cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Secondary structure in lung surfactant SP-B peptides: IR and CD studies of bulk and monolayer phases.

Pulmonary surfactant protein SP-B is known to facilitate adsorption and spreading of surfactant components across the air/water interface. This property appears essential for in vivo function in the alveolar subphase and at the air/alveolar surface. Three peptides with amino acid sequences based on SP-B containing predicted K-helical regions (SP-B1ˇ20, SP-B9ˇ36A, SP-B40ˇ60A) have been synthesized to probe structure-function relationships and protein-lipid interaction in bulk phase and monolayer environments. IR and CD studies are reported along with traditional surface pressure-molecular area (Z-A) isotherms and IR reflection-absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS) investigations conducted at the air/water interface. In bulk phase, helix-promoting environments (methanol and aqueous dispersions of lipid vesicles), SP-B1ˇ20 and SP-B9ˇ36A contained significant amounts of K-helical structure, whereas varying degrees of K-helix, random coil, and L-sheet were observed in aqueous solutions and monolayers. The most striking behavior was observed for SP-B9ˇ36A, which displayed reversible surface pressure-induced L-sheet formation. Bulk phase lipid melting curves and monolayer experiments with peptide-lipid mixtures showed subtle differences in the degree of bulk phase interaction and substantial differences in peptide surface activity. The uniqueness of IRRAS is emphasized as the importance of evaluating secondary structure in both bulk phase and monolayer environments for lung surfactant peptide mimics is demonstrated. fl 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.
Corneal collagen crosslinking for keratoconus and corneal ectasia: One-year results

PURPOSE:Toevaluate 1-yearoutcomes of cornealcollagencrosslinking(CXL) fortreatment of keratoconus and corneal ectasia. SETTING: Cornea and refractive surgery subspecialty practice. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. METHODS:Collagen crosslinking was performed in eyes withkeratoconus orectasia. Thetreatment group received standard CXL and the sham control group received riboflavin alone. Principal outcomes included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, astigmatism, and topography-derived outcomes of maximum and average keratometry (K) value. RESULTS: The UDVA improved significantly from 0.84 logMAR G 0.34 (SD) (20/137) to 0.77 G 0.37 logMAR (20/117) (P Z .04) and the CDVA, from 0.35 G 0.24 logMAR (20/45) to 0.23 G 0.21 logMAR (20/34) (P<.001). Fifteen patients (21.1%) gained and 1 patient lost (1.4%) 2 or more Snellen lines of CDVA. The maximum K value decreased from baseline by 1.7 G 3.9 diopters (D) (P<.001), 2.0 G 4.4 D (P Z .002), and 1.0 G 2.5 D (P Z .08) in the entire cohort, keratoconus subgroup, and ectasia subgroup, respectively. The maximum K value decreased by 2.0 D or more in 22 patients (31.0%) and increased by 2.0 D or more in 3 patients (4.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Collagen crosslinking was effective in improving UDVA, CDVA, the maximum K value, and the average K value. Keratoconus patients had more improvement in topographic measurements than patients with ectasia. Both CDVA and maximum K value worsened between baseline and 1 month, followed by improvement between 1, 3, and 6 months and stabilization thereafter.
Do Microemboli Reach the Brain Penetrating Arteries

Background As they are “end arteries,” microembolic obstruction of brain penetrating arteries would be expected to create ischemia. Yet the mammalian brain appears to have an impressive tolerance to experimental microembolization with ischemia occurring only after the injection of large numbers of particulates. Potential explanations could be that the majority of these particulates marginate along the pial vasculature or escape the cerebral circulation via arteriovenous (AV) fistulae. Methods To test these theories, we first established the level of injury created by the injection of 20, 45, and 90 μm fluorescent microspheres in Sprague-Dawley rats. Brains were examined by immunohistochemistry for injury and for infarction. We then injected 1000 size 20 μm, 500 size 45 μm, and 150 size 90 μm and harvested the brains and lungs for assays of fluorescence. The location of microemboli within the brain was established by determining the percent of 20 and 45 μm fluorescent microspheres entering the superficial versus deeper layers of the brain. The location of larger microemboli was established by 2T-MRI after injection of 60–100 μm microthrombi labeled with supraparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) particles. Results With 20 μm microspheres there were no areas of injury or infarction after injection of 500 and rare areas of injury and no infarctions after injection of 1000 microspheres. With either 250 or 500 size 45 μm microspheres there were a few (≤ 6) small areas of injury per animal with ≤ 2 areas of infarction. After injection, 93%–96% of injected microspheres remained in the brain. Approximately 40% of either fluorescent or SPIO labeled microthrombi were found on the brain surface. Conclusions As in humans, the rat brain has an impressive tolerance to microemboli, although this clearly varies with emboli size and number. Wash out of particulates through AV connections is not a major factor in brain tolerance in this model. Approximately 40% of microemboli remain in the larger pial vasculature where the more extensive collateralization may limit their effects on distal perfusion. However, the remaining 60% enter penetrating arteries but few create ischemia.
The correlation of the indentation size effect measured with indenters of various shapes

