cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Tenderness classification of beef: III. Effect of the interaction between end point temperature and tenderness on Warner-Bratzler shear force of beef longissimus.

The objectives of this experiment were to determine 1) whether end point temperature interacts with tenderness to affect Warner-Bratzler shear force of beef longissimus and 2) if so, what impact that interaction would have on tenderness classification. Warner-Bratzler shear force was determined on longissimus thoracis cooked to either 60, 70, or 80 degrees C after 3 and 14 d of aging from carcasses of 100 steers and heifers. Warner-Bratzler shear force values (3- and 14-d aged steaks pooled) for steaks cooked to 70 degrees C were used to create five tenderness classes. The interaction of tenderness class and end point temperature was significant (P or = 5 kg (24 vs 4%). The end point temperature used to conduct tenderness classification did not affect classification accuracy, as long as the criterion for "Tender" was adjusted accordingly. However, cooking steaks to a greater end point temperature than was used for classification may reduce classification accuracy. The beef industry could alleviate the detrimental effects on palatability of consumers cooking beef to elevated degrees of doneness by identifying and marketing "Tender" longissimus.
An approach for UIO generation for FSM verification and validation

This paper presents a new approach for finding the Unique Input/Output (UIO) sequences of the states in of a finite state machine (FSM). The proposed approach utilizes a different data structure for organizing the search tree. This reduces the amount of time and memory space required for finding the UIO sequences of all states of a FSM. Simulation results on sample benchmark FSMs from MCNC and commercially available protocols are provided. >
3D laser ablation of biocompatible silk fibroin hydrogels for biomedical applications

Voids were created inside biocompatible, optically transparent silk fibroin hydrogels via multi-photon ablation in arbitrary 3D patterns at a maximum depth of nearly 1 cm without exogenous photoinitiators.
A Review of: “Ikerd, John. Crisis and Opportunity: Sustainability in American Agriculture.”

Citing his desire to frame this selection in the literary style of Thomas Paine, agricultural economist John Ikerd writes Crisis and Opportunity to present an indictment of the wrongs of American a...
Continuous cyclic stepping on 3D point-foot biped robots via constant time to velocity reversal

This paper presents a control scheme for ensuring that a 3D, under-actuated, point-foot biped robot remains balanced while walking. It achieves this by observing the center of mass (COM) position error relative to a reference path and re-planning a new reference trajectory to remove this error at every step. The Prismatic Inverted Pendulum Model (PIPM) is used to simplify behavioral analysis of the robot. We use phase space techniques to plan the COM trajectories and foot placement. While obtaining a stable path using this simplified model is easy, when applied to a real robot, there will usually be deviation from the expected path due to modeling inaccuracies. Although fully-actuated robots can reduce the deviation with relatively simple feedback control loops, when working with under-actuated robots, it is challenging to design such a feedback control loop. Our approach is based on continuous re-planning. By planning the path of the next step based on the observed initial error, we can find the proper landing location of each step. For each step we allocate sufficient time to avoid disturbances from the moment induced by the moving leg, which is not modeled in the PIPM. Our control scheme relies on the PIPM instead of the Linear Inverted Pendulum Model (LIPM) to enable non-planar COM motion, which is essential for rough terrain locomotion. We show simulation results that include full multi-body dynamics, friction, and ground reaction forces.
Medical management of endometriosis and infertility.

Abstract Objective: To review the literature on the use of medical management of endometriosis and infertility. Design: Literature review. Result(s): Endometriosis is a common finding in women with infertility, but the mechanism by which it renders a woman infertile remains unclear. Despite many years of controversy and debate, there remains a strong bias against medical treatment for endometriosis-associated infertility. A review of the current literature suggests that medical management of endometriosis may be effective in selected patients and in certain settings, including patients undergoing IVF. Conclusion(s): A closer look at the question of medical management of endometriosis reveals that much remains to be learned before a final decision can be made about the use of medical therapies, such as GnRH agonists, for endometriosis and associated infertility.
Self-consistent pseudopotential calculations for Si (111) surfaces: Unreconstructed (1×1) and reconstructed (2×1) model structures

A recently developed method involving self-consistent pseudopotentials has been used to calculate the electronic structure of several Si (111) surface models. The results for (1\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) unreconstructed, relaxed and unrelaxed surfaces are compared with earlier calculations and discussed in terms of density-of-states curves and charge-density distributions. A fully self-consistent calculation has been carried out for Haneman's (2\ifmmode\times\else\texttimes\fi{}1) reconstructed surface model. It is found that the important experimental results can be understood using this model, and changes in the electronic structure occurring after reconstruction are rationalized on chemical grounds. In particular infrared-absorption measurements, photoemission measurements, and recent angular-dependent photoemission measurements find consistent explanations.
Ultrafast relaxation in the fluorescent state of the laser dye DCM

