cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
On the effects of microbubbles on Taylor–Green vortex flow

The paper describes a numerical study of the effects of microbubbles on the vorticity dynamics in a Taylor-Green vortex flow (TGV) using the two-fluid approach. The results show that bubbles with a volume fraction ∼10 -2 enhance the decay rate of the vorticity at the centre of the vortex. Analysis of the vorticity equation of the bubble-laden flow shows that the local positive velocity divergence of the fluid velocity, ∇·U, created in the vortex core by bubble clustering, is responsible for the vorticity decay. At the centre of the vortex, the vorticity ω c (t) decreases nearly linearly with the bubble concentration C m (t). Similarly, the enstrophy in the core of the vortex, ω 2 (t), decays nearly linearly with C 2 (t). The approximate mean-enstrophy equation shows that bubble accumulation in the high-enstrophy core regions produces a positive correlation between ω 2 and V U, which enhances the decay rate of the mean enstrophy.
Three-dimensional unilateral method for the bilateral measurement of condylar movements

Using a unilateral optoelectronic tracking system (JAWS-3D), a method was developed for the simultaneous measurement of the three-dimensional kinematics of both ipsilateral and contralateral human condyles, the latter being represented by virtual points beyond the field of vision of the camera system during the actual recording. The method leaves the subject's head unrestrained while measuring the movements of two sets of three light-emitting diodes rigidly attached to the upper and lower teeth. The Tait-Bryan angles method was employed for calculating the jaw rotations in three dimensions. Movements were referenced to both a skeletal and a dental coordinate system. The worst-case static measurement errors were 0.24 mm for a 20 mm translation and 0.71 degrees for a 35 degrees rotation. The mean dynamic measurement errors were 9.73 microns s-1 at a constant linear velocity of 200 microns s-1 and 0.73 degrees s-1 at a constant angular velocity of 149 degrees s-1. The utility of the method was demonstrated in a subject who was asked to open and close the mouth in a cyclic fashion.
Labour Unions and the Wage Structure: A General Equilibrium Approach

In recent years a number of studies have been published which tend to show that wage differentials (in particular the college/high school wage differential) are greater than justified by the corresponding differences in productivity (see for example Eckaus (1964), Berg (1971), Taubman and Wales (1973) and Thurow (1975)). The evidence is tenuous, and has been vigorously controverted (e.g. Scoville (1966)). However the major resistance seems so have been on theoretical grounds. These studies directly contradict the predictions of Marshall's (1931, Bk. 6, Chs. 3-6) model of relative wages in a competitive economy based on comparative advantage, and this is taken as a-priori grounds for rejecting them (e.g. Layard and Psacharopoulos (1974)). This article is an attempt to explain the above-cited observations by a theoretical analysis of the long-run impact of labour unions on the structure of relative wages. It is generally agreed that in the short run labour unions can affect the real wages of their members. But in the long run, when the labour market has come into equilibrium, a worker of given characteristics should make the same amount whether or not he is employed on a unionized job. All the employees who originally helped organize the union (and who benefited therefrom by getting more than their market wage) will have retired, and the new employees will be the best the employer can hire for the wage offered.' But it does not follow that unions as a whole have not affected the wage structure (the relationship between the quality of a worker and his relative wage). Rather I shall show that in the long run unions increase the relative wages earned by all high quality workers (whether or not union members), and decrease the relative wages earned by low quality workers. However I shall not consider the impact of unionism on labour's share of national income, and will therefore not advance any opinion concerning the impact of unions on the real (as opposed to relative) wages of any quality of labour. The mechanism is that in the long run an employer, faced with having to pay a higher wage than he would voluntarily, will (ceteris paribus) upgrade his employment standards and attempt to hire the highest quality labour he can get for that wage (at least in the United States where most employers control the quality of labour they hire). Aggregated over many employers and unions, this represents a substantial shift in demand towards higher-quality labour. But (ignoring education, etc. for now) there are no more highquality workers for them to hire. One's natural economic intuition is that the wages of high quality labour will be bid up relative to the wages of low quality labour until the demand for high quality labour is back in balance with the supply. A good analogy is the effect of sulphur emission controls on the premium paid for lowsulphur oils. In response to the emission controls, each user attempts to buy lower-sulphur oil than previously. Of course in aggregate they can't upgrade the quality of the oils used
Arrhythmogenic interaction between low potassium and ouabain in isolated guinea-pig ventricular myocytes.

