cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Augmented myocardial perfusion reserve after coronary angioplasty quantified by positron emission tomography with H215O

Effects of coronary angioplasty on myocardial flow reserve have been difficult to characterize noninvasively because conventional imaging techniques cannot quantitate blood flow in absolute terms. The effects of coronary angioplasty on myocardial perfusion and perfusion reserve were delineated with positron emission tomography and oxygen-15-labeled water (H215O) in 13 patients before and after single vessel angioplasty. In 11 patients, angioplasty was successful (minimal cross-sectional area increased from 0.60 ± 0.59 to 3.45 ± 1.09 mm2, p < 0.001). In these patients, regional H215O radioactivity (the ratio of nutritional perfusion in regions distal to the stenosis compared with regions supplied by angiographically normal arteries) at rest before angioplasty was 55 ± 22% of peak myocardial radioactivity and did not increase significantly afterward (70 ± 16%, p = NS). However, after administration of intravenous dipyridamole, hyperemic perfusion in regions distal to a stenosis averaged only 39 ± 18% of peak myocardial counts before angioplasty, but increased to 66 ± 22% after angioplasty (p < 0.02). Perfusion reserve in the two patients in whom angioplasty was angiographically unsuccessful showed no change. Quantitative estimates of perfusion in absolute rather than relative terms were obtained with positron emission tomographic data from seven of the patients with successful angioplasty. At rest, perfusion in regions distal to a stenosis was not different from the values in regions supplied by normal coronary arteries (1.54 ± 0.54 compared with 1.46 ± 0.38 ml/g per min, p = NS). After dipyridamole, however, perfusion distal to a stenosis increased to only 64 ± 14% of flow observed in normal regions (1.98 ± 0.97 compared with 3.24 ± 1.92 ml/g per min, p < 0.04). In contrast, after angioplasty, hyperemic perfusion unproved in regions supplied by vessels subjected to angioplasty with values similar to those in regions supplied by normal vessels (4.36 ± 1.61 compared with 4.04 ± 1.28 ml/g per mm). Eight patients, all without symptoms of recurrent ischemia, were studied again an average of 7.5 months after angioplasty. In all, the enhanced perfusion reserve capacity was maintained. The results obtained indicate that angiographically successful coronary angioplasty improves myocardial perfusion reserve and demonstrate the utility of positron emission tomography with H215O for quantitative delineation of the efficacy of specific means of revascularization on nutritional perfusion and perfusion reserve.
Stimulation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 (STAT1)-dependent Gene Transcription by Lipopolysaccharide and Interferon-γ Is Regulated by Mammalian Target of Rapamycin

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) regulate cell growth, protein synthesis, and apoptosis in response to nutrients and mitogens. As an important source of nitric oxide during inflammation, human inducible nitric oxide synthase also plays a role in the regulation of cytokine-driven cell proliferation and apoptosis. The role of mTOR and PI3K in the activation of human inducible nitric oxide synthase transcription by cytokines and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was investigated in lung epithelial adenocarcinoma (A549) cells. LY294002, a dual mTOR and PI3K inhibitor, blocked human inducible nitric oxide synthase (hiNOS) promoter activation and mRNA induction by cytokines and LPS in a PI3K-independent fashion. On gene expression analysis, LY294002 selectively blocked the induction of a subset of 14 LPS/interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced genes, previously characterized as signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1)-dependent. LY294002, but not wortmannin, inhibited LPS/IFN-γ-dependent STAT1 phosphorylation at Ser-727 and STAT1 activity. Consistent with dual inhibition of mTOR and PI3K by LY294002, dominant-negative mTOR, anti-mTOR small interfering RNA, or rapamycin each inhibited phosphorylation of STAT1 only in the presence of wortmannin. LPS/IFN-γ led to the formation of a macromolecular complex containing mTOR, STAT1, as well as protein kinase Cδ, a known STAT1α kinase. Thus, LPS and IFN-γ activate the PI3K and mTOR pathways, which converge to regulate STAT1-dependent transcription of pro-apoptotic and pro-inflammatory genes in a rapamycin-insensitive manner.
Detection of Polarized CO Emission from the Molecular Outflow in NGC 1333 IRAS 4A.

We report the first interferometric detection and mapping of linearly polarized spectral line emission due to the Goldreich-Kylafis effect. Our polarization maps of the CO J = 2 → 1 line in the molecular outflow powered by the very young stellar system NGC 1333 IRAS 4A make it possible to define the direction of the magnetic field in the outflow. Comparison with theoretical predictions implies that the magnetic field is parallel to the polarization. Our data suggest that the deflection of the outflow may be the result of the interaction between the outflow and the magnetic field. We also detect and map the linearly polarized dust continuum emission at 1.3 mm. The polarization map of the dust continuum is roughly consistent with an hourglass magnetic field morphology; i.e., it is in agreement with theoretical models of interstellar cloud contraction with a frozen-in magnetic field. The two techniques for mapping magnetic field morphologies agree. In general, the two techniques sample different column densities, and together they allow the study of magnetic field morphology over wider areas than either technique by itself would permit.
Combined Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization for Controlling the Toxigenic Alga Prymnesium parvum

