cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Pain and activity after vaginal reconstructive surgery for pelvic organ prolapse and stress urinary incontinence.

Background Little is known about short- and long-term pain and functional activity after surgery for pelvic organ prolapse. Objective The objectives of the study were to describe postoperative pain and functional activity after transvaginal native tissue reconstructive surgery with apical suspension and retropubic synthetic midurethral sling and to compare these outcomes between patients receiving 2 common transvaginal prolapse repairs, uterosacral ligament, and sacrospinous ligament vaginal vault suspension. Study Design This planned secondary analysis of a 2 × 2 factorial randomized trial included 374 women randomized to receive uterosacral (n = 188) or sacrospinous (n = 186) vaginal vault suspension to treat both stages 2–4 apical vaginal prolapse and stress urinary incontinence between 2008 and 2013 at 9 medical centers. Participants were also randomized to receive perioperative pelvic muscle therapy or usual care. All patients received transvaginal native tissue repairs and a midurethral sling. Participants completed the Surgical Pain Scales (0–10 numeric rating scales; higher scores = greater pain) and Activity Assessment Scale (0–100; higher score = higher activity) prior to surgery and at 2 weeks, 4–6 weeks, and 3 months postoperatively. The MOS 36-item Short-Form Health Survey was completed at baseline and 6, 12, and 24 months after surgery; the bodily pain, physical functioning, and role–physical subscales were used for this analysis (higher scores = less disability). Self-reported pain medication use was also collected. RESULTS Before surgery, average pain at rest and during normal activity were (adjusted mean ± SE) 2.24 ± 0.23 and 2.76 ± 0.25; both increased slightly from baseline at 2 weeks (+0.65, P = .004, and +0.74, P = .007, respectively) and then decreased below baseline at 3 months (–0.87 and –1.14, respectively, P Conclusion Pain and functional activity improve for up to 2 years after native tissue reconstructive surgery with uterosacral or sacrospinous vaginal vault suspension and midurethral sling for stages 2–4 pelvic organ prolapse. On average, immediate postoperative pain is low and improves to below baseline levels by 4–6 weeks.
Density Functional Theory Meta GGA Study of Water Adsorption in MIL-53(Cr).

We use density functional theory meta-GGA TPSS+D3(BJ)+U+J calculations to investigate the energetics and geometry of water molecules in the flexible metal-organic framework material MIL-53(Cr) as a function of cell volume. The critical concentration of water to cause the transition from the large pore (lp) to the narrow pore (np) structure is estimated to be about 0.13 water molecule per Cr. At a concentration x = 1 water molecule per Cr, the zero-temperature np and lp configurations each have a hydrogen bond between the H of each framework hydroxyl group and a water oxygen (O W ). At intermediate volumes, water dimer-like configurations are observed. A concentration x = 1.25 leads to hydrogen bonding between water molecules in the np phase that is absent for x = 1. Our results suggest possible mechanisms for pore closing in hydrated MIL-53(Cr).
Research on the Fuzzy Control Algorithm for Main Steam Pressure Control of Circulated Fluidized Bed Boiler

Circulated Fluidized Bed(CFB) Boiler has been developed quickly for its higher efficiency,lower pollution and lower cost.But because of the complexity of its combustion,it is difficult to build the exact math model of controlled object.So it makes the traditional control method almost impossible.In this paper I suggests a fuzzy controller and it has been simulated which shows the fuzzy controller has better control characteristics.So this control has better successful avails ability for engineering implementation.
Genetic Diversity, Population Structure, and Linkage Disequilibrium of Pearl Millet.

CORE IDEAS Mapping of GBS reads of 398 accessions to the draft genome sequence identified 82,112 SNPs Model-based clustering analysis revealed a hierarchical genetic structure of six subgroups Greater LD decay in the west-African subpopulation is likely due to long history of recombination Genetic differentiation analysis among subpopulations revealed variation in selection signatures Pearl millet [Cenchrus americanus (L.) Morrone syn. Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] is one of the most extensively cultivated cereals in the world, after wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), maize (Zea mays L.), rice (Oryza sativa L.), barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. It is the main component of traditional farming systems and a staple food in the arid and semiarid regions of Africa and southern Asia. However, its genetic improvement is lagging behind other major cereals and the yield is still low. Genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were screened on a total of 398 accessions from different geographic regions to assess genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD). By mapping the GBS reads to the reference genome sequence, 82,112 genome-wide SNPs were discovered. The telomeric regions of the chromosomes have the higher SNP density than in pericentromeric regions. Model-based clustering analysis of the population revealed a hierarchical genetic structure of six subgroups that mostly overlap with the geographic origins or sources of the genotypes but with differing levels of admixtures. A neighbor-joining phylogeny analysis revealed that germplasm from western Africa rooted the dendrogram with much diversity within each subgroup. Greater LD decay was observed in the west-African subpopulation than in the other subpopulations, indicating a long history of recombination among landraces. Also, genome scan of genetic differentiatation detected different selection histories among subpopulations. These results have potential application in the development of genomic-assisted breeding in pearl millet and heterotic grouping of the lines for improved hybrid performance.
Adverse Events Associated With Laser Use in the Upper Airway

ObjectiveSurgical lasers are used extensively in head and neck surgery. Laser use in the upper airway offers many advantages but also presents risks to patients and operators that are not reported ...
Trends in Dispensing of Zolpidem and Low-Dose Trazodone Among Commercially Insured Adults in the United States, 2011-2018.

