cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Morphogenetic effects of alkaloidal metabolites on the development of the coremata in the salt marsh moth, Estigmene acrea (Dru.) (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae).

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) play a fundamental role in the sexual biology of the salt marsh moth Estigmene acrea. They are precursors for the male courtship pheromone hydroxydanaidal and they stimulate the growth and development of male pheromone-disseminating organs called coremata. Yet larval Estigmene are polyphagous and feed only sporadically on PA-containing plants and those they utilize contain different classes of PAs. The various PAs ingested are hydrolyzed to the common necine metabolite retronecine and re-esterified to insect-specific alkaloids from which the male pheromone hydroxydanaidal is synthesized. Given this complex metabolic pathway, we investigated the role of retronecine and the insect-specific alkaloids that stem from it as morphogens stimulating corematal growth. Retronecine fed to terminal instar larvae in a standard caterpillar diet stimulated corematal growth. It also stimulated corematal growth when it was injected into the hemolymph of larvae. These results indicate that this common PA metabolite, and/or the insect specific alkaloids produced from it, function as corematal morphogens. The parental forms (alkaloids ingested from the plant) are not strictly necessary for corematal growth. Stimulation of the PA receptors on the galea and ingestion process are also not critical to corematal development. Since the insect-specific alkaloids are the direct precursors for the male courtship pheromone, it is argued that their level is the best indicator of the ultimate pheromone titer and would provide the most accurate developmental signal. The effects of alkaloidal metabolites as morphogens in E. acrea are compared to those for the South Asian arctiines Creatonotus gangis and C. transiens in which the developmental role of PAs was first discovered. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 66:183–189, 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Intravascular Mechanical Cavopulmonary Assistance for Patients With Failing Fontan Physiology

To provide a viable bridge-to-transplant, bridge-to-recovery, or bridge-to-surgical reconstruction for patients with failing Fontan physiology, we are developing a collapsible, percutaneously inserted, magnetically levitated axial flow blood pump to support the cavopulmonary circulation in adolescent and adult patients. This unique blood pump will augment pressure and thus flow in the inferior vena cava through the lungs and ameliorate the poor hemodynamics associated with the univentricular circulation. Computational fluid dynamics analyses were performed to create the design of the impeller, the protective cage of filaments, and the set of diffuser blades for our axial flow blood pump. These analyses included the generation of pressure-flow characteristics, scalar stress estimations, and blood damage indexes. A quasi-steady analysis of the diffuser rotation was also completed and indicated an optimal diffuser rotational orientation of approximately 12 degrees. The numerical predictions of the pump performance demonstrated a pressure generation of 2-25 mm Hg for 1-7 L/min over 3000-8000 rpm. Scalar stress values were less than 200 Pa, and fluid residence times were found to be within acceptable ranges being less than 0.25 s. The maximum blood damage index was calculated to be 0.068%. These results support the continued design and development of this cavopulmonary assist device, building upon previous numerical work and experimental prototype testing.
An electric analog of power transistor heat flow

IN THE DESIGN of circuits utilizing power transistors, the maximum allowable instantaneous junction temperature is often the major limitation on the power-carrying capabilities of the circuit. Transistor failure may result if the junction temperature exceeds, even momentarily, a certain maximum value.
Obstruction alters the effect of prostaglandin E2 on ureteral contractility.

Background and Purpose: Although our understanding of ureteral physiology during acute obstruction remains limited, we believe that prostanoids (prostaglandins [PGs], thromboxanes, prostacyclins) p...
Heart rate and epileptic seizure detection algorithms for low-power platforms

Abstract Algorithm design for low power platforms is constrained by memory and computational limitations, and real-world applications demand robust performance. This paper presents two algorithms that were designed with the view that simplicity can translate to robustness. The first algorithm processes electrocardiogram (ECG) signals to detect QRS complexes reliably in the presence of significant noise. The second algorithm is a low-cost approach to detecting seizure onset from electrocorticogram (ECoG) data. The ECG algorithm was implemented on a TI MSP430-based platform and the ECoG algorithm was implemented on a Cortex-M3 based ultra-low power device.
Geodynamics: The ups and downs of sediments

Neither recycled oceanic crust nor sediments alone can explain the composition of ocean-island basalts, but how about a mixture of the two? Recent modelling using the isotopes of hafnium and neodymium appears to support this contention.
Carbachol stimulation of phosphatidic acid synthesis: Competitive inhibition by pirenzepine in synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex

Abstract Carbachol stimulated phosphatidic acid synthesis in cholinergically enriched synaptosomes from rat cerebral cortex. Increasing concentrations of pirenzepine (10–100 nM) produced parallel concentration-response curves to carbachol which were shifted to the right. A pA 2 value for pirenzepine of 8.4 ± 0.3 was obtained from Schild analysis. We hypothesize that high affinity pirenzepine binding to M 1 receptors is coupled to phosphatidic acid synthesis in the rat cerebral cortex.
Combining Process and Outcome Evaluation.

