cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Left-sided implantation of a biventricular implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in dextrocardia.

Figure 1 A 63-year-old man with situs inversus had undergone ortic valve replacement and mitral valve repair in 1997. In pril 2006, he received a transvenous DDD biventricular mplantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD; Medtronic 7200 nSync Sentry with Medtronic leads: 5076 atrial, 6949 right entricular, and 4194 bipolar left ventricular lead in a poserior coronary vein) for dilated nonischemic cardiomyopthy (left ventricular ejection fraction 25%), refractory conestive heart failure, left bundle branch block, and left entricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony (80 ms septal to osterior wall by tissue Doppler imaging according to the ethod of Bax et al). Device testing at implantation and ollow-up 1 month later were satisfactory. An overpentrated posteroanterior chest x-ray film (Figure 1A) shows he three leads and dextrocardia. The black arrow points to he LV lead, and the white arrow points to the right atrial crew-in lead. Figure 1B shows the lateral view, with the rrow pointing to the LV lead. Right-sided and left-sided CGs recorded during LV pacing revealed identical paterns in the frontal plane leads and basically similar configrations in leads V1–V3, with a dominant R wave of the entricular paced beats. The chest x-ray films demonstrate the feasibility of cariac resynchronization in the setting of dextrocardia. No ajor technical problems were encountered during the imlantation procedure.
Influence of Geometric Features and Material Orientation in Piezoelectric Ceramic Materials

Orientation between loading and material property directions is a concern for both polycrystalline and single crystal piezoelectric materials. The design of devices fabricated from piezoelectric materials emphasizes alignment between principal actuation direction and a specific coupling coefficient direction. However, loading and actuation directions may not always be aligned. Complex component geometry, multiple loading types, multiple loading paths and fabrication tolerances may result in misalignment between mechanical loading direction, principal actuation direction, electrical loading direction and material property orientation. In this work a computational study is presented that examines the effects of off-axis loading as well as geometric features for piezoelectric ceramics. An ASTM dog-bone shaped tensile specimen is modified by the addition of cut-out features to provide geometry stress concentrations at various angles to the primary mechanical loading direction. Polycrystalline PZT-5A material properties are used. Mechanical loading is applied as in a standard tensile strength test. Electrical loading direction is aligned with the mechanical loading direction. The tensile specimen is also subjected to sequential mechanical and electrical loadings. In the initial condition the d33 axis is aligned with the mechanical loading direction of the tensile specimen. Additional runs are made after rotating the material axes away from the principal mechanical loading axes of the tensile specimen. Stress patterns and location of maximum stress levels, indicating initial failure sites, are discussed in terms of the complex relationship between geometric features, material orientation and loading condition.Copyright © 2005 by ASME
Selecting Children For Special Education In New York City: William Maxwell, Elizabeth Farrell, And The Development Of Ungraded Classes, 1900-1920

The first two decades of the twentieth century witnessed efforts in many of America's great cities to provide special classes for mildly retarded children. Many of today's special education issues on such questions as defining programs, selecting children, and preparing teachers were already concerns then. This paper concerns the efforts of Elizabeth Farrell and City Superintendent of Schools William Henry Maxwell to establish ungraded classes in New York City between 1900 and 1920. Their effort was a successful one, but it also included struggles to find and train qualified teachers, correctly identify children to be served, provide ample classroom space—and do all of that in a fair and equitable manner. Teachers and principals frequently wanted to refer for special class assignment students who were troublesome, but not necessarily mentally retarded. By 1920, proponents of special education believed that intelligence testing had finally given educators a fair, objective, and scientific means to determin...
Perfluoroalkyl-substituted ethylene carbonates: Novel electrolyte additives for high-voltage lithium-ion batteries

Abstract A new family of polyfluoroalkyl-substituted ethylene carbonates is synthesized and tested as additives in lithium-ion cells containing EC:EMC + LiPF 6 -based electrolyte. The influence of these compounds is investigated in Li 1.2 Ni 0.15 Mn 0.55 Co 0.1 O 2 //graphite cells via a combination of galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) tests. Among the four additives studied in this work (4-(trifluoromethyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (TFM-EC), 4-(perfluorobutyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFB-EC), 4-(perfluorohexyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFH-EC), and 4-(perfluorooctyl)-1,3-dioxolan-2-one (PFO-EC)), small amounts (0.5 wt%) of PFO-EC is found to be most effective in lessening cell performance degradation during extended cycling. Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy are used to further characterize the effects of PFO-EC on the positive and negative electrodes. LSV data from the electrolyte, and XPS analyses of electrodes harvested after cycling, suggest that PFO-EC is oxidized on the cathode forming surface films that slow electrode/cell impedance rise. Differential capacity (dQ/dV) plots from graphite//Li cells suggest that PFO-EC is involved in solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation. Raman data from anodes after cycling suggest that structural disordering of graphite is reduced by the addition of PFO-EC, which may explain the improved cell capacity retention.
Effect of arterial blood pressure reduction on renal hemodynamics in the developing lamb.

