bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crystallization and related phenomena in continuous casting mold powders
Authors:   , Sankaranarayanan Sankararaman , Apelian Diran
Published: July 2024

Crystallization in mold powders has been associated with operational problems such as breakouts as well as defects in the cast product and it is necessary to control crystallization. However, factors influencing crystallization have not been clearly identified. A series of experimental powders were prepared with different levels of the lime to silica ratio, BaO, Li₂O and were evaluated in terms of crystallization temperature, crystallization tendency and fusion temperature. It was observed that powder chemistry influences fusion and crystallization temperature and that the addition of BaO facilitates glass formation. The laboratory studies were followed by plant study, on the casting of stainless steels, involving the pickup of TiO₂ by mold slag. It was seen that the TiO₂ content increases during casting, accompanied by decreasing SiO₂ content. The TiO₂ pickup was proportional to the Ti content in the melt. The crystallization temperature was found to decrease with increasing levels of TiO₂. A chemical parameter called "Depolymerization Index" (DI) was developed to account for the contributions from different oxide species to crystallization and defined as the ratio of total moles of oxygen in the various oxide species (in slag) to the total moles of network formers (in slag). Increasing values of DI distort the silicate chain and facilitate crystallization. It is proposed that the DI parameter be used as a design criterion. The compositional changes in mold slag due to pickup of Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ have been discussed in terms of the DI parameter. The model/analysis was then applied to some results from the casters to determine the applicability of DI parameter to real casting conditions.
Specific organic removals and the significance of competitive adsorption in granular activated carbon treatment of drinking waters
Authors:   , Yohe Thomas Lester
Published: July 2024

The efficacy of GAC for removing specific organics from drinking water was evaluated from data collected during two pilot scale studies. The initial pilot study was designed to elucidate the effects of aqueous chlorine on GAC performance at a surface water treatment plant and the second pilot study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of GAC treatment for removal of synthetic organics present in a groundwater fed surface impoundment. Competitive interactions during GAC treatment of drinking waters were evaluated from the results obtained during both studies. Comprehensive sampling and analysis programs were conducted to address the design tasks of the two studies and a unique on-line continuous liquid-liquid extraction apparatus was developed and validated to help meet the sampling objectives of the first study. The extractor is capable of collecting quantitative composites of drinking water organics present at nanogram to microgram concentration ranges and was most efficient for recovery of non-polar organics boiling above 150 degrees centigrade. Therefore, the system is complementary to the purge and trap analyses routinely used to isolate more volatile drinking water organics. During the surface water study chlorine was found to alter GAC properties chemically, physically and biologically. The greatest changes occurred in uppermost bed regions where chlorine increased surface oxides on the GAC; changed the physical nature of the carbon by increasing hydrophilicity with increased exposure; inhibited bacterial growth; and decreased the capacity of GAC for non-polar organics. Competitive adsorption effects during the surface water study were found to be significant for transient and/or highly variable low level organics prior to attainment of an equilibrium capacity. A much more uniform and less diverse feed was applied to the carbon beds during the groundwater study and competition became significant after attainment of an equilibrium capacity.
Behavioral-analytic model of test construction
Authors:   , Friedman Stephanie H. , Nezu Christine M.
Published: July 2024

Family members and caregivers of cancer patients often experience psychological distress and emotional burden. One area that has been identified as potentially important to reducing caregiver distress is the provision of information about the disease, its course, treatment, and prognosis (Houts et al., 1991). However, psychoeducational interventions aimed at providing caregivers with increased knowledge have shown varied effects in reducing distress. One possible reason for these varied effects may concern the active measurement of caregiver knowledge. To best assess the potential efficacy of such psychoeducational programs, an empirically-derived measure would provide the best evaluation of actual changes in caregiver knowledge. Therefore, this manuscript will describe the development and initial psychometric assessment of a caregivers' cancer knowledge questionnaire (Cancer Knowledge Questionnaire; CKQ). The development of the CKQ is in accordance with the behavioral-analytic model of test construction (Goldfried & D'Zurilla, 1969). As such, it was constructed with an emphasis on content validity. A preliminary study consisting of semi-structured interviews with lay-caregivers and healthcare professionals revealed four specific topic areas identified as "useful" and helpful in reducing caregiver distress: (a) background and general cancer information, (b) emotional effects of cancer, (c) physical effects, medications, and treatments, and (d) social services, support, and acquisition of information. The alternate-choice CKQ was derived from the information gleaned during these interviews. The methodology for test construction, item validation, and psychometric evaluation followed empirically-supported recommendations specific to writing multiple-choice tests (Haladyna, 1994). Five studies are described. Three item analysis studies with a total of 272 participants resulted in 36 content-valid alternate-choice questions with established plausibility of distractor options. Questions reflect three content domains (facts, concepts, principles), two cognitive domains (defining behaviors, predicting behaviors), and two content dimensions (procedural and declarative knowledge). Study #4 with 47 participants evaluated test-retest reliability which was estimated to be high (Pearson r = .75, p = .000). The fifth study, contrasted groups comparison of 26 oncology experts and 26 matched-controls, demonstrated the ability of the CKQ to discriminate between persons with and without knowledge about cancer. Implications of the studies' results and plans for future studies are discussed.
Dynamics of dendritic cells and T cells in HTLV-1 associated oncogenesis and neuroimflammation
Authors:   , Manuel Sharrón L. , Jain Pooja , Wigdahl Brian
Published: July 2024

