cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Glucose-to-fructose conversion at high temperatures with xylose (glucose) isomerases from Streptomyces murinus and two hyperthermophilic Thermotoga species.

The conversion of glucose to fructose at elevated temperatures, as catalyzed by soluble and immobilized xylose (glucose) isomerases from the hyperthermophiles Thermotoga maritima (TMGI) and Thermotoga neapolitana 5068 (TNGI) and from the mesophile Streptomyces murinus (SMGI), was examined. At pH 7.0 in the presence of Mg(2+), the temperature optima for the three soluble enzymes were 85 degrees C (SMGI), 95 degrees to 100 degrees C (TNGI), and >100 degrees C (TMGI). Under certain conditions, soluble forms of the three enzymes exhibited an unusual, multiphasic inactivation behavior in which the decay rate slowed considerably after an initial rapid decline. However, the inactivation of the enzymes covalently immobilized to glass beads, monophasic in most cases, was characterized by a first-order decay rate intermediate between those of the initial rapid and slower phases for the soluble enzymes. Enzyme productivities for the three immobilized GIs were determined experimentally in the presence of Mg(2+). The highest productivities measured were 750 and 760 kg fructose per kilogram SMGI at 60 degrees C and 70 degrees C, respectively. The highest productivity for both TMGI and TNGI in the presence of Mg(2+) occurred at 70 degrees C, pH 7.0, with approximately 230 and 200 kg fructose per kilogram enzyme for TNGI and TMGI, respectively. At 80 degrees C and in the presence of Mg(2+), productivities for the three enzymes ranged from 31 to 273. A simple mathematical model, which accounted for thermal effects on kinetics, glucose-fructose equilibrium, and enzyme inactivation, was used to examine the potential for high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) production at 80 degrees C and above using TNGI and SMGI under optimal conditions, which included the presence of both Co(2+) and Mg(2+). In the presence of both cations, these enzymes showed the potential to catalyze glucose-to-fructose conversion at 80 degrees C with estimated lifetime productivities on the order of 2000 kg fructose per kilogram enzyme, a value competitive with enzymes currently used at 55 degrees to 65 degrees C, but with the additional advantage of higher fructose concentrations. At 90 degrees C, the estimated productivity for SMGI dropped to 200, whereas, for TNGI, lifetime productivities on the order of 1000 were estimated. Assuming that the most favorable biocatalytic and thermostability features of these enzymes can be captured in immobilized form and the chemical lability of substrates and products can be minimized, HFCS production at high temperatures could be used to achieve higher fructose concentrations as well as create alternative processing strategies.
A hypersensitive estrogen receptor α mutation that alters dynamic protein interactions

Estrogen receptor α (ERα) is highly regulated through multiple mechanisms including cell signaling, posttranslational modifications, and protein–protein interactions. We have previously identified a K303R ERα mutation within the hinge region of ERα. This mutation results in an altered posttranslational regulation and increased in vitro growth in the presence of low estrogen concentrations. We sought to determine if cells expressing this mutant ERα would display hypersensitive tumor growth in in vivo athymic ovariectomized nude mice. MCF-7 cells, stably expressing the K303R ERα, formed tumors in nude mice faster than cells expressing wild-type ERα in the presence of low levels of estrogen. When estrogen was withdrawn, all tumors regressed but half of the K303R ERα-expressing tumors became estrogen-independent and regrew. We evaluated potential mechanisms for the observed hypersensitivity. The mutant ERα did not demonstrate increased estrogen binding affinity, but did exhibit increased interactions with members of the SRC family of coactivators. The mutant ERα demonstrated increased levels and occupancy time on the pS2 promoter. In the presence of the K303R ERα, the SRC-3 and p300 coactivators also displayed increased levels and time on the pS2 promoter. The K303R ERα has, in part, lost critical negative regulation by the F domain. Collectively, these data demonstrate an important role for the K303R ERα mutation in hormonal regulation of tumor growth and estrogen-regulated promoter dynamics in human breast cancer.
Aging effects on elevated plus maze behavior in spontaneously hypertensive, Wistar-Kyoto and Sprague-Dawley male and female rats.

Male and female spontaneously hypertensive (SHR), Wistar–Kyoto (WKY), and Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were assessed at one of two ages (postnatal day 74 or 346) for open field locomotor activity and anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze (EPM). In general, the SHR displayed the least anxiety-related behavior, an effect that was magnified with age. At 11 months of age, the SHR more frequently entered and remained longer in the open arms than either the SD or the WKY strains. EPM behavior of the WKY strain was much less affected by age than that of the SD strain which displayed increased anxiety-related behavior with age. At the younger age, the typical sex effects were apparent; specifically, females exhibited a shorter duration in the closed arms. While the SHR were the most active strain in the EPM at both ages, they were more active in the open field only at the older age. In general, age-related changes in open field activity mirrored those of the EPM. These results provide a more comprehensive illustration of aging-related behavioral changes in male and female SHR, WKY and SD rats.
Identification and characterization of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe TER1 telomerase RNA

