cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Predicting fatigue during electrically stimulated non-isometric contractions.

Accepted 20 October 2009 ABSTRACT: Mathematical prediction of power loss during electrically stimulated contractions is of value to those trying to minimize fatigue and to those trying to decipher the relative contributions of force and velocity. Our objectives were to: (1) develop a model of non-isometric fatigue for electrical stimula- tion-induced, open-chain, repeated extensions of the leg at the knee; and (2) experimentally validate the model. A computer- controlled stimulator sent electrical pulses to surface electrodes on the thighs of 17 able-bodied subjects. Isometric and non-iso- metric non-fatiguing and fatiguing leg extension torque and/or angle at the knee were measured. Two existing mathematical models, one of non-isometric force and the other of isometric fatigue, were combined to develop the non-isometric force-fa- tigue model. Angular velocity and 3 new parameters were added to the isometric fatigue model. The new parameters are functions of parameters within the force model, and therefore additional measurements from the subject are not needed. More than 60% of the variability in the measurements was explained by the new force-fatigue model. This model can help scientists investigate the etiology of non-isometric fatigue and help engineers to improve the task performance of functional electrical stimulation systems. Muscle Nerve 41: 857-867, 2010 Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may be used by individuals with paralysis due to either stroke or spinal cord injury (SCI) to regain func- tional movement. Mathematical simulations can be used to identify stimulation strategies that produce desired forces and motions, but these simulations must account for muscle fatigue. Otherwise, the duration of the task will limit the predictive ability of the model. During non-isometric contractions, muscle fa-
Attentional capture and inattentional blindness

Although we intuitively believe that salient or distinctive objects will capture our attention, surprisingly often they do not. For example, drivers may fail to notice another car when trying to turn or a person may fail to see a friend in a cinema when looking for an empty seat, even if the friend is waving. The study of attentional capture has focused primarily on measuring the effect of an irrelevant stimulus on task performance. In essence, these studies explore how well observers can ignore something they expect but know to be irrelevant. By contrast, the real-world examples above raise a different question: how likely are subjects to notice something salient and potentially relevant that they do not expect? Recently, several new paradigms exploring this question have found that, quite often, unexpected objects fail to capture attention, a phenomenon known as 'inattentional blindness'. This review considers evidence for the effects of irrelevant features both on performance ('implicit attentional capture') and on awareness ('explicit attentional capture'). Taken together, traditional studies of implicit attentional capture and recent studies of inattentional blindness provide a more complete understanding of the varieties of attentional capture, both in the laboratory and in the real world.
Functional annotation from predicted protein interaction networks

Motivation: Progress in large-scale experimental determination of protein--protein interaction networks for several organisms has resulted in innovative methods of functional inference based on network connectivity. However, the amount of effort and resources required for the elucidation of experimental protein interaction networks is prohibitive. Previously we, and others, have developed techniques to predict protein interactions for novel genomes using computational methods and data generated from other genomes. Results: We evaluated the performance of a network-based functional annotation method that makes use of our predicted protein interaction networks. We show that this approach performs equally well on experimentally derived and predicted interaction networks, for both manually and computationally assigned annotations. We applied the method to predicted protein interaction networks for over 50 organisms from all domains of life, providing annotations for many previously unannotated proteins and verifying existing low-confidence annotations. Availability: Functional predictions for over 50 organisms are available at http://bioverse.compbio.washington.edu and datasets used for analysis at http://data.compbio.washington.edu/misc/downloads/nannotation_data/ Contact: admin@bioverse.compbio.washington.edu Supplementary information: A supplemental appendix gives additional details not in the main text. (http://data.compbio.washington.edu/misc/downloads/nannotation_data/supplement.pdf).
Brain tumor stem cells: will understanding a new paradigm lead to improved therapies?

Solid tumors are a complex network consisting of cells at various stages of differentiation, neovasculature structures, reactive inflammatory cells, recruited cells and infiltrated parenchyma that interact within the tumor mass. However, evidence strongly indicates that cancer stem cells (CSCs) drive tumorigenesis, as these cells possess self-renewal and tumorigenic capacity absent in the majority of tumor cells. Recent studies have revealed the presence of a slowly cycling, but highly tumorigenic, subpopulation of cells derived from surgically resected glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) tissue similar to those in other solid tumors, such as breast, prostate and colon carcinomas. These cells have properties analogous to the relatively quiescent population of adult neural stem cells (NSCs) embedded within the subventricular zone and hippocampus [1–5]. Despite modernization of drug cocktails and radiotherapeutic regimens over the past half century, median survival for patients with newly diagnosed GBM remains approximately 12–15 months [6,7]. Therapeutic resistance is likely multifactorial; however, a growing body of evidence suggests that the cardinal reason may be the resistance of CSCs to cytotoxic treatments, such as chemotherapy and ionizing radiation. Indeed, recurrent GBM tissue obtained from patients contains a significantly higher percentage of putative CSCs, as compared with their respective newly diagnosed tumors, which suggests that CSCs strongly affect tumor resistance to chemotherapy [8,9]. CSCs that survive therapy repopulate the tumor leading to recurrence.
Exploring the Horizontal and Vertical Dimensions of the Governing of Metropolitan Regions

