cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Location management in distributed mobile environments

Location management is an important problem in distributed mobile computing. Location management consists of location updates, searches and search-updates. An update occurs when a mobile host changes location. A search occurs when a mobile host needs to be located. A search-update occurs after a successful search. Various strategies can be designed for search, update and search-update. Static location management uses one combination of search, update and search-update strategies throughout the execution. Simulations were carried out to evaluate the performance of different static strategies for various communication and mobility patterns. Simulation results indicate that performing search-updates significantly reduces the message overhead of location management. >
Selective sigma-2 ligands preferentially bind to pancreatic adenocarcinomas: applications in diagnostic imaging and therapy.

Resistance to modern adjuvant treatment is in part due to the failure of programmed cell death. Therefore the molecules that execute the apoptotic program are potential targets for the development of anti-cancer therapeutics. The sigma-2 receptor has been found to be over-expressed in some types of malignant tumors, and, recently, small molecule ligands to the sigma-2 receptor were found to induce cancer cell apoptosis. The sigma-2 receptor was expressed at high levels in both human and murine pancreas cancer cell lines, with minimal or limited expression in normal tissues, including: brain, kidney, liver, lung, pancreas and spleen. Micro-PET imaging was used to demonstrate that the sigma-2 receptor was preferentially expressed in tumor as opposed to normal tissues in pancreas tumor allograft-bearing mice. Two structurally distinct sigma-2 receptor ligands, SV119 and WC26, were found to induce apoptosis to mice and human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Sigma-2 receptor ligands induced apoptosis in a dose dependent fashion in all pancreatic cell lines tested. At the highest dose tested (10 μM), all sigma-2 receptor ligands induced 10–20% apoptosis in all pancreatic cancer cell lines tested (p < 0.05). In pancreas tumor allograft-bearing mice, a single bolus dose of WC26 caused approximately 50% apoptosis in the tumor compared to no appreciable apoptosis in tumor-bearing, vehicle-injected control animals (p < 0.0001). WC26 significantly slowed tumor growth after a 5 day treatment compared to vehicle-injected control animals (p < 0.0001) and blood chemistry panels suggested that there is minimal peripheral toxicity. We demonstrate a novel therapeutic strategy that induces a significant increase in pancreas cancer cell death. This strategy highlights a new potential target for the treatment of pancreas cancer, which has little in the way of effective treatments.
Implantable left ventricular assist devices as initial therapy for refractory postmyocardial infarction cardiogenic shock

OBJECTIVES: Recently, the initial therapy for refractory cardiogenic shock has largely been based on use of short-term mechanical devices with later conversion to durable options. The premise is that such patients cannot tolerate cardiopulmonary bypass and the extended surgery needed for implantable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement. We have adopted an alternative strategy to implant long-term LVADs as the initial device therapy in such patients. METHODS: Over a 3 year period, we used implantable LVADs (Jarvik 2000, one; Ventrassist, one; Heartmate XVE, two; and Heartmate II, nine) in 13 patients (11 men and two women; mean age 54 years) with postmyocardial infarction shock without prior use of a shortterm LVAD. The median time interval from myocardial infarction to LVAD implantation was 3.5 days. Eight patients were on a ventilator, two had unknown neurological status and four had suffered cardiac arrest in the preceding 24 h. Two had prior coronary artery bypass graft. Nine had received dual antiplatelet therapy postmyocardial infarction. The mean laboratory value of creatinine was 1.5 mg/dl, alanine aminotransferase 748 U/l, international normalized ratio 1.5 and lactate 3.2 mmol/l. One procedure was carried out off pump; for the others, the mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was 72 min. Right ventricular assist devices were used in two cases and were later explanted. RESULTS: One patient died of progressive multiorgan failure. All others survived to hospital discharge. There were no re-explorations for bleeding or major infectious complications; two patients had perioperative stroke. The median duration of mechanical ventilation, intensive care unit stay and hospital stay was 3, 9 and 18 days, respectively. At 1 year, of the 12 survivors, eight have since had heart transplant, one patient underwent device explant, two remained alive on support and one died 7 months post-LVAD. CONCLUSIONS: Our data challenge the notion that patients in refractory cardiogenic shock are too ill to tolerate immediate placement of implantable LVADs. Despite the surgical challenges, a one-stop implantable LVAD approach for cardiogenic shock is feasible and may offer unique advantages over the bridge-to-bridge approach because it avoids the incremental costs, hospitalization and morbidity associated with repeated interventions.
Seasonal and interannual variability of North American isoprene emissions as determined by formaldehyde column measurements from space

