cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
A STORYTELLING PERSPECTIVE ON ONLINE CUSTOMER REVIEWS REPORTING SERVICE FAILURE AND RECOVERY

This research tests and supports the proposition that when consumers read online customer reviews that include elements of a good story, they will deem those reviews to be more helpful when they decide whether to patronize hotels. Furthermore, results indicate that consumers perceive online reviews documenting a service failure to be less helpful than reviews that do not document a failure. Consumers perceive reviews reporting service failures in which the provider attempted a service recovery as no more helpful as reviews reporting failures with no recovery attempt. However, consumers give higher helpfulness scores to reviews that document an effective recovery. The hospitality industry can use these results to develop marketing techniques that encourage customers to tell effective service stories through online review forums.
Can antiarrhythmic drugs cause arrhythmia

The recognition that certain types of ventricular premature beats, specifically repetitive forms, may be forerunners of more serious tachyarrhythmias has led to the practice of prophylactic therapy with antiarrhythmic drugs to suppress these forms in patients who have underlying cardiac disease. Several antiarrhythmic drugs are available for oral therapy, and many others are undergoing investigation. The usefulness of these agents is often limited by frequent side effects, which include idiosyncratic and unpredictable reactions that are not related to drug level. One such effect is the aggravation of the arrhythmia being treated. Noninvasive drug testing in 245 patients for a total of 1024 single drug tests showed 113 studies (11 per cent) to have been aggravated by the antiarrhythmic drug. At least one drug was proarrhythmic in 78 patients (32 per cent). Aggravation of arrhythmia is a potentially serious drug complication that occurs with all antiarrhythmic agents.
Effect of α-Methylphenylalanine and Phenylalanine on Brain Polyribosomes and Protein Synthesis

A chronic hyperphenylalanemia was effectively produced in developing mice by daily administrations of phenylalanine (2 mg/g body wt) and a phenylalanine hydroxylase inhibitor alpha-methyl-D,L-phenylalanine (0.43 mg/g body wt). The presence of alpha-methylphenylalanine in newborn mice inhibited 65-70% of hepatic phenylalanine hydroxylase activity within 12 h. Since this maximum inhibition persisted for 24 h or longer, decreased enzyme activity was maintained by daily administrations. Whereas concentrations of phenylalanine increased approximately 40-fold in both plasma and brain following injection of alpha-methylphenylalanine and phenylalanine, plasma levels of tyrosine were not altered significantly. Concomitant with changes in phenylalanine concentrations we observed the brain polyribosomes' disaggregation, which reached a maximum 3 h after injection and persisted as long as 18 h. Polyribosomes did not become refractory to as many as 10 daily injections of alpha-methylphenylalanine and phenylalanine. In addition to polyribosome disaggregation, chronic hyperphenylalanemia reduced the rates of polypeptide chain elongation on polyribosomes isolated from brain homogenates.
Functional reconstitution of monomeric CYP3A4 with multiple cytochrome P450 reductase molecules in Nanodiscs.

Abstract Traditional reconstitution of membrane cytochromes P450 monooxygenase system requires efficient solubilization of both P450 heme enzymes and redox partner NADPH dependent reductase, CPR, either in mixed micellar solution or by incorporation in liposomes. Here we describe a simple alternative approach to assembly of soluble complexes of monomeric human hepatic cytochrome P450 CYP3A4 with CPR by co-incorporation into nanoscale POPC bilayer Nanodiscs. Stable and fully functional complexes with different CPR:CYP3A4 stoichiometric ratios are formed within several minutes after addition of the full-length CPR to the solution of CYP3A4 preassembled into POPC Nanodiscs at 37 °C. We find that the steady state rates of NADPH oxidation and testosterone hydroxylation strongly depend on CPR:CYP3A4 ratio and reach maximum at tenfold molar access of CPR. The binding of CPR to CYP3A4 in Nanodiscs is tight, such that complexes with different stoichiometry can be separated by size-exclusion chromatography. Reconstitution systems based on the co-incorporation of CPR into preformed Nanodiscs with different human cytochromes P450 are suitable for high-throughput screening of substrates and inhibitors and for drug–drug interaction studies.
Effect of ethanol on B cell expression of major histocompatibility class II proteins in immunized mice

