cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 marR mutant.

Abstract One mechanism for generation of multiple antibiotic resistance in enteric bacteria involves the global regulatory system marRAB. The operon, when induced, encodes for resistance to structurally and functionally unrelated antibiotics. Exposure of Escherichia coli O157:H7 to increasing levels of chloramphenicol (CHL) resulted in survival of mutants that were resistant to the inducing agent and to tetracycline (TET), nalidixic acid (NAL), and ciprofloxacin (CIP). A mutant (RU122) that lacks MarR, the transcriptional repressor of the multiple antibiotic resistance (mar) operon, served as a genetic tool to study the role of MarR in growth of E. coli O157:H7. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed in growth curves of the wild-type or the mutant under the conditions examined (rich and minimal media, acidic conditions, and temperatures from 24 to 42 C). A preconditioned mutant (indRU122; cultured for 17 h in Luria–Bertani (LB) containing chloramphenicol and then examined) exhibited greater growth under all treatments tested compared to the mutant. marCRAB of E. coli O157:H7 was sequenced and compared to other known mar sequences to determine divergence from other bacteria (Salmonella, Klebsiella, and Enterobacter).
Void swelling behavior of vanadium ion irradiated molybdenum

Abstract The void swelling behavior of molybdenum bombarded with 3.1. MeV 51 V + ions over a temperature range of 750 to 1500°C and a dose range of 2 to 50 displacements per atom (dpa) is reported. The results are analyzed using present void nucleation and growth theories, and are compared to previous ion and neutron irradiation results for molybdenum. This study presents strong evidence that void swelling in molybdenum is controlled by formation of void superlattices at irradiation temperatures up to 1100°C and by an equilibrium void spacing based on defect diffusivities above that temperature. Differences in dose rates seem to have a role in determining the temperatures at which swelling is found, but not in determining the actual swelling behavior.
Removal of surface loop from stitched composites can improve compression and compression-after-impact strengths

Stitching through-the-thickness (TTT) of composite materials produces a surface loop of yarn between successive penetrations. The surface loop is pressed into the surface layers of the composite material during the curing of the laminate, kinking the in-plane fibers near the surface of the material. The compression strength and compression-after-impact (CAI) strengths of carbon-epoxy specimens were measured with and without the surface loop. Removal of the surface loop had no influence on failure mode or failure mechanism, but did significantly increase the compression and CAI strengths.
APPLICATION OF OIL SPILL SIMULATIONS TO TANKER ROUTING OFF THE U.S. COAST

ABSTRACT Enactment of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 has resulted in increased efforts by the U.S. Coast Guard to identify and evaluate existing tanker routing schemes that may pose a threat to sensitive marine resources. The Minerals Management Service is assisting in these efforts through stochastic applications of its oil spill trajectory models. Restricting tanker routes or establishing tanker-free zones would constrain the potential sites of future tanker spills. This restriction would maximize the available response time for containment, recovery, or natural dispersion of tanker spills. Two analyses are described. In the first analysis, multiple trajectories were simulated from tanker routes off the U.S. west coast. (Similar analyses are planned for the east coast and the Gulf of Mexico.) Contacts with environmental resources, which were assigned sensitivity index values, were plotted as seasonal oil spill contact risk contours. The contours were used to define alternative boundaries of potential tan...
KCNE Regulation of KvLQT1 Channels: Structure–Function Correlates

Abstract K + channels play a central role in determining resting membrane potential and cellular excitability. There is growing recognition that the channels exist not as independent units but as macromolecular complexes able to integrate a plethora of cellular signals to fine-tune channel activities. Interaction of K + channels with accessory proteins and subunits is increasingly reported as providing mechanisms for channels to respond to a variety of stimuli beyond just changes in membrane potential. One such association is that between some voltage-gated K + channels and the proteins encoded by the KCNE family of genes. The significance of these interactions is manifest in reports of genetic disorders such as the Long QT Syndrome linked to KCNE mutations and proarrhythmic drug susceptibilities from KCNE polymorphisms. The mechanism by which KCNE-encoded proteins control channel behavior is an emerging story. This article reviews some of the recent work addressing the prototypical KCNE–channel interaction between minK and KvLQT1 (Trends Cardiovascular Med 2002;12:182–187).
Severe RSV Bronchiolitis in an Immunocompromised Child

A 9-year-old with immunodeficiency developed a severe, diffuse respiratory illness that necessitated mechanical ventilation. Open lung biopsy revealed Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) as the sole pathogen. RSV detection should be included in the differential diagnosis of diffuse lung disease in an immunocompromised child.
DTP VACCINE REACTIONS: EFFECT OF PRIOR REACTIONS ON RATE OF SUBSEQUENT REACTIONS

