cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Second virial coefficients of polar gases for a four-parameter model

The second virial coefficients of polar gases have been studied for a potential function consisting of the Kihara spherical core potential combined with a preaveraged dipole-dipole interaction term. The molecular parameters ϵ/κ, ρo, a*, and y of this potential function were determined for ten substances by a nonlinear least squares analysis of experimental second virial coefficients. These molecular parameters were related to the critical constants, acentric factors, and fourth parameters of the substances. The resulting equations reproduced the second virial coefficients to within the accuracy of the data. Comparisons with experimental data for substances not included in the development of the relationships indicated that good agreement can be obtained for polar fluids by the method of this study. On a etudie les coefficients du second viriel de gaz polaires, dans le cas d'une fonction de potential formee du potentiel du noyau central et spherique de Kihara associe aun terme d'interaction entre dipǒles dont on avait determine d'avance la valeur moyenne. On a determine les parametres, ϵ/κ, ρ0, a* et y de ladite fonction de potentiel dans le cas de dix substances, au moyen d'une analyse non lineaire des moindres carres des coefficients du second viriel trouves experimentalement. On a etabli une relation entre lesdits parametres moleculaires et les constantes critiques, les facteurs acentriques et les quatriemes parametres des substances en question. Les equations resultantes ont permis de reproduire les coefficients du second viriel aune exactitude qui etait dans les limites des resultats. Des comparaisons faites avec les resultats experimentaux, obtenus avec des substances non comprises dans la mise au point des relations precitees, ont indique qu'on peut obtenir une bonne concordance pour les fluides polaires en employant la methode utilisee dans la presence etude.
Immunotoxicology: Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

In summary, immunotoxicology is a relatively new science that can be defined as the study of the consequences of exposure to drugs, chemicals, and environmental toxicants on the structure and function of the immune system. Laboratory animal studies over the last 20 years have clearly demonstrated as association between suppressed immune function and altered host defense. Furthermore, rodent-based screening approaches, even with their limitations, have been reasonably successful and have added to this knowledge base. The challenges for the future lie in using these data to design better prospective human exposure studies and to improve the basis for immunotoxicology risk assessment. Language: en
Largest extension of a finite convex geometry

We present a new embedding of a finite join-semidistributive lattice into a finite atomistic join-semidistributive lattice. This embedding turns out to be the largest extension, when applied to a finite convex geometry.
The orthopteran descending movement detector (DMD) neurones: a characterisation and review

1. The thoracic connectives of the Acridoidea, Grylloidea and Tettigonioidea contain 2 units which appear functionally identical except that they are activated by ipsilateral and contralateral eyes respectively. They are purely visual, responding to dimming of small areas of the retina or to moving objects subtending small angles, but not to whole field stimulation (Fig. 8). The axons run from the optic lobe to the metathoracic ganglion; the contralateral unit crosses the brain in the tritocerebrum. Their relative sizes differ in the different taxa, but they appear functionally homologous. 2. The common identity of the units previously described by Palka and by Rowell and Horn is established, and areas of conflict are reexamined. The units do not respond to whole field stimulation caused by movement of the animal in a structured visual field. Palka found that the response to small area stimulation was totally inhibited during such movement, whereas Rowell and Horn did not. It is shown that the inhibition is graded, and is complete only at high angular velocities; also that it wanes if movement is sustained. Both descriptions of the units are correct, but were made at different angular velocities. At medium angular velocities of the whole field the unit responds adequately to normal stimuli, but at a somewhat diminished level (Fig. 3–5). 3. The units play no part in the optokinetic memory previously described in the locust (Fig. 6). 4. Activity of the visual units has no direct effect on any of the major thoracic motor output systems, nor upon the behaviour of chronically implanted freely moving animals (Fig. 7). 5. The occurrence, anatomy, response characteristics, afferent and efferent connections and function of the DMD units is reviewed. Their apparent specialisation for a “warning” function, plus the absence of direct motor output, leads to the speculation that they may switch the thoracic neuropile from thoracic to cerebral inputs.
Photovoltaic power system with integrated electric vehicle DC charger and enhanced grid support

This paper describes a photovoltaic (PV) power system with integrated bidirectional electric vehicle (EV) DC charger. The system enables fast and efficient EV battery charging while providing enhanced grid support by limiting the ramp rate of the PV inverter output power. Charger operation is described in three distinct modes: charging only, charging with grid support, and grid support only. A prototype system consists of a 15 kW grid-tied PV system, a 10 kW, 98% efficient bidirectional DC charger, and a 10 kWh EV battery. Experimental results demonstrate the operating modes, start-up routine, battery state-of-charge (SOC) estimation, and system operation. Simulation results are presented for a worst-case scenario of highly fluctuating PV power output; the vehicle battery is charged in less than 90 minutes while simultaneously reducing the maximum ramp rate of the inverter output power by 30% and the average ramp rate by 93%.
Coherence masking protection in speech sounds: The role of formant synchrony