Human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is the etiologic agent of two immunologically distinct diseases: adult T-cell leukemia (ATL) and HTLV-1associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP). Although HTLV-1-specific CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTL) response is seen in both pathogenic states but its actual significance in preventing viral load and controlling disease progression remained questionable. The proper functionality of a CTL response relies on several factors including the efficiency of epitope processing and presentation. In this respect, dendritic cells (DCs), have long been recognized as key regulators of the immune system. In studies presented herein we closely examined in vitro and in vivo priming of naive CD8+ T cells through DC-mediated presentation of HTLV antigens such as its transactivator protein Tax. We observed both HTLV-1 and Tax not only can mature DCs, but can also can induce a Tax-specific response. Similar observations were made during the in vivo studies utilizing syngeneic DCs from Tax immunized HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice, indicating that DCs are most likely the major Tax presenting cell during HTLV-1 infection. We then extended these observations to an ex vivo system, utilizing peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 4 clinical groups from Jamaica: seronegative controls, asymptomatic carriers (ACs), ATL, and HAM/TSP. Extensive immune profiling revealed that CTLs from both HAM/TSP and ATL patient samples demonstrated some functional responses, albeit to a much lesser extent than those responses seen in ACs. Moreover, DCs from HTLV-1-diseased individuals exhibited an altered maturation and adhesion phenotype as compared to ACs. The expression of two inhibitory molecules PD-1 and PD-L1 was upregulated in CTLs and DCs, respectively in both diseased groups. While comparing the matched proviral loads to the flow cytometry results, we identified unique immune signatures distinguishing ACs from ATL and HAM/TSP patients. Collectively, these results demonstrate the critical role of DCs in their ability to prime immune responses and highlight a significant aspect of viral immunopathogenesis related to the development of ATL and HAM/TSP. Furthermore, these results suggest that cellular modulation and/or blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway may be useful in therapeutic interventions for ATL and/or HAM/TSP.
Anthrax sporulation, the role of proteases in Anthrolysin O expression, and interactions of a novel immunomodulator with cells of the innate immune system
Authors:   , Purohit Mitali , Rest Richard F , Vaidya Akhil B.
Published: July 2024

Spores, the infectious agents of anthrax, are traditionally prepared in the laboratory over 4 to 5 days. We observed that addition of 1.5 mM Fe(NO₃)₃ to glucose-free chemically defined medium (CDM) induced 'rapid' sporulation - complete within ~30 to 36 hr. Although 'rapid' spores had a different set of spore coat proteins than did classically prepared spores, both spore preparations interacted similarly with anti-spore antibody, looked similar by electron microscopy, were equally resistance to harsh conditions, and infected human macrophages similarly. CDM+Fe can thus be used to prepare BA spores saving considerable time in spore research studies. Anthrolysin O is a cholesterol dependent cytolysin of Bacillus anthracis (BA) that lyses human phagocytes and epithelial cells in vitro, and has been implicated in anthrax pathogenesis. We studied regulation of ALO expression using CDM, and observed that glucose increased ALO activity in BA culture supernatants. The increase in ALO activity was not due to increased transcription of alo, but rather due to decreased expression of ALO-cleaving metalloproteases by BA. Soluble host defense peptides perform multiple innate immune functions including killing bacteria, neutralizing toxins and activating innate immune cells. We studied a new serum lipopeptide (discovered by collaborator James Thacker), called 1-peptidyl-2-arachidonoyl-3-stearoyl-sn-glycerol (pDAG) and its 18 amino acid peptide moiety, acetyl-ALYDKGYTSKEQKDCVGI (acALY-18). We determined the effects of synthetic pDAG and acALY-18 on human macrophages, platelets and neutrophils in vitro by measuring cytokine expression and secretion, by RT-PCR and ELISA. Neither pDAG nor acALY-18 were directly bactericidal; they were not toxic ([less than or equal to]1 [mu]g/ml), and; they did not cause or inhibit platelet aggregation. However, acALY-18 selectively activated [alpha]-granule secretion from platelets, inducing 5-fold increased release of TGF-[beta] and PDGF-AB. pDAG induced increased IL-1[beta], IL-6, IL-8, IL-18, IL-33 and NALP-3 mRNA expression by human macrophages. Neither pDAG nor acALY-18 significantly affected human neutrophil function, including chemotaxis and degranulation. In summary, we have identified an exciting new drug-like molecule that has many possible clinical uses. pDAG and acALY-18 act on the host, thus there is less concern of bacteria developing resistance to them. They may eventually be valuable additions to anti-infective therapy.
Performance evaluation of geotextile filters used in leachate collection systems of solid waste landfills
Authors:   , Koerner George R. , Martin Joseph Paul
Published: July 2024