It is generally presumed that children who have had reactions to DTP immunization will be more likely to have similar or more severe reactions upon subsequent immunization. To evaluate this contention, we studied the rates of selected reactions in 4,058 children in whom we had similar reaction data recorded for a proceeding DTP immunization. Only reactions occurring within 48 hours of immunization were included. There were 1,195 children in whom rectal temperatures were recorded at 3 and 6 hours after both immunizations. Of these, the rate of occurrence of fever (temp ≥ 38°C) after the second immunization was 38.5% in children who in previous immunization had temperatures ≥38°C and 52.8% in those who previously had temperatures ≥38°C (p<0.0001). The rates of other reactions in 4,058 children as a function of previous reactions are as follows (no prior reaction/prior reaction): local redness, 28.5%/44.3% (p<0.0001); local swelling, 32.0%/45.9% (p<0.0001); local pain, 39.6%/49.0% (p<0.0001); drowsiness, 27.3%/36.7% (p<0.0001); fretfulness, 49.4%/57.3% (p<0.0001); vomiting, 4.9%/8.1% (p<0.02); eating less, 18.2%/ 22.7% (p<0.004); persistent screaming, 3.9%/7.2% (p<0.02). These data strongly support the presumption that children who have had previous reactions following DTP immunization are more likely to have similar reactions upon subsequent immunization.
Overstory vegetation and successional trends of Land Between The Lakes, USA

133 stands from the uplands of Land Between The Lakes (LBL) were sampled. Stand data were ordinated to identify clinal patterns in the overstory vegetation. A coeno-cline, accounting for 52% of the species variance, was developed from the first ordination axis. Classification of stands identified nine dominance types: Pinus echinata-Quercus spp., Q. prinus, Q. prinus-Q. alba, Q. stellata-Q. alba, Q. velutina-Q. alba, Q. alba, Q. alba-Q. rubra, Acer saccharum-Q. alba-Fagus grandifolia sadF. grandifolia-A. saccharum. Compositionally-stable (climax) and unstable (successional) stands were analyzed separately. Trajectories of unstable stands include the succession of P. echinata to Quercus-dominated communities on xeric sites and of Quercus types to more mesophytic communities (e.g. A. saccharum and F. grandifolia) onmesic sites. These shifts indicate the nature of the future climax overstory composition at LBL. The first axis DCCA ordination for climax stands accounted for 45% of the vegetation variance. Factor Analysis identified two significant suites of variables related to vegetation: soil chemistry/soil moisture and soil texture. Specific variables related to variation in the climax vegetation include soil pH, calcium and magnesium, effective soil depth, available water capacity, percent rock in the soil, slope position, aspect, elevation and distance to the opposing slope. Modal positions of species along the direct gradient ordination were similar in rank order to those derived from the indirect gradient ordination of all stands. The latter ordination represents the present forest vegetation pattern at LBL. Climax stands showed a shift in modes of Quercus spp. toward the xeric end of the gradient and increases in habitat width of mesophytic species. Following a reduction in disturbance, species appear to adjust to changes in competition and available habitat. That is, the dimensions of realized niches (i.e. habitat widths) change with succession. The climax vegetation at LBL appears to show centrifugal organization.
Delay of auditory input in “simultaneous” auditory and visual short-term memory

In an attempt to facilitate visual recall when material is presented under bisensory simultaneous conditions (i.e., visual and auditory stimuli are presented together), auditory material was delayed up to 1/4 sec relative to the onset of the visual material. Visual recall, however, remained stable across the auditory delays, suggesting a limitation in the visual system beyond that associated with the simultaneous occurrence of auditory material.
Protein Adsorption in a Continuous Flow Microchannel Environment

Protein adsorption is a critical issue in microfluidic devices especially for those reactions depending on proteins like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Understanding protein absorption phenomena in different geometry microchannels and evaluating the efficiency of dynamic coating, which has been using as a method to prevent protein adsorption, are important tasks. Two different sets of microchannels were designed and fabricated on polymers. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was used as a model protein for quantification of and monitoring the protein loss in different microchannel geometries. Up to 58% of the BSA was lost after flowing a 2030 mm long microchannel. The BSA adsorption rate changed along the microchannel. Smaller microchannels required a longer time to achieve protein saturation point. Dynamic coating was shown to be a time consuming and inefficient method to prevent protein adsorption in a continuous flow environment.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Surface impurities and ``clean-up'' techniques in ORMAK

Abstract The detrimental role played by impurities in thermonuclear devices is now well-known. Experimental studies to identify those impurities residing on the liner, or first wall, of the Oak Ridge Tokamak (ORMAK) have been carried out in the laboratory using Auger Electron (AES) and X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) spectroscopic techniques. Additionally, liner measurements have been made in situ using a small Soft X-ray Appearance Potential Spectrometer (SXAPS). Oxygen, iron and carbon were found to be the major surface impurities and, as confirmed by plasma diagnostics, also the major plasma impurities. Glow discharge cleaning of gold and stainless steel surfaces has been studied using various gases and gas mixtures. Oxygen discharges are very effective and hydrogen moderately effective in removing carbon and hydrocarbon deposits from both types of surfaces. Other parameters involved in the contamination-decontamination process, such as pressure and temperature, have been studied using techniques to controllably contaminate surfaces with hydrocarbons.
The Moral Justification for School-Based Condom Availability Programs

