cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Two Architectures for Bending-Twisting Flapping Using Macro-Fiber Composites

There has been growing interest in the research fields of morphing-wing and flapping-wing aircraft for improved flight efficiency and maneuverability. Recent efforts have focused on the use of smart materials as actuators in biomimetic morphing and flapping. Macro-Fiber Composites (MFCs) are composed of piezoelectric fibers sandwiched between interdigitated electrodes in addition to Kapton and epoxy laminates. The MFC technology offers effective sensing and actuation with its light weight, high flexibility, durability, high performance, and availability in various sizes. Researchers have studied the use of MFCs in structural health monitoring, vibration control, actuation, and energy harvesting. In the last few years, MFCs have been successfully integrated to morphing-wing aircraft by several others. However, there has been limited work on MFC-based flapping wing by dynamic actuation. The flapping-wing flight is more beneficial than conventional flight at relatively small scales due to its high maneuverability. Biological flapping-wing flyers incorporate different wing motions such as dynamic bending, twisting, and folding to create asymmetry for positive lift and thrust resultants. This paper experimentally characterizes the electroelastic dynamics and power consumption of two MFC-based architectures for bio-inspired flapping. The first configuration employs an asymmetric wide bimorph architecture with 0° and 45° piezoelectric fibers to have an actuation authority in bending and twisting. The second configuration uses a double bimorph arrangement made of two narrow bimorphs with 0° fibers with a chord-wise spacing to create both bending and twisting depending on the relative actuation inputs. Both of the bending-twisting architectures considered herein are tested over a wide range dynamic actuation levels and frequencies to characterize the electroelastic response. In addition to measuring the power consumption levels in dynamic bending and twisting, flexible solar films are investigated as the light-weight multifunctional substructure layers that can create both lift surface and electricity toward the concept of self-powered flapping.Copyright © 2012 by ASME
Grooming and pollen manipulation in bees (Apoidea): the nature and evolution of movements involving the foreleg

Three modes of self cleaning occur in insects: nibbling by the maxillae, scraping one structure by another in one direction only, and rubbing back and forth while the respective parts are in continuous contact. This paper describes a comprehensive and comparative account of this behaviour in bees, with special reference to the cleaning of or by the forelegs. Bees, like all Hymenoptera, clean various parts of the head, including the mouthparts and the antennae, with the forelegs. Lower Hymenoptera scrape each antenna with either foreleg; in the species of Aculeata that possess the antenna cleaner (strigil) on the foreleg, only the ipsilateral leg is used. The thoracic dorsum of most bees, as in many sphecoid wasps, is scraped in a forward direction by the middle leg; Triepeolus spp., however, use the hind leg, and the Anthophorinae the foreleg. Some beetles and lacewings clean their forelegs in the mouthparts by nibbling and scraping. Most higher Hymenoptera as a rule scrape the foreleg between the ipsilateral maxilla and the labium; bees, however, clamp the foreleg between the flexed ipsilateral middle leg and then scrape it. An evolution of this behaviour is postulated via several intermediate forms derived from original stepping movements. Halictidae and Andrenidae clamp the foreleg for scraping underneath the middle tibia, whereas all other bees nearly always clamp it underneath the middle basitarsus. Very similar movements are used in various species for transferring pollen, oil, or nest materials from the foreleg to the middle leg. It is argued that the original way of pollen carrying in bees must have been by filling the crop through direct eating or by scraping pollen off the foreleg between the ipsilateral maxilla and the labium. The latter movement is widespread among bees and is homologous to the normal foreleg cleaning in the mouthparts of most other Hymenoptera. The efficiency of this behaviour is enhanced in many lower bees by a comb on the galea, which is the homologue of a similar structure widespread among aculeate wasps. In higher bees, Apidae and Anthophoridae, the galeal comb is replaced by an equifunctional stipes comb. Many bees have neither of these types of maxillary combs.
A phase I/II study of subconjunctival carboplatin for intraocular retinoblastoma.

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of subconjunctival carboplatin for intraocular retinoblastoma. Design A phase I/II clinical trial (noncomparative case series). Participants Eleven children with bilateral retinoblastoma who had 13 eyes containing active tumor. Methods Subconjunctival carboplatin (1.4–2.0 ml of a 10-mg/ml solution) was administered. Ophthalmologic examinations with the patient under anesthesia were performed before each injection, and response and toxicity were assessed. Main outcome measures Tumor response and toxicities. Results A median of three injections per eye was administered (range, 1–7 injections per eye) at a median interval of 21 days between injections (range, 14–35 days). The median dose was 20 mg/injection (range, 14–20 mg). Toxicities included transient periorbital edema in four eyes and optic atrophy in one eye that also received laser photocoagulation and cryotherapy. No nonocular toxicities were noted. Three of five eyes with vitreous disease that could be evaluated had major responses. Two of five eyes with retinal tumors had a response, but neither eye with subretinal disease responded. Conclusions Subconjunctival carboplatin as used in this protocol is effective for intraocular retinoblastoma. It appears to be safe, but additional study and longer follow-up are required, particularly to determine the risk of optic atrophy.
The bound states of weakly coupled long-range one-dimensional quantum hamiltonians

