cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Research on a Helical Drill Point Grinding Machine

It is necessary to develop drill point grinders in order to improve drilling quality and efficiency. In this paper, a new type of helical drill point grinder is presented. This grinder is mechanically simple, low cost and easy to be used. There are three axis simultaneous motions by means of two cams during helical drill point grinding process. Moreover, the relationships between the helical drill point parameters and helical grinding parameters are derived. As a result, the flank surfaces of helical drill points are described.
High-performance signal and image processing for remote sensing using reconfigurable computers

It is not uncommon for remote sensing systems to produce in excess of 100 Mbytes/sec. Los Alamos National Laboratory designed a reconfigurable computer to tackle the signal and image processing challenges of high bandwidth sensors. Reconfigurable computing, based on field programmable gate arrays, offers ten to one hundred times the performance of traditional microprocessors for certain algorithms. This paper discusses the architecture of the computer and the source of performance gains, as well as an example application. The calculation of multiple matched filters applied to multispectral imagery, showing a performance advantage of forty-five over Pentium II (450 MHz), is presented as an exemplar of algorithms appropriate for this technology.
Understanding Temporal Expressions in Emails

Recent years have seen increasing research on extracting and using temporal information in natural language applications. However most of the works found in the literature have focused on identifying and understanding temporal expressions in newswire texts. In this paper we report our work on anchoring temporal expressions in a novel genre, emails. The highly under-specified nature of these expressions fits well with our constraint-based representation of time, Time Calculus for Natural Language (TCNL). We have developed and evaluated a Temporal Expression Anchoror (TEA), and the result shows that it performs significantly better than the baseline, and compares favorably with some of the closely related work.
The Impossible Logic of Assimilation

In this essay I argue that Memmi’s analysis in The Colonizer and the Colonized transcends the colonial situation of the 1950s. The remorseless logic exposed by Memmi, whereby the colonizer and the colonized are locked together in mutual dependence within a polarized society, applies whenever a dominant group insists that various minorities conform to the role assigned to them. Memmi’s philosophical and literary works, read with reference to the logic of assimilation, retain a wider application beyond the immediate context for which they were written.
Free-floating closed-chain planar robots: Kinematics and path planning

The study of free-floating manipulators is important for the success of robotics program in space and in the design of innovative robot systems which can operate over a large workspace. In order to study the fundamental theoretical and experimental issues encountered in space robotics, a closed-chain planar manipulator was built at Ohio University (OU) which floats on a flat table using air bearings. Due to the absence of external forces in the plane of the table and couples normal to this plane, the linear momentum in the plane and the angular momentum normal to this plane are conserved. It is well known that the linear momentum equations are holonomic while the angular momentum equation is nonholonomic. Due to this nonholonomic behavior, the path-planning schemes commonly used for fixed-base manipulators do not directly apply to free-floating manipulators. In this paper, we present an algorithm for motion planning of planar free-floating manipulators based on the inverse position kinematics of the mechanism. It is demonstrated that the inverse position kinematics algorithms, commonly used for fixed-base manipulators, can be successfully applied to free-floating manipulators using an iterative search procedure to satisfy the nonholonomic angular momentum constraints. This procedure results in paths identical to those predicted by inverse rate kinematics. The inverse position kinematics algorithm is then used to avoid singularities during motion to result in successful paths. The results of the simulation of this algorithm using parameter estimates of the OU free-floating robot are presented.
CXCL9 inhibits eosinophil responses by a CCR3- and Rac2-dependent mechanism.

Recently, inhibitory cytokine pathways for leukocyte chemoattraction and activation have been identified, but there is little insight into the operational mechanisms except for models that rely on simple receptor antagonism. We have previously identified the existence of a murine eosinophil inhibitory pathway mediated by the CXC chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9, Mig [monokine induced by interferon-γ]) that impressively blocks eosinophil chemoattraction and function, but the mechanism has remained elusive. We now demonstrate that Mig's inhibitory action extends beyond receptor antagonism alone. Notably, in addition to inhibiting eotaxin-induced filamentous actin (F-actin) formation and chemoattraction, Mig potently blocks platelet activating factor (PAF)– and leukotriene B4 (LTB4)–induced responses. Remarkably, Mig-treated eosinophils display an abnormal F-actin assembly in the absence of agonist stimulation. Additionally, Mig pretreatment inhibits eotaxin-induced activation of the Rho–guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) Rac, and Rac2-deficient eosinophils demonstrate an impaired transmigration and actin polymerization response to eotaxin stimulation. Furthermore, Mig was unable to inhibit eotaxin-induced responses in Rac2-deficient eosinophils. Finally, using CCR3 gene–targeted cells, Mig's inhibitory activity is demonstrated to be mediated by CC chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3). Thus, by altering agonist-induced signaling and abrogating cytoskeletal reorganization by a Rac2-dependent mechanism, Mig markedly inhibits eosinophil responses to diverse stimuli. These results establish evidence that distinct chemokines can use CCR3 to induce opposing signals in eosinophils.
Brain proteins interacting with the tetramerization region of non-erythroid alpha spectrin