Abstract In the field of health education the pursuit of healthy lifestyles often links scientific interests about reducing mortality and morbidity with philosophical interests about promoting morality. This article discusses such a symbiotic relationship contained within school-based condom availability programs in which health educators are confronted with the union of health and moral concerns. A major contention of this article is that health educators are obligated to address and resolve these ethical issues, such as whether a health educator's responsibility to promote health and prevent disease should morally obligate health educators to implement condom availability programs for teenagers. This article conducts a philosophical inquiry into the ethical issues involved in a school-based condom availability program. A principle-based approach to moral reasoning is used and argues that the ethical principles of autonomy, justice, beneficence, and nonmaleficence justify the existence of school-based co...
Use of EMI response coefficients from spheroidal excitation and scattering modes to classify objects via SVM

Electromagnetic induction (EMI) has been shown to be a promising technique for unexploded ordnance (UXO) detection and discrimination. The excitation and response of a UXO or any other object to EMI sensors can be described in terms of scalar spheroidal modes consisting of associated Legendre functions. The spheroidal response coefficients Bjk correspond to the kth spheroidal response to the jth spheroidal excitation. The Bjk have been shown to be unique properties of an object, in that objects producing different scattered fields must be characterized by different Bjk. Therefore, the Bjk coefficients may be useful in discrimination. We use these coefficients rather than dipole moments because they are part of a physically complete, rigorous model of the object's response. Prolate spheroidal coordinate systems recommend themselves because they conform most readily to the proportions of objects of interest. In clearing terrain contaminated by UXO, the ability to distinguish larger buried metallic objects from smaller ones is essential. Here, a Support Vector Machine (SVM) is trained to sort objects into different size classes, based on the Bjk. The classified objects include homogeneous spheroids and composite metallic assemblages. Training a SVM requires many cases. Therefore, an analytical model is used to generate the necessary data. In simulation studies, the SVM is very successful in classifying independent sets of objects of the same type as the training set. Furthermore, we see that the Bjk are not related to size or signal strength of the object in any simple or visually discernible way. However, SVM is still able to sort the objects correctly. Ultimately, the success of the SVM trained with synthetic (model derived) data will be evaluated in application to data from a limited population of real objects, including UXO.© (2006) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.
Mutations and regulatory anomalies effecting tumor cell immune functions

The immune system is capable of interacting with tumor cells in such a way as to lead to tumor cell death, and this knowledge has inspired therapies to manipulate patient immune systems to eradicate cancer. However, tumor cells are able to mitigate the antitumor immune response, a fact that has rarely been addressed in the design of immunotherapies. There are many different tumor cell immune functions that play a role in mitigating the antitumor immune response. In some cases, these functions appear to be intimately associated with the tumor cell abnormalities that lead to loss of growth control, such as the cases where classical tumor suppressor proteins regulate tumor cell immune function genes. In other cases, tumor cell mutations appear to affect only the antitumor response, such as tumor cell mutations that eliminate MHC class I expression. Here I review the bases for tumor cell immune functions, noting in particular where tumor cell mutations, the gold standard for identifying a tumor-specific function, are known to be responsible for the tumor cell immune function. This review also discusses other known regulatory anomalies, in the absence of a known mutation, that are apparently important for tumor development and that regulate tumor cell immune functions. Surprisingly, in many cases where the tumor cell immune function is well understood in terms of its effect on the antitumor immune response, the tumor abnormality underlying the tumor cell immune function is completely uncharacterized.
Diagnosis in a dish: your skin can help your brain.

The discovery that skin cells from an adult human can be reprogrammed back to their embryonic stage and then differentiated to produce neuron-like cells in culture opens an opportunity to study disease pathogenesis and screen potential therapeutic drugs. A new study provides an example of this approach for the neuropsychiatric disorder Timothy syndrome (pages 1657–1662 ).
Specificity and valency of concanavalin A in neuron-substratum adhesion and redistribution of cell surface receptors.