Acute or chronic exposure to ethanol (EtOH), as well as other stimuli that induce a neuroendocrine stress response, can decrease the expression of MHC class II proteins (immune-associated antigens, Ia) on B cells and macrophages. In a mouse model for binge drinking, it has been shown that this decrease is caused by EtOH-induced increases in endogenous glucocorticoids. Decreased Ia expression would be expected to suppress T-dependent humoral responses, and such suppression has been noted in our model. However, it has been reported that activated B cells are much less susceptible to glucocorticoid-induced decreases in Ia expression than are resting B cells. Thus, it is not clear that the decreased Ia observed in our previous studies with non-immunized mice could account for decreased humoral responses, because it has not been directly determined that decreased Ia expression occurs in immunized mice. To examine this issue, splenocytes from mice immunized with sheep erythrocytes were studied by flow cytometry. Mice were treated with EtOH by gavage and immunized 12 h later, because our previous results indicate that this produces maximal suppression of the humoral response. In immunized mice, EtOH decreased Ia expression on B cells at 6 and 12 h after immunization, but not at 24 or 74 h. In a dose-response study, a substantial decrease in Ia expression on B cells was observed at an EtOH dosage of 6.0 or 7.0 g/kg. Thus, decreased Ia expression is a potential mechanism for EtOH-induced suppression of the humoral response. A glucocorticoid antagonist (RU 486) partially blocked the EtOH-induced decrease in Ia expression, suggesting that glucocorticoids are involved in the reduction of Ia expression in immunized mice. Direct administration of corticosterone to produce blood levels comparable to those noted in EtOH-treated mice did not significantly decrease Ia expression, but Ia expression tended to be lower in mice treated with corticosterone. Taken together, these results indicate that glucocorticoids play some role in decreasing Ia expression in immunized mice, but they are less important than in non-immunized mice.
Intracranial hemorrhage and focal seizures secondary to use of l-asparaginase during induction therapy of acute lymphocytic leukemia

l -Asparaginase is commonly used for induction therapy of acute lymphocytic leukemia of childhood. Severe clinical bleeding secondary to clotting dysfunction has not been previously reported. We observed intracranial hemorrhagic infarcts with focal seizures and hemiparesis associated with clotting abnormalities, including severe hypofibrinogenemia, probably the result of l -asparaginase administered during induction therapy of acute lymphocytic leukemia.
A micro/mini channel based concentrator of E. coli in water flow

The objective of this research is to design and optimize a mini/micro-channel based concentrator of E. coli and integrate it with an acoustic wave biosensor. A computational research has been carried out using the state of the art computational software, CFD-ACE with water as bacteria bearing fluid. E. coli bacteria have been modeled as random discrete particles tracked by solving the Lagrangian equations. The design challenges are to achieve high particle to water ratio, high enough Reynolds number to avoid bacteria swimming, and various particle boundary conditions. The optimized design has achieved concentration of about an order of magnitude higher than the inlet concentration at a flow velocity much higher than the bacteria swimming speed under various particle-boundary interactions. Bypass channels have been used to separate concentrated water-particle mixture and to put this mixture directly onto the biosensor’s bacteria detecting surface for safe and precise installation of the biosensor in the fluidic chip.© 2007 ASME
A laminated shell model for the infarcted left ventricle

Abstract Experimental studies have shown that a region of partial dysfunction occurs in non-infarcted heart muscle near the edge of a myocardial infarction, where both blood flow and contractile function are compromised. Most data also indicate that the “border zone” for flow is much narrower than that for function. The factors responsible for these effects, which may lead to further infarction or other complications, are not completely understood. Thus, to study the mechanics of this problem, we present an ellipsoidal shell model for the infarcted left ventricle. The analysis of the model is based on a nonlinear shell theory that includes the effects of large axi-symmetric deformation (with torsion), thick-shell effects, anisotropy, muscle activation, and residual stress. The governing equations are solved with a modified integrating matrix technique. We study both acute and chronic apical infarcts, which are represented by relatively soft and hard passive regions, respectively. Comparing theoretical and experimental pressure—volume relations and wall strains indicates that the model describes the mechanical behavior of the normal and ischemic left ventricle reasonably well. The model predicts significantly elevated end-systolic stresses inside an acute infarct, which may contribute to the complication of infarct expansion. Near the edge of the infarct, the results show that a relatively narrow bending boundary layer occurs within a much wider membrane boundary layer, suggesting that these layers correspond to the perfusion and functional border zones, respectively. The stiffer chronic infarct alleviates the stress concentrations in the border zone. Thus, treatment strategies should consider the relative differences in properties between the infarcted and noninfarcted regions.
Autotomy in porcelain crabs is an effective escape mechanism from rockfish predation

Porcelain crabs possess a ‘hair-trigger’ propensity to autotomize their chelipeds (claws), and laboratory studies have demonstrated that this ability is highly effective in avoiding predation from other crabs. However, porcelain crabs are also subject to predation from fishes, which use a very different means of capture. In this study, we investigated whether autotomy in porcelain crabs is also effective against predation by fishes. To do this, we examined stomach-contents data from four common species of kelp-forest rockfishes and determined the frequency of disassociated chelipeds (those with no associated bodies) in porcelain crabs and in brachyuran crabs, which do not readily autotomize their chelipeds. We found that disassociated chelipeds of porcelain crabs were six times as common as those of brachyuran crabs (35% of the remains of all porcelain crabs versus 6% of the remains of all brachyuran crabs). We interpret this difference to be evidence that, through autotomy, porcelain crabs escaped ingestion of their entire bodies, and thus certain mortality, at a higher rate than did brachyuran crabs. We conclude that autotomy constituted an effective escape strategy from rockfish predation. This evidence, in conjunction with previous studies, suggests that autotomy of chelipeds in porcelain crabs is an effective anti-predatory strategy against phylogenetically disparate predatory groups.
Castings from a corundum melt

