cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Thermal diffusion cloud chamber: new criteria for proper operation

Abstract We report results of new nucleation experiments involving 1-pentanol with hydrogen as the background gas obtained from constant temperature critical supersaturation experiments utilizing the high-pressure diffusion cloud chamber. We have observed significant background gas effects on vapor nucleation that differ somewhat from that we have reported previously. In this paper, we discuss the important issue of stability (the absence of buoyancy-driven convective motion of the gas–vapor mixture) and cloud chamber operation; and we focus now on the lower total pressure limit required for stable chamber operation. We describe how violating this limit is manifested by the experimental data, and we show actual results for the nucleation of 1-pentanol with hydrogen as a background gas which illustrates the importance of considering these stability issues. For the first time, we identify three regions of operation for the diffusion cloud chamber. Region I corresponds to the range of total pressures below this lower total pressure limit; Region III corresponds to the range of total pressures above the upper total pressure limit (described earlier); and, Region II corresponds to the range of total pressures that permit “proper” operation of the diffusion cloud chamber. Here we define proper operation as operation under conditions that are believed to be well represented by a one-dimensional model of diffusion in a stagnant gas. We provide, for the first time, an empirical procedure for determining the lower total pressure limit. We also argue against the commonly used pressure ratio as a predictor for “proper” cloud chamber operation.
Phenoxybenzamine and bromocriptine attenuate need for REM sleep in rats

Abstract Phenoxybenzamine (10 mg/kg, IP), an α-adrenoreceptor blocker, and bromocriptine (5 mg/kg, IP), a dopamine receptor stimulant, were administered to rats while the animals were being deprived of REM sleep by selective REM sleep deprivation method. We have shown recently that α-adrenoceptor blockers and bromocriptine when administered to rats after the animals had been deprived of REM sleep were able to abolish REM sleep rebound and thus attenuate the need for REM sleep. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether these agents might also have the capacity to attenuate the need for REM sleep when given to animals in a situation when the need for REM sleep is being generated, i.e. during REM sleep deprivation. Our results show that administration of phenoxybenzamine or bromocriptine to rats immediately before or during the period of REM sleep deprivation also abolished appearance of subsequent REM sleep rebound. This suggests that administration of the two pharmacological agents prevented the generation of REM sleep pressure by fulfilling the need for REM sleep.
Evolutionary ecology of resistance to herbivory: an investigation of potential genetic constraints in the multiple-herbivore community of Solanum carolinense.

Summary • As part of a study of the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of herbivore resistance in Solanum carolinense (horsenettle), potential genetic constraints to the evolution of resistance to 11 of its most common herbivores were investigated. • Leaf, flower, fruit, and stem herbivory were measured in a field experiment involving 24 ramets of each of 40 horsenettle genets. • The experimental plant population contained significant genetic variation for resistance to all 11 species of herbivore. For only one species was there an indication of a genotype-by-environment interaction in the expression of resistance that might constrain its evolution. Genetic correlations in resistance to different species were common but not universal, with seven negative and 12 positive correlations out of the 55 pairwise species comparisons. Correlations were independent of plant part fed upon. • The evolution of the resistance of horsenettle to most of its diverse community of herbivores does not appear to be prevented by a lack of genetic variation or by genotype-by-environment interactions in resistance. Negative genetic correlations in resistance to different herbivores may play a small role in slowing the evolution of resistance, but positive correlations may play at least as large a role in facilitating its evolution.
Estimating passive mechanical properties in a myocardial infarction using MRI and finite element simulations

Myocardial infarction (MI) triggers a series of maladaptive events that lead to structural and functional changes in the left ventricle. It is crucial to better understand the progression of adverse remodeling, in order to develop effective treatment. In addition, being able to assess changes in vivo would be a powerful tool in the clinic. The goal of the current study is to quantify the in vivo material properties of infarcted and remote myocardium 1 week after MI, as well as the orientation of collagen fibers in the infarct. This will be accomplished by using a combination of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), catheterization, finite element modeling, and numerical optimization to analyze a porcine model ( $$N = 4$$ ) of posterolateral myocardial infarction. Specifically, properties will be determined by minimizing the difference between in vivo strains and volume calculated from MRI and finite element model predicted strains and volume. The results indicate that the infarct region is stiffer than the remote region and that the infarct collagen fibers become more circumferentially oriented 1 week post-MI. These findings are consistent with previous studies, which employed ex vivo techniques. The proposed methodology will ultimately provide a means of predicting remote and infarct mechanical properties in vivo at any time point post-MI.
X-radiation carcinogenesis in humans

Using a two hit theory of x-irradiation damage to DNA in ankylosing spondylitis treated patients (in a course of 10 treatments), I have found that a dose squared theory can approximately yield results which are in agreement with observation. The first hit inactivates premutational repair, while the second hit causes a mutation in an operator region which controls cell division. And average value of the immunological efficiency is used for the removal of incipient tumor cells.
Platelet Transport Rates and Binding Kinetics at High Shear over a Thrombus

