cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Which direction in space

Abstract Two competing visions of future space activities have recently been articulated—one utilitarian, aiming to use space to make Earth a better place, the other more exploratory, aiming to expand the human and robotic presence in space. It is unlikely that resources will be available to pursue both, meaning that carefully considered choices will have to be made. For the first vision to work end users will have to be convinced that space can provide unique benefits reliably. For the second, a full political debate that reflects public opinion is required. It is essential that advocates of these different visions nevertheless coordinate their activities to avoid duplication, wasted resources and missed opportunities for synergy. An international discussion forum would be useful in this regard.
Nitrogen-fixation genes and nitrogenase activity in Clostridium acetobutylicum and Clostridium beijerinckii.

Several solvent-producing clostridia, including Clostridium acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii, were previously shown to be nitrogen-fixing organisms based on the incorporation of 15N2 into cellular material. The key nitrogen-fixation (nif) genes, including nifH, nifD, and nifK for nitrogenase component proteins as well as nifE, nifN, nifB and nifV for synthesis of the iron–molybdenum cofactor (FeMoco) of nitrogenase, have now been identified in C. acetobutylicum or C. beijerinckii or both. The organization of these genes is similar to the distinctive pattern that was first observed in Clostridium pasteurianum, with the nifN and nifB genes fused into the nifN-B gene and with the nifV gene split into the nifVω and nifVα genes. The corresponding nif genes of these three clostridial species are highly related to each other. However, in the two solvent-producing clostridia, the nifH and nifD genes are interspersed by two glnB-like genes, which are absent in the corresponding region in C. pasteurianum. However, the nifN-B and nifVω genes of C. pasteurianum are interspersed by the putative modA and modB genes (for molybdate transport), which are absent in the corresponding region in C. acetobutylicum. C. acetobutylicum and C. beijerinckii grew well under nitrogen-fixing conditions, and the acetylene-reducing activity of nitrogenase was measured in the two species. Acetone, butanol, and isopropanol production occurred in nitrogen-fixing cultures, but the peak of nitrogen-fixing activity preceded the active solventogenic phase. Journal of Industrial Microbiology & Biotechnology (2001) 27, 281–286.
Vibration Testing and Analysis of Ball Grid Array Package Solder Joints

A methodology to characterize and predict fatigue failure of BGA package solder joints under vibration loading is presented. The results show that the board strain versus number-of-cycles-to-failure (or E-N) curve has a linear trend with little scatter in data points, similar to that of a classical fatigue theory using cyclic stress versus number-of-cycles-to-failure (or S-N) curves. Using finite element analysis (FEA), the solder joint stress was shown to be linearly correlated to the board strain. Therefore, board strain can indeed be used as an optimum engineering metric to study the fatigue of ball grid array (BGA) solder joints. In addition, the E-N curve approach was shown to be applicable to cyclic bend and cyclic shock loading conditions as well. The E-N curves of lead-free and leaded solder systems also have been generated and compared to demonstrate that the lead-free system has a better high-cycle fatigue performance. In addition, a fatigue-life prediction methodology based on the Miner's cumulative damage theory is proposed. The effectiveness of this methodology was demonstrated with promising results through random vibration testing of actual motherboards. Finally, a novel approach to study solder joint reliability (SJR) under vibration loading at the system level, using a fatigue curve generated at the component level is presented.
On the measurement of water compartments, pH, and gradients in calvaria

The concept of fluid compartmentalization in bone has emphasized the need for and lack of suitable methodology for the quantitation of water “spaces” in bone, in particular intracellular water, ICF, and extracellular water, BECF. Over a dozen commonly used marker substances were studied intensively. Small columns of hydroxyapatite crystals were employed to reveal physiochemical interactions with the mineral phase, and isotope distributions in live and dead calvaria (rat pup, and adult mice) were employed to evaluate interactions with the combined organic-inorganic matrix of bone itself. The results were most discouraging. For example, for total water space, only water itself (either by direct weight or by3H2O exchange) is a reliable measure in all instances. All markers studied were passively concentrated or excluded to varying degrees. In the end, it was necessary to measure intracellular space “by difference.” An extracellular marker, polyethylene glycol (14C-, mol. wt. 4000), was incubated with viable calvariae and also with comparable calvariae having lysed cells (0.1% Triton X-100). The intracellular space thus determined by difference agreed well with correlative data obtained on mixed cell-isolates from similar specimens. In neonatal calvariae, the intracellular space was 30% of the total water present; that of adult mouse tibia, 18%; and that of adult mouse calvariae, 14.5%. Measurements of dimethyl-2,4-oxazolidinedione (DMO) distribution in live and lysed calvaria revealed an overall pH differential (inside bone vs. medium) of 0.1 unit or less. Using the best available data for ICF, BECF, and the passive concentrating effects of matrix-K+ interactions, there still remained an unexplained excess of K+ in the BECF.
Gastric and brain stem, effects of substance P on nucleus tractus solitarius unitary responses.

