cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
TRANSRESONANT ELECTRON ACCELERATION

Helliwell and Bell have suggested synchronous acceleration of electrons by electromagnetic waves in the whistler range in the geomagnetic field. The acceleration of trapped electrons by electromagnetic waves is here generalized to include nonsynchronous or transresonant acceleration. It is shown that whistlers will scatter the electron velocity, by an amount inversely proportional to the square root of the time rate of change of the whistler frequency, during the time that the whistler frequency is passing over the electron gyrofrequency. Only electrons with initial energy above about 102 ev can see the Doppler-shifted whistler frequency at the gyrofrequency and be affected by this transresonant acceleration. Thermal electrons experience no effect. Current observation of whistlers in the outer geomagnetic field is too sketchy to allow a determination of transresonant acceleration rates, so that the relative importance, as compared, for example, with the strong-whistler synchronous acceleration of Helliwell and Bell, cannot be assessed. The importance of whistler acceleration can be established when the whistler frequency spectrum and recurrence rate are known throughout the geomagnetic field.
Feedback-mediated dynamics in two coupled nephrons.

Previously, we developed a dynamic model for the tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) system in a single, short-looped nephron of the mammalian kidney. In that model, a semi-linear hyperbolic partial differential equation was used to represent two fundamental processes of solute transport in the nephron’s thick ascending limb (TAL): chloride advection by fluid flow along the TAL lumen and transepithelial chloride transport from the lumen to the interstitium. An empirical function and a time delay were used to relate glomerular filtration rate to the chloride concentration at the macula densa of the TAL. Analysis of the model equations indicated that stable limit-cycle oscillations (LCO) in nephron fluid flow and chloride concentration can emerge for sufficiently large feedback gain magnitude and time delay. In this study, the single-nephron model was extended to two nephrons, which were coupled through their filtration rates. Explicit analytical conditions were obtained for bifurcation loci corresponding to two special cases: (1) identical time delays but differing feedback gains, and (2) identical gains but differing delays. Similar to the case of a single nephron, our analysis indicates that stable LCO can emerge in coupled nephrons for sufficiently large gains and delays. However, these LCO may emerge at lower values of the feedback gain, relative to a single (i.e., uncoupled) nephron, or at shorter delays, provided the delays are sufficiently close. These results suggest that, in vivo, if two nephrons are sufficiently similar, then coupling will tend to increase the likelihood of LCO.
Toward a working concept of physical growth

Abstract The foregoing treatment follows a tripartite schema. The first part examines the terms physical growth, physical development, and physical maturation. Attention is given to definitions of each term and to the way the terms are used in research. After displaying materials of both types, the view is taken that the three terms are appropriately regarded as equal in scope and fully interchangeable. Physical growth—the shortest of the three terms—is chosen for use throughout the remainder of the paper. The second part presents a proposed definition. Physical growth is defined as “the sequence of somatic modification which a biologic organism undergoes during its ontogenetic life history” or, alternatively, as “the entire series of anatomic and physiologic changes taking place between the beginning of prenatal life and the close of senility.” The third part affords a working classification of the anatomic changes currently known to occur during human ontogeny. The classification is indicated to be empirically derived and subject to later extension or revision. As presented and illustrated, it groups the series of known modifications in body structure into changes in complexity, changes in size, changes in shape, changes in position, changes in pigmentation, and changes in texture.
Developing and distributing network based engineering solutions

Abstract The need to have easy access to the solutions of a variety of frequently occurring engineering problems, has resulted in the development of a wealth of tools ranging from engineering handbooks to sophisticated desktop engineering software. In this paper, we examine the use of internet/intranet-based methods for providing the tools that are commonly needed by engineers in their daily work. Using the World Wide Web as the distribution medium and the Internet browser as the execution environment, Sun Microsystem's Java technology provides the foundation for the development of an Engineer's Tool Box (ETB) that provides a framework whereby independent engineering software tools are linked, managed, and accessed globally via the Internet. Individual applications are developed to address specific engineering problems using simple, straightforward interfaces and are linked into the distributed ETB framework to solve more complex problems. The capabilities and limitations of the Java platform for developing and supporting such Internet based distributed engineering software tools are discussed herein.
CPS: stateful policy enforcement for control system device usage

Networked control systems used in energy, manufacturing, and transportation combine large, vulnerable attack surfaces with far overprovisioned privileges. Often, compromising a single computer or user account is sufficient to give an attacker free reign over physical machinery. Significant reduction of attack surface size is an ongoing problem, so we shift our focus to reducing the privileges granted to system operators and embedded controllers. To this end, we introduce C2, an enforcement mechanism for policies governing the usage of electromechanical devices. In presenting C2, we address two basic problems: (i.) How should a policy for physical device usage be expressed and enforced? This is a challenging question, as the safe usage of physical devices is dependent on mechanical limitations and the behavior of nearby devices. (ii.) What actions should be taken if a physical machine is issued an operation that violates the policy? C2 takes measures to ensure unsafe behaviors are not caused when denying slightly erroneous yet legitimate operations. We evaluate C2 against six representative control systems, and show that it can efficiently perform policy checks with less than 3.7% overhead, while not introducing new unsafe behaviors into a control system.
Synthesis of adriamycin-coupled polyglutaraldehyde microspheres and evaluation of their cytostatic activity.