Experimental results are presented which show that the indentation size effect for pyramidal and spherical indenters can be correlated. For a pyramidal indenter, the hardness measured in crystalline materials usually increases with decreasing depth of penetration, which is known as the indentation size effect. Spherical indentation also shows an indentation size effect. However, for a spherical indenter, hardness is not affected by depth, but increases with decreasing sphere radius. The correlation for pyramidal and spherical indenter shapes is based on geometrically necessary dislocations and work-hardening. The Nix and Gao indentation size effect model (J. Mech. Phys. Solids 46 (1998) 411) for conical indenters is extended to indenters of various shapes and compared to the experimental results.
In vivo fate of HIV-1-infected T cells: Quantitative analysis of the transition to stable latency

Although it is presumed that the integration of HIV-1 into the genome of infected CD4+ T lymphocytes allows viral persistence, there has been little direct evidence that CD4+ T cells with integrated provirus function as a latent reservoir for HIV-1 in infected individuals. Using resting CD4+ T-cell populations of extremely high purity and a novel assay that selectively and unambiguously detects integrated HIV-1, we show that resting CD4+ T cells harbouring integrated provirus are present in some infected individuals. However, these cells do not accumulate within the circulating pool of resting CD4+ T cells in the early stages of HIV-1 infection and do not accumulate even after prolonged periods in long-term survivors of HIV-1 infection. These results suggest that because of viral cytopathic effects and/or host effector mechanisms, productively infected CD4+ T cells do not generally survive for long enough to revert to a resting memory state in vivo.
Practice innovations: delivering medication therapy management services via Videoconference interviews.

OBJECTIVE To describe medication therapy management (MTM) services via videoconferencing. DESIGN A descriptive, cross-sectional analysis of an ongoing prospective, randomized-controlled study. SETTING A secured seven-pharmacy network connected by computers, webcams, telephones, and electronic medical records. PARTICIPANTS Patients 18 years of age or older; taking four or more chronic medications; and with diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, asthma/chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, multiple sclerosis, and/or Parkinson's disease. INTERVENTIONS Chart reviews and videoconferencing interviews to identify medication-related problems (MRP) and provide patient education and recommendations to providers. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Patient demographics, identified MRPs, interventions, and patient satisfaction. RESULTS During April to July 2010, 43 patients were interviewed (mean age 50.8 ± 11.5 years); of these, 12 patients (27.9%) were older adults, mean age 69.5 ± 5.0 years. Prevalent health conditions were hypertension (31/43, 72%), hyperlipidemia (28/43, 65%), and diabetes (19/43, 44%). A mean number of 3.5 ± 2.3 MRP/patient was identified. Compared with charted numbers, patients significantly under-reported their health conditions (selfreported mean number 4.0 ± 1.6, compared with 6.9 ± 3.3, P < 0.0001) and medications used (self-reported mean number 7.7 ± 3.4, charted number 9.4 ± 2.3, P < 0.005). Providers accepted a mean number of 2.2 ± 1.6 (out of 2.8 ± 1.3) pharmacist-provided recommendations (acceptance rate 78.6%). All patients interviewed agreed or strongly agreed that the MTM interview with pharmacist and the information provided were helpful. CONCLUSION Webcam-enabled videoconferencing allows effective interactions between pharmacists and patients to identify MRP and improve access to MTM services. Provider acceptance of pharmacist-provided recommendations and patient satisfaction with videoconferencing MTM services are high.
Relay control of systems with parameter uncertainties and disturbances

This paper presents an approach, using a semidefinite Liapunov function, for designing a model-tracking system with a relay controller. The effect of parameter uncertainties and disturbance inputs is considered. It is shown that, by this method, the state variables need not be in phase variable form, as has been formerly required. This results in a reduction of instrumentation noise entering the system, and a more reasonable solution to the problem of disturbance rejection. Application of the method is made to the control of an unstable system. Specifically, experimental data on control of a cart-supported inverted pendulum is presented.
MOLECULAR BASIS FOR MUSTARD-INDUCED VESICATION

A biochemical hypothesis explaining the generation of pathology in human skin by mustard gas (HD) is presented which links the initiation of DNA damages to local alterations of metabolism and subsequent development of blisters. The proposed sequence involves HD alkylation of purines in DNA which are processed to form apurinic sites. Apurinic endonucleases act at these sites to produce backbone breaks in DNA which cause activation of the chromosomal enzyme poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase. This enzyme utilizes NAD+ as a substrate and, at vesicating doses of HD, would deplete the cells of their NAD+ content. The depletion in NAD+ would cause inhibition of glycolysis, and the resulting accumulation of common intermediates would stimulate the NADP+-dependent hexosemonophosphate shunt (HMS). Such stimulation of the HMS has been associated with DNA damage and enhancement of protease synthesis and release. These proteases could be responsible for development of subepidermal blisters which result from fluid accumulation in the cavity created by separation of the moribund basal cell layer from the basement membrane--a characteristic feature of HD-exposed human skin. Partial validation of this biochemical hypothesis has been achieved. DNA alkylated with either monofunctional or bifunctional sulfur mustards, followed by spontaneous or enzymatic depurination, was shown to be sensitized to degradation by apurinic endonuclease. Studies on the effect of HD on human skin grafted to athymic nude mice demonstrated dose- and time-related decreases in NAD+ levels. These decreases in NAD+ levels preceded and correlated to the predicted severity of pathology. The participation of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase activity in the HD-induced NAD+ loss was substantiated by prevention of this loss in the presence of inhibitors of the enzyme. Additional supporting evidence for the proposed mechanism was obtained at the cellular level by studies which utilized human leukocytes. The subsequent involvement of the HMS and proteases in HD-induced vesication is discussed.
Divergent developmental expression and function of the proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters PepT2 and PhT1 in regional brain slices of mouse and rat.

