cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor channel electrostatics determined by diffusion-enhanced luminescence energy transfer.

The electrostatic potentials within the pore of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) were determined using lanthanide-based diffusion-enhanced fluorescence energy transfer experiments. Freely diffusing Tb3+-chelates of varying charge constituted a set of energy transfer donors to the acceptor, crystal violet, a noncompetitive antagonist of the nAChR. Energy transfer from a neutral Tb3+-chelate to nAChR-bound crystal violet was reduced 95% relative to the energy transfer to free crystal violet. This result indicated that crystal violet was strongly shielded from solvent when bound to the nAChR. Comparison of energy transfer from positively and negatively charged chelates indicate negative electrostatic potentials of −25 mV in the channel, measured in low ionic strength, and −10 mV measured in physiological ionic strength. Debye-Huckel analyses of potentials determined at various ionic strengths were consistent with 1–2 negative charges within 8 A of the crystal violet binding site. To complement the energy transfer experiments, the influence of pH and ionic strength on the binding of [3H]phencyclidine were determined. The ionic strength dependence of binding affinity was consistent with −3.3 charges within 8 A of the binding site, according to Debye-Huckel analysis. The pH dependence of binding had an apparent pKa of 7.2, a value indicative of a potential near −170 mV if the titratable residues are constituted of aspartates and glutamates. It is concluded that long-range potentials are small and likely contribute little to selectivity or conductance whereas close interactions are more likely to contribute to electrostatic stabilization of ions and binding of noncompetitive antagonists within the channel.
Fibroma of tendon sheath

Three cases of fibromas involving tendon sheath of right index finger, left ring finger, and tibial ligament in a 62-, a 54-, and a 30-year-old male patients, respectively, are described. Two cases (1 and 2) represented painless, slowly enlarging masses that limited motion of the involved digits. The third case was discovered at surgery during the repair of a tibial ligament after a motorcycle accident. Following surgical excisions, no recurrences were present 18 months and 9 months after resection. The fibromas of tendon sheath origin are distinct entities and should be separated from other lesions of tendon sheaths. Trauma should be considered as the etiology. The fibromas are benign lesions but may recur.
Synergistic Enhancement of 2-Deoxy-D-Glucose-Mediated Breast Cancer Cell Death by Mitochondria-Targeted Drugs

Despite decades of evidence that cancer cells have increased aerobic glycolysis, glycolytic inhibition has failed as a chemotherapeutic strategy, due in part to enhanced systemic toxicity of antiglycolytic agents. Recent research suggests that the combined inhibition of glycolysis and mitochondrial function may represent a possible therapeutic approach to overcome the toxicity of antiglycolytics. In this study we investigated the chemotherapeutic efficacies of mitochondria-targeted drugs (MTDs) in combination with 2-DG(an inhibitor of glycolysis) in breast cancer cell lines. Two MTDs were employed in this study: Mito-CP and MitoQ. Synergistic enhancement of 2-deoxy-D-glucose-mediated breast cancer cell death by mitochondria-targeted drugs.
UraniumVI sorption behavior on silicate mineral mixtures.

Uranium VI sorption experiments involving quartz and clinoptilolite, important mineral phases at the proposed US nuclear waste repository at Yucca Mountain, NV, were conducted to evaluate the ability of surface complexation models to predict U VI sorption onto mineral mixtures based on parameters derived from single-mineral experiments. The experiments were conducted at an initial U VI aqueous concentration of ∼ 2.0 × 10 -7 mol - l -1 (0.1 mol - l -1 NaNO 3 matrix) and over the pH range 2.5 to ∼ 9.5. The U VI solutions were reacted with either quartz or clinoptilolite only, or with mixtures of the two minerals The experiments were carried out under atmospheric pCO 2 (g) conditions (in loosely capped containers) or under limited pCO 2 (g) (in capped containers or in a glove box). Data from sorption experiments on quartz at atmospheric pCO 2 conditions were used to derive U VI binding constants for a diffuse-layer surface complexation model (DLM). The DLM was then used with surface area as a scaling factor to predict sorption of U VI onto clinoptilolite and clinoptilolite/quartz mixtures under both atmospheric and low pCO 2 conditions. The calculations reproduced many aspects of the pH-dependent sorption behavior. If this approach can be demonstrated for natural mineral assemblages, it may be useful as a relatively simple method for improving radionuclide transport models in performance-assessment calculations.
The U-Th-Pb systematics in hot springs on the East Pacific Rise at 21°N and Guaymas Basin