Beyond assessing whether a treatment is effective, we need to understand why it is effective if we are to learn from evaluation research how treatments might be improved.
Hidden Hypernephroma Simulating Right Atrial Tumor

Abstract A case is presented of tumor obstruction of the inferior vena cava with extension into the right atrium. This is the first recorded instance of such tumor extension into the heart which was recognized and treated during the patient's lifetime. The importance of renal malignancy, even without urological signs and symptoms, is stressed as a cause of inferior vena cava obstruction with extension into the atrium. In circumstances such as those reported in this case, a right atrial mass discovered on angiography is more likely to be a secondary extension of a tumor-thrombosed inferior vena cava than a primary cardiac neoplasm.
Latino parents' perspectives on barriers to autism diagnosis.

Abstract Objective Latino children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) at older ages and at the point of more severe symptoms. We sought to qualitatively describe community, family, and health care system barriers to ASD diagnosis in Latino children. Methods Five focus groups and 4 qualitative interviews were conducted with 33 parents of Latino children previously diagnosed with an ASD. Participants described Latino community perceptions of autism and barriers they experienced during the diagnostic process. Sessions were audiorecorded and transcribed. Transcripts were coded by 2 researchers, and data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Parents reported low levels of ASD information and high levels of mental health and disability stigma in the Latino community. Parents had poor access to care as a result of poverty, limited English proficiency, and lack of empowerment to take advantage of services. Providers sometimes dismissed parents' concerns. The ASD diagnostic process itself was slow, inconvenient, confusing, and uncomfortable for the child. These factors led many parents to normalize their child's early behaviors, deny that a problem existed, and lose trust in the medical system. Conclusions Additional educational outreach to Latino families, destigmatization of ASD, streamlining the ASD diagnostic process, and providing additional support to Latino parents of at-risk children may decrease delays in ASD diagnosis among Latino children.
An ASIC-embedded content addressable memory with power-saving and design for test features

As the available circuit counts of standard-cell ASICs continue to increase, the issues of power dissipation and testability become increasingly important. In response to this trend, the embedded content addressable memory (CAM) described herein was designed with an emphasis on reducing active power dissipation and on improving the in-system testability via built-in self-test (BIST). At the same time, the CAM macro has been designed with flexibility in mind. Application examples will highlight this aspect of the macro. This CAM has been designed and manufactured in a 0.18 /spl mu/m photolithography process with copper metallization. Results of hardware observations from a test chip confirm functionality in silicon.
Spontaneous perinephric hematoma due to acquired factor X deficiency in AL amyloidosis

Spontaneous perinephric hematoma (SPH) is a rare entity whose diagnosis is challenging because of its varied clinical presentation and lack of any specific etiology. We report a 34-year-old African-American male who presented with left flank pain and was found to have a large left perinephric hematoma, in the setting of undiagnosed AL amylodosis. The case illustrates that while a SPH due to the vascular angiopathy of amyloid is rare, when amyloidosis is associated with abnormal coagulation studies or bleeding at multiple sites, it should be considered because of its protean systemic manifestations and potential response to chemotherapy.
The Impact of Customers' Relational Models on Price-Based Defection

Retailers that cannot or do not wish to compete on price face the formidable task of trying to retain customers while charging higher prices for equivalent merchandise. Prior research demonstrates that in the face of competitive price threats, developing relationships with customers may be effective in discouraging customer defection. Yet the cultivation of customer relationships may require a considerable resource commitment or run the risk of infringing upon customers' relationship preferences. Results from a study we conducted demonstrate that the appropriateness of different relationship strategies as a deterrent of customer defection is contingent upon the intensity of the threat from price competition. More resource-intensive relational strategies may be needed to ensure customer retention in the face of severe price competition, whereas a lower level of resource commitment may be sufficient to successfully contest more moderate price threats.
The interaction of homogeneous wave turbulence and a magnetohydrodynamic tangential discontinuity

Homogeneous wave turbulence-MHD tangential discontinuity structures interaction, resulting in shear stress across discontinuity surface
CHARACTERIZATION OF X/Gf MICE WITH RESPECT TO THEIR RESISTANCE TO ONCOGENESIS*

A strain of mice designated X/Gf, inbred by sister-brother mating for the past 20 years, proved to have an extremely low susceptibility to spontaneous development of neoplasms. Mice of this strain served as a model system in studies pertaining to detection of endogenous characteristics that may be involved in resistance to neoplasia. Experiments performed thus far revealed that the X/Gf mice produced high levels of antibodies against the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV); they possessed a high phagocytic activity and high capacity to produce hemoantibodies; they were resistant to polyoma virus, to Friend leukemia virus at adult age, and to FBJ osteosarcoma virus; they exhibited low susceptibility to potent carcinogenic agents such as x-rays, urethan, 2-acetyl-amino-fluorene, 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene. No variants from those noted in other inbred mice were found either in the capacity of interferon production or in a representable number of isozymes. The low susceptibility of X/Gf mice to neoplastic transformation is attributed to their efficient immunological surveillance. (See also table 5.)
Determining the scale of the Bicoid morphogen gradient