Three experiments were performed to examine listeners’ thresholds for identifying stimuli whose spectra were modeled after the vowels /i/ and /e/, with the differences between these stimuli restricted to the frequency of the first formant. The stimuli were presented in a low-pass masking noise that spectrally overlapped the first formant but not the higher formants. Identification thresholds were lower when the higher formants were present than when they were not, even though the first formant contained the only distinctive information for stimulus identification. This indicates that listeners were more sensitive in identifying the first formant energy through its contribution to the vowel than as an independent percept; this effect is given the namecoherence masking protection. The first experiment showed this effect for synthetic vowels in which the distinctive first formant was supported by a series of harmonics that progressed through the higher formants. In the second two experiments, the harmonics in the first formant region were removed, and the first formant was simulated by a narrow band of noise. This was done so that harmonic relations did not provide a basis for grouping the lower formant with the higher formants; coherence masking protection was still observed. However, when the temporal alignment of the onsets and offsets of the higher and lower formants was disrupted, the effect was eliminated, although the stimuli were still perceived as vowels. These results are interpreted as indicating that general principles of auditory grouping that can exploit regularities in temporal patterns cause acoustic energy belonging to a coherent speech sound to stand out in the auditory scene.
Helping the LD Child with Homework: TEN TIPS

Ifs traditional! Parents assist children with homework as part of the evening routine in many American homes, and most of us can attest, through personal experience, to the relative success of these sessions. Memories of some sessions are recalled fondly while others are remembered as demeaning, disheartening experiences. The positive memories are associated, at least in my experience, with homework done independently, with parents adding enriching information or clarifying a point. The not-so-pleasant memories, on the other hand, are associated with homework that required parents to teach material to a dependent learner. Those of us involved with the learning disabled are all too aware of the dependence of these learners. We are now even beginning to recognize "learned dependence" (Thomas 1979). Consequently, the learning disabled and their parents are often relegated to building a repertoire of unpleasant memories around homework sessions. The following ten tips are offered as a means of circumventing such a manifestation.
Level of Macrophage uPA Expression Is an Important Determinant of Atherosclerotic Lesion Growth in Apoe −/− Mice

Objective— Enhanced plasminogen activation, mediated by overexpression of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), accelerates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E–null mice. However, the mechanisms through which uPA acts remain unclear. In addition, although elevated uPA expression can accelerate murine atherosclerosis, there is not yet any evidence that decreased uPA expression would retard atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— We used a bone marrow transplant (BMT) approach and apolipoprotein E–deficient ( Apoe −/−) mice to investigate cellular mechanisms of uPA-accelerated atherosclerosis, aortic dilation, and sudden death. We also used BMT to determine whether postnatal loss of uPA expression in macrophages retards atherosclerosis. BMT from uPA-overexpressing mice yielded recipients with macrophage-specific uPA overexpression; whereas BMT from uPA knockout mice yielded recipients with macrophage-specific loss of uPA expression. Recipients of uPA-overexpressing BM acquired all the vascular phenotypes (accelerated atherosclerosis, aortic medial destruction and dilation, severe coronary stenoses) as well as the sudden death phenotype of uPA-overexpressing mice. Moreover, fat-fed 37-week-old recipients of uPA-null BM had significantly less atherosclerosis than recipients of uPA wild-type marrow (40% less aortic surface lesion area; P =0.03). Conclusions— The level of uPA expression by macrophages—over a broad range—is an important determinant of atherosclerotic lesion growth in Apoe −/− mice.
Dietary variety via sweetening and voluntary feed intake of lactating dairy cows

The effects of choice of diets on feed intake were studied using 12 lactating Holstein cows. A switchback design was used that had three periods and two sequential blocks. Diets were 1) a control total mixed ration (TMR), which consisted of alfalfa haylage, corn silage, and a concentrate mixture based on ground corn and soybean meal (25:25:50 on a dry matter basis) and 2) a sweetened TMR in which a brown sugar food product constituted 1.5% of the dietary dry matter. Treatments consisted of the control TMR fed on both sides of divided feed bunks, the sweetened TMR fed on both sides of divided feed bunks, or both TMR fed on alternating (daily) sides of divided feed bunks in tie stalls. Periods were 2 wk in duration, and cows averaged 67 and 53 d of lactation at the start of blocks 1 and 2, respectively. The dry matter intake, body weight, milk yield, and percentages of milk fat, protein, and solids not fat were similar when either TMR was fed alone. A choice of control TMR or sweetened TMR did not affect any of these variables. The dry matter intake, body weight, milk yield, and milk protein percentage were affected by block; however, these effects were probably caused by differences between the blocks in environment and stage of lactation. The results of this experiment might have been affected by the composition of the control TMR, its similarity to the sweetened TMR, availability of both diets simultaneously when a choice was offered, and use of a TMR instead of separate feeds or simpler mixtures.
Impaired cued delayed alternation behavior in adult rat offspring following exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin on gestation day 15.