Abstract Ultrafast relaxation in the fluorescent state of 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) has been interrogated by time-resolved femtosecond absorption spectroscopy both in methanol and in ethylene glycol. Following a subpicosecond rise, each frequency-specific trace in ethylene glycol exhibits either a slower increase or a slower decrease in transmission; an additional long-term decay is seen in methanol solution. The data are generally consistent with recent solvation dynamics studies that employed different probe molecules, but the solvation time we measure for ethylene glycol is an order of magnitude shorter than previously reported.
Lead and petroleum hydrocarbon changes in an urban wetland receiving stormwater runoff

Abstract The hydrology and water quality of an urban wetland receiving stormwater runoff from a municipal maintenance garage were measured during the summer of 1993 to evaluate the wetland’s water quality enhancement function. Surface water accounted for half of the inflow and more than 80% of the outflow. Stormwater runoff and dry period water samples were analyzed for total lead and total petroleum hydrocarbons. Lead and petroleum were present at higher levels in stormwater runoff samples than in the weekly samples. Average mass loadings of these constituents were higher at the wetland inlet than at the outlet. Levels of lead and petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments were higher near the inlet than elsewhere on the site. Hydrologic and analytical data together suggest that sedimentation was the primary mechanism actively reducing water column concentrations of lead and petroleum hydrocarbons introduced to the wetland via stormwater runoff.
Hypothalamic stimulation enhances hippocampal BDNF plasticity in proportion to metabolic rate

Background Energy metabolism is emerging as a driving force for cellular events underlying cognitive processing. The hypothalamus integrates metabolic signals with the function of centers related to cognitive processing such as the hippocampus.
Usefulness of Epicardial Adipose Tissue as Predictor of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Several studies have suggested that epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) is associated with coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the role of EAT as a potential risk factor for, and predictor of, long-term cardiovascular outcomes in patients with CAD requires additional investigation. We investigated the relation among EAT, cardiovascular events, and measures of adiposity in patients with CAD. The study was a prospective cohort study of 194 consecutive patients with CAD who entered a phase II cardiac rehabilitation program at the Mayo Clinic. EAT was measured using echocardiography. The primary outcome was the long-term recurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The outcomes were assessed using the Mayo Clinic electronic medical records. The mean age was 59.4 ± 10.8 years, the body mass index was 28.7 ± 4.6 kg/m(2), 80% were men, and 21% of the patients underwent coronary artery bypass grafting. The mean follow-up period was 3.6 ± 1.3 years, and 52 MACE occurred. EAT was not a predictor of MACE (hazard ratio 1.32, 95% confidence interval 0.75 to 2.31; p = 0.33) when used as a continuous variable and correlated poorly with the measures of adiposity. However, a nonsignificant trend was seen for a greater incidence of cardiovascular events when EAT was stratified by tertile (hazard ratio for third tertile 1.77, 95% confidence interval 0.84 to 3.32; p = 0.11), after statistical adjustments for age, gender, body mass index, and other covariates. In conclusion, the results of the present longitudinal study suggest that EAT, as measured using echocardiography, does not strongly predict for MACE and is poorly associated with measures of obesity in patients with CAD.
Late preterm birth: how often is it avoidable?

Objective Our objective was to describe indications for late preterm birth (LPTB) and estimate the frequency of potentially avoidable LPTB deliveries. Study Design Singleton pregnancies delivered between 34 0/7 –36 6/7 weeks over a 1-year period at a tertiary care medical center were studied. Indications for delivery were categorized as spontaneous (spontaneous preterm birth or premature rupture of membranes) or iatrogenic (elective or medically indicated). Potentially avoidable deliveries were defined as those with elective or medical stable, but high-risk indications. Results During the study period there were 514 LPTB (spontaneous preterm birth 36.2%, preterm premature rupture of membranes 17.7%, medically indicated 37.9%, and elective 8.2%). Potentially avoidable LPTB accounted for 17% of LPTB and were associated with later gestational age (odds ratio [OR], 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5–8.6), nonfaculty physician status (OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.5–5.1), and prior cesarean delivery (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.0–2.1). Conclusion At our institution, 80% are clearly unavoidable.
Biologic and climatic signals in the oxygen isotopic composition of Eocene-Oligocene equid enamel phosphate

Abstract Oxygen isotope results for tooth enamel-phosphate (δP) from late Eocene-early Oligocene fossil horses are presented to determine if paleobiologic and paleoclimatologic information is recorded in fossil tooth enamel chemistry. Teeth from jaws of Mesohippus and Miohippus from the White River Formation (or Group) in the western Great Plains are well preserved and have excellent geochronologic control. Although there is clear evidence for post-depositional alteration of the enamel, a hydroxylapatite mineralogy is preserved and isotopic exchange of oxygen does not appear to be significant. There are distinctive patterns of δP variation among individual teeth from the same jaw. These patterns reflect season of birth and timing of enamel mineralization. Most of the horses were born in the spring, and mineralization of the enamel is complete after 1–1.5 years. These results show that paleoclimate reconstruction from enamel δP must account for tooth position and timing of mineralization. The observation that there are different intrajaw patterns of δP variation among Mesohippus and Miohippus may provide a basis to reconstruct changes in climate seasonality in ancient environments.
Need for Evidence-Based Teaching

This chapter reviews the current status of university teaching and provides an overview for the need for evidence-based teaching. It describes problems with defining evidence as well as distinctions among systems of teaching and specific teaching actions.
CNS Immune Responses Following Experimental Stroke

Background and purpose Animals subjected to an inflammatory insult with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at the time of stroke are predisposed to develop a detrimental autoimmune response to myelin basic protein (MBP). In this study, we sought to determine whether other inflammatory stimuli could similarly invoke central nervous system (CNS) autoimmunity and whether these detrimental autoimmune responses occurred to antigens other than MBP.
Cognitive decline after major noncardiac operations: a preliminary prospective study.

