cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Death of a living liver donor from illicit drugs

In children with acute hepatic failure, it has been suggested to offer living donor transplantation to all parents when a deceased donor organ can not be provided. Ethically, living related donation is coercive by its very nature, especially in emergencies. We report a 36-year-old woman who died from a drug overdose 57 days after living donor liver resection. The recipient was her 3-year-old son, who experienced acute hepatic failure as a result of acetaminophen intoxication. A deceased donor organ had not become available within 2 days after listing. Was the death of this living donor preventable or unpreventable? Certainly if the mother had decided not to take drugs, she would not have died from an overdose. One could argue that this was her personal choice, and beyond our influence. On the other hand, if we had not performed the surgery, the recipient might have died without receiving a liver transplant in time.
Development of lightweight nickel electrodes for zinc/nickel oxide cells

Abstract A method for fabricating lightweight nickel electrodes has been developed by electrochemical impregnation of two different nickel fiber substrates. The electrochemical impregnation technique was applied galvanostatically at 35–50 mA/cm 2 in acidic solutions of nickel and cobalt nitrates (pH = 3). The nickel and cobalt contents of impregnated and formed electrodes was analyzed with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and the amount of active nickel hydroxide was calculated. NiOOH electrode cycle-life performance testing was carried out in alkaline electrolyte (4.2–6.9 M KOH, 1 M LiOH) at a ∼ C /5 rate during charge and discharge. Electrodes based on substrate materials of high porosity (90%, FN 090 Nickel Felt, Sorapec) deliver excellent specific capacities of 133–145 mAh/g in moderately alkaline electrolyte (4.2 M KOH) with an active material utilization of 67–95% depending on the quantity of co-precipitated cobalt (1.3–8.3%). NiOOH electrodes using substrates with lower porosity (81%, Fibrex 50 50 = fiber/Ni powder, National Standard) obtain very stable specific capacities (400 cycles) of 91–93 mAh/g with a utilization rate of 110% in highly alkaline electrolytes (6.9 M KOH).
Silicon micromachining and its impact on materials and device properties: plasma etching damage issues

Silicon micromachining is, at the present time, the tool of choice for the fabrication of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and, in general, miniature devices. Silicon micromachining techniques include some of the basic processing steps of IC technology especially plasma etching for the fabrication of submicron structures. However, inherent to plasma etching are damage effects to Si that can negatively influence the MEMS device performance. In this study we have explored the effects of conventional reactive ion etching (RIE) and magnetically enhanced RIE (MERIE) on the properties of Si exposed to fluorocarbon based oxide etch chemistries. By using combinations of spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS), and Schottky diode current-voltage-temperature (IVT) measurements, we show that damage in the form of thin layers of residual polymer and heavily damaged silicon can be induced by plasma exposure on the Si surface. SE and IVT measurements have shown that the thickness of the heavy damage layer decreases with magnetic field. This layer is proposed to comprise amorphous Si and voids and the density of the latter increases with the magnetic field. The polymer residue layer, detected by both SE and SIMS on the plasma-exposed Si surface, is observed to be thinner the higher the magnetic field.
HICCUP AND EPHEDRINE

Twelve patients who developed hiccup during anaesthesia and surgery were treated with an intravenous injection of ephedrine 5 mg (eleven cases) or 10 mg (one case). In nine patients ephedrine was successful after traditional methods had been tried and failed, and in three patients ephedrine was the only agent given.
Effect of pattern and number of chronic ethanol exposures on subsequent voluntary ethanol intake in C57BL/6J mice.

Rationale We previously demonstrated that chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal experience significantly increased subsequent voluntary ethanol intake in C57BL/6J mice. This study was conducted to examine chronic ethanol conditions that optimize this enhanced ethanol-drinking behavior.
Experimental rare‐earth‐element partitioning in oldhamite: Implications for the igneous origin of aubritic oldhamite

— Aubritic oldhamite (CaS) has been the subject of intense study recently because it is the major rare-earth-element (REE) carrier in aubrites, has a variety of REE patterns comparable to those in unequilibrated enstatite chondrites and has an extraordinarily high melting point as a pure substance (2525 °C). These latter two facts have caused some authors to assert that much of the aubritic oldhamite is an unmelted nebular relict, rather than of igneous origin. We have conducted REE partitioning experiments between oldhamite and silicate melt using an aubritic bulk composition at 1200 °C and 1300 °C and subsolidus annealing experiments. All experiments produced crystalline oldhamite, with a range of compositions, glass and Fe metal, as well as enstatite, SiO2, diopside and troilite in some charges. Rare-earth-element partitioning is strongly dependent on oldhamite composition and temperature. Subsolidus annealing results in larger partition coefficients for some oldhamite grains, particularly those in contact with troilite. All experimental oldhamite/silicate melt partition coefficients are <20 and the vast majority are <5, which is similar to those reported in the literature and is two orders of magnitude less than those inferred for natural aubritic oldhamite. These partition coefficients preclude a simple igneous model, since REE abundances in aubritic oldhamite are greater than would be predicted on the basis of the experimental partition coefficients. Our experimental partition coefficients are consistent with a relict nebular origin for aubritic oldhamite, although experimental evidence that suggests melting of oldhamite at temperatures lower than that reached on the aubrite parent body are clearly inconsistent with the nebular model. Our experiments are consistent also with a complex igneous history. Oldhamite REE patterns may reflect a complex process of partial melting, melt removal, fractional crystallization and subsolidus annealing and exsolution. These mechanisms (primarily fractional crystallization and subsolidus annealing) can produce a wide range of REE patterns in aubritic oldhamite, as well as elevated (100–1000 × CI) REE abundances observed in aubritic oldhamite.
A scalable framework for wireless network monitoring

