cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Technical considerations for approaches to the ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block via the pterygopalatine fossa: a literature review

Background and objectives Blockade of the trigeminal nerve and its branches is an effective diagnostic tool and potential treatment of facial pain. Ultrasound-guided injections in the pterygopalatine fossa (PPF) to block the trigeminal nerve divisions and sphenopalatine ganglion have been described but a consensus has yet to be reached over the ideal approach. We sought to delineate and compare the various approaches to the ultrasound-guided trigeminal divisions blockade via the PPF. Methods The literature search was performed by searching the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database, the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Google Scholar within the date range of January 2009–March 2019 for keywords targeted toward “trigeminal nerve,” “maxillary nerve,” or “pterygopalatine fossa,” “ultrasound,” and “nerve block,” using an English language restriction. Six papers were included in the final review: one prospective double-blinded randomized controlled trial, one prospective descriptive study, one case series, two case reports, and one cadaveric study. Results There are three main approaches to the ultrasound-guided trigeminal nerve branches blockade via the PPF: anterior infrazygomatic in-plane, posterior infrazygomatic in-plane, and suprazygomatic out-of-plane approaches. Each showed injectate spread to the PPF in cadaver, adult and pediatric patients, respectively.1–5 Injectate used varied from 3 to 5 mL to 0.15 mL/kg. Conclusions These studies demonstrated that the PPF is a readily accessible target for the ultrasound-guided maxillary nerve block via three main approaches.2 The ideal approach is yet to be determined and must be further explored.
Spatial Arrangement of Stormwater Infiltration Affects Subsurface Storage and Baseflow

AbstractUrban stormwater management is turning towards use of infiltration facilities, directing water that would have previously flowed overland into subsurface flow paths. Stormwater infiltration...
Synthesis of a new zinc phthalocyanine-benzoquinone rigid dyad

A new zinc phthalocyanine–benzoquinone rigid dyad, QnZnPc–G2 was synthesized as a model compound to study photo-induced charge separation mimicking natural photosynthesis. Compared to its previousl...
Modeling the Modeler: An Empirical Study on how Modelers Learn to Create Simulations

This paper presents our novel efforts on automatically capturing and analyzing user data from a discrete-event simulation environment. We collected action data such as adding/removing blocks and running a model that enable creating calculated data fields and examining their relations across expertise groups. We found that beginner-level users use more blocks/edges and make more build errors compared to intermediate-level users. When examining the users with higher expertise, we note differences related to time spent in the tool, which could be linked to user engagement. The model running failure of beginner-level users may suggest a trial and error approach to building a model rather than an established process. Our study opens a critical line of inquiry focused on user engagement instead of process establishment, which is the current focus in the community. In addition to these findings, we report other potential uses of such user action data and lessons learned.
Nonlinear frequency mixing of photons for thermal-radiation engineering

We show that the nonlinear frequency mixing of photons can be used to overcome the fundamental blackbody limit, and to introduce nontrivial statistics (g(2)≠2) and biphoton intensity correlations (at distinct frequencies) in thermal radiation.
Computational Study of the Arc Splitting in Power Interruption: The Effect of the Metallic Vapor on Arc Dynamics

Plasma-solid interaction represents one of the major concerns in many industrial applications, such as power-interruption and plasma-metal processing. Characterized by high-current density and voltage drop, the arc roots dissipate intensive heat that vaporizes the solid counterparts. The generated vapor participates in the ionization and thereby alters the plasma properties, like the electrical conductivity and radiation absorption coefficient. Currently, most of research use the NEC method to estimate the radiative heat transfer. In this study, we consider a banded radiative heat transfer via the Discrete Ordinate method to accurately compute the plasma temperature. It is found that the radiation has great influence on the thermal state of plasma. Apart from the absorption coefficient, the metal vapor also increase the permeability of plasma bulk that will enhance the local magnetic field. For a systematic study, we integrate metal vaporization, species transport and radiative heat transfer into the plasma modelling based on a magnetohydrodynamics method. The simulation results reveal that metal vapor not only helps to alleviate the overall temperature field but also expedite the arc interruption. An accurate computation of metal vapor enhanced radiative heat transfer will enhance the understanding of arc behaviors and improves the design of practically oriented low-voltage circuit breakers.
Unpacking the Complexity in Learning to Observe in Field Geology

Scientific observation is central to classroom inquiry and children’s investigations and explanations in science. Young children can struggle with observation, and research has shown that professio...
Structure-specific, accurate quantitation of plasmalogen glycerophosphoethanolamine.