1. The two-microelectrode method of voltage clamp was used in single myocytes isolated from guinea-pig ventricles to investigate the mechanism underlying the arrhythmogenic interaction between low external K+ and digitalis. 2. We investigated the effects of ouabain (10(-6) M) with 4 mM-K+ or 2 mM-K+ on the peak magnitude of the inward component of oscillatory current (Iti) recorded upon repolarization to the resting potential after depolarizing clamps to -5 mV, and on the characteristics of the steady-state current-voltage relationship. 3. Whereas ouabain with 4 mM-K+ did not alter the current-voltage relationship from its control shape, ouabain with 2 mM-K+ caused marked changes in the curve: the zero-current intercept was shifted in a negative direction, the region of low slope conductance was extended to more negative potentials, and the curve was shifted downward relative to the control current-voltage relationship. The changes in the current-voltage relationship induced by ouabain with 2 mM-K+ were very similar to those induced by 2 mM-K+ alone. 4. The functional consequence of the changes in the current-voltage relationship induced by ouabain with 2 mM-K+ was a highly significant reduction in the amount of outward current (Ith) needed to reach the threshold for excitation; Ith was reduced from 1.6 +/- 0.4 nA (n = 6) in ouabain with 4 mM-K+ to 0.8 +/- 0.3 nA (n = 5) in ouabain with 2 mM-K+. 5. The mean value for Iti was larger in ouabain with 2 mM-K+ (0.58 +/- 0.41 nA, mean +/- S.D., n = 4) than in ouabain with 4 mM-K+ (0.42 +/- 0.38 nA, n = 5). Although the increase in Iti was not statistically significant because of the large variability of the measurement, it is possible that the increase might be physiologically significant. 6. Our results suggest that the arrhythmogenic interaction between digitalis and low K+ is due to the combined effects of low K+ on the current-voltage relationship and on the size of the peak inward current induced by ouabain. Whereas the effect of low K+ and ouabain on the inward current was highly variable, the effects on the current-voltage curve were far more consistent, pointing to an important role for alterations in the current-voltage relationship in the arrhythmogenic interaction between low K+ and ouabain.
Flow visualization inside a water model virtual impactor

To study the basic mechanisms of toxicity of inhaled fibrous aerosols, fibers of specified length and diameter must be prepared. Currently, the best results in separating fibers by length are obtained following an initial aerodynamic separation by a virtual impactor. To optimize the virtual impactor performance, computer simulations are preferred because they are relatively easy and inexpensive compared to experimental trials. Prior to optimization, however, the flow fields obtained from the simulations must first be checked to show satisfactory agreement with experimental observations. The objective of this study was to obtain the flow streamlines within a water model virtual impactor by applying a flow visualization technique. Experimental results showed that the ratio of the central clean water flow to the total flow, r c , was the most important factor affecting flow stability at the dichotomous region and should be kept at less than 5% of the total flow. The dye streams (Reynolds number, Re, > 2000) broke up in the major flow earlier than in the minor flow, indicating the development of turbulence. The turbulent flow pattern became more obvious with increasing Reynolds number. The flow at the dichotomous region was stable when the Reynolds number was greater than 2000 and less than 7000 with r c less than 5% of the total flow and a minor flow ratio, r m , approximately 20% of the total flow.
Permeation of membranes by the neutral form of amino acids and peptides: relevance to the origin of peptide translocation

The flux of amino acids and other nutrient solutes such as phosphate across lipid bilayers (liposomes) is 10(5) slower than facilitated inward transport across biological membranes. This suggest that primitive cells lacking highly evolved transport systems would have difficulty transporting sufficient nutrients for cell growth to occur. There are two possible ways by which early life may have overcome this difficulty: (1) The membranes of the earliest cellular life-forms may have been intrinsically more permeable to solutes; or (2) some transport mechanism may have been available to facilitate transbilayer movement of solutes essential for cell survival and growth prior to the evolution of membrane transport proteins. Translocation of neutral species represents one such mechanism. The neutral forms of amino acids modified by methylation (creating protonated weak bases) permeate membranes up to 10(10) times faster than charged forms. This increased permeability when coupled to a transmembrane pH gradient can result in significantly increased rates of net unidirectional transport. Such pH gradients can be generated in vesicles used to model protocells that preceded and were presumably ancestral to early forms of life. This transport mechanism may still play a role in some protein translocation processes (e.g. for certain signal sequences, toxins and thylakoid proteins) in vivo.
Immune evaluation and vaccine responses in Down syndrome: evidence of immunodeficiency?

Background Patients with Down syndrome (DS) appear to be at a greater risk for serious infections, but it is unclear whether this is due to anatomic variations or intrinsic immune defects.
The subcellular distribution of peptides immunoreactive for the carboxyl-terminal extension of cholecystokinin in rat brain.

Abstract An antiserum raised against a synthetic peptide (D-10-Y) comprising the carboxylterminal extension of cholecystokinin (CCK) detects several immunoreactive peptides, which were found to be widely distributed in rat brain (1). This article reports the subcellular distribution of these D-10-Y-like immunoreactive peptides in whole rat brain. Primary subcellular fractionation yielded a mitochondrial (P2) and microsomal (P3) fraction, both of which were enriched in D-10-Y and CCK 8 peptide immunoreactivity. Further fractionation of P2 yielded a purified synaptosome fraction (P4) which was further enriched in D-10-Y and CCK 8-like peptides. Whole rat brain contains two major molecular forms of D-10-Y-like immunoreactivity, one similar in size to CCK 33 (peak 1) and one slightly larger than CCK 8 (peak 2). In the P2 and P3 fractions, most of the D-10-Y-like immunoreactivity was similar in size to peak 2. It is likely that this D-10-Y-like immunoreactive peptide is an intermediate in the processing of CCK 8, and its enrichment in nerve endings is consistent with the final cleavage and amidation reactions taking place in the nerve terminals.
Chemotherapy induces bcl-2 cleavage in lymphoid leukemic cell lines.