The advent of small form-factor devices, falling hardware prices, and the promise of untethered communication is driving the prolific deployment of wireless networks. The monitoring of such networks is crucial for their robust operation. To this end, this paper presents VISUM, a scalable framework for wireless network monitoring. VISUM relies on a distributed set of agents within the network to monitor network devices and store the collected information at data repositories. VISUM's key features are its extensibility for new functionality, and its seamless support for new devices and agents in the monitoring framework. These features enable network operators to deploy, maintain, and upgrade VISUM with little effort. VISUM can also visualize collected data in the form of interactive network topology maps as well as real-time statistical graphs and reports. These visualizations provide an intuitive, up-to-date, and useful overview of a wireless network. We have implemented VISUM and used it to monitor a wireless network deployment at UC-Santa Barbara. In this paper, we describe the architecture of VISUM and report on the performance of the monitored network using information collected by VISUM.
Types of social support in African Americans with cancer

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine the types of social support that African Americans use to cope with the experience of cancer. RESEARCH APPROACH Qualitative study using a grounded theory approach. SETTING Participants' homes in the southeastern United States. PARTICIPANTS A purposeful sample of 13 African American men (aged 61-79 years) treated for prostate cancer and 15 African American women (aged 42-87 years) treated for breast cancer. Participants were selected according to key variables known to influence social support: age, gender, marital status, education, geographic region, and proximity to family. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH Open-ended and semistructured interviews were conducted with each participant (N = 28). Participants were interviewed until informational redundancy was achieved. Constant comparison techniques were used to identify variations of social support within and across cases. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES The experience of social support during diagnosis or treatment for cancer as well as post-treatment. FINDINGS Participants used types of social support not currently emphasized in the literature. The emotional support of "presence" was reported most frequently. Instrumental support included not only current conceptualizations but also offers of prayers, assistance to continue religious practices, and assistance to maintain social roles. Informational support included what to expect and how to manage symptoms, interpret information, and validate information received. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest the need to reconceptualize social support for African Americans with cancer and to refine instruments to include these different manifestations of social support. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Researchers can use these findings in the design of culturally relevant questionnaires and interventions for this population. Clinicians can use knowledge of the types of social support valued among African American patients with cancer to develop more appropriate strategies to promote healthy outcomes for this population.
A High Speed Low-Power Accumulator for Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer

A high speed low-power 32-bit accumulator for direct digital frequency synthesizer (DDFS) is presented. The DDFS consists of a phase accumulator, a phase-to-sine amplitude converter, and a D/A converter. For accumulator design, high speed pipelining scheme is commonly used to increase throughput and to reduce power consumption. Our design decreases power consumption and the number of registers down to 24% and 37% of the conventional pipelined accumulator.
Dissolution and collapse features on the eastern Mediterranean Ridge

Abstract Morphologic features similar to subaerial karstic dolines and zanjones have been observed on the eastern Mediterranean Ridge using a near-bottom-towed geophysical instrument package. These features are found only on the floors of certain large depressions which lie above the crests of subcropping evaporite diapirs. The coincidence of dissolution controlled morphology with the subcropping soluble evaporite confirms earlier suggestions that the large depressions result from dissolution of the evaporites and collapse of the overlying strata.
Measurement of toxic heavy metals by neutron activation analysis.

