cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Component Matching Analysis for a Power Generation Gas Turbine: Classroom Applications

One analysis that is often overlooked in the gas turbine classroom is that of component matching. Some “student friendly” analyses have been published for gas turbines with propulsion applications, including modeling of the components for computer analyses. To complement the propulsion analyses, a method of matching gas turbine components for an aeroderivative power generation gas turbine is presented in this paper. Matching is the process by which components are integrated to allow predictions of overall gas turbine performance. The fundamental method of matching components with generalized characteristic maps is first described. A single shaft power generation gas turbine (inlet/gas generator/regenerator/exhaust/shaft/load) is used. Matching is accomplished by simultaneously solving the matching closure equations along with the component maps (either mathematical models or graphical data). The method is demonstrated for an example moderate sized power generation unit with given inlet, compressor, burner, turbine, regenerator, exhaust, load, and shaft maps. Improvements with the inclusion of the regeneration unit are included. For the example, a range of fuel ratios was used and the unit was shown to increase in rotational speed and the compressor eventually surged as the fuel ratio was increased. Overall thermodynamic efficiency, power output, mass flow rate, rotational speed, and other overall and component parameters are shown as functions of the fuel flow rate. The technique lends itself well in the classroom so that students can appreciate the interdependence of the component performances. The technique is a tool in which a student can select components to optimize the overall performance and can predict off-design performance of a power generation unit.Copyright © 2002 by ASME
Effects of palmitoyl carnitine and related metabolites on the avian Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca2+ release channel.

1. In birds, prolonged cold exposure induces the development of a non-shivering thermogenesis (NST) of muscular origin that may result from an increase in ATP-dependent cycling of Ca2+ between the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) and the cytosol. 2. Because fatty acids are thought to play a significant role in NST, we investigated the effects of palmitic acid and related metabolites on skeletal SR Ca2+ uptake and release in ducklings. 3. Ca(2+)-ATPase activity, 45Ca2+ release and [3H]ryanodine-binding measurements indicated that palmitic acid was without effect on the Ca(2+)-ATPase and Ca2+ release channel. Palmitoyl carnitine and palmitoyl coenzyme A inhibited the Ca(2+)-ATPase at concentrations > 20 microM whereas both activated the Ca2+ release channel at concentrations or = 14) but not with short-chain acyl carnitines (C < or = 12). 5. Long-chain acyl carnitines accumulated significantly in duckling skeletal muscle during cold acclimation. Accordingly, these results suggest that long-chain acyl metabolites may modulate SR Ca2+ cycling and its associated thermogenesis in vivo.
Measurement of externally mixed sodium containing particles in ambient air by single particle mass spectrometry

Abstract The number distribution as a function of sodium mass has been determined for individual particles in ambient air at an urban location about 40 km inland from the Pacific ocean. The measurements were made in real-time by single particle mass spectrometry. The aerosol is ‘externally mixed’ with respect to sodium, that is, a small fraction of the total number of particles are highly enriched in Na. Size distributions calculated for Na mass equivalent spherical NaCl particles over the size range 0.1–0.4 μm show a consistent peak at 0.19 μm. Samples taken after foggy mornings had number densities for Na containing particles around 9 cm−3 compared with 0.9 cm−3 for samples taken after clear mornings. Comparison of the size distribution over this size range with marine particle size distributions indicates that sub-μm Na containing particles at the inland sampling site are of marine origin. Sodium mass density for particles smaller than 0.4 μm was found to be ∼ 0.02 μg m−3 and for particles of diameter ⩽2.5 μm, it was estimated to be ∼ 1.4 μg m−3.
Death of an anomalous fetus increases neonatal and infant mortality rate of normal co-twin

MORTALITY RATE OF NORMAL CO-TWIN ALAN TITA, HAMISU SALIHU, DWIGHT ROUSE, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Birmingham, Alabama, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, New Brunswick, New Jersey OBJECTIVE: We reported adverse birth outcomes, including increased perinatal mortality, among normal siblings due to the presence of anomalous co-fetus(es). We now examine the impact of fetal death of an anomalous twin, and the role of gestational age at delivery, on neonatal and infant mortality of the normal co-twin. STUDY DESIGN: A population-based retrospective cohort study of twins delivered in the US from 1995 through 2000 using validated Matched Multiple Birth Files from the National Center for Health Statistics. Live born nonanomalous twins belonging to a pair with an anomalous co-twin with fetal death, were compared to those from a pair with an anomalous live birth. Cox regression, taking into consideration survival time, and accounting for potential confounders including age, parity and fetal sex, and gestational age at delivery in a further analysis, was utilized. RESULTS: A total of 16068 (2.52 %) of 636716 matched twins, were nonanomalous/anomalous pairs. Of these, 584 twins were excluded because of non-anomalous stillbirths leaving 14,554 (94%) live-born twins and 930 (6%) with stillbirth of an anomalous co-twin. The adjusted incidence rate ratios for neonatal and infant mortality of the non-anomalous twins are presented in the Table.
Catalytic and biophysical properties of a nitrogenase apo-MoFe protein produced by a nifB-deletion mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii

A Zn-immobilized metal-affinity chromatography technique was used to purify a poly-histidine-tagged, FeMo-cofactorless MoFe protein (apo-MoFe protein) from a nifB-deletion mutant of Azotobacter vinelandii. Apo-MoFe protein prepared in this way was obtained in sufficient concentrations for detailed catalytic, kinetic, and spectroscopic analyses. Metal analysis and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) were used to show that the apo-MoFe protein does not contain FeMo-cofactor. The EPR of the as-isolated apo-MoFe protein is featureless except for a minor S = 1/2 signal probably arising from the presence of either a damaged P cluster or a P cluster precursor. The apo-MoFe protein has an α2β2 subunit composition and can be activated to 80% of the theoretical MoFe protein value by the addition of isolated FeMo-cofactor. Oxidation of the as-isolated apo-MoFe protein by indigodisulfonate was used to elicit the parallel mode EPR signal indicative of the two-electron oxidized form of the P cluster (P2+...
The Mechanism of U Insertion/Deletion RNA Editing in Kinetoplastid Mitochondria

Recent advances in in vitro systems and identification of putative enzymatic activities have led to the acceptance of a modified ‘enzyme cascade’ model for U insertion/deletion RNA editing in kinetoplastid mitochondria. Models involving the transfer of uridines (Us) from the 34-end of gRNA to the editing site appear to be untenable. Two types of in vitro systems have been reported: (i) a gRNA-independent U insertion activity that is dependent on the secondary structure of the mRNA; (ii) a gRNA-dependent U insertion activity that requires addition of a gRNA that can form an anchor duplex with the pre-edited mRNA and which contains guiding A and G nucleotides to base pair with the added Us. In the case of the gRNA-mediated reaction, the precise site of cleavage is at the end of the gRNA‐mRNA anchor duplex, as predicted by the original model. The model has been modified to include the addition of multiple Us to the 34-end of the 54-cleavage fragment, followed by the formation of base pairs with the guiding nucleotides and trimming back of the single-stranded oligo(U) 34-overhang. The two fragments, which are held together by the gRNA ‘splint’, are then ligated. Circumstantial in vitro evidence for involvement of an RNA ligase and an endoribonuclease, which are components of a 20S complex, was obtained. Efforts are underway in several laboratories to isolate and characterize specific components of the editing machinery.
Measuring Programming Improvement at IBM-FSD

The introduction of structured programming into FSD operations and the apparent resulting improvements in the programming process stimulated efforts to measure actual improvement.
Conforming polygonal finite elements

SUMMARY In this paper, conforming finite elements on polygon meshes are developed. Polygonal finite elements provide greater flexibility in mesh generation and are better-suited for applications in solid mechanics which involve a significant change in the topology of the material domain. In this study, recent advances in meshfree approximations, computational geometry, and computer graphics are used to construct different trial and test approximations on polygonal elements. A particular and notable contribution is the use of meshfree (natural-neighbour, nn) basis functions on a canonical element combined with an affine map to construct conforming approximations on convex polygons. This numerical formulation enables the construction of conforming approximation on n-gons (n 3), and hence extends the potential applications of finite elements to convex polygons of arbitrary order. Numerical experiments on second-order elliptic boundary-value problems are presented to demonstrate the accuracy and convergence of the proposed method. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bottlenecks Towards Commercialization of Product Synthesis by Plant Cell Cultures

Two major bottlenecks towards a wider industrial application of plant cell culture are product yield and productivity. Without significant progress within the biochemical, molecular biological, phytochemical, physiological and process technological sectors directed towards improvement of these two aspects, wide industrial acceptability of plant cell cultures cannot be expected.
Performance of bobwhite quail fed different levels of protein and feed additive supplementation

SUMMARY Native bobwhite quail (Colinus virginianus) populations have declined during the previous 40 yr, and as a result, about 20 million birds are produced commercially to fulfill hunting needs. Limited information exists concerning the dietary requirements of bobwhite quail, and producers could benefit from such information. In experiment 1, a 26% protein starter diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) was fed from 7 to 21, 28, 35, or 42 d of age followed by 20% protein grower diet (2,810 kcal of ME/kg) introduced at the appropriate time and fed to 56 d of age. In experiment 2, a 26% protein starter diet was fed from 7 to 42 d of age where dietary treatments were control, phytase enzyme, mannan oligosaccharide, and penicillin. Afterward, a 20% grower diet containing no additives was fed from 42 to 56 d of age. In experiment 1, early growth was significantly (P < 0.05) delayed in birds fed the starter diet to 21 d of age. However, by 56 d of age, BW and FE averaged 149 g/bird and 4.51, respectively, with no differences between treatments. Therefore, bobwhite quail subjected to a decrease in protein intake are responsive to compensatory gain. In experiment 2, feed additives had no effect on improving BW gain, feed consumption, or FE under the conditions of this experiment. By 56 d of age, average BW and FE were 148 g/bird and 4.42, respectively.
Does Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography With Computed Tomography Facilitate Treatment of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw?