Abstract Neurons seeded in culture as spherical cells flatten partially to form lamellipodia by which they adhere to the substratum. Lamellipodium formation is stimulated specifically by concanavalin A (Con A) and other mannose-binding lectins in several types of neuronal cells, but not in similarly treated fibroblasts. Conditions that block much of the adsorption of Con A to the substratum have no effect on stimulation of lamellipodium formation by Con A. This suggests that Con A acts in solution on neurons and does not directly bind them to their substrata. Succinylated-Con A (bivalent) binds to the same receptors as native Con A (tetravalent) but does not elicit lamellipodium extension unless crosslinked with anti-Con A IgG. Treatment of neurons with Con A produces local changes in the composition of the cell surface resulting from redistribution of lectin receptor complexes. This redistribution is not as great with SCon A and, like lamellipodium formation, is sensitive to the valency of Con A. A variety of treatments (4°C, trifluoperazine, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, 4-bromphenacyl bromide, and cytochalasin D), inhibit both Con A-receptor redistribution and lamellipodium extension by neurons. Other treatments (colchicine and cycloheximide) prevented neither lamellipodium formation nor redistribution.
A Modern Cinderella: Race, Sexuality, and Social Class in the Rhinelander Case

On November 13, 1924, the first public announcements of white scion Leonard Kip Rhinelander's secret marriage to a working-class “colored” woman, Alice Jones, exploded across the front pages of New York newspapers. Although Rhinelander, a wealthy white socialite, ignored family orders and stayed with his wife through the first week or so of the scandal, few were surprised when he ultimately left her and filed an annulment suit. While New York did not outlaw interracial marriages, Leonard's suit reflected the extent of public sentiment against such marriages. Claiming he had not known Alice was black and would not have married her if he had, Leonard, acutely aware of his class station, nonetheless based his request to dissolve the marriage on prohibitions against interracial unions. It is perhaps surprising, therefore, that the jury of twelve white married men refused the Rhinelander heir his annulment and upheld the marriage, there-by accepting Alice's version of events and actions.
Globalization and Data Privacy: An Exploratory Study

Global organizations operate in multiple countries and are subject to both local and federal laws in each of the jurisdictions in which they conduct business. The collection, storage, processing, and transfer of data between countries or operating locations are often subject to a multitude of data privacy laws, regulations, and legal systems that are at times in conflict. Companies struggle to have the proper policies, processes, and technologies in place that will allow them to comply with a myriad of laws which are constantly changing. Using an established privacy management framework, this study provides a summary of major data privacy laws in the U.S., Europe, and India, and their implication for businesses. Additionally, in this paper, relationships between age, residence country, attitudes and awareness of business rules and data privacy laws are explored for 331 business professionals located in the U.S and India.
Subject-centered free-response ROC (FROC) analysis.

Purpose: To develop an approach of estimating subject-centered free-response receiver operating characteristic (FROC) curve for providing patient-centered inferences regarding detection-localization characteristics of a diagnostic system. Methods: The authors examine properties of the conventional, target-centered, FROC curve and demonstrate that in scenarios where the diagnostic performance correlates with the total number of targets on a subject, it may lead to inadequate inferences from the perspective of possible benefits to a patient. Following solutions to patient-centered approaches in other applications, the authors define a subject-centered FROC curve and develop its formulation as a covariate-adjusted FROC curve. The authors also conduct a numerical study illustrating the relative properties of the conventional and subject-centered approach and provide an example. Results: A simple-to-implement approach for estimating the subject-centered FROC curve and its overall index can be formulated as a type of stratified FROC analysis. The authors demonstrate that when diagnostic performance is associated with the number of targets, the diagnostic system with apparently superior target-centered characteristics (conventional approach) can be actually inferior from the subject-centered perspective. The authors show that under some clinically reasonable conditions the magnitude of disagreement in results could be substantial. An example from an actual observer performance study illustrates the natural setting where the developed approach would be relevant and lead to conclusions that are contradictory to those obtained from conventional analysis. Conclusions: The authors developed a subject-centered FROC curve and its overall index provides tools for inferences that may be relevant from a perspective of potential benefits to a patient.
Negative Regulation of T Cell Homing by CD43

We report that the cell surface mucin CD43 acts as an anti-adhesin on T lymphocytes. CD43-deficient murine lymphocytes homed significantly more frequently to secondary lymphoid organs than wild-type cells. Intravital microscopy of peripheral lymph node venules revealed that CD43-deficient lymphocytes were twice as likely to tether, roll, and stick than wild-type cells. This effect was due to CD43 interference with the homing receptor, L-selectin, and was most pronounced in venules with low L-selectin ligand density. In vitro, CD43-deficient cells tethered to L-selectin ligands more efficiently and rolled more slowly than wild-type lymphocytes. Thus, CD43 exerts a negative regulatory effect on T cell trafficking by counterbalancing L-selectin-mediated adhesion.
Role of mononuclear phagocytes in decreased hepatic drug metabolism following administration of Corynebacterium parvum

