cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Limiting predecisional distortion by prior valuation of attribute components

Abstract Predecisional distortion is the pre-choice biasing of attribute evaluations to favor the option that is leading in a decision maker’s mind. It is proposed that predecisional distortion of product attributes results from the biased construction of attribute component valuations during the choice process. An implication of this component valuation hypothesis is that consumers who value relevant attribute components before the choice process will exhibit less predecisional distortion than those who do not. This prediction was examined in two preferential choice studies. Data from Study 1 revealed that consideration of a component list prior to choice reduced predecisional distortion to negligible levels. Study 2 examined predecisional distortion during a real choice between two bottles of wine. Results showed that participants did not distort attributes based on components they had previously valued, but did distort attributes based on components they had not previously valued. Data from both studies revealed that participants who were exposed to attribute components before the choice process were less confident in the leading option during the choice process. The paper concludes with a discussion of how prior valuation of attribute components might be used to ameliorate other choice anomalies.
Mindfulness and Extending Constructivist Psychotherapy Integration

The growth of psychotherapies incorporating mindfulness techniques, inspired by Buddhist psychology, provides an opportunity for examining the relevance of mindfulness in furthering the progressive theoretical integration of constructivist psychotherapy, particularly as these approaches share similar metatheoretical assumptions. Psychotherapists have effectively cultivated clients’ awareness and acceptance of their immediate sensations, thoughts, and phenomenal experience with positive effects. This article explores mindfulness theory and psychotherapeutic application, and discusses how constructivist psychology and Buddhist psychology can effectively contribute to each other's mutual elaboration and extension.
Transcription of the sex-determining region genes Sry and Zfy in the mouse preimplantation embryo.

Abstract We have confirmed the faster growth of male preimplantation mouse embryos. We have also studied the transcription of Y chromosomal genes postulated to have a role in sex determination, using the highly sensitive technique of reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction at these early stages. We find that two sex-determining region genes, Sry and Zfy, are transcribed during mouse preimplantation development, while the Zfy homologs Zfx and Zfa and a sex-determining region gene originally called A1s9 (now called Ube1y-1) are not. We also show that the anti-Mullerian hormone gene, which contains a Sry consensus binding element in its 5' promoter region, is not transcribed at this time. Developmental curves show that Sry and Zfy are expressed commencing at the two-cell stage. These results suggest that mammalian sex determination starts prior to gonad differentiation.
Quantifying the bullwhip effect in supply chains

Abstract Consider multiple companies operating as a serial supply chain. Within this environment, end users form the demand for the last company in the supply chain, but the demand for upstream companies is formed by the companies in the immediate downstream supply chain link. It has been shown that demand seasonality and forecast error can increase as we proceed up the supply chain. These demand distortions, called the “bullwhip” effect, create inefficiencies for upstream firms. This work seeks to identify the magnitude of the problem by establishing an empirical lower bound on the profitability impact of the bullwhip effect. Results indicate that the importance of the bullwhip effect to a firm differs greatly depending on the specific business environment. Given appropriate conditions, however, eliminating the bullwhip effect can increase product profitability by 10–30%.
Managing a RASSP design process: A mid-program review

Abstract The Rapid Prototyping of Application Specific Signal Processor (RASSP) Program is a four-year effort initiated by the US Department of Defense to effect the timely design and manufacturing of signal processors. An effective electronic design environment is considered to be among the critical RASSP technologies to achieve a four times improvement in the development cycle of complex digital systems. How well the environment manages processes and design data will effect the success of the environment in supporting computer assisted design and development of digital system. This paper discusses the requirements for such an environment and methodology management. One approach taken by RASSP is presented and analyzed using the established functional requirements as the metric. Finally, the limitations of the approach and areas which require further research are discussed.
Biomarkers of Endothelial Cell Activation Serve as Potential Surrogate Markers for Drug-induced Vascular Injury

Drug-induced vascular injury (DIVI) is a nonclinical finding that often confounds the toxicological evaluation of investigational drugs, but there is an absence of qualified biomarkers that can be used to detect and monitor its appearance in animals and patients during drug development and clinical use. It is well known that endothelial cell (EC) activation plays a key role in the expression and evolution of DIVI, and the various immunological and inflammatory factors involved in its expression may serve as potential biomarker candidates. Activated ECs change their morphology and gene expression, generating endothelial adhesion molecules, pro-coagulant molecules, cytokines, chemokines, vasodilators, nitric oxide, and acute-phase reactants. This review provides a brief historical background of EC activation and the search for biomarkers of early EC activation for monitoring DIVI. At present, no biomarkers of EC activation have been qualified to predict DIVI in the nonclinical or clinical context, and a robust pathologic foundation for their use is still lacking. We propose three categories of EC activation biomarkers: recommended surrogate markers, potentially useful markers, and emerging candidate markers. This review alerts pharmaceutical companies, research institutions, and regulatory agencies to the continuing need for reliable biomarkers of EC activation in drug development.
Latinas Without Work: Family, Occupational, and Economic Stress Following Unemployment