The apparent density of castings from Kor-95 corundum depends on the chemical and mineral compositions of the alumina, the temperature and degree of carburization of the melt, the volume of the shrinkage head, and the weight of the casting.
Spontaneous oscillations and triggered pulsing in GaAs/InGaAs multiquantum well structures

Abstract Spontaneous and triggered pulsing behavior in InGaAs multiquantum well devices driven by a constant bias voltage are reported. Bias regions for the occurrence of spontaneous periodic oscillations as well as damped triggered pulsing were experimentally determined. An empirical model based on the observed shape of the I – V curve and the negative differential conductance is proposed to qualitatively explain both the triggered pulsing and the spontaneous oscillating behavior, which could lead to novel infrared detection techniques and neural network applications.
Oral Delivery of Proteins: Effect of Chicken and Duck Ovomucoid on the Stability of Insulin in the Presence of α-Chymotrypsin and Trypsin

The in-vitro stability of insulin in the presence of α-chymotrypsin and trypsin has been evaluated in the presence of different concentrations of chicken and duck ovomucoid (CkOVM and DkOVM), a new class of enzyme inhibitor derived from the egg white of avian species. The inhibitory effect was compared with that of aprotinin. The effectiveness of DkOVM was also determined in the presence of agents that accelerate α-chymotrypsin-mediated degradation of insulin in solution by deaggregation. Insulin solutions (18μM) were incubated at 37°C with 0.1 μM chymotrypsin and 0.5 μM trypsin in lOOmM Tris buffer containing 1 mM calcium chloride and different concentrations of CkOVM and DkOVM. Samples were treated with cold Tris containing 1% (v/v) trifluoroacetic acid to stop the enzyme action and analysed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Similar studies were performed with aprotinin, EDTA (0.05 mM) and sodium glycocholate (30mM) in the presence of α-chymotrypsin and DkOVM. DkOVM was effective against α-chymotrypsin-mediated degradation of insulin at enzyme-to-inhibitor ratios of 1:0–5, 1:1 and 1:2. CkOVM was ineffective against α-chymotrypsin even at an enzyme-to-inhibitor ratio of 1:4. In contrast, both DkOVM and CkOVM were completely effective against trypsin-mediated degradation of insulin at an enzyme-to-inhibitor ratio of 1:1. This effect was comparable with that of aprotinin at an enzyme-to-inhibitor ratio of 1:1. Inhibition of the enzyme was reduced in the presence of sodium glycocholate and EDTA. DkOVM effectively stabilized insulin against degradation for a study period of 1 h in the presence of α-chymotrypsin and trypsin. Because insulin is extensively degraded by α-chymotrypsin, DkOVM might be used to enhance the oral delivery of insulin.
Secondary Abdominal Compartment Syndrome in Children With Burns and Trauma: A Potentially Lethal Complication

Acute, rapid, and unimpeded increases in intra-abdominal pressure can lead to multiple organ dysfunction defined as the abdominal compartment syndrome (ACS). If this develops in the absence of obvious intra-abdominal injury, it has been termed secondary ACS (2 degrees ACS). Massive fluid resuscitation in the presence of large burns or shock can lead to 2 degrees ACS. The importance of early recognition and the need for urgent abdominal decompression have been recognized in adults; however, this has not been appreciated in the pediatric population. Medical records of four children diagnosed with 2 degrees ACS were reviewed. Secondary ACS occurred in three children with burns and in one child with a traumatic brain injury. Three children underwent decompressive laparotomy, and one underwent successful percutaneous drainage. There were two survivors. Secondary ACS may be observed in burnt or traumatized children needing large volume resuscitation. Early recognition of 2 degrees ACS by routine bladder pressure monitoring in this high-risk group of children may result in earlier decompression and a possible decrease in morbidity and mortality.
1858 DETERMINANTS OF TIDAL VOLUME (VT) DURING HIGH'S-FREQUENCY JET VENTILATION(HFJV)

The very short inspiratory time (TI) during HFJV may compromise the ability to deliver adequate VT. To document the airway pressures needed to maintain a constant VT (2.5 to 3.0cc/kg) (approx.dead space), TI was varied by changing frequency (f) over 120,240 and 480/min at I:E ratios of 1:1, 1:3, 1:5 and 1:9. A 16g cath. was inserted in a 3.0mm ET tube in 9 adult rabbits and used to monitor aΔP (peak minus end expiratory pressure). VT was measured via a pneumotachometer placed on the expiratory arm of the ventilator and validated with a body plethysmograph. The integrated flow signal was reset by the jet solenoid at onset and end of inspiration. At f of 240 and 480/min there was a significant inverse relationship between TI and the ΔP required to deliver constant VT (ANOVA p<.05). At TI <50ms there was at least a 3-fold increase in ΔP. Despite the longer TI (62ms) at f=480/min and I:E=1:1, ΔP was still increased because the shortened expiratory time produced marked air trapping. At a rate of 120/min, TI did not significantly influence ΔP. Net air flow at the pneumotach during the on phase of the jet cycle was in the outward direction indicating lack of gas entrainment. In summary: 1) as TI was shortened during HFJV higher ΔP was necessary to maintain VT and 2) in this model, gas entrainment did not contribute to the delivered VT. Duration of TI is therefore critical for optimal VT delivery if barotrauma is to be minimized. Furthermore, the delivery of humidification and O2 during HFJV cannot be dependent on gas entrainment. Supp. ALA-Ohio, ALAND
Medical Students as Teaching Assistants in an Undergraduate Anatomy Course