This study evaluated the developmental gene and protein expression of proton-coupled oligopeptide transporters (POTs: PepT1, PepT2, PhT1 and PhT2) in different regions of rodent brain, and the age-dependent uptake of a POT substrate, glycylsarcosine, in brain slices. Slices were obtained from cerebral cortex, cerebellum and hypothalamus of wildtype and PepT2 null mice, and from rats at different ages. Gene and protein expression were determined by real-time PCR and immunoblot analyses. Brain slice uptakes of radiolabeled glycylsarcosine were determined in the absence and presence of excess unlabeled glycylsarcosine or L-histidine, the latter being an inhibitor of PhT1/2 but not PepT1/2. Whereas PepT2 and PhT1 transcripts were abundantly expressed in all three regions of mouse brain, little to no expression was observed for PepT1 and PhT2. PhT1 protein was present in brain regions of adult but not neonatal mice and expression levels increased with age in rats. Glycylsarcosine uptake, inhibition and transporter dominance did not show regional brain or species differences. However, there were clear age-related differences in functional activity, with PepT2 dominating in neonatal mice and rats, and PhT1 dominating in adult rodents. These developmental changes may markedly impact the neural activity of both endogenous and exogenous (drug) peptides/mimetics.
Xerostomia: Etiology and Clinical Management

Xerostomia, or dry mouth, is a serious oral health problem that, when left untreated, leads to deterioration and disease in the oral cavity. Patients with dry mouth include those on xerogenic medications (including many elderly patients), those undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, and individuals with Sjogren syndrome, an autoimmune disease. Common complaints with dry mouth include difficulty in speaking, chewing, and tasting and swallowing foods. Patients with dry mouth will also complain of food sticking to the teeth, taste alterations, foods burning the oral tissues, and a burning tongue. The lack of saliva may lead to such complications as fungal infections (eg, candidiasis), atrophy of the filiform papillae of the tongue, mucosal ulcerations, salivary gland enlargement, an increase in the number of cariogenic, aerobic organisms Streptococcus and Lactobacillus, and rapidly progressing caries. Recommended therapy for patients with xerostomia includes regular dental visits, fluoride therapy, nutritional counseling, and patient education regarding oral home care to manage the high risk for dental decay. Some patients may also benefit from the use of artificial salivas or Pilocarpine, which is effective in increasing salivary flow in patients with functional salivary glands. Salivary stimulants and increased water intake are also recommended.
Pervasive Myths in Teacher Beliefs about Education Law

Abstract This article explores common misbeliefs and misconceptions that many teachers have about the law of education, focusing on those that have the greatest potential to cause harm to schools, students, and teachers themselves. The myths fall into three categories: Myths concerning the legal vulnerability of schools and teachers, myths concerning the rights of students, and myths concerning the rights of teachers. The major assertions of the article are that many teachers significantly overestimate the likelihood that their school or they personally will be sued by a student; that teachers often fail to recognize the constitutional rights of their students, even as they overestimate the right of parents to control their children's educational programs; and that teachers tend to have an exaggerated view of the protections afforded by academic freedom and “tenure.” The article concludes with a discussion of possible ways to dispel some of the myths.
Targeting mesenchymal stem cells to activated endothelial cells

Cell surface coating is a methodology wherein specific molecules are transiently anchored onto cell membrane to modulate cell behavior. Cell surface coating was tested as a method to deliver mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to endothelial cells via binding to intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1). MSCs coated with palmitated protein G (PPG) followed by antibodies to ICAM-1 (Ab(ICAM-1)), and incubated on ICAM-I coated coverslips showed a 40-fold increase in cell binding over PPG-only controls. Ab(ICAM-1)-coated MSCs incubated with human vascular endothelial cells (HUVECs), with and without exposure to TNFalpha (to upregulate ICAM-1 expression), showed 2.6-fold increased binding to control HUVECs over PPG-only controls, and a 16-fold increase in binding to TNFalpha-treated HUVECs. Pretreatment of HUVECs with ICAM-1 antibody promoted the attachment of PPG-only MSCs while reducing the attachment of Ab(ICAM-1)-MSCs by approximately 50%. In flow chamber studies on TNFalpha-stimulated HUVECs, PPG-only, and MSC-only lost 80-90% of their initial binding at 4 dyne/cm(2), while Ab(ICAM-1)-MSCs maintained 100% binding at 4 dyne/cm(2) and 40% binding at 25 dyne/cm(2). These results demonstrate that cell surface coating promotes the attachment of MSCs to endothelial cells, and provides a methodology for the delivery of stem cells to sites of inflammation.
God is Not Dead or Violent: The Catholic Church, Just War, and the “Resurgence” of Religion