This study examines stressors in family, occupational, and economic domains among 114 Latinas following job loss. These women had been displaced from their jobs for at least 18 months at the time of the initial survey. Stressors from the occupational stress domain were the greatest source of stress for these women. Despite the passage of over 18 months since job loss, 75% of these women remained unemployed. Women who valued the job they lost and who were older reported the highest level of occupational stress. In the economic stress domain, Latinas with greater involvement in the mainstream U.S. economy and its obligations, who also had less seniority, and less disposable income, reported the greatest levels of stress. An imbalance between demands imposed by financial obligations and inadequate financial resources appeared to be a major factor in the stress levels experienced in the economic stress domain. Although the present study is limited by a small sample size, the findings challenge the myth of “be...
An improved configurable 2-D linear feedback shift register for embedded core built-in self-test

This paper presents an optimization scheme for the synthesis of built-in self-test circuitry for embedded cores. This scheme is based on a two dimensional linear feedback shift registers that make use of XOR and XNOR gates. The proposed scheme results in configuration networks with up to 33% reduction in XOR gate inputs and up to 25% reduction in transistor count as compared to prior work in 2-D linear feedback shift registers.
Extensive Use of RNA Binding Proteins in Drosophila Sensory Neuron Dendrite Morphogenesis

The large number of RNA-binding proteins and translation factors encoded in the Drosophila and other metazoan genomes predicts widespread use of post-transcriptional regulation in cellular and developmental processes. Previous studies identified roles for several RNA-binding proteins in dendrite branching morphogenesis of Drosophila larval sensory neurons. To determine the larger contribution of post-transcriptional gene regulation to neuronal morphogenesis, we conducted an RNA interference screen to identify additional Drosophila proteins annotated as either RNA-binding proteins or translation factors that function in producing the complex dendritic trees of larval class IV dendritic arborization neurons. We identified 88 genes encoding such proteins whose knockdown resulted in aberrant dendritic morphology, including alterations in dendritic branch number, branch length, field size, and patterning of the dendritic tree. In particular, splicing and translation initiation factors were associated with distinct and characteristic phenotypes, suggesting that different morphogenetic events are best controlled at specific steps in post-transcriptional messenger RNA metabolism. Many of the factors identified in the screen have been implicated in controlling the subcellular distributions and translation of maternal messenger RNAs; thus, common post-transcriptional regulatory strategies may be used in neurogenesis and in the generation of asymmetry in the female germline and embryo.
Role of Leukotriene A4 Hydrolase Aminopeptidase in the Pathogenesis of Emphysema

The leukotriene A4 hydrolase (LTA4H) is a bifunctional enzyme with epoxy hydrolase and aminopeptidase activities. We hypothesize that the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity alleviates neutrophilic inflammation, which contributes to cigarette smoke (CS)–induced emphysema by clearing proline-glycine-proline (PGP), a triamino acid chemokine known to induce chemotaxis of neutrophils. To investigate the biological contributions made by the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity in CS-induced emphysema, we exposed wild-type mice to CS over 5 mo while treating them with a vehicle or a pharmaceutical agent (4MDM) that selectively augments the LTA4H aminopeptidase without affecting the bioproduction of leukotriene B4. Emphysematous phenotypes were assessed by premortem lung physiology with a small animal ventilator and by postmortem histologic morphometry. CS exposure acidified the airspaces and induced localization of the LTA4H protein into the nuclei of the epithelial cells. This resulted in accumulation of PGP in the airspaces by suppressing the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity. When the LTA4H aminopeptidase activity was selectively augmented by 4MDM, the levels of PGP in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and infiltration of neutrophils into the lungs were significantly reduced without affecting the levels of leukotriene B4. This protected murine lungs from CS-induced emphysematous alveolar remodeling. In conclusion, CS exposure promotes the development of CS-induced emphysema by suppressing the enzymatic activities of the LTA4H aminopeptidase in lung tissues and accumulating PGP and neutrophils in the airspaces. However, restoring the leukotriene A4 aminopeptidase activity with a pharmaceutical agent protected murine lungs from developing CS-induced emphysema.
Synthesis of nanoporous bismuth films by liquid-phase deposition

A liquid phase deposition method involving metal carboxylates has been used to obtain porous bismuth films. Porous morphologies offer the opportunity to interrupt phonon transport without interfering with electron transport, an important consideration for thermoelectric materials. The films were prepared by spin coating a solution of bismuth(III) 2-ethylhexanoate and 5 wt% glycerol in 2-methylpropan-1-ol with subsequent heat treatment in hydrogen between 250 and 270 °C. Thermal decomposition studies established the intermediate and final products associated with the pyrolysis reaction. The porosity of the resulting films varied from 30 to 50% and residual carbon in the film was removed by hydrogen plasma etching. The pores were present in the form of nano-dimensional channels, on the order of 5–10 nm wide, existing between bismuth grains.
Engineered Commensal Bacteria Reprogram Intestinal Cells Into Glucose-Responsive Insulin-Secreting Cells for the Treatment of Diabetes