Administration of BCG, Corynebacterium parvum and a number of chemical immunostimulants is known to cause marked decreases in hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzyme activity. In this study we found that the per cent inhibition of drug metabolism 7 days following C. parvum vaccine (350 μg per mouse i.p.) was related directly to the extent of splenomegaly. Prior splenectomy, or whole body irradiation, performed concurrently or 2 h after administration of C.parvum prevented the decrease in microsomal enzyme activity. Silica and carrageenan, which are known to lyse macrophages, also blocked the C. parvum effect on drug metabolism, but only if injected 2 h prior to C. parvum administration. A strain of C. parvum with little antitumor activity produced slight splenomegaly and elevation of serum LDH, but drug metabolizing enzyme activity and cytochrome P-450 content remained normal. Characteristic focal intrahepatic inflammatory lesions, consisting principally of macrophages and lymphocytes with adjacent necrotic hepatocytes, were found in splenectomized mice with normal levels of microsomal enzyme activity and cytochrome P-450. However the number and severity of inflammatory lesions generally were related to these parameters and to serum transaminase levels. These results define a role for the reticuloendothelial system in the depression of drug metabolism found after administration of C. parvum.
MRI-based three dimensional modeling of stenting procedure

In this work, the stents-induced mechanical responses of a patient-specific common carotid artery (CCA) were evaluated through computational simulation. The realistic 3D geometry of the artery was constructed from the MRI data. Two types of self-expanding stent design (open-cell and closed-cell) were used to restore the blood flow inside the 60% stenosed artery. The resulting lumen gain, dog-boning effect and arterial stress were estimated. Results suggested that the artery was straightened after stent implantation, and the open-cell design led to bigger lumen gain, better conformability, and less dog-boning effect. This work may facilitate the development of new stent designs.Copyright © 2011 by ASME
Sexual differences in reproductive effort: time-activity budgets of monogamous killdeer, Charadrius vociferus

Abstract By measuring the time allocated to various reproductive and somatic activities it was possible to look at differences in the strategies of the sexes for killdeer, a monogamous species. Killdeer time-activity budgets supported the general hypothesis that males and females maximize fitness in different ways. Males allocated more time than females to mating activities: mate attraction and territorial defence. However, the parental roles of the sexes were not those predicted for a monogamous species; males allocated more time than females to parental activities throughout a nesting attempt. Males appeared to be less time-constrained, and better able to perform parental activities. Females allocated more time to foraging than did males. It is suggested that the amount of time females allocated to parental activities is limited by the high energy demands of egg production. Further, high nest-failure rates may select for females maintaining good condition for re-nesting. The costs of desertion for killdeer were considerable. Adult removal experiments supported the hypothesis that two parents were necessary for successful reproduction. No individuals managed to raise offspring alone successfully. Lone males, however, were able to hatch chicks while females were not. The need for continuous parental attentiveness may results in selection for biparental care for killdeer.
Environmental Concerns of Phosphorus Management in Potato Production

Phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural systems are a cause of degraded surface water quality of lakes and streams. In freshwater systems, P is often the most limiting nutrient for algae growth and an increase in P additions to these systems can cause a shift in ecology. These shifts can result in a degradation of the water resource as habitat or for recreation. In an effort to combat the negative effects of agriculture management practices on surface water quality, federal and state regulations require some level of assessment to guide P applications. Areas with large amounts of potato production are of particular concern with respect to P loss since potatoes are a high P demanding crop and are inefficient users of applied P. In many cases, soils in potato production are managed with a higher soil test P concentration compared to other crops and P applications for optimum production exceed P removal. When potato production fields are maintained at high soil test P levels, this may increase the risk of P loss in runoff. However, based on soils and landscape positions where potatoes are grown, there may be little risk of transport. While there appears to be little risk of P loss on low-sloping, sandy soils, output from the Wisconsin Phosphorus Index suggests that more steeply sloping fields can pose some risk, especially when soil test P concentrations exist at above optimum levels. At high soil test P levels, no P may be required for optimum yield in rotated crops, but production practices of these crops may need to be altered to reduce P losses. Furrow-irrigated and tile-drained fields may also pose risks of P loss to the environment. While the P demands of potato are greater than those for most crops, it is likely that most of this P will not be exported via surface runoff. Careful management considerations must be made when producing potatoes on high sloping soils, especially those close to surface water bodies. Future considerations of P management and water quality will focus on assessing leaching risk of P and this contribution to surface waters.
On diffusion approximation of controlled queueing processes

Abstract Consider a queueing system that can be controlled by switching service rates. When there is a cost to switch the service rate, the control problem turns out to be a sequential decision problem, i.e. to find a sequence of optimal stopping times to switch the service rate. Under heavy traffic conditions, we show the optimal cost functions of a sequence of controlled rescaled queueing processes converge to that of a corresponding diffusion for a finite time and an infinite time with discount factor criterions.
Research in dental caries

Results of studies of patterns of cavitation and of other studies related to dental caries are reviewed.
Thermoelectric power of Ir(Fe)

Abstract Thermoelectric power data between 4.2 and 300°K are presented for Ir containing 0.5 and 1 at.% Fe and for pure Ir. Peaks similar to those found in Pd(Ni) and Rh(Fe) occur in Ir(Fe) at the spin fluctuation temperature Tsf = 28°K, independent of solute concentration. Similarities and differences among the three alloy systems are discussed.
BEHAVIOR OF ERYTHROCYTES IN VARIOUS SOLVENT SYSTEMS. I. WATER-GLYCERIN AND WATER-PROPYLENE GLYCOL.