A metropolitan region does not have formal institutional structures such as nations, states, and cities, but it is a system that can be conceptualized and studied as a whole. The study of metropolitan areas too often ignores the dynamic relationships at the intersection of state and local governments. This study suggests a two-dimensional typology of governance in metropolitan regions. The authors found that governance affects the long-term competitiveness of the metropolitan economy. Governance does not determine economic outcomes but reduces the ability to adapt. The worst combination for metropolitan competitiveness is decentralization within regions where there is a centralized state government.
Prevention of inpatient hypoglycemia with a real-time informatics alert

BACKGROUND Severe hypoglycemia (SH), defined as a blood glucose (BG) <40 mg/dL, is associated with an increased risk of adverse clinical outcomes in inpatients. OBJECTIVE To determine whether a predictive informatics hypoglycemia risk-alert supported by trained nurse responders would reduce the incidence of SH in our hospital. DESIGN A 5-month prospective cohort intervention study. SETTING Acute care medical floors in a tertiary care academic hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. PATIENTS From 655 inpatients on designated medical floors with a BG of <90 mg/dL, 390 were identified as high risk for hypoglycemia by the alert system. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was the incidence of SH occurring in high-risk intervention versus high-risk control patients. Secondary outcomes included: number of episodes of SH in all study patients, incidence of BG 299 mg/dL, length of stay, transfer to a higher level of care, the frequency that high-risk patient's orders were changed in response to the alert-intervention process, and mortality. RESULTS The alert process, when augmented by nurse-physician collaboration, resulted in a significant decrease by 68% in the rate of SH in alerted high-risk patients versus nonalerted high-risk patients (3.1% vs 9.7%, P = 0.012). Rates of hyperglycemia were similar on intervention and control floors at 28% each. There was no difference in mortality, length of stay, or patients requiring transfer to a higher level of care. CONCLUSION A real-time predictive informatics-generated alert, when supported by trained nurse responders, significantly reduced inpatient SH. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2014;9:621–626. © 2014 Society of Hospital Medicine
Tax Revenue and Tax Structure

This article examines the relationship between the selection of tax instruments Abstract and the size of the public budget. It develops and tests with data from 37 large cities a model that is an alternative to the commonly cited fiscal illusion model. The model is predicated upon the assumption that budget-maximizing governments prefer broad-based tax systems composed of inelastic taxes and not just many taxes. The empirical tests indicate that cities that rely on taxes with elastic bases tend toward lower per capita tax revenues and cities that rely on taxes with inelastic bases tend toward higher per capita tax revenues.
Quantitative cytoarchitectonic distribution of neurons, glia, and DNA in rat cerebral cortex

A new technique combining microfluorometric DNA assays with differential cell counts was used to quantitate the intralaminar distribution of neuronal and non-neuronal cells (chiefly glial) in rat somatosensory cortex (Charles River 250 gm males, C D® strain). The intracortical amounts of DNA per unit fresh volume were calculated from the DNA contents of serial frozen slices of known volume sampled serially from the pial surface to white matter in frozen cortical cylinders; respective amounts per unit solids were calculated from predetermined dry weights of the slices. Cell counts were performed on serial horizontal sections from formalin-fixed cylinders stained by Nissl's method. Neuronal DNA and glial DNA were calculated based on the percentages of the respective cells counted. Total DNA averaged 5.43 μg/mg dry weight (1.19 μg mm3 fresh volume). Values were highest in layers II and IV. Neuronal DNA paralleled total DNA in its intracortical distribution and showed distinct peaks in layers II and IV. Glial DNA showed an even distribution. Glia exceeded neurons only in layers I and VIc. The mean neuron/glia ratio was 2.5. This method gives a more precise estimate of the absolute numbers of neurons and glia than can be obtained by histological methods alone, since DNA assays eliminate the need to correct the histological counts for volume changes during fixation and staining.
MANAGING UNCERTAINTY IN PRELIMINARY AEROSHELL DESIGN ANALYSIS

An analysis tool to aid in preliminary design of re-entry aeroshells for interplanetary exploration is presented. The computational tool addresses a common feature of design analysis, the need to make use of results from several analysis regimes and from several sources.
Lower order harmonic cancellation: impact of low-voltage network topology

Cancellation due to phase-angle diversity between dispersed single-phase nonlinear loads is insignificant for the 3rd and 5th harmonics, but becomes increasingly significant for higher harmonics. Since the transformer connection has a significant effect on the propagation of 3rd harmonic current, most of the focus by international standard organizations such as the IEC for harmonic limits is primarily based on the concern for 5th and 7th harmonic components. However, depending on the low-voltage customer network topology, there may be significant cancellation of 5th and 7th harmonic currents of nonlinear loads. This paper demonstrates the extent of this cancellation based on realistic load harmonic current spectrum and shows how the difference in mainly European and North American low voltage customer network topology greatly impacts this cancellation.
Stratification Effect Compensation for Improved Underwater Acoustic Ranging