The inactive full-length form of GLP-1(1-37) stimulates conversion of both rat and human intestinal epithelial cells into insulin-secreting cells. We investigated whether oral administration of human commensal bacteria engineered to secrete GLP-1(1-37) could ameliorate hyperglycemia in a rat model of diabetes by reprogramming intestinal cells into glucose-responsive insulin-secreting cells. Diabetic rats were fed daily with human lactobacilli engineered to secrete GLP-1(1-37). Diabetic rats fed GLP-1–secreting bacteria showed significant increases in insulin levels and, additionally, were significantly more glucose tolerant than those fed the parent bacterial strain. These rats developed insulin-producing cells within the upper intestine in numbers sufficient to replace ∼25–33% of the insulin capacity of nondiabetic healthy rats. Intestinal tissues in rats with reprogrammed cells expressed MafA, PDX-1, and FoxA2. HNF-6 expression was observed only in crypt epithelia expressing insulin and not in epithelia located higher on the villous axis. Staining for other cell markers in rats treated with GLP-1(1-37)–secreting bacteria suggested that normal function was not inhibited by the close physical proximity of reprogrammed cells. These results provide evidence of the potential for a safe and effective nonabsorbed oral treatment for diabetes and support the concept of engineered commensal bacterial signaling to mediate enteric cell function in vivo.
Improving Bayesian isotope mixing models: a response to Jackson et al. (2009)

We recently described a Bayesian framework for stable isotope mixing models and provided a software tool, MixSIR, for conducting such analyses (Ecol. Lett., 2008; 11:470). Jackson et al. (Ecol. Lett., 2009; 12:E1) criticized the performance of our software based on tests using simulated data. However, their simulation data were flawed, rendering claims of erroneous behaviour inaccurate. A re-evaluation of the MixSIR source code did, however, uncover two minor coding errors, which we have fixed. When data are correctly simulated according to eqns (1)-(4) in Jackson et al. (2009), MixSIR consistently and accurately estimated the proportional contribution of prey to a predator diet, and was surprisingly robust to additional unquantified error. Jackson et al. (2009) also suggested we use a Dirichlet prior on the source proportion parameters, which we agree with. Finally, Jackson et al. (2009) propose adding additional error parameters to our mixing model framework. We caution that such increases in model complexity should be evaluated based on data support.
Tunable Filter Absorption Spectroscopy for High Pressure Combustion Systems

Widely tunable, narrowband detection of gas concentrations is performed using an Acousto-Optic Tunable Filter (AOTF) and a broadband lightsource. The AOTF has a spectral acceptance bandwidth of 1.1 – 1.9 μm, a spectral output that varies from 0.8 to 1.4 nm in FWHM and the ability to access random wavelengths at 100kHz. The broad spectral output of the lightsource is well matched to the high pressure sensing environment due to the large collisional broadening present. Experiments confirming the AOTF operating parameters and a computed spectra of combustion products at 30 atm and 1000 K including the effects of the AOTF instrument broadening are presented
Can economic surveillance make a difference? Insights from the OECD

This paper summarizes the results of a larger study evaluating the effectiveness of OECD economic surveillance in 24 randomly selected countries. Because the OECD’s advice is only backed by peer pressure, we would expect little evidence that this advice leads countries to adopt policy reforms. Through evaluating subsamples of cases of countries under economic crisis, exploiting within-country variation, and drawing comparisons with more legalized international organizations, we conclude that surveillance can indeed lead to policy reform**.
[14C]-Lycopene and [14C]-Labeled Polar Products Are Differentially Distributed in Tissues of F344 Rats Prefed Lycopene

Epidemiologic evidence suggests a possible role for lycopene-rich foods in the prevention of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease. Despite active research in disease reduction, there is a paucity of information on the absorption, biodistribution and metabolism of lycopene. The aim of this study was to evaluate the biodistribution of 14C-lycopene (specific activity, 1.83 microCi/mg) and 14C-labeled products after an oral dose of 22 microCi of 14C-lycopene in male rats that had been prefed a lycopene-containing diet (0.25 g lycopene/ kg diet) for 30 d. The percentage of 14C excreted in feces and urine over the 168 h was 68%. Quantitatively, serum 14C levels were maintained between 3 and 24 h then decreased at 72 h (P < 0.05). At all time points the majority of tissue 14C was in the liver (approximately 72%), although total hepatic 14C decreased after 24 h. In a comparison of the extrahepatic tissue at 168 h, the 14C was greatest in adipose tissue followed by spleen and then adrenal; approximately 80% of the 14C in the liver was in the cis and all-trans configuration at all time points. At 3 h, the 14C in seminal vesicles was primarily in the all-trans plus 5-cis forms (70%), but by 168 h, 55% of 14C was present as 14C-polar products. Despite the presence of unlabeled lycopene in the prostate, the primary 14C form was in 14C-polar products (67-92%), even at 3 h. The percentage and amount of 14C-polar products in the dorsolateral prostate lobe increased from 3 to 24 h and then reached a plateau. The data suggest that lycopene may be metabolized differently among tissues in rats prefed lycopene.
Beijing Red Guard Factionalism: Social Interpretations Reconsidered