Abstract Changes in plasmalogen glycerophosphoethanolamine (PE-P) composition (structure and abundance) are a key indicator of altered lipid metabolism. Differential changes in the levels of PE-P have been reported in different disease states, including neurodegenerative diseases. Of particular interest, traumatic brain injury (TBI) has resulted in altered expression of glycerophospholipid profiles, including PE-P. To date, most analytical assays assessing PE-P have focused on general lipidomic workflows to evaluate the relative, semi-quantitative abundance of PE-P during disease progression. This approach provides a broad evaluation of PE-P, yet often lacks specificity and sensitivity for individual PE-P structures which is a necessity for robust quantitative data. The present study highlights the development of a targeted, quantitative method using a HILIC separation and selective reaction monitoring mass spectrometry for the confident identification and accurate quantitation of PE-P. Our innovative method incorporates both the sn-1 alkyl vinyl ether and sn-2 acyl chain as product ion transitions, for specific and sensitive quantitation of 100 PE-P structures. Our method also uniquely allowed for the unambiguous assignment and quantitation of di-unsaturated sn-1 PE-P structures, which to date have not been conclusively quantified. Application of this assay to a TBI mouse model resulted in distinct temporal profiles for plasma PE-P up to 28 days post injury. Plasma PE-P were significantly increased 24 h after induced TBI, followed by a gradual reduction to sham concentrations by day 28. Overall, we established a structure-specific, quantitative assay for identification and quantitation of a comprehensive set of PE-P structures with demonstrated relevance to brain injury.
Glycosaminoglycans: Structure and Biological Functions

Glycosaminoglycans are among the most complex polysaccharide chains that are either covalently linked to protein cores (to form proteoglycans) or free as unsulfated hyaluronan. They exist associated with virtually all cell surfaces and extracellular matrices of higher organisms, where their fine structure facilitates interactions with proteins, which underlie their myriad biological functions. Keywords: glycosaminoglycans; proteoglycans; glycosaminoglycan-protein interactions; mucopolysaccharidosis; heparin
Flow Speed Inside the Brightness Boundary of Coronal Streamers

Density measurements in the legs of coronal streamers, where there might be outflow, are reproduced here using a magnetohydrodynamic model of the flow inside the brightness boundary of streamers. The model returns values for the flow speed and stream tube geometry (spreading) between the base and a few solar radii. The flow speed is consistent with the observation that there is no measureable outflow below 2.5 solar radii and then an increase to N 100 km/s at 5 solar radii in the streamer stalk. We briefly describe the model, observations, and physical interpretation.
Gemifloxacin inhibits cytokine secretion by lipopolysaccharide stimulated human monocytes at the post-transcriptional level.

The fluroquinolone gemifloxacin was examined for its capacity to modulate secretion of cytokines by human monocytes stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Monocytes from six male and two female healthy volunteers were stimulated with LPS, exposed to gemifloxacin and the amounts of secreted IL1a, IL-1b, IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-a measured at 3, 6 and 24 h. The results revealed that LPS alone increased secretion of each cytokine significantly. Treatment of the LPS-stimulated monocytes with gemifloxacin resulted in a significant inhibition (p < 0.01) of secretion of each of the cytokines from monocytes of the eight volunteers. Nuclear extracts of the human monocyte cell line, THP-1, were used in the electrophoretic mobility shift assay to determine whether gemifloxacin affects nuclear factor-jB (NF-jB) activation. In addition, RNA from THP-1 cells was used in Northern blots to determine whether inhibition of secretion of IL-1b and TNF-a by gemifloxacin occurred at the transcription or translation level. Whereas LPS induced a rapid increase in NF-jB activation, gemifloxacin alone did not. Gemifloxacin did not affect the kinetics or decrease the extent of activation. Northern blots indicated that the inhibitory activity of gemifloxacin occurred post-transcription. Thus, gemifloxacin may modulate the immune response by altering secretion of cytokines by human monocytes. Although the concentrations of gemifloxacin used were higher than those observed in the serum of human volunteers treated with the dose under clinical development, it should be taken into consideration that concentrations at tissue and intracellular levels may be considerably higher than serum concentrations.
Cloning and characterization of the gene encoding the IDH1 subunit of NAD+-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae

NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae is composed of two nonidentical subunits, designated IDH1 and IDH2. The gene encoding IDH2 was previously cloned and sequenced (Cupp, J.R., and McAlister-Henn, L. (1991) J. Biol. Chem. 266, 22199-22205), and in this paper we describe the isolation of a yeast genomic clone containing the IDH1 gene. A fragment of the IDH1 gene was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction method utilizing degenerate oligonucleotides based on tryptic peptide sequences of the purified subunit; this fragment was used to isolate a full length IDH1 clone. The nucleotide sequence of the IDH1 coding region was determined and encodes a 360-residue polypeptide including an 11-residue mitochondrial targeting presequence. Amino acid sequence comparison between IDH1 and IDH2 reveals a 42% sequence identity, and both IDH1 and IDH2 show approximately 32% identity to Escherichia coli NAD(P)(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase. To examine the function of the IDH1 subunit and to determine the metabolic role of NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase the IDH1 gene was disrupted in a wild type haploid yeast strain and in a haploid strain lacking IDH2. The IDH1 disruption strains expressed no detectable IDH1 as determined by Western blot analysis, and these strains were found to lack NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase activity indicating that IDH1 is essential for a functional enzyme. Over-expression of IDH1 in a strain containing IDH2 restored wild type activity but did not result in increased levels of activity, suggesting that both IDH1 and IDH2 are required for a functional enzyme. Growth phenotype analysis of the IDH1 disruption strains revealed that they grew at a reduced rate on the nonfermentable carbon sources examined (glycerol, lactate, and acetate), consistent with NAD(+)-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase performing a critical role in oxidative function of the citric acid cycle. In addition, the IDH1 disruption strains grew at wild type rates in the absence of glutamate, indicating that these strains are not glutamate auxotrophs.
Effect of a Modulator Deletion on Transcription of the Human Cytomegalovirus Major Immediate-Early Genes in Infected Undifferentiated and Differentiated Cells