Abstract Neutron activation analysis (NAA) was used to identify explicitly the causative agent in a case of suspected heavy element poisoning of livestock that conventional diagnostic techniques left unclear. NAA, using neutrons from a TRIGA Mark II Nuclear Reactor and a 25-cc germanium lithium-drifted semiconductor detector, sequentially revealed the absence of toxic concentrations of mercury in liver and kidney tissues of an affected carcass, then the absence of toxic amounts of arsenic, and finally the presence of antimony in quantities sufficient to have killed livestock.
Task-based configuration control of redundant manipulators

This article establishes new goals for redundancy resolution based on manipulator dynamics and end-effector characteristics. These goals can be accomplished by employing the recently developed configuration control approach. Redundancy resolution is achieved by controlling the joint inertia matrix or the end-effector mass matrix that affect the inertial torques or by reducing the joint torques due to gravity loading and payload. The manipulator mechanical advantages and velocity ratio are also used as performance measurements to be improved by proper utilization of redundancy. Furthermore, end-effector compliance, sensitivity, and impulsive force at impact are introduced as redundancy-resolution criteria. The new goals for redundancy resolution presented in this article allow a more efficient utilization of the redundant joints based on the desired task requirements. Simple case studies using computer simulations are described for illustration.
Domains of a TBI minimal data set: Community reintegration phase

Efforts to establish a minimal data set for the period of community integration after traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been the focus of a working group of leading researchers, clinicians and advocates attending the Galveston Brain Injury Symposium in 2001 and 2002. The purpose of the data set is to increase the consistency and interpretability of TBI research and programme evaluation by providing a common set of measures to document key aspects of community integration. It is intended to be sensitive to intervention, comprehensive, reflect satisfaction and outcome and promote future treatment/therapy. In deciding on the components of a minimal data set, the tri-partite model of outcomes was adopted (initially employed in psychotherapy, adapted to TBI) which focuses on the needs of the individual, society and the health provider. Scales are recommended for the respective components of the model.
Metamorphism of a Late Jurassic volcano-plutonic arc, northern California, USA

The metamorphic history of the Middle to Upper Jurassic volcanic and hypabyssal rocks exposed in the Klamath Mountains and Sierra Nevada of California is related, in part, to the rifting of a volcano-plutonic arc. The Callovian to Kimmeridgian rocks exposed in the region consist of, from north-west to south-east, a back-arc ophiolite, a rifted volcanic arc and a volcanic arc complex. All of these units have been metamorphosed and contain various combinations of the phases chlorite, amphibole, epidote, prehnite and pumpellyite. Projection of coexisting phases onto the composition plane MgO/(MgO + FeO) and Al2O3+ Fe2O3 - 0.75 CaO - Na2O through quartz, water, albite and epidote results in consistent mineralogical compatibilities within each region, but crossing tie-lines between regions. This suggests that the volcanic and hypabyssal rocks from each region have equilibrated under different intensive conditions. The back-arc ophiolite in the north has suffered subseafloor high-T/P hydrothermal metamorphism with geothermal gradients on the order of 100° C km−1. The rifted volcanic arc has undergone synchronous burial, hydrothermal and contact metamorphism. Metamorphic field gradients in the region pass through the prehnite-pumpellyite and greenschist facies suggesting geothermal gradients on the order of 30° C km−1. The southernmost volcanic arc complexes contain metavolcanics of the pumpellyiteactinolite and greenschist facies suggesting moderate- to high-P/T metamorphism and geothermal gradients on the order of 20° C km−1. The apparent increase in rifting and calculated geothermal gradients from south-east to north-west suggest that the observed very low- and low-grade metamorphism may be a response to enhanced thermal gradients during extension of the volcanic arc. This correlation between the extent of rifting and metamorphism is consistent with a model of diastathermal metamorphism of a propagating rift along the western margin of North America during the Late Jurassic. The plate tectonic setting may be analogous to the present-day Andaman Sea region.
A forgotten cause of kidney injury in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia.

Kidney failure is a known complication of hematologic malignancy. Common causes include direct parenchymal infiltration by leukemic cells, intrarenal leukostasis, tumor lysis syndrome, Fanconi syndrome, cryoglobulinemia, paraprotein deposition disease, obstruction, and chemotherapy-induced tubular or vascular toxicity. 1 Although these causes of kidney injury are well characterized, other less common causes of malignancy-associated kidney disease exist. These may be poorly recognized because they have been less frequently reported. We present a patient with chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) who developed an unusual kidney complication of his malignancy. The cause of his decreased kidney function was diagnosed only after performing kidney biopsy.
Sporadic SCA8 mutation resembling corticobasal degeneration

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) is caused by the expansion of CTA/CTG triplet repeats on 13q21. Cases can be familial or sporadic. The clinical findings include cerebellar ataxia with upper motor neuron dysfunction, dysphagia, peripheral sensory disturbances, or cognitive and psychiatric impairments, indicating phenotypic variability in SCA8. We report on a patient with rapidly progressive parkinsonism-plus syndrome resembling corticobasal degeneration and triplet expansions in the SCA8 locus. The relationship between clinical phenotype and triplet expansions in the SCA8 locus requires further study.
A Rapid and Simple Assay to Determine Total Homocysteine and Other Thiols in Pediatric Samples by High Pressure Liquid Chromatography and Fluorescence Detection

