cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Agonist- and Reflex-Evoked Internalization of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 in Enteric Neurons

We demonstrate that metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) is present in the guinea pig ileum. A punctate ring-like distribution of immunoreactivity is found on the soma of a subset of neurons, consistent with an association of mGluR5 with the plasma membrane. mGluR5-containing cells in the submucosal plexus are predominantly noncholinergic and contain vasoactive intestinal peptide, a marker of secretomotor neurons. Using immunocytochemistry in conjunction with confocal microscopy, we show that the mGluR5 undergoes agonist- and reflex-evoked internalization that is inhibited by the group I antagonist 1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid. In addition, group I mGluR antagonists reduce the distension-induced phosphorylation of cAMP-responsive element-binding protein in enteric neurons and attenuate both glutamate- and group I agonist-induced depolarizing responses and slow synaptic events in submucosal neurons. These findings support the idea that mGluRs play a role in enteric reflexes and suggest that internalization might be a major mechanism for regulation of mGluR activity.
Properties of a Novel Pleiotropic Bacteriophage-Resistant Mutant of Staphylococcus aureus H

A phage-resistant mutant of Staphylococcus aureus H (SmR), S. aureus 52A5, was previously shown to lack polymeric teichoic acid. This paper characterizes other phenotypic differences between the strains. In broth cultures the mutant cells grew more slowly, were larger, and formed much larger clumps than the parent strain. The clumps of cells appeared to be covalently linked and could only be separated by mild sonic energy—a process which yielded viable cells. Mutant and parent cells autolyzed at equal rates, whereas isolated cell walls of the mutant strain autolyzed faster than the wild type. Nevertheless, the specific activity of the autolytic enzyme in the wild type soluble fraction was much higher than in the mutant. In contrast to the parent, strain 52A5 failed to accumulate nucleotide-bound murein precursors when treated with penicillin. Mutant strains with these characteristics were repeatedly isolated both spontaneously and by chemical mutagenesis. Strain 52A5 was shown to be fully revertible. Thus, it appears to be a pleiotropic mutation, and the possible nature of the defect which causes these varied effects is discussed. Images
The role of elevated central-peripheral temperature difference in early detection of late-onset sepsis in preterm infants.

Abstract Aims The study investigated the association between clinical symptoms and late-onset sepsis (LOS) in preterm infants with the aim of identifying a non-invasive tool for the early detection of LOS. Methods This was a prospective study of 83 episodes of suspected LOS in 67 preterm infants. At the time LOS was suspected, we recorded a standardized set of clinical symptoms. A diagnosis of “clinical LOS” (Clin-LOS), “culture-proven LOS” (Prov-LOS) or “LOS not present” (No-LOS) was made on the basis of C-reactive protein (CrP) and blood culture results where Clin-LOS was defined as CrP > 10 mg/l, Prov-LOS was defined as CrP > 10 mg/l AND positive blood cultures, or it was established that there was no sepsis present (No-LOS). We examined univariable associations between clinical signs and LOS using odds ratio (OR) analysis and then adjusted the odds ratio (adOR) through binary regression analysis. Results Clin-LOS was diagnosed in 20/83 episodes, 19 cases were found to have Prov-LOS. Clinical signs which had a significant association with Clin-LOS were capillary refill time > 2 s (OR 2.9) and decreased responsiveness (OR 5.2), whereas there was a negative association between gastric residuals and LOS (OR 0.35). However, the most marked association was found for a greater central-peripheral temperature difference (cpTD) > 2 °C (OR 9). In Prov-LOS an increased heart rate (OR 3.1), prolonged capillary refill time (OR 3.3) and again an increased cpTD (OR 16) had a significant association with LOS, whereas gastric residuals were negatively associated (OR 0.29). Regression analysis showed that cpTD was the most striking clinical sign associated with both Clin- (adOR 6.3) and Prov-LOS (adOR 10.5). Conclusions Prolonged capillary refill time and – more impressive – elevated cpTD were the most useful clinical symptoms for detection of LOS in preterm infants. We especially suggest using cpTD as a predictor of LOS. It is a cheap, non-invasive and readily available tool for daily routines.
In vitro insulin-like growth factor-I, growth hormone, and insulin resistance occurs in symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-1-infected children.