A generation of research on red guard politics has traced the origins of its debilitating factionalism to social and political divisions that were well established among students on the eve of the Cultural Revolution. These social interpretations impute political motives to student activists according to their positions in the pre-Cultural Revolution status quo. However, a closer examination of events in Beijing during the summer and early autumn of 1966—where the Red Guards and their factional divisions first emerged—suggests a different interpretation. Factions emerged when student activists from similar social backgrounds responded differently to ambiguous and rapidly changing political signals. These initial acts left students on opposite sides of an emerging political divide and exposed them to unforeseen risks as the movement took unpredictable turns. In this interpretation, student divisions are rooted in political interactions in the early phases of the conflict itself. Red Guard factions did not emerge in Beijing as expressions of opposed group interests based on preexisting social divisions, but as struggles to vindicate earlier actions and to avoid the harsh fate of political victims.
Transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 channel regulates diet-induced obesity, insulin resistance, and leptin resistance

Insulin resistance is a major characteristic of obesity and type 2 diabetes, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Recent studies have shown a metabolic role of capsaicin that may be mediated via the transient receptor potential vanilloid type-1 (TRPV1) channel. In this study, TRPV1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice (as controls) were fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and metabolic studies were performed to measure insulin and leptin action. The TRPV1 KO mice became more obese than the WT mice after HFD, partly attributed to altered energy balance and leptin resistance in the KO mice. The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp experiment showed that the TRPV1 KO mice were more insulin resistant after HFD because of the ∼40% reduction in glucose metabolism in the white and brown adipose tissue, compared with that in the WT mice. Leptin treatment failed to suppress food intake, and leptin-mediated hypothalamic signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 activity was blunted in the TRPV1 KO mice. We also found that the TRPV1 KO mice were more obese and insulin resistant than the WT mice at 9 mo of age. Taken together, these results indicate that lacking TRPV1 exacerbates the obesity and insulin resistance associated with an HFD and aging, and our findings further suggest that TRPV1 has a major role in regulating glucose metabolism and hypothalamic leptin's effects in obesity.
Washover Fans: A Modern Geomorphologic Analysis and Proposed Classification Scheme To Improve Reservoir Models

Abstract Washover fan deposits are part of a much larger system of highly heterolithic barrier and shoreline-margin deposits which form notoriously hard to produce hydrocarbon reservoirs. This survey of modern fan morphologies identifies common fan geometries, considers the preservation potential and range of probable geometries of fan facies in subsurface datasets and outcrops, and aims to improve hydrocarbon recovery in barrier-island reservoir systems. We use satellite imagery to conduct a spatial analysis of 118 modern fans to quantify attributes of fans, including throat width, intrusion length, fan area, and barrier-island width. A new classification scheme for fans is proposed that refines the current fan model. In this classification, fans are initially divided into channelized and non-channelized fans. Channelized fans are subdivided according to the location of primary deposition: barrier depocenter or lagoonal depocenter. Non-channelized fans are subdivided based on morphology: dissipative, lobate, or apron-sourced. Quantitative cross-plots of morphologic parameters are analyzed to define geometric relations in fan morphologies. The probability of identifying fans in the subsurface is discussed. Our results indicate that the most commonly used model for a washover fan, the 52 km2 St. Joseph Island fan, is anomalous and does not reflect the most common sizes or geometries of washover fans. We suggest that our classification be used instead to capture the range of fan morphologies. Although our study encountered non-channelized, line-sourced, lobate washover fans with an area of less than 1 km2 more frequently than any other types of fans, washover fans exhibit diverse morphologies; therefore the entire range of washover fan morphologies should be considered when interpreting exploration data and looking to identify washover fans in the subsurface.
Synthesis of 2H-1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxides

Abstract Two novel heterocyclic dienes, 2-ethoxy-3-phenyl-2 H -oxo-1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxide ( 3 ) and 5-bromo-2-ethoxy-3-phenyl-2 H -oxo-1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxide ( 4 ), are described. They were prepared in four steps starting from 2-ethoxy-3-phenyl-1,2-oxaphosphorinane 2-oxide ( 12a , b ) ( trans and cis ) by a bromination–dehydrobromination sequence. Free radical bromination of 12a , b with NBS/AIBN furnished two isomeric bromides 13a , b . Isomer 13b gave 2-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2 H -1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxide ( 14 ) on treatment with LiCl/DMF. Isomer 13a underwent COEt bond cleavage followed by HBr elimination to give the phosphonic acid 17 . Treatment of 14 with NBS/AIBN afforded isomeric 5-bromo-2-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2 H -1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxides ( 15a , b ) and 5,5-dibromo-2-ethoxy-5,6-dihydro-3-phenyl-2 H -1,2-oxaphosphorin 2-oxide ( 18 ), separated by chromatography. Dehydrobromination of 15a , b , and 18 with an excess of Et 3 N in toluene at 80–95 °C provided the target dienes 3 and 4 , respectively.
EFFECTS OF BACTERIAL ENDOTOXIN ON RABBIT PLATELETS III. COMPARISON OF PLATELET INJURY INDUCED BY THROMBIN AND BY ENDOTOXIN

