cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
The Gap Phenomena During Retrograde Conduction in Man

Ventricular refractory period studies were performed in 12 consecutive and unselected patients using the ventricular extrastimulus method (V2) at basic ventricular cycle lengths (V1 V1). In six of 12 patients two types of retrograde gaps occurred. At relatively long V1 V2 intervals, ventriculo-atrial (V-A) conduction failed and then resumed at shorter V1 V2 intervals. The initial sites of retrograde block were the A-V node in two patients and the His-Purkinje system in four patients. In both groups, resumption of V-A conduction at shorter V1 V2 intervals occurred because of retrograde delay within the His-Purkinje system. Retrograde gaps differ from previously described antegrade gaps in A-V conduction: The site of initial block in A-V gaps is the His-Purkinje system and resumption of A-V conduction occurs at shorter A1 A2 intervals because of proximal delay in the A-V node (type I) or delay in the proximal His-Purkinje system (type II). In V-A gaps the site of initial block may be either the A-V node or ...
Trait Mindfulness Predicts Efficient Top‐Down Attention to and Discrimination of Facial Expressions

In social situations, skillful regulation of emotion and behavior depends on efficiently discerning others' emotions. Identifying factors that promote timely and accurate discernment of facial expressions can therefore advance understanding of social emotion regulation and behavior. The present research examined whether trait mindfulness predicts neural and behavioral markers of early top-down attention to, and efficient discrimination of, socioemotional stimuli. Attention-based event-related potentials (ERPs) and behavioral responses were recorded while participants (N = 62; White; 67% female; Mage = 19.09 years, SD = 2.14 years) completed an emotional go/no-go task involving happy, neutral, and fearful facial expressions. Mindfulness predicted larger (more negative) N100 and N200 ERP amplitudes to both go and no-go stimuli. Mindfulness also predicted faster response time that was not attributable to a speed-accuracy trade-off. Significant relations held after accounting for attentional control or social anxiety. This study adds neurophysiological support for foundational accounts that mindfulness entails moment-to-moment attention with lower tendencies toward habitual patterns of responding. Mindfulness may enhance the quality of social behavior in socioemotional contexts by promoting efficient top-down attention to and discrimination of others' emotions, alongside greater monitoring and inhibition of automatic response tendencies.
Stalking, Homicide, and Catathymic Process: A Case Study

Despite the proliferation of research on various aspects of stalking, there has been relatively little study of stalkers who commit homicide. In this article, a man who stalked and killed a casual acquaintance is reported. He developed an idea to kill her that, at first, seemed ego-alien and unreal but eventually became fixed and was accompanied by a mounting inner pressure to act. The concept of catathymic process--a change in thinking whereby the offender comes to believe that he can resolve his inner conflict by committing an act of extreme violence against someone to whom he feels emotionally bonded--is of particular help in understanding this case, as well as similar cases of stalking that culminate in homicide.
A SYNDROME CHARACTERIZED BY PREMENSTRUAL DERMATOSIS, POLYHYPERMENORRHEA, DYSMENORRHEA, MENSTRUAL HEADACHE AND AN INCREASED URINARY EXCRETION OF SODIUM PREGNANEDIOL GLUCURONIDE

THE FOLLOWING case record is reported in detail because of the apparent association of an increased urinary excretion of sodium pregnanediol glucuronide (metabolic product of progesterone) with the symptomatology of the patient and because of the subjective relief afforded the patient by intensive endocrine therapy which depressed the metabolism of progesterone and decreased the urinary titers of the pregnanediol complex. CASE REPORT A white married woman, aged 27 years, para O'O'O, was seen first in the Endo crine Division of Duke University Hospital on March 4, 1938 because of a cyclic dermatosis occurring during the progestational stage of the menstrual cycle, poly hypermenorrhea, dysmenorrhea and menstrual headache of approximately one year's duration. No significant familial data existed. There had been no abnormalities of somatic development or of sexual maturation. Menarche occurred at 14 years of age.
Obesity in heterozygous carriers of the gene for the Bardet-Biedl syndrome

Obesity and renal failure are common manifestations in the autosomal recessive Bardet-Biedl (BB) syndrome. Because obesity and hypertension have been reported frequently in non-homozygous relatives of BB patients, we hypothesized that BB heterozygotes are predisposed to these conditions. Clinical information was collected from 34 parents of BB homozygotes, who are obligate heterozygotes. The proportion of severely overweight fathers (26.7%) was significantly higher than that in comparably aged United States white males (8.9%). We conclude that the BB gene may predispose male heterozygous carriers to obesity. If BB heterozygotes are 1% of the general population, we estimate that approximately 2.9% of all severely overweight white males carry a single BB gene. The BB parents of both sexes were also significantly taller than U.S. white men and women of comparable age. © 1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Computation of upper and lower bounds to the frequencies of clamped cylindrical shells

Methods for obtaining bounds on natural frequencies are demonstrated for the free vibration of thin, clamped cylindrical shells. The upper bounds are obtained by a Rayleigh-Ritz procedure. The lower bound method used is an extension of one previously applied to simpler structures; the extension is needed to adjust to limit points in a spectrum. For both bounds the problems reduce to matrix eigenvalue problems. Numerical techniques are employed to keep the order of these reduced problems small.
The Role of Radiation in Retroperitoneal Sarcomas