Abstract Yuan, C.-S. and T. K. Lowell. Gastric and brain stem effects of substance P on nucleus tractus solitarius unitary responses. Peptides 18(8) 1169–1173, 1997.—Subdiaphragmatic vagally evoked unitary responses were recorded in the medial subnucleus of the nucleus tractus solitarius in an in vitro neonatal rat brain stem–gastric preparation. Substance P was applied to the gastric compartment and/or the brain stem compartment of the bath chamber to evaluate the peripheral gastric and central brain stem effects of the peptide on the nucleus tractus solitarius unitary activity. After substance P application to the gastric or brain stem compartment, a concentration-related change in the nucleus tractus solitarius unitary activity was observed. The gastric effects of substance P, at a concentration of 30 nM (minimum concentration for maximum effect), produced a 31 ± 6.5% (mean ± SD) increase in neuronal discharge frequency compared to the control recording. Both the proximal and the distal stomach were important in the gastric effect of the peptide on subdiaphragmatic vagally evoked nucleus tractus solitarius unitary responses. The brain stem effects of substance P, at a concentration of 10 nM (minimum concentration for maximum effect), induced a 52 ± 11.3% increase in discharge frequency. Application of the peptide into both the gastric and brain stem compartments resulted in a subadditive response of 73 ± 5.9%. This suggests that, peripherally and centrally, there are two different mechanisms of substance P activation. Our results suggest that substance P may play a role in regulating the ingestive process in neonates.
Self-driven particles on asymmetric trap arrays

Active matter or self driven particle systems include swimming bacteria, crawling cells and artificial swimmers. These systems often exhibit run and tumble dynamics; however, there are also examples of particles that move or swim in circles, such as bacteria near surfaces. Circular swimmers have also been experimentally realized using chiral colloidal particles. Here we examine how a substrate can be used to direct the motion of circle swimmers and separate particles with different swimming chiralities. The combination of the time reversal symmetry breaking by the circular motion as well as the breaking of detailed balance when the particles interact with the barriers leads to the directed motion. We examine this effect for different types of substrate geometries and also consider the effects of temperature. Such substrates could be created using various optical techniques.
Scaling of feeding biomechanics in the horn shark Heterodontus francisci: ontogenetic constraints on durophagy

Abstract Organismal performance changes over ontogeny as the musculoskeletal systems underlying animal behavior grow in relative size and shape. As performance is a determinant of feeding ecology, ontogenetic changes in the former can influence the latter. The horn shark Heterodontus francisci consumes hard-shelled benthic invertebrates, which may be problematic for younger animals with lower performance capacities. Scaling of feeding biomechanics was investigated in H. francisci ( n =16, 19–59 cm standard length (SL)) to determine the biomechanical basis of allometric changes in feeding performance and whether this performance capacity constrains hard-prey consumption over ontogeny. Positive allometry of anterior (8–163 N) and posterior (15–382 N) theoretical bite force was attributed to positive allometry of cross-sectional area in two jaw adducting muscles and mechanical advantage at the posterior bite point (0.79–1.26). Mechanical advantage for anterior biting scaled isometrically (0.52). Fracture forces for purple sea urchins Strongylocentrotus purpuratus consumed by H. francisci ranged from 24 to 430 N. Comparison of these fracture forces to the bite force of H. francisci suggests that H. francisci is unable to consume hard prey early in its life history, but can consume the majority of S. purpuratus by the time it reaches maximum size. Despite this constraint, positive allometry of biting performance appears to facilitate an earlier entry into the durophagous niche than would an isometric ontogenetic trajectory. The posterior gape of H. francisci is significantly smaller than the urchins capable of being crushed by its posterior bite force. Thus, the high posterior bite forces of H. francisci cannot be fully utilized while consuming prey of similar toughness and size to S. purpuratus , and its potential trophic niche is primarily determined by anterior biting capacity.
Bioinformatic analyses of mammalian 5'-UTR sequence properties of mRNAs predicts alternative translation initiation sites