While scholars have recognized a resurgence of religion, their focus mainly has been on religion's more violent aspects, overlooking its peaceful capacities and effects. This oversight is due in part to the lack of theoretical rigor when it comes to the study of politics and religion. Using the Catholic Church's opposition to the United States’ 2003 war in Iraq, this article highlights the political significance of religion's moral, symbolic voice, which is as important as the hard power that has traditionally dominated international relations. The post-Vatican II Catholic Church's modern articulation of human dignity and interpretation of just war theory challenges both scholars and policymakers to utilize the peaceful, diplomatic methods that international relations theory and practitioners have made available. Religion's role in politics, therefore, can be one that is supportive of modern political societies and it need not be violent.
Chinese institutions and standardization: The case of government support to domestic third generation cellular standard

There are unique and distinct institutional processes associated with the Chinese government's support of the domestically developed third generation (3G) cellular standard, TD-SCDMA. After postponing several times, China awarded three third generation cellular licenses in January 2009: a TD-SCDMA license to China Mobile, a CDMA 2000 license to China Telecom and a WCDMA license to China Unicom. The Chinese government has demonstrated a clear bias in favor of TD-SCDMA. This article examines the role of formal and informal institutions in shaping the Chinese 3G landscape. This paper makes two contributions to the literature. First, this work extends studies on institutional theory focusing on standardization to the context of China. Second, unlike most ICT research which deals with standards originated in the West, this paper's focus on developing country-originated standard provides novel and unique insights related to institutional processes.
Interaction of fluorinated ether anesthetics with artificial membranes.

Abstract Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is applied to the study of the environment of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine-bound fluorinated ether anesthetics (enflurane, fluoroxene and methoxyflurane) both below and above the lipid gel to liquid crystal phase transition temperature. Line widths and spin-lattice relaxation time ( T 1 ) measurements are consistent with substantial immobilization of the lipid-bound anesthetic molecules. Heating anesthetic/lipid mixtures above the lipid transition temperature leads to narrowing of the lipid-bound anesthetic fluorine resonances accompanied by little or no change in anesthetic fluorine-19 chemical shifts, suggesting that although the mobility of the bound anesthetic increases at the higher temperature, the nature of the anesthetic-lipid interaction changes little as a result of this phase change. Differential scanning calorimetric studies of the effects of these anesthetics on the phase transition behavior of the phospholipid indicate that the regions of the bilayer in which volatile anesthetics partition at lower concentrations are different from the regions in which they partition at higher concentrations.
Tidal eddy motions in the western Gulf of Maine, Part 2: Secondary flow

Abstract The kinematics and dynamics of the tidal circulation in the western Gulf of Maine (GoM) region are investigated with focus on the secondary circulation. This study is motivated by previous research suggesting the formation and evolution of transient tidal eddy motions in a high-density scallop region off Chatham, MA. Three-dimensional flow velocity and surface elevation fields were obtained using the QUODDY finite-element coastal ocean circulation model in the barotropic mode and forced by the five most important tidal constituents in the region ( M 2 , N 2 , S 2 , K 1 and O 1 ). The secondary flow kinematics related to the primary tidal flows feature time/space-varying convergences and divergences that are affected by the associated transient tidal eddy motions. Interestingly, the upwelling and downwelling in the study region were not dominated by the secondary circulation. Rather, the model results show that instantaneous vertical motions close to the coast and close to the bathymetric slope are mainly controlled by the divergence/convergence of the primary flow. The instantaneous secondary flow dynamics are mainly controlled by a balance between pressure gradient and Coriolis forces. Off Chatham, the surface maximum strength of the secondary flow calculated by the model is consistent with theoretical predictions of 0.025 m/s. The mechanisms controlling the long-term average tidal secondary circulation, which is relevant for biological transport, are discussed.
Flatness-Based Control of Flexible Motion Systems

Flexibility is often an unavoidable limitation when largeworkspace high-speed manipulation is required. This flexibility can be mitigated in some circumstances through feedback control methods. However, these methods only correct for vibration after it has been measured. Therefore, if low-vibration reference commands can be generated, then the utility of these systems can be greatly improved. However, there are instances where system nonlinearities limit the effectiveness of many command-shaping techniques. This paper proposes a method for the generation of fast vibration-limiting trajectories for flexible systems based on the differential-flatness property of nonlinear systems. This approach is applied to a tower crane for simulation and experimental validation. The results are compared to those from standard command-shaping techniques. Practical implementation issues for real world systems are discussed.
Finite element based three dimensional Schrödinger solver for nano-scale devices