The N-terminal region of non-erythroid alpha spectrin (SpαII) is responsible for interacting with its binding partner, beta spectrin, to form functional spectrin tetramers. We used a yeast-two-hybrid system, with an N-terminal segment of alpha spectrin representing the functional tetramerization site, as a bait to screen human brain c-DNA library for proteins that interact with the alpha spectrin segment. In addition to several beta spectrin isoforms, we identified 14 proteins that interact with SpαII. Seven of the 14 were matched to 6 known proteins: Duo protein, Lysyl-tRNA synthetase, TBP associated factor 1, two isoforms (b and c) of a protein kinase A interacting protein and Zinc finger protein 333 (2 different segments). Four of the 6 proteins are located primarily in the nucleus, suggesting that spectrin plays important roles in nuclear functions. The remaining 7 proteins were unknown to the protein data base. Structural predictions show that many of the 14 proteins consist of a large portion of unstructured regions, suggesting that many of these proteins fold into a rather flexible conformation. It is interesting to note that all but 3 of the 14 proteins are predicted to consist of one to four coiled coils (amphiphilic helices). A mutation in SpαII, V22D, which interferes with the coiled coil bundling of SpαII with beta spectrin, also affects SpαII interaction with Duo protein, TBP associated factor 1 and Lysyl-tRNA synthetase, suggesting that they may compete with beta spectrin for interaction with SpαII. Future structural and functional studies of these proteins to provide interaction mechanisms will no doubt lead to a better understanding of brain physiology and pathophysiology.
SIG visual interaction design: designing the quality experience

The Visual Interaction Design SIG has been active in the CHI community for several years by hosting a column in the SIGCHI Bulletin, with strong representation in interactions and several previous and successful SIG meetings at CHI. This year we continue this tradition with a meeting on the theme of "Designing theQuality Experience."
Engagement Through Information: Supporting Technology Commercialization

This article provides a framework for encouraging further dialogue concerning the role of information professionals in supporting the technology commercialization efforts of entrepreneurs, researchers, and small businesses. After a brief introduction to the technology commercialization process, the roles of university engagement in commercialization activities are discussed. The paper concludes with questions for consideration focused on the role of the information professional.
ON THE DETERMINATION OF STRESSES AND DISPLACEMENTS FOR UNSYMMETRICAL DEFORMATION OF SHALLOW SPHERICAL SHELLS

Abstract : The report is concerned with problems of bending of thin, elastic, shallow spherical shells of uniform thickness. Explicit expressions are derived, in terms of stress function and axial displacement component, for radial and circumferential displacement components. It is shown that certain uni-valued portions of the solution for stress function and axial displacement components give rise to multi-valued expressions for radial and circumferential displacement components. A new type of solution of the differential equations is derived which is multi-valued insofar as the stress function is concerned but given uni-valued expressions for all quantities which should be uni-valued. It is shown that this type of solution is needed for the analysis of problems for which a resultant side force is acting along the edge of a symmetrical circular boundary of the shell. The nature and form of this side-force solution differs in important respects from the corresponding known solution for the case of a flat plate. No direct transition is possible from the shell solution to the corresponding flat-plate solution. As a specific application, a shell is considered which is supported at its outer edge and which has a small symmetrical rigid insert.
Nitric Oxide-Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase-Cyclic GMP Signaling in the Striatum: New Targets for the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease?

Striatal nitric oxide (NO)-producing interneurons play an important role in the regulation of corticostriatal synaptic transmission and motor behavior. Striatal NO synthesis is driven by concurrent activation of NMDA and dopamine (DA) D1 receptors. NO diffuses into the dendrites of medium-sized spiny neurons (MSNs) which contain high levels of NO receptors called soluble guanylyl cyclases (sGC). NO-mediated activation of sGC leads to the synthesis of the second messenger cGMP. In the intact striatum, transient elevations in intracellular cGMP primarily act to increase neuronal excitability and to facilitate glutamatergic corticostriatal transmission. NO-cGMP signaling also functionally opposes the inhibitory effects of DA D2 receptor activation on corticostriatal transmission. Not surprisingly, abnormal striatal NO-sGC-cGMP signaling becomes apparent following striatal DA depletion, an alteration thought to contribute to pathophysiological changes observed in basal ganglia circuits in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Here, we discuss recent developments in the field which have shed light on the role of NO-sGC-cGMP signaling pathways in basal ganglia dysfunction and motor symptoms associated with PD and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesias.
Regulation of APOBEC3 Proteins by a Novel YXXL Motif in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vif and Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVagm Vif