Utilization of alternative initiation sites for protein translation directed by non-AUG codons in mammalian mRNAs is observed with increasing frequency. Alternative initiation sites are utilized for the synthesis of important regulatory proteins that control distinct biological functions. It is, therefore, of high significance to define the parameters that allow accurate bioinformatic prediction of alternative translation initiation sites (aTIS). This study has investigated 5'-UTR regions of mRNAs to define consensus sequence properties and structural features that allow identification of alternative initiation sites for protein translation. Bioinformatic evaluation of 5'-UTR sequences of mammalian mRNAs was conducted for classification and identification of alternative translation initiation sites for a group of mRNA sequences that have been experimentally demonstrated to utilize alternative non-AUG initiation sites for protein translation. These are represented by the codons CUG, GUG, UUG, AUA, and ACG for aTIS. The first phase of this bioinformatic analysis implements a classification tree that evaluated 5'-UTRs for unique consensus sequence features near the initiation codon, characteristics of 5'-UTR nucleotide sequences, and secondary structural features in a decision tree that categorizes mRNAs into those with potential aTIS, and those without. The second phase addresses identification of the aTIS codon and its location. Critical parameters of 5'-UTRs were assessed by an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) for identification of the aTIS codon and its location. ANNs have previously been used for the purpose of AUG start site prediction and are applicable in complex. ANN analyses demonstrated that multiple properties were required for predicting aTIS codons; these properties included unique consensus nucleotide sequences at positions -7 and -6 combined with positions -3 and +4, 5'-UTR length, ORF length, predicted secondary structures, free energy features, upstream AUGs, and G/C ratio. Importantly, combined results of the classification tree and the ANN analyses provided highly accurate bioinformatic predictions of alternative translation initiation sites. This study has defined the unique properties of 5'-UTR sequences of mRNAs for successful bioinformatic prediction of alternative initiation sites utilized in protein translation. The ability to define aTIS through the described bioinformatic analyses can be of high importance for genomic analyses to provide full predictions of translated mammalian and human gene products required for cellular functions in health and disease.
Spatial spectra of scalp EEG and EMG from awake humans.

Abstract Objective : Evaluate spectral scaling properties of scalp electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG), optimal spacing of electrodes, and strategies for mitigating EMG. Methods : EEG was recorded referentially from 9 subjects with a 64 channel linear array (electrodes 3mm apart) placed parasagittally or transversely on forehead or occiput, at rest with eyes open or closed, or with deliberate EMG. Temporal (PSD t ) and spatial (PSD x ) power spectral densities were calculated with one-dimensional fast Fourier transform (FFT) for comparison with earlier analyses of intracranial EEG. Results : Scaling of PSD t from scalp resembled that from pia: near-linear decrease in log power with increasing log frequency (1/ f α ). Scalp PSD x decreased non-linearly and more rapidly than PSD x from pia. Peaks in PSD t (especially 4–12Hz) and PSD x (especially 0.1–0.4cycles/cm) revealed departures from 1/ f α . EMG power in PSD t was more "white" than 1/ f α . Conclusions : Smearing by dura–skull–scalp distorts PSD x more than PSD t of scalp EEG from 1/ f α scaling at the pia. Spatial spectral peaks suggest that optimal scalp electrode spacing might be ∼1cm to capture non-local EEG components having the texture of gyri. Mitigation of EMG by filtering is unsatisfactory. A criterion for measuring EMG may support biofeedback for training subjects to reduce their EMG. Significance : High-density recording and log–log spectral display of EEG provide a foundation for holist studies of global human brain function, as an alternative to network approaches that decompose EEG into localized, modular signals for correlation and coherence.
User-defined music sequence retrieval

A system for retrieving a sequence of music excerpts or songs based on users and producers requirements is proposed in this paper. Our system provides a flexible way to retrieve music pieces based on its contents as well as user-defined constraints. The proposed system allows online users to extract a sequence of songs whose first and last tracks are known and at the same time the in-between songs have minimum inter-track differences and satisfy predefined requirements. We model the problem as a constrained minimum cost flow problem which leads to a binary integer linear program (BILP) that can be solved in a reasonable amount of time.
Upstream vertical integration with automatic price adjustments

Regulators often must decide whether they should allow a utility to vertically integrate. The relevant policy concerns are whether vertical integration might allow the utility to increase its downstream price and what, if any, additional constraints must be placed on the utility to prevent potential price increases. The extant literature provides regulators little guidance, and this paper fills the void by providing an analysis of the effects of upstream vertical integration by a regulated firm. The paper considers integration into the production of an intermediate input for which the price is automatically passed through to downstream customers. It demonstrates that vertical integration can result in higher downstream prices and greater profit for the utility whenever regulators imperfectly monitor input prices.
Factors associated with delayed gastric emptying after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Abstract Background The factors associated with delayed gastric emptying (DGE) after a pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are not definitively known. Methods From November 2011 through to May 2012, data were prospectively collected on 711 patients undergoing a pancreaticoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy as part of the American College of Surgeons‐National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pancreatectomy Demonstration Project. Bivariate and multivariate models were employed to determine the factors that predicted DGE. Results In the 711 patients, the overall rate of DGE was 20.1%. In a bivariate analysis, intra‐operative factors such as pylorus‐preservation (47.1% versus 43.7%, P = 0.40), intra‐operative drain placement (85.5%, versus 85.1%, P = 0.91) and an antecolic compared with a retrocolic gastrojejunostomy (60.1% versus 65.1%, P = 0.26) were not different between the DGE and no DGE groups. Pancreatic fistula formation (31.2% versus 10.1%), post‐operative sepsis (21.7% versus 7.0%), organ space surgical site infection (SSI) (23.9% versus 7.9%), need for percutaneous drainage (23.0% versus 10.6%) and reoperation (10.6% versus 3.1%) were higher in patients with DGE (P Discussion In this multicentre study, only post‐operative complications were associated with DGE. Neither pylorus preservation nor route of enteric reconstruction (antecolic versus retrocolic) was associated with delayed gastric emptying.
Gene expression in the human placental trophoblast : a model for developmental gene regulation