Abstract We study the small λ behavior of the ground state energy, E ( λ ), of the Hamiltonian −( d 2 dx 2 ) + λV(x) . In particular, if V ( x ) ∼ − ax −2 at infinity and if 69-1, we prove that (−E(λ)) 1 2 = −[ 1 2 λ + aλ 2 lnλ] ∫ dxV(x) + O(λ 2 ) .
Neutrinos as a signature of ultrahigh energy photons at high redshift

Sources of ultrahigh energy photons operating at high redshift produce a diffuse background of neutrinos. At high redshift, when the cosmic microwave background radiation has a higher temperature, an electromagnetic cascade originated by an energetic photon can generate neutrinos via muon and pion production and decay. We calculate numerically the neutrino spectrum of the cascade neutrinos produced by various photon sources (which need not necessarily generate a large flux of primary neutrinos). A distinctive feature of this flux is a ``bump'' in the neutrino spectrum at energies $E\ensuremath{\sim}{10}^{17} \mathrm{eV}.$ The detection of such neutrinos can help us understand the origin of ultrahigh energy cosmic rays.
The Equilibrium Electric Potential and Surface Charge Density of Spherical Emulsion Drops with Thin Double Layers

Abstract Analytic approximations are derived for the solution to the Poisson–Boltzmann equation as applied to a spherical emulsion drop containing a binary electrolyte. Particular attention is given to the drop interior and the formulas that result are easily evaluated. The approximations are obtained by two separate asymptotic methods, which are analogous to those used previously by others to describe the electric potential profile on the exterior of a spherical colloidal particle. The analyses apply to emulsion drops with thin double layers, meaning the drop radius a is large compared to κ −1 and κ −1 , the respective Debye screening lengths for the exterior and interior of the drop. Using δ = ( a κ) −1 as a perturbation parameter, we obtain a matched-asymptotic solution that adds corrections through O (δ 3 ) to the flat-plate and Debye–Huckel solutions of the Poisson–Boltzmann equation. In the process, we recover expressions for the drop exterior that constitute an O (δ) improvement over the previously published results. Through a nonlinear transformation of the independent variable, we also derive a uniformly valid approximation that iteratively adds a correction to the flat-plate problem. Each technique yields accurate solutions. For example, the maximum relative error over the drop interior is on the order of 1% for a κ as low as 5 with surface potentials as high as 250 mV. Accuracy improves for larger values of a κ, with a maximum relative error below 0.1% for a κ > 15. The asymptotic techniques are also used to obtain expressions for the surface charge density, with equally satisfactory results.
A technique for maintenance of airway access in infants with a difficult airway following tracheal extubation

Tracheal extubation of patients with a difficult airway represents a challenge to anaesthesiologists and intensive care physicians. While a variety of techniques designed to maintain access to the airway in case of the need for tracheal reintubation have been described in adults, no reports have been published in infants and young children. We describe an approach to this issue in a young child with severe micrognathia.
Effect of selenium supplementation and plane of nutrition on mares and their foals: selenium concentrations and glutathione peroxidase.

To investigate the maternal plane of nutrition and role of Se yeast on muscle Se concen- tration, plasma glutathione peroxidase (Gsh-Px) activ- ity, and colostrum Se concentration in mares and their foals, 28 Quarter Horse mares (465 to 612 kg of BW, and 6 to 19 yr of age) were used in a study with a ran- domized complete block design. Mares were blocked by expected foaling date and randomly assigned to dietary treatments within blocks. Dietary treatments were ar- ranged as a 2 × 2 factorial with 2 planes of nutrition, pasture or pasture + grain mix (fed at 0.75% of BW on an as-fed basis) and 2 concentrations of Se yeast supplementation (0 or 0.3 mg/kg of DMI), resulting in 4 treatments: pasture, pasture + grain mix, pasture + grain mix + Se, or pasture + Se. Mares fed diets of pas- ture and pasture + Se received approximately 100% of the calculated NRC (2007) DE requirements, whereas mares fed diets of pasture + grain mix and pasture + grain mix + Se received 120%. Selenium supplemen- tation began 110 d before the estimated foaling date and treatments were terminated at parturition. Blood and muscle (biopsy) samples were collected on d 0 and then every 14 or 28 d, respectively, thereafter until par- turition. Additionally, BW, BCS, and rump fat (RF) were recorded every 14 d. At parturition, colostrum, foal plasma, and foal muscle samples were collected and sampling continued every 14 d for plasma and every 28 d for muscle until d 56. Mare BW, BCS, and RF were affected by plane of nutrition (P ≤ 0.02), but not by Se supplementation. Mares fed the grain mix had greater (P < 0.05) BW, BCS, and RF measurements throughout the experiment. Mare plasma, muscle, and colostrum Se concentrations were greater (P < 0.01) in mares fed Se. Mares fed the grain mix had greater plasma Se (P = 0.02) than mares on pasture alone. Mare and foal plasma Gsh-Px concentrations were not affected by treatment. Foal plasma and muscle Se con- centrations were greater when dams were fed the sup- plemental grain mix (P = 0.04 and 0.02, respectively) and supplemental Se (P < 0.001). Results indicated that maternal plane of nutrition and Se supplementa- tion affected mare and foal plasma, muscle, and colos- trum Se concentrations, but not Gsh-Px activity.
1,2,5,6-Diepoxyhexane and 1,2,7,8-Diepoxyoctane Cross-Link Duplex DNA at 5‘-GNC Sequences