The recruitment of medical students to assist in teaching an undergraduate anatomy course at the University of Michigan Medical School is one of an array of innovative teaching measures introduced to the undergraduate anatomy course since 2002. Student surveys and final test scores suggest the introduction of teaching assistants has improved student performance in the course.
Influence of curved piezo-actuator parameters on lower-order shell mode coupling

Several features of the analytical curved piezo-actuator model (in-phase and out-of-phase) are presented including the influence of actuator size, location, thickness, and shell aspect ratio on the excitation of shell modes. It is shown that in-phase driven piezo-actuators are better than out-of-phase driven actuators for exciting low circumferential order cylindrical shell modes. The angular wrap, angular location, and the shell aspect ratio are important factors which influence the shell response. Also, the coexistence of in-plane (theta) line force and pressure load in the in-phase model naturally cancel at certain high circumferential (n) modes so that no extra efforts need to be expended in suppressing them. The simplicity of the problem depends on the shell aspect ratio. It is more complicated for shells with aspect ratios between 3 and 7. The reason being that several medium axial (m) order modes coexist close to the excitation frequency and also several circumferential orders are resonant.
Optimal strategies for a generalized “scissors, paper, and stone” game

(1992). Optimal Strategies for a Generalized “Scissors, Paper, and Stone” Game. The American Mathematical Monthly: Vol. 99, No. 10, pp. 935-942.
A statewide collaborative to reduce pediatric surgical site infections

BACKGROUND: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are preventable events associated with significant morbidity and cost. Few interventions have been tested to reduce SSIs in children. METHODS: A quality improvement collaboration was established in Ohio composed of all referral children’s hospitals. Collaborative leaders developed an SSI reduction bundle for selected cardiac, orthopedic, and neurologic operations. The bundle was composed of 3 elements: prohibition of razors for skin preparation, chlorhexidine-alcohol use for incisional site preparation, and correct timing of prophylactic antibiotic administration. The incidence of SSIs across the collaborative was compared before and after institution of the bundle. The association between 1 of the bundle elements, namely correct timing of antibiotic prophylaxis, and the proportion of centers achieving 0 SSIs per month was measured. RESULTS: Eight pediatric hospitals participated. The proportion of months in which 0 SSIs per center was recorded was 56.9% before introduction of the bundle, versus 81.8% during the intervention ( P < .001). Correct timing of preoperative prophylactic antibiotics also significantly improved; 39.4% of centers recorded correct timing in every eligible surgical procedure per month (“perfect timing”) before the intervention versus 78.7% after ( P < .001). The achievement of 0 SSIs per center in a given month was associated with the achievement of perfect antibiotic timing for that month ( P < .003). CONCLUSIONS: A statewide collaborative of children’s hospitals was successful in reducing the occurrence of SSIs across Ohio.
Hereditary angioedema: treatment, management, and precautions in patients presenting for dental care

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a nonhistamine-mediated process causing edema of the tissues of the upper airway, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. As such it does not respond well to epinephrine, antihistamines, or glucocorticoids. Instead it is treated with attenuated androgenic hormones, episolone aminocaproic acid (EACA), or tranexamic acid, C1 esterase inhibitor, and fresh-frozen plasma. Medical or surgical management of the airway may be necessary in an acute situation. Minor trauma, such as that associated with dental procedures and psychologic stress, may precipitate an attack; however, swelling may not manifest itself for 12-48 hours after a procedure. Symptoms of angioedema may be exacerbated in these patients if they are given an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor. This paper reviews this entity and presents 2 patients who presented for acute care with dental/oral surgical complaints.
Intravenous ketorolac as an adjuvant to pediatric patient-controlled analgesia with morphine