Abstract Adriamycin was coupled to polyglutaraldehyde microspheres having an average diameter of 4500 A. The coupled microspheres remained stable during incubation with cells. Full cytostatic activity was observed when the coupled adriamycin was tested with murine or human leukemia and murine sarcoma cell lines. A 10-fold increase in sensitivity was obtained with drug-resistant human leukemia cell lines. Repeated use of the coupled microspheres in the cytostatic assays did not increase their activity, indicating that these complexes can be recycled. The results suggest that coupled adriamycin sufficiently perturbs the plasma membrane to lead to cytostatic activity. It is proposed that this mode of drug delivery provides multiple and repetitious sites for drug-cell interactions. In addition, the drug-polymer complexes may overcome those forms of resistance that are the result of decreased drug binding at the cell surface.
RENAL DYSFUNCTION ASSOCIATED WITH STAGED BILATERAL PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY: THE IMPORTANCE OF OPERATIVE POSITIONING

Purpose: Remnant kidneys may be susceptible to injury during positioning for a contralateral flank incision. We document renal dysfunction in a remnant kidney after staged partial nephrectomies.Materials and Methods: We review a case of renal dysfunction associated with staged bilateral partial nephrectomy. Pertinent data and radiographic findings are presented.Results: A man with multiple bilateral solid enhancing renal masses underwent left partial nephrectomy, resulting in sparing of 50% of the renal parenchyma. Postoperatively nuclear renography showed excellent flow and 33% function on that side. Right partial nephrectomy was then performed via the standard flank approach through the bed of the 11th rib, sparing 50% of the renal parenchyma. Cold ischemia time was 40 minutes. Serum creatinine increased to 4.9 mg./dl. within 48 hours. Nuclear renography immediately postoperatively showed poor flow and 13% function in the left kidney.Conclusions: Limited published data imply detrimental hemodynamic and ...
Capgras syndrome: a novel probe for understanding the neural representation of the identity and familiarity of persons

Patients with Capgras syndrome regard people whom they know well such as their parents or siblings as imposters. Here we describe a case (DS) of this syndrome who presents several novel features. DS was unusual in that his delusion was modality-specific: he claimed that his parents were imposters when he was looking at them but not when speaking to them on the telephone. Unlike normals, DS's skin conductance responses to photographs of familiar people, including his parents, were not larger in magnitude than his responses to photographs of unfamiliar people. We suggest that in this patient connections from face-processing areas in the temporal lobe to the limbic system have been damaged, a loss which may explain why he calls his parents imposters. In addition, DS was very poor at judging gaze direction. Finally, when presented with a sequence of photographs of the same model's face looking in different directions, DS asserted that they were "different women who looked just like each other'. In the absence of limbic activation, DS creates separate memory "files' of the same person, apparently because he is unable to extract and link the common denominator of successive episodic memories. Thus, far from being a medical curiosity. Capgras syndrome may help us to explore the formation of new memories caught in flagrante delicto.
Estimation of mechanical properties of arteries and soft tubes using shear wave speeds

Arterial elasticity has gained importance in the past few decades as a predictor of cardiovascular diseases and mortality [1]. We propose a noninvasive technique using ultrasound radiation force and measurement of shear wave speed to calculate the mechanical properties of soft tubes and arteries noninvasively. To validate the technique we made three urethane tubes with different Young's moduli, tested the tubes and used the measured tube wall's shear wave speed and the modified Moens-Korteweg equation to estimate the Young's moduli. Samples of the same material were mechanically tested to compare the results from our technique. Excised carotid arteries from a pig were used to study the applicability of our method in soft tissues. Both the tubes and the arteries were embedded in gelatin to simulate the soft tissue surrounding the arteries, and pressurized using a column of water. The results from the tubes were in very good agreement with the mechanical testing, and the shear wave speed did not seem to change very much with change in transmural pressure. On the other hand, the excised arteries showed an increase in shear wave velocity with pressure and an increase in the Young's modulus. The technique we present here showed to be in good agreement with mechanical testing which gives us confidence to think that it can be applied in the study of arteries in vivo. Efforts towards implementing this technique in a clinical scanner are underway.
Automated Optimal Coordination of Multiple-DOF Neuromuscular Actions in Feedforward Neuroprostheses