Underwater acoustic localization usually relies on time-of-arrival (ToA) measurements, which are then converted into range estimates. However, the water medium is inhomogeneous and the sound speed varies depending on several parameters, e.g., the temperature, pressure and salinity. As a result, sound waves do not necessarily travel in straight lines. Ignoring this stratification effect could lead to considerable bias in the range estimates. We propose a depth-based approach to compensate the stratification effect for improved underwater ranging. We assume that the sound velocity profile (SVP) is only vertically stratified, the position of the sender is known, and the receiver has a noisy depth estimate via a depth sensor. We find a numerically simple range estimator, based on reconstructing the slanted path using Fermat's Principle and calculus of variations. This estimator removes the bias and is asymptotically efficient. We compare our solution to the simplistic linear estimator that assumes straight-line propagation in a shallow-water example where the sound speed decreases monotonically with depth. We find that the bias of the linear estimator increases with range and is non-negligible when the ToA measurements have a small variance, while our solution is bias-free and meets the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB).
Fungal Keratitis: Update for 2014

Fungal keratitis is a challenging problem worldwide, and many obstacles remain to the effective prevention, diagnosis, and therapy of this vision-threatening condition. Recent research has highlighted progress in each of these facets of the clinical approach to keratomycosis. Increased awareness of contact lens-associated fungal keratitis has prompted regulators to pay greater attention to testing of contact lens solutions under real-world conditions. Related research has also delved into the mechanisms of fungal biofilm formation and related therapeutic targets. Advances in polymerase chain reaction methodologies promise to increase the rapidity and accuracy of diagnosis, thereby decreasing the delay in instituting appropriate therapy. Antifungal pharmacologic agents remain the first line of therapy, with the newer azole antifungal voriconazole being utilized in innovative ways, such as via intrastromal injection. Large prospective studies such as the Mycotic Ulcer Treatment Trial have helped delineate optimal treatment algorithms, and variations in surgical techniques and postoperative regimens continue to be refined. Natamycin may still be more effective than other recently utilized antifungals for the treatment of Fusarium infections, but treatment failure is still a concern. Post-keratoplasty immunosuppression may benefit from the use of topical calcineurin inhibitors such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, given their intrinsic antifungal properties. It can be argued that the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of fungal keratitis lag behind the state of the art for bacterial keratitis, but dramatic improvements are undoubtedly on the horizon.
Information efficiency of multihop packet radio networks with channel-adaptive routing

This paper analyzes the benefit of adaptive routing based on knowledge of the channel state information in multihop, ad hoc wireless networks that use direct-sequence code-division multiple access. Cross-layer, channel-adaptive routing exploits the inherent spatial diversity of multihop wireless networks to select links with favorable channel conditions. The information efficiency, an extension of a previously used measure called expected progress, is used to evaluate performance. Results show that, combined with adaptive modulation, adaptive routing can improve performance in ad hoc networks by a factor of four to five in channels with Rayleigh fading and lognormal shadowing. The lack of position information in the routing decision would reduce performance by 25%. New approaches to channel-adaptive routing that enable rapid adaptivity to channel conditions are discussed.
Error correction codes with even minimum distance for DCT image transmission

Codes with even minimum distance (extended Hamming codes and parity check codes) are utilized for error protection of DCT coded pictures. These codes are decoded in a manner to take advantage of the natural redundancy in a picture. It is shown that these codes can provide error concealment, with lower overhead than what is reported in the past. A method for joint source/channel coding of DCT coded images is also introduced. The SNR graphs and the subjective examination of the images demonstrate the effectiveness of the technique. Improvements of up to 8 dB were observed compared to the uncoded system.
Neutrophil-derived oxidants mediate formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine-induced increases in mucosal permeability in rats

The effects of several free radical scavengers and antioxidant enzymes on neutrophil-mediated changes in mucosal permeability (measured using blood-to-lumen clearance of 51Cr-labeled ethylene-diaminetetraactate) were assessed using ileal loops perfused with N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine (FMLP). Neither superoxide dismutase nor catalase reduced the FMLP-induced increase in mucosal permeability. However, manganese-loaded desferrioxamine (a superoxide dismutase mimetic), PZ51 (a glutathione peroxidase analogue), desferrioxamine (an iron chelator), or dimethylsulfoxide (a hydroxyl radical scavenger) significantly attenuated FMLP-induced mucosal damage. The results of our experiments indicate that neutrophilic oxidants are responsible for a major portion of the mucosal permeability changes induced by FMLP.
Haying, tillage, and nitrogen fertilization influences on infiltration rates at a conservation reserve program site