Purpose There is considerable controversy over the treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and growing interest and debate related to the timing, type, technique, and goals of surgical intervention. The specific aim was to evaluate the predictive value of fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET) with computed tomography (CT) on healing outcomes in patients undergoing surgery for MRONJ of the mandible. Materials and Methods A retrospective cohort study of 31 patients with 33 MRONJ lesions of the mandible who had undergone surgery using FDG PET-CT was conducted. Data were collected on FDG uptake patterns, healing, follow-up, demographics, lesion characteristics, antiresorptive therapy, and adjunctive therapy. Panoramic and/or periapical radiographs were used to identify non-restorable teeth and PET-CT images were used to identify sequestra and FDG uptake. Above the mandibular canal, surgery consisted of marginal resection and/or debridement of clinically involved bone and exposure of clinically uninvolved bone identified by FDG uptake. Below the mandibular canal, mobile segments of bony sequestra were removed, but areas of clinically uninvolved bone with FDG uptake were not. Patients who did not heal underwent segmental resection and reconstruction with rigid fixation and a local or regional soft tissue flap or free fibular flap. The primary predictor variable was the FDG uptake pattern for each patient. The outcome variable was postoperative healing defined by mucosal closure without signs of infection or exposed bone at the time of evaluation. Results Two risk groups were identified based on FDG uptake pattern. The low-risk group, type A, included 22 patients with activity limited to the alveolus, torus, and/or basal bone superior to the mandibular canal. The high-risk group, type B, included 11 patients with type A FDG activity with extension inferior to the mandibular canal. Treatment of type A MRONJ lesions was more successful than treatment of type B MRONJ lesions (100 vs 27%; P Conclusion These results showed that low-risk FDG PET-CT findings predicted successful healing with surgery above the mandibular canal. In contrast, high-risk FDG findings were associated with a greater than 50% risk of failure for treatment that extended below the mandibular canal. Although these failures suggest that FDG uptake indicates infected tissue, further research is needed to identify which high-risk patients are most likely to benefit from a conservative treatment protocol.
Societal opinions regarding CPR

Resuscitative measures are traditionally undertaken for most patients with cardiac arrest, unless an advance directive exists. This long-standing default presumption of patients' wishes to undergo resuscitation has never been proven. This study was undertaken to determine societal preferences of the general public regarding resuscitation. A cross-sectional survey was administered at community events to 724 volunteer participants over a 16-month period. For 6 hypothetical clinical scenarios (previously piloted and validated), respondents indicated personal preferences regarding resuscitation attempts for themselves. Most respondents indicated preferences for resuscitative efforts in a scenario depicting a young, healthy patient (96%), whereas few would desire resuscitative efforts for an elderly, debilitated patient (27%) (P <.01, Fisher's exact test). Nearly all (98%) respondents showed a trend (by scalogram analysis) toward refusal of resuscitative efforts in scenarios depicting more elderly, debilitated patients. Respondents had inaccurate perceptions of survival rates after cardiac arrest; the mean estimated survival rate was 50% (range 0%-100%). Although the majority of respondents had a personal physician (82%), only 10% of respondents had ever discussed death or resuscitation with their physicians. This study shows a trend in personal opinion among the general public toward refusal of resuscitative efforts in clinical scenarios with poor prognoses. Because so few patients have completed advance directives, physician awareness of such public opinions may be useful in decision-making in end-of-life care, particularly when caring for patients without advance directives. These public opinions support the feasibility of establishing societal consensus regarding resuscitation preferences, which may be useful in the development of federal and local guidelines and policies.
Exploring the feasibility of text messaging to support substance abuse recovery among youth in treatment

This exploratory study examined treatment involved youth opinions about (i) the utility of using text messaging to support recovery behaviors after treatment; (ii) important types of text messages that could help youth self-manage their substance use behaviors after treatment; and (iii) programmatic or logistical areas associated with text messaging programs. Eight focus groups were conducted with 67 youth (aged 12-24) enrolled in outpatient and residential publicly funded substance abuse treatment programs around Los Angeles County, California. Results highlight that 70% of youth positively endorsed text messaging as a viable method of intervention during aftercare, 20% expressed ambivalent feelings, and 10% conveyed dislike. Thematic data exploration revealed seven themes related to the types of text messages youth recommend for helping youth avoid relapse after treatment, including positive appraisal (90%), lifestyle change tips (85%), motivational reinforcing (80%), coping advice (75%), confidence boosters (65%), inspiration encouragement (55%), and informational resources (50%). Youth opinions about key logistical features of text messaging programs, including frequency, timing, sender, and length are also examined. Findings offer insight for the development and enhancement of recovery support interventions with substance abusing youth. Results imply text messaging may serve as a promising opportunity for recovery support for young people with substance abuse problems.
Observations on the Role of Diminished Oxygen Tension in the Functional Hyperemia of Skeletal Muscle