ABSTRACT: Poor growth is a common feature of symptomatic children (Centers for Disease Control stage P2) infected with human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1). However, several previous studies have failed to show any relationship between serum hormone levels and poor growth. To assess the roles of hormone deficiency and hormone resistance in the development of poor growth in HIV-1-infected children, we studied six asymptomatic Centers for Disease Control stage P1 [height SD score = 0.01 ± 1.0 (mean ± SD)], 10 P2 (height SD score = −2.0 ± 1.0), and six short, normal children (height SD score = −2.4 ± 1.2). Mean weight:height SD scores were similar in all three groups, suggesting that gross nutritional status did not differ between groups. There were no significant differences between groups with respect to mean plasma levels of IGF-I, thyroid hormones, TSH, and cortisol. As an index of hormone sensitivity, we quantified in vitro colony formation of erythroid progenitor cells, isolated from peripheral blood of study subjects, in response to IGF-I, growth hormone (GH), and insulin. P2 subjects had a quantitative mean reduction in erythroid progenitor cells colony formation in response to IGF-I of 32% compared with P1 subjects (p = 0.001 by analysis of variance) and 21% compared with controls (p = 0.006); in response to GH of 21% compared with controls (p = 0.015); and in response to insulin of 35% compared with P1 subjects (p = 0.038) and 34% compared with controls (p = 0.004). Similar qualitative differences (changes in shape) of the three hormone response curves between P2 and P1 and P2 and control subjects were observed. No differences in either quantitative or qualitative erythroid progenitor cells responses to IGF-I, GH, or insulin between P1 and control subjects were observed. We conclude that more severe HIV-1 infection in children is associated with in vitro resistance to the growth-promoting actions of IGF-I, GH, and insulin that is unrelated to the presence of gross malnutrition, differences in hematologic status, or over-whelming illness. This resistance to IGF-I could contribute to the poor in vivo growth seen in a symptomatic HIV-1-infected children.
On Physical Adsorption

Abstract Low-pressure adsorption isotherms of argon and nitrogen at 77.8°K. and 90.1°K. on graphitized carbon black, P-33, are reported. It is found that the adsorbed monolayer behaves like a two-dimensional ideal gas at the lowest pressures measured; and that its behavior at slightly higher pressures can be described by a two-dimensional van der Waals equation. The critical temperature of the adsorbed monolayer is estimated from the van der Waals constants. Above about 50% coverage the adsorption isotherm has the form of the Langmuir equation; which is interpreted as the adsorption of a mobile film on localized sites, where the sites are superposed on the low-energy solid substrate by the packing of the adsorbate. The isosteric heats of adsorption are calculated as a function of the fraction of the surface covered, and are found to follow the same general pattern as that reported by Amberg, Spencer, and Beebe (4) for krypton adsorbed on an identical substrate.
Design and implementation of a robust, high-availability DICOM print network in a large, multimodality clinical environment

This work will describe the implementation of a highly reliable DICOM print network at our institution. The system was designed to provide DICOM print services to many modalities, allowing customized LUT assignments either by calling AET or by special request from the modality. The system was implemented on a small scale with hardware from three different manufacturers (Agfa/Sterling, Kodak, and Fuji) for evaluation purposes. Our experiences with each system will be presented. The final configuration (Fuji PS551/DPL) was scaled up to meet the needs for hard copy production in our busy (300,000 exams/year) clinical operation. Quality control is accomplished via automatic (chron job) initiation of DICOM print jobs from a Unix-based workstation or by manual initiation from one of several PC's utilizing e-Film'sTM DICOM print capabilities. Print servers are connected to multiple printers and are configured for automatic fail-over on printer error detection. Modalities are configured with dual ('Primary' and 'Secondary') print destinations to allow manual redirection of print activity on print server error detection. As a result, the system provides an extremely high level of dependability. The printers also sort by AET so that the output from any given modality may be directed to a specific sorting bin, significantly reducing the effort needed to sort films and match with paperwork prior to hanging.© (2002) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Flavonoids of Sorghum

SUMMARY Three anthocyanogen-type flavonoids–chromogens I, II, III-were found by chromatography of a methanol extract of sorghum. Hydrolysis by boiling with acid yielded the same two flavonoids for each of the three chromogens. One was a flavanone, probably eriodictyol; the other was an anthocyanidin-pelargonidin.
Mechanistic importance of intermediate N2O + CO reaction in overall NO + CO reaction system. I: Kinetic analysis

Abstract To investigate the mechanistic importance of the N2O + CO reaction as an intermediate reaction step during the reduction of NO by CO occurring on noble metal exhaust catalysts, we have analyzed theoretically the steady-state kinetics of the NO + CO reaction based on elementary surface processes. Quasilinearization of the nonlinear NO + CO reaction system by identifying a critical kinetic parameter has enabled us to develop a complete set of analytical solutions for the system which includes the intermediate N2O + CO reaction step. The kinetic analysis based on this solution scheme shows a dramatic difference between the rate of the N2O + CO reaction as an intermediate reaction and that as an isolated reaction. Results have revealed that the rate of the N2O + CO reaction as an intermediate reaction in the NO + CO reaction system can be two to three orders of magnitude faster than the isolated N2O + CO reaction, which is known to be very slow compared with the NO + CO reaction. This makes the rate of the intermediate N2O + CO reaction as fast as or even faster than the rate of the NO + CO reaction, suggesting that the former reaction can make a major contribution to the kinetics of the reduction of NO by CO occurring in three-way catalytic converters.
Apnea in Children Hospitalized With Bronchiolitis

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors for inpatient apnea among children hospitalized with bronchiolitis. METHODS: We enrolled 2207 children, aged RESULTS: Inpatient apnea was identified in 108 children (5%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4%–6%). Statistically significant, independent predictors of inpatient apnea included: corrected ages of 70 (OR 2.26), compared with 40 to 49; and having a preadmission room air oxygen saturation CONCLUSIONS: In this prospective, multicenter study of children hospitalized with bronchiolitis, inpatient apnea was associated with younger corrected age, lower birth weight, history of apnea, and preadmission clinical factors including low or high respiratory rates and low room air oxygen saturation. Several bronchiolitis pathogens were associated with apnea, with similar apnea risk across the major viral pathogens.
In vitro release of pancreatic hormones following 99% pancreatectomy in the chicken.

