cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Teaching Thermodynamics as a Science that Applies to any System (Large or Small) in any State (Stable or Not Stable Equilibrium)

The authors present a summary of their many years of experience in teaching at a graduate level a new exposition of thermodynamics. It is an exposition of the thermodynamics of a new non-statistical paradigm of physics and thermodynamics, which applies to both large and small systems (including one particle systems) in any state: thermodynamic (i.e. stable) equilibrium or not. It uses as its primitives the concepts of inertial mass, force, and time and introduces the laws of thermodynamics in the most unambiguous and general formulations found in the literature. Starting with a precise definition of system and of state followed by statements and corollaries of the laws of thermodynamics, the thermodynamic formalism is developed without circularity and ambiguity. Definitions of energy, generalized available energy, and entropy apply to all states and follow (instead of precede) statements of the laws of thermodynamics. All other property definitions as well as those for the work, heat, and other interactions, which a system may have with its surroundings, follow from these statements and corollaries as well. In addition, fundamental and characteristic relations as well as interrelations relating property changes in going from one neighboring stable equilibrium state to the next are defined and developed for the students, while multidimensional surfaces relating energy, entropy, external parameters (e.g., volume, surface area, electric field strength, magnetic field strength, etc.), and amounts of constituents for all states (stable or not stable equilibrium) are used to assist the student in visually picturing the states of a system and the processes the system undergoes. An initial version of this paper was published in July of 2006 in the proceedings of ECOS’06, Aghia Pelagia, Crete, Greece.
Numerical studies of the linear theta pinch

Aspects of several physical problems associated with linear theta pinches have been studied using recently developed numerical methods for the solution of the nonlinear equations for time-dependent magnetohydrodynamic flow in two- and three-dimensions. The problems studied include the propagation of end-loss produced rarefaction waves, the flow produced in a proposed injection experiment geometry, and the linear growth and nonlinear saturation of instabilities in rotating plasmas, all in linear geometries. The studies illustrate how numerical computations aid in flow visualization, and how the small amplitude behavior and nonlinear fate of plasmas in unstable equilibria can be connected through the numerical solution of the dynamical equations.
Pediatric surgery between 1860 and 1900.

Abstract The twentieth century begins the modern era of pediatric surgery, a time of innovation and vastly improved operative survival. Until then, many correctable congenital anomalies had been described in case reports only as medical curiosities, seemingly having no chance for surgical cure, but the challenge was available to those wishing to accept. The first texts devoted to surgical diseases of infancy and childhood were descriptive, emphasizing visible and palpable lesions, tuberculosis, musculoskeletal deformity, and major trauma, but also recognized that "surgical diseases of children by their number, their variety, and their character must, we think, be studied in a special manner and demand a special chapter in surgical books." 4 The construction of Children's Hospitals during the nineteenth century identified the need to provide special facilities for children. Surgical antisepsis was practiced and general anesthesia used. Physicians such as Hirschsprung recognized a wide spectrum of treatable surgical conditions that would soon become the domain of pediatric surgeons. Indeed, at that moment in time at the very beginning of the twentieth century, Roentgen discovered the x-ray, Ladd received his MD degree at Harvard, the first pediatric appendectomies for appendicitis were successfully performed, and Fredet and Ramstedt recognized that pyloroplasty was not the preferred treatment for hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. Modern pediatric surgery had passed from embryo to fetus to newborn.
Artificial neural network based robot control: An overview

The current thrust of research in robotics is to build robots which can operate in dynamic and/or partially known environments. The ability of learning endows the robot with a form of autonomous intelligence to handle such situations. This paper focuses on the intersection of the fields of robot control and learning methods as represented by artificial neural networks. An in-depth overview of the application of neural networks to the problem of robot control is presented. Some typical neural network architectures are discussed first. The important issues involved in the study of robotics are then highlighted. This paper concentrates on the neural network applications to the motion control of robots involved in both non-contact and contact tasks. The current state of research in this area is surveyed and the strengths and weakness of the present approaches are emphasized. The paper concludes by indentifying areas which need future research work.
Primary production in a eutrophic acid lake

Total P concentrations, chlorophyll concentrations, and phytoplankton production were investigated bi-weekly in Tibbs Run Lake, Monongalia County, West Virginia, from March 1977 to March 1978. Mean H+ concentration in the lake was 25.1 μeq 1−1 (pH 4.6). The acidic condition of the lake is attributed to inputs of acid via precipitation (mean H+ concentration of the bulk precipitation was 79 μeq 1−1, pH 4.1), and the low buffering capacity of the watershed (bedrock composition of sandstone). Effect of the watershed is shown by the net retention of imput of P (ca. 26%) and H+ (ca. 68%). Total P loading to the lake was 0.495 g P m−2 yr−1. The single inflow accounted for 95% of the total loading while bulk precipitation accounted for the remainder. Mean summer chlorophyll concentration was 22.2 mg m−2. Phytoplankton production expressed volumetrically as aP-vol-x value was 9.78 mg C m−3 h−1. Regression analysis indicated that H+ do not affect chlorophyll concentrations or phytoplankton production but rather that P limits algal biomass. Trophic status of Tibbs Run Lake based on a P budget model, chlorophyll concentration, and volumetric production all indicate that the lake is meso-eutrophic.
The four modes of Drum: popular fiction and social control in South Africa