This study uses IBM MarketScan database data to describe trends in zolpidem and low-dose trazodone dispensing among adults with employer-sponsored insurance or Medicare supplemental plans between 2011 and 2018, before and after a 2017 clinical practice guideline discouraged trazodone use for insomnia.
Energetics of Ag Adsorption on and Adhesion to Rutile TiO2(100) Studied by Microcalorimetry

The adsorption and adhesion energies of vapor-deposited Ag on rutile TiO2(100) films have been measured using single-crystal adsorption calorimetry and He+ low-energy ion scattering spectroscopy. A...
What do economic education scholars study? Insights from machine learning

The authors of this article use text mining techniques to uncover hidden or latent topics in economic education. The common use of JEL codes only identifies the academic setting for each paper but ...
Presence in VR: Developing measure and stimulus

This is a research project that involves development and further validation of the VR application that can be used by researchers as a behavioral measure of the sense of presence in VR, more specifically, of the factors unrelated to the virtual content. Another side of the project relates to one of the possible factors, which is priming via preamble, or a virtual replica of the immediate physical environment, used to stimulate presence. It is planned to manipulate the realisticness of the preamble, where less realistic preamble can lower expectations towards the next virtual environment increasing chances for the sense of presence to appear. The project is on the ‘pre-research stage’ due to the difficulties that the pandemic has brought in many aspects of our life. Therefore, one of the questions that is necessary to discuss is how to conduct a subject-based research at the times of ‘social’ distancing.
Female ornamentation, incubation behavior, and reproductive success in a wild bird

In many species, both males and females possess sexual signals, but most research focuses on understanding signal expression in males. Females are often assumed to possess signals as a non-functional by-product of selection on males, but increasing evidence demonstrates functional explanations for variation in female signals. Theory suggests that—for many bird species—differences in long-term fitness associated with female signaling are more likely to be driven by variation in offspring quality than quantity, but research paradigms developed for studying male signals have primarily focused on counting offspring produced. Here, we tested the hypothesis that female ornamentation reliably signals the ability to incubate effectively. We used temperature loggers placed in the nest of common yellowthroat warblers (Geothlypis trichas) to record incubation behavior across multiple breeding attempts. Incubation bout length and the onset of daily activity were highly variable between females, but repeatable within females across multiple nesting attempts. Females with longer bouts and later onset of activity had higher hatching success. Wing length and plumage coloration were not related to incubation length or onset of activity, but were correlated with the total percentage of time spent on the nest each day. However, there was only a trend for repeatability in percentage of time spent on the nest and this measure was not correlated with any metrics of offspring quality or hatching success that we recorded. Therefore, we did not find any single aspect of incubation behavior that was (i) consistent, (ii) related to nestling quality or success, and (iii) signaled by ornamentation. Our results demonstrate the importance of variation in incubation behavior, but also suggest that ornaments are of limited utility as a signal of incubation ability in this species. Nevertheless, our study highlights the need to explore alternative fitness proxies in order to understand variation in female ornamentation. Choosing a high-quality mate is an important determinant of reproductive success and animals often attend to elaborate ornaments as signals of quality during mate choice. In many species, both males and females have ornaments, but most research has focused on male signals and female mate choice. We found that female incubation behavior is associated with both plumage ornaments and hatching success, but there was no single signal that provided reliable information about the aspects of incubation behavior that were related to reproductive success. Our findings suggest that understanding female ornamentation may depend on considering the specific ways that females contribute to offspring survival.
BB0259 Encompasses a Peptidoglycan Lytic Enzyme Function for Proper Assembly of Periplasmic Flagella in Borrelia burgdorferi.

Assembly of the bacterial flagellar rod, hook, and filament requires penetration through the peptidoglycan (PG) sacculus and outer membrane. In most β- and γ-proteobacteria, the protein FlgJ has two functional domains that enable PG hydrolyzing activity to create pores, facilitating proper assembly of the flagellar rod. However, two distinct proteins performing the same functions as the dual-domain FlgJ are proposed in δ- and e-proteobacteria as well as spirochetes. The Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi genome possesses a FlgJ and a PG lytic SLT enzyme protein homolog (BB0259). FlgJ in B. burgdorferi is crucial for flagellar hook and filament assembly but not for the proper rod assembly reported in other bacteria. However, BB0259 has never been characterized. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography to visualize periplasmic flagella in different bb0259 mutant strains and provide evidence that the E580 residue of BB0259 is essential for PG-hydrolyzing activity. Without the enzyme activity, the flagellar hook fails to penetrate through the pores in the cell wall to complete assembly of an intact periplasmic flagellum. Given that FlgJ and BB0259 interact with each other, they likely coordinate the penetration through the PG sacculus and assembly of a functional flagellum in B. burgdorferi and other spirochetes. Because of its role, we renamed BB0259 as flagellar-specific lytic transglycosylase or LTaseBb.
The Good Ancestor: A Radical Prescription for Long-Term Thinking: Roman Krznaric (2020). The Experiment, 336 pages, $15.95 (paperback)