This dissertation focuses on establishing a new methodology to aid in the design of geotextile filters used in landfill leachate collection systems. A global factor of safety equation has been developed and is defined as follows: Factor of Safety (FS) = k_allowable / (k_required * DCF) where; k_allowable = allowable permeability as per a test method; k_required = required permeability as per as computer model; DCF = Drain Correction Factor as per geometric calculations. The dissertation consists of several component parts which focus on substantiating the global factor of safety equation. The dissertation initially investigates the problems of leachate filter clogging by exhuming four leachate collections systems in the eastern part of the United States. These four field sites give insight into the problem of leachate collection filter clogging and ultimately will be used to validate the newly proposed global factor of safety equation. The dissertation then discusses a laboratory investigation from which the value of k_allowable is established for twelve different commercially available filters. The dissertation then proceeds to develop a design nomograph from which values of k_required can be obtained. The design nomograph is developed from a parametric investigation of the HELP (Hydrologic Evaluation of Landfill Performance) computer code. Finally, the influence of drain geometry is openly discussed and a Drain Correction Factor (DCF) is defined. In summary, all of the component parts of the dissertation are brought together in one concluding design implication chapter. In so doing, the predicted performance of the four field exhumed sites are counterpointed against their actual field performance. Therefore, the global factor of safety equation is substantiated and appears to have merit in aiding a designer in the selection of filters used in leachate collection systems of solid waste landfills.
Depression, self-focused attention, and the negative memory bias for life events
Authors:   , Ratto Christine
Published: July 2024

The present study investigated whether the negative memory bias varies as a function of depression and attentional focus. One-hundred two female inpatients, outpatients, and controls underwent a manipulation of attentional focus and completed a battery of questionnaires measuring levels of depression and memories of life events and cognitions. A 3 (Group) x 2 (Attentional Focus) MANOVA was conducted to discern if there is an interaction between level of depression and attentional focus on the positivity of recall for life events and cognitions. While a significant interaction was found for the positivity of recall of recent life events and cognitions, it was not significant for the positivity of recall for life events in high school. Post-hoc analyses indicated that, as predicted, severely depressed inpatients in the self-focus condition recalled more negative recent life events and thoughts than inpatients in the external-focus condition, and no difference in the positivity of recall was found between nondepressed controls in the two experimental conditions. Contrary to prediction, no differences were found in the positivity of recall of recent negative events and cognitions between moderately depressed outpatients in the self-focus and external-focus conditions. The findings suggest that diverting attention away from the self may reduce the negative memory bias in severe depressive disorders. Moreover, the findings indicate that the degree of cognitive biases associated with depression are not purely a function of the severity of depression. Rather, the impact of depression on the negative memory bias varies as a function of attentional focus. Clinical implications, as well as potential explanations for the gender differences found in the prevalence of depressive disorders, are discussed.
The branch migration of Holliday junctions by the homologous recombination proteins RecA, Rad51, and Rad54
Authors:   , Rossi Matthew J. , Mazin Alexander V.
Published: July 2024

Homologous recombination is the process responsible for repairing double-strand DNA breaks, exchanging genetic material, and ensuring faithful segregation of homologous chromosomes. Individuals with deficiencies in homologous recombination have dramatically increased incidents of cancer, premature aging diseases, and genome instability. During homologous recombination, two homologous DNA duplexes are paired by the bacterial recombinase protein RecA or its eukaryotic homologue Rad51 to form a cross-stranded structure termed a Holliday junction. Several helicase-like proteins, including Rad54, are known to bind Holliday junctions and translocate this structure along DNA in a process known as branch migration. Branch migration is a highly regulated process with multiple possible outcomes. We believe that in order to understand how homologous recombination functions and is controlled on a cellular level, we must first understand how the branch migration of Holliday junctions occurs on a molecular level. Therefore, we used a variety of in vitro assays that utilize intricate DNA substrates to study the molecular mechanisms of the branch migration reaction as promoted by the homologous recombination proteins RecA, Rad51, and Rad54. RecA and Rad51 promote the branch migration of Holliday junctions despite the fact they do not bind Holliday junctions preferentially and do not translocate along DNA. The mechanism of branch migration promoted by RecA/RAD51 is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that cycles of RecA/Rad51 polymerization and dissociation coupled with ATP hydrolysis drives the branch migration of Holliday junctions. Rad54 is a more prototypical branch migration protein that binds specifically to Holliday junctions and translocates on DNA. Rad54 performs its functions during homologous recombination in an association with Rad51. We studied the stimulatory effect that RAD51 has on the branch migration activity of RA054 and found this stimulation to be driven by specific protein-protein interactions between these proteins. We also performed a detailed investigation of Rad54's branch migration activity and found that Rad54 possesses a non-canonical helicase activity that allows it to bypass significant regions of heterology during branch migration; and we have identified a motif of Rad54 that supports its oligomerization and is critical to its branch migration activity.
Comparison of injection locking techniques using nonlinear methods
Authors:   , Moyer Harris P. , Daryoush Afshin S.
Published: July 2024