Literature is both an object and an agent of social control. Not only is it shaped by social constraints, but it is also a constraint on society. Ezekiel Mphahlele (1962: 186), the South African writer, has lamented the effect of society on literature in his homeland: During the last twenty years the political, social climate of South Africa has been growing viciously difficult for a non-white to write in. It requires tremendous organization of one's mental and emotional faculties before one can write a poem or a novel or a play. This has become all but impossible…[At one time,] oppression provided just a sufficient spur to adult creative writing. The spur is a paralysing one today. Although the short story is very demanding, it is often used as a short-cut to prose meaning. And so it has become the most common medium in African literary activity, barring the large volume of vernacular writing being produced for school use. Oppression constrains not only the structure of literature but also its content. Mphahlele suggests that the short story in such a racist setting goes through three stages: romance or escape, then protest, and finally irony. He calls irony “the meeting point of acceptance and rejection in the broadest terms: acceptance and protest in specific areas of black-white relations within implicit acceptance in a larger area” (Mphahlele, 1962: 188).
Does Movement of Inventors Between Companies Affect their Productivity

Abstract This paper examines the effect of the movement of inventors on their productivity (measured by the rate of patent production) as well as the effect of knowledge spillovers on the patenting behavior of the inventors. We studied the patenting behavior of a sample of inventors in the US Telecom industry. The study shows two significant patterns: for the mobile inventors, there is a visible declining trend in the average patenting performance compared to those who stayed with the same company. This declining productivity trend is however compensated by an increased knowledge gain.
NMR investigation of proton exchange in transfer RNA by high resolution NMR.

Summary High resolution (300 MHz) nmr has been used to follow the exchange-out of ring NH protons involved in watson-Crick secondary structure base pairs in yeast tRNA3Leu and tRNAPhe. At 4°C the ∼20 resonances observed in the low field region of the spectrum (11 to 15 ppm) exchange with the solvent (D2O) in less than 300 sec. Because the exchange—out is so rapid, we are unable to follow the behavior of imino protons in specific watson-Crick base pairs. The 20–40 very slowly (1 hr.) exchanging protons observed by tritium exchange must be assigned to amino protons.
Tibetan satellite magnetic low: Evidence for widespread melt in the Tibetan crust?

The Tibetan plateau is associated with a pronounced satellite magnetic low. Forward modeling of this anomaly demonstrates that the crust underlying the Tibetan plateau is weakly magnetic compared to the crust on either side, and that the boundaries of the weakly magnetic region coincide closely with the topographic edges of the plateau (Himalaya, Kun Lun). Because there are no obvious changes in the bulk magnetization of the crust associated with the principal terrane boundaries within the plateau (Banggong and Yarlung-Zangbo sutures), the low likely manifests hot crust beneath Tibet. Forward modeling of the magnetic anomaly with simple assumptions suggests that the Curie isotherm is likely to reside in the upper crust across the Tibetan plateau (∼15 km depth), implying that granite minimum melt temperature (∼600–650 °C) is also achieved in the upper crust across the plateau (∼16–18 km depth). This inference is consistent with the shallow depth extent of earthquakes in Tibet, and with the recent suggestion that melt may be areally widespread within the Tibetan crust.
β -Lactamases: which ones are clinically important?

Abstract The introduction of a large array of β-lactam antibiotics has spawned the emergence of an even larger variety of β-lactamases designed to confer resistance to these agents. β-lactamases are produced by both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, but their clinical importance is far greater among the gram-negatives. The virtual explosion in our knowledge about the variety of these enzymes can often create confusion and frustration among those not well versed in the field. In this paper, we attempt to focus the discussion of β-lactamases on those enzymes that are of the greatest clinical importance, the Ambler Class A and C enzymes. We also discuss the growing importance of the Ambler Class B metallo β-lactamases, which hydrolyze carbapenems and are increasing in prevalence in areas of significant carbapenem usage.
Simulation of recoil trajectories in gas-filled magnetic separators

Abstract A computer code has been developed to simulate the production of heavy element compound nucleus recoils and their trajectories through gas-filled magnetic separators. The simulation is carried out in three steps: positions and trajectories of heavy element recoils in the target layer, propagation through remaining target material, and trajectories through the gas-filled separator. Separators with quite different magnetic configurations are modeled: the Berkeley gas-filled separator (BGS) and two magnetic configurations for the TransActinide separator and chemistry apparatus (TASCA). While computing trajectories through the gas-filled separator, special attention is paid to the charge exchange/equilibration and scattering in the gas. New features of these simulations include mixed He/H2/N2 gas operation and a gas density (pressure) effect. Numerical procedures used in the simulations are explained in detail. Results of the simulations are presented, showing the gas mixtures/pressures that result in the highest efficiency for collecting compound nucleus recoils at the focal plane of the gas-filled separator. Comparison between simulation and experimental results are presented for average recoil ion charge in various gases, focal plane image size, and magnetic rigidity dispersion.
Near‐Earth magnetic disturbance in total field at high latitudes 2. Interpretation of data from Ogo 2, 4, and 6