This paper describes a new method for designing feedforward controllers for multiple-muscle, multiple-DOF, motor system neural prostheses. The design process is based on experimental measurement of the forward input/output properties of the neuromechanical system and numerical optimization of stimulation patterns to meet muscle coactivation criteria, thus resolving the muscle redundancy (i.e., overcontrol) and the coupled DOF problems inherent in neuromechanical systems. We designed feedforward controllers to control the isometric forces at the tip of the thumb in two directions during stimulation of three thumb muscles as a model system. We tested the method experimentally in ten able-bodied individuals and one patient with spinal cord injury. Good control of isometric force in both DOFs was observed, with rms errors less than 10% of the force range in seven experiments and statistically significant correlations between the actual and target forces in all ten experiments. Systematic bias and slope errors were observed in a few experiments, likely due to the neuromuscular fatigue. Overall, the tests demonstrated the ability of a general design approach to satisfy both control and coactivation criteria in multiple-muscle, multiple-axis neuromechanical systems, which is applicable to a wide range of neuromechanical systems and stimulation electrodes.
The Influence of New Product Characteristics on Rate of Adoption Increasing Student Comprehension With the Bidding for Buyers Game

The five characteristics that influence new product rate of adoption are routinely covered in the Principles of Marketing course. Any particular marketing concept such as relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, divisibility, and communicability may not capture interest or engagement among students who take the course as a graduation requirement. Thus, an active learning activity game was developed to address the lack of participation and understanding. Primary assessment of the activity (n = 300) demonstrated that students found Bidding for Buyers a valuable learning experience by encouraging class participation and student motivation. A confirmatory study (n = 85) also demonstrated that student comprehension of new product characteristics and their influence on rate of adoption using a traditional lecture and Bidding for Buyers was significantly higher compared with just a traditional lecture covering the same material.
Chronic di-n-butyl phthalate exposure in rats reduces fertility and alters ovarian function during pregnancy in female Long Evans hooded rats.

Testis function in fetal and peripubertal male rats is disrupted by subchronic exposure to phthalate esters (PEs). In contrast to the male rat, it is generally held that reproduction in female rats is much less sensitive to phthalate-induced disruption. However, the current study demonstrates that oral administration of dibutyl phthalate (DBP) to female Long Evans (LE) hooded rats from weaning, through puberty, mating, and gestation disrupts pregnancy maintenance at dose levels similar to those that affect testis function in male rats. Administration of 500 and 1000 mg DBP/ kg/day, but not 250 mg DBP/kg/day, to female LE rats induced midpregnancy abortions. The percentage of females delivering live pups was reduced by more than 50% at 500 mg/kg/day and by 90% at 1000 mg/kg/day in the absence of overt toxicity, whereas the ages at vaginal opening and first estrus, estrous cyclicity, and mating indices (N mated/N paired or N pregnant/N mated) were not significantly affected. On gestational day 13, prior to the stage when litters were being aborted, ex vivo ovarian hormone production was significantly decreased by in vivo DBP treatment at 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day. These results should be considered when evaluating mechanisms of reproductive toxicity for the PE because it is likely that these reproductive alterations in the female rat arise via a mode of action similar to that operative in male rats.
The pathophysiology of hypertensive acute heart failure

While acute heart failure (AHF) is often regarded as a single disorder, an evolving understanding recognises the existence of multiple phenotypes with varied pathophysiological alterations. Herein we discuss hypertensive AHF and provide insight into a mechanism where acute fluid redistribution is caused by a disturbance in the ventricular–vascular coupling relationship. In this relationship, acute alterations in vascular elasticity, vasoconstriction and reflected pulse waves lead to increases in cardiac work and contribute to decompensated LV function with associated subendocardial ischaemia and end-organ damage. Chronic predisposing factors (neurohormonal activity, nitric oxide insensitivity, arterial stiffening) and physiological stressors (sympathetic surge, volume overload, physical exertion) that are causally linked to acute symptom onset are discussed. Lastly, we review treatment options including both nitrovasodilators and promising novel therapeutics, and discuss future directions in the management of this phenotypic variant.
Computed tomographic and ultrasonographic findings of endometrial carcinoma appearing as a fungating inguinal mass.

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynecologic malignancy in the United States, occurring primarily in postmenopausal women. 1 The most frequent and, often, the only apparent symptom is postmenopausal bleeding, which may allow for relatively early detection, typically in stage I. However, about 5% of endometrial carcinoma appears as stage IV disease; stage IVA disease includes invasion of the bladder and rectum, whereas stage IVB disease includes intra-abdominal and inguinal lymph node spread. 2 Inguinal lymph node metastasis is a rare initial manifestation of occult endometrial carcinoma, and in this report, we present the computed tomographic (CT) and ultrasonographic findings of a patient who initially had a fungating inguinal mass due to inguinal lymph node metastasis from endometrial carcinoma. To our knowledge, no reports in the literature have previously shown ultrasonographic findings of an inguinal mass due to a rare initial appearance of stage IV endometrial carcinoma.
Ionic liquid derived carbons as highly efficient oxygen reduction catalysts: first elucidation of pore size distribution dependent kinetics