Gene expression in the human placental trophoblast is subject to both developmental and hormonal influences. Many gene products are synthesized by much higher levels in the syncytiotrophoblast than in the cytotrophoblast, and this expression appears to be influenced by hormones. In addition, the expression of some of these genes varies considerably during the progress of gestation. Recent advances in understanding the mechanisms of regulated gene expression have been facilitated by the application of molecular biology techniques together with special in v-itro cell culture methods. For instance, this approach has been fruitful in understanding the molecular basis of skeletal muscle differentiation (Davis et al, 1987). Similar opportunities are available in studying one of the major developmental processes in the placenta, namely, the changes in gene expression that occur when cytotrophoblastic cells develop to form the specialized syncytiotrophoblast. The use of primary trophoblast culture, whatever its limitations, will most certainly lead to great advances in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of trophoblast development. This article is not intended as an exhaustive survey of genes that are known to be expressed in the trophoblast. Rather, it is an attempt to review the progress that has been made with a few of the major trophoblast-specific gene products, in an effort to highlight the molecular biology of important trophoblastic developmental processes. It is hoped that this review w-ill stimulate further study on the molecular mechanisms of gene expression in this highly accessible human model system.
Glutamatergic gene expression is specifically reduced in thalamocortical projecting relay neurons in schizophrenia

Background Impairment of glutamate neurons that relay sensory and cognitive information from the medial dorsal thalamus to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and other cortical regions may contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. In this study, we have assessed the cell-specific expression of glutamatergic transcripts in the medial dorsal thalamus. Methods We used laser capture microdissection to harvest two populations of medial dorsal thalamic cells, one enriched with glutamatergic relay neurons and the other with gamma-aminobutyric acidergic neurons and astroglia, from postmortem brains of subjects with schizophrenia ( n = 14) and a comparison group ( n = 20). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction of extracted RNA was used to assay gene expression in the different cell populations. Results The transcripts encoding the ionotropic glutamate receptor subunits NR2D, GluR3, GluR6, GluR7, and the intracellular proteins GRIP1 and SynGAP1 were significantly decreased in relay neurons but not in the mixed glial and interneuron population in schizophrenia. Conclusions Our data suggest that reduced ionotropic glutamatergic expression occurs selectively in neurons, which give rise to the cortical projections of the medial dorsal thalamus in schizophrenia, rather than in thalamic cells that function locally. Our findings indicate that glutamatergic innervation is dysfunctional in the circuitry between the medial dorsal thalamus and cortex.
Characterization of prepreg and cured epoxy/fiberglass composite material for use in advanced composite piping systems

Abstract A company that uses epoxy/fiberglass prepreg material in advanced composite piping systems requested that the NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) use several thermal analysis techniques to characterize the material. Dynamic and isothermal tests by use of the TA Instruments 2920 Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) yielded cure kinetics on the prepreg. The dynamic data showed two exothermic cure reactions for the prepreg, but isothermal data showed that the first cure exotherm was a low temperature event and began to disappear near 105°C. For the second cure exotherm, activation energies ( E 2 ) of 79.0 and 87.1 kJ/mol were obtained from the dynamic and isothermal data, respectively. Partial cure of the prepreg for several isothermal cure temperatures and times yielded a glass transition temperature ( T g ) versus conversion plot with an approximate gelation point of the prepreg at 63% conversion. At a cure temperature of 135°C and a T g of 103°C, most of the ultimate cure of the prepreg was achieved. The TA Instruments 983 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA) yielded activation energies of cure of 140 ( E 1 ) and 50.5 ( E 2 ) kJ/mol for the first and second cure reactions, respectively, based on times to gelation at seyeral cure temperatures. A DMA temperature sweep at several fixed frequencies yielded an average activation energy of 357 kJ/mol for the T g of the epoxy/fiberglass composite in cured sheet form. The fiber filler is a fiberglass mat, and DMA data as well as thermomechanical analysis (TMA) data on the cured sheet material showed a slight dependence on mat direction for the measured properties.
Time-multiplexing scheme for cellular neural networks based image processing

The state of the art work in Cellular Neural Networks (CNN) has concentrated on VLSI implementations without really addressing the ‘systems level’. While efficient implementations have been reported, no reports have been presented on the use of these implementations for processing large complex images. The work hereby presented introduces a strategy to process large images using small CNN arrays. The approach,time-multiplexing, is prompted by the need to simulate hardware models and test hardware implementations of CNN. For practical size applications, due to hardware limitations, it is impossible to have a one-on-one mapping between the CNN hardware processors and all the pixels in the image involved. This paper presents a practical solution by processing the input image block by block, with the number of pixels in a block being the same as the number of CNN processors in the hardware. The algorithm for implementing this approach is also presented, along with image processing results obtained from an actual laboratory discrete hardware prototype.
The fate of pyrimidine dimers in the DNA of ultraviolet-irradiated Chinese hamster cells.