Variations in the scalar magnetic field (delta B) from the polar orbiting OGO 2, 4, and 6 spacecraft, with supporting vector magnetic field data from surface observatories, were analyzed at dipole latitudes above 55 deg. Although individual satellite passes, at low altitudes, confirm the existence of electrojet currents, neither individual satellite passes nor contours of average delta B are consistent with latitudinally narrow electrojet currents as the principal source of delta B at the satellite. The ratio of delta B magnitudes in positive and negative regions is variable. The characteristics of the negative delta B region indicate a latitudinally broad ionospheric source. Comparison of the surface magnetic disturbance caused by the equivalent current with the measured average surface disturbance shows good agreement except in localized details. Because delta B decreases very slowly with altitude in the positive delta B region, it is not possible to account for this disturbance in terms of ionospheric currents. The contribution to the satellite delta B due to a model electrojet, which reproduced the measured average surface horizontal disturbance, was computed. Definitive identification of all sources of positive delta B is not possible at this time.
Driver Warning Assistant for Monitoring Heart Rate and SpO2 Using Mobile Phones

Nowadays both mobile phones and vehicles are playing an important role in our lives, because these two industries have met an amazing development during the recent years. Also, steady progress has been made in the medical sensors field and the increasing capacity of wireless communication has led to the emergence of new methods for health monitoring. This paper presents a system for real-time monitoring of the driver's health. The proposed driver warning assistant is composed of a wearable low-power sensor that dynamically monitors the vital parameters of the driver and the measured data are sent via Bluetooth wireless communication protocol. Data processing, data management and communication and the human computing interfacing are implemented using a smart phone running an Android operation system. Experimental results associated with physiological parameters which have been measured are also included in the paper.
Correlation of genetic and immunodetection of TP53 mutations in malignant and benign prostate tissues

The prognostic value of the p53 gene (TP53), the most commonly mutated gene in human cancers, has been well established for several cancer types. However, because varying frequencies of TP53 mutations have been identified in prostatic adenocarcinoma (CaP) by genetic and immunohistochemical (IHC) studies, the role of TP53 in CaP tumorigenesis is currently unresolved. These experimental discrepancies could be caused by tissue heterogeneity within prostatic neoplasms, variations in experimental protocols, or other factors. Thus, the goal of this study was to develop a reliable IHC approach for the detection of p53 in archival prostate tissue. The authors evaluated four p53 antibodies, CM-1, 1801, DO-1, and DO-7, for their ability to reveal p53. They chose two reference CaP cell lines, 26 patient specimens (including eight benign prostatic hyperplasias (BPHs), 16 CaPs, and two lymph node metastases), one prostate and nine kidney cell lines for p53 analysis. The TP53 status of these samples was characterized using single-strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP) analysis of RNA/PCR products and sequencing. IHC detection of p53 was markedly enhanced by using the combination of microwave heat-induced antigen unmasking and a cocktail of the DO-1 and DO-7 antibodies. This approach identified 14 of 15 (93%) cell lines and patient samples having TP53 missense mutations in the exons 5 to 8 region. Of the 21 patient samples and cell lines that were either normal by SSCP or expressed p53 mutations that are not expected to stain, 18 (86%) were immunonegative. Because of this good correlation between molecular and IHC analysis, this approach may help to resolve the uncertainty about TP53 in CaP tumorigenesis.
Abstracting perception and manipulation in end-user robot programming using Sikuli

We propose a programming paradigm for robotics that has the potential to drastically facilitate robotic programming. Building up on Sikuli, a GUI automation language, we abstract specific robotic perception and control capabilities into first-class objects that are embedded in a simple scripting language. Currently, robotics programming requires a deep understanding of perception, controls and algorithms, knowledge of a specific robot's perception capabilities and kinematics, and finally a substantial amount of software engineering. Although learn-by-demonstration allows also relatively unskilled users to adapt a robot to their needs, this approach is intrinsically limited by the complexity such a program can reach. This paper presents a proof-of-concept for migrating Sikuli from the virtual GUI workspace of computer software to the physical 3D workspace of robotics. It then presents an example use case that illustrates the power of this new approach using a simple script that arranges a set of randomly aligned blocks into a tower using a Baxter robot equipped with an Asus Xtion Pro.
Neutral-Pion Production from Proton-Proton Collisions at 735 MeV