Abstract Background . Cardiac operations frequently are complicated by postoperative cognitive decline. Less common and less studied is postoperative cognitive decline after noncardiac surgery, so we determined its incidence, severity, and possible predictors. Methods . Twenty-nine patients who had thoracic and vascular procedures were studied. A neurocognitive test battery was administered preoperatively and 6 to 12 weeks postoperatively. A change score (preoperative minus postoperative) was calculated for each measure in each individual. Cognitive deficit (a measure of incidence) was defined as a 20% decrement in 20% or more of the completed tests. The average scores of all tests and the average decline (a measure of severity) were determined. Results . The incidence of cognitive deficit was 44.8%. Overall the severity of the decline was an average of 15% decline. In the 44.8% of patients who had cognitive deficit, the severity was 24.7%. Multivariable predictors of cognitive decline were age (for incidence and severity) and years of education (for severity). Conclusions . Cognitive decline after noncardiac operations is a frequent complication of surgical procedures. The severity could preclude successful return to a preoperative lifestyle.
An empirical study of the career anchors that govern career decisions

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine two of Feldman and Bolino's proposals: career anchor plurality and career anchor relationships. Design/methodology/approach – A novel method for examining the relationships between career anchors called “indices of mutual presence” is developed for this study to generate meaningful results from ordinal and ipsative career anchor data. Findings – Evidence for some individuals having multiple career anchors was found. Complementary and exclusivity career anchor relationships are identified and a model for representing them is presented. The importance and possible benefit of understanding both an individual's preferred and “unpreferred” anchors is discussed. The non-reflexive nature of career anchors is explored and the idea of “mutually” exclusive career anchors is rejected. Weaknesses in the octagon shaped career anchor relationships diagram presented by Feldman and Bolino are discussed. Research limitations/implications – Despite the benefits associated w...
Host plant-emitted volatiles as a factor in susceptibility in vitro of Cucumis and Cucurbita spp. to the fungus Mycosphaerella melonis

Abstract Volatiles emitted from the macerated leaves and stems of Cucumis and Cucurbita spp. seedlings increased both percent and degree of infection by spore suspensions of the fungus Mycosphaerella melonis, on detached cotyledons of the host cucurbit plants in vitro. This enhancement was unchanged in the presence of a mercuric perchlorate ethylene trap. Exposure of the isolated fungus to the cucurbit volatiles resulted in a marked increase in mycelial growth.
The internal calcium concentration of human platelets increases during chilling.

Abstract Human platelets must be stored at 22°C in blood banks, because of the well-known phenomenon of cold-induced activation. When human platelets are chilled below room temperature, they undergo shape change and vesicle secretion that resembles physiological agonist-mediated activation. The trigger for the cascade of events leading to platelet activation at hypothermic temperatures is not known, although an increase in the internal calcium concentration ([Ca]i) due to passage of the platelet membranes through their thermotropic phase transition has been proposed. We report here that the fluorescent calcium-sensitive probe, Indo-1, has been used to estimate the internal calcium concentration of human platelets during a reduction in temperature from 20°C to 5°C at a rate of 0.5°C/min. An increase on the order of 100 nM was recorded. Almost all of the increase in [Ca2+]i occurs during the chilling process, as incubation of platelets for 1 h at low temperature did not lead to a continued calcium concentration increase. The increase in [Ca2+]i during chilling is likely to be due to more than a single mechanism, but might include some release of the calcium stores from the dense tubule system. Loading platelets with the calcium chelator BAPTA (1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N′,N′-tetraacetic acid) dramatically reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i seen during chilling. Antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGPs) isolated from the blood serum of Antarctic fishes, which are known to protect platelets from cold-induced activation, did not eliminate the rise in [Ca2+]i during chilling, suggesting that signaling mechanisms are likely to be involved in cold-induced activation.
Electronic Commerce und Mehrseitige Sicherheit: Baustellen, Fortschritte und Perspektiven

Mit der Bedeutung des E-Commerce wachst auch das Schadenspotential, das aus einer unzureichenden Absicherung der Beteiligten und ihrer Technik resultiert. Dieser Beitrag gibt einen Uberblick uber Bedrohungen und Sicherheitsanforderungen in typischen E-Commerce-Szenarien unter Berucksichtigung der verschiedenen Interessen der Beteiligten, stellt Entwurfsprinzipien im Sinne mehrseitiger Sicherheit vor und diskutiert Stand und Perspektiven der fur E-Commerce und mehrseitige Sicherheit wichtigen Sicherheitstechniken und -verfahren.
Modeling no-notice mass evacuation using a dynamic traffic flow optimization model