We have determined the concentrations and isotopic compositions of U, Th and Pb in hydrothermal fluids from 21°N, East Pacific Rise and Guaymas Basin, Gulf of California. The purest hydrothermal end members (96%) have 0.06–0.18 ppb U, < 0.1–4.3 ppt Th and 40–67 ppb Pb. Several samples show a ^(234)U enrichment relative to the equilibrium value. This indicates that U was quantitatively removed from seawater and deposited to the crust during the hydrothermal circulation. The 21°N fluids with intermediate Mg content show that U and Mg are coherently removed from seawater, but Pb is not, during mixing of the hot hydrothermal fluid and cold ambient seawater. Both the end-member and intermediate hydrothermal fluids at 21°N have similar Pb isotopic compositions and limited ranges in ^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb (18.444–18.503), ^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb (15.471–15.514), and ^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb (37.832–37.966). These ratios are within the range of values of MORB and are distinctly less radiogenic than the ambient seawater. This means that a significant amount of Pb was removed from the basalts by the hot springs. In contrast, Th does not appear to be significantly removed from the basalts. Some of this Pb was incorporated into the metalliferous sediments in a wide area straddling the EPR. The Pb isotopic composition of a hydrothermal sample from the Guaymas Basin is more radiogenic than at 21°N and resembles that of sediments from the Gulf of California. This is consistent with the uptake of Pb from heated sediments having a substantial component of the volcanogenic detritus. Using the present data and the literature values of the natural river fluxes, the global hydrothermal system removes ~25% U from the total natural U flux to the ocean and contributes < 0.02% Th and ~2% Pb to the ocean. The U/Pb ratio in the hydrothermally altered oceanic crust may be increased by from 40% to a factor of 2, and the Th/U ratio decreased by from 10 to 25%. The ridge crest-hydrothermal system represents only a part of a continuous geochemical process which modifies the U-Th-Pb systematics of the oceanic upper crust or ultimately the source of some oceanic island basalts.
Specimen holders for simultaneous critical point drying of multiple biological specimens.

Specimen holders were developed for simultaneous critical point drying of multiple specimens of monolayer all cultures grown on Leighton tube glass cover slips or for specimens of ells collected on silver or cellulose membrane filters. The use of these multiple specimen holders makes it possible to process several specimens in parallel and thus significantly reduce the time required for handling large numbers of samples and also eliminate the possible variations that occur in processing individual samples one at a time in series.
David Bentley Hart, The Beauty of the Infinite: The Aesthetics of Christian Faith (Cambridge and Grand Rapids: Eeerdmans Publishing. 2003), pp. xii + 448. $45.00

Publishers' blurbs for new books are often de trop. Those accompanying David Bentley Hart's opus, however, are surprising in the array of notable names that have acclaimed him, even in the pre-production phase. One of the famed maintains that with this first book Bentley Hart has emerged as the ‘best living American systematic theologian’, and another of the great and good hails him as: ‘one of his generation's leading theologians’. No small potatoes this, considering the first book in question is the revision of a doctoral thesis of a young man who has yet to start a university career. It seems, moreover, to have been two theses rolled into one. Having read the book, one understands why the accolades were so heart-felt. It is indeed a most learned, profound and immensely rich volume. It is undoubtedly one of the most important and timely works of theology written for many decades past, and will prove itself to be so, I suspect, despite its (many) eccentricities and idiosyncratic judgements, and despite its failure to say many things one might have wanted it to: but then at 448 pages, one needs to draw a line somewhere.
Yield Variation of Soybeans in Hawaii

In Hawaii, soybeans planted in November through January will produce yields of 25 to 50 percent compared with those planted through June. Yield components were studied for several soybean cultivars to determine which one was the most sensitive to planting dates and if there were differences between cultivars. Soybean cultivars, Amsoy 71, Davis, Forrest, Kahala, P.I. 297,550, and Williams were planted each month for two years. One November planting was lost, so there were 23 tests representing different environments. Each test consisted of 24 plots, six cultivars in four replications in a randomized block. Analysis of variance of combined tests indicated significant differences between number of plants, pods per plant, seeds per pod, seed weight, yield of seed, plant height, and oil content of the seed that were due to data of planting, cultivar, and date × cultivar interaction. Regression analysis indicated a closer relationship between pods per plant and yield during stress conditions (November through January plantings), whereas number of seeds per pod was more closely associated with yield during non-stress environments (April through June plantings).
The Dynamics of Inclined Taut and Slack Marine Cables

A unified solution to the linear dynamics of inclined marine cables is presented and the effect of the principal parameters, including cable elasticity, local curvature, tension, and mass distribution are analyzed in detail. A numerical scheme using the linear solutions to construct a solution for the nonlinear problem is discussed.
What is “Reasonableness?”

The concept-in-question, recently proposed as another influence on “facultative distortion,” has been found to have many definitions in the literature. These are reviewed here, and a derivative definition is offered. It is believed that “reasonableness” should be viewed conceptionally as a capricious violation of expectations.
Toxoplasmosis in AIDS patients

In patients with AIDS, toxoplasmosis is the most common cause of CNS mass lesions. Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical presentation and CAT scan findings and confirmed by demonstration of tachyzoites and/or cysts in tissues obtained by needle aspiration or brain biopsy. Response to therapy with pyrimethamine and sulphadiazine is usually prompt but therapy has to be continued for the lifetime of AIDS patients with CNS toxoplasmosis. To date, no alternative regimens of single or combination drugs appear to be effective in patients who fail, or are unable to tolerate pyrimethamine and sulphadiazine therapy. Relapse rate is high. Clearly, there is a need to organize prospective controlled studies to assess the role of agents such as clindamycin, trimetrexate and other drugs in the treatment of CNS toxoplasmosis in patients with AIDS.
Heavy hadron weak decay form-factors to next-to-leading order in 1/m(q)