Although the catalytic subunit of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe telomerase holoenzyme was identified over ten years ago, the unusual heterogeneity of its telomeric DNA made it difficult to identify its RNA component. We used a new two-step immunoprecipitation and reverse transcription–PCR technique to identify the S. pombe telomerase RNA, which we call TER1. TER1 RNA was 1,213 nucleotides long, similar in size to the Saccharomyces cerevisiae telomerase RNA, TLC1. TER1 RNA associated in vivo with the two known subunits of the S. pombe telomerase holoenzyme, Est1p and Trt1p, and neither association was dependent on the other holoenzyme component. We present a model to explain how telomerase introduces heterogeneity into S. pombe telomeres. The technique used here to identify TER1 should be generally applicable to other model organisms.
Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Velocity Time Integral Is the Strongest Echo-Doppler Predictor of Right Ventricular Fibrosis in Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Purpose Right ventricular (RV) late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) is indicative of RV fibrosis and has correlated with pulmonary artery pressures (PAP), RV ejection fraction (RVEF) and outcomes in pulmonary hypertension patients. We evaluated whether echo-Doppler measures of RV structure, function, and hemodynamics were predictive of RV-LGE in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Methods and Materials We reviewed our cardiac MRI (CMRI) and transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) databases to identify PAH patients who had TTE, CMRI and catheterization within 180 days. RV echo-Doppler quantitation was performed by a single reader blinded to patient LGE status. We compared TTE, CMRI and hemodynamic variables in RV-LGE+ and RV-LGE- groups. Results 26 PAH patients (56±16 yrs, 81% female) were included in this study. 15 (58%) had RV-LGE on CMRI. Invasive hemodynamics were similar in LGE- and LGE+ patients (mean PAP 40±21 vs. 43±12mmHg, P=0.32, RAP 11±9 vs. 7mmHg, P=0.27). RVEF (41±18% vs. 41±15%, P=0.89) and RVEDVI (103±52 vs. 101±50 ml/m2) on CMRI were also similar between groups. Echo-Doppler measures of RV geometry were similar in LGE+ and LGE- patients (RV/LV ratio 1.2±0.56 vs. 1.14±0.33, P=0.89). Echo-Doppler measures of RV function also did not predict LGE positivity (TAPSE 14±7 vs. 17±8mmHg, RVFAC 25±10% vs. 24±11%, P=0.59). Doppler hemodynamic variables were the only TTE measures that predicted LGE positivity: RV outflow tract (RVOT) velocity time integral (VTI) was higher in LGE- vs. LGE+ patients (15±5 vs. 12±2cm, P=0.02) and there were non-significant trends towards lower RVOT acceleration time (83±28 vs. 67±14ms, P=0.19) and higher estimated PAP (60±30 vs. 78±37mmHg, P=0.35) in LGE+ patients. Conclusions RVOT VTI was the strongest echo-Doppler predictor of RV fibrosis in this PAH cohort. Other standard echo-Doppler measures of RV structure and function were relatively poor in terms of predicting RV-LGE in patients with PAH.
Reciprocity and Shared Knowledge Structures in the Prisoner's Dilemma Game

A prominent solution to achieving cooperation in prisoner's dilemma situations is repeated interaction between players. Although indefinitely repeated play solves the mutual gains problem, it also creates an unsolved coordination problem because an infinite number of strategies are possible in equilibrium. This article explores whether a “shared grammar of strategies,” formalized by a knowledge-induced equilibrium, resolves the coordination problem by prescribing a unique behavioral rule. Applied to the set of strategies submitted to Axelrod's prisoner's dilemma tournament, tit for tat emerges as that unique coordinating strategy.
The histogenesis of immunologically committed lymphocytes.

Abstract It was found in mice which had been infected intravenously with living tubercle bacilli that a striking temporal relationship existed between the growth of the organism in liver and spleen and a number of measurable parameters of the host's response. These included the rate of lymphoid cell proliferation in the spleen, the emergence of tuberculin sensitivity, and the development of both specific and nonspecific mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance. By contrast, a much larger dose of dead bacilli had no effect on any of these measurable activities of lymphoreticular or reticuloendothelial tissues Autoradiographic studies showed that one cell population contributed almost exclusively to the 5-fold increase in the rate of DNA synthesis by the spleens of infected mice. The cells belonged to a lymphocytic series which ranged from blast cell to small lymphocyte. The cytoplasm of most of the cells in the series was bulkier than that of the majority of small lymphocytes in lymphoid tissue or central lymph and was strongly pyroninophilic. The results of transfer studies suggest that the proliferating cells are the specific mediators of tuberculin sensitivity. Cells of identical morphology were shown to enter into the formation of developing tubercles and could, therefore, contribute to the expression of antituberculous immunity.
Linear model predictive control of unstable processes

Abstract This paper discusses the implementation of linear model predictive control techniques with open-loop unstable models. These models come from unstable plants and stable plants with conditionally stable disturbance models. The regulator is based on a quadratic performance criterion subject to input and state constraints. It is shown to be nominally stabilizing for all positive definite penalties on the input, positive semi-definite penalties on the output, and feasible constraints. Robust stability of the unconstrained regulator is also discussed. The case of incomplete state measurement is addressed with state estimation. The state is estimated from output measurements using the standard linear observer formulation. It is shown that the interconnection of a stable observer and the constrained regulator guarantees a nominally stabilizing controller.
On the vibrations of a particle in the plane