Abstract The hemolytic behavior of rabbit and human erythrocytes in water‐glycerin and water‐propylene glycol solutions was investigated. Complete hemolysis of erythrocytes took place in all propylene glycol solutions and most glycerin solutions. Aqueous solutions containing 50, 60, and 70 per cent glycerin prevented complete hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes but not human erythrocytes. The addition of sodium chloride to various glycerin solutions prevented hemolysis. The addition of sodium chloride to propylene glycol solutions prevented hemolysis of rabbit erythrocytes in 5–30 per cent solutions and of human erythrocytes in 5–40 per cent solutions. When possible, the data were used to calculate van't Hoff i values for sodium chloride in various water‐glycerin and water‐propylene glycol solutions. Unusual behavior was displayed by erythrocytes in 40–50 per cent propylene glycol solutions. The addition of sodium chloride to solutions containing 50 per cent or more of propylene glycol did not prevent complete laking of red blood cells.
Modular multilevel converter with high-frequency transformers for interfacing hybrid DC and AC microgrid systems

Recently, concepts of both ac and dc microgrids have been proposed for future energy systems. A novel converter topology which has three ports: 12 kV ac, 22 kV dc and 400 V dc for future hybrid ac and dc microgrid systems is presented in this paper. Each port has the capability of bi-directional power flow which is required in future hybrid ac and dc microgrids. The 400 V dc bus, which is connected to distributed energy resources, injects/draws power to/from both the ac grid and the dc grid through solid-state transformers. The topology avoids the use of line-frequency transformers which are considered to be expensive and bulky. Because the hybrid converter is connected to both the ac grid and the dc grid, enhanced reliability is achieved. A modular design of the sub-module of the modular multilevel converter is proposed for reducing the sub-module failure probability. Extensive time-domain simulations using Matlab/Simulink™ are presented demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed topology.
Two-Dimensional Visualization of Premixed-Charge Flame Structure in an Ic Engine

Spark kernels and flame fronts in a premixed-charge, spark-ignition, ported engine were examined for the first time with two-dimensional spatial resolution. The most important conclusions are: (1) the flame fronts in this engine are in the reaction sheet regime; (2) the flame fronts become more convoluted and disrupted as the engine speed is increased and eventually become multiply connected in the plane of the laser sheet; (3) near the lean limit, the flame fronts become more distorted and the results strongly suggest that local extinction is taking place; (4) the turbulent flow field affects all the ignition kernels examined, which included kernels as small as 2 mm and times after ignition as short as 100 microseconds; (5) the distortion and cycle-to-cycle variation in the ignition kernel increase with engine speed; (6) the estimated increase in surface area of the flame sheet scales almost linearly with engine speed between 1200 and 2400 rpm but only a two-fold increase in the surface area of the flame sheet was observed between 300 and 1200 rpm. This agrees well with corresponding variations in combustion duration; (7) the results lend strong support to the theory that in the reaction sheet regime the increase of themore » turbulent flame speed over the laminar flame speed is caused primarily by an increase in the surface area of the flame sheet; (8) the thickness of the turbulent flame zone was found to increase somewhat with both mass fraction burnt and engine speed.« less
Fluidic Device for Generating Pharmacokinetic Profiles Matching Preset Parameters

The experimental objective of this research was to develop and validate a mechanical device that can generate lifelike fluidic pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles for any chemical compound based on preset parameters. The device is intended to “copy” the PK profile of a compound for teaching and research purposes. An in vitro apparatus matching the pharmacokinetically relevant characteristics of a rat was developed in order to generate PK profiles corresponding to the one-compartment and two-compartment models with various routes of administration. The majority of experimental setups were used to generate exponential concentration versus time curves, with one setup used to produce a zero-order elimination profile. The basic design of the device was entirely mechanical, created with pumps and tubing. The change in compound concentration in the circulatory fluid was monitored online. The device successfully generated ten types of realistic pharmacokinetic profiles, with all coefficients of correlation (r 2) between the desired models and experimental results higher than 0.99. Most relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the various concentration time points were less than 1 %, while those for the fitted PK parameters were below 5 %. The results show that the proposed device is highly accurate and precise at generating realistic PK profiles based on preset parameters, and could be used in certain teaching and research projects in the pharmaceutical, analytical, and biomedical sciences. For example, the device would be particularly useful for studying the influence of predefined variable drug concentrations on cell cultures and for calibrating analytical procedures for in vivo analysis.
Gαq and Gβγ Regulate PAR-1 Signaling of Thrombin-Induced NF-κB Activation and ICAM-1 Transcription in Endothelial Cells