The APOBEC3 cytidine deaminases are potent antiviral factors that restrict the replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In HIV-1-infected CD4+ T cells, the viral accessory protein Vif binds to APOBEC3G (A3G), APOBEC3F (A3F), and APOBEC3C (A3C) and targets these proteins for polyubiquitination by forming an E3 ubiquitin ligase with cullin 5. Previous studies identified regions of HIV-1 Vif, 40YRHHY44 and 12QVDRMR17, which are important for interaction with A3G and A3F, respectively, and showed that Vif residues 54 to 71 are sufficient for A3G binding. Here, we identify 69YXXL72 as a novel conserved motif in HIV-1 Vif that mediates binding to human A3G and its subsequent degradation. Studies on other APOBEC3 proteins revealed that Tyr69 and Leu72 are important for the degradation of A3F and A3C as well. Similar to A3F, A3C regulation is also mediated by Vif residues 12QVDRMR17. Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) Vif was shown to bind and degrade African green monkey A3G (agmA3G) and, unexpectedly, human A3C. The YXXL motif of SIVagm Vif was important for the inactivation of agmA3G and human A3C. Unlike HIV-1 Vif, however, SIVagm Vif does not require Tyr40 and His43 for agmA3G degradation. Tyr69 in the YXXL motif was critical for binding of recombinant glutathione S-transferase-Vif(1-94) to A3G in vitro. These results suggest that the YXXL motif in Vif is a potential target for small-molecule inhibitors to block Vif interaction with A3G, A3F, and A3C, and thereby protect cells against HIV-1 infection.
Correlation of AVHRR SST with the presence of loggerhead turtles

The Mid-Atlantic serves as a host environment for a number of sea turtle species that encompasses their seasonal migration routes. Global evidence suggests that that the migration routes are strongly influenced by two factors: sea surface temperature and chlorophyll concentrations. Data gathered from the Pacific Ocean presents compelling evidence of this relationship. In contrast, the finding from studies conducted in the Atlantic have not yet confirmed the role of these factors. Therefore this study established a correlation between sea turtle locations in the Atlantic Ocean in relation to sea surface temperature. Satellite sensor data including the NOAA AVHRR instrument was utilized for this study.
A probability-weighted moment test to assess simple scaling

We present a statistically robust approach based on probability weighted moments to assess the presence of simple scaling in geophysical processes. The proposed approach is different from current approaches which rely on estimation of high order moments. High order moments of simple scaling processes (distributions) may not have theoretically defined values and consequently, their empirical estimates are highly variable and do not converge with increasing sample size. They are, therefore, not an appropriate tool for inference. On the other hand we show that the probability weighted moments of such processes (distributions) do exist and, hence, their empirical estimates are more robust. These moments, therefore, provide an appropriate tool for inferring the presence of scaling. We illustrate this using simulated Levystable processes and then draw inference on the nature of scaling in fluctuations of a spatial rainfall process.
Toward A Framework for Consumer Policy Analysis

In this paper, an attempt is made to define the scope of the various subdisciplines of consumer studies. The topical relationships between these subdisciplines are also explored. From this basis, a framework is developed for investigating consumer issues and related policy questions.
Instructive Feedback: Effects of a Presentation Variable

Instructive feedback involves presenting extra nontarget stimuli in the consequent events of instructional trials and not requesting students to respond to those stimuli during instruction. The purposes of this study were to evaluate whether students (a) would acquire the behaviors for instructive feedback stimuli when those stimuli were presented after trials on any of a set of target behaviors rather than after a given target behavior and (b) acquired instructive feedback behaviors during acquisition of target behaviors or after mastery of those target behaviors. Four 11-year-old boys with mild disabilities participated, instruction occurred in their special education classroom, and a multiple-probe design across sets of behavior was used. Results indicate that the students (a) acquired their target behaviors, (b) acquired a high percentage of the behaviors for instructive feedback stimuli, and (c) generally acquired instructive feedback responses while acquiring target behaviors. The findings are discu...
Perceptions of practitioners, educators, and students concerning the role of the occupational therapy practitioner.

In this study, the attitudes of348 occupational ther­ apy educators, practitioners, and students were as­ sessed concerning the perceived role ofthe practi­ tioner. The three groups' perceptions ofthe practitioner's role offers a starting point from which changes in education and practice can be made to reflect the profession's pending decisions concern­ ing physical modalities, unification oftheory and practice, and status ofthe profession. A 4-point li­ kert scale was used to measure the subjects' re­ sponses to 19 statements on major professional issues concerning occupational therapy's unique philosophical base, the appropriateness ofcertain treatment modalities, and the profession 'sfuture focus. One-way analyses ofvariance, Student-New­ man-Keuls (Winer, 1971) procedures, and t tests were performed to identify attitudinal differences by respondent type, specialty area, and length of clinical experience. The results indicated agree­ ment among all respondents that occupational ther­ apists should be skilled in analyzing activities and that occupational therapy services should be cov­ ered by third-party payment. Additionally, strong attitudinal differences were identified among edu­ cators, practitioners, and students regarding treat­ ment modalities and therapists' role characteristics.
Functional Genomics of Particle-Induced Lung Injury