Retroperitoneal sarcomas form a group of rare malignancies that require expertise in every aspect of management. Patients benefit from referral to cancer centers that can provide comprehensive, multidisciplinary, oncologic management. The role of radiation in retroperitoneal sarcoma management is, appropriately, the subject of considerable controversy due to the absence of high-level evidence proving its efficacy. Nonetheless, the preponderance of available data suggests that radiation therapy likely improves local control and, in some settings, may favorably impact resectability and survival. These outcome observations coupled with the lower doses (45–54 Gy) and normal tissue displacement characteristic of preoperative radiation therapy leads us to favor preoperative radiotherapy followed by oncologic resection for most retroperitoneal sarcomas. This strategy appears to provide the highest chance of safe and successful delivery of multimodal therapy, which can otherwise be hindered by postoperative complications as a result of technically challenging surgery and normal tissue radiation dose tolerances. Dose-escalation and selective integrative boosts to “at-risk” margins are attractive strategies that merit, and arguably require, further clinical evaluation. We believe that postoperative radiotherapy should be reserved for very high-risk cases and should be treated to a dose of ≥60 Gy respecting normal tissue dose tolerances. An additional approach that we consider in the postoperative setting is close surveillance with consideration of preoperative radiotherapy at recurrence before repeat surgical resection. Highly conformal radiotherapy techniques, such as IMRT with image guidance, should be employed to minimize dose to normal tissues and thereby allow delivery of efficacious radiation doses. If feasible, referral to a treatment facility with proton beam therapy should be discussed with the patient, especially if normal tissue dose constraints cannot be met using IMRT/IGRT. Participation in prospective studies should be highly encouraged.
Effect of estradiol on the metabolism of testosterone by rat prostate

Abstract Prostatic tissue from normal, estradiol-treated, and castrated rats was incubated with testosterone, and the metabolites formed were studied. Pretreatment with estradiol-17β did not affect the total amount of testosterone metabolized per unit weight of tissue. In contrast, the total amount of testosterone metabolized was significantly reduced following castration. The formation of dihydrotestosterone (17β-hydroxy-5α-androstan-3-one; DHT) was not affected by treatment with estradiol, but was significantly reduced by previous castration. Estradiol treatment enhanced the formation of 17-keto metabolites of testosterone by the prostate, giving lower 17-hydroxy to 17-keto ratios than incubations with prostates from control or castrated rats. These results are consistent with the theory that the mechanisms leading to the involution of prostate after estradiol treatment and after castration are different.
Social-Cognitive Predictors of College Student Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Abstract Background: Little research has addressed the prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use among undergraduate students. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to: (1) measure the prevalence and type of CAM use among a sample of college undergraduates, and (2) test the significance of select social-cognitive constructs and demographics as predictors of CAM use among a college population. Methods: A random sample of undergraduate students within the Texas A&M University system was solicited via e-mail to complete a web-based survey. Results: Findings show high rates of CAM use. Gender, attitude toward CAM, outcome expectancies regarding the health care encounter, and social network use of CAM were shown to be significant predictors of CAM use. Discussion: CAM use is popular among college students. Results from this study can inform health care and health education professionals interested in improving health care processes and addressing positive and negative issue...
Validation of a MODIS direct broadcast burned area mapping algorithm for estimating biomass burning emissions

Biomass fires emit large amounts of trace gases and aerosols and these emissions are believed to significantly influence the chemical composition of the atmosphere and the earth's climate system. At the Missoula Fire Sciences Laboratory (FiSL), a MODIS direct broadcast (DB) receiving station is in place to demonstrate the potential for monitoring biomass burning in near-real-time and predicting the impact of fire emissions on air quality. A burn scar algorithm that combines active fire locations and burn scar detections for near 'real-time' measurement of fire burned areas has been developed at the Missoula FiSL. Daily wildfire burned areas in western US provide crucial input for a prototype fire emissions - smoke dispersion forecasting system.
Housing Obsolescenace and Depreciation

Just as people are growing older in the United States, so is its housing stock. How housing ages and what the appropriate points of intervention are during this aging cycle are important considerations for local planners. The field is as yet underdeveloped. The literature that planners must turn to for guidance comes laigely from economics, geography, real estate appraisal, and planning. It is a disparate field, presented here from the perspective of planners. Topics include similarities in demography and housing analysis; estimates of housing longevity and depreciation paths and the widely varying conclusions about them; behavior of owners and investors and the difficulties they face in making rational estimates of market trends; and, finally, national policies about the importance of caring for an aging housing stock and the prevention of "premature obsolescence."
Optical Communications Data Transfer from Venus

A design study for an optical communications link from Venus to the Earth is described. It is shown that 4.0 Mbps data can be returned over such a link with only 0.5 Watts of laser power.
Professions before Professionalism