The carcinogenicity of epoxide compounds has been attributed to covalent binding to DNA. Whereas monoepoxides form only monoadducts, diepoxides can form both monoadducts and interstrand cross-links. The latter are believed to be the more significant cytotoxic lesions as diepoxides are frequently more carcinogenic and mutagenic than their monoepoxide analogues. We therefore examined the relative DNA interstrand cross-linking capabilities of several diepoxides with respect to chain length, molecular flexibility, reported carcinogenic potential, and DNA sequences targeted. Using denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, we found that 1,2,5,6-diepoxyhexane and 1,2,7,8-diepoxyoctane share the 5'-GNC target sequence previously found for 1,2,3,4-diepoxybutane [Millard, J.T., and White, M.M. (1993) Biochemistry 32, 2120-2124] and that the efficiency of cross-linking this sequence may reflect carcinogenicity, 1,2,5,6-Diepoxycyclooctane, the biologically inactive rigid analogue of 1,2,5,6-diepoxyhexane, was found to be a poor cross-linker of all DNA sequences examined. Moreover, increasing the diepoxyalkane chain length did not result in enhanced cross-linking ability.
The prognostic significance of thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma

Abstract Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of thrombocytosis in epithelial ovarian carcinoma and examine associations with clinico-pathologic features. Thrombocytosis (platelet counts >400 × 10 9 /l) has been identified as a poor prognostic factor in many cancers. Platelet-secreted factors may contribute to metastasis, invasion, and primary tumor growth. Methods. One hundred eighty-three patients with invasive epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinomas were identified between January 1996 and December 2000. Records were retrospectively reviewed and data analyzed using χ 2 , Student's t test, and Cox proportional hazards model; survival was analyzed by the method of Kaplan and Meier. Results. Forty-one of 183 (22.4%) patients had thrombocytosis at primary diagnosis. Patients with preoperative thrombocytosis were found to have greater elevations of CA-125 ( P = 0.026), more advanced stage disease ( P = 0.016), higher grade tumors ( P = 0.010), more frequent lymph node metastases ( P = 0.018), and greater volume of ascites ( P 1 cm; 19/41 vs. 4/142 in patients without thrombocytosis, P P P P = 0.04). Conclusions. Thrombocytosis is a frequent preoperative finding in ovarian and peritoneal carcinomas and may be a marker of aggressive tumor biology.
Recycling in a separation process structure

The objective of the note is to demonstrate with an example that the optimal structure of a separation system may contain a loop. Specifically, it is numerically illustrated that recycling should be allowed in the minimum cost separation system
The Role of Conformation in Ion Permeation in a K+ Channel

The chemical-physical basis for K+ permeation and selectivity in K+ channels has been the focus of attention of many theoretical and computational studies since the first crystal structure was obtained by the Mackinnon lab in 1998. Most of the previous studies reported focused on atomic descriptions of permeation events in the selectivity filter of K+ channels in their closed conformation. In this Article, a comparative analysis of permeation events in the KirBac1.1 K+ channel in a closed- and an open-state model is presented. The availability of models of the same channel in two different conformations has made this comparative analysis possible. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations of both models in a membrane environment have been carried out. As previously suggested by many studies of this and other K+ channels, when the channel is closed the ion conduction involves transitions between two main sites of the selectivity filter, with two K+ ions each coordinated by eight carbonyl oxygens of the prote...
Microsatellite markers isolated from polyploid wood-sorrel Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae)

Twelve polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated from polyploid alpine wood-sorrel, Oxalis alpina (Oxalidaceae), and optimized for future studies of its breeding system. The loci were screened for variability among 72 individuals from Pinos Altos, New Mexico. The primers amplified loci with allele number ranging from two to 17 per locus and with estimates of Nei’s genetic diversity varying from 0.10 to 0.99. These primers provide an opportunity to use polymorphic DNA markers to study the causes of breeding system variability in this species.
Neuroendocrine changes in heart failure and their clinical relevance

