cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effects of Pulsatile Assistance and Nonpulsatile Flow on Subendocardial Perfusion During Cardiopulmonary Bypass

Abstract We compared the effects of pulsatile and nonpulsatile perfusion in 12 dogs on extracorporeal circulation. In beating empty and fibrillating hearts at 37° and 28°, coronary blood flow was measured by flowmeter and microspheres at diastolic pressures ranging between 50 and 130 mm Hg. At fixed systemic flow rates (range, 600 to 2,400 ml/min), pulsatile perfusion produced a transient (3 to 4 second) augmentation of diastolic pressure and then resulted in the following: (1) decreased peripheral vascular resistance ( p p p p We conclude that with the exception of ventricular fibrillation, pulsatile assistance offers no advantage over nonpulsatile perfusion and has the potential disadvantage of requiring higher pump flow rates to achieve any desired level of coronary and subendocardial flow.
Dual PDF Signaling Pathways Reset Clocks Via TIMELESS and Acutely Excite Target Neurons to Control Circadian Behavior

Molecular circadian clocks are interconnected via neural networks. In Drosophila, PIGMENT-DISPERSING FACTOR (PDF) acts as a master network regulator with dual functions in synchronizing molecular oscillations between disparate PDF(+) and PDF(−) circadian pacemaker neurons and controlling pacemaker neuron output. Yet the mechanisms by which PDF functions are not clear. We demonstrate that genetic inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA) in PDF(−) clock neurons can phenocopy PDF mutants while activated PKA can partially rescue PDF receptor mutants. PKA subunit transcripts are also under clock control in non-PDF DN1p neurons. To address the core clock target of PDF, we rescued per in PDF neurons of arrhythmic per01 mutants. PDF neuron rescue induced high amplitude rhythms in the clock component TIMELESS (TIM) in per-less DN1p neurons. Complete loss of PDF or PKA inhibition also results in reduced TIM levels in non-PDF neurons of per01 flies. To address how PDF impacts pacemaker neuron output, we focally applied PDF to DN1p neurons and found that it acutely depolarizes and increases firing rates of DN1p neurons. Surprisingly, these effects are reduced in the presence of an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, yet persist in the presence of PKA inhibition. We have provided evidence for a signaling mechanism (PKA) and a molecular target (TIM) by which PDF resets and synchronizes clocks and demonstrates an acute direct excitatory effect of PDF on target neurons to control neuronal output. The identification of TIM as a target of PDF signaling suggests it is a multimodal integrator of cell autonomous clock, environmental light, and neural network signaling. Moreover, these data reveal a bifurcation of PKA-dependent clock effects and PKA-independent output effects. Taken together, our results provide a molecular and cellular basis for the dual functions of PDF in clock resetting and pacemaker output.
Response to the letter by Brotherton regarding “Insoluble fiber and intestinal microbiota metabolism”

The letter to the editor by Carol Brotherton raises the question of the interaction among insoluble fiber (specifically cellulose and wheat bran), the microbiome, and human disease. We agree that this is an interesting and poorly understood area worthy of review and appreciate her comments. However, the author of the letter misstates components of our review, as well the literature she cites. Our only mention of insoluble fiber is the definition of fermentable carbohydrates that can produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (emphasis added):
Cellulose Derivatives Synthesized via Isocyanate and Activated Ester Pathways in Homogeneous Solutions of Lithium Chloride/N,N-Dimethylacetamide

Abstract Cellulose carbamate and ester derivatives were synthesized in homogeneous solutions of lithium chloride (LiCl)/N,N-dimemyl-acetamide (DMAc) by the reaction of cellulose with ethyl 4-isocyanatobenzoate and the activated esters of N,N-dimethyl-aminobenzoic acids. Comparative reactions were performed with phenyl isocyanate and the activated ester of benzoic acid. All reactions were followed spectroscopically by FTIR, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. Degrees of substitution were calculated utilizing UV spectroscopy. The isocyanate reactions are facile allowing controllable degrees of substitution and high yields. By contrast, the activated ester pathway inherently results in lower degrees of substitution and lower yields due in part to undesirable side reactions.
Cyclic AMP dependent regulation of mitosis in human lymphoid cells.