For over seventy years the sociology of professions has revolved around empirical generalizations drawn from four modern exemplars of nineteenth century Britain and United States: law and medicine, science and engineering. We identify qualities constitutive of professionalism in an occupation during the ancien regime, on the Continent, and in a field unrelated to the four just noted: seventeenth century French painting and sculpture. These constitutive qualities point to the significance of a distinctively structural and institutional approach to the sociology of professions.
Adjustable, Physiological Ventricular Restraint Improves Left Ventricular Mechanics and Reduces Dilatation in an Ovine Model of Chronic Heart Failure

Background— Ventricular restraint is a nontransplantation surgical treatment for heart failure. The effect of varying restraint level on left ventricular (LV) mechanics and remodeling is not known. We hypothesized that restraint level may affect therapy efficacy. Methods and Results— We studied the immediate effect of varying restraint levels in an ovine heart failure model. We then studied the long-term effect of restraint applied over a 2-month period. Restraint level was quantified by use of fluid-filled epicardial balloons placed around the ventricles and measurement of balloon luminal pressure at end diastole. At 4 different restraint levels (0, 3, 5, and 8 mm Hg), transmural myocardial pressure (Ptm) and indices of myocardial oxygen consumption (MVo2) were determined in control (n=5) and ovine heart failure (n=5). Ventricular restraint therapy decreased Ptm and MVo2, and improved mechanical efficiency. An optimal physiological restraint level of 3 mm Hg was identified to maximize improvement witho...
Pilot Study: Evaluation of Dual-Energy Computed Tomography Measurement Strategies for Positron Emission Tomography Correlation in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

We sought to determine whether dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) measurements correlate with positron emission tomography (PET) standardized uptake values (SUVs) in pancreatic adenocarcinoma, and to determine the optimal DECT imaging variables and modeling strategy to produce the highest correlation with maximum SUV (SUVmax). We reviewed 25 patients with unresectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma seen at Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, Arizona, who had PET–computed tomography (PET/CT) and enhanced DECT performed the same week between March 25, 2010 and December 9, 2011. For each examination, DECT measurements were taken using one of three methods: (1) average values of three tumor regions of interest (ROIs) (method 1); (2) one ROI in the area of highest subjective DECT enhancement (method 2); and (3) one ROI in the area corresponding to PET SUVmax (method 3). There were 133 DECT variables using method 1, and 89 using the other methods. Univariate and multivariate analysis regression models were used to identify important correlations between DECT variables and PET SUVmax. Both R 2 and adjusted R 2 were calculated for the multivariate model to compensate for the increased number of predictors. The average SUVmax was 5 (range, 1.8–12.0). Multivariate analysis of DECT imaging variables outperformed univariate analysis (r = 0.91; R 2 = 0.82; adjusted R 2 = 0.75 vs r < 0.58; adjusted R 2 < 0.34). Method 3 had the highest correlation with PET SUVmax (R 2 = 0.82), followed by method 1 (R 2 = 0.79) and method 2 (R 2 = 0.57). DECT thus has clinical potential as a surrogate for, or as a complement to, PET in patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma.
Booming Enrollments: Good Times?

This panel will discuss the enrollment boom, as well as potential effective practice strategies to respond to the increasing demand for computing education. Does the current enrollment "boom" represent the "third bubble", or is it here to stay? Is there a difference in what's happening at universities that offer Ph.D. degrees or what's happening at 4-year universities and colleges? What 'best practice' strategies exist (if any) to handle the demand? And, importantly, will this "boom" have a positive or negative effect on underrepresented students' Join us for a lively discussion on the recent student interest in computing education at our universities and colleges.
Influence of chemical profiles of host plants on the infestation diversity of Retithrips syriacus

The onset of biotic stress in the host plants as a result of increased insect population size leads to enhanced levels of secondary metabolites and associated phenolic enzyme activity· Of the three host plants examined, viz. Ricinus communis (castor), Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus) and Manihot utilissima (tapioca), castor was the host most preferred by Retithrips syriacus· Despite the fact that tapioca had the highest levels of secondary compounds, thrips infestation persisted· However, fecundity and growth were reduced because of the relatively high levels of primary metabolites. Gallic acid was found to be the most toxic of the phenolic acids, followed by pyrogallol, resorcinol, phloroglucinol and vanillic acid· The less toxic phenolic acids and flavanoids were detected in leaves that harboured thrips, while the preponderance of gallic acid was found in uninfested hosts. Thus the interaction of Retithrips syriacus with the hosts is governed essentially by the biochemical profiles of its hosts, which tend to be altered subsequent to infestation, thus manifesting induced resistance through enhanced production of phenolics
Lack of effect for decisional balance as a brief motivational intervention for at-risk college drinkers