Effect of haying (hayed or not hayed prior to tillage), tillage (no-tillage, minimum tillage, or conventional tillage), and N fertilization (0 or 67 kg ha -1 ) on surface infiltration rates, Q(h), was evaluated for Conservation Research Program (CRP) site conversion. Soils included Amor loam (fine-loamy, mixed, superactive, frigid Typic Haplustoll) and Cabba silt loam (loamy, mixed, superactive, calcareous, frigid, shallow Typic Ustorthent). In reference plots Q(h) increased from 1995 to 1997 (27.2 ± 3.2 vs. 36.4 ± 2.9 mm h -1 at 50-mm tension, 10.9 ± 1.2 vs. 20.6 ± 1.4 mm h -1 at 100-mm tension, and 4.1 ± 0.6 vs. 10.9 ± 1.1 mm h -1 at 150 mm-tension) under permanent vegetation. Plots hayed prior to tillage exhibited higher Q(h) when no fertilizer was applied than plots hayed and fertilized or not hayed (31.9 ± 2.9 vs. 23.3 ± 1.3 mm h -1 at 50-mm tension and 18.1 ± 1.3 vs. 13.5 ± 0.6 mm h -1 at 100-mm tension). As tillage intensity increased, Q(h) at 50-mm tension increased (20.1 ± 2.6 mm h -1 under no-tillage, 25.5 ± 1.6 mm h -1 under minimum tillage, and 30.1 ± 2.0 mm h -1 under conventional tillage). Q(h) did not change from 1995 to 1997 in cropped plots.
Electrochromic windows based on anodic electrochromic polymesitylenes containing 9H-carbazole-9-ethanol moieties

The anodic monomer 1,3,5-tris(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl)methyl)benzene, CzE3B, was electropolymerized on the surface of an ITO coated glass. The optical and electrochemical properties of the poly-CzE3B film were investigated by UV/VIS/NIR spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Electrochromic characteristics of the polymer film were examined in continuously cyclic scans between colorlessness and dark green. The poly-CzE3B film functioned as an anodic coloring counter electrode in the electrochromic window and intensified coloration of the window throughout the visible region. The electrochromic window based on poly-3,3-dimethyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-thieno [3,4–b][1,4] dioxepine (PProDOT-Me2) and poly-CzE3B films exhibited a high electrochromic contrast. The large-sized electrochromic window was successfully fabricated. It exhibited optical and electrochemical cyclic stability. Also, the color-switching time of the window was investigated.
Assessing the Quality of Personal Relationships

We report two studies investigating the psychometric properties and construct validity of the Quality of Relationships Inventory (QRI), a self-report measure of support, conflict, and depth in specific family and peer relationships. Study 1 showed that the QRI scales possess high internal consistency, are stable across a period of 1 year, show moderate agreement between participants' perceptions of the same relationship, and predict depressive symptoms beyond the contribution made by measures of general perceived support. In Study 2, adult children's and their mothers' QRI scales assessing the quality of their relationship with one another, but not with other family members or friends, predicted observers' global judgements of their behavior as they discussed a current source of conflict in their relationship. These studies suggest the reliability and construct validity of the QRI scales as measures of the quality of specific relationships. The implications of these results for the conceptualization and a...
Free space measured loss comparison of single and double Ring resonators for negative index media

Our work here investigates the combination of similar broadside coupled rings (BCRs) with negative permittivity posts in a metamaterial prism, rather than the previous guided-wave medium. Free space measurement of negative refraction through a prism has become our standard for proof of negative index.
A Sequential Algorithm for Possibility-Based Design Optimization

Deterministic optimal designs that are obtained without taking into account uncertainty/variation are usually unreliable. Although reliability-based design optimization accounts for variation, it assumes that statistical information is available in the form of fully defined probabilistic distributions. This is not true for a variety of engineering problems where uncertainty is usually given in terms of interval ranges. In this case, interval analysis or possibility theory can be used instead of probability theory. This paper shows how possibility theory can be used in design and presents a computationally efficient sequential optimization algorithm. After, the fundamentals of possibility theory and fuzzy measures are described, a double-loop, possibility-based design optimization algorithm is presented where all design constraints are expressed possibilistically. The algorithm handles problems with only uncertain or a combination of random and uncertain design variables and parameters. In order to reduce the high computational cost, a sequential algorithm for possibility-based design optimization is presented. It consists of a sequence of cycles composed of a deterministic design optimization followed by a set of worst-case reliability evaluation loops. Two examples demonstrate the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed sequential algorithm.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Establishing the relationship between the CERES window and total channel measured radiances for conditions involving deep convective clouds at night

radiometers, the CERES instrument measures radiances in the shortwave (>2000 cm � 1 ), infrared window (835–1250 cm � 1 ), and total regions of the spectrum. Such a choice of radiometers does not allow for a straightforward three channel intercomparison of the CERES measurements. We observed, however, the outgoing infrared spectra of high, cold, optically thick clouds were fairly representative of blackbody emission. This observation suggested a potential relationship between the infrared window radiometer and longwave portion of the total radiometer. Using nighttime measurements made by the CERES instrument aboard the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) spacecraft during the first eight months of 1998, we were able to determine a highly correlated relationship between the infrared window and total channel radiances for conditions corresponding to high, cold, optically thick clouds. Comparisons were then made between the measurements and reference line-by-line calculations. From these comparisons, a quantified relationship was derived between the total and window channel radiances which could accurately reproduce one set of results from the other. Such a relationship has allowed for the establishment of a three channel intercomparison for the CERES instrument with an accuracy of � 1% for the case of high, cold, optically thick clouds. An independent relationship based upon the tropical mean is shown to produce results which support the three channel analysis for the deep convective cloud systems. INDEX TERMS: 0394 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Instruments and techniques; 1694 Global Change: Instruments and techniques; 0325 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Evolution of the atmosphere; 0360 Atmospheric Composition and Structure: Transmission and scattering of radiation; 1640 Global Change: Remote sensing; KEYWORDS: CERES, TRMM, radiometer, three-channel-intercomparison, deep-convectiveclouds, infrared-window
Conditional gene targeted deletion by Cre recombinase demonstrates the requirement for the double-strand break repair Mre11 protein in murine embryonic stem cells