Based on the short-distance expansion of currents in the heavy quark effective theory, we derive the exact expressions for the heavy-to-heavy meson and baryon weak decay form factors to order 1/mQ in the heavy quark expansion, and to all orders in perturbation theory. We emphasize that the Wilson coefficients in this expansion depend on a kinematic variable w that is different from the velocity transfer w = v·v′ of the hadrons. Our results generalize existing ones obtained in the leading-logarithmic approximation. Some phenomenological applications are briefly discussed.
Infinitesimal perturbation analysis of a birth and death process

Using a birth and death process as an illustrative example, we introduce the notion of alternative representations of stochastic processes and discuss its importance for infinitesimal perturbation analysis derivative estimation. Through a different choice of representation, we are led to an IPA algorithm for a birth and death process better than one discussed by other authors.
Beyond Molecular Recognition: Using a Repulsive Field to Tune Interfacial Valency and Binding Specificity between Adhesive Surfaces

Surface-bound biomolecular fragments enable “smart” materials to recognize cells and other particles in applications ranging from tissue engineering and medical diagnostics to colloidal and nanoparticle assembly. Such smart surfaces are, however, limited in their design to biomolecular selectivity. This feature article demonstrates, using a completely nonbiological model system, how specificity can be achieved for particle (and cell) binding, employing surface designs where immobilized nanoscale adhesion elements are entirely nonselective. Fundamental principles are illustrated by a model experimental system where 11 nm cationic nanoparticles on a planar negative silica surface interact with flowing negative silica microspheres having 1.0 and 0.5 μm diameters. In these systems, the interfacial valency, defined as the number of cross-bonds needed to capture flowing particles, is tunable through ionic strength, which alters the range of the background repulsion and therefore the effective binding strength o...
Class, Race, and Inequality in South Africa

Class, Race, and Inequality in South Africa. By Jeremy Seekings and Nicoli Nattrass. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2005. 464p. $55.00. Jeremy Seekings and Nicoli Nattrass present an immense amount of quantitative and qualitative information regarding inequality in South Africa during the apartheid and post-apartheid periods. Their descriptive findings involve assertions that both support and challenge existing knowledge. For example, they conclude that during the apartheid era, there was significant redistribution of income by the state to poorer sections of the population; that apartheid “converted the state-imposed advantages of race into the market-rewarded advantages of class” (p. 379); the “deracialization” of class began not with the assumption of power by the African National Congress in 1994 but rather in the early 1970s; the end of apartheid has not led to a reduction but to an increase of inequality; the “distributive regime” that produces inequality did not really change after majority rule was achieved in 1994; there are now as many rich black South Africans as there are white South Africans; and that the most significant contributor to inequality is the high level of unemployment.
Low temperature bonding of epitaxial lift off devices with AuSn

The increasing demand for more advanced optoelectronic integrated circuits has created the need for bonding materials with different lattice constants (for example, GaAs on Si). In this paper, we report a new way for the bonding of epitaxial lift off (ELO) devices onto substrates. The multilayer structures investigated in this work produce a resulting AuSn alloy with approximately 84 wt.% gold, but can be bonded with a peak temperature of 235/spl deg/C. The bonded samples were investigated with several standard surface analysis techniques like optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) as well as mechanical tests. The results of our research allowed us to optimize the layer structure, the bonding parameters as well as the diffusion barriers.
Conservative treatment of dentigerous cyst associated with primary teeth

Dentigerous cyst is the most common odontogenic cyst. It is characterized by a unilocular radiolucent lesion that encloses permanent tooth buds or, under certain circumstances, displaced tooth buds. Buccal bony expansion is the most common clinical feature. Several treatment modalities have been mentioned in the literature for management of dentigerous cysts. The purpose of this article was to report an extensive right mandibular dentigerous cyst on a 10-year-old boy. Marsupialization was chosen to preserve the permanent tooth bud and a denturelike obturator was then provided for space maintenance and masticatory function. Long-term follow-up revealed good healing of the bony lesion with converted tooth eruption.
A Class of Three-User Multiple Access Cognitive Radio Channels: An Achievable Rate Region