Using a finite element based treatment, the Schrodinger equation is solved in 3D for non-planer devices like FinFETs. Discrete states appearing because of three dimensional geometric and electrostatic confinement in a FinFET are used to calculate the quantum mechanical charge which is solved self-consistently with the Poisson equation in FIELDAY. A hybrid approach is used in which the Schrodinger solver is active in a smaller region and continuum models are used in the remaining simulation domain. The domain is chosen such that it is possible to match the quantum charge and the continuum charge. The methodology and results from this Schrodinger---Poisson solver are presented here and the need to include these effects is highlighted.
Toxic anterior segment syndrome after Verisyse iris-supported phakic intraocular lens implantation

We report a case of toxic anterior segment syndrome (TASS) after implantation of a Verisyse (AMO) iris-supported phakic intraocular lens (IOL). The patient presented the day after surgery with significant decreased visual acuity and severe, persistent, limbus-to-limbus corneal edema. After treatment with topical steroids, oral steroids, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents, and hypertonic solution, the edema resolved over the course of 2 months and best corrected visual acuity improved to 20/20. Toxic anterior segment syndrome has been reported after implantation of IOLs previously, but this new case of TASS should alert surgeons to the possibility of the syndrome after phakic IOL placement.
Giving bad news: the family perspective.

BackgroundDeath from trauma frequently comes without forewarning. Relating the news of death to the family is often the responsibility of trauma surgeons. The purpose of this study was to investigate the key characteristics and methods of delivering bad news from the perspective of surviving family
Procedural networks and production systems in adaptive diagnosis

Procedural networks and production systems are used to model an individual's performance on certain cognitive tasks having several subtasks. These models form the basis of the Adaptive Diagnostic System (ADS). By presenting selected items and examining the responses to these items, ADS creates a diagnostic profile of the skills and subskills that an individual may be lacking. ADS is described, and two heuristics approximating optimal item selection are developed. Finally, ADS is briefly compared with Brown and Burton's (1978) BUGGY, an alternate diagnostic system.
Skeletal Muscle Ventricles: Improved Left Ventricular Performance Associated with a Prolongation of Ventricular Relaxation

Skeletal muscle ventricles (SMV) have been shown to pump blood effectively in both acute and chronic models. In this study SMVs were placed in circulation in series with the descending thoracic aorta to function as diastolic counterpulsators. The SMVs were stimulated to contract at a 1:2 ratio with the heart. The R-wave delay and the burst duration were varied, both as a percentage of the total R-R′ interval to determine the effect of the SMV on left ventricular (LV) relaxation in relation to other parameters of LV function. Optimal hemodynamic benefit was obtained using a 40% R-wave delay and a 30% burst duration. At these settings, the time constant of LV relaxation (τ) increased from a control value of 29.1 ± 1.6 to 39.8 ± 2.1 msec (P < 0.001). The tension time index decreased from a control value of 15.24 ± .31 to 13.88 ± .7 mm Hg-sec-1 (P < 0.001). The endocardial viability ratio, an indicator of myocardial blood flow, improved from 1.12 ± .11 to 1.55 ± .16 (P < 0.001) and LV dP/dt increased from 1555 ± 180 to 2320 ± 210 mm Hg-sec-1 (P < 0.05). In conclusion, this study demonstrates SMV diastolic counterpulsation results in improved LV performance which is associated with a prolongation of LV relaxation. A 40% R-wave delay interval and a 30% burst duration were the stimulation parameters which benefitted myocardial function optimally in this study.
Aortoesophageal fistula and double aortic arch: Two important points in management

Two children with double aortic arch and aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) are reported to warn of this lethal complication of double aortic arch and to stress important points in the diagnosis and management. A review of the records of 30 children with double aortic arch disclosed two patients who had AEF. The first patient had respiratory distress and repair of a vascular ring (double aortic arch) at 5 weeks of age. At 9 weeks of age, because of difficulty with tracheal extubation, aortopexy was performed. Ten days later, profuse upper gastrointestinal bleeding required control by a Sengstaken-Blakemore (SB) tube. Thoracotomy and repair AEF was accomplished successfully under cardiopulmonary bypass. The second patient had hepatomegaly and Pseudomonas sepsis. Endotracheal and nasogastric intubation was necessary, and subsequently the double aortic arch was demonstrated by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). On the 48th day of hospitalization, life-threatening upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage required insertion of an SB tube. Cardiopulmonary bypass allowed successful repair of the AEF. Both children are alive, after 3 and 2 years (respectively). These patients demonstrate that AEF must be diagnosed clinically (no imaging technique is effective); its history and physical presentation are typical. The SB tube is effective for controlling the hemorrhage until cardiopulmonary bypass can be performed to allow repair.
Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl butyral) in alumina, mullite and silica composites

Thermal degradation of poly(vinyl butyral) (PVB) and its mixtures with alumina, mullite and silica was investigated by non-isothermal thermogravimetry in the temperature range of 323 to 1273 K. The analysis of the data was carried out using a three-dimensional diffusion model. Results showed that the kinetic parameters (activation energy and pre-exponential factor) of the PVB degradation are different for polymer alone, and ceramic/polymer composites. The overall weighted mean apparent activation energy showed an increasing reactivity in the order of PVB<alumina+PVB<mullite+PVB<silica+PVB. This shows that the acidic and basic surface characteristics of the ceramics promote the thermal degradation of PVB and, the more acidic silica affects the degradation more than mullite and alumina. The effect of pellet compression pressure in the range of 4000 to 8000 psig is also investigated.
Photoelectrochemical reduction of carbon monoxide using p-Si