Abstract In vitro assessment was made of the hormone-release capability of splenic pancreatic tissue 16 days after adult chickens had 99% of the pancreatic mass surgically removed. The objective of this study was to evaluate if the enlargement of the splenic lobe remnant after 99% pancreatectomy was attended by alterations in the responsivity of hormone release and, if so, were such changes reflective of all pancreatic hormones. After a 24-hr fast, splenic lobe tissue was obtained from young adult chickens on Postoperative Day 16, diced into 18–22-mg cubes, and incubated in vitro in media containing varying amounts of glucose with or without added somatostatin (SRIF). At 15-min intervals, the tissue cubes were transferred to fresh media and samples of each medium measured for insulin, glucagon, and APP. Viability of the tissue after 75 min was tested by tissue response to added 5 m M phenylalanine. The results obtained indicated that while total content of all four hormones (including SRIF) increased with tissue enlargement, the concentration of each decreased significantly except for SRIF, which remained at control levels. Further, the sensitivity of the B-cell in releasing insulin when confronted by a glucose challenge was not altered by previous pancreatectomy, while that of glucagon release from the A-cell was depressed. A-cell responsivity to SRIF does not appear to be adversely affected by previous 99% pancreatectomy. APP release was least affected by SRIF addition to the media, although depression by high glucose occurred. It is concluded that differential alterations occur in chicken pancreatic hormone-releasing cells as a result of 99% pancreatectomy. The efficacy in maintaining low, but still adequate, plasma I/G molar ratios (reported earlier) by the splenic remnant tissue either reflects a remarkable functional readjustment to surgical removal of 99% of the pancreatic mass in chickens or, alternatively, suggests the existence of extrapancreatic sources of insulin and glucagon, but not APP.
Pavement Life-Cycle Sustainability Assessment and Interpretation Using a Novel Qualitative Decision Procedure

AbstractA novel approach to life-cycle sustainability (impact) assessment and interpretation procedure on the basis of multiple criteria is developed in this paper for the comparison and evaluation of alternative road pavement designs. A case study reported in the literature, which compared pavement structures with virgin materials as well as industrial by-products such as coal ash, crushed concrete waste, and granulated blast-furnace slag, was examined in the context of multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) using the proposed approach. The environmental loadings assessed during the life cycle of the pavement structures included natural raw materials and secondary products, energy and fuel consumption, emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), sulphur dioxide (SO2), volatile organic compounds (VOCs), carbon monoxide (CO) and particles, dust emissions, compounds leaching into the soil, and noise. The proposed qualitative decision approach to life cycle-based environmental impact assessment...
Did We Finally Slay the Evil Dragon of Cigarette Smoking in the Late 20th Century?: Unfortunately, the Answer Is No—the Dragon Is Still Alive and Well in the 21st Century and Living in the Third World. Shame on Us!

If cigarettes were introduced as a new consumer product today, it is unlikely they would receive government regulatory approval. Cigarettes have proven biologic toxicities (carcinogenesis, atherogenesis, teratogenesis) and well-established causal links to human disease. Things were very different in 1913 when the R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company introduced the first modern cigarette, the iconic Camel. By the early 1950s, definitive scientific reports linked cigarettes and human disease, but it was more than a half century later (2006) that cigarette manufacturers were found guilty by a federal court of deceptive product marketing regarding the health hazards of tobacco use. In the United States, cigarette smoking remains a major but slowly declining problem. But in developing countries, cigarette use is expanding tremendously. In global terms, the epidemic of smoking-caused disease is projected to increase rapidly in coming decades, not decline. Society may have begun to slowly win the smoking battle in the developed world, but we are resoundingly losing the global war on smoking. All is not lost! There is some good news! The 2003 Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, supported strongly by the American College of Chest Physicians, is the first global public health treaty of the new millennium. Many developed societies have begun planning to rid their countries of cigarettes in what is called the Endgame Strategy, and now is the time for the international medical community to help change tobacco policy to a worldwide endgame approach to rid all humanity of smoking-related diseases.
Anharmonic Oscillator with Polynomial Self‐Interaction