At precisely the point when many state legislatures in the United States are enacting laws to limit access to voting rights, this new and provocative book makes a compelling case that even more egr...
The Mechanism of Action of Carbon Dioxide in the Regulation of Cerebral Blood Flow

Publisher Summary The response of cerebral circulation to changes in arterial CO 2 tension is well known and has been confirmed in numerous experiments and clinical observations. The dilatation of the cerebral vessels following an increase of arterial CO 2 tension has been said to be the result of the direct action of the gas on the smooth muscle of the cerebral arterial wall. Reviewing previous pertinent work it was somewhat surprising to discover that no direct demonstration of the effect of CO 2 on the cerebral arteries had been described. To obtain further information concerning this important problem the author studied in 18 dogs the response of the cerebral blood flow (measured by the nitrous oxide method) to altered arterial CO 2 , following lesions at various levels of the brain stem. It was found that following a lesion in the mid brain, the pons, and the upper part of the medulla the response of the cerebral circulation to CO 2 diminished significantly or disappeared. By the use of Cooper's cryosurgical system, reversible lesions in areas in the mid brain could be achieved there by producing concomitant variations in the response of the cerebral circulation to changes in the arterial CO 2 tensions. It is suggested, therefore, that the response of the cerebral circulation to changes in arterial CO 2 tension is not due to a direct effect of this gas on the smooth muscle in the cerebral arterial walls, but depends upon a neural reflex mechanism which can be interrupted or impaired by lesions in certain levels of the brain stem.
Foreword: Promoting cancer screening

*This article is a US Government work and, as such, is in the public domain in the United States of America. This remarkable collection of articles draws to close a generation of research regarding the promotion of cancer screening. Beginning in the mid-1980s with breast cancer screening using mammography, there has been an unprecedented growth in our understanding of how to encourage the use of screening tests, and a transformation in how people conceptualize the issues. This supplement highlights the lessons learned from that generation of research and provides the foundation for the next. Looking through this volume offers the rare opportunity to reflect on an entire body of research, representing hundreds of grants and articles published by investigators who worked during what I believe was a golden age for screening. These last 20 years were a prime time to develop our understanding of screening; we had relatively simple tests for things people could see. Cervical cancer screening had been around since the 1940s and the regular Papanicolaou (Pap) smear was part of the annual examination. People could understand breast cancer and knew of it occurring in their friends and family. The work of the 1980s focused on improving followup to the familiar Pap smear and promoting mammography. Investigators initially examined how patient characteristics were associated with screening and then considered the characteristics of those physicians who did not appear to be ordering the appropriate tests. The belief was if we could just get women to have the right attitude and the physicians to do their job, screening and follow-up would happen. However, screening promotion became a more complex task as the 1990s evolved. First, it was not so clear that mammography benefited all women. There was some backlash with regard to what may have been an overselling of screening. It also emerged that mammography was not equally available to all people, and especially not the underinsured. The context of screening mattered with regard to whether screening was available and ordered. It was not just a question of the right attitude and the right physician; it also became an issue of the right environment. Additional tests then began to appear such as prostate-specific antigen, sigmoidoscopy, fecal occult blood testing, genetic screens for mutations in specific genes, and tests for the human papillomavirus. Simultaneous with this growth in tests was the growth in “evidencebased” medicine. People began to be more critical concerning the basis for recommending medical interventions such as screening, and pressure grew to go beyond just ordering the test but rather to discuss what was known. Rimer et al. describe this growing area of work and 1105
Glial modulation of neural excitability mediated by extracellular pH: a hypothesis revisited.

Publisher Summary This chapter discusses an update on a model interaction between astrocytes and neurons based on activity-induced changes in extracellular ion concentrations, K + and H + , mainly, the nature of the astrocyte-induced extracellular acidification, and the manner in which pH changes can alter neural excitability. The proposed interaction represented an example of volume transmission mediated by ions. It was viewed as a negative feedback loop whereby active neurons would signal to nearby astrocytes the extent of their current activity, in the form of graded changes in extracellular K + concentration, and astrocytes would respond by producing graded degrees of extracellular acidification. The acidification would, in turn, dampen neuronal excitability. It is argued that this feedback system could function to adjust local brain excitability in relationship to ongoing activity; the more intense the activity, the greater the resulting acidification and reduction in excitability.
A Dynamic Analysis of Coplanar Crimped Elastic Filaments