We consider three-user multiple access cognitive radio channels and obtain achievable rates for reliable communication over these channels. A synopsis of the channel model is as follows: before establishing communication with the receiver, one of the transmitters (named primary) splits its message- set into two parts and shares them among the remaining two transmitters (named secondary) via a noiseless channel of infinite capacity. We thus have a cooperative scenario with each secondary transmitter having noncausal knowledge of a part of the primary''s message. First, we precisely define the channel model and then derive a set of achievable rates for this channel by employing a combination of two well-known techniques: superposition coding introduced for broadcast channels and Gel''fand-Pinkser''s binning principle used for coding channels with random parameters. Lastly, we consider the Gaussian model of this channel to numerically evaluate and plot the rate region. Results demonstrate that, by sharing its message in parts, the primary user achieves higher rates, while the two secondary users continue to transmit at the same rate as that of the classical three-user multiple access channel without message- sharing between the transmitters.
Relationship between cocaine use and coronary artery disease in patients with symptoms consistent with an acute coronary syndrome.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2011; 18:1–9 © 2011 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine Abstract Objectives: Observational studies of patients with cocaine-associated myocardial infarction have suggested more coronary disease than expected on the basis of patient age. The study objective was to determine whether cocaine use is associated with coronary disease in low- to intermediate-risk emergency department (ED) patients with potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study of low- to intermediate-risk patients < 60 years of age who received coronary computerized tomographic angiography (CTA) for evaluation of coronary artery disease (CAD) in the ED. Patients were classified into three groups with respect to CAD: maximal stenosis <25%, 25% to 49%, and ≥50%. Prespecified multivariate modeling (generalized estimating equations) was used to assess relationship between cocaine and CAD. Results: Of 912 enrolled patients, 157 (17%) used cocaine. A total of 231 patients had CAD ≥ 25%; 111 had CAD ≥ 50%. In univariate analysis, cocaine use was not associated with a lesion 25% or greater (12% vs. 14%; relative risk [RR] = 0.89, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.5 to 1.4) or 50% or greater (12% vs. 11%; RR = 1.15, 95% CI = 0.6 to 2.3). In multivariate modeling adjusting for age, race, sex, cardiac risk factors, and Thrombosis in Myocardial Infarction (TIMI) score, cocaine use was not associated with the presence of any coronary lesion (adjusted RR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.69 to 1.31) or coronary lesions 50% or greater (adjusted RR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.38). There was also no relationship between repetitive cocaine use and coronary calcifications or between recent cocaine use and CAD. Conclusions: In symptomatic ED patients at low to intermediate risk of an ACS, cocaine use was not associated with an increased likelihood of coronary disease after adjustment for age, race, sex, and other risk factors for coronary disease.
A randomized controlled study of two educational interventions on adherence with oral contraceptives and condoms.

Background The study was conducted to examine the effectiveness of two different interventions on oral contraception (OC) adherence and condom use.
Effects of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α on osteoblastic expression of osteocalcin and mineralized extracellular matrix in vitro

Osteoblasts play a pivotal role during the bioresponse of bone to agents that stimulate bone n~sorption and/or inhibit bone formation including hormones, polypeptide growth factors, and cytokines. We examined the cytokines interleukin- 1-beta (IL-lfl) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-a) for their effects on osteob- lastic proliferation and development and expression of alkaline phosphatase and the osteoblast-specific protein osteocalcin in a mineralizing environment. Primary rat osteoblast-like cells (Y, OB) and osteoblastic cell lines derived from rat (ROS 17/2.8) and human (MG-63) osteosarcomas were studied. IL-I~ and TNF-c~ were chosen because of their critical importance during the host response to local inflammatory stimuli. Qualitatively similar two- to threefold inhibition of osteocalcin synthesis by IL-lfl and TNF-a wel~e observed in all three postconfiuent bone-forming model sys- tems. Because of the readily measurable concentrations of osteocalcin produced in our culture protocol, it was not necessary to enhance osteoblastic synthesis of osteo- calcin by supplementation with 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3, a treatment which exerts pleiotropic effects on ~steoblasts. Under the constraints of our protocol, where alka- line phosphatase and mineralization were already elevated at the 14-day onset of treatment, neither of these phenotypic properties was sensitive to a three-day cytokine exposure. Differences were noted in proliferation, where only TNF-a stimulated DNA synthesis in ROB cells, while both cytokines stimulated MG-63 cells. IL-lfl and TNF-c~ failed to alter ROS 17/2.8 DNA synthesis except at the highest doses (25 pM IL-lfl and 1 nlVl TNF-a) where inhibition was observed. These results further support the view tha~ cytokine-mediated osteoblastic regulation can be relatively selective.
Using an IADL Assessment to Identify Older Adults Who Need a Behind-the-Wheel Driving Evaluation

Occupational therapists need to routinely assess driving ability in hospital and/or rehabilitation settings. The purpose of this study is to determine if the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS), an observational tool of instrumental activities of daily living, could discriminate between older adult drivers who pass, pass with restrictions, or fail a behind-the-wheel (BTW) evaluation. Forty-six participants were evaluated with a BTW driving assessment and the AMPS. Two one-way ANOVAs found significant differences for both the motor and process scores suggesting the AMPS can be used as a screening tool for driving. Results also showed no significant difference in age between those participants who passed, failed, or needed restrictions supporting the concept that driving abilities are related more to function, not age. Exploration of minimum scores is discussed.
Parallel digital image restoration using adaptive VLSI neural chips

