cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Extremal control of pulse-width-modulated systems via an extended maximum principle

This paper considers the optimization of a class of pulse-width-modulated (PWM) control systems via an extended maximum principle. The technique developed here is applicable to single-input-single-output systems with linear plants. The amplitude of the control pulses, as well as the sign and width of each control pulse, is subject to optimization. The resulting optimization problem is shown to be a sequence of suboptimizations via a simple dual choice direct enumeration embedded in the TPBV problem.
Sugar Reserves and Cold Hardiness of Winter Wheat Reduced by Larval Feeding of the Hessian Fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say) (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae)

Cold hardiness of ‘Winoka’ and ‘Genesee’ winter wheat, Triticum aestivum L., seedlings when fed upon by Hessian fly, Mayetiola destructor (Say), larvae was significantly less than that of noninfested seedlings. This decrease in cold hardiness may result from depletion of fructan and other sugars by larval feeding. Although an average of one larva per culm and four or more larvae per culm decreased crown sugars by 21 and 50%, respectively, larval feeding reduced fructose and fructan more than glucose and had no significant effect on sucrose. It appears that cold hardiness of these wheat cultivars is, thus, reduced by larval feeding of the Hessian fly.
Ideographic Composing Machine

This paper illustrates an application of a holographic memory to the solution of the problem of storing and addressing 10,000 ideographs. The Kanji ideographs are addressed from a keyboard by the stroke sequence used to handwrite the ideographs. The keyboard generated stroke sequence is compared with all legitimate stroke sequences to determine the location of the desired character in an optical memory. The digital word indicating the location of the desired character causes laser strobing of a rotating hologram disk. The output of the disk is read by a vidicon and displayed for operator verification. When verified, the ideograph is photographed to generate the output film of the photocomposing machine.
An evaluation of the nitrous oxide method for the quantification of left-to-right shunts; an experimental comparison of the gasometric technic with directly metered blood flows.

Extensive clinical use has now been made of the nitrous oxide test for the detection and localization of left-to-right circulatory shunts. On theoretical grounds the magnitude of such a shunt should be related to the systemic and pulmonary arteriovenous differences in nitrous oxide content measured early in the period of inhalation. In order to determine the validity of the nitrous oxide method for the quantification of a left-to-right shunt, total pulmonary and shunt flows were directly measured in experimental animals as nitrous oxide tests were performed simultaneously.
Crosslinking studies on poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐1,4‐phenylene bisacrylate)

Several compositionally different poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-1,4-phenylene bisacrylate) (PETPBA) copolymers were melt spun into fibers. The resulting fibers were subjected to UV irradiation to induce crosslinking. Evidence of crosslinking was obtained from FTIR, solid-state 13C-NMR, thermal analysis, and solubility. Irradiation of the fiber results in an increased glass-transition temperature, reduced thermal shrinkage, and enhanced modulus retention at elevated temperature. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 91: 1698–1702, 2004
Effects of rifampicin on RNA and protein synthesis in isolated rat liver mitochondria

Abstract Isolated rat liver mitochondria incorporated [3h]utp in an essentially linear fashion for at least 60 min in the presence and absence of exogenous ribonucleoside triphosphates. Preincubation of isolated mitochondria with rifampicin at 0° in the absence of ribonucleoside triphosphates produced a consistent inhibition of [3h]utp incorporation at 30° that ranged up to 75 per cent and was independent of preincubation time with rifampicin or the length of the assay period. Incorporation of [3H]UMP into mitochondria prepared in the presence of the proteolytic enzyme Nagarse was similarly inhibited by rifampicin. When mitochondria prepared in the presence of Nagarse were preincubated with rifampicin, incorporation of [3h]utp was inhibited by approximately 75 per cent within 2 min, while [3H] leucine incorporation continued in a linear fashion for 4–5 min before decreasing with first-order kinetics. These data demonstrate that rifampicin primarily affects RNA synthesis in mitochondria, and leads secondarily to an inhibition of protein synthesis. A 75 per cent inhibition of mitochondrial RNA synthesis resulting in a 45 per cent inhibition of mitochondrial protein synthesis permits an estimate of 3.3 mm as the half-life of mitochondrial RNA serving a messenger function. It is hypothesized that this rapidly turning-over mitochondrial RNA which is closely linked to protein synthesis serves a regulatory role in oxidative phosphorylation.
The specular reflection problem with a single fiber for emission and collection