Repair of DNA damage resulting in double-strand breaks (DSBs) is controlled by gene products executing homologous recombination or end-joining pathways. The MRE11 gene has previously been implicated in DSB repair in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae . Here we have developed a methodology to study the roles of the murine Mre11 homolog in pluripotent embryonic stem cells. Using a gene targeting approach, a triple LoxP site cassette was inserted into a region of MRE11 genomic DNA flanking conserved phosphodiesterase motifs. The addition of Cre recombinase activity promotes deletions of three types that can be scored. We find that deletion at phosphodiesterase motif III encoded in the N-terminus of Mre11 is acheived in the presence of a wild-type MRE11 allele. However, when the wild-type MRE11 allele is inactivated by gene targeted insertion of a neo marker, only Cre recombination events that allow expression of wild-type Mre11 protein are observed. Therefore, Mre11 is required for normal cell proliferation. This methodology introduces a means to study important regions of essential genes in cell culture models.
Intensification by Intrauterine Devices of Sperm Loss from the Sheep Uterus

A plastic spiral (IUD) was inserted by surgery into one uterine horn of 105 parous ewes; 22 other ewes were sham-operated on. About 8 weeks later, each uterine horn was ligated, and 0.07 ml of fresh ram semen was deposited in the lumen. The horns were flushed 1 or 5 hr later, and intact sperm and tailless sperm heads were counted. Sperm cell loss was greater in sham-operated estrous and ovariectomized than in shamoperated luteal phase ewes, suggesting that progesterone decreased the rate of sperm loss. The presence of an IUD greatly intensified the loss of sperm in ewes of each endocrine state. Washing accumulated cellular debris from the lumens of IUD horns before depositing semen did not reduce the loss of sperm. Excising the uterus just before depositing semen largely prevented sperm loss. These results suggest that intensified sperm loss in IUD horns was caused by a change in uterine function induced by the presence of semen and not by factors already present in the uterine lumen.
Emerging injectable therapies for multiple sclerosis

Available treatment options for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS) have expanded in recent years, and several injectable therapies are under development. In this Rapid Review, we summarise emerging injectable therapies for relapsing-remitting MS, and discuss pharmacological mechanisms, clinical trials, adverse events, and use in clinical practice. Many new potential treatments for MS are at an intermediate to advanced stage of development. Alemtuzumab is a monoclonal antibody that has shown efficacy in phase 3 trials but, because of serious adverse events associated with this drug, clinical monitoring is essential. Pegylated interferon beta-1a has shown efficacy in a phase 3 trial. Daclizumab and ocrelizumab are monoclonal antibodies that have shown efficacy and acceptable safety profiles in phase 2 trials; both are under investigation in ongoing phase 3 trials. Ofatumumab is a monoclonal antibody that has shown efficacy in a small phase 2 trial. Animal models suggest that anti-LINGO1 antibody has remyelinating potential, and phase 2 trials of the antibody are underway. Further clarification of purported mechanisms of action and continued surveillance will be essential to establish the safety and clinical efficacy of these drugs in patients with relapsing-remitting MS.
THE ROLE OF THE FIRST LANGUAGE IN SECOND LANGUAGE READING

Reading in a second language (L2) is not a monolingual event; L2 readers have access to their first language (L1) as they read, and many use it as a strategy to help comprehend an L2 text. Owing to difficulties in observing the comprehension process, little research has been conducted to determine what role the L1 plays in the reading strategies of L2 readers. Using think-aloud protocols and retrospective interviews with 20 native speakers of Chinese and Japanese at three levels of language proficiency studying in the United States, this study explores further the question of when L2 readers use their L1 cognitive resources and how this cognitive use of the L1 helps them comprehend an L2 text. We conclude by suggesting that the results support a sociocultural view of the L2 reading process.
Testing the 'rare pit' hypothesis for xylem cavitation resistance in three species of Acer.