Differentiation-dependent expression of the human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) major immediate-early (MIE) genes, encoding IE1 and IE2, may partly govern virus replication in monocytic THP-1 and embryonal carcinoma (Tera-2) cells. The modulator of the MIE promoter was shown previously in transient transfection assays to repress transcription from promoter segments in undifferentiated THP-1 and Tera-2 cells but not in differentiated cells. To determine the biological importance of these findings, we constructed a recombinant HCMV (r delta MSVgpt) without a modulator. In comparison to wild-type (WT) virus, r delta MSVgpt exhibits a slight delay in growth in human fibroblasts, but there is no appreciable change in IE1 and IE2 transcription. Moreover, there is no appreciable change in the early/late kinetics of transcription of RNAs colinear with the predicted UL128 coding region, which is adjacent to the modulator, although the size distribution and abundance of these RNAs are altered. In infected undifferentiated THP-1 and Tera-2 cells, WT and r alpha MSVgpt viruses produce minimal but comparable amounts of IE1 RNAs. The genomes of both viruses are detectable in similar amounts within these undifferentiated cells. Induction of cellular differentiation before infection overcomes the block in MIE gene transcription. WT and r alpha MSVgpt infections of differentiated THP-1 cells produce similar levels of IE1 and IE2 RNAs. Thus, differentiation-dependent control of MIE gene transcription involves regulatory mechanisms other than the modulator. Possible alternative functions of the modulator are discussed.
Political Pacts as Negotiated Agreements: Comparing Ethnic and Non-Ethnic Cases

This article seeks to conceptualize political pacts as a transitional strategy that has been employed by a number of countries seeking to move toward democratic regimes or outcomes. Political pacts, which are formed in an effort to manage large-scale and often violent societal conflict, have certain common characteristics, among them the key role played by elites in negotiating and designing these agreements. After examining the concept of political pacts, the defining characteristics of pacts, and the relation they bear to societal conflict, we focus on the latter factor, differentiating between cases of domestic societal conflict that have an identity/personalistic dimension to them and those that do not. In particular, we seek to determine the types of factors that may facilitate or complicate the successful use of pacts as a transitional strategy for creating and maintaining democratic regimes.
Far-Infrared Rotational Spectra of ZnH and ZnD in theX2Σ+(v= 0) State

Abstract Several rotational transitions of zinc hydride and deuteride within the v = 0 level of the X 2 Σ + state have been measured in both electron spin components over the ranges N ″ = 2 to 10 for ZnH and N ″ = 9 to 21 for ZnD. A least-squares fit to these data in combination with low- N microwave data measured by other workers has resulted in improved values of the rotational, fine, and hyperfine structure constants. The values of the proton hyperfine constants are discussed in the context of a molecular orbital analysis of zinc hydride.
Distributed Bi-Directional Training of Nonlinear Precoders and Receivers in Cellular Networks

Joint optimization of nonlinear precoders and receive filters is studied for both the uplink and downlink in a cellular system. For the uplink, the base transceiver station (BTS) receiver implements successive interference cancellation, and for the downlink, the BTS station pre-compensates for the interference with Tomlinson-Harashima precoding (THP). Convergence of alternating optimization of receivers and transmitters in a single cell is established when filters are updated according to a minimum mean squared error (MMSE) criterion, subject to appropriate power constraints. Adaptive algorithms are then introduced for updating the precoders and receivers in a distributed manner without channel state information, assuming time-division duplex transmissions with channel reciprocity. Instead of estimating the channels, the filters are directly estimated according to a least squares criterion via bi-directional training: Uplink pilots are used to update the feedforward and feedback filters, which are then used as interference pre-compensation filters for downlink training of the mobile receivers. Numerical results show that nonlinear filters can provide substantial gains relative to linear filters with limited forward-backward iterations.
Comparison of three pharmacovigilance algorithms in the ICU setting: a retrospective and prospective evaluation of ADRs.