An investigation has been made of the reaction $p+p\ensuremath{\rightarrow}p+p+{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ at an incident proton energy of 735 MeV. The external proton beam of the 184-in. synchrocyclotron bombarded a liquid-hydrogen target. Gamma-ray energy spectra were measured at laboratory angles of 6, 32, and 60 deg with respect to the proton beam. Two high-resolution pair spectrometers were used to make these measurements. Computer codes were used to make all necessary corrections to the data and determine the final spectra. No evidence is found for high-energy gamma rays produced from any source other than neutral-pion decay. The cross section for ${\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}$ production was measured to be 3.46\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}0.25 mb. By use of the method of least squares, angular and momentum distributions of the neutral pion in the two-proton barycentric system were determined from the photon spectra. The pion angular distribution is given by $\frac{d{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{{\ensuremath{\pi}}^{0}}}{d\ensuremath{\Omega}}=(\frac{{\ensuremath{\sigma}}_{T}}{4\ensuremath{\pi}})[0.834+0.099(3{cos}^{2}\ensuremath{\theta})+0.067(5{cos}^{4}\ensuremath{\theta})],$ where $\ensuremath{\theta}$ is the barycentric angle of emission. Pion momentum distributions are given for three angles. The results are shown to give reasonable agreement with the isobar model.
The cost-effectiveness of reducing donor exposures with single-donor versus pooled random-donor platelets.

BACKGROUND: Single-donor platelets (SDPs) are frequently preferred over pooled random-donor platelets (RDPs) to reduce donor exposures and the risk for virus transmission or HLA alloimmunization. Transfusion-associated virus-transmission risks have significantly decreased, which suggests that white cell reduction by filtration eliminates any difference in the risk of alloimmunization in transfused leukemic patients. Health care reform pressures of make it appropriate to examine the cost-effectiveness of SDPs versus RDPs in reducing donor exposures. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A decision analysis model was developed and sensitivity analyses were used to assess the incremental cost (dollars/quality-adjusted life-year) associated with the use of SDPs versus RDPs for adult patients undergoing hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation or primary coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). RESULTS: Among transplant patients, the incremental cost of choosing SDPs as opposed to RDPs ranged from $168,700 to $519,822 per quality-adjusted life-year. For patients undergoing primary CABG, the incremental cost was $192,415 (females) and $216,280 (males). Variations in the cost differential between SDPs and RDPs, the number of random-donor platelets in the RDP, and the risk of bacterial sepsis markedly influenced cost-effectiveness. The model was minimally affected by variations in the risks of transmission of HIV and hepatitis B and C, and human T-lymphotropic viruses. CONCLUSION: In comparison with other accepted medical interventions, the use of SDPs as opposed to RDPs may not be a cost-effective method of reducing donor exposures in the adult patient populations studied. SDPs were more cost-effective in patients undergoing primary CABG than in leukemia patients undergoing hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation. Regardless of diagnosis, decreasing the acquisition cost differential would have the greatest impact on improving the cost-effectiveness of SDPs, as opposed to RDPs, to decrease donor exposures.
Cross-species septal transplants: recovery of choline acetyltransferase activity

Following interruption of the fornix-fimbria pathway, hippocampal choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity was restored gradually by cross-species cell suspension transplants of embryonic septum. The hippocampal segment closest to the implant reached 35% of normal 17 weeks after transplantation. The overall restoration of ChAT by xenogenic cell suspension had many similarities to that reported for homogenic solid and cell suspension septal grafts. The time course of the recovery of ChAT activity was different from the time course of the ingrowth of acetylcholinesterase stained fibers reported previously.
Expression of hepatocyte epidermal growth factor receptor, FAS and glypican 3 in EpCAM-positive regenerative clusters of hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and progenitor cells in human liver failure ☆

Liver regeneration under normal circumstances proceeds through proliferation of all cellular elements of the liver. Studies with rodent models have shown that when proliferation of hepatocytes is inhibited, progenitor cells arising from the biliary compartment transdifferentiate into "oval/progenitor" cells, which proceed to differentiate into hepatocytes. Recent studies have shown that the same pathways may operate in human liver failure. The growth factor receptors (HGF [hepatocyte growth factor] receptor) and epidermal growth factor receptor are key mitogenic receptors for both hepatocytes and progenitor cells. Our current study used the biliary and progenitor marker EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) to detect "regenerative clusters" of mixed cholangiocyte-hepatocyte differentiation. We determined that expression of metabolic equivalent and epidermal growth factor receptor occurs in biliary cells, progenitor cells, and hepatocytes, whereas activation of metabolic equivalent and epidermal growth factor receptor is limited to regenerative cluster hepatocytes. These histologic events are associated with expression of apoptosis-inducing FAS and mitoinhibitory protein glypican 3. Cell proliferation was overall suppressed in regenerative clusters. Transdifferentiation of biliary and progenitor cells appears to be regulated by a complex interaction of signals promoting and arresting growth.
Electron impact excitation of H2 - Rydberg band systems and the benchmark dissociative cross section for H Lyman-alpha