Currently, the biological mechanisms controlling adverse reactions to particulate matter are uncertain, but are likely to include oxidative lung injury, inflammation, infection, and preexisting pulmonary disease (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary diseaseJ. Each mechanism can be viewed as a complex trait controlled by interactions of host (genetic) and environmental factors. We propose that genetic factors play a major role in susceptibility to particulate matter because the number of individuals exposed (even in occupational settings) is often large, but relatively few people respond with increases in morbidity and even mortality. Previous clinical studies support this hypothesis, having discovered marked individual variation in diminished lung function following oxidant exposures. Advances in functional genomics have facilitated the examination of this hypothesis and have begun to provide valuable new insights into gene-environmental interactions. For example, genome-wide scans can be completed readily in mice that enable assessment of chromosomal regions with linkage to quantitative traits. Recently, we and others have identified linkage to oxidant-induced inflammation and mortality. Such linkage analysis can narrow and prioritize candidate gene(s) for further investigation, which, in turn, is aided by existing transgenic mouse models. In addition, differential expression (microarray) analysis enables simultaneous assessment of thousands of genes and expressed sequence tags. Combining genome-wide scan with microarray analysis permits a comprehensive assessment of adverse responses to environmental stimuli and will lead to progress in understanding the complex cellular mechanisms and genetic determinants of susceptibility to particulate matter.
Notes on conditional confidence limits under inverse sampling

When the number of subjects in a two-by-two table is small or moderate, we may commonly use the exact conditional distribution with all marginals fixed to derive the conditional confidence limits on the underlying parameter. Under inverse sampling, in which we continue to sample subjects until we obtain exactly a pre-determined number of subjects failing into a specific category, this paper notes that derivation of a confidence interval, which has the coverage probability equal to or larger than a nominal 1-alpha confidence level, for relative risk and relative difference in cohort studies is straightforward. This paper further finds that, when the underlying disease is rare, we can similarly apply an inverse sampling to produce an approximate 1-alpha conditional confidence limits on attributable risk in case-control studies as well. When the number of subjects is small and the test statistic derived on the basis of large sample theory is not strictly adequate for use, this paper also presents an exact hypothesis testing procedure for the above parameters in the corresponding study designs.
The Surface and Atmosphere of Venus: Evolution and Present State

Most models of atmospheric evolution start with the reasonable but unverified assumption that the original atmospheric inventories of Venus and Earth were similar. Although the two planets have similar overall abundances of nitrogen and carbon, the present day water inventory of Venus is lower than that of Earth by a factor of 105. The original water abundance of Venus is highly unconstrained. The high D/H ratio observed, 2.5 ×10− 2 or ≈ 150 times terrestrial (Donahue et al. 1997) has been cited as evidence of a large primordial water endowment (Donahue et al. 1982). Yet, given the likelihood of geologically recent water sources and the large uncertainty in the modern and past hydrogen and deuterium escape fluxes, the large D/H may not reflect the primordial water abundance but rather may result from the history of escape and resupply in the most recent ≈ 109 years of planetary evolution (Donahue et al. 1997, Grinspoon 1993, 1997). Thus, at present the best arguments for a sizable early Venusian water endowment remain dependent on models of planet formation and early volatile delivery. Most models of water delivery to early Earth involve impact processes that would have also supplied Venus with abundant water (Grinspoon 1987, Ip et al. 1998, Morbidelli et al. 2000). Stochastic processes could have created large inequities in original volatile inventory among neighboring planets (Morbidelli et al. 2000). However, given the great similarity in bulk densities and their close proximity in the Solar System the best assumption at present is that Venus and Earth started with similar water abundances.
Effects of Altered Fundamental Frequency on Nasalance During Vowel Production by Adult Speakers at Targeted Sound Pressure Levels

Abstract Objective: This study investigated the effects of altered fundamental frequency (F0) on nasalance levels of the vowels /i/ and /a/ produced by adults without cleft palate within a controlled sound pressure level (SPL) range. Design: A prospective group design with convenience sampling from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill was used. Participants: 20 men and 20 women participated, aged 18 to 55 years. All were native English speakers with normal speech and language skills and adequate velopharyngeal function. Main Outcome Measures: The outcome measures were percentage nasalance obtained from the Nasometer 6200 (KayPentax) headset and the Computerized Speech Lab Model 4400 (CSL, KayPentax) during vowel production while speakers (1) targeted an SPL range of 75 to 85 dB and (2) targeted the SPL plus F0 range of 165 to 175 Hz. Results: A significant univariate effect was found for the vowels /i/ and /a/ in the targeted SPL condition such that /i/ was produced with higher nasalance than /...
Modulation of renal baroreceptor function by catecholamines and salt intake in the conscious dog.

