cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Electrolytic phase transformation actuators

The emerging field of materials-based actuation continues to be the focus of considerable research due to its inherent scalability and its promise to drive devices in ways that cannot be realized with conventional mechanical actuator strategies. Current approaches include electrochemically responsive conducting polymers, capacitance-driven carbon nanotubes actuators, pH responsive hydrogels, ionic polymer metal composites, electric field responsive elastomers, and field-driven electrostrictive polymers. However, simple electrochemical processes that lead to phase transformations, particularly from liquid to gas, have been virtually ignored. Although a few specialized applications have been proposed, the nature of the reactions and their implication for design, performance, and widespread applicability have not been addressed. Herein we report an electrolytic phase transformation (EPT) actuator, a device capable of producing strains surpassing 136,000% and stresses beyond 200 MPa. These performance characteristics are several orders of magnitude greater than those reported for other materials and could potentially compete with existing commercial hydraulic systems. Furthermore, unlike other materials-based systems that rely on bimorph structures to translate infinitesimally small volume changes into observable deflections, this device can direct all of its output towards linear motion. We show here that an unoptimized actuator prototype can produce volume and pressure changes close to the theoretically predicted values, with maximum stress (70 kPa) limited only by the mechanical strength of the apparatus. Expansion is very rapid and scales with applied current density. Retraction depends on the catalytic nature of the electrode, and state-of-the-art commercial fuel cell electrodes should allow rates surpassing 0.9 mL's-1.cm-2 and 370 kPa's-1.cm-2. We anticipate that this approach will provide a new direction for producing scalable, low-weight, high performance actuators that will be useful in a broad range of applications.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Determination of hemoglobin adduct levels of the carcinogen 2,4-diaminotoluene using gas chromatography-electron impact positive-ion mass spectrometry.

A procedure to determine hemoglobin adduct yields resulting from exposure to the carcinogen 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4-TDA) was developed using gas chromatography-electron impact positive-ion mass spectrometry. Liberated 2,4-TDA was quantified following alkaline hydrolysis of hemoglobin. Optimized derivatization of free 2,4-TDA with heptafluorobutyric anhydride allowed detection of hemoglobin adduct levels as low as 5 ng/g Hb. Pure HFBA-2,4-TDA showed a linear dynamic range of 50 to 5000 pg. The quantitative extraction and recovery of liberated 2,4-TDA (ca. 100%) following hemoglobin hydrolysis allows accurate and precise determinations of adduct yields.
Disability identity: exploring narrative accounts of disability.

Objective: To review a type of narrative identity, disability identity, which is a potentially important topic concerning the social psychology of disability. Disability identity entails a positive sense of self, feelings of connection to, or solidarity with, the disability community. A coherent dis
Expression of modified cytochrome P450 2C10 (2C9) in Escherichia coli, purification, and reconstitution of catalytic activity.

Abstract The human cytochrome P450 (P450) 2C gene family is complex and heterologous expression methods are needed to facilitate the isolation of individual P450 proteins and the elucidation of their catalytic specificities. We prepared a series of constructs of P450 2C10 in the plasmid vector pCW, with modification of the 5′ end of the coding sequence of the cDNA. Some were not expressed at all in Escherichia coli; two were expressed at levels of 5-20 nmol membrane-bound P450 (liter culture)−1-one (2C1028) with original codons 2-7 altered by substitution of the 5′-terminal sequence described by Barnes et al. (Barnes, H. J., Arlotto, M. P., and Waterman, M. R., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 88, 5597-5601, 1991) and one (2C1029) with original codon 2 modified, codons 3-20 deleted, and alteration of the immediate downstream codons. In both cases the P450 2C10 proteins were found essentially only in the bacterial membranes. These proteins could be purified to a high degree by solubilization and a single DEAE chromatography step. Typical P450 Fe2+ · CO absorption spectra were observed in the bacterial membranes and the purified preparations. The P450 2C1029 protein was found to have its N-terminal Met removed and the expected residues 2(Ala)-24 were identified by amino acid sequence analysis. However, the other P450 (2C1028) was apparently blocked at the N-terminus. Three native P450 2C9/10 preparations isolated from human liver showed the expected sequences (beginning with Met) for at least the first 17 residues. The blocked N-terminus in the P450 2C1028 protein may be the result of the MALLLAVF sequence, which was also used in the expression of P450 3A4 and resulted in a blocked protein. Catalytic activities of P450 2C1028 and P450 2C1029 for tolbutamide hydroxylation were similar to those measured with purified liver P450 2C9/10 in the presence of cytochrome b5, although the effect of cytochrome b5 did not always show the same pattern as with the isolated liver enzyme. The recombinant P450 2C10 enzymes did not catalyze (S)-mephenytoin 4′-hydroxylation.
Treatment of elderly acute myeloid leukemia patients.