The cross sections sigma R 1 (2p) for excitation of H Ly-alpha emission produced by electron impact on H2 is reexamined. A more accurate estimate for sigma R 1 (2p) is obtained based on Born approximation estimates of the H2 Rydberg system cross sections using measured relative excitation functions. The obtained value is (8.18 + or -1.2) x 10 to the -18th sq cm at 100 eV, a factor of 0.69 below the value universally applied to cross section measurements over the past decade. Cross sections for the H2 Rydberg systems fixed in magnitude by the Born approximation have also been obtained using experimentally determined excitation functions. Accurate analytic expressions for these cross sections allow the direct calculation of rate coefficients.
Tensile forces enhance prostaglandin E synthesis in osteoblastic cells grown on collagen ribbons

An experimental system has been developed to examine the prostaglandin (PG) production induced by tensile mechanical forces in bone cells cultured on collagen ribbons. Fetal rat calvaria cells (osteoblast-enriched) were grown on collagen ribbons. The collagen ribbons were stretched under culture conditions in a machine that recorded force and displacement. Repeated stretching of the collagen ribbons (8 times, 5-10%, over 2 hours) increased the rate of prostaglandin synthesis approximately 3.5-fold over that of cells on nonstretched ribbons. This system should provide a suitable method to quantitatively study the effect of mechanical forces on various parameters of PG synthesis.
The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher Boulenger (Annura, Bufonidae) from Manaus, Amazonas

The tadpole of Atelopus pulcher is described for the first time. Tadpoles of this species were encountered in large streams where reproduction occurs. Tadpoles of this species conform to the genus characteristics in exhibiting an enlarged ventral disc and a 2/3 tooth row formula. One characteristic, however, distinguishes this species from other Atelopodids in that the upper beak is shorter than the lower beak.
The JNK cascade as a biochemical switch in mammalian cells: ultrasensitive and all-or-none responses.

JNK proteins are ubiquitously expressed, evolutionarily conserved MAP kinases that are involved in stress responses [1, 2]. Recently, it was shown that the JNK cascade in Xenopus oocytes exhibits sustained, all-or-none responses to graded, transient stimuli [3]. Here, we have examined the character of the JNK cascade's response in mammalian cells. The steady-state responses of JNK to sorbitol and anisomycin were found to be highly ultrasensitive in HeLa cells, HEK 293 cells, and Jurkat T cells. The JNK responses were also reversible, not sustained, as was the case in oocytes. Jurkat cells activated their JNK in response to phorbol myristate acetate (PMA), and the response of the entire population of Jurkat cells was graded. However, analysis of subpopulations of the PMA-treated Jurkat cells revealed that the steady-state responses of both JNK and CD69, a T cell surface activation marker, were essentially all-or-none in character. These studies show that the JNK cascade commonly exhibits switch-like responses to a variety of stimuli.
Mathematical modeling of biofilm on activated carbon.

Le modele BFAC presente est base sur les mecanismes fondamentaux de transport dans les films, de biodegradation a l'interieur d'un biofilm, d'absorption avec le charbon active et de la croissance du biofilm
Art Educators Integrate: A Challenge for Teacher Preparation.

In this study I investigated the perceptions of recent art education graduates regarding the nature, content, and effectiveness of their preparation to teach students with disabilities. Additionall...
Caffeine-Induced Contractions in Developing Rabbit Heart

Mature myocardium utilizes calcium released by the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) for cell contraction. Transient exposure of mature myocytes to caffeine is known to directly trigger Ca2+ release from the SR. In contrast, neonatal rabbit heart cells rely on transsarcolemmal Ca2+ influx for tension generation. SR function is decreased in immature heart and appears to play a minimal role as a calcium source. Accordingly, we hypothesized that neonatal rabbit myocytes would not respond to a caffeine pulse. Isolated neonatal and adult myocytes were paced to load the SR with calcium and then exposed to a 1-s pulse of 10 mM caffeine. As previously described, adult myocytes exhibited a brisk contraction in response to caffeine. Unexpectedly, neonatal myocytes also exhibited a similar, brisk response. These caffeine-induced contractions were not dependent on extracellular Ca2+ but were dependent upon the loading of SR Ca2+ stores. When SR Ca2+ stores were depleted by exposure to caffeine, mature myocytes exhibited only small, slow contractions in response to electrical field stimulation. Replenishing the SR Ca2+ stores resulted in normal, brisk contractions. In contrast, electrically stimulated contractions in immature myocytes were largely unaffected by caffeine-induced SR depletion. Thus, although neonatal myocytes are capable of loading and releasing calcium from the SR, such SR calcium release is not normally required for contraction in the developing heart. The minor role of SR Ca2+ release in immature rabbit heart may not result from immaturity of the SR, but rather from an inadequate mechanism to trigger SR calcium release.
Selective expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells 2/c1 in human basophils: Evidence for involvement in IgE-mediated IL-4 generation