A single fiber may be employed to emit and collect light from a optically diffusing medium such as biological tissues. However, the light collected by the fiber consists of two components: diffusely scattered light from within the tissue and specularly reflected light from the surfaces. Only the diffuse reflection contains the desired information regarding the optical absorption and scattering properties of the tissue, but the specular component is comparable in magnitude to the diffuse reflection with visible light. The refractive index mismatch between the fiber and tissue account for a portion of the specular reflection. However, imperfect contact of the fiber with the surface of tissue creates additional boundaries and thus additional specular reflections. Experiments are performed with a 200 micron diameter fiber and a 632.8 nm He-Ne source to characterize the specular reflection collected through the same fiber using water as a coupling medium. The angular collection efficiency is measured for a fiber in contact with the surface on a glass substrate (specular reflection only) and an epoxy resin tissue phantom (specular and diffuse reflection components). Next, the collection efficiency is measured for a separation between the fiber and the samples for perpendicular illumination to the surface, 14 degrees, and 25 degrees from normal. Imperfect contact is demonstrated to vary the amount of specular reflection collected using a single fiber where changes in angle greater than 4 degrees or a separation between the fiber and the surface in excess of 400 micron caused a minimum of 7 percent reduction of the collected specular reflection.© (2003) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Pentafluorooxytellurium substituted fluorocarbons

Abstract Pentafluorooxytellurium substituted fluorocarbons (TeF 5 OR f ), a previously unknown class of compounds, have been prepared by the reaction of either TeF 5 OCl or TeF 5 OF with fluoroolefins. The addition products are low volatility colorless fluids. Surprisingly, the hypofluorite reacts more controllably and in higher yield (70–85%) than the hypochlorite (20–30%), wherein by-product forming interactions predominate. Addition of TeF 5 OF to the double bonds of unsymmetrical olefins results in isomeric products. Details of the syntheses and the characterization of these compounds will be presented. A comparison of the properties of the perfluorocyclopentene. adducts XF 5 OC 5 F 9 will be made for the series X = S, Se, Te.
Selected characteristics of aged patients: A study of mental hospital admissions

Summary From a study of 540 male patients aged 60 and over admitted to a state mental hospital for the first time, it was concluded that the population was characterized by high incidence of individuals in pedigree with history of mental hospitalization (8 per cent), neurological abnormality (27 per cent), early mortality (50 per cent in the first year), heavy chronic alcoholism (20 per cent), precipitating circumstances (27 per cent), memory, judgement, and orientation defects (83 per cent), as well as depression (38 per cent).
Active Damping of Free-Rotor Gyroscopes during Initial Spin-Up

The free-rotor gyro is so named because the nearly spherical gyrorotor is not mechanically constrained to rotate about a particular axis. Therefore, it may be initially spun up about any rotor fixed axis. As seen in the rotor, the subsequent motion of the angular velocity vector after spin-up is the well-known classical polhode motion about either the maximum or the minimum principal axes of inertia. The maximum axis of inertia is the desired spin axis direction because it is the only stable free-rotor spin direction in the presence of minute energy losses during flexures of the rotor. Consequently, the rotor-fixed markings used for spin axis readout of many of these gyros are referenced to the maximum axis of inertia. The principle delays in activating typical gyros are 1) waiting for a passive d.c. field to damp the gyro spin axis into the maximum axis of inertia of the rotor after it has been spun up (this requires typically five times the spin-up time) and 2) waiting for the thermal transient (of spin-up and damping) to subside. This paper describes a method of actively controlling the spin axis in the rotor, while leaving it unchanged with respect to a case-fixed reference. A control algorithm, called "Hemispheric Torquing" is used to actively damp the spin axis to the proper rotor fixed direction. It offers the advantage of being able to reduce damping times to less than is required for initial spin-up.
Enzymatic Dehydration of 3-Hydroxymethyloxindole

Crude and partially purified extracts of wheat (Triticum vulgare, red variety) germ catalyze the dehydration of 3-hydroxymethyloxindole to 3-methyleneoxindole. Examination of the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of a reaction mixture consisting of either the extract or partially purified enzyme and 3-hydroxymethyloxindole, shows that this oxindole has undergone complete dehydration to 3-methyleneoxindole. TPNH-linked 3-methyleneoxindole reductase, also a constituent of the wheat germ extract, can be separated from the dehydrase by passage through an Agarose 15 column. Utilizing these partially purified enzymes, it can be demonstrated that the dehydrase activity found in wheat germ is a discrete enzymatic function.
Josephson-junction threshold viewed as a critical point

We examine the expression for the mean thermal-noise voltage in the dc Josephson effect obtained by Ambegaokar and Halperin via a Brownian-motion analogy. We find that their expression can be reduced to closed form by two different methods which give the same result. This exact closed-form expression is used to derive analytic approximations in several limits and we find that the behavior of the mean voltage near the threshold current is characterized by "critical exponents" which bear a remarkable resemblance to those exhibited by an order parameter near the critical point of a continuous phase transition.
Nongenotropic, Anti-Apoptotic Signaling of 1α,25(OH)2-Vitamin D3 and Analogs through the Ligand Binding Domain of the Vitamin D Receptor in Osteoblasts and Osteocytes: MEDIATION BY Src, PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL 3-, AND JNK KINASES *