Thrombus formation over a ruptured atherosclerotic plaque cap can occlude an artery with fatal consequences. We describe a computational model of platelet transport and binding to interpret rate-limiting steps seen in experimental thrombus formation over a collagen-coated stenosis. The model is used to compute shear rates in stenoses with growing boundaries. In the model, moving erythrocytes influence platelet transport based on shear-dependent enhanced diffusivity and a nonuniform platelet distribution. Adhesion is modeled as platelet-platelet binding kinetics. The results indicate that observed thrombus growth rates are limited by platelet transport to the wall for shear rates up to 6000 s−1. Above 7000 s−1, the thrombus growth rate is likely limited by binding kinetics (10−4 m/s). Thrombus growth computed from these rate-limiting steps match the thrombus location and occlusion times for experimental conditions if a lag time for platelet activation is included. Using fitted parameters, the model is then used to predict thrombus size and shape at a higher Reynolds number flow consistent with coronary artery disease.
Limiting depth of magnetization in cratonic lithosphere

Values of magnetic susceptibility and natural remanent magnetization (NRM) of clino-pyroxene-garnet-plagioclase granulite facies lower crustal xenoliths from a kimberlite in west Africa are correlated to bulk geochemistry and specific gravity. Thermomagnetic and alternating-field demagnetization analyses identify magnetite (Mt) and native iron as the dominant magnetic phases (totaling not more than 0.1 vol pct of the rocks) along with subsidiary sulfides. Oxidation states of the granulites are not greater than MW, observed Mt occurs as rims on coarse (about 1 micron) Fe particles, and inferred single domain-pseudosingle domain Mt may be a result of oxidation of fine-grained Fe. The deepest limit of lithospheric ferromagnetism is 95 km, but a limit of 70 km is most reasonable for the West African Craton and for modeling Magsat anomalies over exposed Precambrian shields.
How Violence Breeds Violence: Some Utilitarian Considerations

Recent philosophical writing about war has focused upon just war theory, especially how best to construe the ius ad bellum and ius in bello tenets, and whether the distinction between combatants and non-combatants can be made in the modern world. Historically and politically, calls to war have often appealed to utilitarian considerations. In this article, I discuss important long-range consequences rarely mentioned in utilitarian defences of particular decisions to engage states in war. When consequences are weighed fully not only in the short term but with an eye to the future, bearing the destiny of all people in mind, it emerges that belligerent approaches to international conflict resolution will not maximise utility.
Deferoxamine posttreatment reduces ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats.

Iron catalyzes the formation of damaging reactive species during cerebral reperfusion. Brain iron concentration is highest at birth, so the brain of the asphyxiated newborn may be at increased risk of iron-dependent injury. We investigated whether the ferric iron chelator deferoxamine could reduce hypoxic-ischemic brain injury in neonatal rats. Because deferoxamine has concentration-dependent activities other than iron chelation, we measured brain deferoxamine levels and calculated deferoxamine pharmacokinetic parameters.We produced hypoxic-ischemic injury to the right cerebral hemisphere of 7-day-old rats by right common carotid artery ligation followed by 2.25 hours of hypoxia in 8% oxygen. At 5 minutes of recovery from hypoxia the rats received 100 mg/kg deferoxamine mesylate or saline subcutaneously. Rats (saline, n = 33; deferoxamine, n = 38) were killed at 42 hours of recovery to assess early acute edema by measurement of hemispheric water content. Other rats (saline, n = 31; deferoxamine, n = 32) w...
Kinetics and Equilibrium Constants for Reactions of α-Phenyl-Substituted Cyclopropylcarbinyl Radicals

Laser-flash photolysis methods were used to determine Arrhenius functions for cyclizations of the 4,4-diphenyl-3-butenyl (2) and trans-4-phenyl-3-butenyl (5) radicals to the 1,1-diphenylcyclopropylcarbinyl (1) and 1-phenylcyclopropylcarbinyl (4) radicals, respectively. At 20 °C, the cyclization rate constants are 1.7 × 107 and 5.4 × 106 s-1. Equilibrium constants for the two processes were estimated and evaluated with thermochemical data and via computational methods, and Arrhenius functions for the ring-opening reactions of the cyclopropylcarbinyl radicals were calculated. The cyclization reactions of 2 and 5 are strongly enthalpy controlled. Production of radicals 1 and 2 from the corresponding tert-butylperoxy esters in the presence of Et3SnH gave diphenylcyclopropylmethane and 1,1-diphenyl-1-butene from H-atom trapping of radicals 1 and 2 and 4-phenyl-1,2-dihydronaphthalene which derives from the product radical formed by addition of the radical moiety in 2 to the cis-phenyl group. Rate constants for ...
Allosteric regulation of phosphoribulokinase activity