A quantum anharmonic oscillator with a polynomial self‐interaction is defined in coordinate space by a Hamiltonian of the form H = −d2/dx2 + ¼x2 + g[(½x2)N + a(½x2)N−1 + b(½x2)N−2 + ⋯]. Using WKB techniques we derive a secular equation which determines the eigenvalues of H for small |g|. We find that the qualitative analytic structure of these eigenvalues as functions of complex g remains unchanged for all fixed values of a, b,…, including a = b = ⋯ = 0. The secular equation also implies an elegant theorem which predicts how the a,b,⋯ terms in H affect the large‐order growth of perturbation theory. We use this theorem to compare the perturbative behavior of non‐Wick‐ordered and Wick‐ordered field theories in one‐dimensional space‐time. In particular, we show that the perturbation series ∑Angn and ∑Bngn for the energy levels of the (gψ2N)1 and (:gψ2N:)1 field theories differ in large order by an over‐all multiplicative constant limn→∞An/Bn = exp[N(2N − 1)/(2N − 2)].
Specificity of DNA lesion bypass by the yeast DNA polymerase η

DNA polymerase η (Polη, xeroderma pigmentosum variant, or Rad30) plays an important role in an error-free response to unrepaired UV damage during replication. It faithfully synthesizes DNA opposite a thymine-thymine cis-syn-cyclobutane dimer. We have purified the yeast Polη and studied its lesion bypass activityin vitro with various types of DNA damage. The yeast Polη lacked a nuclease or a proofreading activity. It efficiently bypassed 8-oxoguanine, incorporating C, A, and G opposite the lesion with a relative efficiency of ∼100:56:14, respectively. The yeast Polη efficiently incorporated a C opposite an acetylaminofluorene-modified G, and efficiently inserted a G or less frequently an A opposite an apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) site but was unable to extend the DNA synthesis further in both cases. However, some continued DNA synthesis was observed in the presence of the yeast Polζ following the Polη action opposite an AP site, achieving true lesion bypass. In contrast, the yeast Polα was able to bypass efficiently a template AP site, predominantly incorporating an A residue opposite the lesion. These results suggest that other than UV damage, Polη may also play a role in bypassing additional DNA lesions, some of which can be error-prone.
A note on the Fuglede–Putnam theorem

We prove the following generalization of the Fuglede–Puntam theorem. Let N be an unbounded normal operator in the Hilbert space, and let A be an unbounded self-adjoint operator such that \(D(N)\subseteq D(A)\). Then, \( AN\subseteq N^*A \Rightarrow AN^*\subseteq NA.\)
In defense of the dictionary: A response to Haiman

Abstract This paper is a response to John Haiman's ‘Dictionaries and Encyclopedias’ ( Lingua 50, 329-57). It is argued that Haiman fails in his attempts to blur the distinctions which have been traditionally taken to separate dictionaries from encyclopedias: language/ culture; subjective fact/objective fact; essence/accidence; semantics/pragmatics; analytic truth/synthetic truth; proper nouns/common nouns. Haiman's case is built on oversights, oversimplifications, and paradoxes. He blurs no distinctions, and he does not subsume the dictionary under the encyclopedia. The dictionary is a distinct entity.
Gliding arc gas discharge

Abstract The sliding arc discharge starts at the shortest distance between the electrodes, then moves with the gas flow at a velocity of about 10 m/s and the length l of the arc column increases together with the voltage. When the length of the gliding arc exceeds its critical value l crit , heat losses from the plasma column begin to exceed the energy supplied by the source, and it is not possible to sustain the plasma in a state of thermodynamic equilibrium. As a result, a fast transition into a non-equilibrium phase occurs. The discharge plasma cools rapidly to a gas temperature of about T 0 =1000 K and the plasma conductivity is maintained by a high value of the electron temperature T e =1 eV (about 11 000 K). After this fast transition, the gliding arc continues its evolution, but under non-equilibrium conditions ( T e ≫ T 0 ). The specific heat losses W crit in this regime are much smaller than in the equilibrium regime (numerically about three times less). The discharge length increases up to a new critical value of l ≅3 l crit . The main part of the gliding arc power (up to 75–80%) can be dissipated in the non-equilibrium zone. After the decay of the non-equilibrium discharge, the evolution repeats from the initial break-down. This permits the stimulation of chemical reactions in regimes quite different from conventional combustion and environmental situations. It provides an alternative approach to addressing energy conservation and environmental control. In the first part of this paper, the gas discharge physics are described. The second part reviews the chemical reaction in the gliding arc plasma and some possible applications.
Iterative state-space reduction for flexible computation

Abstract Flexible computation is a general framework for decision making under limited computational resources. It enables an agent to allocate limited computational resources to maximize its overall performance or utility. In this paper, we present a strategy for flexible computation, which we call iterative state-space reduction . The main ideas are to reduce a problem space that is difficult to search to one that is relatively easy to explore, to use the optimal solution from the reduced space as an approximate solution to the original problem, and to iteratively apply multiple reductions to progressively find better solutions. The basic operation for state-space reduction is heuristic node pruning, which excludes the nodes that do not seem to lead to high-quality solutions from further examination. Iterative state-space reduction can be combined with a state-space search, such as best-first search or depth-first branch-and-bound (DFBnB). The resulting algorithm can run as an anytime algorithm, which provides a tradeoff between solution quality and computation. Based on an analytical modal, we analyze the probability that one iteration of the iterative process finds a solution. Furthermore, by combining it within DFBnB we apply iterative state-space reduction to three combinatorial problems, the maximum Boolean satisfiability, the symmetric TSP and asymmetric TSP. Our experimental results show that iterative state-space reduction is effective and efficient, making DFBnB find better solutions with less computation.
Integration of Auditor Preferences and Sampling Objectives: A Polynomial Goal-Programming Perspective