Bicoid is a morphogen that sets up the anterior-posterior axis in early Drosophila embryos. Although the form of the Bicoid profile is consistent with a simple diffusion/degradation model, the observed length scale is much larger than should be expected based on the measured diffusion rate. Here, we study two possible mechanisms that could, in principle, affect this gradient and, hence, address this disagreement. First, we show that including trapping and release of Bicoid by the nuclei during cleavage cycles does not alter the morphogen length scale. More crucially, the inclusion of advective transport due to cytoplasmic streaming can have a large effect. Specifically, we build a simple model based on the (limited) experimental data and show that such a flow can lead to a Bicoid profile that is consistent with various experimental features. Specifically, the observed length scale is obtained, a steady profile is established, and improved scaling between embryos of different lengths is demonstrated.
Butane isomer transport properties of 6FDA–DAM and MFI–6FDA–DAM mixed matrix membranes

For the first time, we report the C4s’ transport properties: solubility, diffusivity, permeability in 6FDA–DAM polymer, one of most permeable glassy polymers with significant nC4 vs. iC4 selectivity. An nC4 permeability of 3.7 Barrer, and nC4/iC4 ideal selectivity of 21 was found in pure 6FDA–DAM polymer membrane. Mixed matrix films were successfully fabricated using a 6FDA–DAM as the matrix, with up to 35 wt% loading of MFI, modified by a two-step Grignard treatment (GT) that produced Mg(OH)2 whiskers on the surface of the MFI particles. The permeability of nC4 more than doubled; however, the selectivity for the C4s remained the same. Permeation of mixed matrix films with impermeable GT-uncalcined-MFI agree with Maxwell modeling of films with an impermeable solid loading, thereby supporting the existence of a defect-free interface between MFI particles and the polymer matrix. This indicates that the MFI is too permeable to optimally match the properties of the 6FDA–DAM, which is one of the most permeable selective matrix polymers available. It appears unlikely that any currently known, adequately selective glassy polymer can match the high permeability of nC4 in MFI to enable development of promising composite membrane for the C4s separation based on MFI. Therefore a smaller pore size zeolite is required for a better match.
Catalytic Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide by Ferric Ion in Dilute Sulfuric Acid Solutions

Hydrogen peroxide decomposition in acidic solutions is catalyzed by the free ferric ion, Fe3+. The following rate law for this reaction is determined by the initial rate method in solutions similar to those used for acidicin situ uranium leaching:\( - (dm_{H_2 O_2 } /dt)_{25^\circ C} = k\frac{{(m_{H_2 O_2 } )(m_{Fe} 3 - )}}{{(m_H - )}}\) wherek = 4.3 × 10−3 s°1 at 25 °C. From 25° to 50 °C, the activation energy is 85.6 kJ/mol. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide proceeds by a particular redox reaction sequence that depends on the ratio of the concentrations of hydrogen peroxide to free ferric ion. The rate law determined here is consistent with the form derived from the redox sequence for the case where the ratio of hydrogen peroxide to free ferric ion concentration is greater than 1.0. The magnitude of the rate constant indicates that the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide may cause rapid loss of this oxidant in leaching solutions containing ferric ion.
Reducing high frequency conducted noise

This paper investigates the effectiveness of commercial AC power electromagnetic interference (EMI) filters, RF bulkheads, toroids, and ferrite beads in reducing common mode conducted noise. At frequencies below 30 MHz, commercial and military specifications only provide for conducted noise limits, which indirectly causes an increase in environment noise when the noise is radiated by long power or data lines. The author concentrated on investigating techniques for reducing conducted noise so that noise from industrial or "Class A" devices can be reduced to meet the more benign, residential or "Class B" limits. Techniques include what is known as "barrier-filter-ground" or BFG technique, and loop impedance modification technique. Results indicate that the BFG technique is effective at HF when AC power filters and cable shields are used in conjunction with Faraday shields. For the impedance modification technique, toroids are more effective than ferrite beads below 30 MHz.
A Fast Stroud-Based Collocation Method for Statistically Characterizing EMI/EMC Phenomena on Complex Platforms

A fast stochastic collocation method for statistically characterizing electromagnetic interference and compatibility (EMI/EMC) phenomena on electrically large and loaded platforms is presented. Uncertainties in electromagnetic excitations and/or system geometries and configurations are parameterized in terms of random variables having normal or beta probability density functions. A fast time-domain integral-equation-based field-cable-circuit simulator is used to perform deterministic EMI/EMC simulations for excitations and/or system geometries and configurations specified by Stroud integration rules. Outputs of these simulations then are processed to compute averages and standard deviations of pertinent observables. The proposed Stroud-based collocation method requires far fewer deterministic simulations than Monte Carlo or tensor-product integrators. To demonstrate the accuracy, efficiency, and practicality of the proposed method, it is used to statistically characterize coupled voltages at the feed pins of cable-interconnected and shielded computer cards as well as the terminals of cables situated inside the bay of an airplane cockpit.
Gardasil needs a new consent form.

