cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Effect of β-Eudesmol on NQO1 suppression-enhanced sensitivity of cholangiocarcinoma cells to chemotherapeutic agents

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), an epithelial malignancy of the biliary tree, is one of the aggressive cancers with poor prognosis and unsatisfactory response to chemotherapy with acquired resistance. NAD(P)H-quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), an antioxidant/detoxifying enzyme, plays important roles in chemo-resistance and proliferation in several cancer cells. The study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of β-eudesmol on NQO1 enhanced chemotherapeutic effects of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and doxorubicin (DOX) in the high NQO1-expressing human CCA cell line, NQO1-KKU-100. In addition, the molecular events associated with the inhibition of the cell proliferation, cell migration, and induction of apoptosis were investigated. Human CCA KKU-100 cells were exposed to β-eudesmol at various concentrations. NQO1 enzyme activity and protein expression were measured by enzymatic assay and Western blot analysis, respectively. Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and wound healing assay were performed to detect the inhibitory effect of β-eudesmol on cell proliferation, cell migration, and sensitivity to 5-FU and DOX. Apoptotic induction was detected by flow cytometry with annexin V/PI and DAPI nuclear staining. Caspase 3/7 activation was determined by fluorescence microscopy. The mechanism of enhanced chemo-sensitivity was evaluated by Western blot analysis. β-Eudesmol significantly suppressed NQO1 enzyme activity (both in KKU-100 cells and cell lysates) and protein expression in KKU-100 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. β-Eudesmol exhibited potent cytotoxicity on KKU-100 cells with mean ± SD IC50 values of 47.62 ± 9.54 and 37.46 ± 12.58 μM at 24 and 48 h, respectively. In addition, it also potentiated the cytotoxic activities and inhibitory activities of 5-FU and DOX on cell migration through induction of cell apoptosis and activation of caspase 3/7. Western blot analysis suggested that β-eudesmol enhanced chemosensitivity was associated with the suppression of NQO1 protein and activation of Bax/Bcl-2 protein expression ratio in CCA cells. β-Eudesmol may serve as a potential anti-CCA candidate particularly when used in combination with conventional chemotherapeutics. The mechanisms involved may be mediated via NQO1 suppression-related apoptosis pathway.
General Methods for Handling Proteins

In this chapter we shall review some general methods for the day-to-day handling of proteins, and some of the precautions that must be taken to ensure proper activity and stability of these biopolymers. Some useful methods for altering the solution conditions for protein samples will also be discussed here.
Propagation of Gaussian belief functions

A Gaussian belief function (GBF) can be intuitively described as a Gaussian distribution over a hyperplane, whose parallel sub-hyperplanes are the focal elements. It includes as special cases non-probabilistic linear equations, statistical observations, multivariate Gaussian distributions, and vacuous belief functions. The notion of GBFs was proposed in [Dem 90b], formalized in [Sha 92] and [Liu 95a], and successfully applied in combining independent statistical models in [Liu 95b]. In this paper, we propose a join-tree computation scheme for GBFs. We first represent Dempster’s rule for combining GBFs obtained in [Liu 95a] equivalently in terms of matrix sweepings. We then show that the operations of GBFs follow the axioms of Shenoy and Shafer [ShSh 90] and justify the possibility of a join-tree computation scheme for GBFs. The result enriches theory of local computation by extending its application to the combination of statistical models and the integration of knowledge bases. An example is carried out to illustrate how combined inference can be made in accordance with multiple statistical models using graphical belief function models.
Relationships between the Charge–Discharge Methods and the Performance of a Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption Module for CO2 Separation

We report a scaled-up supercapacitive swing adsorption (SSA) module with a novel radial gas flow design to separate CO2 from a simulated flue gas mixture containing 15% CO2 and 85% N2. We define metrics that allow for a quantitative evaluation of the energetic and adsorption performance of SSA cycles, namely, the specific capacitance, the Coulombic efficiency, the energy efficiency, the energy loss, the sorption capacity, the electron efficiency, the energy consumption, the adsorption rate, and the time-energy efficiency. Using these metrics, we investigate the influence of different electrical charge–discharge methods on the energetic and adsorptive performance of the module and identify the most favorable charge–discharge method.
Invincible bodies: American sport media’s racialization of Black and white college football players:

As the most watched college sport broadcast of all time, the US Entertainment and Sports Programming Network (ESPN)’s College GameDay (CGD) is one source of socialization that primes US audiences t...
A histopathologic schema to quantify the burden of cardiac amyloidosis: Relationship with survival and echocardiographic parameters.