Real-time digital image restoration using massively parallel Hopfield neural chips is presented. An efficient mixed-signal VLSI design with analog circuitry to perform neural computation and digital circuitry to process multiple-bit pixel information greatly reduces the network size. Analog programmable synapse cells of 8 bit accuracy are dynamically refreshed. The gain-adjustable neurons enable electronic annealing to quickly reach global minimum in energy function. A prototype 25-neuron chip occupies a silicon area of 4.6*6.8 mm/sup 2/ in MOSIS 2- mu m CMOS process has been designed and tested. The speedup factor for each chip is 90 compared to the Sun-3 workstation. An 100-neuron image-restoration chip is achievable in the industrial-level 1- mu m technologies. >
Identification of the core transmembrane complex of the Legionella Dot/Icm type IV secretion system

Type IV secretion systems (T4SS) are utilized by a wide range of Gram negative bacteria to deliver protein and DNA substrates to recipient cells. The best characterized T4SS are the type IVA systems, which exhibit extensive similarity to the Agrobacterium VirB T4SS. In contrast, type IVB secretion systems share almost no sequence homology to the type IVA systems, are composed of approximately twice as many proteins, and remain largely uncharacterized. Type IVB systems include the Dot/Icm systems found in the pathogens Legionella and Coxiella and the conjugative apparatus of IncI plasmids. Here we report the first extensive characterization of a type IVB system, the Legionella Dot/Icm secretion apparatus. Based on biochemical and genetic analysis, we discerned the existence of a critical five-protein subassembly that spans both bacterial membranes and comprises the core of the secretion complex. This transmembrane connection is mediated by protein dimer pairs consisting of two inner membrane proteins, DotF and DotG, which are able to independently associate with DotH/DotC/DotD in the outer membrane. The Legionella core subcomplex appears to be functionally analogous to the Agrobacterium VirB7-10 subcomplex, suggesting a remarkable conservation of the core subassembly in these evolutionarily distant type IV secretion machines.
The rearranged during transfection/papillary thyroid carcinoma tyrosine kinase is an estrogen-dependent gene required for the growth of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer cells

The rearranged during transfection/papillary thyroid carcinoma (RET/PTC) tyrosine kinase is an oncogene implicated in the tumorigenesis of thyroid cancer. Recent studies by us and others have shown that RET/PTC kinase expression is induced by estrogen in breast cancer cells. Due to the critical involvement of estrogen-regulated genes in the pathogenesis of breast cancer, we investigated the expression, regulation, and function of RET/PTC kinase in breast cancer cells. We found that RET/PTC kinase expression correlates with estrogen receptor (ER) expression in breast cancer cells and tumor specimens, and that RET/PTC kinase expression is associated with a poor prognosis in ER-positive breast cancer patients. We found that estrogen rapidly induces RET/PTC kinase expression in an ER-dependent manner in breast cancer cells and that this induction is through a transcriptional regulatory mechanism. Using reporter assays, small interfering RNA (siRNA) assays, and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, we demonstrated the necessity of crosstalk between ER and the forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) transcription factor in regulating RET/PTC kinase expression. In functional studies, increased expression of RET/PTC kinase induced by estrogen stimulation resulted in elevated phosphorylation of multiple downstream kinase signaling pathways. Conversely, knockdown of RET/PTC expression was associated with the inhibition of these same kinase signaling pathways, and, in fact, decreased the stimulatory effect of estrogen on the proliferation of ER-positive breast cancer cells. These results demonstrate a novel pathway of ER and FOXA1 transcription factor crosstalk in regulating RET/PTC kinase expression, and demonstrate that RET/PTC kinase is a critical regulator for the proliferation of ER-positive breast cancer cells. Taken together, our study suggests that RET/PTC kinase may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for prevention and treatment of ER-positive breast cancer.
Genome-Wide Identification of Transcriptional Start Sites in the Plant Pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato str. DC3000

RNA-Seq has provided valuable insights into global gene expression in a wide variety of organisms. Using a modified RNA-Seq approach and Illumina's high-throughput sequencing technology, we globally identified 5′-ends of transcripts for the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato str. DC3000. A substantial fraction of 5′-ends obtained by this method were consistent with results obtained using global RNA-Seq and 5′RACE. As expected, many 5′-ends were positioned a short distance upstream of annotated genes. We also captured 5′-ends within intergenic regions, providing evidence for the expression of un-annotated genes and non-coding RNAs, and detected numerous examples of antisense transcription, suggesting additional levels of complexity in gene regulation in DC3000. Importantly, targeted searches for sequence patterns in the vicinity of 5′-ends revealed over 1200 putative promoters and other regulatory motifs, establishing a broad foundation for future investigations of regulation at the genomic and single gene levels.
Simple theory of a Malone engine

Practical liquid engines called Malone engines use a regenerative or recuperative cycle, like the Stirling cycle. A theoretical model of the Malone engine that is realistic enough for comparison to experiment, yet still simple enough for intuitive grasp of the engine's features, is presented. The principal results obtained with the model are the time-averaged heat and work resulting from each of the most important effects taking place in the engine. It is shown that Rankine heat pumps and Malone heat pumps with equal heat-pumping capabilities require compressors of comparable volumetric flow rates and hence of comparable complexity and size, but the heat exchangers for the Malone heat pump are expected to be orders of magnitude smaller than those for the Rankine-cycle heat pump. >
Behavior-based mobile manipulation for drum sampling