Older patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) fare much less well than younger patients with the same disease due to a combination of comorbidities and intrinsic disease resistance. Likely due to aging of the US population, the median age of AML patients at diagnosis has increased from 68 to 72 years. AML is a heterogeneous disease, particularly in older patients, making therapeutic decisions challenging. Older patients who are ‘fit’ for intensive chemotherapy and would have a reasonable chance to benefit based on host and disease characteristics should receive standard induction chemotherapy with 7 days of continuous infusion of cytarabine and at least 60 mg/m2 daunorubicin daily for 3 days. Therapeutic options for patients who are not candidates for or are not likely to respond to intensive therapy include clofarabine, low intensity chemotherapy such as low dose cytarabine, hypomethylating agents, or investigational agents. For older AML patients in complete remission, post-remission or consolidation chemotherapy with repeat induction or modified high dose cytarabine may offer a small chance for long term disease-free survival. Selected older patients who achieve remission by any means should be considered for reduced-intensity stem cell transplantation which may offer improved chances of cure and survival compared with standard post-remission chemotherapy.
Retinal proteomic changes following unilateral optic nerve transection and early experimental glaucoma in non-human primate eyes.

Abstract In this work we compared proteomic changes in non-human primate (NHP) retinas at the onset of early experimental glaucoma (EEG) and 3 weeks after optic nerve transection (ONT), as a means to identify regulators in the retina’s response to EEG and ONT. Both eyes of 7 NHPs with either unilateral EEG (n = 4) or ONT (n = 3) were enucleated. Proteins were analyzed by a label-free quantitative mass spectrometry system and the abundance of identified retinal proteins was compared between the treated eye and its contralateral control for each NHP. Cellular processes associated with regulated proteins were identified using the MetaCore program. As a result, a total of 209 and 200 proteins were identified in EEG and ONT retinas, respectively. The EEG eyes exhibited two distinguishable levels of maximum IOP: the highest IOP 45 mmHg (n = 2), termed mild IOP EEG and high IOP EEG eyes, respectively. A limited overlap of proteins regulated in the same direction was seen between the high IOP EEG and either the mild IOP EEG eyes or ONT eyes. Most of the proteins that were up regulated in the high IOP EEG eyes were down regulated in the mild IOP EEG eyes; the latter showed an overall down regulation that was not seen in the other two conditions. An association with cytoskeleton regulation was recognized for up-regulated proteins in the high IOP EEG eyes. We conclude that mild IOP EEG, high IOP EEG and ONT retinas exhibited condition-specific proteomic changes with little overlap between conditions. Cytoarchitecture regulation appears to be a component of the early retinal response to chronic experimental IOP elevation.
Robust high-performance low-power carry select adder

This paper proposes Dual Transition Skewed Logic (DTSL) based Carry Select Adder (CSA) suitable for processing units requiring low power and high performance with high noise immunity. We implemented 31-bit Carry Select Adders in three different logic styles: Dual Transition Skewed Logic (DTSL), Domino, and conventional static CMOS in TSMC 0.25um technology and compared them in terms of performance, power consumption and layout area. CSA using DTSL shows 36.7% and 17.7% improvements in power dissipation and performance, respectively, over domino, and 40.4% improvement in performance compared to a static CMOS CSA.
Degenerating heart valves: fill them up with filamin?

The intellect is always fooled by the heart. — - La Rochefoucauld Myxoid valvular heart dystrophies are a frequent cause of valvular diseases. They affect approximately 3% of the population and are the most common cause of isolated mitral regurgitations that require surgical repair.1,2 These valvular diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders and include isolated nonsyndromic valvular diseases, such as idiopathic mitral valve prolapse and the X-linked myxomatous valvular dystrophy (XMVD), and syndromic entities, such as Marfan syndrome. In this issue of Circulation , Kyndt et al3 report their surprising finding that specific mutations in filamin A (FLNA) , a gene previously associated primarily with neurological and skeletal disorders, actually cause XMVD. Article p 40 XMVD is a rare form of inherited nonsyndromic valvular dystrophy that was identified more than 30 years ago by Monteleone and Fagan.4 Initial reports suggested that only men could be affected, but a subsequent study revealed that the disease has heterogeneous presentations and that women can have milder manifestations.5 Histologically, the valves classically display abnormalities of myxomatous degeneration, with fragmentation of collagen bundles within the valve fibrosa and accumulation of proteoglycan and secondary calcification. The clinical spectrum of XMVD ranges from isolated mild valve defects to severe multivalvular lesions, but XMVD usually affects the mitral and/or aortic valve. The result is mitral valve prolapse and mitral and/or aortic regurgitation. Affected individuals are usually asymptomatic until valvular lesions progress to significant hemodynamic impairment and heart failure. Complications can include endocarditis, spontaneous chordal rupture, and sudden death.5,6 Mutations of fibrillin and collagen genes have been correlated with syndromic cases of myxoid valvular heart dystrophies (eg, as part of Marfan and Ehlers–Danlos syndromes),7,8 but until now, no specific gene had been identified for nonsyndromic valvular dystrophies. Idiopathic mitral valve prolapse exhibits …
The role of textual coherence in incremental analogical mapping

The LISA model of analogical reasoning (Hummel & Holyoak, 1997) assumes that mapping is performed incrementally within limited-capacity working memory, and that processing is guided by principles of text coherence. Predictions of the model derived by computer simulations were tested in four experiments, using both semantically impoverished structural analogs and semantically rich story analogs. Results for college students revealed a grouping effect. Processing multiple propositions together generated more accurate mappings than did processing individual propositions, but only when propositions that jointly provided strong structural constraints were grouped together. Other experiments revealed asymmetries in mapping and inference accuracy: mappings and inferences generated from a more coherent analog to a less coherent analog were more accurate than those made in the reverse direction. Implications for computational models of analogical reasoning and for education are discussed.
Electron-capture sensitivity comparison of various derivatives of primary and secondary amines.

