cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
An object oriented approach to constructing recursive descent parsers

We discuss a technique to construct a recursive descent parser for a context free language using concepts found in object oriented design and implementation. A motivation for the technique is given. The technique is then introduced with snippets of a Smalltalk implementation. Some advantages and disadvantages of the technique are examined. Finally some areas of possible future work are discussed.
Hypoplasia of the left ventricle: Rare cause of postoperative mortality in tetralogy of Fallot☆

Severe left ventricular hypoplasia in tetralogy of Fallot is a rare complication. A case history of a 3 year old child who died after attempted repair of tetralogy is presented. Left ventricular end-diastolic volume was 26 ml/m2 (only 45 percent of predicted normal) after repair with normal filling pressure and no evidence of tamponade. Clinical examination, chest X-ray film, electrocardiogram and qualitative assessment of a preoperative left ventriculogram were not useful in assessing this degree of left ventricular hypoplasia; quantitative determination of left ventricular volumes is required for this purpose. When left ventricular end-diastolic volume is less than 55 percent of predicted normal, a shunt procedure may be indicated as an initial procedure with subsequent repair 1 to 2 years later, after left ventricular enlargement.
Identification of sex-linked SNP markers using RAD sequencing suggests ZW/ZZ sex determination in Pistacia vera L.

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) is a dioecious species that has a long juvenility period. Therefore, development of marker-assisted selection (MAS) techniques would greatly facilitate pistachio cultivar-breeding programs. The sex determination mechanism is presently unknown in pistachio. The generation of sex-linked markers is likely to reduce time, labor, and costs associated with breeding programs, and will help to clarify the sex determination system in pistachio. Restriction site-associated DNA (RAD) markers were used to identify sex-linked markers and to elucidate the sex determination system in pistachio. Eight male and eight female F1 progenies from a Pistacia vera L. Siirt × Bagyolu cross, along with the parents, were subjected to RAD sequencing in two lanes of a Hi-Seq 2000 sequencing platform. This generated 449 million reads, comprising approximately 37.7 Gb of sequences. There were 33,757 polymorphic single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) loci between the parents. Thirty-eight of these, from 28 RAD reads, were detected as putative sex-associated loci in pistachio. Validation was performed by SNaPshot analysis in 42 mature F1 progenies and in 124 cultivars and genotypes in a germplasm collection. Eight loci could distinguish sex with 100% accuracy in pistachio. To ascertain cost-effective application of markers in a breeding program, high-resolution melting (HRM) analysis was performed; four markers were found to perfectly separate sexes in pistachio. Because of the female heterogamety in all candidate SNP loci, we report for the first time that pistachio has a ZZ/ZW sex determination system. As the reported female-to-male segregation ratio is 1:1 in all known segregating populations and there is no previous report of super-female genotypes or female heteromorphic chromosomes in pistachio, it appears that the WW genotype is not viable. Sex-linked SNP markers were identified and validated in a large germplasm and proved their suitability for MAS in pistachio. HRM analysis successfully validated the sex-linked markers for MAS. For the first time in dioecious pistachio, a female heterogamety ZW/ZZ sex determination system is suggested.
Macroscopic relations of urban traffic variables: Bifurcations, multivaluedness and instability

Abstract Recent experimental work has shown that the average flow and average density within certain urban networks are related by a unique, reproducible curve known as the Macroscopic Fundamental Diagram (MFD). For networks consisting of a single route this MFD can be predicted analytically; but when the networks consist of multiple overlapping routes experience shows that the flows observed in congestion for a given density are less than those one would predict if the routes were homogeneously congested and did not overlap. These types of networks also tend to jam at densities that are only a fraction of their routes’ average jam density. This paper provides an explanation for these phenomena. It shows that, even for perfectly homogeneous networks with spatially uniform travel patterns, symmetric equilibrium patterns with equal flows and densities across all links are unstable if the average network density is sufficiently high. Instead, the stable equilibrium patterns are asymmetric. For this reason the networks jam at lower densities and exhibit lower flows than one would predict if traffic was evenly distributed. Analysis of small idealized networks that can be treated as simple dynamical systems shows that these networks undergo a bifurcation at a network-specific critical density such that for lower densities the MFDs have predictably high flows and are univalued, and for higher densities the order breaks down. Microsimulations show that this bifurcation also manifests itself in large symmetric networks. In this case though, the bifurcation is more pernicious: once the network density exceeds the critical value, the stable state is one of complete gridlock with zero flow. It is therefore important to ensure in real-world applications that a network’s density never be allowed to approach this critical value. Fortunately, analysis shows that the bifurcation’s critical density increases considerably if some of the drivers choose their routes adaptively in response to traffic conditions. So far, for networks with adaptive drivers, bifurcations have only been observed in simulations, but not (yet) in real life. This could be because real drivers are more adaptive than simulated drivers and/or because the observed real networks were not sufficiently congested.
ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF A RELAXING GAS IN A CYLINDRICAL HEAT-CONDUCTIVITY CELL