BACKGROUND Despite routine use of echocardiographic parameters to evaluate the severity of cardiac amyloidosis (CA), this methodology has not been well validated. We developed a histopathologic schema for quantifying CA burden and evaluated its relationship with clinical outcomes. Additionally, echocardiographic parameters were tested as potential noninvasive indices of CA burden. METHODS We retrospectively studied 59 patients with CA (17 light chain, 42 transthyretin) who underwent endomyocardial biopsies. Light microscopy with staining was used to categorize CA burden as mild-to-moderate (<50%) or high (≥50%). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed for the two groups. In 34 patients with good-quality echocardiograms, we measured left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction (EF), interventricular septal thickness (IVSt), posterior wall thickness (PWt), LV mass, lateral e'-velocity, and global longitudinal strain (GLS). These parameters were compared between the two groups. RESULTS Thirty-five patients had mild-to-moderate and 24 severe amyloid burden. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated a trend toward worse mortality with high CA burden, which was more common and associated with higher mortality specifically in transthyretin-type patients. Echocardiography-derived IVSt, PWt, and LV mass were directly related to CA burden, while LV EF, e'-velocity, and GLS magnitude were inversely related to CA burden. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provided a signal that CA burden is a clinically important entity with potentially valuable prognostic information. Echocardiographic parameters of LV anatomy and function correlate with histopathologic burden of CA, which is inversely related to survival. Further studies are needed to determine whether these parameters could be used as imaging biomarkers of treatment-related changes in CA burden.
Scale evolution, intermittency and fluctuation relations in the near-wake of a wind turbine array

Abstract Scale evolution statistics are used to analyze the flow structure of the wake flow in the boundary layer of a wind turbine array. Flow behind a 3 × 3 wind turbine array is examined experimentally via X-type hot-wire anemometry, with data obtained in a 9 × 21 array of measurement locations positioned 0.5 rotor diameter downwind of the third row of turbines. It is observed that the structure evolution tends towards non universality as the spanwise distance from the rotor is reduced. The extended self-similarity result highlights the deviation from the self-similarity is marginal in the second order, and becomes stark with increasing the order. Also, the region below the hub height near the rotor carries the most intermittent flow in comparison with the region outside the swept area. Flow features in the wakes are characterized via correlation between the velocity and multifractal Holder exponent related to the velocity increment via the Frisch–Parisi conjecture. Flow events are also classified using the sign of the fluctuating streamwise velocity and the Holder exponent into quadrants. The second and fourth quadrants of the velocity and the intermittency are dominant at the hub height and bottom tip. Hole-size filtering shows variations in the number of records per quadrant and dominance of the fourth quadrant. Further, the statistical properties of velocity-intermittency quadrant demonstrate a dependence between the velocity and velocity increments.
Factors affecting completion of sleep studies in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To determine demographic factors associated with failure to complete ordered polysomnograms (PSGs) in pediatric patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. METHODS This study was conducted at an urban safety-net hospital and included 829 patients with SDB, ages 0 to 18 years, for whom PSGs were ordered during a 1-year time period. Factors including age, race, language, and insurance status were reported for each patient. The data were reviewed by univariate and multivariate analyses to determine factors associated with failure to complete the PSGs. RESULTS Of 829 patients, 200 (24%) failed to complete the PSGs. By univariate analysis, age was the only significant factor affecting completion (P < .01), with toddlers having the highest rate of completion (81%) and teenagers the lowest (68%). Primary language and insurance type were not significantly associated with completion rate. Hispanics were more likely than non-Hispanic whites to complete the PSGs (81% vs. 70%), but this did not achieve statistical significance. By multivariate analysis, the teenage group remained significantly less likely to complete sleep study than toddlers (P = .04). There was again no statistically significant difference for race by multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS Among pediatric patients with SDB, age is a significant factor affecting completion of PSGs. Racial minorities and non-English-speaking patients were not less likely to complete PSGs. Other demographic factors do not appear to be associated with completion of PSGs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 130:E258-E262, 2020.
Advancing the mechanical properties of Si/B co-doped boron carbide through TiB2 reinforcement

Abstract Boron carbide experiences glass-like brittle behavior when subjected to high shear stresses due to stress-induced amorphization. Strategies to mitigate amorphization have primarily focused on Si/B co-doping. However, the overall mechanical properties of Si/B co-doped boron carbide are unknown. Here, we delivered a comprehensive report on the mechanical properties of Si/B co-doped boron carbide; and proposed an effective strategy to improve the mechanical properties through TiB2 reinforcement. Vickers hardness of 25.0 GPa, indentation toughness of 2.1 MPa·m0.5, Young’s modulus of 430 GPa, and flexural strength of 338 MPa were measured for Si/B co-doped boron carbide. The reinforcement with TiB2 increased the overall mechanical properties to 26.6 GPa for hardness, 2.3 MPa·m0.5 for indentation toughness, and 410 MPa for flexural strength. The improvements were attributed to the combined effects of grain size refinement and crack propagation alteration due to TiB2 addition.
Cigarette Use Before and After the 2009 Flavored Cigarette Ban

