cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Applications of synchrotron microtomography in osteoporosis research

Synchrotron microtomography enables us to visualize trabecular bone microarchitecture in 3D with a spatial resolution of a few microns. With recent developments in finite element modeling, it is possible to incorporate these images voxel by voxel into a finite-element model of the elastic properties of the bone. The ability to calculate mechanical behavior from 3D images will help us to understand the relationships between bone structure and properties.© (1997) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mammalian wound repair environment does not permit skeletal muscle regeneration

Repair and regeneration are mutually exclusive responses to injury. Previous studies have shown that wound fluids promote proliferation, but not differentiation, of myoblasts in vitro. This study explored the ability of the repair environment within polyvinyl alcohol sponges to support cellular events of skeletal muscle regeneration in vivo. Neonatal rat L8 myoblasts were modified to express beta-galactosidase then inoculated into plain sponges or sponges containing minced muscle. Labeled myoblasts were found in myotubes within minced muscle. In contrast, myoblasts inoculated into sponges lacking muscle remained mononucleate. Occurrence of labeled myoblasts within myotubes, which required fusion, represents differentiation of inoculated myoblasts to participate in regeneration. Failure of myoblasts to form myotubes in sponges lacking muscle suggests that this wound repair environment cannot support morphologic differentiation of myoblasts. Although this repair environment can support the survival of myoblasts, it did not support myogenesis, an event necessary to complete skeletal muscle regeneration. Data from this study reinforce earlier studies in vitro and suggest that the properties attributed to wound fluids are inherent in the wound environment. Whether the inability of this environment to support myogenesis is the consequence of the absence of essential factors or the presence of inhibitors remains to be determined.
Evolution of alu family repeats since the divergence of human and chimpanzee

The DNA sequences of three members of the Alu family of repeated sequences located 5′ to the chimpanzee α2 gene have been determined. The base sequences of the three corresponding human Alu family repeats have been previously determined, permitting the comparison of identical Alu family members in human and chimpanzee. Here we compare the sequences of seven pairs of chimpanzee and human Alu repeats. In each case, with the exception of minor sequence differences, the identical Alu repeat is located at identical sites in the human and chimpanzee genomes. The Alu repeats diverge at the rate expected for nonselected sequences. Sequence conversion has not replaced any of these 14 Alu family members since the divergence between chimpanzee and human.
Adiabatic motion of outer-zone particles in a model of the geoelectric and geomagnetic fields

Charged particle motions calculated in model of earth magnetosphere including magnetic and electric field
Couples’ voluntary HIV counseling and testing in antenatal care services: Implications for prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV

HIV/AIDS had been reported from the north of Thailand. Northern Thailand is the favorite living places of hill tribe people who migrated from the south China through Myanmar last 150 years ago. In the year 2011, reach to 600,000 people were living in these areas. The difference of culture and life styles of hill tribe people might be vulnerable for HIV/AIDS infection. This objective aimed to investigate the situation of HIV/AIDS among hill tribemarginalized and vulnerable population. Methods: The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The systematic data extraction from the medical records in 16 hospitals in northern Thailand during 1990-2010was performed. The six main hill tribe people: Akha, Lau, Karen, Yao, Kmong, and Lisuwere the target population. Chi square test was analyzed. Results: Totally 3130 cases were recruited into the study. 54.6% were male and 45.4%were female. The HIV/AIDS case had been reported in 1990, and the highest incident case had reported in the year 2004 with 461 cases followed by 2005 (343 cases), and 2006(302 cases) respectively. The highest cumulative case had been reported from Mae Fah Luang Hospital (25.8%), followed by Mae Suai hospital (18.8%). 46.0%were Akha, 19.7%were Lahu, and 9.5% were Yao. 38.8%were 31-40 years old, followed by 21-30 years old(33.6%), and 41-50 years old (13.4%). 44.4%were agriculture, 32.0% were employee, and 8.0% were un-specify. 91.6% were infected by sexual intercourse, 5.7%weremother to Child, and 0.5% were IDU. 66.7% were alive, and 65.8% were diagnosed as full born AIDS. 24.0% were receiving ARV, 30.7 were receiving OI treatment, and 9.5% were tested CD4 level. Male had higher of survival rate than female (p-value >0.001), and male were younger than female at the age of infection (p-value >0.001). There was statistically significant difference of mode of infection by tribe ((p-value >0.001). Conclusion: Specific health education programs and empower them for using condom are needed to setting up for HIV/AIDS prevention and control among hill tribe people in Thailand.
Asset management in civil engineering

The poor conditions and shortcomings in the performance of our physical infrastructures have increasingly been in the news and many experts have advocated for innovating the financing, planning, op...
Conformational heterogeneity of stability of apomyoglobin studied by hydrogen/deuterium exchange and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.