Abstract A rapid and simple method, using pre-column fluorescent labeling, followed by high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), for the determination of total concentration of thiols (homocysteine, cysteine, cystinylglycine, and glutathione) in small-volume, pediatric samples, is presented. Thiols in plasma were first reduced with tri-n-butylphosphine, and the resulting free–SH groups were labeled with the fluorescent compound 4-(aminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (ABD-F). The ABD-thiols were desorbed from plasma proteins by precipitating proteins with TCA, and then fractionated by reverse-phase chromatography. Peak areas were used to determine concentrations in the unknowns. Baseline resolution of all four thiols was obtained in about 12 minutes. This method requires a maximum of 75 μL or less of the sample. It is specific to thiols, and chromatograms do not show any other peaks. It is sensitive to about 500 pmol/L, and is linear to at least 300 μmol/L of each of the thiols. Within- and betw...
LONG-TERM RESULTS OF RADIATION THERAPY FOR PROSTATE CANCER RECURRENCE FOLLOWING RADICAL PROSTATECTOMY

AbstractPurpose: Following radical prostatectomy, radiation therapy may be beneficial in select patients with isolated local recurrence. Pathological stage, Gleason score and the timing of prostate specific antigen (PSA) elevation are useful in distinguishing men with local recurrence from those with distant metastases. We test the ability of these criteria to predict long-term suppression of PSA recurrence following post-prostatectomy radiation therapy.Materials and Methods: Of 1,699 men treated with radical prostatectomy from 1982 to 1995, 82 with an isolated PSA elevation or local recurrence following surgery underwent radiation therapy to the prostatic bed and were followed for at least 2 years. No patient had evidence of metastases at the time of radiation.Results: Of the men 17 (21%) had an undetectable PSA (less than 0.2 ng./ml.) for 2 or greater years following radiation. The 5-year actuarial PSA recurrence-free rate after radiation was 10%. PSA remained at undetectable levels for 2 or greater yea...
The neural organization of the lamina ganglionaris in the crayfish: a Golgi and EM study.

The lamina ganglionaris in the crayfish is composed of two cell layers and three acellular fibrous zones. The cells composing the layers above the acellular synaptic region (SR) show two distinct nuclear types in light microscopy and two cytoplasmic types with EM. Golgi impregnations of the lamina revealed three groups of elements which contribute processes to the SR; retinula axons from the retina, monopolar elements from the cell layers above the SR and horizontal elements whose perikaryal location is uncertain. Retinula elements terminate at various levels within the SR forming large irregular baglike terminals. Monopolar cells have a single axial fiber with numerous lateral processes which extend across the SR in a veriety of patterns. Horizontal elements have a more extensive lateral spead within the SR than monopolar processes. Electron microscopic data show the retinula terminal bags and monopolar processes to be organized into cartridge units at the superficial levels of the SR. Each cartridge consists of four enlarged terminals, three retinula axons and four to six central moncpolar processes. At deeper levels of the SR, the cartridge arrangement is not evident and the large terminals appear arranged in rows. Specialized synaptic contacts are found along the central borders of the retinula terminals.
Ionic association and mobility. III. Ionophores in propylene carbonate at 25°C

Conductance data are reported for (CH3)4NPF6, (C2H5)4NPF6, PyrHPic, (CH3)4NBF4, and (C7H15)4NPic in propylene carbonate at 25°C in the concentration range (4–16)×10−4 M. The data for salts other than (C2H5)4NPF6 were analyzed by the Justice modification of the Fuoss-Hsia equation and these salts were found to be associated and to form solvent separated ion pairs. The data for (C2H5)4NPF6 which was found to be nonassociated were analyzed by use of the Fuoss-Onsager equation. Application of the Justice-Barthel procedure permitted calculation of the nonCoulombic contribution to the association process. Ionic limiting conductances of several ions were calculated by using known ionic limiting conductances of R4N+ and Pic− ions and molar conductances reported here.
Effects of polyanions and polycations on the trehalose phosphate synthetase of Mycobacterium smegmatis

Abstract When tested as activators on the trehalose phosphate synthetase [UDP- d -glucose: d -glucose 6-phosphate α- d -glucosyltransferase, EC 2.4.1.15 (46)] from Mycobacterium smegmatis , heparin was the best, various other sulfated polysaccharides (especially chondroitin 4- and 6-sulfates, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and γ-carrageenan) and polynucleotides were good, but hyaluronic acid, d -galacturonan, dextran sulfate, and keratan sulfate, were poor. Digestion of chondroitin sulfate with hyaluronidase destroyed the activating ability, but separation of the digestion products on Sephadex G-100 resin gave large-molecular-weight componentns that still showed activating ability. A sulfated tetra- or octa-saccharide isolated from chondroitin sulfate did not activate the enzyme, nor did they prevent the activation by chondroitin sulfate, suggesting that these small polyanions do not bind to the enzyme. Among polycations, poly- dl -ornithine (mol. wt. 15,600 daltons) was the best inhibitor of the enzyme followed by poly- l -lysine (mol. wt. 4,000 daltons), poly- d -lysine (mol. wt. 70,000 daltons), poly- d,l -lysine (mol. wt. 35,000 daltons), and then poly- l -ornithine (mol. wt. 120,000 daltons); polyglycine, polyleucine, and polyhistidine showed no effect. In all cases, more polycation was required to inhibit the enzyme when heparin was used as the activator than when chondroitin sulfate was used. The order of mixing of various reaction components was important for the extent of inhibition, the greates inhibition being observed when polyanion and polycation were mixed before the addition of enzyme, and the smallest when polyanion and enzyme were mixed before the addition of polycation.
Oxygen-18 studies on the conversion of proline to collagen hydroxyproline.