Abstract The behaviour of a relaxing gas in a cylindrical heat-conductivity cell is re-assessed and attention drawn to some special circumstances which do not appear to have been noted before. Firstly, it is shown that the homogeneous gas phase can be maintained in thermal equilibrium (regardless of the effectiveness of homogeneous excitation) by surface effects alone. Secondly, it is shown that a rapidly relaxing gas may exhibit all the characteristics of a monatomic gas in respect of the dependence of measured conductivity on pressure.
Initiation of plastic folding mechanism in crushed box columns

Abstract A simple computational model of a thin-walled prismatic column is developed, which describes a transition from the postbuckling to the postfailure and crushing deformation phase. Energy methods are used to analyze the elastic post-buckling response of the column. Ultimate strength is calculated, using the first yield criterion. Limit analysis methods, properly generalized to large displacement and rotation problems, are employed in the postfailure range. The new model explains, with some realism, the process of strain localization and the formation of a plastic folding mechanism in the column. It also leads to a prediction of the entire load-deformation characteristics up to the internal touching and stiffening.
Mechanics of Optic Vesicle Morphogenesis in the Chick Embryo

In the vertebrate embryo, the eyes are initially bulges that grow outward from the sides of the primitive forebrain. As these optic vesicles (OVs) elongate, they come into contact with the surrounding surface ectoderm (SE), and both layers then invaginate to create the optic cup (prospective retina) and lens vesicle. The initial shaping of the OVs sets the stage for these later events. To explore the mechanical factors involved in shaping the OVs, we used experiments on chick embryos along with computational models. First, mechanical dissections were used to remove the SE. Our analysis of OV shapes suggests that the SE exerts asymmetric loads that cause the OVs to flatten and shear caudally during the earliest stages of eye development and later to bend in the caudal and dorsal directions. These deformations cause the initially spherical OVs to become pear-shaped. Exposure to the myosin II inhibitor blebbistatin reduced these effects, suggesting that cytoskeletal contraction controls OV shape by regulating tension in the SE. To test the physical plausibility of these interpretations, we developed finite-element models of the forebrain, including frictionless contact between the SE and OVs. With differential growth included in the OVs, these models were used to simulate each experiment (control, SE removed, no contraction). For each case, the predicted shape of the OV agrees reasonably well with experiments. Our results support this idea that a combination of differential growth in the OV and external pressure exerted by the SE are sufficient to cause the global changes in OV shape observed during the earliest stages of eye development.
Contributions to the History of Psychology: LVIII. Freud's Dualistic Mind-Body Interactionism: Implications for the Development of His Psychology:

Freud's views on the mind-body question are reviewed. It is argued that, throughout his career, Freud was consistent in adopting a dualistic-interactionist view of the mind-body relationship. This position was the prerequisite for his development of a psychology which sought the determinants of consciousness in dynamic, unconscious mental processes, without concern for correlations with an underlying neural substrate.
Gastrointestinal Complications of Diabetes Mellitus

Gastrointestinal problems in diabetes mellitus include esophageal reflux, gastroparesis, diarrhea, constipation and possibly biliary tract abnormalities. In addition, abnormal gastrointestinal motility has been associated with poor glycemic control. This article reviews these complications including pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation and treatment. Factors in treating esophageal reflux in patients with diabetes are considered. Treatment options for gastroparesis are compared, including use of prokinetic agents (cisapride, metoclopramide, erythromycin and domperidone), antiemetic agents and combination therapy. Clinical trials, adverse effects, drug-drug interactions, and costs of the prokinetic agents are compared. Pharmacological management of diabetic diarrhea, including use of antimicrobial therapy, clonidine and octreotide, is discussed. Some considerations in treating constipation in patients with diabetes are reviewed.
Integral equation formulation for thin shells—revisited

Abstract While the matter of solving problems in fracture mechanics with boundary integral equations (BIEs) has received considerable attention, the “conjugate” problem of thin shells has received less. The latter problem is revisited in this work. The attempt here is to clarify certain issues that were not fully addressed in earlier publications. In particular, the issue of consistency of the relevant regularized boundary integral equations, when collocated at corresponding points on two sides of a thin shell, is addressed carefully. Some comments on the corresponding BIE formulation for fracture mechanics problems are made at the end of the paper in order to compare and contrast these two problems.
Parts Entropy, Symmetry and the Difficulty of Self-Replication