Abstract Purpose On September 22, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's national ban on flavored cigarette products went into effect, barring the sale of flavored cigarettes with the exception of menthol. Flavored cigarettes largely appeal to and were disproportionately used by youth (under age 18 years). However, little research has evaluated the effects of the ban. This study examined past 30-day cigarette use among youth (12–17 years), young adults (18–25 years), adults (26–49 years), and older adults (≥50 years) before and after the implementation of this ban. Methods Analyses were conducted using 2002–2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data (n = 893,226). Regression models—weighted for national representation—were used to examine past 30-day cigarette use before and after the flavored cigarette ban in different age groups, using a quasi-experimental design incorporating elements of interrupted time series and difference-in-differences design. This design was used to examine differences in pre- versus post-ban smoking within age groups and heterogeneous policy effects between age groups, to help adjust for the generally stronger tobacco control environment over time. Results The flavor ban was associated with statistically significant immediate increases as well as reductions over time in youth and young adult use of any cigarettes and menthol cigarettes, compared to older adults. In 2017, the predicted probability of youth and young adult cigarette smoking were reduced by 43% and 27%, respectively, compared to the model predicted probability in absence of the ban. No such effect was observed for older adults. The predicted probability of menthol use was reduced by 60% and 55% for youth and young adults, respectively. Conclusions Findings support the effectiveness of flavored cigarette bans at reducing cigarette use among young people and suggest a substitution effect between flavored tobacco products.
Prince, politics, and doctors: A year in the news framing of a drug epidemic

The death of a celebrity. Political platforms aimed at ending a scourge. A medical scandal. All of these events took place in 2016 with opioids as a common thread. Using a qualitative content analy...
A Review of Alcohol Use Interventions on College Campuses and Sexual Assault Outcomes

To address whether and to what extent alcohol use interventions on college campuses are associated with reductions in sexual assault-related outcomes. Seven studies evaluating five interventions were included; all showed positive impacts in at least one study. Positive impacts were seen across various intervention approaches, including web-based and in-person approaches, those including individual and group activities, and using content addressing alcohol only or alcohol and sexual assault. Some studies included only heavy drinkers, while others included general populations of students. A widely used web-based alcohol use intervention was found to be effective in reducing sexual victimization in one study but not another. While all interventions showed positive impacts in at least one of the studies, little is understood about the pathways by which alcohol use interventions lead to reduced sexual assault. Alcohol use is a risk factor for sexual assault, and considerable research shows high levels of both alcohol use and sexual assault on college campuses. Despite the widespread implementation of alcohol use interventions on college campuses, research on the effectiveness of alcohol use interventions on sexual assault is woefully inadequate to address two such important and complex problems. While there is reason to be optimistic about the potential for alcohol use interventions to reduce sexual assault on college campuses, much more research is needed to provide guidance on the most effective approaches for different types of college populations.
Employing Optical Emission Spectroscopy to Elucidate the Impact of Titanium Dioxide in Plasma-Assisted Catalysis

The roles of gas phase, gas–surface interface, and material properties of the catalyst must be understood to fully realize future applications of plasma-assisted catalysis (PAC) for pollution remed...
Setbacks, Shutdowns, and Overruns

We employ novel methods to investigate optimal project management in a setting plagued by unavoidable setbacks. The contractor can cover up delays from shirking either by making false claims of setbacks or by postponing the reports of real ones. The sponsor induces work and honest reporting via a soft deadline and a reward for completion. Late-stage setbacks trigger randomization between cancellation and extension. Thus the project may run far beyond its initial schedule, generating arbitrarily large overruns, and yet be canceled. Absent commitment to randomize, the sponsor grants the contractor more time to complete the project.
Brief Report: The Impact of COVID-19 on Emergency Department Overdose Diagnoses and County Overdose Deaths.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: We sought to understand the impact of COVID-19 on emergency department (ED) overdoses and county coroner verified overdose deaths. METHODS: Electronic medical health record and county coroner data were gathered and comparisons were made between three 16-week time periods. In the three time periods, 873 individuals had an overdose diagnosis in the ED and 440 individuals in the county died of drug overdose. RESULTS: While total ED patient volume decreased substantially, the number of ED overdose patients increased between March 6 and June 25, 2020. Furthermore, during this same period, coroner data revealed an increase in overdose deaths. CONCLUSION AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: This preliminary evidence provides a key insight into the impact of COVID-19 on both overdose presentations to the ED and county overdose deaths. These results emphasize the critical need for increasing vigilance to prevent overdose by continuously developing and optimizing both accessible and quality treatment as we navigate through this pandemic and its ongoing effects on persons with substance use disorder. (Am J Addict 2021;00:00-00).
Plastic surgery wound closure following resection of spinal metastases