Because sex steroids regulate the life span of bone cells by modulating cytoplasmic kinase activity via a nongenotropic action of their classical receptors, we have explored the possibility that the vitamin D nuclear receptor (VDR) might exhibit similar nongenotropic actions. We report that the conformationally flexible full VDR agonist, 1alpha,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 (1alpha,25(OH)2D3), and the 6-s-cis-locked 1alpha,25(OH)2-lumisterol3 (JN) analog, also acting through the VDR but with poor transcriptional activity, protected murine osteoblastic or osteocytic cells from apoptosis. This effect was reproduced in HeLa cells transiently transfected with either wild type VDR or a mutant consisting of only the VDR ligand binding domain. The VDR ligand binding domain bound [3H]1alpha,25(OH)2D3 as effectively as wild type VDR but did not induce vitamin D response element-mediated transcription. The anti-apoptotic effects of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 and the 6-s-cis-locked 1alpha,25(OH)2-lumisterol3 analog in calvaria cells were blocked by three cytoplasmic kinase inhibitors: Src kinase inhibitor 4-amino-5-(4-methylphenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine (PP1), phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase inhibitor Wortmannin, and the JNK kinase inhibitor SP600125. However, inhibition of p38 with SB203580 or ERK with either U0126 or a transfected dominant negative MEK did not interfere with these anti-apoptotic actions. Further, 1alpha,25(OH)2D3 induced rapid (5 min) association of VDR with Src kinase in OB-6 cells. Finally, actinomycin D or cycloheximide prevented the anti-apoptotic effect of 1alpha,25(OH)2D3, indicating that transcriptional events are also required. These findings suggest that nongenotropic modulation of kinase activity is also a general property of the VDR and that ligands that activate nongenotropic signals, but lack transcriptional activity, display different biological profiles from the steroid hormone 1alpha,25(OH)2D3.
Bridge deck joints evaluation using lidar and aerial photography

Deck joint is important for a bridge - Any cost-effective evaluation methods that can help trace joint movements during frequent inspections will provide valuable data to bridge engineers. In this paper, 3D Terrestrial LiDAR and Aerial photography are being investigated as possible joint evaluation methods. The laser scanners record 3D positions of the surface points, generating high density point clouds. Aerial images taken by commercial DSLR cameras in a small airplane flying at 1000 feet, generates high resolution imagery. Both techniques have sub-inch pixel resolutions. Scanning results from bridges in both Florida and Alabama have shown that LiDAR and aerial imaging technologies are compatible techniques and can be applied in bridge deck joint performance evaluation. Moreover, both techniques have the potential to reduce the costs in bridge inspection.
Experimental Investigation of Porosity Effects on Machinability and Residual Strength in Brittle Materials

Three commercially available tooling materials for composite component manufacturing were chosen for evaluation of their machinability and surface integrity as it fulfills the lightweight and coefficient of thermal expansion requirements of polymer matrix composite. All three of these materials (CB1100 ceramic tooling block, AAC-4/500 and Cfoam™ carbon foam) are brittle and porous in nature. End milling machining tests were conducted in order to study the effects of porosity on cutting forces and surface integrity. Measured cutting force profiles were found to be random in magnitude and shape reflecting the variation in pore size and distribution as well as chipping and fracture of the material. It was found that the damage induced during the machining of Cfoam and AAC-4/500 was small in comparison to the size of the pores and had no significant effect on the surface integrity and transverse rupture strength of the materials within the experimental conditions. Therefore, porosity had a positive benefit to the surface integrity and tolerance to machining induced damage. However, damage introduced during the machining of CB1100 was discovered to be significant in comparison to the pore size and was shown to decrease characteristic strength by approximately 16% according to the conducted Weibull analysis.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Nanomolar scale nitric oxide generation from self-assembled monolayer modified gold electrodes

A SAM-modified gold electrode has been developed for the first time for quantitative NO generation of a nanomolar amount that is proportional to the surface area of the electrode.
Chronic pain: principles of management.

PAIN is an essential part of human sensory experience. It warns of external threat and internal illness and it provides the physician with a major diagnostic tool. Congenital absence of pain is a disabling, even deadly, disease? Yet pain as suffering is visited upon millions; it is a common, pressing reason for seeking medical help. Acute pain usually responds readily to appropriate treatment; both patients and physicians cope with it quite well. Chronic pain, with its many psychological and physical manifestations, is a far more difficult, frustrating problem. However, recent advances in the understanding of pain mechanisms, improved means of delivering older therapies, and development of new modalities of treatment have brought some hope to this previously gloomy field. Pain as suffering differs from pain as a specific sensation. The former is a psychological experience associated with, or at least described in terms of, tissue damage. The latter, designated nociception, is the neurophysiologic means of detection of tissue damage. Although usually closely related, suffering and nociception can exist independently, as in the opposing cases of pain-free celebrants of tissue-damaging religious rituals and patients with psychogenic pain. Understanding the current treatment of pain requires some knowledge of its neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, and psychology.
Hydrogen isotope fractionation in freshwater and marine algae: II. Temperature and nitrogen limited growth rate effects