An analysis of the dynamic response of coplanar crimped elastic filaments is presented, and the natural frequencies of vibration are obtained with the aid of a digital computer. These results are then compared with experimental results from a series of tests in which alternating current was passed through steel wire specimens in a magnetic field.
The urethral pressure profile in pregnancy and after delivery in healthy nulliparous women

Simultaneous urethrocystometry by means of a dual microtransducer catheter was performed according to a precise, standardized technique serially at 8, 16, 28, and 36 weeks of pregnancy and at 8 weeks post partum in 43 healthy nulliparous women. The urethral pressure profile at rest and the effect of stress (cough) on the urethral pressure profile during pregnancy and after delivery were measured. At each recording session, blood was obtained for determination of 17 beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P), and 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH-PO). The continence parameters functional urethral length and urethral closure pressure, as well as the urethral closure pressure response to stress, did not change systematically during the course of pregnancy. Engagement of the presenting part at 36 weeks did not influence the urethral pressure profile measurements. Alterations in hormone levels during pregnancy were not correlated with the changes in urethral pressure profile measurements. Both urethral pressure and length parameters in all women who underwent vaginal delivery were notably decreased 8 weeks post partum when compared with early pregnancy values and with values obtained in a group of healthy nulliparous women in the follicular phase of the cycle. The decrease in length parameters was not observed in the six women in whom delivery was by cesarean section. The postpartum changes were not significantly correlated with the duration of the second stage of labor or with the presence or absence of an episiotomy. Also, no relationship with infant birth weight was found. Values of the urethral pressure profile parameters below the median value and defective transmission of pressure over the urethra were observed in almost all women who experienced stress incontinence during pregnancy and/or after delivery. These observations suggest that an inherent weakness of the urethral sphincter mechanism plays a key role in the pathogenesis of stress incontinence.
Electronic properties of single-walled carbon nanotubes

This communication describes scanning tunnelling microscopy investigations of the electronic properties of singlewalled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). First, the unique relationship between the atomic structure and electronic properties of SWNTs is presented. Second, structural defects in nanotubes are addressed, and quantum size effects in SWNTs are discussed. Lastly, the effects of magnetic impurities on the low-energy properties of metallic SWNTs are discussed. Applications and prospects for future research directions are considered. Manuscript received: 9 October 2001. Accepted without change.
The NASA high-speed turboprop program

Technology readiness for Mach 0.7 to 0.8 turboprop powered aircraft with the potential for fuel savings and DOC reductions of up to 30 and 15 percent respectively relative to current in-service aircraft is addressed. The areas of propeller aeroacoustics, propeller structures, turboprop installed performance, aircraft cabin environment, and turboprop engine and aircraft studies are emphasized. Large scale propeller characteristics and high speed propeller flight research tests using a modified testbed aircraft are also considered.
Column Asymmetric Catalysis for β-Lactam Synthesis

A catalytic asymmetric reaction process was designed involving the use of solid-phase reagents and catalysts that constitute the packing of a series of “reaction columns”. This process was applied to the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of β-lactams, yielding pure product after crystallization with exceptional enantio- and diastereoselectivity.
Stress Analysis of Axisymmetric Solids with Asymmetric Properties

The finite element method for the determination of stresses and displacements in arbitrary axisymmetric solids is extended to problems involving asymmetric mechanical and thermal loads and materials with asymmetric temperature dependent mechanical properties. All dependent variables, including the mechanical properties, are represented by a Fourier series expansion of the circumferential coordinate. Due to the mechanical property variation in the circumferential direction, the resulting equation set becomes fully coupled and must be solved simultaneously. By grouping all Fourier coefficients together at each nodal point, a banded stiffness matrix is achieved the efficient solution of which is feasible by the use of a blocked square root Cholesky method. A useroriented computer program based on the method of analysis is described and applied to several example problems to verify accuracy and demonstrate versatility of the program.
INGESTION OF DDT AND LIVER GLUCOSE-6-PHOSPHATE DEHYDROGENASE ACTIVITY.

THE histological changes produced by the ingestion of DDT have been described in numerous publications, there being some controversy over the minimum dietary level producing detectable changes1. There is, however, little knowledge of the biochemical processes involved in the toxicological action of this compound. In an effort to obtain some understanding of these changes investigations are in progress in our laboratory of the tissue enzymes affected by the ingestion of DDT.
TIMP-3 Is Expressed in the Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium

Abstract TIMP-3 is the most recent member of the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP) family. In the present study, we describe the expression of TIMP-3 messenger RNA (mRNA) by the retinal pigment epithelium of the normal human eye (hRPE). In addition to the three predominant transcripts of approximately 5.1, 2.8, and 2.4 Kbp found in several other human tissues at adult and fetal stages. The hRPE also expresses two RNA species of 1.2 and 1.0 Kbp. Based on the sequence analysis of cDNA clones isolated from a hRPE cDNA library, the use of alternate polyadenylation signals could account for the expression of these smaller transcripts. The possibility of an alternative mechanism of regulation of the expression of TIMP-3 by the RPE is not discarded. The number of RNA transcripts specific for TIMP-3 per nanogram of poly A+RNA was quantified by RT-PCR. 9.6×105transcripts per nanogram of polyA+RNA were found at the adult stage and 1.2×106transcripts per nanogram of polyA+RNA were detected at the fetal stage. These findings were supported by the predominant labeling in the RPE layer of retinal tissue sections inin situhybridization experiments. All of these data support the hypothesis that the production of TIMP-3 by the RPE may be crucial for the maintenance of Bruch's membrane, the complex layer of extracellular matrix that provides a structural substrate for the RPE in the healthy retina and is perturbed during the ageing process and in Sorby's Fundus Dystrophy, a dominantly inherited disease.
Role of breathing in cardiac performance: experimental and mathematical models