[1] Formaldehyde (HCHO) columns measured from space by solar UV backscatter allow mapping of reactive hydrocarbon emissions. The principal contributor to these emissions during the growing season is the biogenic hydrocarbon isoprene, which is of great importance for driving regional and global tropospheric chemistry. We present seven years (1995–2001) of HCHO column data for North America from the Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME), and show that the general seasonal and interannual variability of these data is consistent with knowledge of isoprene emission. There are some significant regional discrepancies with the seasonal patterns predicted from current isoprene emission models, and we suggest that these may reflect flaws in the models. The interannual variability of HCHO columns observed by GOME appears to follow the interannual variability of surface temperature, as expected from current isoprene emission models.
Relations between the Parameters of Coupled-Circuit Theory and Transducer Theory with Some Applications

Relations between the impedance parameters usually used in coupled-circuit theory and those of transducer theory are derived. These indicate some useful methods of attacking certain problems-the determination of resonance conditions in a chain of coupled circuits, for example.
Eigenfunction approximation methods for linearly-solvable optimal control problems

We have identified a general class of nonlinear stochastic optimal control problems which can be reduced to computing the principal eigenfunction of a linear operator. Here we develop function approximation methods exploiting this inherent linearity. First we discretize the time axis in a novel way, yielding an integral operator that approximates not only our control problems but also more general elliptic PDEs. The eigenfunction problem is then approximated with a finite-dimensional eigenvector problem - by discretizing the state space, or by projecting on a set of adaptive bases evaluated at a set of collocation states. Solving the resulting eigenvector problem is faster than applying policy or value iteration. The bases are adapted via Levenberg-Marquardt minimization with guaranteed convergence. The collocation set can also be adapted so as to focus the approximation on a region of interest. Numerical results on test problems are provided.
Genome-Wide Dynamics of Htz1, a Histone H2A Variant that Poises Repressed/Basal Promoters for Activation through Histone Loss

Histone variants help specialize chromatin regions; however, their impact on transcriptional regulation is largely unknown. Here, we determined the genome-wide localization and dynamics of Htz1, the yeast histone H2A variant. Htz1 localizes to hundreds of repressed/basal Pol II promoters and prefers TATA-less promoters. Specific Htz1 deposition requires the SWR1 complex, which largely colocalizes with Htz1. Htz1 occupancy correlates with particular histone modifications, and Htz1 deposition is partially reliant on Gcn5 (a histone acetyltransferase) and Bdf1, an SWR1 complex member that binds acetylated histones. Changes in growth conditions cause a striking redistribution of Htz1 from activated to repressed/basal promoters. Furthermore, Htz1 promotes full gene activation but does not generally impact repression. Importantly, Htz1 releases from purified chromatin in vitro under conditions where H2A and H3 remain associated. We suggest that Htz1-bearing nucleosomes are deposited at repressed/basal promoters but facilitate activation through their susceptibility to loss, thereby helping to expose promoter DNA.
Processing Cultural Trauma: Intergenerational Effects of the Japanese American Incarceration

During World War II, the United States confined 120,000 Japanese Americans in incarceration camps based solely on their Japanese ancestry. Two thirds of those forced to live in the desolate camps were U.S. citizens. Decades later, the U.S. government concluded that Japanese Americans had suffered a grave injustice and issued a written apology and monetary award to each surviving incarceree. This article frames the incarceration as a race-based personal and cultural trauma that had enduring consequences for Japanese Americans. Critical impacts of this historic event on identity and postwar trauma coping among U.S.-born second generation Japanese American incarcerees and their offspring are described. We highlight how individual, intergenerational, and sociocultural processes interacted across decades to shape cultural trauma response and the movement to seek redress.
Monte Carlo Simulation of the Spatial Distribution of Energy Deposition for an Electron Microbeam

Abstract Lynch, D. J., Wilson, W. E., Batdorf, M. T., Sowa Resat, M. B., Kimmel, G. A. and Miller, J. H. Monte Carlo Simulation of the Spatial Distribution of Energy Deposition for an Electron Microbeam. Radiat. Res. 163, 468–472 (2005). Dosimetry calculations characterizing the spatial variation of the energy deposited by the slowing and stopping of energetic electrons are reported and compared with experimental measurements from an electron microbeam facility. The computations involve event-by-event, detailed-histories Monte Carlo simulations of low-energy electrons interacting in water vapor. Simulations of electron tracks with starting energies from 30 to 80 keV are used to determine energy deposition distributions in thin cylindrical rings as a function of penetration and radial distance from a beam source. Experimental measurements of the spatial distribution of an electron microbeam in air show general agreement with the density-scaled simulation results for water vapor at these energies, yielding ...
Regional mid-ocean stress and a proposed focal mechanism of ‘stress-discordant’ earthquakes