The solution conformations and stability of apomyoglobin (apo-Mb), at both neutral and acidic pH, have been investigated by analyzing charge state distributions observed in the mass spectra, and by on-line monitoring of the hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in combination with circular dichroism (CD). The results demonstrate that the conformation of apo-Mb, which lacks the heme group, is considerably less stable than that of holomyoglobin in identical solution conditions at neutral pH. ESI-MS shows that apo-Mb in the buffered solution at pH 7 (native state) and at pH 4.3 (intermediate state) yields two distinct charge state distributions that presumably correspond to different protein conformations. Both conformations have the same H/D exchange rate. This provides strong evidence that both the native and the intermediate state of apo-Mb have highly dynamic structures, consisting of two or more rapidly interconverting conformations rather than single fixed conformations. However, the H/D exchange rate of the acid-induced compact state of apo-Mb at pH approximately 2 [Goto, Y., Calciano, L. J., & Fink, A. L. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87, 573-577] indicates that it has a stable, partially folded conformation. Although CD data suggest that apo-Mb in H20 at pH 6 and in the buffered solution at pH 7 has a native-like secondary structure, the charge state distribution and the H/D exchange rate measurements indicate that a large portion of the apo-Mb molecules are unfolded or partially unfolded under these conditions. Thus, conformational information obtained from ESI-MS measurements of the charge state distributions and H/D exchange rates is complementary to that obtained from CD measurements. The combination of these three measurements can be used to assess the conformational stability and conformational heterogeneity of a protein.
Massively parallel finite volume computation of three-dimensional thermal convective flows

Abstract A parallel implementation of the finite volume method for three-dimensional, time-dependent, thermal convective flows is presented. The algebraic equations resulting from the finite volume discretization are solved by a parallel multigrid method. A flexible parallel code has been implemented on distributed-memory systems, by using domain decomposition techniques and the MPI communication software. The code uses one-, two- or three-dimensional partition according to different geometries. It currently runs on the Intel Paragon, the Cray T3D, T3E, the IBM SP2 and the Beowulf systems, which can be ported easily to other parallel systems. A comparison of the wallclock time of the code between these systems is made, and code performances with respect to different numbers of processors are presented.
Strongly nonlinear waves in a chain of Teflon beads.

One-dimensional “sonic vacuum” type phononic crystals were assembled from a chain of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE,Teflon) spheres with different diameters in a Teflon holder. It was demonstrated that this polymer-based sonic vacuum, with exceptionally low elastic modulus of particles, supports propagation of strongly nonlinear solitary waves with a very low speed. These solitary waves can be described using the classical nonlinear Hertz law despite the viscoelastic nature of the polymer and high strain rate deformation of the contact area. The experimentally measured speeds of solitary waves at high amplitudes are close to the theoretically estimated values with a Young’s modulus of 1.46 GPa obtained from shock wave experiments. This is significantly higher than the Young’s modulus of PTFE from ultrasonic measurements. Trains of strongly nonlinear solitary waves excited by an impact were investigated experimentally and were found to be in reasonable agreement with numerical calculations based on Hertz interaction law though exhibiting a significant dissipation.
Sources of the Carbon Atoms of Liver Glycogen Formed by Cortisol Administration to Rats in Vivo

When blood glucose is the major source of the carbons of liver glycogen, it would be expected that, on being measured with C14 label, the specific activities of the glucose and glycogen would be similar. This proved to be the case when large quantities of C14 glucose were administered orally to fasted normal and adrenalectomized rats. However, when trace quantities were given intravenously and the liver glycogen and blood glucose specific activities were determined during a 4-hr period after cortisol administration, less than 10% of the carbons of the glycogen formed could be attributed to the circulating glucose. Mixtures of glucose-6-H3, glycerol-C14 and alanine-Cu were given orally to fasted rats. Absorption was established by measurement of residual reducing substance and radioactivity in the intestine. It is estimated that about 50% of the carbons of the glycogen formed were derived from glycerol carbons, 20% from glucose, 5–10% from alanine and the remainder from endogenous sources. Cortisol adminis...
k/π ratio from high-energy heavy-ion collisions

Abstract In an expanding fireball model, we determine the k/π ratio from heavy-ion collisions at 14.5 GeV/nucleon available from the Brookhaven ACS. Assuming the formation of a quark-gluon plasma in the initial stage, we obtain ratios of ≈ 23% and ≈ 5% for K + / π + and k − / π − , respectively, which are comparable to the measured values. In the absence of quark-gluon plasma formation, the resulting k + / π + ratio has about the same value but the | k − / π − ratio is about a factor of two larger than the measured value.
High-Resolution Parallax Measurements of Scorpius X-1

The results of eight VLBA observations at 5 GHz, spanning 3 yr, have yielded a measured trigonometric parallax for Sco X-1 of 000036±000004; hence, its distance is 2.8±0.3 kpc. This is the most precise parallax measured to date. Although our measured distance is 40% farther away than previous estimates based on X-ray luminosity, our Rossi X-Ray Timing Explorer observations, with a measured luminosity of 2.3×1038 ergs s-1, and determined distance continue to support the hypothesis that Z-source low-mass X-ray binary systems, like Sco X-1, radiate at the Eddington luminosity at a particular point in their X-ray color-color diagram.
Airborne bacteria control under chamber and test-home conditions