This study examined the effects of written and in-person decisional balance exercises on measures of risky drinking. College students determined to be at-risk for alcohol-related problems (N=131) were randomly assigned to an in-person decisional balance (IDB), a written decisional balance (WDB), or an assessment-only control (C) group. IDB participants met with an interventionist for individual 30-min discussions of the pros and cons of maintaining versus changing their drinking behavior, whereas WDB participants completed written decisional balance exercises. All participants completed alcohol-use assessments at baseline, 2-week posttest, and 6-month follow-up. Process analyses indicated that IDB participants generated more cons of current drinking and more pros of cutting down than WDB participants. Further, the proportion of pros to cons for cutting down predicted IDB but not WDB group drinking change. On the other hand, analyses of covariance indicated no significant differences among the groups on 2-week alcohol consumption, heavy-drinking episodes, alcohol consumption during peak drinking occasions, and alcohol-related problems. This study did not provide support for decisional balance as a stand-alone brief motivational intervention for at-risk college drinkers.
Human Occupants in Low-Speed Frontal Sled Tests: Effects of Pre-Impact Bracing on Chest Compression, Reaction Forces, and Subject Acceleration

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of pre-impact bracing on the chest compression, reaction forces, and accelerations experienced by human occupants during low-speed frontal sled tests.Methods: A total of twenty low-speed frontal sled tests, ten low severity (∼2.5g, Δv = 5kph) and ten medium severity (∼5g, Δv = 10kph), were performed on five 50th-percentile male human volunteers. Each volunteer was exposed to two impulses at each severity, one relaxed and the other braced prior to the impulse. A 59-channel chestband, aligned at the nipple line, was used to quantify the chest contour and anterior-posterior sternum deflection. Three-axis accelerometer cubes were attached to the sternum, 7th cervical vertebra, and sacrum of each subject. In addition, three linear accelerometers and a three-axis angular rate sensor were mounted to a metal mouthpiece worn by each subject. Seatbelt tension load cells were attached to the retractor, shoulder, and lap portions of the standard thr...
Quasielastic gamma-ray scattering from glycerol

The Mossbauer scattering instrument at the Missouri University Research Reactor (MURR) has been used to study the liquid dynamics of glycerol as a function of temperature. The measurements were made by observing the Mossbauer gamma rays from the 46.5-keV level in183W scattered in the direction corresponding to the first liquid structure peak atQ=1.36 A−1. The widths of the Mossbauer velocity spectra were found to be quasielastically broadened by 3.1 μeV at 24 °C up to 55 μeV at 113 °C. The broadening varied quadratically with temperature above the melting point, but showed a linear dependence when plotted versus the absolute temperature divided by the viscosity. As discussed by Singh and Mullen, this latter dependence is expected in the continuous diffusion limit. The original analysis by Singwi and Sojlander was carried out for a diffusing Mossbauer ion, where the observed cross section is the Fourier transform of the self-correlation function. Our case requires the use of the paircorrelation function. Quantitative calculations as well as further experiments are needed.
Individual variations in mucosa and total wall thickness in the stomach and rectum assessed via endoscopic ultrasound

Endoscopic ultrasound is a unique tool to acquire in vivo data on alimentary tract wall thicknesses of sufficient resolution needed in radiation dosimetry studies. Through their different echo texture and intensity, five layers of differing echo patterns for superficial mucosa, deep mucosa, submucosa, muscularis externa and serosa/adventitia exist within the walls of organs composing the alimentary tract. In this study, retrospective image analyses of patient video data were made for ten examinations of the stomach and eight examinations of the rectum covering a range of patient ages. Thicknesses for stomach mucosa ranged from 1030 +/- 130 microm to 1640 +/- 80 microm (total stomach wall thicknesses from 2.80 +/- 0.12 to 4.23 +/- 0.03 mm). Measurements made for the rectal images revealed rectal mucosal thicknesses from 660 +/- 50 microm to 1130 +/- 250 microm (total rectal wall thicknesses from 2.28 +/- 0.05 to 3.55 +/- 0.43 mm). The mucosa accounted for approximately 32 +/- 7% and approximately 32 +/- 8% of the total thickness of the stomach and rectal wall, respectively. These values can thus be utilized to investigate uncertainties in alimentary tract dosimetry that are based upon fixed reference individual definitions of organ wall structure.
Noninvasive Optoacoustic Monitoring of Multiple Physiological Parameters: Clinical Studies

We have developed an optoacoustic technique for noninvasive monitoring of important physiological parameters and tested our optoacoustic systems in clinics. Our data indicate that the accuracy of this technique can approach that of invasive techniques.
Leveraging stimuli responsive hydrogels for on/off control of mixing

Abstract Microfluidic mixers are an important component in microfluidic devices. This paper presents a micromixer which can control mixing with responsive hydrogel actuators to modulate mixing between two adjacent fluids dependant on the chemistries of the fluid. This is achieved by the responsive hydrogels swelling or contracting under different stimuli, which alters the mixing between the two fluids. We present this device using standard pH responsive hydrogels for two different device designs and demonstrate altered mixing profiles based on the pH of the fluid streams. For the T-shaped device an increase in mixing efficiency from 18.3% to 34.5% is observed between the contracted and expanded hydrogel states. For the modified T-shaped device mixing efficiency in the contracted state is 25.0% while in the expanded state efficiency increases to 72.9%. This can be used as a mixer that has on/off functionality of an active mixer, based on the pH of the mixing streams, with the advantages a passive mixer offers. Other responsive hydrogel chemistries could be substituted into the device to achieve many different triggers for mixing.
Is Oxytocin Really Necessary for Efficient Milk Removal in Dairy Cows