Summary. Rock stress measurements in Iceland show maximum horizontal compression perpendicular to the trend of Reykjanes Ridge crest and of its extension, the active volcanic zone of Iceland. Fault-plane solutions of dormant stage earthquakes are consistent with the measured stress orientations, but strike—slip earthquakes associated with volcanic surges and some earthquake swarms in active geothermal areas exhibit apparent reversals of mechanism and are here defined as ‘stress-discordant’ in the sense that they yield deduced stress orientations 90° from the regional stress field as determined by hydrofracturing and strain relief methods. It is proposed, supported by comparison with the pore-pressure induced Denver earthquakes, that the ‘stress-discordant’ volcanic earthquakes are triggered by increased pore pressure and probably involve stick-slip motion similar to that reported for some laboratory tests of the pore pressure effect, characterized by gradual onset and sudden stopping of each slip episode. The question is raised as to whether stress-discordant earthquakes are dominated by a stopping phase or terminal shock with consequent reversal of the deduced shear couple. A possible stopping mechanism is suggested: the dilatant stiffening of fault gouge during shear. It is proposed that direct measurements of stress orientation be made by hydrofracturing tests at other places along the mid-ocean ridge crest and on the margins of the Red Sea and East African rifts. The Icelandic stress data indicate the need for sceptical re-examination of some fundamentals of plate tectonics theory.
Why Not Community Service

Though considered an intermediate sanction, community service is hardly ever used as such in the United States. Especially for low-level property offenders who move in and out of the system repeatedly, com munity service can be a viable and beneficial correctional option. New York City has experimented with using community service as a replace ment to jail sentences through the Community Service Sentencing Project. This paper presents evidence from research conducted at the Vera Institute of Justice that points to the value of community service for the recidivist property offender. Based upon analysis of several sets of data two main findings are discussed. First, rates of completion are favorable, in that they are consistent with the program's recent past and exceed con tractual goals despite the change to a more criminally active group of offenders under supervision. Second, representatives of community agen cies have favorable views of the offenders, the sanction, and the work performed; communities be...
Use of Cidofovir in Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

BACKGROUND:Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a subacute demyelinating illness caused by the JC virus, a polyomavirus that occurs in 4–5% of HIV-positive patients. Mortality is high, and no useful therapy has been identified. Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has been reported to be effective in halting progression of the disease in some, but not all, patients. Cidofovir has been shown to be active against polyomaviruses.OBJECTIVE:To review data on the use of cidofovir to treat PML.DATA SOURCES:English-language case reports and clinical studies were located through a literature search (MEDLINE and AIDSLINE, 1995–July 2000).STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION:Relevant case reports and studies describing the use of cidofovir for PML were reviewed.DATA SYNTHESIS:Most case reports describing the use of cidofovir have shown that the drug is effective in the treatment of PML. Some patients were also receiving HAART concurrently; therefore, it is not clear which treatment modality had...
New insights into fully-depleted SOI transistor response after total-dose irradiation

In this work we explore the effects of total-dose ionizing irradiation on fully-depleted SOI transistors. Closed-geometry and standard transistors fabricated in two fully-depleted processes were irradiated with 10 keV X-rays. Our results show that increases in radiation-induced leakage current are caused by positive charge trapping in the buried oxide inverting the back-channel interface. At moderate levels of trapped charge, the back-channel interface is slightly inverted causing a small leakage current to flow. This leakage current may be amplified to considerably higher levels by impact ionization. At high levels of trapped charge, the back-channel interface is fully inverted and the gate bias has little effect on leakage current. Large increases in leakage currents can be obtained with or without impact ionization occurring in the channel region. For these transistors, the worst-case bias configuration was determined to be the "ON" bias configuration for both the cases where radiation-induced transistor response was dominated by charge buildup in the buried oxide and in the trench sidewall isolation. These results have important implications on hardness assurance.
Powered instrumentation in laryngeal surgery

Abstract The endoscopic shaver system employs a motorized handpiece and specially tailored blades that allow access to glottic, subglottic, and tracheal sites. The system and setup is identical to that used in endoscopic sinus surgery except for the blade attachments. This similarity confers a degree of familiarity to the surgeon as well as the operating room staff. The system can be utilized for resection or biopsy of lesions of the upper aero-digestive tract. Endoscopic shaver resection of laryngeal tumors is a safer and more rapid alternative to conventional laser resections. Many of the risks associated with laser resections including inadvertent burn injury and airway fires are avoided. Benign tumors of the larynx, subglottis, and trachea requiring conservative management are especially amenable to this form of therapy. This technique is well suited for resection of papillomas as well as other lesions of the airway. A drawback of this technique is the inadequate assessment of surgical margins that limits its utility in the management of malignancies.
On improving performance and energy profiles of sparse scientific applications

In many scientific applications, the majority of the execution time is spent within a few basic sparse kernels such as sparse matrix vector multiplication (SMV). Such sparse kernels can utilize only a fraction of the available processing speed because of their relatively large number of data accesses per floating point operation, and limited data locality and data re-use. Algorithmic changes and tuning of codes through blocking and loop unrolling schemes can improve performance but such tuned versions are typically not available in benchmark suites such as the SPEC CFP 2000. In this paper, we consider sparse SMV kernels with different levels of tuning that are representative of this application space. We emulate certain memory subsystem optimizations using SimpleScalar and Wattch to evaluate improvements in performance and energy metrics. We also characterize how such an evaluation can be affected by the interplay between code tuning and memory subsystem optimizations. Our results indicate that the optimizations reduce execution time by over 40%, and the energy by over 85%, when used with power control modes of CPUs and caches. Furthermore, the relative impact of the same set of memory subsystem optimizations can vary significantly depending on the level of code tuning. Consequently, it may be appropriate to augment traditional benchmarks by tuned kernels typical of high performance sparse scientific codes to enable comprehensive evaluations of future systems.
Trust: What It Is And What It Is Not