Abstract A particle, having two translational degrees of freedom, and restrained by two identical (linear or non-linear) springs is said to move in a normal-mode vibration of its two position coordinates are equiperiodic functions of time having simultaneous zeros and simultaneous maxima. The equations of motion are always non-linear because of the kinematic non-linearities, but they may have additional “elastic non-linearities”. The existence and stability of equilibrium configurations and of normal-mode vibrations is examined. The essential parameter deciding on all these questions turns out to be the spring stress in that one of the equilibrium positions in which the spring centerlines are collinear. The normal-mode vibrations are frequently unstable, even when this stress is tensile.
Interaction of rigid polyamine analogues with the NMDA receptor complex from rat brain

Abstract We investigated four compounds that may be considered rigid analogues of triamine polyamines that bind to the NMDA receptor. Ethidium, propidium, safranine T and phenosafranine all inhibited [ 3 H] dizocilpine binding to the NMDA receptor (IC 50 values 2–5 μM). However, only propidium appeared to interact with the polyamine site.
Adjuvant Chemoradiation Therapy for Pancreas Cancer: Who Really Benefits?

Pancreas cancer remains a major health care problem. In 2009, there were an estimated 42,470 new cases and 35,240 deaths from pancreas cancer, making it the 11th most common cause of cancer but the 4th most common cause of cancer-related death in the United States [1]. Over the past four decades, there has been minimal impact on survival outcomes for this disease, with case fatality rates remaining at approximately 95%. Most patients with pancreas cancer present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis, and only 15% to 20% of patients are candidates for potentially curative resection [2–4]. Despite attempted curative resection, the majority of patients eventually recur locally and systemically and ultimately die of the disease, presumably because of the presence of micrometastatic disease present at the time of diagnosis [5–7]. Such a high rate of recurrence implies that surgical resection alone is not adequate and that adjuvant therapies are needed. As a result, much effort has been put into actively pursuing multimodality treatment strategies, including the use of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The few prospective randomized trials that have been completed and some large retrospective reviews attempting to improve treatment practices regarding adjuvant therapy have failed to establish a definitive standard of care due to study limitations. The purpose of this article is to review the current data in adjuvant and neoadjuvant strategies for pancreas cancer and to better define which patients may benefit from these therapies.
Formation of Two Heterocyclic Dimers From Dimethyl Diazomalonate and Bis(methoxycarbonyl)carbene. Preparation and Trapping of Methoxy(methoxycarbonyl)ketene with Cyclopentadiene

Abstract Thermal decomposition of dimethyl diazomalonate (1) gives two dimers 9 and 10, in varying ratio and yield, depending on the reactant / solvent. It is suggested that the ketene 11, formed by Wolff rearrangement, reacts by two different pathways to produce the dimers; a mechanism which seems more reasonable than several alternatives. Independent preparation of 11 in the presence of 1 did not produce either dimer but with cyclopentadiene the 4-membered ring adduct 7-methoxy-7-(methoxycarbonyl)bicyclo[3.2.0]hept-2-en-6-one (13) was produced. The structure of 13 was obtained by X-ray crystallography. Ab initio calculations (6-31G*) indicated that the observed product 13 was more thermodynamically stable than the isomeric adduct 16. © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.
Temperature-dependent electronic dephasing of molecules in polymers in the range 30 to 300 K

Abstract The ultrafast electronic dephasing of the molecules LD690 and LDS750 dissolved in amorphous polymer hosts is examined in the temperature range 30–300 K. The polarization decay time of LD690 in PMMA and PVA varies from about 40 fs at room temperature to 160 fs at 28 K, while the decay of LDS750 in PMMA is close to pulsewidth-limited at all temperatures. The difference between the dynamics observed in these two molecules shows how the molecular nature of the solute can affect the observed dephasing dynamics.
Feeding methods for the preterm infant.

As more very immature preterm infants survive, provision of enteral feedings has become a major focus of concern. Although many aspects of gastrointestinal function are immature in the preterm infant, the ability of the preterm neonate to process and absorb enteral nutrients appears to be adequate enough to sustain nutritional needs. Few prospective randomized trials have compared the efficacy of different feeding methods. However, some studies have compared differing routes of feeding, rates of feeding, and volume of feeding. The ability to successfully digest enteral feedings may be inhibited or enhanced by pharmacological agents. The need to modify a feeding strategy can be monitored by tracking several measurements prospectively. Finally, there is a need to assess ongoing dietary needs of preterm infants for discharge planning.
Cooperative catalysis by carbenes and Lewis acids in a highly stereoselective route to γ-lactams

Enzymes are a continuing source of inspiration for the design of new chemical reactions that proceed with efficiency, high selectivity and minimal waste. In many biochemical processes, different catalytic species, such as Lewis acids and bases, are involved in precisely orchestrated interactions to activate reactants simultaneously or sequentially. This type of 'cooperative catalysis', in which two or more catalytic cycles operate concurrently to achieve one overall transformation, has great potential in enhancing known reactivity and driving the development of new chemical reactions with high value. In this disclosure, a cooperative N-heterocyclic carbene/Lewis acid catalytic system promotes the addition of homoenolate equivalents to hydrazones, generating highly substituted gamma-lactams in moderate to good yields and with high levels of diastereo- and enantioselectivity.
The diet of Weddell seals in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica as determined from scat collections and stable isotope analysis