Abstract Study Objective: To assess the effects of a single intraoperative dose of intravenous (IV) ketorolac on postoperative opioid dose requirements, quality of analgesia as assessed by the patient, and frequency of opioid-related side effects during pediatric patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) with morphine. Design: Prospective, randomized, double-blind study. Setting: Operating rooms, postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and inpatient care units of a freestanding children's hospital. Patients: 50 ASA physical status I-II orthopedic surgical patients ages 8 to 16 years. Interventions: Either 0.8 mg/kg of IV ketorolac or no additional analgesic was administered at the time of wound closure. After surgery, all patients were placed on PCA with morphine. Measurements and Main Results: Individual morphine use during the first 12 hours of PCA therapy was recorded. A visual analog scale (VAN) pain score was obtained from the patient at the time of discharge from the PACU and at 4, 8, and 12 hours postoperatively. Any vomiting, pruritis, or urinary retention occurring during the first 12 postoperative hours was noted. The morphine plus ketorolac group administered significantly less PCA with morphine during the first 12 postoperative hours than did the morphine only group ( p = 0.002). The morphine plus ketorolac group also reported significantly lower overall VAS pain scores ( p p = 0.02). Conclusions: A single intraoperative dose of IV ketorolac appears to be opioid dose sparing, to provide superior analgesia, and to decrease the frequency of urinary retention during the first 12 hours of postoperative pediatric PCA with morphine.
Outward propagation, burning velocities, and chemical effects of methane flames up to 60 ATM

Using a specially designed high- and constant-pressure combustion chamber, the propagation and morphology of spark-ignited expanding spherical methane flames were imaged using schlieren cinematography and a high-speed digital camera. Stretch-free laminar burning velocities were subsequently determined for methane/air flames up to 20 atm and methane/oxygen/helium flames up to 60 atm. Computational simulation using GRI-MECH 3.0 showed satisfactory agreement with the experimental data up to 20 atm, and moderate deviation for pressures above 40 atm. Markstein lengths, global activation energies, and overall reaction orders were also determined as functions of pressure, with the latter two parameters exhibiting non-monotonic behavior caused by the changeover from H-O2 to HO2 chemistry similar to that of the explosion limits of homogeneous hydrogen/oxygen mixtures.
Proof Script Pragmatics in IMPS

This paper introduces the IMPS proof script mechanism and some practical methods for exploiting it.
Learning in the Generalist Tachinid Parasitoid Exorista Mella Walker (Diptera: Tachinidae)

Many parasitoids have been shown to learn visual and/or olfactory cues associated with hosts. In contrast to the Hymenoptera, learning in dipteran parasitoids is relatively unstudied. This study explores the ability of a polyphagous tachinid, Exorista mella, to learn to associate visual and olfactory cues with hosts. In an experiment involving colored host models, flies trained on models of one color were subsequently attracted more strongly to models of the color that they had not experienced. The unsuitability of these models as hosts suggested that the flies may have engaged in avoidance learning. Flies demonstrated the ability to learn to associate colored disks with hosts. A separate experiment demonstrated that flies responded to volatile plant compounds but failed to find evidence for odor learning. Learning of host-associated cues by E. mella may allow this generalist parasitoid to take advantage of locally abundant host populations and maintain host-searching efficiency in an unpredictable environment.
A Design System for Six-Bar Linkages Integrated With a Solid Modeler

This paper presents a design system for planar and spherical six-bar linkages, which is integrated with a solid modeler. The user specifies a backbone 3R chain in five task configurations in the sketch mode of the solid modeler and executes the design system. Two RR constraints are computed, which constrain the 3R chain to a single degree-of-freedom six-bar linkage. There are six ways that these constraints can be added to the 3R serial chain to yield as many as 63 different linkages in case of planar six-bar linkages and 165 in case of spherical six-bar linkages. The performance of each candidate is analyzed, and those that meet the required task are presented to the designer for selection. The design algorithm is run iteratively with random variations applied to the task configurations within user-specified tolerance zones, to increase the number of candidate designs. The output is a solid model of the six-bar linkage. Examples are presented, which demonstrate the effectiveness of this strategy for both planar and spherical linkages.
Alloy Oxide Electrocatalysts for Regenerative Hydrogen-Halogen Fuel Cell

Stable, catalytically active, and inexpensive halogen electrodes are essential for the success of the regenerative hydrogen-halogen fuel cell as a competitive means of large-scale electricity storage. We report the synthesis and electrochemical testing of two novel electrode materials — ruthenium-cobalt and ruthenium-manganese alloy oxides. These alloys were fabricated by wet chemical synthesis methods as a coating on a titanium metal substrate and tested for chloride and bromide oxidation and for chlorine and bromine reduction. These alloy oxides exhibit high catalytic potency and good electrical conductivity good stability, while having a significantly reduced precious metal composition compared to commercial chloride oxidation electrodes made of the oxide of a ruthenium-titanium alloy. We tested alloys with Ru content as low as 1% that maintained good electrochemical activity. Stability tests indicate immeasurably small mass loss.
Close Proximity of the Heterosexual Partner Reduces the Physiological and Behavioral Consequences of Novel-Cage Housing in Black Tufted-Ear Marmosets (Callithrix kuhli)