Inhibition of ATP-dependent CO2 fixation by AMP has been reported in several autotrophic organisms (Johnson and Peck, 1965; Mayeux and Johnson, 1966;Johnson, 1966; Gale and Beck, 1966). Johnson (1966) suggested that the site of AMP inhibition is phosphoribulokinase and that inhibition may occur through allosteric modification of the enzyme. In contrast, Gale and Beck (1966) presented data indicating that AMP inhibition of ATP-dependent CO2 fixation in extracts of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans is competitive with ATP. The studies reported below suggest that in Thiobacillusthioparus phosphoribulokinase is cooperatively affected by ATP and that inhibition of the enzyme by AMP may not be solely competitive.
Chronic anterior tibial compartment syndrome. A light-microscopic, histochemical and electronmicroscopic analysis

Summary A case of chronic anterior tibial compartment syndrome is reported where the entity was accompanied with a primary neurogenic type of muscle atrophy. Histology, histochemistry and electronmicroscopy indicated the diagnosis. The authors concluded that in a moderate case of leg trauma with peroneal nerve involvement, when it is complicated by intermittent arterial spasm, the anterior tibial compartment syndrome may develop chronically.
A novel stereoscopic cue for figure-ground segregation of semi-transparent objects

The visual perception of semi-transparent objects, such as drinking glasses, is an open challenging problem. Unlike opaque objects, semi-transparent objects violate many of the standard vision assumptions, among them that figure-ground segmentation contains salient boundaries. More specifically, reliable motion and stereo cues for segmenting semi-transparent objects are not present because of the infeasibility of establishing correspondence. This paper describes a new discovery that semi-transparent objects are salient on the plane-parallax image generated by the inverse perspective mapping. A novel cue is introduced that reveals objects extruding from a planar support surface. Points on the support plane are consistent with a planar homography transformation, whereas extruding points from textured surfaces violate this mapping. Furthermore, extruding semi-transparent objects violate the mapping due to the refraction of light and strong specularities. The utility of this new cue is demonstrated in a novel detection and localization approach, where the cue is matched to a database of 3D models of semi-transparent objects. Preliminary empirical results suggest that the presented approach produces a small set of candidate locations for semi-transparent objects and yields accurate localization.
A dynamical theory for the off-shell continuation of the πNt-matrix

Abstract A dynamical theory, based on analyticity and dispersion theory, for the half-off-shell continuation of the on-shell πNt-matrix is proposed and developed. The resulting half-shell t-matrix is covariant, unitary, crossing symmetric, and based on a field-theoretic foundation. The dynamical information required to continue half off shell is obtained from field theory and consists of the off-shell amplitudes corresponding to the exchanges of the nucleon in the s- and u-channels and the ϱ and σ mesons in the t-channel. A coupled system of integral equations is derived for the partial wave half-shell t-matrix, which is truncated at the S- and P-waves and solved numerically. The results are compared with those obtained from various separable models of the πNt-matrix. The half-shell t-matrix is examined for separability and is found to be approximately separable in the P33 and P31 states. The dynamical content of the half-shell t-matrix is further illustrated by modeling the dynamical equation.
Simulation of a Concentrating Solar Power Plant With Molten-Salt Thermocline Storage for Optimized Annual Performance

A finite-volume-based model of a molten-salt thermocline tank is developed to achieve simulation at a sufficient level of detail but at low computational cost. Combination of this storage model with a system-level power tower plant model enables yearlong thermocline tank simulation in response to historical weather data and corresponding plant control. The current study simulates a 100 MWe molten-salt power tower plant to optimize annual plant performance as a function of the thermocline tank size and the plant solar multiple.Thermocline storage performance is characterized by the effectiveness of the tank in storing and delivering utilizable heat for steam generation and power production. Additional system-level metrics include thermal energy discard due to saturation of storage capacity and annual plant capacity factor. Economic assessment of the power output is characterized with a simple levelized cost of electricity. Minimum cost is observed with a solar multiple of 3 and a thermocline tank storage capacity of 16 hours.Copyright © 2013 by ASME
Numerical issues in plasticity models for granular materials

Friction plays a fundamental role in the mechanics of granular materials. Two problems are considered: (i) heap formation and (ii) granular flow. Both problems admit closely related mathematical models. In each case, analytical and numerical difficulties are discussed. Efficient and reliable numerical methods are proposed and implemented. The results are illustrated by several computational experiments.
Sutton's disease

Major aphthous stomatitis, also known as Sutton’s disease or periadenitis mucosa necrotica recurrens, is an extremely rare and severe form of the more common recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). RAS is a disorder characterized by recurring ulceration of the nonkeratinized mucosa of the oral cavity.’ Aside from dental caries and periodontal disease, oral aphthae are the most common disorder of the oral cavity.2 RAS is thought to affect at least 20% of the population in North America, though several studies report estimates as high as 50%.~ Sutton’s disease is a rare variant of RAS characterized by recurrent, necrotizing ulcers, which persist for months and ultimately heal with a fibrous scar. Multiple etiologies have been postulated, though the cause of this debilitating disease is unknown.1-8 This report describes the case of a 28-year-old man with Sutton’s disease, who, following treatment with multiple medications, responded well to treatment with the immunosupressant agent cyclophasphamide in combination with prednisone.
Biasing behavioral activation with intent for an entertainment robot

