cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
HOLDING ONE ANOTHER (WELL, WRONGLY, CLUMSILY) IN A TIME OF DEMENTIA

: This essay takes a close look at a species of care that is particularly needed by people with progressive dementias but that has not been much discussed in the bioethics literature: the activity of holding the person in her or his identity. It presses the claim that close family members have a special responsibility to hold on to the demented person's identity for her or him, and offers some criteria for doing this morally well or badly. Finally, it considers how even those with dementia can hold others in their identities, and suggests that this kind of holding too can have great moral worth.
Elemental analysis of bone: proton-induced X-ray emission testing in forensic cases

Proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) is a spectroscopic technique that provides the researcher with the elemental composition of a given target material. In this paper, we illustrate the utility of PIXE analysis in two forensic contexts: (1) case of cremation in which the nature of the remains is questioned and (2) cases of death by gunshot wound. In the first case, elemental analysis by PIXE reveals that the purported cremated remains are not bone. The last two cases show that radiopaque metallic residue embedded in bone is composed of lead from a projectile.
Integrated fuzzy-based modular architecture for medical device design and development

In this paper, we present an integrated collaborative modular architecture method for medical device design and development. The methodology is focused on analyzing the input of stakeholder data from existing products and components to achieve an optimal number of modules. The methodology starts by defining a product’s functional and physical decompositions. Product parameters are selected such as quality, reliability, ease of development, and cost. These are prioritized using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to determine the medical device manufacturers’ focus area. The parameters’ subsequent metrics are selected for performance requirements. Next, we evaluate the candidate modules by acquiring stakeholder data and converting them to crisp values by applying the Sugeno fuzzy-based method. Finally, we determine the subsequent optimal module values using a multi-optimization goal programming model. We present here a proof of concept using a typical glucometer. The implication of this work is the determination of the optimal number of product modules based on stakeholder constraints. Hence, an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) can work on fewer components per module without adversely affecting the integrity, quality, and reliability of the final product. Next is the improved quality of patient care by enabling cost reductions in product design and development, thereby improving patient safety. This methodology helps reduce product cycle time, thereby improving market competitiveness among other factors.
Simulation of Fracturing Reinforced Polymer Blends.

Brownian dynamics simulations are used to simulate the fracture of a polymer/polymer interface that is reinforced by {open_quote}{open_quote}connector{close_quote}{close_quote} chains. The connectors can weave back and forth across this boundary, forming either single or multiple {open_quote}{open_quote}stitches.{close_quote}{close_quote} The work needed to fracture this interface is calculated as a function of the architecture and conformation of the connectors. The results show that the multistitch connectors dramatically improve the strength of the interface. This is rationalized through scaling arguments and explains recent experimental studies. The conclusions provide experimental guidelines for synthesizing effective connectors and thereby fabricating high-strength composites. {copyright} {ital 1996 The American Physical Society.}
Global dynamics of the plasmasphere and ring current during magnetic storms

Simultaneous global images of the plasmasphere and the ring current were obtained with the Imager for Magnetopause-to-Aurora Global Exploration (IMAGE) spacecraft during the geomagnetic storms of 24 May 2000 and 29 July 2000. The plasmasphere images confirm the theoretically predicted development of long plasma tails in the dusk hemisphere during magnetic storms. They also reveal several unexpected structures, including a sharp azimuthal gradient or shoulder, which forms on the night side and corotates with the Earth for many hours, and a narrow ion trough, which is located well inside the main plasmapause in the late evening sector. The ring current images show the peak of the ring current to be nearly centered on the plasmapause, which is consistent with ring current decay models that include coulomb scattering and wave-particle interactions as well as charge exchange.
BIP: A low molecular weight protein coisolated with beta-2 microglublin

Summary A protein (bip) with molecular weight 11,000 and 6–8 half cysteine residues was coisolated from a rabbit's urine along with beta-2 microglobulin. Compositional and N-terminal sequence analyses of the separated proteins revealed no similarities between beta-2 microglobulin and bip. Furthermore, bip shows no significant sequence homology to any protein for which data are currently available.
Spin valve effect and magnetoresistivity in single crystalline Ca3Ru2O7.

The laminar perovskite ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ru}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ naturally forms ferromagnetic double layers of alternating moment directions, as in the spin-valve superlattices. The mechanism of the huge magnetoresistive effect in the material has been controversial due to a lack of clear understanding of various magnetic phases and phase transitions. In this neutron diffraction study in a magnetic field, we identify four different magnetic phases in ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ru}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$ and determine all first-order and second-order phase transitions between them. The spin-valve mechanism then readily explains the dominant magnetoresistive effect in ${\mathrm{Ca}}_{3}{\mathrm{Ru}}_{2}{\mathrm{O}}_{7}$.
Analyzing gene expression from marine microbial communities using environmental transcriptomics.