This paper presents a network transformation and demand specification approach for no-notice evacuation modeling. The research is aimed at formulating the Joint Evacuation Destination–Route-Flow-Departure (JEDRFD) problem of a no-notice mass evacuation into a system optimal dynamic traffic assignment model. The proposed network transformation technique permits the conversion of a typical transportation planning network to an evacuation network configuration in which a hot zone, evacuation destinations, virtual super-safe node and connectors are established. Combined with a demand specification method, the JEDRFD problem is formulated as a single-destination cell-transmission-model-based linear programming model. The advantage of the proposed model compared with prior studies in the literature is that the multi-dimensional evacuation operation decisions are jointly obtained at the optimum of the JEDRFD model. The linear single-destination structure of the proposed model implies another advantage in computa...
Reconstruction of two-dimensional coherent structures in ideal and resistive Hall MHD: The theory

[1] We demonstrate that it is possible, in principle, to use data from a single spacecraft to produce reconstructions of two-dimensional, time-independent field and plasma structures in space, in circumstances where the Hall effect is important. Such reconstruction generates maps, in a limited region around the spacecraft path, of magnetic and electric fields, of flow field and current distributions, as well as of the various other plasma parameters that characterize the configuration. It is similar to recent work applicable to ideal MHD, but requires additionally that at least two components (usually the spacecraft spin-plane components) of the electric field have been directly measured. Principal emphasis is on ideal Hall MHD. For this case we have developed and benchmarked a numerical code by use of an exact axisymmetric solution in which the Hall effect is significant. The case where electrical resistivity is present as well, for example, in resistive-dispersive shocks, is discussed briefly to illustrate that reconstruction is possible in this case also. A principal target of Hall reconstruction, without or with resistivity, is the ion diffusion region around a reconnection site; applications to actual observed structures will be presented elsewhere.
T tubules in neonatal rat soleus and extensor digitorum longus muscles.

The distribution of t tubules in neonatal rat soleus and EDL muscles has been investigated by light and electron microscopy using a modification of the “black reaction in Golgi.” It is shown that the t system is more complete than previously recognized. Longitudinal tubules permeate the fiber between all myofibrils. Transverse elements regularly cross the A-1 junctions of sarcomeres, particularly in the EDL where development appears more complete than in the soleus. Transverse elements are always short and do not proceed straight across consecutive A-1 junctions, as myofibrils are largely out of register at birth. In view of the prevalence of t tubules in neonatal muscles, it seems unlikely their characteristic slow speed of contraction can be attributed to incomplete t-tubular distribution.
“Business Without a Boss”: The Columbia Conserve Company and Workers' Control, 1917–1943

Throughout the twentieth century, the role of workers in the management of business enterprise has been the subject of ongoing debate. Opponents of centralized, bureaucratic management have proposed a series of participatory alternativesâ€”workers' control, industrial democracy, employee stock ownership, and more recently, employee involvementâ€”that have sought to democratize workplace governance. Much of the literature on such initiatives, be it historical or contemporary, has implied that workers favor exercising greater responsibility over shop-floor matters but have been deterred by employer resistance and cautious labor leadership. This literature often fails to capture the complexity of workers' attitudes towards greater participation and the tensions felt by reform-minded business leaders seeking to share power and authority with their employees. It is in this context that the story of the Columbia Conserve Company, an Indianapolis-based producer of canned soups, assumes particular relevance as a pioneering attempt to implement workplace democracy. Between 1917 and 1943, Columbia Conserve's owner, William P. Hapgood, established a system of workers' ownership and management. However, workers at Columbia Conserve, while sympathetic to Hapgood's experiment, were reluctant to accept full managerial responsibility. Instead, they embraced a more familial concept that met their psychological needs for fellowship and security. William Hapgood's faith in worker self-management subsequently waned, revealing an authoritarian streak that undercut his democratic pretensions. The experience at Columbia Conserve illustrates the enduring problems involved in sustaining workplace democracy and illuminates the status of current efforts aimed at empowering workers on the job.
Improved extended Kalman filter for state of charge estimation of battery pack

Abstract It is difficult to model the behavior of the battery pack accurately due to the electrochemical characteristics variations among cells of a battery pack. As a result, accurate state-of-charge (SOC) and state-of-health (SOH) estimation for the battery pack is a case provocation. The estimation process poses more challenges after substantial battery aging. This paper tries to estimate the SOC of a Li-ion battery pack for an electrical vehicle using improved extended Kalman filter (IEKF) which benefits from considering aging phenomenon in the electrical model of cells. In order to assemble a battery pack, we find cells with similar electrochemical characteristics. Model adaptive algorithm is applied on the corresponding cells of a string to minimize cell-to-cell variation's effect. During the operation, the values of electrical model of each cell are updated by the same algorithm to compensate aging effects on SOC estimation error. The mean value of updated cell's model is used for a single unit cell model of the pack used at IEKF to achieve more accurate SOC estimation. The algorithm's fast response and low computational burden, makes on-board estimation practical. The experimental results reveal that the proposed approach's SOC and voltage estimation errors do not exceed 1.5%.
Real-time experience techniques for collaborative tools on mobile