Abstract The toxigenic alga Prymnesium parvum has caused significant fish kills in Texas reservoirs and fish hatchery ponds since 2001. Copper sulfate and ammonium sulfate can control P. parvum, but they provide short-term improvement and have undesirable side effects. Copper sulfate also kills desirable algae and invertebrates, and ammonium sulfate can be harmful to fish. Because dominance of the phytoplankton community and toxin production by P. parvum appear to be nutrient related, we evaluated two nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization regimes for their efficacy in controlling P. parvum populations and toxicity. The experiment included two N:P fertilization treatments (300:30 or 300:60 μg/L three times weekly) and an unfertilized control group conducted in limnocorrals suspended in a fish hatchery pond. Ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and phosphoric acid (H3PO4) were used as the sources of N and P, respectively. In the unfertilized control, P. parvum cells and toxicity persisted throughout the 40-d e...
Audiological investigation of chronic alcoholics.

Pure tone audiometry performed on 67 alcoholics showed a sensorineural hearing loss in 70% of the ears examined. The prevalence of the hearing loss was related to the duration of heavy drinking. Twenty-two subjects with hearing loss were evaluated using impedance audiometry, SISI test, tone decay test and fixed frequency Bekesy recording. The results of these tests are suggestive of a retrocochlear lesion in chronic alcoholics.
Interrelationships of Rumen Ingesta Composition, Removal Rate from the Rumen, and Digestibility in Identical Twin Cows Fed Alfalfa Hay

Summary Four sets of fistulated, identical-twin cows were used to determine the relationship between the rate of removal of nutrients from the rumen and nutrient digestibility. The cows were fed alfalfa hay at 12-hr intervals. The day after each digestion trial the rumen was emptied and the contents weighed, sampled, and returned to the rumen three times: before the cows were fed and 6 and 12 hr after they were fed. Except for rumen dry matter, which increased in amount 6 hr after feeding, there was little change in the composition of rumen ingesta from sample to sample when sampled three times in 12 hr. The percentages of crude fiber and ash in rumen ingesta were greater than, and the percentages of protein and nitrogen-free extract were less than, the percentages of these constituents in the hay fed. The ratio of nutrients fed to those present in the rumen before the cows were fed is an indication of rate nutrients are removed from the rumen. On the average, an amount of dry matter (13.2lb) equivalent to approximately twice the intake (7.75lb) was present in the rumen before hay was fed. A small variation was observed within twin pairs and between twin pairs in digestibility; a large variation within and between twin pairs in nutrient removal rate from the rumen. Consequently, no correlation was shown among individual animals between rate of removal and digestibility. Within individual animals, the most digestible nutrient was removed from the rumen fastest.
High-efficiency power production from natural gas with carbon capture

Abstract A unique electricity generation process uses natural gas and solid oxide fuel cells at high electrical efficiency (74%HHV) and zero atmospheric emissions. The process contains a steam reformer heat-integrated with the fuel cells to provide the heat necessary for reforming. The fuel cells are powered with H2 and avoid carbon deposition issues. 100% CO2 capture is achieved downstream of the fuel cells with very little energy penalty using a multi-stage flash cascade process, where high-purity water is produced as a side product. Alternative reforming techniques such as CO2 reforming, autothermal reforming, and partial oxidation are considered. The capital and energy costs of the proposed process are considered to determine the levelized cost of electricity, which is low when compared to other similar carbon capture-enabled processes.
Can one derive the Schwartzschild line-element without the field equations?

In 1944 W.Lenz has conceived an ingenious derivation of the Schwartzschild line Element for weak gravitational fields, without using the field equations ofEinstein. The derivation is based only on the Principle of Equivalence and the conservation of energy in the Newtonian approximation. Later M.Kohler raised some doubts how far this derivation is correct. Our aim is to show thatKohler's criticism can be met andLenz's derivation is correct.
Cognitively Impaired Spouses as Primary Caregivers for Demented Elderly People

OBJECTIVE: To describe problems of dementia patients whose spousal caregivers are also cognitively impaired. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: The geriatric assessment clinic at University of California, San Diego, which is one center for the California State sponsored Alzheimer's Disease Diagnosis and Treatment Center Program. PATIENTS: During the period from January 1992 through May 1994, 65 patients completed the assessment and met the entry criteria of being demented and having a spousal caregiver. Twelve of the spouses scored six or more error points on the Katzman Short Orientation-Memory-Concentration Test. MEASUREMENTS: Patient data included age, living situation, other caregivers, use of formal and informal support systems, profiles of medical, cognitive, and functional ability, caregiver interactions, and recommendations from the evaluation. MAIN RESULTS: Dementia patients with cognitively impaired spouses utilized fewer community resources (P = .021) and experienced difficulty with medication compliance (P = .041) more often than those with cognitively normal spousal caregivers. CONCLUSIONS: Older caregivers of patients suffering from dementia should be screened for cognitive problems.
Protein adsorption on crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane using total internal reflection fluorescence