Abstract—As an aid to understanding the relationship between dimer repair and cellular recovery, we have studied dimer removal and replication of dimer-containing DNA in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells irradiated with ultraviolet light (254 nm). These investigations demonstrated that (1) dimers are not excised as polynucleotides of less than 500,000 mol. wt, (2) fractionation of the ultraviolet dose does not enhance dimer excision, (3) dimer-containing DNA is replicated in ultraviolet-irradiated CHO cells, and (4) the dimers are conserved in the replicated DNA. These findings support the proposed mechanism of bypass of photoproducts during DNA replication in mammalian cells.
A Connectionist Approach to Word Reading and Acquired Dyslexia: Extension to Sequential Processing

A connectionist approach to word reading, based on the principles of distributed representation, graded learning of statistical structure, and interactivity in processing, has led to the development of explicit computational models which account for a wide range of data on normal skilled reading and on patterns of reading impairment due to brain damage. There have, however, been recent empirical challenges to these models, and the approach in general, relating to the influence of orthographic length on the naming latencies of both normal and dyslexic readers. The current work presents a simulation which generates sequential phonological output in response to written input, and which can refixate the input when encountering difficulty. The normal model reads both words and nonwords accurately, and exhibits an effect of orthographic length and a frequency-by-consistency interaction in its naming latencies. When subject to peripheral damage, the model exhibits an increased length effect that interacts with word frequency, characteristic of letter-by-letter reading in pure alexia. Although the model is far from a fully adequate account of all the relevant phenomena, it suggests how connectionist models may be extended to provide deeper insight into sequential processes in reading.
Decarceration in Massachusetts: A Study of Disjointed Incrementalism

The planning and implementation of innovative correctional policies has confounded practitioners and academicians. Recently most attention has been directed toward the development of comprehensive planning models. Recognition of the limited success of these models has led to disillusionment. In this article an alternative approach, disjointed incrementalism, is proposed. Developed in the public administration literature, the model better addresses the obstacles that impede social change. It will be arguedfurther, however, that to be used to explain and plan major policy change, the model must be revised to include five additional factors: character of change, timing, leadership, "broad vision," and control over the arena of change. To demonstrate the utility of the revised model, both as an explanatory and planning tool, it is used to examine the decarceration of juvenile delinquents in Massachusetts between 1969 and 1973.
Disposal-Related Sharps Injuries at a New York City Teaching Hospital

OBJECTIVE: To characterize disposal-related sharps injuries. DESIGN: A three-part study including (a) descriptive analysis of disposal-related injuries in a 1-year period, (b) 4:1 matched case-control study of nurses injured while using sharps disposal containers, and (c) survey to solicit opinions of users of containers. SETTING: An 1,181-bed teaching hospital in New York City. PARTICIPANTS: For epidemiologic analyses, persons with self-reported injuries identified via New York State and Occupational Safety and Health Administration forms and control nurses without self-reported injuries. For survey, convenience sample of hospital nurses, laboratory workers, and maintenance workers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Circumstances of injuries determined by study questionnaires. Employee opinions obtained by questionnaires and discussions during small group sessions. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-one persons reported sharps injuries, of whom 72 (20%) had disposal-related injuries. Persons with disposal-related injuries included four hospital visitors and one patient. Of 67 disposal-related injuries among employees, 25 (37%) directly involved use of a sharps disposal container. Significant risk factors for injury included container height greater than 4 ft above the floor, distance less than 5 ft from site of sharp object use to nearest container, and lack of attendance at universal precautions inservice classes. Survey groups involved 69 employees who identified a variety of preferred features for sharps disposal containers. CONCLUSIONS: Disposal of sharp objects is an important cause of sharps injuries. Ergonomic factors, worker education, and appropriate container design should be considered in injury prevention strategies. Relevant guidelines and regulations are lacking and are needed. Language: en
Fluoroacetate and fluorocitrate: mechanism of action.

The concept of lethal synthesis as suggested by Peters is reviewed in the light of the more recent work in this area. It is suggested that fluorocitrate is a “suicide” substrate for aconitase rather than a competitive inhibitor as originally suggested. The use of these substances to study glialneuronal relationships is considered.
Depressive behavior in the forced swim test can be induced by TRPV1 receptor activity and is dependent on NMDA receptors.