This review examines the potential importance of mechanisms other than the release of oxytocin for efficient milk removal. First, evidence is presented that oxytocin release is not always essential for efficient milk removal. Second, potential roles for the release of oxytocin during suckling or milking not directly related to milk removal are discussed. Third, alternative mechanisms that potentiate or induce milk ejection are introduced. Finally, the role of the autonomic nervous system in the milk removal process is examined.
European ADRs: what a difference a decade makes

The long-term excess returns for European American Depository Receipts (ADRs) listed on the NYSE over the period 1990 to 2009 are tested to determine differences in performance and evidence of market timing effects for the decades of the 1990s and the 2000s. While the overall sample outperformed the S&P 500 index during the first 36 months of trading by 7%, those ADRs listed before 1 January 2000 underperformed by less than 2% and those issued after outperformed the index by nearly 26%. These results suggest diversifying a portfolio internationally with European ADRs helps to overcome losses in times of market crashes and extreme volatility (as occurred in the 2000s).
Evaluation of cucurbitacin-based gustatory stimulant to facilitate cucumber beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) management with foliar insecticides in melons.

ABSTRACT The bitter plant-derived compounds cucurbitacins are known to stimulate feeding of adult cucumber beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). A cucurbitacin-based gustatory stimulant applied as a flowable bait combined with either spinosad or carbaryl was compared with foliar sprays of spinosad and carbaryl for controlling two cucumber beetle species (Diabrotica undecimpunctata undecimpunctata Mannerheim and Acalymma trivittatum Mannerheim) in honeydew melons (Cucumis melo L.). Field studies were conducted on the University of California—Davis plant pathology farm in 2008 and 2009. Beetle densities after applications and fruit damage from beetle feeding were compared among treatments. In addition, beetle survival was compared within field cages placed over the treated foliage infested with beetles. Using all three measures of efficacy, we determined that the addition of cucurbitacin bait had no effect on the level of cucumber beetle control with carbaryl in either 2008 or 2009. In both years, spinosad d...
Effects of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone Pulse Frequency Modulation on the Reproductive Axis of Photoinhibited Male Siberian Hamsters

In Siberian hamsters, photostimulation evokes differential release of the gonadotropins, with FSH rising rapidly and LH levels rising much later. We have tested the hypothesis that differential release of gonadotropins in this species can be mediated by changes in the frequency of pulsatile GnRH stimulation. Photoinhibited Siberian hamsters received GnRH pulses at frequencies of 1 pulse every 45 (fast), 90 (medium), or 180 min (slow). Animals were killed at 0, 3, 5, 10, 20, and 30 days after treatment. There was a clear GnRH pulse frequency effect on LH release, with fast pulses > medium pulses > slow pulses > short-day (SD) controls. In addition, 10 days of fast-frequency GnRH pulses produced LH levels significantly greater than LH levels in animals exposed to 10 days of medium or slow GnRH pulse frequencies. Pulsatile GnRH produced the following serum FSH relationships: medium pulses > fast pulses > SD. The FSH response to slow GnRH frequency fell between the two faster frequencies. The effect of GnRH pulse frequency on paired testes weight was as follows: fast pulses = medium pulses > slow pulses > SD controls. The differing GnRH pulse frequencies produced the following testosterone relationships; fast pulses > medium pulses = slow pulses = SD controls. These results agree with studies showing that slower GnRH pulse frequencies facilitate FSH release, while faster GnRH pulse frequencies favor LH release. Our observations are also consistent with the idea that the singular release of FSH after transfer of hamsters to a long-day photoperiod is mediated by alterations in the frequency of endogenous pulsatile GnRH release.
Sprayed Fe-Al Cylinder Liner with Optimised Thermal Conductivity

Markus Aumiller is Team Leader Thermal Coatings at the Federal-Mogul Friedberg GmbH (Germany). Dr.-Ing. Michael Buchmann is Director Business Development at the Federal-Mogul Friedberg GmbH (Germany). Dr.-Ing. Volker Scherer is Director Liners at the Federal-Mogul Burscheid GmbH (Germany). Federal-Mogul’s thin-walled, thermally sprayed Sprayfi t cylinder liners are a newly developed solution for providing a ferrous cylinder bore surface in aluminium alloy engine blocks. This liner design achieves, for the fi rst time, heat transfer equal to that of a thermally sprayed direct bore coating.
Effect of synthetic triglycerides of myristic, palmitic, and stearic acid on serum lipoprotein metabolism.