Abstract Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) is used to examine the adsorption of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and bovine fibrinogen on crosslinked polydimethylsiloxane (silicone rubber) surfaces from flowing solutions. By comparing experimentally observed adsorption rates with the predictions of a convection/diffusion model, it is shown that the adsorption of both BSA and fibrinogen on silicone rubber is diffusion-controlled over the range of solution concentrations (0.01
Studying transfer students: Designs and methodological challenges

This chapter discusses the different methodological perspectives of the research done on transfer students. Documents from the ERIC database and journal articles are used to answer the questions, Who is conducting researchq What methods are being used to gather informationq and What types of data are being collected on transfer studentsq Finally, this chapter presents examples of studies that have implications for researchers and other stakeholders and can be adapted at the institutional level.
Enhancement of the Atomic Absorption of Iodine in Hydrogen-Entrained Air Flames

Hydrogen-entrained air flames diluted with either argon or nitrogen are used to atomize iodine in aqueous solutions. The iodide ion present in the sample is oxidized to elemental iodine with acidic dichromate before being aspirated into the flame. Sensitivity (concentration I− per 1% absorption) in either flame after preliminary oxidation is about 0.6 ppm with a 10-cm single slot burner. Sensitivity without addition of the acidic dichromate reagent is about 150 ppm. Either hydrogen-entrained air flame yields absorbance value about eight times greater than those obtained with a fuel-rich air-acetylene flame when the iodide is oxidized to elemental iodine.
Effects of electron radiation on mono- and di-methyl pendant poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) fibers

The effect of electron radiation on mono- and di-methyl pendant poly(p-phenylene benzobisthiazole) polymers (MePBZT and DiMePBZT, respectively) has been investigated. MePBZT is chemically stable (as measured by 13C NMR) upon exposure to 1 Grad electron radiation at room temperature. The irradiation of DiMePBZT at 225°C was also carried out, which was found to have no effect up to a dosage of 850 Mrad. Thus, the additional molecular mobility brought about by heating (225°C) did not enhance the reactivity of DiMePBZT. The compressive and tensile properties of DiMePBZT fiber remained unchanged at lower radiation dosages. At a dosage of 850 Mrad, the tensile properties were found to decrease substantially, which may be attributed to defects observed in these fibers. The defects can be attributed to the effects of electron radiation, rather than prolonged heating at 225°C.
Climate response to astronomical forcing

Abstract Power spectrum analysis of the oxygen isotopic records of deep-sea cores cannot be directly used for correlation studies with the astronomical forcing functions because of the rapidity of the major deglaciations. The ensuing step change in the isotopic curves, repeated at somewhat irregular intervals, produces, in fact, substantial spectral energy in a wide frequency band that includes the frequencies of the precessional parameters. The isotopic fluctuations within the ramp sections of a composite core curve have been found to be highly correlated with the precessional parameters, indicating a linear response of climate to these parameters and verifying, at the same time, the essential correctness of the time scale adopted. A direct correlation of eccentricity with the major glacial/interglacial cycle is doubtful because some of the eccentricity minima have absolute values of the same order as some of the maxima, while the isotopic amplitude remains essentially constant. In order to test if the major cycle could be related to a terrestrial parameter exhibiting an asymmetric relaxation fluctuation, we have added an asymmetric saw-tooth function to an artificial curve constructed from the precessional parameters on the basis of optimal response amplitude. The curve thus generated reproduces the original isotopic curve with a similarity sufficient to warrant a close search and analysis of the relaxation process.
Spillover of Negative Information on Brand Alliances

This research examines the conditions in which the effect of 1 partner's negative behavior in a marketing alliance is likely to spill over to the other. Alliances with both a supplier and a spokesperson were considered. Furthermore, we determined the impact of 2 types of negative attributes: incompetence and immorality. Negative spillover from the partner brand to the host brand occurred only when the host brand was viewed as equally culpable for the offense (i.e., the host was linked directly to the negative act). In addition, moral failures were more detrimental than competence failures in a spokesperson alliance, whereas the reverse was true in a supplier alliance.
Correlation of equilibrium adsorption data of condensible vapours on porous adsorbents

Abstract A modified Dubinin-Astakhov equation is presented which can describe the adsorption of condensible vapours on porous adsorbents. The equation has five parameters and can be used to correlate adsorption of types I, IV and V according to BDDT classification. It has a finite Henry's Law limit, and is simpler than two other models available in the literature. It can also be used to obtain qualitative information about the energetic heterogeneity of the adsorbent.
The study of tapered laminated composite structures: a review