Mobile is no longer an extended equipment in the enterprise assets. They are being placed to the center of enterprise architectures and it's role is being redefined in the way that's promoting mobile device as a mainstream in revenue generating of the organization. People have been getting connected to the online world day by day and there has been always a need for them to have ability to work remotely, collaboratively together on a same piece of work in a real-time manner. With the moving of mobile to the mainstream of the organization, the need is also transformed into mobile landscape. Fast, Real-time are two responding levels have been being pursued in building up such collaborative solutions now even more critical because mobile users tend to require a sense of immediacy, for employees to work with each other as well as with customers, partners to effectively convey information. In this paper we would discuss the architectural proposal for the problem with an experimented use case of building up a virtual Whiteboard solution with the involvement of HTML5, Hybrid mobile app approach and Node.JS.
Nonlocal Theory of the Optical Properties of Thin Metallic Films

A theory assuming specular scattering of electrons and incorporating nonlocal transverse and longitudinal dielectric functions predicts that a thin metallic film may exhibit anomalous optical properties due to the wave-vector-dependent structure in the longitudinal dielectric function.
Intracellular free magnesium in the muscle of an osmoconforming marine invertebrate: Measurement and effect of metabolic and acid‐base perturbations

Dissociation constants for MgATP [Kd(MgATP)] were measured with the combined techniques of spectrophotometry using the metallochromic dye, Antipyrylazo III, and phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance (31P-NMR) spectroscopy. Values of the Kd(MgATP) were dependent on pH, ionic strength, and the relative concentrations of competing and noncompeting ions. A model solution was constructed simulating the cytoplasm of the muscle of the horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus. Using this model solution, Kd(MgATP) values were determined. In addition, the acid dissociation constants (Ka's) for inorganic phosphate, ATP and MgATP were determined by 31P-NMR. Free Mg+2 concentrations ([Mg+2]i) were estimated from 31P-NMR spectra of superfused bundles of L. polyphemus muscle fibers based on the difference in chemical shift of the γ and β-ATP resonances using Kd(MgATP) values corrected for prevailing intracellular pH (also estimated from spectra). The [Mg+2]i in L. polyphemus muscle was around 1,200 μM. Metabolic perturbations (anoxia, metabolic poisons) and experimental acidosis (hypercapnia) had no significant effect on [Mg+2]i but did alter the fraction of the total ATP pool complexed with Mg+2. Free magnesium is not in thermodynamic equilibrium, and thus it appears that [Mg+2]i is stringently regulated in L. polyphemus muscle. © 1992 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
An analytical method for the design of relay servomechanisms

RELAY servomechanisms in general show advantage over continuous servomechanisms with regard to cost, size, weight, and complexity. The application of relay servomechanisms, however, has been retarded by the meager understanding of obtainable operating characteristics and the lack of practical design methods.
Statistical Mechanics Models For Motion And Force Planning

The models of statistical mechanics provide an alternative to the methods of classical mechanics more traditionally used in robotics. They have a potential to: improve analysis of object collisions; handle kinematic and dynamic contact interactions within the same frmework; and reduce the need for perfect deterministic world model information. The statistical mechanics models characterize the state of the system as a probability density function (p.d.f.) whose time evolution is governed by a partial differential equation subject to boundary and initial conditions. The boundary conditions when rigid objects collide reflect the conservation of momentum. The models are being developed to embedd in remote semi-autonomous systems with a need to reason and interact with a multiobject environment.
Electromagnetic Energy Harvester With Flexible Coils and Magnetic Spring for 1–10 Hz Resonance

This paper presents an energy harvester with microfabricated flexible coils (rolled and aligned to a magnet array for maximum magnetic flux change) and magnetic spring to generate electrical power from human body motion. The magnet array is suspended by a magnetic spring for a resonant frequency of several hertz. An analytical model of vibration-driven energy harvester with magnetic spring through magnet and coil arrays is developed to explore the power generation with various magnet ranges and vibration amplitudes. Experimental results show that the electromagnetic energy harvester with six 7-turn microfabricated coils (occupying 3.8 cc and weighing 8.5 gram) generates an induced electromotive force (EMF) of $\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm {rms}} =6.7$ mV with 0.53- $\mu $ W power output (into 21- $\Omega $ load) from 0.27-g acceleration at 8 Hz (corresponding to 1.05-mm vibration amplitude). Its larger-scale version with sixteen 200-turn wire-wound coils (occupying 26 cc and weighing 98 gram) generates an EMF of $\mathrm{V}_{\mathrm {rms}} =1.3$ V with 4.3-mW power output (into 100- $\Omega $ load) from 0.5-g acceleration at 5.5 Hz (corresponding to 4.1-mm vibration amplitude). When the larger-scale version of the energy harvester is placed in a backpack of a human walking at various speeds, the power output is increased as the walking speed is increased from 0.45 m/s (slow walking) to 2.68 m/s (slow running), and reaches 14.8 mW at 2.68 m/s. [2014-0323]
Thyroid hormone increases pacemaker activity in rat neonatal atrial myocytes.