A comparative electron-capture sensitivity study was performed with various derivatives (e.g., heptafluorobutyramide, pentafluorobenzamide, and pentafluorobenzylidine) of some clinically important primary and secondary amines. Generally the order of electron-capture sensitivity for primary amines was: pentafluorobenzamide > pentafluorobenzylidine > heptafluorobutyramide, and for pentafluorobenzamides the primary amines were greater than secondary amines. Reduction of the C=O or C=N group in pentafluorobenzamide and pentafluorobenzylidine, respectively, led to a diminished response. In general, the order of sensitivity was the same but the response using a tritium detector was 10-20-fold greater than with a nickel-63 detector. The data are consistent with the theory that an electron-deficient system is necessary for good electron-capture response and that this response is also sensitive to the structure of the amine. The results further illuminate the electron-capture mechanism and suggest a more rational approach to the choice of a derivatizing agent for the determination of a particular amine.
Using TreeBASE from R

I introduce an R package allowing programmatic access to the phylogenetic data in the TreeBASE archive and highlight why this is important.
Potentiation of aminoglycoside inhibition and reduction of capsular polysaccharide production in Klebsiella pneumoniae by sodium salicylate

This study determined the effects of sodium salicylate combined with several aminoglycoside antibiotics on the growth and capsular polysaccharide (CPS) production of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Salicylate significantly enhanced in inhibitory effect of all aminoglycoside antibiotics against all bacterial strains tested. The production of CPS was decreased by 62-86% when 2.5 mM salicylate was used. Amikacin combined with salicylate reduced CPS only slightly more than salicylate alone. The chelating agents, ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid and ethylene bis tetraacetic acid, which have similar CPS-reducing properties, did not enhance the inhibitory effect of amikacin. Noncapsular variants of strains of K. pneumoniae were as susceptible to amikacin as the fully encapsulated strains, with or without salicylate present. Therefore, the combination of salicylate and the aminoglycosides acted synergistically to inhibit K. pneumoniae growth, but the increase in antibiotic sensitivity with salicylate was not a result of a reduction in CPS production. The use of salicylate in maximum therapeutic doses may enhance the activity of aminoglycosides sufficiently to allow the dose of aminoglycoside to be reduced when infections due to K. pneumoniae are treated.
Sex and Estrous Cycle Differences in the Behavioral Effects of High-Strength Static Magnetic Fields: Role of Ovarian Steroids

Advances in magnetic resonance imaging are driving the development of higher-resolution machines equipped with high-strength static magnetic fields (MFs). The behavioral effects of high-strength MF...
Use of Biocarrier Beads and Flow Cytometry for Single-Cell Studies of Fibronectin Gene Regulation in Dibutyrl Cyclic AMP Reverse Transformed CHO-K1 Cells

The protease sensitivity of a number of cell surface or cytoskeletal components and the relationship of these to the substratum in attached cells has prevented the quantitative measurement of their expression by flow cytometry. Using traditional cell sorting techniques, cells must be treated with a protease to detach them from a substrate in order to produce a single-cell suspension.
A rapid magnetic particle driven micromixer

Performances of a magnetic particle driven micromixer are predicted numerically. This micromixer takes advantages of mixing enhancements induced by alternating actuation of magnetic particles suspended in the fluid. Effects of magnetic actuation force, switching frequency and channel’s lateral dimension have been investigated. Numerical results show that the magnetic particle actuation at an appropriate frequency causes effective mixing and the optimum switching frequency depends on the channel’s lateral dimension and the applied magnetic force. The maximum efficiency is obtained at a relatively high operating frequency for large magnetic actuation forces and narrow microchannels. If the magnetic particles are actuated with a much higher or lower frequency than the optimum switching frequency, they tend to add limited agitation to the fluid flow and do not enhance the mixing significantly. The optimum switching frequency obtained from the present numerical prediction is in good agreement with the theoretical analysis. The proposed mixing scheme not only provides an excellent mixing, even in simple microchannel, but also can be easily applied to lab-on-a-chip applications with a pair of external electromagnets.
A predicted hairpin cluster correlates with barriers to PCR, sequencing and possibly BAC recombineering