Background: Pharmacovigilance algorithms are used to assess the likelihood of adverse drug reaction (ADR) occurrence. The preferred instrument for use in the intensive care unit (ICU) is not established. Objective: The primary objective of this study was to compare the agreement between the Kramer algorithm, Naranjo criteria and Jones algorithm for the evaluation of ADRs in the ICU. A secondary objective was to compare the agreement between the same pharmacovigilance algorithms for ADR determination when applied in a retrospective versus concurrent fashion in the ICU. Study Design: There were two phases in this study. Phase I was the retrospective evaluation (i.e. after the patient was discharged from the hospital) conducted in patients admitted during July 2005 to June 2006. Phase II was the concurrent phase (i.e. while the patient was in the hospital) conducted over 6 weeks in 2008. Both phases were conducted at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and included adult patients admitted to the medical ICU. Intervention: In phase I, a random sample of 261 medication signals were evaluated individually for potential ADRs using the Kramer algorithm, Naranjo criteria and Jones algorithm. In phase II, an active medication monitoring system was used to detect five abnormal laboratory values, resulting in a random sample of 253 signals that were evaluated using the same three algorithms. Main Outcome Measure: Percentage agreement among the algorithms for all levels of causality was estimated using a kappa statistic for both phases of the study. Results: For phase I, the kappa values were all >0.7 ranging from 0.721 to 0.855 between instruments, with Naranjo versus Kramer having the highest kappa, which is considered excellent agreement. The kappa statistic between individual instruments for phase II are <0.7 ranging from 0.423 to 0.635, which is considered moderate agreement, with Naranjo versus Jones displaying the lowest kappa while still exhibiting moderate agreement. For phase II, the Kramer algorithm had better agreement with both the Naranjo criteria and the Jones algorithm. Conclusions: These instruments demonstrated similar results for evaluating ADRs in the ICU retrospectively, suggesting that instrument selection with any of the three instruments is reasonable. For concurrent ADR evaluations, there is greater variability in the level of causality obtained among pharmacovigilance algorithms and Kramer displayed better agreement with its comparators. A suggestion for a more definitive concurrent ADR assessment is to use more than one algorithm. This may be challenging in daily clinical practice; however, it is a reasonable expectation for research.
Data Analytics for Bioterrorism Surveillance

Research on techniques for effective bioterrorism surveillance is limited by the availability of data from the few actual bioterrorism incidents and the difficulty of designing and executing simulated bioterrorism attacks for study. In this research, we describe a preliminary study of a naturally occurring incident, the Florida wildfires from January to June 2001, as a reasonable facsimile of a bioterrorism attack. Hospital admissions data on respiratory illnesses during that period are analyzed to uncover patterns that might be expected from an airborne terrorism attack. The principal contributions of this research are the online analytic processing (OLAP) techniques employed to study the adverse effects of this natural phenomenon. These techniques could provide important capabilities for epidemiologist-in-the-loop surveillance systems, enabling the rapid exploration of unusual situations and guidance for follow-up investigations. Research implications are discussed for our ongoing development of effective bioterrorism surveillance systems.
Extremely slow propagation of a light pulse in an ultracold atomic vapor: A Raman scheme without electromagnetically induced transparency

We describe a Raman scheme where the group velocity of an optical pulse can be altered dramatically. With this none electromagnetically-induced-transparency scheme, we show that when on a two-photon resonance, a light pulse can propagate with extremely slow group velocity. Both pulse narrowing and broadening can occur depending upon the choice of two-photon detuning. When using a tuned far-off two-photon resonance, we show that the pulse propagates ``superluminally'' in the medium with pulse narrowing.
Effects of semantic cues in dichoptic presentation

Three experiments were performed to determine the effects of semantic cues on the resolution of words presented dichoptically. In all experiments, the cued words were reported more often than the noncued words (p <.001). Some “educated guessing” (responses based on the cue plus some stimulus information) was observed, but the cues had an effect above and beyond the guessing rate. Latencies were affected by whether the response was related to the cue and were unaffected by whether the cue was related to one of the stimulus words. A recursive model, consistent with the data, was briefly described.
The combustion of liquid fuels within a porous media radiant burner

Abstract The combustion of liquid fuels within the porous inert media (PIM) of a radiant burner was examined. Existing designs of porous radiant burners have typically relied on premixed mixtures of gaseous fuels and air. A radiant burner was built, and various design configurations were tested using the following types of porous ceramics: magnesia-stabilized zirconia, silicon carbide, and yttrium-stabilized zirconia. The fuel heptane was impinged on the combustion section using an oil spray nozzle with a fixed flow rate of approximately 0.025 lpm. The burner had an insulated combustion section that was 10.0 cm in diameter and consisted of several 2.5-cm-thick ceramics. Stable complete combustion was achieved for heptane at equivalence ratios of 0.57–0.67. Temperature measurements taken across the exit plane of the combustion section were typically within 50°C of each other, indicating radially uniform combustion. For an equivalence ratio of 0.64, axial temperature measurements taken down the side of the combustion section showed relatively low temperatures, 1170–1370°C. Very low emissions of both CO and NOx were measured for the range of stable equivalence ratios. Corrected for 3% oxygen, CO varied from 3 to 7 ppm and NOx varied from 15 to 20 ppm. Several variations of the burner were tested, including higher fuel flow rates, prevaporized fuel, and a quartz-enclosed ceramic section.
Potentiation of morphine analgesic action in mice by β-carotene

β-Carotene was found to potentiate morphine analgesia in hot plate experiments using mice. Response time was increased by about 100%, and the duration of analgesia was markedly prolonged. These features of β-carotene were a function of the intact molecule, although the closely related compound, α-carotene, also exhibited this property. β-Carotene alone had no effect on the nociceptive response. Other compounds with related structures, metabolic products, or anti-oxidants neither augmented nor antagonized morphine action.
Japanese Physical Educators' Beliefs on Teaching Students with Disabilities at Urban High Schools.