Abstract Oxygen-18 was used to study the synthesis of collagen hydroxyproline in vivo by chick embryos. The oxygen incorporated into the hydroxyl group was found to originate from atmospheric oxygen rather than water, and therefore the results indicate that an oxygenase mechanism is involved in the conversion of proline to hydroxyproline. Since earlier studies have shown that free proline is not hydroxylated directly, it appears that the oxygen acceptor in this case is an activated form of proline.
Functional Proteomic Pattern Identification under Low Dose Ionizing Radiation

The goal of this study is to explore and to understand the dynamic responses of signaling pathways to low dose ionizing radiation (IR). Low dose radiation (10 cGy or lower) affects several signaling pathways including DNA repair, survival, cell cycle, cell growth, and cell death. To detect the possibly regulatory protein/kinase functions, an emerging reverse-phase protein microarray (RPPM) in conjunction with quantum dots nano-crystal technology is used as a quantitative detection system. The dynamic responses are observed under different time points and radiation doses. To quantitatively determine the responsive protein/kinases and to discover the network motifs, we present a Discriminative Network Pattern Identification System (DiNPIS). Instead of simply identifying proteins contributing to the pathways, this methodology takes into consideration of protein dependencies which are represented as Strong Jumping Emerging Patterns (SJEP). Furthermore, infrequent patterns though occurred will be considered irrelevant. The whole framework consists of three steps: protein selection, protein pattern identification, and pattern annotation. Computational results of analyzing ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) cells treated with six different IR doses up to 72 hours are presented.
Placement of Cast Restorations over Direct Pulp Capping Procedures: A Decision Analytic Approach

A review of the literature shows a significant amount of controversy regarding the success of pulp capping procedures, with the average clinically evaluated pulp capping success being 81%, and 75% when evaluated histologically. This study evaluated the costs and benefits of a pulp cap versus endodontic therapy for a tooth that is to receive a cast restoration, and determined what level of success is needed for pulp capping to be the preferred treatment.
Renormalization group study of intervalley scattering and valley splitting in a two-valley system

Renormalization group equations are derived for the case when both valley splitting and intervalley scattering are present in a two-valley system. A third scaling parameter is shown to be relevant when the two bands are split but otherwise distinct. The existence of this parameter changes the quantitative behavior at finite temperatures, but the qualitative conclusions of the two-parameter theory are shown to be unaffected for realistic choice of parameters.
Spatio-temporal extrapolation for fluid animation

We introduce a novel spatio-temporal extrapolation technique for fluid simulation designed to improve the results without using higher resolution simulation grids. In general, there are rigid demands associated with pushing fluid animations to higher resolutions given limited computational capabilities. This results in tradeoffs between implementing high-order numerical methods and increasing the resolution of the simulation in space and time. For 3D problems, such challenges rapidly become cost-ineffective. The extrapolation method we present improves the flow features without using higher resolution simulation grids. In this paper, we show that simulation results from our extrapolation are comparable to those from higher resolution simulations. In addition, our method differs from high-order numerical methods because it does not depend on the equation or specific solver. We demonstrate that it is easy to implement and can significantly improve the fluid animation results.
Simulation of hydrosol deposition in granular media

An algorithm is developed for simulating particle deposition from liquid suspensions flowing through granular media, specifically the prediction of the extent of deposition and the change of media permeability on a local basis. The formulation is based on the premise that granular media may be considered as an assembly of collectors represented by a dual-configuration—either spherical or capillaric — to be applied for deposition and permeability reduction considerations. Comparisons with experiments indicate that the simulation algorithm can indeed be used as a predictive tool for estimating the transport and distribution of particulate matter in granular media.
Social phobia and depression: Prevalence and comorbidity