Abstract Intracellular levels of cyclic AMP (cAMP), cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase activity, and adenylate cyclase activity are examined in an established line of human lymphoid cells synchronized by either excess thymidine or by colcemid treatment. cAMP levels and adenylate cyclase activities during the two G periods are high when compared with the values in M. cAMP-dependent phosphodiesterase activity, which is low during early G 2, is shown to increase during G 2 and reach a maximum activity during M. Agents such as dibutyryl cAMP, 1-methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine, noradrenaline, and isopropyl noradrenaline, which increase the levels of intracellular cAMP were examined to determine their effects on mitosis and on DNA synthesis. In thymidine-synchronized cells the onset of mitosis is prevented by increasing or maintaining high levels of cAMP during G 2. The specificity of inhibition of DNA synthesis or mitosis by dibutyryl cAMP is a function of the time, during the cell cycle, when the analogue is added. The elevation of cAMP by methyl xanthine results in a more general inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis and mitosis. Although both catecholamine hormones inhibit mitosis, isopropylnoradrenaline also inhibits DNA synthesis while noradrenaline treatment does not result in such inhibition.
Methodologic Pitfalls in the Determination of Genetic Anticipation: The Case of Crohn Disease

The term genetic anticipation is used when genetically transmitted disease manifests at increasingly younger ages with each succeeding generation: that is, if the offspring of patients develop the ...
Context and strategy in acquiring temporal connectives

There has been considerable debate over the role of comprehension strategies in the acquisition of temporal connectives. This study examined the role of caluse logic and interpretational strategies in the acquisition of temporal words; age-related changes were also considered. Thirty-two children between 3 and 5 years of age served as subjects. Sentences with a variety of temporal words were used to tap children's comprehension of “before,” “after,” “when,” “while,” “just before that,” and “and after that.” Clause logic was found to significantly improve the understanding of these sentences. However, the order of mention and main clause first strategies were used infrequently. Apparently, when children respond to sentences that describe information in a way that is consistent with that they normally hear, these strategies are seldom applied.
Infection with the insect virus Hz-2v alters mating behavior and pheromone production in female Helicoverpa zea moths

The effect of Hz-2V virus infection on the reproductive physiology and behavior of infected Helicoverpa zea female moths was examined. In the absence of males, infected females exhibited calling behavior and called as often but for shorter periods on average than control females. As expected, control females mated with males for extend periods when they were present and did not call after mating, while virus-infected females made many frequent contacts with males and continued to call even after these contacts. Virus-infected females were found to produce five to seven times more pheromone than control females and attracted twice as many males as did control females in flight tunnel experiments. The ability of Hz-2V to alter the physiology and behavior of infected females observed here may serve to facilitate the transmission of virus in insect populations.
Angiosarcoma with pulmonary siderosis and persistent reticulocytosis. Steroid responsiveness suggests an immune basis.

A 35-year-old man with cough, hemoptysis, and dyspnea was found to have diffuse pulmonary infiltrates and iron-laden macrophages in the sputum. Pulmonary siderosis was confirmed by transbronchial biopsy. An associated hypochromic anemia required frequent transfusion. Though marrow iron stores were absent, reticulocytosis was maintained. Corticosteroid therapy resulted in cessation of hemoptysis, clearing of the pulmonary infiltration, and a substantial reduction in transfusion requirement. Splenectomy was of no benefit. The patient developed cerebral symptoms with seizures, and rapid deterioration led to death. Disseminated hemangiosarcoma was found at autopsy. Steroid responsiveness of the associated pulmonary siderosis suggests that it had an immune basis. ( Arch Intern Med 138:1549-1551, 1978)
Measurement of fractal dimension using 3-D technique

Fractal dimension is a measure of complexity of a fractal object. Its application in medical image analysis is widely accepted. In this paper we use 3-D surface tracking technique to calculate the fractal dimension of the brain. The fractal dimension in this case is a measure of the convolution of the cerebral surface. Series of MR images of the brain are read and interpolated into a 3-D volume such that each voxel is a cube. Each cube is equivalent to a box in the box-counting method. A surface tracking routine is applied to this 3-D volume. The number of faces (surface area) on the surface as well as volume inside the object can be obtained. Then we can change the voxel size and do the interpolation and surface tracking again. Based on these measurements for various voxel sizes we can calculate the fractal dimension. The fractal dimension measured for a brain specimen using the 3-D box counting technique is equal to 2.207.
The neuropsychological status of adolescent delinquent boys.

SUMMARY The neuropsychological status and neuromotor performance of adolescent boys from lower middle class social environments who were detained as juvenile delinquents were compared to those of non-delinquent, lower and upper middle class controls. The delinquent index group showed pervasive impairment on all language measures, relative to both control groups, but did not differ from the latter on most neuropsychological measures that do not involve linguistic processing. Delinquents also demonstrated more minor neurological signs than either of the control groups; in the delinquents, but not in the control groups, neurological status predicted language performance.
The elusive [Ni(H2O)2(15‐crown‐5)]2+ cation and related co‐crystals of nickel(II) hydrates and 15‐crown‐5