The research reported in this paper investigates the ability of a portable UV-based control device (size=21in.×12in.×12in.) to reduce airborne indoor bacteria levels to at or below outdoor ambient levels. Under controlled conditions, laboratory scale chamber (size=48in.×36in.×48in.) experiments and field scale residence experiments were conducted using the UV control device. Pure cultures of Staphylococcus aureus were grown in culture media and atomized into bioaerosols in the laboratory chamber. The airborne levels of the bacteria were sampled using a six-stage Andersen sampler containing selective culture media plates, and the levels were counted as number of colony forming units per cubic meter of air. The UV control device reduced the atomizer-generated laboratory chamber Staphylococcus aureus levels from a range of 5,000–15,000 cfu/m3 to below 120 cfu/m3 within a 2 h period. Continuous operation of the UV control device in the bedroom and bathroom of a single-resident apartment reduced the Staphyloco...
Plasma triglyceride concentrations are rapidly reduced following individual bouts of endurance exercise in women

It is known that chronic endurance training leads to improvements in the lipoprotein profile, but less is known about changes that occur during postexercise recovery acutely. We analyzed triglyceride (TG), cholesterol classes and apolipoproteins in samples collected before, during and after individual moderate- and hard-intensity exercise sessions in men and women that were isoenergetic between intensities. Young healthy men (n = 9) and young healthy women (n = 9) were studied under three different conditions with diet unchanged between trials: (1) before, during and 3 h after 90 min of exercise at 45% VO2peak (E45); (2) before, during and 3 h after 60 min of exercise at 65% VO2peak (E65), and (3) in a time-matched sedentary control trial (C). At baseline, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was higher in women than men (P < 0.05). In men and in women, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-C, apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apolipoprotein B (apoB), and LDL peak particle size were unaltered by exercise either during exertion or after 3 h of recovery. In women, but not in men, average plasma TG was significantly reduced below C at 3 h postexercise by approximately 15% in E45 and 25% in E65 (P < 0.05) with no significant difference between exercise intensities. In summary, plasma TG concentration rapidly declines following exercise in women, but not in men. These results demonstrate an important mechanism by which each individual exercise session may incrementally reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women.
Non-uniform etching of single crystal GaAs

Abstract Antiphase domains have been observed in single crystal GaAs using a hydroxide eutectic etch. The defects have been identified in GaAs crystals grown by a number of techniques including Czochralski, Bridgman, and organometallic vapor phase epitaxy.
Organization of Vagal Afferents in Pylorus: Mechanoreceptors Arrayed for High Sensitivity and Fine Spatial Resolution?

Abstract The pylorus is innervated by vagal mechanoreceptors that project to gastrointestinal smooth muscle, but the distributions and specializations of vagal endings in the sphincter have not been fully characterized. To evaluate their organization, the neural tracer dextran biotin was injected into the nodose ganglia of rats. Following tracer transport, animals were perfused, and their pylori and antra were prepared as whole mounts. Specimens were processed to permanently label the tracer, and subsets were counterstained with Cuprolinic blue or immunostained for c-Kit. Intramuscular arrays (IMAs) in the circular muscle comprised the principal vagal afferent innervation of the sphincter. These pyloric ring IMAs were densely distributed and evidenced a variety of structural specializations. Morphometric comparisons between the arbors innervating the pylorus and a corresponding sample of IMAs in the adjacent antral circular muscle highlighted that sphincter IMAs branched profusely, forming more than twice as many branches as did antral IMAs (means of 405 vs. 165, respectively), and condensed their numerous neurites into compact receptive fields (∼ 48% of the area of antral IMAs) deep in the circular muscle (∼ 6 μm above the submucosa). Separate arbors of IMAs in the sphincter interdigitated and overlapped to form a 360° band of mechanoreceptors encircling the pyloric canal. The annulus of vagal IMA arbors, putative stretch receptors tightly intercalated in the sphincter ring and situated near the lumen of the pyloric canal, creates an architecture with the potential to generate gut reflexes on the basis of pyloric sensory maps of high sensitivity and fine spatial resolution.
Intracerebroventricular administration of a specific IL-1 receptor antagonist blocks food and water intake suppression induced by interleukin-1β

Intracerebroventricular (ICV) microinfusion of recombinant human interleukin-1 beta (rhIL-1 beta, 1.0 ng/rat) suppressed the short-term (2 h) food and water intakes in rats. ICV infusion of recombinant human IL-1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) had no effect on food or water intake. Concomitant ICV infusion of rhIL-1 beta (1.0 ng/rat) and increasing concentrations of rhIL-1ra (25 to 1000 ng/rat) resulted in a dose-dependent inhibition of the short-term food and water intake suppression induced by rhIL-1 beta. The highest doses of rhIL-1ra (500 and 1000 ng/rat) completely blocked the food and water intake suppression induced by rhIL-1 beta. This suggests specificity of IL-1 beta suppression of short-term feeding and drinking by a direct action in the central nervous system (CNS). This ability of rhIL-1ra may have potential therapeutic implications in acute and chronic pathological processes associated with increased levels of IL-1 and appetite suppression.
On uniqueness in the inverse problem for transversely isotropic elastic media with a disjoint wave mode