Abstract Zhang and Sachs [Hydrogen isotope fractionation in freshwater algae: I. Variations among lipids and species. Organic Geochemistry 38, 582–608, 2007] demonstrated that algal lipid δD values track water δD values with high fidelity (R2 > 0.99), but that D/H fractionation varied among lipids and algal species. Here we report on the influence of temperature and nitrogen limitation on D/H fractionation in lipids from cultured microalgae. Two species of freshwater green algae, Eudorina unicocca and Volvox aureus, were grown in batch culture at 15 °C and 25 °C. Increased D/H fractionation of 2−4‰/°C occurred at the higher temperature in all lipids analyzed. The marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was grown in continuous culture under nitrogen replete (NR) and nitrogen limited (NL) conditions, resulting in a growth rate that was 4.4 fold lower under the latter conditions. The fatty acid content of NL cells was approximately 4 fold higher than in NR cells, whereas the sterol content was similar in both. While sterols from the NL culture were enriched in deuterium by 37‰ relative to the NR culture, fatty acids from both cultures had similar δD values, implying that D/H fractionation during isoprenoid (branched) lipid synthesis is affected by nitrogen limitation, but D/H fractionation during acetogenic (linear) lipid synthesis is not. Cross-talk of the precursor isopentenyl diphosphate between the cytosolic MVA and plastidic DOXP/MEP synthetic pathways is a plausible mechanism for the observed D/H differences between isoprenoid and acetogenic lipids. This preliminary study highlights the need to consider both the type of lipid and potential changes in growth conditions in paleoenvironmental studies using lipid D/H ratios.
Unusual complications of long-term percutaneous gastrostomy tubes

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) has been popular since it was introduced in 1980. Gastrostomy tubes left in place for long periods often result in unusual complications. Complications may also result from simply replacing a long-term indwelling tube. Five patients who had gastrostomy tubes in place for as long as 4 years are presented and their complications reviewed. Various methods used in treating these complications are discussed, and suggestions for their prevention are given. Gastrointestinal erosion and jejunal perforation following migration of the gastrostomy tube, persistent abdominal wall sinus tracts, and separation of the flange head with small bowel obstruction were encountered. Reinsertion of a gastrostomy tube through a tract prior to adequate maturation was also noted to lead to complications. Complications may result from gastrostomy tubes left in place for extended periods of time and during replacement procedures. Awareness of such complications along with education of caregivers and timely intervention by the endoscopist may prevent such occurrences. In some cases one can only hope to minimize morbidity.
The Columnar Epithelial Cell of the Small Intestine: Digestion and Transport

Cellular Digestion Carbohydrates In the western diet, carbohydrates are ingested almost entirely in the form of starch and the disaccharides, sucrose and lactose; free glucose accounts for less tha...
Assessing Knowledge Change in Computer Science.

The purpose of this study was to assess structural knowledge change across a two-week workshop designed to provide high-school teachers with training in Java and Object Oriented Programming. Both before and after the workshop, teachers assigned relatedness ratings to pairs of key concepts regarding Java and Object Oriented Programming. Their ratings were submitted to the Pathfinder network-scaling algorithm, which uses distance estimates to generate an individual's knowledge structure representation composed of nodes that are connected by links. Results showed that significant change in teachers' knowledge structure occurred during the workshop, both in terms of individual teacher networks and their averaged networks. Moreover, these changes were significantly related to performance in the workshop. The results of this study suggest several implications for teaching and assessment in computer science.
A Ladle Designed for Use with the Aluminium Volatile-sample Capsules in the Perkin-Elmer Model 240 Elemental Analyser

A nickel ladle has been designed for use with sealed aluminium capsules in the Perkin-Elmer Model 240 Elemental Analyser.
Magnetically induced metallic phase in superconducting tantalum films

We have studied the electronic transport properties of homogeneously disordered superconducting tantalum thin films in magnetic fields. The films exhibit three distinct transport regimes in the zero temperature limit, which we identify as superconducting, metallic, and insulating phases. The metallic phase is unexpected. The transport characteristics of this metallic phase are found to be similar to those of $\mathrm{MoGe}$ films, and high mobility dilute two-dimensional electrons or holes confined in semiconductor interface or transistor geometry.
The Influence of Memory Load Upon Delay-Interval Activity in a Working-Memory Task: An Event-Related Functional MRI Study