An important element in the front end of a communication system is the local oscillator used for frequency translation. The local oscillator must be stable (i.e, low phase noise) for accurate processing of the information. One method of oscillator stabilization is injection locking. This work examines the various injection locking processes using nonlinear modeling techniques in the frequency and time domain. The frequency domain modeling employs the harmonic balance approach and uses a power series to model the nonlinear I-V relationship in the oscillator's active device. This analytical approach is utilized to derive equations for the various injection locking methods, such as fundamental, subharmonic, superharomic, parametric, and idler. This thesis is the first work to derive, using a common model, locking range equations for the different methods of injection locking oscillators. On the other hand, the time domain technique utilizes commercial software to predict the dynamic response of an injection locked oscillator. Libra[registered], a microwave circuit simulator from HP-EEsof, is used for the time domain prediction of forced oscillation. The time response is converted to the frequency domain using MATLAB[registered]. The MATLAB based signal processing method is applied to determine the free-running oscillator spectrum, the injection locking range of the different injection locking methods, and the oscillator phase noise. Data windowing is used to enhance the frequency domain resolution. A spectral resolution of -120 dBc/Hz at a 150 KHz offset is achieved with 1.4 million data points using an Ultra-SPARC2 processor. An oscillator has been designed, realized, and simulated at the UHF band using the time domain technique. The simulation results due used to extract the power series coefficients for the locking range equations. Comparison of analytical, numerical, and experimental performance is conducted in terms of locking range for different injection locking techniques. The simulated and experimental performance match well. The oscillator noise simulations compare well with the generally accepted Leeson's equation showing the potential of this method for the simulation of complicated circuits such as self-oscillating mixers.
Decolorization of dye reactive blue 19 using ozone and ultrasound
Authors:   , Lall Raman , Shah Yatish T.
Published: July 2024

In this research, the oxidation of the anthraquinone dye, Reactive Blue 19 was studied under conditions of varying pH, temperature, ultrasonic power, ozone concentration and initial dye concentration. The processes investigated were those of ozonation, ultrasound and ultrasound-enhanced ozonation. Laboratory experiments were performed using a semi-batch reactor by ozonating dye samples with and without ultrasound. This was done in order to determine whether ultrasound-enhanced ozonation is an effective method for enhancing reaction rates with ozone in the decolorization of the dye, Reactive Blue 19. The reactions of the dye with ozone and ultrasound-enhanced ozone were determined to occur through the OH^* radical pathway. The effect of pH, temperature, ozone dosage, initial dye concentration and ultrasonic power were investigated. The rates of reaction are not sensitive to pH and increased between 14% to 22% for the temperature range between 12°C and 45°C. The mathematical model of the reaction pathway compared favorably with experimental results and indicated indirect oxidation by the OH^* radicals. Under conditions of constant ultrasonic radiation and continuous gas application, decolorization rates were enhanced by ultrasound. The apparent rate constants increased between 34% to 203% for the ultrasonic powers between 40 W/L and 120 W/L compared to ozonation alone. The effects of ultrasonic power input on the gas-liquid mass transfer coefficient were also investigated and the results indicated that an increase in ultrasonic power input increased the mass transfer coefficient. The mass transfer coefficient increased between 89% and 93% for ozone inlet concentrations between 5.4 mg/L and 9.4 mg/L at an ultrasonic power of 120W/L. The significance of the key findings of this research include the demonstration of the technical feasibility of ultrasound-enhanced ozonation for decolorization of the dye, Reactive Blue 19. It also includes the development of the mathematical model which can be used for the design of ultrasound-enhanced ozonation systems and the favorable comparison of the model with experimental results.
A study of fouling in a heat exchanger with an application of an electronic anti-fouling technology
Authors:   , Liu Rong , Cho Young I.
Published: July 2024