Due to the close proximity of the heart and lungs within a closed chest environment, we expect breathing to affect various cardiac performance parameters and hence cardiac output. We present an integrative approach to study heart-lung interactions, combining a mathematical formulation of the circulation system with imaging techniques using echo-planar magnetic resonance imaging (EPI) and dynamic x-ray CT (EBCT). We hypothesize that appropriate synchronization of mechanical ventilation to cardiac-cycle specific events can improve cardiac function, i.e. stroke volume (SV) and cardiac output (CO). Computational and experimental results support the notion that heart-lung interaction, leading to altered cardiac output associated with inspiration/expiration, is not directly associated with lung inflation/deflation and thus is felt to be more influenced by pleural pressure changes. The mathematical model of the circulation demonstrates the importance of cardiac-cycle specific timing of ventilation on cardiac function and matches with experimentally observed relationships found in animal models studied via EBCT and human studies using EPI. Results show that positive pressure mechanical ventilation timed to systolic events may increase SV and CO by up to 30%, mainly by increased filling of the ventricles during diastole. Similarly, negative pressure (spontaneous) respiration has its greatest effect on ventricular diastolic filling. Cardiac-gated mechanical ventilation may provide sufficient cardiac augmentation to warrant further investigation as a minimally-invasive technique for temporary cardiac assist. Through computational modeling and advanced imaging protocols, we were able to uniquely study heart-lung interactions within the intact milieu of the never-invaded thorax.
Optical determination of the valley-orbit splitting of the ground state of donors in silicon

Abstract Excitation spectra from the doublet ls(E) and the triplet ls(T1) levels of Group V donors in silicon have been measured at a temperature sufficiently high to populate them. The spacing between ls(E) and ls(T1) is deduced from such measurements for phosphorus, antimony and arsenic impurities. The energy ordering of the two states is inferred from the relative intensities of transitions to the same excited state.
Effect of particulate and gaseous pollutants on spontaneous arrhythmias in aged rats

Epidemiology studies suggest that exposure to air pollution increases the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias. A limitation of these studies is that it is difficult to link an increased risk of arrhythmias to a specific air pollutant. Animal exposure studies offer the opportunity to examine the effects of concentrated ambient fine particulate matter (PM), ultrafine PM, and copollutant gases separately. Male Fischer 344 rats, aged 18 mo, with implanted electrocardiograph (ECG) transmitters were used to determine the effects of PM on the frequency of arrhythmias. We found that old F344 rats had many spontaneous arrhythmias. An arrhythmia classification system was developed to quantify arrhythmia frequency. Arrhythmias were broadly grouped into two categories: premature beats and delayed beats. The rats were exposed to concentrated ambient PM (CAPS) or air for 4 h. The rats were exposed twice with a crossover design so each rat could serve as its own control. The CAPS concentrations were 160 microg/m(3) and 200 microg/m(3) for the first and second exposures, respectively. There was a significant increase in the frequency of irregular and delayed beats after exposure to CAPS. The same rats were subsequently exposed to laboratory-generated ultrafine carbon particles, to SO(2), or to air with a repeated crossover design. In these experiments there was no significant change in the frequency of any category of spontaneous arrhythmia following exposure to ultrafine carbon or SO(2). Thus, this study adds supporting evidence that acute exposure to elevated levels of ambient PM increases the frequency of cardiac arrhythmias.
Characteristics of GABA binding sites in bovine pineal gland

Abstract In the absence of any known function of GABA in pineal gland, the possibility of its neuroinhibitory effects on pineal biochemical parameters including serotonin N-acetyltransferase (NAT) was tested. GABA (5–20 μM), but not other biogenic amines (histamine, dopamine, acetylcholine or melatonin), inhibited the norepinephrine (10 μM)-induced stimulation of NAT activity in bovine pineal expiants in culture without altering the basal NAT activity. The inhibitory effect of GABA, which was dose-dependent, could be blocked by N-methylbicuculline and was not seen in Cl-free medium. Binding studies on synaptic membranes prepared from bovine pineal gland revealed the presence of sodium dependent and sodium independent binding sites. The sodium independent GABA binding site had a K D value of 16.5 nM and a receptor density of 121 ± 3 fmoles per mg protein. The sodium dependent GABA binding site had a K D value of 0.677 μM and a receptor density of 4.47 ± 0.42 pmoles/mg protein. Sodium independent or sodium dependent binding sites exhibited neither positive nor negative cooperactivity. The exact functional interaction between GABAergic and adrenergic neurons in pineal gland, which may vary among mammalian species, is not clear and awaits further studies.
Diurnal Temperature and Pressure Effects on Axial Turbomachinery Stability in Solid Oxide Fuel Cell-Gas Turbine Hybrid Systems