Following laminated composite plates and beams, tapered laminated structures, which are formed by dropping off some of the plies at discrete positions over the laminate, have received much attention from researchers because of their structural tailoring capabilities, damage tolerance, and their potential for creating significant weight savings in engineering applications. A review of recent developments in the analysis of tapered laminated composite structures with an emphasis on interlaminar stress analysis, delamination analysis and parametric study is presented. A discussion of various approaches to modelling and analysis of interlaminar response of tapered composites using finite elements and non-finite elements is given. Displacement-based finite elements and hybrid finite elements that are commonly used are also reviewed. A review of various studies on delamination failure mechanisms as a result of drop-off plies in the tapered composites is given next, which mainly encompasses a stress-strength approach and a fracture-mechanics approach. Lastly, a variety of methods that are being used in the parametric studies regarding the structural integrity is presented. Overall remarks drawn from the reviewed works are given in the final section of the paper.
Intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions are a specific feature of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms that distinguish contaminating gastric epithelium.

Introduction Low-grade intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are challenging to diagnose because of an absence of reliable morphologic or immunohistochemical features to distinguish them from contaminating gastric foveolar epithelium. After noting intranuclear cytoplasmic inclusions (ICIs) in some cases of IPMN, we investigated whether ICIs could be used as a specific feature to distinguish IPMN from gastric foveolar epithelium. Materials and methods A consecutive cohort of 61 transduodenal endoscopic fine-needle aspirations of histologically or clinically verified pancreatic IPMNs without high-grade dysplasia from 2005 to 2012 were identified. A control cohort of 24 endoscopic fine-needle aspirations containing gastric epithelium was selected from transgastric specimens of nonpancreatic targets from the same period. Every fragment of mucinous epithelium in the 2 cohorts was examined in alcohol-fixed and cell block sections at high magnification to identify ICIs. Results ICIs were observed in 31% (19 of 61) of cases in mucinous epithelial fragments obtained by fine-needle aspirations from low-grade IPMNs. When present, they were seen in about 1% of all cells. No ICIs were identified in the control cohort of 24 patients with normal gastric epithelium ( P = 0.001 Fisher exact test). BRAF mutation (V600E) testing was performed on 5 IPMN cases, and was negative in all cases including 2 with and 3 without ICIs. KRAS mutation testing was performed on 9 cases of IPMN cases. Two cases with ICIs tested positive for KRAS mutations. Four cases without ICIs also tested positive, and 3 cases without ICIs tested negative. Conclusions ICIs are a specific morphologic feature found in about one third of low-grade IPMNs, but absent in gastric foveolar epithelium. There is no obvious molecular correlate with the presence of ICIs.
The Diphthongization of /ay/ Abandoning a Southern Norm in Southern Maryland

L'A. sinterroge sur le ralentissement du processus de diphtongaison de /ay/ qui s'est engage depuis le siecle dernier dans le sud de l'Etat du Maryland aux Etats-Unis. Bien que l'A. ne decele pas de raison particuliere a ce processus, il se penche sur les donnees concernant la monophtongaison de /ay/ dans cette region afin de verifier si les origines de ce developpement dans le Maryland extra-urbain peuvent etre reliees aux memes causes a l'origine de developpements similaires dans d'autres communautes linguistiques
Dihedral symmetry and charge conjugation

The charge conjugation C and the parity P are assumed to generate a finite group without assuming any apriori commutation or anti-commutation relation. The group then generated is the di-hedral group D/sub n/ (n being even) which has two dimensional irreducible representations. This implies that we could have in principle, elementary particles with parity and charge-conjugation doublet structure.
Recent Developments in Graduation and Interpolation

Abstract Some developments during the 10-year period 1938–1947 in the techniques of graduation, or the smoothing of data, and of interpolation, are reviewed and summarized. In preparing this summary of developments in graduation and interpolation during the past decade, it has been the author's intention to refer to the more important results which have come to his attention, and which he considers are likely to be of interest to practical statisticians and actuaries who have occasion to perform graduations or interpolations of actual data. No attempt has been made to deal with the more abstract topic of interpolatory function theory. Within the limits thus set, there has been no intention to slight anyone, and the author will appreciate having his attention called to any omissions. For derivations, proofs, and more detailed treatment, the references given in the bibliography may be consulted. * A paper presented at the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Statistical Association, New York City, December ...
Ready for funding? Entrepreneurial ventures and the pursuit of angel financing

Drawing on literature from organizational behavior, strategic change and management of technology, we examine the new ventures’ readiness for funding by angel investors, using a dataset of 332 firms that sought investment from a prominent angel group located outside of Boston, MA during 2007–2008. Findings suggest that perceptions of venture readiness for funding change throughout the angel evaluation process. Tangible, objective organizational characteristics are important during the first decision-making stage, while intangible, subjective new venture characteristics are more important during subsequent decision stages. This suggests that what the entrepreneur perceives as an organization ready for outside funding may be very different from the angel investor's perception. Interestingly, location of the new venture remains significant throughout the angel investment decision-making process, implying that entrepreneurs need to think carefully before applying for funding outside their local area. Implicat...
Cigarette demand and delayed reward discounting in nicotine-dependent individuals with schizophrenia and controls: an initial study