The hypothesis that lowered tissue oxygen tension acting on vascular smooth muscle can explain functional hyperemia in skeletal muscle was examined in ten dogs. A comparison was made between the blood flow increment that accompanied rapid, rhythmic contraction of a gastrocnemius muscle and the flow change that occurred in the same muscle at rest during its perfusion with venous blood obtained from the resting or contracting gastrocnemius muscle of the opposite leg. Blood POO2, pH, and PCOCO2 were measured in samples of venous blood from the muscle. There was no evidence that the perfusion circuit traumatized the perfused blood. During functional hyperemia, the increases in blood flow averaged 173%, and the average venous POO2, was 25 mm Hg. During venous perfusion, the maximum increases in blood flow averaged 56%, and the average venous POO2, was 23 mm Hg. When the muscle was stimulated to contract during its perfusion with venous blood, increases in blood flow occurred which averaged 143%, despite additi...
Childhood white superficial onychomycosis caused by Trichophyton rubrum : Report of seven cases and review of the literature

Abstract Background: Although white superficial onychomycosis (WSO) is well recognized in adults and considered to be mainly caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes , childhood WSO is rare. WSO caused by Trichophyton rubrum in prepubertal children has never been reported. Objective: Our purpose was to describe the existence of WSO in children and to emphasize that T. rubrum may be its main cause. Methods: Seven children with WSO seen between 1988 and 1993 were examined. Only patients who had a positive potassium hydroxide preparation and a positive fungal culture were included. Results: Seven healthy prepubertal children, 2 to 9 years of age, were identified with WSO. All cases were proved to be caused by T. rubrum . Six patients had associated tinea pedis, and five had a family history of tinea pedis. Topical antifungal therapy was partially effective in some cases. Conclusion: This report documents the existence of WSO in prepubertal children. All cultures grew T. rubrum . Although onychomycosis is not as common in prepubertal children as in adults, it may be underrecognized. (J Am Acad Dermatol 1997;36:29-32.)
A CHARIOT FOR THE SHEKHINAH: Identity and the Ideal Life in Sixteenth‐Century Kabbalah

In this paper, I seek to present the range of issues involved in the efforts of sixteenth-century kabbalists to understand the nature of selfhood, and the paths prescribed for the formation of an ideal life. I reflect on the mystical writings of Moshe Cordovero, Eliyahu de Vidas, and ayyim Vital—probing their conceptions of core identity, the polarity between body and soul, and the ethical guidance for a life well lived. In so doing, I consider the following additional themes, and their relation to the matrix of self-formation and religious identity: reincarnation and rebirth; the virtue of humility and self-effacement; the cultivation of wisdom; ideals of piety and prophetic experience; asceticism; and the spiritual transcendence of desire. In presenting this wide range of constituent themes, I argue that sixteenth-century kabbalists understood the soul to be the ultimate marker of personal identity (nuanced and complicated by the doctrine of reincarnation), and that they formulated a vision of an ideal ethics in which the human being functions as an earthly vessel for the divine presence. What is more, the preparation of that vessel required a degree of humility so extreme that the attainment of ideal personhood ultimately involved the effacement of that very identity.
Radon monitoring using long-range alpha detector-based technology

Long-range alpha detector (LRAD) technology is being studied for monitoring radon gas concentrations. LRAD-based instruments collect and measure the ionization produced in air by alpha decays. These ions can be moved to a collection grid via electrostatic attraction or air currents. LRAD-based instruments using an electrostatic ion-transport design collected approximately 95% of the radon produced ions, while instruments using an airflow transport design collected from 44% to 77% of these ions, depending on detector geometry. The current produced by collecting this ionization is linear with respect to /sup 222/Rn concentration over the available test range of 0.07 to 820 pCi/L. In the absence of statistical limitations due to low radon concentrations, the speed of response of LRAD-based instruments is determined by the air exchange rate, and therefore changes in radon concentration can be detected in just a few seconds. Recent tests show that at radon concentrations below 20 pCi/L current pulses produced by individual alpha decays can be counted, thus improving detector sensitivity and stability even further. Because these detectors are simple, rugged, and do not consume much power, they are natural candidates for portable, battery operation. >
Individual Mice Can Be Distinguished by the Period of Their Islet Calcium Oscillations: Is There an Intrinsic Islet Period That Is Imprinted In Vivo?