Abstract We study general anisotropic elastic media that have a disjoint wave mode, that is, elastic media with the property that one sheet of the slowness surface never intersects the others. We extend results from microlocal analysis to describe the propagation of singularities for the disjoint mode. Applying these results to the study of the dynamic inverse problem, we show that displacement–traction surface measurements uniquely determine the travel time between boundary points for the disjoint mode. We conclude that two of the five elastic parameters describing transversely isotropic elastodynamics with ellipsoidal slowness surfaces and a disjoint mode are partially determined by surface measurements. Our approach is well suited to inhomogeneous materials and applying microlocal analysis to the inverse problem.
Seasonal Changes in Methanogenesis and Methanogenic Community in Three Peatlands, New York State

Fluctuating environmental conditions can promote diversity and control dominance in community composition. In addition to seasonal temperature and moisture changes, seasonal supply of metabolic substrates selects populations temporally. Here we demonstrate cascading effects in the supply of metabolic substrates on methanogenesis and community composition of anaerobic methanogenic archaea in three contrasting peatlands in upstate New York. Fresh samples of peat soils, collected about every three months for 20 months and incubated at 22+2oC regardless of the in situ temperature, exhibited potential rates of methane (CH4) production of 0.02 to 0.2 mmol L-1 day-1 (380 to 3,800 nmol g-1 [dry] day-1). The addition of acetate stimulated rates of CH4 production in a fen peatland soil, whereas addition of hydrogen (H2), and simultaneous inhibition of H2-consuming acetogenic bacteria with rifampicin, stimulated CH4 production in two acidic bog soils, especially, in autumn and winter. The methanogenic community structure was characterized using TRFLP analyses of SSU rRNA genes. The E2 group of methanogens (Methanoregulaceae) dominated in the two acidic bog peatlands with relatively greater abundance in winter. In the fen peatland, the E1 group (Methanoregulaceae) and members of the Methanosaetaceae were co-dominant, with E1 having a high relative abundance in spring. Change in relative abundance profiles among methanogenic groups in response to added metabolic substrates was as predicted. The acetate-amendment increased abundance of Methanosarcinaceae, and H2-amendment enhanced abundance of E2 group in all peat soils studied, respectively. Additionally, addition of acetate increased abundance of Methanosaetaceae only in the bog soils. Variation in the supply of metabolic substrates helps explain the moderate diversity of methanogens in peatlands.
The relationship between corneal hysteresis and the magnitude of intraocular pressure reduction with topical prostaglandin therapy

Aims To evaluate corneal hysteresis (CH) and intraocular pressure (IOP) before and after IOP lowering with prostaglandin analogue (PGA) therapy in medication- naive eyes. Methods In this retrospective study, we included records from 57 consecutive patients with open angle glaucoma who were initiated on PGA. Patients underwent ocular response analyser measurement with IOP assessment at baseline (untreated) and at follow-up (treated). Results Median follow-up time between IOP measurements was 1.4 (range 0.4e13.5) months. IOP was reduced by 3.2 mm Hg (18.8%) from 17.0 to 13.8 mm Hg (p<0.001). CH increased by 0.5 mm Hg (5.2%) from 9.7 to 10.2 mm Hg (p¼0.02). Baseline CH (but not baseline central corneal thickness) was a significant predictor of the magnitude of IOP reduction, with patients in the lowest quartile of CH (mean 7.0 mm Hg) experiencing a 29.0% reduction in IOP while those in the highest CH quartile (mean 11.9 mm Hg) experienced a 7.6% reduction in IOP (p¼0.006). A multivariate analysis controlling for baseline IOP demonstrated that baseline CH independently predicted the magnitude of IOP reduction with PGA therapy in both per cent (s¼3.5, p¼0.01) and absolute (s¼0.6, p¼0.02) terms. Conclusion Although CH is influenced by IOP, baseline CH is independently associated with the magnitude of IOP reduction with PGA therapy.
Descent of a split RNA

tmRNA is found in the usual one-piece form in most cyanobacteria, but a small clade has an unusual two-piece form, resulting from processing of a circularly permuted precursor RNA. Here, the secondary structure of the cyanobacterial one-piece tmRNA is established by phylogenetic sequence comparison; it deviates from most tmRNAs in having an extra (fifth) pseudoknot and a branched structure at the end of the tag reading frame. Patterns of sequence conservation between the two cyanobacterial tmRNA types suggest particular events in the evolution of the two-piece form. A simple gene permutation model of tandem duplication followed by loss of the outermost segments appears inadequate. An additional rearrangement is proposed, in which a structure impaired by deletion was regenerated at the expense of a neighboring structure.
Postoperative outcomes among patients undergoing thoracostomy tube placement at time of diaphragm peritonectomy or resection during primary cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer.