The diet of adult and juvenile Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, was determined from both scat and stable isotope analyses, to ascertain if foraging behavior varied with age, season, or diving pattern. Scats were collected over 6 years and recovered hard parts identified. Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope values were determined for seal blood samples and potential prey items and used to identify primary prey species and assess trophic interactions. Pleuragramma antarcticum remains were recovered from between 70 and 100% of the scats, and there was little evidence for inter-annual or age-specific variation in foraging behavior. However, stable isotope and dive data analyses indicated that while most seals foraged predominantly on pelagic fish and squid, some juveniles concentrated on shallow benthic Trematomus spp. Combining these three methods permitted firm conclusions about diet and foraging behavior to be drawn.
28.5L: Late‐News Paper: A Novel Non‐Emissive Display with Enormous Contrast Ratio and Viewing‐Angle Free

We have developed a transmissive type of electrowetting display driven by passive matrix. The novel display shows high image quality because it provides high contrast ratio 60,000:1 at display normal direction and wide viewing angle character (CR 20,000 at±70 degree). As the display has a memory characteristic, it also exhibits a feature of low power consumption.
Somatic Sequence Variation at the Friedreich Ataxia Locus Includes Complete Contraction of the Expanded GAA Triplet Repeat, Significant Length Variation in Serially Passaged Lymphoblasts and Enhanced Mutagenesis in the Flanking Sequence

The vast majority of Friedreich ataxia patients are homozygous for large GAA triplet repeat expansions in intron 1 of the X25 gene. Instability of the expanded GAA repeat was examined in 23 chromosomes bearing 97-1250 triplets in lymphoblastoid cell lines passaged 20-39 times. Southern analyses revealed 18 events of significant changes in length ranging from 69 to 633 triplets, wherein the de novo allele gradually replaced the original over 1-6 passages. Contractions and expansions occurred with equal frequency and magnitude. This behavior is unique in comparison with other large, non-coding triplet repeat expansions [(CGG)(n)and (CTG)(n)] which remain relatively stable under similar conditions. We also report a rare patient who, having inherited two expanded alleles, showed evidence of contracted GAA repeats ranging from nine to 29 triplets in DNA from two independent peripheral blood samples. The GAA triplet repeat is known to adopt a triplex structure, and triplexes in transcribed templates cause enhanced mutagenesis. The poly(A) tract and a 135 bp sequence, both situated immediately upstream of the GAA triplet repeat, were therefore examined for somatic mutations. The poly(A) tract showed enhanced instability when in cis with the GAA expansion. The 135 bp upstream sequence was found to harbor a 3-fold excess of point mutations in DNA derived from individuals homozygous for the GAA triplet repeat expansion compared with normal controls. These data are likely to have important mechanistic and clinical implications.
Purification of a plasminogen activator from Streptococcus uberis

A protein capable of activating bovine, equine and ovine plasminogen, but not that from human or porcine plasma, was purified from culture filtrates of Streptococcus uberis (strain 0140j). Purification was achieved by ammonium sulphate precipitation followed by molecular exclusion chromatography. The elution position of the native molecule was equivalent to a molecular mass of approximately 57 kDa. However, the molecular mass, as determined by SDS-PAGE, was 29 kDa, suggesting the existence of a dimeric structure. Purified immunoglobulin from three out of five monoclonal antibodies raised to this protein inhibited the conversion of bovine plasminogen to plasmin by the purified protein.
Effects of Blood Glucose Rate of Changes on Perceived Mood and Cognitive Symptoms in Insulin-Treated Type 2 Diabetes

Studies indicate that diabetes affects mood, cognitive function, and motor performance (1–5). As cognitive dysfunction and depressive mood symptoms have been reported with hyperglycemia (5–7), we hypothesized that the impact of insulin on blood glucose parameters would affect mood and cognitive symptoms. Consistent with our past post hoc findings (7), we specifically hypothesized that rapid pre- to postmeal blood glucose rate of change (BGRATE) correlates with negative mood and cognitive postmeal symptoms but not with energy or positive mood. We report the results of correlation analyses of BGRATE with symptoms from a pilot investigation designed to evaluate whether improvements in glycemic control seen with basal plus prandial insulin analog regimens compared with basal insulin analog in patients with type 2 diabetes (8–10) would lead to measurable mood and cognitive differences. A single-center, open-label, crossover, randomized, controlled clinical trial enrolled 60 adults with type 2 diabetes, A1C 7–10%, and prestudy use of metformin (with or without oral antihyperglycemic medications or once daily insulin). Pregnant or breast-feeding women and patients with a previous diagnosis of depression or treated with centrally acting medications (e.g., antidepressants or anxiolytics) were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with Humalog Mix 75/25 (insulin lispro mixture [75% lispro protamine suspension/25% …
A comparative study of various pressure relaxation closure models for one-dimensional two-material Lagrangian hydrodynamics ‡