This investigation used random ratio (RR) and cued delayed alternation procedures to examine the operant behavior of adult male and female rats following prenatal 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). Offspring were exposed to a single maternal dose of 0.0, 0.06, 0.18 or 0.54 μg/kg po of TCDD on gestation day (GD) 15. For RR, adult subjects were trained to respond on one lever in a two-lever chamber for food reinforcement. The response requirement was increased across sessions. Male offspring responded at higher rates than females regardless of RR value and prenatal exposure history. For delayed alternation, animals were required to alternate responses on both apparatus levers and to inhibit responding during randomly interpolated delay intervals. The performance of male and female offspring exposed to 0.18-μg/kg TCDD was significantly less accurate and this group committed more errors by responding during the delay intervals than the other exposure groups. A similar trend was observed in the 0.54-μg/kg group. Overall, response accuracy during the delayed alternation procedure was inversely related to delay length and tended to improve with experience. Interpretations of these outcomes include the possibility that TCDD interfered with the development of attentional processes, impaired response inhibition or promoted response perseveration despite the presence of cues, indicating changes in reinforcement contingencies.
Implementation of computerized provider order entry in a neonatal intensive care unit: Impact on admission workflow

Abstract Objective The study objective was to determine if computerized provider order entry (CPOE) systems impaired or enhanced workflow in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) by comparing the timing of administration of the first dose of antibiotics before and after CPOE system implementation. Methods We conducted a pre-post intervention comparative study of the length of time between admission and administration of initial antibiotics in neonates before and after a CPOE system was implemented. Clinical information and timing of antibiotic administration were collected on all inborn infants, who were admitted to the NICU in the first 4h of life and treated with antibiotics, for one year prior to the implementation of computerized order entry and for one year after the implementation. Results Infants admitted to the NICU were similar in both periods (mean birth weight 2183g vs. 2091g, gestational age 33.3 weeks vs. 33.0 weeks). There was no significant difference in mean length of time from admission to antibiotic administration in the pre-CPOE group (131min [CI 124–139]) compared to the post-CPOE group (125min [CI 116–133]) ( p =0.07). The mean time to pharmacy verification for a subset of patients was significantly shorter for patients in the post-CPOE group (61±58min) compared to the pre-CPOE group (88±76min) ( p = Conclusions While the introduction of a CPOE system in the NICU did not significantly improve antibiotic administration times, the timeliness of an important aspect of the medication process, time to pharmacy verification, was improved. These findings imply other factors are impeding workflow. Further studies are needed to evaluate how CPOE systems combined with patient care activities affect workflow and overall patient care.
Changing Times, Changing Faces: Franz Boas's Immigrant Study in Modern Perspective

Franz Boas's study of the changes in bodily form of descendants of immigrants has stood for over ninety years as proof of environmental influences on cranial form. Recent reanalysis of his data have shown differing interpretations of the importance of his findings. Here, we explore the historical, political, and social setting of the study that could have led Boas to overstate the importance of his findings. We also include a discussion of the issue at large with respect to the study of modern and prehistoric human variation. Given the current state of population research using craniometric data we conclude, as many of Boas's early criticism have, that while some of the changes observed by Boas have statistical credibility, they generally lack biological meaning when considered in the scope of the degree of modern human variation. [Keywords: plasticity, immigration, craniometries, cranial index, human variation]
COOLING OF ELECTRONIC CHIPS USING MICROCHANNEL AND MICRO-PIN FIN HEAT EXCHANGERS

The research community is experiencing a revolution in microscale and nanoscale heat transfer, with a focus on developing fundamental experiments and theoretical techniques. More recently, these advancements have begun to influence the design of electronic systems. A futuristic electronic cooling solution might include high efficiency thermoelectric devices made from nanomaterials for the cooling of hotspots on a chip, nano/micro particle laden thermal interface materials and micro-pin fin/microchannel based heat exchanger. Liquid cooling using integrated microscale heat exchangers is a promising future technology to address issues associated with integrated circuit thermal management. In this paper recent advances made by us on technology development of microchannel/micro-pin-fin heat exchangers is presented. Particular attention is given to the impact of hotspots on the performance of microchannel cooling.© 2008 ASME
Physical characterization of deoxyribonucleic acids in Dictyostelium discoideum

Abstract Methods are described for the preparation of highly purified nuclear and mitochondrial DNA from Dictyostelium discoideum . The former had a buoyant density of 1.683 g cm −3 , yielded a thermal transition profile normal for double stranded DNA, and had a T m of 78.8 ± 0.2 °. These properties indicated a base composition of 23.1% G + C. The total DNA content per haploid cell is estimated as 1.0 × 10 −13 g of which 60–65% is nuclear and 35–40% mitochondrial. The nuclear genome size was about 3.6 × 10 10 daltons or abovit 5.4 × 10 7 nucleotide pairs distributed among seven chromosomes. The sedimentation coefficient of the best preparations of purified DNA was 35.6 S for bulk and 27.6 S for nuclear. The purified mitochondrial DNA had a buoyant density of 1.688 g cm −3 (28% G + C) and yielded a normal thermal transition profile with a T m of 80 ± 0.2 °. No evidence of circularity was found.
Mechanism for National Distribution of Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (NSC-134454)