The effects of thyroid hormone (3,3',5-triiodo- L -thyronine, T3) on pacemaker activity were studied with electrophysiological and pharmacological approaches using spontaneously beating neonatal atrial myocytes cultured from 2-day-old rats. Treatment with T3 (10(-8)m) for 24-48 h led to a positive chronotropic effect. The beating rate of T3-treated cells was 244+/-19 beats/min and for control cells it was 122+/-10 beats/min (P<0.05). Action potentials were recorded and showed that the predominant effect of T3 was to increase the diastolic depolarization rate (99.5+/-9.8 in T3-treated group v 44.0+/-7.8 mV/s in untreated group). Some cells that exhibited pacemaker activity lacked a pacemaker current (I(f)) under voltage clamp conditions I(f)was recorded in 5 of 12 spontaneously active control cells and in 6 of 10 T3-treated cells. In those cells exhibiting the pacemaker current, the I(f)density was significantly larger in T3-treated cells (-7.9+/-2.6 pA/pF v-1.8+/-0.5 pA/pF in control). The L-type Ca2+ current density was similar in the two groups (at -7 mV, -7.5+/-1.5 in treated group v-8.6+/-1.0 pA/pF in control). In the presence of T3, the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger current (I(Na/Ca)) density was larger (e.g. at +60 mV, it was 4.8+/-0.5 v 3.5+/-0.2 pA/pF in control cells, P<0.05). As intracellular Ca2+ is extruded from the cell, the electrogenic Na+-Ca2+ exchanger causes a declining inward current, which may contribute to the pacemaker potential-this declining inward current was demonstrated using the action potential voltage clamp technique and was shown to be larger in T3-treated myocytes. Our data demonstrate that thyroid hormone enhances pacemaker activity and that this may be due in part to an increased Na+-Ca2+ exchanger activity.
Spindle cell carcinoma of the glans penis: A light and electron microscopic study

Spindle cell carcinoma of the penis has been documented by light microscopy only once in the past. This case report illustrates the light and electron microscopy of a second case. Contrary to previously expressed opinions, polypoid spindle cell carcinomas are not necessarily associated with a good prognosis.
Transcriptional regulation of alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase in embryonal carcinoma cells by retinoic acid. Masking of Lewis X antigens by alpha-galactosylation.

Treatment of mouse teratocarcinoma F9 cells with all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) causes a 9-fold increase in steady-state levels of mRNA for UDP-Gal:β-D-Gal α1,3-galactosyltransferase (α1,3GT) beginning at 36 h. Enzyme activity rises in a similar fashion, which also parallels the induction of laminin and type IV collagen. Nuclear run-on assays indicate that this increase in α1,3GT in RA-treated F9 cells, like that of type IV collagen, is transcriptionally regulated. Differentiation also results in increased secretion of soluble α1,3GT activity into the growth media. The major α-galactosylated glycoprotein present in the media of RA-treated F9 cells, but not of untreated cells, was identified as laminin. Differentiation of F9 cells is accompanied by an increase in α-galactosylation of membrane glycoproteins and a decrease in expression of the stage-specific embryonic antigen, SSEA-1 (also known as the Lewis X antigen or LeX), which has the structure Galβ1-4(Fucα1-3)GlcNAcβ1-R. However, flow cytometric analyses with specific antibodies and lectins, following treatment of cells with α-galactosidase, demonstrate that differentiated cells contain LeX antigens that are masked by α-galactosylation. Thus, RA induces α1,3GT at the transcriptional level, resulting in major alterations in the surface phenotype of the cells and masking of LeX antigens.
The Effects of Instruction, Verbal Encouragement, and Visual Feedback on Static Handgrip Strength

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of instruction, verbal encouragement, and real-time visual feedback on static handgrip strength. Sixteen subjects participated in this study and a computerized wrist dynamometer was used for the measurement of grip strength. The independent variables were five different instructions including the Caldwell Regimen, use of verbal encouragement and visual feedback. According to the results of ANOVA, there were significant differences in main effects. Therefore, the employment of verbal encouragement or visual feedback should be noted in any paper if used while measuring static strength. Since the comparison between peak forces showed that fast contraction and immediate release upon maximal contraction instruction had greater peak forces than all other instruction sets, it can be suggested for the standard of peak force measurement that the static strength should be reached within 1.5 seconds and immediately released when reaching the maximum force and t...
Deposition behavior of hexamethydisiloxane films based on the FTIR analysis of Si–O–Si and Si–CH3 bonds

Abstract A-SiCO:H films were prepared from hexamethyldisiloxane in a radio frequency reactor and the incorporation behavior of the Si–O–Si and Si–CH3 bonds of the monomer into the films was investigated in terms of discharge power. The relative incorporation rate of the chemical bonds was obtained by measuring the infrared absorption intensity for the bonds in the plasma-polymerized hexamethyldisiloxane films using a Fourier transform infrared spectrometer. The incorporation rate of the two bonds decreased with increasing the discharge power. In order to give a quantitative description of the incorporation behavior, a simple model was developed. The model was based on the dissociation of a bond of the monomer by electron impact in the plasma. The concentration of the unbroken bonds in the steady state of the plasma was given as a function of the discharge power. This model was examined with the experimental results and the kinetics of plasma-polymerization was discussed.
Optimization of radiating fin array including mutual irradiations between radiator elements