The objective of the present study was to study the mechanism of fouling and investigate the effect of an electronic anti-fouling (EAF) technology on fouling control for the efficient operation of shell-and-tube heat exchangers. Three steps were taken in the present study. The first step was to identify the important factors that control the fouling process. Existing fouling models and data were examined. A step-by-step improvement on the fouling model was given. A new fouling model was proposed, combining precipitation and particulate fouling processes, and time dependent variables. The present fouling model showed the significance of particulate fouling. The second step was to study fouling control methods, focusing on the mechanism of the EAF technology. It was hypothesized that since the EAF treatment produced induced oscillating electric fields, large mineral salt particles were created in bulk solution, resulting in particulate fouling. It was also hypothesized that the EAF treatment produced weak scales due to the particulate fouling. The third step is the experimental validation of the two hypotheses. The present experiments showed that water hardness was reduced with the EAF treatment, especially when filtration and vortex-flow mixing methods were used together with the EAF treatment. The present experimental studies on scale removal were conducted to verify the second hypothesis. For this purpose, tube-side fouling in shell-and-tube heat exchangers was produced, and the overall heat transfer coefficient and tube diameter changes were measured. The chemical cleaning method was found to be the most effective, then the hydrolazing method, and the brush punching method was the least effective. The present study validated that the scale formed with the EAF treatment was not only less but also much easier to remove. In particular, when a spirally-finned water chiller tube was tested, brush punching removed almost all the scale above fins for the case with the EAF treatment, thus confirming that the EAF treatment produced weak scales. Based on the present test results, it is concluded that the EAF treatment is an effective tool to control mineral fouling.
Factor analytic models of the mattis dementia rating scale in dementia of the Alzheimer's type and vascular dementia patients
Authors:   , Ledakis George E. , Hewett Thomas Taysum
Published: July 2024

The current investigation examined the construct validity of the Mattis Dementia Rating Scale's (DRS) factor structure across groups of differing dementia etiologies, dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT) and vascular dementia (VaD). It was expected that the factor structure of the Mattis DRS would deviate from that originally proposed by Mattis (1988), as prior investigations have demonstrated in single, heterogeneous groups of dementia patients. Furthermore, the factor structure that was anticipated to emerge for each dementia group (matched on age, education, and dementia severity) would differ and be in accordance with the hallmark neuropsychological deficits seen in each respective dementia etiology. Specifically, it was expected that the performance of the DAT group on the Mattis DRS would produce a more parsimoneous factor structure most influenced by the group's anticipated deficits in semantic and episodic memory. In turn, the VaD group's performance would produce a factor structure most representative of their notable frontal systems deficits. As expected, each of the emerging factor structures for each dementia group differed significantly from the one proposed by Mattis (1988) in the DRS, as well as from each other. Consistent with the wide spectrum of dementia severity included in the current investigation and the neuro pathological progression of the Alzheimer's disease course from posterior association and medial temporal regions to anterior regions and progressive dissolution of basal forebrain, the Mattis DRS factor model of the DAT group, as a whole, represents the neuropsychologically-based progression of the ravages of the disease. In contrast, the factor structure that emerged for the VaD group's performance on the Mattis DRS reflected an influence of the group's prominent frontal systems dysfunction, as well as exhibiting the various behavioral manifestations of such frontal systems dysfunction including problems with initiation and self-monitoring behavior, and deficient constructional skills. In contrast to the DAT model, the VaD factor structure primarily represented various manifestations of higher level, executive functioning. Based on the respective factor structures of each respective etiological group several implications can be derived including ones related to the clinical utility of the Mattis DRS, clinical conceptualization of the respective disease process, patient care recommendations, and the importance of neuropsychological assessment in early diagnosis and potential delay of disease onset.
Delivery of Autologous Neurotrophin-producing Fibroblasts Promotes Locomotion in the Chronic Spinal Cat
Authors:   , Krupka Alexander James , Lemay Michel A.
Published: July 2024

Adult cats show limited locomotor capabilities following spinal transection. With body-weight support training, the animals recover stepping ability with weight-bearing plantar foot placement. We previously found that delivery of neurotrophins via xenografts of genetically modified rat fibroblasts promotes a similar motor recovery without training. Similar results were obtained in rodents using direct injection of viruses into the cord. Viral delivery raises clinical concerns regarding recombinant genetics, and xeno/allografts require immunosuppression that increases cancer risks. Furthermore, none of these studies has investigated the effects of delayed onset of neurotrophin delivery on recovery. Our study utilized autologous fibroblasts modified to express the neurotrophins BDNF and NT-3 grafted into the spinal cord following a complete transection at the T11-T12 vertebral level. Fibroblasts were grafted at the time of injury, 2 weeks after injury, or 6 weeks after injury. Recovery of bipedal stepping on a treadmill was evaluated before and after injury and grafting. Kinematic evaluation indicated that grafting promoted recovery of treadmill stepping in the experimental groups. While control cats could only perform limited stepping at low (<= 0.4m/s) speeds, grafted cats recovered stepping at all speeds up to 0.8m/s. Recovery was seen in many grafted cats as early as 3 weeks after injury, and all but one grafted cat were capable of stepping at all speeds tested by 5 weeks after grafting. This recovery remained 12 weeks after grafting. Histological evaluation showed no regeneration through the lesion. We also began preliminary evaluation of lumbar puncture (LP) as a delivery method for autologous grafts. Kinematic evaluation showed that delivery of cells via LP (n = 1) resulted in recovery of stepping to higher levels than seen in acute graft cats. We conclude that neurotrophin-producing autografts are effective at promoting stepping even when delivered in a chronic spinal cord injury model.
Behavioral and pharmacologic treatment of obesity
Authors:   , Phelan Suzanne
Published: July 2024