Deliberate control of an entertainment robot presents a special problem in balancing the requirement for intentional behavior with the existing mechanisms for autonomous action selection. It is proposed that the intentional biasing of activation in lower-level reactive behaviors is the proper mechanism for realizing such deliberative action. In addition, it is suggested that directed intentional bias can result in goal-oriented behavior without subsuming the underlying action selection used to generate natural behavior. This objective is realized through a structure called the intentional bus. The intentional bus serves as the interface between deliberative and reactive control by realizing high-level goals through the modulation of intentional signals sent to the reactive layer. A deliberative architecture that uses the intentional bus to realize planned behavior is described. In addition, it is shown how the intentional bus framework can be expanded to support the serialization of planned behavior by shifting from direct intentional influence for plan execution to attentional triggering of a learned action sequence. Finally, an implementation of this architecture, developed and tested on Sony’s humanoid robot QRIO, is described.
Dirhodium(II) Tetraoctanoate

[73482-96-9] C32H60O8Rh2 (MW 778.74) InChI = 1S/4C8H16O2.2Rh/c4*1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8(9)10;;/h4*2-7H2,1H3,(H,9,10);;/q;;;;2*+2/p-4 InChIKey = FZXFNYFVNKTQSX-UHFFFAOYSA-J (nonpolar solvent-soluble catalyst for carbenoid reactions of diazo compounds) Solubility: sol MeOH, MeCN, Et2O, CH2Cl2, toluene, hexane, pentane. Form Supplied in: green solid; commercially available. Preparative Method: prepared by ligand substitution from Rh2(OAc)4.1 Handling, Storage, and Precautions: air stable, weakly hygroscopic; stored in desiccator.
Ultrastructural studies on the intracellular fate of 125I‐nerve growth factor in cultured rat sympathetic neurons

Primary cell cultures of sympathetic neurons from rat were exposed to 125I-nerve growth factor (NGF) and the fate of the NGF in the cell was followed using electron microscopic autoradiography. The intracellular localization of NGF was determined in the cell bodies and in the proximal neurites of neurons that had been grown in three-chamber dishes, following 5 or 24 hr of retrograde transport of NGF from the distal portions of the neurites. Label in the proximal neurites was predominantly associated with lysosomes and multivesicular bodies (MVBs), and at 5 hr elongated tubular elements were especially heavily labeled. Most of the label in the cell bodies was concentrated in lysosomes and MVBs. Lysosomes accounted for the largest fraction (45–60%) of the grains in the cell body, with a labeling density (LD = % grains/% area) of 3–5, while MVBs accounted for 5–10% of the grains with an LD of 5–20. We observed no evidence of nuclear labeling after 5 or 24 hr of retrograde transport. Mass cultures of neurons were incubated for 22 hr with NGF in the presence of the lysosomal inhibitors chloroquine (CQ, 0.05 mM) or methylamine (MA, 10 mM). In both agents the lysosomes were swollen with membranous material but still sequestered NGF, especially in CQ where the lysosomes were associated with almost 65% of the grains and had an LD of 6. CQ and MA had different effects on the morphology of the MVBs: in CQ they were few in number and compact while in MA they were numerous and appeared swollen and vacuolated. We observed no evidence for the nuclear accumulation of NGF even in the presence of the lysosomotropic agents.
“Spontaneous” Interethnic Order: The Emergence of Collective, Path-Dependent Cooperation

Can “spontaneous,” decentralized interethnic cooperation emerge among ethnic groups whose members heavily discount future interethnic relations and do not fear punishment for interethnic noncooperation? Why is it that once the interaction between two ethnic groups evolves along a certain (cooperative or conflictual) path it sometimes becomes harder for the interacting groups to reverse course and seek alternative paths? The answer to these two questions lies in the fact that individual members not only are always calculative and could hence act opportunistically, but also are interdependent and can learn from one another. Because the members of interacting groups operate interdependently they thereby create collective nonlinear path dependence. Using a social game (within evolutionary game theory) the article shows counterintuitively that the emergence of collective, nonlinear path dependence within and across ethnic groups whose members heavily discount the future and face no punishment for interethnic noncooperation makes “spontaneous” decentralized interethnic cooperation a long-run equilibrium. Collective cooperation can thus develop path-dependently among ethnic groups without a Damocles' sword of any sort hanging over their members' heads, even when most individuals are shortsighted and opportunistic.
Immunoglobulin heavy-chain enhancer is required to maintain transfected gamma 2A gene expression in a pre-B-cell line.