Formation of higher-order structure of nucleic acids (hairpins or loops, for example) may impact not only gene regulation, but also molecular biology techniques and approaches critical for design and production of vectors needed for genetic engineering approaches. In the course of designing vectors aimed to modify the murine Foxd3 locus through homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells, we discovered a 370 nucleotide segment of DNA resistant to polymerase read-through. In addition to sequencing and PCR disruptions, we were unable to use BAC recombineering strategies to exchange sequences within the Foxd3 locus. This segment corresponds to a putative DNA hairpin region just upstream of the 5’ untranslated region of Foxd3. This region is also highly conserved across vertebrate species, suggesting possible functional significance. Our findings provide a cautionary note for researchers experiencing technical challenges with BAC recombineering or other molecular biology methods requiring recombination or polymerase activity.
Effect of Different Doses of Aerobic Exercise on Total White Blood Cell (WBC) and WBC Subfraction Number in Postmenopausal Women: Results from DREW

Background Elevated total white blood cell (WBC) count is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and death. Aerobic exercise is associated with lower total WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts. However, no studies have evaluated the effect of the amount of aerobic exercise (dose) on total WBC and WBC subfraction counts. Purpose To examine the effects of 3 different doses of aerobic exercise on changes in total WBC and WBC subfraction counts and independent effects of changes in fitness, adiposity, markers of inflammation (IL-6, TNF-α, C-reactive protein), fasting glucose metabolism, and adiponectin. Methods Data from 390 sedentary, overweight/obese postmenopausal women from the DREW study were used in these analyses. Women were randomized to a non-exercise control group or one of 3 exercise groups: energy expenditure of 4, 8, or 12 kcal kg−1⋅week−1 (KKW) for 6 months at an intensity of 50% VO2peak. Results A dose-dependent decrease in total WBC counts (trend P = 0.002) was observed with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (−163.1±140.0 cells/µL; mean±95%CI) compared with the control (138.6±144.7 cells/µL). A similar response was seen in the neutrophil subfraction (trend P = 0.001) with a significant decrease in the 12KKW group (−152.6±115.1 cells/µL) compared with both the control and 4KKW groups (96.4±119.0 and 21.9±95.3 cells/µL, respectively) and in the 8KKW group (−102.4±125.0 cells/µL) compared with the control. When divided into high/low baseline WBC categories (median split), a dose-dependent decrease in both total WBCs (P = 0.003) and neutrophils (P<0.001) was observed in women with high baseline WBC counts. The effects of exercise dose on total WBC and neutrophil counts persisted after accounting for significant independent effects of change in waist circumference and IL-6. Conclusion Aerobic exercise training reduces total WBC and neutrophil counts, in a dose-dependent manner, in overweight/obese postmenopausal women and is especially beneficial for those with systemic low grade inflammation. Clinical Trials Identifier: NCT00011193
Mechanical characterization of zinc oxide nanowires

Semiconductor nanowires like zinc oxide nanowires are potential materials for future nanoscale sensors and actuators. Due to their unique length scale, they are expected to have length-scale dependent mechanical properties. In this paper, we report experimental investigations on the mechanical properties of zinc oxide nanowires. We have designed a MEMS test-bed for mechanical characterization of nanowires and use a microscale version of pick-and-place as a generic specimen preparation and manipulation technique. We performed experiments on zinc oxide nanowires inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and estimated the Young's modulus to be approximately 21 GPa and the fracture strain to vary from 5 % to 15 %.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Recreating the Sinus Node by Somatic Reprogramming: A Dream Come True?

Electronic pacemakers have been the standard of care for over 50 years for patients with symptomatic bradycardia caused by conditions such as sick sinus syndrome, complete heart block, and congenital heart block. Effective, electronic devices are subject to hardware malfunction, recalls of generators and leads, implantrelated complications and infections. Although the incidence is not high, device-related infections continue to rise, affecting over 2% of device implants and often requiring complete hardware removal and treatment with systemic antibiotics, hospitalization, and placement of a backup temporary pacemaker wire in pacemaker-dependent patients. Another important at-risk population that could benefit from biological pacemakers are fetuses with congenital heart block (frequently related to maternal antiRo/SSA antibodies). Those patients cannot receive intra-uterine electronic devices and frequently develop fatal hydrops-fetalis because of their inability to maintain an adequate heart rate to support the circulation. As an alternative to electronic devices, our group and others have been working for over a decade to develop biological alternatives to electronic pacemakers. Many important contributions have been made to the field, and, despite positive popular press (eg, Briggs), skeptical opinions have been expressed by experts in the field about the prospects of clinical application. The purpose of the present editorial is to review the different biological pacemaker strategies focusing on the potential for human translation.
LIGHT AND NUTRIENT DEPENDENCE OF PHOTOSYNTHESIS BY ALGAE1

The validity of a recent nutrient-based modal of algal photosynthesis was tested using phosphorus-limited semi-continuous cultures of the green alga, Scenedesmus quadricauda. The data suggest that light-saturate photosynthesis (P opt, mg C · mg chla−1· h−1) is a hyperbolic function of cellular phosphorus quota (Qp), whether Qp is expressed per unit cellular chlorophyll a, per unit dry weight, or per cell number. Furthermore, the light availability during growth appears to have little effect on these hyperbolic relationships over the range of light intensities studied here (65–110 μE · m−2· s−1). These data, and data presented from other published studies, suggest that the cell quota model is a valid empirical description of the photosynthetic behavior of nutrient-limited cells.
Determinants of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Sac Enlargement After Endovascular Aneurysm Repair with a Long-Term Follow-Up to 15 Years