Analogous to metagenomics, environmental transcriptomics (metatranscriptomics) retrieves and sequences environmental mRNAs from a microbial assemblage without prior knowledge of what genes the community might be expressing. Thus it provides the most unbiased perspective on community gene expression in situ. Environmental transcriptomics protocols are technically difficult since prokaryotic mRNAs generally lack the poly(A) tails that make isolation of eukaryotic messages relatively straightforward 1 and because of the relatively short half lives of mRNAs 2. In addition, mRNAs are much less abundant than rRNAs in total RNA extracts, thus an rRNA background often overwhelms mRNA signals. However, techniques for overcoming some of these difficulties have recently been developed. A procedure for analyzing environmental transcriptomes by creating clone libraries using random primers to reverse-transcribe and amplify environmental mRNAs was recently described was successful in two different natural environments, but results were biased by selection of the random primers used to initiate cDNA synthesis 3. Advances in linear amplification of mRNA obviate the need for random primers in the amplification step and make it possible to use less starting material decreasing the collection and processing time of samples and thereby minimizing RNA degradation 4. In vitro transcription methods for amplifying mRNA involve polyadenylating the mRNA and incorporating a T7 promoter onto the 3 end of the transcript. Amplified RNA (aRNA) can then be converted to double stranded cDNA using random hexamers and directly sequenced by pyrosequencing 5. A first use of this method at Station ALOHA demonstrated its utility for characterizing microbial community gene expression 6.
On X-ray Diffraction Patterns from Liquids and Colloidal Gels

ON account of the present great interest in the interpretation of X-ray patterns for amorphous substances (broad haloes) it seems desirable to present in a preliminary way a few of the observations made in the present writer's laboratory. These tend to show that very important information of practical bearing can be obtained on rubber and its substitutes, nitrocellulose, gelatine, linseed oil, china wood oil, resins, varnishes, etc. In all cases the films have been measured photometrically so that on the curves the exact centres of the broad bands are easily located.
Coordinating UAVs in Dynamic Environments by Network-Aware Mission Planning

Traditional AI planning has been used successfully in many domains, including logistics, scheduling and game playing. This paper examines how AI planning techniques can be extended to coordinate teams of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in dynamic environments. Specifically challenging are real-world environments where UAVs and other network-enabled devices must communicate to coordinate -- and communication actions are neither reliable nor free. Such network-centric environments are common in military, public safety and commercial applications, yet most planning research (even multi-agent planning) usually takes communications among distributed agents as a given. The emerging application challenge of unmanned systems makes this problem of central focus. This work examines the problem of planning, plan monitoring and coordination of the mission of multiple UAVs in a communication-constrained environment. The work introduces several abstractions that enable AI planners to reason about communication and networking knowledge, and provides the underlying network system the means for including mission data as part of network operations. This work has been empirically validated using a distributed network-centric software evaluation test bed and the results provide guidance to designers in how to understand and control intelligent systems that operate in these environments.
ECT and non-memory cognition: A review

The literature on the effects of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) on non-memory cognitive functions is reviewed. It is concluded that with early methods of ECT administration (sine wave, high dose), these effects are larger than those of depression. They are less pronounced, and usually do not exceed the effects of depression, when modern methods of ECT administration (brief pulse, moderate or low dose) are used. Following ECT, these functions progressively improve. At one week to seven months after ECT, performance is better than before ECT, probably because of the alleviation of both the effects of depression and of ECT. The time course to full recovery of the non-memory effects resembles that of the recovery of amnesic effects, although the latter are more pronounced. With bilateral ECT, as with right unilateral ECT, there is evidence that right hemisphere effects are more pronounced. The results of this review argue that clinicians should take the non-memory cognitive effects of ECT into account, and patients should be informed of their existence before they sign consent for ECT.
The Influence of Age, Sex, and the Use of Oral Contraceptives on the Inhibitory Effects of Endothelial Cells and PGI2 (Prostacyclin) on Platelet Function

The inhibitory effects of human endothelial cells (ECM) and PGI2 (prostacyclin) on platelet function have been examined in 60 healthy subjects. 5 groups were studied. I. 10 women (19-33 yrs.); II. 10 women (21-31 yrs.) using combined oral contraceptives; III. 10 postmenopausal women (45-66 yrs.); IV. 20 men (24-48 yrs.) and V. 10 men (48-71 yrs.). Spontaneous platelet aggregation in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) was commonly observed in groups II, III, and V. This was prevented when PRP was incubated with ECM, aspirin (ASA), or PGI2. ADP-induced platelet aggregation (PA) was always reduced by ECM, but significantly less in groups II and III. Collagen-induced PA was inhibited by ECM, but less in groups I, II, III and V than in young men (IV). ECM significantly reduced collagen-induced prostaglandin (MDA) production in platelets. Again, the inhibitory effect was significantly reduced in groups II and III. Platelet factor 3 activity, measured after exposure of PRP to ADP, was significantly reduced by ECM, but was significantly less in groups II, III, and V than in group I. Less of an inhibitory, effect of PGI2 upon ADP-induced PA was shown by all groups of females than by the two groups of males.
Aurora: Observing and Recording Nature's Spectacular Light Show