Abstract The immunoglobulin heavy-chain (IgH) enhancer serves to activate efficient and accurate transcription of cloned IgH genes when introduced into B lymphomas or myelomas. The role of this enhancer after gene activation, however, is unclear. The endogenous IgH genes in several cell lines, for example, have lost the IgH enhancer by deletion and yet continue to be expressed. This might be explained if the role of the enhancer were to establish high-level gene transcription but not to maintain it. Alternatively, other enhancers might lie adjacent to endogenous IgH genes, substituting their activity for that of the lost IgH enhancer. To address both of these alternatives, we searched for enhancer activity within the flanking regions of one of these IgH enhancer-independent genes and designed an experiment that allowed us to consider separately the establishment and maintenance of expression of a transfected gene. For the latter experiment we generated numerous pre-B cell lines stably transformed with a gamma 2a gene. In this gene, the IgH enhancer lay at a site outside the heavy-chain transcription unit, between DH and JH gene segments. After expression of the transfected gene was established, selective conditions were chosen for the outgrowth of subclones that had undergone D-J joining and thus IgH enhancer deletion. Measurements of gamma 2a expression before and after enhancer deletion revealed that the enhancer was required for maintenance of expression of the transfected gene. The implication of this finding for models of enhancer function in endogenous genes is discussed.
The Role of the Alumni Association in Student Life.

Alumni organizations have special opportunities to influence the experience of prospective and current college students. This chapter explores programs that enhance connections between students and alumni.
Selective growth of mucolytic bacteria including Clostridium perfringens in a neonatal piglet model of total parenteral nutrition.

BACKGROUND: Compromised barrier function and intestinal inflammation are common complications of total parenteral nutrition (TPN). OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that the lack of enteral nutrients in TPN might select commensal or pathogenic bacteria that use mucus as a substrate, thereby weakening the protection provided by the intestinal mucus layer. DESIGN: Ileal microbiota profiles of piglets fed by total enteral nutrition (TEN; n = 6) or TPN (n = 5) were compared with the use of 16S ribosomal DNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and with a PCR-based method developed to specifically measure Clostridium perfringens concentrations. Ileal bacteria from TEN and TPN piglets were also examined for their ability to grow on mucin or sulfated monosaccharides. RESULTS: Bacterial community structure was equally complex in the ileum of TEN and TPN piglets, but profiles clustered according to mode of nutrition. Sixty-two percent of total mucus-associated bacteria (100 colonies tested) in TPN compared with 33% of mucus-associated bacteria (100 colonies tested) in TEN ileal samples grew on mucin. Bacteria capable of using sulfated monosaccharides were also enriched in TPN samples. C. perfringens, an opportunistic pathogen, was specifically enriched in the TPN ileum (P < 0.05). These results were corroborated by cultivation-based studies that showed rapid growth of C. perfringens on mucin-based substrates. CONCLUSIONS: Mucolytic potential is widespread among intestinal bacteria. Mucolytic bacteria in general and C. perfringens in particular were selected when enteral nutrients were withheld in this TPN piglet model. Similar enrichment processes may occur in humans nourished by TPN and may thereby contribute to intestinal dysfunction.
Improving safety in spinal deformity surgery: advances in navigation and neurologic monitoring

Introduction The treatment of spinal deformities has rapidly changed during the past decade. The advent of new surgical techniques, particularly thoracic pedicle screws and spinal osteotomies, allow more aggressive deformity correction, and require an increased focus on safety.
Passive Suicide Ideation: An Indicator of Risk Among Older Adults Seeking Aging Services?

OBJECTIVES: This study examines patterns of endorsements of active suicide ideation (SI), passive SI (synonymous with death ideation), and psychological distress (i.e., depressive and anxious symptomatology) in a sample of vulnerable older adults.METHODS: Data were collected via in-home interviews with aging services care management clients aged 60 years and older (n = 377). The Paykel scale for suicide measured the most severe level of suicidality over the past year, and the ninth item of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) measured current passive/active SI. The remaining items from the PHQ (i.e., PHQ-8) and the Goldberg Anxiety scale measured distress. RESULTS: Latent class analysis revealed a four-class model: a group with mild distress and no active SI, a group with high distress and no ideation, a group with mild distress and both passive and active SI, and a group with high distress and both passive and active SI.DISCUSSION: Results indicate that passive SI rarely presents in vulnerable older adults in the absence of significant risk factors for suicide (i.e., psychological distress or active SI). Thus, the desire for death and the belief that life is not worth living do not appear to be normative in late life. Language: en
The origin and suppression of limit cycles in digitally controlled RF PA loops

The origin of limit cycles in digitally controlled RF PA loops is analysed using the theory of Describing Functions and is shown to result from a code dependent gain caused by DAC quantisation. The effects of the limit cycle in terms of spec compliance for the particular case of the GSM protocol are examined. It is shown how compliance can be maintained even in the presence of limit cycles by carefully specifying the control slope of the PA. Finally, in the case where the PA control slope cannot be constrained, it is shown how the introduction of an intentional nonlinearity into the loop can be exploited to suppress the limit cycle.
Simultaneous field and R2 mapping to quantify liver iron content using autoregressive moving average modeling.