Abstract Objective Surgical site infection and dehiscence are devastating complications of surgery for spinal metastases. Wound closure involving plastic surgeons has been proposed as a strategy to lower post-operative complications. Here we investigated whether plastic surgery closure is associated with lower rates of wound complications, wound infection, and wound reoperation compared to simple closure by spine surgeons. Methods Patients surgically treated for metastatic tumors at a single comprehensive cancer center between April 2013–2020 were retrospectively identified. Primary pathology, demographic information, clinical characteristics, pre-operative laboratory values, tumor location, operative characteristics, and post-operative outcomes were collected. Univariable analyses used student t-tests for continuous variables and χ2 tests for categorical variables. Multivariable regressions were performed to control for confounders. Results We included 317 patients, of which 56 underwent closure by plastic surgeons and 291 by neurosurgeons. Patients in the plastic surgery cohort were more likely to have received prior radiation to the surgical site, more often on long-term corticosteroid therapy, and more likely to have sacrococcygeal tumors. Operations involving plastic surgeons were more likely to be revision surgeries, corpectomies, and to involve a staged approach. Additionally, patients in the plastic surgery cohort had longer incision lengths, longer surgeries, greater intraoperative blood loss (IOBL), were more likely to receive transfusions, and had longer hospitalizations. Local paraspinous advancement flaps were the most common complex wound closure technique. Plastic surgery closure was not significantly associated with a difference in rates of post-operative wound complications, wound infection, or wound-related reoperations compared to simple wound closure. Conclusion We identified that patients undergoing plastic surgery wound closure had worse baseline risk, longer surgeries, greater IOBL, and longer hospitalizations compared to patients receiving simple closure. Despite their increased risk, complex wound closure did not significantly alter the rates of post-operative wound complications, wound infection, or wound-related reoperations. Consideration may be given to plastic surgery closure in patients at high risk of wound complications or with extensive wound defects.
Mesh abdominoplasty for rectus diastasis in women and men.

Meshes clearly have improved outcomes for tissue approximation over suture repairs for incisional hernias. A knowledge gap exists as to the surgical complication rate and post-operative outcomes of a mesh rectus diastasis repair with a narrow well-fixed mesh that simultaneously narrows the rectus muscles and closes the widened linea alba. Inclusion criteria for mesh abdominoplasty were patients who (1) underwent a retrorectus planar mesh for repair of rectus diastasis (2) did not have a concurrent incisional hernia and (3) underwent skin tailoring as part of a cosmetic aspect of their care. The primary endpoint was surgical site occurrence (SSO) at any time after surgery as determined with review of their office and hospital medical records. Secondary endpoints included the length and complexity of the return to the operating room for any reason, non-surgical complications, readmission, post-operative recovery, surgical site infection, recurrence/persistence of abdominal wall laxity, and soft tissue revision rates. SSO rate was 0% for the 56 patients who underwent this procedure. There were 40 women and 16 men. Superficial infections requiring oral antibiotics were required in three patients. One was a drain site erythema, one was for a superficial stitch abscess, and the third was for a mesh strip knot infection 6 months after the procedure. One patient underwent further tightening of the abdominal wall. Rates of soft tissue revision in the office for improved cosmesis were 23% in women and 6% in men. Repair of rectus diastasis with a narrow well-fixed mesh and concurrent skin abdominoplasty is a well-tolerated and reliable procedure with low recurrence and low SSO in the manner described. It is a procedure that works for both female and male pattern rectus diastasis, and has become our procedure of choice for moderate and severe rectus diastasis.
Scanning for Justice: Using Neuroscience to Create a More Inclusive Legal System

Although they may seem to be worlds apart, on further inspection, neuroscience and the law are not so discordant. Neurolaw is an emerging interdisciplinary field that undertakes to examine how an increased understanding of the human nervous system can lead to a more precise explanation for human behavior, which in turn could inform the law, legislation, and policy. While increased dependence on neuroscience in the courtroom raises evidentiary and normative concerns, its use can also have significant implications for civil and human rights by opening doors for plaintiffs to bring claims that historically have been difficult to prove. One such example is the way neuroscience can obviate the outmoded physical-mental divide in tort law. Courts in the United States have been skeptical of awarding damages for “invisible” injuries, such as PTSD, concussions, neurodegenerative diseases, and emotional pain and suffering, all of which can alter brain structure and function, but often do not manifest physically until it is too late for a person suffering those harms to recover damages in a courtroom. However, as neuroscience technology improves, it can help detect these previously hidden or latent injuries, especially for those in marginalized communities, and begin to uproot entrenched policies that perpetuate health inequality. Neuroscience, while not without its shortcomings, has become an increasingly important tool to create a fairer, more just, and more rehabilitative justice system.
A Talmudic Vade Mecum to Acquiring Worldly Wealth

A crucial pedagogical tool of the Talmud, one of the most influential books of Late Antiquity, is the use of divine reward and punishment as a way to promote ethical conduct. This paper examines ten behaviors whose reward, according to the sages, is wealth. These include being charitable, conducting business in an ethical manner, honoring the Sabbath, respecting one’s spouse, acquiring wisdom, being an honest public servant, and leading a simple, humble life.
Spectrophotometric titration of tyrosine residues in human lysozyme.

