cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Evidence for a role of LPGAT1 in influencing BMI and percent body fat in Native Americans.

Objective: A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was recently completed in 1120 Pima Indians to identify loci that influence BMI. Among the top 100 signals were three variants that mapped within the lysophosphatidylglycerol acyltransferase 1 (LPGAT1) gene. LPGAT1 belongs to a large family of acyltransferases, which are involved in a variety of biological processes including pathways that regulate energy homeostasis and body weight. Therefore LPGAT1 was analyzed as a candidate gene for obesity in Pima Indians. Design and Methods: Variants (n = 26) located within and adjacent to LPGAT1 including a novel 27bp deletion in the 5′-untranslated region identified by sequencing were genotyped in a population-based sample of 3,391 full-heritage Pima Indians living in the Gila River Indian Community. Replication of selected variants was assessed in a second sample of 3,327 mixed-heritage Native Americans from the same community. Results: Variants with nominal associations with BMI in each of the two independent samples (tagged by rs112662024 and rs12058008) had associations of P = 1-4 × 10−5 in the combined sample (n = 6718). A haplotype that includes the novel 27bp deletion, which does not occur in Caucasians, showed the strongest association with BMI in the full-heritage Pima Indians. In vitro functional studies provided suggestive evidence that this 27bp deletion may affect transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulation. Analysis of LPGAT1 cDNA from human preadipocytes identified an additional exon whose sequence could potentially serve as a mitochondrial targeting peptide. Conclusions: LPGAT1 is a novel gene that influences BMI in Native Americans.
New Institutionalist Explanations for Institutional Change: A Note of Caution

This article demonstrates the explanatory poverty of new institutionalist hypotheses on institutional change. The new institutionalism fails to provide an adequate explanation of institutional change because, by relying on variables such as critical junctures, path dependency, leadership or the role of ideas, it leaves institutions behind and employs a grab-bag of explanations that proponents of almost any theoretical perspective could use. The conditions under which these variables matter are unspecified and the causal relevance of institutions themselves is unclear. New institutionalists should specify more rigorously the factors that change institutions and explicate the links between these factors and institutional change. Doing so, however, could mean abandoning their emphasis on the primacy of institutions in developing explanations for political phenomena.
Heterologous Immunity Triggered by a Single, Latent Virus in Mus musculus: Combined Costimulation- and Adhesion- Blockade Decrease Rejection

The mechanisms underlying latent-virus-mediated heterologous immunity, and subsequent transplant rejection, especially in the setting of T cell costimulation blockade, remain undetermined. To address this, we have utilized MHV68 to develop a rodent model of latent virus-induced heterologous alloimmunity. MHV68 infection was correlated with multimodal immune deviation, which included increased secretion of CXCL9 and CXCL10, and with the expansion of a CD8 dim T cell population. CD8 dim T cells exhibited decreased expression of multiple costimulation molecules and increased expression of two adhesion molecules, LFA-1 and VLA-4. In the setting of MHV68 latency, recipients demonstrated accelerated costimulation blockade-resistant rejection of skin allografts compared to non-infected animals (MST 13.5 d in infected animals vs 22 d in non-infected animals, p,.0001). In contrast, the duration of graft acceptance was equivalent between non-infected and infected animals when treated with combined anti-LFA-1/anti-VLA-4 adhesion blockade (MST 24 d for non-infected and 27 d for infected, p=n.s.). The combination of CTLA-4-Ig/anti-CD154-based costimulation blockade+anti-LFA-1/anti-VLA-4-based adhesion blockade led to prolonged graft acceptance in both non-infected and infected cohorts (MST.100 d for both, p,.0001 versus costimulation blockade for either). While in the non-infected cohort, either CTLA-4-Ig or anti-CD154 alone could effectively pair with adhesion blockade to prolong allograft acceptance, in infected animals, the prolonged acceptance of skin grafts could only be recapitulated when anti-LFA-1 and anti-VLA-4 antibodies were combined with antiCD154 (without CTLA-4-Ig, MST.100 d). Graft acceptance was significantly impaired when CTLA-4-Ig alone (no anti-CD154) was combined with adhesion blockade (MST 41 d). These results suggest that in the setting of MHV68 infection, synergy occurs predominantly between adhesion pathways and CD154-based costimulation, and that combined targeting of both pathways may be required to overcome the increased risk of rejection that occurs in the setting of latent-virus-mediated immune deviation.
Simulative performance analysis of distributed switching fabrics for SCI-based systems

Abstract This paper presents the results of a simulative performance study on 1D and 2D k -ary n -cube topologies as distributed switching fabrics for the Scalable Coherent Interface (SCI). Case studies are conducted on multiprocessor SCI networks composed of simple rings, counter-rotating rings, unidirectional and bidirectional tori, and tori with rings of uniform size. Based on a novel set of verified high-fidelity models, the results identify fundamental performance characteristics associated with each of these SCI fabrics, and tradeoffs between them, in terms of throughput and latency. Limits on scalable performance from SCI with increase in complexity and dimensionality are clarified, supporting decisions for advanced multiprocessor design.
Akt serine threonine kinase regulates platelet-derived growth factor-induced DNA synthesis in glomerular mesangial cells: Regulation of c-fos and p27kip1 gene expression