SUMMARY Lagrangian hydrodynamics of strength-free materials continues to present open issues, even in one dimension. We focus on the problem of closing a system of equations for a two-material cell under the assumption of a single velocity model. There are several existing models and approaches, each possessing different levels of fidelity to the underlying physics and each exhibiting unique features in the computed solutions. We consider three models that take different approaches to breaking the assumption of instantaneous pressure equilibration in the mixed-material cell. The first of these is the well-known method of Tipton, in which a viscosity-like pressure relaxation term is coupled with an otherwise isentropic pressure update to obtain closed-form expressions for the materials’ volume fractions and corresponding sub-cell pressures. The second is the physics-inspired, geometry-based pressure relaxation model of Kamm and Shashkov, which is based on an optimization procedure that uses a local, exact Riemann problem. The third model is the unique aspect of this paper, inspired by the work of Delov and Sadchikov and Goncharov and Yanilkin. This sub-scale dynamics approach is motivated by the linearized Riemann problem to initialize volume fraction changes, which are then modified, via the materials’ SIEs, to drive the mixed cell toward pressure equilibrium. Each of these approaches is packaged in the framework of a two-step time integration scheme. We compare these multi-material pressure relaxation models, together with corresponding pure-material calculations, on idealized, two-material problems with either ideal-gas or stiffened-gas equations of state. Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING, GENERALIZED STATES, AND SWITCHING SYSTEMS

Abstract : In this paper, an alternative formulation is presented in dynamic programming terms which is independent of the dimension of x, the state vector. It is based upon an extension of the concept of state variable and has application to a number of systems with switching characteristics. In its simplest form, the approach was used in the study of adaptive control processes.
In-vitro kinematic comparison of the New Jersey LCS meniscal bearing and rotating platform prostheses

An example of a mobile meniscal bearing prosthesis design is the LCS Knee System (DePuy, Inc., Warsaw, IN). This prosthesis system provides a mobile bearing prosthesis for use when the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) is retained and a rotating platform prosthesis for use when the PCL is sacrificed iatrogenically or has been lost to pathology. The purpose of the present study was to examine, in in-vitro models, the stability provided the knee by implantation of these two versions this mobile meniscal bearing prosthesis system. Following installation of the meniscal bearing PCL-retaining prosthesis, anterior/posterior tibial translation was significantly increased over that seen in the intact knee for the anterior drawer tests at both 90 and 30 degrees of flexion. The observations in this study of increased anterior/posterior laxity following installation of the meniscal bearing prosthesis are in qualitative agreement with those made by Schlepckow (1992). However, it would appear that the design of the rotating platform PCL-sacrificing prosthesis substitutes in some way for the roles played by the anterior and posterior cruciates in the restraint of anterior/posterior tibial motion. While the bearings of the meniscal bearing prosthesis allow unhindered anterior/posterior travel over a fairly long distance, the tibial condyle design of the rotating platform prosthesis may present anterior/posterior lips to restrain anterior/posterior motion after modest amounts of anterior/posterior tibial translation.
Streptozotocin-induced diabetes in Syrian hamsters: new model of diabetes mellitus.

Syrian golden hamsters can ‘recover’ from single diabetogenic doses of alloxan and return to normoglycemia. Induction of chronic diabetes was accomplished by multiple injections of streptozotocin.
Photogeneration of Fluoride by the Fluoroquinolone Antimicrobial Agents Lomefloxacin and Fleroxacin

The photolysis (> 320 nm) of the fluoroquinolone antibacterial agents lomefloxacin and fleroxacin results in the loss of their F3 atoms as fluoride. The quantum yield for lomefloxacin was 0.98 at pH 7.4. The mechanism probably involves aryl-F heterolysis from the S1 state with the concomitant generation of a carbene at C-8. In contrast, the monofluorinated fluoroquinolones norfloxacin and ciprofloxacin do not generate fluoride upon irradiation. Carbenes are highly reactive species that undergo addition, insertion and abstraction reactions and can cause DNA cleavage. These findings may explain why lomefloxacin and fleroxacin are more photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic than fluoroquinolones in which C-8 is either unsubstituted or bears a substituent other than fluorine.
Hyperfine Structure of Stored Ions — Results for 2s 2He+

The study of ions and their interactions by means of storage devices which hold them for long periods encompasses a broad range of experimental effort. In the area of collision studies, treated by G. Dunn1 at the 1974 International Conference on Atomic Physics (ICAP), it includes electron-ion recombination, spin and charge exchange, photo-dissociation, and ion-molecule reactions among others. Another broad area, the original emphasis of the technique, is the radio-frequency spectroscopy of stored ions. This area was pioneered by H. Dehmelt and his collaborators and was reported on at the first ICAP in 19682. The range of possible experiments here includes the traditional domain of rf spectroscopy of atomic and molecular species; e.g. magnetic moments, hyperfine structure and fine structure. New possibilities include the use of lasers as optical pumping sources and, beyond the rf frequency range, one expects two-photon laser spectroscopy on stored ions to emerge3. Closely allied to the above, but distinguished by their uniqueness and high degree of refinement, are the experiments of the U. Washington group to measure the anomalous magnetic moment of a single electron4.
A Pediatrician’s Guide to Caring for the Complex Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Graduate