: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) is initiating a national THC distribution program by applying to the FDA for its classification as a Group C investigational agent. Since THC is also a Schedule I drug, the distribution system requires strict adherence to Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) security and safety regulations. Contrary to the usual distribution of Group C drugs, THC will not be available directly to physicians. THC will be made available to hospital pharmacies which are: (1) an NCI recognized Cancer Center (P-30 grant supported), (2) an NCI designated New Drug Study Group, (3) a memberof the Council of Teaching Hospitals. Hospital pharmacies that are located in inadequately represented geographic areas when certain criteria are met by them will also be considered. Physicians desiring to prescribe THC need not have Schedule I registration, but should (1) have experience in cancer chemotherapy, (2) have a current DEA registration number, (3) agree to abide by the Guidelines for Use of THC, and (4) be registered with a participating pharmacy. A registered physician may prescribe THC by writing a Research Order for Medication on a usual prescription blank, including, in addition to normal required information, confirmation that patient consent has been obtained and the name of the hospital at which the physician is registered to prescribe THC.
Total abdominal colectomy for severe ulcerative colitis: does the laparoscopic approach really have benefit?

It is still unknown to what extent the reported morbidity and recovery benefits of laparoscopic total abdominal colectomy (TAC) for severe ulcerative colitis (UC) are associated with patient selection bias. This study aimed to evaluate whether laparoscopic TAC has any advantages over open surgery after control for perioperative confounding factors. Patients undergoing TAC for UC during 2006–2010 were identified. Demographics, disease characteristics, and perioperative outcomes were compared between laparoscopic and open TAC. Postoperative recovery and 30-day complications were further assessed by covariate-adjusted multivariate regression models. The outcomes of different laparoscopic techniques were compared. A subgroup analysis including surgeons who routinely used both laparoscopic and open techniques was also performed. Of the 412 eligible patients, the 197 patients undergoing laparoscopic TAC were significantly younger and had a decreased Charlson Comorbidity Index and ASA score, increased hemoglobin and serum albumin levels, and a smaller proportion of extensive colitis and urgent cases. Unadjusted analyses showed that intraoperative morbidity, postoperative mortality, and rates for readmission and reoperation were similar. Laparoscopic TAC was associated with a longer operative time but a decrease in blood loss, overall morbidity, ileus, and thromboembolism, as well as a faster return to bowel function and a shorter hospital stay. After covariate adjustments, laparoscopic surgery remained associated with a reduction in the time to stoma function, incidence of postoperative ileus, and hospital stay compared with open TAC. The rates of postoperative morbidity, readmission, and reoperation did not differ regardless whether the conventional multitrocar technique, hand-assisted procedure, or single-incision technique was used. Laparoscopic TAC among surgeons using both open and laparoscopic techniques was associated with recovery benefits similar to those observed in the overall study population. The data suggest that laparoscopic TAC retains recovery advantages over open surgery even after adjustments for confounders.
On the cross section of minimum stress concentration in the Saint-Venant theory of torsion

A lower bound is derived for the maximum stress in the torsion of cylindrical solids of simply-connected cross section. This bound, which is expressed in terms of the applied torque and the cross-sectional area, is isoperimetric in that it coincides with the maximum stress when the cross section is circular. It confirms the notion that given the applied torque and the area of the cross section, the least maximum stress occurs when the section is circular. Related isoperimetric upper bounds are derived for the minimum value of the stress at boundary points.
Perceptions of African American College Applicants: The Roles of Race, Criminal History, and Qualifications

African Americans are under-represented in higher education and disproportionately represented among offender populations, with poor educational obtainment a risk factor for criminal behavior. While African American students report low acceptance from Caucasian peers that can influence their educational persistence, few studies have examined Caucasian students’ perceptions of African American students, while examining the influence of race and criminal history. This study endeavored to begin to fill this gap. Students evaluated 1 of 24 hypothetical college applicants, manipulated by race, arrest record, and academic qualifications. Results showed that hypothetical Caucasian applicants benefited from no criminal record when evaluated by Caucasian students, and received higher ratings than Caucasian applicants with a drug arrest record and African American applicants with any criminal record. When evaluated by Caucasian students, African American applicants with no criminal record were no more likely to be accepted than Caucasian or African American applicants with a criminal record. In addition, Caucasian students felt more comfortable around the Caucasian applicant with a DWI arrest over the African American applicant with the same arrest. Racial preference for Caucasian applicants by Caucasian participants also emerged when qualifications were mixed (e.g., low GPA/high ACT). These racial differences did not emerge when ethnic minority students rated these same applicants. Yet, when Caucasian students were asked why they chose their ratings, race was never mentioned. These results support research that African American students can experience race-based barriers in higher education by Caucasian peers, but in a form that is less overt and not readily acknowledged.
Aspects of the flavor triangle for cosmic neutrino propagation