As thrombin binding to the G protein-coupled proteinase activated receptor-1 (PAR-1) induces endothelial adhesivity to leukocytes through NF-kappaB activation and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) expression, we determined the signaling pathways mediating the response. Studies showed that the heterotrimeric G proteins, Galpha(q), and the Gbetagamma dimer were key determinants of the PAR-1 agonist peptide (TFLLRNPNDK)-induced NF-kappaB activation and ICAM-1 expression in endothelial cells. Cotransfection of RGS3T, a regulator of G-protein signaling that inhibits Galpha(q), or alpha-transducin (Galpha(t)), a scavenger of the Gbetagamma, markedly decreased NF-kappaB activity induced by PAR-1 activation. We determined the downstream signaling targets activated by Galpha(q) and Gbetagamma that mediate NF-kappaB activation. Expression of the kinase-defective protein kinase C (PKC)-delta mutant inhibited NF-kappaB activation induced by the constitutively active Galpha(q) mutant, but had no effect on NF-kappaB activity induced by Gbeta(1)gamma(2). In related experiments, NF-kappaB as well as ICAM-1 promoter activation induced by Gbeta(1)gamma(2) were inhibited by the expression of the dominant-negative mutant of 85-kDa regulatory subunit of PI 3-kinase; however, the expression of this mutant had no effect on the response induced by activated Galpha(q). Cotransfection of the catalytically inactive Akt mutant inhibited the NF-kappaB activation induced by the constitutively active PI 3-kinase mutant as well as that by the activated forms of Galpha(q) and PKC-delta. These results support a model in which ligation of PAR-1 induces NF-kappaB activation and ICAM-1 transcription by the engagement of parallel Galphaq/PKC-delta and Gbetagamma/PI3-kinase pathways that converge at Akt.
Retrograde responses of developing lateral motor column neurons.

Removing the right hind limb of Rana pipiens larvae at different stages during development initiates diverse responses within lateral motor column (LMC) neurons whose axons have entered the limb and are forming neuromuscular junctions. Severing the hind limb at stage V inhibits the future differentiation of LMC neurons and, ultimately, 95% of the presumably injured cells degenerate. Ultrastructural observations indicate that the affected neurons become pyknotic, but display little evidence of lysosomal involvement. However, a quite different reaction is encountered when limb ablation is delayed to stage X. At this stage, LMC neurons rapidly disclose an intense retrograde response, which includes the genesis of numerous secondary lysosomes in degenerating cells. If, however, limb removal is postponed until stage XV or XX then a classic chromatolysis can be recognized in axotomized neurons. The intensity of the chromatolysis appears to be inversely related to the age of the neurons. This investigation tends to support the premise that differentiating LMC neurons pass through three crucial stages in their development which can be identified following axotomy.
Phosphorus removal in ponds

The municipal lagoon treatment systems which remove phosphorus by chemical addition are the subject of this special study. The objectives of this study were to determine the degree of success of lagoon treatment systems in removing phosphorus and to identify any operational problems. In order to obtain basic data for this study, thirty-two lagoon treatment systems in Michigan and Minnesota were investigated. Chemicals typically used for phosphorus removal include metal salts such as aluminium sulfate (alum), ferrous and ferric chloride, lime, and various polymers. The overall experience with these lagoon systems is that the technology, in its various configurations, has been working very well. Of the thirty-two lagoon treatment facilities reviewed, only two facilities were having problems meeting consistently the effluent phosphorus limits. Generally, the permitted effluent phosphorus limit is 1 mg/l. The influent phosphorus concentrations varied between 0.5 and 15 mg/l. Alum and ferric chloride applications produced consistently high quality effluents while lime applications were not as effective in removing phosphorus. None of these lagoon treatment systems experienced problems with build-up of sludges to levels which affected the effluent concentrations. Accumulated amounts were an inch or less per year, consistent with solids build-up in the primary lagoon cells.
Two Thumbs-Up for Holistic Approach to Understanding Viruses

Review of: Understanding Viruses , 2nd ed.; Teri Shors (2013). Jones and Bartlett Learning, Burlington, MA. 704 pages.
The Challenge of Responding to People with Mental Illness: Police Officer Training and Special Programmes:

The processing of people with serious mental illness (PWMI) through the criminal justice system is widespread and often occurs when mental health services are unavailable or difficult to access. In such instances, police, court, and jail procedures have become default mechanisms for handling criminal cases that include mentally ill individuals, especially those who are perceived as recalcitrant or dangerous. The current article focuses on how PWMI affect police operations. The article is divided into four sections. The first section discusses the factors that have led to an influx of mentally ill individuals into the criminal justice system. The second section describes police contacts with PWMI and the limited options that officers face when seeking to resolve, successfully, service calls that involve the mentally ill. The third section examines police training and specialised programmes that have been implemented in order to help police officers respond more effectively to the problems of the mentally i...
Lament: Homiletical Groans in the Spirit