Despite a decreasing trend in premature births, greater numbers of infants born at the limits of viability are surviving to discharge. Most of these infants have complex medical problems requiring multidisciplinary care. These infants are primarily cared for by the general pediatrician, but their needs are quite different from those of a full-term healthy newborn. The paucity of data regarding care for these infants complicates their management after hospital discharge. In this article, the authors present the most current evidence-based practices and provide a guide to the general pediatrician on caring for the complex neonatal intensive care unit graduate.
Cost of informal caregiving associated with stroke among the elderly in the United States

Objectives: We estimated the informal caregiving hours and costs associated with stroke. Methods: We selected persons aged 65 years and older in 2006 and who were also included in the 2008 follow-up survey from the Health and Retirement Study. We adapted the case-control study design by using self-reported occurrence of an initial stroke event during 2006 and 2008 to classify persons into the stroke (case) and the nonstroke (control) groups. We compared informal caregiving hours between case and control groups in 2006 (prestroke period for case group) and in 2008 (poststroke period for case group) and estimated incremental informal caregiving hours attributable to stroke by applying a difference-in-differences technique to propensity score–matched populations. We used a replacement approach to estimate the economic value of informal caregiving. Results: The weekly incremental informal caregiving hours attributable to stroke were 8.5 hours per patient. The economic value of informal caregiving per stroke survivor was $8,211 per year, of which $4,356 (53%) was attributable to stroke. At the national level, the annual economic burden of informal caregiving associated with stroke among elderly was estimated at $14.2 billion in 2008. Conclusions: Recent changes in public health and social support policies recognize the economic burden of informal caregiving. Our estimates reinforce the high economic burden of stroke in the United States and provide up-to-date information for policy development and decision-making.
Hyperthermia-induced heat shock activates the transcription factor C/EBP-β and augments IL-6 production in human intestinal epithelial cells

Abstract Background Interleukin (IL)-6 production is increased in gut mucosa during sepsis and endotoxemia. The heat shock response augments IL-6 production under these conditions, but the mechanism is not known. We hypothesized that heat shock stimulates IL-6 production in enterocytes by increasing expression and activity of the transcription factor C/EBP. Study design Cultured Caco-2 cells, a human intestinal epithelial cell line, underwent induction of the heat shock response by hyperthermia (43°C for 1 hour). Other cells were kept at 37°C. Cells were then treated with 0.5 ng/mL human recombinant IL-1β for 4 hours. C/EBP-β and δ DNA binding activity was determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift analysis. In additional experiments, Caco-2 cells were transfected with expression plasmids for C/EBP-β and δ, after which cells were subjected to hyperthermia and treatment with IL-1β. Results C/EBP-β, but not δ, protein levels and DNA binding activity were increased in Caco-2 cells expressing the heat shock response. Induction of the heat shock response augmented IL-6 production in IL-1β–treated cells overexpressing C/EBP-β, but not δ. Conclusions Increased IL-6 production in IL-1β–treated enterocytes expressing the heat shock response might be caused by upregulated expression and activity of C/EBP-β. Because recent studies suggest that IL-6 might be an antiinflammatory cytokine and might exert protective effects in gut mucosa and enterocytes, understanding mechanisms by which the heat shock response augments IL-6 production might have important clinical implications.
On selective compression of primary data

With the advent of social media, Internet of Things (IoT), widespread use of richer media formats such as video, and generally increased use of mobile devices, volume of online data has seen a rapid increase in recent years. To cope with this data explosion, businesses and cloud providers are scrambling to lower the cost of storing data without sacrificing the quality of their service using space reduction techniques such as compression and deduplication. Capacity savings, however, are achieved at the cost of performance and additional resource overheads. One drawback of compression techniques is the additional computation required to store and fetch data, which may significantly increase response time, i.e., I/O latency. Worse yet, inefficient compression algorithms that fail to compress data satisfactorily suffer from the latency penalty with marginal capacity savings, e.g., deciding to compress data that is encrypted or already compressed. Therefore, from a data center administrator's perspective, we should pick the set of volumes that will yield the most compression space saving with the least latency for a given amount of computation capacity, without exhaustively inspecting the data content of volumes. To fill this void, this paper proposes an approach to manage compression for a very large set of volumes. It maximizes capacity savings and minimizes latency impact without scanning the actual data content (to avoid security concerns). Our pilot deployments show significant capacity savings and performance improvements compared to benchmark compression strategies.
Exact Second Order Equations

This chapter discusses solution of exact second-order equations. It is applicable to some nonlinear second-order ordinary differential equations of the form f ( x,y,y' ) y“ + g ( x, y, y' ) = 0. The solution yields a first integral (which will be a first-order ordinary differential equation). The second-order differential equation F ( x, y, y', y“ ) = 0 is said to be exact if it is the total differential of some function; that is, F = dф/dx, where ф = ф ( x, y, y' ). If F ( x, y, y', y“ ) is exact, then ф = C is a solution to F ( x, y, y', y“ ), with C an arbitrary constant. Differentiating ф = C with respect to x gives dф / dx = ∂ф / ∂x + ∂ф / ∂y ( y ') + ∂ф / ∂y '( y “). The chapter also highlights that exact second-order linear ordinary differential equations have factorable operators.
Inhibition of Aβ42 oligomerization in yeast by a PICALM ortholog and certain FDA approved drugs.