The purpose of this study was to analyse Japanese physical education teachers' beliefs on teaching students with disabilities in integrated classes. The participants were five physical education teachers in Japan. Situated in planned behaviour theory developed by Icek Ajzen in 1985, the research method was descriptive-qualitative case study as described by R.E. Stake in 2000. The primary sources of data were focused interviews. The interview data were analysed using constant comparative method. Results indicate that the teachers believed teaching students with disabilities, particularly those with severe disabilities, is difficult and complicated. Despite their concerns, the teachers worked at teaching students with disabilities largely because they were motivated to do so in compliance with significant referents and policies supporting integrated schooling. Japan's Special Support Education policies create a legal base for establishing teacher education programmes, ensuring that there is professional dev...
Analysis of the regulation of Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase synthesis using deletions and phi80 transducing phages.

Abstract φ80 transducing phages for the proC † , phoA and phoB genes of Escherichia coli have been obtained. Two mutants have been isolated, in which the brnQ, phoA, proC, phoB (and possibly phoR ) genes have been deleted. Derivatives of a phoA, phoB deletion strain which are lysogenic for a φ80 phoA transducing phage make only very low levels of alkaline phosphatase activity. These results are in agreement with a positive control mechanism for the regulation of alkaline phosphatase synthesis.
Early expression of the different isoforms of the myocyte enhancer factor-2 (MEF2) protein in myogenic as well as non-myogenic cell lineages during mouse embryogenesis.

MEF2 proteins are a family of transcription factors that have muscle-specific DNA binding activity and bind to conserved A/T rich elements in the regulatory regions of numerous muscle-specific genes. They are thought have an important role in the development and differentiation of skeletal muscle. Recent in situ hybridization studies using mouse MEF2 probes have shown that MEF2 gene transcripts are detected very early in development at high levels in the myogenic cells of the myotome and embryonic heart. However, MEF2A and MEF2D transcripts have been detected in many adult tissues where they are not translated or the corresponding proteins are rapidly degraded. Therefore, it is important to establish the temporal and spatial correlation between MEF2 RNA and protein expression. In the present study we have performed in situ immunohistochemistry of whole mount mouse embryos at different stages of development using polyclonal antibodies specific for the MEF2A, MEF2C and MEF2D isoforms. At day 8.5 of development, all three MEF2 isoforms are expressed in the heart. MEF2A and C are detected in a few cells in the rostral-most somite by day 9 of development. Their expression then proceeds in a rostro-caudal direction concurrent with somite maturation. The pattern of expression of the MEF2D isoform is similar to that of MEF2C but the amount detected is much lower. Interestingly, MEF2A is also detected as early as day 8.5 p.c. in cells of the embryonic vasculature and non-myogenic cells. These results demonstrate that MEF2 proteins are detected early in development in the somites and heart, thus supporting their importance in the early stages of the hierarchical cascade of myogenesis. Their presence in non-muscle cells further suggests they could also play a role in the determination of other mesodermal derivatives, including cells of the vasculature.
Influence of Turbulent Fluctuations on the Radiation Intensity Emitted from Exhaust Plumes

Measured and computedmean and fluctuating radiation intensities are reported for a subsonic exhaust plume and used to characterize the influence of turbulent fluctuations on mean radiation properties. Narrowband radiation intensity measurements were acquired using an infrared camera fitted with a narrowband filter (4:34 0:1 m). Unsteady three-dimensional calculations were used to estimate both time-dependent and mean temperature and partial pressure values of the exhaust species in the flow. From these scalar values the mean and root mean square of the radiation intensity were calculated using a narrowband radiation model. Axial distributions of the calculated intensities based on the time-dependent quantities show trends similar to thosemeasured, but consistently overpredict the intensity by 40%. Intensity distributions based on mean scalars were in better quantitative agreement, but decay more rapidly downstream than experimental data. Turbulent fluctuations have little effect on the mean radiation intensity near the nozzle exit, but they become increasingly more important downstream in the flow. The influence of turbulent fluctuations on mean intensity values increases with radial distance from the centerline. This trend correlates to increases in normalized fluctuations in the temperature and radiation intensity.
Effect of Noncontingent Vicarious Reinforcement on Verbal Learning in a Group Situation