The ionization of tyrosine residues in human lysozyme was investigated by measurement of spectral changes at pH values between 8.74 and 12.75. Below pH 11.70, at ionic strength 0.10, the titration curve is fully reversible. An average of 4 tyrosine eq per mole are ionized at this pH. At pH values higher than 11.70, the spectra are time-dependent. Reversal from any pH above 11.7, after 12 to 30 hours, leads to precipitation. Analysis of the results suggests that of the 6 tyrosine residues in the molecule, 3 are readily accessible and titrate as equivalent groups with pKint = 9.81. A 4th residue is inaccessible and can be titrated only after unfolding. The remaining 2 titrate with anomalously high pK values. When, on the average, more than one of these residues are ionized, a time-dependent exposure of the buried tyrosine residue occurs. A comparison of these results with the ionization behavior of the 3 tyrosine residues in hen egg white lysozyme is presented and discussed in terms of differences in the sequences of the two enzymes.
DC side voltage control of active power filter based on type-2 fuzzy controller

DC side voltage control is the key to the stability of active power filter (APF). In this paper the principle of APF DC side voltage power control is analyzed, type-2 fuzzy control strategy is proposed to the DC side voltage stability control, a type-2 fuzzy controller is designed to realize the dynamic regulation of the size and the fluctuation for the DC side voltage. Simulation and experimental results show that: the DC side voltage control of APF based on type-2 fuzzy controller has good dynamic performance and robustness, compared with the traditional PI controller, the type-2 fuzzy controller has less overshoot, faster response, stronger anti-disturbance and better control precision, it is more suitable to guarantee the stable operation of APF.
Toward an ontological database for subcellular neuroanatomy

We present the semantic data model for an ontological database for subcellular anatomy for Neurosciences. The data model builds upon the foundations of OWL and the Basic Formal Ontology, but extends them to include novel constructs that address several unresolved challenges encountered by biologists in using ontological models in their databases. The model addresses the interplay between models of space and objects located in the space, objects that are defined by constrained spatial arrangements of other objects, the interactions among multiple transitive relationships over the same set of concepts and so on. We propose the notion of parametric relationships to denote different multiple ways of parcellating the same space. We also introduce the notion of phantom instances to address the mismatches between the ontological properties of a conceptual object and the actual recorded instance of that object in cases where the observed object is partially visible.
Power system adequacy assessment with load redistribution attacks

The wider deployment of advanced information and control technologies in the smart grid makes the power grid more vulnerable to cyber attacks such as false data injection attacks. However, the work on the long-term statistical impact of these attacks on the power grid adequacy is rather limited. In this study a novel adequacy evaluation procedure incorporating the load redistribution (LR) attack is proposed. The procedure takes into consideration the physical failures and the bilevel model representing the LR attack. The simulation is conducted based on Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) using Matlab and CPLEX. The influences of the time of attacks, the attack level, the defense level and the line transmission capacity are investigated. It is concluded that the cyber defense level is critical to the power system adequacy, and cyber issues need to be considered in the planning of the power grid.
Partition function for finite-temperature Lattice SU(2) gauge theory a novel investigation of the phase transition

Abstract We use a new method introduced earlier to study the finite-temperature transition of SU(2) lattice gauge theory. The method is based on a direct numerical construction of the partition function of the system. The pattern of zeroes of the partition function in the complex coupling plane is used as a signal for the transition. The region of the phase transition is seen to be controlled by a pair of zeroes whose real parts are clearly resolved, and this is reflected in that the peak of the specific heat is consequently resolved into a double peak. These two peaks are then clearly seen to reflect the different contributions of plaquettes in the space-space directions of the lattice and those in the time-space directions. The finite-size scaling of the zeroes of the partition function is then used to measure the critical exponent v of the transition which is found to be 0.62(3).
The demonization of patronage: Folk devils, moral panics and the Boston Globe's coverage of the terrorist attacks of 9-11

Abstract The demonization of patronage during the Progressive Era is still having significant impacts on American public administration as demonstrated in the case of the controversies surrounding the operations of Logan Airport in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. Applying the theory of “moral panics,” this article examines the use of patronage as a “folk devil” by the Boston-region media. The analysis discusses of the implications of unchallenged demonized concepts and the need for a more analytic approach to the study of patronage.
The Smart Room: a 100 Mb/s integrated optical access point transceiver for indoor visible light communication

Recent developments in visible light communication (VLC) technology have solidified utilizing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) for not only illumination, but also optical wireless communication. This paper presents a novel optical access point transceiver that features addressable arrays of LEDs and photodetectors. The transmitter array enables combined illumination control and serial data transmission for an array of 16 LEDs producing an aggregate data rate of 100 Mb/s. The receiver consists of a 16-element array of broadband receiver channels. Designed in a 0.5 μm CMOS process to enable miniaturization and VLC system integration, the transceiver is capable of processing multiple user requests.
Cloning and functional characterization of the smooth muscle ether-a-go-go-related gene K+ channel. Potential role of a conserved amino acid substitution in the S4 region.