Objectives: To determine relative effects of diets high in synthetic sources of myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0) or stearic (18:0) acid on concentrations and metabolism of serum lipoproteins. Design: Eighteen healthy women participated in a three-way cross-over study for five week periods separated by seven week washout periods, diets were assigned in random order. Subjects: Premenopausal women, not on medication, were from three races (Caucasian, African-American, Asian) and four apolipoprotein E phenotype groups (3/3, 3/2, 4/3, and 4/2). Intervention: During the first week the subjects consumed a baseline diet providing 11 energy (en)% saturated fat, 10 en% polyunsaturated fat and 14 en% monounsaturated fat. Followed by test diets with 19 en% saturated fat (including 14 en% test saturated fatty acid), 3 en% polyunsaturated fat, and 14 en% monounsaturated fat for four weeks. Synthetic fats (trimyristin, tripalmitin, and tristearin) were used in blends with natural fats and oils. Results: Mean concentrations of serum total, esterified and LDL cholesterol were significantly lower after 18:0 than after 16:0 (n=16–18, P<0.01 for treatment effect). Myristic acid (14:0) had an intermediate effect. Receptor-mediated degradation of 125I-LDL in mononuclear cells obtained from the subjects was lower after 16:0 than after 14:0 and 18:0 (n=16–18, P=0.05 for treatment effect). Differences in the digestibilities of the fats were not a major factor in the results. Strong cholesterolemic responses to the 16:0 diet were partly explained by apoE phenotype. Conclusions: As noted previously, stearic acid was neutral compared to 14:0 and 16:0. In contrast to studies involving natural fats, 14:0, fed as a synthetic triglyceride, was less cholesterolemic than 16:0 in a majority of subjects. ApoE phenotype influenced the cholesterolemic response particularly when diets high in 16:0 were eaten. Sponsorship: Funded by United States Department of Agriculture Grant 93-37200-8978.
Activation of Calcitonin Receptor and Calcitonin Receptor-like Receptor by Membrane-anchored Ligands

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the most important pharmaceutical targets, and more than 40% of drugs in use today modulate GPCR signaling. A major hurdle in the development of therapies targeting GPCRs is the drug candidate's nonselective actions in multiple tissues. The ability to spatially control GPCR signaling would provide a venue for developing therapies that require targeted GPCR signaling. Here, we show that the fusion of a RAMP1 co-receptor with the calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), or calcitonin, transforms the RAMP1 from a co-receptor to bona fide membrane-anchored ligands (CGRP-RAMP1 and CAL-RAMP1). The CAL-RAMP1 selectively activates the calcitonin receptor (CR), whereas, the CGRP-RAMP1 activates both the calcitonin receptor-like receptor (CLR) and CR. Unlike a free peptide, which moves freely in the extracellular space and differentiates targets based on molecular affinity, the anchored CGRP-RAMP1 and CAL-RAMP1 ligands confine their activities to individual cells. In addition, our study showed that a CGRP8-37-RAMP1 chimera, but not RAMP1, functions as an antagonist for CGRP-RAMP1-mediated signaling, suggesting that the activation of CLR by CGRP-RAMP1 shares similar molecular mechanisms with the CGRP-mediated activation of CLR/RAMP1 receptor complexes. Taken together, our finding thus provides a novel class of ligands that activate CR and CLR exclusively in an autocrine manner and a proof-of-concept demonstration for future development of targeted therapies aimed at these receptors in specific cell populations.
Analysis of patient-determined preoperative computer imaging.

Objective To compare patients' goals in aesthetic rhinoplasty with aesthetic ideals by analyzing changes requested through computer imaging during the initial consultation. Methods The frontal and lateral views of 20 consecutive female rhinoplasty patients were analyzed retrospectively before and after using image manipulation software. Indexes from the frontal view included the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance. On the lateral view, parameters included the nasolabial angle, nasofacial angle, and tip projection (Goode ratio). Ideal parameters were based on descriptions by Powell and Humphreys. Results The ideal and patient-determined proportions were compared using a paired 2-tailed t test. The mean nasolabial angle falls within the ideal range before and after image manipulation. However, the Goode ratio and the ratio of alar base width to interpupillary distance were statistically similar to ideal values only after image manipulation. The nasofacial angle and the ratio of alar base width to dorsal length showed a trend toward the ideal ratio. Conclusions Patients' preferences were similar to the ideal in 3 of 5 parameters, and the remaining parameters approached the ideal. These parameters are useful in creating satisfying proportions in aesthetic rhinoplasty and reconstructive surgery within our population. Rather than population-based normative data or ideals based on fashion models or Greek statuary, these are proportions requested by patients. Computer imaging software, used by a growing number of aesthetic surgeons, holds a wealth of data regarding common patient preferences.
Decentralized model-based event-triggered control of networked systems

This paper presents a model-based event-triggered (MB-ET) control framework for stabilization of networked systems. The controller and the events are designed in a decentralized manner, based only on local information. The knowledge of a priori model of the interconnected subsystems or agents is used at every controller node to generate estimates of the state of distant subsystems in order to reduce the frequency at which measurements need to be broadcasted. This framework allows for considerable reduction of bandwidth since every agent broadcasts its local information to other agents only when it is necessary, based on the difference between real and estimated variables. The use of models of the systems in the controller nodes not only generalizes the Zero-Order-Hold (ZOH) implementation in traditional event-triggered control schemes but it also provides stability thresholds that are robust to model uncertainties.
PTLsim: A Cycle Accurate Full System x86-64 Microarchitectural Simulator