Trust, whether it is interpersonal trust, organizational trust, or trust in exchange relationships, has drawn great attention from both business practitioners and scholars in recent years. Numerous studies have been done, but the meaning of trust seems to remain elusive. Few constructs have been defined in so many different ways resulting in much confusion. This research attempts to improve our understanding of the nature of trust through reviewing existing business literature on this construct. By comparing and contrasting different perspectives of defining trust, the paper argues that trust is not a calculated probability of the behavior of the party to be trusted, and neither is it ones willingness to risk vulnerability. Emphasizing the social or relational nature of trust, this paper defines trust as a choice, a decision to place ones confidence in others. Cognitive expectation (the calculated probability) and behavioral intention (the willingness to be vulnerable) are conceived as an antecedent and a consequence of trust respectively. Defined as such, the construct embraces trust at both personal level and the institutional level, including trust in organizational or exchange relationships; it is expected that this endeavor should contribute to our understanding of trust in both marketing and management fields.
Arousal Theory, Stress And Performance: Problems Of Incorporating Energetic Aspects Of Behavior Into Human-Machine Systems Function

This paper develops a critique of the unitary behavioral arousal theory of stress and human performance. The empirical, methodological, and theoretical shortcomings of this position are elaborated. The contemporary alternatives that have been generated to fill this theoretic vacuun are identified. Our limited understanding of the action of stress is taken as one example of why important energetic aspects of performance have yet to be incorporated into hunan-machine systems design and operation. Seme steps directed toward such integration are developed.
How Hand Proximity Impacts Consumer Responses to a Persuasive Communication

This research examines the impact of hand proximity (i.e., proximal or distal) on how consumers process the information contained in an advertisement or on a product Web site. Four studies demonstrate that when hands are proximal to that information (e.g., when using a mobile device to view the information), there is more detail-oriented processing that results in greater attribute recall and a greater amount of attribute-related thoughts. When hands are distal to that information (e.g., when using a desktop to view the ad or product Web site), there is more holistic, conceptually oriented processing that results in greater thematic recall and more thoughts about the theme. This research also demonstrates that hand proximity can differentially impact choice and product evaluations. Specifically, when hands are proximal consumers prefer ads communicating detailed product information; when hands are distal consumers prefer ads that focus on a theme. Hand proximity effects are driven by the innate tendency to manipulate or inspect an item. The research has important practical implications, given the ubiquity of both hand-held devices and computers.
Determinants of Perceived Immigrant Job Threat in the American States

In the United States, the 2000s were marked by record numbers of immigrants and heightened levels of pro- and anti-immigrant agitation. As a result, research investigating anti-immigrant prejudice ...
Intelligibility and conflict resolution in the lifeworld

This paper examines the role of Habermas's concept of the lifeworld in processes of reaching mutual understanding. This concept is shown to be ultimately too amorphous to bear the theoretical weight Habermas places on it. He conceives the lifeworld both as diffuse and holistic, yet also as structured; as a set of taken-for-granted and counterfactual presuppositions, yet also as a kind of knowledge. In the end, he presupposes what the lifeworld is supposed to explain: mutual intelligibility of subjects in interaction. These conceptual tensions affect the explanatory power of the lifeworld and the usefulness of the theory of communicative action for conflict resolution. Where conflict resolution is aimed at mediating radical disagreements with minimal concord between parties, presuming consensus may not be possible or optimal. The present analysis argues for the need to develop other means of establishing a sufficient level of background consensus against which communicative action can take place.
Particle streak velocimetry-OCT (PSV-OCT): a novel method for multi-vector component velocimetry of microscale flow physiology(Conference Presentation)

We present a new method for 2.5 and 3 vector component velocimetry. We call this method particle streak velocimetry OCT (PSV-OCT). PSV-OCT generates two-dimensional, 2.5 vector component (v_x,|v_y|,v_z) cross-sectional maps of microscale flow velocity (e.g. biological cilia-driven fluid flow). The enabling insight is that a tracer particle in sparsely-seeded fluid flow traces out streaks in (x,z,t)-space. The streak orientations in x-t and z-t yield v_x and v_z, respectively. The in-plane (x-z plane) residence time yields the out-of-plane speed |v_y|. Vector component values are generated by fitting streaks to a model of image formation. We demonstrate cross-sectional estimation of (v_x,|v_y|,v_z) in two important animal models in ciliary biology: Xenopus embryos (tadpoles) and mouse trachea. Further, by incorporation the assumption of incompressible flow into the estimation process, we are able to generate 3 vector component (v_x,v_y,v_z) estimates in three spatial dimensions from 2.5 vector component measurements taken in parallel OCT planes in 3D space.
Intelligent Control In Thermal Power Plant Process Control Research