Donnees sur la reduction photoelectrochimique du monoxyde de carbone, en solution aqueuse, sous irradiation par de la lumiere visible, avec formation de formaldehyde. Donnees numeriques
A large tumor on the right forearm

From Ba Fund Conf Repr Pa Sp A 43-year-old man presented with a 10-year history of a slow growing, nontender mass on his right forearm (Fig 1, A). No tumors are identified elsewhere. The tumor was resected and appeared as a well circumscribed mass measuring 8 cm 3 7 cm 3 5 cm with glistening, tan-yellow, firm cut surfaces with scattered foci of tiny cysts (Fig 1, B). Microscopic examination revealed a basaloid tumor with multiple growth patterns, predominantly of adenoid/cribriform (Fig 2, A) and trabecular (Fig 2, B) patterns. The luminal aspect of the glandular structures stained positively with periodic acideSchiff stain (Fig 2, C ). The tumor cells were highlighted by a c-kit immunohistochemical stain (Fig 2, D).
Reinforcement Reduction: A Method for Training Ratio Behavior

By use of intracranial stimulation as reinforcement, fixed-ratio performance could be established directly from continuous reinforcement by gradual reduction of the train duration of the stimuli contingent on all but the terminal response in the desired ratio. Furthermore, stimuli of subreinforcement strength enhanced ratio performance when introduced after training by the conventional method.
EE-MAC: Energy efficient sensor MAC layer protocol

Energy efficiency is of utmost importance for wireless sensor networks deployed without any possibility of battery replenishments. Thus, design of energy efficient algorithms and protocols must consider resource constraints while maintaining the desired level of QoS. In this paper, we present EE-MAC, an Energy Efficient medium access control (MAC) protocol for distributed wireless sensor networks. EE-MAC achieves a low-duty-cycle and hence low energy consumption through optimized sleep intervals while transitioning between sleep and active states. We consider a weighted linear combination of delay and energy saving as the performance metrics and through extensive simulations, we observe reduced energy consumption at the cost of increased delay. EE-MAC also improves the delay performance for fixed number of nodes compared to S-MAC.
A global view of CK2 function and regulation

The wealth of biochemical, molecular, genetic, genomic, and bioinformatic resources available in S. cerevisiae make it an excellent system to explore the global role of CK2 in a model organism. Traditional biochemical and genetic studies have revealed that CK2 is required for cell viability, cell cycle progression, cell polarity, ion homeostasis, and other functions, and have identified a number of potential physiological substrates of the enzyme. Data mining of available bioinformatic resources indicates that (1) there are likely to be hundreds of CK2 targets in this organism, (2) the majority of predicted CK2 substrates are involved in various aspects of global gene expression, (3) CK2 is present in several nuclear protein complexes predicted to have a role in chromatin structure and remodeling, transcription, or RNA metabolism, and (4) CK2 is localized predominantly in the nucleus. These bioinformatic results suggest that the observed phenotypic consequences of CK2 depletion may lie downstream of primary defects in chromatin organization and/or global gene expression. Further progress in defining the physiological role of CK2 will almost certainly require a better understanding of the mechanism of regulation of the enzyme. Beginning with the crystal structure of the human CK2 holoenzyme, we present a molecular model of filamentous CK2 that is consistent with earlier proposals that filamentous CK2 represents an inactive form of the enzyme. The potential role of filamentous CK2 in regulation in vivo is discussed.
Bladder cancer as a prognostic factor for upper tract transitional cell carcinoma.

ABSTRACTPurpose: Upper tract transitional cell carcinoma (UTTCC) is a relatively rare tumor. Overall 5-year disease specific survival is in the range of 16.5% to 95% depending on stage. In this study we evaluated predictors associated with disease recurrence and disease specific survival.Materials and Methods: We report on 129 patients with a median age of 68 years who underwent nephroureterectomy for UTTCC between July 1989 and June 2002. A total of 67 patients had primary UTTCC and 62 had previous (52) or synchronous (10) transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder (BTCC). Medical records were reviewed and analyzed for possible prognostic predictors (primary tumor stage, grade, multifocality, carcinoma in situ, symptoms and signs at presentation, sex, and history of smoking). Disease specific survival and freedom from bladder recurrence were assessed with the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between the groups were compared using the log rank test. The Cox proportional hazards regression model was us...
Endolaryngeal Hookwire Electrodes for Intraoperative Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve Monitoring during Pediatric Thyroid Surgery