Abstract Background Social phobia may seriously impair the functioning of affected individuals. It is frequently associated with other mental disorders. Aims To estimate the co-occurrence of social phobia with major depressive disorder (MDD) and to analyze their interaction. Method Subjects were 18,980 individuals, aged 15 years or older, representative of the general population of the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Spain and Portugal, who were interviewed by telephone. DSM-IV diagnoses were made with the Sleep-EVAL system. Results The point prevalence for social phobia was 4.4% (95% confidence interval: 4.1–4.7%) of the sample. It was higher in women (odds ratio: 1.6) and decreased with age. MDDs were found in 19.5% of participants with social phobia. Co-occurrence of another anxiety disorder was high and increased when a MDD was present (65.2%). The odds of developing a major depressive episode 2 years after the appearance of the social phobia was of 5.74. Conclusions Social phobia is highly prevalent in the general population. It increases the risk of developing a MDD and has a high comorbidity with other mental disorders. Social phobia is often present in the course of depression, more obviously during remission period of MDD. Physicians must explore and treat more systematically this frequent pathology.
Interactions of Npc1 and amyloid accumulation/deposition in the APP/PS1 mouse model of Alzheimer's.

Although Niemann-Pick C1 disease has frequently been called “juvenile Alzheimer’s”, the effects of introducing Npc1 mutations into a mouse model of Alzheimer’s have not previously been performed. We have crossed Npc1 +/− mice with APP/PS1 “Alzheimer’s” mice and studied Aβ42 accumulation and amyloid plaque formation. Mice heterozygous for Npc1 and positive for the APP and PS1 transgenes accumulated Aβ42 more rapidly than the APP/PS1 controls and this correlated, as expected, with the area of amyloid plaques. We conclude that the alterations of intracellular cholesterol present in Npc1 +/− mice can influence the progress of Alzheimer’s disease in the APP/PS1 mouse model.
NMR Study of the Molecular Dynamics of Ethanol and 2,2,2-Trifluoroethanol Liquids Confined to Nanopores of Porous Silica Glasses

A dynamic nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) study of the polar fluids ethanol (EtOH) and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (TFE) confined to porous silica sol-gel glasses is reported. The {sup 13}C NMR spin-lattice relaxation times, T{sub 1}, were measured in glasses with pore radii ranging from 18.9 to 54.8 A, over a temperature range from -13.6 to 30.5{degree}C. The data were analyzed in terms of the two-state, fast exchange model, and surface layer relaxation times, T{sub 1s}, were calculated. On the basis of surface enhancement factors, T{sub 1b}/T{sub 1s}, where T{sub 1b} is the relaxation time of the bulk liquid, it was concluded that the more acidic TFE has a weaker hydrogen bond interaction with silica, due to the fact that the alcohols serve as hydrogen bond acceptors. The experiment shows that EtOH and TFE have nearly identical surface layer viscosities, originating from the differences in hydrogen bonding with the silica surface. Confinement was found to have little effect on the internal rotation of terminal CF{sub 3} or CH{sub 3} groups. 32 refs., 2 figs., 3 tabs.
Cyclopropanation of Vinyl Sulfides and Vinyl Sulfones

Abstract Cyclopropanation of vinyl sulfones and vinyl sulfides can be achieved by phase transfer catalysis where other cyclopropanation methods have failed.
Quantitative topographic analysis of fractal surfaces by scanning tunneling microscopy

The applicability of models based on fractal geometry to length scales of nanometers is confirmed by Fourier analysis of scanning tunneling microscopy images of a sputter deposited gold film, a copper fatigue fracture surface, and a single crystal silicon fracture surface. Surfaces are characterized in terms of fractal geometry with a Fourier profile analysis, the calculations yielding fractal dimensions with high precision. Fractal models are shown to apply at length scales to 12 A, at which point the STM tip geometry influences the information. Directionality and spatial variation of the topographic structures are measured. For the directions investigated, the gold and silicon appeared isotropic, while the copper fracture surface exhibited large differences in structure. The influences of noise in the images and of intrinsic mathematical scatter in the calculations are tested with profiles generated from fractal Brownian motion and the Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function. Accurate estimates of the fractal dimension of surfaces from STM data result only when images consist of at least 1000–2000 points per line and 1/f-type noise has amplitudes two orders of magnitude lower than the image signal. Analysis of computer generated ideal profiles from the Weierstrass-Mandelbrot function and fractional Brownian motion also illustrates that the Fourier analysis is useful only in determining the local fractal dimension. This requirement of high spatial resolution (vertical information density) is met by STM data. The fact that fractal models can be used at lengths as small as nanometers implies that continued topographic structural analyses may be used to study atomistic processes such as those occurring during fracture of elastic solids.
The Relation Between Maternal and Child Depression in Mexican American Families.

In an effort to better understand possible pathways that lead to a relatively high incidence of depressive symptoms among Mexican American youth, an interpersonal stress model of depression was tested using a community sample of 674 Mexican American mothers and their 5th grade children. Structural equation analyses revealed that maternal depression was positively related to mothers’ interpersonal stress in their relationships. Additionally, maternal poor parenting quality was associated with three child outcomes: lower social competence, higher interpersonal stress, and higher depressive symptoms. Child difficulties with peers, however, were not related to child depression. Overall, evidence suggests that familial factors, rather than peer factors, were related to child depression for these study participants.
Thin filaments elongate from their pointed ends during myofibril assembly in Drosophila indirect flight muscle.