Bcl-2 is the major anti-apoptotic protein evaluated in studies aimed at understanding programmed cell death. Recent work suggests that the biological activity of Bcl-2 is modulated by proteolytic cleavage, with a 23 kDa cleaved Bcl-2 product having pro-apoptotic activity. In the current study we evaluated the effect of chemotherapy on Bcl-2 cleavage in B lineage leukemic cell lines. JM-1, SUP-B15 and RS4 leukemic cell lines cleaved Bcl-2 to its 23 kDa form when exposed to the chemotherapeutic agents 1- β - d -arabinofuranosyl-cytosine (Ara-C) or etoposide (VP-16). Chemotherapy induced Bcl-2 cleavage was blunted by inhibition of caspase activity. Co-culture of leukemic cells with bone marrow stromal cells during chemotherapy exposure resulted in reduced levels of 23 kDa Bcl-2 protein. These observations suggest that the bone marrow microenvironment may contribute to maintenance of residual leukemic disease during treatment by reducing generation of pro-apoptotic 23 kDa Bcl-2.
Bilateral Extrapleural Effusions Complicating Bilateral Pneumonia

In the case reported herein a patient developed bilateral pneumonia and septic shock and subsequently developed bilateral effusions. Chest roentgenograms, computed tomograms, and findings from analysis of the fluid within the chest were consistent with typical empyemas. When surgical decortication was attempted, the effusions were found to be anatomically extrapleural. Symptomatic improvement was noted following debridement.
The Next Landsat Satellite: The Landsat Data Continuity Mission

The Landsat program is one of the longest running satellite programs for Earth observations from space. The program was initiated by the launch of Landsat 1 in 1972. Since then a series of six more Landsat satellites were launched and at least one of those satellites has been in operations at all times to continuously collect images of the global land surface. The Department of Interior (DOI) U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) preserves data collected by all of the Landsat satellites at their Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This 40-year data archive provides an unmatched record of the Earth's land surface that has undergone dramatic changes in recent decades due to the increasing pressure of a growing population and advancing technologies. EROS provides the ability for anyone to search the archive and order digital Landsat images over the internet for free. The Landsat data are a public resource for observing, characterizing, monitoring, trending, and predicting land use change over time providing an invaluable tool for those addressing the profound consequences of those changes to society. The most recent launch of a Landsat satellite occurred in 1999 when Landsat 7 was placed in orbit. While Landsat 7 remains in operation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the DOI/ USGS are building its successor satellite system currently called the Landsat Data Continuity Mission (LDCM). NASA has the lead for building and launching the satellite that will carry two Earth-viewing instruments, the Operational Land Imager (OLI) and the Thermal Infrared Sensor (TIRS). The OLI will take images that measure the amount of sunlight reflected by the land surface at nine wavelengths of light with three of those wavelengths beyond the range of human vision. T1RS will collect coincident images that measure light emitted by the land surface as a function of surface temperature at two longer wavelengths well beyond the range of human vision. The DOI/USGS is developing the ground system that will command and control the LDCM satellite in orbit and manage the OLI and TIRS data transmitted by the satellite. DOI/USGS will thus operate the satellite and collect, archive, and distribute the image data as part of the EROS archive. DOI/USGS has committed to renaming LDCM as Landsat 8 following launch. By either name the satellite and its sensors will extend the 40-year archive with images sufficiently consistent with data from earlier Landsat satellites to allow multi-decadal, broad-area studies of our dynamic landscapes. The next Landsat satellite and ground system are on schedule for a January, 2013 launch.
Synthesis of Ketoximino-Esters as Potential Ataraxics

A series of oximino-esters of 1-phenyl-1,2-propanedione-2-oxime, 10,11-dihydro-dibenzo[ a , d ]cyclohepten-5-one oxime, 3-benzoylindole oxime, 9-fluorenone oxime, and benzophenone oxime were prepared. The respective ketones were oximinated in pyridine with hydroxylamine hydrochloride. The esterification was conducted in either benzene or ether with equimolar quantities of acylchloride, oxime, and a basic reagent. In this investigation, 16 new oximino-esters were synthesized. The pharmacological screening revealed that these agents with appropriate pharmacophores exhibit ataractic activity. The diphenylcarbamyl analogs showed the most significant tranquilizer effectiveness.
Type II superlattice barrier infrared detector