There have been many popular books on the aurora that include beautiful photographs with lyrical descriptions. Aurora by Neil Bone is different from other popular books in that it describes not only the aurora but also various sky phenomena, including noctilucent clouds, halos, and meteors. Chapter 2, entitled “Causes of the aurora,” describes the Sun and various solar activities, including sunspots, coronal holes, solar flares, the solar wind, and coronal mass ejections. Chapters 3 and 4, entitled “Auroral forecasting” and “Observing the aurora,” respectively, provide a good background for, and guide to, observing the aurora.
Relation of the epsilon-wave to ganglion cell activity and rod responses in the frog.

Abstract The e -wave of the electroretinogram was recorded intraretinally from dark-adapted frog eyecups. e -Wave latency was roughly proportional to log stimulus intensity, varying from 2 to 65 sec. The delayed response of ganglion cell units (types 3 and 4) began simultaneously with the e -wave. The e -wave response had similar latencies as the onset of the decay phase of the saturated rod response (determined by recording the mass receptor response and by monitoring b -wave threshold). These results suggest that the e -wave and the delayed ganglion cell response represent closely-linked retinal phenomena which are initiated by rod response decay.
Expression of evolutionarily conserved eye specification genes during Drosophila embryogenesis

Eye specification in Drosophila is thought be controlled by a set of seven nuclear factors that includes the Pax6 homolog, Eyeless. This group of genes is conserved throughout evolution and has been repeatedly recruited for eye specification. Several of these genes are expressed within the developing eyes of vertebrates and mutations in several mouse and human orthologs are the underlying causes of retinal disease syndromes. Ectopic expression in Drosophila of any one of these genes is capable of inducing retinal development, while loss-of-function mutations delete the developing eye. These nuclear factors comprise a complex regulatory network and it is thought that their combined activities are required for the formation of the eye. We examined the expression patterns of four eye specification genes, eyeless (ey), sine oculis (so), eyes absent (eya), and dachshund (dac) throughout all time points of embryogenesis and show that only eyeless is expressed within the embryonic eye anlagen. This is consistent with a recently proposed model in which the eye primordium acquires its competence to become retinal tissue over several time points of development. We also compare the expression of Ey with that of a putative antennal specifying gene Distal-less (Dll). The expression patterns described here are quite intriguing and raise the possibility that these genes have even earlier and wide ranging roles in establishing the head and visual field.
Interfacial reactions in titanium matrix composites

This letter presents some results of a study undertaken to determine the processing conditions necessary to produce acceptable composite microstructures using a variety of fibres and alloys, and to characterize the development of the interfacial reaction layers
Basal Body Structures Differentially Affect Transcription of RpoN- and FliA-Dependent Flagellar Genes in Helicobacter pylori

ABSTRACT Flagellar biogenesis in Helicobacter pylori is regulated by a transcriptional hierarchy governed by three sigma factors, RpoD (σ 80 ), RpoN (σ 54 ), and FliA (σ 28 ), that temporally coordinates gene expression with the assembly of the flagellum. Previous studies showed that loss of flagellar protein export apparatus components inhibits transcription of flagellar genes. The FlgS/FlgR two-component system activates transcription of RpoN-dependent genes though an unknown mechanism. To understand better the extent to which flagellar gene regulation is coupled to flagellar assembly, we disrupted flagellar biogenesis at various points and determined how these mutations affected transcription of RpoN-dependent ( flaB and flgE ) and FliA-dependent ( flaA ) genes. The MS ring (encoded by fliF ) is one of the earliest flagellar structures assembled. Deletion of fliF resulted in the elimination of RpoN-dependent transcripts and an ∼4-fold decrease in flaA transcript levels. FliH is a cytoplasmic protein that functions with the C ring protein FliN to shuttle substrates to the export apparatus. Deletions of fliH and genes encoding C ring components ( fliM and fliY ) decreased transcript levels of flaB and flgE but had little or no effect on transcript levels of flaA . Transcript levels of flaB and flgE were elevated in mutants where genes encoding rod proteins ( fliE and flgBC ) were deleted, while transcript levels of flaA was reduced ∼2-fold in both mutants. We propose that FlgS responds to an assembly checkpoint associated with the export apparatus and that FliH and one or more C ring component assist FlgS in engaging this flagellar structure. IMPORTANCE The mechanisms used by bacteria to couple transcription of flagellar genes with assembly of the flagellum are poorly understood. The results from this study identified components of the H. pylori flagellar basal body that either positively or negatively affect expression of RpoN-dependent flagellar genes. Some of these basal body proteins may interact directly with regulatory proteins that control transcription of the H. pylori RpoN regulon, a hypothesis that can be tested by examining protein-protein interactions in vitro .
Incidence of displacement after nondisplaced distal radial fractures in adults