Studies have documented abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) enlargement in up to 41% of patients 5 years after endovascular repair (EVAR). Noting limitations of patient selection and length of follow-up, the current analysis was undertaken to assess AAA enlargement in an unselected patient cohort with follow-up for up to 15 years after repair.
Regulation of SERCA2a by chronic ethanol: role of Akt (864.8)

Alcoholic cardiomyopathy is one of the leading causes of non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy accounting for 36% of cases. Almost 50% of alcoholics develop this disease. Previously our lab has demonstrated the up-regulation of intracellular Ca2+ (IC) in dilated cardiomyopathy by Akt. Here we investigate the role of Akt in regulating Ca2+ cycling proteins and contractility in chronic ethanol exposed cardiocytes. Parallel measures of IC and sarcomere/cellular contractions were assessed (Ionoptix) with the expression level (western blot) of Ca2+ handling proteins (sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase(SERCA2a), phospholamban(PLN), Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) and L-type Ca2+ channels(LTCC)) from control, low (LA: 0.02%), and high (HA: 0.45%) alcoholic rat hearts (4 months on Lieber DiCarli liquid diet), with and without Ad.EGFP and Ad.Akt transfection. Our results show an inotropically damaging increase in IC with HA but not with LA. In parallel, NCX protein expression is diminished in HA whereas that of LTCCs is...
Constitutive Activation of the N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor via Cleft-spanning Disulfide Bonds

Although the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor plays a critical role in the central nervous system, many questions remain regarding the relationship between its structure and functional properties. In particular, the involvement of ligand-binding domain closure in determining agonist efficacy, which has been reported in other glutamate receptor subtypes, remains unresolved. To address this question, we designed dual cysteine point mutations spanning the NR1 and NR2 ligand-binding clefts, aiming to stabilize these domains in closed cleft conformations. Two mutants, E522C/I691C in NR1 (EI) and K487C/N687C in NR2 (KN) were found to exhibit significant glycine- and glutamate-independent activation, respectively, and co-expression of the two subunits produced a constitutively active channel. However, both individual mutants could be activated above constitutive levels in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that cleft closure does not completely prevent agonist association. Interestingly, whereas the NR2 KN disulfide was found to potentiate channel gating and M3 accessibility, NR1 EI exhibited the opposite phenotype, suggesting that the EI disulfide may trap the NR1 ligand-binding domain in a lower efficacy conformation. Furthermore, both mutants affected agonist sensitivity at the opposing subunit, suggesting that closed cleft stabilization may contribute to coupling between the subunits. These results support a correlation between cleft stability and receptor activation, providing compelling evidence for the Venus flytrap mechanism of glutamate receptor domain closure.
Impact of surgical resection on survival in patients with advanced head and neck cancer involving the carotid artery

Importance The present study addresses the survival benefit of aggressive surgical treatment of head and neck cancer involving the carotid artery. Objective To assess survival outcomes in patients treated for advanced squamous cell carcinoma involving the carotid artery using different treatment strategies. Design, Setting, and Participants Retrospective study at a tertiary care center of 44 consecutive patients with squamous cell carcinoma involving the carotid artery from 2005 to 2012 with a median follow-up of 12 months. The radiologist was blinded to the outcome of surgical procedures. Interventions Surgery with or without radiotherapy, and definitive chemoradiation. Main Outcomes and Measures Overall survival and rates of locoregional and distant failures. The hypothesis was formulated before data collection. Results Of 44 patients, 35 (80%) were treated with curative intent with surgery with or without adjuvant therapy (n = 27 [61%]) or definitive chemoradiation therapy (n = 8 [18%]), while 9 patients (21%) were treated in a palliative fashion. Patients treated with curative intent had improved overall survival (median survival, 13.5 months) compared with the palliative group (median survival, 3.6 months) ( P = .001). Of patients treated with curative intent, those with previously untreated disease (n = 14 [40%]) had an improved outcome relative to patients with recurrent or persistent disease (n = 21 [60%]), with median survival of 38.7 and 9.6 months, respectively ( P = .008). Patients were treated with curative intent using 3 different treatment strategies (ie, carotid artery resection with or without reanastamosis) (n = 6 [17%]), curative peeling with or without adjuvant therapy (n = 21 [ 60%]), and definitive chemoradiation therapy (n = 8 [23%]). Survival outcome was not significantly different between subgroups treated with curative intention ( P = .47). When reviewed by a head and neck radiologist in a blinded fashion (n = 30), preintervention imaging had a positive predictive value of 72.7% for resectability of cancer involving the carotid artery. In cases with almost circumferential involvement (>270°) and narrowing of the carotid artery, the disease was unresectable (n = 3). Conclusions and Relevance Advanced head and neck cancer involving the carotid artery can be treated with curative intent with favorable results in most patients. If disease burden merits, an aggressive approach involving resection with or without reanastamosis of the carotid artery can be used without significant added morbidity.
Concerted Motion and Hydration of the Beta-2-Adrenergic Receptor Revealed by Microsecond Time Scale Molecular Dynamics