The platelet injury produced by bacterial endotoxin and thrombin have been compared in studies utilizing citrated rabbit platelet-rich plasma. Endotoxin-induced platelet injury is characterized by a lag period, is progressive, and does not produce gross clot formation. Thrombin-induced platelet injury is immediate, non-progressive, and is associated with clot formation. The quantity of thrombin required to produce clot formation in this citrated system is less than that required to produce release of platelet 5-hydroxytryptamine. The endotoxin-induced platelet injury required extremely large quantities of heparin for inhibition. The platelet injury induced by thrombin can be inhibited by small quantities of heparin. It is concluded that the injurious effects of endotoxin on platelets is mediated through some mechanism other than thrombin formation.
QM/MM Study of Energy Storage and Molecular Rearrangements Due to the Primary Event in Vision

The energy storage and the molecular rearrangements due to the primary photochemical event in rhodopsin are investigated by using quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics hybrid methods in conjunction with high-resolution structural data of bovine visual rhodopsin. The analysis of the reactant and product molecular structures reveals the energy storage mechanism as determined by the detailed molecular rearrangements of the retinyl chromophore, including rotation of the f(C11-C12) dihedral angle from � 11 in the 11-cis isomer to � 161 in the all-trans product, where the preferential sense of rotation is determined by the steric interactions between Ala-117 and the polyene chain at the C13 position, torsion of the polyene chain due to steric constraints in the binding pocket, and stretching of the salt bridge between the protonated Schiff base and the Glu-113 counterion by reorientation of the polarized bonds that localize the net positive charge at the Schiff-base linkage. The energy storage, computed at the ONIOM electronic-embedding approach (B3LYP/6-31G*:AMBER) level of theory and the S0 / S1 electronic-excitation energies for the dark and product states, obtained at the ONIOM electronic-embedding approach (TD-B3LYP/6-31G*//B3LYP/6-31G*:AMBER) level of theory, are in very good agreement with experimental data. These results are particularly relevant to the development of a first-principles understanding of the structure-function relations in prototypical G-protein-coupled receptors.
Coilin participates in the suppression of RNA polymerase I in response to cisplatin-induced DNA damage

Coilin is a nuclear phosphoprotein that concentrates within Cajal bodies (CBs) and impacts small nuclear ribonucleoprotein (snRNP) biogenesis. Cisplatin and γ-irradiation, which cause distinct types of DNA damage, both trigger the nucleolar accumulation of coilin, and this temporally coincides with the repression of RNA polymerase I (Pol I) activity. Knockdown of endogenous coilin partially overrides the Pol I transcriptional arrest caused by cisplatin, while both ectopically expressed and exogenous coilin accumulate in the nucleolus and suppress rRNA synthesis. In support of this mechanism, we demonstrate that both cisplatin and γ-irradiation induce the colocalization of coilin with RPA-194 (the largest subunit of Pol I), and we further show that coilin can specifically interact with RPA-194 and the key regulator of Pol I activity, upstream binding factor (UBF). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis, we provide evidence that coilin modulates the association of Pol I with ribosomal DNA. Collectively, our data suggest that coilin acts to repress Pol I activity in response to cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Our findings identify a novel and unexpected function for coilin, independent of its role in snRNP biogenesis, establishing a new link between the DNA damage response and the inhibition of rRNA synthesis.
Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors

Intracranial germ cell tumors are a heterogeneous group of lesions which occur in children and adults. Within the classification of intracranial germ cell tumors, there are a variety of different tumor types which carry different prognoses. The diagnosis of an intracranial germ cell tumor usually requires histological information, but a subgroup of tumors will secrete specific tumor markers, including α-fetoprotein and β-human chorionic gonadotropin, which may obviate the need for surgical intervention. The management of intracranial germ cell tumors in both children and adults remains unsettled. Germinomas have a good prognosis, as over 90% of patients can be effectively treated with radiation therapy. The dose and volume of radiation therapy needed for disease control is not well established, and controversy exists concerning the need for whole brain or craniospinal radiation therapy for localized tumors. Germinomas are also chemosensitive and recent reports suggest that the dose and volume of radiation therapy required for disease control can be lessened with the addition of adjuvant chemotherapy. The outcome for patients with nongerminomatous germ cell tumors is less favorable. Radiation therapy alone will result in disease control in 40%-60% of patients. The addition of chemotherapy to radiation therapy may improve the rate of survival. The Oncologist 2000;5:312-320
A Tale of Two Tachycardias

Dual tachycardias in patients with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) are common, and studies have reported that up to 10% of ventricular tachyarrhythmias detected by ICDs are preceded by supraventricular tachycardia. It is imperative to distinguish ventricular from supraventricular tachyarrhythmias seen in stored ICD electrograms, as it has significant implications for appropriate ICD programming and use of medical and catheter ablation therapy.
Pharmacokinetic Studies of Cysteamine Bitartrate Delayed-Release.