This paper describes an implementation of a behavior-based mobile manipulator capable of autonomously transferring a sample from one drum to a second in unstructured environments. A major contribution of the project was the coherent integration of the arm and base as a cohesive unit, and not just a mobile base with an arm attached. The support for smooth simultaneous operation of all joints on the vehicle facilitated biologically plausible motions, such as arm preshaping. The behavior-based controller used a pseudo-force model, where behaviors add forces and torques to joints and limbs resulting in coordinated motion. The vehicle Jacobian is used to convert the pseudo-forces into joint torques and a pseudo-damping model converts the joint torques into joint velocities. This process allows rapid control of the manipulator without the use of inverse kinematics. A drum sampling task is presented where the vehicle demonstrates how a sample of material could be moved from one drum to another, illustrating the efficacy of the solution.
Initial experience with off-pump left ventricular assist device implantation in single center: retrospective analysis

Background We hypothesize that implantation of left ventricular assist device through off-pump technique is feasible and has a comparable result to implantation on cardiopulmonary bypass and could improve one-year survival.
Population-based case-control study of occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields and breast cancer.

Abstract PURPOSE: This population-based case-control study examined occupational exposure to electromagnetic fields in relation to female breast cancer incidence among 843 breast cancer cases and 773 controls. METHODS: Exposure was classified based on work in the two longest-held jobs, and indices of cumulative exposure to magnetic fields based on a measurement survey. RESULTS: Female breast cancer was not associated with employment as an office or industrial worker. For the total study population, cumulative exposure over the entire career, and in the past 0–10 and 10–20 years generally showed odds ratios (ORs) close to the null. Moderately elevated risks were found for intermediate but not high levels of cumulative exposure accumulated 20 or more years ago (OR = 1.5; 95% CI = 1.1–2.0). Associations were stronger for premenopausal women (OR = 1.7; 95% CI = 1.1–2.7) in the past 10–20 years, and those with estrogen-receptor positive (ER+) breast tumors (OR = 2.06; 95% CI = 1.1–4.0). No consistent dose-response patterns were observed. CONCLUSIONS: These findings give little support to the hypothesis that electromagnetic fields cause cancer of the female breast.
The association of lung function and plasma volume expansion in neonatal alpaca crias following plasma transfusion for failure of passive transfer

Objective – Failure of passive transfer in neonatal alpacas is often corrected by IV administration of commercial camelid plasma. The goal of this study was to characterize changes in pulmonary function, gas exchange, and cardiovascular parameters associated with IV plasma transfusion. Design – Prospective clinical study. Setting – A university-based referral hospital. Animals – Eleven clinically healthy alpaca crias (age: 1–18 days) with failure of passive transfer (IgGo8 g/L [800 mg/dL]). Interventions – Thirty milliliters per kilogram of commercial camelid plasma was administered IV over 90 minutes. Before and after the transfusion, the following cardiopulmonary measurements were obtained: arterial blood gas analysis, pulmonary functional residual capacity (FRC), PCV, total plasma protein and echocardiographic M-mode measures. Additionally, central venous pressure and indirect arterial blood pressure were monitored throughout the plasma transfusion. Measurements and Main Results – The IV plasma transfusion resulted in significantly reduced PCV (� 5.4 � 5.1%), increased total plasma protein (14 � 4 g/L [0.4 � 0.4 g/dL]), elevated central venous pressure and changes in left and right ventricular M-mode indices, consistent with plasma volume expansion. Transfusion was further associated with a significant increase in arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) (111.2 � 15 mm Hg) and decrease in FRC ( � 5.6 � 8.3 mL/kg). Conclusions – IV administration of 30 mL/kg camelid plasma to neonatal crias resulted in measurable plasma volume expansion and a concurrent reduction in FRC. Administration of this quantity of plasma appeared to be safe in healthy neonatal crias. However, changes in lung volume associated with plasma administration
Lack of Effect of a Synthetic Poultry Feed Flavor on Chick Growth and Feed Efficiency

Abstract ASERIES of three feeding trials of four weeks duration were run to determine whether a synthetic poultry feed flavor had any influence upon chick growth and feed efficiency when incorporated into a practical chick starting ration. The poultry feed flavor contained extractives of anise, rose, cinnamon, lemon and orris with soya meal and corn sugar used as carriers. The experimental design is presented in Table 1. Fish meal was added at the 4 percent level at the expense of the total ration whereas 4 percent of pork fat was added at the expense of corn and the protein adjusted by increasing the soybean meal. The synthetic flavor was added at the rates of ¼, ½, and 1 pound per ton (125 ppm., 250 ppm., and 500 ppm. respectively). Day-old straight run New Hampshire X Silver Cornish chicks were distributed into groups of 30 chicks each in experiments 1 and 2, …
A low-profile omnidirectional planar antenna with vertical polarization employing two in-phase elements