We have examined the relationship between plasma renin activity and renal perfusion pressure by determining the stimulus-response curve of the renal baroreceptor in conscious, uninephrectomized dogs, and the modulation induced by catecholamines and varying salt intake. Renal perfusion pressure was controlled by step-wise inflation of a constricting cuff previously implanted around the renal artery. The stimulus-response curve of the renal baroreceptor may be divided into two ranges: a relatively flat portion close to normal pressure (100 mmHg), and a much steeper section below a "threshold" pressure of 75-80 mmHg. Epinephrine (I.V. or I.R.) produced a parallel shift of the curve to the right, i.e., a smaller drop in pressure was needed to reach "threshold." Changing the diet from normal salt intake (80 meq/day) to a low salt intake (10 meq/day) increased the gain of the stimulus-response curve. Thus, the same elevated PRA may be reached either by a shift of the curve to the right, or by increase in gain.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Chronic Tinnitus

This commentary discusses a study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery that evaluated transcranial magnetic stimulation for the treatment of chronic tinnitus.
Athletic physeal injury in children and adolescents.

Physeal injuries occur in 15% of children with fractures, and 10% of all physeal injuries are sport related. Soccer, alpine skiing, gymnastics, weight lifting and baseball are sports commonly associated with physeal injury. Swelling, hyperemia, and deformity in the physeal area are the classical signs of physeal injury. Pain may be less intense than with other fractures. Treatment usually includes immobilization. Growth disturbance depends on extent of the injury and the amount of remaining growth potential. Prevention should focus on sport participation within the parameters of ability, maturation, and use of proper equipment. Language: en
HISTOCHEMICAL APPROACHES FOR THE LOCALIZATION OF STEROID HORMONE RECEPTORS

Histochemical identification and visualization of steroid hormone receptors remains a goal, despite earlier success with dry- and thaw-mount autoradiography. Applications of various histochemical and immunohistochemical procedures for the identification of steroid hormone target cells and subcellular binding sites are reviewed. Results obtained with dry- and thawmount autoradiography after in vivo administration of [3H] estradiol are contrasted with those obtained by in vitro liquid emulsion autoradiography, incubation with conjugated estradiol, antibodies to estradiol, or antibodies to estradiol “receptor”. Dry- and thaw-mount autoradiography in vivo after single injection of [3H] estradiol, and in vitro after tissue slice incubation with [3H] estradiol consistently show preferential nuclear concentration of radioactivity, little in cytoplasm, and none in nucleoli. In contrast, liquid emulsion autoradiography after in vitro uterine section incubation with [3H] estradiol shows no nuclear uptake, but only labeling of cytoplasm of eosinophils. Eosinophils are also labeled with conjugated estradiol. Histochemical studies with conjugated estradiol or estradiol antibodies show variable results with preferential cytoplasmic and distinct nucleolar labeling of uterine epithelial and stromal cells; however, there is only occasional nuclear labeling, and some lack of identification of target cells, when compared to results obtained with our autoradiographic techniques. The specificity and utility of certain histochemical techniques need to be established, since some of the results are probably related to technique and do not reflect biological events. Development and use of refined histochemical techniques are needed to further contribute to the clarification of the mechanism of steroid hormone action and to provide a tool for the clinical diagnosis of steroid hormone dependent tumors.
Effect of Surface Termination on the Electronic Properties of LaNiO 3 Films

The electronic and structural properties of thin LaNiO₃ films grown by using molecular beam epitaxy are studied as a function of the net ionic charge of the surface terminating layer. We demonstrate that electronic transport in nickelate heterostructures can be manipulated through changes in the surface termination due to a strong coupling of the surface electrostatic properties to the structural properties of the Ni—O bonds that govern electronic conduction. We observe experimentally and from first-principles theory an asymmetric response of the structural properties of the films to the sign of the surface charge, which results from a strong interplay between electrostatic and mechanical boundary conditions governing the system. The structural response results in ionic buckling in the near-surface NiO₂ planes for films terminated with negatively charged NiO₂ and bulklike NiO₂ planes for films terminated with positively charged LaO planes. The ability to modify transport properties by the deposition of a single atomic layer can be used as a guiding principle for nanoscale device fabrication.
Evaluation of marrow granulocytic reserves in normal and disease states.

Recent concepts of the relationship of the blood granulocyte mass to the marrow reserve of granulocytes have been reviewed. Evidence has been presented to show that the marrow is the chief area of granulocyte "reserves" or "stores." The development of acute leukocytosis in response to a stimulus such as the intravenous injection of bacterial endotoxin depends upon release of cells from the intramedullary pool of granulocytes. The turnover of the marrow granulocyte reserve (MGR) is an orderly process in the steady state, and determines the form of the curve of DNA-labeled granulocytes in the peripheral blood. From estimates of the turnover time of the MGR it appears that the granulocyte spends an average time of about 10 hours in the peripheral blood. Granulocytes do not appear to recirculate once they have left the peripheral blood and have entered the tissues. However, granulocytes may be sequestered within capillary beds for variable periods, and may re-enter the circulating blood from such areas. Such cells are not to be considered as having re-entered the blood from the tissues. The intravenous injection of a purified bacterial lipopolysaccharide as a stimulus to acute leukocytosis is described. The possbile usefulness of this procedure in assessing the MGR is discussed.
Optimum location of geogrid reinforcement in unpaved road