Initial attempts to make [Ni(H2O)2(15-crown-5)](NO3)2, i.e. to insert the Ni2+ ion into the 15-crown-5 macrocycle, gave the mono- (two polymorphs) and dihydrate of a co-crystal of [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2 and 15-crown-5 (1,4,7,10,13-pentaoxacyclopentadecane = 15C5). Synthetic routes designed to restrict the water available to the Ni2+ cation gave three additional compounds, [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2-trans-[Ni(H2O)4(MeOH)2](NO3)2·2(15C5), cis-[Ni(H2O)4(NO3)2]-trans-[Ni(H2O)4(NO3)2]·2(15C5) and [Ni(H2O)2(MeCN)(NO3)2]·15C5·MeCN. All five compounds contain Ni2+ ions with two trans aqua ligands. In all six structures these aqua ligands make hydrogen bonds to the 15C5 molecules to form stacks in which the Ni complexes and 15C5 molecules alternate. The structures are surprisingly complicated: all are co-crystals, some are also solvates, and most have Z′ > 1. The target compound was finally prepared by heating pale green crystals of [Ni(H2O)6](NO3)2·15C5·2H2O to over 350 K and then cooling the resulting mixture of yellow crystals and solution to room temperature. Formation of the target compound seems to be favored at higher temperatures by a positive ΔrxnSo and an increased rate of ligand exchange.
The cloning of T lymphocytes

A new era of cellular immunology is clearly at hand. It is now possible, with a little bit of effort, to isolate monoclonal populations of T cells specific for any given antigen. The implications o f this technological advance are enormous in terms of applications to basic research and clinical medicine. In this article the two basic approaches that have been used to clone T lymphocytes are outlined, the pros and cons of each technique discussed and examples are given of recent experiments which have exploited this technology to gain new insights into T-cell specificity.
Estimating prenatal syphilis and HIV screening rates for commercially insured women

Objective Although routine serologic testing for syphilis and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) for all pregnant women is recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and many health professional organizations, little is known about the extent of prenatal syphilis and HIV screening rates among commercially insured pregnant women. Methods A claims database for a large commercially insured population was analyzed to estimate syphilis and HIV screening rates for pregnant women who were continuously enrolled in the same health insurance plan during 1998 and 1999 in 13 U.S. states. Diagnostic and procedural services were used to determine pregnancy status, receipt of prenatal care, and syphilis and HIV testing during pregnancy. Results Of 13,250 identified pregnancies, 12,156 (92%) were among women who had prenatal visits; 8368 (63%) included claims for syphilis testing; and 4411 (33%) included claims for HIV testing. Of the 8368 pregnancies with syphilis testing, 6326 (76%) included syphilis tests that were performed during the initial prenatal visit. Of the 4411 pregnancies with HIV testing, 3168 (72%) included HIV testing on the initial prenatal visit. Of 4249 pregnancies with syphilis and HIV testing, 3146 (74%) included HIV testing and syphilis testing on the initial prenatal visit. Conclusions Most HIV and syphilis tests had been provided during initial prenatal visits among women who had HIV and syphilis testing. Prenatal screening rates for syphilis and HIV identified through claims were lower than expected. This may be due to deficiencies in documentation of syphilis and HIV screening in administrative databases or actual screening rates. Further investigation is needed to determine how accurately claims data can measure actual screening practices.
Consequences of parameter differences in a model of short-term persistent spiking buffers provided by pyramidal cells in entorhinal cortex

In previous simulations of hippocampus-dependent and prefrontal cortex-dependent tasks, we demonstrated the use of one-shot short-term buffering with time compression that may be achieved through persistent spiking activity during theta rhythm. A biophysically plausible implementation of such a first-in first-out buffer of short sequences of spike patterns includes noise and differences between the parameter values of individual model pyramidal cells. We show that a specific set of parameters determines model buffer capacity and buffer function, and individual differences can have consequences similar to those of noise. The set of parameters includes the frequency of network theta rhythm and the strength of recurrent inhibition (affecting capacity), as well as the time constants of the characteristic after-depolarizing response and the phase of afferent input during theta rhythm (affecting buffer function). Given a sufficient number of pyramidal cells in layer II of entorhinal cortex, and in each self-selected category of pyramidal cells with similar model parameters, buffer function within a category is reliable with category-specific properties. Properties include buffering of spikes in the order of inputs or in the reversed order. Multiple property sets may enable parallel buffers with different capacities, which may underlie differences of place field sizes and may interact with grid cell firing in a separate population of layer II stellate cells in the entorhinal cortex.
Comorbid medical illness and relapse of major depressive disorder in the continuation phase of treatment.

The authors examined the impact of comorbid medical illness on the rate of relapse of major depressive disorder during continuation therapy. Subjects (N = 128) with major depressive disorder (according to DSM-III-R criteria) achieved clinical remission (a 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale score ≤7) after 8 weeks of treatment with fluoxetine and entered the continuation phase of antidepressant treatment. They used the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale to measure the severity of comorbid medical illness. Eight patients (6.3%) relapsed during the 28-week continuation phase. With logistic regression, the total burden and the severity of comorbid medical illness significantly predicted the relapse of major depressive disorder during continuation therapy with fluoxetine. Greater medical comorbidity was also associated with higher increases in self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger during the follow-up.
Participatory ergonomics in a red meat packing plant, part I : Evidence of long-term effectiveness