The recent crystallographic structures of class A G protein-coupled receptors have shown important differences with their archetypal model, rhodopsin, such as the apparent breaking of the ionic lock that stabilizes the inactive structure. Here, we characterize a 1.02 microsecond all atom simulation of an apo beta-2-adrenergic receptor that is missing the 3rd intracellular loop in order to better understand the inactive structure. The lock rapidly reforms, although there is an activation-precursor-like event where the ionic lock opens for approximately 200ns, accompanied by movements in the transmembrane helices associated with activation. The lock is also found to exist in three states: closed, semi-open with a bridging water molecule, and open. The interconversion of the lock states involves concerted motion of the entire protein. We characterize these states and the concerted motions underlying their interconversion through principal component analysis. These motions are subtle, however, as the structure is found to be remarkably rigid throughout simulation. There is also a rapid influx of water into the protein core along with a slight expansion of the structure relative to the crystal model, leaving the core of the receptor persistently hydrated. We further characterize the structure and dynamics of the internal waters by applying pattern matching methods.
On the basic principles of radar polarimetry: the target characteristic polarization state theory of Kennaugh, Huynen's polarization fork concept, and its extension to the partially polarized case

Basic principles of radar polarimetry are introduced. The target characteristic polarization state theory is developed first for the coherent case using the three stage, the basis transformation, and the power (Mueller) matrix optimization procedures. Kennaugh's and Huynen's theories of radar target polarimetry are verified for the monostatic reciprocal case. It is shown that there exist, in total, five unique pairs of characteristic polarization states for the symmetric scattering matrix of which two pairs, the cross-polarization null and copolarization max pairs, are identical, whereas the cross-pol max and the cross-pol saddlepoint pairs are distinct. The theory is verified by an example for which next to the polarization fork the copolarized and cross-polarized power density plots are also presented. The partially polarized case for completely polarized wave incidence is presented and compared with the results for the coherent and the partially coherent cases, the latter of which is still unresolved. >
The Effect of Fluticasone Propionate on Functional Status andSleep in Children With Asthma and on the Quality of Life of TheirParents

1. Mahajan P, 2. Pearlman D, 3. Okamoto L (1998) J Allergy Clin Immunol. 102:19–23. [OpenUrl][1][CrossRef][2][Medline][3][Web of Science][4] #### Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study was to assess the effect of treatment with fluticasone propionate (FP) on functional status and sleep disturbances in children and to evaluate possible changes in the quality of life of the parents of these children. ##### Study Population There was a placebo group of 106 children, average age 8.5 years; a group treated with 50 μg of FP bid numbering 111, average age 8.5 years; and a third group treated with 100 μg of FP, 108 patients, mean age of 8.2 years. ##### Study Methods Questionnaires were completed by parents and caregivers at baseline and at weeks 24 and 52, including the functional status II-R (FS II), the sleep scale for children (SLP-C), and the quality of life of parents … [1]: {openurl}?query=rft.jtitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2BAllergy%2Band%2BClinical%2BImmunology%26rft.stitle%253DJournal%2Bof%2BAllergy%2Band%2BClinical%2BImmunology%26rft.aulast%253DMahajan%26rft.auinit1%253DP.%26rft.volume%253D102%26rft.issue%253D1%26rft.spage%253D19%26rft.epage%253D23%26rft.atitle%253DThe%2Beffect%2Bof%2Bfluticasone%2Bpropionate%2Bon%2Bfunctional%2Bstatus%2Band%2Bsleep%2Bin%2Bchildren%2Bwith%2Basthma%2Band%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bquality%2Bof%2Blife%2Bof%2Btheir%2Bparents.%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Adoi%252F10.1016%252FS0091-6749%252898%252970050-8%26rft_id%253Dinfo%253Apmid%252F9679843%26rft.genre%253Darticle%26rft_val_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Ajournal%26ctx_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ver%253DZ39.88-2004%26url_ctx_fmt%253Dinfo%253Aofi%252Ffmt%253Akev%253Amtx%253Actx [2]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=10.1016/S0091-6749(98)70050-8&link_type=DOI [3]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=9679843&link_type=MED&atom=%2Fpediatrics%2F104%2FSupplement_2%2F387.1.atom [4]: /lookup/external-ref?access_num=000074909500005&link_type=ISI
Mitochondrial dysfunction in distal axons contributes to human immunodeficiency virus sensory neuropathy

Objective Accumulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage has been associated with aging and abnormal oxidative metabolism. We hypothesized that in human immunodeficiency virus associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN), damaged mtDNA accumulates in distal nerve segments and that a spatial pattern of mitochondrial dysfunction contribute to the distal degeneration of sensory nerve fibers.
The Genital Flora of Women with Intraamniotic Infection