A twice-daily microsphere formulation of cysteamine bitartrate has been developed for cystinosis and other potential applications. To date, there are no published pharmacokinetic data for cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release in healthy adults. Three randomized open-label, crossover studies to determine the effects of fasting, high fat, and carbohydrate meals on the bioavailability of cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release (600 mg) administered in capsule or sprinkle form to healthy adults. Adverse events were monitored. Fifty-eight adults were studied. Cysteamine absorption (AUC0-24 hours ) was the same for capsule and sprinkle forms during all meal/fasting states. The AUC0-24 hours for capsules while fasted, 30 and 120 minutes before a carbohydrate meal and during a high fat meal were 6,313 ± 329, 4,616 ± 878, 6,691 ± 669, 2,572 ± 295 minutes × µM, respectively, and the mean Cmax values were 29.4 ± 1.7, 20.7 ± 4.9, 31.6 ± 3.0, and 10.9 ± 1.7 µM, respectively. The mean Tmax following fasting and high fat meal were about 3 and 6 hours, respectively. Minor transient GI adverse events occurred. Cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release capsule and sprinkle forms are bioequivalent and optimal absorption occurs during fasting state. High fat diet reduces drug absorption, increases the Tmax and should be avoided at the time of drug ingestion. Cysteamine bitartrate delayed-release (RP103) is best ingested >30 minutes before a carbohydrate-rich meal.
Fluid Flow in Restricted Geometries

This paper addresses two topics concerning fluid flow in restricted geometries. The first topic is on the relationship between the dynamic permeability κ(ω), where ω denotes frequency, and the microstructure of a porous medium. It is shown that when κ is normalized by its static value κ0, and the frequency ω by a characteristic ω0 particular to the sample, the resulting dimensionless function , with and , is dominated by the geometry of the throat regions in a porous medium. If the pore cross-sectional area S varies slowly near the throats, i.e., dS/dz ≅ 0 where z is the distance normal to the cross section, then is an approximate universal function independent of other features of the microstructure. Both theoretical and experimental evidences are presented for such scaling behavior. When scaling holds, the dynamic permeability κ(ω) is found to contain only two pieces of geometric information, and the knowledge of either the low-frequency or the high-frequency asymptotic constants of κ(ω) would enable one to deduce the other missing parameters. In particular, since the high-frequency asymptotic constants of κ(ω) can be related to the electrical formation factor and a weighted volume-to-surface ratio, the static permeability value κ0 may be directly deduced from the knowledge of these parameters. Whereas the first topic concerns single-phase flow, the second topic of this paper involves the displacement of a fluid by another immiscible fluid in a capillary tube. Here the basic physics lies in the dynamics of the moving contact line, defined as the intersection of the moving fluid-fluid interface with the tube wall. Through first-principle hydrodynamic calculations and comparison with experiments, the macroscopic behavior of fluid displacement is linked to the microscopic parameters governing the region around the contact line. It is shown that there are two frictional forces associated with the motion of the contact line. One is the viscous stress, which is primarily responsible for the deformation of the fluid-fluid interface as the velocity of the moving interface increases. The other frictional force, found experimentally to vary as the square root of velocity, is explained on the basis of capillary-wave excitation at the fluid-fluid interface due to contact line motion over wall roughness. Excellent agreement between theory and experiment is obtained.
A SURVEY OF COMPUTER VISION EDUCATION AND TEXT RESOURCES

This paper provides a survey of the variety of computer vision [CV] and image processing [IP] courses being taught at institutions around the world. The survey shows that, in addition to classic survey courses in CV/IP, there are many focused and multidisciplinary courses being taught that reportedly improve both student and faculty interest in the topic. It also demonstrates that students can successfully undertake a variety of complex lab assignments. In addition, this paper includes a comparative review of current textbooks and supplemental texts appropriate for CV/IP courses.
Performance of a Carbon Nanotube Field Emission Electron Gun

A cold cathode field emission electron gun (e-gun) based on a patterned carbon nanotube (CNT) film has been fabricated for use in a miniaturized reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometer (RTOF MS), with future applications in other charged particle spectrometers, and performance of the CNT e-gun has been evaluated. A thermionic electron gun has also been fabricated and evaluated in parallel and its performance is used as a benchmark in the evaluation of our CNT e-gun. Implications for future improvements and integration into the RTOF MS are discussed.
Organizational Forms Within the Insurance Industry: Theory and Evidence

Organizational forms within the insurance industry include stock companies, mutuals, reciprocals, and Lloyds. We focus on the association between the choice of organizational form and the firm’s contracting costs, arguing that different organizational forms reduce contracting costs in specific dimensions. This suggests that differing costs of controlling particular incentive conflicts among the parties of the insurance firm lead to the efficiency of alternative organizational forms across lines of insurance. We analyze the incentives of individuals performing the three major functions within the insurance firm—the executive function, the owner function, and the customer function. We review evidence from the insurance industry that directly examines the product-specialization hypothesis. We then examine evidence on corporate policy choices by the alternative organizational forms: executive compensation policy, board composition, distribution system choice, reinsurance purchases, and the use of participating policies. Finally, we review evidence of the relative efficiency of the alternative organizational forms.
Generation of acoustic self-bending and bottle beams by phase engineering