Proliferation of mesangial cells requires platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR)-mediated signal transduction. We have previously shown that activation of phosphatidylinositol (PI) 3-kinase is necessary for PDGFR-induced DNA synthesis in these cells. The mechanism by which PI 3-kinase stimulates DNA synthesis is not known. One target of PI 3-kinase, Akt serine threonine kinase, regulates survival of many cells by inhibiting the actions of certain proapoptotic proteins. In this study, we investigated the role of Akt in PDGF-induced DNA synthesis in mesangial cells. PDGF increased Akt serine threonine kinase activity in a time- and PI 3-kinase-dependent manner. Expression of dominant negative Akt by adenovirus-mediated gene transfer blocked PDGF-induced activation of endogenous Akt in mesangial cells, resulting in complete inhibition of DNA synthesis. On the other hand, inhibition of MAPK attenuated PDGF-induced DNA synthesis only partially. Inhibition of Akt also attenuated PDGF-inducedc-fos gene transcription, with concomitant inhibition of Elk-1-dependent transcription, indicating positive regulation of this early response gene by Akt. To further determine the role of Akt in PDGF-induced DNA synthesis, we investigated its effect on cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2). PDGF stimulated CDK2 activity in mesangial cells and decreased the level of p27kip1cyclin kinase inhibitor protein. Expression of dominant negative Akt increased p27kip1 protein and resulted in inhibition of CDK2 activity. The increase in p27kip1 expression in response to Akt kinase inhibition was due to increased transcription of the p27kip1 gene. p27kip1 transcription similarly was decreased by expression of constitutively active Akt kinase in mesangial cells. These data provide the first evidence that Akt kinase regulates PDGF-induced DNA synthesis by regulating CDK2 activity and define Akt-mediated inhibition of transcription of p27kip1 as one of the mechanisms for PDGF-induced DNA synthesis in mesangial cells.
Ultrafast time-resolved crystallography.

Synchrotron radiation sources have allowed time-resolved crystallographic experiments with nanosecond time resolution to be conducted on myoglobin and photoactive yellow protein.
Size classes and major taxonomic groups of phytoplankton at two locations in the subarctic pacific ocean in May and August, 1984

In order to assess the relative importance of the pico- and nanoplankton fractions, the composition of entire phytoplankton communities at Weathership Station P (50°N; 145°W) and at 53°N; 145°W were studied in May and August, 1984, using epifluorescence, scanning electron, and inverted light microscopy. The biomass of major taxa within five size classes was estimated from cell volume and cell concentration. For both months, approximately twothirds of the total phytoplankton carbon were contributed by cells 5 μm. Very little difference between taxa was observed with respect to vertical stratification. Small taxonomic changes were observed in the community between May and August, and within each month.
Biochemical aspects of metamorphosis: changes in RNA associated with the transition from ammonotelism to ureotelism.

The relationship of RNA metabolism to the induction ot the enzyme carbamyl phosphate synthetase (the initial enzymatic step in biosynthesis of urea) in the liver of premetamorphic tadpoles exposed to thyroxine is reviewed. Treatment with thyroxine stimulates the synthesis of ribosomal, soluble, and “messenger” RNA fractions; the latter fraction shows the most rapid rate of synthesis in response to thyroxine. Properties of the “messenger” RNA fraction are reviewed. In keeping with the stimulation and formation of a “messenger” RNA fraction by thyroxine is the finding that thyroxine increases the efficiency of chromatin template for the synthesis of RNA. Although the present data stress the action of thyroxine on the efficiency of transcription, reference is made to the stimulatory effect of thyroxine at the level of translation in liver preparations from tadpoles. Thus, thyroxine has an effect at the levels of both transcription and translation.
Temperature-sensitive mutants of avian sarcoma viruses: genetic recombination between multiple or coordinate mutants and avian leukosis viruses.

Five coordinate temperature-sensitive mutants of avian sarcoma viruses which fail to transform or produce infectious progeny at 41° have been analyzed by genetic recombination. Four, namely LA334, 336, 338, and 343, carry multiple mutations. One of these mutations is always in the src gene affecting initiation and maintenance of transformation. The other mutations have not been mapped, but our data suggest that in LA338 there is no linkage of the second mutation with env, whereas in LA343 there is some linkage to env. LA336 has a second mutation affecting an early transient function in accordance with physiological data which have shown a thermolabile polymerase in this virus. The data on LA334 are in accord with previous studies which have indicated lesions in src and gag. For LA337 our data confirm the existence of single coordinate lesion segregating from env.
Worried together: a qualitative study of shared anxiety in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and their family caregivers