An estimated 61% of the United States population is currently overweight (>25 kg/m2) or obese (>30 kg/m2) and therefore at risk for numerous medical conditions, including type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. Behavioral treatment (BMOD) produces medically meaningful weight losses (about 10% of initial body weight) that are maintained, with continued treatment, for up to one year. Unfortunately, in the year after treatment, patients regain about one third of their initial weight loss, and 3-5 years after treatment most patients have regained back to their initial weight. Pharmacotherapy has been proposed as a means for improving the long-term maintenance of weight loss. The anti-obesity agent Sibutramine (SIB), a noradrenegeric and serotonergic reuptake inhibitor, that promotes average short and long-term weight losses that are significantly greater (3-5 kg) than placebo. Surprisingly, the mechanism through which SIB works to promote weight loss is unclear. In addition, the effect of SIB in combination with BMOD has not been investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to compare the effects of SIB, BMOD, and SIB plus BMOD on several behavioral variables, including appetite, behavioral adherence, restraint, and self-efficacy over the course of an 18-week randomized clinical trial. Participants were 69 obese (BMI = 37.5 k/m2) males (23.2%) and females (76.8%) with an average age of 45.1 years. Participants were predominately Caucasian (73.9%) and college educated (82%). Results indicated that SIB was associated with initial reductions in hunger and craving. Behavior therapy resulted in increased adherence to weight control behaviors, such as exercise and self-monitoring. Combined, the two treatments appeared to have complementary effects on appetite and behavior. This study is the first to examine the independent effects of SIB, BMOD, and their combination on behavioral variables. Future research is needed to examine the role of hunger and craving in weight loss as well as the types and intensities of lifestyle interventions needed to maximize the effects of SIB. In addition, researchers know little about how best to sequence medication and BMOD; medication may be most useful as a maintenance or rescue strategy after treatment with BMOD. Furthermore, whether there are subgroups of the obese population who respond best to pharmacologic or behavioral treatments awaits future research. Ultimately, understanding the optimal means of combining lifestyle and drug therapies is critical to practitioners in both behavioral and primary care settings.
Non-Adrenergic Non-Cholinergic Contraction in Bladder Smooth Muscle
Authors:   , Kendig Derek M. , Meucci Olimpia , Moreland Robert S.
Published: July 2024

Non-adrenergic non-cholinergic (NANC) contractions of bladder smooth muscle are increased in bladder dysfunction including diabetic bladder dysfunction. While many studies on diabetic bladder dysfunction have been performed in animal models of Type I diabetes very few have been performed in animal models of Type II diabetes. Type II diabetes is the most prevalent form of diabetes in the human population. In the ZDF rat model of Type II diabetes we determined the contractility and sensitivity of bladder smooth muscle in response to mediators of depolarization-induced contraction, muscarinic-receptor mediated contraction, NANC-induced contraction, and neurogenic contraction. Studies were performed at 16, 27, and 40 weeks of age to monitor the progression of diabetic bladder dysfunction. The bladder walls of diabetic rats were hypertrophied compared to bladder walls of lean rats; although the hypertrophy was not specific to the smooth muscle layer. Contractility and sensitivity to carbachol and ATP were increased at 27 weeks in bladder smooth muscle strips from diabetic rats, suggesting a compensated state of diabetic bladder dysfunction. At 40 weeks contractility and sensitivity to all forms of contractile stimuli were decreased in bladder strips from diabetic rats, suggesting a decompensated state of bladder smooth muscle function. Purinergic signaling was increased in response to exogenous ATP in bladders from diabetic animals; however, the purinergic component of neurogenic contraction was instead decreased. The purinergic component of neurogenic contraction was reduced by P2X receptor desensitization but was unchanged by P2X receptor inhibition in diabetic rats. This suggests different expression and/or functionality of P2X receptors in the bladders from diabetic rats. Residual and tetrodotoxin-resistant components of neurogenic contraction were increased in bladder strips from diabetic animals. This suggests there are increases in both the non-cholinergic non-purinergic component of neurogenic contraction and direct muscle stimulation. The ZDF rat model of Type II diabetes progressed from a hypercontractile to a hypocontractile state of bladder smooth muscle function. However, whole bladder organ function never reached the decompensated state, suggesting compensation by mechanisms in addition to smooth muscle. The difference in the purinergic component of bladder contraction is a possible therapeutic target for treating diabetic bladder dysfunction.
Inhibition of protein degradation induces accumulation of novel fragments of amyloid precursor protein (APP)
Authors:   , Wang Haizhi , Saunders Aleister
Published: July 2024