The choice of an audit sample involves integration of diverse goals. Such integration must consider the preferences of the auditor towards costs as well as risks. Traditionally this problem has been formulated to determine minimal sample size and its allocation such that each of the goals is satisfied simultaneously or to the extent possible. However, these formulations do not consider trade-offs between goals, so that the sample may not reflect the auditor's preferences regarding sampling costs and risks. In this paper, we model such trade-offs by utilizing a polynomial goal-programming framework and utilize a practical case problem to illustrate the framework. Computational experience shows the technique to be feasible and inexpensive.
Defining local-regional control and its importance in locally advanced non-small cell lung carcinoma

Introduction Local-regional control (LRC) rates for non-small cell lung cancer after chemoradiotherapy were studied (using two different definitions of LRC) for the association between LRC and survival. Methods Seven legacy Radiation Therapy Ooncology Group trials of chemoradiotherapy for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer were analyzed. Two different definitions of LRC were studied: (1) freedom from local progression (FFLP-LRC), the traditional Radiation Therapy Oncology Group methodology, in which a failure is intrathoracic tumor progression by World Health Oorganization criteria; and (2) response-mandatory (strict-LRC), in which any patient not achieving at least partial response was considered to have failure at day 0. Testing for associations between LRC and survival was performed using a Cox multivariate model that included other potential predictive factors. Results A total of 1390 patients were analyzed. The LRC rate at 3 years was 38% based on the FFLP-LRC definition and 14% based on the strict-LRC definition. Performance status, concurrent chemotherapy, and radiotherapy dose intensity (biologically equivalent dose) were associated with better LRC (using either definition). With the strict-LRC definition (but not FFLP-LRC), age was also important. There was a powerful association between LRC and overall survival (p, 0.0001) on univariate and multivariate analyses. Age, performance status, chemotherapy sequencing, and biologically equivalent dose were also significantly associated with survival. Histology and gender were also significant if the strict-LRC model was used. Conclusions LRC is associated with survival. The definition of LRC affects the results of these analyses. A consensus definition of LRC, incorporating functional imaging and/or central review, is needed, with the possibility of using LRC as a surrogate end point in future trials.
The effect of ocean bottom variability on transmission loss and reverberation

The effect of range variability in shallow water transmission loss and reverberation has been studied as a function of sound speed profile and bathymetry, but little attention has been paid to the role of sediment variation. At the Target and Reverberation Experiment in 2013, detailed measurements of the ocean bottom coupled with an accurate and fully customizable finite element model of propagation make this analysis possible. In this study, normal incidence reflection coefficient measurements are used to determine density variations in the sediment. Two propagation models are developed with and without the variations. It is found that over 2 km for a frequency of 500 Hz, the variations have only a small effect on transmission loss and reverberation.
From darkness to light

A supercomputer simulation shows that matter in the early universe might have formed dense filaments before collapsing into the first stars.
P-3 ultrawideband SAR

The P-3 UHF-UWB system offers a unique capability for remote sensing of forest regions because the low-frequency waveform penetrates foliage and the time resolution allows imaging of individual tree trunks. A tree trunk combined with the ground under it forms a dielectric top hat reflector which is a dominant scattering mechanism. The scatter from the ground-trunk interface is strongly dependent on polarization with Horizontal incidence-Horizontal reflection typically being much stronger than Vertical incidence-Vertical reflections. The cross-polarized components of the scatter is typically much weaker; however, heavily sloped terrain can cause a polarization rotation upon reflection which can cause significant cross-polarization. Estimates of the cross-polarized image can therefore be used to determine terrain characteristics.
When blogs become organizations

This study first examines the degree to which public interest bloggers are adopting organizational forms and processes as they pursue heightened popularity, status, and advertising revenue. The study also examines the relationship between organizational form and formality of content; relationships between pursuit of revenue, organizational form and level of popularity are also assessed. Informed by classic organizational theory, the study involves an analysis of 151 public issue blogs. Most blogs demonstrated aspects of organizational form by adopting rules and policies, employing staff, and pursuing revenue. Pursuit of revenue corresponds with popularity in the blogosphere as well as with frequency of posting. Pursuit of revenue also correlates positively with organizational form, which in turn correlates positively with traditional journalistic practices such as primary source reporting, source balance, and fact-based rather than opinion-based reporting.
A Fundamental Equation of Thermodynamics that Embraces Electrical and Magnetic Potentials