. Reported serious adverse events included venous thromboembolism, Guillain–Barre syn-drome, autoimmune disorders, pancrea-titis, anaphylaxis, transverse myelitis, motor neuron disease and death. Venous thrombo-embolism was statistically associated with Gardasil injection. The serious adverse events reported in Slade’s article have significant con-sequences. We must review the benefits and risks of participation in Pap screen-ing programs in balance with the benefits and risks of Gardasil administration to develop a rational set of information for parents and young women considering their cervical cancer prevention strategies.In developed countries with organized Pap screening programs, the overall incidence of cervical cancer is seven per 100,000 women
A new myeloproliferative syndrome

We report here two cases of a previously undescribed myeloprollferative disorder. Both were young adult males who presented with generalized lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, leukocytosis, polycythemia, and persistent thrombocytopenia. The leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) score was low in both cases, and the bone marrow was hypercellular without dysplasia or fibrosis, but lacked the Philadelphia chromosome, BCR gene rearrangement, or other karyotypic abnormalities. The clinical course was indolent in each case. One patient died from an unusual ‘blast crisis’ after 12 years, while the second patient remains in a complete hematologic remission on hydroxyurea and alpha interferon 4 years from diagnosis. Interestingly, changes in therapy in this patient have consistently resulted in precise and concerted fluctuations in his blood counts, with the red and white cells cycling together and the platelets and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) changing concomitantly but in the opposite direction. This unique myeloproliferative disorder is distinguishable from all previously described forms of chronic myeloid leukemia and other myeloproliferative syndromes. ©1995 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Feeding ecology of Pseudalibrotus (=Onisimus) litoralis kröyer (Crustacea: Amphipoda) on the Beaufort Sea inner continental shelf

In polar waters ice microalgae are the important food source for under-ice amphipods in the late spring; however, earlier, the algal primary productivity is low. This study relates the feeding ecology of the dominant lysianassid amphipod Pseudalibrotus litoralis to its life history and its use of the under-ice substrate for a concentrated food supply and nursery ground early in the year. Gut contents and fecal pellets in April consist primarily of crustacean parts, and in late May-early June, of diatom frustules. Pseudalibrotus litoralis is welladapted to live at the ice undersurface before and during the spring diatom bloom as a result of its omnivorous feeding behavior.
Learning How to Prepare Computer Science High School Teachers

In addition to more well-trained high school computer science teachers, we need more education research that is informed by understanding how CS is taught, what the current practices are, and what's important to keep as practices change.
Extracellular Contributions to Alcohol Modulation of Pentameric Ligand-Gated Ion Channels

The behavioral effects of alcohol action on the human brain are widely known, but the mechanisms through which they occur are poorly understood. Glycine receptors play a role in neuronal modulation by alcohol, however, the exact molecular mechanisms through which this modulation occurs are unknown due to difficulties in high-resolution imaging of receptor structures. Bacterial receptor homolog, GLIC F238A, of known structure is modulated similarly to Glycine receptors and may prove a useful model to further investigate alcohol and anesthetic interactions with pentameric ligand-gated ion channels. Recent studies have shown that residues in extracellular Loop 2, particularly positions equivalent to D31 in GLIC, influence alcohol modulation in Glycine receptors. Based on these results, we predicted that point mutations D31N and D31S in Loop 2 in GLIC would reduce alcohol modulation of the GLIC F238A model system. To test this prediction, we generated site-directed mutations to quantify structural effects on ion channel gating and alcohol modulation using two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Preliminary results help to elucidate the role of Loop 2 in modulation of ion channels throughout this family, and inform the validation of GLIC as a model system for modulation of ligand-gated ion channels.
Effect of CO2 laser on pulpal temperature and surface morphology: an in vitro study.

Abstract Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential effects on underlying dental hard tissues of a high pulse rate carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) laser that was designed for soft tissue surgery. Methods: Eighteen extracted human teeth were sectioned longitudinally, cleaned, and varnished, leaving nine exposed windows on each: six on the coronal surface (enamel) and three on the root surface (cementum, dentin). The CO 2 irradiation conditions used were: wave length 10.6 μm; 1.2–2.6 J/cm 2 fluence per pulse; repetition rate 120–1000 Hz; 100–200 ms pulse duration; and cumulative fluences ranging from 14 to 2200 J/cm 2 . Each window was irradiated with a 0.3 mm beam diameter at one of nine power settings for 0.1, 0.5, or 1.0 s. The pulp chamber temperature was measured with a microthermocouple. The irradiated teeth were evaluated by Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results: The pulp chamber temperature rise ranged from 0.5 to 19° C depending on the location of the window and distance to pulp chamber. SEM revealed crystal fusion in both enamel and dentin at all cumulative fluences. At cumulative fluences of 40 J/cm 2 , 200 pulses/second and higher, measurable tissue loss was observed with PLM both in dentin and enamel. Conclusions: These results indicate there are threshold conditions above which pulsed CO 2 laser light used for soft tissue surgery may cause detrimental changes to underlying oral hard tissue and to the pulp.
Inhibition of Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer by LY2801653, an Inhibitor of Several Oncokinases, Including MET