This paper summarized the definition and development of the intelligent control system,and introduces the several major form of the intelligent control system.Moreover,the applications of the Intelligent control in the four aspects of main steam temperature control,superheated steam temperature control,boiler combustion process control and coal pulverizing system control are introduced,which shows that the use of intelligent control in the power plant thermal process control is significant to protect the equipment safety,reduce labor intensity and improve thermal unit economic benefit.
Robotic lobectomy can be taught while maintaining quality patient outcomes

Abstract Objective The objective is to report our outcomes of teaching and performing minimally invasive robotic lobectomy. Methods Robotic lobectomy was divided into 19 specific sequential technical maneuvers. The number of steps residents could perform in a set period of time was recorded. Video review by the attending surgeon and coaching were used to improve what residents could safely perform. Outcomes compared were percentage of maneuvers that general surgical or cardiothoracic residents (fellows) completed, operative times, and Society of Thoracic Surgeons–defined metrics of patient outcomes. Results There were 520 consecutive robotic lobectomies over 5 years. The various maneuvers completed by general surgical residents (N = 35) and cardiothoracic residents (N = 7) increased over time, for example, steps 1 to 5 increased 20% and 70% compared with 80% and 90% ( P P P = .001), respectively. Operative outcomes, including intraoperative blood loss, median number of lymph nodes, median length of stay, major morbidity, and 30-day and 90-day mortality, were no different. Operative time initially increased and then decreased over time. Conversion to thoracotomy (15% to 2.5%, P = .042) and major vascular injury (3% to 0%, P = .018) decreased. Conclusions Robotic lobectomy can be safely taught to residents without compromising patient outcomes by dividing it into a series of surgical maneuvers. Recording outcomes for each step and using video review and coaching techniques may help increase the percent of maneuvers residents can complete in a set time.
Mesenchymal stem cells have antifibrotic effects on transforming growth factor-β1-stimulated vocal fold fibroblasts.

Objectives/Hypothesis Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold therapeutic promise for vocal fold scar, yet the precise mechanism(s) underlying tissue level changes remain unclear. We hypothesize that MSCs interact with native fibroblasts to favorably affect healing. Furthermore, we hypothesize that these interactions vary based on MSC source. Methods Vocal fold fibroblasts (VFFs), adipose-derived stem cells, and bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) were extracted from Sprague-Dawley rats; and a coculture model was employed culturing VFFs ± transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) (10 ng/mL) ± MSCs. Monoculture MSCs were also prepared as a control. Both extracellular matrix (ECM) and components of the TGF-β signaling pathway were analyzed via polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Results Significantly decreased TGF-β1 mRNA and α-smooth muscle actin protein was observed in VFFs in response to TGF-β1 in the coculture with both MSCs (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). BMSCs significantly downregulated collagen I (P < 0.05), collagen III (P < 0.05), Smad3 (P < 0.01), and TGF-β1 receptor I (P < 0.01) mRNA in VFFs. Hyaluronic synthase-1 and 2 increased in cocultured BMSCs when compared with monocultured BMSCs at baseline and in response to TGF-β1 (P < 0.01). Conclusion MSCs had a favorable effect on ECM regulation as well as suppression of TGF-β1 signaling in VFF. Bidirectional paracrine signaling was also observed as VFFs altered ECM regulation in MSCs. These data provide insight into the regenerative effects of MSCs and provide a foundation for clinical application. Level of Evidence N/A. Laryngoscope, 2016
Explaining voting paradoxes: including arrow's and sen's theorems

What makes the field of social choice so fascinating is that it is full of complexities, assertions about the impossibility of doing what seems quite natural to do, and many mysteries. Adding to its allure is the importance of the topic; these mysteries can indicate and predict sources of societal complications. While some of these difficulties will be described in this tutorial, be assured that this will not be still another hand-wringing, 'what can go wrong' session. Instead, a main theme will be to provide hope coupled with positive assertions and new research directions. To accomplish this objective, it is necessary to explain why many of these difficulties arise, and that will be done with an emphasis on 'intuition'. In fact, expect a 'hands-on', interactive session.
Why research on proof-oriented mathematical behavior should attend to the role of particular mathematical content

Abstract Because proving characterizes much mathematical practice, it continues to be a prominent focus of mathematics education research. Aspects of proving, such as definition use, example use, and logic, act as subdomains for this area of research. To yield content-general claims about these subdomains, studies often downplay or try to control for the influence of particular mathematical content (analysis, algebra, number theory etc.) and students’ mathematical meanings for this content. In this paper, we consider the possible negative consequences for mathematics education research of adopting such a content-general characterization of proving behavior. We do so by comparing content-general and content-specific analyses of two proving episodes taken from prior research of the two authors and by re-analyzing the data and results presented in one instance of research from the field. We intend to sensitize the research community to the role particular mathematical content can and should play in research on mathematical proving.
The effect of moderate consumption of non-nutritive sweeteners on glucose tolerance and body composition in rats