The expression of celebration has been the normative discussion point in African American homiletical theory to the neglect of the expression of lament. This is not to say that lament has not been practiced in the pulpit or beyond but it is to claim that lament has not been named as a viable sermonic expression as has been done with celebration; thus, lament has been silenced in homiletical discussions. In light of this, this article aims to highlight lament and argue that it is a critical manifestation of the Spirit in preaching and should be voiced alongside celebration.
On Tracking the Course of Cerebral Oxygen Saturation and Pilot Performance During Gravity-Induced Loss of Consciousness

Objective: The aim of this study was to track the course of cerebral tissue oxygen saturation (rSO2) and pilot performance during an episode of gravity-induced loss of consciousness (GLOC). Background: GLOC, a major problem facing pilots of high-performance aircraft, is brought about by a sudden reduction in rSO2 as a result of increased +Gz force. It consists of 24 s of complete functional impairment followed by a prolonged period of performance recovery. This study tested the hypothesis that delayed recovery in GLOC is caused by a slow return of rSO2 following removal of the g-force that induced the episode. Method: GLOC was induced in U.S. Air Force personnel via a centrifuge with math and tracking tasks emulating flight performance. A near-infrared spectroscopy unit provided the rSO2 measure. Results: Declines in rSO2 from baseline pinpointed when pilots would cease active flight control and when GLOC would set in. Counter to expectation, rSO2 returned to baseline levels shortly after the centrifuge came to a complete stop following GLOC onset. Nevertheless, performance deficits continued for 49.45 s thereafter. Conclusion: The prolonged performance recovery time in GLOC cannot be attributed to delays in the return of rSO 2. This finding explains why previous ergonomic efforts to shorten the duration of GLOC episodes by increasing the rate of return of rSO 2 have not been fruitful. Evidently, another approach is needed. Application: Such an approach might use the close linkage between loss of rSO2, performance deterioration, and GLOC onset to develop a warning system that would permit pilots to take effective action to avoid GLOC incapacitation.
The Aflatoxin Biosynthesis Cluster Gene, aflX, Encodes an Oxidoreductase Involved in Conversion of Versicolorin A to Demethylsterigmatocystin

Biosynthesis of the toxic and carcinogenic aflatoxins by the fungus Aspergillus flavus is a complicated process involving more that 27 enzymes and regulatory factors encoded by a clustered group of genes. Previous studies found that three enzymes, encoded by verA, ver-1, and aflY, are required for conversion of versicolorin A (VA), to demethylsterigmatocystin. We now show that a fourth enzyme, encoded by the previously uncharacterized gene, aflX (ordB), is also required for this conversion. A homolog of this gene, stcQ, is present in the A. nidulans sterigmatocystin (ST) biosynthesis cluster. Disruption of aflX in Aspergillus flavus gave transformants that accumulated ∼4-fold more VA and fourfold less aflatoxin than the untransformed strain. Southern and Northern blot analyses confirmed that aflX was the only gene disrupted in these transformants. Feeding ST or O-methylsterigmatocystin, but not VA or earlier precursor metabolites, restored normal levels of AF production. The protein encoded by aflX is predicted to have domains typical of an NADH-dependent oxidoreductase. It has 27% amino acid identity to a protein encoded by the aflatoxin cluster gene, aflO (avfA). Some of domains in the protein are similar to those of epoxide hydrolases.
Aggressive Hydration With Lactated Ringer's Solution Reduces Pancreatitis After Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography

Background & Aims Pancreatitis is the most common serious complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). We performed a pilot study to determine whether aggressive periprocedural hydration with lactated Ringer's solution reduces the incidence of pancreatitis after ERCP. Methods Patients who underwent first-time ERCP were randomly assigned to groups (2:1) that received aggressive hydration with lactated Ringer's solution (3 mL/kg/h during the procedure, a 20-mL/kg bolus after the procedure, and 3 mL/kg/h for 8 hours after the procedure, n = 39) or standard hydration with the same solution (1.5 mL/kg/h during and for 8 hours after procedure, n = 23). Serum levels of amylase, visual analogue pain scores (scale of 0–10), and volume overload were assessed at baseline and 2, 8, and 24 hours after ERCP. The primary end point, post-ERCP pancreatitis, was defined as hyperamylasemia (level of amylase >3 times the upper limit of normal) and increased epigastric pain (≥3 points on visual analogue scale) persisting for ≥24 hours after the procedure. Secondary end points included hyperamylasemia, increased pain, and volume overload. Results None of the patients who received aggressive hydration developed post-ERCP pancreatitis, compared with 17% of patients who received standard hydration ( P = .016). Hyperamylasemia developed in 23% of patients who received aggressive hydration vs 39% of those who received standard hydration ( P = .116, nonsignificant); increased epigastric pain developed in 8% of patients who received aggressive hydration vs 22% of those who received standard hydration ( P = .146, nonsignificant). No patients had evidence of volume overload. Conclusions On the basis of a pilot study, aggressive intravenous hydration with lactated Ringer's solution appears to reduce the development of post-ERCP pancreatitis and is not associated with volume overload. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number: NCT 01758549.