This paper introduces an energy-analysis of the flow of electrical charges and magnetic flux in addition to the flow of heat into a thermodynamic system. The analysis depends on the results of a held experiment on a magnet that attracted iron balls and a Faraday’s discovery as well as similarities between the laws characterizing the flow of electric charges, magnetic flux and heat. As the electric charge and magnetic flux produce entropy changes in some applications as magnetic hysteresis and capacitive deionization, we may express the electric charges and magnetic flux in terms of entropy changes times their corresponding potentials by analogy to expressing heat as a product of temperature and entropy changes. Introducing such postulates into the held energy-analysis; a new fundamental equation of thermodynamics that embraces the flow of electric charges and magnetic flux in terms of the electric and magnetic potentials was derived. The derived equation proved its truth in numerous studies of general energy interactions. Such postulates help also in defining the electric charge and magnetic flux as categories of electromagnetic waves of assigned electric or magnetic potentials and offer plausible explanations of newly discovered phenomena in the fields of electromagnetism and thermodynamics as Kerr effect and magnetic expansion.
Uniqueness of representation by trigonometric series

In 1870 Georg Cantor proved that a 2π periodic complex valued function of a real variable coincides with the values of at most one trigonometric series. We present his proof and then survey some of...
Synthesis of Poly(DL-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Nanoparticles with Entrapped Magnetite by Emulsion Evaporation Method

The goal of this study was to synthesize Poly(DL-lactide-Co-glycolide) nanoparticles with entrapped magnetite, of under 100 nm in diameter, for future drug delivery applications. The emulsion evaporation method was selected to form poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles with entrapped magnetite (Fe3O4) in the polymeric matrix, in the presence of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) as a surfactant. Magnetite, a water-soluble compound, was surface functionalized with oleic acid to ensure its efficient entrapment in the PLGA matrix. The inclusion of magnetite with oleic acid (MOA) into the PLGA nanoparticles was accomplished in the organic phase. Synthesis was followed by dialysis, performed to eliminate the excess SDS, and lyophilization. The synthesized nanoparticles ranged in size from 38.6 to 67.1 nm for naked PLGA nanospheres and from 78.8 to 87.2 nm for MOA-entrapped PLGA nanospheres. The entrapment efficiency ranged from 57.36% to 77.3%.
Probabilistic-Based Design Methodology for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Stacks

A probabilistic-based component design methodology is developed for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack. This method takes into account the randomness in SOFC material properties as well as the stresses arising from different manufacturing and operating conditions. The purpose of this work is to provide the SOFC designers a design methodology so that the desired level of component reliability can be achieved with deterministic design functions using an equivalent safety factor to account for the uncertainties in material properties and structural stresses. Multiphysics-based finite element analyses were used to predict the electrochemical and thermal mechanical responses of SOFC stacks with different geometric variations and under different operating conditions. Failures in the anode and the seal were used as design examples. The predicted maximum principal stresses in the anode and the seal were compared with the experimentally determined strength characteristics for the anode and the seal, respectively. Component failure probabilities for the current design were then calculated under different operating conditions. It was found that anode failure probability is very low under all conditions examined. The seal failure probability is relatively high, particularly for high fuel utilization rate under low average cell temperature. Next, the procedures for calculating the equivalent safety factors for the anode and seal were demonstrated so that a uniform failure probability of the anode and seal can be achieved. Analysis procedures were also included for non-normal distributed random variables so that more realistic distributions of strength and stress can be analyzed using the proposed design methodology.
Quantitative genetic models of sexual selection

Quantitative genetic models of sexual selection have disproven some of the central tenets of both the handicap mechanism and the 'sexy son' hypothesis. These results suggest that the 'good genes' approach to sexual selection may generally lead to erroneous results. Runaway sexual selection seems possible under a wide variety of circumstances. Quantitative genetic models have revealed runaway processes for sexually selected attributes expressed in both sexes and for attributes of parental care. Furthermore, the runaway could occur simultaneously in a series of populations that straddle an environmental gradient. While the models support the feasibility of runaway processes, empirical studies are needed to evaluate whether runaways actually happen. Estimates of critical genetic parameters are particularly needed, as well as measures of natural and sexual selection acting on the same population. The models also show that sexual selection has tremendous potential to produce population differentiation, particularly in epigamic traits. Differentiation is promoted by indeterminancy of evolutionary outcome, transient differences among populations during the final slow approach to equilibrium, sampling drift among equilibrium populations, and the tendency of sexual selection to amplify geographic variation arising from spatial differences in natural selection. Recent work with two- and three-locus models of sexual selection has produced results that parallel the results of the polygenic models. Thus the feature of indeterminate equilibria (outcome dependent on initial conditions) is common to both types of model.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae ATM orthologue suppresses break-induced chromosome translocations.