Abstract Objective Primary cytoreductive surgery in patients with stage IIIC–IV epithelial ovarian cancer frequently includes diaphragm peritonectomy or resection, which can lead to symptomatic pleural effusions when the resection specimen is ≥10cm. Our objective was to evaluate whether the placement of an intraoperative thoracostomy tube decreased the incidence of symptomatic pleural effusions in these cases. Methods We identified 156 patients who underwent primary debulking surgery involving diaphragm peritonectomy or resection for stage III–IV ovarian cancer from 1/01–12/09. Using standard statistical tests, the incidence of symptomatic pleural effusions and other variables were compared between patients who did and did not have intraoperative chest tubes placed. Results Forty-nine patients had a resected diaphragm specimen ≥10cm in largest dimension; 28 (57%) did not undergo chest tube placement (NCT group) while 21 (43%) did (CT group). Mediastinal lymph node dissection (0% vs 19%, P=0.028) and liver resections (11% vs 38%, P=0.037) were higher in the CT group. Postoperatively, 57% of the NCT group developed a moderate or large pleural effusion compared to 19% of the CT group (P=0.007). Thirteen patients (46%) in the NCT group developed respiratory symptoms requiring either placement of a postoperative chest tube or thoracentesis compared to 3 patients (14%) in the CT group (P=0.018). Conclusions Diaphragm peritonectomy or resection can often lead to moderate or large pleural effusions that may become symptomatic. In these patients, intraoperative chest tube placement may be considered to decrease the incidence of symptomatic effusions and the need for postoperative chest tube placement or thoracentesis.
Kinetics and Metabolism of Chloral Hydrate in Children: Identification of Dichloroacetate as a Metabolite☆

Chloral hydrate was introduced into therapeutics more than 100 years ago, and since then a number of kinetic and metabolic studies have been conducted on this drug. Trichloroethanol, its glucuronide and trichloroacetic acid have been identified as the metabolites of chloral hydrate. We now report the identification of dichloroacetate as a major product of chloral hydrate metabolism in children, in addition to trichloroethanol and trichloroacetic acid. Furthermore, pretreatment of children with chloral hydrate appears to retard the plasma clearance of dichloroacetate.
Connexin 43 hemichannel opening associated with Prostaglandin E2 release is adaptively regulated by mechanical stimulation

Osteocytes present in the bone are known to be the major mechanosensory cells. Their involvement in mechanoregulation of bone remodeling is not yet clear. Osteocytes are connected with each other through gap junctions formed by Connexin 43 (Cx43). Apart from forming gap junctions, Cx43 in osteocytes is also present in the form of hemichannels. Recently, we have developed a unique antibody that specifically blocks hemichannels and does not have any effect on gap junctions. Cx43 hemichannels present in osteocytes of the bone are mechanosensory in nature as they open when subjected to mechanical stimulation in the form of fluid flow shear stress (FFSS). Opening of Cx43 hemichannels results in the release of molecules like Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) that are involved in bone remodeling. Our recent report shows that the opening of Cx43 hemichannels depends on the magnitude and duration of shear stress. When osteocytes are subjected to FFSS followed by a brief rest and reapplication of FFSS, it led to further increase in opening of Cx43 hemichannels. Application of continuous FFSS for longer periods of time (24 hrs) results in decreased opening of hemichannels. These results show that Cx43 hemichannels are adaptive in response to mechanical stimulation, possibly to regulate the release PGE(2) during bone remodeling.
Communication on noisy channels: a coding theorem for computation

Communication is critical to distributed computing, parallel computing, or any situation in which automata interact-hence its significance as a resource in computation. In view of the likelihood of errors occurring in a lengthy interaction, it is desirable to incorporate this possibility in the model of communication. The author relates the noisy channel and the standard (noise less channel) complexities of a communication problem by establishing a 'two-way' or interactive analogue of Shanon's coding theorem: every noiseless channel protocol can be simulated by a private-coin noisy channel protocol whose time bound is proportional to the original (noiseless) time bound and inversely proportional to the capacity of the channel, while the protocol errs with vanishing probability. The method involves simulating the original protocol while implementing a hierarchical system of progress checks which ensure that errors of any magnitude in the simulation are, with high probability, rapidly eliminated. >
VLSI digital signal processing education

Research in the field of VLSI digital signal processing (DSP) involves study of algorithms and architectures for VLSI implementation of signal and image processing algorithms, theory of architectures and design methodologies, and computer aided design of VLSI DSP systems which can meet the area-speed-power demands of applications using available technologies. The objective in design and implementation of VLSI DSP systems is to reduce the area and power while meeting the speed requirements of the real-time applications. Although about one and a half decades old, this field is still in its youth. The challenges in meeting the speed-power demands of new applications leads to innovations in theory of architectures. At the same time use of old techniques in new applications allows us to further generalize and extend known principles. Because of these continuing advances and because of lack of text books in this field, it remains difficult to educate practicing engineers and graduate students in this field. This paper presents can overview of two ten-week quarter courses offered at the University of Minnesota to train graduate students in this field. >
The Na-(K)-Cl cotransporter family in the mammalian kidney: molecular identification and function(s)

A new solute carrier gene family, SLC12, was recently described based on the molecular identification of three electroneutral Na-(K)-Cl cotransport proteins. In mammals, these proteins are encoded by three distinct but related genes: SLC12A1, SLC12A2, SLC12A3, which are located on different chromosomes. Although the expression patterns of these three cotransport proteins differ significantly, all of them are expressed in the mammalian kidney and participate in several important aspects of renal function. This review summarizes the information learned from the molecular identification of these cotransporters, evaluates the patterns of expression within the kidney, and discusses the roles that these cotransporters play in renal physiology and pathophysiology.
Cloning and sequencing of Staphylococcus aureus murC, a gene essential for cell wall biosynthesis