Aperia, A. and P. Herin. Effect of arterial blood pressure reduction on renal hernodynamics in the developing lamb. Acta physiol. scand. 1976. 98. 387–394. The relationship between pressure and flow in the kidney has been examined in 2–9 and 31–48 day old lambs. Renal blood flow (RBF), determined by the microsphere technique, and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) were first studied under control conditions. The abdominal aorta was then constricted above the renal arteries until the pressure ranged between 60 and 70 mmHg, i.e. just below the normal auto-regulatory range, and the hemodynamic recordings were repeated. During control conditions the arterial pressure was lower in the younger (93 mmHg) than in the older lambs (107 mmHg). During aortic constriction total RBF and GFR were reduced. In both age groups GFR was reduced out of proportion to RBF. The sodium excretion fell around 60% in both age groups. The fall in perfusion pressure resulted in a more pronounced blood flow reduction to the outer than to the inner cortical glomerular capillaries. This pressure-induced blood flow redistribution was found in both age groups. The consequences of the pronounced effect of reducing the perfusion pressure to 60–65 mmHg for the young lambs with their basally low arterial blood pressure are discussed.
Irradiation for xenogeneic transplantation.

Abstract Xenogeneic transplantation (XT) is the transplantation of organs or tissues from a member of one species to a member of another. Mammalian species frequently have circulating antibody which is directed against the foreign organ irrespective of known prior antigen exposure. This antibody may lead to hyperacute rejection. There is no reliable means to avert hyperacute rejection once it ensues so efforts must be directed towards eliminating the pre-existing antibody. In those species in which hyperacute rejection of xenografts does not occur, cell-mediated rejection, similar to allograft rejection, may occur. It is in the prevention of this latter form of rejection that radiation is most likely to be beneficial in XT. Both total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) and selective lymphoid irradiation (SLI) have been investigated for use in conjunction with XT. TLI has contributed to the prolongation of pancreatic islet-cell xenografts from hamsters to rats. TLI has also markedly prolonged the survival of cardiac transplants from hamsters to rats. A more modest prolongation of graft survival has been seen with the use of TLI in rabbit-to-rat exchanges. Therapy with TLI, cyclosporine, and splenectomy has markedly prolonged the survival of liver transplants from hamsters to rats, and preliminary data suggest that TLI may contribute to the prolongation of graft survival in the transplantation of hearts from monkeys to baboons. SLI appears to have prolonged graft survival, when used in conjunction with anti-lymphocyte globulin, in hamster-to-rat cardiac graft exchanges. The current state of knowledge of the use of irradiation in experimental XT is reviewed.
Web-based service of a visualization package “Amira” for the geosciences

Amira is a powerful three-dimensional visualization package that has been employed recently by the science and engineering communities to gain insight into their data. We discuss a new paradigm for the use of Amira in the Earth sciences that relies on the client-server paradigm. We have developed a module called WEB-IS2, which provides web-based access to Amira. This tool allows Earth scientists to manipulate Amira controls remotely and to analyze, render and view large datasets through the Internet without regard for time or location. This could have important ramifications for GRID computing.
Real Time Data Acquisition for a Time Projection Chamber Using a High Speed DEC-RT11 to Unix UDP-TCP/IP Interface

We have built a high pressure xenon Time Projection Chamber to study double beta decay, a process of fundamental interest which, if observed, would indicate that the neutrino is a massive Majorana particle. Raw data rates from the TPC exceed 200 Kbytes per second. The TPC is operated through a CAMAC interface with a DEC LSI-11/73 computer networked to a Tektronix 6130 workstation. Data is transmitted at about 15 Kbytes per second although the network is capable of transmitting data at 80 Kbytes per second. The only system level programming required was to write a UDP-TCP/IP driver for the DEC-DEQNA Ethernet board on the 11/73.
Investigating lipid signalling: it's all about finding the right PI.

Phosphoinositides are well-known components of cellular signal transduction pathways and, more recently, have been shown to play important roles in organelle identity and targeting determinants for various cytosolic proteins. Conversion of PtdIns into its various phosphorylated derivatives, such as PtdIns4 P and PtdIns(4,5) P 2 , is accomplished by a series of distinct lipid kinase and lipid phosphatase activities that are localized to specific subcellular membranes. As a result, production of distinct PtdIns forms is thought to be largely dependent on the access of these enzymes to their PtdIns or PtdIns P substrates. Interestingly, an investigation of two different PIS (PtdIns synthase) isoforms by Lofke et al. in this issue of the Biochemical Journal now indicates that the ability of PtdIns to be converted into downstream PtdIns P s may depend upon the PIS isoform from which it was synthesized.
Fiber-optic gyroscopes: In harsh, confining environments this advanced gyroscope, a close cousin to the ring laser gyro, offers great advantages