Significant progress has been achieved in the antimonide-based type-II superlattices since the analysis by Smith and Mailhiot in 1987 first pointed out their advantages for infrared detection. In the long-wavelength infrared (LWIR), type-II InAs/Ga(In)Sb superlattices have been shown theoretically to have reduced Auger recombination and suppressed band-to-band tunneling. Suppressed tunneling in turn allows for higher doping in the absorber, which has led to reduced diffusion dark current. The versatility of the antimonide material system, with the availability of three different types of band offsets, provides great flexibility in device design. Heterostructure designs that make effective use of unipolar barriers have demonstrated strong reduction of generation-recombination (G-R) dark current. As a result, the dark current performance of antimonide superlattice based single element LWIR detectors is now approaching that of the state-of-the-art MCT detector. To date, the antimonide superlattices still have relatively short carrier lifetimes; this issue needs to be resolved before type-II superlattice infrared detectors can achieve their true potential. The antimonide material system has relatively good mechanical robustness when compared to II-VI materials; therefore FPAs based on type-II superlattices have potential advantages in manufacturability. Improvements in substrate quality and size, and reliable surface leakage current suppression methods, such as those based on robust surface passivation or effective use of unipolar barriers, could lead to high-performance large-format LWIR focal plane arrays.
SEVERITY SCORING AND OUTCOME ASSESSMENT: Computerized Predictive Models and Scoring Systems

Severity of illness scoring systems and standardized death ratios are being used with increasing frequency as markers of quality of care and to compare and contrast the performance of ICUs. However, numerous factors unrelated to the quality of care delivered may impact the severity of illness score and standardized death ratios. This article reviews the commonly used severity scoring systems and factors that affect their predictive performance.
Mutual Hot-Phonon Effects in Coupled GaAs Quantum Wires

been investigated by a self-consistent Monte Carlo simulation. These results take into account optical phonon confinement within the GaAs region and localization at its boundaries which is caused by the presence of GaAs/AlAs heterointerfaces. Electrical confinement of electrons in several spatially separated quantum wire channels inside the GaAs region with common optical phonons (confined within the whole GaAs bar) is assumed. We have investigated numerically mutual interaction of electrons and phonons over a wide range of electric fields (0 < E < 1000 V/cm) and lattice temperatures (30 K T 300 K). We demonstrate that in a system of two quantum wires coupled through the common confined optical phonons, electron transport in one wire significantly affects electron transport in the second wire due to the presence of the strong mutual hot-phonon drag between these electron channels. This leads to a sufficient modification of the carrier velocity‐field characteristics in the structures investigated.
Reynolds number dependence of the drag coefficient for laminar flow through electrically-heated photoetched screens

Experiments are performed to measure the drag coefficient of electrically-heated screens. Square-pattern 80 mesh and 100 mesh screens of 50.8 μm-wide wires photoetched from 50.8 μm thick Inconel sheets are examined. Ambient air is passed through these screens at upstream velocities yielding wire-width Reynolds numbers from 2 to 35, and electrical current is passed through the screens to generate heat fluxes from o to 0.17 MW/m2, based on the total screen area. The dependence of the drag coefficient on Reynolds number and heat flux is determined for these two screens by measuring pressure drops across the screens for a variety of conditions in these ranges. In all cases, heating is found to increase the drag coefficient above the unheated value. A correlation relating the heated drag coefficient to the unheated drag coefficient is developed based on the idea that the main effect of heating at these levels is to modify the Reynolds number through modifying the viscosity. This correlation is seen to reproduce the experimental results closely.
Revision strategies for lumbar pseudarthrosis

Revision surgery for pseudarthrosis remains costly and complicated. Local and systemic factors should be corrected or improved before further surgery is performed. Careful evaluation is mandatory, and patients' expectations should be addressed fully by the surgeon before undertaking any surgical procedure. The single most important factor in achieving a successful clinical outcome in revision spine surgery is patient selection. Pseudarthrosis is still one of the most difficult conditions to assess as a source of symptoms, and not surprisingly the outcome from repair of pseudarthrosis is the most difficult to predict. In evaluation of a solid fusion, the preliminary test includes plain radiographs that include flexion and extension films. More definitive evaluation of pseudarthrosis usually requires CT with two-dimensional and possibly three-dimensional reconstruction. Adjacent levels and the status of neural structures may be evaluated via MRI scanning, discography, and myelography. After determining the presence of pseudarthrosis and ascertaining through clinical examination and evaluation the level of symptomatic pseudarthrosis, operative intervention may be considered once conservative management has failed. Posterior procedures for revision of a failed lumbar fusion have not yielded reliably successful results; however, this approach does have a significant role in the appropriately selected candidate. A combined anteroposterior approach may be more effective in restoring sagittal balance and enhancing fusion rates. The use of posterior instrumentation in light of an anterior pseudarthrosis or anterior support in light of a posterior pseudarthrosis is a viable option for treatment in these circumstances. Several osteoinductive growth factors, referred to as bone morphogenetic proteins, have been shown to induce transformation of undifferentiated mesenchymal cells into chondroblasts and osteoblasts, which results in the formation of de novo bone. Numerous animal studies have demonstrated the superiority of bone morphogenetic proteins over autogenous bone grafts in various orthopedic settings. Bone morphogenetic protein (by itself or in conjunction with autogenous bone) has been shown repeatedly to produce a better quality of spine fusion in a decreased interval of time when compared with the use of autogenous bone alone. These materials, however, remain investigational and currently are not widely used. Prevention of pseudarthrosis is the most successful treatment, although this is not always possible. Appropriate patient selection, surgical techniques, and the use of biologic implants and gene therapy in the near future will make spinal fusion a more predictable procedure to perform. Undoubtedly there is great difficulty in performing satisfactory and statistically verifiable conclusions from the available published studies. Better prospective outcomes studies are needed to improve our knowledge regarding overall patient satisfaction, function, residual pain, and health impact of the treatment of lumbar spine pseudarthrosis.
Reactive molecular dynamics simulations of shock through a single crystal of pentaerythritol tetranitrate.