The formation of small Aβ 42 oligomers has been implicated as a toxic species in Alzheimer disease (AD). In strong support of this hypothesis we found that overexpression of Yap1802, the yeast ortholog of the human AD risk factor, phosphatidylinositol binding clathrin assembly protein (PI- CALM), reduced oligomerization of Aβ 42 fused to a reporter in yeast. Thus we used the Aβ 42 -reporter system to identify drugs that could be developed into therapies that prevent or arrest AD. From a screen of 1,200 FDA approved drugs and drug-like small compounds we identified 7 drugs that reduce Aβ 42 oligomerization in yeast: 3 antipsychotics (bromperidol, haloperidol and azaperone), 2 anesthetics (pramoxine HCl and dyclonine HCl), tamoxifen cit- rate, and minocycline HCl. Also, all 7 drugs caused Aβ 42 to be less toxic to PC12 cells and to relieve toxicity of another yeast AD model in which Aβ 42 aggre- gates targeted to the secretory pathway are toxic. Our results identify drugs that inhibit Aβ 42 oligomers from forming in yeast. It remains to be determined if these drugs inhibit Aβ 42 oligomerization in mammals and could be devel- oped as a therapeutic treatment for AD.
Improved Hole Diffusion Lengths in Bulk n-Type GaAs for High Efficiency Solar Cells

A method for wafer annealing which is effective in suppressing defects and raising minority carrier diffusion lengths in n-type bulk GaAs is described. The beneficial effect of the annealing is shown to be associated with the proximity surface with measurements of photoresponse as a function of depth. The concentration of the hole trap HCX (Ev+0.29eV) varies as a function of depth from the surface, qualitatively, as might be expected of the concentration of the dominant recombination center in the material. The impact of improving the material in this manner on the performance of Zn diffused solar cells is demonstrated.
A W-Band Micromachined On-Wafer Probe With Integrated Balun for Characterization of Differential Circuits

Differential circuits are commonly used for millimeter-wave monolithic integrated circuits such as amplifiers and voltage-controlled oscillators. The infrastructure for their characterization, however, remains limited at these frequencies. With the recent development in micromachined on-wafer probes, a probe integrated with balun circuitry can provide a convenient way to characterize differential integrated circuits. In this paper, a micromachined probe with an integrated balun operating at W-band is demonstrated. The measured S-parameters of the balun probe are in agreement with simulation and meet the design performance requirements. Furthermore, the balun probe design has the potential to be scaled to submillimeter-wave frequencies.
Accelerometry-enabled measurement of walking performance with a robotic exoskeleton: a pilot study.

Clinical scores for evaluating walking skills with lower limb exoskeletons are often based on a single variable, such as distance walked or speed, even in cases where a host of features are measured. We investigated how to combine multiple features such that the resulting score has high discriminatory power, in particular with few patients. A new score is introduced that allows quantifying the walking ability of patients with spinal cord injury when using a powered exoskeleton. Four spinal cord injury patients were trained to walk over ground with the ReWalk™ exoskeleton. Body accelerations during use of the device were recorded by a wearable accelerometer and 4 features to evaluate walking skills were computed. The new score is the Gaussian naive Bayes surprise, which evaluates patients relative to the features’ distribution measured in 7 expert users of the ReWalk™. We compared our score based on all the features with a standard outcome measure, which is based on number of steps only. All 4 patients improved over the course of training, as their scores trended towards the expert users’ scores. The combined score (Gaussian naive surprise) was considerably more discriminative than the one using only walked distance (steps). At the end of training, 3 out of 4 patients were significantly different from the experts, according to the combined score (p < .001, Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test). In contrast, all but one patient were scored as experts when number of steps was the only feature. Integrating multiple features could provide a more robust metric to measure patients’ skills while they learn to walk with a robotic exoskeleton. Testing this approach with other features and more subjects remains as future work.
Surgery of the liver.

The diseases of the liver which are potentially of surgical concern are reviewed. Trauma, abscesses, cysts, benign and malignant tumors, and metastatic neoplasms are considered. Hepatic resection is classified and illustrated in keeping with the newer concept of segmental anatomy of the liver.
If you build it, will they reflect? Examining teachers' use of an online video-based learning website

Abstract Many teachers use online professional development websites, but little is known about what teachers actually learn from them. This study explored teacher use of an online video-based learning website with over 37,000 members. It used web analytics to study user selection of video resources and coding of website commentary to analyze teacher responses to videos. The results indicated that teachers commonly view video clips designed for immediate use rather than reflection and respond to videos by evaluating the pedagogy positively. Videos that feature students as the sole or primary actors provoked the most reflective teacher responses.
Primary Culture of Alveolar Epithelial Cell II and Effect of Hyperxia and then Stopped Oxygen on Cytosolic Calcium