The present study develops a new approach to minimize the weight of a radiating straight fin array so that the whole system of the fin array is optimized by minimizing the weight of the individual fin, which is subjected to radiation interaction with adjacent fins and base. The obtained system has the minimum weight possible, and also yields the best shape of the individual fins for a given total heat dissipation and uniform base temperature. Based on the present analysis, the optimum number of fins in a fin array is obtained.
Fuel-Specification Considerations for Biomass Pyrolysis Liquids to be Used in Stationary Gas Turbines

A review of the physical and chemical properties of various biomass pyrolysis liquids suggests that they will require special consideration for use in current gas turbines for power generation. A new balance between fuel quality and engine design characteristics will have to found for the effective use of these liquids. Unfortunately, the values of many critical properties are beyond the range of experience with any distillate fuel, residual fuel, or alternate fuel such as coal liquids or shale oil. Furthermore, there appear to be some characteristics which are new and may require additional considerations in the fuel specification. Some system testing with biomass fuels covering the range of properties will be necessary to develop relevant relationships before design modifications can be made to accommodate biomass fuels and for fuel specifications to be established.Copyright © 1996 by ASME
Prospective Clinical Evaluation of an ELISA B-Type Natriuretic Peptide Assay in the Diagnosis of Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs Presenting with Cough or Dyspnea

Background:B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is increased in dogs with congestive heart failure (CHF). Hypothesis:The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical utility of a novel canine-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of BNP for the diagnosis of CHF in dogs presenting with either cough or dyspnea. Animals:Three hundred and thirty dogs from 2 large university teaching hospitals. Methods:We prospectively measured plasma BNP concentrations in 3 groups of dogs: (1) normal adult dogs (n = 75), (2) dogs with asymptomatic heart disease (n = 76), and (3) dogs with cough or dyspnea (n = 179). The final diagnosis of dogs with cough or dyspnea and the severity of CHF (International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council Heart Failure Classification [ISACHC]) were determined by medical record review by a study cardiologist who was blinded to the results of the BNP assay. Results:Dogs with CHF had a higher median BNP concentration (24.6 pg/mL) than dogs with noncardiac causes of cough or dyspnea (2.6 pg/mL) (P < .0001). The area under the curve was 0.91 for the receiver operating curve analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of the BNP measurement to differentiate CHF from other causes of cough or dyspnea. The median BNP concentrations in dogs were 3.0 pg/mL with ISACHC I, 17.8 pg/mL with ISACHC II, and 30.5 pg/mL with ISACHC III. (P < .0001) Conclusion and Clinical Importance: Measurement of BNP is useful in establishing or in excluding the diagnosis of CHF in dogs with cough or dyspnea. B-type natriuretic peptide concentrations rose significantly as a function of severity of CHF.
A Third Order Fast Sweeping Method with Linear Computational Complexity for Eikonal Equations

Fast sweeping methods are a class of efficient iterative methods for solving steady state hyperbolic PDEs. They utilize the Gauss-Seidel iterations and alternating sweeping strategy to cover a family of characteristics of the hyperbolic PDEs in a certain direction simultaneously in each sweeping order. The first order fast sweeping method for solving Eikonal equations (Zhao in Math Comput 74:603---627, 2005) has linear computational complexity, namely, the computational cost is $$O(N)$$ O ( N ) where $$N$$ N is the number of grid points of the computational mesh. Recently, a second order fast sweeping method with linear computational complexity was developed in Zhang et al. (SIAM J Sci Comput 33:1873---1896, 2011). The method is based on a discontinuous Galerkin (DG) finite element solver and causality indicators which guide the information flow directions of the nonlinear Eikonal equations. How to extend the method to higher order accuracy is still an open problem, due to the difficulties of solving much more complicated local nonlinear systems and calculations of local causality information. In this paper, we extend previous work and develop a third order fast sweeping method with linear computational complexity for solving Eikonal equations. A novel approach is designed for capturing the causality information in the third order DG local solver. Numerical experiments show that the method has third order accuracy and a linear computational complexity.
Application of a Planar Doppler Velocimetry System to a High Reynolds Number Compressible Jet