Abstract Blocking, desensitizing, or knocking out transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) receptors decreases immobility in the forced swim test, a measure of depressive behavior. We questioned whether enhancing TRPV1 activity promotes immobility in a fashion that is prevented by antidepressants. To test this we activated heat-sensitive TRPV1 receptors in mice by water that is warmer than body temperature (41 °C) or a low dose of resiniferatoxin (RTX). Water at 41 °C elicited less immobility than cooler water (26 °C), indicating that thermoregulatory sites do not contribute to immobility. Although a desensitizing regimen of RTX (3–5 injections of 0.1 mg/kg s.c.) decreased immobility during swims at 26 °C, it did not during swims at 41 °C. In contrast, low dose of RTX (0.02 mg/kg s.c.) enhanced immobility, but only during swims at 41 °C. Thus, activation of TRPV1 receptors, endogenously or exogenously, enhances immobility and these sites are activated by cold rather than warmth. Two distinct types of antidepressants, amitriptyline (10 mg/kg i.p.) and ketamine (50 mg/kg i.p.), each inhibited the increase in immobility induced by the low dose of RTX, verifying its mediation by TRPV1 sites. When desensitization was limited to central populations using intrathecal injections of RTX (0.25 μg/kg i.t.), immobility was attenuated at both temperatures and the increase in immobility produced by the low dose of RTX was inhibited. This demonstrates a role for central TRPV1 receptors in depressive behavior, activated by conditions (cold stress) distinct from those that activate TRPV1 receptors along thermosensory afferents (heat).
Spotlight series on stem cell mobilization: many hands on the ball, but who is the quarterback?

Spotlight series on stem cell mobilization: many hands on the ball, but who is the quarterback?
Silver Nanocube Aggregates in Cylindrical Pores for Higher Refractive Index Plasmonic Sensing

We report on silver nanocubes (AgNCs) infiltrated into cylindrical nanopores of porous alumina membranes (PAM) with an outstanding chemical sensitivity based on refractive index sensing (RIS) measurements. Numerical simulations performed using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method suggested that the enhanced sensitivity is based mainly on the inter-pore coupling plasmonic effect. This effect is related to plasmonic amplification based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) coupling between AgNCs located at the pore walls of neighboring cylindrical pores and separated by a nanoscale wall. Results are discussed for different aggregation scenarios ranging from individual nanocubes through pentamers on a flat glass surface, a flat alumina surface, and a concave local shape representing the experimental conditions. An experimental RIS sensitivity of about 770 nm per refractive index unit was found to be more than an order of magnitude higher for silver nanocube aggregates within cylindrical pores than that observed for ordinary planar substrates.
Laparoscopic pancreatic cystgastrostomy via the lesser sac approach

Laparoscopic cystgastrostomy offers the benefits of a minimally invasive procedure while providing effective drainage for pancreatic pseudocysts. The lesser sac approach to laparoscopic cystgastrostomy provides adequate working space with excellent visualization. This assures meticulous hemostasis, debridement of the cyst, and wide internal drainage of the pancreatic pseudocyst. Additionally, the laparoscopic approach to this difficult problem can be augmented by other minimally invasive therapies. This video outlines the management of a patient with a pancreatic pseudocyst and concomitant splenic vein thrombosis treated with preoperative splenic embolization and laparoscopic cystgastrostomy via the lesser sac approach.
The use of aqueous alkaline hydrolysis to reveal the fine structure of poly (ethylene terephthalate) fibers

The fine structure and physical properties of bright and semidull poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers were investigated as successive layers of the polymer were removed by hydrolysis using aqueous solutions of sodium hydroxide up to weight losses of 90 and 68%, respectively. For both types large changes in molecular weight distribution did not occur, although as weight loss increased, the density of the remaining fiber increased. Alterations in fine structure with weight loss were also observed by thermal analysis. Greater strength loss with decreasing weight occurred for the semidull fiber than for the bright sample. Larger pits formed on the surface of the hydrolyzed semidull fibers than on the surface of the bright products. This observation is attributed to the titanium oxide present in the semidull fibers. It was also noted that as the density of the bright PET samples was increased by heatsetting, the rate of hydrolysis decreased.
Virtual Communities and the Assessment of Online Marketing Education

Online education has created a “virtual community” learning environment. Effective assessment of this new learning environment is paramount to providing quality education and may provide insights to effective management of virtual communities in the business world. A model of online education effectiveness is proposed and then empirically investigated. Dimensions included in this model are student-to-student interactions, student-to-instructor interactions, instructor support and mentoring, information delivery technology, course content, and course structure. Measures of these dimensions were then analyzed and found to be significant predictors of the variance in students’ evaluations of the global effectiveness of the online educational experience.
The association of formal and informal public accounting mentoring with role stress and related job outcomes

Abstract This paper examines the association between mentoring (both formal and informal) and three measures of role stress (role conflict, role ambiguity, and perceived environmental uncertainty), as well as two job outcomes (job performance and turnover intentions). The statistical analysis is based on structural equation modeling, using responses from 794 employees of large public accounting organizations. The results suggest that in addition to providing the traditional career development and psychosocial support functions, informal mentors provide proteges with information that clarifies their organizational role (reduces role ambiguity). However, mentoring benefits may come at a cost: higher role conflict. The study found limited positive effects attributed to formally assigned mentors.
User see, user point: gaze and cursor alignment in web search