Summary.-This study compared the effects of contingent and noncontingent vicarious reinforcement (VR) on group verbal conditioning by direct reinforcement (DR). The resulrr indicated that noncontingent VR impedes learning. In addition, this experiment compared group and individual verbal conditioning and found that they were nor significantly different in their effects. Recently, there has been increasing research on observacional learning (Bandura, 1965 ) and vicarious reinforcement or VR (Kanfer, 1965). VR is defined as the observation of the reinforcement of another individual, and ic has consistently been demonstrated to be more effective than observation alone (cf. the review by Flanders, 1968). Although research on VR has been quite extensive, this research has always been with the VR contingent upon only one response class. There has been no research on nonconcingent VR nor has there been any speculation as to its possible effects. The present study is the initial attempt to investigate this area. On a purely logical basis ic appears that noncontingent VR should impede learning a task by direct reinforcement (DR). The noncontingent VR should strengthen a variety of responses and make it more difficult for the contingent DR to increase the relative frequency of only one response. Or, if one prefers to view VR as information (Kanfer & Matston, 1963), the noncontingent VR should provide misleading information and make the cask of discovering the DR contingency more difficult. This study then
Microbial fermentative preparation of L-[15N2]lysine and its tracer: application to serum amino acid kinetic studies.

The microorganism Brevibacterium flavum 21129 has been used to produce multigram batches of l-[15N2]lysine of high purity and isotopic enrichment by supplementation of the growth medium with (15NH4)2SO4 of 98.0 atom% excess. The doubly 15N-labeled lysine can be detected at dilutions 10 times greater than singly labeled lysine when isotope dilution curves are analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. This enhanced sensitivity permits kinetic measurements of plasma free-lysine isotope content over a 300-fold dilution during 6 h following a single oral bolus of 5 mg/kg body wt. This inexpensive preparation method lends itself to the production of highly useful biochemical compounds for kinetic studies of human nutrition.
Differential forms for scientists and engineers

This paper is a review of a number of mathematical concepts from differential geometry and exterior calculus that are finding increasing application in the numerical solution of partial differential equations. The objective of the paper is to introduce the scientist/ engineer to some of these ideas via a number of concrete examples in 2, 3, and 4 dimensions. The goal is not to explain these ideas with mathematical precision but to present concrete examples and enable a physical intuition of these concepts for those who are not mathematicians. The objective of this paper is to provide enough context so that scientist/engineers can interpret, implement, and understand other works which use these elegant mathematical concepts.
Applications of nonequilibrium response spectroscopy to the study of channel gating. Experimental design and optimization.

Abstract A novel experimental technique known as non-equilibrium response spectroscopy (NRS) based on ion channel responses to rapidly fluctuating voltage waveforms was recently described (Millonas & Hanck, 1998a). It was demonstrated that such responses can be affected by subtle details of the kinetics that are otherwise invisible when conventional stepped pulses are applied. As a consequence, the kinetics can be probed in a much more sensitive way by supplementing conventional techniques with measurements of the responses to more complex voltage waveforms. In this paper we provide an analysis of the problem of the design and optimization of such waveforms. We introduce some methods for determination of the parametric uncertainty of a class of kinetic models for a particular data set. The parametric uncertainty allows for a characterization of the amount of kinetic information acquired through a set of experiments which can in turn be used to design new experiments that increase this information. We revisit the application of dichotomous noise (Millonas & Hanck, 1998a, b), and further consider applications of a more general class of continuous wavelet -based waveforms. A controlled illustration of these methods is provided by making use of a simplified “toy” model for the potassium channel kinetics.
Measuring the effect of a new point of sale system on the performance of drugstore operations

Abstract A new electronic point of sale (POS) system was deployed by a Hong Kong drugstore-chain in eight of its drugstores as the first stage of a company-wide introduction of POS automation. The management wanted to know if the new system had a significant impact on the performances of the drugstores where the new POS system was deployed. We explain in this paper the computation of ratings that gauge the relative performances of the drugstores using a new procedure called operational competitiveness rating analysis (OCRA). We used these ratings to determine whether the drugstore operations improved significantly after the deployment of POS. A full discussion of OCRA's development and its computational procedure is also provided. Scope and purpose The aim of this paper is to demonstrate, using a new performance measurement procedure called operational competitiveness rating analysis (OCRA), how the impact of a new electronic point of sale (POS) system on the performance of a drugstore can be gauged. A case is presented involving a drugstore-chain in Hong Kong. Data on costs and revenue were collected, before and after the deployment of a POS system, from eight of the drugstores of the chain, spanning a period of 18 months. Computation of relative performance ratings for the drugstores using OCRA is explained. The drugstores were ranked by their performance ratings and a rank test was applied to determine if the average rank was significantly higher after the deployment of the POS system. It was evident that while there was a general improvement in the performance of the drugstores over the 18-month period, performance improved significantly after the deployment of the POS system. The paper also provides a full description of the development and computational procedure of the OCRA approach, and concludes with a brief discussion of its desirable properties as a performance measurement tool.
Survey evidence on the willingness of U.S. consumers to pay for automotive fuel economy