The ergonomics program and activities of a red meatpacking plant are described. In 1986 the plant started its program, which was consistent with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration guideline for this industry. During a six-year period subsequent to implementation of the program (1988–1993), the crude incidence rates and lost-time incidence rates increased. There was no consistent pattern of increase or decrease for severity rates, but a shift from lost time to restricted time was noted. The percentage of recordable disorders that were ergonomics related stayed constant. Annual workers' compensation costs (adjusted for inflation) were evaluated for seven years postimplementation of the program (1987–1993). A consistent and progressive decrease was noted. The 1993 expense was 20% of the 1987 expense. These results, limited by their descriptive nature and the hazards unique to red meat packing plants, suggest some changes in injury/illness statistics and workers' compensation costs that might f...
Transformations of DHEA and its metabolites by rat liver

Because dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has a wide variety of weak beneficial effects in experimental animals and humans, we searched for metabolites of this steroid in the hope of finding more active compounds that might qualify for the title “steroid hormone”. Incubation of DHEA with rat liver homogenate fortified with energy-yielding substrates resulted in rapid hydroxylation at the 7α-position of the molecule and subsequent conversion to other 7-oxygenated steroids in the sequence DHEA»7α-hydroxyDHEA»7-oxoDHEA»7β-hydroxyDHFA, with branching to diols, triols, and sulfate esters. The ability of these metabolites to induce the formation of liver thermogenic enzyme activity increased from left to right in that sequence. A total of 25 different steroids were characterized, and at least six additional structures that are currently under study were produced from DHEA. 7-OxoDHEA is more effective than DHEA in enhancing memory performance in old mice and in reversing the amnesic effects of scopolamine.
Structure of a pore-blocking toxin in complex with a eukaryotic voltage-dependent K(+) channel.

The deadly toxins produced by many creatures, including spiders, snakes, and scorpions, work by blocking the ion channels that are essential for the normal operation of many different types of cells. Ion channels are proteins and, as their name suggests, they allow ions—usually sodium, potassium, or calcium ions—to move in and out of cells. They are especially important for cells that generate or respond to electrical signals, such as neurons and the cells in heart muscle. Ion channels are located in the lipid membranes that surround all cells, and the ions enter or leave the cell via a pore that runs through the channel protein. They can be opened and closed (or ‘gated’) in different ways: some ion channels open and close in response to voltages, whereas others are gated by biomolecules, such as neurotransmitters, that bind to them. Now, Banerjee et al. have used x-ray crystallography to study the structure of the complex that is formed when charybdotoxin (CTX), a toxin that is found in scorpion venom, blocks a voltage-gated potassium channel. Previous studies have shown that CTX binds to the channel on the extracellular side of the pore. Banerjee et al. show that the toxin fits into the entrance to the channel like a key into a lock, which means the toxin is preformed to fit the shape of the channel. The potassium ion channel is made up of four subunits, and the pore contains four ion-binding sites that form a ‘selectivity filter’: it is this filter that ensures that only potassium ions can pass through the channel when it is open. When CTX binds to the channel, a lysine residue poised at a critical position on the toxin is so close to the outermost ion-binding site that it prevents potassium ions binding to the site. The structure determined by Banerjee et al. explains many previous findings, including the fact that ions entering the pore from inside the cell can disrupt the binding between the toxin and the ion channel protein. It remains to be seen if the toxins that target the pore of other types of ion channels work in the same way.
The effect of dislocations on the performance of gallium arsenide solar cells

The dependence on dislocation density of GaAs solar cell performance is modeled. Reductions in short-circuit current are calculated with an effective diffusion length that is dependent on dislocation density. The electronic properties of the dislocations were examined to predict reductions in open-circuit voltage. The dislocations in n-type GaAs are modeled as inverted p-type regions based on the properties of GaAs grain boundaries and GaAs surfaces. These inverted regions form low-voltage diodes that act in parallel with the bulk GaAs diode and degrade open-circuit voltage. This approach predicts that GaAs solar cells on Si substrates with dislocation densities of 10/sup 6/ cm/sup -2/ can attain AM1.5 efficiencies of 20%. >
The theory and application of pulse oximetry

Pulse oximetry is widely used in the prehospital environment, yet researchers question whether health professionals fully understand the theory to support the practical application of its use. This article explores the fundamental theory of pulse oximetry to give applied understanding. From a prehospital perspective, it details and examines the advantages and limitations of this observational aid, which must be considered when making clinical decisions regarding a patient's care.
Propagation Modeling and Measurement for a Multifloor Stairwell

Reliable wireless communications in stairwells are crucial to law enforcement and firefighting safety. Understanding the radio propagation in stairwells is necessary to successfully design such communications systems. In this letter, we study the radio propagation in a multifloor stairwell using measurements and simulations. Fundamental propagation mechanisms such as reflection from stairwell walls and transmission through the stair steps are investigated. It is found that the stairwell walls in this studied case do not reflect much of the incoming energy and that the transmitted energy through the stairs has significant contributions to the total received power. An image-based ray tracing scheme is used to identify the various propagation mechanisms. The ray-tracing simulation results match the measurements very well. Furthermore, physics-based explanations were provided for the trends and characteristics in the obtained results.
Associations of Dietary Flavonoids with Risk of Type 2 Diabetes, and Markers of Insulin Resistance and Systemic Inflammation in Women: A Prospective Study and Cross-Sectional Analysis