Purpose: Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Sustained activation, overexpression, or mutation of the MET pathway is associated with a poor prognosis in a variety of tumors, including non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), implicating the MET pathway as a potential therapeutic target for lung cancer. Previously, we reported on the development of LY2801653: a novel, orally bioavailable oncokinase inhibitor with MET as one of its targets. Here, we discuss the evaluation of LY2801653 in both preclinical in vitro and in vivo NSCLC models. Experimental Design/Results: Treatment with LY2801653 showed tumor growth inhibition in tumor cell lines and patient-derived tumor xenograft models as a single agent (37.4%–90.0% inhibition) or when used in combination with cisplatin, gemcitabine, or erlotinib (66.5%–86.3% inhibition). Mechanistic studies showed that treatment with LY2801653 inhibited the constitutive activation of MET pathway signaling and resulted in inhibition of NCI-H441 cell proliferation, anchorage-independent growth, migration, and invasion. These in vitro findings were confirmed in the H441 orthotopic model where LY2801653 treatment significantly inhibited both primary tumor growth (87.9% inhibition) and metastasis (64.5% inhibition of lymph node and 67.7% inhibition of chest wall). Tumor-bearing animals treated with LY2801653 had a significantly greater survival time (87% increase compared with the vehicle-treated mice). In the MET-independent NCI-H1299 orthotopic model, treatment with LY2801653 showed a significant inhibition of primary tumor growth but not metastasis. Conclusions: Collectively, these results support clinical evaluation of LY2801653 in NSCLCs and suggest that differences in the MET activation of tumors may be predictive of response. Clin Cancer Res; 19(20); 5699–710. ©2013 AACR .
MRAMFS: a compressing file system for non-volatile RAM

File systems using non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) promise great improvements in file system performance over conventional disk storage. However, current technology allows for a relatively small amount of NVRAM, limiting the effectiveness of such an approach. We have developed a prototype in-memory file system which utilizes data compression on inodes, and which has preliminary support for compression of file blocks. Our file system, MRAMFS, is also based on data structures tuned for storage efficiency in non-volatile memory. This prototype allows us to examine how to use this limited resource more efficiently. Simulations show that inodes can be reduced to 15-20 bytes each at a rate of 250,000 or more inodes per second. This is a space savings of 79-85% over conventional 128-byte inodes. Our prototype file system shows that for metadata operations, inode compression does not significantly impact performance, while significantly reducing the space used by inodes. We also note that a naive block-based implementation of file compression does not perform acceptably either in terms of speed or compression achieved.
High‐risk age window for mortality in children with cystic fibrosis after lung transplantation

LTx in children with CF remains controversial. The UNOS database was queried from 1987 to 2013 for CF patients <18 yr of age at time of transplant. PCHR model was used to quantify hazard of mortality. 489 recipients were included in the survival analysis. The hazard function of post-transplant mortality was plotted over attained age to identify age window of highest risk, which was 16-20 yr. Unadjusted PCHR model revealed ages immediately after the high-risk window were characterized by lower hazard of mortality (HR = 0.472; 95% CI = 0.302, 0.738; p = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the decline in mortality hazard immediately after the high-risk window remained statistically significant (HR = 0.394; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.737; p = 0.004). Hazard of mortality in children with CF after LTx was highest between 16 and 20 yr of attained age and declined thereafter.
Evaluation of neural network and conventional techniques for sonar signal discrimination

The problem of sonar signal discrimination of passive sonar events is addressed. Three generic systems are considered. The first is a conventional system that uses a quadratic Bayesian (QB) classifier. Next is a hybrid approach that uses a neural compound classifier network (CCN) of the type proposed by B.G. Batchelor (1974). Both the conventional and hybrid approaches use a generic automatic detector given by J.J. Wolcin (1984), which is structured to detect signals of arbitrary duration and frequency content. The third system is an all neural network approach which considers neural alternatives to the functions of detection, feature extraction, and feature optimization. The authors discuss a comparison of the first two systems. The third system is addressed by D.W. Cottle and D.J. Hamilton (ibid., this conference, p.13-19, 1991). >
Games, Virtual Reality, and the Pursuit of Happiness