The pathophysiology of heart failure is closely associated with neuroendocrine changes. Activation of these humoral systems apparently serves as a compensatory mechanism for the failing circulation. However, overshoot of such mechanisms may further depress cardiac function by increasing afterload, resulting in a vicious cycle of reflex neuroendocrine activation. Corollary decreases in renal function activate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system as well, which further contributes to the cycle of downward-spiralling cardiac function. Many hormonal factors are increased in congestive heart failure. While some influences are vasodilatory, the net effect is marked vasoconstriction. The level of activation of these systems apparently corresponds to the severity of heart failure. Furthermore, elevated levels of these hormones, including norepinephrine, atrial natriuretic factor, plasma renin, and plasma arginine vasopressin, may play a more direct role in worsening heart failure. In fact, elevated catecholamine levels are directly related to prognosis. Catecholamines increase myocardial oxygen demand and are also arrhythmogenic. Oral catecholamines and phosphodiesterase inhibitors, which work by similar mechanisms, have yielded increased mortality rates in heart failure trials. In contrast, mortality rates are reduced in patients treated with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. Thus, it is clear that neuroendocrine changes are not only a marker of the severity of heart failure, but also directly worsen it. Interventions that antagonize or diminish these neuroendocrine changes apparently benefit patients with heart failure.
Pancreatic injuries during laparoscopic urologic surgery

Abstract Objectives To review our experience with pancreatic injury (PI) associated with urologic laparoscopy. PI associated with urologic laparoscopy is uncommon. Methods From January 1999 to April 2004, 890 laparoscopic operations for upper urinary tract pathologic findings were performed, of which 574 were left-sided procedures. We reviewed the medical records for recognized intraoperative or postoperatively documented PI and recorded the patient demographic data and intraoperative and postoperative management. Results Four PIs were identified, all associated with left-sided procedures. The overall rate of PI was 0.44%. Two injuries occurred during left radical nephrectomy (2.1%) and two during left adrenalectomy (8.6%). The mean tumor size was 6 ± 3.4 cm. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively in 1 patient, postoperative midepigastric pain with elevated serum amylase levels was the clinical presentation in 2 patients, and the incidental finding of pancreatic tissue in the final pathologic specimen confirmed the injury in the fourth patient. A prolonged pancreatic fistula developed only in 1 case. Three patients were treated conservatively and computed tomography-guided drainage of a pancreatic collection was required in one. The mean hospital stay was 18 days (range 4 to 57). Conclusions PI is uncommon but can result in significant morbidity. Intraoperative detection and repair can minimize sequelae. Management with conservative measures and percutaneous drainage is usually successful, although a prolonged postoperative course can be expected.
Docking of Protein−Protein Complexes on the Basis of Highly Ambiguous Intermolecular Distance Restraints Derived from 1HN/15N Chemical Shift Mapping and Backbone 15N−1H Residual Dipolar Couplings Using Conjoined Rigid Body/Torsion Angle Dynamics

A simple and reliable method for docking protein−protein complexes using 1HN/15N chemical shift mapping and backbone 15N−1H residual dipolar couplings is presented and illustrated with three complexes (EIN-HPr, IIAGlc-HPr, and IIAMtl-HPr) of known structure. The 1HN/15N chemical shift mapping data are transformed into a set of highly ambiguous, intermolecular distance restraints (comprising between 400 and 3000 individual distances) with translational and some degree of orientational information content, while the dipolar couplings provide information on relative protein−protein orientation. The optimization protocol employs conjoined rigid body/torsion angle dynamics in simulated annealing calculations. The target function also comprises three nonbonded interactions terms: a van der Waals repulsion term to prevent atomic overlap, a radius of gyration term (Ergyr) to avoid expansion at the protein−protein interface, and a torsion angle database potential of mean force to bias interfacial side chain confo...
Recursive approach in sparse matrix LU factorization

This paper describes a recursive method for the LU factorization of sparse matrices. The recursive formulation of common linear algebra codes has been proven very successful in dense matrix computations. An extension of the recursive technique for sparse matrices is presented. Performance results given here show that the recursive approach may perform comparable to leading software packages for sparse matrix factorization in terms of execution time, memory usage, and error estimates of the solution.
Displacement Effects of Online Media in the Socio-Technical Contexts of Households

This study investigated the impact of online media on other media and family communication. Data gathered from 185 persons in 84 households indicate that time spent in television viewing, newspaper reading, telephone usage, and family conversations is affected by online use. Usage of online media is significantly different among genders and generations. A process of functional displacement may be occurring in which television is, being gradually displaced by online media as the primary source of information.
Direct cloning of cDNA inserts from λgt11 phage DNA into a plasmid vector by a novel and simple method

Bacteriophage lambda gt11 has been used quite extensively for producing cDNA libraries. The cDNA inserts are usually subcloned into a plasmid vector for large scale production and analysis. However, isolating the recombinant DNA of interest from the phage clones can be a tedious task. Since the E. coli strain Y1088 used for lambda gt11 phage infection carries a pBR322-derived plasmid endogenously, we reasoned that this endogenous plasmid could be used directly for cloning the cDNA phage insert. In this report, we describe a method in which cDNA inserts from lambda gt11 phage were cloned directly into the pBR322 plasmid vector, bypassing the time-consuming procedures of preparing plasmid DNA as a subcloning vector. This method is likely to be extended to the cloning of DNA inserts derived from other phage lambda vectors when bacteria containing endogenous pBR322 are used as host cells.
Molecular Adaptations to Extreme Thermogenesis in Mammalian Hibernators