Abstract Background: The nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT) family of transcription factors plays a key role in rapidly inducing IL4 gene expression in effector T cells. Objective: Because human basophils secrete high levels of IL-4, we have examined whether specific NFAT species are expressed in these cells and whether FcϵRI-mediated activation affects their subcellular localization and transcriptional function. Methods: Intracellular NFAT protein was identified by using 2-color flow cytometry; gene expression was done with RT-PCR. Subcellular localization of NFAT was assessed by means of Western blotting. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays assessed NFAT involvement in IL-4 transcription. Results: Basophils constitutively expressed high levels of NFAT2. In contrast, NFAT1 (NFATp), which is found in most leukocytes, was not seen in basophils. Low-level staining for NFAT4 was detected but was variably expressed among donor cells. Likewise, NFAT2 mRNA was constitutively expressed in basophils, and message for NFAT4 was seen in 3 of 5 preparations, whereas that for NFAT1 was found in only 1 of 5 preparations. NFAT2 protein accumulated in the nuclei of basophils activated for 1 hour with anti-IgE, and this was inhibited with the addition of FK506. A protein-DNA complex was formed with nuclear lysates from basophils and an IL-4 promoter NFAT consensus probe, with greater binding intensities detected in lysates of activated cells. An antibody to NFAT2 reduced the formation of the complex, whereas no effects were seen with antibodies to NFAT1, NFAT4, or unrelated transcription factors. Conclusions: The selective and specific expression of NFAT2 in basophils is unique among leukocytes. This transcription factor also appears to play a critical role in the FcϵRI-mediated production of IL-4 in these cells. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2002;109:507-13.)
Comparative study of sensory input to motor cortex in animals and man

Abstract The sensory input to motor cortex was studied in cat, squirrel monkey and man. In all three, transcortical recording of evoked responses was used to identify the inputs, and observations were made in both the anesthetized and waking states. In the cat, the input to motor cortex could only be identified in the waking state. The response has a long latency (compared to that in the somatosensory area: S1) and can be evoked by ipsilateral as well as contralateral somesthetic stimulation and by auditory stimuli but not by visual excitation. In the squirrel monkey, an input can be demonstrated in both anesthetized and waking states. Under anesthesia, it has the same feature as that projecting to S1 (activation from restricted contralateral receptive field only); in the waking state, there is both an S1 type input and a long latency ipsilateral and polysensory input similar to that observed in the cat. In man, the input varies from one subject to the next. Some show no contralateral sensory input to motor cortex; others show only an S1 type projection, or a response of slightly longer latency. Both absence and presence of input can be seen in either the anesthetized or waking subject. Ipsilateral somesthetic stimulation evokes either no response or a very small potential of non-local origin. A response to click is not seen. The study did not provide an explanation for the differences in sensory input that occur between individuals. The findings suggest that human motor cortex plays a less important role in integration of disparate sensory inputs from the periphery than does motor cortex of lower animals.
Equine endurance exercise alters serum branched‐chain amino acid and alanine concentrations

Summary Six 2-year-old Arabian horses were used to determine whether 60 km prolonged endurance exercise (approximately 4 h) alters amino acid concentrations in serum and muscle, and the time required for serum amino acid concentrations to return to basal resting values. Blood and muscle samples were collected throughout exercise and during a 3 day recovery period. Isoleucine concentration in muscle tended to increase and leucine and valine did not change due to exercise. Serum alanine concentrations did not increase immediately after exercise, but increased at 24, 48 and 72 h postexercise. Serum isoleucine, leucine, and valine concentrations decreased after exercise and time required to reach pre-exercising concentrations was 48 h. In conclusion, endurance exercise in the horse decreases serum isoleucine, leucine, and valine concentrations, and increases serum alanine concentration. The decrease in serum branchedchain amino acid concentrations did not correspond to a measurable increase in total muscle branched-chain amino acid concentrations.
Noninvasive ventilation during pediatric interhospital ground transport.

Objective. We report our use of noninvasive ventilation (NIV) during pediatric interhospital ground transport. Methods. We retrospectively reviewed transport andhospital records for nonneonatal patients ≤ 18 years old transferred into or out of our children's hospital between January 2005 andJune 2006 while receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP). Transport paramedics have extensive experience andsupplemental training in NIV andadvanced pediatric airway skills. Results. NIV was used during 31 transports of 25 patients (CPAP: 18 transports for 16 patients; BiPAP: 13 transports for nine patients). Nine patients (36%) were NIV-dependent prior to transport. Diagnoses included neurologic disease (n = 10), pulmonary disease (n = 10), congenital heart disease (n = 4), andother (n = 1). Oxygen saturation (SpO2) improved to or remained greater than 93% during all transports. Neither tracheal intubation nor cardiopulmonary resuscitation was required during or...
Patient Selection for Nonoperative Management of Popliteal Artery Injuries A Case Report