Summary  Eudicot angiosperms with greater vulnerability to xylem cavitation tend to have vessels with greater total area of inter-vessel pits, which inspired the ‘rare pit’ hypothesis: the more pits per vessel, by chance the leakier will be the vessel’s single air-seeding pit and the lower the air-seeding threshold for cavitation to spread between vessels.  Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of the hypothesis, using probability theory to model the axial propagation of air through air-injected stems. In the presence of rare, leaky pits, air-seeding pressures through short stems with few vessel ends in series should be low; pressures should increase in longer stems as more end-walls must be breached.  Measurements on three Acer species conformed closely to model predictions, confirming the rare presence of leaky pits. The model indicated that pits air-seeding at or below the mean cavitation pressure (MCP) occurred at similarly low frequencies in all species. Average end-wall air-seeding pressures predicted by the model closely matched species’ MCPs.  Differences in species’ vulnerability were primarily attributed to differences in frequency of the leakiest pits rather than pit number or area per vessel. Adjustments in membrane properties and extent of pitting per vessel apparently combine to influence cavitation resistance across species.
GCN2 regulates the CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta and hepatic gluconeogenesis

Mice deficient for general control nondepressible-2 (Gcn2) either globally or specifically in the liver display reduced capacity to maintain glucose homeostasis during fasting, suggesting the hypot...
SEED CACHING BY HETEROMYID RODENTS FROM TWO COMMUNITIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR COEXISTENCE

Abstract Diversity of species in communities of heteromyid rodents presents a classic problem to ecologists, because species are similar ecologically and share a limiting seed resource. Mechanisms of coexistence considered to date have focused on interspecific variation in ability to exploit heterogeneity in resources caused by environmental factors. An unexplored possibility is that coexistence is promoted by heterogeneity among species in seed-caching behavior. To begin evaluating this possibility, we asked whether coexisting species differ in their propensity to cache and in types of caches made. In an indoor arena, we presented millet seeds to 8 species of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys) and pocket mice (Perognathus and Chaetodipus) from 2 communities, 1 in California and 1 in Arizona. Species within communities differed in amounts of seed consumed and cached per night. Both consumption and caching increased with body mass in a manner similar to whole-animal metabolic rate, suggesting that energetics underl...
Cellular Components of the Mesohyl

The mesohyl, which comprises all of the tissue bounded by and lying internal to the pinacoderms and collar cells, is highly variable in terms of the degree of its development and the kinds of cells present in it. This variability cannot be emphasized too strongly in view of the confusion resulting from many general descriptions of mesohyl cells. The activities of these cells result in the formation of major portions of the skeleton including ground substance, mineral elements, and collagen. The specific role of many types of mesohyl cells has yet to be determined (Levi, 1970), and such determinations are of great importance for any future understanding of cell interactions.
Fully biodegradable pressure sensor, viscoelastic behavior of PGS dielectric elastomer upon degradation

A new class of sensors, entirely made from biodegradable materials, biocompatible with the human body and safe for the environment, is emerging. In this work, we present a fully biodegradable pressure sensor, where a key layer is the dielectric that consists of a regularly microstructured thin biodegradable rubber. This layer is compressible and makes the device highly sensitive to pressure. An in vitro biodegradation study is performed to investigate the viscoelastic behavior of the PGS dielectric layer upon degradation. It is shown that PGS has a very limited hysteresis and viscoelasticity behavior, with no significant change even after being exposed for 7 weeks to body mimicking solution, favorable for sensor application. This biodegradable sensor provides unprecedented sensitivity, several orders of magnitude higher than state-of-the-art, allowing the continuous monitoring of blood artery pulse waves.
Commentary: A big problem requires a foundational change

Abstract This commentary discusses specific insights offered in each article but also attempts to integrate the various contributions to the Special Issue around a tension in the field between increasing certainty of knowledge and the rapid advancement of knowledge that has characterized social psychology historically. While addressing the replicability problem can be done incrementally, fundamental change is needed in the reward structure of the profession, and therefore in the publication system that is the gatekeeper for scholarly success. The commentary considers ways to ensure the stability and robustness of published findings in social psychology while still fostering creative, often counterintuitive, discovery – a hallmark of social psychology – in a scientifically responsible way. Concrete suggestions to encourage a balance in the values of scientific certainty and scientific discovery through the publication system are proposed.
Regulation of the renal Na-HCO3 cotransporter by cAMP and Ca-dependent protein kinases