Glucose tolerance and body composition were determined in male rats given non-nutritive sweeteners (NNS) (aspartame or sucralose) in drinking water. Areas under the curve for glucose and insulin with NNS did not differ from control. NNS treatment had no effect on weight gain or percent body fat. Epididymal fat pad mass was higher with aspartame and the ratio of trunk to total fat was less with sucralose versus control, suggesting that NNS consumption altered body fat distribution.
On seismic rays and waves (Part One)

The equations of motion of an elastico-viscous medium in which the material constants vary with position are deduced. These can be put into the form of a wave equation only when the gradients of the constants are small. By the method of Sommerfeld and Runge these equations are compared with the equation of the characteristic function, whence the condition for the validity of the ray method is obtained. It is similar to De Broglie's criterion in wave mechanics. Expressed in terms of measurable quantities in seismology, the condition is applied to the data recently obtained by Gutenberg for the upper layers of the earth's crust. The equation of the characteristic function is used in deriving the forms of the ray paths for several particular velocity functions, following a method previously used by Epstein.
Conflicting Visions: A Critique of Ian Macneil’s Relational Theory of Contract

* Norman & Edna Freehling Scholar and Professor of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago-Kent College of Law. Some of the ideas developed in this paper were presented to the Contracts Section of the Association of American Law Schools as part of a panel on "The Relational Theory of Contract" held at the 1988 Annual Meeting in Miami Beach, Florida. Financial support for this project was provided by the Marshall D. Ewell Research Fund of the Chicago-Kent College of Law. Research assistance was provided by Craig Truitt. Finally, I wish to thank Jay Feinman for commenting on an earlier draft. I I introduced this thesis in Randy E. Barnett, Contract Scholarship and the Reemergence of Legal Philosophy, 97 Harv. L. Rev. 1223 (1984) (book review), and greatly expanded it in Randy E. Barnett, A Consent Theory of Contract, 86 Colum. L. Rev. 269 (1986) [hereinafter Barnett, Consent Theory]. A condensed and revised account of this approach appears in Randy E. Barnett, Rights and Remedies in a Consent Theory of Contract, in Liability and Responsibility: Essays in Law and Morals 135 (R.G. Frey & Christopher W. Morris eds., 1991). 2 Although these two expressions of the principle serve well for most purposes, they are not strictly accurate. A more complete formulation is that contractual obligation arises when a person "voluntarily performed acts that conveyed her intention to create a legally enforceable obligation by transferring alienable rights." Barnett, Consent Theory, supra note 1, at 300. This more elaborate version is needed to account for the restrictions that are properly placed on people's ability to legally bind themselves. This limitation is reflected in, for example, the rules governing the remedy of specific performance. See Randy E. Barnett, Contract Remedies and Inalienable Rights, 4 Soc. Phil. & Pol'y 179 (1986). Although I describe this as the "traditional" view, it represents a rejection of the modern Willistonian-Restatement approach that places the concept of promise (as opposed to consent) at the heart of contract. A promise may or may not be accompanied by an explicit or implicit manifestation of intention to be legally bound. See Randy E. Barnett, Some Problems with Contract as Promise, 77 Cornell L. Rev. 1022 (1992).
ANALISIS KEBUTUHAN PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS E-LEARNING DENGAN MODULAR OBJECT-ORIENTED DYNAMIC LEARNING ENVIRONMENT DI SMK NEGERI 3 PAREPARE

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui kebutuhan Modular Object-Oriented Dynamic Learning Environment (MOODLE) sebagai pembelajaran berbasis e-learning di SMK Negeri 3 Parepare, dengan objek penelitiannya adalah GuruSMK bidang keahlian Teknik Komputer dan Jaringan. Dalam rangka mencapai tujuan dalam penelitian ini diajukan delapan aspek seputar pembelajaran berbasis IT di sekolah, kesesuaian MOODLE dengan program studi, penggunaan fasilitas IT dalam kegiatan pembelajaran, belajar secara online, belajar secara mandiri, penggunaan MOODLE dalam proses belajar siswa, bimbingan dalam menyelesaikan tugas-tugas siswa memalui MOODLE, dan penetapan nilai akhir tentang kompetensi siswa dapat dilakukan secara transparan melaui MOODLE. Data diolah dengan menggunakan metode analisis deskriptif dengan responden guru serta sample adalah guru TKJ. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan pembahasan penelitian tentang analisis kebutuhan pembelajaran e-learning berbasis MOODLE di SMK Negeri 3 Parepare yang dilakukan dengan memberikan angket kepada guru-guru dengan item pertanyaan seputar aplikasi MOODLE maka dapat disimpulkan bahwa pembelajaran e-learning di SMK Negeri 3 Parepare perlu dilakukan. Kata Kunci: Kebutuhan, MOODLE, SMK
AnnotationBustR: an R package to extract subsequences from GenBank annotations.