A Planar Doppler Velocimetry (PDV) system has been constructed and used to investigate the instantaneous turbulent velocity structure of a round high-speed compressible air jet with a low-speed co-flow. The exit condition was Mach=0.85 at ambient pressure, yielding a Reynolds number of about 650,000 on diameter. The PDV system was installed at NASA Langley Research Center in the Small Anechoic Jet Facility (SAJF), a chamber in which both the acoustic and aerodynamic properties of jets can be studied. For this test, the goal was to gather data which can be used to relate the turbulence structure of the jet to the levels and character of the acoustic noise produced by the jet. The current PDV system can acquire single-velocity-component, single-shot, planar images (15ns exposures) at 30 Hz. For this paper, the primary data set consists of 240 frames of velocity data acquired with both the jet and the low-speed co-flow seeded with light-scattering articles. Thus, velocities could be measured everywhere in the jet shear layer, both in the jet fluid and in the entrained co-flow. Some data were also taken with only the jet flow seeded. These provided mixing concentration images along with the reduced velocity fields. Other images were taken with only the co-flow seeded. These produced unique quantitative images of high speed entrainment. Optical "laser speckle" noise is the largest source of random noise in pulsed PDV systems. Components for the PDV imaging system were specifically selected to minimize speckle noise. To reduce systematic velocity errors due to laser drift, a frequency monitoring reference leg with a temperature-tuned reference iodine cell, was employed. In the course of this study, a novel flow seeder was developed. It enabled continuously variable seeding of the flow with particles of Sheared Pyrogenic Amorphous Hydrophobic Silica (SPAHS). The seeder comprised a dry fluidized bed hopper and a supersonic nozzle "pickup." Shearing action in the pickup dispersed the seed material in an exceptionally fine cloud (approximately 0.3 micron). These particles followed the flow well, did not clump or cake on screens or model surfaces, and were not susceptible to evaporation. Because of the refractory nature of the particles, SPAHS seeding should also be applicable to anticipated future testing at high temperatures.
Flight Activity and Response to Carbon Dioxide of Culicoides variipennis sonorensis (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Southern California

Adult Culicoides variipennis sonorensis Wirth & Jones were collected using miniature suction traps during 12 nights in October and November at a southern California dairy. Traps were bated with carbon dioxide at a constant release rate of 300, 1,000, or 3,000 ml/min or with 1.3 kg of dry ice. The release rate of CO 2 from the dry ice in the laboratory declined from 1,486 ml/min during the first 2 h to 303 ml/min after 10-12 h. Nulliparous and parous females responded in a similar and positive manner to increasing CO 2 release rates. An automatic interval suction trap bated with CO 2 was used to assess diel host-seeking periodicity. Peak host-seeking activity occurred 0-3 h after sunset, when the trap collected up to 170 females or 103 males per hour. Average peak time of collection during the dusk period was 45 min after sunset. Although numbers were lower, Parity was higher in the middle of the night. A smaller, secondary peak of activity occurred near sunrise
Properties of several protein kinases that copurify with rat spinal cord neurofilaments.

Several protein kinases that copurify with neurofilaments (NF) were identified and each kinase was assessed for its ability to phosphorylate NF proteins. NFs were isolated using an axonal flotation procedure and the kinases were extracted from NFs with 0.8 M KCl. NF kinases were incubated with peptide substrates for selected protein kinases, [ 32 P]ATP and protein kinase cofactors and inhibitors to characterize the kinases. Using peptide substrates, three types of kinase were identified, and a fourth was identified using NF protein as substrate. The first three kinases were the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II and a cofactor-independent kinase that phosphorylated prepro VIP sequence 156–170 and was inhibited by heparin. Using NF proteins as substrate, a fourth kinase was identified which was cofactor-independent and was not inhibited by heparin. Neither cofactor-independent kinase was casein kinase II. NF proteins were phosphorylated in vitro on serine and threonine, primarily by the two cofactor-independent kinases. Using [α- 32 P]8-N 3 ATP for affinity labelling, one kinase of 43 800 Da was identified. Thus, in addition to cAMP-dependent protein kinase and calcium-calmodulin dependent protein kinase II, two kinases have been found which are primarily responsible for NF phosphorylation in vitro and are cofactor-independent.
Targeted amplification of delivery to cell surface receptors by dendrimer self-assembly

Nanometer-scale architectures assembled on cell surface receptors from smaller macromolecular constituents generated a large amplification of fluorescence. A targeted dendrimer was synthesized from a cystamine-core G4 PAMAM dendrimer, and contained an anti-BrE3 monoclonal antibody as the targeting group, several fluorophores and an average of 12 aldehyde moieties as complementary bio-orthogonal reactive sites for the covalent assembly. A cargo dendrimer, derived from a PAMAM G4 dendrimer, contained several fluorophores as the cargo for delivery and five hydrazine moieties as complimentary bio-orthogonal reactive sites. The system is designed to be flexible and allow for facile incorporation of a variety of targeting ligands.
Optimizing Chemotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: The Role of Platinum

Although characterization of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using mRNA gene expression profiling has certainly provided important insights, the concept of targeting DNA repair defects with DNA damaging therapeutics such as platinum in TNBC has been advanced from studies focusing on both germline and somatic genetic alterations associated with this breast cancer subtype. A growing body of preclinical and clinical data suggests that platinum chemotherapy has a potential role to play in the treatment of both early-stage and advanced TNBC, though results are not yet definitive. Randomized clinical trials that incorporate biomarkers of response, including germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation status as well as tumor-based measures of genomic "scarring" resulting from the accumulation of DNA damage in tumors with deficient repair capacity, will help to clarify the optimal use and activity of platinum in TNBC.