A self-replicating robot (SRR) is one that can identify and assemble spare parts into an exact functional copy of itself. An SRR that is able to identify and pick up parts that are randomly scattered in an environment without prior knowledge of their location would be more robust than one that requires parts to be positioned at exactly known locations. Therefore, the degree of disorder in the environment that an SRR is able to handle is in some sense a measure of how “powerful” it is. The entropy of the ensemble of all possible configurations of parts quantifies this concept. In this paper, various issues associated with computing the entropy of ensembles of configurations of parts are explored. The effect of part symmetries is analyzed. It is shown that both the design of parts and the evaluation of an SRR’s functionality can be influenced by the knowledge of part entropies.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Effects of Jealousy Threats on Relationship Perceptions and Emotions

The experimental induction of jealousy threat in a specific situation, using an imagery task, affected subjects' perceptions of themselves and of their romantic relationships, and influenced their emotions. Jealousy-provoking situations increased subjects' perceptions of themselves as jealous in their relationships, and their perceptions of themselves as more emotionally involved in the relationship relative to their partners. Jealousy threat decreased levels of perceived security and stability of the relationship and self-perceived feelings of attractiveness and acceptability to partners. These jealousy-provoking scenes also elicited a complexity of emotions: decreased joy and an increased series of negative emotions. When subjects imagined themselves in a high threat condition, where the loss of their partners seemed imminent, they evaluated their relationships as significantly less secure/ stable, and reported greater intensities of surprise, fear and distress in contrast to the low threat scenes. Disp...
The steady-state response of a Maxwell viscoelastic cylinder to sinusoidal oscillation of its boundary

The steady-state response of a Maxwell viscoelastic cylinder to periodic sinusoidal oscillation of its boundary was studied as a simplified model of the brain responding to low-amplitude angular vibration of an idealized skull. The objectives were to identify conditions in which peak strain occurred on the interior of the cylinder, and to identify ways to scale strains from differently sized cylinders. This latter objective is motivated by the work of Holbourn to inform scaling of intracranial strains experienced under similar acceleration of skulls of different animals. The mechanical response was dictated by two dimensionless parameters that incorporate material properties and external loading frequency. The location and magnitude of maximum strain were examined with respect to these governing parameters in steady state. A frequency-dependent mapping of brain constitutive data to idealized Maxwell models was applied to predict the location and magnitude of peak strains inside a cylinder with mechanical properties representing the adult human brain. Results suggest that peak strains occur on the interior of such a cylinder for skull oscillation within a specific frequency band.
Injury-Induced Neurogenesis in the Adult Mammalian Brain

The persistence of neurogenesis in the adult mammalian forebrain suggests that endogenous precursors may be a potential source for neuronal replacement after injury or neurodegeneration. Limited knowledge exists, however, regarding the normal function of neurogenesis in the adult and its alteration by brain injury. Neural precursors generate neurons throughout life in the mammalian forebrain subventricular zone (SVZ)-olfactory bulb pathway and hippocampal dentate gyrus. Accumulating evidence indicates that various brain insults increase neurogenesis in these persistent germinative zones. Two brain injury models in particular, experimental epilepsy and stroke in the adult rodent, have provided significant insight into the consequences of injury-induced neurogenesis. Studies of dentate gyrus neurogenesis in adult rodent epilepsy models suggest that seizure-induced neurogenesis involves aberrant neuroblast migration and integration that may contribute to persistent hippocampal hyperexcitability. In contrast, adult rat forebrain SVZ neurogenesis induced by stroke may have reparative effects. SVZ neural precursors migrate to regions of focal or global ischemic injury and appear to form appropriate neuronal subtypes to replace damaged neurons. These findings underscore the need for a better understanding of injury-induced neurogenesis in the adult and suggest that the manipulation of endogenous neural precursors is a potential strategy for brain reparative therapies.
A Long RP Tachycardia: What is the Tachycardia Mechanism?

A 75-year-old man underwent an electrophysiologic procedure because of recurrent palpitations and documented tachycardia. At baseline, there was sinus rhythm with right bundle branch block. Programmed stimulation demonstrated anterograde dual AV nodal physiology. A regular, long RP tachycardia with a cycle length of 540 msec and inverted P waves in the inferior leads was induced by atrial overdrive pacing (Fig. 1). The QRS morphology and His-ventricular interval were identical during sinus rhythm and during tachycardia. Ventricular pacing at a cycle length of 520 msec during tachycardia accelerated the atrial cycle length to the pacing cycle length. The response upon cessation of pacing is shown in Figure 2. After infusion of isoproterenol, typical AV nodal reentrant tachycardia was induced. During slow pathway ablation, inadvertent temporary complete AV block occurred (Fig. 3). What is the mechanism of the long RP tachycardia?
Energy-efficient communication in multi-channel single-hop sensor networks