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations and the reactive force field ReaxFF were used to study shock-induced initiation in crystalline pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN). In the calculations, a PETN single crystal was impacted against a wall, driving a shockwave back through the crystal in the [100] direction. Two impact speeds (4 and 3 km/s) were used to compare strong and moderate shock behavior. The primary difference between the two shock strengths is the time required to exhibit the same qualitative behaviors with the lower impact speed lagging behind the faster impact speed. For both systems, the shock velocity exhibits an initial deceleration due to onset of endothermic reactions followed by acceleration due to the onset of exothermic reactions. At long times, the shock velocity reaches a steady value. After the initial deceleration period, peaks are observed in the profiles of the density and axial stress with the strongly shocked system having sharp peaks while the weakly shocked system developed broad peaks due to the slower shock velocity acceleration. The dominant initiation reactions in both systems lead to the formation of NO_2 with lesser quantities of NO_3 and formaldehyde also produced.
Analysis of polarization methods for elimination of power overshoot in microbial fuel cells

article i nfo Polarization curves from microbial fuel cells (MFCs) often show an unexpectedly large drop in voltage with increased current densities, leading to a phenomenon in the power density curve referred to as "power overshoot". Linear sweep voltammetry (LSV, 1 mV s −1 ) and variable external resistances (at fixed intervals of 20 min) over a single fed-batch cycle in an MFC both resulted in power overshoot in power density curves due to anode potentials. Increasing the anode enrichment time from 30 days to 100 days did not eliminate overshoot, suggesting that insufficient enrichment of the anode biofilm was not the primary cause. Running the reactor at a fixed resistance for a full fed-batch cycle (~1 to 2 days), however, completely eliminated the overshoot in the power density curve. These results show that long times at a fixed resistance are needed to stabilize current generation by bacteria in MFCs, and that even relatively slow LSV scan rates and long times between switching circuit loads during a fed-batch cycle may produce inaccurate polarization and power density results for these biological systems.
Hormonal regulation of RNA synthesis by mouse mammary gland in vitro.

Explants of mouse mammary glands were cultured for one to five days in chemically-defined medium containing various combinations of insulin, corticosterone, and prolactin. The changes in RNA content and synthesis effected by the several hormone combinations were assessed after one, two, three, and five days of culture. Histological examination was also made to determine explant viability and secretory development. Insulin was responsible for the initial stimulation of RNA synthesis, but its activity fell after the first day. Prolactin and insulin effected maximal accumulation of RNA on the second day, but the influence of these two hormones also declined by the third day unless corticosterone was also present. The hormones in the sequential order in which they manifest their activity on mammary RNA thus appear to be: insulin, prolactin, corticosterone. The non-parallel patterns of uridine incorporation and RNA accumulation suggest that the major fraction of hormone-stimulated RNA is synthesized during the first two days and can be maintained by the appropriate hormonal milieu. The histological responses show that although insulin alone has an early effect on RNA synthesis, the subsequent secretory differentiation of the explants requires the further presence of prolactin and corticosterone.
Distinguishing Cultural Expectations in Assessment of Financial Exploitation

Formal protocols for the screening of financial exploitation have tended to be rooted in the assumptions reflective of a white, middle class perspective and have often failed to account for cultural differences in minority communities. This article discusses the significance of cultural considerations in screening for financial exploitation. It proposes that we view exploitation on a continuum utilizing a broader definition with a focus on the dynamics of interactions in families.
Colorimetric estimation of arylsulfatase: enzyme kinetics and distribution of the enzyme in seven mammals and in tumors.

Abstract A new method is given for the assay of arylsulfatase activity in mammalian tissue using potassium 6-benzoyl-2-naphthylsulfate as substrate. This substrate had been developed for a histochemical method for demonstrating this enzyme. The effect on the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis of the substrate by pH, temperature, duration of incubation, and concentrations of tissue and substrate is presented. The tissues of the hamster and the rat showed the highest sulfatase activity. There was much less activity in the tissues of man, mouse, dog, guinea pig, and rabbit. The highest enzymatic activity was generally found in liver, kidney, pancreas, and salivary glands. Under the same conditions very little sulfatase activity was noted in human and animal tumors.
Intestinal calcium absorption in the aged rat: evidence of intestinal resistance to 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D.