Tropomodulin (Tmod) is an actin pointed-end capping protein that regulates actin dynamics at thin filament pointed ends in striated muscle. Although pointed-end capping by Tmod controls thin filament lengths in assembled myofibrils, its role in length specification during de novo myofibril assembly is not established. We used the Drosophila Tmod homologue, sanpodo ( spdo ), to investigate Tmod9s function during muscle development in the indirect flight muscle. SPDO was associated with the pointed ends of elongating thin filaments throughout myofibril assembly. Transient overexpression of SPDO during myofibril assembly irreversibly arrested elongation of preexisting thin filaments. However, the lengths of thin filaments assembled after SPDO levels had declined were normal. Flies with a preponderance of abnormally short thin filaments were unable to fly. We conclude that: (a) thin filaments elongate from their pointed ends during myofibril assembly; (b) pointed ends are dynamically capped at endogenous levels of SPDO so as to allow elongation; (c) a transient increase in SPDO levels during myofibril assembly converts SPDO from a dynamic to a permanent cap; and (d) developmental regulation of pointed-end capping during myofibril assembly is crucial for specification of final thin filament lengths, myofibril structure, and muscle function.
Change and continuity in family caregiving practices with young mothers and their children

Purpose: To examine how young mothers who gave birth during adolescence extended and developed caregiving practices within the context of family relationships, caregiving traditions, and life events. Design: Longitudinal, interpretive-phenomenological. A community-based sample in 1993 consisted of 13 of the 16 young mothers and 11 of the 18 grandparents who had participated in a 1988 study. Three male partners of the young mothers also participated in this 1993 study. Families resided in a Western metropolitan area in the United States. Methods: Life history accounts of the intervening years, stories of family routines, and recent coping episodes of parenting were elicited through in-depth interviews with the young mothers and their male partners; one interview was conducted with grandparents. Data were analyzed using the interpretive approach. Findings: Adversarial caregiving practices develop or change in the context of transformed family relationships. Conclusions: Life-course and parenting experiences of young mothers are not private and located in the self, but are developed in interaction with others. Family-centered interventions are needed that support the efforts of young mothers and grandparents to become responsive caregivers.
Genetic fuzzy programs

When aggregating multiple items together, for processes such as decision making, it is often beneficial to assign linguistically imprecise weights to each criterion. These weights, when coupled with the values of the criteria, enable us to prioritize certain responses over others. Through the advent of fuzzy connectives, computers can also emulate this weight-biased, decision-making behavior. However, when crafting an aggregation network for a complex problem, the solution may require not just a single fuzzy aggregator, but rather multiple layers of intimately entwined fuzzy connectives. To explore a suitable hierarchical relationship, we use genetic programming, to evolve both fuzzy aggregation networks, which take the form of multiarity expression trees, and the associated connective weights. We test our evolutionary network learning approach with synthetic and real-world data sets and discuss the results.
Improvement of the accuracy and speed range in sensorless control of switched reluctance motors

In this paper, modulation based sensorless control of switched reluctance motors is presented. The basic idea is to inject sensing signals into one of the nonconducting phases and obtain the rotor position indirectly through signal measurements. A computer model has been developed to analyze and design the hardware for the sensorless scheme. The frequency of the sensing signal is chosen based on the required resolution of rotor position at rated speed. The high frequency effects of the sensing signals on the self-inductances of the phases have been considered while designing the scheme. Based on the simulation results, the sensorless circuit is calibrated so that different control angles, viz. turn-on and turn-off angles can be realized. Since the control angles can be varied, real time optimization, self-tuning control etc. can all be carried out. Detailed design procedure of the sensorless scheme along with the practical considerations are presented in the paper. The proposed sensorless control has been implemented on a 6/4, 500 W drive system and the simulation results are verified. The experimental results obtained for a wide speed range with different loads and control angles are also presented.
Weld modeling and control using artificial neural networks

Artificial neural networks were evaluated for monitoring and control of the variable polarity plasma arc welding (VPPAW) process. Three areas of welding application were investigated: weld process modeling, weld process control, and weld bead profile analysis for quality control. Experiments and analysis confirm that artificial neural networks are powerful tools for analysis, modeling, and control applications. They are particularly attractive in view of their capabilities to process nonlinear and noisy data, learn from actual welding data, and execute at relatively high speed. It is shown that neural networks are capable of modeling parameters of the VPPAW process to on the order of 10% accuracy or better. The same was observed when neural networks were used to select welding equipment parameters and the resulting bead geometries were estimated. These performance figures suggest that a VPPA welding control system can be implemented based on neural network models and control mechanisms. >
Cyclic nucleotides in murine brain: effect of hypothermia on adenosine 3',5' monophosphate, glycogen phosphorylase, glycogen synthase and metabolites following maximal electroshock or decapitation.