Sensor networks are usually designed and optimized for a specific functionality, and the nature of tasks on different nodes and the pattern of communication between nodes is known at design time. We are investigating a design approach for sensor networks that involves the creation of robust and energy-efficient protocols for a library of general communication primitives. Such a library will hide low-level networking details and provide building blocks for the end user who can then focus on high level design of the application. In this paper, we consider single hop sensor networks with multiple data channels, and define and evaluate the performance of a simple and energy-efficient protocol for a general and powerful primitive called (N, p, k/sub 1/, k/sub 2/) routing. This primitive denotes the transfer of N packets among p nodes with each node transmitting at most k/sub 1/ packets and each node expecting to receive at most k/sub 2/ packets. One-to-all (broadcast), all-to-one (gather), many-to-many, etc., are special cases of (N, p, k/sub 1/, k/sub 2/) routing. We use a separate low-power control channel for coordination among nodes. Simulation results show that our protocol leads to very high utilization of the available data bandwidth, and is also energy balanced. Fault-tolerant extensions of the protocol are also discussed.
Treatment of experimental adjuvant arthritis with a novel folate receptor-targeted folic acid-aminopterin conjugate

Introduction: Folate receptor (FR)-expressing macrophages have been shown to accumulate at sites of inflammation, where they promote development of inflammatory symptoms. To target such a macrophage population, we designed and evaluated the biologic activity of EC0746, a novel folic acid conjugate of the highly potent antifolate, aminopterin. Methods: Using a FR-positive subclone of murine macrophage-derived RAW264.7 cells and rat thioglycollateelicited macrophages, we studied the effect of EC0746 on dihydrofolate reductase activity, cell proliferation, and cellular response towards bacterial lipopolysaccharide as well as IFNg activation. The EC0746 anti-inflammatory activity, pharmacokinetics, and toxicity were also evaluated in normal rats or in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis; that is, a FR-positive macrophage model that closely resembles rheumatoid arthritis in humans. Results: EC0746 suppresses the proliferation of RAW264.7 cells and prevents the ability of nonproliferating rat macrophages to respond to inflammatory stimuli. In the macrophage-rich rat arthritis model, brief treatment with subcutaneously administered EC0746 is shown to mediate an FR-specific anti-inflammatory response that is more potent than either orally administered methotrexate or subcutaneously delivered etanercept. More importantly, EC0746 therapy is also shown to be ~40-fold less toxic than unmodified aminopterin, with fewer bone marrow and gastrointestinal problems. Conclusions: EC0746 is the first high FR-binding dihydrofolate reductase inhibitor that demonstrates FR-specific anti-inflammatory activities both in vitro and in vivo. Our data reveal that a relatively toxic anti-inflammatory drug, such as aminopterin, can be targeted with folic acid to inflammatory macrophages and thereby relieve inflammatory symptoms with greatly reduced toxicity.
Gamma- and theta-band synchronization during semantic priming reflect local and long-range lexical-semantic networks

Abstract Anterior and posterior brain areas are involved in the storage and retrieval of semantic representations, but it is not known how these areas dynamically interact during semantic processing. We hypothesized that long-range theta-band coherence would reflect coupling of these areas and examined the oscillatory dynamics of lexical–semantic processing using a semantic priming paradigm with a delayed letter-search task while recording subjects’ EEG. Time–frequency analysis revealed facilitation of semantic processing for Related compared to Unrelated conditions, which resulted in a reduced N400 and reduced gamma power from 150 to 450 ms. Moreover, we observed greater anterior–posterior theta coherence for Unrelated compared to Related conditions over the time windows 150–425 ms and 600–900 ms. We suggest that while gamma power reflects activation of local functional networks supporting semantic representations, theta coherence indicates dynamic coupling of anterior and posterior areas for retrieval and post-retrieval processing and possibly an interaction between semantic relatedness and working memory.
Detection of baseline and near-fall postural stability

It is unknown whether there are any measurable warning signs just before a patient falls. This study of postural position just prior to a fall involved a subject standing on a balance beam while wearing a gyroscope-based wireless data acquisition system. Results show a variation in postural position when the subject appeared stable. This occurred well before the subject experienced a fall and could not be classified as pre-fall or fall. The results show that there are two distinguishable levels of postural stability — baseline and near-fall.
Therapeutic Effects of an Oral Chelator Targeting Skeletal Tissue Damage in Experimental Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Rats

Earlier studies revealed that age-associated iron accumulation plays an important causal role in osteopenic development after estrogen deficiency. It is believed that an increase in iron content is associated with an increased likelihood of oxidative damage at the point of iron accumulation. However, there is no direct evidence that the iron accumulated in skeletal tissue causes free radical oxidative damage and consequent bone loss. Iron depletion from skeletal tissues of ovariectomized (OVX) rats was carried out with the oral chelator [1-N-docosyl-triethylenetetraminepentaacetic acid (DoTTPA)]. Results suggest the causal role of iron in oxidative damage that may lead to bone loss in the rats. The results also show the therapeutic potential of the bone-targeted chelator to protect against bone loss associated with age-iron accumulation as well as iron overload diseases.
Performance Prediction for Low-SNR Lidar Sensors