Chromosomal translocations are characteristic of some leukaemias and childhood sarcomas. They are thought to be initiated by DNA breaks that are repaired by non-homologous end joining, a process which links, or 'heals', any two broken ends, regardless of whether they arose from the same double-strand break. In this work, Lee et al. have devised a system to replicate this type of translocation event in yeast. Using this system they find that Tel1, the yeast homologue of the ATM kinase which is mutated in ataxia-telangiectasia, is a key factor in suppressing non-homologous end joining of interchromosomal DNA ends. Chromosome translocations are frequently associated with many types of blood-related cancers and childhood sarcomas. Detection of chromosome translocations assists in diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of these diseases1; however, despite their importance to such diseases, the molecular mechanisms leading to chromosome translocations are not well understood. The available evidence indicates a role for non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) in their origin1,2,3. Here we develop a yeast-based system that induces a reciprocal chromosome translocation by formation and ligation of breaks on two different chromosomes. We show that interchromosomal end joining is efficiently suppressed by the Tel1- and Mre11–Rad50–Xrs2-dependent pathway; this is distinct from the role of Tel1 in telomeric integrity and from Mec1- and Tel1-dependent checkpoint controls. Suppression of DSB-induced chromosome translocations depends on the kinase activity of Tel1 and Dun1, and the damage-induced phosphorylation of Sae2 and histone H2AX proteins. Tel1- and Sae2-dependent tethering and promotion of 5′ to 3′ degradation of broken chromosome ends discourage error-prone NHEJ and interchromosomal NHEJ, preserving chromosome integrity on DNA damage. Our results indicate that, like human ATM, Tel1 serves as a key regulator for chromosome integrity in the pathway that reduces the risk for DSB-induced chromosome translocations, and are probably pertinent to the oncogenic chromosome translocations in ATM-deficient cells.
AI isn't just for players: AI-based authoring tools

Game AI research has successfully focused on improving the player experience, creating better tactical and strategic opponents, more convincing non-player characters, better path-finding approaches, and so on. However, as we create richer AI-based experiences for players, we can not forget authors. Human authors must be able to craft game experiences, creating the richness and nuances that make games compelling, while still taking advantage of the generativity and adaptability that is the hallmark of next generation game AI systems. This will require new AI-based authoring support tools. In this talk I will describe the authoring problem, and present a number of authoring support tool projects currently taking place in the Expressive Intelligence Studio at UC Santa Cruz.
Electrocardiographic changes in acute pancreatitis resembling acute myocardial infarction

Abstract A patient with acute pancreatitis of moderate severity showing transient ECG changes indistinguishable from those of acute myocardial infarction is being described. The patient had neither shock nor electrolyte imbalance. Recovery was uneventful. The major ECG abnormalities returned to normal within 3 days. Selective coronary arteriogram was normal. Local electrolyte derangement with membrane potential alterations inducing transient electrical silence is the most likely explanation.
Consistent segmentation of repeat CT scans for growth assessment in pulmonary nodules

Nodule growth is a key characteristic of malignancy. The measurement of nodule diameter on chest radiographs has been unsatisfactory due to insufficient accuracy and reproducibility. Additionally, the frequent use of high resolution CT scanners has increased the detection rate of very small nodules. On one hand, the small nodules present even greater diagnostic difficulties and, on the other hand, are more frequently benign, resulting in higher rates of unnecessary surgery. In this paper we present a 3-D algorithm to improve the consistency of nodule segmentation on multiple scans. The multi-criterion, multi-scan segmentation algorithm has been developed based on the fact that a typical small pulmonary nodule has distinct difference in density at the boundary and relatively compact shape, and that other tissues in the lung do not change in size over time. Our preliminary results with in-vivo nodules have shown the potential of applying this practical 3-D segmentation algorithm to clinical settings.
Cricoarytenoid arthritis: A cause of laryngeal obstruction

Cricoarytenoid arthritis, principally as a result of long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, is a disorder that may present to the emergency physician with a number of symptoms and signs referable to the larynx. The presentation of this disorder as acute laryngeal obstruction and collapse is uncommon. It is important to recognize early cricoarytenoid joint involvement and not mistakenly diagnose mild cases as asthma or psychoneurosis. The use of steroids in mild cases has been beneficial at times, but progressive airway obstruction and fatalities have occurred during their administration.
In What Ways Do Gender‐Related Attributes and Beliefs Affect Marriage?

This article examines spouses' sex role ideology and personality dispositions in connection with marital behavior patterns. It shows that sex role ideology and sex typing in personality are distinct properties, that husbands and wives typically bring to marriage a mixture of gender-related attributes and beliefs that, in turn, create marital behavior patterns that contain a variety of traditional and nontraditional elements. Spouses' sex role attitudes and the extent to which they possess stereotypic personality attributes, such as “masculinity” (instrumentality) and “femininity” (expressiveness), are examined in connection with marital roles, the extent to which spouses communicate positive and negative affect to each other, and the amount of time they spend with friends and family. The results suggest a new direction for studying the intersection of gender and relationships, one that moves beyond simplistic typologies that categorize marriages along a single dimension of traditionalism to one that examines the character and quality of the marriage as it is influenced by (or covaries with) particular gender-related attributes and beliefs.
EDITORIAL: The Meaning of Chornobyl: Imagine Rhode Island Evacuated