Rationale The high prevalence of smoking and low cessation rates among individuals with schizophrenia and similar conditions are not well understood. Behavioral economics has been extensively applied to studying addictive behavior and may contribute to understanding smoking in this subpopulation.
Experimental developments in relativistic heavy-ion collisions published between Quark Matter 2002 and the beginning of Quark Matter 2004

The Quark Matter conference is the 'meeting of record' for the field of relativistic heavy-ion physics. Each such conference is filled with exciting new data frequently presented to the world for the first time, However, the field also makes significant progress during the 18 months between Quark Matter conferences. Such progress is summarized in a single talk near the beginning of the conference and sets the stage for the newest data and discoveries. This paper is the experimental summary of selected results published in journals and presented at conferences between the end of QM2002 and the beginning of QM2004.
Systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve after valve repair without an annular ring

A 78-year-old woman underwent mitral reconstruction, consisting of a quadrangular posterior leaflet resection without a concomitant annular ring, for symptomatic mitral regurgitation. Postoperatively she became hypotensive while being treated with dopamine. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed systolic anterior motion of the mitral valve with significant mitral regurgitation. With discontinuation of the dopamine regimen, institution of phenylephrine administration, and volume loading of the ventricle the systolic anterior motion disappeared as did the mitral regurgitation. The patient recovered uneventfully.
Reconfigurable Wireless Network-on-Chip with a Dynamic Medium Access Mechanism

Wireless interconnects have emerged as an energy-efficient interconnection paradigm for multicore chips with Networks-on-Chips (NoCs). As wireless interconnects have the unique advantage of eliminating the need to layout physical channels they provide an inherent opportunity for dynamic reconfiguration of the NoC architecture. Large temporal and spatial variability in traffic patterns is expected in large multicore chips and especially in future heterogeneous systems-on-chips integrating different kinds of cores such as CPUs, GPUs, ASICs and memory. By establishing on-demand wireless links in response to dynamically varying traffic patterns the data bandwidth and energy efficiency of NoC architectures can be improved compared to static architectures with the same raw bandwidth. We present a dynamic medium access mechanism that establishes wireless links depending on traffic requirements while reducing the overheads. Such an interconnection system incorporating wireless links in a NoC fabric will be better suited to address non-uniformity and temporal variations in traffic patterns which are expected in future large multicore chips.
Determinants of pace-terminable ventricular tachycardia: implications for implantable antitachycardia devices.

The next generation of implantable antitachycardia devices incorporate anti-tachycardia pacing for the treatment of ventricular tachycardia. To evaluate the potential determinants of pace terminability, we analyzed 62 episodes of induced monomorphic ventricular tachycardia. We found that the tachycardia cycle length and cycle length variability are the major determinants of pace terminability. These findings should be considered in the designing of ventricular tachycardia detection and termination algorithms.
The Structure of al‐Baqarah

L'A. suggere que al-Baqarah est structure par une repetition thematique, surtout en ce qui concerne l'autorite de revelation du Coran lui-meme vis-a-vis d'Ecritures anterieures, et il affirme pour al-Baraqah la theorie generale que le Coran est structure par une repetition thematique, mais propose un argument plus specifique : la revelation divine qui passe par Mahomet est le commencement et la fin des cycles thematiques. Le theme de la propre autorite de revelation du Coran est, selon lui, le premier principe strutural de al-Baqarah (surah 2). Il expose ici cette structure de al-Baqarah.
Interleukin‐6 is a Mediator of TNF‐α Regulation of LAK Cell Function

TNF-alpha at 50-100 U/ml synergizes with IL-2 in enhancing LAK activity and IL-6 production in low-dose IL-2 (1-10 U/ml) culture of human PBL. High-dose TNF-alpha (> or = 200 U/ml) has less effect and even sometimes resulted in lowering of both LAK activity and IL-6 production below control levels. TNF-alpha-mediated regulation of low-dose IL-2 activation occurs even at late stages (effector phase) of LAK development. IL-6, as previously reported, acts at late stages of low-dose IL-2 culture to enhance LAK, but does not stimulate TNF-alpha production. The combined addition of TNF-alpha and IL-6 to late stages of IL-2 culture does not produce any additive or synergistic effect on LAK. We tested for the relative roles of TNF-alpha and IL-6 in late stage regulation of LAK development with antibodies (Abs) to these cytokines. Anti-IL-6 Ab abrogates late phase LAK enhancement by TNF-alpha, while anti-TNF-alpha Ab has no effect on IL-6 augmentation of LAK cytotoxicity. IL-2 added to PBL culture at doses greater than 10 U/ml induces production of both TNF-alpha and IL-6. Addition of anti-TNF-alpha Ab at late stages of high-dose IL-2 (> or = 20 U/ml) culture decreases both LAK cytotoxicity and IL-6 production, and the inhibition of LAK is reversed by the addition of IL-6. By contrast, anti-IL-6 Ab decreases LAK cytotoxicity, but does not alter TNF-alpha production, and the inhibition of LAK is not reversed by addition of TNF-alpha. These data indicate that TNF-alpha is important for both LAK development and IL-6 secretion in PBL, and that IL-6 is the proximate mediator in TNF-alpha regulation of these cytotoxic cell functions.
Reduced cable smart motors communicating over the DC power bus-line for high degree of freedom systems