Background: It is standard practice to closely monitor distal radial fractures treated nonoperatively to ensure that there is no fracture displacement. Patients are often asked to initially return weekly for radiographs. To our knowledge, nondisplaced distal radial fractures in adults have not been specifically evaluated to determine if this level of vigilance is required. If this subset of fractures is unlikely to displace, the cost, radiation exposure, and inconvenience of weekly office visits could be spared. Methods: Using our billing database, we identified 642 closed distal radial fractures among the patients who presented to our institution during the four-year period from the beginning of 2006 to the end of 2009. Radiographs of the injuries were reviewed to identify fractures for which radiographic measurements were within predefined radiographic norms. Only those fractures that were believed to be nondisplaced by all reviewers were classified as nondisplaced for the purposes of this study. Radiographic measurements were made at the time of injury and at the time of fracture union to evaluate for displacement over time. The total number of clinic visits and radiographs that were received were calculated from the longitudinal medical record for each patient. Results: Eighty-two fractures were identified as nondisplaced. None displaced or required operative intervention. The largest measured difference from injury to fracture union for radial inclination was 3.6° (average 0.8°); for radial height, 2.1 mm (average 0.5 mm); and for palmar tilt, 3.1° (average 1.0°). These numbers are all within the error of measurement. Conclusions: Nondisplaced distal radial fractures in adults appear to be inherently stable, and it may be appropriate to treat this subset of distal radial fractures with cast immobilization (when swelling allows) and a single follow-up visit with radiographs to document union at the time of cast removal. Level of Evidence: Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Phosphorylation of acetylcholine receptor by endogenous membrane protein kinase in receptor-enriched membranes of Torpedo californica.

THE molecular basis of synaptic transmission is a fundamental problem in neurobiology. Although neurotransmitters produce striking changes in post-synaptic ion permeability, little is known about the molecular events following binding of neurotransmitter to its receptor. It has been postulated that the effects of neurotransmitters on post-synaptic membranes are mediated by changes in protein phosphorylation1,2. There has been no direct evidence for neurotransmitter-dependent changes in protein phosphorylation in membranes prepared from innervated tissues, however. We investigated this problem using an acetylcholine receptor-enriched membrane fraction prepared from the electric organ of Torpedo californica and found that several membrane polypeptides are phosphorylated when this fraction is incubated with γ-32P-ATP and 100 mM K+ (ref. 3). In particular, we demonstrated that a polypeptide of 65,000 molecular weight (MW) is phosphorylated and that phosphorylation of this and other polypeptides is inhibited by cholinergic ligands. A 65,000 MW polypeptide in the same membrane preparation also reacted with antibody prepared against the purified acetylcholine receptor. This suggested that a component of the acetylcholine receptor itself could be phosphorylated by an endogenous membrane protein kinase. Here we present proof that the 65,000 MW component of the acetylcholine receptor is a substrate for an endogenous membrane protein kinase.
What compound words mean to children with specific language impairment.

Sixteen children (17 age mates, 17 vocabulary mates) with specific language impairment (SLI) participated in two studies. In the first, they named fantasy objects. All groups coined novel noun–noun compounds on a majority of trials but only the SLI group had difficulty ordering the nouns as dictated by semantic context. In the second study, the children described the meaning of conventional noun–noun compounds. The SLI and AM groups did not differ in parsing the nouns, but the SLI group was poorer at explaining the semantic relationships between them. Compared to vocabulary mates, a larger proportion of the SLI group successfully parsed the compounds but a smaller proportion could explain them. These difficulties may reflect problems in the development of links within the semantic lexicon.
Cramer-Rao bound for wind estimation from scatterometer measurements

A wind scatterometer makes measurements of the normalized radar backscatter coefficient, /spl sigma//sup 0/, of the surface. To retrieve the wind, a Geophysical Model Function (GMF), which relates /spl sigma//sup 0/ to the near-surface wind, is used. The wind vector is estimated using maximum likelihood techniques from the /spl sigma//sup 0/ measurements. The probability density of the measured /spl sigma//sup 0/ is assumed to be Gaussian with a variance that depends on the true /spl sigma//sup 0/ and therefore the wind through the GMF. The measurements from different azimuth angles are assumed independent in estimating the wind. Given this model for wind estimation, the Cramer-Rao bound is derived for wind estimation, and its implications for wind retrieval are discussed. As part of this discussion, the role of geophysical modeling error is considered and shown to play a significant role in the performance of near surface wind estimates.
Establishment of an invasive grass in closed-canopy deciduous forests across local and regional environmental gradients