Purpose To investigate the use of a complex multi-gradient echo (mGRE) acquisition and an autoregressive moving average (ARMA) model for simultaneous susceptibility and R2* measurements for the assessment of liver iron content (LIC) in patients with iron overload.
Fever and Cardiac Arrest in a Patient With a Left Ventricular Assist Device

A 68-year-old avid deer hunter with ischemic cardiomyopathy underwent left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation for destination therapy two years ago. He was living an active lifestyle, tracking deer and fishing in a Midwestern forest in November. His wife removed an engorged tick on his thorax. A few days later, he experienced fever, confusion, and ataxia and was hospitalized with septic shock and ventricular fibrillation. The LVAD site had no signs of trauma, drainage, warmth, or tenderness. A peripheral blood smear revealed intraleukocytic anaplasma microcolony inclusions. After completing 14 days of doxycycline, he recovered. Typical non-device-associated infections in LVAD recipients include pneumonia, urinary tract infection, or Clostridium difficile colitis. Human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) is a very atypical non-LVAD infection, and the incidence of tickborne illnesses in LVAD recipients is unknown.
Conference Report: New analytical technologies for biological discovery

While a rapidly growing number of protein and peptide drugs are under development, new analytical technologies have been employed for quantitative measurement of biologics towards understanding of their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Besides presenting the recent advance in studies on small molecule xenobiotics, the 16th North American regional meeting of the International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, has provided scientists with the opportunity to share experience in utilization of new technologies for analyses of protein therapeutics and discuss potential application to future biological discovery.
Cytosol preparations are inadequate for quantitating unoccupied receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3.

AbstractRecent studies in this laboratory have indicated that 90% of the unoccupied receptors for 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2-D3] are associated with nuclear components when chick intestinal mucosa is homogenized in low salt buffer (TED: 10 mM Tris, 1.5 mM EDTA, 1.0 mM dithiothreitol, pH 7.4). This observation suggested that previously reported cytosol 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors could result instead from salt extraction of nuclear receptors. The studies herein indicate that tissue 1,25(OH)2D3 receptor recovery is 30–50% lower in cytosol prepared from KTED (0.3 M KC1 + TED) or STKM (0.25 M sucrose, 50 mM Tris, 25 mM KC1, 5 mM MgCl2, pH 7.4) than in TED-prepared chromatin. Thus tissue concentrations of unoccupied 1,25(OH)2D3 receptors can be closely estimated in TED-chromatin; full quantitation can be achieved by summing the number of receptors in TED-chromatin plus TED-cytosol. Incubation at different temperatures for varying times yielded maximal receptor recovery (6.1 pmol/g mucosal wet weight) at 4°C...
On the Psychology of Loss Aversion: Possession, Valence, and Reversals of the Endowment Effect

Loss aversion states that “losses loom larger than gains.” We consider two types of loss aversion defined by two interpretations of loss. A loss can be defined (1) in terms of valence or (2) in terms of possession. Correspondingly, valence loss aversion (VLA) entails greater sensitivity to negative (vs. positive) changes, and possession loss aversion (PLA) entails greater sensitivity to items leaving (vs. entering) one's possession. Both types of loss aversion imply an endowment effect for attractive items, but PLA implies a reversal of the endowment effect for unattractive items. Experimental results show endowment effect reversals consistent with PLA.
Intercellular Electrical Communication in the Heart: A New, Active Role for the Intercalated Disk

Cardiac conduction is the propagation of electrical excitation through the heart and is responsible for triggering individual myocytes to contract in synchrony. Canonically, this process has been thought to occur electrotonically, by means of direct flow of ions from cell to cell. The intercalated disk (ID), the site of contact between adjacent myocytes, has been viewed as a structure composed of mechanical junctions that stabilize the apposition of cell membranes and gap junctions which constitute low resistance pathways between cells. However, emerging evidence suggests a more active role for structures within the ID in mediating intercellular electrical communication by means of non-canonical ephaptic mechanisms. This review will discuss the role of the ID in the context of the canonical, electrotonic view of conduction and highlight new, emerging possibilities of its playing a more active role in ephaptic coupling between cardiac myocytes.
The Changing Use of Intravenous Opioids in an Emergency Department

Introduction Government agencies are increasingly emphasizing opioid safety in hospitals. In 2012, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) started a sentinel event program, the “Safe Use of Opioids in Hospitals.” We sought to determine if opioid use patterns in our emergency department (ED) changed from 2011, before the program began, to 2013, after start of the program.
Dynamic Affection-Based Motion Control of a Humanoid Robot to Collaborate With Human in Flexible Assembly in Manufacturing

This article presents a hybrid cell for human-robot collaboration (HRC) in flexible light assembly in manufacturing and investigates the effects of the robot’s dynamic affections on human-robot interactions (HRI) and assembly performance. We develop a one human-one robot hybrid cell using a humanoid robot with affection display ability where the human and the robot collaborate to assemble few parts into a final product. Based on an optimization strategy, the assembly subtasks are optimally allocated between the human and the robot. We determine a computational dynamics model of the robot’s affections for various situations associated with the assembly. Taking inspiration from the affection dynamics, we develop an affection-based motion control strategy for the robot so that the robot can dynamically adjust its affective expressions with task situations. We develop a comprehensive evaluation scheme to evaluate HRI and assembly performance in two different conditions of the robot: (i) the robot displays affections in its face dynamically with assembly task situations, (ii) the robot does not display affection. The results show that the motion control of the robot with dynamic affective expressions produce significantly better HRI and assembly performance than that produced by the motion control of the robot with no affective expression.Copyright © 2015 by ASME
Audition and the Central Nervous System of Fishes