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and the most common type of dementia. One of AD hallmarks is the deposition of amyloid [beta] (A-[beta]), a peptide generated from proteolytic processing of its precursor, amyloid precursor protein (APP). Canonical APP proteolysis occurs via [alpha]-/ [beta]- and [gamma]-secretases. APP is also actively degraded by protein degradation systems. By pharmacologically inhibiting protein degradation with ALLN, we observed an accumulation of heretofore undocumented APP fragments (CTFs). The two major novel CTFs migrated around 15 and 25 kD. The process was independent of cytotoxicity or protein synthesis. The build-up of the novel CTFs are not mediated by proteasome or calpain inhibition, but by cathepsin inhibition. Moreover, these novel CTFs are not generated by increased amount of BACE. Here, we name the CTF of 25 kD as [eta]-CTF. Our data suggests that under physiological conditions, a subset of APP undergoes alternative processing and the intermediate products, the 15 kD- and the 25 kD-CTFs ([eta]-CTF) get rapidly degraded/ processed via the protein degradation machinery, specifically, cathepsin.
The cooperative implementation of information technology
Authors:   , Lopata Cynthia L. , Childers Thomas A.
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this research was to extend the knowledge of the process of implementing technological innovations in organizations. Data were collected during a longitudinal investigation of the implementation of a computer-based information management system in a three-college library consortium. Interviews and observations of participants in the implementation process were conducted at various stages in that process, and pertinent documents produced by the organization were collected. A grounded theory approach was used to guide the collection and analysis of the data and construction of a process model. The model developed includes a typology of ways in which the technology and the organization were adapted and identifies factors which affected the adaptation processes. The implementing organization's complexity was a major influencing factor, as were the availability of resources and organizational readiness. Complexity of the technology, especially as measured by the number of component parts of the system being implemented, also affected the process. New environmental factors identified include: market demands, an expanding customer base, and internal factors. Using events analysis, in combination with script theory, instances of adaptation were identified in the context of other organizational events and interruptions to the process. Patterns of events were identified and aggregated to form scripts for the different periods of the implementation process. The scripts created were: Pre Implementation/Pre Selection, which was characterized by internal analysis and external search activities; Pre Implementation/Post Selection, during which the focus was on adaptation of physical facilities and telecommunications; Early Implementation, with an emphasis on training and formalization of communications; Mid Implementation, during which adaptations to the technology and the organization reached high points; and Late Implementation, during which adaptations subsided. The model resulting from this investigation provides a basis for further research on the implementation process, and the scripts provide a guide to the implementation of information technologies in organizations. The findings concerning adaptations of the technology have implications for developers of new information technologies.
Identification of maximum inter-area power transfer regions of power networks
Authors:   , Wu Tong
Published: July 2024

This thesis is concerned with the identification of maximum regions of inter-area active power transfer, called Load-Flow Feasibility (LFF) regions, for a three-area power system under both normal and contingency operation conditions, as is illustrated in Figure 0-1. The boundary of the LFF region is composed of turning points of bifurcation branches of load-flow equations, i.e., points of voltage collapse. An effective and efficient method, called regularization, is used to identify the turning points. Key issues addressed in this thesis include: theoretical foundation of regularization, selection of regularization functions, turning point calculation and contingency ranking based on the limit of maximum power transfer.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Novel Treatment for Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia Nervosa
Authors:   , Shaw Jena A. , Forman Evan M
Published: July 2024

There is a need for improvement in eating disorder treatment efficacy. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has received some support for the treatment of these disorders, however many patients with bulimia remain partially symptomatic after CBT treatment, and evidence does not yet support its efficacy for the treatment of anorexia nervosa. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been shown to be effective for the treatment of a variety of psychological disorders, but its efficacy for the treatment of eating disorders remains understudied. The current study compared treatment as usual (TAU) at a local eating disorder clinic to TAU plus three hours per week of ACT group treatment (ACT) on changes in self-reported and directly-assessed measures of eating and weight-related behaviors, including a food challenge. In spite of the low dosage of ACT treatment, the ACT group trended towards greater increases in exposure behaviors, while disorder-related behaviors decreased at the same rate. Self-reported willingness to consume the challenge food increased significantly more in the ACT condition, and differences in test-food consumption trended towards significance with the ACT condition increasing consumption by twice as much as TAU. Moderation analyses suggested that ACT may produce the greatest benefit for patients with AN, with higher baseline restriction, and with higher baseline scores on ACT measures. The fact that ACT trended towards greater changes in behavioral measures in spite of the minimal dosage suggests that ACT is a promising treatment for this population and is worthy of further investigation.
Presence of the pcpB gene sequences in indigenous bacteria that do not degrade Pentachlorophenol
Authors:   , Saboo Vandana Mahesh , Gealt Michael A.
Published: July 2024