Past studies of user behavior in Web search have correlated eye-gaze and mouse cursor positions, and other lines of research have found cursor interactions to be useful in determining user intent and relevant parts of Web pages. However, cursor interactions are not all the same; different types of cursor behavior patterns exist, such as reading, hesitating, scrolling and clicking, each of which has a different meaning. We conduct a search study with 36 subjects and 32 search tasks to determine when gaze and cursor are aligned, and thus when the cursor position is a good proxy for gaze position. We study the effect of time, behavior patterns, user, and search task on the gaze-cursor alignment, findings which lead us to question the maxim that "gaze is well approximated by cursor." These lessons inform an experiment in which we predict the gaze position with better accuracy than simply using the cursor position, improving the state-of-the-art technique for approximating visual attention with the cursor. Our new technique can help make better use of large-scale cursor data in identifying how users examine Web search pages.
The Influence of Ageism and Ageist Stereotypes on the Elderly

Health care providers focused on the care of the geriatric population encounter the elderly on many aspects of the health continuum, often treating the well-elderly looking for health promotions pr...
Inadvertent poisoning of seven teenagers with monosodium methanearsonate.

Introduction. Monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA) is an organo-arsenic containing herbicide. There is scant information available concerning the toxicity of this chemical in humans. Case Report. Seven male teenagers, 15–18 years of age, inadvertently used a MSMA herbicide as cooking oil to fry fish. All had early gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Whole blood arsenic concentrations ranged from 348 to 613 μg/L and initial urine levels ranged from 81 400 to 226 300 μg-arsenic/g-creatinine. They were all treated with dimercaprol for 1 day and succimer for 19 days. They were followed for 15-months and had no evidence of any serious toxicity. Conclusion. MSMA produces early GI symptoms and very high levels of arsenic in blood and urine, but no evidence of long-term toxicity.
Mechanisms of intracranial kinetics in fossil rhipidistian fishes (Crossopterygii) and their relatives

The fishes of the Order Crossopterygii are characterized by a unique articulation within the braincase, by which the anterior division of the endocranium may be moved dorso-ventrally with respect to the posterior division. The structure of the skull in both groups of crossoptery-gian fishes (the fossil Rhipidistia and the fossil and Recent Coelacanthini) is such that ‘normal’ operation of the intracranial mechanism involves lateral movements of the cheek region and palate corresponding to the dorso-ventral movements of the ethmoid portion of the braincase. The hyomandibular has a function of prime importance in integrating the movements of the various skull components relative to each other. There are important differences between the characteristic intracranial mechanisms of Rhipidistia and Coelacanthini which may be interpreted in adaptive as well as morphological terms. Analysis of the intracranial kinetics of the Rhipidistia reveals a trend, in certain lines, for the amount of relative movement between the skull components to be decreased and this may be used to explain the loss of the intracranial joint in the Amphibia during their evolution from the Rhipidistia. The functional significance of the intracranial articulation has both a kinetic and a dynamic aspect and while in the Amphibia the kinetic ability of the skull is almost wholly restricted, the dynamic features of the ancestral condition are modified and developed as the basal articulation between the palate and endocranium is retained.
Obesity enhances nongenomic estrogen receptor crosstalk with the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways to promote in vitro measures of breast cancer progression

Epidemiological and clinical studies indicate that obesity is associated with a worse postmenopausal breast cancer prognosis and an increased risk of endocrine therapy resistance. However, the mechanisms mediating these effects remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the molecular pathways by which obesity-associated circulating factors in the blood enhance estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) positive breast cancer cell viability and growth. Blood serum was collected from postmenopausal breast cancer patients and pooled by body mass index (BMI) category (Control: 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2; Obese: ≥30.0 kg/m2). The effects of patient sera on MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell viability and growth were examined by MTT and colony formation assays, respectively. Insulin-like growth factor receptor 1(IGF-1R), Akt, and ERK1/2 activation and genomic ERα activity were assessed to determine their possible contribution to obese patient sera-induced cell viability and growth. To further define the relative contribution of these signaling pathways, cells grown in patient sera were treated with various combinations of ERα, PI3K/Akt and MAPK targeted therapies. Comparisons between cells exposed to different experimental conditions were made using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t test. Cells grown in media supplemented with obese patient sera displayed greater cell viability and growth as well as IGF-1R, Akt and ERK1/2 activation relative to control sera. Despite the lack of a significant difference in genomic ERα activity following growth in obese versus control patient sera, we observed a dramatic reduction in cell viability and growth after concurrent inhibition of the ERα and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Further, we demonstrated that ERα inhibition was sufficient to attenuate obese serum-induced Akt and ERK1/2 activation. Together, these data suggest that obesity promotes greater ERα positive breast cancer cell viability and growth through enhanced crosstalk between nongenomic ERα signaling and the PI3K/Akt and MAPK pathways. Circulating factors in the serum of obese postmenopausal women stimulate ERα positive breast cancer cell viability and growth by facilitating non-genomic ERα crosstalk with the PI3K/Akt and MAPK signaling pathways. These findings provide valuable insight into one mechanism by which obesity may promote ERα positive postmenopausal breast cancer progression and endocrine therapy resistance.
Endoluminal grafting for percutaneous aneurysm exclusion in an aortocoronary saphenous vein graft: the first clinical experience.