A twenty-six-year-old man was involved in a farming accident, whereby a corn head from a combine fell on his legs. He was transported by air care to the emergency room approximately seventy-five minutes after the accident. Upon examination the patient was alert with a pulse of 100/minute, blood pressure 116/80 mmHg, and respiratory rate 20/minute. There was an anterior dislocation of the left knee with a wound in the popliteal fossa measuring 8 x 6 cm. There was a normal palpable left femoral pulse, but distal pulses were detectable only by Doppler. There was no evidence of an expanding hematoma or bruit. He had a left-sided foot drop with a cold, pale foot with diminished sensation. Roentgenograms of the lower extremities revealed an anterior dislocation of the left knee without any associated fracture. The patient was taken urgently to the operating room, and under general anesthesia a reduction of the anterior dislocation of the left knee, with debridement and irrigation of the wound, was done followed by stabilization of the knee with an external fixator. The patient had palpable left posterior tibial and dorsal pedis artery pulses following the reduction. Intraoperative arteriography under Fluoroscopy was then performed via the left femoral route by the Seldinger technique. This revealed a 50% 5-cm-long smooth stenosis of the left popliteal artery with normal distal runoff. It was decided to manage the patient's popliteal artery injury nonoperatively with anticoagulation and in-hospital serial observations. Duplex examination of the left popliteal artery confirmed the arteriographic findings. The patient was given intravenous heparin therapy for three days followed by warfarin for three months and is currently taking aspirin (325 mg/day). a follow-up duplex examination at one week and at one, six, and fifteen months following the injury revealed a normal healed popliteal artery injuries. Because of a high amputation rate associated with missed or delayed diagnosis of popliteal artery injuries, early diagnosis and repair of such injuries is the standard of care. The authors describe the nonperative management of this injury and review the literature on this subject.
Mechanism and Molecular Determinant for Regulation of Rabbit Transient Receptor Potential Type 5 (TRPV5) Channel by Extracellular pH

The transient receptor potential type 5 (TRPV5) channel is present in kidney and intestine and important for transepithelial (re)absorption of calcium in these tissues. We report that in whole-cell patch clamp recording extracellular acidification inhibited rabbit TRPV5 with apparent pKa approximately 6.55. The two extracellular loops between the fifth and sixth transmembrane segments of TRPV5 presumably form part of the outer opening of the pore and likely are important in binding and regulation by external protons. We found that mutation of glutamate 522 to glutamine (E522Q) decreased the sensitivity of the channel to extracellular acidification. Mutations of other titratable amino acids within the two extracellular loops to non-titratable amino acids had no effect on pH sensitivity. Substitutions of aspartate or other titratable amino acids for glutamate 522 conferred an increase in pH sensitivity. The pH sensitivity mediated by glutamate 522 was independent of extracellular or intracellular Mg2+. Single channel analysis revealed that extracellular acidification reduced single channel conductance as well as open probability of the wild type channel. In contrast to wild type channel, extracellular acidification did not reduce open probability for E522Q mutant. Methanethiosulfonate reagents inhibited the activity of glutamine 522 to cysteine mutant channel with a reaction rate constant approaching that with free thiols in solution, suggesting that glutamate 522 is located on the surface of the channel. These data suggest that glutamate 522 of the rabbit TRPV5 is a "pH sensor," and extracellular protons inhibit TRPV5 likely by altering conformation of the channel protein.
Effects of surface electric field on SnO 2 room temperature gas sensors fabricated on nanospike substrates

SnO 2 thin film room-temperature gas sensors have been fabricated on silicon nanospike surfaces prepared by femtosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The surface morphologies of the as-fabricated silicon nanospikes and SnO 2 thin film gas sensors indicate that the surface roughness increased significantly after the SnO 2 layer was deposited. The surface morphology and electric field distribution of the silicon nanospikes were studied with atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the electric force microscopy (EFM), respectively. The comparison between AFM morphology and EFM images shows that the aspect ratio of the nanostructures in the EFM image was larger than that in the AFM image, which indicates that the nanospikes on the silicon surface can induce an enhanced electric field around their sharp features. The electric field around the tips is further enhanced when there is electric current flowing through the SnO2 layer. The enhanced electric field and increased surface area on the nanospike structures are the main contributors to the high sensitivity of these room temperature gas sensors.
MRI evaluation of dexamethasone acetate therapy for osteoarthritis in the hand

A patient with clinically diagnosed Stage I primary idiopathic osteoarthritis of the first metacarpal trapezium joint of the left hand received intra-articular administration of dexamethasone acetate. Compared to pretreatment T2- weighted MR images, greatly decreased MR signal intensity was observed in the affected joint space and adjacent soft tissues 2 days after dexamethasone acetate therapy. This was representative of reduced edema in the metacarpal trapezium joint and demonstrated the ability of MRI to follow pharmacological treatment for arthritis.
Cell-free synthesis of bacteriophage f2 maturation protein