Background DNA sequences are pivotal for a wide array of research in biology. Large sequence databases, like GenBank, provide an amazing resource to utilize DNA sequences for large scale analyses. However, many sequence records on GenBank contain more than one gene or are portions of genomes. Inconsistencies in the way genes are annotated and the numerous synonyms a single gene may be listed under provide major challenges for extracting large numbers of subsequences for comparative analysis across taxa. At present, there is no easy way to extract portions from many GenBank accessions based on annotations where gene names may vary extensively. Results The R package AnnotationBustR allows users to extract sequences based on GenBank annotations through the ACNUC retrieval system given search terms of gene synonyms and accession numbers. AnnotationBustR extracts subsequences of interest and then writes them to a FASTA file for users to employ in their research endeavors. Conclusion FASTA files of extracted subsequences and accession tables generated by AnnotationBustR allow users to quickly find and extract subsequences from GenBank accessions. These sequences can then be incorporated in various analyses, like the construction of phylogenies to test a wide range of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses.
Stroller running: Energetic and kinematic changes across pushing methods

Objective Running with a stroller provides an opportunity for parents to exercise near their child and counteract health declines experienced during early parenthood. Understanding biomechanical and physiological changes that occur when stroller running is needed to evaluate its health impact, yet the effects of stroller running have not been clearly presented. Here, three commonly used stroller pushing methods were investigated to detect potential changes in energetic cost and lower-limb kinematics. Methods Sixteen individuals (M/F: 10/6) ran at self-selected speeds for 800m under three stroller conditions (2-Hands, 1-Hand, and Push/Chase) and an independent running control. Results A significant decrease in speed (p = 0.001) and stride length (p<0.001) was observed between the control and stroller conditions, however no significant change in energetic cost (p = 0.080) or heart rate (p = 0.393) was observed. Additionally, pushing method had a significant effect on speed (p = 0.001) and stride length (p<0.001). Conclusions These findings suggest that pushing technique influences stroller running speed and kinematics. These findings suggest specific fitness effects may be achieved through the implementation of different pushing methods.
Loss of Brain Aerobic Glycolysis in Normal Human Aging

Summary The normal aging human brain experiences global decreases in metabolism, but whether this affects the topography of brain metabolism is unknown. Here we describe PET-based measurements of brain glucose uptake, oxygen utilization, and blood flow in cognitively normal adults from 20 to 82 years of age. Age-related decreases in brain glucose uptake exceed that of oxygen use, resulting in loss of brain aerobic glycolysis (AG). Whereas the topographies of total brain glucose uptake, oxygen utilization, and blood flow remain largely stable with age, brain AG topography changes significantly. Brain regions with high AG in young adults show the greatest change, as do regions with prolonged developmental transcriptional features (i.e., neoteny). The normal aging human brain thus undergoes characteristic metabolic changes, largely driven by global loss and topographic changes in brain AG.
Common dreams, different circumstances: Lessons from contemporary development economics

Abstract. Freedoms, rights, and equality are common dreams among different human societies irrespective of their economic, social, political and cultural circumstances. This paper presents a brief discussion on the reasons for the divergence of circumstances different civilisations find themselves into by linking this dichotomy with arguments available in contemporary development economics. Keywords. Development, Developing country. JEL. F63, I25.
Revisiting multimodal activation and channel properties of Pannexin 1

Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms plasma membrane ion channels that are widely expressed throughout the body. Panx1 activation results in the release of nucleotides such as adenosine triphosphate and uridine triphosphate. Thus, these channels have been implicated in diverse physiological and pathological functions associated with purinergic signaling, such as apoptotic cell clearance, blood pressure regulation, neuropathic pain, and excitotoxicity. In light of this, substantial attention has been directed to understanding the mechanisms that regulate Panx1 channel expression and activation. Here we review accumulated evidence for the various activation mechanisms described for Panx1 channels and, where possible, the unitary channel properties associated with those forms of activation. We also emphasize current limitations in studying Panx1 channel function and propose potential directions to clarify the exciting and expanding roles of Panx1 channels.
Long-term Impact of Weight Loss Intervention on Changes in Cognitive Function: Exploratory Analyses from the Action for Health in Diabetes Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Background Diabetes adversely impacts cognition. Lifestyle change can improve diabetes control and potentially improve cognition. We examined whether weight loss through reduced caloric intake and increased physical activity was associated with slower cognitive aging in older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Methods The Look AHEAD randomized controlled clinical trial delivered 10 years of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI) that yielded long-term weight losses. During 5 years spanning the end of intervention and postintervention follow-up, repeated cognitive assessments were obtained in 1,091 individuals who had been assigned to ILI or a control condition of diabetes support and education (DSE). We compared the means and slopes of scores on cognitive testing over these repeated assessments. Results Compared with DSE, assignment to ILI was associated with a -0.082 SD deficit in mean global cognitive function across repeated assessments (p = .010). However, overweight (body mass index [BMI] < 30 kg/m2) ILI participants had 0.099 (95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.006, 0.259) better mean global cognitive function compared with overweight DSE participants, while obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2) ILI participants had -0.117 (-0.185, -0.049) SD worse mean composite cognitive function scores (interaction p = .014) compared to obese DSE participants. For both overweight and obese participants, cognitive decline was marginally (-0.014 SD/y overall) steeper for ILI participants (p = .068), with 95% CI for differences in slopes excluding 0 for measures of attention and memory. Conclusions The behavioral weight loss intervention was associated with small relative deficits in cognitive function among individuals who were obese and marginally greater cognitive decline overall compared to control. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00017953.
Spatial midsession reversal learning in rats: Effects of egocentric Cue use and memory.