It is impossible to discuss the organization and evolution of otic pathways in fishes without discussing their relationship to the lateral line system, as both systems have been claimed to possess a single phyletic origin (Ayers 1892, Wilson and Mattocks 1897, van Bergeijk 1966, 1967) and terminate in the same primary medullar nuclei (Mayser 1882, Herrick 1897, Pearson 1936, Larsell 1967). In examining the development of the lateral line and otic systems in Salmo, Wilson and Mattocks (1897) claimed that both systems arose from a single sensory placode and suggested that the inner ear arose phylogenetically by a portion of the peripheral lateral line sinking beneath the skin surface. Mayser (1882) examined the central course of the eighth cranial nerve in cyprinids and claimed that both it and the lateral line nerves terminate in the “acoustic tubercle” of the medulla. Mayser suggested that the lateral line system of fishes should be viewed as an accessory auditory system, based on convergence of the otic and lateral line efferents. The “acoustic tubercle” of fishes thus became known as the acousticolateral area, and the inner ear’s proposed origin from a portion of the lateral line system is known as the acousticolateralis hypothesis.
An Approximate Turbulent Pressure Fluctuation Frequency Spectra for a Finite Supersonic Plate.

[Abstract] Here we derive approximate physics-based models for wall pressure fluctuation frequency spectra for compressible boundary layer flows. The formulation is based upon approximate analytical solutions to Lighthill’s acoustic equation where very simple representations of the mean-turbulent tensor source term have been applied. The solutions to Lighthill’s equation provide an estimate for the wall pressure fluctuation whereby a Fourier transform for the pressure fluctuation is obtained and used as a surrogate for the actual spectral density. The finite nature of the domain is reflected by our choice of sine or cosine transform. The resulting pressure fluctuation spectrum is explicitly a function of Mach number in terms of both magnitude and spectral curve shape. The resulting expressions exhibit reasonable agreement with Goody’s recommended 1 semi-empirical model in terms of spectral peak and high frequency behavior. The low frequency behavior follows a linear behavior as opposed to the “classical” quadratic rate but passes through the zero intercept. Since compressible low frequency pressure fluctuation behavior is not necessarily correctly described by zero power at zero frequency, we examine modifications of the simplified model which yield finite power at zero frequency. We derive this modification by ignoring the very near wall behavior of the source i.e. the no-slip condition where the Mach number must be low. The consequences of ignoring the very near wall (small scale) behavior will be to provide a poor representation of high frequency behavior, but since our concern in this development is focused on compressible flow and the outer region boundary layer region we will consider this approximation acceptable. A composite model is then derived that provides reasonable estimates for frequency spectrum for supersonic boundary layer flow and shows good agreement with relevant experiments, especially for low frequency. This type of approximate analytical formulation may be of value where more complete simulation based procedures are not appropriate.
A β-boronopeptide bundle of known structure as a vehicle for polyol recognition.

Despite significant progress in the design of receptors and sensors for simple polyols and monosaccharides, few synthetic receptors discriminate among multiple saccharide units simultaneously, especially under physiological conditions. Described here is the three-dimensional structure of a supramolecular complex—a β-peptide bundle—designed for the potential to interact simultaneously with as many as eight discrete monosaccharide units. The preliminary evaluation of this construct as a vehicle for polyol binding is also presented.
Selection and Analysis of Key Parameters During Reverse Design

A new product, which has better properties than its prototype and satisfy the requirement of markets, may be designed in a short time by reverse design. According to the following illustration of the rapid battery inspecting instrument, high quality product is obtained rather than a prototype. Furthermore, the processes of reverse design and some key factors to be selected in design are described specially.
SOLUTE TRAPPING DURING THE PRIMARY SOLIDIFICATION OF Al-Cu-Zn ALLOY

The formula to calculate the driving Gibbs energy and interface temperature during solute trapping in the ternary alloy is present on base of the continuous growth solute trapping model of Aziz and Kaplan, and used to model the solute trapping behavior during the primary solidification of Al-Cu-Zn alloys. The kinetic solidus and liquidus approach to T0 curve with increasing growth velocity on two different isopleths of the alloys. The solute trapping coefficient increases sharply with increasing speed, and the equilibrium partitioning coefficient can be used reasonably for the solidification with cooling rate below 7.1 K/s. In condition of fixed solid composition, the interface temperature rises with increasing velocity and reaches its peak near the solute diffusive speed vD, however, for fixed liquid concentration, the interface temperature decreases for increasing growth speed.
Perspectives in surgical infections.