Spread of Microstegium vimineum, an invasive exotic grass, in closed-canopy forests of West Virginia, U.S. was evaluated across a local (roadside to forest interior) and regional (across two geographic provinces) environmental gradient. Seed dispersal distances from roadside populations into forest interiors based on seed rain and soil seed bank data were determined. Colonization and extinction of M. vimineum patches were followed over three years (2005–2007), and spread rate was estimated using a reaction-diffusion model. Direct seed dispersal from the roadside populations occurred primarily adjacent to the maternal plants, indicating that the disjunct M. vimineum patches within the forest interiors occurred via secondary seed dispersal over longer distances. Patches of M. vimineum were found as far as 45 m into the forest interior, but M. vimineum seed in the seed bank were only found within 10 m of the roadside population. Colonization rates of the forest interiors were significantly higher for the more mesic sites than the more xeric sites. The same trend was noted for the spread rate. Radial spread rates ranged between 0.16 and 0.50 m year−1 and forest interiors were estimated to become saturated with M. vimineum in anywhere between 10 (more mesic sites) and 59 (more xeric sites) years. These results support the possibility of accelerating spread rates in forest interiors caused by more long-distance dispersal events, but slowed by a reduction in M. vimineum fitness in shaded or relatively dry environments.
The ammonium nitrate with 15 WT% potassium nitrate‐ethylenediamine dinitrate‐nitroguanidine system

The phase diagram for the ternary system ammonium nitrate(AN) with 15 wt% potassium nitrate(AN:15KN)-ethylenediamine dinitrate(EDD)-nitroguanidine(NQ) has been determined from room temperature to the melting point. The ternary eutectic temperature, measured for a mixture containing 67.24, 25.30, and 7.46 mole% of AN:15KN, EDD, and NQ, respectively, was found to be 98.9 ·°C. The binary phase diagrams for the systems AN:15KN-EDD, AN:15KN-NQ, and EDD-NQ were also determined.
Transient fields of a current loop source above a layered earth

The electric field induced within four layered models by a repetitive current wave form in a circular loop transmitter is presented along with the resulting magnetic fields observed on the surface. The behavior of the induced electric field as a function of time explains the observed sign reversal of the vertical magnetic field on the surface. In addition, the differences between magnetic field responses for different models are explained by the behavior of the induced electric fields. The pattern of the induced electric field is shown to be that of a single “smoke ring,” as described by Nabighian (1979), which is distorted by layering but which remains a single ring system rather than forming separate smoke rings in each layer.
Free radical polymerization of caffeine-containing methacrylate monomers

The incorporation of acrylic functionality into caffeine enables the preparation of a vast array of novel thermoplastics and thermosets. A two-step derivatization provided a novel caffeine-containing methacrylate monomer capable of free radical polymerization. Copolymers of 2-ethylhexyl methacrylate and caffeine methacrylate (CMA) allowed for a systematic study of the effect of covalently bound caffeine on polymer properties. 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopy confirmed caffeine incorporation at 5 and 13 mol %, and SEC revealed the formation of high molecular weight (co)polymers (>40,000 g/mol). CMA incorporation resulted in a multistep degradation profile with initial mass loss closely correlating to caffeine content. Differential scanning calorimetry, rheological, and thermomechanical analysis demonstrated that relatively low levels of CMA increased the glass transition temperature, resulting in higher moduli and elucidating the benefits of incorporating caffeine into polymers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2015
Battery lifetime prediction for energy-aware computing

Predicting the time of full discharge of a finite-capacity energy source, such as a battery, is important for the design of portable electronic systems and applications. In this paper we present a novel analytical model of a battery that not only can be used to predict battery lifetime, but also can serve as a cost function for optimization of the energy usage in battery-powered systems. The model is physically justified, and involves only two parameters, which are easily estimated. The paper includes the results of extensive experimental evaluation of the model with respect to numerical simulations of the electrochemical cell, as well as measurements taken on a real battery. The model was tested using constant, interrupted, periodic and non-periodic discharge profiles, which were derived from standard applications run on a pocket computer.
Critiquing treatment and setting ventilatory parameters by using physiological modeling

A modeling system is presented that can be used to predict the effects of ventilatory settings on the blood gases of patients on mechanical ventilation. The system uses a physiological model of the patient that includes lungs, body tissue, and brain tissue compartments. The model includes the effects of changes in the cardiac output and cerebral blood flow and lung mechanical factors. The system has applications in critiquing different treatment options and can be used alone or in combination with decision support systems to set ventilatory parameters and optimize treatment for patients on mechanical ventilation.
Developmental psychology in the real world: A paradigm of parent education