The human ether-a-go-go-related gene (HERG) product forms the pore-forming subunit of the delayed rectifier K+ channel in the heart. Unlike the cardiac isoform, the erg K+ channels in native smooth muscle demonstrate gating properties consistent with a role in maintaining resting potential. We have cloned the smooth muscle isoform of HERG, denoted as erg1-sm, from human and rabbit colon. erg1-sm is truncated by 101 amino acids in the C terminus due to a single nucleotide deletion in the 14th exon. Sequence alignment against HERG showed a substitution of alanine for valine in the S4 domain. When expressed in Xenopus oocytes, erg1-sm currents had much faster activation and deactivation kinetics compared with HERG. Step depolarization positive to −20 mV consistently produced a transient outward component. The threshold for activation of erg1-sm was −60 mV and steady-state conductance was ∼10-fold greater than HERG near the resting potential of smooth muscle. Site-directed mutagenesis of alanine to valine in the S4 region of erg1-sm converted many of the properties to that of the cardiac HERG, including shifts in the voltage dependence of activation and slowing of deactivation. These studies define the functional role of a novel isoform of the ether-a-go-go-related gene K+ channel in smooth muscle.
Statistical properties of affected sib-pair linkage tests.

Genetic linkage analysis is a powerful tool for the identification of disease susceptibility loci. Among the most commonly applied genetic linkage strategies are affected sib-pair tests, but the statistical properties of these tests have not been well characterized. Here, we present a study of the distribution of affected sib-pair tests comparing the type I error rate and the power of the mean test and the proportion test, which are the most commonly used, along with a novel exact test. In contrast to existing literature, our findings showed that the mean and proportion tests have inflated type I error rates, especially when used with small samples. We developed and applied corrections to the tests which provide an excellent adjustment to the type I error rate for both small and large samples. We also developed a novel approach to identify the areas of higher power for the mean test versus the proportion test, providing a wider and simpler comparison with fewer assumptions about parameter values than existing approaches require.
Soap-based detergent formulations: XXII. Sulfobetaine derivatives ofN-alkylglutaramides and adipamides

The acid chlorides of methyl hydrogen glutarate and methyl hydrogen adipate were allowed to react with various primary fatty amines. The resulting amido esters were converted into the corresponding amino diamides by sodium catalyzed reaction with N,N-dimethylaminoalkylamines. The desired sulfobetaines were obtained by reaction of the resulting N-alkyl-N′-(1,1-dimethylaminoalkyl) glutaramides and adipamides with 1,3-propanesultone. The compouds possess the same excellent lime soap dispersing ability, water solubility, calcium ion stability, and detergency properties as the analogous succinamide derivatives previous reported. This indicates that the spacing between the two amido groups or that between the quaternary nitrogen atom and the nearest amido group does not affect surface active properties.
The behavior and design of longitudinally stiffened thin-walled compression elements

Abstract The behavior and design of cold-formed steel sections with single and multiple intermediate stiffeners in the compression, flange is investigated. Existing experimental data are used to evaluate critically the AISI specification and Eurocode. For bending strength prediction of sections with multiple intermediate stiffeners, the AISI specification can be quite unconservative and Eurocode often Yields overly conservative results. Existing experimental data are used to calibrate a finite element model. An extensive parametric study is conducted using the finite element model. The results of the study are used to gain a better understanding of the behavior of these elements, and to help evaluate alternatives to the existing design procedures. Based on the existing data and the finite element stud two alternatives to the existing strength prediction procedures are advanced.
Nurse and Physician Agreement in the Assessment of Minor Blunt Head Trauma

OBJECTIVE: The Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN) traumatic brain injury (TBI) clinical prediction rules identify children with minor blunt head trauma who are at low risk for clinically important traumatic brain injuries. We measured the agreement between the registered nurse (RN) and physician (MD) assessments. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of all children <18 years of age with minor blunt head trauma who presented to a single emergency department. RNs and MDs independently assessed each child and recorded age-based PECARN predictors. As symptoms can change over time, we included cases only when both evaluations were completed within 60 minutes. We used the κ statistic to measure RN-MD agreement, with the main analysis focusing on the overall PECARN rule agreement. RESULTS: Of the 1624 eligible children, 1191 (73%) had evaluations completed by both RN and ED providers, of which 437 (37%) were in children <2 years of age. The median time between completions of the provider forms was 12 minutes (interquartile range 4–25 minutes). The overall agreement between the RN and MD was higher for the older children ( κ 0.55, 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.61 for children 2–18 years versus κ 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.41 for children <2 years). CONCLUSIONS: The overall agreement between RN and MD for the PECARN TBI prediction rules was moderate for older children and fair for younger children. Initial RN assessments should be verified by the MD before clinical application, especially for the youngest children. * Abbreviations: CI — : confidence interval CT — : computed tomography ED — : emergency department IQR — : interquartile range MD — : medical doctor PECARN — : Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network RN — : registered nurse TBI — : traumatic brain injury
Acoustic emission from integranular subcritical crack growth