After discussing the many advantages of fiber-optic gyroscopes, the authors survey the work being done on their development. This work involves countering errors in rotation rate, obtaining sensitivity and linear output, and searching for wide dynamic range.
Location and scale parameter estimation from randomly censored data

The problem of location and scale parameter estimation from randomly censored data is analyzed through use of a regression model for the Kaplan-Meier quantlle process. Continuous time regression techniques are employed to construct estimators that are both asymptotically normal and efficient. Estimators with a particularly simple form are obtained for the Koziol-Green model for random censorship. In the event of no censoring the regression model, and resulting estimators, reduce to those proposed by Parzen (1979 a, b).
Structural assurance testing for post-shipping satellite inspection

Current satellite transportation sensors can provide a binary indication of the acceleration or shock that a satellite has experienced during the shipping process but do little to identify if significant structural change has occurred in the satellite and where it may be located. When a sensor indicates that the satellite has experienced shock during transit, an extensive testing process begins to evaluate the satellite functionality. If errors occur during the functional checkout, extensive physical inspection of the structure follows. In this work an alternate method for inspecting satellites for structural defects after shipping is presented. Electro- Mechanical Impedance measurements are used as an indication of the structural state. In partnership with the Air Force Research Laboratory University Nanosatellite Program, Cornell's CUSat mass model was instrumented with piezoelectric transducers and tested under several structural damage scenarios. A method for detecting and locating changes in the structure using EMI data is presented.
PbS Nanocrystals Functionalized with a Short-Chain, Ionic, Dithiol Ligand

Ligand exchange from oleic acid-capped PbS nanocrystals was used to prepare sodium 2,3-dimercaptopropanesulfonate (DT) functionalized, water-soluble PbS nanocrystals. Oxygen-free aqueous solutions of the PbS-DT nanocrystals were observed to be stable for more than five months. In aerated solutions, the PbS-DT nanocrystals were observed to be stable to precipitation for more than 24 h in the dark, with precipitation accelerated by illumination. Under both light and dark conditions, the PbS nanocrystals prepared with the chelating DT ligand were observed to be more stable to precipitation than nanocrystals prepared with the monothiol analogue sodium 3-mercaptopropanesulfonate (MT). The greater stability of the PbS-DT nanocrystals is argued to be due to the formation of oligodisulfides that remain partially bound to the nanocrystal surface thereby inhibiting precipitation. Support for this comes from the fact that the PbS-DT nanocrystals were not observed to substantially accelerate the photooxidation of excess DT ligand, in contrast to the behavior of the PbS-MT nanocrystals in the presence of excess ligand. Due to the compact size of the DT ligand, thin films of PbS-DT nanocrystals were observed to exhibit much greater photoconductivity than PbS nanocrystals capped with the longer chain oleic acid ligand. Responsivities of greater than 1 A/W in the near-infrared were achieved with thin films of PbS-DT NCs on interdigitated array electrodes.
Computerized and networked government information columnDevelopments in U.S. Federal E-Government Efforts

Abstract The efforts of the U.S. federal government to develop E-Government services have been the subject of many recent news stories. In February 2002, Arthur Andersen's Office of Government Services released a uability analysis of federal government Web sites. In addition, in February, Vice-President Cheney announced the release of a report detailing the federal government's E-Government initiatives and the relaunch of FirstGov. The Central Intelligence Agency came under public criticism when it was discovered that their Web site used persistent “cookies” to track Web visits in violation of federal privacy policy.
MOEMS pressure sensors for geothermal well monitoring

The technology for enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), in which fractures connecting deep underground wells are deliberately formed through high pressure stimulation for energy generation, is projected to enormously expand the available reserves of geothermal energy in the U.S. EGS could provide up to 100,000 MWe within the U.S. by the next 50 years. Pressure measurements, in particular, are important for determining the state of the fluid, i.e., liquid or steam, the fluid flow, and the effectiveness of the well stimulation. However, it has been especially difficult to accurately measure pressure at temperatures above ~200°C at a distance of 10 km below ground. MEMS technology has been employed for many years for extremely accurate pressure measurements through electrical readout of a MEMS fabricated resonator. By combining optical readout and drive at the end of a fiber optical cable with a MEMS resonator, it is possible to employ these highly accurate sensors within the harsh environment of a geothermal well. Sensor prototypes based on two beam and four beam resonator designs have been designed, fabricated and characterized for pressure response and accuracy. Resonant frequencies of the sensors vary between ~15 kHz and 90 kHz depending on sensor design, and laboratory measurements yielded sensitivities of frequency variation with external pressure of 0.9-2.2 Hz/psi. An opto-electronic feedback loop was designed and implemented for the field test. The sensors were packaged and deployed as part of a cable that was deployed at a geothermal well over the course of 2½ weeks. Error of the sensor versus the reference gage was 1.2% over the duration of the test. There is a high likelihood that this error is a result of hydrogen darkening of the fiber that is reducing the temperature of the resonator and, if corrected, could reduce the error to less than 0.01%.
You must be joking...: is only getting started