Technological advances in the performance of small micro-lasers and photo-detector sensitivity have recently enabled the development of experimental airborne lidar systems with low signal-to-noise ratios (SNR). These systems show the potential to perform highly accurate topographic and bathymetric mapping. There is a need to build up a modeling capability in order to aid in future system and mission design. A numerical sensor model has been developed to predict measurement performance from low SNR lidar systems. Both optical and signal processing components are considered, along with other factors including atmospheric effects and surface conditions.
Clinical practice trends in mechanical ventilation for acute asthma.

Asthma is a serious public health problem. It is estimated that ∼ 26 million people have asthma, and it accounts for nearly 2 million emergency department visits per year.[1][1] Asthma exacerbations are characterized by episodes of progressively worsening dyspnea, coughing, wheezing, and chest
A 20 GHz Doherty power amplifier MMIC with high efficiency and low distortion designed for broad band digital communication systems

The design of an 18.8 GHz to 20.2 GHz GaAs PHEMT Doherty amplifier is described. Tested performance of this amplifier is presented including single tone performance and NPR performance with a broadband waveform. The broadband waveform is a digitally generated, 500 MHz, noise like signal. This broadband 500 MHz NPR test is described and is a new capability setup for testing broadband communication power amplifiers.
Family Business Research in the New Millennium An Overview of the Who, the Where, the What, and the Why

The authors' analysis of 291 family business articles published in 30 management journals between 2001 and 2007 reports the contributions of individual scholars and academic institutions to family business research. To better understand the interrelationships among scholars who have contributed to family business research, a network analysis of coauthor relationships was conducted. The authors also provide a content analysis of the articles and offer suggestions for future research. By analyzing the who, where, and what of family business research, the reasons why the developmental trends have occurred and how the field's momentum can be maintained and directed toward productive ends become clearer.
The Future of Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cystic Lesions

Advances continue to be made in the understanding and management of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). Given the potential risks of operative intervention, current research strives to improve the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis by a number of different modalities. Developments in imaging, such as contrast-enhanced ultrasound and high-resolution cross-sectional imaging, may provide more definitive morphologic data, whereas new devices may provide better yields from EUS-guided tissue sampling. Furthermore, the most exciting area of PCL diagnosis may be genetic analysis. Initial results of studies of PCR analysis, loss of heterozygosity, and specific mutations such as k-ras may allow accurate risk stratification of PCLs with regard to their malignant potential. Treatment of PCLs may also change in the near future. Alternatives to surgery, such as ethanol lavage, are currently being investigated as potential treatment options. With such an array of innovation in the field, the management of PCLs is likely to continue to change and progress in the foreseeable future.
Flea (Siphonaptera) Species Richness in the Great Basin Desert and Island Biogeography Theory

Numbers of flea (Siphonaptera) species (flea species richness) on individual mammals should be higher on large mammals, mammals with dense populations, and mammals with large geographic ranges, if mammals are islands for fleas. I tested the first two predictions with regressions of H. J. Egoscue's trapping data on flea species richness collected from individual mammals against mammal size and population density from the literature. Mammal size and population density did not correlate with flea species richness. Mammal geographic range did, in earlier studies. The intermediate-sized (31 g), moderately dense (0.004 individuals/m2) Peromyscus truei (Shufeldt) had the highest richness with eight flea species on one individual. Overall, island biogeography theory does not describe the distribution of flea species on mammals in the Great Basin Desert, based on H. J. Egoscue's collections. Alternatively, epidemiological or metapopulation theories may explain flea species richness.
Procaine administration and behavioral responsivity in post-traumatic stress disorder: a pilot study of tolerability

Procaine, a local anesthetic, selectively activates the anterior limbic region of the brain, including the anterior cingulate, and may produce powerful emotional and other behavioral responses (including psychotic symptoms) in humans. In a pilot study, we administered intravenous procaine and placebo (saline) to nine combat veterans with PTSD at a dose of procaine known to produce significant behavioral responses in healthy subjects (1·38 mg/kg). All but one PTSD patient had mild to moderate, subjective responses to procaine that were statistically elevated on a procaine symptom rating scale (p<0·01) compared with saline. Symptoms that occurred only during the procaine infusion included anxiety or euphoria, auditory and visual hallucinations or illusions, and certain physical symptoms such as paresthesias. Two of the nine patients had specific PTSD reexperiencing symptoms. However, all patients tolerated the procedure well and, in eight of the patients, symptoms resolved within 5–10 min of procaine administration. One patient had possible dissociative symptoms up to 1 h after procaine that resolved without a recurrence. No patient had a persistent exacerbation of PTSD symptoms. This pilot study suggests that procaine may be a feasible pharmacologic probe to test anterior limbic function in PTSD. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidation of Zirconium Diboride–Silicon Carbide at 1500°C at a Low Partial Pressure of Oxygen