This study evaluated the optimum location of a reinforcement layer to maximize the efficiency of the reinforcement inclusion in an unpaved road section. The analyses are used to investigate the opt...
Bidirectional Brain-Gut Interactions and Chronic Pathological Changes after Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice

Objectives Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has complex effects on the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with TBI-related morbidity and mortality. We examined changes in mucosal barrier properties and enteric glial cell response in the gut after experimental TBI in mice, as well as effects of the enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium (Cr) on both gut and brain after injury.
Microbial Life in Extreme Environments: Linking Geological and Microbiological Processes

The last decade has seen extraordinary growth of Geomicrobiology, the interdisciplinary field between Geology and Microbiology. Microorganisms have been studied in numerous extreme environments on Earth, ranging from crystalline rocks from the deep subsurface, hypersaline lakes, to dry deserts and deep-ocean hydrothermal vent systems. This chapter reviews several active research frontiers in Geomicrobiology that demonstrate the importance of linking geological and microbiological processes in such studies: deep continental subsurface microbiology, microbial ecology in saline lakes, microbial formation of dolomite, geomicrobiology in dry deserts, fossil DNA and its use in paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and microbial weathering of oceanic crust. The author has no intention to provide a comprehensive review of all areas of Geomicrobiology, as this daunting task deserves a dedicated book on its own.
Sacrifice, Science, and Support: A History of Modern Prosthetics

War is an unfortunate reality with significant consequence for life and limb. Advances in medical care follow conflict as countries strive to care for their wounded. The United States has always offered its wounded warriors an unwavering commitment to provide the best available care, forging ahead toward the development of new technologies and rehabilitation strategies. As service members return from conflict to rejoin their families and communities, our goal is to restore their function to the highest possible degree in the shortest possible time.
Cost and Cost-Effectiveness Assessments of Newborn Screening for Critical Congenital Heart Disease Using Pulse Oximetry: A Review

Screening newborns for critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) using pulse oximetry is recommended to allow for the prompt diagnosis and prevention of life-threatening crises. The present review summarizes and critiques six previously published estimates of the costs or cost-effectiveness of CCHD screening from the United Kingdom, United States, and China. Several elements that affect CCHD screening costs were assessed in varying numbers of studies, including screening staff time, instrumentation, and consumables, as well as costs of diagnosis and treatment. A previous US study that used conservative assumptions suggested that CCHD screening is likely to be considered cost-effective from the healthcare sector perspective. Newly available estimates of avoided infant CCHD deaths in several US states that implemented mandatory CCHD screening policies during 2011-2013 suggest a substantially larger reduction in deaths than was projected in the previous US cost-effectiveness analysis. Taking into account these new estimates, we estimate that cost per life-year gained could be as low as USD 12,000. However, that estimate does not take into account future costs of health care and education for surviving children with CCHD nor the costs incurred by health departments to support and monitor CCHD screening policies and programs.
Maternal smoking during pregnancy and cord blood DNA methylation: new insight on sex differences and effect modification by maternal folate levels.

Maternal smoking during pregnancy may affect newborn DNA methylation (DNAm). However, little is known about how these associations vary by a newborn's sex and/or maternal nutrition. To fill in this research gap, we investigated epigenome-wide DNAm associations with maternal smoking during pregnancy in African American mother-newborn pairs. DNAm profiling in cord (n = 379) and maternal blood (n = 300) were performed using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array. We identified 12 CpG sites whose DNAm levels in cord blood were associated with maternal smoking, at a false discovery rate 19.2 nmol/L), the DNAm level was about 0.03 lower (P = 3.6 × 10-4) in exposed newborns with a high maternal folate level, but was 0.08 lower (P = 1.2 × 10-8) in exposed newborns with a low maternal folate level. Our data suggest that adequate maternal folate levels may partly counteract the impact of maternal smoking on DNAm. These findings may open new avenues of inquiry regarding sex differences in response to environmental insults and novel strategies to mitigate their intergenerational health effects through optimization of maternal nutrition.
Local and remote arteriolar dilations initiated by skeletal muscle contraction.