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human pathogen that is increasingly resistant to clinically useful antimicrobial agents. While screening for S. aureus genes expressed during mammalian infection, we isolated murC. This gene encodes UDP-N-acetylmuramoyl-L-alanine synthetase, an enzyme essential for cell wall biosynthesis in a number of bacteria. S. aureus MurC has a predicted mass 49,182 Da and complements the temperature-sensitive murC mutation of E. coli ST222. Sequence data on the DNA flanking staphylococcal murC suggests that the local gene organization there parallels that found in B. subtilis, but differs from that found in gram-negative bacterial pathogens. MurC proteins represent promising targets for broad spectrum antimicrobial drug development.
Comparison of cool tip versus 8-mm tip catheter in achieving electrical isolation of pulmonary veins for long-term control of atrial fibrillation: a prospective randomized pilot study.

Cool Tip and 8-mm Tip for Pulmonary Vein Isolation. Objective: To compare safety and efficacy of 8-mm versus cooled tip catheter in achieving electrical isolation (EI) of pulmonary veins (PV) for long-term control of atrial fibrillation (AF). Background: There is paucity of studies comparing safety/efficacy of 8-mm and cooled tip catheters in patients undergoing AF ablation. Methods and Results: This was a randomized and patient-blinded study. Subjects were followed by clinic visits (at 6 weeks and 6 months) and transtelephonic monitoring (3-week duration) done around each visit. Primary endpoints were: (1) long-term AF control (complete freedom and/or >90% reduction in AF burden on or off antiarrhythmic drugs at 6 months after a single ablation), and (2) occurrence of serious adverse events (cardiac tamponade, stroke, LA-esophageal fistula, and/or death). Eighty-two patients (age 56 ± 9 years, 60 males, paroxysmal AF = 59) were randomized (42 patients to 8-mm tip and 40 patients to cooled tip). EI of PVs was achieved in shorter time by the 8-mm tip as compared with cooled tip catheter (40 ± 23 minutes vs 50 ± 30 minutes; P < 0.05) but long-term AF control was not different between the two (32 patients [78%] vs 28 patients [70%], respectively; P = NS). One serious adverse event occurred in each group (LA-esophageal fistula and stroke, respectively) and no significant PV stenosis was observed in either. Conclusion: EI of PVs using either 8-mm or cooled tip catheter results in long-term AF control in the majority after a single ablation procedure, with comparable efficacy and safety.
Some work in progress at IBM’s Austin Research Lab

Summary form only given. Power-related research activities at IBM's Austin Research Lab (ARL) include low power circuitry, power-efficient microprocessor designs, and server systems power measurement and management at many different levels. Researchers are given the opportunity to see their contributions at all levels of product design, since IBM produces its own microprocessors for its System p, i, and z platforms as well as producing System x platforms with other vendors' microprocessors, as well as marketing Tivoli systems management middleware.
APOPTOSIS AND THE CELL CYCLE

In this review, we consider apoptosis as a process intimately linked to the cell cycle. There are several reasons for thinking of apoptosis as a cell cycle phenomenon. First, within the organism, apoptosis is almost exclusively found in proliferating tissues. Second, artificial manipulation of the cell cycle can either prevent or potentiate apoptosis, depending on the point of arrest. Data from such studies have suggested that molecules acting late in G1 are required for apoptosis. Since passage through late G1 into S phase in mammalian cells is known to be regulated by p53 and by activation of cyclin-dependent kinases, we also examine recent studies linking these molecules to the apoptotic pathway.
Crane operation using hand-motion and radio frequency identification tags

Payload oscillation inherent to all cranes makes it challenging for human operators to manipulate payloads quickly, accurately, and safely. Manipulation difficulty is also increased by non-intuitive crane control interfaces. A new type of crane control interface that allows an operator to drive a crane by moving his or her hand freely in space has been implemented on an industrial bridge crane. Real-time-location technology based on radio frequency sensors tracks the 3-D movements of a small tag held in the operator's hand. The tag's position is then used to drive the crane. Simulations of the crane dynamics and hand-motion control were compared with actual experimental data. The results show that a combination of aggressive PD feedback control gains and an input shaper is able to generate the desired characteristics of fast crane response and low residual oscillations.
The Tainos: Rise and Decline of the People Who Greeted Columbus by Irving Rouse, Yale University Press, New Haven. 1992

There are few people who can claim to command as much knowledge of the prehistory of the Caribbean as lrving Rouse. Professor Rouse began his field work in the Caribbean in the mid- 1930's; this book is his synthesis of the vast amount of information he has accumulated on the region in the half century that has elapsed since that time. In order to accomplish the tremendous task of interpret­ing nearly 6000 years of the region's prehistory, Rouse focused this book on the culture history of the Native American group known as the Tainos, the name given to the people who occupied much of the Caribbean upon the arrival of Europeans to the area in the 15th century AD.
A Simple Method for Amplifying RNA Targets (SMART)