ObjectiveTo describe the senior author’s surgical technique and discuss his experience with endolaryngeal hookwire electrodes for intraoperative, recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring during pediatric thyroid surgery.Study DesignConsecutive case series.SettingTertiary-care, academic, children’s hospital.Subjects and MethodsA consecutive case series review of pediatric patients (age 12 months postoperatively.ResultsSeventeen patients were identified. There were 5 males and 12 females, and the average age was 11.7 years (range, 4-15 years). Nineteen procedures were performed—4 hemithyroidectomies, 2 completion thyroidectomies, and 13 total thyroidectomies—with 32 nerves at risk. One patient had a recurrent laryngeal nerve injury with a nerve paresis that persisted longer than 12 months postoperatively, making our recurrent laryn...
An overview of the development of computer modeling for instructional and research purposes

This paper presents an overview of the characteristics, pedagogy, and future prospectus of some widely used computer-based laboratory simulation systems in psychology. These systems were developed to augment undergraduate laboratory instruction by providing an experience which enables students to have considerable practice designing a series of experiments in an interesting and challenging context. The use of computer-based simulation makes possible the construction of a learning environment in which the laboratory class is converted into a research community engaged in scientific dialogue. The development of new simulation models is critical to the operation of this environment. A team approach for developing new models, requiring a programmer, content specialist, and instructional designer, is offered which has appropriate incentives built in to insure its success.
Thermal Properties of Microcrystalline Cellulose Derived Carbons

The thermal transport properties were studied for carbons produced by the carbonization of microcrystalline cellulose. Thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and thermal conductivity were measured via flash method for cellulose derived carbons prepared at various heat treatment temperatures ranging from 250°C to 1000°C. The thermal diffusivity as a function of increasing heat treatment temperature was observed to have four distinct linear regions, which could be related directly to the microstructures of the materials generated by the specific heat treatment temperature. Specific heat values indicated the coexistence of polar and non-polar phases in both partially carbonized materials obtained at lower heat treatment temperatures and fully carbonized materials formed at higher heat treatment temperatures. For partially carbonized materials, the polar groups consisting of residual hydroxyl and carboxyl were still present. For fully carbonized materials, the polar phases have largely been volatilized and conductive nano-carbon clusters were nucleated and observed to grow in an amorphous carbon bed until percolation effects were observed. Such structural characteristics are well supported by FT-IR characterizations. Lastly, a linear relationship between testing temperature and thermal conductivity indicates boundary scattering between highly conductive carbon clusters as the main mechanism for heat conduction.© 2007 ASME
A UML simulator based on a generic model execution engine

We implemented a generic model execution engine. The engine provides mechanisms for the realization and the execution of behavioral semantics, and the control and observation of model behavior. We used this generic execution engine to implement a UML Model Simulator. It is designed as an extension to Rational Software Architect (RSA), adding execution and debugging capabilities.
Avoid the Banking Model in Social and Environmental Justice Education: Interrogate the Tensions

In this article, we argue that when teaching about and for social and environmental justice, teachers need to move beyond promoting individual behavior changes as a primary means to counter complex, global problems. Further, we advocate for a more robust strategy for teaching about and for social and environmental justice that not only raises awareness about oppression, inequality, and destruction, but also, and more importantly, interrogates how we define and operationalize the concept of justice. This, we believe, makes for a more educative experience and better prepares students for life in a pluralistic and multicultural society.
Dilated ascending aorta in a child with ring chromosome 21 syndrome

Ring chromosome 21 syndrome is a rare condition with a well-characterized phenotype. Affected individuals have recognizable dysmorphic features, developmental delays, growth retardation, and a predisposition for congenital malformations involving the neurologic, craniofacial, digestive, genitourinary, skeletal, and hematologic systems. Structural cardiac anomalies have also been described, but dilated ascending aorta has not been previously reported in association with ring 21 (r(21)). Although rarely seen in this syndrome, the presence of ectopia lentis, abdominal herniae, and dilated ascending aorta suggest an underlying connective tissue disorder. A possible explanation is haploinsufficiency of the COL6A1, COL6A2, and/or COL18A genes located on the distal portion of chromosome 21q, which are lost when the ring chromosome is formed. This article contains supplementary material, which may be viewed at the American Journal of Medical Genetics website at http://www.interscience.wiley.com/jpages/0148-7299/suppmat/index.html. © 2004 Wiley-Liss, Inc.
Functional Anatomical Reconstruction in an Oculofacial Prosthesis

The exenterated, maxillectomy, and/or palatectomy patient is ideally referred prior to surgery for two primary reasons: (1) to reassure the patient of an attempt to restore appearance and function to nearly the same as before ablative surgery, and (2) to make an entire face alginate impression for post surgical replication. The sixth week postoperatively, a second full-face alginate impression is made of existing wound and remaining anatomy. Photographs are taken for comparative sculpting. The prosthesis is designed to redirect airflow to a normal pattern in order to avoid "blow out" of the prosthesis from a sneeze or cough. Bone-like acrylic sinus replication provides normal speech resonance, a bonding surface for Silastic "skin" and a hollow socket for an impression-fitted prosthetic eye. The prosthetic eye, intrinsic pigmentation and extrinsic pigmentation, eye lashes and brows are incorporated into completed prosthesis. A combination of aesthetic and functional elements into a single three- or four-piece prosthesis provides restoration of natural appearance, improved functions of facial anatomy, and improved breathing, sinus drainage, speech articulation and resonance.
DNA Repair: DNA Polymerase ζ and Rev1 Break in