We investigated the role of circulating 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25(OH)2D) and intestinal resistance to 1,25(OH)2D in the diminished intestinal calcium absorption capacity of the senescent rat. We measured plasma 1,25(OH)2D, total and unoccupied duodenal vitamin D receptor, duodenal calbindin D9k protein (calbindin D), and net dietary calcium absorption in rats at several ages. As expected, circulating 1,25(OH)2D, calbindin D, and net calcium absorption decreased with age. However, no age-related changes were evident in intestinal vitamin D receptor levels. We then measured duodenal calcium absorption from in situ intestinal loops after continuous sc infusion of 1,25(OH)2D for up to 6 days and found that despite a marked elevation of plasma 1,25(OH)2D duodenal calcium absorption was significantly lower in old compared with young rats. To assess calcium absorption over a wide physiological range of plasma 1,25(OH)2D, in a dose-response study we altered plasma 1,25(OH)2D by continuous infusion of 1,...
Management of severe hyperkalemia.

Background and Objectives:Hyperkalemia is one of the few potentially lethal electrolyte disturbances. Prompt recognition and expeditious treatment of severe hyperkalemia are expected to save lives. This review is intended to provide intensivists and other interested clinicians with an understanding
Role of bile acids in fat absorption in low birth weights infants

Low birth weight (L.B.W.) infants absorb fats with greater difficulty than normal term infants. The possible role played by intestinal bile acid concentrations (B.A.C.) in this defect was studied. Seventeen L.B.W. infants aged 10 to 34 days weighing 1540–2300 Gm. (mean-1790) were intubated and duodenal contents were aspirated for a period of one hour starting between 2–3 hours after feedings of unsaturated fat formula. Aspirates were kept on ice and were subsequently assayed for lipase activity and total B.A.C. (Method of Iwata). Concurrent 48 hr. stool collections were analyzed for fat. Lipase activity was normal in all infants (6.5–16 I.U./ml.). In infants with duodenal B.A.C. below 2mM/L (critical micellar concentration) coefficients of fat absorption were 48%-77% (normal 80%). In 7 of 8 infants with levels greater than 2mM/L, fat absorption was above 80%. Attempts to correlate ages or weights of the infants with levels of fat absorption did not yield consistent relationships. However, when age of the infants was related to total B.A.C, 10–19 day old infants (12) showed a mean value of 2.07 ± 1.3 mM/L, compared to 20–34 day old infants (7) with a mean of 5.8 ± 2.7 mM/L. Control babies of three weeks to 8 mos. of age (8) had a mean B.A.C. of 6.8 ± 2.7. Four younger L.B.W. infants were restudied after 2–3 weeks and showed a three-fold rise in B.A.C. Conclusions from these preliminary studies indicate that L.B.W. infants display lower levels of duodenal B.A.C. than do older and larger infants. There is a good inverse correlation between B.A.C. and steatorrhea.
Appropriate use of cardiovascular technology: 2013 ACCF appropriate use criteria methodology update: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation appropriate use criteria task force.

The past several decades have seen rapid and extensive changes in the practice of cardiology, especially in the innovation and utilization practices of imaging, interventional, and electrophysiology procedures. Enhanced radionuclide imaging techniques, evolution of echocardiography, development of
Predictability of alloreactivity among unrelated individuals: role for HLA‐DPB1

: We compared the mixed lymphocyte culture reaction (MLR-I) among unrelated individuals who are carriers of the extended haplotype [HLA-B8, SC01, DR3, DRB1*0301, DQB1*0201] on one chromosome and the generic specificity HLA-DR4 on the second chromosome. Genomic DNA samples from the same individuals were also analyzed for HLA-DRB1, DQB1 and DPB1 alleles by PCR and SSOPH typing and for DOB polymorphism by RFLP. HLA-DRB1 alleles, in paired MLR responses between unrelated individuals indicated that matching of HLA-DRB1 was a better predictor of non-reactivity than identity in HLA-DR generic types, (43% vs 22%). Moreover, 90% of the DRB1 matched pairs had nonreactive and weakly reactive MLR, whereas only 37% of DRB1 mismatched unrelated individuals gave weak or no reactions. Matching for HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DPB1 alleles eliminates a significant number of cell mixtures with MLR-I reactivity. Furthermore, some DPB1 mismatches, but not all, do not seem to elicit MLR-I reactivity.
Building Energy Consumption On-Line Forecasting Using System Identification and Data Fusion