We conducted two fMRI studies to investigate the sensitivity of delay-period activity to changes in memory load during a delayed-recognition task for faces. In Experiment 1, each trial began with the presentation of a memory array consisting of one, two, or three faces that lasted for 3 sec. A 15-sec delay period followed during which no stimuli were present. The delay interval concluded with a one-face probe to which subjects made a button press response indicating whether this face was part of the memory array. Experiment 2 was similar in design except that the delay period was lengthened to 24 sec, and the memory array consisted of only one or three faces. We hypothesized that memory maintenance processes that spanned the delay interval would be revealed by their sensitivity to memory load. Long delay intervals were employed to temporally dissociate phasic activity engendered by the memory array from sustained activity reflecting maintenance. Regions of interest (ROIs) were defined anatomically for the superior frontal gyri (SFG), middle frontal gyri (MFG), and inferior frontal gyri (IFG), intraparietal sulci (IPS), and fusiform gyri (FFG) on a subject-by-subject basis. The mean time course of activity was determined for all voxels within these regions and for that subset of voxels within each ROI that correlated significantly with an empirically determined reference waveform. In both experiments, memory load significantly influenced activation 6-9 sec following the onset of the memory array with larger amplitude responses for higher load levels. Responses were greatest within MFG, IPS, and FFG. In both experiments, however, these load-sensitive differences declined over successive time intervals and were no longer significant at the end of the delay interval. Although insensitive to our load manipulation, sustained activation was present at the conclusion of the delay interval within MFG and other prefrontal regions. IPS delay activity returned to prestimulus baseline levels prior to the end of the delay period in Experiment 2, but not in Experiment 1. Within FFG, delay activity returned to prestimulus baseline levels prior to the conclusion of the delay interval in both experiments. Thus, while phasic processes engendered by the memory array were strongly affected by memory load, no evidence for load-sensitive delay-spanning maintenance processes was obtained.
Reliability analysis of linear dynamical systems using approximate representations of performance functions

A method to carry out reliability analysis of linear systems with random structural parameters and random excitation is presented. Probability that design conditions are satisfied within a given time period is used as a measure of system reliability. An efficient importance sampling technique is used to estimate the failure probabilities. This technique is combined with high quality approximations of the performance functions in terms of uncertain structural parameters. The number of dynamic analyses required during the estimation process is minimized since the simulations are carried out by evaluating explicit expressions. The explicit quantities correspond to approximate representations of the performance functions in terms of the uncertain structural parameters. A numerical example corresponding to problem 2, sub-case 2 of the benchmark study is presented to illustrate the accuracy and computational efficiency of the proposed computational procedure.
Structural characterization of labradorite-bytownite plagioclase from volcanic, plutonic and metamorphic environments

The transmission electron microscope and the electron microprobe are used to characterize calcic plagioclase (An65 to An85) from a variety of geological environments. The cooling histories of samples from volcanic, plutonic and metamorphic environments are estimated and the transformation and exsolution sequence is inferred from observations in the transmission electron microscope. Several distinctive textural modifications occur depending both on bulk composition and cooling history. (1) Exsolution occurs in increasingly calcic bulk compositions upon slower cooling, and the coexisting phases are An66 intermediate plagioclase and An85–90 P¯1, c=14 A plagioclase in the sample from the metamorphic environment, (2) the morphology of b antiphase boundaries (APBs) in An75 to An85 plagioclase changes from smoothly curving (rapid cooling and calcic compositions) to zig-zag (slower cooling or sodic compositions). (3) The concentration of defects in the intermediate plagioclase superstructure changes from a high density in rapidly cooled plagioclase to a lower density in slowly cooled plagioclase. In all plagioclases except for the rapidly cooled, volcanic specimens there is evidence in images and diffraction patterns for short-range ordered domains with P¯1 symmetry. The observations allow the microstructure of a single zoned plagioclase to be used as an indication of the geologic environment under which it cooled.
Volatile Compounds Characterizing the Aroma of Fresh Atlantic and Pacific Oysters

Volatile compounds which contribute to the distinct melon-like aroma of fresh Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) were identified as (E,Z)-2,6-nonadienal and 3,6-nonadien-1-ol, but these compounds were not found in the less intensely flavored Atlantic oysters (Crassostrea virginica). 1-Octen-3-one, 1-octen-3-ol, 1,5-octadien-3-one, 1,5-octadien-3-ol, and 2,5-octadien-1-ol were found in both species of oysters, and contributed a characteristic heavy, planty aroma to each. Sensory panel scores for intensity of fresh melon-like flavors were significantly higher for both raw and steamed Pacific oysters than for comparable Atlantic oysters. Enzymic generation of alcohols and carbonyls that comprise the characterizing aroma compounds from polyunsaturated fatty acids was demonstrated by preventing their formation with specific inhibitors for cyclooxygenase (acetylsalicylic acid) and lipoxygenase [tin (II) chloride].
Electro-spray synthesis of titanium oxide nano-particles

Nano-particles of anatase (TiO2) were prepared by pyrolyzing amorphous 20–150 nm precursor particles prepared by electrostatically spraying an ethanolic solution of a modified titanium alkoxide in a heated chamber from a needle to which a 20–30 kV electric potential was applied. By spraying the precursor solution at low Ti concentration in a ‘multi-jet’ mode, nano-particles that were unimodal around 20 nm were prepared. In most experiments, the charged aerosol was heated to prevent coagulation of solidifying particles. Two competing processes occurred: disruption of droplets into smaller ones, and formation of a hard outer shell, which prevented the partially dried droplets from further disruption. It is suggested that heating provided a thermophoretic effect, which when combined with the influence of a counterfield formed near the inside wall of the chamber, focused the particles onto the collector. Low water content of the precursor solution produced smaller particles and improved drying. Weakening of the spray, attributed to back-ionization by collected, non-conducting particles, was alleviated by addition of ammonium acetate to the precursor solution. Strategies for fabricating nano-particles from gel-forming, reactive precursor solutions are discussed.
Managing atrial fibrillation in the CRT patient: Controversy or consensus?