Objective: Flavonoids, as antioxidants, may prevent the progressive impairment of pancreatic β-cell function due to oxidative stress and may thus reduce the occurrence of type 2 diabetes. The aim of the present study was to examine the association of dietary flavonol and flavone intake with type 2 diabetes, and biomarkers of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation.Methods: In 38,018 women aged ≥45 y and free of cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes with an average 8.8y of follow-up, we calculated relative risks (RRs) of incident type 2 diabetes (1,614 events) according to dietary intake of total or individual flavonols and flavones and flavonoid-rich foods. We also measured and examined plasma concentrations of insulin, HbA1C, CRP, and IL-6 in relation to total flavonol and flavone intake among 344 nondiabetic women.Results: During 332,905 person-years of follow-up, none of total flavonols and flavones, quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin, apigenin, and luteolin was significantly associated with r...
High-resolution ultrasound imaging for jawbone surface

Although medical specialties have recognized the importance of using ultrasonic imaging, dentistry is only beginning to discover its benefit. This has particularly been important in the field of periodontics, which studies infections in the gum and bone tissues that surround the teeth. This study investigates the feasibility of using a custom-designed high-frequency ultrasound imaging system to reconstruct high-resolution (<50 µm) 3D surface images of periodontal defects in human jawbone. The system employs single-element focused ultrasound transducers with center frequencies ranging from 30 to 60 MHz. Continuous acquisition using a 1 GHz data acquisition card is synchronized with a high precision two-dimensional positioning system of ±1 µm resolution for acquiring accurate measurements of the mandible, in vitro. Signal and image processing algorithms are applied to render 3D surface images of the jawbone. In vitro experiments were performed to assess the system performance using mandibles with teeth (dentate) or without (non-dentate). The system was able to reconstruct 3D images for the mandible's outer surface with superior spatial resolution down to 24 µm, and to perform the whole scanning in less than 30 s. All anatomical landmarks were detected and fully described as 3D images using this novel ultrasound imaging technique, whereas the 2D X-ray radiographic images suffered from poor contrast.
The infant with a vascular tumor

Vascular birthmarks look alike in various tints of blue, pink, or red. These anomalies are either vascular tumors or vascular malformations. Hemangioma is the most common vascular tumor of infancy, typically appearing in the neonatal period. Hemangiomas grow rapidly during the first year of life and regress slowly during childhood. Treatment is indicated for problematic or endangering hemangiomas, usually the administration of corticosteroids or interferon-alfa, and in some instances, embolization or surgical resection. The more aggressive and rare vascular tumors, kaposiform hemangioendothelioma and tufted angioma, are often associated with thrombocytopenia and coagulopathy (Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon) and less responsive to pharmacological therapy. Vascular tumors, particularly hemangioma, are often confused with vascular malformations; although etiology, histology, and clinical behavior are quite different. Vascular lesions should be biopsied if there is any suspicion of malignancy.
PHIDIAS: a pathogen-host interaction data integration and analysis system

The Pathogen-Host Interaction Data Integration and Analysis System (PHIDIAS) is a web-based database system that serves as a centralized source to search, compare, and analyze integrated genome sequences, conserved domains, and gene expression data related to pathogen-host interactions (PHIs) for pathogen species designated as high priority agents for public health and biological security. In addition, PHIDIAS allows submission, search and analysis of PHI genes and molecular networks curated from peer-reviewed literature. PHIDIAS is publicly available at http://www.phidias.us.
Toward Automated Intelligent Manufacturing Systems (AIMS)

Information technology (IT) has been the driver of increased productivity in the manufacturing and service sectors, bringing real-time information to decision makers and process owners to improve process behavior and performance. Thus, organizations have invested heavily in training their employees to use IT in a disciplined, scientific way to make process improvements. This has spawned such popular initiatives as Six Sigma, yielding significant returns, but at considerable investment in training in statistical-analysis and decision-making tools. Can aspects of the decision-making process be automated, letting humans do what they do best (create, define, and measure) and machines (e.g., learning machines) do what they do best (analyze)? We propose an automated intelligent manufacturing system (AIMS) for analysis and decision making that mines real-time or historical data, and uses statistical and computational-intelligence algorithms to model and optimize enterprise processes. The algorithms employed involve a regression support vector machine (SVM) for model construction and a genetic algorithm (GA) for model optimization. Performance of AIMS was compared to Six-Sigma-trained teams employing statistical methodologies, such as design of experiments (DOE), to improve a simulated manufacturing operation, a three-stage TV-manufacturing process, where the objectives were to maximize yield, minimize cycle time and its variation, and minimize manufacturing costs, which were affected by conflicting defects and their causes. AIMS generally outperformed the teams on the above criteria, required relatively little data and time to train the SVM, and was easy to use. AIMS could serve as a productivity springboard for enterprises in existing and emergent technologies, such as nanotechnology and biotechnology/life sciences, where environment and miniaturization may make human monitoring and intervention difficult or infeasible.
Esophageal motility in eosinophilic esophagitis.