Abstract Prospect theory holds that human beings faced with a risky bet will tend to value potential losses about twice as much as potential gains. Previous research has demonstrated that prospect theory could be sufficient to explain an energy paradox in the market for automotive fuel economy. This paper analyzes data from questions added to four commercial, multi-client surveys of 1000 U.S. households each in 2004, 2011, 2012 and 2013. Households were asked about willingness to pay for future fuel savings as well as the annual fuel savings necessary to justify a given upfront payment. Payback periods inferred from household responses are generally consistent over time and across different formulations of questions. Mean calculated payback periods are about 3 years, but there is substantial dispersion among individual responses. The calculated payback periods do not appear to be correlated with the attributes of respondents. Respondents were able to quantitatively describe their uncertainty about both vehicle fuel economy and future fuel prices. Simulation of loss averse behavior based on respondents’ stated uncertainty illustrates how loss aversion could lead consumers to substantially undervalue future fuel savings relative to their expected value.
On a Pair of Identities from Ramanujan's Lost Notebook

Using a pair of two variable series-product identities recorded by Ramanujan in the lost notebook as inspiration, we find some new identities of similar type. Each identity immediately implies an infinite family of Rogers-Ramanujan type identities, some of which are well-known identities from the literature. We also use these identities to derive some general identities for integer partitions.
Exosomes derived from genetically modified DC expressing FasL are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive.

We previously have demonstrated the ability of primary murine bone marrow-derived DC (BM-DC), genetically modified by adenoviral infection to express FasL, to inhibit progression of established collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) following systemic delivery. Here we demonstrate that exosomes derived from genetically modified BM-DC expressing FasL are able to inhibit inflammation in a murine footpad model of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH). Local administration of exosomes derived from DC expressing FasL (Exo/FasL) as well as the parental DC/FasL resulted in a significant reduction in swelling in both the treated and the untreated distal paw. However, both the DC/FasL and the Exo/FasL were unable to suppress the DTH response in lpr (Fas-deficient) mice. Gene transfer of FasL to BM-DC from gld (FasL-deficient) mice resulted in restoration of the ability of DC as well as DC-derived exosomes to suppress DTH. The ability of DC-derived exosomes and DC to suppress DTH responses was antigen specific and MHC class II dependent, but class I independent. The injected exosomes were found to be internalized into CD11c+ cells at the site of injection and in the draining popliteal lymph node. Systemic injection of exosome/FasL into mice with established CIA resulted in significant disease amelioration. These results demonstrate that both systemic and local administration of exosomes derived from FasL-expressing DC are able to suppress antigen-specific immune responses through an MHC class II-dependent pathway, resulting in effective and sustained treatment of established collagen-induced arthritis and suppression of the DTH inflammatory response. These results suggest that DC/FasL-derived exosomes could be used clinically for the treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
A Small Molecule Inhibitor of Pot1 Binding to Telomeric DNA

Chromosome ends are complex structures, consisting of repetitive DNA sequence terminating in an ssDNA overhang with many associated proteins. Because alteration of the regulation of these ends is a hallmark of cancer, telomeres and telomere maintenance have been prime drug targets. The universally conserved ssDNA overhang is sequence-specifically bound and regulated by Pot1 (protection of telomeres 1), and perturbation of Pot1 function has deleterious effects for proliferating cells. The specificity of the Pot1/ssDNA interaction and the key involvement of this protein in telomere maintenance have suggested directed inhibition of Pot1/ssDNA binding as an efficient means of disrupting telomere function. To explore this idea, we developed a high-throughput time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) screen for inhibitors of Pot1/ssDNA interaction. We conducted this screen with the DNA-binding subdomain of Schizosaccharomyces pombe Pot1 (Pot1pN), which confers the vast majority of Pot1 sequence-specificity and is highly similar to the first domain of human Pot1 (hPOT1). Screening a library of ∼20 000 compounds yielded a single inhibitor, which we found interacted tightly with sub-micromolar affinity. Furthermore, this compound, subsequently identified as the bis-azo dye Congo red (CR), was able to competitively inhibit hPOT1 binding to telomeric DNA. Isothermal titration calorimetry and NMR chemical shift analysis suggest that CR interacts specifically with the ssDNA-binding cleft of Pot1, and that alteration of this surface disrupts CR binding. The identification of a specific inhibitor of ssDNA interaction establishes a new pathway for targeted telomere disruption.
Influence of dietary vitamin E on platelet thromboxane A2 and vascular prostacyclin I2 in rabbit.