We present a novel and simple method for amplifying RNA targets (named by its acronym, SMART), and for detection, using engineered amplification probes that overcome existing limitations of current RNA-based technologies. This system amplifies and detects optimal engineered ssDNA probes that hybridize to target RNA. The amplifiable probe-target RNA complex is captured on magnetic beads using a sequence-specific capture probe and is separated from unbound probe using a novel microfluidic technique. Hybridization sequences are not constrained as they are in conventional target-amplification reactions such as nucleic acid sequence amplification (NASBA). Our engineered ssDNA probe was amplified both off-chip and in a microchip reservoir at the end of the separation microchannel using isothermal NASBA. Optimal solution conditions for ssDNA amplification were investigated. Although KCl and MgCl2 are typically found in NASBA reactions, replacing 70 mmol/L of the 82 mmol/L total chloride ions with acetate resulted in optimal reaction conditions, particularly for low but clinically relevant probe concentrations (≤100 fmol/L). With the optimal probe design and solution conditions, we also successfully removed the initial heating step of NASBA, thus achieving a true isothermal reaction. The SMART assay using a synthetic model influenza DNA target sequence served as a fundamental demonstration of the efficacy of the capture and microfluidic separation system, thus bridging our system to a clinically relevant detection problem.
Functional evaluation of magnetic microactuators for removing biological accumulation: An in vitro study

Here we demonstrate the functional capability of microfabricated magnetic actuators in clearing biological accumulation on a model catheter pore. Cell-clearing performance was quantitatively measured by comparing the effect of actuation on the cell density of aggressively growing adherent murine cells. Devices were actuated at a frequency of 100 Hz and a magnetic field of 17.8 kA/m for 30, 45, or 60 min. On average, microactuators removed 37.4% of the adherent cells. The results also revealed that the cell-clearing capability of the microactuator increased as a function of the actuation duration and angle of deflection.
Electrical models for vertical carbon nanotube capacitors

We present electrical models for a carbon nanotube capacitor with high capacitance per unit area. We begin by introducing the concept of using vertically grown carbon nanotubes to develop a carbon nanotube capacitor. Three potential structures of the carbon nanotube capacitor are presented. We determine the capacitance per unit area for each structure. The carbon nanotube capacitor structures exhibit capacitances per unit area from 50fF/µm2 to 387fF/µm2 as a function of carbon nanotube diameter, inter-nanotube spacing, and nanotube length.
Cytoplasmic complex of p53 and eEF2

We have shown previously that cytoplasmic p53 is covalently linked to 5.8S rRNA. The covalent complex is associated with a small subset of polyribosomes, which includes polyribosomes translating p53 mRNA. Because 5.8S rRNA resides in or near the ribosomal P site, our findings suggested involvement of p53 in translational regulation. Ninety-seven kiloDaltons eEF2 was found to coimmunoprecipitate in a salt-stable complex with p53. The 97 kDa species was identified as eEF2, because it was (1) recognized by a polyclonal antiserum specific for eEF2, (2) ADP-ribosylated by diphtheria toxin (DT), and (3) radiolabeled by gamma-32P-azido-GTP and UV-irradiation. p53 and eEF2 sedimented in sucrose gradients in both polyribosomal and subribosomal fractions. Subribosomal p53 can bind eEF2 without the mediation of ribosomes, because (1) it binds subribososomal eEF2, (2) it binds phosphorylated eEF2, and (3) subribosomal p53-bound eEF2 can be ADP-ribosylated by DT. No effect of p53 activation was found on eEF2 expression or phosphorylation. However, the binding of eEF2 to p53 decreased when cytoplasmic p53 migrated to the nucleus. Renaturation of temperature sensitive A135V mutant p53 (ts-p53) was found to alter the sensitivity of p53 mRNA translation, but not bulk mRNA translation, to the translocation-specific elongation inhibitor, cycloheximide (Cx). The association of p53 with two translational components involved in ribosomal translocation, eEF2 and 5.8S rRNA, and the effect of p53 on sensitivity to the translocation inhibitor, Cx, as well as the known molecular interactions of these components in the ribosome suggest involvement of p53 in elongation.
Corticocortical connection patterns reveal two distinct visual cortical areas bordering dorsal V2 in marmoset monkey

The organization of the cortex located immediately anterior to the second visual area (V2), i.e., the third tier visual cortex, remains controversial, especially in New World primates. In particular, there is lack of consensus regarding the exact location and extent of the lower visual quadrant representation of the third visual area V3 (or ventrolateral posterior -VLP - of a different nomenclature). Microelectrode and connectional mapping studies have revealed the existence of an upper visual quadrant representation abutting dorsal V2 anteriorly, and bordered medially and laterally by representations of the lower visual quadrant. It remains unclear whether these lower field regions are both part of a single area V3, which is split into two patches by an interposed region of upper field representation, or whether they are the lower field representations of two different areas, the dorsomedial area (DM) and area V3/VLP, respectively. To address this question, we quantitatively analyzed the patterns of corticocortical afferent connections labeled by tracer injections targeted to these two lower field regions in the dorsal aspect of the third tier cortex. We found different inter-areal connectivity patterns arising from these two regions, strongly suggesting that they belong to two different visual areas. In particular, our results indicate that the dorsal aspect of the third tier cortex consists of two distinct areas: a full area DM, representing the lower quadrant medially, and the upper quadrant laterally, and the lower quadrant representation of V3/VLP, located laterally to upper field DM. DM is predominantly connected with areas of the dorsal visual stream, and V3/VLP with areas of the ventral stream. These results prompt further functional investigations of the third tier cortex, as previous studies of this cortical territory may have pooled response properties of two very different areas into a single area V3.
Household livelihoods and conflict with wildlife in community-based conservation areas across northern Tanzania