Acoustic emission (AE) has been measured during subcritical crack growth of Fe, Ni, 304 SS, a tool steel, and an Fe−Si single crystal. Tests were conducted using compact tension type samples in a variety of environments. Iron with two levels of S and P grain boundary concentrations was tested in Ca(NO3)2 at +750mV; Ni with P segregation was tested in 1N H2SO4 at +900 mV; two heats of 304 SS were tested in Na2S2O3 at open circuit potentials; Fe and Ni with S-enriched grain boundaries were tested in 1N H2SO4 at cathodic potentials; and RDS tool steel and an [001] oriented Fe−Si single crystal were tested in gaseous hydrogen at a pressure of 1 atm. The number of AE events/mm2 of crack extension increased with an increase in transgranular fracture for all of these test conditions with the exception of the Fe−Si single crystal. In this case, crack extension was 100 pct transgranular, but the number of events/mm2 was negligible. It was concluded that the short, discontinuous crack jumps were not detectable with the AE monitoring equipment. Likewise, for the intergranular subcritical crack growth, it was concluded that crack extension was either anodic dissolution with no accompanying AE or short, discontinuous crack jumps with nondetectable AE. It also was postulated that the transgranular fracture surfaces accompanying the intergranular subcritical crack growth resulted from ligaments which fractured behind the advancing crack front.
Raman nanometrology of graphene: Temperature and substrate effects

Abstract Graphene has been a subject of intense interest because of its unique physical properties. Raman spectroscopy became a valuable tool for determining the number of graphene layers and assessing their quality. Here we review our recent results on the effects of substrates and temperatures on Raman signatures of graphene. Specifically, we considered graphene on GaAs, glass, sapphire, standard Si/SiO2 substrates and suspended across trenches in Si/SiO2 wafers. We found consistent values for Raman G peak frequency in the suspended graphene and graphene on standard substrates. It was relatively strongly down-shifted by ∼5 cm−1 for graphene on A -plane sapphire. Raman inspection of many spots on graphene layers on glass indicated that in some instances G peak was split into doublets. We investigated the temperature dependence of the Raman spectrum of graphene and found that G peak red shifts with increasing temperature despite graphene’s negative coefficient of thermal expansion. Using the measured temperature coefficient of graphene G peak we were able to adopt Raman spectroscopy for determining the thermal conductivity of graphene. The knowledge of the temperature and substrate effects on graphene Raman spectra is important for extending the application of micro-Raman spectroscopy as a nanometrology tool for graphene characterization and graphene device fabrication.
Experimental Results for Labyrinth Gas Seals With Honeycomb Stators: Comparisons to Smooth-Stator Seals and Theoretical Predictions

Experimental measurements are presented for the rotordynamic stiffness and damping coefficients of a teeth-on-rotor labyrinth seal with a honeycomb stator. Inlet circumferential velocity, inlet pressure, rotor speed, and seal clearance are primary variables. Results are compared to data for teeth-on-rotor labyrinth seals with smooth stators and to analytical predictions from a two-control-volume compressible flow model. The experimental results show that the honeycomb-stator configuration is more stable than the smooth-stator configuration at low rator speeds. At high rotor speeds, the stator surface does not affect stability. The theoretical model predicts the cross-coupled stiffness of the honeycomb-stator seal correctly within 25 percent of measured values. The model provides accurate predictions of direct damping for large clearance seals; however, the model predictions and test results diverge with increasing running speed. Overall, the model does not perform as well for low clearance seals as for high clearance seals.
Cell-cell interactions in synaptogenesis

Synaptogenesis is a finely organized process, intriguing in its precise temporal and spatial resolution. It occurs as the dendrite of a postsynaptic neuron and an incoming axon communicate at defined sites to establish a stable synapse together. The molecular cues that guide synaptogenesis are now beginning to be identified, and cell surface interactions at synaptic sites participate prominently in the key steps. Interactions include trans-synaptic adhesion of pre- and post-synaptic neurons but also binding to non-neuronal neighboring cells and the extracellular matrix. These signals recruit scaffolding molecules, other adhesion molecules, and neurotransmitter receptors to bring together the key components of functional synapses. Recent progress provides stimulating insights into the role of adhesion and signaling molecules in the formation and function of synaptic specializations.
Purification and properties of a Mg2+-dependent ATPase from chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis.