Pulsatile insulin secretion in vivo is believed to be derived, in part, from the intrinsic glucose-dependent intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) pulsatility of individual islets. In isolation, islets display fast, slow, or mixtures of fast and slow [Ca2+]i oscillations. We show that the period of islet [Ca2+]i oscillations is unique to each mouse, with the islets from an individual mouse demonstrating similar rhythms to one another. Based on their rhythmic period, mice were broadly classified as being either fast (0.65 ± 0.1 min; n = 6 mice) or slow (4.7 ± 0.2 min; n = 15 mice). To ensure this phenomenon was not an artifact of islet-to-islet communication, we confirmed that islets cultured in isolation (period: 2.9 ± 0.1 min) were not statistically different from islets cultured together from the same mouse (3.1 ± 0.1 min, P > 0.52, n = 5 mice). We also compared pulsatile insulin patterns measured in vivo with islet [Ca2+]i patterns measured in vitro from six mice. Mice with faster insulin pulse periods corresponded to faster islet [Ca2+]i patterns, whereas slower insulin patterns corresponded to slower [Ca2+]i patterns, suggesting that the insulin rhythm of each mouse is preserved to some degree by its islets in vitro. We propose that individual mice have characteristic oscillatory [Ca2+]i patterns, which are imprinted in vivo through an unknown mechanism.
Teaching/Learning in Second Life: Perspectives of Future Nurse-Educators

Abstract Background Innovative teaching/learning strategies that simulate real world situations are needed. The virtual world of Second Life (SL) provides an opportunity for nurse-educators to develop meaningful, simulated learning experiences that are transferrable to the real world of nursing practice. Methods Students enrolled in a graduate nursing education course were invited to complete pre- and post-activity surveys regarding perceptions and experiences related to using SL as a teaching/learning strategy. Results The simulated role play experience in SL helped 10 of 11 students to apply concepts regarding the lived experience of marginalized persons. Seven described a meaningful learning experience; 11 reported a sense of presence and connectedness. Barriers and challenges related to technology, self-efficacy, and communication within the virtual world were identified. Conclusion With careful planning, the use of SL as an innovative teaching/learning strategy for nursing education was validated.
A Genetic Pathway Conferring Life Extension and Resistance to UV Stress in Caenorhabditis elegans

A variety of mechanisms have been proposed to explain the extension of adult life span (Age) seen in several mutants in Caenorhabditis elegans (age-1: an altered aging rate; daf-2 and daf-23: activation of a dauer-specific longevity program; spe-26: reduced fertility; clk-1: an altered biological clock). Using an assay for ultraviolet (UV) resistance in young adult hermaphrodites (survival after UV irradiation), we observed that all these Age mutants show increased resistance to UV. Moreover, mutations in daf-16 suppressed the UV resistance as well as the increased longevity of all the Age mutants. In contrast to the multiple mechanisms initially proposed, these results suggest that a single, daf-16-dependent pathway, specifies both extended life span and increased UV resistance. The mutations in daf-16 did not alter the reduced fertility of spe-26 and interestingly a daf-16 mutant is more fertile than wild type. We propose that life span and some aspects of stress resistance are jointly negatively regulated by a set of gerontogenes (genes whose alteration causes life extension) in C. elegans.
Trimming Problems and Remedies in COADS

Abstract The Comprehensive Ocean–Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) offers the most complete marine surface data collection (1854–1992) currently available for global climate research. In the context of the long-term monitoring of global climate, COADS constitutes an important in situ baseline dataset, considerably extending the presently available decade-long satellite-based datasets. Marine observations of a given ocean location originate from a variable mixture of vessels with different instrumentations, resulting in nontrivial sampling errors. Therefore, careful quality control (QC) is paramount. The final portion of COADS QC—flagging statistical outliers and removing them from the computation of areal averages—is referred to as “trimming” and is of particular concern here. This paper reviews evidence showing that the trimming of COADS in Release 1 and interim releases was unnecessarily restrictive. Trimming not only eliminated obvious outliers but also a relatively large fraction of realistic observations, ...
A fully integrated 5.35-GHz CMOS VCO and a prescaler

A 5.35-GHz monolithic VCO and a prescaler have been fabricated in a 0.25-/spl mu/m CMOS process. The VCO has a tuning range of 336 MHz and phase noise of -117 dBc/Hz at a 1-MHz offset and 7-mW power consumption. The low phase noise is achieved by using only PMOS transistors in the VCO core and by optimizing the resonator layout. The prescaler utilizes a variation of the source coupled logic and consumes only 4.1 mW at VDD=1.5 V and 5.4 GHz. A second prescaler operating at 9.96 GHz and 2.5-V VDD is also demonstrated.
Effectiveness of a clinical intervention for MD/PhD students re-entering medical school.