Anxiety is prevalent, distressing, and understudied among patients with advanced lung cancer and their family caregivers. Preliminary evidence suggests that anxiety is not only present in both patients and caregivers but shared by the dyad. Few studies have examined the nature of shared anxiety and its impact on patient-caregiver dyads. This study was developed to identify shared causes and manifestations of anxiety experienced by patients with stage IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and their primary caregivers. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with ten matched patient-caregiver dyads and one unmatched patient (N = 21) recruited from two comprehensive cancer care centers. Using grounded theory, eight themes emerged characterizing shared causes and manifestations of anxiety: (1) uncertainty, (2) loss and impending loss, (3) changing roles, (4) conflict outside the dyad, (5) finances, (6) physical symptoms, (7) fears of decline and dying, and (8) life after the patient’s passing. All themes were shared by patients and caregivers. Implications for future research include the development and evaluation of interventions to reduce anxiety in cancer patient-caregiver dyads.
Diffusion of water vapor in polymers

Studies have been made by a sorption-desorption procedure on the diffusion of water vapor at relative humidities of from 30 to 85% into the polymers, polyvinyl acetate cellulose acetate (37.9% acetyl), cellulose nitrate (12.0% N), 6–10 nylon, and polyvinyl alcohol. Diffusion of water in polyvinyl acetate obeys Fick's law at temperatures of from 30 to 50°C. and also at 22°C., which is below the second-order transition. The energy of activation for diffusion of water into polyvinyl acetate is 15 kcal. per mole and at 40°C. the diffusion coefficient is 7 × 10−6 cm.2/min. In contrast to the results with organic vapors, the diffusion coefficient for water is found to be independent of concentration of water in the polyvinyl acetate. Similar behavior is found for diffusion of water at 40° into cellulose acetate, cellulose nitrate, and 6–10 nylon. The chief difference is that for these three polymers the diffusion departs mildly from Fick's law at the later stages of some of the sorption and desorption experiments. This generally uncomplicated diffusion of water in these three polymers contrasts with the markedly anomalous diffusion found for organic vapors such as methanol and acetone into cellulose acetate and nitrate. With polyvinyl alcohol the diffusion of water is distinctly anomalous and closely resembles the non-Fickian diffusion of organic vapors in cellulose acetate and nitrate. One consequence is that the rate of sorption and desorption of water in polyvinyl alcohol is considerably slower than in the other polymers and is also concentration dependent.
Meaning making and psychological adjustment following cancer: The mediating roles of growth, life meaning, and restored just-world beliefs.

Cancer survivors' efforts at meaning making may influence the extent to which they successfully make meaning from their experience (i.e., experience posttraumatic growth, find life meaningful, and restore beliefs in a just world), which may, in turn, influence their psychological adjustment. Previous research regarding both meaning making processes and meanings made as determinants of adjustment has shown inconsistent effects, partly because of the lack of clearly articulated theoretical frameworks and problematic research strategies. In a 1-year longitudinal study, the authors distinguished the meaning making process from the outcomes of that process (meanings made), employing specific measures of both. The authors tested pathways through which meaning making efforts led to 3 different meanings made (growth, life meaning, and restored just-world belief) in a sample of 172 young to middle-age adult cancer survivors, and they explored whether those meanings made mediated the effect of meaning making efforts on psychological adjustment. Cross-sectional and longitudinal path models of the meaning making process indicate that meaning making efforts are related to better adjustment through the successful creation of adaptive meanings made from the cancer experience. The authors conclude with clinical implications and suggestions for future research.
Positive argument for debate in J Neural Transmission: Alzheimer's disease: are we intervening too late? Yes, by years if not decades.

The ongoing debate as to whether we are or are not early enough in treatment for Alzheimer’s disease presents distinct vantage points. Points expressed range from stressing the need for early preventive measures to highlighting the failure of “alternative” therapies, and concluding that we are unfortunately doing all that we can at present. Herein, we stress the worth of nutritional intervention, and review why such studies are often inherently compromised. We conclude that considerable education is needed to advance lifestyle modifications early enough to obtain their optimal effect, and instead of positioning “classical” interventions against “alternative” interventions, the combinations of both may impart maximal benefit. The introduction of novel detection methods at the earliest indications of cognitive impairment may provide a window of opportunity for initiation of preventative approaches.
Dynamic rheology of a dilute suspension of elastic capsules: effect of capsule tank-treading, swinging and tumbling