Abstract Isolated chloroplasts of Euglena gracilis contain highly active ATPases. The ATPase activity in the chloroplasts is usually much higher than the maximal rate of photophosphorylation obtainable and is due to a number of different enzymes. One of these ATPases, Mg2+-dependent and with a low pH optimum, has been solubilized with the aid of detergents and purified approx. 20-fold. The optimal activity of the enzyme is at pH 5.5, and the optimal Mg2+ concentration is 5·10−3 M. The enzyme hydrolyzes dATP more rapidly than ATP, although the Km for both substrates is the same. Other nucleotide triphosphates are hydrolyzed very slowly while ADP or pyrophosphate are not hydrolyzed at all. Oligomycin, carbonylcyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone, and ADP inhibit the enzyme, the latter competitively. The level of the enzyme is highest in chloroplasts from rapidly dividing cells, and reaches a minimum in chloroplasts from maturing cultures which have attained their maximal photosynthetic activity. It is postulated that the enzyme has a role in controlling chloroplast development.
Multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles for medical imaging applications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) have attracted enormous research attention due to their unique magnetic properties that enable the detection by non-invasive medical imaging modality—magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). By incorporating advanced features, such as specific targeting, multimodality and therapeutic delivery, the detectability and applicability of MNPs have been dramatically expanded. A delicate design of structure, composition and surface chemistry is essential to achieving the desired properties in MNP systems, such as high imaging-contrast and chemical stability, non-fouling surface, target specificity and/or multimodality. This article presents the design fundamentals on the development of MNP systems, from discussion of material selection for nanoparticle cores and coatings, strategies for chemical synthesis and surface modification and their merits and limitations, to conjugation of special biomolecules for intended functions, and reviews the recent advances in the field.
Regional extension as a geologic trigger for diapirism

Initiation of diapirs is one of the least understood aspects of salt tectonics. Differential sedimentary loading or erosion are both effective but not universal. A survey of 18 major salt-diapir provinces shows that salt upwelling is closely linked in time and space to regional extension. Extended salt basins typically develop salt structures, whereas nonextended basins typically do not. Even in salt basins overprinted by inversion or orogenic contraction, the diapirs were initiated during extension on divergent continental margins or in intracontinental rifts. Regional extension thins brittle overburden by forming grabens and half grabens above flowing salt. These fault structures (1) differentially load the salt by their surface relief and (2) weaken the overburden by fracturing and thinning it. Diapiric walls of pressurized salt rise in reaction to the shitting positions of fault blocks in extending overburdens, regardless of thickness, density, or lithology. If regional extension stops, these reactive diapirs stop rising. Eventually the roof of the reactive diapir can be thinned by extension below a critical thickness. Only then can the diapir break through actively as an independent intrusion. Diapiric alignments have been ascribed to basement faulting, even where such faults were conjectural or had trivial displacements. Physical modeling shows that extension of the basement has only indirect influence on diapirism by creating space for extension of the overburden, which is the direct cause of diapirism, whether extension is thick-skinned or thin-skinned and whether the salt was deposited before, duing, or after rifting.
Simplified approach for control of rotating stall. I - Theoretical development

In this article the theoretical foundations of a simplified approach for control of rotating stall are presented. This approach requires two-dimensional sensing, but only a single one-dimensional axisymmetric effector with relatively low bandwidth requirements. The reduced actuation requirements of this approach are a consequence of the fact that in this approach one does not require or act upon rotating stall phase information. This is due to the fact that one does not seek to extend the theoretical stable axisymmetric flow range of the compressor. Rather, one seeks to directly address persistent disturbances that would otherwise throttle the equilibrium into the unstable axisymmetric flow range of the compressor. In addition, one seeks to enlarge the domains of attraction of linearly stable axisymmetric equilibria, thereby addressing impulsive disturbances that would otherwise perturb the system state beyond the domain of attraction of the stable axisymmetric equilibrium. Experimental validation of this approach on a single-stage low-speed axial compressor rig is discussed in Part 2 of this article.
A fluorometric rapid screen method for aflatoxin in peanuts.

Peanuts were screened for aflatoxin using a rapid, inexpensive fluorometric method. Peanuts were ground and extracted with methanol, and the extract was treated with acidified zinc-acetate-sodium chloride solution, filtered, and diluted with water. Fluorescence of the extracts was compared with that from aflatoxin-free control peanuts. Test samples (160) of several varieties and grades of sources and were screened for the presence of aflatoxin. One hundred thirty-five samples (84%) were identified by this method as aflatoxin positive (15 ppb+) or aflatoxin negative (<15 ppb). Although 22 samples (13.6%) were incorrectly labeled as aflatoxin positive, most of these showed evidence of the presence of mold metabolites other than aflatoxin. Three samples (1.8%) were incorrectly labeled as aflatoxin negative when they actually contained 20, 33, and 34 ppb aflatoxin.