The oxidation behavior of zirconium diboride containing 30 vol% silicon carbide particulates was investigated under reducing conditions. A gas mixture of CO and ∼350 ppm CO2 was used to produce an oxygen partial pressure of ∼10−10 Pa at 1500°C. The kinetics of the growth of the reaction layer were examined for reaction times of up to 8 h. Microstructures and chemistries of reaction layers were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The kinetic measurements, the microstructure analysis, and a thermodynamic model indicate that oxidation in CO–CO2 produced a non-protective oxide surface scale.
Redesigning Special Education Teacher Preparation Programs With a Focus on Outcomes

As one component of a program improvement grant provided by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEPs), the authors’ teacher preparation program (TPP) underwent substantial program redesign. ...
Rapid reversal of insulin-stimulated AS160 phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscle after insulin exposure

Increased phosphorylation of Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) is essential to trigger the full increase in insulin-stimulated glucose transport in skeletal muscle. The primary aim of this study was to characterize the time course for reversal of insulin-stimulated AS160 phosphorylation in rat skeletal muscle after insulin removal. The time courses for reversal of insulin effects both upstream (Akt phosphorylation) and downstream (glucose uptake) of AS160 were also determined. Epitrochlearis muscles were incubated in vitro using three protocols which differed with regard to insulin exposure: no insulin (never exposed to insulin), transient insulin (30 min with 1.8 nmol/l insulin, then incubation without insulin for 10, 20 or 40 min), or sustained insulin (continuously incubated with 1.8 nmol/l insulin). After removal of muscles from insulin, Akt and AS160 phosphorylation reversed rapidly, each with a half-time of <10 min and essentially full reversal by 20 min. Glucose uptake reversed more slowly (half time between 10 and 20 min with essentially full reversal by 40 min). Removal of muscles from insulin resulted in a rapid reversal of the increase in AS160 phosphorylation which preceded the reversal of the increase in glucose uptake, consistent with AS160 phosphorylation being essential for maintenance of insulin-stimulated glucose uptake.
The Informativeness Of Cash Flow Forecasts And The Regulation FD Environment

Prior literature shows that analysts’ forecast estimates serve as a proxy for the markets’ and investors’ beliefs which are unobservable. For decades, analysts have generated forecasts for use in valuation models including future estimates of earnings and growth. Yet, only recently, analysts have begun to voluntarily provide cash flow per share forecasts at the same time they are producing earnings per share forecasts for firms they follow. This study addresses whether the tendency of analysts to issue cash flow per share forecasts, as a result of changes in the regulatory environment, affects forecast properties. By examining the time frame surrounding Regulation FD, the analysis provides evidence that both the mere existence and the relative measure of analysts’ cash flow per share forecasts differ in explaining analysts’ earnings forecast accuracy. Specifically, the empirical results demonstrate that the relative value of analysts’ cash flow forecasts, the implied value of unexpected accruals, and cash flow forecast errors facilitate the reduction in analysts’ earnings forecast errors subsequent to the passage of Regulation FD. Further, the inverse relation between these analysts’ inputs and earnings forecast errors appear to be driven by firms with more accurate cash flow forecasts.
Efficacy and safety of pemetrexed (P) in elderly cancer patients (pts)

8544 Background: P, a novel multitargeted antifolate, has demonstrated antitumor activity in a broad range of tumor types. Approximately 60% of all new cases of cancer and 70% of all cancer-related...
Kinds of Responses

This note defines seven kinds of responses that one may choose to use in a conversation: questions, directions, listening, preoccupation, interpretation, empathy, and sympathy. It then invites students to practice identifying and composing responses in five pages of exercises, each of which begins with a comment by another person. The teaching note includes statements and responses (all seven kinds) that can be used as transparencies to help students recognize the responses quickly.
Insisting on the Healer's Art: The Implications of Required Participation in a Medical School Course on Values and Humanism.