Three-dimensional numerical simulations are used to study the effect of unsteady swinging and tumbling motion on the rheology of a dilute suspension of oblate-shaped elastic capsules. Unlike a suspension of initially spherical capsules undergoing the steady tank-treading motion for which the rheology is constant in time, the suspension of non-spherical capsules is time-dependent due to the unsteady capsule motion. In a simple shear flow, the non-spherical capsules undergo a transition from the tank-treading/swinging to the tumbling motion with a reduction in the shear rate or an increase in the ratio of the internal to external fluid viscosities. We find that the time-averaged rheology obtained for the non-spherical capsules undergoing the unsteady motion is qualitatively similar to that obtained for the spherical capsules undergoing the steady tank-treading motion, and that the tank-treading-to-tumbling transition has only a marginal effect. The time-averaged rheology exhibits a shear viscosity minimum when the capsules are in a swinging motion at high shear rates but not at low shear rates. This is a remarkable departure from the behaviour of a vesicle suspension which exhibits a shear viscosity minimum at the point of transition. We find that the shear viscosity in a capsule suspension can decrease as well as increase with increasing viscosity ratio during both tank-treading and tumbling motions, while that of a vesicle suspension always decreases in tank-treading motion and increases in tumbling motion. We then seek to connect the time-dependent rheology with the time-dependent membrane tension, capsule orientation, deformation and tank-treading velocity. At low shear rates, the numerical results exhibit a similar trend to that predicted by analytical theory for rigid ellipsoids undergoing tumbling motion. The trend differs during swinging motion due to the periodic deformation and time-dependent variation of the membrane stress. The elastic component of the shear stress is minimum when the capsules are maximally compressed, and is maximum when the capsules are maximally elongated. In contrast, the viscous component is related to the periodic variation of the tank-treading velocity synchronized with the swinging motion, and the rate of capsule elongation or compression. The swinging or tumbling velocity makes no contribution to the time-dependent rheology.
Management of Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease is one of the most common and debilitating movement disorders. It affects a large number of the aging population and as the life expectancy of the average person increases, it will affect ever increasing numbers of people. Diagnostic accuracy remains problematic and treatment for some is unsatisfactory. New understanding of the mechanism behind neurodegeneration in this disease and the pathophysiology of the basal ganglia has helped in designing therapeutic paradigms. Patients diagnosed today have a far better quality of life than those diagnosed even 10 years ago, while patients diagnosed 10 years from now will fair even better. Research is advancing rapidly and will help to cure this disease in the next century.
Lateral Move Chemigation of Lorsban-4E on Field Corn

A 150 m (500 ft) lateral move machine was equipped to apply Lorsban-4E (chlorpyrifos) at a rate of 2.2 L/ha (0.24 gal/acre) while transversing a corn field at a speed of 2 m/min (6.6 ft/min). Four formulations, utilizing additions of either water, soybean oil, light grade petroleum oil or a nonionic surfactant, were evaluated. Leaf and soil samples obtained throughout the field were analyzed in a GLC for Lorsban concentration. Of the four formulations, soybean oil was the most effective in securing Lorsban-4E to the foliage and minimizing the amount washed down to the soil surface. Supreme oil and the nonionic surfactant were the next most effective in sticking Lorsban to the foliage, whereas water was least effective. Foliage samples taken from transects across the field indicated that application was fairly uniform over the first three quarters of the lateral's length but decreased 20-40% in the last quarter. Time samples indicated a rapid decline in Lorsban concentration over the first 24 h following application and a gradual decline thereafter to near zero concentration after the seventh day.
A microscopic investigation of the lymphoid organs of the beluga, Delphinapterus leucas.

Lymphoid organs from belugas, Delphinapterus leucas, ranging in age from less than one to 16 years, were harvested during a sanctioned hunt to investigate morphology. The spleen is divisible into red and white pulp and a stroma consisting of a reticular network, a collagenous capsule, and trabeculae containing smooth muscle bundles. White pulp areas appear to be devoid of follicles and consist mainly of periarteriolar lymphatic sheaths (PALS), that are larger in younger than in older belugas. Definitive marginal zones between red and white pulp are difficult to discern in older belugas. Lymph nodes are similar to those of other mammals; they possess a follicular cortex surrounding a vascular medulla composed of lymphatic cords and sinuses. Smooth muscle is abundant in the medullary region, usually in close proximity to sinuses. The expansive nodular mass at the root of the mesentery, often referred to as the “pseudopancreas,” is similar to lymph nodes in microscopic architecture. Pharyngeal tonsils and gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) are found along the digestive tract and display an “active” morphology. Tonsils are comprised of lobules of follicles separated by vascular connective tissue. Epithelial-lined crypts communicate with the pharyngeal lumen. GALT consists of diffuse and follicular lymphocytes within the intestinal mucosa and submucosa. The thymus is well developed in the younger belugas, with lobules divisible into densely packed cortical zones of thymocytes and more loosely arranged medullary lymphocytes. Hassall's corpuscles are occasionally visible within the medulla. Cetaceans diverged evolutionarily from other mammals over 55 million years ago. This study investigates changes in lymphoid organ morphology in a species that now inhabits a unique ecological niche. This study also lays the groundwork for functional investigation of the beluga immune system, particularly as it relates to differences between healthy and stranded animals. © 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Bilateral synchronous pleomorphic adenoma diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration.

Pleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign neoplasm of the parotid gland. However, bilateral synchronous pleomorphic adenomas occur infrequently. We report a case of bilateral synchronous pleomorphic adenoma involving the parotid gland in a 50-yr-old man diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2004;30:356–358. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
The Missing Bodies of Mathematical Thinking and Learning Have Been Found

For a long time, the body has had a bad rap among some big names in the Western philosophical tradition. Plato and Descartes come quickly to mind as particularly bad rappers (cue Monty Python-esque...
Novel soft-switching DC-DC converter with full ZVS-range and reduced filter requirement. II. Constant-input, variable-output applications

For pt.I see ibid., vol.16, no.2, p.184-92 (2001). The performance of the hybrid converter featuring zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) down to no-load and significant reduction in the filter requirement, proposed in Part I of this paper, is analyzed here for constant-input, variable-output applications. For these applications, the main drawback of the hybrid converter, namely the increased transformer rating is eliminated. The advantages of the hybrid configuration like the reduction in filter rating and full-load ZVS with negligible penalty on conduction loss, are retained. An extension of the basic hybrid converter-a combination of two full-bridges using six switches is proposed. This configuration is well suited for applications above a few kilowatts, and results in significant reduction in the ripple current rating of the input filter capacitor. Experimental results obtained from a 1 kW/100 kHz prototype are presented.
The adrenal cortex in hypertension: cause and effect.

Abstract Cushing's syndrome, primary hyperaldo-steronism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and Addison's disease are adrenal dysfunctional diseases usually associated with abnormal blood pressure levels. Adrenal regeneration hypertension and desoxycorticosterone hypertension represent experimentally induced adrenal dysfunction states in which hypertension occurs. Renal-adrenal relationships may result in the production of hypertension and secondary hyperaldosteronism in some patients. Adrenalectomy and subdiaphragmatic sympathectomy performed in 171 severely hypertensive patients have resulted in an excellent or good blood pressure response in 82 per cent of 105 survivors observed from 3 to 11 years after treatment.
Second-Mover Advantages with Asymmetric Costs and Information Updates: A Product Life Cycle Perspective

Two firms with asymmetric costs engage in a Stackelberg game under multiple levels of uncertainty with information updating. A product life cycle perspective is employed to reveal when and why a second-mover may have an advantage. At early stages in the product life cycle, when uncertainty is the dominating factor, the impact of uncertainty may be either positive or negative. As a result, the Stackelberg leader faces the possibility of either overshooting or losing its market leadership position to the second-mover. In later market stages, when cost is more important, a process-innovating second-mover may accrue higher profits. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Broadband and scalable mobile satellite communication system for future access networks

Abstract Due to the recent market trends, NTT has begun research into next generation satellite communication systems, such as broadband and scalable mobile communication systems. One service application objective is to provide broadband Internet access for transportation systems, temporal broadband access networks and telemetries to remote areas. While these are niche markets the total amount of capacity should be significant. We set a 1-Gb/s total transmission capacity as our goal. Our key concern is the system cost, which means that the system should be unified system with diversified services and not tailored for each application. As satellites account for a large portion of the total system cost, we set the target satellite size as a small, one-ton class dry mass with a 2-kW class payload power. In addition to the payload power and weight, the mobile satellite's frequency band is extremely limited. Therefore, we need to develop innovative technologies that will reduce the weight and maximize spectrum and power efficiency. Another challenge is the need for the system to handle up to 50 dB and a wide data rate range of other applications. This paper describes the key communication system technologies; the frequency reuse strategy, multiplexing scheme, resource allocation scheme, and QoS management algorithm to ensure excellent spectrum efficiency and support a variety of services and quality requirements in the mobile environment.
Getting Emotional About Explanations: Social Explanations and Social Explanatory Styles as Bases of Prosocial Emotions and Intergroup Attitudes

We are interested in the bases of social emotions such as compassion and hostility. Our analysis centers on social explanations, or people’s answers to the question: Why does the target behave that way or experience those outcomes? Below, we review classic approaches to social explanation and then review work linking explanations to emotions. Finally, we focus on work from our lab that connects explanations to prosocial emotions and intergroup attitudes, including compassion for the disadvantaged and reduced vengefulness toward the violent. A crucial contribution of our work is to illuminate complex connections between explanations and emotions: A given explanation has different socio-emotional implications depending on the explainer’s motives. Finally, we review our work suggesting that individuals have social explanatory styles, and that particular styles are predictive of dispositional compassion. A key implication of our work is that social explanations are another basis of prosociality, in addition to factors such as empathy and moral principles.
Nasorespiratory function and craniofacial morphology—a review of the surgical management of the upper airway

Abstract Associations that are said to exist between the predominant respiratory mode and craniofacial morphology were explored during the past century and they are, once again, being hotly debated in numerous articles that can be found in a variety of scientific and other publications. Experimental evidence suggests that altered muscular function can influence craniofacial morphology. There have been many attempts to establish a cause-effect relationship between chronic nasal allergy, breathing pattern, and the growth and development of the craniofacial complex. The purpose of this article is to review some of the literature related to the possible cause-effect relationships between respiratory mode, craniofacial morphology, and malocclusion. In addition, this article will review several of the most common surgical procedures that are used in the management of pharyngeal airway problems.
Unidirectional conduction block at cavotricuspid isthmus created by radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients with typical atrial flutter.