Metal-free N-doped carbons with controllable pore texture were derived from carbonization of ionic liquid and served as catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) with an activity comparable to that of Pt/C. The investigation shows that both the ORR activity and kinetics are strongly correlated with the pore size distribution.
Hydration Strategies, Weight Change and Performance in a 161 km Ultramarathon

To examine controversies about hydration strategies, participants (383 starters) of a 161 km ultramarathon (maximum temperature 39.0°C) underwent body weight measurements before, during and after the race; and completed a post-race questionnaire on drinking strategies and sodium supplementation use during 4 race segments. Drinking to thirst was the most common (p < 0.01) drinking strategy (used by 67.0% during at least one segment) and most runners (95.6%) used sodium supplementation during at least one segment. There was no difference in the extent of weight loss (mean 2.0-3.1%) or the weight change pattern when comparing groups using different hydration strategies. Among top-10 finishers, half had lost more than 2% of starting body weight by 90 km. We conclude that weight loss greater than 2% does not necessarily have adverse consequences on performance, and use of sodium supplements or drinking beyond thirst is not required to maintain hydration during ultra-endurance events with high thermal stress.
On-line handwriting recognition using physics-based shape metamorphosis

Abstract We present a new technique based on shape metamorphosis for on-line recognition of handwritten words and simple shapes in a user-dependent setting. The approach includes a segmentation method that does not try to locate letters but instead performs the significantly easier task of locating corners and some key low curvature points. This is part of the method’s strategy to see the word as a generic on-line shape. The segmentation points are used to model a cursive word or a hand-drawn line figure by pieces of wire. Shape metamorphosis occurs through stretching and bending of the artificial wire. The amount of energy spent in morphing one shape to another is used as a dissimilarity measure. For any two given shapes an optimal morph can be computed in quadratic time by constraining the metamorphosis to the segmentation points of these shapes. Experiments with multiple subjects indicate that the method can handle collectively cursive words and hand-drawn line figures, both useful forms of communication in pen-based computing.
The effect of graded hypoxia on the metabolic rate and buccal activity of a lungless salamander (Desmognathus fuscus).

The hypothesis that the lungless salamander Desmognathus fuscus responds actively to hypoxia was tested. Patterns of buccal movements [apneic period duration, the duration (min h(−)(1)) of buccal pumping and buccal pumping frequency], heart rate and metabolic rate (rates of oxygen uptake and carbon dioxide output) were determined during a control period (21 % oxygen), a hypoxic period (2, 5, 6.5, 8 or 10 % oxygen) and a recovery period (21 % oxygen). Hypoxic salamanders maintained their rate of oxygen uptake at control levels until a critical oxygen level between 10 and 8 % oxygen was reached. The rate of carbon dioxide output remained constant across all oxygen levels, except for a significant increase during exposure to 5 % oxygen. The buccal activity of lungless salamanders was responsive to environmental hypoxia, with a significant stimulation during exposure to 6.5 % and 5 % oxygen. Buccal pumping frequency was inhibited at 2 % oxygen. Heart rate was stimulated at all hypoxic levels except 2 % O(2). During recovery, metabolic rate and heart rate returned to control levels within 20 min after all hypoxic exposures. The durations of apneic periods increased significantly compared with the hypoxic value during recovery from exposure to 10 %, 6.5 % and 5 % oxygen. Overall, the animals responded actively to hypoxia by increasing the duration of buccal activity as oxygen levels decreased. The ability of these changes to facilitate oxygen uptake is not known. However, the response of the dusky salamander to low levels of oxygen is analogous to the hypoxic ventilatory response observed in lunged vertebrates.
Pulmonary Mucormycosis: What Is the Best Strategy for Therapy?

Pulmonary mucormycosis is an uncommon but life-threatening opportunistic fungal infection.[1][1],[2][2] It typically affects immunocompromised patients, such as recipients of stem cell or organ transplant, and has worse outcomes in those with hematologic malignancy or neutropenia.[1][1],[3][3] In
Effects of hypoxia, cyanide, and ischaemia on myocardial contraction: observations in isolated muscle and intact heart.

Using potassium cyanide (KCN) to simulate hypoxia, the effects of intracoronary injections of KCN were compared with total occlusions of the same vessel. Impaired contraction as measured by segment length gauges was of equally abrupt onset following both interventions. The magnitude of systolic expansion at one minute was more marked following total occlusion than after KCN administration.
Male-male homosexology : Seven short discourses

Homosexology is that branch of the science of sexology that deals with same sex relationships. It is subdivided into ideation, imagery, and praxis. Praxeology is the science of praxis. There are two doctrines by which homosexuality is defined: elective and developmental. Elective is like joining a political party and is more likely bisexual than exclusively homosexual. Complete developmental homosexuality is a state of being and is characteristically immutable. Both types of homosexuality are determined multivariately and sequentially, not univariately. Male and female mammals are phylogenically programmed to be reciprocal, not identical, in the praxeology of their courtship and mating. In primate, notably human, evolution, the eyes have taken over from the nose as organs of erotic arousal, but the molecular biology of how this happens in individual development, gay, straight or ambivalent, remains to be ascertained. The different personal histories of homosexual development also remain to be ascertained and cataloged.
The Cheating Heart: Scientific Explorations of Infidelity:

Given the potential negative ramifications of infidelity, it is not surprising that researchers have attempted to delineate its root causes. Historically, descriptive approaches have simply identified the demographics of who is unfaithful and how often. However, recent developments in both evolutionary and investment-model research have greatly furthered understanding of infidelity. The field could gain additional insight by examining the similarities of these prominent approaches.
Fenfluramine Disrupts the Mitral Valve Interstitial Cell Response to Serotonin

Serotonin (5HT) receptor signaling and 5HT-related agents, such as the anorexogen fenfluramine (Fen), have been associated with heart valve disease. We investigated the hypothesis that Fen may disrupt mitral valve interstitial cell (MVIC) homeostasis through its effects on mitogenesis and extracellular matrix biosynthesis. Normal and myxomatous mitral valves, both human and canine, were harvested, and primary MVIC cultures were established. 5HT caused increased phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase in MVIC; Fen alone did not. However, Fen combined with 5HT increased the level of MVIC extracellular signal-related kinase, when compared with 5HT alone. In addition, MVIC mitogenesis per 3H-thymidine (3HTdR) demonstrated a 5HT dose-dependent increase, with no effect of Fen alone. In contrast, Fen combined with 5HT inhibited the MVIC 3HTdR response when compared with 5HT alone. Furthermore, fluoxetine, a 5HT transporter inhibitor, while having no effect alone, suppressed Fen-5HT 3HTdR inhibition when administered with Fen plus 5HT. Finally, MVIC incorporations of 3H-proline and 3H-glucosamine, measures of extracellular matrix collagen and glycosaminoglycan respectively, were increased with 5HT alone; however, Fen did not affect MVIC glycosaminoglycan or collagen either alone or in combination with 5HT. Taken together, the ratios of 3H-proline or 3H-glycosaminoglycan to 3HTdR in MVIC, normalized to 5HT alone, demonstrated a significant imbalance of extracellular matrix production versus proliferation in MVIC cultures with Fen plus 5HT exposure. This imbalance may explain in part the pathophysiology of Fen-related mitral valve disease.
T1 measurements identify extracellular volume expansion in a genotyped hypertrophic cardiomyopathy population with and without left ventricular hypertrophy

Background Myocardial fibrosis is a hallmark of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and may contribute to arrhythmias and heart failure. Sarcomere mutations appear to induce profibrotic changes before left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) develops. Measuring T1 relaxation times with contrast cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) allows robust quantification of the cardiac extracellular volume (ECV) and noninvasive assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. Methods A genotyped HCM population underwent contrast CMR with measurement of T1. Subjects included sarcomere mutation carriers with LVH (G+/LVH+, n = 37) and without LVH (G+/LVH-, n = 30); HCM patients without mutations (sarcomere-negative HCM, n = 11); and mutation-negative healthy controls (n = 10). Concurrent echocardiography and serum biomarkers of collagen synthesis, hemodynamic stress, and myocardial injury were available in a subset. Results Late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) was present in >60% of overt HCM patients but absent from G+/LVHsubjects. Compared to controls, ECV was increased in patients with overt HCM, as well as G+/LVH- mutation
Nonparaganglioma Jugular Foramen Tumors

This article discusses the epidemiology, presentation, and diagnostic work-up of nonparaganglioma jugular foramen tumors, and the management options and predicted outcomes. Paragangliomas are the most common jugular foramen tumors, but other nonparagangliomas are important to consider in a differential for jugular foramen tumors. This article specifically focuses on jugular foramen schwannomas, meningiomas, metastatic disease, and regional pathologies that may extend to the jugular foramen, such as endolymphatic sac tumors, chordomas, and chondrosarcomas. Operative approaches to these tumors are also reviewed.
Engineering large-scale software systems: an organizational knowledge base approach

The author discusses software-engineering hypertext environments (SEHE), which offer a viable information management medium for organizing, structuring, retrieving, and processing the complex networks of software object descriptions that arise within large software engineering projects. SEHE represent the merger of hypertext systems with an ensemble of software engineering tools, techniques, and strategies. An organizational knowledge-based SEHE codifies and configures a software application's domain agents, objects, attributes, relations, constraints, tasks/processes, transaction event rules, mechanisms, and resources into the information structures that are woven together to form a software hypertext. Accordingly, the author describes briefly how such a knowledge-based SEHE can be utilized in a large development project. >
Social Networks, Neighborhood Effects, and Credit Access: Evidence from Rural Guatemala

We measure the extent to which social networks determine sources of credit from a survey of 465 households in western Guatemala. We estimate correlated, contextual and endogenous effects of networks at the neighborhood, church, and village levels, finding that church networks display endogenous effects in credit access. We calculate an elasticity of social imitation (ESI) indicating if the percentage of people accessing microfinance in a church network doubles, the probability of an individual household accessing microfinance increases by 14.1 percent, a magnitude similar to our estimated ESIs for televisions and cell phones within church and neighbor networks.
An association between a floral trait and inbreeding depression.