A system of networked smart motors is developed to reduce complex cable harnesses. Motor control signals are sent over the DC power bus line and receiver by motors with integrated power amplifiers and controller. Unlike traditional AC power line communication, the noise level and signal attenuation are much lower for the DC power bus communication. This allows for high fidelity, broadband communication among many smart motors without bulky, costly cables. A modem is designed to exploit the features of the DC power bus communication. Experimentation is done to verify that the DC bus line is indeed useful for communication. An experimental setup was developed to identify the noise spectrum and signal transmissibility of the consolidated power-signal line. Optimal carrier frequency and filter parameters are then obtained based on the experiments.
The Effect of Crumbling on the Relationship Between Dietary Density and Chick Growth, Feed Efficiency, and Abdominal Fat Pad Weights

Abstract Four hundred and eighty sexed broiler chicks were fed corn-soy-oats-poultry oil-based diets of 2.9, 3.1, or 3.3 kcal/g in each of two trials in battery brooders. Diets were fed in either mash or crumbled form. Increasing dietary density increased chick gain, feed efficiency, and percent abdominal fat. Significant interactions were found between dietary density and diet form, indicating the slopes of the regression lines depicting the relationship between dietary density and gain, consumption, and percent abdominal fat are different for mash and crumbled diets. The interaction was most striking for percent abdominal fat: crumbling the low density diet increased percent fat by 23%, crumbling the high density diet decreased percent fat by 1%. Responses to dietary density cannot be assumed to be the same for mash and crumble or pellet-fed broilers.
Tobacco smoke exposure and impact of smoking legislation on rural and non‐rural hospitality venues in North Dakota

The purpose of this cross-sectional study in a stratified random sample of 135 bars and restaurants in North Dakota was to describe factors that influenced tobacco smoke pollution levels in the venues; to compare the quantity of tobacco smoke pollution by rurality and by presence of local ordinances; and to assess compliance with state and local laws. In data collection in 2012, we measured the indoor air quality indicator of particulate matter (2.5 microns aerodynamic diameter or smaller), calculated average smoking density and occupant density, and determined compliance with state and local smoking ordinances using observational methods. As rurality increased, tobacco smoke pollution in bars increased. A significant association was found between stringency of local laws and level of tobacco smoke pollution, but the strength of the association varied by venue type. Compliance was significantly lower in venues in communities without local ordinances. Controlling for venue type, 69.2% of smoke-free policy's impact on tobacco smoke pollution levels was mediated by observed smoking. This study advances scientific knowledge on the factors influencing tobacco smoke pollution and informs public health advocates and decision makers on policy needs, especially in rural areas.
Observations of turbulence in the ocean surface boundary layer : energetics and transport

Observations of turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) dynamics in the ocean surface boundary layer are presented here and compared with results from previous observational, numerical, and analytic studies. As in previous studies, the dissipation rate of TKE is found to be higher in the wavy ocean surface boundary layer than it would be in a flow past a rigid boundary with similar stress and buoyancy forcing. Estimates of the terms in the turbulent kinetic energy equation indicate that, unlike in a flow past a rigid boundary, the dissipation rates cannot be balanced by local production terms, suggesting that the transport of TKE is important in the ocean surface boundary layer. A simple analytic model containing parameterizations of production, dissipation, and transport reproduces key features of the vertical profile of TKE, including enhancement near the surface. The effective turbulent diffusion coefficient for heat is larger than would be expected in a rigid-boundary boundary layer. This diffusion coefficient is predicted reasonably well by a model that contains the effects of shear production, buoyancy forcing, and transport of TKE (thought to be related to wave breaking). Neglect of buoyancy forcing or wave breaking in the parameterization results in poor predictions of turbulent diffusivity. Langmuir turbulence was detected concurrently with a fraction of the turbulence quantities reported here, but these times did not stand out as having significant differences from observations when Langmuir turbulence was not detected.
Crystal Structure of the Monomeric Porin OmpG.