A dynamic model of a 100 MW solid oxide fuel cell-gas turbine hybrid system has been developed and subjected to perturbations in diurnal ambient temperature and pressure as well as load sheds. The dynamic system responses monitored were the fuel cell electrolyte temperature, gas turbine shaft speed, turbine inlet temperature, and compressor surge. Using a control strategy that primarily focuses on holding fuel cell electrolyte temperature constant and secondarily on maintaining gas turbine shaft speed, safe operation was found to occur for expected ambient pressure variation ranges and for ambient temperature variations up to 28 K when tested nonsimultaneously. When ambient temperature and pressure were varied simultaneously, stable operation was found to occur when the two are in phase but not when the two are out of phase. The latter case leads to shaft overspeed. Compressor surge was found to be more likely when the system is subjected to a load shed initiated at minimum ambient temperature rather than at maximum ambient temperature. Fuel cell electrolyte temperature was found to be well-controlled except in the case of shaft overspeeds. Turbine inlet temperature remained in safe bounds for all cases. © 2011 American Society of Mechanical Engineers.
Oscillations and asymptotic stability of solutions of first order neutral differential equations with piecewise constant argument

Abstract Oscillatory and asymptotic behavior of solutions of first order neutral differential equations with piecewise constant argument is studied.
Molecular characterization of exosome-like vesicles from breast cancer cells

Membrane vesicles released by neoplastic cells into extracellular medium contain potential of carrying arrays of oncogenic molecules including proteins and microRNAs (miRNA). Extracellular (exosome-like) vesicles play a major role in cell-to-cell communication. Thus, the characterization of proteins and miRNAs of exosome-like vesicles is imperative in clarifying intercellular signaling as well as identifying disease markers. Exosome-like vesicles were isolated using gradient centrifugation from MCF-7 and MDA-MB 231 cultures. Proteomic profiling of vesicles using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) revealed different protein profiles of exosome-like vesicles derived from MCF-7 cells (MCF-Exo) than those from MDA-MB 231 cells (MDA-Exo). The protein database search has identified 88 proteins in MDA-Exo and 59 proteins from MCF-Exo. Analysis showed that among all, 27 proteins were common between the two exosome-like vesicle types. Additionally, MDA-Exo contains a higher amount of matrix-metalloproteinases, which might be linked to the enhanced metastatic property of MDA-MB 231 cells. In addition, microarray analysis identified several oncogenic miRNA between the two types vesicles. Identification of the oncogenic factors in exosome-like vesicles is important since such vesicles could convey signals to non-malignant cells and could have an implication in tumor progression and metastasis.
PNPLA3 gene-by-visceral adipose tissue volume interaction and the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease: the NHLBI family heart study.

PNPLA3 gene-by-visceral adipose tissue volume interaction and the pathogenesis of fatty liver disease: The NHLBI Family Heart Study
Prostaglandin-sepharose: application to the purification of bovine lung 15 (S) -hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase.

Abstract Prostaglandins E 1 , F 1α and A 2 were covalently joined to the surface of Sepharose as carboxamide linkages. The insolubilized prostaglandins were shown to function effectively in the purification of 15(S) -hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase.
Clearance of Natural Surfactant Phosphatidylcholine from 3-Day-Old Rabbit Lungs: Effects of Dose and Species

ABSTRACT: Surfactants were labeled in vivo with [3H] choline and the large aggregates of the surfactant were recovered by alveolar wash and centrifugation. The labeled natural surfactants from rabbit, sheep, cat, and pig were injected into the airways of 3-day-old rabbits, and the percent recoveries of the labeled surfactant-associated phosphatidylcholine were measured in alveolar washes, lung tissue after alveolar wash, and in the lungs (alveolar wash plus lung tissue). The rabbit surfactant-associated phosphatidylcholine was cleared from the lungs at a constant 15.6 ± 1.8% per 24 h (mean ± SE) of the injected doses of surfactant that contained from 0.41 to 10.2 µmol phosphatidylcholine. At all times following injection, approximately 50% of the labeled phosphatidylcholine remaining within the lungs was recovered in the alveolar wash and 50% with the lung tissue. The percent clearances for sheep, cat, and pig surfactant phosphatidylcholine in rabbits were 12.5, 16.6, and 16.3% per 24 h, respectively, values not different from that measured for rabbit surfactant. The results documented a slow clearance of exogenously administered surfactant phosphatidylcholine as a fixed percent of the injected dose that was unchanged by species source of the surfactant.
The Development of Molecular Surface Science and the Surface Science of Catalysis: The Berkeley Contribution†