The paper discusses the aspects of games and virtual reality in human happiness.In the past few decades, scientists have focused most of their attention on developing technologies that sharpen only the minds or relieve minds and bodies of certain duties. The people become smarter but incredibly unhealthy. Health games seem to offer one solution to this problem. Entertainment based health interventions have a huge potential to transform healthcare. Most people love games.Play is a fundamental mode of expression, fulfills the human need to connect with the "other," and can even be fun. Serious play is also great exercise for the mind and spirit. The Nintendo Wii was a good start for motivating people to get off the couch. But Wii isn't good enough for virtual reality (VR) fans due to easy sensor cheats, but Wii is the first step toward liberation. For many people, the Wii is as close to VR as they've ever gotten. Health games and sensor based experiences have recently become the new, shiny promise of hope and change in our field. However, an affordable, untethered full body VR experience is still the Holy Grail. Playing Flower game was as close to VR. Liberated from complex controller buttons, the author role played a flower petal by using the controller's tilt sensor to navigate a sublime landscape.It was exhilarating, and for once, appreciated all the special realtime graphics effects that compensated for the absence of head tracking and stereoscopy, luxuries that was always expected from VR. The author concluded that health games is an exciting research area today. It's an opportunity to reuse what learned from decades of CG, VR, and digital game research, merge that with knowledge with other areas, and release new ideas into the world.
Identification of ENA1 as a Virulence Gene of the Human Pathogenic Fungus Cryptococcus neoformans through Signature-Tagged Insertional Mutagenesis

A library of more than 4,500 signature-tagged insertion mutants of the human pathogenic fungus Cryptococcus neoformans was generated, and a subset was screened in a murine inhalation model to identify genes required for virulence. New genes that regulate aspects of C. neoformans virulence were also identified by screening the entire library for in vitro phenotypes related to the ability to cause disease, including melanin production, growth at high temperature, and growth under conditions of nutrient limitation. A screen of 10% of the strain collection in mice identified an avirulent mutant strain with an insertion in the ENA1 gene, which is predicted to encode a fungus-specific sodium or potassium P-type ATPase. The results of the deletion of the gene and complementation experiments confirmed its key role in mammalian virulence. ena1 mutant strains exhibited no change in sensitivity to high salt concentrations but were sensitive to alkaline pH conditions, providing evidence that the fungus may have to survive at elevated pH during infection of the mammalian host. The mutation of the well-characterized virulence factor calcineurin (CNA1) also rendered C. neoformans strains sensitive to elevated pH. ENA1 transcripts in wild-type and cna1 mutant strains were upregulated in response to high pH, and cna1 ena1 double mutant strains exhibited increased sensitivity to elevated pH, indicating that at least two pathways in the fungus mediate survival under alkaline conditions. Signature-tagged mutagenesis is an effective strategy for the discovery of new virulence genes in fungal pathogens of animals.
Does Phylogenetic Distance Between Parental Genomes Govern the Success of Polyploids

ABSTRACT It has long been suggested that phylogenetic divergence between parental species determines the likelihood of their producing a successful polyploid, with closely related parents less likely to form a successful polyploid than more divergent parents. This suggestion has been based partly on observation of patterns of polyploid ancestry and partly by extrapolation from analyses of the processes that give rise to polyploids. Here we present a new survey of the patterns of the divergence between the parents of polyploids, based on node-based and clade-based analyses of phylogenetic trees. We also use the topology of the phylogenetic trees to inform a null expectation of the distance between parental species, assuming random crossing between all species pairs in a genus. We used molecular phylogenies now available for eight plant genera containing multiple polyploids whose parentage has been investigated: Tragopogon, Persicaria, Brassica, Leucaena, Spartina, Spiranthes, Nicotiana, and Glycine. We fou...
New Approaches to Detection and Identification of Rickettsia africae and Ehrlichia ruminantium in Amblyomma variegatum (Acari: Ixodidae) Ticks From the Caribbean

ABSTRACT Imported from Africa in the 1700s and despite frequent modern eradication efforts, Amblyomma variegatum (F.) spread through the Caribbean by cattle transport, small ruminants, and migrating birds. A. variegatum is a vector for Rickettsia africae, the causative agent of African tick bite fever, and Ehrlichia ruminantium, the causative agent of heartwater. We examined 95 A. variegatum and six Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini) collected from cattle at an abattoir in Antigua. Engorged tick extracts adsorbed on Nobotu filter paper strips and new nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for E. ruminantium and Dermatophilus congolensis were used to evaluate these ticks for the presence of these pathogenic bacteria. Amblyomma ticks (62.4%) contained R.. africae DNA by PCR/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and DNA sequencing of the OmpA and 17-kDa antigen genes. Twenty Amblyomma and two Rh. microplus contained E. ruminantium DNA. No E. chaffeensis, Anaplasma phagocytoph...
Partitioning of interaction in analysis of variance

A method is presented for the analysis of data representing functions of two variables, when the response can be tabulated in a rectangular array. The procedure is based on a partitioning of the row by column interaction effects into a sum of terms, each of which is the product of a row factor by a column factor. the factors in each term are estimated by a method involving the extraction of characteristic roots. The method contains as special cases a number of procedures used for the handling of non- additivity in two way arrays. It is very useful for the fitting of empirical surfaces, but is also applicable to cases in which the data depend on qualitative rather than quantitative factors. Comparisons with other techniques are made and an illustrative example is given.
Patient Participation in Communication about Treatment Decision-Making for Localized Prostate Cancer during Consultation Visits.

