how a mixed integer genetic algorithm can be used in conjunction with field sensor data to invert for source information and all necessary meteorological data. A new mixed integer genetic algorithm is described that is a state-of-the-art tool capable of optimizing a wide range of objective functions. Such an algorithm is useful for optimizing atmospheric stability, wind speed, wind direction, and source location. We demonstrate that the algorithm is successful at reconstructing these source and meteorological parameters.
Hey Toy Man

A child therapy case is presented. Abby, a six-year-old adopted girl, ignores classroom rules, struggles socially, and has frequent tantrums. In early sessions, Abby's play is disjointed though she loves to play. She also loves to boss her therapist around, telling him what to do and say. Abby names her therapist Toy Man, a moniker that remains for much of the treatment. Over the next two years, Abby and her therapist journey through a therapeutic landscape filled with imaginative play. As Abby emerges as a storyteller, she and the therapist embark on a series of adventures that illuminate her feelings about her own history, as the therapeutic relationship becomes more engaged and mutual. The therapist often wonders about the meaning of the play. As he lets go and fully embraces the play, Abby's stories deepen. Now eight, Abby is doing well at school, and is enjoying friends and her family. At this point, she decides she wants to stop therapy. This paper, focused on play scenes and dialogue, is meant to b...
The trafficking protein GABARAP binds to and enhances plasma membrane expression and function of the angiotensin II type 1 receptor.

Proteins that bind to the intracellular expanses, particularly cytoplasmic tail regions, of heptahelical integral membrane receptors are of particular interest in that they can mediate or modulate trafficking or intracellular signaling. In an effort to distinguish new proteins that might promote angiotensin II type 1 (AT 1 ) receptor intracellular events, we screened a yeast 2-hybrid mouse brain library with the rat AT 1A receptor (AT 1 R) carboxyl terminus and identified GABARAP, a protein involved in intracellular trafficking of the GABA A receptor, as a binding partner for the AT 1 R. Interaction of GABARAP with the AT 1 R carboxyl terminus was further substantiated using GST pull-down assays, and binding of the full-length tagged AT 1 R to GABARAP was verified using coimmunoprecipitation. Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays further confirmed specific interaction of GABARAP with AT 1 R. Moreover, GABARAP clearly increased the steady-state level of plasma membrane-associated AT 1 R in PC-12 cells. Cotransfection of GABARAP with an AT 1 R fluorescent fusion protein increased PC-12 cell surface expression of the AT 1 R more than 6-fold when standardized to the level of intracellular expression. Furthermore, GABARAP overexpression in CHO-K1 cells engineered to express AT 1 R increased angiotensin II binding sites 3.7-fold and angiotensin II–induced phospho–extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and cellular proliferation significantly over levels obtained with AT 1 R overexpression alone. In addition, small interfering RNA–mediated knockdown of GABARAP reduced the steady-state levels of the AT 1 R fluorescent fusion protein by 43% and its cell surface expression by 84%. Immunoblot analyses confirmed the quantitative image data. We conclude that GABARAP binds to and promotes trafficking of the AT 1 R to the plasma membrane.
Designer-Driven Intention Recognition in an Action-Adventure Game Using Fast Forward Bayesian Models

A method is described for quickly inferring a player’s goals from low-level inputs in an action-adventure game. Fast Forward Bayesian Models (FFBMs) use the very efficient forward algorithm normally used in the Forward-Backward algorithm, but they use transition matrices and observation functions specific to the game’s current state. In experiments with both a veteran player and novice players using a Flash action adventure game, the algorithm is faster to correctly infer whether the player is attempting to kill monsters repeatedly, explore, or return to town than a finite state machine (FSM) that must wait for less ambiguous information, yet is also more robust against momentary deviations from goal-relevant behavior. Using a constant transition matrix that does not increase the probability of out-of-state transitions on finishing a goal erases the advantage over the FSM.
Mutation Master: profiles of substitutions in hepatitis C virus RNA of the core, alternate reading frame, and NS2 coding regions.