Abstract The midsession reversal task has been used to investigate behavioral flexibility and cue use in non-human animals, with results indicating differences in the degree of control by environmental cues across species. For example, time-based control has been found in rats only when tested in a T-maze apparatus and under specific conditions in which position and orientation (i.e., egocentric) cues during the intertrial interval could not be used to aid performance. Other research in an operant setting has shown that rats often produce minimal errors around the reversal location, demonstrating response patterns similar to patterns exhibited by humans and primates in this task. The current study aimed to reduce, but not eliminate, the ability for rats to utilize egocentric cues by placing the response levers on the opposite wall of the chamber in relation to the pellet dispenser. Results showed that rats made minimal errors prior to the reversal, suggesting time-based cues were not controlling responses, and that they switched to the second correct stimulus within a few trials after the reversal event. Video recordings also revealed highly structured patterns of behavior by the majority of rats, which often differed depending on which response was reinforced. We interpret these findings as evidence that rats are adept at utilizing their own egocentric cues and that these cues, along with memory for the recent response-reinforcement contingencies, aid in maximizing reinforcement over the session.
Understanding Trauma Faced by Syrian Refugees: Challenges and Community Solutions

When considering vulnerable populations, many groups of people are considered to be at higher risk for adverse outcomes due to their situation, including refugees. The UNHCR defines a refugee as “someone who is outside of his or her country of origin and has a well-founded fear of persecution due to his or her race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, and/or political opinion, and is unable or unwilling to avail him/herself of the protection of that country, or to return there, for fear of persecution.” 1 For Syrian refugees who have experienced trauma, many challenges arise in various phases of their journey as they attempt to flee to neighboring countries of Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, and Iraq, including the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. According to the American Psychological Association, trauma is defined as an emotional response to a terrible event like an accident, rape, violence, or natural disaster in which the extreme stress overwhelms the ability to cope. 2 This includes trauma experiences and exposure to risk pre-flight, during their flight, and upon arrival to the country in which they resettle. The aim of this article is to address these risks for Syrian refugees and how they can be better supported upon resettlement.
Structure-Guided Modification of Heterocyclic Antagonists of the P2Y14 Receptor

The P2Y14 receptor (P2Y14R) mediates inflammatory activity by activating neutrophil motility, but few classes of antagonists are known. We have explored the structure–activity relationship of a 3-(4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)-5-(aryl)benzoic acid antagonist scaffold, assisted by docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation at a P2Y14R homology model. A computational pipeline using the High Throughput MD Python environment guided the analogue design. Selection of candidates was based upon ligand–protein shape and complementarity and the persistence of ligand–protein interactions over time. Predictions of a favorable substitution of a 5-phenyl group with thiophene and an insertion of a three-methylene spacer between the 5-aromatic and alkyl amino moieties were largely consistent with empirical results. The substitution of a key carboxylate group on the core phenyl ring with tetrazole or truncation of the 5-aryl group reduced affinity. The most potent antagonists, using a fluorescent assay, were a prima...
The Challenge of Understanding and Quantifying Fish Responses to Turbulence-Dominated Physical Environments

The natural habitats of fishes are characterized by water movements driven by a multitude of physical processes of either natural or human origin. The resultant unsteadiness is exacerbated when flow interacts with surfaces, such as the bottom and banks, and protruding objects, such as corals, boulders, and woody debris. There is growing interest in the impacts on performance and behavior of fishes swimming in “turbulent flows”. The ability of fishes to stabilize body posture and their swimming trajectories is thought to be important in determining species distributions and densities, and hence resultant assemblages in various habitats. Understanding impacts of turbulence and vorticity on fishes is important as human practices modify water movements, and as turbulence-generating structures ranging from hardening shorelines to control erosion, through designing fish deterrents, to the design of fish passageways become common. Collaboration between engineers and biologists is essential in order to generate adequate and sustainable solutions. Previous work on fish responses to turbulent perturbations is discussed and new theoretical concepts/framework are proposed to quantify fish-eddy interactions.