"Don't even get me started" is a powerful and direct, yet vague and meaningless, expression. What if you reply: "By all means, please, get started". I believe that this will stun your opponent (it may be a friendly discussion, but if you don't believe the other person is an opponent, you will never win.). Then, you can quickly grab his/her nose and yell: "Twos before eights, and one bird in the bush". It can be very entertaining unless the other person is your boss or your psychiatrist. In any case, this column dares to go where no column at CCR has gone before. It is all about getting started. And by that, we mean starting start-ups.Warning: the content below is not suitable for small children or adults with common sense.
Concatenation as a basis for arithmetic

General syntax, the formal part of the general theory of signs, has as its basic operation the operation of concatenation, expressed by the connective ‘⌢’ and understood as follows : where x and y are any expressions, x⌢y is the expression formed by writing the expression x immediately followed by the expression y. E.g., where ‘alpha’ and ‘beta’ are understood as names of the respective signs ‘α’ and ‘β’, the syntactical expression ‘alpha⌢beta’ is a name of the expression ‘αβ’. Tarski and Hermes have presented axioms for concatenation, and definitions of derivative syntactical concepts. Hermes has also related concatenation theory to the arithmetic of natural numbers, constructing a model of the latter within the former. Conversely, Godel's proof of the impossibility of a complete consistent systematization of arithmetic depended on constructing a model of concatenation theory within arithmetic.
Estimation of Semiparametric Models in the Presence of Endogeneity and Sample Selection

We analyze a semiparametric model for data that suffer from the problems of sample selection, where some of the data are observed for only part of the sample with a probability that depends on a selection equation, and of endogeneity, where a covariate is correlated with the disturbance term. The introduction of nonparametric functions in the model permits great flexibility in the way covariates affect response variables. We present an efficient Bayesian method for the analysis of such models that allows us to consider general systems of outcome variables and endogenous regressors that are continuous, binary, censored, or ordered. Estimation is by Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) methods. The algorithm we propose does not require simulation of the outcomes that are missing due to the selection mechanism, which reduces the computational load and improves the mixing of the MCMC chain. The approach is applied to a model of women’s labor force participation and log-wage determination. Data and computer code us...
Physical Sciences: Free Amino-acids dissolved in North Atlantic Ocean Waters

THE “dissolved” fraction of the organic matter in sea water is conventionally defined as that which has passed through a 0.45 µm filter1 (which excludes zooplankton and phytoplankton and most marine bacteria, but not colloidal particles). An acceptable figure2 for the mean concentration of this material in surface water is 1.2 mgC l.−1 and in deeper water is 0.5 mgC l.−1. Attention was focused on the amino-acids in seawater because, although they are the most difficult chemical problem because of their polar nature, the free amino-acid “pool” in the oceans is probably one of the best indicators of the state and rate of biogeochemical interactions3.
THE EFFECT OF BLOOD TRANSFUSION THERAPY (Tx) ON OXYGEN UTILIZATION (O 2 U t ) IN INFANTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE (CLD)

To assess the impact of Tx on O2Ut in infants with CLD, we measured non-invasively oxygen consumption (VO2)and the variables of systemic oxygen transport (SOT) pre and 24 hr post Tx in ten O2 dependent infants with CLD. The infants had been born with a mean gestational age of 27.6 wks and a mean birth weight of .88 kg. Study weight averaged 1.24±.35 kg and study age averaged 5.5± 2.4 wks. FiO2 requirements averaged .41±.15 to maintain an O2 saturation (SaO2) of .93±.02. VO2 was measured using a commercially available analyser(MGM Jr) via a flow-through circuit and pump connected to a hood or in-line with the ventilator. Cardiac output (Q) was calculated using pulsed Doppler ultrasound technique. SaO2 was measured using transcutaneous pulse oximetry. Hemoglobin concentration [Hb] was determined using standard spectrophotometry methods. The coefficient of O2Ut was calculated as VO2/SOT, where SOT=Q × [Hb] × SaO2 × 1.34ml O2/gm Hb. Tx consisted of packed RBC's, 10cc/kg. Summary of results of Tx are shown in the table: (Mean ± SD) O2Ut fell in all subjects, except one, after transfusion. Subjects with higher coefficients of O2Ut fell more substantially, suggesting a physiologic benefit of Tx in selected patients.
Modeling heat and mass transfer in fabrics

Abstract A numerical model was developed for simulating the heat and mass transfer in fabrics during the wicking process. The model was applied to two different fabrics, cotton and polypropylene. The model shows that, as the water is wicked through the fabric specimens, two temperature zones are formed. Within each region the temperature gradient is small, but between the regions it is more significant. Unlike the temperature, the variation of the fractional saturation is continuous along the specimens. Experiments were also conducted to obtain the temperature distributions during wicking for the two fabrics and to validate the numerical model.
Breakage Prediction of Laminated Glass Using the "Sacrificial Ply" Design Concept