Objectives: To describe the communication behaviors of patients and physicians and patient par-ticipation in communication about treatment decision-making during consultation visits for local-ized prostate cancer (LPCa). Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from 52 men enrolled in the usual care control group of a randomized trial that focused on decision-making for newly diagnosed men with LPCa. We analyzed the patient-physician communication using the transcribed audio-recordings of real-time treatment consultations and a researcher-developed coding tool, including codes for communication behaviors (information giving, seeking, and clarifying/ verifying) and contents of clinical consultations (health histories, survival/mortality, treatment options, treatment impact, and treatment preferences). After qualitative content analysis, we categorized patient participation in communication about treatment-related clinical content, including “none” (content not discussed); “low” (patient listening only); “moderate” (patient providing information or asking questions); and “high” (patient providing information and asking questions). Results: Physicians mainly provided information during treatment decision consultations and patients frequently were not active participants in communication. The participation of patients with low and moderate cancer risk typically was: 1) “moderate and high” in discussing health histories; 2) “low” in discussing survival/mortality; 3) “low and moderate” in discussing treatment options; 4) “none and low” in discussing treatment impacts; and 5) “low” in discussing treatment preferences. Conclusions: Findings suggest opportunities for increasing patient participation in communication about treatment decision-making for LPCa during clinical consultations.
Adoption of a three-part approach in a discrete mathematics course

The paper describes the experience of using a new teaching approach in a lower-level discrete mathematics course for computer science students. The approach replaces lectures by active student work in class. Assignments consist of three parts: part A, part B, and part C. Part A assignments ask students to read new material and answer some questions on the reading before the material is discussed in class. Part B assignments consist of some exercises on the new material which students do in groups in class and present solutions on the board. Part C assignments are regular individual homework assignments. The approach was used two times. The second time it was modified based on students' feedback. Student questionnaires were administered in the middle and in the end of the semester to assess students' reactions to the teaching approach. The paper describes the approach and its modification in details, provides examples of assignments, and presents students' reactions to it.
Repairing human tooth enamel with leucine-rich amelogenin peptide–chitosan hydrogel

We have recently reported the repair of carious enamel using a full-length amelogenin–chitosan hydrogel through guided stabilization and growth of mineral clusters. The objective of this study was to further evaluate the enamel repair potential of smaller amelogenin peptides like LRAP (leucine-rich amelogenin peptide) and compare their efficiency with their full-length counterpart. The demineralized tooth slices treated with a single application of LRAP–chitosan hydrogel for 3 days showed a dense mineralized layer consisting of highly organized enamel-like apatite crystals. Focus-ion beam technique showed a seamless growth at the interface between the repaired layer and native enamel. There was a marked improvement in the surface hardness after treatment of the demineralized sample with almost 87% recovery of the hardness value to that of sound enamel sections. This current approach can inspire the design of smaller peptide analogues based on naturally occurring amelogenin as a competent, low-cost, and safe strategy for enamel biomimetics to curb the high prevalence of incipient dental caries.
Kinematic analysis of unilateral and bilateral drinking task after brain and periphery injuries

In this study, we aim to understand how functional movement is affected by various physical and neurological injuries. Using a novel system known as the Bilateral Assessment System (BiAS), we tracked the wrist movement of subjects with stroke, cerebral palsy, transradial amputations, as well as healthy individuals in space and in time as they completed a drinking task. The BiAS allowed us to analyze the kinematics of the movement of subjects to describe how specific impairment types at varying levels of the nervous system affect upper limb movement. Using kinematics to provide an objective analysis, the results suggest that bilateral ability is not analogous to unilateral ability and the importance of bilateral training, in addition to unilateral training, in the rehabilitation of injured persons is highlighted. In addition, motor, sensory, and strength impairment and subsequent ADL functional ability is a function of impairment level and not just impairment type.
Theoretical Study of Electrochemical Processes on Pt–Ni Alloys

We have carried out an extensive computational study using periodic density functional theory of the structure, reactivity, and stability of three different Pt–Ni alloys, Pt3Ni, PtNi, and PtNi3, with the aim of determining the effect of the subsurface layer composition on the catalytic activity of the platinum surface. The segregation effect was taken into account by modeling slabs with a platinum surface monolayer supported on a second layer containing 50%, 100%, and 75% of nickel, respectively, with a bulk layer below. Calculated equilibrium adsorption potentials for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) intermediates and construction of free energy diagrams for the ORR dissociative mechanism are used to gauge the catalytic activity. The critical question of the stability of these materials in an aqueous environment is also assessed in terms of the relative shifts in electrochemical dissolution energies and by the identification of the most stable state of the surface as a function of pH and potential as ...
Public attitudes toward media control and incitement of conflicts in Eastern Africa