The relationship of genital flora assessed at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy and intraamniotic infection diagnosed by clinical signs and symptoms during labor was evaluated. Women were enrolled at 23-26 weeks of gestation and followed through delivery in the multi-center Vaginal Infections and Prematurity Study (1984-1989). Among the cohort of 11,989 followed through delivery, 286 (2.4%) developed intraamniotic infection. The recovery of Gardnerella vaginalis (relative risk [RR] = 1.8; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.4-2.4), heavy growth of Bacteroides species (RR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.1), and isolation of Mycoplasma hominis (RR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.3-2.1) from the vagina at the end of the second trimester of pregnancy were associated with an increased risk of intraamniotic infection. Bacterial vaginosis was also associated with intraamniotic infection (RR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1-2.2). These findings extend prior studies by showing that prenatal cultures for microorganisms associated with bacterial vaginosis predicted an increased risk of intraamniotic infection.
A fast-transient over-sampled delta-sigma adaptive DC-DC converter for power-efficient noise-sensitive devices

This paper proposes a fast-transient over-sampled adaptive switching DC-DC converter. The converter employs a delta-sigma (ΔΣ) modulator to perform noise shaping at a variable and well regulated power output. As a result, the noise tones are much reduced compared to the conventional PWM converters. An observation-based line and load regulation circuit is proposed for fast response to variations at both power source and output load. A half-clock double-sampled technique is also presented to improve speed and resolution of the ΔΣ modulator. With TSMC 0.35 μm N-well CMOS process, the converter exhibits a ripple voltage of less than 8 mV with an on-chip filtering capacitor of 10 nF and a maximum load power of 450 mW. The regulated output voltage ranges from 0.35 V to 1.7 V. Compared with its PWM counterpart, the converter's noise peak is reduced by 35 dB at the nominal switching frequency of 9.2 MHz. The design provides an effective design solution to a large number of noise-sensitive applications.
Education for Adolescents with Disabilities Curriculum and Placement Issues

The seminal works by Dunn (1968) and Deno (1970) have had a significant effect on the field of special education. Although the emphasis of these two papers was by no means limited to issues concerning placement, nevertheless, much of their influence has been in regard to the issue of where students with disabilities should be educated. The literature in the field for the quarter century since publication of these two articles has been replete with papers advocating for various placement options. This emphasis on placement has often resulted in somewhat diminished attention to important questions concerning the content of educational programs. In particular, curricular concerns warrant paramount attention for adolescents who have disabilities. This concern is reinforced by the literature on adult outcomes, which paints a rather pessimistic picture of adult adjustment for students exiting from special education programs. Therefore, we contend that issues of educational service delivery should be secondary t...
Stationary self-propagating fronts in potential flow

Abstract We analyze the problem of stationary self-propagating fronts in potential flow. The issues of local existence and uniqueness for solutions of the ODE describing stationary fronts, multiplicity of solutions and linearized stability of a stationary front as a solution of the (hyperbolic) evolution equation are addressed. The results are illustrated in the case of the dual-source system, which is a simple model of a combustion system in which local extinction may arise. Model extensions for combustion applications are presented.
How chronic self-views influence (and mislead) self-assessments of task performance: Self-views shape bottom-up experiences with the task.

Self-assessments of task performance can draw on both top-down sources of information (preconceived notions about one’s ability at the task) and bottom-up cues (one’s concrete experience with the task itself). Past research has suggested that top-down self-views can mislead performance evaluations but has yet to specify the exact psychological mechanisms that produce this influence. Across 4 experiments, the authors tested the hypothesis that self-views influence performance evaluations by first shaping perceptions of bottom-up experiences with the task, which in turn inform performance evaluations. Consistent with this hypothesis, a relevant top-down belief influenced performance estimates only when learned of before, but not after, completing a task (Study 1), and measures of bottom-up experience were found to mediate the link between top-down beliefs about one’s abilities and performance evaluations (Studies 2– 4). Furthermore, perception of an objectively definable bottom-up cue (i.e., time it takes to solve a problem) was better predicted by a relevant self-view than the actual passage of time.
Analytical Study of Collaborative Information Coverage for Object Detection in Sensor Networks

Many sensor networks are deployed for the purpose of covering and monitoring a particular region, and detecting the object of interest in the region. In this paper, based on the probabilistic sensing model, we conduct comprehensive analytical and simulation studies on collaborative information coverage and object detection in wireless sensor networks. More specifically, we first define point information coverage and based on that we define p-coverage as a measure of the coverage performance for a randomly-deployed wireless sensor network. Then, we investigate the coverage and object detection performances of several simple decision fusion-based collaborative mechanisms and find that simple collaborations among active sensors indeed degrade the coverage performance due to the requirement of maintaining the target false detection probability. This motivates us to develop an on-demand collaborative framework for object detection, whose effectiveness is supported by detailed theoretical analysis and simulation-based validation. Finally, we investigate the energy efficiency performance of our proposed framework and identify the trade-offs among various system parameters in network power consumption.
Chloramphenicol: A Review of Its Use in Clinical Practice