The cumulative incidence of new onset atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is substantial, exceeding 25% in multiple recent studies. Although AF patients undergoing CRT show improved echocardiographic parameters, functional status, and quality of life in, they benefit to a lesser degree than do patients in normal sinus rhythm. They also exhibit a trend toward increased mortality. Understanding the barriers to response from CRT among AF patients is critical to addressing the needs of growing populations of patients with AF and HF. Foremost among these are suboptimal biventricular pacing, often characterized by fusion or pseudo-fusion complexes, leading to inefficient CRT delivery. Furthermore, AF increases the risk of inappropriate shocks, which lead to substantial psychiatric morbidity, increased risk of heart failure hospitalization, and may also increase mortality. Assiduous rate control is reasonable for all AF patients receiving CRT, but there is a paucity of data regarding specific antiarrhythmic drug therapy recommendations. For patients with permanent AF and severe symptoms, atrioventricular junction ablation appears effective in improving response by ensuring biventricular capture and reducing implantable cardioverter-defibrillator shock burden in selected patients. Catheter-based techniques such as pulmonary vein isolation appear more attractive and in the future may offer further advantages and lower risks, particularly for patients with paroxysmal AF.
Are all cancer stem cells created equal

Numerous solid malignancies have been reported to contain cancer stem cells (CSCs). Distinct functional characteristics have been attributed to CSCs, and thus it is widely believed that these unique cells may have genetic and phenotypic homogeneity. Recent exciting but limited evidence, however, contradicts this tenet and supports the intriguing concept of genetic and phenotypic diversity in the CSC population. We propose that CSC heterogeneity at the inter- and intrapatient levels may be due to the cell of origin, to environmental cues, and/or to human papillomavirus infection. Additional insight into CSC heterogeneity is needed to identify actionable targets for optimal eradication of the diverse CSC subpopulations within a tumor.
NON-LINEAR NORMAL MODES AND NON-PARAMETRIC SYSTEM IDENTIFICATION OF NON-LINEAR OSCILLATORS

Abstract The Karhunen–Loeve (K–L) decomposition procedure is applied to a system of coupled cantilever beams with non-linear grounding stiffnesses and a system of non-linearly coupled rods. The former system possesses localized non-linear normal modes (NNMs) for certain values of the coupling parameters and has been studied in the literature using various asymptotic techniques. In this work, the K–L method is used to locate the regions of such localized motions. The method yields orthogonal modes that best approximate the spatial behaviour of the beams. In order to apply this method simultaneous time series of the displacements at several points of the system are required. These measurements are obtained by a direct numerical integration of the governing partial differential equations, using the assumed modes method. A two-point correlation matrix is constructed using the measured time-series data, and its eigenvectors represent the dominant K–L modes of the system; the corresponding eigenvalues give an estimate of the participations (energies) of these modes in the dynamics. These participations are used to estimate the dimensionality of the system and to identify regions of localized motion in the coupling parameter space. The same approach is applied to a system of non-linearly coupled rods. Through the comparison of system response reconstructions of the responses using a simple K–L mode and a number of physical modes, it is shown that the K–L modes can be used to create lower-order models that can accurately capture the dynamics of the original system.
A proline‐to‐histidine mutation in POU1F1 is associated with production traits in dairy cattle

Summary POU class 1 homeobox 1 (POU1F1) is a member of the tissue-specific POU-containing transcription factor family. The expression of POU1F1 in mammalian pituitary gland controls the transcription of the genes encoding growth hormone, prolactin (PRL) and the subunits of thyroid-stimulating hormone. In addition, some genes in the JAK/STAT signalling pathway downstream of POU1F1 have been shown to be associated with different production traits in dairy cattle. To investigate whether the POU1F1 gene is associated with economically important traits in dairy cattle, a pooled DNA sequencing approach was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene. An SNP in exon 3 of POU1F1 that changes a proline to a histidine was identified. A total of 2141 individuals from two North American Holstein cattle resource populations were genotyped for this SNP using a modified PCR-RFLP method. Statistical analyses revealed significant association of POU1F1 variants with milk yield and productive life, which makes POU1F1 a possible candidate for marker-assisted selection in dairy cattle breeding programmes.
The design of Operating System/2

The design of Operating System/2™ (OS/2™) is a result of matching the requirements of IBM and its customers for a new operating system for various models of the Personal System/2® with the need for continuity with a very large body of established DOS applications. The design of OS/2 represented a significant challenge both in meeting these requirements and in making efficient use of the hardware. In this paper, the design characteristics of OS/2 are discussed.
Frequency of familial nature of dilated cardiomyopathy and usefulness of cardiac transplantation in this subset