Over cosmic distances, astrophysical neutrino oscillations average out to a classical flavor propagation matrix $\mathcal{P}$. Thus, flavor ratios injected at the cosmic source ${W}_{e},{W}_{\ensuremath{\mu}},{W}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ evolve to flavor ratios at Earthly detectors ${w}_{e},{w}_{\ensuremath{\mu}},{w}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ according to $\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{w}=\mathcal{P}\stackrel{\ensuremath{\rightarrow}}{W}$. The unitary constraint reduces the Euclidean octant to a ``flavor triangle.'' We prove a theorem that the area of the Earthly flavor triangle is proportional to $\text{Det}(\mathcal{P})$. One more constraint would further reduce the dimensionality of the flavor triangle at Earth (two) to a line (one). We discuss four such constraints. The first is the possibility of a vanishing determinant for $\mathcal{P}$. We give a formula for a unique $\ensuremath{\delta}({\ensuremath{\theta}}_{ij})$ that yields the vanishing determinant. Next, we consider the thinness of the Earthly flavor triangle. We relate this thinness to the small deviations of the two angles ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{32}$ and ${\ensuremath{\theta}}_{13}$ from maximal mixing and zero, respectively. Then we consider the confusion resulting from the tau-neutrino decay topologies, which are showers at low energy, ``double-bang'' showers in the PeV range, and a mixture of showers and tracks at even higher energies. We examine the simple low-energy regime, where there are just two topologies: ${w}_{\text{shower}}={w}_{e}+{w}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ and ${w}_{\text{track}}={w}_{\ensuremath{\mu}}$. We apply the statistical uncertainty to be expected from IceCube to this model. Finally, we consider ramifications of the expected lack of ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ injection at cosmic sources. In particular, this constraint reduces the Earthly triangle to a boundary line of the triangle. Some tests of this ``no ${\ensuremath{\nu}}_{\ensuremath{\tau}}$ injection'' hypothesis are given.
L-phenylalanine selectively depresses currents at glutamatergic excitatory synapses.

To explore the hypothesis that L-phenylalanine (L-Phe) depresses glutamatergic synaptic transmission and thus contributes to brain dysfunction in phenylketonuria (PKU), the effects of L-Phe on spontaneous and miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (s/mEPSCs) in rat and mouse hippocampal and cerebrocortical cultured neurons were studied using the patch-clamp technique. L-Phe depressed the amplitude and frequency of both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and non-NMDA components of glutamate receptor (GluR) s/mEPSCs. The IC(50) of L-Phe to inhibit non-NMDAR mEPSC frequency was 0.98 +/- 0.13 mM, a brain concentration seen in classical PKU. In contrast, D-Phe had a significantly smaller effect, whereas L-leucine, an amino acid that competes with L-Phe for brain transporter, had no effect on mEPSCs. Unlike GluR s/mEPSCs, GABA receptor mIPSCs were not attenuated by L-Phe. A high extracellular concentration of glycine prevented the attenuation by L-Phe of NMDAR current, activated by exogenous agonist, and of NMDAR s/mEPSC amplitude, but not of NMDAR s/mEPSC frequency. On the other hand, L-Phe significantly depressed non-NMDAR current activated by low but not high concentrations of exogenous agonists. Glycine-independent attenuation of NMDAR s/mEPSC frequency suggests decreased presynaptic glutamate release caused by L-Phe, whereas decreased amplitudes of NMDAR and non-NMDAR s/mEPSCs are consistent with competition of L-Phe for the glycine- and glutamate-binding sites of NMDARs and non-NMDARs, respectively. The finding that GluR activity is significantly depressed at conditions characteristic of classical PKU indicates a potentially important contribution of impaired GluR function to PKU-related mental retardation and provides important insights into the potential physiological consequences of impaired GluR function.
The action of facilitatory drugs on the isolated tenuissimus muscle of the cat

Abstract The effects of neostigmine, edrophonium, ambenonium and methoxyambenonium have been determined on the frequency, amplitude and time course of miniature end-plate potentials (m.e.p.p.s) and on the amplitude and time course of end-plate potentials (e.p.p.s) using intracellular recordings in the isolated tenuissimus muscle of the cat. The amplitude of the e.p.p. was increased without change in time course by all four drugs at a concentration producing no effect on m.e.p.p.s. Higher concentrations of neostigmine and ambenonium increased the amplitude and time course of the m.e.p.p.s and the same concentration increased the time course of the e.p.p.s and further increased the amplitude. Edrophonium had no effect on amplitude and time course of m.e.p.p.s up to a concentration which depolarized the end-plate membrane, and methoxyambenonium had little effect up to the concentration causing competitive blockade. Both edrophonium and methoxyambenonium prolonged the time course of the e.p.p. at higher concentrations. All four facilitatory drugs produced slight increases in frequency of the m.e.p.p.s. It has been concluded that the primary action of these drugs is to increase the quantal release of acetylcholine from the motor nerve terminal.
Effect of specific car☐yl modifications on the blue acid species and O650 photocycle intermediate of bacteriorhodopsin