Unidirectional Block at Cavotricuspid Isthmus.Introduction: Although unidirectional conduction block at the cavotricuspid isthmus can be created by radiofrequency ablation for atrial flutter, its underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. Methods and Results: Twenty-seven patients (22 men and 5 women; mean age 59 ± 11 years) who met the following criteria were studied: (1) bidirectional isthmus conduction demonstrable at baseline; (2) at least one linear lesion attempted on the cavotricuspid isthmus with radiofrequency catheter ablation; and (3) conduction times at anterolateral and posteromedial portions of the isthmus measured for both clockwise and counterclockwise directions before the ablation procedure. Unidirectional conduction block was observed before achieving bidirectional block in 9 patients (group I); the remaining 18 patients did not exhibit unidirectional conduction block (group II). All unidirectional conduction blocks were demonstrated in the counterclockwise direction. Anterolateral isthmus conduction time in group I was significantly longer than that in group II in both directions. However, there were no significant differences in posteromedial isthmus conduction time between groups I and II in either direction. Anterolateral isthmus conduction time was significantly longer than posteromedial conduction time in group I but not in group II. Conclusion: There were significant differences in conduction properties at the cavotricuspid isthmus between patients who developed unidirectional conduction block and those who did not. Our results support the notion that anisotropy contributes to the genesis of unidirectional conduction block at the cavotricuspid isthmus during the radiofrequency ablation procedure.
DEVELOPING THE CAPACITY TO CONNECT

. The American dream of the “self-made man” is as central to the functioning of our capitalist society as Wall Street and as familiar as the Statue of Liberty. According to this dream, the tired masses have a shot at making it on their own if they have the will power, stamina, and intestinal fortitude to survive and compete. What do we do now that we are faced with scientific evidence that this very strategy is driving society into disconnection, despair, and even poor health? Relational-cultural theory states that growth happens through and toward relationships not toward increased separation and autonomy. Relational-cultural theory describes empathy and mutuality as key components to healthy relationships. This essay will focus on the latest research in the neuroscience of relationships—the development of the capacity to connect within relationships, the systems that help us read and empathize with others, the adaptability and plasticity of the central nervous system, and the destructive nature of isolation.
A Nodosaurid Ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Lower Cretaceous of Texas

ABSTRACT A partial nodosaurid ankylosaur skeleton from Lower Cretaceous littoral deposits of Texas represents a new genus and species, Texasetes pleurohalio. It is distinguished by a prong-like scapular spine that is directed toward the innermost point of the glenoid, development of a small prespinous fossa, and retention of a splint-like fourth trochanter on the femur. Preservation in marginal marine deposits is not indicative of normal habitat preferences. T. pleurohalio is more advanced than Hoplitosaurus marshi, and the latter may be the most primitive nodosaurid for which a considerable part of the specimen is known. The proposed synonymy of Hoplitosaurus and Polacanthus is rejected.
Finding VIPs - A visual image persons search using a content property reasoner and web ontology

We present a semantic based search tool, VIPs, i.e. Visual Image Persons Search, on the domain of VIPs, i.e. very important people. Our tool explores the possibilities of content based image search supported by ontological reasoning. Our framework integrates information from both image processing algorithms and semantic knowledge bases to perform interesting queries that would otherwise be impossible. We describe a novel property reasoner that is able to translate low level image features into semantically relevant object properties. Finally, we demonstrate interesting searches supported by our framework on the domain of people, the majority of whom are movie celebrities, using the properties translated by our system as well as existing ontologies available on the web.
Dilemmas of autonomy and liberal pluralism: examples involving Hungarians in Central Europe*

Liberal pluralists have argued that minority cultural communities are necessary for the liberty of minorities. On the premise that individual rights are insufficient to protect these cultural communities, they argue that ethnic and national groups should be allocated some type of collective autonomy. In this article, we critically examine this claim through a discussion of policies regarding Hungarian minorities. We show that liberal pluralist approaches (1) privilege ethnic and national identities over other types of communal identities, (2) require that ethnic and national communities be clearly bounded, but do not address how lines should be drawn, and (3) increase the power of cultural communities over their members. Policies based on liberal pluralist ideas therefore violate principles of equality and are likely to harm the autonomy of individuals. Rather than looking to liberal pluralist theories as a panacea for minority concerns, we demonstrate why we should be sceptical about this effort to move beyond minority protections based on individual rights. © ASEN 2005.
Leptin acts at the bovine adenohypophysis to enhance basal and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-mediated release of luteinizing hormone: differential effects are dependent upon nutritional history.