Model based control has been proven to have significant building energy saving potentials through operation optimization. Accurate and computationally efficient, and cost-effective building energy model are essential for model based control. Existing studies in this area have mostly been focusing on reducing computation burden using simplified physics based modeling approach. However, creating and identification the simplified physics based model is often challenging and requires significant engineering efforts. Therefore, this study proposes a novel methodology to develop building energy estimation models for on-line building control and optimization using an integrated system identification and data fusion approach. System identification model has been developed based on frequency domain spectral density analysis. Eigensystem realization algorithm is used to generate the state space model from the Markov parameters. Kalman filter based data fusion technique has also been implemented to improve the accuracy and robustness of the model by incorporating with real measurements. A systematic analysis of system structure, system excitation selection as well as data fusion implementation is also demonstrated. The developed strategies are evaluated using a simulated testing building (simulated in EnergyPlus environment). The overall building energy estimation accuracy from this proposed model can reach to above 95% within 2 minutes calculation time, when compared against detailed physics based simulation results from the EnergyPlus model.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
COBRA: a sensitive and quantitative DNA methylation assay

We report here on a quantitative technique called COBRA to determine DNA methylation levels at specific gene loci in small amounts of genomic DNA. Restriction enzyme digestion is used to reveal methylation-dependent sequence differences in PCR products of sodium bisulfite-treated DNA as described previously. We show that methylation levels in the original DNA sample are represented by the relative amounts of digested and undigested PCR product in a linearly quantitative fashion across a wide spectrum of DNA methylation levels. In addition, we show that this technique can be reliably applied to DNA obtained from microdissected paraffin-embedded tissue samples. COBRA thus combines the powerful features of ease of use, quantitative accuracy, and compatibility with paraffin sections.
Apátridas republicanos en campos de concentración nazis

Abstract El via crucis que experimentaron mas de medio millon de republicanos al terminar la Guerra Civil espanola, se definiria entre el exilio o el transito a los campos de concentracion y de exterminio nazis. Aunque la representacion literaria del colectivo espanol, dentro de la narrativa del Holocausto, repunto durante la transicion de Espana a la democracia, el genero autobiografico se mantuvo rezagado a un segundo plano y, especificamente, la representacion de los miles de catalanes que sobrevivieron el horror nazi, tomaria un espacio publico en la decada de los setenta. Este trabajo examina la figura republicana dentro del marco global del holocausto y, en particular, el aporte de las novelas autobiograficas La escritura o la vida, de Jorge Semprun y K. L. Reich de Joaquim Amat-Piniella, a la narrativa testimonial, a la representacion del trauma del superviviente de los campos nazis, y tambien como legado a las generaciones posteriores al holocausto. Para ilustrar lo ultimo indagare en el trabajo p...
Effects of jasmonic acid, branching and girdling on carbon and nitrogen transport in poplar

Summary •Here, we examined the impact of jasmonate (JA) treatment, branching and phloem girdling on 13C and 15N import, invertase activity and polyphenol accumulation in juvenile tissues of unbranched and branched hybrid poplar saplings (Populus nigra × P. deltoides). •The import of 13C to juvenile tissues was positively correlated with invertase activity at the treatment site and enhanced by JA. Both invertase activity and 13C import were greater in shorter, younger branches and smaller, younger leaves. By contrast, JA treatments, branching and girdling had little or no impact on 15N import. •In poplar saplings with multiple lateral branches, we observed almost no 13C movement from subtending source leaves into lateral branches above them, with or without JA treatment. The presence of potentially competing branches, treated with JA or not, girdled or not, had no impact on carbohydrate (CHO) import or polyphenol accumulation in target branches. •We conclude that poplar branches comprise modules that are relatively independent from each other and from the stem below in terms of CHO movement, carbon-based defence production and response to elicitors. By contrast, branches are closely linked modules in terms of nitrogen movement. This should produce trees that are highly heterogeneous in quality for herbivores.
Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura: A Thrombotic Disorder Caused by ADAMTS13 Deficiency

A serious disorder with characteristic microvascular thrombosis involving the brain and other organs, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) typically presents with thrombocytopenia, hemolysis with schistocytes on blood smears, and mental changes or seizures. It may progress rapidly to a fatal end if the patient is not treated immediately with plasma. Recent advances have shown that TTP is caused by deficiency of a circulating, von Willebrand factor cleaving metalloprotease, ADAMTS13. This new knowledge will provide clues to improve the diagnosis and management of this intriguing disease.
Should β blockers no longer be considered first-line therapy for the treatment of essential hypertension without comorbidities?

Although most guidelines committees historically recommended initial diuretics and/or β blockers for uncomplicated hypertension, clinical trial outcomes analyzed in the last 5 to 7 years have been suboptimal with atenolol, the world’s most popular β blocker. Several meta-analyses have suggested that despite lowering blood pressure, any and all β blockers inadequately protect hypertensive patients from cardiovascular events. These phenomena have been attributed to ineffective lowering of central aortic or inter-visit blood pressures, or adverse metabolic effects (particularly when combined with diuretics). Although there has never been a head-to-head comparison of atenolol with any other β blocker in hypertensive patients, indirect comparisons can be done with network and Bayesian meta-analyses, which suggest that heterogeneity of β-blockers’ pharmacology also extends to outcomes. Although once-daily atenolol as initial antihypertensive therapy may be unwise, whether initial β blockers newer than atenolol reduce cardiovascular risk to the same extent as other antihypertensive drugs should be answered with more clinical trials.
Across‐ versus within‐class comparative advertising: Insights into prestige class anchoring