Chloramphenicol has certain notable characteristics: it penetrates reliably into the central nervous system; it is usually bacteriostatic, but is bactericidal for Hemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Neisseria meningitidis; it is metabolized in the liver, and levels of drug in serum need to be monitored in patients with liver disease and in neonates. Potential toxicity limits the use of this drug. It has been estimated that death from aplastic anemia occurs in oe of 24,500-40,800 courses of treatment. The incidence of aplastic anemia after parenteral therapy is unknown; however, only a few cases have been reported. The gray baby syndrome occurred in premature and newborn infants receiving high or unmodified doses of chloramphenicol. This condition can be avoided by reduction of dosage and by monitoring levels of drug in the serum of these infants. The most common toxicity is a reversible, dose-related bone marrow suppression, which is identified by serial monitoring of reticulocyte and complete blood cell counts. Many of the indications for use of this drug are still controversial because studies comparing the toxicity and efficacy of chloramphenicol and of alternative antibiotics have not been done.
Using clouds for metagenomics: A case study

Cutting-edge sequencing systems produce data at a prodigious rate; and the analysis of these datasets requires significant computing resources. Cloud computing provides a tantalizing possibility for on-demand access to computing resources. However, many open questions remain. We present here a performance assessment of BLAST on real metagenomics data in a cloud setting in order to determine the viability of this approach. BLAST is one of the premier applications in bioinformatics and computational biology and is assumed to consume the vast majority of resources in that area.
Real-time dynamic trajectory optimization

This paper describes a trajectory optimization system that improves a vehicle's trajectory in real time, as the vehicle moves along it. Using this system, the vehicle begins moving as soon as a feasible, though non-optimal, trajectory is created. As the vehicle moves, the portion of the trajectory that has not been traversed is improved. A framework that allows the trajectory to be improved in real time while maintaining the continuity of the trajectory is presented. The parameter optimization system used to perform the dynamic optimization is discussed. The benefits of the real-time optimization system are demonstrated with experimental results from a thruster propelled air-cushion vehicle. It is shown that for maneuvers in a predictable environment, the real-time optimization system provides at least a 30 percent increase in performance compared to an online trajectory optimization system. In addition to improved performance in a predictable environment, it is shown that the real-time optimization system can compensate for unforeseen changes that occur while the vehicle is in motion. This capability is experimentally demonstrated by efficiently intercepting an evading target vehicle in an obstacle field, a task that would have been impossible without the real-time optimization system. (Author)
The What and Where of Visual Attention

The selective processing of sensory input during attention is known to take many forms, and different forms of attention likely reflect varying underlying neural mechanisms. Bichot and colleagues (2015) identify neurons that appear specialized for the control of feature-based visual attention.
Broadband 1-to-N Circuit Combiner for mm-wave Applications

Packaging mm-wave and THz circuits, poses many challenges due to the sensitivity of the circuits to any mismatch at the input or output. Traditional interfaces for combining circuits produce significant losses, and standing waves. This paper presents a unique approach to combing circuits at high frequency that results in reflection cancellation, and significant isolation between the circuits. The novel ‘iπ-wave’ approach relies on introducing a set of resistors and 180/N delay lines; where N is the number of circuits to be combined. The approach enables combing 1-to-N circuits with low loss due to its use of low impedance transmission lines, and provides a relative bandwidth of 50 – 200%. The concept is studied theoretically using simulations, and demonstrated experimentally with a 1-to-4 divider. The concept is demonstrated with a 5 – 45 GHz combiner circuit on low loss Alumina substrate featuring high isolation, low loss, and excellent reflection cancellation. The concept can be implemented in hybrid ci...
Abstract 69: Angiotensin II- Canonical TGF-β Signaling Downregulates Apelinergic Pathway in Hypertension

Background: Apelin is a novel peptide which along with its receptor, APJ, mediates apelinergic signaling. Apelinergic signaling plays a critical role in cardiovascular homeostasis, including regulation of blood pressure. While exogenous apelin blocks Angiotensin II (AngII) mediated nuclear signaling, the role and regulation of endogenous apelin in hypertension (HTN) remains obscure. We hypothesize that apelinergic pathway is downregulated in HTN, which is primarily mediated by aberrant AngII signaling. Approach: To test our hypothesis we utilized two mouse models of HTN, including AngII infusion and oral administration of N (ω)-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Blood pressure was monitored via noninvasive tail-cuff device. To determine the signaling involved we investigated the effect of AngII on apelinergic pathway in vitro. Results: Cardiac apelin was decreased significantly in both murine models of HTN. Downregulated apelin also corresponded with increased deposition of collagen, and up-regulation of senescence markers including PAI-1. Meanwhile, APJ levels were unaffected in both these hypertensive models. In our in vitro studies AngII downregulated apelin expression in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) and human cardiac fibroblasts (HCFs). Furthermore, our studies in AngII infused mice and in HCFs highlight the role of TGF-β-pSMAD signaling, independent of MEK involvement, in AngII induced apelin downregulation. Conclusion and Significance: Our studies demonstrate that aberrant AngII signaling downregulates apelin in HTN. This downregulation involves canonical Tgf-β1 signaling and affects apelin transcription. Importantly, we propose that AngII mediates its hypertensive pathology by decreasing apelinergic regulation. Since exogenous apelin blocks AngII signaling, further knowledge and negation of AngII induced apelin downregulation could result in the development of novel anti-hypertensive therapies.