Abstract Previous work has shown that in a cell-free system from Escherichia coli, bacteriophage f2 RNA initiates the synthesis of three proteins and that two of these are the phage coat protein and RNA polymerase. We prove now that the third protein, comprising 1 to 2% of the total protein produced, is the maturation protein, the product of the third phage gene. Fingerprinting and acrylamide gel techniques, as well as mutant and wild-type RNA messengers, were used. We confirm our earlier notion that synthesis of maturation protein is independent of translation both of coat and polymerase genes, a result which implies that there must be at least two sites on f2 RNA to which ribosomes can attach independently.
Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes

The hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders that share an autosomal-dominant pattern of inheritance and are characterized by hamartomatous polyps of the gastrointestinal tract. These syndromes include juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and the PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome. The frequency and location of the polyps vary considerably among syndromes, as does the affected patient's predisposition to the development of gastrointestinal and other malignancies. Although the syndromes are uncommon, it is important for the clinician to recognize these disorders because they are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality, not only from malignancy but also from nonmalignant manifestations such as bleeding, intussusception, and bowel obstruction. Each hamartomatous polyposis syndrome has its own distinctive organ-specific manifestations and each requires a different surveillance strategy, which makes accurate diagnosis crucial for appropriate patient management. The availability of clinical genetic testing for these disorders means that appropriate recognition allows for timely referral for cancer genetic counseling, and often allows for predicative testing in at-risk family members. Promisingly, an understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders offers insights into the mechanisms underlying the development of sporadic malignancy, and enables rational selection of targeted therapies that warrant further investigation.
Deposition Results of a Transpiration Air-Cooled Turbine Vane Cascade in a Contaminated Gas Stream

The experimental data are presented on the deposition of particulate on transpiration air-cooled turbine vanes operating in a cascade for a series of tests using distillate fuel contaminated with alumina or fly ash. The data are discussed in view of the known mechanisms of deposition. Qualitative discussion of the role of electrostatic charge on the deposition in gas turbines is also presented.
Assessment for health psychology

Abstract Four domains for health assessment are described: power and responsibility, life stress, personality, and psychiatric symptomatology. Major instruments are identified within each domain. Assessment opportunities and practices with coronary artery disease and geriatrics provide examples of application. Some implications for health assessment of the general population are presented. A general systems, or biopsychosocial framework for health assessment is suggested.
SMALL POLYPOID LESIONS ASSOCIATED WITH SPASTIC DIVERTICULOSIS.

Spastic diverticulosis is defined and differentiated from diverticulitis. Persistence of the filling defect and constancy of its location are not essential for the diagnosis of a small polypoid lesion in an area of spastic diverticulosis. A single positive finding of an intraluminal defect in spastic diverticulosis is more significant than numerous negative findings. Discovery of an intraluminal defect in an area of spastic diverticulosis demands re-examination after antispasmodic therapy. Differentiation between a polypoid lesion in an area of diverticulosis and the intrinsic features of diverticulitis are discussed. Circumferential visualization of the colon is essential to differentiate a polyp from a diverticulum. Fecal defects in an area of spastic diverticulosis are comparatively uncommon, so that such a defect should be considered a polypoid lesion until its presence is disproved.
A graduate student's, graduate program director's, and chairman's perspective of the Dentist Scientist Award program

The Dentist Scientist Award (DSA) program was introduced as an innovative mechanism of support and structure to meet the critical demand for the training of expert clinician scientists. This article presents an overview of the University of North Carolina's DSA program as it relates to the Department of Prosthodontics and the graduate program in prosthodontics. Recruitment of DSA candidates for the program and for faculty positions is described.
Significance of single‐subject studies (and repeated‐measures designs)

A case is made for repeated‐measures experiments, and particularly single‐subject designs, over randomized group studies. The former are argued to be more powerful than the latter, in that they take advantage of psychological “context” or “contrast” effects. Moreover, they provide functional relationships that best answer the kinds of research questions in which educational researchers are interested. Finally, they require the development of experimental, rather than statistical, control — an advantage that should help the field advance.
A new approach to evaluating statistical significance of spectral identifications.

While nonlinear peptide natural products such as Vancomycin and Daptomycin are among the most effective antibiotics, the computational techniques for sequencing such peptides are still in their infancy. Previous methods for sequencing peptide natural products are based on Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy and require large amounts (milligrams) of purified materials. Recently, development of mass spectrometry-based methods has enabled accurate sequencing of nonlinear peptide natural products using picograms of material, but the question of evaluating statistical significance of Peptide Spectrum Matches (PSM) for these peptides remains open. Moreover, it is unclear how to decide whether a given spectrum is produced by a linear, cyclic, or branch-cyclic peptide. Surprisingly, all previous mass spectrometry studies overlooked the fact that a very similar problem has been successfully addressed in particle physics in 1951. In this work, we develop a method for estimating statistical significance of PSMs ...