Twenty years ago, William Kessen, Greta Fein and I developed and tested a model of parent education, a model which involved variation in curricular content, didactic approaches, and child outcomes–experimentally contrasted. Our experience yielded some valuable lessons about the extent to which researchers can influence parents' behaviour, and parents their children's development. In the present article I suggest that these lessons might be useful for researchers now as they were for us then. I present some observations about the research that developmental psychologists have done in the intervening two decades and suggest that we could learn much by using such a model of parent education to answer questions about the effets of parents' behaviour on children's development. Carefully done, parent education studies can yield valuable information about many of the questions raised in recent correlational research. Parent training research can suggest hypotheses that can be tested with data collected non-interventively and analysed in causal model analyses–and vice versa. What is more, because one reason for studying parent effects is so that we can offer guidance to parents about rearing their children, this design has a particular advantage; it is both the medium and the message.
A 3-axis optical force/torque sensor for prostate needle placement in Magnetic resonance imaging environments

The work presented in this paper has been performed in furtherance of developing an MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) compatible fiber optical force sensor. In this paper, we discuss the design criteria and sensing principle of this optical sensor for monitoring forces in the 0–20 Newton range with an sub-Newton resolution. This instrumentation enables two degrees-of-freedom (DOF) torque measurement and one DOF force measurement. A novel flexure mechanism is designed and the finite element analysis is performed to aid the optimization of the design parameters. This 3 axis force/torque sensor with this range and resolution is an ideal tool for interventional procedures, e.g. needle biopsy and brachytherapy. The sensor is experimentally investigated and calibrated. Calibration results demonstrate that this sensor is a practical and accurate measurement apparatus.
U-37883A potently inhibits dopamine-modulated K+ channels on rat striatal neurons

Abstract An 85 pS K+ channel of rat caudate–putamen neurons, which is activated by dopamine D2 receptors and inhibited by sulfonylurea drugs, was studied using cell-attached patch-clamp electrophysiology. This channel was inhibited by externally-applied U-37883A (4-morpholinecarboximidine-N-1-adamantyl-N′-cyclohexyl hydrochloride), a blocker of vascular ATP-sensitive K+ channels, with a half-maximal effect at a concentration of approximately 0.1 μM. Channel inhibition occurred in a time-dependent fashion when U-37883A was applied to the membrane from a back-filled patch pipette. Inhibition was associated with a decrease in fractional open time, but was voltage-insensitive and did not alter channel conductance, suggesting an effect on channel gating at a site largely insensitive to the electrical field of the channel. U-37883A was about 50 times more potent at inhibiting this channel than was the sulfonylurea drug glibenclamide. This relative potency, opposite to that found in pancreatic tissue, indicates that U-37883A is a useful tool to distinguish amongst different subtypes of sulfonylurea-sensitive K+ channels.
Electrical conductivity of carbon filled nylon 6,6

The electrical conductivity of resins can be increased by adding electrically conductive carbon fillers. A significant amount of work has been conducted varying the amount of single conductive fillers in a composite material. Limited work has been conducted concerning the effect of combinations of different conductive fillers. In this study, three different carbon fillers were used in nylon 6,6: carbon black, synthetic graphite particles, and a surface treated polyacrylonitrile (PAN) based carbon fiber. The goal of this project was to determine the effect of each filler and combinations of different fillers on the electrical conductivity of conductive resins. A 23 factorial design was analyzed to determine the effects of the three different carbon fillers in nylon 6,6. The results showed that carbon fiber caused the largest increase in composite electrical conductivity and that all the combinations of different fillers do have a statistically significant effect on composite electrical conductivity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Adv Polym Techn 23: 135–146, 2004; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/adv.20004
A space-time conservation element and solution element method for solving the two- and three-dimensional unsteady euler equations using quadrilateral and hexahedral meshes

In this paper, we report a version of the space-time conservation element and solution element (CE/SE) method in which the 2D and 3D unsteady Euler equations are simulated using structured or unstructured quadrilateral and hexahedral meshes, respectively. In the present method, mesh values of flow variables and their spatial derivatives are treated as independent unknowns to be solved for. At each mesh point, the value of a flow variable is obtained by imposing a flux conservation condition. On the other hand, the spatial derivatives are evaluated using a finite-difference/weighted-average procedure. Note that the present extension retains many key advantages of the original CE/SE method which uses triangular and tetrahedral meshes, respectively, for its 2D and 3D applications. These advantages include efficient parallel computing, ease of implementing nonreflecting boundary conditions, high-fidelity resolution of shocks and waves, and a genuinely multidimensional formulation without the need to use a dimensional-splitting approach. In particular, because Riemann solvers-- the cornerstones of the Godunov-type upwind schemes--are not needed to capture shocks, the computational logic of the present method is considerably simpler. To demonstrate the capability of the present method, numerical results are presented for several benchmark problems including oblique shock reflection, supersonic flow over a wedge, and a 3D detonation flow.
A naturally occurring estrogen receptor mutation results in increased estrogenicity of a tamoxifen analog