Abstract Background Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the esophagus and is a potential cause of dysphagia and food impaction, most commonly affecting young men. Esophageal manometry findings vary from normal motility to aperistalsis, simultaneous contractions, diffuse esophageal spasm, nutcracker esophagus or hypotonic lower esophageal sphincter (LES). It remains unclear whether esophageal dysmotility plays a significant role in the clinical symptoms of EoE. Aim Our aim is to review the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and effect of treatment on esophageal dysmotility in EoE. Methods A literature search utilizing the PubMed database was performed using keywords: eosinophilic esophagitis, esophageal dysmotility, motility, manometry, impedance planimetry, barium esophagogram, endoscopic ultrasound, and dysphagia. Results Fifteen studies, totaling 387 patients with eosinophilic esophagitis were identified as keeping in accordance with the aim of this study and included in this review. The occurrence of abnormal esophageal manometry was reported to be between 4 and 87% among patients with EoE. Esophageal motility studies have shown reduced distensibilty, abnormal peristalsis, and hypotonicity of the LES in patients with EoE, which may also mimic other esophageal motility disorders such as achalasia or nutcracker esophagus. Studies have shown conflicting results regarding the presence of esophageal dysmotility and symptoms with some reports suggesting a higher rate of food impaction, while others report no correlation between motor function and dysphagia. Conclusions Motility dysfunction of the esophagus in EoE has not been well reported in the literature and studies have reported conflicting evidence regarding the clinical significance of dysmotility seen in EoE. The correlation between esophageal dysmotility and symptoms of EoE remains unclear. Larger studies are needed to investigate the incidence of esophageal dysmotility, clinical implications, and effect of treatment on patients with EoE.
Traffic interaction in the urban challenge: Putting boss on its best behavior

We describe an autonomous robotic software subsystem for managing mission execution and discrete traffic interaction in the 2007 DARPA Urban Challenge. Its role is reviewed in the context of the software system that controls ldquoBossrdquo, Tartan Racingpsilas winning entry in the competition. Design criteria are presented, followed by the application of software design principles to derive an architecture well suited to the rigors of developing complex robotic systems. Combined with a discussion of robust behavioral algorithms, the designpsilas effectiveness is highlighted in its ability to manage complex autonomous driving behaviors while remaining adaptable to the systempsilas evolving capabilities.
Transcript and proteomic analyses of wild-type and gpa2 mutant Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains suggest a role for glycolytic carbon source sensing in pseudohyphal differentiation

In response to limited nitrogen and abundant carbon sources, diploid Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains undergo a filamentous transition in cell growth as part of pseudohyphal differentiation. Use of the disaccharide maltose as the principal carbon source, in contrast to the preferred nutrient monosaccharide glucose, has been shown to induce a hyper-filamentous growth phenotype in a strain deficient for GPA2 which codes for a Galpha protein component that interacts with the glucose-sensing receptor Gpr1p to regulate filamentous growth. In this report, we compare the global transcript and proteomic profiles of wild-type and Gpa2p deficient diploid yeast strains grown on both rich and nitrogen starved maltose media. We find that deletion of GPA2 results in significantly different transcript and protein profiles when switching from rich to nitrogen starvation media. The results are discussed with a focus on the genes associated with carbon utilization, or regulation thereof, and a model for the contribution of carbon sensing/metabolism-based signal transduction to pseudohyphal differentiation is proposed.
Role of the His-Cys finger of Moloney murine leukemia virus integrase protein in integration and disintegration.

Retroviral integrases mediate site-specific endonuclease and transesterification reactions in the absence of exogenous energy. The basis for the sequence specificity in these integrase-viral DNA recognition processes is unknown. Structural analogs of the disintegration substrate were made to analyze the disintegration reaction mechanism for the Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV) integrase (IN). Modifications in the target DNA portion of the disintegration substrate decreased enzymatic activity, while substitution of the highly conserved CA in the viral long terminal repeat portion had no effect on activity. The role of the His-Cys finger region in catalysis was addressed by N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) modification of the cysteine residues of M-MuLV IN as well as by mutations. Both integration activities, 39 processing, and strand transfer, were completely inhibited by NEM modification of M-MuLV IN, while disintegration activity was only partially sensitive. However, structural analogs of the disintegration substrates that were modified in the target DNA and had the conserved CA removed were not active with NEM-treated M-MuLV IN. In addition, mutants made in the His-Cys region of M-MuLV IN were examined and found to also be completely blocked in integration but not disintegration activity. These data suggest that the domains of M-MuLV IN that are required for the forward integration reaction substrate differ from those required for the reverse disintegration reaction substrate. Images
Field Theory on a Lattice: Absence of Goldstone Bosons in the U(1) Model in Two-Dimensions