DNA polymerase zeta and Rev1 play key roles in replication past DNA lesions. New work shows that the yeast checkpoint kinase Mec1 recruits a complex consisting of polymerase zeta and Rev1 to DNA double-strand breaks. This study highlights the role of polymerases that mediate translesion synthesis in the response to DNA double-strand breaks.
ABILITY, HOME ENVIRONMENT, AND BELIEF IN A JUST WORLD AS DETERMINANTS OF ALLOCATION OF REWARDS

Summary.-150 subjects were given information about the aptitude and home environment of four hypothetical students they were going to grade. Aputude was described as being either low or high; home environment was described as being either detrimental or conducive to academic performance. Subjects' beliefs in a just world were also measured on Rubin and Peplau's Just World Scale (1973). With examination performance held constant, low ability and detrimental home environment were related to higher grades. Further, the association berween high grades and detrimental home environment was stronger among subjects with high level of belief in a just world than among subjects with low level of belief in a just world. The association berween high grades and low abiliry was not affected, however, by level of belief in a just world. It was suggested that subjects who strongly believed in a just world considered students from "detrimental" home environment, but not students with low abilicy, as deserving high grades. In recent years, several studies (Leventhal & Whiteside, 1973; Rest, Nierenberg, Weiner, & Heckhausen, 1973; Weiner & Kukla, 1970) have examined the relationship between evaluation of achievement-related performance and the ability of the performer. The subjects in these studies were asked to imagine themselves as teachers evaluating various hypothetical students. The results showed that, with performance held constant, low ability was more rewarded than high ability. These findings were interpreted within the framework of an equity model, i.e., lower ability requires more effort to achieve a certain standard of performance and therefore is associated with higher rewards. The present study examined two factors, (a) students' ability (high/low) and (b) students' home environment (conducive/detrimental to academic performance), that may affect subjects' evaluation of students' performance. It was expected that, with performance held constant, low ability and detrimental home environment would be associated with relatively high evaluation of the students. In addition, the present study examined the effect of subjects' beliefs in a just world (Lerner, 1970) on the way they graded the students. The concept of a just world refers to a person's belief that in this world people get what they deserve and deserve what they get. Rubin and Peplau (1973) developed a Just World Scale to assess individual differences in this belief. Examples of items are "In almost any business or profession, people who do their job well rise to the top" and "Basically, the world is a just place." Believers in a just world have been found to be more religious, more authoritarian, and more
Formation and stability of radiation-induced phases in neutron-irradiated austenitic and ferritic steels

Abstract Ni3Si (γ'), G, and in many cases M2P or M3P type phosphides are phases induced by irradiation in austenitic stainless steels. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of alloying elements (i.e., strong enrichment of Ni and Si, and often a relative depletion of Cr and/or Mo) appears to be the major factor affecting their formation and subsequent stability in such steels. These phases are also sensitive to variations of alloy composition, thermomechanical pretreatment, irradiation temperature, and He/dpa ratio. In some austenitic stainless steels, RIS and precipitation can lead to transformation of the matrix into ferrite during irradiation. In martenstic/ferritic 9Cr and 12Cr steels, irradiation can induce formation of M6C(η), χ, α', and in some cases G, Cr2X, σ, Cr3P or MP phases. These phases are sensitive to irradiation temperature, and also vary somewhat with alloy composition, but not as much as in the austenitic steels. The RIS phenomenon in the ferritic steels appears to involve minor elements like Si, Ni, P and possibly V, judging from the compositions of the radiation-induced phases. As most of these phases are also Cr-rich, Cr supersaturation or segregation during irradiation may also play a role.
Representing Historically Based Component-Function Relationships Through Design Templates

Functional analysis of systems is a common engineering application during different stages of design. Conceptual designers as well as post-development designers use the process to gather useful information about the system that is under consideration. The functional basis and component taxonomy are collective approaches to describe these systems in unique languages. Since many designers naturally think in terms of physical components, it is more difficult for them to grasp fundamental concepts necessary to functionally model a system properly. A new design instrument, component functional templates, has been developed as a means to link the functional basis and component taxonomy together in one coherent visual form that can be used by novice designers as an invaluable skill-building tool. Principal components analysis (PCA) is used to extract historical data from many consumer products whose design information has been stored in an online repository produced by the UMR Design Engineering Lab. This paper presents the approach and derivation of the templates, along with valid examples of template groupings that result from the analysis. An application of the templates is presented in a case study on the drive train of a bicycle where the templates prove to sufficiently begin the modeling process and provide room for unique manipulation that accurately describes functional requirements of the subsystem.Copyright © 2007 by ASME
Occupational Mobility Through Sport:* The Case of Israeli Soccer:

This paper tests the thesis that professional career in sport serves as a route for mobility. A study of retired soccer players in Israel suggests that, on the average, players benefited occupation...