Thirteen-lined ground squirrels (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) are obligate mammalian hibernators that make the transition from deep torpor- where body temperatures can be as low as 2°C- to the fully active state within as little as two hours. During arousal from hibernation, squirrels undergo an extreme thermogenesis phase, where core body temperatures can increase above normal (37°C) and reach 45°C, without causing distress or discomfort to the animal. To elucidate protective mechanisms that enable tolerance to hyperthermia, we examined the functional properties of TRPV1, the capsaicin- and heat-activated channel that senses noxious heat (>42°C). Sequence alignment showed a high level of identity between rat and squirrel homologues. Histological examination showed no changes in the neuronal profile of squirrel sensory ganglia or decreases in the number of neurons expressing TRPV1. Electrophysiological recordings revealed that both channels are activated by acidic pH and capsaicin. However, whereas rat TRPV1 is also activated by heat at ∼43°C, we detected no thermal activation of the squirrel homologue even at temperatures as high as 48°C. Furthermore, in accord with the electrophysiological data, we found that squirrels fail to clearly discriminate between innocuous (25oC) and noxious (50oC) temperatures in behavioral tests. These experiments provide a molecular mechanism for hyperthermia tolerance in mammals at the level of the somatosensory system, and present a novel TRPV1 homologue, which can be used to delineate protein region(s) important for thermal activation.
Autoradiographic Analyses of Guinea Pig Airway Tissues Following Inhalation Exposure to 14C-Labeled Methyl Isocyanate

Abstract Autoradiographic Analyses of Guinea Pig Airway Tissues Following Inhalation Exposure to 14C-Labeled Methyl Isocyanate. Kennedy, A. L., Singh, G., Alarie, Y., and Brown, W. E. (1993). Fundam. Appl. Toxicol. 20, 57-67. Through the use of radioactively labeled methyl isocyanate (MIC), the deposition, penetration, and clearance of this highly reactive compound in the airway at the tissue and cellular levels have been directly examined. Guinea pigs were exposed to 14C-MIC vapors at concentrations ranging from 0.38 to 15.2 ppm for periods of 1-6 hr. Solubilization of tissues from these animals showed the airway tissues to have the highest level of radioactivity. In the nasal region, 14C deposition, as monitored by histoautoradiography, was limited to the epithelial layer, was related to dose, and was dependent on the specific epithelial cell type. The squamous epithelium was minimally labeled on the surface and the label did not penetrate the cell layer. However, radioactivity was detected throughout the entire nasal respiratory epithelial layer. The lack of nasal deposition in tracheotomized animals demonstrated that the 14C accumulation at this site was due to the scrubbing action of the nasal region with no contribution from blood recirculation. Cellular localization in the tracheobronchial region showed epithelial and subepithelial deposition in a dose-dependent manner with accumulation of the label at the subepithelial region. Radioactivity penetrated to the level of the terminal bronchiole but was not detected in the alveolar region. The persistence of airway radioactivity over the 48-hr postexposure period monitored suggests the covalent modification of airway macromolecules. Despite its broad specificity and high reactivity, MIC undergoes selective reactions in the airways which are dependent on respiratory region and cell type.
Adaptation of Modulation, Coding, and Power for High-Rate Direct-Sequence Spread Spectrum

Communication devices that employ adaptive transmission protocols can exploit good channel conditions to increase throughput and compensate for poor channels to enhance survivability. We examine the performance of a protocol for the combined adaptation of the modulation, error-control-code, and transmitter power in high-rate direct-sequence spread-spectrum systems. The protocol requires only simple statistics that are obtained easily from the demodulator and decoder, and only a few bits of feedback are required in each acknowledgment packet.
Select Nutrient Intakes of Health-Science and Nursing Students

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the dietary patterns compared to the DRI standards in a group of undergraduate health-science and nursing students. A group of 281 undergraduate students enrolled in nutrition class voluntarily completed the Block, Health and Habits History Questionnaire. The questionnaire contains 100-items asking frequency and amount of foods that are consumed, as well as items asking for gender, age, height, and weight. Evaluation of this instrument provides surrogate measures for daily nutrient intake. This sample included 77% females (BMI-24) and 23% males (BMI-27). Compared to the RDA, reported protein intake for males and females was 192% and 160% respectively With these increased levels of protein consumption, there was incentive to examine a select group of animal-based micronutrients. Compared to the DRI, females exhibited elevations for intakes of niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine, but were within recommended limits for calcium, folate, and magnesium. Males displayed elevated levels for each of the six micronutrients. Relative to the DRI these heightened levels of calcium, folate, magnesium, niacin, phosphorous, and thiamine may indicate an elevation in animal product consumption since many of these nutrients tend to be found in animal-based foods. Introductory nutrition classes might underscore the importance of healthful eating based on being compliant with the allocation of nutrients expressed in the food pyramid.
Chemical Variations Among L-Group Chondrites, III. Major Element Variation in L6 Chondrites