Despite elucidation of new knowledge and development of new techniques that have led to the prevention or control of some surgical infections, surgical sepsis continues to be a serious problem. There are many specific developments to be hoped for in the future, including a better understanding of acquired microbial resistance to antimicrobial agents.
Fibrin and the vessel wall.

Fibrin is a major component of atherosclerotic plaques, and there may also be situations in which intravascular fibrin is formed in contact with the endothelium. The studies to be presented describe the distribution of fibrinogen/fibrin I, fibrin II, and fragments D and D-dimer in normal vessels and atherosclerotic plaques of increasing severity and also describe some functional effects of fibrin on normal endothelium. Immunohistochemical studies using three specific monoclonal antibodies with the avidin-biotin complex immunoperoxidase technique demonstrated that little fibrinogen/fibrin I or fibrin II and no D/D-dimer were detected in normal aortas. In early lesions and in fibrous plaques, fibrinogen/fibrin I and fibrin II were distributed in long threads and around vessel wall cells. D/D-dimer was not seen in early lesions. In advanced plaques all three molecular forms were detected in areas of loose connective tissue, in thrombi, and around cholesterol crystals. Thus increased fibrin formation and degradation may be associated with progression of atherosclerotic disease. Additionally, the presence of fibrin II around vessel wall cells suggests that these cells may be involved in the fbgn to fibrin transition within the vessel wall.
Recognition of women at risk for fracture and intervention with fast-acting therapies.

Fractures can be a devastating outcome of osteoporosis, a disease that disproportionately affects postmenopausal women. Once a patient sustains a fragility fracture, the risk of future fractures quickly increases, providing compelling rationale for identifying patients at risk and initiating treatment that works rapidly. Comprehensive risk assessment beyond bone mineral density measurement is needed to identify women for further clinical assessment and intervention. Effective management of osteoporosis can improve the long-term health of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. A number of oral therapies have demonstrated a rapid onset of fracture risk reduction. Risedronate has shown significant reductions in vertebral and nonvertebral fracture risk after 6 months and alendronate after 1 year of therapy. Teriparatide also has demonstrated both vertebral and nonvertebral fracture efficacy and should be considered an effective therapeutic.
Ethical Life and the Demands of Conscience

My aim in this paper is to investigate Hegel's claim that ethical life (Sittlichkeit) does not simply negate but rather incorporates, or preserves, crucial elements of the Enlightenment conception of moral subjectivity that Hegel associates with the standpoint of Morality (Moralitat). More specifically, the part of Hegel's view I want to examine here is his claim that individual moral conscience (Gewissen) has its place within the rational social order as depicted in Part III of The Philosophy of Right, “Ethical Life”. There is a widespread perception among Hegel's liberal critics that his vision of the rational social order allows no place for the genuine expression of moral conscience. This is the view expressed, for example, in Ernst Tugendhat's recent charge that Hegel's view excludes the possibility of “adopting a rational perspective” on a society's prevailing norms and practices’: “Hegel does not allow for the possibility of a responsible, critical relation to the … state. Instead he tells us that existing laws have an absolute authority. The independent conscience of the individual must disappear, and trust takes the place of reflection. This is what Hegel means by the Aufhebung of morality into ethical life”.
Profile of everolimus in the treatment of tuberous sclerosis complex: an evidence-based review of its place in therapy

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a relatively rare genetic disorder, affecting one in 6,000 births. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, such as everolimus, which have been previously used to prevent solid organ transplant rejection, augment anticancer treatment regimens, and prevent neovascularization of artificial cardiac stents, are now approved for treating TSC-related manifestations, such as subependymal giant cell astrocytomas and renal angiomyolipomas. The use of everolimus in treating subependymal giant cell astrocytomas is supported by long-term Phase II and III clinical trials. Seizures are a common feature in TSC, occurring in up to 96% of patients. While mTOR inhibitors currently do not have regulatory approval in treating this manifestation, small clinical studies have demonstrated beneficial outcomes with everolimus. Further evidence from a forthcoming Phase III clinical study may provide additional support for the use of everolimus for this indication. Also, there are no approved treatments for TSC-associated neuropsychiatric disorders, which include intellectual disability, behavioral difficulties, and autism spectrum disorder, but preclinical data and small studies have suggested that some neuropsychiatric symptoms may be improved through mTOR inhibition therapy. More evidence is needed, particularly regarding safety in young infants. This review focuses on the current evidence supporting the use of everolimus in neurologic and neuropsychiatric manifestations of TSC, and the place of everolimus in therapy.
Strategy and Tactics for Designing Analogs: Biochemical Characterization of the Large Molecules

Peptides have served as a versatile tool in a broad range of biomedical research and have been used to regulate key biochemical pathways and treat human diseases. Since endogenous peptides and peptides derived from protein sources do not often have optimal physicochemical and biological properties, a number of methods and strategies have been developed to achieve high potency and selectivity to their targets. This chapter summarizes frequently used tactics that have been employed to accomplish this end, including defining critical binding determinants, substituting with nonnatural amino acids, modifying peptide backbone structures, forming macrocycles, and stabilizing biologically active conformations.