The present studies assessed the extent to which heterosexual pairmates could buffer marmosets (Wied's black tufted-ear marmoset, Callithrix kuhli) against stress. Six male and six female marmosets from established groups were exposed to two experimental manipulations together with a control condition. Each condition lasted a total of 4 days. For the two experimental conditions, animals were removed from the family group and housed in a novel cage for 48 h in either the presence or the absence of the heterosexual pairmate. During the 48-h novel-cage housing period and for 48 h upon reunion of the subjects with the family group, concentrations of urinary cortisol were measured in the first void sample of the day and behavioral observations were conducted. When animals were housed alone in a novel cage they exhibited significant elevations in levels of urinary cortisol after 24 and 48 h of novel-cage exposure. In contrast, when marmosets were housed in the novel cage in the presence of the pairmate, levels of urinary cortisol did not change across the 4-day period. The presence of the social partner also reduced the behavioral manifestations of exposure to novelty. Upon reunion with the family group, animals that had been housed in the novel cage alone spent significantly more time in close proximity to the pairmate than animals that had been housed with the partner. A second experiment was conducted to determine the effect that separation from the pairmate, only (independent of any effects of novelty), had on levels of cortisol. Concentrations of urinary cortisol were measured in subjects housed in the familiar home cage, but in the absence of the pairmate, over a 48-h period and compared to concentrations of excreted cortisol immediately prior to separation. Separation from the pairmate did not elevate cortisol levels when the subject was housed in the home cage, suggesting that elevated cortisol levels in animals housed alone in the novel cage were in response to novelty exposure rather than to separation from the pairmate. Since the physical presence of the heterosexual partner reduced the physiological and behavioral effects of novel-cage housing, social attachments might function as homeostatic regulators of HPA function in marmosets.
The nature of persistent conformational chirality, racemization mechanisms, and predictions in diarylether heptanoid cyclophane natural products

Restricted rotations of chemical bonds can lead to the presence of persistent conformational chirality in molecules lacking stereocenters. We report the development of first-of-a-kind predictive rules that enable identification of conformational chirality and prediction of racemization barriers in the diarylether heptanoid (DAEH) natural products that do not possess stereocenters. These empirical rules-of-thumb are based on quantum mechanical computations (SCS-MP2/∞//B3LYP/6-31G*/PCM) of racemization barriers of four representative DAEHs. Specifically, the local symmetry of ring B and the E/Z configuration of the vinylogous acid/ester are critical in determining conformational chirality in the DAEH natural product family.
Autonomous optimal deorbit guidance

This work presents a preliminary study on autonomous guidance of deorbit maneuvers. The problem is for a vehicle to autonomously execute a minimum-fuel, finite-time deorbit maneuver that achieves desired entry interface conditions. Many issues, such as impulse versus finite-time burn, single versus multiple-burn deorbit, apogee and non-apogee deorbit, and higher order gravity effects, impact the solution to the problem. The guidance problem is formulated as an optimal control problem with coast-burn-coast trajectory structure. General entry interface targeting conditions are formulated to allow variable dependence among flight path angle, velocity, and range-to-go. The linear relationship between the entry interface flight path angle and velocity used by the Space Shuttle is shown to be a special case of this general formulation. For numerical solutions, an analytical multiple-shooting algorithm is used. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the method.
Using legos to interest high school students and imtrove k12 stem education

Wichita State University is actively using LEGOs to encourage science math engineering and technology (SMET). There are two major thrusts in our efforts. The college of engineering uses LEGO blocks to simulate a factory environment in the building of LEGO airplanes. This participative demonstration has been used at middle school, high school, and college classes. LEGOs are used to present four manufacturing scenarios of traditional, cellular, pull, and single piece flow manufacturing. The demonstration presents to students how the design of a factory has significant impact on the success of the company. It also encourages students to pursue engineering careers. The college of education uses robotics as a vehicle to integrate technology and engineering into math and science preservice and inservice teacher education.. The purpose is to develop technologically astute and competent teachers who are capable of integrating technology into their curriculum to improve the teaching and learning of their students. This paper will discuss each effort, the collaboration between the two, and provide examples of success.
METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS IN EVALUATING FAMILY COURT PROGRAMS

Although there has been in recent years a proliferation of court programs, especially divorced parent education programs, evaluations of the effectiveness of these programs lag dangerously behind their inception, perhaps because program developers and courts lack the expertise to perform these evaluations. The present article provides a primer of the methodological considerations for evaluations of court programs. The authors discuss the following topics: formative versus summative evaluations; how to discover program goals by identifying stakeholders; how these goals translate into measures to be assessed; the data sources for these measures (exit questionnaires, archival data, and follow-up surveys); answering the “compared with what?” question through the selection of an appropriate research design; budgeting the evaluation; and disseminating the findings through appropriate write-up(s).
The Complexities Embedded in Family-Centered Care

The recent movement toward family-centered care, which has been propelled by the implementation of the Education for All Handicapped Children Amendments of 1986, poses considerable challenges to professionals trained in client-centered models of service delivery. These challenges are compounded by the fact that our understanding of family-centered care lags considerably behind our attempts to implement responsive and efficacious services. When practitioners include family members more integrally as collaborators in pediatric treatment, their perceptions about families and the nature of the therapeutic experience is affected. In this article, we present a number of critical dilemmas that are based on data drawn from ethnographic research, descriptive studies, and training seminars we conducted with pediatric practitioners and parents of children with special health care needs. These dilemmas highlight the complexities involved in building effective partnerships among all the key players, the influence of multiple cultural worlds on everyday practices, and the need to provide supports to practitioners for the emotional and social dimensions of practice. Implications for practice and future research are presented.
Reduced trapping effects and improved electrical performance in buried-gate 4H-SiC MESFETs