The RNA genome of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) undergoes rapid evolutionary change. Efforts to control this virus would benefit from the advent of facile methods to identify characteristic features of HCV RNA and proteins, and to condense the vast amount of mutational data into a readily interpretable form. Many HCV sequences are available in GenBank. To facilitate analysis, consensus sequences were constructed to eliminate the overrepresentation of certain genotypes, such as genotype 1, and a novel package of sequence analysis tools was developed. Mutation Master generates profiles of point mutations in a population of sequences and produces a set of visual displays and tables indicating the number, frequency, and character of substitutions. It can be used to analyze hundreds of sequences at a time. When applied to 255 HCV core protein sequences, Mutation Master identified variable domains and a series of mutations meriting further investigation. It flagged position 4, for example, where 90% or more of all sequences in genotypes 1, 2, 4, and 5, have N4, whereas those in genotypes 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 have L4. This pattern is noteworthy: L (hydrophobic) to N (polar) substitutions are generally rare, and genotypes 1, 2, 4, and 5 do not form a recognized super family of sequences. Thus, the L4N substitution probably arose independently several times. Moreover, not one member of genotypes 1, 2, 4, or 5 has L4 and not one member of genotypes 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 has N4. This nonoverlapping pattern suggests that coordinated changes at position 4 and a second site are required to yield a viable virus. The package generated a table of genotype-specific substitutions whose future analysis may help to identify interacting amino acids. Three substitutions were present in 100% of genotype 2 members and absent from all others: A68D, R74K, and R114H. Finally, this study revealed thatARFP, a novel protein encoded in an overlapping reading frame, is as conserved as conventional HCV proteins, a result supporting a role for ARFP in the viral life cycle. Whereas most conventional programs for phylogenetic analysis of sequences provide information about overall relatedness of genes or genomes, this program highlights and profiles point mutations. This is important because determinants of pathogenicity and drug susceptibility are likely to result from changes at only one or two key nucleotides or amino acid sites, and would not be detected by the type of pairwise comparisons that have usually been performed on HCV to date. This study is the first application of Mutation Master, which is now available upon request (http://tandem.biomath.mssm.edu/mutationmaster.html).
Distributions of invertebrate larvae and phytoplankton in a coastal upwelling system retention zone and peripheral front

Near-coastal retention of larvae affects the ecology of many marine species. In coastal upwelling ecosystems having strong offshore transport, larval ecology is greatly influenced by nearshore retention in bays and in the lee of headlands. Further, frontal dynamics along the periphery of retention zones can drive larval accumulation and transport. The purpose of this study is to examine larval distributions and associated processes across a retention zone and its peripheral front in the coastal upwelling environment of Monterey Bay, California, USA. During fall 2009 an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was used to observe environmental variability at high resolution and acquire targeted water samples. Invertebrate larvae in samples were subsequently identified and quantified using molecular methods. To infer ecological processes we examine larval distributions in relation to environmental processes revealed by the AUV data and the greater regional observing system. As a window into biological–physical interactions that may concentrate motile larvae in convergence zones, we examine more extensive in situ and remote sensing observations that describe distribution patterns of motile phytoplankton. During the 10-day study intensification of upwelling caused flow of cold water into the bay and formation of an upwelling front. Drifter and satellite observations showed retention of near-surface water within the bay inshore of the front, where a bloom of motile phytoplankton intensified. Larval distributions were related to processes inferred at a range of scales. At the scale of the retention zone, dense phytoplankton accumulations indicated concentration of motile plankton in a convergence zone created by flow toward the coast, as well as nutritional support for larvae. At the scale of the front, velocity and water property measurements indicated convergence between cold deep-shelf water transported shoreward along shoaling bathymetry and the overlying warm surface water, influencing plankton accumulation and vertical transport. At the finest scales resolved, aerial photography revealed banded accumulations of dense phytoplankton bloom patches and narrow foam lines, common indicators of small-scale convergence zones and consistent with internal wave processes. Exceptionally high larval concentrations were detected in samples from locations affected by frontal and internal wave dynamics. This study illustrates how autonomous feature recognition and targeted sampling with an AUV, applied within the greater context of multidisciplinary observation across regional to small scales, can advance plankton ecology research.
Context, Cult, and Early Formative Period Public Ritual in the Mixteca Alta

From the Early and Middle Formative periods, hollow ceramic-baby figurines in the Olmec style—representing a suite of shared symbols and iconography—appear at sites throughout Mesoamerica. Hollow babies are usually reported without provenience, which has prevented a context-based analysis. The recent discovery of a hollow-baby figurine in a bell-shaped pit in the Mixteca Alta of Oaxaca provides the opportunity to examine the role and purported distribution of these objects across Mesoamenca. Based on consideration of the Etlatongo hollow-baby image, a semiotic analysis of contemporaneous solid figurines from Oaxaca, and the volume and nature of its bell-shaped-pit context, hollow babies are interpreted as ritual paraphernalia used in display and public ceremonies that reflect the emerging social ranking of this period. Moving beyond a socioeconomic interpretation, the interregional relationships expressed through hollow-baby figurines are suggested to evince participation in a regional cult.
Design Synthesis and Performance Measurement of Pipelined Flash ADC for SoC Applications