A familial etiology was identified on the basis of family history in 16 (8.75%) of 184 patients undergoing cardiac transplantation at Stanford for endstage dilated cardiomyopathy (DC). These 16 patients, from 11 families, included 5 sibling pairs. To help determine optimal management of such patients, their case histories and posttransplant courses were reviewed. Mean age of patients at presentation was 23 +/- 15 years. In sibling pairs, duration of symptoms from onset to diagnosis was 14 +/- 5 weeks for the first sibling, but only 4 +/- 2 weeks for the second. Progressive cardiac enlargement was documented radiographically in siblings of transplant recipients in 2 families before the onset of symptoms. The posttransplant course with regard to rejection incidence, infectious complications, coronary artery disease and malignancy was similar to that of the 168 patients with nonfamilial DC. Actuarial survival at 5 years after transplantation was 80%. Thirteen patients (including all sibling pairs) are alive 1 to 11 years after transplantation. Sepsis was the cause of death in 3 patients, occurring during the early postoperative period in 2 and following retransplantation for graft atherosclerosis 7 years after the initial transplant in the third patient. Thus, diagnosis of DC in childhood or adolescence mandates evaluation and surveillance of family members, because this disease can progress rapidly. The favorable results of cardiac transplantation for familial DC suggest that it should be promptly considered for such patients with end-stage disease.
A three-dimensional computational method for blood flow in the heart. 1. Immersed elastic fibers in a viscous incompressible fluid

Abstract This paper describes the numerical solution of the 3-dimensional equations of motion of a viscous incompressible fluid that contains an immersed system of elastic fibers. Implementation details such as vectorization and the efficient use of external memory are discussed. The method is applied to the damped vibrations of a fiber-wound toroidal tube, and empirical evidence of convergence is presented.
A long-term, stable hydrophilic poly(dimethylsiloxane) coating for capillary-based pumping

Hydrophilic surfaces are highly desirable for transporting liquids within microchannels. However, creating stable hydrophilic surfaces on poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) is a challenging feat. We present a straightforward method for generating stable hydrophilic coatings in which poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) is bonded to PDMS through a 3-step fabrication process. The resulting surfaces are rendered hydrophilic having a contact angle of 17° ± 2°. Additionally, this coating exhibits long-term stability maintaining a contact angle ≪ 22° for at least 47 days. Various PEG-coated PDMS microchannels were fabricated for flow characterization studies and for demonstrating the effectiveness of this technique for on-chip fluidic processing.
Civilian gunshot injuries of the penis: the Miami experience.

Objectives To perform a retrospective study to evaluate the circumstances, extent of trauma, and modalities of treatment for penile injuries caused by firearms in a large metropolitan area. The management of civilian injuries differs significantly from that of the military, and experience with penetrating trauma to the external male genitalia in civilian life has been minimally reported. Methods From 1989 to 2006, 58 patients with gunshot wounds of the penis were evaluated at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami, Florida. Results The mean age at presentation was 29.0 years. Of the 58 patients, 76% were African American. The source of injury was unstated in 50% of cases and was related to criminal causes in 43% and to accidents in 7%. Most patients presented with associated injuries (90%), most commonly of the lower extremities (69%) or the scrotum (52%). Retrograde urethrography was performed in 45 patients, of whom 24% demonstrated contrast extravasation. Of the 58 patients, 72% underwent surgical exploration, with the remaining treated conservatively. Of the 42 patients who underwent surgery, 19 underwent exploration by penile degloving, 17 underwent local exploration, and 6 with a penoscrotal approach. Conclusions Gunshot wounds to the penis are rare and are commonly associated with injuries of other organs. In sharp contrast to military injuries, minimal tissue destruction is seen, and minimal debridement is needed. If corporal injuries are suspected, penile exploration is warranted. If, in addition, the suspicion for testicular injury is high, penile and scrotal exploration can be performed using a penoscrotal approach.
A Dynkin diagram classification theorem arising from a combinatorial problem

Abstract A combinatorial-linear algebraic condition sufficient for a ranked partially ordered set to be rank unimodal and strongly Sperner is presented. The distributive lattices which satisfy this condition are classified. These lattices are indexed by Dynkin diagrams of type ADE, which actually appear embedded in the Hasse diagrams of the lattices.
The Design of a Software Environment for Organizing, Sharing, and Archiving Materials Data

A versatile system for organizing, sharing, and archiving materials data is presented. The system structure is based on a division between the primary, numeric data and their metadata; metadata are further broken into material structure information and data source information. The system was implemented in software, with the data repository and metadata database reflecting the core structure. Versatility of the system arises from its configurability and extensibility. A standard configuration is discussed, and a detailed example is used to illustrate the application of the system. The software is freely available by contacting the corresponding authors.
Professional practice in exercise science: The need for greater disciplinary balance