Abstract The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria contains a large number of channel proteins that mediate the uptake of ions and nutrients necessary for growth and functioning of the cell. An important group of OM channel proteins are the porins, which mediate the non-specific, diffusion-based passage of small ( Escherichia coli to a resolution of 2.3 A. The structure shows a 14-stranded β-barrel with a relatively simple architecture. Due to the absence of loops that fold back into the channel, OmpG has a large (∼13 A) central pore that is considerably wider than those of other E. coli porins, and very similar in size to that of the toxin α-hemolysin. The architecture of the channel, together with previous biochemical and other data, suggests that OmpG may form a non-specific channel for the transport of larger oligosaccharides. The structure of OmpG provides the starting point for engineering studies aiming to generate selective channels and for the development of biosensors.
Polymorphic variation in the dopamine D4 receptor predicts delay discounting as a function of childhood socioeconomic status: evidence for differential susceptibility

Inconsistent or null findings among studies associating behaviors on the externalizing spectrumaddictions, impulsivity, risk-taking, novelty -seeking traitswith presence of the 7-repeat allele of a common length polymorphism in the gene encoding the dopamine D4 receptor ( DRD4) may stem from individualsvariable exposures to prominent environmental moderators (geneenvironment interaction). Here, we report that relative preference for immediate, smaller rewards over larger rewards delayed in time (delay discounting), a behavioral endophenotype of impulsive decision-making, varied by interaction of DRD4 genotype with childhood socioeconomic status (SES) among 546 mid-life community volunteers. Independent of age, sex, adulthood SES and IQ, participants who were both raised in families of distinctly low SES (low parental education and occupational grade) and carried the DRD4 7-repeat allele discounted future rewards more steeply than like-reared counterparts of alternate DRD4 genotype. In the absence of childhood socioeconomic disadvantage, however, participants carrying the 7-repeat allele discounted future rewards less steeply. This bidirectional association of DRD4 genotype with temporal discounting, conditioned by participantsearly life circumstances, accords with a recently proposed developmental model of geneenvironment interaction (�differential susceptibility�) that posits genetically modulated sensitivity to both adverse and salubrious environm en- tal influences.
In situ muscle power differs without varying in vitro mechanical properties in two insect leg muscles innervated by the same motor neuron.

The mechanical behavior of muscle during locomotion is often predicted by its anatomy, kinematics, activation pattern and contractile properties. The neuromuscular design of the cockroach leg provides a model system to examine these assumptions, because a single motor neuron innervates two extensor muscles operating at a single joint. Comparisons of the in situ measurements under in vivo running conditions of muscle 178 to a previously examined muscle (179) demonstrate that the same inputs (e.g. neural signal and kinematics) can result in different mechanical outputs. The same neural signal and kinematics, as determined during running, can result in different mechanical functions, even when the two anatomically similar muscles possess the same contraction kinetics, force‐velocity properties and tetanic force‐length properties. Although active shortening greatly depressed force under in vivo-like strain and stimulation conditions, force depression was similarly proportional to strain, similarly inversely proportional to stimulation level, and similarly independent of initial length and shortening velocity between the two muscles. Lastly, passive prestretch enhanced force similarly between the two muscles. The forces generated by the two muscles when stimulated with their in vivo pattern at lengths equal to or shorter than rest length differed, however. Overall, differences between the two muscles in their submaximal force‐length relationships can account for up to 75% of the difference between the two muscles in peak force generated at short lengths observed during oscillatory contractions. Despite the fact that these muscles act at the same joint, are stimulated by the same motor neuron with an identical pattern, and possess many of the same in vitro mechanical properties, the mechanical outputs of two leg extensor muscles can be vastly different. Summary
Simulation and experiment study of magnetoacoustic tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI) for bioimpedance imaging

Through computer simulation and experiment studies on magnetoacoustic-tomography with magnetic induction (MAT-MI), we demonstrated the feasibility and performance of the newly proposed MAT-MI approach in reconstructing electrical conductivity distribution using magnetic stimulation and noninvasive acoustic measurements. In MAT-MI a sample is put in a static magnetic field, while pulsed magnetic stimulation (/spl mu/s) is imposed and induces eddy current in the sample. The eddy current in static magnetic field is subject to Lorentz force and in turn causes acoustic vibrations. Using the acoustic measurements an impedance image is reconstructed. A computer simulation study of the MAT-MI using a two-layer concentric spherical model shows that MAT-MI can provide an impedance image with good resolution and accuracy. The feasibility of obtaining high resolution information with regard to the electrical impedance was demonstrated in a phantom experiment. Using a 2D MAT-MI system, impedance boundary images of gel phantoms are well reconstructed with high spatial resolution.
Longitudinal modulation of hot electrons in the Io plasma torus

[1] The longitudinal modulation in the Io torus has been an open question for decades. A major clue was provided by the discovery of the key modulation of the hot electron population, at both the System III and System IV periods. However, very little progress has been made in explaining the origin of these hot electron modulations. We propose that the hot electrons population is powered by the inward motion of empty flux tubes (i.e. related to the outward transport of the Iogenic plasma), which has been observed in the torus. We propose that the System IV and System III modulation of the hot electron population corresponds to modulation of the intensity of the current system and of the efficiency of the electron acceleration, respectively. We build on the latest models of the Io current system to describe the current system associated with the motion of the empty flux tubes, and the associated electron acceleration. The System III modulation of the hot electron population, due to the modulation of the efficiency of the electron acceleration, can then be related to the topology of the magnetic field. We show through calculation and simulation that the electron acceleration related to the inward motion of the empty flux tube may explain the observations. We discuss the energy budget and show that it is in favor of our hypothesis.
Cloning and First Functional Characterization of a Plant Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Cation Channel