Surface effects on the current instability of 4H-SiC MESFETs were studied by comparing different surface structures. The current instability phenomenon was illustrated by bias sweeping methods and current recovery time measurements. A reduction in the current instability was observed for gate-recessed and buried-gate devices compared to the nonrecessed and channel-recessed devices. In addition, the buried-gate devices were found to have higher current density and breakdown voltage compared to the gate-recessed devices, resulting from their shorter effective gate length and lower electric field distribution under the gate, respectively. With high saturation current, high breakdown voltage, and much reduced surface effects, the buried-gate structure is a candidate for high-power SiC MESFETs.
A model for investigating cultural dimensions of communication in the car

ABSTRACTThis article explicates a theoretical framework which was designed to discover cultural features both within and about car communication. The general approach the framework provides has been used for basic research in the United States and China, and has proven useful to researchers and designers. We discuss specifically how the approach can develop and implement speech-enabled human–machine interface (HMI) systems to address cultural features of communication and interaction. The general framework unveils the cultural nature of human–machine communication, while it also opens the possibility of discovering new cultural dimensions and principles which designers may not yet have considered. The approach is adaptable to a variety of communication contexts, with our focus here on the in-car communication of drivers with a speech-enabled HMI. Specific findings are briefly discussed including implications for research and design.
On the heat balance and maintenance of circulation in the trades

The heat balance is calculated for the Pacific north-east trade during summer and it is shown that the trade exports sensible as well as latent heat. The sensible-heat gain is related to the surface pressure distribution; it is found that the low-level circulation in the region considered is self-driving.
A physical thermal resistance model for vertical BJTs on SOI

Because BJT currents are highly temperature sensitive, self-heating is very important in analog BJT circuits. Dielectrically isolated BJTs (DIBJTs) typically have thermal resistance R/sub TH/ three or more times higher than their bulk counterparts. Circuit simulators are readily modified to account for such effects, but characterizing thermal effects in DIBJTs is rather difficult: self-heating complicates extraction of the temperature dependences and R/sub TH/, and models that predict R/sub TH/ in bulk BJTs do not apply for SOI because of the more complicated boundary conditions. This paper describes a scalable model for R/sub TH/ in vertical DIBJTs, along with a technique for extracting R/sub TH/ in BJTs. The modeled measurements are shown to agree quite well.
A double-blind study evaluating the long-term safety of varenicline for smoking cessation

Objective: We assessed the safety of long-term varenicline administration for smoking cessation.Methods: In this randomized, double-blind, multicenter trial, eligible adult smokers (18–75 years) wh...
Solid state NMR techniques for the study of surface phenomena

In this paper, we point out the specific aspects and difficulties of performing NMR of transition metal surfaces. We show how basic NMR techniques allowed us to determine molecular structures and rates of thermal decomposition of simple chemisorbed molecules, the electronic properties of the metal surfaces themselves as well as of the molecules bonded to them, and the mobility of adsorbed molecules
LIVER-DIRECTED GENE THERAPY

Gene therapy represents a promising new modality for the treatment of inherited and acquired liver diseases. Genetic material is transferred into the patient's liver and serves as a template for the cells to produce a known gene product. Developments in gene delivery technology and progress in understanding of the molecular mechanisms of many liver diseases have led to novel strategies for gene therapy of liver diseases. Somatic gene therapy is currently accepted as the most practical approach to gene therapy. Somatic cells are all the cells that make up the organs and tissues of an individual except the reproductive cells in the gonads. In contrast, germ line gene therapy is the insertion of a gene into the fertilized egg or spermatogonia so that every cell acquires the new gene and can transmit it to future generations. Although germ line transfer has proved successful in animal models, 7 significant practical and ethical obstacles limit its application in humans. This article outlines advances in gene delivery technology and illustrates potential applications of somatic gene therapy.
Finite-element analysis of material and parameter effects in laser-based thermoelastic ultrasound generation

Laser-based, thermoelastic transduction methods have potential in very high frequency (>50 MHz), high-density two-dimensional (2-D) arrays for a variety of very high-resolution superficial imaging applications, including in vivo tissue sectioning. Previous studies of these transducers generally have been based on experimental measurements or theoretical analyses using various simplifying assumptions. These theoretical models are mostly 1-D and best matched to simple geometries with a minimum number of component materials. In this work, we use a new thermoelastic solver in a commercially available finite-element analysis (FEA) software package to analyze multidimensional effects in laser-based devices of arbitrary geometry with the potential for use with arbitrary material properties. The FEA approach was verified first against experimental data. Thereafter, we explored the impact of various design variables, including laser spot size and laser penetration depth.
Proteomic analysis of amniotic fluid in pregnancies with Down syndrome