This paper presents a design synthesis and performance measurement of a 4-bit pipelined flash analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The preliminary results show the ADC in 130 nanometer CMOS. CMOS technology has superior performance of sampling rate of 2.5 GHz for input signal bandwidth of 1 GHz. For the purpose of design reuse, a general architecture and synthesis flow of the ADC is proposed. One of such work is about solution of a long-standing open problem on the design synthesis of high-performance ADC
A Comparative Look at the Safety Profiles of Intravenous Iron Products Used in the Hemodialysis Population

OBJECTIVE:To review clinical trials conducted in hemodialysis patients of the 4 intravenous iron products available in the US in an attempt to discern strengths and inferiorities between products and evaluate current safety data that can be used to assist the clinician in selecting the most appropriate agent.DATA SOURCES:Literature was accessed through PubMed (January 2000-October 2010). In some cases, reference citations from selected review articles were evaluated as well.STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Clinical trials published in the English language were selected using the search terms iron dextran, iron sucrose, sodium ferric gluconate, and ferumoxytol. Studies were further pared down to include only those enrolling hemodialysis patients.DATA SYNTHESIS:There are currently 4 intravenous iron formulations in the US used to treat iron-deficiency anemia in hemodialysis patients. Ferumoxytol has not yet been directly compared to the other 3 agents. Eight studies have been conducted in hemodialysis pa...
Time Integrators for Molecular Dynamics

This paper invites the reader to learn more about time integrators for Molecular Dynamics simulation through a simple MATLAB implementation. An overview of methods is provided from an algorithmic viewpoint that emphasizes long-time stability and finite-time dynamic accuracy. The given software simulates Langevin dynamics using an explicit, second-order (weakly) accurate integrator that exactly reproduces the Boltzmann-Gibbs density. This latter feature comes from adding a Metropolis acceptance-rejection step to the integrator. The paper discusses in detail the properties of the integrator. Since these properties do not rely on a specific form of a heat or pressure bath model, the given algorithm can be used to simulate other bath models including, e.g., the widely used v-rescale thermostat.
PERCEPTUAL REACTANCE, DRUG PREFERENCE, AND ELECTRODERMAL ACTIVITY IN TREATMENT-SEEKING SUBSTANCE ABUSERS

Perceptual reactance (PR) was explored as a contributing variable to drug abuse. PR is defined as the general tendency of an individual's central nervous system to perceptually modulate incoming sensory stimuli. Using an adaptive model of drug use, it was hypothesized that drug preference in substance abusers would vary with PR. Specifically, perceptual reducers, who subjectively dampen afferent sensation, would prefer experience-expanding drugs (i.e., cocaine and amphetamines) to heighten perception. Conversely, perceptual augmenters would prefer sensory-restricting drugs (i.e., opioids and sedative-hypnotics) that attenuate or modulate environmental stimuli. Utilizing subjective (Reducing-Augmenting Scale) and objective (electrodermal responses) measures of PR, the relationship was tested in a sample of treatment-seeking substance abusers (n = 122). The sample was stratified on whether or not they were abstinent. Interestingly, a higher than anticipated rate of electrodermal nonresponsivity was found ac...
Validation of self-reported veteran status among two sheltered homeless populations.

Objectives. We assessed the accuracy of self-reported veteran status among sheltered homeless adults to assess the reliability of using self-report to determine the number of veterans in homeless populations and examine whether there are demographic correlates to inaccurate reporting of veteran status. Methods. Records on 5,860 sheltered adults from Columbus, Ohio, and 16,346 sheltered adults from New York City (NYC) were matched with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) records. We analyzed the agreement between veteran self-reporting and official records using descriptive measures, diagnostic tests, and logistic regression. Results. The degree of concordance was moderate. Using VA records rather than self-report data to determine veteran status increased homeless veteran prevalence rates by 27% in Columbus and 39% in NYC. Veterans with discordant veteran status (i.e., false positive or false negative) showed lower levels of services use in the VA (both cities) and in the municipal shelter system (NYC only). Younger veterans and women were at higher risk of not being identified as veterans.
Traveling to the Future: Human Factors and Ergonomics Integration, Simulation, Field Testing and Strategic Partners in Support of Heavy Vehicle Research