PURPOSE Aneurysms develop only rarely in aortocoronary saphenous vein grafts (SVGs), and the usual treatment is surgical replacement of the diseased segment. However, in patients at appreciable risk for redo surgery, alternative therapies are desirable. We report the first compassionate use of a percutaneously delivered endoluminal graft (ELG) for internal exclusion of an SVG aneurysm. METHODS A 47-year-old male with two coronary bypass procedures and SVG angioplasty presented with an 8-mm diameter aneurysm lying between 80% and 70% stenotic lesions in an SVG to the obtuse marginal branch. The risks of a third bypass operation were considerable, so the decision was made to attempt internal exclusion of the SVG aneurysm. RESULTS An ELG composed of 2.0-mm diameter unexpanded PTFE graft material with Palmaz stents for fixation was delivered with a low-profile system, but a second ELG was necessary for complete exclusion of the aneurysmal sac. Both ELGs were dilated after initial deployment. The patient was discharged after 9 days without sequelae, and he remains asymptomatic with arteriographically documented ELG patency 5 months after treatment. CONCLUSIONS In this patient with limited therapeutic options, percutaneous aneurysm exclusion in an SVG was effective in restoring a viable blood conduit. It remains to be seen if ELGs have a potential in aortocoronary SVGs.
Neogene Mollusca from the Yunokogawa Formation in the Shimokita Peninsula, Northeast Japan

Abstract. A “Miocene” molluscan fauna of the Yunokogawa Formation is reexamined taxonomically and its paleobiogeographic implications are discussed. The fauna is composed of three species of Gastropoda and 18 species of Bivalvia. The new data indicate that the Yunokogawa molluscan fauna is not of Miocene age, but is referable to the Omma-Manganji Fauna of Pliocene—Early Pleistocene age. No warm-water species are included in the Yunokogawa molluscan fauna. This is probably because the fauna is older than ca. 3.5 Ma or because the influence of warm-water (the Paleo-Tsushima Current) in the Paleo-Tsugaru Strait was much weaker than today. The following taxa are described taxonomically: Fusitriton aff. oregonensis (Redfield), Anadara (Anadara) amicula amicula (Yokoyama), Chlamys (Leochlamys) foeda (Yokoyama), Thracia (Homoeodesma) kakumana (Yokoyama), Protocallithaca Nomura, 1937, and Protothaca (Protocallithaca) adamsii (Reeve).
On Selecting the Right Yardstick

In an article that discussed both the conceptual aspects of presence and the practical considerations of measuring the concept (Witmer & Singer, 1998), we argued that both involvement and immersion are necessary for experiencing presence. The article also presented two questionnaires we have developed, an Immersive Tendencies Questionnaire (ITQ) and a Presence Questionnaire (PQ). Our analyses showed that they are internally consistent with high reliability, there is a weak but consistent positive relation between presence and performance, the ITQ predicts presence as measured by the PQ, and individuals reporting more simulator sickness symptoms report less presence than those reporting fewer symptoms. In this issue, Slater (1999) critiques our approach to measuring presence as represented by the PQ. Dr. Slater finds our definitions of presence helpful and that our concept of immersion is part of his understanding of the meaning of presence. Dr. Slater then argues that both our approach to measuring presence and the PQ are conceptually flawed. In his critique, he raises statistical questions about our measure, concluding that the PQ is not a measure of presence at all. He concludes by arguing against the validity of the measure and stating that he would not use the PQ in his research. In this article, we argue that the PQ is based in the same conceptual structure that is accepted by Dr. Slater, and that the PQ represents a fundamentally sound approach---although not the only approach---to measuring presence. Dr. Slater's statistical arguments are shown to be incorrect simplifications, as he acknowledges in his critique. We also demonstrate that individual PQ items still correlate significantly with the PQ total score even when the PQ total is adjusted to remove the score on individual items from that total. Finally, we rebut Slater's argument concerning the validity of the measure, and suggest that researchers not be constrained by an equipment-oriented model of the presence experience.
Persistent dento-alveolar pain disorder (PDAP): Working towards a better understanding.

•New terminology, persistent dento-alveolar pain disorder (PDAP), and diagnostic criteria have been put forward to address the shortcomings of existing nomenclature, which are associated with unclear criteria.•Arriving at an accurate diagnosis of PDAP is based on excluding other possible aetiologies, and may involve different care providers.•Synthesis of published data suggests that PDAP has a frequency of occurrence following root canal therapy of around 1.6%.•The putative risk factors involved in PDAP are largely unknown, but seem to be similar to those being identified with other post-surgical chronic pain disorders.•The underlying mechanisms involved in the development of and/or perpetuating PDAP are unknown and the approach to treatment remains empiric in nature.