A novel technique for designing a low-profile miniaturized omnidirectional planar antenna with vertical polarization is presented. The proposed antenna is designed using two short in-phase vertical elements. To achieve in-phase radiation the short vertical pins should be λ/2 away from each other. To minimize the λ/2 transmission line a T-type 180 degree phase shifter with a capacitive impedance inverter can be used. However, the drawback of using this phase shifter is the generation of an out-of-phase conduction current going vertically down through the capacitor. The radiated fields from the conduction current cancel out radiated fields from in-phase currents on the two vertical elements, leading to the suppression of vertically polarized radiation. In this study, the conduction current is eliminated by substituting the capacitor connected to the shorting via with an open stub. The geometry of the open stub is optimized to obtain appropriate capacitance values giving the antenna lateral dimensions (λ/8X λ/8) and height (λ/40). An important advantage of the proposed antenna is omnidirectional radiation pattern and high gain.
Aerobic biological activated carbon (BAC) treatment of a phenolic wastewater

Organic removal rates achieved in the aerobic BAC process were comparable to rates typically reported for traditional aerobic fixed-film systems. When operated at organic loading rates lower than 0.03 g COD/g GAC-d and air as the oxygen source, greater than 90 percent COD removal and 99 percent phenol removal was achieved. At higher organic loading rates, oxygen limitations resulted in less than optimal performance. Observed oxygen limitations were mitigated by the use of pure oxygen. Long-term stability of operation of the BAC process was excellent with one aerobic BAC column operated under the same conditions in excess of 260 days. During that time, consistent column performance was achieved without the need to provide supplemental carbon or carbon regeneration. System biomass yields ranged from 0.05 to 0.30 g VSS/g COD removed and increased with effluent COD concentration.
696: Cigarette smoking and its association with adverse fetal outcomes: looking beyond SGA

the relative risk (RR) of adverse neonatal outcome for women ages 35-39 and 40 vs a reference group ages 18-34. RR estimates were adjusted for DM, HTN, marital status, WIC, limited prenatal care, tobacco use, parity, mode of delivery, and race. RESULTS: There were 704,377 (84.7%) women in the reference age group, 101,330 (12.2%) age 35-39, and 17,101 (2.1%) age 40. AMA women were more likely to be Caucasian (84.5 vs 74.3 %), have coexisting DM (1.5 vs 0.7 %), HTN (3.7 vs 1.6%) and deliver via cesarean (38.3 vs 28.1%). The frequency of adverse neonatal outcome was higher at each week GA in AMA women compared to the reference age group, with highest rates in women 40yrs (see table). Neonatal morbidity decreased at each advancing week of term gestation, lowest at 38-39 weeks. Compared to reference age mothers, risk of adverse neonatal outcome increased at 40 weeks: 35-39yrs RR 1.12[1.01-1.24], 40yrs RR 1.26 [1.02-1.55] and at 41 weeks: 35-39yrs RR 1.06[0.901.25], 40yrs RR 1.55[1.13-2.11]. CONCLUSION: AMA pregnancies have the lowest risk of composite neonatal morbidity if delivered at 39 weeks GA. With the substantial increase risk in neonatal morbidity thereafter, continuing AMA pregnancies 40 weeks GA should be taken with caution.These study results can be used with individualized clinical consideration to determine optimal timing of delivery of these patients.
PKD in intestinal epithelial cells: rapid activation by phorbol esters, LPA, and angiotensin through PKC.

Protein kinase C (PKC) is implicated in the regulation of multiple important functions in intestinal epithelial cells, but the downstream signaling targets of PKCs in these cells remain poorly char...
Site-Directed Mutagenesis on the m2 Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor: The Significance of Tyr403 in the Binding of Agonists and Functional Coupling

The first step in the transmembrane signal mediated by G protein-coupled receptors is binding of agonist to receptors at the cell surface. The mechanism of the resulting receptor activation is not clear, but models based on the ternary complex model are capable of explaining most of the observations that have been reported in G protein-coupled receptors. This model suggests that a single agonist/receptor/G protein complex capable of activating G protein is formed as the result of agonist binding. Extensions of this basic model differ primarily in whether an equilibrium between active and inactive conformations is required to explain experimental results. We report results on ligand binding and coupling to physiological effector systems of the m2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor site-directed mutant Y403F (residue 403 mutated from tyrosine to phenylalanine) expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells and compare our results with results reported for the homologous Y506F mutation in the m3 muscarinic receptor [J. Biol. Chem. 267:19313-19319 (1992)]. The mutation in the m2 muscarinic receptor reduced absolute agonist affinities more dramatically than in the m3 muscarinic receptor. Unlike the results reported for the m3 subtype mutant, in which coupling to physiological effector systems was reduced, coupling to effector systems for the mutant in the m2 subtype was robust. In the Y403F m2 muscarinic receptor, the difference between the two agonist binding affinities was greater than in the wild-type receptor, whereas in the m3 subtype, the effect of the mutation was to decrease this difference. A prediction of the ternary complex model is that relative binding affinities will affect the steady state concentration of the agonist/receptor/G protein complex and, as the result, the extent of G protein coupling. These results can best be rationalized by this model, which suggests that the activation of G protein-coupled receptors is achieved by the relative affinity of agonist for two receptor states and does not require the existence of multiple states in conformational equilibrium.
Testing an objective structured assessment technical skills tool: A pilot study