Since the early 1960s, surface science has uncovered the atomic and electronic structures of surfaces and the nature of chemical bonding of adsorbed monolayers of atoms and molecules. Surface instr...
Threonine 435 of Escherichia coli DnaA Protein Confers Sequence-specific DNA Binding Activity

The Escherichia coli DnaA protein, as a sequence-specific DNA binding protein, promotes the initiation of chromosomal replication by binding to four asymmetric 9-mer sequences termed DnaA boxes in oriC. Characterization of N-terminal, C-terminal, and internal in-frame deletion mutants identified residues near the C terminus of DnaA protein required for DNA binding. Furthermore, genetic and biochemical characterization of 11 missense mutations mapping within the C-terminal 89 residues indicated that they were defective in DNA binding. Detailed biochemical characterization of one mutant protein bearing a threonine to methionine substitution at position 435 (T435M) revealed that it retained only nonspecific DNA binding activity, suggesting that threonine 435 imparts specificity in binding. Finally, T435M was inactive on its own for in vitro replication of an oriC plasmid but was able to augment limiting levels of wild type DnaA protein, consistent with the proposal that not all of the DnaA monomers in the initial complex are bound specifically to oriC and that direct interaction occurs among monomers.
Dopamine uptake during fast-phase endogenous dopamine release from mouse striatal synaptosomes

[3H]Dopamine (DA) uptake and endogenous DA release were measured in mouse striatal P2 synaptosomes over a 1 30-s period in the presence and absence of KCl depolarization. Approximately 70% of the total DA release over the 30-s period occurred within the first 5 s of depolarization. [3H]DA uptake over this same period was less than 5% of the corresponding release value. The magnitudes and rates of uptake were moderately inhibited by 30 mM KCl depolarization. These decreases were not fully explained by the reduction in sodium present during depolarization or by the dilution of labelled DA by released endogenous DA. Non-linear regression analysis of the uptake data revealed fast (less than 1 s) and slow (greater than 1 s) components of uptake which were differentially affected by KCl depolarization. The results of this study indicate the presence of a rapid, multi-component synaptosomal DA uptake process which appears to play a small role in regulating in vitro endogenous DA release during the initial seconds of KCl depolarization. If synaptosomal uptake reflects the in vivo situation, presynaptic neuronal uptake may be more important in the long-term regulation of transmitter release by maintaining intracellular dopamine storage pools which are linked to synthesis and release processes.
Synthesis of Functional Polystyrenes by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization Using Protected and Unprotected Carboxylic Acid Initiators

Well-defined polystyrene (PSt) with terminal carboxylic acid groups can be prepared via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). One method involves the use of protected α-halocarboxylic acid initiators. Unprotected α-halocarboxylic acid initiators, such as 2-bromobutyric acid (BBA), had low initiator efficiency of 0.1−0.2 and were not effective for the ATRP of styrene. Protection of the carboxylic acid group of BBA by a trimethylsilyl, tert-butyldimethylsilyl, or tert-butyl group led to improved initiator efficiencies of ca. 0.6, 0.8, and 1, respectively, for the ATRP of styrene. Subsequent hydrolysis of the protecting groups can afford well-defined PSt with terminal carboxylic acid groups. Another method involves the use of carboxylic acid initiators with remote halogens, such as 4-(1-bromoethyl)benzoic acid and 4-(2-(2-bromopropionyloxy)ethoxy)benzoic acid. Well-defined PSt with terminal carboxylic acid groups and low polydispersities were prepared with initiator efficiencies close to 0.7.
High-resolution Fourier transform spectrograph for characterization of echelle spectrograph wavelength calibrators

Wavelength calibrators are a critical component of high precision and accuracy radial velocity measurements. An order of magnitude improvement of the state-of-the-art of calibration of echelle spectrographs is amongst the requirements needed to achieve detection of earth-mass planets around sun-like stars in the habitable zone. We present studies of calibrators using a custom Fourier Transform Spectrograph (FTS) optimized for characterizing broadband, high repetition-rate laser frequency combs ("astro-combs") as well as other calibration sources including Th:Ar lamps and white-light etalons.
Maximum growth rates for melt‐grown ribbon‐shaped crystals

From heat-balance considerations at the growing interface and an assumption of predominantly radiative heat loss from the surface, an expression for the maximum growth rate of melt-grown ribbon-shaped crystals has been derived. For a given material and a large width-to-thickness ratio, the maximum growth rate varies as the square root of the ribbon thickness and is independent of its width. A comparison of the maximum cylindrical and ribbon growth rates is made for the silicon system. Some representative values at 7.5 cm diameter or width are 45 cm/h or 2000 cu cm per h for a cylindrical Czochralski-grown crystal and 625 cm/h or 95 cu cm per h for a 0.02-cm-thick ribbon.
A comparison of spatial organization strategies in graphical and tangible user interfaces

We present a study comparing how people use space in a Tangible User Interface (TUI) and in a Graphical User Interface (GUI). We asked subjects to read ten summaries of recent news articles and to think about the relationships between them. In our TUI condition, we bound each of the summaries to one of ten visually identical wooden blocks. In our GUI condition, each summary was represented by an icon on the screen. We asked subjects to indicate the location of each summary by pointing to the corresponding icon or wooden block. Afterward, we interviewed them about the strategies they used to position the blocks or icons during the task.We observed that TUI subjects performed better at the location recall task than GUI subjects. In addition, some TUI subjects used the spatial relationship between specific blocks and parts of the environment to help them remember the content of those blocks, while GUI subjects did not do this. Those TUI subjects who reported encoding information using this strategy tended to perform better at the recall task than those who did not.
Use of information resources by patients with cancer and their companions.