Laminated architectural glass has proven to be well suited for use in glazing systems that must resist wind-borne debris impacts. When the inner glass ply in a laminated window unit remains unbroken after wind-borne debris impacts on the outer glass ply, the integrity of the building envelope is preserved. A mechanics-based analytical model is developed to predict the cumulative probability of \Iinner\N glass ply breakage in laminated architectural glass subjected to simulated wind-borne debris impacts on the \Iouter\N glass ply. A nonlinear dynamic finite-element analysis is employed to compute stresses in each layer of the laminate due to impact. Based on the cumulative damage theory, the two-parameter Weibull distribution is used to characterize the cumulative probability of inner glass ply breakage. The analytical predictive model is calibrated using available experimental data on material parameters. Cumulative probabilities of inner glass ply breakage predicted by the analytical model are in agreement with the corresponding experimental data.
CBP Histone Acetyltransferase Activity Is a Critical Component of Memory Consolidation

The stabilization of learned information into long-term memories requires new gene expression. CREB binding protein (CBP) is a coactivator of transcription that can be independently regulated in neurons. CBP functions both as a platform for recruiting other required components of the transcriptional machinery and as a histone acetyltransferase (HAT) that alters chromatin structure. To dissect the chromatin remodeling versus platform function of CBP or the developmental versus adult role of this gene, we generated transgenic mice that express CBP in which HAT activity is eliminated. Acquisition of new information and short-term memory is spared in these mice, while the stabilization of short-term memory into long-term memory is impaired. The behavioral phenotype is due to an acute requirement for CBP HAT activity in the adult as it is rescued by both suppression of transgene expression or by administration of the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) in adult animals.
Metabolism of specifically labelled glucose by explants of newborn mouse cerebellum.

— Newborn mouse cerebellum developing in culture metabolizes specifically labelled glucose to labelled carbon dioxide at a high rate and in a manner indicating virtually no participation of the pentose phosphate pathway. Furthermore, there appears to be no shift to this alternate metabolic route prior to or during myelin formation, or during the later stage of myelin maintenance and neuronal maturation. The equal incorporation of specifically labelled glucose into phospholipids further substantiates these conclusions. The higher rate of metabolism of this material than of the more conventional tissue slices makes brain tissue developing in culture a most promising material for neurochemical studies.
Simultaneous cell capture and induction of apoptosis using an anti-CD95 affinity microdevice

A microfluidic device is designed and demonstrated for the simultaneous capture and induction of apoptosis in Jurkat cells. In this unique case, the cell capture event initiates a biological process. The device features a single channel made from poly(dimethylsiloxane) sealed to a glass substrate. The channel is coated with a series of reagents used in affinity chromatography separations of cells. In this case, the antibody used to capture the cells is functional anti-CD95 which captures the cells by binding to the Fas receptor on the cell membrane and, at the same time, inducing apoptosis via the caspase 8 pathway. Cells retained on the surface of the channel are known to be induced to undergo apoptosis. Medium is flowed slowly through the channel to maintain cell viability while the cells undergo apoptosis. After 3 h, staining with Annexin V-PE and 7-AAD revealed that 43.5% of the cells bound to the anti-CD95 coated channel are apoptotic, whereas 7.9% of cultured Jurkat cells induced with anti-CD95 for 3 h and stained in the same way were determined to be apoptotic by flow cytometry. The device provides a method of determining when apoptosis is induced, maintaining cell viability for long-term analysis and observing cells in real time as they are exposed to reagents that affect apoptosis. In the future, the device will be an invaluable tool for the study of the temporal dynamics of apoptosis.
Higher-protein diets do not hinder athletic perform in male fighters

Background As Mixed Martial Arts grows in popularity, more athletes are participating in “weight cutting” to compete in weight classes that are below their regular weight. Current weight cutting techniques include dehydration, food restriction, diuretic use and self-induced vomiting to rapidly decrease weight. All of these can inhibit performance and negatively impact the health of an athlete. It was hypothesized that the use of a higher protein diet could be used to replace current weight cutting practices resulting in safer measures for the athlete without hindering athletic performance in male fighters. Design US Army soldiers (n=13, age=24±4yr, weight=75±13kg, body fat=14±7%) in the Combatives training program were recruited for this study. Prior to the start of the 6week training program participants were prescribed one of three diets: PRO (40% carbohydrate, 30% protein, 30% fat), CHO (65% carbohydrate, 15% protein, 20% fat) and control (no dietary restrictions). Pre-test and posttest assessments of vertical jump height, explosive leg power index (LPI), 600m shuttle and 1.5 mile run were completed during the first and last week of the 6-week program.
Muon shielding around high-energy electron accelerators: Part I. Theory