In this paper, we introduce PTLsim, a cycle accurate full system x86-64 microprocessor simulator and virtual machine. PTLsim models a modern superscalar out of order x86-64 processor core at a configurable level of detail ranging from RTL-level models of all key pipeline structures, caches and devices up to full-speed native execution on the host CPU. Unlike other microarchitectural simulators, PTLsim targets the real commercially available x86 ISA, rather than a discontinued architecture with limited tools and an uncertain future. PTLsim supports several flavors: a single threaded userspace version and a full system version providing an SMT model and the infrastructure for multi-core support. We first describe what it takes to perform cycle accurate modeling of a complete x86 machine at the muop (micro-operation) level, along with the challenges and requirements for effective full system multi-processor capable simulation. We then describe the internal architecture of full system PTLsim and how it interacts with the Xen hypervisor and PTLsim's native mode co-simulation technology. We experimentally evaluate PTLsim's real world accuracy by configuring it like an AMD Athlon 64 machine before running a demanding full system client-server networked benchmark inside PTLsim. We compare the statistics generated by our model with the actual numbers from the real processor to demonstrate PTLsim is accurate to within 5% across all major parameters. We provide a discussion of prior simulation tools, along with their strengths and weaknesses. We describe why PTLsim's x86 focus is highly relevant, and we use our full system simulation results to demonstrate the pitfalls of userspace only simulation. Finally, we conclude by detailing future work
Genomic expression pathways associated with brain injury after cardiopulmonary bypass

Objectives Neurologic injury after cardiac surgery, often manifested as neurocognitive decline, is a common postoperative complication without clear cause. We studied acute variations in gene-expression profiles of patients with neurocognitive decline (NCD group) compared with those without neurocognitive decline (NORM group) after cardiopulmonary bypass. Methods Forty-two patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting, valve procedures, or both by using cardiopulmonary bypass were administered a validated neurocognitive battery preoperatively and postoperatively at day 4. Neurocognitive decline was defined as 1 standard deviation from baseline on 25% or greater of tasks. Whole-blood mRNA was isolated preoperatively and at 6 hours after surgical intervention for fold-change calculation. Relative gene expression in the NCD versus the NORM group was assessed by using Affymetrix GeneChip U133 Plus 2.0 (>40,000 genes) from mRNA samples collected. Differential expression, clustering, gene ontology, and canonical pathway analysis were performed. Validation of microarray gene expression was performed with SYBR Green real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results Patients with neurocognitive decline (17/42 [40.5%] patients) were associated with a significantly different gene-expression response compared with that of healthy patients. Compared with preoperative samples, 6-hour samples had 531 upregulated and 670 downregulated genes uniquely in the NCD group compared with 2214 upregulated and 558 downregulated genes uniquely in the NORM group ( P FAS , IL2RB , and CD59 ), antigen presentation (including HLA-DQ1 , TAP1 , and TAP2 ), and cellular adhesion (including ICAM2 , ICAM3 , and CAD7 ) among others. Conclusions Patients with neurocognitive decline have inherently different genetic responses to cardiopulmonary bypass compared with those of patients without neurocognitive decline Genetic variations in inflammatory, cell adhesion, and apoptotic pathways might be important contributors to the pathophysiology of neurologic injury after cardiopulmonary bypass and could become a target for prevention and risk stratification.
Electro-Thermal Analysis of In-Plane Micropump

This paper describes the modeling for a packaged in-plane micropump developed at the Automation and Robotics Research Institute, The University of Texas, Arlington, TX. Amongst the family of micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) devices, thermal actuators are important owing to their capability to deliver a large force and displacement. Due to fabrication and cost-savings advantages, these actuators are now commonly used in several applications, such as optical-communication switches, micro-assembly, and micro-positioners. The proposed micropump design is based on these actuators fabricated by a one-step deep reactive ion etching process and packaged for protection and appropriate thermal dissipation. In the current ongoing research, the thermal actuator forms an integral part of an in-plane micropump. The flow rate is controlled by the variations in actuator displacement and corresponding force generated. Flow rates of several micro-liters per minute can be obtained making this pump suitable for drug delivery applications. Actuation is caused by application of voltage and resulting joule heating effect of the MEMS chevron beams. This results in displacement of the beams (actuator) which is proportional to the difference in temperature. Some of the parameters governing the displacement include the applied voltage, resistivity of the device, substrate thickness, and air gap between the device and the substrate. In this paper, the proposed micro-pump was analyzed for its thermal performance, pumping force, and the corresponding flow rate. The analysis was performed at device, die, and package levels. Thermal analysis showed that there exists a linear relationship between the applied voltage and the resulting temperature. Maximum temperature was always noted at the center of the chevron beams. The analysis also showed that force generated by the thermal actuators mainly depends on the average temperature of the chevron beams. Maximum force of 3.73 mN was noted for the packaged micropump at 23 V. This corresponded to an average beam temperature of 453°C and a flow rate of 11.2 μl/min. Performance assessment of the pump showed that for every 5 kPa increase in backpressure, flow rate reduced approximately by 5%.
Characterization of Circulating Natural Killer Cells in Neotropical Primates