Abstract Inbreeding depression is a general phenomenon that is well documented in many plants and animals. Furthermore, it is generally considered to be the driving force behind mating-system evolution. Traditionally, the focus has been on the mean level of inbreeding depression in populations. However, more recently, the variation in inbreeding depression among individuals within populations has been shown to be influential in mating-system evolution. One set of theories predicts that genetic associations will develop between a mating-system locus and loci causing inbreeding depression, whereas another suggests either that no such association will occur or that it will be difficult to detect empirically. Here, we focus on variation in inbreeding depression among individuals and present empirical evidence of a genetic association between genes causing inbreeding depression and a floral trait influencing the mating system (i.e., selfing rate). We found a positive association between inbreeding depression a...
Genetic and pharmacological manipulation of glyoxalase 1 regulates voluntary ethanol consumption in mice

Previous studies have identified an association between the gene glyoxalase 1 (Glo1) and anxiety-like behavior in mice and have shown that the substrate of GLO1, methylglyoxal, is a competitive partial agonist at GABAA receptors. Given the well-established role of GABAA receptors in the behavioral effects of ethanol (EtOH), we investigated the role of Glo1 in voluntary EtOH consumption in mice using the drinking in the dark (DID) paradigm. Transgenic mice overexpressing Glo1 on both FVB/NJ (FVB) or C57BL/6J (B6) backgrounds showed increased voluntary EtOH consumption compared to their wild-type littermates in DID. Furthermore, transgenic Glo1 knockdown mice on a B6 background showed decreased voluntary EtOH consumption in DID. These genetic manipulations of Glo1 had no effect on sucrose, saccharin or water consumption. Finally, we found that a small molecule GLO1 inhibitor (S-bromobenzylglutathione cyclopentyl diester (pBBG; 6.25, 12.5 mg/kg)) reduced EtOH consumption compared to vehicle treated B6 mice without altering saccharin or water consumption. Sucrose consumption was only reduced by the higher (12.5 mg/kg) dose of pBBG. We did not observe differences in the loss of righting reflex (LORR) or EtOH-induced foot slips on the balance beam in response to acute EtOH administration (LORR: 4 g/kg, Balance Beam: 1.25 g/kg) in B6 or FVB mice overexpressing Glo1, nor in B6 mice treated with pBBG. These data are the first to implicate Glo1 in EtOH-related behaviors and suggest that GLO1 inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of alcohol use disorders.
Tai Chi as an Intervention on Health Promotion for Older Adults: A Systematic Review

Purpose: In June 2002 the authorization of medicinal drugs with kava extracts (Piper methysticum), which was used for the treatment of stress-related anxiety disorders, was withdrawn by the German Institute of Drugs and Medicinal Products (BfArM) because of an unfavorable risk-benefit ratio. The decision, which initially was based on several case reports on liver toxicity in 1999 and 2000, found a worldwide resonance. Methods: Literature on efficacy and safety of kava extracts was searched and related to the still ongoing legal dispute. Results: Between 1990 and 2000 several randomized controlled clinical studies have been published, which were the basis for the authorization of kava products in Germany for stress-related anxiety disorders in the past. However, in the course of time since 2002, the BfArM did not any longer accept these studies as proof of efficacy because of several deficits in the study protocols. In 2002, no study was left. The case reports were re-analyzed by a specialized hepatologist, who found that the risk of hepatotoxicitywas “rare” or “very rare” at its best and could not identify a specific pattern. However, the resulting publication was ignored completely by the BfArM. In fact, BfArMnowconsidered kava extracts being a ,,newentity“, because of their alleged unproven efficacy. That means that based on the most recent ICH-guidelines now the complete spectrum of preclinical studies has to be performed before undertaking a clinical trial. However, the administrative court of Cologne, Germany, underlined in its decision from 10. June 2014, that current rules of the proof of efficacy of a drug should not be applied retrospectively. Conclusion:Thedecision is importantnot only for kava, but for all drugs on the German market, e.g. for benzodiazepines, which were tested in the 1960s for efficacy. By the way, BfArM applied for revision. Contact: Karin Kraft, karin.kraft@med.uni-rostock.de
Glucose and forskolin regulate IAPP gene expression through different signal transduction pathways.