Background and Purpose: For MD/PhD students, the transition to medical school following graduate research can be difficult. We developed a clinical intervention, the Clinical Preceptorship Program (CPP), for MD/PhD students at Vanderbilt to ease the transition to the core clinical clerkship year (the 3rd medical year) following graduate training. In this study, we determined whether the CPP prepared MD/PhD students adequately for medical school reentry. Methods: Clerkship grades were obtained for 680 medical students and 50 MD/PhD students for academic years 2004–2010. A student's unpaired t test was used to analyze differences between group grades. Results: We did not detect significant differences in the grades of the MD versus MD/PhD students. No differences in individual clerkships were detected with the exception of the Surgery clerkship. Conclusions: These data suggest that the CPP intervention was successful in preparing MD/PhD students for the core clerkship year. Such a clinical intervention can ...
GATA6 reporter gene reveals myocardial phenotypic heterogeneity that is related to variations in gap junction coupling

This study examined transgenic mice whose expression of a β-galactosidase (lacZ) reporter is driven by a GATA6 gene enhancer. Previous investigations established that transcription of the transgene was associated with precardiac mesoderm and primary heart tube myocardium, which decreased progressively, so that its expression was no longer observed within ventricular myocardium by midgestation. Expression of this reporter in the adult was investigated for insights into myocyte homeostasis and cardiovascular biology. Morphometric analysis determined that <1% of myocytes, often found in small clusters, express this GATA6-associated reporter in the adult heart. LacZ expression was also found in the ascending aorta. Myocardial expression of the transgene was not associated with a proliferative phenotype or new myocyte formation, as lacZ-positive myocytes neither labeled with cell division markers nor following 5-bromodeoxyuridine pulse-chase experimentation. Despite exhibiting normal adherens junctions, these myocytes appeared to exhibit decreased connexin 43 gap junctions. Treatment with the gap junctional blocker heptanol both in vivo and in culture elevated myocardial β-galactosidase activity, suggesting that deficient gap junctional communication underlies expression of the transgenic reporter. LacZ expression within the myocardium was also enhanced in response to cryoinjury and isoproterenol-induced hypertrophy. These results reveal a previously uncharacterized phenotypic heterogeneity in the myocardium and suggest that decreased gap junctional coupling leads to induction of a signaling pathway that utilizes a unique GATA6 enhancer. Upregulation of lacZ reporter gene expression following cardiac injury indicates this transgenic mouse may serve as a model for examining the transition of the heart from healthy to pathological states.
EcoGene-RefSeq: EcoGene tools applied to the RefSeq prokaryotic genomes.

Summary: EcoGene.org is a genome database and website dedicated to Escherichia coli K-12 substrain MG1655 that is revised daily using information derived from the biomedical literature and in-house analysis. EcoGene is a major source of annotation updates for the MG1655 Genbank record, one of only a few Genbank genome records that are updated by a community effort. The Reference Sequence (RefSeq) database, built by The National Center for Biotechnology Information, comprises a set of duplicate Genbank genome records that can be modified by the NCBI staff annotators. EcoGene-RefSeq is being developed as a stand-alone internet resource to facilitate the usage of EcoGene-based tools on any of the >2400 completed prokaryotic genome records that are currently available at the RefSeq database. Availability: The web interface of EcoGene-RefSeq is available at http://www.ecogene.org/refseq. Contact: ude.imaim.dem@ddurk or ude.imaim@1uohz.j
Planar Waveguide Integrated EDFA

A Planar Waveguide EDFA is demonstrated. Optical components such as isolators, WDMs, detectors, splitters and other components are integrated into or side-mounted on single PLC chip. New, traditionally unavailable components give an advantage to PLC-EDFA.
Notes on the Injury to Plant Cells by Chinch Bug Feeding.

Recent work at the Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station shows that certain varieties of sorghums are far more easily injured by chinch bugs than others. Under moderate infestation last year, the milos, for instance, showed more than 60 per cent injury, while Kansas Orange sorgo and certain Kafirs showed little injury and made nearly complete recovery (2). Varieties of corn such as those studied by Flint (4) showed similar but much less striking differences. If the factor, or factors, that give rise to these differences are to be found, it appears that they should be looked for first at the point of injury. In other words, a study should be made of the injury to individual cells and tissues.
High Resolution Electron Microscopy of an Alumina/Copper Interface

Particles of a cubic A12O3 phase in an internally oxidized CuAl alloy were imaged by HREM. These particles are triangular platelets which lie on {111} planes of the copper matrix and have a diameter of about 100nm. They grow by migration of ledges. The platelets are always twinned parallel to their triangular base. At the A12O3 /Cu interface, the lattice of the A12O3 lies either parallel or in twin orientation relationship to the fcc Cu lattice. The interface is always parallel to {111} planes of the A12O3. The lattice parameter of the A12O3 is 10% larger than twice the lattice parameter of Cu. However, HREM micrographs and weak beam micrographs of the A12O3 /Cu interface do not show localized misfit dislocations. HREM image simulations of model structures yielded evidence that the A12O3 particles have a highly disordered spinel type structure. The simulations also indicate that a partly occupied layer of oxygen atoms terminates the A12O3 at the interface with Cu.
Dynamic rigidity percolation of inverted AOT micellar solutions