Advertising manipulations show that across-class comparisons with a leader in a more prestigious class result in an increase in perceived value for the sponsoring advertiser. Such results provide suggestive insights into the viability of across-class advertising when contrasted to an alternative advertising framework (within-class comparisons). This study develops the theory and results of across-class associations and addresses its limitations and areas in need of inquiry. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Torsional Crack Growth Test to Simulate Belt Edge Deformation

Abstract The study of fatigue crack growth resistance for tire belt compounds is motivated by the high deformation cycles inherent in the belt edge region of radial tires. To improve the understanding of fatigue in this region, a test has been developed to simulate crack growth in shear (mode III). A rubber disk with a circumferential pre‐crack is tested in cyclic torsion to simulate belt edge interlaminar shear cycles. Theoretical, numerical [finite element analysis (FEA)] and experimental methods have been employed to investigate and quantify the response. A recent improvement to the analysis considers nonlinear elastic material behavior which is characteristic of carbon black‐filled tire compounds. The best agreement between torsional test results and results from typical thin sheet geometries was found for lightly reinforced compounds; crack branching often complicates results for more highly reinforced compounds. Fracture surfaces are examined for evidence of non‐planar crack growth to help interpret...
Teaching professionalism within a community context: perspectives from a national demonstration project.

Abstract Most medical schools now include some component of professionalism in their curriculum, ranging from “white coat” ceremonies to didactic and small-group, case-based discussions. Often this format does not provide a context for the course content nor does it necessarily make the curricular themes relevant to population groups and communities most vulnerable to the inequities and injustices present in health care. The authors describe a community-based professionalism curriculum for preclinical and clinical year medical students and report evaluation data from three years (2001–2003) of this national demonstration project. The curriculum emphasized four themes: service, community, advocacy, and ethical behavior and was based on a service–learning pedagogy applied within community-based organizations. As part of the program evaluation, 95 students from 33 medical schools between the years 2001 and 2003 (response rate: 84.8%) completed an anonymous questionnaire. When asked what did they learn about professionalism that they did not learn (or expect to learn) in their medical school curriculum, the most common themes were (1) factors and influences affecting professional behavior, with many specifically citing pharmaceutical companies and insurance carriers (46.3%); (2) the role and importance of physician advocacy on behalf of their patients (37.9%); and (3) issues specific to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged populations (20.0%). This project demonstrates that community-based experiences can provide unique and relevant learning in a professionalism curriculum that can complement existing medical-school-based efforts.
Psychiatric diagnoses as contemporaneous risk factors for suicide attempts among adolescents and young adults: Developmental changes

The purpose of this prospective, naturalistic study was to examine the relationships between suicide attempts and contemporaneous psychiatric disorders, and developmental changes in these relationships from adolescence to young adulthood. The sample consisted of 180 adolescents, 12-19 years of age at hospitalization, repeatedly assessed for up to 13 years (n = 1,825 assessments). Semistructured psychiatric diagnostic instruments were administered at repeated assessments to assess psychiatric disorders and suicide attempts. After controlling for demographic variables and prehospitalization suicide attempts, most contemporaneous psychiatric disorders (major depressive disorder [MDD], dysthymic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder [GAD], panic disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder [AD/HD], conduct disorder, and substance use disorder [SUD]) were related to increased risk of attempts. The relationship between suicide attempts and MDD, GAD, AD/HD, and SUD strengthened as participants got older. MDD, dysthymic disorder, GAD, and panic disorder were more commonly associated with repeat than 1st-time suicide attempts. In sum, most major psychiatric disorders are associated with increased risk for suicide attempts, but the strength of the relationships between these disorders and attempts changes over the course of development.
MICROEVOLUTIONARY SEQUENCES AS A FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPT IN MACROEVOLUTIONARY MODELS.

Mechanisms of major evolutionary change have remained one of the more vexing problems in evolutionary biology. The long time periods associated with their operation precludes the use of experiments and direct observations for the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying transspecific changes. Paleontologists have supplied most of the direct observations of major phyletic evolution in plants and animals, but they have been severely limited in their efforts to clarify the associated evolutionary mechanisms because of the nature of the fossil record. Evolutionists are restricted to analogies and assumptions as the main bases for the formulation of theories explaining large evolutionary changes. Most earlier students assumed that evolution of new taxa or of new complex adaptive features resulted from some type of saltation; hence they believed that the mechanisms of transspecific evolution differed from those acting at the species level. They also believed that the known methods of microevolution could not explain the "fundamental differences" associated with the origin of a new complex adaptation or the rise of a new major taxon. These views mirrored the large gaps in the known fossil record at that time and still undiscovered or inadequately studied adaptations among living organisms. With the development of the synthetic theory of evolution beginning in the 1930's, many workers claimed that major evolutionary change occurred by the same mechanisms