Detection of indigenous degradation capability in bacteria from a pentachlorophenol (PCP) contaminated site was sought using a gene probe based on the pcpB gene which encodes for PCP-4-monooxygenase of Sphingomonas chlorophenolica. The premise of this research was to assess the presence of the gene and its correlation to PCP degradative capability in soil bacteria from the site. Bacteria isolated from the site showed the presence of microbial diversity (based on colony morphology) even in heavily contaminated samples. Strains were selected that could grow in the presence of 50 [mu]g/ml PCP and were hybridized to the pcpB gene probe. Two isolates, B2 and B4, contained sequences highly similar (99% identity) to the pcpB gene. These two strains were not able to degrade PCP. An attempt to induce PCP degradation in B2 and B4 by providing a soil matrix support (1% w/v) failed. PCR analysis of the two other genes, pcpD (PCP-4-monooxygenase reductase gene) and pcpR (LTTR type transcriptional activator gene) thought to associate with pcpB during degradation in S. chlorophenolica, was conducted. Neither of the two strains contained the pcpD and pcpR genes. Interestingly, the pcpD primers were able to amplify a gene fragment at high annealing temperature (63[degrees]C) from one of the isolates, B2. However, the PCR product sequence showed very little homology to pcpD (or any other gene). Thus, biodegradation inferences based on PCR analysis, especially for environmental samples, can be misleading. Identification based on fatty acid methyl ester profile (SherlockTM), substrate utilization (BIOLOGTM) and 16S rDNA sequencing showed that B2 and B4 were different from each other and from S. chlorophenolica and actually belonged to separate sub-divisions of the purple bacteria. The presence of pcpB sequences in these non-degraders indicates that growth and hybridization data alone were insufficient to predict degradation capability, that pcpB might have an alternative function in soil bacteria and that there was no cause-and-effect relationship between the presence of PCP and pcpB. This study shows the limitation of gene probe hybridization and PCR in feasibility studies for detection of indigenous degradation capability.
Management of Proximal Migrated Biliary Stents: Single Center Experience
Authors: Sarıtaş Bünyamin , Muslu Mustafa , Çetin Deha , Hari Mustafa , Ölmez Şehmus
Published: July 2024

Background and Aims: Migration in biliary stents is one of the expected complications of biliary stenting. Since proximally migrated biliary stents may result in serious complications, management of proximally migrated biliary stents are important. In this study we aimed to evaluate our patients with proximally migrated biliary stents and review current medical literature. Materials and Methods: Patients with proximally migrated biliary stents who had endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography application at Health Sciences University, Adana City Training and Research Hospital, Department of Gastroenterology between September 2017- November 2022 were included in the study. Patients’ files and electronic database of our hospital were screened and evaluated retrospectively. Patients’ clinic and laboratory data were recorded. Results: The study included 57 patients. Mean age was 60.7 ± 14.5 (29-90) and 30 (52.6%) were male. Thirty four patients were asymptomatic other remaining patients presented with abdominal pain, jaundice, or fever. Fifteen (26.3%) patients had cholangitis and five patients had liver abscess during presentation. One patient died due to cholangitis associated with proximally migrated biliary stents. In 31 patients, proximally migrated biliary stents were removed successfully in our hospital. After stent removal, two patients had post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography complications (post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and bleeding). Four patients had surgical intervention. In nine patients, stents were removed in external centers. In 13 patients, proximally migrated biliary stents could not be extracted. Conclusions: Proximal migration of biliary stents is an important complication of biliary stenting. Patients may be asymptomatic or symptomatic. Proximally migrated biliary stents may result in serious complications such as cholangitis, liver abscess and even death. Thus, early diagnosis and proper treatment are important in these patients. Proximally migrated biliary stents may be removed in most patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.
Aprendizagem autorregulada e orientação do estudo: resultados de um projeto de intervenção
Authors: Puglia Patrícia Diane , Rondina Regina de Cássia , Martins Raul Aragão
Published: July 2024

Este artigo apresenta a aplicação e a avaliação de um projeto para a promoção de habilidades autorregulatórias entre estudantes do ensino médio técnico. O estudo foi realizado em uma Instituição Federal de Ensino do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. A amostra do estudo foi constituída por 35 alunos recém-ingressos que apresentavam problemas de adaptação à nova rotina acadêmica e sintomas de ansiedade. Os/As estudantes receberam sessões sistemáticas de orientação de estudo para ajudá-los a desenvolver habilidades de aprendizagem autorregulada. Os dados foram coletados por meio dos seguintes métodos: Escala DASS-21 (versão brasileira), entrevistas semi-estruturadas iniciais e finais, e observações da pesquisadora. Os resultados mostram diferentes graus de sucesso dos e das estudantes na aquisição de habilidades de autorregulação. A comparação quantitativa pré e pós-teste dos dados da DASS-21 e o Método JT mostraram uma redução dos sintomas de ansiedade em 12 e 8 estudantes, respectivamente, e a análise de variância detectou uma redução significativa no escore médio de ansiedade do grupo após o projeto. A análise qualitativa mostrou que, para a maioria dos/das estudantes, as sessões do projeto promoveram o desenvolvimento de habilidades em autorregulação da aprendizagem, melhorando aspectos como o planejamento e a organização do estudo, entre outros. Novas pesquisas são necessárias, considerando as variáveis intervenientes.