Molecular mechanisms for the regulation of islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP) gene expression remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the effects of glucose and forskolin on IAPP gene r...
Pattern of active and inactive sequences of diabetes self-monitoring in mobile phone and paper diary users

In a pilot randomized controlled trial involving overweight or obese participants with type 2 diabetes, we find that smartphone users have sharply higher adherence to self-monitoring of diet, physical activity, blood glucose, and body weight, as compared to paper diary users. By characterizing the pattern of adherence with the probability of continuation of active and inactive sequences of self-monitoring, we find that smartphone users have longer active sequences of self-monitoring of all four behaviors that were being monitored. Smartphone users are also quicker to resume self-monitoring of diet and physical activity after a lapse in self-monitoring, whereas paper diary users have shorter inactive sequences for monitoring blood glucose and body weight. The findings are informative for data collection methodology in this burgeoning area of research.
An Approach to Quantitative Analysis for Organization

Demonstrates how mathematical analysis can be helpful in solving the problems of organization in which space is a significant factor. Development of the theory; Discussion on the optimum arrangemen...
Computer-Aided Molecular Design of Bis-phosphine Oxide Lanthanide Extractants.

Computer-aided molecular design and high-throughput screening of viable host architectures can significantly reduce the efforts in the design of novel ligands for efficient extraction of rare earth elements. This paper presents a computational approach to the deliberate design of bis-phosphine oxide host architectures that are structurally organized for complexation of trivalent lanthanides. Molecule building software, HostDesigner, was interfaced with molecular mechanics software, PCModel, providing a tool for generating and screening millions of potential R2(O)P–link–P(O)R2 ligand geometries. The molecular mechanics ranking of ligand structures is consistent with both the solution-phase free energies of complexation obtained with density functional theory and the performance of known bis-phosphine oxide extractants. For the case where the link is −CH2–, evaluation of the ligand geometry provides the first characterization of a steric origin for the “anomalous aryl strengthening” effect. The design appro...
Utility of Oral Cytology in the Evaluation of Candidiasis

s S51 Conclusions: Incidental thyroid “non-microcarcinomas” (>1 cm) are rare and found in approximately 0.5% of resection specimens. The majority of these represent low-grade carcinomas and the incidenceoffindingoneof the common mutations (40%) is less than that for thyroid carcinomas in general (70%).
Natural language search of sensor data

As sensors become more affordable, sensor networks are increasingly deployed to monitor diverse environments. However, these sensor network deployments often utilize different standards for communication and data storage. As a result, it is challenging to build large-scale pervasive systems able to find, query, and analyze information across a diverse set of sensor networks. Additionally, aggregating sensor data from various sources is difficult because data can be sampled using different levels, units, rates, and resolutions. To address these challenges, we have developed a pervasive sensor network search environment based on natural language processing and the semantic web. By using natural language, we can understand the context of the query and use semantic rules about the data to aggregate and transform data to more useful results. To demonstrate the system, we have deployed the environment in two application domains. In each domain, the system successfully answers domain-specific natural language queries.
Salt-bath Nitriding Process for 32Cr2Mo2NiVNb Steel

Objective To develop a new salt-bath nitriding process for 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel surface treatment. Methods The32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel was treated with the new salt-bath nitriding process. The influences of the new salt-bath nitriding process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel were concluded based on the analysis of several tests such as salt spray test and hardness test. The applicability of the salt-bath nitriding process for 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel was verified in this paper. Results After the salt-bath nitriding process,the 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb base material was composed of uniform fine needle-like sorbite + small amount of free ferrite,the depth of the nitriding layer was about 0. 23 mm,and the compound layer showed an even thickness of about 17 μm. The level of the brittleness,nervation and wave-like nitrid,porosity of nitrided case all reached grade I. The hardness of 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel surface after salt-bath nitriding treatment was 1011HV0. 3,which was 250% of the surface hardness without salt-bath nitriding treatment. The tensile strength and the fracture morphology showed no significant change after salt-bath nitriding treatment. The tensile length after fracture,the reduction of cross-section area and impact absorption energy were slightly decreased. The time of resistance to neutral salt spray was 6. 3 fold as high as that of the sample coated with hard chromium. The surface wear scars after wear at high temperature for 190 s were fine and uniform,and the wear weight loss was reduced by 62. 8% as compared to the sample coated with hard chromium. Conclusion The salt-bath nitriding process did not damage the microstructure and mechanical properties of 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel,with only slight decreased in plasticity and toughness indexes,and could significantly improve the corrosion resistance and high-temperature wear resistance of 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel as compared to hard chromium plating. The new salt-bath nitriding process was well suitable for surface treatment of 32Cr2Mo2 NiVNb steel.
Surveillance of iodine-salt in villagers in Luancheng County

Objective:To explore the status of consumption from 2005 to 2009 and quality of iodine-added-salt edibled in villarers of luancheng county after the implementaition of the universal salt iodization.Methods:According to "IDD National surveillance Programme-an expurgated edition",the salt of the farmers to carry out random sampling and result to determine.Results:From 2005 to 2009,the rate of qualified iodized salt and the intake rate of qualified iodinated salt was higher than those in 2005.the rate of qualified iodized salt was 98.67% in 2009.Conclusion:The intake rate of qualified iodinated salt,reaching the standard of the sustainable elimination of iodine deficiency disease,but few villarers still use substandard iodized salt.We should intensify our efforts to hit private salt,to stress supervision and inspection of iodized salt and intensify the publicity of and education in IDD(iodine deficiency disorders).
Slipping Rib Syndrome: An elusive diagnosis