Objective To primarily culture alveolar epithelial cell Ⅱ(AECⅡ)and observe the effect of hyperxia and then stopped oxygen abruptly on cytosolic calcium,and provide experiment foundation for studying AECⅡ in vivo and interpreting pathogenesis of hyperxia lung injury.Methods AECⅡ was isolated,purified and cultured from lungs of fetus rats,which was taken out from SD rats after anesthesia and sterilization by uterine-incision delivery in super-clean bench when their gestational age was 19 days.The morphological change and growth of cells were observed under inverted phase contrast microscope.The positive expression of immunofluorescence of surfactant protein C(SP-C) was observed by laser confocal microscopy.AECⅡ was identified after primary culture and then stimulated with hyperxia for 5 min(the oxygen flowing was 3 mL/min and the oxygen volume score was detected from 930 mL/L to 970 mL/L by measuring oxygen meter) and then stopped oxygen abruptly after stimulation.At the same time,cytosolic calcium was observed by confocal microscopy.With the time changing,the changing curve was recorded and the diversity of fluorescence intensity of calcium ion was observed and recorded and taken photos continuously at the same time.Results AECⅡ distributed as island and looked like road rocks.The spherical cellular nucleus and nucleolus could be seen obviously.There were more granulations in intracytoplasm.The green immunofluorescence of positive expression of SP-C could be observed by laser confocal microscopy in it.After the stimulation of hyperxia,cytosolic calcium increased after briefly decreased,then decreased gradually and maintained the degree even it was exhausted.After stopped oxygen,cytosolic calcium quickly rose after briefly descended,and trended to equability.With the increase and decrease of cytosolic calcium,its fluorescence intensity strengthened and attenuated correspondly.Conclusions cytosolic calcium can obviously change when stimulated by hyperxia and stopped oxygen after stimulation.It maybe one of the important mechanisms of AECⅡ injury caused by hyperxia.
Occupational health hazards monitoring and analysis in Xinluo District of Longyan City in 2010

[Objective]To provide a basis for guiding occupational health and prevention and developing reasonable occupational hazards prevention and control measures. [Methods]A retrospective survey was performed to analyze health risk factors by using health monitoring system(Occupational Health) network reported data in 2010. [Results] Most morning focused on noise,dust in Xinluo District in 2010.Lead and its compounds,heat,coal dust,cement dust,noise,formaldehyde,carbon monoxide exceeded standards seriously,indicating there were a variety of occupational hazards.Lead and its compounds,benzene,and coal dust had a great impact on the health of workers.The correlation coefficient between incidence of excessive occupational hazards and detection rate of occupational contraindications was r= 0.623,r 0.10(3)=0.672,P0.10. [Conclusion]Lead and its compounds,coal dust,benzene are harmful occupational hazards in Xinluo District,Occupational posts with lead and its compounds,heat,coal dust,cement dust,noise,formaldehyde,carbon monoxide are of serious hazards.Therefore,supervision and monitoring on enterprises of lead and its compounds should be strengthened in the future.Coal dust,benzene and other toxic factors should be included in "early warning companies" list to effectively protect workers' health.
Serine proteinase inhibitors influence the stability of tropoelastin mRNA in neonatal rat lung fibroblast cultures

Elastin, an elastic extracellular structural protein, is a polymer comprised of soluble tropoelastin (TE) monomers that are joined by covalent cross-links and become insoluble. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, the steady-state level of TE mRNA is influenced by soluble elastin moieties in the culture medium, either TE or its fragmentation products. We have hypothesized that an enzyme-mediated proteolytic event may modulate the quantities of TE and its fragmentation products in the culture medium of mesenchymal cells, and thereby indirectly regulate the steady-state level of TE mRNA. Neonatal rat lung fibroblasts were cultured in the presence or absence of the serine proteinase inhibitor, aprotinin, and the quantities of soluble elastin and TE mRNA were analyzed. Exposures to aprotinin lasting up to 12 h increased the soluble elastin content of the culture medium. The increase in the soluble elastin content did not reflect an increase in TE mRNA, which diminished after exposures for 12 h or longer. The decrease in TE mRNA resulted from a decrease in its half-life, rather than a decrease in the rate of TE gene transcription. Aprotinin did not reduce TE mRNA in plasminogen-depleted cultures, but the effect of aprotinin was evident when purified plasminogen was added back to the cultures. Therefore, a serine proteinase, possibly plasmin, may participate in a feedback mechanism and modulate the quantity of TE in lung fibroblast cultures. This mechanism may help ensure that intracellular TE synthesis occurs in tandem with extracellular elastin deposition and cross-linking.
Necrotizing herpes simplex viral infection of the cervix during pregnancy: A mimic of squamous cell carcinoma☆

Abstract A case of severe necrotizing herpes simplex viral infection of the cervix occurring during a twin pregnancy is presented. Its eventual healing with severe cervical scarring and atrophy made vaginal delivery impossible. The babies were unaffected. Speculation is made regarding other unrecognized instances of such infection in pregnant patients. The value of cytological testing to arrive at the diagnosis was clearly demonstrated.