Public opinion research in two post-conflict African countries, Ethiopia and Rwanda, offers new insights into how audiences view the trustworthiness and performance of different media and different ownership sectors. This survey examines how citizens of Rwanda and Ethiopia describe the role of mass media in covering conflicts and in stoking the attitudes that can lead to or worsen conflicts. State-owned media are widely used as a source of news, yet are also widely distrusted, particularly when covering conflicts. They are also seen as less reliable than the privately-owned media. Still, different levels of use and confidence in state media suggest that top-down reconciliation efforts can have measurable results. Media can play a role in damping the flames of ethnic conflict, much as they can play a role in fanning those flames.
The Immunoproteasome in oxidative stress, aging, and disease

The Immunoproteasome has traditionally been viewed primarily for its role in peptide production for antigen presentation by the major histocompatibility complex, which is critical for immunity. However, recent research has shown that the Immunoproteasome is also very important for the clearance of oxidatively damaged proteins in homeostasis, and especially during stress and disease. The importance of the Immunoproteasome in protein degradation has become more evident as diseases characterized by protein aggregates have also been linked to deficiencies of the Immunoproteasome. Additionally, there are now diseases defined by mutations or polymorphisms within Immunoproteasome-specific subunit genes, further suggesting its crucial role in cytokine signaling and protein homeostasis (or "proteostasis"). The purpose of this review is to highlight our growing understanding of the importance of the Immunoproteasome in the management of protein quality control, and the detrimental impact of its dysregulation during disease and aging.
A chemical abnormality in haemoglobin G.

INGRAM and Hunt1–3 reported that normal human haemoglobin (haemoglobin A) differs from certain of the abnormal human haemoglobins by a single amino-acid in the primary structure of the β-chains of the globin of these proteins. The peptides from a tryptic digest of haemoglobin A and haemoglobin S were visibly identical except for one peptide (peptide 4) in which a glutamyl residue in haemoglobin A was replaced by a valyl residue in haemoglobin S. We have isolated an abnormal peptide in haemoglobin G 4 and have compared it to similar peptides obtained from haemoglobins A and S. By amino-acid analysis and sequence determinations, it is evident that haemoglobin G possesses an abnormal amino-acid in the tryptic peptide number 4 of Ingram. The sequences determined for the tryptic peptides from haemoglobins A and G are: Haemoglobin A: Val.His.Leu.Thr.Pro.Glu.Glu.Lys. G: Val.His.Leu.Thr.Pro.Glu.Gly.Lys.
Introduction: Giving it your best shot

In May 2014, the Leksell Gamma Knife Society held its 17th meeting in New York City (Fig. 1). The theme of the meeting was “Giving It Your Best Shot.” The theme resonates well with those practicing in the field of Gamma Knife radiosurgery. In fact, neurosurgeons and radiation oncologists performing Gamma Knife radiosurgery are frequently faced with challenging situations, and they must perform as well as possible despite uncertainty and occasionally long odds for success. The Gamma Knife has stood the test of time for more than 4 decades. For hundreds of thousands of patients, the Gamma Knife has delivered success far more often than failure. New York is one of the most vibrant and diverse cities in the world. The breadth of the scientific proceedings, liveliness of the discourse, and the diversity of participants hailing from more than 40 countries mirrored the ethos of the host city. Scientific proceedings covered such topics as neuro-immunology, fractionation, ethics, and epilepsy. In a sign that an old approach can become new again, Gamma Knife–effectuated ablation and behavioral radiosurgery were also topics covered in the plenary session. Fractionation not just with the Gamma Knife Extend but also with the Perfexion Plus will bring further innovation to the field. Multisession Gamma Knife radiosurgery is also likely to prove paradigm shifting. In a forward-thinking fashion, the meeting covered the topic of creating a Gamma Knife registry. Such a registry could allow for far-reaching, multicenter scientific studies. It could also help to advance the field in a more rapid fashion than any single individual center could do by itself. After all, the scientific literature related to Gamma Knife radiosurgery is mature and comprehensive. The remaining questions are more difficult to answer, and such questions frequently require greater amounts of high-quality data to answer. A Gamma Knife registry should provide the platform for acquiring and analyzing requisite data. Also, the registry could help to identify areas for practice improvement as a clinician compares his/ her results to peers. Finally, the registry may demonstrate areas for improved efficiency, quality, safety, and costeffectiveness in Gamma Knife radiosurgery. The articles contained in this supplement represent some of the more notable scientific work at the meeting. I would like to thank the following reviewers for their assistance: Drs. Veronica Chiang, Arnold Etame, Hideyuki Kano, Anthony Kaufmann, Jonathan Knisely, Douglas Kond ziolka, James Larner, Cheng-Chia Lee, L. Dade Lunsford, Ajay Niranjan, Gail Rosseau, Arjun Sahgal, David Schlesinger, John Suh, Zhiyuan Xu, and Chun-Po Yen. The Gamma Knife meeting in New York proved successful by any metric. The Gamma Knife remains an important neurosurgical tool, and the field appears as alive as the city of New York itself. (http://thejns.org/doi/abs/10.3171/2014.6.GKS141282)