Despite extensive use of nonhuman primates as models for infectious diseases and reproductive biology, imprecise phenotypic and functional definitions exist for natural killer (NK) cells. This deficit is particularly significant in the burgeoning use of small, less expensive New World primate species. Using polychromatic flow cytometry, we identified peripheral blood NK cells as CD3-negative and expressing a cluster of cell surface molecules characteristic of NK cells (i.e., NKG2A, NKp46, NKp30) in three New World primate species – common marmosets, cotton-top tamarins, and squirrel monkeys. We then assessed subset distribution using the classical NK markers, CD56 and CD16. In all species, similar to Old World primates, only a minor subset of NK cells was CD56+, and the dominant subset was CD56–CD16+. Interestingly, CD56+ NK cells were primarily cytokine-secreting cells, whereas CD56–CD16+ NK cells expressed significantly greater levels of intracellular perforin, suggesting these cells might have greater potential for cytotoxicity. New World primate species, like Old World primates, also had a minor CD56–CD16– NK cell subset that has no obvious counterpart in humans. Herein we present phenotypic profiles of New World primate NK cell subpopulations that are generally analogous to those found in humans. This conservation among species should support the further use of these species for biomedical research.
Acute and long-term beta-adrenergic blockade for patients with neurocardiogenic syncope

Objectives. This study was designed to prospectively evaluate the long-term outcome of drug therapy guided by head-up tilt testing for the management of unexplained syncope and near syncope. Background. Head-up tilt testing is used to evaluate patients with unexplained syncope. The validity of acute drug testing and the efficacy of long-term oral therapy for prevention of recurrent syncope have not been investigated in large patient groups. Methods. We studied 296 consecutive patients with unexplained syncope or near syncope who underwent 80° head-up tilt testing with and without isoproterenol challenge. The efficacy of intravenous and oral beta-blocker therapy was evaluated by repeat testing. Patients with both positive and negative responses to therapy were followed up for rates of recurrence of syncope. Results. A total of 193 patients (65%) had a positive tilt test response; 89% of these 193 required isoproterenol challenge to elicit this response. Patients with a positive tilt test result had lower values for heart rate at rest (mean ± SD 69 ± 13 vs. 74 ± 14 beats/min, p = 0.046) and systolic blood pressure (137 ± 28 vs. 145 ± 30 mm Hg, p = 0.0018) at baseline than did the patients with a negative tilt test result. Intravenous propranolol blocked the positive response in 163 (90%) of 181 patients retested. Oral beta-blockers were effective by tilt test criteria in 118 (94%) of 125 patients; 12 (10%) had recurrent clinical symptoms while taking beta-blockers. Eight (42%) of 19 patients who had a negative tilt test response during beta-blocker therapy had recurrent symptoms when they stopped therapy. Three (23%) of 13 patients receiving empiric beta-blocker therapy had recurrent symptoms. The follow-up period for the patients with a positive tilt test result was 28 ± 11 months (range 5 to 48). Conclusions. Intravenous propranolol is effective in preventing neurocardiogenic syncope diagnosed during head-up tilt testing and predicts the response to oral beta-blocker therapy. Oral beta-blocker therapy prevents recurrent syncope in the majority of patients. Recurrence of syncope is lowest when efficacy of oral beta-blocker therapy is confirmed by repeat head-up tilt testing.
Nanogranular metallic Fe–oxygen deficient TiO2−δ composite films: a room temperature, highly carrier polarized magnetic semiconductor

Nanogranular metallic iron (Fe) and titanium dioxide (TiO2−δ) were sequentially deposited on (100) lanthanum aluminate (LaAlO3) substrates in a low oxygen chamber pressure using a pulsed laser ablation deposition (PLD) technique. By sequential deposition, ≈10 nm diameter metallic Fe spherical grains were suspended within a TiO2−δ matrix. The films show ferromagnetic behavior with a saturation magnetization of 3100 G at room temperature. Our estimate of the saturation magnetization based on the size and distribution of the Fe spheres agreed with the measured value. The film composite structure was characterized as a p-type magnetic semiconductor at 300 K with a carrier density of the order of ≈1022 cm−3. The hole carriers were excited at the interface between the nanogranular Fe and TiO2−δ matrix, similar to holes excited in the metal/n-type semiconductor interface commonly observed in metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. From the large anomalous Hall effect measured in these films, we observed that the holes at the interface were strongly spin polarized. Structure and magnetotransport properties suggested that these PLD films have potential spintronics applications.
The Responsibility of Economic Historians

The immediate future of economic history is here. As I look over the program of our sessions, it seems plain that all of us are bound to be thinking about the nature of that future. Our president will speak on this subject with an authority that the rest of us cannot command. But it is up to each of us, however humble, to make such a contribution as the means at our disposal permit. Creative discussion always helps men to edge a little closer toward the truth. Let us hope there will be much of it during the next two days. Professor Innis has asked me to open the formal part of this session by some brief remarks on the relation of economic history to American civilization. I thank him for his confidence, but wish that he had placed the task in more competent hands. The subject I have selected is a vast and complicated one, and all I can hope to offer are a few rough and general suggestions. What I have to say is intended to provoke discussion.