Recombinant ovine leptin (oleptin) stimulates an acute increase in the secretion of LH in fasted, but not in normal-fed, cows through an augmentation of the magnitude of individual pulses of LH. Herein, we tested the hypothesis that this effect could be accounted for by functional changes at the adenohypophyseal (AP) level. Eleven ovariectomized, estradiol-implanted cows were assigned to one of two dietary groups: normal-fed (n = 6) and fasted (fasted for 72 h; n = 5). After the animals were killed, the adenohypophyses were collected and AP explants were perifused with Krebs-Ringer bicarbonate buffer (KRB) for a total of 6.5 h, including a 2-h treatment at 2.5 h with KRB or increasing doses of oleptin and a challenge at 4.5 h with 50 ng of GnRH. To test for effects of leptin at the hypothalamic level, explants encompassing the medial basal hypothalamus-infundibular complex (HYP) were incubated in KRB alone (control) or in KRB containing 1000 ng of oleptin. Basal release of LH from AP explants treated with leptin was greater (P 0.1) the secretion of GnRH from HYP explants. These observations support the hypothesis that leptin modulates the secretion of LH in mature cows, to a large extent, by its direct actions at the AP. Differential manifestations of these effects are dependent upon nutritional history.
The social networks of high and low self-monitors: Implications for workplace performance

This article examines how different personality types create and benefit from social networks in organizations. Using data from a 116-member high-technology firm, we tested how self-monitoring orie...
On the redundancy of universal trellis lossy source coding

In this paper, we construct an adaptive entropy coded trellis lossy source coding coding scheme for memoryless sources. The scheme utilizes a fully connected trellis with a set of fixed-rate state codebooks and adaptive probability mass function for the codewords. Since the usage frequency of each codeword is known at the decoder, no overhead is necessary for adapting the probabilities mass functions of the codebooks. Thus, using recent redundancy result in trellis coding [G.-C. Zhou et al., 2002] and universal random block codes designed in [E.-H. Yang et al., 2001], we show that the proposed coding scheme is universal and its redundancy is also of the form O(1/n), which is the same order as that of trellis source coding with known statistics.
Narratives of Space, Time, and Life

The mind constructs narratives from what would otherwise be chaos. Narratives viewed minimally—at least two temporally ordered events—are revealed in the way people talk about space and time. Narratives replete with a voice, causality, and emotion are reflected in the stories people tell about their own lives, stories that, as acknowledged by their tellers, distort the details around 60% of the time, but, according to their tellers, distort the 'truth' far less often. Life is happening all at once, all the time; everywhere, noise, light, smells from all directions, stimuli from without and from within. Where am I, what is around me, where have I been, where am I going? What am I doing, what is happening around me? Our experience of coherence belies that chaos. Out of the stream of sensation, the mind carves objects in space and actions in time, and configures objects into scenes and actions into events. If narrative is taken in its minimalist sense as a representation of at least two events with a temporal ordering between them (Wilson, 2003), then maintaining awareness of space and time entails creating a minimalist narrative from the continuous ubiquitous multimodal barrage of sensa- tion. Some regard the minimalist view of narrative as too inclusive, encompassing what might better be called description or explanation. They require narrative structure to have causal relations or narrative voice or demand narrative content to include character or emotion (e. g. Bruner, 1986; Oatley, M.S.). Here, drawing primarily on our own research, I first characterize the kinds of minimalist narratives that people create for space and time, and then turn to fuller narratives, the stories people tell others from their lives.
Efficient techniques for monitoring missing RFID tags

As RFID tags become more widespread, new approaches for managing larger numbers of RFID tags will be needed. In this paper, we consider the problem of how to accurately and efficiently monitor a set of RFID tags for missing tags. Our approach accurately monitors a set of tags without collecting IDs from them. It differs from traditional research which focuses on faster ways for collecting IDs from every tag. We present two monitoring protocols, one designed for a trusted reader and the other for an untrusted reader.
Potential of inducing serendipitous news discovery in social gaming environment

This poster presents the preliminary findings from the study, which aimed to explore the potential of inducing serendipitous news discovery in social gaming environment. Erdelez' (2004) model of Information Encountering was used as a theoretical foundation to create a social game site, which was intended to provide a relaxed natural foreground activity for players without their awareness about serendipitous opportunity. A total of 269 players signed up to the site. Only half of those who signed up actually played and about 4% of those did what the game required to an extent that would allow them a chance to win prizes. Despite a low number of active players, there were 76 incidents of news clicks, which indicates serendipitous news discovery. About 29 participants clicked on news stories during their stay in the game site. The findings of this study indicate that social gaming environment is worth to explore further as a potential platform to facilitate serendipitous news discovery. The social game template created for this research could be used for various user-engagement games to continue testing the idea of inducing serendipitous information discovery in natural context. A novel approach of measuring serendipitous news exposure using log data and data mining algorithm was developed as a result of this study.
Compact buffer zone plate-fin IHX—The key component for high-temperature nuclear process heat realization with advanced MHR