BACKGROUND Use of the Internet is common among patients with cancer and their companions. However, little is known about patterns of use of print or telephone-based resources amidst growing Internet utilization, nor is it known whether different types of information are sought from electronic compared with print media. It is not clear as to whether patients and their companions differ in their patterns of content seeking. METHODS A survey was developed to evaluate the use of electronic and nonelectronic informational resources by patients and their companions. During a 10-week period, this questionnaire was administered to 443 outpatients and 124 paired companions attending an urban academic cancer center. RESULTS In this cohort, 64% of patients and 76% of companions were computer owners, with home Internet access indicated by 58% and 68%, respectively. Use of the Internet to obtain cancer-related information was reported by 44% of patients and 60% of companions. Print resources were used by 79% of patients and 83% of companions, with telephone resources used by 22% and 23%, respectively. The majority of Internet users also read print content (85%), whereas one-half of print users did not access data electronically (52%). Topic areas sought via print and the Internet were similar, with the exception of nutrition-related information, which was more commonly sought in print texts. There was a high rate of concordance between patient and companion use of both electronic and nonelectronic resources. CONCLUSIONS Despite recent publicity and scrutiny focusing on the quality of Internet health care content, print products remain the most common source of information sought by patients with cancer. Future investigation should focus on the quality of print products used by patients. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
High-fidelity hybrid simulation of allergic emergencies demonstrates improved preparedness for office emergencies in pediatric allergy clinics.

Background Simulation models that used high-fidelity mannequins have shown promise in medical education, particularly for cases in which the event is uncommon. Allergy physicians encounter emergencies in their offices, and these can be the source of much trepidation. Objective To determine if case-based simulations with high-fidelity mannequins are effective in teaching and retention of emergency management team skills. Methods Allergy clinics were invited to Arkansas Children's Hospital Pediatric Understanding and Learning through Simulation Education center for a 1-day workshop to evaluate skills concerning the management of allergic emergencies. A Clinical Emergency Preparedness Team Performance Evaluation was developed to evaluate the competence of teams in several areas: leadership and/or role clarity, closed-loop communication, team support, situational awareness, and scenario-specific skills. Four cases, which focus on common allergic emergencies, were simulated by using high-fidelity mannequins and standardized patients. Teams were evaluated by multiple reviewers by using video recording and standardized scoring. Ten to 12 months after initial training, an unannounced in situ case was performed to determine retention of the skills training. Results Clinics showed significant improvements for role clarity, teamwork, situational awareness, and scenario-specific skills during the 1-day workshop (all P Conclusion Clinical Emergency Preparedness Team Performance Evaluation scores demonstrated improved team management skills with simulation training in office emergencies. Significant recall of team emergency management skills was demonstrated months after the initial training.
Proteolytic and haemolytic activity in the midgut of the stable fly Stomoxys calcitrans (L.): Partial purification of the haemolysin☆

Abstract Midgut proteolytic and haemolytic activities were determined in stable flies at various times after the flies were fed. A significant correlation was found between haemolytic activity and midgut protein levels. However, there was no correlation between proteolytic activity and midgut protein levels. Lipid extracts of midgut homogenates had high haemolytic activity. A thin layer chromatographic procedure was devised for isolating and purifying the haemolytic substance, haemolysin, from lipid extracts.
Errata [to "The field equivalence principle: Illustration of the establishment of the non-intuitive null fields [Education]"]

Corrections to various equations are presented for "The field equivalence principle: Illustration of the establishment of the non-intuitive null fields [Education]" - see ibid., vol 42, no 4, August 2000, pp. 122-128.
A novel all-digital fractional-N frequency synthesizer architecture with fast acquisition and low spur

Digital implementation of analog function is becoming attractive in CMOS ICs, given the low supply voltage of ultra-scaled process. The conventional fractional-N frequency synthesizers suffer form the fractional spur due to the application of fractional divider. A new architecture of an all digital fractional-N phase-locked loop based frequency synthesizer is presented in this paper. The unique feature of the proposed frequency synthesizer is application of an extra time-to-digital converter (TDC) to measure the fractional value. The proposed Fraction-N frequency synthesizer is implemented using 32nm CMOS Predictive Technology Model (PTM) at 0.9V supply voltage. In the implementation example, input reference frequency is 300 MHz, frequency division factor is 2.125. The proposed circuit architecture accomplishes fast acquisition (6 cycles) time and low spurs levels.