This article describes the current outlook for professional practice for graduates majoring in exercise science. A review of professional and experimental literature reveals that graduates of undergraduate programmes in exercise science are not as prepared as they should be in order to provide professional and comprehensive advice on exercise and human performance, because of the focused academic and professional requirements of exercise physiology. In contrast to the direction of training in other allied health professions, this trend of narrowing of the exercise science curriculum to focus on exercise physiology, at the expense of other subdisciplines in kinesiology, has contributed to a decreasing scope of practice and lack of uniqueness, and has reduced the effectiveness of exercise science graduates. This review focuses on an accumulating body of evidence indicating that improving the training in biomechanics and motor behaviour could increase the professional expertise of exercise science graduates. Small improvements in the exercise science curriculum in biomechanics and motor behaviour are proposed that would move toward greater balance and integration of the academic disciplines in kinesiology and better professional practice in exercise science. The drift away from a balance and integration of academic preparation in exercise science represents a threat to the acceptance of exercise science graduates as exercise professionals that needs to be corrected for the field to advance.
Restoration of malonyl-CoA sensitivity of soluble rat liver mitochondria carnitine palmitoyltransferase by reconstitution with a partially purified malonyl-CoA binding protein.

Abstract Solubilization of rat liver mitochondria in 5% Triton X-100 followed by chromatography on a hydroxylapatite column resulted in the identification of malonyl-CoA binding protein(s) distinct from a major carnitine palmitoyltransferase activity peak. Further purification of the malonyl-CoA binding protein(s) on an acyl-CoA affinity column followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate gel electrophoresis indicated proteins with M r mass of 90 and 45−33 kDa. A purified liver malonyl-CoA binding fraction, which was devoid of carnitine palmitoyltransferase, and a soluble malonyl-CoA-insensitive carnitine palmitoyltransferase were reconstituted by dialysis in a liposome system. The enzyme activity in the reconstituted system was decreased by 50% in the presence of 100 μ m malonyl-CoA. Rat liver mitochondria carnitine palmitoyltransferase may be composed of an easily dissociable catalytic unit and a malonyl-CoA sensitivity conferring regulatory component.
A sensitive method for measuring atmospheric concentrations of sulfur dioxide

A new method for measuring tropospheric sulfur dioxide concentrations is proposed which is based on the mist chamber sampling method. At the present stage of development, the detection limit of the method is approximately 20 parts per trillion for a 45-min sampling time, with lower concentrations detectable with lower precision. The overall reproducibility of the method (+/-95 percent confidence intervals) is estimated at +/-10 percent. The technique is relatively simple, inexpensive, and lightweight, making it ideally suited for numerous field applications in atmospheric chemistry and biogeochemical studies from both ground-based and airborne platforms.
Alternating floxuridine and 5-fluorouracil hepatic arterial chemotherapy for colorectal liver metastases minimizes biliary toxicity

Background The goals of this study of a hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) regimen of alternating floxuridine and 5-fluorouracil were to evaluate the treatment-related toxic effects, the antitumor response rate, and patient survival. Methods Fifty-seven consecutive patients were treated with implanted HAI pumps and received a regimen of alternating floxuridine (0.1 mg/kg/day continuous HAI for 7 days) followed by a weekly HAI pump bolus of 5-fluorouracil (15 mg/kg for 3 weeks). Any changes in treatment plan because of toxicity, antitumor response, and survival were recorded. Results Thirty-one (54.4%) patients responded to this HAI regimen; 14 (24.5%) patients had stable disease, and 12 (21.1%) progressed during treatment. Responders or patients with stable disease had a significantly ( P Conclusions This regimen had reversible or no hepatobiliary toxicity in more than 95% of patients. Tumor reduction or stabilization of disease was observed in 79% of the patients, who had a median survival of 19 months. Reduced toxicity and more effective chemotherapeutic regimens may increase the likelihood of survival after HAI chemotherapy for unresectable colorectal liver metastases.
Position of the methionine residue in bovine neurophysin II

Durch Spaltung mit CNBr wurde gezeigt, dass Neurophysin II aus Rinderhypophyse nur eine Methionin-Einheit enthalt und dass die N-terminale Sequenz Ala-Met ist.
Suicide: can we predict it?

Abstract Prediction of suicide is the most important factor for suicide prevention and treatment. Methodological issues of suicide prediction studies are reviewed as well as demographic, clinical and biological predictors of suicide. These data suggest that suicide cannot be reliably predicted.
Docosahexaenoic acid: Measurements in food and dietary exposure

Abstract The Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) were established to be an indicator of adequacy of dietary nutrients as well as providing levels for adequacy in reducing risk of chronic diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, cancers, diabetes mellitus, etc. One particular nutrient that is increasingly discussed as a potential candidate for the generation of a DRI is the omega-3 (n-3) fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) due to its potential benefits in reducing risk for cardiovascular disease, role in resolution of inflammation, its importance in cognitive function in infants and inhibiting the progression of neurodegenerative diseases in the elderly. Each reference value refers to and is predicated on estimates of daily nutrient intake and the goal of this paper is to review these intakes. The confidence of these values is critical in establishing dose–response relationships. This paper reports intake values for DHA and examines how these data were generated and the relative confidence in these values. The adult US population is estimated to consume 80–100 mg/d of DHA based on a nationally representative sample of >8400 individuals as part of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This value and those presented for women and men at various ages appear reasonable and should be used as the basis for establishing an Adequate Intake (AI) for DHA.