Purpose: The purpose of this prospective pilot study was to test the feasibility, reliability and validity of an adapted version of an objective structured assessment technical skills (OSATS) tool using a criterion-reference rating scale while evaluating student registered nurse anesthetists (SRNAs) performing mask ventilation, laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion, and endotracheal intubation. Methods: Prior to testing, three OSATS evaluation tools were developed with nurse anesthesia faculty input. Six faculty-evaluators pilot tested an adapted version of three OSATS tools for feasibility and validity with 23 SRNAs performing mask ventilation, LMA insertion, and endotracheal intubation with an airway management trainer. SRNAs had 15 minutes; five-minute each to perform mask ventilation, insert an LMA, and perform endotracheal intubation. Paired observations from six faculty-evaluators determined inter-rater reliability. Separate survey questionnaires were created for faculty-evaluators and SRNAs; using three four-point Likert-type rating scales to measure feasibility and validity. Results: Descriptive statistics revealed that faculty-evaluators’ found the OSATs tools to be feasible based on six out of seven somewhat favorable to strongly favorable responses. The Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance W showed statistical significance for mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation ( p -value of .041 and .036). Six faculty-evaluators found the OSATs tools to have face and content validity based on six out of seven somewhat favorable responses. Twenty-three SRNAs found the OSATS tools to have face validity based on somewhat strongly favorable responses. Conclusions: An adapted version of OSATS tool for evaluating SRNAs performing mask ventilation, LMA insertion, and endotracheal intubation demonstrated feasibility, reliability, and validity. The inter-rater values obtained from Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance W in this project correlated with the Cook and Beckman report.
Gradual Speciation: Further Entangling the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is a useful framework for providing evolutionary context to the distribution of genotypes and phenotypes among extant lineages. Organisms are placed into hierarchical groups defined by vertical inheritance, thereby allowing one to trace the origin of evolutionary novelty. The utility of the Tree of Life in understanding bacterial evolution has been criticized because pervasive lateral gene transfer confounds interpretation of current gene repertoires; organismal relationships inferred from constituent genes are muddled by the presence of numerous genes with disparate evolutionary histories. Here, I discuss gradual speciation as another stumbling block to the construction of a bacterial Tree of Life. Recombination events between bacterial strains affect only small regions of the chromosome; therefore, different chromosomal regions in sibling species have experienced their last recombination event at different times. Genetic isolation is established in a stepwise fashion over the course of tens of millions of years. During this extended time frame, descendent taxa may be the process of genetic isolation from each other before their parent population has finished the process of gaining genetic isolation from other lineages. As a result, the relationships among sibling species are necessarily ambiguous. This phylogenetic reticulation does not reflect lack of data, or the impact of transfer among extant lineages; rather, it bespeaks the fundamental lack of strict, hierarchical relationships among evolving taxa. As a result, interpretation of character states must balance parsimony with intrinsic phylogenetic ambiguity.
Finite Dimensional Systems

Because many control concepts and theories in finite dimensional systems have been transplanted to partial differential equations, we present a brief introduction to feedback control of finite dimensional systems. We start with the control systems without disturbances and address the control systems subject to a disturbance in Section 3.10. Linear finite dimensional control systems have the following general form $$\dot{\mathbf{x}} = \mathbf{Ax} + \mathbf{Bu},$$ (3.1) $$\mathbf{y} = \mathbf{Cx} + \mathbf{Du},$$ (3.2) $$\mathbf{x}(0) = \mathbf{x}_{0},$$ (3.3) where x =(x 1, x 2, …, x n )∗ (hereafter ∗ denotes the transpose of a vector or matrix) is a state vector, x 0 is an initial state caused by external disturbances, y = (y 1, …, y l)∗ is an output vector, u = (u 1, …, u m )∗ is a control vector, and A, B, C, D are n × n, n × m, l × n, l × m constant matrices, respectively. The equation (3.1) is called a state equation. A simple example of such control systems is the mass-spring system (1.2), which is repeated as follows $$\left[\begin{array}{r}\dot{x}_{1}\\ \dot{x}_2\end{array}\right] = \left[\begin{array}{rl}0 & 1\\ -\frac{k}{m} & 0\end{array}\right] \left[\begin{array}{r}x_{1}\\ x_2\end{array}\right] + \left[\begin{array}{r}0\\ \frac{1}{m}\end{array}\right] u,$$ (3.4) $$y = \left[1\quad0\right] \left[\begin{array}{r}x_{1}\\ x_2\end{array}\right].$$ (3.5)