To investigate the relationship between skeletal muscle metabolism and arteriolar dilations in the region local to contracting muscle fibers as well as dilations at remote arteriolar regions upstre...
Sperm Preparation for Artificial Insemination

Intrauterine insemination (IUI) is a common treatment for couples with infertility issues. In order to operate a good IUI program, several elements are necessary. This chapter attempts to provide a comprehensive description of these elements including: aspects of patient education, communication between the laboratory and the referring physician, employee training, safety, sample identification, and documentation procedures. It also describes supplies and reagents needed for IUI, multiple techniques for the preparation of sperm, and advantages of the different preparations. A discussion of special considerations such as the use of positive samples for infectious disease, use of sex-selected sperm, and chemical motility enhancement is included.
Prediction of disease relapse in a cohort of paediatric patients with localized scleroderma

Background Localized scleroderma (LS) is an autoimmune condition of the skin and underlying tissue. Active or recurring disease can lead to cumulative tissue damage, especially in paediatric-onset disease. Objectives To highlight the rate of relapse of LS activity in a cohort of paediatric patients and to evaluate for potential clinical and laboratory predictors of disease relapse. Methods Clinical and laboratory data were gathered prospectively. Patients were categorized as experiencing relapse or not, and clinical and laboratory parameters were compared. A logistic regression was fit to predict odds of relapse while controlling for multiple predictors. A subgroup of patients was also evaluated to determine the average time from treatment completion to relapse. Results Seventy-seven patients were followed for the identified study duration of > 2 years and had achieved disease remission, with 35 (45%) experiencing LS relapse. Patients who were older at disease onset, antinuclear antibody (ANA) positive and without an extracutaneous manifestation (ECM) were more likely to relapse. All three variables remained significant in the multivariable logistic regression model. Results of the subgroup mirrored the larger sample. The average time between treatment completion and relapse was 21 months. Conclusions Assessment of patients with LS experiencing a relapse of disease activity has shown older age of initial LS onset and ANA positivity to be potential markers for risk of relapse. Patients meeting these parameters may require greater clinical vigilance. The presence of one or more ECM may be protective. Clinicians treating patients with LS should provide significant long-term follow-up to monitor for relapse.
The Purposes of the Foreign Emoluments Clause

My previous law review article, "The Foreign Emoluments Clause and the Chief Executive," extensively examined the meaning of emolument and showed that the term reaches only compensation paid for the performance of services personally performed. In reaching its conclusions, the Article adopted a decidedly textual approach. It left discussions under other interpretive approaches for later. This Article, prepared for the South Texas College of Law Houston’s 24th Annual Ethics Symposium, examines some of the purposivist arguments that have been made over the Foreign Emoluments Clause. It argues that commentators have overstated the extent to which legal materials support a purposivist theory of the Foreign Emoluments Clause, and it rejects a form of that theory put forward by some scholars.
The indirect effect of positive affect in the relationship between trait mindfulness and emotion dysregulation.

Abstract Mindfulness is correlated with better emotion regulation and mindfulness training improves emotion regulation; however, mechanisms of these effects have not been widely studied. Therefore, the aim of the current study was to examine the indirect effect of greater mindfulness on fewer emotion regulation difficulties through positive affect. Participants were 219 undergraduate students (Mage = 19.20; 70.5% female; 91.5% Caucasian) who completed self-report measures for course credit. Results indicated a significant direct effect of mindfulness on emotion dysregulation (b = −1.71, t = −6.94, p
Wordsworth’s Ostentatious Neutrality

Focussing on instances from the Lyrical Ballads and The Excursion, this article tracks a peculiarity of Wordsworth’s diction whereby the moral significance of certain keywords is ostentatiously neu...
No Matter What: A Qualitative Analysis of How LGBTQ Families and Allies Define Family through an Interactive Art Project

The current study solicits individuals’ artistic depictions and written definitions of family and provides comparisons to existing conceptualizations of family in communication research. Attendees ...
The antagonism of folate receptor by dolutegravir: developmental toxicity reduction by supplemental folic acid.

Objective:Maternal folate (vitamin B9) status is the largest known modifier of neural tube defect risk, so we evaluated folate-related mechanisms of action for dolutegravir (DTG) developmental toxicity.Design:Folate receptor 1 (FOLR1) was examined as a target for DTG developmental toxicity using pro
The impact of bariatric surgery on qualitative and quantitative breast density

BACKGROUND Obesity and breast density are associated with breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Bariatric surgery effectively treats morbid obesity, with sustainable weight loss and reductions in cancer incidence. We evaluated changes in qualitative and quantitative density; hypothesizing breast density would increase following bariatric surgery. METHODS Women undergoing bariatric surgery from 1990 to 2015 were identified, excluding patients without a mammogram performed both before and after surgery. Changes in body mass index (BMI), time between mammograms and surgery, and American College of Radiology Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) scores were assessed. VolparaDensity™ automated software calculated volumetric breast density (VBD), fibroglandular volume (FGV), and total breast volume for the 82 women with digital data available. Differences between pre- and postsurgery values were assessed. RESULTS One hundred eighty women were included. Median age at surgery was 50.0 years, with 8.8 months between presurgery mammogram and surgery and 62.3 months between surgery and postsurgery mammogram. Median BMI significantly decreased over the study period (46.0 vs 35.4 kg/m2 ; P < 0.001). No change in BI-RADS scores was seen between the pre- and postsurgery mammograms. Eighty-two women had VolparaDensity™ data available. While VBD increased in these patients, FGV and total breast volume both decreased following bariatric surgery. CONCLUSIONS Increased VBD, decreased FGV, and decreased total breast volume were seen following bariatric surgery-induced weight loss. There was no difference in qualitative breast density, highlighting the discrepancy between BI-RADS and VolparaDensity™ measurements. Further investigation will be required to determine how differential changes in components of breast density may affect breast cancer risk.
Mid-life serum Vitamin D concentrations were associated with incident dementia but not late-life neuropsychological performance in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study