Slipping rib syndrome remains rarely recognized and frequently undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Awareness of this condition may prevent extensive and unnecessary diagnostic evaluation and avoid chronic debilitating pain. Persistent lower chest and/or upper abdomen pain after analgesic treatment may suggest the possibility of this disorder. The diagnosis of this syndrome, is a clinical one, based on history and the hooking maneuver. A few cases have been published in the literature, giving no clear consensus about the treatment of this condition. In this overview article, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approach, and treatment modalities of this syndrome will be discussed.
The textarin/ecarin ratio : a confirmatory test for lupus anticoagulants

Lupus anticoagulants (LA) are immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA or a mixture) which interfere with in vitro phospholipid (PL) dependent tests of coagulation (e.g. APTT, KCT, dilute Russell Viper Venom Time). LA are heterogeneous; consequently, the laboratory diagnosis is difficult and relies on multiple tests. We have developed a sensitive and relatively specific confirmatory test system based on fractions of two snake venoms. Textarin, a protein fraction of Pseudonaja textilis venom (Australian Eastern brown snake), activates prothrombin in the presence of PL, factor V and calcium ions. Ecarin, a protein fraction of Echis carinatus venom, will activate prothrombin in the absence of any cofactors. The activation of prothrombin by Textarin yields thrombin while Ecarin yields meizothrombin. In the presence of LA, the Textarin time is prolonged and the Ecarin time is unaffected. The test results are reported as a ratio of Textarin/Ecarin times (abnormal greater than 1.3). We have evaluated this test system in the following patient populations: LA positive, therapeutically heparinized, stable oral anticoagulated, liver disease, routine preoperative, anticardiolipin antibody positive LA negative, hemophilia A, various other hereditary factor deficiencies or dysfunctional proteins, and specific inhibitors of factor V and factor VIII. The LA positive patients represented a mixed population of autoimmune disease, drug-induced and post-infectious states. Our findings indicate the sensitivity of the Textarin/Ecarin system in the confirmation of LA. In order to use the test system most effectively, it is recommended to incorporate polybrene with Textarin when evaluating heparinized samples. Factor V deficiency and specific inhibitors of factor V yielded, in some instances, false positive results.
Acetaminophen Use for Fever in Children Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restrictive behavior, interests, and activities. Our previous case-control study showed that use of acetaminophen at age 12-18 months is associated with increased likelihood for ASD (OR 8.37, 95% CI 2.08-33.7). In this study, we again show that acetaminophen use is associated with ASD (p = 0.013). Because these children are older than in our first study, the association is reversed; fewer children with ASD vs. non-ASD children use acetaminophen as a “first choice” compared to “never use” (OR 0.165, 95% CI 0.045, 0.599). We found significantly more children with ASD vs. non- ASD children change to the use of ibuprofen when acetaminophen is not effective at reducing fever (p = 0.033) and theorize this change in use is due to endocannabinoid system dysfunction. We also found that children with ASD vs. non-ASD children are significantly more likely to show an increase in sociability when they have a fever (p = 0.037) and theorize that this increase is due to anandamide activation of the endocannabinoid system in ASD children with low endocannabinoid tone from early acetaminophen use. In light of this we recommend that acetaminophen use be reviewed for safety in children.
One Small Step (Cough) for Clean Air

Conservatives and liberals on the Supreme Court did join in upholding an important EPA regulation, but we need conservatives and liberals in Congress to join in fixing choke points in the Clean Air Act that hurt our lungs and our economy.
The October Revolution, the Constituent Assembly, and the End of the Russian Revolution

When we say ‘the Russian Revolution’, what time period, and thus what events are we indicating? The answer we give may make a variety of statements, explicitly or implicitly, about our interpretation not only of the revolution, but of modern Russian history. What was the revolution? When did it end? When did it begin? What constituted the Bolshevik seizure of power and what was its nature, meaning, and significance? How does it relate to what is sometimes called ‘the Bolshevik Revolution?’ How does the revolution fit into the broader, tumultuous history of modern Russia? Yet, the many books that have been written about the revolution, often with the words ‘the Russian Revolution’ in the title, cover greatly different time periods and subjects. Rarely, however, do authors address the question of why they use the time period that they do for the revolution. Readers attempting to learn about the Russian Revolution can legitimately feel confused about the subject, given the wide range of time periods encompassed under that title in various books. Just when was it? This essay will examine the issue of the chronological definition of the Russian Revolution, first reviewing briefly some of the periodisations used by historians and then proposing a specific one as ‘the best’. In particular it will argue for a rarely used time, January 1918, and specific event, the dispersal of the Constituent Assembly, as marking the end of the Russian Revolution in the specific sense of the term.