We previously identified a codon 351 (Asp-->Tyr) mutant estrogen receptor (ER) in a tamoxifen-stimulated human breast tumor line. To examine its biological activity, we have constructed cell lines from the ER-negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 that stably express either the wild type (S30) or mutant ER (BC-2). ER expression was confirmed by Western blot, ligand-binding studies, and ER-enzyme immunoassay. The growth characteristics of the S30 and BC-2 cell lines were compared when treated with estradiol, fixed-ring 4-hydroxytamoxifen [(fr) 4-OH TAM], or ICI 182,780. (fr) 4-OH TAM is a stable, high affinity tamoxifen analog. Many investigators have recognized that growth of ER-negative cell lines stably transfected with ER is inhibited by estradiol. Similarly, both S30 and BC-2 cell lines are inhibited by estradiol in a concentration-dependent manner. (fr) 4-OH TAM has no effect on S30 proliferation but inhibits the growth of BC-2 cells. The pure antiestrogen ICI 182,780 can block the growth-inhibitory effect of estradiol in both cell lines and the growth-inhibitory effect of (fr) 4-OH TAM in the BC-2 cells. In transient transfection analyses using a luciferase reporter plasmid containing two copies of the Xenopus vitellogenin A2 estrogen response element, estradiol stimulated luciferase transcription through both the wild type and mutant estrogen receptors, while (fr) 4-OH TAM stimulated transcription to a greater extent through the mutant receptor. These results demonstrate that the estrogenicity of (fr) 4-OH TAM is increased by binding to the codon 351 mutant ER, and that ER activation and growth inhibition are associated.
Medical expert system with elastic fuzzy logic

We investigate the use of elastic fuzzy logic in a typical medical diagnosis. Fuzzy rules are formulated using common symptoms as antecedents and diagnoses as consequents. Different weighting factors on antecedents are assigned in each rule. This is done to better reflect the fact that in most diagnoses, there are major symptoms among all related symptoms. We also formulated a geometry-mean fuzzification scheme in issuing final decisions. A multiple-pass interactive scheme to retrieve symptom descriptions from patients is used to capture more realistic diagnosis information. An internal medicine expert system with the proposed framework is used to illustrate our design. >
Correlates of distress in children at risk for affective disorder: exploring predictors in the offspring of depressed and nondepressed mothers.

Abstract Background: Efforts to understand the correlates of psychological distress in children frequently examine possible correlates in samples of children who are selected for high levels of distress. The propose of this study was to compare distress correlates in a sample with depressed mothers, and thus at high-risk for distress, to a low-risk sample. Methods: Examining data from part of a larger project, the association of children’s depressive symptoms and internalizing and externalizing problems to maternal depression level, life stress, verbal ability, and the experience of a traumatic event were examined in a series of regression equations. Results: Results indicated that children’s depressive symptoms, rather than internalizing and externalizing problems, tended to be most consistently related to maternal variables, and also suggested that any experience of maternal depressive symptoms was associated with child problems. It was also found that child depressive symptoms were correlated with life events, but only for nondepressed mothers, and that at-risk children with higher levels of verbal ability were significantly less likely to report experiencing depressive symptoms and internalizing problems than were those with lower levels of verbal ability. Limitations: Because these data are preliminary, further research examining a broader array of variables is important. Conclusions: These results suggest the need for different models of these processes in different populations of children.
Editorial Commentary: Determining the cost-effectiveness of mechanical circulatory support.

Recent years have witnessed dramatic shifts in the management of patients with advanced heart failure awaiting cardiac transplantation: the number of patients with Stage D heart failure appears to be increasing; the number of transplants is fixed (or decreasing); and the waiting times for transplant are becoming progressively longer. As a result, the use of left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) to bridge critically ill patients to transplantation has become common practice in most centers around the world. The most recent data from the Scientific Registry for Transplant Recipients (SRTR) has demonstrated that 30% of patients awaiting cardiac transplantation receive an LVAD, presumably because they are failing optimal medical therapy and are considered to be at high risk for imminent death without restoration of a more normal hemodynamic profile. The slow but steady growth of LVAD support for bridge to transplantation (BTT) is a result of the continued improvements not only in device design and performance but also the observed and recorded clinical outcomes. Frazier and colleagues undertook the first large trial of pulsatile VADs as BTT only 10 years ago. In their study, VAD-treated patients had a 55% survival to transplantation at 1 year. Pagani et al described the outcomes of patients bridged to transplant with a continuous flow axial pump in 2009 and demonstrated survival to transplant or recovery of 79% at 1 year, and with subsequent improvement to 85% at 1 year as demonstrated by Starling et al. Aaronson et al recently presented the results of a centrifugal flow device used as BTT and showed a survival to transplant rate of 92% in their study population. In addition, the INTER-
The Supplemental Security Income Program and Employment for Young Adults with Disabilities: An Analysis of the National Health Interview Survey on Disability