Abstract Car☐yl groups were specifically modified in purple membranes using hydrophobic or hydrophilic activating reagents and endogenous or exogenous nucleophiles. Modification of surface residues using a negatively charged nucleophile had no effect on blue-species formation, whereas surface or internal car☐yl modification using an uncharged nucleophile prevented blue-species formation. The car☐yl-modified samples showed poor correlation between blue-species and O650 intermediate. These results indicate that formation of the blue-species requires negative surface charge and is not associated with the O650 intermediate of bacteriorhodopsin, as had been previously postulated.
What is flexible electronics

Flexible electronics has recently attracted much attention because of their potential in providing cost-efficient solutions to large-area applications such as rollable displays and TVs, e-paper, smart sensors and transparent RFIDs. The key advantages of flexible electronics, compared with current silicon technologies, are low-cost manufacturing (e.g. ink-jet printing and roll-to-roll imprinting) and inexpensive flexible substrates (e.g. plastics). These advantages make flexible electronics an attractive candidate for next-generation consumer products which require lightweight, bendable, portable, and low-cost electronics.
THE NATURE OF HUMANS : COSTA RICA EXEMPLARY

This paper presents a report on Costa Rica, a country that disbanded its army in 1948 and has not formed one since. How can that be? Does Costa Rica have enemies who might attack, and if so what happens then? Do its citizens feel secure? Is Costa Rica’s Civil Guard an army for all intents and purposes? Are there private armies and militias coordinated with the Guard? Has Costa Rica become a client state of recent United States regime forces? I argue that Costa Rica provides a noteworthy albeit flawed model of one aspect of peacemaking, civilian-based defense. The paper begins and ends by situating un-imagined history into a re-envisioned model of the nature of humans. Doing so should amplify our idea of that which is possible. The socially constructed can be reconstructed, re-shaped. REFLEXIVE STATEMENT AHS’s guiding mission to treat people as empowered shapers rather than passively produced social forces or enforcers animates the report below. I always think AHS’s mission is underappreciated, or so to say, misunderestimated, by many of us. Shapers act, do, rather than merely having been done-to. Shapers widen our idea of what is possible. For instance, our world has been and can again be more peaceful than we might believe. I’m advocating peacemaking with this paper and in other, past and future projects, such as one on Norway as peace culture. My academic work on peacemaking came in response to my need to better handle conflicts, a need I also attributed to the Association for Humanist Sociology some time ago. Teaching, writing, and filming the work of peace has improved my interpersonal skills and intrapersonal health, my knowledge of peace actions and peaceful societies, and my deeper theoretical orientation or Weltanschaaung . Shapers look for an empirically consistent worldview that deepens our understanding of the macro and the micro, and of our own possible praxis.
Effects of Sodium Lactate on the Survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia Coli O157:H7, and Salmonella spp. in Cooked Ham at Refrigerated and Abuse Temperatures *

The objective of this study was to determine the effect of sodium lactate on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157: H7, and Salmonella spp. in cooked ham during storage at refrigerated and abuse temperatures. Cooked ham was added with 0% - 3% lactate, inoculated with a multiple-strain mixture of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157: H7, or Salmonella spp. and stored at 4oC - 15oC for up to 35 day. The growth of the three pathogens was inhibited in ham containing 3% lactate, and no growth of E. coli O157: H7 and Salmonella spp. occurred at the lowest storage tem- peratures of 6 and 8oC, respectively. In ham containing no lactate, the average growth rates were 0.256 - 0.380 log CFU/day for L. monocytogenes at 4oC - 8oC, 0.242 - 0.315 log CFU/day for E. coli O157: H7 at 8oC - 15oC, and 0.249 - 0.328 log CFU/day for Salmonella spp. at 10oC - 15oC. The addition of 1% or 2% lactate significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the growth rates of the three pathogens, and the effect was more profound at lower temperatures. Salmonella spp. were more sensitive to the effect of lactate than L. monocytogenes and E. coli O157: H7. Polynomial models were developed to describe the growth rates of the three pathogens as affected by the lactate concentration and storage tem- perature. Results from this study demonstrate the effect of lactate on the growth of L. monocytogenes, E. coli O157: H7, and Salmonella spp. in cooked ham and indicate the effective lactate concentrations and storage temperatures that can be used to enhance the microbiological safety of ready-to-eat ham products.
Simulation of Multistep Enzyme-Catalyzed Methanol Oxidation in Biofuel Cells