Recently I had the privilege of attending a conference, “Chornobyl +20,” in Kyiv, Ukraine. 2 This event commemorated the horrendous events of April 26, 1986, when reactor number 4 at Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant suffered a catastrophic explosion and fire. The reactor core burned for the next eight days and spread a cloud of radioactive debris across Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, and virtually all of central and Western Europe. One report estimates that over 40% of Europe is contaminated with cesium-137. 3
Novel quantitative trait loci for broad-based resistance to soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) in soybean PI 567516C

Soybean cyst nematode (SCN, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe) is the most destructive pest of soybean worldwide. Host plant resistance is an effective approach to control this pest. Plant introduction PI 567516C has been reported to be highly resistant to multiple-HG types of SCN. The objectives of this study were to identify and map novel quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SCN resistance to six HG types (also known as races 1, 2, 3, 5, 14, and LY1). Mapping was conducted using 250 F2:3 progeny derived from a Magellan (susceptible) × PI 567516C (resistant) cross. F6:7 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the F2:3 progeny were employed to confirm the putative QTL identified. A total of 927 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were genotyped. Following the genetic linkage analysis, permutation tests and composite interval mapping were performed to identify and map QTL. Four QTL were associated with resistance to either multiple- or single-SCN HG types. Two QTL for resistance to multiple-SCN HG types were mapped to Chromosomes 10 and 18 and have not been reported in other SCN resistance sources. New QTL were confirmed by analysis of 250 F6:7 RILs from the same population. SSR and SNP markers closely associated with these QTL can be useful for the development of near-isogenic lines for fine-mapping and positional cloning of candidate genes for SCN resistance.
No content without context: Integrating basic, clinical, and social sciences in a pre-clerkship curriculum

Background: The basic science curricula in medical schools ultimately succeed or fail at the bedside when students must draw on their pre-clerkship experiences as they learn to form nuanced clinical decisions. Given this expectation, learning context becomes as decisive as content in determining students’ recall and application.Aims: Using the pre-clerkship medical curriculum at the University of California, Los Angeles, as an example, we illustrate how traditional biomedical sciences can be integrated with clinical sciences in a comprehensive foundational curriculum following curricular design features and teaching methods based on learning principles from cognitive psychology and education.Methods: Multiple planning teams of faculty and students collaborated in the design of the Human Biology and Disease (HB&D) curriculum. Broad participation, careful selection of course chairs, the assistance of educational consultants, ongoing oversight structures, and faculty development were used to develop and sust...
Right ventricular heart failure from pulmonary embolism: key distinctions from chronic pulmonary hypertension.

Abstract Background The right ventricle normally operates as a low pressure, high-flow pump connected to a high-capacitance pulmonary vascular circuit. Morbidity and mortality in humans with pulmonary hypertension (PH) from any cause is increased in the presence of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction, but the differences in pathology of RV dysfunction in chronic versus acute occlusive PH are not widely recognized. Methods and Results Chronic PH that develops over weeks to months leads to RV concentric hypertrophy without inflammation that may progress slowly to RV failure. In contrast, pulmonary embolism (PE) results in an abrupt vascular occlusion leading to increased pulmonary artery pressure within minutes to hours that causes immediate deformation of the RV. RV injury is secondary to mechanical stretch, shear force, and ischemia that together provoke a cytokine and chemokine-mediated inflammatory phenotype that amplifies injury. Conclusions This review will briefly describe causes of pulmonary embolism and chronic PH, models of experimental study, and pulmonary vascular changes, and will focus on mechanisms of right ventricular dysfunction, contrasting mechanisms of RV adaptation and injury in these 2 settings.
Student labour and academic proficiency in international perspective

. Based on the 2003 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, the authors find that negative associations between student employment and academic achievement are stronger in some countries than in others – differences likely to result from country-specific work opportunities and needs. Turning to the 2004 Educational Longitudinal Survey of the United States for causality, they observe a curvilinear association between employment and math proficiency: working up to ten hours per week has a modest positive effect, 10–19 hours has no effect, and 20 hours or more has a substantial negative effect. The possible endogeneity of work-hours is then tested with instrumental variables.
Binding affinity of tetrameric coho salmon Ig anti-hapten antibodies.

Tetrameric Ig anti-fluorescyl antibody was purified from sera of immunized coho salmon by immunoadsorption and the ligand binding properties studied from a series of bleedings over a 120-day period. Purified antibody was assayed by fluorescence quenching and equilibrium dialysis for determination of the average intrinsic association constant (Ka) and heterogeneity index (a). All antibody preparations showed an equilibrium constant of ~4–5 × 105 M−1 for the fluorescyl ligand, regardless of the time of bleeding after primary or secondary immunizations. Heterogeneity indices, derived from Sips plots, indicated relatively restricted heterogeneity in all purified antibody populations. The ligand binding results are discussed in terms of apparent restricted regulatory functions in salmon with respect to affinity maturation.