Recent welfare reform initiatives have focused on moving adults with disabilities from income maintenance programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) into paid work. Young adults with disabilities are a key group for targeted reforms because of their potential for obtaining early and long-term employment. Although there is substantial research focusing on the employment characteristics of working-age adults with disabilities, little recent data describe or explain the relationship between work and SSI participation for young adults with disabilities. This study examined data from the 1994 and 1995 National Health Interview Survey on Disability Supplement (NHIS-D) to describe the employment characteristics of young adults with disabilities, ages 18 to 29 years. In addition, this study examined the extent to which sociodemographic, education, health, disability, and program participation factors were associated with employment for this population. Findings are discussed in light of current SSI and e...
DNA elements of the type 1 adenylyl cyclase gene locus enhance reporter gene expression in neurons and pinealocytes

The Ca2+-stimulated type 1 adenylyl cyclase (AC1) contributes to several forms of synaptic plasticity and is the only known neurospecific adenylyl cyclase. Furthermore, the protein and mRNA levels of AC1 undergo a circadian oscillation in the pineal gland, and AC1 may play a pivotal role in regulating nocturnal melatonin synthesis. To better understand the expression of AC1, we isolated mouse genomic DNA clones of AC1. The transcription and translation start regions of mouse AC1 share extensive homologies with the bovine counterpart. The upstream proximal region has potential binding sites for transcription factors, including the steroid receptor family, the E-box factors, and Sp1. A 280-bp fragment that contains the transcription start site directed reporter gene expression in cultured cortical neurons and pinealocytes functioning as a basal neuro- and pineal-directed promoter. Interestingly, pinealocyte expression of the reporter gene was inhibited by increases in cAMP. This cAMP sensitivity may explain why AC1 mRNA in the pineal is low at night when cAMP is elevated and high during the day when cAMP signals drop. An adjacent 330-bp fragment interacted specifically with nuclear factor(s) that we designate binary E-box factor (BEF). Methylation interference and DNase I footprinting identified the BEF-binding site sequence as 5'-CCAAGGTCACGTGGC-3'. When linked to the basal tissue-directed promoter, this 15-bp sequence further enhanced reporter expression in neurons and pinealocytes. We propose that this 15-bp sequence may contribute to increased expression of AC1 in neurons and pinealocytes relative to other cells.
Congestion Effects in a Seasonal Model of Recreation Demand

This paper investigates the role of congestion in influencing the site choice of recreation participants and derived values for a trip. Estimation is performed in a revealed preference framework by constructing an instrument for congestion within the estimation using the predicted choices of participants. The instrument is allowed to affect choices in two ways, directly influencing the choice of site and indirectly influencing the total number of trips in a season. The model is also linked to a model of behavior onsite to allow participants to mitigate the effects of greater congestion by spreading out over choices at the site.
Integrated SiC MOSFET module with ultra low parasitic inductance for noise free ultra high speed switching

A 1200V SiC MOSFET-gate driver integrated half-bridge (HB) module using direct bonded copper (DBC) substrate is designed and fabricated for noise free high frequency operation. The layout of the integrated module is carefully designed to eliminate the EMI problem under high switching speed. Due to the significantly reduced stray inductance, the external gate driver resistance can be chosen as zero to maximize the switching speed and reduce the switching loss. Double pulse switching of the standard TO-247 and the integrated module are tested to verify noise free operation of the module under high dI/dt and dV/dt conditions. A half bridge inverter utilizing the integrated module is tested at 510 kHz, 800V, 46Apk-pk. Experimental results show the proposed integrated module can be applied for ultra-high frequency applications.
Â€Œscientific Truthsâ€?: Emerging Contours of the Liberal -Security State

In a well known essay, Michel Foucault writes about the formation of a â€œjuridico medical complexâ€? where law and medicine work closely with each other. In the post-9/11 U.S., one observed the emergence of such a complex in the way in which the U.S. medical professionals played an important role in regulating the use of â€œharsh interrogation techniquesâ€? to ensure that the techniques did not violate the laws regarding torture, cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment. However, one may argue that such an apparatus was perhaps only an aberration and is less visible in more routine contexts. Recent debates among U.S. scholars on the possible use of narco analysis in intelligence gathering and the use of brain scanning or brain mapping in law enforcement suggest otherwise. Narcoanalysis involves the use of drugs such as sodium pentothal to elicit specific information. Brain mapping is a sophisticated method of lie detection where responses are recorded in the form of electrical responses by the EEG (ElectroEncephalogram) or the fMRI (Functional Magnetic resonance Imaging). Other liberal democracies such as India have been using these two â€œscientific formsâ€? of investigation in criminal cases for the past several years, though evidence gained as a result of these cannot be used in the cases directly. The paper analyzes the global circulation of the discourses on the new modes of â€œscientific investigationâ€? to analyze the emerging contours of the liberal security state.
Cystography in the diagnosis of placenta previa

Abstract The possibility of developing a method of precision for the roentgenologic diagnosis of placenta previa has been explored from several angles, but thus far no completely satisfactory procedure has been devised. This study was planned to present a contribution to the elucidation of this problem.