Abstract The proliferation of inexpensive sensors and devices capable of inter-device communication is hastening the implementation of smart technology for current and future generations of vehicles nationwide. The introduction of this technology promises to enhance safety, reduce accidents, increase fuel efficiency, and perhaps enhance traveler experience. The challenge associated with transitioning to and implementing various smart technologies is to ensure that driver, passenger, and pedestrian safety are not compromised. At Idaho National Laboratory (INL), human factors engineering (HFE) staff participates in the evaluation of technology for fleet operations, including review of fuel efficiency, enhancement and driver performance, and assists in the testing of prototype buses with advanced systems. One of the potential applications of smart technology lies in the development of an interoperable wireless communications network among vehicles. INL uses HFE expertise in conjunction with fleet operations and Mission Support Services expertise to guide the introduction and implementation of vehicle to vehicle and vehicle to infrastructure communications and to support interactions with stakeholders including Cooperative Research and Development Agreement partners. To our knowledge, our approach integrating HFE and fleet operations is unique within the Department of Energy complex. The Heavy Vehicle Simulator, located at the Center for Advanced Energy Studies, is used for design evaluation, and HFE supports the conduct of field tests involving bus drivers and supervisors. INL's HFE group and fleet operations are partners involved in a number of collaborative initiatives to segue the Department of Energy's largest motor coach fleet to the next generation of smart vehicles. This presentation reviews our approach, findings, and successes from two of the focus areas (predictive driver efficiency display prompting and vehicle prototype testing); discusses how HFE has been integrated in the planning and design review process for INL fleet operations; and highlights progress on connected vehicle research initiatives.
A Step towards EEG-based brain computer interface for autism intervention

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a prevalent and costly neurodevelopmental disorder. Individuals with ASD often have deficits in social communication skills as well as adaptive behavior skills related to daily activities. We have recently designed a novel virtual reality (VR) based driving simulator for driving skill training for individuals with ASD. In this paper, we explored the feasibility of detecting engagement level, emotional states, and mental workload during VR-based driving using EEG as a first step towards a potential EEG-based Brain Computer Interface (BCI) for assisting autism intervention. We used spectral features of EEG signals from a 14-channel EEG neuroheadset, together with therapist ratings of behavioral engagement, enjoyment, frustration, boredom, and difficulty to train a group of classification models. Seven classification methods were applied and compared including Bayes network, naive Bayes, Support Vector Machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron, K-nearest neighbors (KNN), random forest, and J48. The classification results were promising, with over 80% accuracy in classifying engagement and mental workload, and over 75% accuracy in classifying emotional states. Such results may lead to an adaptive closed-loop VR-based skill training system for use in autism intervention.
The role of child care in supporting the emotion regulatory needs of maltreated infants and toddlers

This work was supported by a generous grant from the Doris Duke Fellowship for the Promotion of Child Well-Being.
Non-ionizing real-time ultrasonography in implant and oral surgery: A feasibility study.

Purpose Ultrasound imaging has potential to complement radiographic imaging modalities in implant and oral surgery given that it is non-ionizing and provides instantaneous images of anatomical structures. For application in oral and dental imaging, its qualities are dependent on its ability to accurately capture these complex structures. Therefore, the aim of this feasibility study was to investigate ultrasound to image soft tissue, hard tissue surface topography and specific vital structures. Material and methods A clinical ultrasound scanner, paired with two 14-MHz transducers of different sizes (one for extraoral and the other for intraoral scans), was used to scan the following structures on a fresh cadaver: (i) the facial bone surface and soft tissue of maxillary anterior teeth, (ii) the greater palatine foramen; (iii) the mental foramen and (iv) the lingual nerve. Multiple measurements relevant to these structures were made on the ultrasound images and compared to those on cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans and/or direct measurements. Results Ultrasound imaging could delineate hard tissue surfaces, including enamel, root dentin and bone as well as soft tissue with high resolution (110 μm wavelength). The greater palatine foramen, mental foramen and lingual nerve were clearly shown in ultrasound images. Merging ultrasound and CBCT images demonstrated overall spatial accuracy of ultrasound images, which was corroborated by data gathered from direct measurements. Conclusion For the first time, this study provides proof-of-concept evidence that ultrasound can be a real-time and non-invasive alternative for the evaluation of oral and dental anatomical structures relevant for implant and oral surgery.
The Long Legacy of Proposals to Rewrite the U.S. Constitution