Acoustic metamaterials provide tailored beams for a range of purposes, but are limited to environments where the material structures can be deployed. By careful choice of phases for a speaker array, Zhang et al. show that bottle or bent beams can be created in air, without the use of metamaterials.
The Time-Varying Interest Rate Sensitivity of Municipal Bonds

This article demonstrates that municipal bonds’ interest rate sensitivity is a function of how inexpensive municipal bonds are relative to Treasury bonds. The difference between municipal bond yields and Treasury bond yields is used to measure their relative cost. Key results are that 1) the less expensive municipal bonds are relative to Treasury bonds, the lower the interest rate sensitivity of municipal bonds; and 2) after controlling for the level of municipal bond yields, the cheaper municipal bonds are relative to Treasury bonds, the higher the return on municipal bonds. These results have important implications for investors seeking to hedge the interest rate risk of municipal bonds or to evaluate municipal bond investment opportunities.
Spring flow, bacterial contamination, and water resources in rural Haiti

Field data from 25 karst springs were collected during the summer of 2008 near Verrettes, Haiti, to gain a better understanding of water quality in fresh water springs used as the primary source of potable water in rural Haiti. Two water samples were taken at each spring for bacterial analysis: one sample was submitted to a local hospital for analysis, while a duplicate sample was cultured using inexpensive and commercially available Coliscan® Easygel® Kits. Both capped and uncapped springs were sampled in order to evaluate whether capping improves water quality. Water quality parameters and flow volume estimates were recorded at each spring; however, no correlations between field water parameters and the presence of E. coli or total coliform bacteria were found. Spring flow rates varied from 0.4 to 268.5 L/min. Geologic contacts and regional structures trend in a northwest direction and appear to be exerting a primary control on spring locations. E. coli and total coliform colony counts from the local hospital and Coliscan® Easygel® Kits yielded different results for the same springs due to sample handling and analysis complications common in rural Haiti. Water sample analysis and storage problems encountered during this study likely resulted in underprediction, rather than overprediction, of bacterial contamination. Water from 71 to 100% of the springs was unsafe to drink based on the World Health Organization (WHO) drinking water standard. Both capped and uncapped springs had bacterial counts in excess of the WHO standard, suggesting that water treatment from all sources is necessary to ensure clean and safe drinking water. Negatively impacted subterranean microbial ecosystems, poor sanitation practices, shallow karst aquifers with open flow paths, and high spring water temperatures, averaging 26.5°C, may be contributing to the observed bacterial abundance.
Researching Initiatives and Referenda: A Guide for Maine

This paper will discuss the history of the initiative and referendum processes in Maine, including the steps needed to get an initiative or referendum on the state ballot. Part II of this paper discusses the early history of the initiative and referendum processes in Maine. Part III discusses recent use of initiatives in Maine. Part IV discusses the basics of the initiative and referendum processes in Maine, including a discussion of the differences between the People's Veto and a Referendum, both used in Maine as mechanisms for the people to vote on whether a particular piece of legislation should take effect. Part V provides a detailed bibliography of research materials on the Maine initiative and referendum processes.
Performance evaluation of variable bucket size coding with TCP for multimedia streaming over MANET routing protocols (WIP)

Rising consumption of on-demand video streaming content has triggered significant research efforts to provide good quality content delivery with low wait-times for users while playback. Since, most internet-based streaming services use HTTP that runs on the Transmit Control Protocol (TCP), our focus is on providing low end-to-end delay while streaming video with TCP as the transport layer. To that end, a random linear coding-based set of enhancements to TCP's flow control called "Variable Bucket Size Network Coding (VBNC)" are proposed and the impact of those modifications across different routing protocols are studied for mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs). The VBNC enhancements to TCP address the issue of TCP's agnostic flow control with respect to the arriving traffic at the source and also handle the conservative approach towards flow control. The proposed algorithm has been implemented in ns-3 and the system performance is compared from the perspective of congestion window evolution, video end-to-end delay and video goodput. Our evaluation shows that without significant changes in the network stack, our algorithm is compatible with the currently widely used OLSR and AODV routing protocols and offers almost a 100% improvement in video goodput over TCP New Reno.
TRANSCATHETER AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT VERSUS SURGERY IN WOMEN AT HIGH RISK FOR SURGICAL AORTIC VALVE REPLACEMENT: A SUBGROUP ANALYSIS OF THE COREVALVE US HIGH RISK PIVOTAL TRIAL

In patients at increased risk for mortality with surgery, CoreValve transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) resulted in a significant reduction in mortality compared with surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR). Approximately half of all patients undergoing TAVR are women, but a rigorous,
Secretin-gastric emptying and motor activity: natural versus synthetic secretin.