We use ultrasonic techniques and Brillouin scattering to study the elastic response of AOT surfactant solutions. This micellar solution features a short-range attractive interaction between the droplets. We find behavior consistent with a dynamic rigidity percolation wherein clusters that span the system can form in the solution at surfactant volume fractions above Φ ≈ 0.16. The percolation clusters contribute a real shear modulus causing an increase in the sound velocity if the frequency is higher than the characteristic relaxation rate of the cluster (∼108 Hz). By contrast, at low frequencies the solution behaves as an effective medium with isolated micelle aggregates imbedded in the oil continuum, and the anomalous contribution of the shear modulus disappears. This experiment provides a unique measurement of the scaling of the elastic properties for a percolating system. In particular, the rigidity exponent is found to be τ′ ⋍ 2.5, consistent with the theoretical predictions.
Production Simulation Platform

Research on productivity improvement is gaining accelerated attention in enterprise industry in recent years. One notable example is the LDP solution by Xerox [1]. LDP is Xerox’s simulation-based service solution offered through Xerox Managed Services (XMS) that helps to enhance print shop productivity. There are distinctions between our and their simulation-based approaches. In our approach, we modeled the print production as a content-driven cyber-physical system [2]. Anticipating that the pervasive sensing and computing-based knowledge discovery will enable additional design space and flexibility, we have tested our optimization and knowledge discovery components on the simulation platform.
Long-term results with vacuum constriction device

From November 1985 to April 1990, 216 consecutive patients were treated with the vacuum constriction device. Patients were mailed an initial questionnaire (group 1) and a long-term questionnaire (group 2) at a median followup of 3 and 29 months, respectively. Of 202 available patients 161 in group 1 (75%) and 115 in group 2 (57%) responded. Regular use of the vacuum constriction device was reported by 69% group 1 and 70% group 2 patients. patient and partner satisfaction was 82% and 87% in group 1, and 84% and 89% in group 2, respectively. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to regular use and patient or partner satisfaction (p < 0.05). Quality of erection was evaluated for hardness, length and circumference, and with satisfaction greater than 90% in both groups. Median times per month of successful intercourse were 1, 4 and 4 for the year before, during and after obtaining the vacuum constriction device in group 2. Also, 79% of the patients in group 2 reported a statistically significant increase in the frequency of intercourse per month in the first year, which was sustained beyond the first year in 77% (p < 0.01). Our results support the efficacy of the vacuum constriction device for the treatment of impotence. Overall regular use rates as well as patient and partner satisfaction appear to be high. Furthermore, excellent initial results appear durable in most patients.
Online Eccentricity Monitoring of Seamless Tubes in Cross-Roll Piercing Mill

Wall thickness eccentricity is a major dimensional deviation problem in seamless steel tube production. Although eccentricity is mainly caused by abnormal process conditions in the cross-roll piercing mill, most seamless tube plants lack the monitoring at the hot piercing stage but only inspect the quality of finished tubes using ultrasonic testing at the end of all manufacturing processes. This paper develops an online monitoring technique to detect abnormal conditions in the cross-roll piercing mill. Based on an image-sensing technique, process operation condition can be extracted from the vibration signals. Optimal frequency features that are sensitive to tube wall thickness variation are then selected through the formulation and solution of a set-covering optimization problem. Hotelling T2 control charts are constructed using the selected features for online monitoring. The developed monitoring technique enables early detection of eccentricity problems at the hot piercing stage, which can facilitate timely adjustment and defect prevention. The monitoring technique developed in this paper is generic and can be widely applied to the hot piercing process of various products. This paper also provides a general framework for effectively analyzing image-based sensing data and establishing the linkage between product quality information and process information.Copyright © 2014 by ASME
Invasiveness is associated with metastasis and decreased survival in hemangiopericytoma of the central nervous system

Meningeal hemangiopericytoma (m-HPC) is a rare tumor of the central nervous system (CNS), which is distinguished clinically from meningioma by its tendency to recur and metastasize. The histological classification and grading scheme for m-HPC is still evolving and few studies have identified tumor features that are associated with metastasis. All patients at our institution with m-HPC were assessed for patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics associated with survival, recurrence, and metastasis. New findings were validated using the SEER database. Twenty-seven patients were identified in our institutional records with m-HPC with a median follow-up time of 85 months. Invasiveness was the strongest predictor of decreased overall survival (OS) and decreased metastasis-free survival (MFS) (p = 0.004 and 0.001). On subgroup analysis, bone invasion trended towards decreased OS (p = 0.056). Bone invasion and soft tissue invasion were significantly associated with decreased MFS (p = 0.001 and 0.012). An additional 315 patients with m-HPC were identified in the SEER database that had information on tumor invasion and 263 with information on distant metastasis. Invasion was significantly associated with decreased survival (HR = 5.769, p = 0.007) and metastasis (OR 134, p = 0.000) in the SEER data. In this study, the authors identified a previously unreported tumor characteristic, invasiveness, as the strongest factor associated with decreased survival and metastasis. The association of invasion with decreased survival and metastasis was confirmed in a separate, larger, publicly available database. Invasion may be a useful parameter in the histological grading and clinical management of hemangiopericytoma of the CNS.
Icehearts: Sport-based early support program for children at risk