Changes in the activity of the brush-border Na-H antiporter are accompanied by parallel changes in the activity of the Na-HCO3 cotransporter. Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and calmodulin inhibit the Na-H antiporter, whereas protein kinase C (PKC) stimulates it. We hypothesized that cAMP, calmodulin, and PKC should have similar effects on the Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity. Phosphorylated renal basolateral membranes were treated with either cAMP, calmodulin, or phorbol ester. cAMP, 1 microM, inhibited HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake without affecting 22Na uptake in presence of gluconate, suggesting that cAMP inhibits Na-HCO3 cotransporter activity without altering diffusive 22Na uptake. The effect of cAMP to inhibit the Na-HCO3 cotransporter could also be elicited by the catalytic subunit of cAMP, and this inhibitory effect was prevented by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor. Calmodulin (1 microM), in presence of Ca, also inhibited HCO3-dependent 22Na uptake in presence of HCO3, whereas 22Na upt...
Type and Frequency of Reported Wheelchair Repairs and Related Adverse Consequences Among People With Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract Objective To investigate the frequency and types of wheelchair repairs and associated adverse consequences. Design Convenience cross-sectional sample survey. Setting Nine Spinal Cord Injury Model Systems Centers. Participants People with spinal cord injury who use a wheelchair >40h/wk (N=591). Interventions Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures Number of repairs needed and resulting adverse consequences, number and types of repairs completed, and location where main repair was completed in the previous 6 months. Results There were 591 participants responded to the survey, 63.8% (377/591) of them needed ≥1 repair; of these, 27.6% (104/377) experienced ≥1 adverse consequence, including 18.2% (69/377) individuals who were stranded. Of those who needed repairs, 6.9% did not have them completed (26/377). Repairs completed on the wheels and casters were the most frequent repair to manual wheelchairs, whereas repairs to the electrical and power and control systems were the most frequent type of repair on power wheelchairs. Forty percent (79/201) of manual wheelchair users reported completing repairs at home themselves compared with 14% (21/150) of power wheelchair users. Twelve percent of the variance in the odds of facing an adverse consequence because of a wheelchair breakdown can be described as a function of occupation, funding source, and type of wheelchair. Conclusions Wheelchair repairs are highly prevalent. There are differences in types of repairs and who completes the repairs based on the type of wheelchair. Wheelchair breakdowns result in adverse consequences for users, and there is a deficit between repairs needed and those completed, highlighting the need for interventions that address these problems.
182 NO ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CHANGES IN SYMPTOMS AND GASTRIC EMPTYING IN GASTROPARETIC PATIENTS TREATED WITH GASTRIC ELECTRICAL STIMULATION.

Aim To investigate whether there is an association between gastric emptying rate and symptom improvement in gastroparetic patients treated with gastric electrical stimulation (GES). Methods We retrospectively reviewed 63 gastroparetic patients (12 M, 51 F, mean age 41 years, range 21-66; 38 diabetic, 11 idiopathic, and 14 postsurgical) who had documented delayed gastric emptying of a solid meal and received GES therapy for at least 1 year. Patient characteristics, total symptom score (TSS) derived from 7 upper gastrointestinal symptom subscores (0-4) and 4-hour standardized gastric emptying test (GET) were evaluated at baseline and at 1 year of GES. Data are presented as mean (SE). Results Of 63 patients, 14 had their GET normalized and 49 remained delayed GET at 1 year of GES (normal value at 2 hours Conclusions There is no association between changes in symptoms and gastric emptying in gastroparetic patients treated with GES, suggesting that the effect of GES is due to factors beyond gastric motility.
Application of Barcode in Quality Management of Surgical Instruments

Objective: To discuss quality control of surgical instruments by the central sterile supply department(CSSD) and establish traceability system.Methods: To record and monitor recycling,cleaning,packaging,sterilization,storage,distribution and utilization of surgical instruments based on wireless network information technology and barcode technology and establish the recall system.Results: Among the 152,607 surgical instruments scanned and distributed by CSSD between December 2010 and December 2011,98 unused surgical instruments were recalled with the recall rate reaching 100%,which reduced error rate and improved efficiency.Conclusion: Based on barcode technology,CSSD has strengthened control of the sterilization process to ensure sterilization quality and medical safety.
Myocardial oxygen consumption in the rabbit heart after ischemia: Hyperpolarized arrest with pinacidil versus depolarized hyperkalemic arrest

Background This study was designed to test the hypothesis that adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel opener (PCO)-induced hyperpolarized arrest with pinacidil minimizes cellular energy requirements during global ischemia compared with traditional, hyperkalemic depolarized arrest, which is known to be associated with ongoing energy-consuming ion transport. Methods and Results Using a blood-perfused parabiotic rabbit heart Langendorff model, myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO 2 ) was compared in hearts protected with either Krebs-Henseleit solution (K-H), pinacidil (50 μmol/L in K-H), or hyperkalemic St. Thomas' solution during a 30-minute period of global, normothermic (37°C) ischemia followed by 30 minutes of reperfusion. MVo 2 (mL/100 g of myocardium per beat) was calculated at baseline and continuously during reperfusion with the use of an in-line flow probe and an in-line coronary sinus oximetric catheterizationeter. Systolic function (percentage recovery of developed pressure) was measured over a range of volumes using a balloon in the left ventricle. Percentage recovery of developed pressure with pinacidil (60.3%±3.1%) was not statistically different from that with St Thomas' solution (53.3%±2.8%). Pinacidil provided superior protection versus K-H (44.4%±4.8%, P<.05). The MVO 2 was significantly (P<.05) elevated in the pinacidil group (0.77±0.12) compared with the St Thomas group (0.29±0.04) during the first 6 minutes of reperfusion. Conclusions The cardioprotective properties of PCOs are associated with an increased myocardial oxygen demand on reperfusion. This may be related to reparative processes of viable myocytes or to a higher oxygen debt generated during ischemia that presents a significant limitation to PCO cardioplegia.
Changing Odds of Survival Over Time among Patients Undergoing Surgical Resection of Gallbladder Carcinoma