We report a simulation of multi-step enzyme catalysis and cofactor-mediated electron transfer in a bio-anode of a methanol biofuel cell. Three nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) dependent dehydrogenase enzymes, namely alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (A1DH), and formate dehydrogenase (FDH) combine to achieve complete oxidation of methanol to carbon dioxide. Oxidation of methanol by the enzyme cascade produces the reduced co-factor, NADH, which is oxidized to regenerate NAD + at an electrode comprised of a poly(methylene green) catalyst electrodeposited on carbon paper. Kinetic parameters for the enzymatic oxidation reactions were experimentally determined between pH 6.5 and 9 and were employed in the simulation to evaluate the effect of pH. Model results compare closely to previously reported experimental data over a broad pH range. Model-based analysis indicates that cell performance is controlled by NAD + transport and NADH oxidation kinetics for electrode specific areas lower than 3 m 2 cm -3 and shifted to enzyme kinetic control at higher specific area. An optimal electrode design is predicted to achieve current density exceeding 10 mA cm -2 .
Shifting paradigms of endovascular therapies for cavernous carotid fistulas.

avernous carotid fistulas (CCFs) represent abnormal shunts between the cavernous sinus and its arterial C inflow. The wide heterogeneity of the pathology that underlies CCFs, and their associated clinical severity, has made their evaluation and treatment exceptionally challenging. The earliest attempt to surgically treat a CCF is attributed to Benjamin Travers in 1811, who directly ligated the ipsilateral common carotid artery in a patient suffering from a “cirsoid aneurysm of the orbit” (3). In 1931 Brooks and Gardner used muscle to pack the venous side of direct fistulas through their opening in the carotid artery (3). Such attempts often ultimately required ligation of the ipsilateral common or cervical internal carotid artery (ICA), a technique that was fruitful in only 30% 50% of cases (17). These early attempts to mitigate the effects of CCFs were hampered by inadequate imaging techniques necessary to understand the underlying the disease processes. By 1934, Terry and Mysel (19) were the first to leverage the newly developed technique of cerebral angiography to provide the insight of “pulsating exophthalmos,” efforts that decades later culminated in establishing digital subtraction angiography as the gold standard in imaging CCFs.
73 Patients with Low Compared to High Body Mass Index Gain More Weight after Continuous Flow LVAD Implant

Purpose Patterns of weight change following implantation of continuous flow LVADs (CF LVADs) affect transplant candidacy and contribute to adverse outcomes and survival. We evaluated changes in weight over a 24 month period in a large LVAD clinical trial database. Methods and Materials A retrospective analysis of 896 patients enrolled in the HeartMate II Clinical trials for bridge to transplant and destination therapy from March 2005 - January 2009 was performed. Patients were divided into 4 groups: underweight (UW: body mass index (BMI) 2 ]), normal (NM:18.5-30), obese (OB:30-35), and morbidly obese (MO>35). BMI was analyzed at 6 month intervals through 24 months (linear mixed effects modeling). Pre-albumin levels were also determined. Results At 6 months there were significant changes in BMI (p 10%. Pre-albumin trended up at 6 months (18.4±7.2 vs. 22.8±6.9, p NS) and remained stable at 24 months with no intergroup differences. Intragroup changes were significant. Download high-res image (40KB) Download full-size image Table 1 . Pre-Albumin Changes Group Baseline 6 Months P Value BMI 15.2±5.4 21.8±7.5 0.001 18.5≤BMI 18.2±7.5 22.8±6.8 30≤BMI 19.3±7.3 22.5±7.4 0.007 BMI≥35 17.6±6.9 22.5±6.8 0.001 Conclusions The lowest BMI patients gain weight to normal ranges during CF LVAD support. OB and MO patients stay within 10% of baseline weight. 1 in 5 lose more than 10%. Nutritional status improves in all groups. Aggressive weight control strategies (e.g. bariatric surgery referral) should be considered and emphasized in CF LVAD patients.
Use of a Prescription-Assistance Program for Medically Uninsured Patients With Cancer: Case Study of a Public Hospital Experience in New York State.

Purpose: With the advances in early detection, prevention, and treatment of some cancers, mortality rates in the United States have been consistently falling. However, with these successes have come substantial increases in the cost of cancer care. Antineoplastics are the leading class in hospital drug expenditures. Cancer treatments are causing a serious financial burden for patients, families, hospitals, and society at large, especially for those who are uninsured. Prescription assistance programs (PAPs) are offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide medications at no out-of-pocket cost to medically indigent patients. To assist the Cancer Care Center at Nassau University Medical Center (NUMC) with drug costs for chemotherapies, a clinical pharmacist–managed PAP was implemented to procure chemotherapy medications from pharmaceutical manufacturers. NUMC is a safety-net teaching hospital in suburban New York. It serves mostly an indigent population, and its Level I trauma center has more than 77,00...
Bathymetric control of tidewater glacier mass loss in northwest Greenland