Icehearts program aims to prevent social exclusion, to promote socio-emotional skills and mental well-being and to provide a secure, long-term adult commitment throughout the child's life using team sport as a tool. The program is facilitated by an Icehearts-mentor providing sports activities as well as support at school and home for a period of 12 years starting at age of 7. Currently, the program is reaching about 500 children in 29 Icehearts teams in Finland. The longitudinal study aims at investigating: (1) the psychosocial well-being and (2) the life course of participating children as well as perceived impact, benefits and challenges of the program. The baseline data was gathered in 2015–2016 by questionnaires and interviews among 7 years old program participants (n = 46) and controls at same age not participating in the program (n = 180), their parents, and teachers. The measures included i.e the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). According to the SDQ-scores assessed by the teachers, two of third among program participants had behavioural difficulties. One-fourth had used mental health services. The parents of program participants reported need for more support for their parenting. The results showed that the Icehearts program is reaching out a target group in need for help and support. Further, the study provides valuable information about the role of a NGO organisation offering long-term and intensive support with the help of sport-based intervention program targeted at vulnerable children. In the presentation, the program, study design and the baseline results are presented in more detail.
Design and analysis of clustering frameworks in vehicular ad-hoc networks

Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks (VANETs), an outgrowth of traditional Mobile Ad Hoc Networks (MANETs), provide the basic network communication framework for Intelligent Transportation Systems applications. Due to the availability of dedicated short-range communication channels, there is growing interest in intelligent driver-vehicle safety applications, infotainment, and mobile Internet services for passengers. This research has been divided into two phases. In the first phase, we design a few clustering algorithms by considering some transportation-specific attributes, and implement and evaluate these algorithms in a simple traffic micro simulator. This preliminary approach not only demonstrates the key characteristics of cluster structures and the relationship between several clustering metrics, but helps us gain insight to develop better algorithms. In the second phase, a distributed clustering algorithm focusing on stability and vehicular features is proposed, including a detailed description on cluster setup, cluster maintenance procedures and correctness proofs on properties of our clustering algorithm. Furthermore, in order to analyze the overhead of our clustering algorithm, we present a theoretical analysis which characterizes the complexities for any type of topology change. In addition to the clustering algorithm, a cluster-based broadcasting protocol is proposed to justify the necessity of applying the clustering structure under VANET environments, because broadcasting is a fundamental service for a lot of potential wireless applications, such as traffic accident alerts. For the purpose of making the simulation results more accurate and reliable, a simulation environment is employed, which incorporates both traffic movement model and network functionalities, and imports realistic traffic flow data on a U.S. regional map. Therefore, it becomes feasible for us to develop and implement algorithms executed by each vehicle and evaluate the effects on different network parameters and configurations. As a result, for both clustering and broadcasting algorithms, multiple metrics are evaluated under comprehensive aspects such as stability, communication costs, reachability, rebroadcast and latency. In summary, a detailed simulation study is conducted and the results are communicated.
Evolution of the digital biomarker ecosystem

The pursuit of digital biomarkers wherein signal outputs from biosensors are collated to inform health-care decisions continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In the field of neurodegenerative disorders, a goal is to augment subjective patient-reported inputs with patient-independent verifiable data that can be used to recommend interventive measures. For example, in the case of Alzheimer's disease, such tools might preselect patients in the presymptomatic and prodromal phases for definitive positron emission tomographic analysis, allowing accurate staging of disease and providing a reference point for subsequent therapeutic and other measures. Selection of appropriate and meaningful digital biomarkers to pursue, however, requires deep understanding of the disease state and its ecological relationship to the instrumental activities of daily living scale. Similar opportunities and challenges exist in a number of other chronic disease states including Parkinson's, Huntington's, and Duchenne's disease, multiple sclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. This review will highlight progress in device technology, the need for holistic approaches for data inputs, and regulatory pathways for adoption. The review focuses on published work from the period 2012–2017 derived from online searches of the most widely used abstracting portals.
The impact of coffee-like scent on expectations and performance

Abstract The present research explores the effect of an ambient coffee-like scent (versus no scent) on expectations regarding performance on an analytical reasoning task as well as on actual performance. We show that people in a coffee-scented (versus unscented) environment perform better on an analytical reasoning task due to heightened performance expectations (Study 1). We further show that people expect that being in a coffee-scented environment will increase their performance because they expect it will increase their physiological arousal level (Study 2). Our results thus demonstrate that a coffee-like scent (which actually contains no caffeine) can elicit a placebo effect.