We study the U(1)-Goldstone model in two dimensions. We formulate this model on a one-dimensional spatial lattice and show that Coleman's theorem (i.e., there exist no Goldstone bosons in two dimensions) is satisfied by the solution found by the variational approach of dissecting the lattice into small (4-site) blocks and iteratively constructing an effective truncated Hamiltonian.
Linear Theory of Non-Uniform Torsion

St. Venant's solution of the torsion problem applies only to cases where the cross-sections all warp in the same manner and by the same amount. This paper gives the solution for the cases where warping varies, either because there is a cross-section where there is a restraint on deformation or because the applied torque varies along the bar. The solution is restricted to small deflections such that the principle of superposition may be applied.
Measurement of tibiofemoral kinematics using highly accelerated 3D radial sampling.

This study investigated the use of dynamic, volumetric MRI to measure 3D skeletal motion. Ten healthy subjects were positioned on a MR-compatible knee loading device and instructed to harmonically flex and extend their knee at 0.5 Hz. The device induced active quadriceps loading with knee flexion, similar to the load acceptance phase of gait. Volumetric images were continuously acquired for 5 min using a 3D cine spoiled gradient-echo sequence in conjunction with vastly undersampled isotropic projection reconstruction. Knee angle was simultaneously monitored and used retrospectively to sort images into 60 frames over the motion cycle. High-resolution static knee images were acquired and segmented to create subject-specific models of the femur and tibia. At each time frame, bone positions and orientations were determined by automatically registering the skeletal models to the dynamic images. Three-dimensional tibiofemoral translations and rotations were consistent across healthy subjects. Internal tibia rotations of 7.8 6 3.5 were present with 35.8 6 3.8 of knee flexion, a pattern consistent with knee kinematic measures during walking. We conclude that vastly under-sampled isotropic projection reconstruction imaging is a promising approach for noninvasively measuring 3D joint kinematics, which may be useful for assessing cartilage contact and investigating the causes and treatment of joint abnormalities. Magn Reson Med 69:1310–1316, 2013. V C 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Culture Matters: Consumer Acceptance of U.S. Films in Foreign Markets:

Abstract Culture matters for products with significant cultural content. The current study examines the impact of cultural context on the box office performance of U.S. films in foreign markets. The results indicate that films perform better in countries that are culturally closer to the United States and those that have a greater degree of Americanization. The authors draw implications for films and, more broadly, for products with cultural content.
GENETIC DIVERSITY WITHIN THE LLANO POCKET GOPHER, GEOMYS TEXENSIS

Geomys texensis, the Llano pocket gopher, consists of 3 subspecies, all identified using classical morphological methods. Enzymatic studies have found little support for the existence of one of these subspecies (G. t. llanensis); however, it continues to be recognized regularly today. To clarify the subspecific status of members within this species, we have sequenced the entire 1,140 base pairs of the cytochrome b gene for 25 individuals collected from throughout the range of the species. Our data refute the designation of 1 of the 3 currently recognized subspecies and allude to the existence of a new, as yet unnamed subspecies.
Free energy surfaces of β‐hairpin and α‐helical peptides generated by replica exchange molecular dynamics with the AGBNP implicit solvent model

We have studied the potential of mean force of two peptides, one known to adopt a β-hairpin and the other an α-helical conformation in solution. These peptides are, respectively, residues 41–56 of the C-terminus (GEWTYDDATKTFTVTE) of the B1 domain of protein G and the 13 residue C-peptide (KETAAAKFERQHM) of ribonuclease A. Extensive canonical ensemble sampling has been performed using a parallel replica exchange method. The effective potential employed in this work consists of the OPLS all-atom force field (OPLS-AA) and an analytical generalized Born (AGB) implicit solvent model including a novel nonpolar solvation free energy estimator (NP). An additional dielectric screening parameter has been incorporated into the AGBNP model. In the case of the β-hairpin, the nonpolar solvation free energy estimator provides the necessary effective interactions for the collapse of the hydrophobic core (W43, Y45, F52, and V54), which the more commonly used surface-area-dependent nonpolar model does not provide. For both the β-hairpin and the α-helix, increased dielectric screening reduces the stability of incorrectly formed salt bridges, which tend to disrupt the formation of the hairpin and helix, respectively. The fraction of β-hairpin and α-helix content we obtained using the AGBNP model agrees well with experimental results. The thermodynamic stability of the β-hairpin from protein G and the α-helical C-peptide from ribonuclease A as modeled with the OPLS-AA/AGBNP effective potential reflects the balance between the nonpolar effective potential terms, which drive compaction, and the polar and hydrogen bonding terms, which promote secondary structure formation. Proteins 2004. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Epidemiology of Stroke: Emphasis on Transient Cerebral Ischemic Attacks and Hypertension