AbstractTheory: Elective courses, by definition, allow medical students to self-select for participation in the class. In a small-group learning setting, students uninterested or not ready for a particular learning topic might change the educational experience (“poison the well”) for those students most interested in the topic. It is not known how medical students required to take a course in humanism (that they otherwise would not have elected to take) might be impacted by the course or how their presence might affect students originally interested in the course. Hypotheses: Medical students in a required course on humanism and values in medicine will have different experiences based on whether a particular student might have or not have elected to enroll in the course. Students uninterested in taking a course in humanism and values, but required to enroll, will limit the benefit of the course for those students originally interested in participating. Method: In 2012, all 1st-year students at a U.S. medi...
Finally, HIV Screening Recommendations for All Adolescents

Dr Tolan has disclosed no financial relationship relevant to this commentary. This commentary does not contain a discussion of an unapproved/investigative use of a commercial product/device. The first cases of HIV infection in the United States were recognized in 1981.1 Progress in the understanding and treatment of HIV has been astonishing since that time. The epidemic blossomed in the United States in a then-marginalized population; time and subsequent events have taught us much about HIV transmission and treatment, and brought about a sea change in majority public opinion about gays and lesbians. Initially, the diagnosis of HIV was a death sentence. Unfortunately it often resulted in infected individuals being ostracized. Many …
Enhancing the Protonic Conductivity of Tin Pyrophosphates by Increasing Phosphate Content

Indium-doped tin pyrophosphate materials were synthesized with varying metal to phosphate ratios to assess the influence of the excess amorphous polyphosphate phase on conductivity. Total conductivity at 250¢aC was found to increase with increasing P:M ratio, with a maximum conductivity of 10-1.8 Scm-1 in dry N2 and 10-0.8 Scm-1 in humidified N2. These results combined with supporting spectroscopy, suggest that a grain-boundary polyphosphate phase is required to achieve high conductivity at low-intermediate temperatures. The conductivity of the excess phosphorous content materials was stable in both dry and humidified environments at 250¢aC. The use of this material as a promising fuel cell electrolyte was demonstrated with a maximum power density of 11 mWcm-2 obtained for the highest P:M ratio material at 300¢aC without humidification. This value is an order of magnitude lower than what has been reported previously in the literature. However the conductivity of the electrolyte in the operating fuel cell was 0.075 Scm-1 and the poor performance is attributable to cathodic overpotentials.
Reclaiming Power and Identity: Marginalized Students’ Experiences of Service-Learning

This qualitative case study investigates how service-learning may enable self-direction and the development of a critical consciousness for marginalized high school students by exploring the dynamics of service-learning through a theoretical framework of critical theory. Service-learning is theorized to counter the oppressive nature of schooling as defined by critical theorists; however, little research exists to clarify the implications of the pedagogy on student empowerment. I consider the negotiation of power and knowledge that may empower students, redefining their experience of schooling and their identities as learners. By exploring processes of empowerment and the social structures created through service-learning, I document three marginalized, male, urban high school students’ self-authorship as they negotiate learning spaces within community. Data analysis revealed how service-learning legitimized lived experience and enabled the re-writing of self through the construction of new social/intellec...
Comparative melting and healing of B-DNA and Z-DNA by an infrared laser pulse

We explore the use of a fast laser melting simulation approach combined with atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in order to determine the melting and healing responses of B-DNA and Z-DNA dodecamers with the same d(5′-CGCGCGCGCGCG-3′)2 sequence. The frequency of the laser pulse is specifically tuned to disrupt Watson-Crick hydrogen bonds, thus inducing melting of the DNA duplexes. Subsequently, the structures relax and partially refold, depending on the field strength. In addition to the inherent interest of the nonequilibrium melting process, we propose that fast melting by an infrared laser pulse could be used as a technique for a fast comparison of relative stabilities of same-sequence oligonucleotides with different secondary structures with full atomistic detail of the structures and solvent. This could be particularly useful for nonstandard secondary structures involving non-canonical base pairs, mismatches, etc.
Application of new liquid-chip system in rapid detection of foodborne pathogens

Objective:To assess a new Liquidchip detection system to explore its application for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens.Methods:This project mainly uses liquid-chip detection system combined with multiplex fluorescent PCR technology for rapid detection of foodborne pathogens.Results:The multiplex fluorescent PCR technology combined with liquid-chip detection system was capable of a variety of foodborne pathogens in 8 hours to achieve qualitative and semi-quantitative detection,with significantly higher sensitivity,specificity and anti-interference capability than the traditional method.Conclusion:Multiplex fluorescent PCR-based liquid-chip system has some good characters including simple operation,less interference,test accuracy and reliable results,and can be used in rapid detection of foodborne pathogens.
The effects of shear and particle shape on the physical adsorption of polyvinyl pyrrolidone on carbon nanoparticles