Bulk chemical and mineral analyses of five L6 chondrites of shock facies d to f bring the number of L6 falls analyzed by Jarosewich to 20 and enable us: 1) to examine the chemical effects of shock melting in chondrites of the same petrologic type that presumably sample a limited stratigraphic range in their parent body; and 2) to seek depth-related chemical variations by comparing the compositions of L3 and melt-free L6 chondrites. The mean Fe/Mg, Si/Mg, S/Mg and Ni/Mg ratios of melt-free L6 chondrites (shock facies a to c) are virtually identical to those of L3 chondrites, suggesting that L-group material had the same bulk composition early (L6) and late (L3) in the accretion of the parent body. Wider variations of S/Mg and Ni/Mg in L6 chondrites may signify that L6 material was less well mixed than L3, or that some mobilization of metal and troilite occurred at shock intensities (facies c) too low to melt silicates. L6 chondrites that experienced shock melting of silicates (facies d to f) show wide variations of Fe/Mg, Si/Mg, S/Mg and Ni/Mg. It appears that most of the major element variation in the L-group is tertiary (shock-related) rather than primary (nebular, accretionary) or secondary (metamorphic). There is some evidence that L-group chondrites comprise two subgroups with different Fe/S ratios, but these subgroups are now poorly defined and their significance is unknown.
Clinical studies on the use of lamotrigine in bipolar disorder

New mood stabilizers that possess efficacy in the depressed phase of bipolar disorder are needed. The use of marketed antidepressants puts bipolar patients at some increased risk for drug-induced hypomania/mania and rapid cycling. During the development of the antiepileptic, lamotrigine, the drug was observed to improve mood, alertness, and social interactions in some patients with epilepsy. These early observations provided the rationale for investigations into lamotrigine's potential efficacy in bipolar disorder. There are now 14 open clinical reports involving a total of 207 lamotrigine-treated patients with bipolar disorder that suggest this drug possesses a broad spectrum of efficacy in the management of the depressed, hypomanic, manic, and mixed phases of bipolar disorder. In an attempt to replicate and extend these preliminary open-label prospective findings, a series of multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies evaluating the efficacy and dose-response relationships of lamotrigine in the various phases of the illness, including both acute and maintenance designs in both bipolar I and II disorder, is ongoing.
Inflow Conditions and the Flow Behavior of a Biofluid in a Separated Flow Region

Inflow conditions influence on the flow behavior of human blood in a separated and reattached flow region is investigated. Hemorheological data that account for the yield stress and shear-thinning non-Newtonian characteristics of blood are used. The governing mass and momentum conservation equations along with the Herschel-Bulkley constitutive equation are solved numerically using a finite-difference scheme. Two inflow velocity profiles are considered, uniform and fully-developed ones. A parametric study is performed to reveal the impact of inflow velocity profile, upstream flow restriction, and rheology on the recirculation strength and reattachment characteristics of the flow field. Uniform inflow conditions result in larger relative recirculation intensity, in comparison with the fully-developed ones, only for a moderate upstream flow restriction. The separated flow region size in the case of a fully-developed inflow is always smaller than the one observed for uniform inflow. Larger separated flow regions with stronger flow recirculation, are predicted by the Newtonian model in comparison with the yield shear-thinning model for all studied inflow and upstream restriction conditions. The separated flow region size displays a strong dependency on the inflow velocity profile and upstream flow restriction, in comparison with the observed dependency on the used hemorheological model.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Cloning and characterization of the natural lactose operator

A 55-bp DNA segment carrying the wild-type lactose operator sequence has been cloned. Its sequence is: (Formula: see text). With the exceptions of the bases at positions 19 and 41, 26 and 34, and 28 and 32, the sequence is a perfect inverted repeat about base pair 30. This segment was obtained from the wild-type lactose promoter and operator region of lambda h80dlac phage DNA by a combination of in vitro and in vivo steps. Up to four direct-repeat copies of this segment have been cloned in plasmid pMB9 and pBR325. Repressor affinity for this 55-bp fragment does not differ significantly from that for a 40-bp synthetic operator fragment cloned previously, even though the 55-bp fragment contains the complete set of sequence symmetries associated with the natural operator, whereas the 40-bp fragment does not. An improved procedure for operator purification is described: this was used to prepare 14 mg of the 55-bp fragment over a 2-month period.
Preclinical Rationale for PI3K/Akt/mTOR Pathway Inhibitors as Therapy for Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Inhibitor-Resistant Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor gene (EGFR) are frequently observed in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), occurring in about 40% to 60% of never-smokers and in about 17% of patients with adenocarcinomas. EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), such as gefitinib and erlotinib, have transformed therapy for patients with EGFR-mutant NSCLC and have proved superior to chemotherapy as first-line treatment for this patient group. Despite these benefits, there are currently 2 key challenges associated with EGFR inhibitor therapy for patients with NSCLC. First, only 85% to 90% of patients with the EGFR mutation derive clinical benefit from EGFR TKIs, with the remainder demonstrating innate resistance to therapy. Second, acquired resistance to EGFR TKIs inevitably occurs in patients who initially respond to therapy, with a median duration of response of about 10 months. Mutant EGFR activates various subcellular signaling cascades, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which demonstrates maintained activity in a variety of TKI-resistant cancers. Given the fundamental role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in tumor oncogenesis, proliferation, and survival, PI3K pathway inhibitors have emerged as a possible solution to the problem of EGFR TKI resistance. However resistance to EGFR TKIs is associated with considerable heterogeneity and complexity. Preclinical experiments investigating these phenomena suggest that in some patients, PI3K inhibitors will have to be paired with other targeted agents if they are to be effective. This review discusses the preclinical data supporting PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway inhibitor combinations in EGFR TKI-resistant NSCLC from the perspective of the various agents currently being investigated in clinical trials.
Lymphangiographic visualization of pleural and pulmonary lymphatics in a patient without chylothorax.