The three factors other than age that are the most important determinants of stroke occurrence are (1) transient cerebral ischemic attacks (TIAs), (2) hypertension, and (3) cardiac disease. In the Rochester population study, a stroke developed during the period of observation in 36% of the patients with TIAs. Fifty-one percent of all the strokes occurred during the first year after the TIA, and 21% occurred during the first month after the first attack. Hypertensive persons have an increased incidence of each of the major atherothrombotic diseases as compared to normotensive persons. During the full 25 years of study of the Rochester population, there was a decrease from the earliest to the latest five-year period of 32% for all strokes in women and 20% in men. This may reflect treatment of this population.
Revised focal depths and velocity model for local earthquakes in the Adak Seismic zone

A technique suggested by Hales et al. (1981) for determining hypocentral depths that are relatively independent of the velocity model originally used to locate the earthquakes is applied to a carefully selected set of earthquakes located with the Adak Seismic Network. The origin times are taken from the Wadati diagram for each event and the epicentral distances from the standard hypocenter solution are assumed to be correct. A straight-ray interpretation, based on the use of a single average velocity from the hypocenter to the surface, is then used to determine the average velocity and the depth from the slope and intercept of the linear X 2 − T 2 plot. From the Adak catalog for August 1974 to May 1983, 8046 located events, 579 earthquakes with good P -data and 347 with good S -data were selected on the basis of excellent time picks, good quality solutions, and reliable Wadati and X 2 − T 2 plots. The revised depths show that the sharp cutoff of the shallower main thrust zone activity at 26 km seen in the Adak data set is an artifact of the routine location procedure. Routine depths are found to be systematically too shallow by a mean amount of 4.35 km, with origin times 0.20 sec too early. The velocities derived in this study agree with those in the standard model for depths below 80 km, but are higher than the standard values at shallower depths. The two models can be reconciled by invoking small gradients of velocity in the uppermost three layers, but this result is not unique. The results indicate local variations of the shallower velocities within the Adak seismic zone, one of which, low velocities beneath the volcanic arc, has been found in an earlier, independent study.
The use of cleanroom methodology for knowledge based application development

To improve the quality of knowledge based system (KBS) applications, the use of a cleanroom software engineering methodology was explored. The methodology emphasizes the use of correctness verification to prevent errors early in the development process rather than "testing in" quality after the software has been coded. This calls for a design language and verification techniques to verify the correctness of the design. The authors discuss a design language, associated verification techniques, the cleanroom review process, and experience with their use in developing a knowledge-based systems application. These techniques were used in the development of a prototype flight replanner for use in future air traffic control systems. Experience from this project indicates that cleanroom methodology can be applied to improve the quality of KBS software with stable requirements. >
Enhanced IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) for futuristic tactical networks

A critical element of the all-IP architecture is IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). IMS is a maturing technology and has been standardized by wireless cellular industry. However, IMS was not designed and developed for using in military environments and supporting associated application services. Introducing IMS into futuristic military networks for supporting future combats has to face different challenges. In this paper, the authors explain advantages and challenges of using IMS for supporting multimedia experience in tactical environments. The paper proposes an enhancement to improve IMS performability.
Creep in piezoelectric scanners of atomic force microscopes

Piezoelectric actuators exhibit creep during open loop operation. Two models for creep, namely, a logarithmic and a LTI model, were presented and discussed. The LTI model was found to be more appropriate in predicting creep. A 3rd order LTI filter was used to compensate for creep in an AFM piezoelectric scanner. The performance of the filter was tested by imaging 530 and 1590 nm steps. With compensation, the creep response was reduced to 2.6%, compared to 9.6% without compensation, for images taken over 6.67 minutes. Closed loop operation can offer better creep compensation but is a more expensive option. Moreover, it reduces image resolution for small scans/sample features due to limited dynamic range of sensors at high bandwidth.
Is She Angry? (Sexually Desirable) Women “See” Anger on Female Faces

Intrasexual conflict may pose unique challenges for women. Whereas men's aggression tends to be physical and direct, women's tends to be relational and indirect, particularly when directed toward other women. Moreover, women's expressions of anger are often suppressed, perhaps particularly when other women are the targets. Thus, women may face difficulty anticipating anger and anger-based aggression from other women. How might women manage this challenge? The functional projection of emotion may facilitate useful behavior; for instance, "seeing" anger on people believed to pose threats to physical safety may help perceivers preempt or avoid physical harm. Given the threats that women face, we predicted that (a) women are biased to "see" anger on neutral female (but not male) faces and that (b) women who are likely targets of intrasexual aggression (i.e., sexually desirable or available women) show an exaggerated bias. We report three studies that support these hypotheses and, more broadly, illustrate the value of a functional approach to social cognition.