The effects of shear and particle shape on the physical adsorption of a polymer (polyvinyl pyrrolidone, PVP) on carbon nanoparticles (CNPs) were studied with dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) methods. It was found that the conformation of the polymer during adsorption and desorption from the nanoparticle can be classified into three possible types, i.e. adsorbed, shear-affected and separated, depending on the magnitude of the shear rate in the flow. Spherical and graphene sheet-shaped particles with adsorbed PVP were manipulated in a Couette flow to determine the threshold shear rates leading to changes in the polymer adsorption state. It was found that the polymer was stably adsorbed under higher shear conditions for graphene sheets. In addition, the end-to-end distance and the radius of gyration of the polymer adsorbate was clearly related to the adsorption state, as the polymer underwent a transition from adsorbed to the separated state when the shear rate increased. The critical shear rate at which the polymer desorbed from the surface could be useful in applications where nanoparticles can be used as a molecular delivery system. The physical adsorption and desorption of the same polymer molecules on a flat surface were also investigated. The desorption of the polymer from the flat surface occurred when the shearing force was stronger than the attraction between the PVP and the surface.
Relations with the National Academy of Sciences

A history of the USNC/TAM is incomplete without a review of its relationship with the National Academy of Sciences/National Research Council. As will be demonstrated in the following, at times, the relationship has been less than the desired optimum.
The Theo-Monistic Hierarchy

Although constitutive of extremely diverse theological and philosophical developments, the Christian and Hindu mystic traditions we have examined in the preceding chapters exhibit an experiential typology that stresses an identification with the Divine that is achieved in the transformative processes associated with monistic mysticism. Theistic experiences and activities culminate from the monistic immersion, suggesting that the Divine expresses both impersonal and personal elements, thus bridging the monistic-theistic gap and reconciling apophatic and cataphatic theology. The typology corresponds to John Hick’s personae and impersonae categories of experience interpretation, which we outlined in Chapter 1, but insisting upon an experiential-constructivist epistemology whereby the mystic is actively inspired by a Divine who consists of both elements. The divine personae and impersonae are not mere conceptual distinctions of human categorization, but are actual aspects of a spiritual noumenon which the mystic experiences. Theo-monistic mysticism suggests that the Divine is both impersonal and personal in nature, and that these aspects of the Divine are correlated to monistic and theistic realizations respectively. In this theistic hierarchy, monistic experiences are necessary conditions for the highest theistic realizations, and they are associated with the conception of the Divine. But questions remain surrounding the status of paranormal, nature, and numinous experiences within the theo-monistic hierarchy. How do these phenomena fit into the typology? I will begin with an analysis of numinous experience.
Transcriptional and Post-Transcriptional Strategies in Neuroendocrine Gene Expression

The developmental and homeostatic control of expression of certain genes in higher eukaryotes is directed by a diverse group of regulatory molecules comprising the neuroendocrine system, which act through specific receptor-mediated events. The precise temporal and spatial expression of genes of this system during development is requisite for the progressively more complex patterns of regulated gene expression that characterize higher eukaryotes. Based on an analysis of the rat and human calcitonin genes, alternative RNA processing represents one developmental strategy used in the neuroendocrine system to direct a tissue-specific pattern of polypeptide production. A second developmental strategy utilized by the neuroendocrine system restricts the expression of genes encoding neuroendocrine peptides to precise groups of cells as a consequence of modulating their transcription. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for generating such patterns of restricted gene expression is likely to provide general insights into the molecular strategies that are critical for development and function of the neuroendocrine system.
Soil Organic Carbon under Pasture Management

Pastures are a significant land use in many eastern states of the U.S. (total of 31 Mha). Soil organic carbon (SOC) is generally greater under pastures than under row-cropping systems and is often equally as great as under forested land. There is great potential to improve the management of pastures, and subsequent sequestration of SOC, partly because many pastures are currently minimally managed as they provide adequate services to landowners without much input. Additional SOC can be sequestered with attention to soil fertility (i.e. applying inorganic and organic fertilizer sources when needed, but avoiding them when nutrients are sufficient), botanical composition (e.g. warm- vs. cool-season grasses and legumes, endophyte-infection status of tall fescue, annual vs. perennial growth), stocking rate, and stocking method (e.g. continuous vs. rotational, high vs. low density, short vs. long duration). Some information is available to characterize the response of SOC to management in particular soils or locations, but a much greater research effort is envisioned to provide more robust evaluation and recommendations. Soil organic C varies spatially under pastures in the vertical (depth) and horizontal directions (e.g. edaphic and animal behavior induced), and understanding this variation is essential to research and monitoring of pastures for SOC sequestration. Sequestration of SOC under pastures may occur for decades to centuries, but more long-term research is needed to establish these limits under different soil types and climatic conditions. Finally, SOC accumulation under pastures controls a suite of other potentially negative environmental effects in agricultural landscapes, such as excessive water runoff, sediment and nutrient losses to receiving bodies of water, threats to biodiversity, and radiatively active trace-gas emissions. An expanded network of comprehensive pasture-management research is needed for more complete information on SOC sequestration, but also for understanding and capturing the resiliency and sustainability of American agriculture for the future.