Cyclic nucleotide-gated (cng) non-selective cation channels have been cloned from a number of animal systems. These channels are characterized by direct gating upon cAMP or cGMP binding to the intracellular portion of the channel protein, which leads to an increase in channel conductance. Animal cng channels are involved in signal transduction systems; they translate stimulus-induced changes in cytosolic cyclic nucleotide into altered cell membrane potential and/or cation flux as part of a signal cascade pathway. Putative plant homologs of animal cng channels have been identified. However, functional characterization (i.e. demonstration of cyclic-nucleotide-dependent ion currents) of a plant cng channel has not yet been accomplished. We report the cloning and first functional characterization of a plant member of this family of ion channels. The Arabidopsis cDNA AtCNGC2 encodes a polypeptide with deduced homology to the α-subunit of animal channels, and facilitates cyclic nucleotide-dependent cation currents upon expression in a number of heterologous systems. AtCNGC2 expression in a yeast mutant lacking a low-affinity K+ uptake system complements growth inhibition only when lipophilic cyclic nucleotides are present in the culture medium. Voltage clamp analysis indicates that Xenopus laevis oocytes injected with AtCNGC2 cRNA demonstrate cyclic-nucleotide-dependent, inward-rectifying K+ currents. Human embryonic kidney cells (HEK293) transfected with AtCNGC2 cDNA demonstrate increased permeability to Ca2+ only in the presence of lipophilic cyclic nucleotides. The evidence presented here supports the functional classification of AtCNGC2 as a cyclic-nucleotide-gated cation channel, and presents the first direct evidence (to our knowledge) identifying a plant member of this ion channel family.
Parallels in the Beliefs and Works of Margaret Fuller and Carl Jung: Dreams, Literature, Spirituality, and Gender

Margaret Fuller, the 19th-century feminist and Transcendentalist, has been compared with Louisa May Alcott, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Henry David Thoreau. The life and theories of Carl Jung, the 20th-century psychiatrist, have been compared with the works of Sigmund Freud, Alfred Adler, Jean Piaget, and Sabina Spielrein among others. However, no comparisons have been published concerning the beliefs and works of Fuller and Jung. The purpose of this research was to compare and contrast the beliefs and written works of Margaret Fuller and Carl Jung. Similarities and differences were reported among their ideologies. Similarities in their childhood and adult dreams, literary references, spiritual beliefs, and explorations of gender were described. Differences were reported, which included the focus of their writings and their ideas about who is to blame when things go wrong, and how to deal with the individual daemon in each person was also explored. Special consideration was given to how closely their writings intersect. Specifically, the authors questioned whether Jung was inspired by the ideas and writings of Fuller. To answer this question, five possibilities were identified.
Under-Utilization of Controller Medications and Poor Follow-Up Rates Among Hospitalized Asthma Patients

Objective: Recommended preventive care following an asthma admission includes prescribing controller medications and encouraging outpatient follow-up. We sought to determine (1) the proportion of patients who receive controller medications or attend follow-up after asthma admission and (2) what factors predict these outcomes. Methods: South Carolina Medicaid data from 2007-2009 were analyzed. Patients who were included were 2 to 18 years old, and had at least one admission for asthma. Variables examined were: age, gender, race, and rural location. Outcome variables were controller medication prescription and follow-up appointment. Any claim for an inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) or ICS/long-acting beta-agonist in the 2 months after admission was considered appropriate. Any outpatient visit for asthma in the 2 months after admission was considered appropriate. Bivariate analyses used chi-square tests. Logistic regression models identified factors that predict controller medications and follow-up. Results: Five hundred five patients were included, of whom 60% were male, 79% minority race/ethnicity, and 58% urban. Rates of receiving controller medications and attending follow-up appointments were low, and an even lower proportion received both. Overall, 52% received a controller medication, 49% attended follow-up, and 32% had both. Multivariable analyses demonstrated that patients not of minority race or ethnicity were more likely to receive controller medications (odds ratio, 1.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.1-2.6). Conclusions: Patients with asthma admitted for acute exacerbations in South Carolina have low rates of controller medication initiation and follow-up attendance. Minority race/ethnicity patients are less likely to receive controller medications. To decrease rates of future exacerbations, inpatient providers must improve the rates of preventive care delivery in the acute care setting with a focus on racial/ethnic minority populations.
Passage through resonance in a universal joint driveline system

A driving shaft coupled to a driven shaft by a universal joint is considered. The shafts are taken to be rigid and motion is restricted to one plane. The non-homogeneous differential equation of mo...