Background While survival after malignancies is traditionally reported as actuarial survival, conditional survival (CS) may be more clinically relevant by accounting for “accrued” survival time as time progresses. We sought to compare actuarial and CS among patients with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) .
New Trends in Intelligent Information and Database Systems: Switzerland: Springer International Publishing. 380 pp. $139.00. ISBN: 978-3-319-16210-2

An ambitious objective for researchers has been to create computers that can mimic or replicate human intelligence. Researchers have achieved only partial success in reaching this goal. However, ma...
Plume-exit modeling to determine cloud condensation nuclei activity of aerosols from residential biofuel combustion

Abstract. Residential biofuel combustion is an important source of aerosols and gases in the atmosphere. The change in cloud characteristics due to biofuel burning aerosols is uncertain, in part, due to the uncertainty in the added number of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) from biofuel burning. We provide estimates of the CCN activity of biofuel burning aerosols by explicitly modeling plume dynamics (coagulation, condensation, chemical reactions, and dilution) in a young biofuel burning plume from emission until plume exit, defined here as the condition when the plume reaches ambient temperature and specific humidity through entrainment. We found that aerosol-scale dynamics affect CCN activity only during the first few seconds of evolution, after which the CCN efficiency reaches a constant value. Homogenizing factors in a plume are co-emission of semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) or emission at small particle sizes; SVOC co-emission can be the main factor determining plume-exit CCN for hydrophobic or small particles. Coagulation limits emission of CCN to about 1016 per kilogram of fuel. Depending on emission factor, particle size, and composition, some of these particles may not activate at low supersaturation (ssat). Hygroscopic Aitken-mode particles can contribute to CCN through self-coagulation but have a small effect on the CCN activity of accumulation-mode particles, regardless of composition differences. Simple models (monodisperse coagulation and average hygroscopicity) can be used to estimate plume-exit CCN within about 20 % if particles are unimodal and have homogeneous composition, or when particles are emitted in the Aitken mode even if they are not homogeneous. On the other hand, if externally mixed particles are emitted in the accumulation mode without SVOCs, an average hygroscopicity overestimates emitted CCN by up to a factor of 2. This work has identified conditions under which particle populations become more homogeneous during plume processes. This homogenizing effect requires the components to be truly co-emitted, rather than sequentially emitted.
Fludelone, an optimized epothilone for ovarian cancer treatment

5907 The microtubule stabilizing drug Paclitaxel is a valuable drug against a wide range of tumors. Despite its value as an anti-cancer agent, paclitaxel has two features that hamper its applicability: its low aqueous solubility, and the development of drug resistance mediated by the overexpression of the P-glycoprotein and the presence of beta-tubulin mutations. Epothilones have similar mechanisms of action to paclitaxel, but are more water soluble, are a poorer substrate for the P-glycoprotein and have a simpler molecular architecture for total synthesis and analog optimization. Recently we (Y.S.C.) synthesized epothilone analogs dEpoB and 26-trifluoro-9,10-dehydro-12,13-desoxyepothilone B (Fludelone). All tested human tumor cell lines (colon, breast and ovarian) were highly sensitive to Fludelone, with IC50s between 1-20nM in the XTT-test. The IC50 of Fludelone was lower than that of dEpoB in every case. Ovarian cancer cell lines were particularly sensitive to Fludelone which possessed a ∼8-fold greater anti-tumor activity than dEpoB. Both drugs caused tumor cells to arrest in G2M phase and rapidly induced apoptosis and beta-tubulin increase. Normal bone marrow stromal cells showed a comparable, relative resistance to both these compounds, indicating a safe therapeutic window and a potential therapeutic advantage of Fludelone over dEpoB. Fetal human lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) were sensitive to dEpoB and Fludelone, but a therapeutic window was still evident with Fludelone. In our Xenograft model we injected 1-5x107 Ovcar3, ovarian cancer cells, transduced with a HSV-TK/eGFP/Luciferase triple fusion gene, intraperitoneally into NOD-SCID mice (to study tumor growth in the physiological niche for ovarian cancer). To monitor tumor growth and location of metastases, whole animal imaging by luciferase bioluminescence was performed at three points: (1) 5-10 days post tumor injection and prior to drug treatment, (2) after 10 drug administrations and (3) at the terminal stage. Fludelone was administered 3 times weekly by intraperitoneal injection. Minor and reversible body weight loss was observed with Fludelone. A tumor reduction of 90% after ten dosages was achieved, matching Taxol controls and with greatly prolonged survival. By using in vivo19F NMR signal from Fludelone as an indicator of efficient tumor tissue uptake we were able to (1) estimate the time after injection at which the tumor tissue concentration is maximum (between 4 and 5 hours ) and (2) establish the optimal in vivo drug dosage for maximum uptake and retention (50-100 mg/kg) . To elucidate possible differences between dEpoB and Fludelone action on Ovcar3 cells we conducted micro array analysis and selective gene modulation in the NFkB pathway. Given the large therapeutic window of Fludelone compared to dEpoB, Fludelone is a promising epothilone analog for ovarian cancer treatment.