Activated Vitamin D has anti-inflammatory properties and adequate 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations may be important for neurocognitive function and protection against neurologic injury. We examined whether mid-life 25(OH) D concentrations were associated with later-life performance on neuropsychological testing, functional ability, depressive symptoms, and incident dementia. We studied 13,039 white and black ARIC participants who had serum 25(OH) D measured mid-life at visit 2 (1990–1992). Over the next ~ 20 years through visit 5 (2011–2013), participants underwent 3 additional in-person visits, annual telephone calls, and hospitalization surveillance. An extensive battery of neuropsychological outcomes were assessed at visit 5 using standardized protocols. Incident dementia was ascertained through a formal algorithm that included data from in-person cognitive testing, telephone interviews, hospital discharge codes, and death certificate codes. Diagnoses of dementia were adjudicated by expert clinician committee. For the primary cognitive analyses, we imputed for missing covariates and outcomes and used linear regression to evaluate non-concurrent cross-sectional associations of mid-life 25(OH) D (visit 2) with late-life neuropsychological outcomes (visit 5). We also used Cox regression models to examine associations of mid-life 25(OH) D and incident dementia. In mid-life, the mean (SD) age of participants was 57 (6) years, 57% were women, and 24% black. Mean (SD) 25(OH) D was 24.3 (8.6) ng/mL; 33% had deficient (< 20 ng/mL), 44% intermediate (20- < 30 ng/mL), and 23% sufficient (≥30 ng/mL) 25(OH) D concentrations. Association between mid-life 25(OH) D and late-life performance on neuropsychological testing were mostly null. There was no significant association with functional ability or depressive symptoms. Results were similar in a sensitivity analysis using complete-case data (no imputation). However, after a median follow-up of 20 years, low 25(OH) D concentrations were associated with increased risk for incident dementia (p = 0.01 for trend across categories), with HR of 1.26 (95% CI 1.06, 1.49) for participants with deficient 25(OH) D, compared to sufficient concentrations. In this community cohort, mid-life serum 25(OH) D concentrations were associated with incident dementia but not with performance on neuropsychological testing, functional ability, or depressive symptoms, 20 years later. Whether serum 25(OH) D concentrations are causally related to dementia or confounded by poorer health status remains uncertain. Registered on clinicaltrials.gov NCT00005131 .
Es Tiempo: Engaging Latinas in Cervical Cancer Research

We live in a time of precision medicine, where more targeted diagnostics and treatments are available for individuals given their genetic make-up. Yet these options are not always utilized widely, especially among racial/ethnic minorities, such as Latinos. This is in part because of disparities that still exist in participation of Latinos in prevention and clinical trials. If we are to eliminate disparities in cancer and provide opportunities for all ethnicities to participate in precision medicine and achieve health equity, we must engage individuals impacted by the disease in research. This manuscript examines key elements for engaging Latinas in cervical cancer research and the importance of community-based participatory research to accelerate knowledge transfer from the bench side to the community. We present key concepts related to health equity and discuss the role of citizen scientists/patient advocates and promotores de salud who can help boost community participation and engagement in patient-centered research. For participatory research solutions to be effective in Latino communities, they must be based on community assets and cultural values; they must also come directly from those affected by cancer, their families, and social networks. We provide examples of how we have engaged Latinas in cervical cancer research via our Tamale Lesson and Es Tiempo campaign. We examine challenges and benefits to participation and provide lessons learned from over 20 years of community-engaged research with Latino populations in cancer prevention and control.
Does Duration off Respiratory Support Prior to Discharge from NICU Predict Hospital Readmission among Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates

Objective Our objective was to determine if the duration off respiratory support prior to discharge home from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) would impact hospital readmission rates among extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN). Study Design In this retrospective chart review, we examined readmission rates for ELGAN admitted to the Montefiore–Weiler NICU between 2013 and 2015. Results Of 140 infants born at Conclusion Duration off and invasiveness of respiratory support prior to discharge did not predict risk of 90-day readmission nor did discharge during months with traditionally higher prevalence of respiratory viruses.
Sanitation and climate

International efforts to expand access to safely managed sanitation provide an opportunity to introduce new models for sanitation infrastructure with lower environmental impacts than existing systems. Now, measurements in Haiti show that composting of human waste reduces GHG emissions compared to existing methods.