Based on ever-demanding environmental considerations, it is projected that, before the middle of the 21st Century, nuclear power will play an important role in the non-electric energy sector, particularly in the generation of hydrogen in a large quantity by means of high-temperature nuclear process heat (PH). The modular helium reactor (MHR) is the only type of nuclear plant that has this high-temperature capability. The key component in the primary circuit of the PH-MHR is the intermediate heat exchanger (IHX) since this facilitates transfer of the nuclear thermal energy to the process plant in a secondary helium loop. With an operating temperature of up to 1000°C, and perhaps even higher, the IHX requirements are demanding, the foremost being integrity (e.g. leaktightness), high compactness for integration in the steel pressure vessel and high performance. The major theme of this paper is that, for commercial PH-MHR service in the 21st Century, the IHX will be of plate-fin construction and be of a double-barrier construction to obviate both helium leakage and tritium diffusion into the secondary loop. This advanced type of IHX will replace first-generation units which are based on a single-barrier, low surface compactness, tubular, helical-bundle geometry, and are essentially a carry-over from steam generator technology used in earlier gas-cooled reactors. The use of very efficient offset fin surface geometries will give a compact IHX assembly that is compatible with installation in a steel vessel for a nuclear process heat source rated perhaps as high as 1200 MW(t). Included in this paper are discussions in the areas of IHX geometry/construction, materials considerations, development required, and the applicability of existing technology bases.
On propagation of self-similar traffic through an energy-conserving wireless gateway

It has been well established by now that high-speed wireline traffic exhibits self-similar behavior. Several studies in the past have hypothesized that wireless traffic is also self-similar but without adequate justification. In this paper we study the propagation of self-similarity as self-similar wireline traffic feeds to a gateway that interconnects a wireline to a wireless network. We model the wireline traffic as an on/off process. We propose models for buffering and repacking performed at the gateway. Based on those models and also statistical models for the wireless channel, we study the statistics of the outgoing on/off traffic. We show that when the on and off state durations of the input traffic are both heavy-tail distributed, such as is the case in LAN traffic, the outgoing traffic is self-similar. On the other hand, if the on state durations are heavy-tail distributed but the off state durations have finite variance, such as in variable-bit-rate video traffic, the self-similarity may disappear if the gateway has a buffer much larger than the maximum channel capacity and it operates under an energy conserving protocol.
Inhibition of germinal vesicle breakdown by antioxidants and the roles of signaling pathways related to nitric oxide and cGMP during meiotic resumption in oocytes of a marine worm

In mammalian oocytes, cAMP elevations prevent the resumption of meiotic maturation and thereby block nuclear disassembly (germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD)), whereas nitric oxide (NO) and its downstream mediator cGMP can either inhibit or induce GVBD. Alternatively, some invertebrate oocytes use cAMP to stimulate, rather than inhibit, GVBD, and in such cases, the effects of NO/cGMP signaling on GVBD remain unknown. Moreover, potential interactions between NO/cGMP and AMP-activated kinase (AMPK) have not been assessed during GVBD. Thus, this study analyzed intraoocytic signaling pathways related to NO/cGMP in a marine nemertean worm that uses cAMP to induce GVBD. For such tests, follicle-free nemertean oocytes were stimulated to mature by seawater (SW) and cAMP elevators. Based on immunoblots and NO assays of maturing oocytes, SW triggered AMPK deactivation, NO synthase (NOS) phosphorylation, and an NO elevation. Accordingly, SW-induced GVBD was blocked by treatments involving the AMPK agonist AICAR, antioxidants, the NO scavenger carboxy-PTIO, NOS inhibitors, and cGMP antagonists that target the NO-stimulated enzyme, soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC). Conversely, SW solutions combining NO/cGMP antagonists with a cAMP elevator restored GVBD. Similarly, AICAR plus a cAMP-elevating drug reestablished GVBD while deactivating AMPK and phosphorylating NOS. Furthermore, sGC stimulators and 8-Br-cGMP triggered GVBD. Such novel results indicate that NO/cGMP signaling can upregulate SW-induced GVBD and that cAMP-elevating drugs restore GVBD by overriding the inhibition of various NO/cGMP downregulators, including AMPK. Moreover, considering the opposite effects of intraoocytic cAMP in nemerteans vs mammals, these data coincide with previous reports that NO/cGMP signaling blocks GVBD in rats.
The Effect of Airway Wall Motion on Surfactant Delivery

Soluble surfactant and airway surface liquid transport are examined using a mathematical model of Marangoni flows which accounts for airway branching and for cyclic airway stretching. Both radial and longitudinal wall strains are considered. The model allows for variation of the amplitude and frequency of the motion, as may occur under a variety of ventilatory situations occurring during surfactant replacement therapy. The soluble surfactant dynamics of the thin fluid film are modeled by linear sorption. The delivery of surfactants into the lung is handled by setting the proximal boundary condition to a higher concentration compared to the distal boundary condition. Starting with a steady-state, nonuniform, surfactant distribution, we find that transport of surfactant into the lung is enhanced for increasing strain amplitudes. However, for fixed amplitude, increasing frequency has a smaller effect. At small strain amplitudes, increasing frequency enhances transport, but at large strain amplitudes, increasing cycling frequency has the opposite effect.