Pulmonary lymphatic visualization during lymphangiography was demonstrated without evident abnormality of the lymphatic system. Such visualization has not heretofore been reported in the absence of chylothorax. Filling from the thoracic duct via the inferior pulmonary ligaments and from the basal pleural lymphatics to the pulmonary lymphatics is the probable direction of flow.
Traumatic Flexor Digitorum Superficialis and A2-A3 Pulley Rupture: Case Report

We present a case of simultaneous traumatic rupture of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and the A2 and A3 flexor tendon pulleys. Excision of the flexor digitorum superficialis tendon and reconstruction of the pulleys led to restoration of function.
Color removal in groundwater through the enhanced softening process.

Abstract The source of water for Miami-Dade County, Florida is groundwater derived from the Biscayne aquifer. The raw water is rich in natural organic material producing correspondingly high color levels. Currently, breakpoint chlorination is used at the water treatment plant to control the color problem. However, this results in the formation of disinfection by-products. Proposed alternatives to reduce color and avoid by-product formation include the addition of coagulants such as ferric chloride and organic polymers, and the operation of the existing lime softening process at a higher pH. This study uses jar tests to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the proposed alternatives. Results indicate that significant color reduction is achieved using the existing lime softening process with activated silica coagulant by increasing the softening pH to 11 or more. Elevated pH also produced a >30% reduction in total organic carbon. In the presence of higher raw water color (≥80 units), the addition of ferric chloride as coagulant at dosages of 80 mg/L is recommended.
Activin and bone morphogenetic proteins are present in perinatal sensory neuron target tissues that induce neuropeptides

Previous studies have shown that sensory target tissues induce neuropeptides in naive sensory neurons, and that activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are capable of inducing neuropeptides associated with nociception in embryonic sensory neurons in vitro. The goal of the present study was to learn if these ligands were available in native sensory neuron target tissues at correct developmental periods to play this inductive role in vivo. Sensory neurons initially contact their peripheral target tissues and begin to express neuropeptides during late embryogenesis, and we demonstrate that activin and BMPs are present in the embryo and neonate to regulate sensory neuron differentiation. Native embryonic and neonatal target tissues were analyzed by immunoblot and immunohistochemical studies using ligand-specific antibodies. Although activin was easily solubilized, BMPs were detected only after high salt extraction, suggesting that BMPs were bound to extracellular moieties and were capable of acting only locally in native tissues. One inhibitor, noggin, was present in both embryonic skin and muscle. In combination, these data suggest that neuronal differentiation is unlikely to be regulated by simple expression of ligand, but that the functional availability of ligand is a critical component confering biological activity.
Modulation of glutamate receptor expression by gonadal steroid hormones in the rat striatum

The non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) attenuates morphine-induced immediate-early gene expression in the rat striatum in a sexually dimorphic manner that depends in part on gonadal steroids. To determine if this effect was dependent on modulation of glutamate receptor gene expression, we studied the effect of gonadal hormones on levels of the NR1 subunit of NMDA receptor and the GluR2 subunit of the AMPA-subtype of glutamate receptor in the rat striatum, using autoradiographic immunocytochemistry. We found that ovariectomy decreased GluR2 immunoreactivity in the striatum, but no changes were seen in levels of NR1 following gonadectomy in either sex. Thus, the effects of gonadal steroids on NMDA receptor-mediated responses are not due to regulation of NR1 expression.
Ventricular tachycardia after infarction: sources of coronary blood flow to the infarct zone.

Abstract The purpose of this study was to determine the sources of coronary blood flow to infarct scars in patients with sustained ventricular tachycardia occurring late after myocardial infarction, which is necessary for transcoronary sclerosis or embolization. Angiograms of 32 consecutive patients (age 63 ± 8 years, ejection fraction 0.30 ± 0.10) were reviewed. Sources of blood flow to the infarct zone were identified as coming from a recanalized infarct-related artery, side branch, collateral, or coronary bypass graft. Eighty-four percent of patients in the study had an identifiable blood supply to the area of previous infarction. More than one source of blood flow to anterior infarct locations were observed more often than to inferior infarct locations (53% vs 17%, p = 0.03). Transcoronary mapping for possible chemical ablation should be technically feasible in the majority of patients with ventricular tachycardia. Infart zone blood flow arises from any of several sources and varies somewhat depending on infarct location.
Temperature and crosslinking effects on the swelling of poly(isoprene) in isopiestic conditions