Author(s): Salerno, J; Borgerhoff Mulder, M; Grote, MN; Ghiselli, M; Packer, C | Abstract: Conservation strategies to protect biodiversity and support household livelihoods face numerous challenges. Across the tropics, efforts focus on balancing trade-offs in local communities near the borders of protected areas. Devolving rights and control over certain resources to communities is increasingly considered necessary, but decades of attempts have yielded limited success and few lessons on how such interventions could be successful in improving livelihoods. We investigated a key feature of household well-being, the experience of food insecurity, in villages across Tanzania's northern wildlife tourist circuit. Using a sample of 2,499 primarily livestock-keeping households we compared food insecurity in villages participating in the country's principal community-based conservation strategy with nearby control areas. We tested whether community-based projects could offset the central costs experienced by households near strictly protected areas (i.e. frequent human-wildlife conflict and restricted access to resources). We found substantial heterogeneity in outcomes associated with the presence of community-based conservation projects across multiple project sites. Although households in project villages experienced more frequent conflict with wildlife and received few provisioned benefits, there is evidence that these households may have been buffered to some degree against negative effects of wildlife conflict. We interpret our results in light of qualitative institutional factors that may explain various project outcomes. Tanzania, like many areas of conservation importance, contains threatened biodiversity alongside areas of extreme poverty. Our analyses highlight the need to examine more precisely the complex and locally specific mechanisms by which interventions do or do not benefit wildlife and local communities.
A Case of HDR Syndrome and Ichthyosis: Dual Diagnosis by Whole-Genome Sequencing of Novel Mutations in GATA3 and STS Genes.

Context: Atypical presentations of complex multisystem disorders may elude diagnosis based on clinical findings only. Appropriate diagnostic tests may not be available or available tests may not provide appropriate coverage of relevant genomic regions for patients with complex phenotypes. Clinical whole-exome/-genome sequencing is often considered for complex patients lacking a definitive diagnosis. Case Description: A boy who is now 7 years old presented as a newborn with congenital ichthyosis. At 6 weeks of age, he presented with failure to thrive and hypoparathyroidism. At 4 years of age, he was diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss. Whole-genome sequencing identified novel mutations in GATA3, which causes HDR syndrome (hypoparathyroidism and deafness), and STS, which causes X -linked congenital ichthyosis. Conclusion: Whole-genome sequencing led to a definitive clinical diagnosis in a case where no other clinical test was available for GATA3, and no sequencing panel would have included both genes ...
Access and Complications of Parenteral Nutrition

Choosing proper access for parenteral nutrition requires an understanding of vascular anatomy as well as the various types of catheters. But it also requires an understanding of how location can impact on complicatoin rates. The most common complications of parenteral nutrition include mechanical (eg pneumothorax, bleeding, or venous thrombosis), infections (eg central line associated blood stream infection), and metabolic (eg refeeding syndrome, hyperglycemia.
A Note on the "Union Effect" in VSL Studies

Viscusi and Aldy (2003) observe that "most studies of the U.S. labor market find that union affiliation is positively correlated with a greater wage-risk tradeoff while international evidence is much more mixed." They provide several arguments as to why the risk premium might be higher for union members (marginal versus average worker preference, the quasi-public good nature of workplace safety, and better safety information for the unionized). An alternative explanation - concentration of union membership in undesirable locations - can account for both the apparent higher risk premium in union jobs in the United States and the failure to find that gap in the international setting. Moreover, the explanation advanced here can account for the anomalous finding in several papers that non-union workers appear to have negative compensating differentials for risk.
Chemical Control of Crystal Growth with Multidentate Carboxylate Ligands: Effect of Ligand Denticity on Zinc Oxide Crystal Shape

Ligand denticity profoundly affects the ability of organic ligands to control crystal shape during aqueous crystallization of zinc oxide. A method is presented for rapidly screening the shape-control activity of organic molecules during zinc oxide crystallization. This method involves the solution-phase growth and isolation of zinc oxide crystals large enough to be quantified by optical microscopy. Crystals grown by this method were hexagonally prismatic with a rod-like morphology, but in the presence of multidentate carboxylate ligands, a platy morphology developed. By quantifying the aspect ratio of crystals as a function of ligand concentration, the shape-control activities of three carboxylate ligands were compared systematically. Shape control was strongest in a tridentate ligand (citrate), weaker in a bidentate ligand (malate), and absent in a monodentate ligand (glycolate). The effect of denticity, coupled with trends in crystal length and width, suggests that ligands alter the deposition rate on s...