Abstract Rabbits were maintained on vitamin E-deficient and vitamin E-supplemented Thrts. Thrombin- and collagen-induced thromboxane A2 production were significantly elevated in vitamin E-deficient platelets. Conversion of arachidonic acid to platelet thromboxane A2 was unchanged between the two groups of animals. Prostacyclin I2 production in the aortas from vitamin E-deficient rabbits was significantly elevated.
MRI of perianal fistulas: Bridging the radiological-surgical divide

Perianal fistula is a clinical entity with multiple surgical treatment options. Recently, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has emerged as an important imaging modality in the management of perianal fistulas. It provides accurate description of the fistula within the anal canal in relation to the sphincter complex and other pelvic floor structures as well as the associated complications such as abscess. By understanding the surgical viewpoint, the appearance of perianal fistulas, associated complications, and post-treatment findings of commonly used surgical interventions can more accurately be interpreted to aid clinicians. The objective of the article is to review MRI indications and findings, radiological versus surgical classification schemes, and surgical treatment options for perianal fistulas.
Regular Hadamard Matrices Generating Infinite Families of Symmetric Designs

If H is a regular Hadamard matrix with row sum 2h, m is a positive integer, and q e (2h − 1)2, then (4h2(qm + 1 − 1)/(q −1),(2h2 − h)qm,(h2-h)qm) are feasible parameters of a symmetric designs. If q is a prime power, then a balanced generalized weighing matrix BGW((qm +1 − 1)/(q−1),qm,qm−qm−1) can be applied to construct such a design if H satisfies certain structural conditions. We describe such conditions and show that if H satisfies these conditions and B is a regular Hadamard matrix of Bush type, then B×H satisfies these structural conditions. This allows us to construct parametrically new infinite families of symmetric designs.
Epstein-Barr virus is seldom found in mammary epithelium of breast cancer tissue using in situ molecular methods.

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) has been proposed as a possible etiological agent of breast cancer based on 21 reports of EBV in malignant breast tissues. Most of these studies used standard and nested solution polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques, both disadvantaged by susceptibility to contamination from laboratory EBV, and the inability to localize the signal to a specific cell type. To avoid these issues, we used in situ molecular methods of viral detection to reassess the frequency of EBV in malignant breast tissue. We used a commercial in situ hybridization (ISH) system with an EBER genome target, and a non-commercial in situ PCR (IS-PCR) method using primers specific for the BamH1 region. The assays were performed on malignant breast tissue sections from 70 breast cancer patients at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. EBV was found in mammary epithelial cells, the cell type from which most breast cancers arise, in 2/70 (2.9%) of specimens using IS-PCR and in none of the specimens using ISH. Based on these findings that EBV was present in human mammary epithelial cells so infrequently, it is unlikely to play a causative role in most types of breast cancer.
Cell‐mediated Iympholysis: Examination of HLA genetic fine structure and complementation using cytotoxic lymphocytes

Human cytotoxic lymphocytes (CTL), sensitized in vitro in one-way mixed lymphocyte cultures between two unrelated individuals, have been used to study target cell determinants. One pair of CTL shows strong cell-mediated lympholysis responses against the specific target cells as well as against third-party target cells obtained from unrelated individuals. Testing of sixty target cells shows a significant association between the two CTL with a correlation coefficient of 0.67 in the panel. The target determinant recognized by the CTL is not an HLA-A,B,C or D specificity, as defined by standard serological and cellular reagents. Segregation studies in a large family reveal that the new specificity defined by the CTL is controlled by HLA, and its recognition may be restricted by the HLA complex.
On the Extraction of Pressure Fields From PIV Velocity Measurements in Turbines

In this study, the pressure field for a water turbine is derived from particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements. Measurements are performed in a recirculating water channel facility. The PIV measurements include calculating the tangential and axial forces applied to the turbine by solving the integral momentum equation around the airfoil. The results are compared with the forces obtained from the Blade Element Momentum theory (BEMT). Forces are calculated by using three different methods. In the first method, the instantaneous and mean pressure fields are obtained from PIV velocity fields by solving the Poisson equation. The developed method can be applied to rectangular fields of view with any complex internal boundary such an airfoil. The boundary conditions are obtained from the Navier-Stokes momentum equations. A central finite difference approximation is applied to obtain velocities spatial gradients up to the second order. A forward difference approximation is applied to obtain the unsteady term (acceleration). In the second method, the pressure at the boundaries is determined by spatial integration of the pressure gradient using forward finite differences along the boundaries. The forces in the blade can be obtained using this method without the need to resolve the pressure field inside of the domain. In the third method, applicable only to incompressible, inviscid, irrotational, and steady flow, the pressure is calculated using the Bernoulli equation. This approximated pressure is known to be accurate far from the airfoil and outside of the wake for steady flows. This value is compared to the pressure obtained from the Poisson equation. Additionally, that pressure is used to solve for the force from the integral momentum equation on the blade. From the three methods proposed to solve for pressure and forces from PIV measurements, the first one, which is solved by using the Poisson equation, provides the best match to the BEM theory calculations. In the proposed methods, the pressure is calculated from a known PIV velocity field. On the other hand, in computational fluid dynamic (CFD) studies, the velocity is unknown. Thus, the proposed experimental calculations should be useful in those CFD studies.Copyright © 2012 by ASME