The Symposium on “Divided Government and the Politics of Constitutional Reform” in the December 1991 issue of PS highlighted the way that critiques of current governmental policies and perceived ailments in the body politic are so often followed in America by proposals for constitutional change. While it is possible, as a number of the symposium participants indicated, to question whether modern diagnoses of the problems are accurate or whether constitutional reforms are the answer, Petracca is certainly correct in telling fellow political scientists that “debate about constitutional and political reform is healthy for the polity because it is an opportunity to rediscover and reconsider America's first principles of government” (1991, 635).While Petracca (1991, 634) reminded readers that critiques of divided government go at least as far back as Bryce's discussion in The American Commonwealth and Thurber mentioned Woodrow Wilson's reform efforts (1991, 653), it is rare to see a modern reformer who is fully aware of the legacy of reform proposals that now go back over 125 years. Even those who know the most about such history have been unaware of many plans. (See bibliography in Robinson 1985, 328-32; compare to Vile 1991b, 188-92.) This lack of knowledge is unfortunate because such information helps to put modern proposals like those of the Committee on the Constitutional System in perspective.
Risk stratification of patients presenting with syncope.

A previous Point-of-Care Guide addressed risk stratification in patients with syncope and described two validated clinical decision rules. Shared variables between the two rules included abnormal findings on electrocardiography (ECG) and a history of congestive heart failure; other variables included decreased systolic blood pressure, shortness of breath, anemia, age older than 45 years, and history of arrhythmia.
Use of a single intrauterine insemination of defrosted cryopreserved sperm for therapeutic donor insemination.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of a protocol employing defrosted cryopreserved sperm as a single well-timed intrauterine insemination. DESIGN: A retrospective observational study. SETTING: A university fertility service and a private fertility practice located in small metropolitan areas. PARTICIPANTS: All 138 donor sperm recipients (348 cycles) treated on this protocol by the author during a 27 month period were evaluated. All 86 patients (200 cycles) treated using intracervical inseminations bracketing the time of ovulation during the same time period were also evaluated. RESULTS: A single well-timed intrauterine insemination had an associated pregnancy rate of 13.8% per cycle. In contrast, intracervical inseminations bracketing the time of ovulation had an associated pregnancy rate of 5% per cycle (P < .005). CONCLUSIONS: A single well-timed intrauterine insemination of defrosted cryopreserved sperm is more efficacious and less expensive than intracervical inseminations bracketing the time of ovulation.
Perioperative nursing care for congenital cardiac defects.

The scope of perioperative nursing is the interim care between that which was initiated by the primary nurse in the preoperative setting and that of the ICU nurse who will receive the postoperative patient. Following the nursing process, the perioperative nurse plans the intraoperative care of the patient with congenital heart disease based on a preoperative assessment. This plan is implemented from admission into the operating room, through induction, cardiopulmonary bypass, intracardiac repair, and postbypass management, to transport to the ICU.
Purification and Cloning of Interferon Alpha

Interferon alpha (IFN-α) was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on June 5, 1986 and paved the way for development of many other cytokines and growth factors. Nevertheless, we have barely touched the surface of understanding the multitude of human IFNs. This paper reviews the history of the purification of human leukocyte IFN, the cloning of the IFN-αs, and the current state of knowledge of human interferon alpha genes and proteins.
CHAPTER 14 – On Systems of Nonlinear Partial Differential Equations

Publisher Summary The decomposition method has been demonstrated to solve a wide class of equations. These have included differential equations, systems of differential equations, and partial differential equations. This chapter discusses the system of nonlinear partial differential equations and explores the solution by the decomposition technique. The methodology discussed in the chapter has potential application to systems of nonlinear partial differential equations and in the case of stochastic parameters as well.
Neuronale Mechanismen der Emotion

Gegenstand von Kapitel 18 sind die neuronalen Systeme, denen eine Schlusselrolle fur das Erleben und den Ausdruck von Emotionen zugeschrieben wird. Dabei liegt das Hauptaugenmerk auf Furcht, Angst, Wut und Aggression. Um sich die Bedeutung von Emotionen bewusst zu machen, sollte man sich einmal das Leben ohne sie vorstellen. Ohne die alltaglichen Hochs und Tiefs, die jeder kennt, ware das Leben eine leere, eintonige Existenz ohne jede Bedeutung. Der Ausdruck von Gefuhlen macht zweifellos einen grosen Teil des Menschseins aus. Auserirdische in Science-Fiction-Filmen haben zwar oft menschliche Zuge, sie wirken aber trotzdem unmenschlich, weil sie keine Gefuhle zeigen.