Abstract The production of muons from a high-energy electron linac is calculated using the latest cross section theory. The shielding of these muons is calculated using the Fermi-Eyges multiple scattering formulation. The effect of various approximations in the calculations is discussed. A comparison is made between theory and experiment, and reasonable agreement is obtained in the forward direction. The experiment gives a significantly higher value for the absorbed dose, as compared to theory, for locations off the production axis. This is believed to be due to a background component in the total dose measured, and suggests the need for further experimentation with emphasis on fluence (as well as absorbed dose) measurements at distances far from the axis.
Design considerations for a micro-g superfluid helium fluid acquisition system☆

The general description, the operation, and the design of a superfluid helium (SFHe) fluid acquisition system (FAS) for use under microgravity conditions is presented. For the type of FAS considered here, where fine-mesh woven screens are used to retain flowing SFHe within a gallery arm (flow) channel, those forces which determine the flow dynamics are the micro-g accelerations, liquid surface tension, and tensile strength and cumulative pressure drops along a flow path that begins at the bulk liquid and ends at the entrance to a pump. For this case, the dimensionless number, N(T) is written as the ratio between the pressure drop across the screen and the surface tension forces at the screen for low fluid velocities. Static Bond number measurements have bene taken for SFHe using 325 x 2300 twilled Dutch screen and have indicated a screen pore hydraulic radius of 0.00031 cm.
Cortical Neurodynamics of Inhibitory Control

The ability to inhibit prepotent responses is critical for successful goal-directed behaviors. To investigate the neural basis of inhibitory control, we conducted a magnetoencephalography study where human participants performed the antisaccade task. Results indicated that neural oscillations in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) showed significant task modulations in preparation to suppress saccades. Before successfully inhibiting a saccade, beta-band power (18–38 Hz) in the lateral PFC and alpha-band power (10–18 Hz) in the frontal eye field (FEF) increased. Trial-by-trial prestimulus FEF alpha-band power predicted successful saccadic inhibition. Further, inhibitory control enhanced cross-frequency amplitude coupling between PFC beta-band (18–38 Hz) activity and FEF alpha-band activity, and the coupling appeared to be initiated by the PFC. Our results suggest a generalized mechanism for top-down inhibitory control: prefrontal beta-band activity initiates alpha-band activity for functional inhibition of the effector and/or sensory system.
Robert E. Park at Fisk

Nothing is known about Robert E. Park's last years at Fisk University. He retired to Fisk University in 1935. The following account reports about the positions that Park held in the last two years of his life, about research, the teaching of sociology, human ecology, and especially about various aspects of race and intercultural relations. In the conclusion, Park's theoretical notions are evaluated.
Effects of changes in osmolality on spinal cord activity

Abstract The effects of change in the osmotic pressure of the bathing medium on central neural activity in the isolated, hemisected frog spinal cord were studied. The bathing medium was made hyperosmotic by either increasing all constituents (except NaHCO3) proportionally or by adding a nonelectrolyte, mannitol; and hyposmotic by decreasing all constituents (except NaHCO3) proportionally. Changes in osmotic pressure depressed the monosynaptic lateral column-evoked ventral root response (LC-VRR). Depression occurred with changes of only 25 mosmol/kg H2O in bathing medium osmolality. This osmotic effect was fully expressed within the first 5 min of exposure. The osmotic effect was probably not due to a change in the excitability of the motoneurons as there was no change in the antidromic field potential recorded in the ventral horn following stimulation of the ventral root after exposure to the nonisosmotic bathing media that had depressed the LC-VRR. Exposure to nonisosmotic bathing media produced an increase in the excitability of the lateral column terminals as shown by an increase in the lateral column field potentials antidromically evoked by stimulation in the ventral horn. This increase mirrored the depression in the LC-VRR. The depression in the LC-VRR and the augmentation of the MN-LC are reversibly blocked by picrotoxin, a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) antagonist. This suggests that the osmotic effect on isolated frog spinal cord may be due either to the release of endogenous GABA or perhaps to a change in extracellular K+ concentration.
Correlation between MMP-2 and NF-κ B expression of intracranial aneurysm

Abstract Objective To investigate the correlation between expressions of MMP-2 and NF-κ B in the intracranial aneurysm wall, and explore their role in the mechanism of the occurrence, growth and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Methods RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of MMP-2 and NF-κ B mRNA of 30 cases of intracranial aneurysm tissue and 10 cases of normal intracranial arterial tissue; Immunohistochemical method was used to detect the expression of MMP-2 and NF-κ B protein. Results The semi-quantitative analysis of MMP-2 and NF-κ B in aneurysms tissues and normal tissues were statistically significant different from each other ( P P r = 0.689, P = 0.005). Conclusions The expressions of MMP-2 and NF-κ B in the intracranial aneurysm wall tissue were significantly higher than in the normal intracranial arterial tissues. They have a synergistic effect on the formation of intracranial aneurysms.
Effect of Freezing and Microwave Heating on Proteins from Codfish Fillets: Analysis by SDS Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis

Water soluble and insoluble proteins were extracted from codfish samples subjected to a rapid freeze (– 196°C), a slow freeze (– 15°C), 1 min microwave heating, and from fresh extracts. The water soluble protein content decreased significantly in both frozen samples and in the microwave heated samples when compared to fresh extracts. Analysis by SDS PAGE showed a significant loss in water soluble proteins after microwave treatment concomittant with the appearance of two high molecular weight species. No differences were apparent in the nonsoluble protein SDS PAGE profiles.
A case of delayed anaphylaxis after laser tattoo removal

It is estimated that nearly a quarter of all persons aged 18 to 50 in the United States have a tattoo.1 Demand for tattoo removal has increased, with an estimated 1 in 5 persons considering tattoo removal.1 American Society for Dermatologic Surgery physicians reported about 100,000 laser tattoo removal procedures in 2013, up more than 50% from 2012.2 Motives for removal include aesthetic reasons, poor tattoo result, and professional or social stigma. Laser-assisted tattoo removal remains the gold standard treatment. With increasing demand for tattoo removal, it is important to be cognizant of adverse events that may occur. We report the novel case of a woman who had an allergic cutaneous reaction at a distant, untreated tattoo site, and subsequently had a delayed anaphylactic reaction after laser tattoo removal.
Activation of mitochondrial ATP-dependent potassium channels protects neurons against ischemia-induced death by a mechanism involving suppression of Bax translocation and cytochrome c release.

Neurons express a variety of plasma-membrane potassium channels that play important roles in regulating neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission, but also contain mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, the functions of which are unknown. Studies of cardiac cells suggest that similar mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels are involved in the process of ischemic preconditioning, suggesting a role in regulating cell survival. The authors report that mice given diazoxide, an activator of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels, exhibited a large (60% to 70%) decrease in cortical infarct size after permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery. Diazoxide decreases neuronal apoptosis and increases astrocyte survival and activation in the penumbral region of the ischemic cortex. The neuroprotective effect of diazoxide is abolished by 5-hydroxydecanoate, a selective antagonist of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels. Studies of cultured hippocampal neurons reveal that ...
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES of BAKED PRODUCTS AS FUNCTIONS of MOISTURE and TEMPERATURE

Thermal and physical properties, including moisture desorption isotherms, density, heat capacity and thermal conductivity of a commercial white bread, muffin and biscuit were determined experimentally as functions of temperature (20°C to 85°C) and moisture content (0 to 0.6 gig sample). Moisture desorption data were fit to a two parameter empirical model. Density was not a strong function of either temperature or moisture content but depended on the method of achieving a final moisture content. Heat capacity as a function of temperature was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. A mass fraction model adequately correlated heat capacity to moisture content. Thermal conductivity was measured with a thermal conductivity probe. Correlations were developed for thermal conductivity as a function of moisture and temperature.
Tradeoffs between science objectives and ground system capability

The most fundamental objective of all planetary missions is to return data. To accomplish this, a spacecraft is fabricated and built, software is planned and coded, and a ground system is designed and implemented. However, a systems engineering approach to determine how the collection of data drives ground system capabilities has received little attention. A technique by which science objectives can be quantitatively evaluated is denned. For illustrative purposes, it is applied to the Cassini mission. This mission, to be launched in 1997, is an international endeavor designed to orbit Saturn for four years. The results of this system's engineering approach will show which science objectives drive specific ground system capabilities. In addition, this technique can assist system engineers in the selection of the science payload during preproject mission planning, ground system designers during ground system development and implementation, and operations personnel during the mission.
Binding of insuling and other hormones to non-receptor materials: Saturability, specificity and apparent “negative cooperativity”

Summary Studies of interactions of 125 I-insulin with non-tissue materials (talc, silica, protein-agarose derivatives, glass test tubes) are presented as examples of non- receptor (“nonspecific”) interactions which share, at least superficially, the criteria (saturability, specificity, high affinity and reversibility) commonly attributed to “specific” hormone-receptor interactions. Such “specific” nonreceptor interactions, which can potentially complicate interpretations of receptor binding studies, also exhibit characteristics analogous to those observed in liver membranes where the data have been interpreted (3) to indicate “negative cooperativity” between receptors. Similar data are presented here for insulin and epidermal growth factor binding to placenta membranes, and the effects of porcine insulin are compared to those of guinea pig insulin, a derivative which dimerizes very poorly. The “negative cooperativity” observed in the nonreceptor systems is most likely attributable to insulin-insulin interactions. Wherever ligand (e.g., hormone) self-association or isomerization occurs, the binding data (e.g. Scatchard plot) may yield nonlinear relationships which can falsely be interpreted as indicating cooperative interactions between receptors, or the presence of “additional groups” of binding sites.
DNA immunization confers protective immunity on mice challenged intravaginally with herpes simplex virus type 2

The immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a nucleic acid vaccine encoding the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) glycoprotein D (gD) gene under the control of the CMV immediate early gene promoter was examined. Mice immunized three times by intramuscular injection with the vaccine developed an HSV specific IgG but not IgA antibody response detectable in both serum and vaginal secretions. In addition, antigen-specific cellular immune responses were detected in splenic lymphocytes isolated from DNA immunized animals. Immunization reduced virus replication in the genital tract following a lethal intravaginal HSV-2 challenge. Furthermore, symptomatic genital HSV disease was reduced in immunized mice and the animals were completely protected from death. We conclude that a nucleic acid vaccine expressing HSV-1 gD induced both humoral and cell mediated immune responses in mice which proved highly protective against disease following virus challenge.
The Continuing Challenge and Opportunity for Exploration Geophysics

You have heard about the energy crisis. “The easy oil has been found. We are about to run out of oil. Oil discovered per new field wildcat has been decreasing exponentially.” Does this mean there is no future for exploration geophysics? Quite the contrary. If it were easy to find new oil, there would be no need for exploration geophysics. If we weren’t concerned about running out of oil, we would logically postpone the search.
Simultaneous Time-Frequency Synchronization of Non-Autonomous Chaotic Systems

A novel chaos control concept is presented for the synchronization of a non-autonomous chaotic circuit system in the time and frequency domains concurrently. The controller effectively eliminates the differences between two chaotic circuits in the time domain and at the same time restores the characteristics of the driving response in the frequency domain. The simultaneous time-frequency control is achieved through manipulating wavelet coefficients, thus not limited by the increasing bandwidth of the chaotic system — a fundamental restraint that deprives contemporary controller designs of validity and effectiveness. The feedforward feature of the control concept prevents errors from re-entering the control loop and inadvertently perturbing the sensitive chaotic system. Because neither closed-form nor linearization is required, the innate, genuine features of the chaotic response are faithfully retained. The on-line identification feature allows the response system to start at arbitrary initial conditions and to be driven by the sinusoidal forcing term of different amplitudes and phases requiring no knowledge of the system parameters.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Percutaneous Needle Biopsy of the Pancreas: When Should It Be Performed?

Is it appropriate for a good risk patient with a clinical history or imaging studies suggestive of an operable pancreatic neoplasm to undergo a percutaneous fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) prior to operation? A group of 118 patients who underwent percutaneous FNAB of the pancreas between 1987 and 1993 were evaluated retrospectively. The initial readings of the biopsies were positive for neoplasm in 78 patients and negative in 32. Four suspicious biopsies were included with the positive biopsies for analysis, and four unsatisfactory biopsies were added to the negative biopsies. Operation was performed on 57 of the 118 patients; 39 of these patients had a positive and 18 a negative FNAB. Of the 18 patients with a negative biopsy, 12 were proved to have neoplasia at operation. No operation was performed on 61 patients; 43 of these patients had a positive and 18 a negative FNAB. Three patients with a negative biopsy were treated with chemotherapy, and three subsequently died of pancreatic cancer. It was concluded that because the sensitivity of percutaneous FNAB is only 84% the procedure should be limited to patients suspected of having pancreatic cancer deemed technically inoperable or medically unsuitable for operation.
DNA Damage Response During Mitosis Induces Cancer Chromosomal Instability

Purpose/Objective(s): Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields), currently used as an antimitotic modality, induce forces on polar macromolecules resulting in impaired mitotic spindle function. TTFields are expected to affect negatively charged, small DNA fragments produced by ionizing radiation (IR). Such an effect can result in impaired ligation of DNA strand breaks causing IR sensitization and decreased tumor survival. The objective of the present work is to test TTFields effect on DNA Damage Repair. Materials/Methods: A model describing the effects of TTFields on small DNA fragments was constructed and evaluated by measuring DNA migration in gel electrophoresis during TTFields application. Experimentally, TTFields effects on DNA strand breaks repair alone and in combination with IR were studied in glioma and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells using the comet assay, g-H2AX foci formation, and RAD51 foci formation and resolution. Cell survival was measured by MTT and cell count as well as clonogenic survival. Results: Within the framework of the theoretical model, DNA fragments of about 400 bp oscillate over a distance of one base-pair at TTFields frequency of 100 kHz, while larger fragments are not affected. Support for the model was provided by the analysis of fragment mobility in gel electrophoresis. The comet assay demonstrated that TTFields reduce repair of IR-induced DNA damage in glioma cells. Treatment with a combination of IR and TTFields resulted in increased number of g-H2AX and RAD51 foci compared with either treatment alone. Importantly, in both glioma and NSCLC cells combination of IR and TTFields reduced cell viability and clonogenic survival. Conclusions: We show that TTFields influence DNA-break repair capacity of tumor cells likely by influencing DNA fragment positioning and DNA strand break ligation thus sensitizing tumor cells to IR. Author Disclosure: K. Zielinska-Chomej: None. M. Giladi: A. Employee; Novocure. A. Tichon: A. Employee; Novocure. J. Tu: None. R. Schneiderman: A. Employee; Novocure. K. Viktorsson: None. E. Kirson: A. Employee; Novocure. Y. Palti: K. Advisory Board; Novocure. M. Stock; Novocure. R. Lewensohn: None.