Isopiestic measurements of solvent uptake have been made in the synthetic isoprene/benzene system for both crosslinked and uncrosslinked polymers in order to revisit the question of the swelling activity parameter S. Both the nonzero value of S at zero swelling and the appearance of a peak in S vs. degree of swelling have been observed in some solvent/rubber pairs and we here investigate both the crosslink and temperature dependencies of these phenomena. The data analysis is an extension of prior work from this laboratory using continuum thermodynamics concepts and avoiding molecular models in an attempt to establish the fundamental phenomenology of the process and the validity or lack of validity of the hypothesis that the mixing and elastic contributions to the free energy of networks are separable. We present results from measurements in benzene vapors at temperatures between 10 and 55°C for an uncrosslinked rubber and rubbers crosslinked with 1, 5, 10, and 15 parts per hundred dicumyl peroxide. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 35: 817–826, 1997
Undetermined Manner of Death: A Comparison With Unintentional Injury, Suicide, and Homicide Death

Injury deaths can be grouped into four general categories: accident, homicide, suicide, and undetermined. The present study investigates the use of the "undetermined" category. External cause of death, as well as demographic and other variables, were abstracted from death certificates of the 386,936 Californians who died of an injury between 1969 and 1991. Differences among the four manner-of-death groups were examined, and characteristics of the decedent and the injury event were used to predict a classification of undetermined. Coroners classified 1.9% of the deaths as undetermined in manner. Deaths of women, Blacks, Asians, and Native Americans; the very young and the middle aged; or those involving poisoning or submersion were most likely to be classified as undetermined. Acknowledging that individual coroner judgment may not be free of bias, these findings can help provide a better estimate of the frequency and the epidemiologic features of injury deaths that are assigned to the category of undetermined.
Guidelines for Clinical Exercise Testing Laboratories A Statement for Healthcare Professionals From the Committee on Exercise and Cardiac Rehabilitation, American Heart Association

Exercise testing is a noninvasive procedure that provides diagnostic and prognostic information and evaluates an individual’s capacity for dynamic exercise. Exercise testing facilities range from the sophisticated research setting to more conventional equipment in the family practitioner’s or internist’s office. Regardless of the range of testing procedures performed in any given laboratory, basic equipment, personnel, and protocol criteria are necessary to conduct meaningful tests and ensure the comfort and safety of the patient. This statement provides a guide to initiating and maintaining a high quality clinical laboratory for administering graded exercise tests to adults. Pediatric testing is addressed separately.1 ### Environment Exercise testing equipment varies in size. The testing room should be large enough to accommodate all the equipment necessary, including emergency equipment and defibrillator, while maintaining walking areas and allowing adequate access to the patient in emergency situations. Compliance with local fire codes and with procedures for other types of emergencies (eg, earthquake, hurricane) is essential. The laboratory should be well lighted, clean, and well ventilated with temperature and humidity control. Including posters or pictures of outdoor scenes can reduce boredom and anxiety, particularly if the room has no windows. A wall-mounted clock with a “sweep” second hand or a digital counter is useful. The examining table should have space for towels, tape, and other items needed for patient preparation and testing. A curtain for privacy during patient preparation is useful. Minimizing interruptions and maintaining privacy allows the patient and laboratory personnel to concentrate on the testing procedure. To assess the level of effort, a large-print scale of perceived exertion2 (Table 1⇓) should be mounted on the wall in clear view of the patient. The same scale has been used to assess symptoms of fatigue, dyspnea, or leg fatigue/pain.3 Dyspnea can also be measured by means of …
Informed consent for innovative surgery: a survey of patients and surgeons.

Background Unlike new drugs and medical devices, most surgical procedures are developed outside clinical trials and without regulatory oversight. Surgical professional organizations have discussed how new procedures should be introduced into practice without agreement on what topics informed consent discussions must include. To provide surgeons with more specific guidance, we wanted to determine what information patients and surgeons consider essential to disclose before an innovative surgical procedure. Methods Of those approached, 85 of 113 attending surgeons and 383 of 541 adult postoperative patients completed surveys; responses to the surveys were 75% and 71%, respectively. Using a 6-point Likert scale, participants rated the importance of discussing 16 types of information preoperatively for 3 techniques (standard open, laparoscopic, robotic) offered for a hypothetic partial hepatectomy. Results Compared with surgeons, patients placed more importance on nearly all types of information, particularly volumes and outcomes. For all 3 techniques, approximately 80% of patients indicated that they could not decide on surgery without being told whether it would be the surgeon’s first time doing the procedure. When considering an innovative robotic surgery, a clear majority of both patients and surgeons agreed that it was essential to disclose the novel nature of the procedure, potentially unknown risks and benefits, and whether it would be the surgeon’s first time performing the procedure. Conclusion To promote informed decision-making and autonomy among patients considering innovative surgery, surgeons should disclose the novel nature of the procedure, potentially unknown risks and benefits, and whether the surgeon would be performing the procedure for the first time. When accurate volumes and outcomes data are available, surgeons should also discuss these with patients.