SummaryStudies were made in four dogs with gastric fistulas to compare the effects on gastric emptying of natural and synthetic secretin. In some experiments gastric electrical and motor activity using electrodes and strain gauges was studied simultaneously with emptying. In three other dogs with gastric fistulas the acid inhibitory effects of the two secretins were tested against a continuous intravenous infusion of 4 μg/kg hr of penta-gastrin.Natural and synthetic secretin in doses greater than 1 U/kg hr (4 and 8 U/kg hr) delayed significantly the gastric emptying of 0.15 M saline meals and natural secretin was more potent than synthetic secretin. Associated with the delay in gastric emptying was a decrease in the force and frequency of antral contractions. Antral and duodenal slow waves were unchanged. Natural and synthetic secretin were equipotent as inhibitors of penta-gastrin-stimulated acid secretion and the doses were less than those required for delay of gastric emptying.These studies suggest tha...
Gastrointestinal and Pancreatobiliary Tumors

Malignancies of the gastrointestinal tract have a high incidence and great impact on both cancer mortality and economic resources. Specifically colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and second in women throughout the world [1]. In 2012, there were over 1.2 million new cases of colorectal cancer and an estimated 608,700 deaths attributed to it worldwide. Both incidence and mortality have been slowly declining in the United States, but still account for nearly 10 % of all cancer deaths [2]. Elsewhere in the world, the incidence of colorectal cancer is on the rise, especially in Eastern Asia and Eastern Europe [3] (Fig. 12.1).
Results of a phase I/II trial of recombinant human granulocyte- macrophage colony-stimulating factor in very low birthweight neonates: significant induction of circulatory neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and bone marrow neutrophils

Neonates, especially those of very low birthweight (VLBW), have an increased risk of nosocomial infections secondary to deficiencies in development. We previously demonstrated that granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) production and mRNA expression from stimulated neonatal mononuclear cells are significantly less than that from adult cells. Recombinant murine GM-CSF administration to neonatal rats has resulted in neutrophilia, increased neutrophil production, and increased survival of pups during experimental Staphylococcus aureus sepsis. In the present study, we sought to determine the safety and biologic response of recombinant human (rhu) GM-CSF in VLBW neonates. Twenty VLBW neonates (500 to 1,500 g), aged
Construction of CYP1A2-silence hepatocytes and the effects of CYP1A2-silence on trichloroethylene toxicity

Objective To construct CYP1A2-silenced hepatocyte through RNA interference technology and lentiviral vector,and then to study trichlorethylene(TCE) toxicity in normal human L02 hepatocyte(L02 cell) and CYP1A2-silenced hepatocyte.Methods Short hairpin RNA(shRNA) was designed and ligated to pLKO.1-puro to construct lentiviral expression vector.L02 cells were transfected.After puromycin screening,CYP1A2-silenced cells were constructed and identified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot.Then the CYP1A2-silenced hepatocytes and L02 cells were treated at various doses of TCE for 12 hours to observe the expressions of apoptosis genes(Bcl-2,Caspase-3,Caspase-8,Caspase-9) and oncogenes(c-fos,c-myc,K-ras,p53).Results Sequencing results showed that the sequence contained in the recombinant vector was exactly the same as shRNA which was designed.CYP1A2 gene expression levels and CYP1A2 protein levels in the CYP1A2-silenced hepatocytes decreased by 75.9% and 82.4% respectively when compared with normal L02 cells(P 0.01).After TCE treatment,Bcl-2 expression levels in CYP1A2-silenced hepatocytes were significantly higher than those of L02 cells(P 0.01);while the mRNA expression levels of Caspase-3,Caspase-8,Caspase-9,c-fos,c-myc,k-ras and p53 decreased in CYP1A2-silenced hepatocytes when compared with L02 cells(P 0.05 or P 0.01).Conclusion CYP1A2-silenced reduces the activation of apoptosis genes and oncogenes of hepatocytes which were treated with TCE.CYP1A2 might play an important role in TCE metabolism in vivo.
Effects of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria (PGPR) on Growth, Yield and Fruit Quality of Sour Cherry (Prunus cerasus L.)

The sour cherry cv. ‘Kutahya’ is one of the most produced cultivars in Turkey. This study was conducted with cultivar ‘Kutahya’ cultivated on Prunus mahalep both 2010 and 2011 years. In this study, the effects of Bacillus mycoides T8 and Bacillus subtilis OSU-142 bacteria strains on yield, fruit properties and plant growth was aimed to investigate. Floral and foliar applications of T8, OSU-142 and T8+OSU-142 on sour cherry significantly increased the yield per tree, shoot length and leaf area, compared with the control. The highest shoot length was found in the T8+OSU-142 (51.74 cm) application while the least value was found in the control (46.71 cm). The yield increased from 8.229 kgtree−1 (in control) to 13.663 (T8 application) and to 11.660 kgtree−1 (T8+OSU-142 application) in average of two years. The results of the present study suggested that Bacillus T8 and Bacillus OSU-142, alone or in combination, have a great potential for the enhancement of yield and plant growth of sour cherry and therefore they have been suggested in growth promotion in sour cherry cultivation.
Urologic Considerations in the Separation of Thoracoomphalopagus Conjoined Twins

Conjoined twins are seen in approximately 1/500,000 live births, and therefore surgical management of urologic anomalies in conjoined twins has not been extensively reported. Various degrees of sharing of the urinary tracts and genitalia can be seen in different types of conjoined twins. Detailed preoperative imaging, including magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and voiding cystourethrogram, is essential to define the anatomy and planning of a successful separation. We describe the urologic presentation, evaluation, and treatment of thoracoomphalopagus conjoined twins.