—The accumulation of adenosine-3′,5′-cyclic monophosphate (cyclic AMP) has been investigated in murine brain following electroconvulsive shock and decapitation. Animals were made hypothermic (20°C) to minimize the freezing time of the brain and to delay metabolic events. Cyclic AMP concentrations were decreased in the cerebral cortex of hypothermic rats and mice. Furthermore, the changes in cyclic AMP elicited by electroconvulsive shock and decapitation were delayed. In hypothermic animals, the metabolic rate as determined by high energy phosphate use was decreased to 65% of control values. The interconversions of the active and inactive forms of glycogen phosphorylase and glycogen synthase were sufficiently retarded in hypothermic animals to correlate with changes in cyclic AMP concentrations. The conversion of phosphorylase b to a and synthase a to b occurred when cyclic AMP concentrations had increased from 2 to 5 μmol/kg, following either electroconvulsive shock or decapitation. The results indicate that cyclic AMP plays a role in regulation of glycogen metabolism in cerebral cortex.
A broadband, dual linearly-polarized, log-periodic slot antenna

A broadband, dual linearly polarized, narrow-slot antenna utilizing independently excited trapezoidal-tooth slot-outline elements has been developed and tested. The independent excitation of four slot-outline elements allows for the desired dual-polarized operation. Measured E-field patterns at 2.115 GHz for a separately excited trapezoidal-tooth slot-outline antenna are presented. >
Development of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development–Infant Scale

Background: The present study reports the development and application of the Affordances in the Home Environment for Motor Development - Infant Scale (AHEMD-IS), a parental self-report designed to assess the quantity and quality of affordances in the home environment that are conducive to motor development for infants 3- to 18 months of age. Methods: Steps in its development included use of expert feedback, establishment of construct validity, interrater and intrarater reliability, and predictive validity. With all phases of the project, 113 homes were involved. Results: Intraclass correlation coefficients for interrater and intrarater reliability for the total score were 1 and .94, respectively. In addition, results indicate that the test has the characteristic of differentiating a wide range of scores. Regression analysis for the AHEMD-IS and motor development using the Alberta Infant Motor Scale supports preliminary evidence for predictive validity. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the AHEMD-IS has sufficient reliability and validity as an instrument for assessing affordances in the home environment, with clinical and research applications. Language: en
Production of renewable bioproducts and reduction of phosphate pollution through the lime pretreatment and acidogenic digestion of dairy manure

Acidogenic digestion with lime pretreatment was proposed as a means of reducing soluble reactive phosphorous concentrations in dairy cow manure while producing calcium carboxylate salts as a chemical platform for production of fuels and chemicals via the MixAlco Process. When concentrated in small geographic areas, large dairy operations can have environmentally harmful impacts on their watersheds, due to excess nutrients causing eutrophication of local water bodies. In Central Texas, as in many other areas, phosphorous contamination from confined animal feeding operations is a leading cause of human induced eutrophication. It was found that lime pretreatment followed by acidogenic or methanogenic anaerobic digestion led to substantial reductions in soluble reactive phosphate (SRP) levels while also producing potentially valuable products. Dairy manure filtrate was analyzed for SRP before and after the process steps of lime pretreatment and anaerobic digestion. An average reduction of SRP by 89% was observed through the two step process for lime pretreatment coupled with acidogenic digestion. Acidogenic digestion was demonstrated to produce mixed organic acids at mesophillic temperatures and primarily acetic acid at thermophillic temperatures. Using the MixAlco Process, the carboxylate salts of these organic acids could potentially be converted into marketable fuels and chemicals. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 2009
Robotic Radical Trachelectomy for Preservation of Fertility in Early Cervical Cancer: Case Series and Description of Technique

Abstract Study Objective To present a case series of robotic radical trachelectomy for preservation of fertility in early cervical cancer. Design Descriptive study. Design Canadian Task Force Classification III. Setting Tertiary referral center. Patients Women with early cervical cancer who wish to maintain fertility potential. Interventions Robotic radical trachelectomy with bilateral pelvic lymphadenectomy. The procedure also uses a cervical cerclage and permits preservation of the ascending branches of the uterine arteries to the uterus. Measurements and Main Results Report of the technique, and operative and immediate postoperative complications. To date, 6 women have undergone robotic radical trachelectomy, with preservation of the uterine arteries in all patients. One patient underwent completion hysterectomy when the frozen section of the trachelectomy margin revealed inability to clear the cancer. Five women have maintained their fertility potential after the procedure. Conclusion Robotic radical trachelectomy is a feasible technique that permits radical removal of the cervix. Improved visualization with the robot and fine dissection permissible with the instrument facilitate this procedure.