Abstract It has been suggested that fjord geometry could be an important contributor to the observed mass loss variability in Greenland by modulating the flow of warm water to marine-terminating glaciers. New gravity-derived bathymetry of Greenlandic fjords confirms the link between the grounding line depth and rates of glacier mass loss, a relationship previously predicted only in ice models. We focus on two neighboring glaciers to minimize differences in external forcing and therefore isolate the role of the fjord bathymetry. Tracy Glacier has a deeper grounding line and has been retreating since 1892 with a contemporary mass budget of −1.63 Gt a −1 . Heilprin Glacier has a shallower grounding line depth, a stable ice terminus, and a mass budget of only −0.53 Gt a −1 . Because of its deeper grounding line, Tracy has more ice in contact with warm subsurface water, leaving it more vulnerable to changes in ocean forcing and therefore mass loss.
An Efficient Scaling Methodology for Dynamic Models Using Dimensional and Activity Analyses

Previous work in the literature developed similitude-based design scaling techniques that make it possible to take a proven system design and scale it to meet new desired dynamic characteristics. However, such similitude-based scaling is often too restrictive because it may not be feasible to satisfy all of the resulting scaling laws exactly. This paper uses a novel combination of activity-based model reduction and dimensional analysis to scale only the important components of a given dynamic system, thereby providing more freedom than pure similitude-based scaling. The viability of this proposed method is highlighted by two examples. The first example demonstrates the proposed efficient scaling methodology on a simple two-degree-of-freedom mass-spring-damper system. The second example uses the developed methodology to scale a fuel cell stack's air supply system design for a new set of fuel cell system power requirements. The examples highlight the flexibility that activity analysis adds to similitude-based scaling methods.Copyright © 2006 by ASME
Single crystal piezoelectric transducers to harvest vibration energy

Advances in low power design open the possibility to harvest energy from the environment to power electronic circuits. Electrical energy can be harvested from various transducers including piezoelectric materials. Piezoelectric materials can be used as mechanisms to transfer mechanical energy usually ambient vibration into electrical energy that can be stored and used to power other devices. It has been found that a piezoelectric device attached to a beam with cantilever boundary conditions provides an effective configuration for capturing transverse vibrations and converting them into useful electrical power. Piezoelectric thin films attached to a silicon beam also have attracted attention for energy harvesting applications. In this paper, we present the results of a preliminary study of the effect of vibration amplitude on the performance of a PMN-PT single crystal beam with interdigitated electrodes pattern. The structure is used to demonstrate that feasibility of a novel piezoelectric monomorph cantilever beam for producing high AC voltage. The energy harvesting capability of a PMN-PT cantilever beam is tested on a 10mm-long and 1.2mm-wide rectangular prototype made out of 0.1mm-thick PMN-PT film with interdigitated electrodes. The experiments are performed to test the level of AC voltage and current generated from the PMN-PT cantilever beam device when subjected to transverse vibration of varying amplitude at the first mode of the resonant frequency. The frequency response of the monomorph prototype shows that the first mode resonance frequency of the excitation model is approximately 190Hz. We found that increasing the poling voltage also causes increased output AC voltage magnitude. These tests show that a significantly high AC voltage of 13V was achieved with 50μm shaker displacement. The measured RMS current was ~20μA.
CANNIBALISM IN XYLOCORIS FLAVIPES (HEMIPTERA: ANTHOCORIDAE), A PREDATOR OF STORED-PRODUCT INSECTS

A laboratory study of the cannibalistic behavior of Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) showed that nymphs and adults prey on all nymphal instars but not on eggs. It seems unlikely that either nymphs or adults could successfully attack healthy adults, and no such attacks were observed. However, nymphs were shown to feed on dead adults, and both stages probably feed on dead or dying individuals. The influence of various factors on the rate of cannibalism was investigated. RESUME LE CANNIBALISME DE XYLOCORIS FLAVIPES (HEM. ANTHOCORIDAE), PREDATEUR D'INSECTES DES DENREES STOCKEES Les nymphes et les adultes de Xylocoris flavipes (Reuter) consomment volontiers les membres de leur propre espece. Une etude de laboratoire de ce cannibalisme a montre que: 1) Ni les nymphes ni les adultes ne consomment les œufs. 2) Les nymphes consomment les nymphes, et le taux de cannibalisme depend de la densite; cette dependance provient pour l'essentiel de la competition alimentaire et non pas de la densite en ellememe. Les nymphes peuvent achever leur developpement en ne consommant que d'autres nymphes. 3) Les adultes consomment les nymphes; les femelles sont plus voraces que les mâles, et les femelles accouplees plus que les vierges. Les adultes provoquent la plus forte mortalite parmi les nymphes du premier stade. Le taux de predation des adultes sur les nymphes est influence par la faim. 4) Les nymphes mangent les adultes morts et, au moins quelques unes, peuvent achever leur developpement sans aucune autre alimentation. Il est peu vraisemblable que les nymphes et les adultes puissent attaquer avec succes les adultes sains, mais probablement les uns et les autres consomment des individus morts ou mourants. Le cannibalisme doit augmenter la capacite de predation d'au moins quelques individus quand l'alimentation est peu abondante.