Proteomic analysis is widely used for the detection of diagnostic markers. In the present study amniotic fluid supernatants (AFS) from pregnancies with Down syndrome (DS) fetuses and from chromosomally normal fetuses in the 17th week of gestation were analyzed by 2-DE. Gel comparison revealed significant differences in the two groups. Spots with different expression levels were excised and proteins were identified by MALDI-MS and nano-ESI-MS/MS. Splicing factor arginine/serine-rich 4 (SFRS4; Q08170) was present only in AFS from DS fetuses and completely absent in the control group. Quantitative differences were detected for alpha-1-microglobulin (AMBP; P02760), collagen alpha 1 (I) chain (CO1A1; P02452), collagen alpha 1 (III) chain (CO3A1; P02461), collagen alpha 1 (V) chain d (CO5A1; P20908), and basement membrane-specific heparin sulfate proteoglycan core protein (PGBM; P98160). These proteins were increased in cases with DS, whereas protein IBP-1 (P08833) was decreased by 40% compared with chromosomally normal fetuses. Four proteins, CO1A1, CO3A1, CO5A1, and PGBM, appeared as fragments. As differentially expressed proteins were present in all pregnancies with DS tested, they may represent useful potential markers for prenatal diagnosis. However, for protein biomarkers to be of any clinical utility, systematic analysis of the maternal serum should be conducted.
The Ewing's sarcoma oncoprotein EWS/FLI induces a p53-dependent growth arrest in primary human fibroblasts

Ewing's sarcoma is associated with a fusion between the EWS and FLI1 genes, forming an EWS/FLI fusion protein. We developed a system for the identification of cooperative mutations in this tumor through expression of EWS/FLI in primary human fibroblasts. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that this system recapitulates many features of Ewing's sarcoma. EWS/FLI-expressing cells underwent growth arrest, suggesting that growth arrest-abrogating collaborative mutations may be required for tumorigenesis. Expression profiling identified transcriptional upregulation of p53, and the growth arrest was rescued by inhibition of p53. These data support a role for p53 as a tumor suppressor in Ewing's sarcoma and demonstrate the use of transcriptional profiling of model systems in the identification of cooperating mutations in human cancer.
Preoperative High-Resolution Ultrasound for the Assessment of Malignant Central Compartment Lymph Nodes in Papillary Thyroid Cancer

Background: The identification and removal of malignant central compartment lymph nodes (MCLN) is important to minimize the risk of persistent or recurrent local disease in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). While the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative ultrasound for the assessment of lateral compartment node metastases is well recognized, its role in the identification of central compartment node metastases in patients with PTC is less established. This study delineates the utility of high-resolution ultrasound (HUS) for the assessment of MCLN in patients with PTC. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed of 227 consecutive patients who underwent total thyroidectomy for biopsy-proven PTC by a single endocrine surgeon in an academic tertiary care center between 2004 and 2014. Preoperative sonographic results were compared to postoperative pathology reports to determine the accuracy of HUS for the assessment of MCLN. Statistical analysis also included sensitivity, specificity, positi...
Dead enzymes in the aldehyde dehydrogenase gene family: role in drug metabolism and toxicology.

Introduction: Dead enzymes are gene products (proteins) that lack key residues required for catalytic activity. In the pre-genome era, dead enzymes were thought to occur only rarely. However, they now have been shown to represent upwards of 10% of the total enzyme population in many families. The aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) gene family encodes proteins that, depending on the isozyme, may be either catalytically-active or -inactive. Importantly, several ALDHs exhibit biological activities independent of their catalytic activity. For many of these, the physiological and pathophysiological functions remain to be established.Areas covered: This article reviews the non-enzymatic functions of the ALDH superfamily. In addition, a search for additional non-catalytic ALDH records is undertaken. Our computational analyses reveal that there are currently 182 protein records (divided into 19 groups) that meet the criteria for dead enzymes.Expert Opinion: Dead enzymes have the potential to exert biological actions t...
Laser Resection of Fibroepithelial Polyps with Digital Ureteroscopy

Fibroepithelial polyps (FEPs) are rare benign upper urinary-tract neoplasms originating from mesodermal components of the ureteral wall covered in normal urothelial epithelium. Historically, these lesions have been treated with endoscopic, laparoscopic, or open means depending on the size, number, and morphology of the polyps. Digital ureteroscopy (DURS) offers many advantages over fiber-optic endoscopy, including superior resolution and potential ergonomic benefits, given the absence of external cameras and light cords. We describe a case involving multiple proximal ureteral FEPs treated with flexible DURS and the holmium (Ho) laser, in which the digital ureteroscope offered exceptional visualization of the FEP stalks allowing for straightforward resection and endoscopic removal.
MALARIA PREVALENCE AND WHITE-BLOOD-CELL RESPONSE TO INFECTION IN A TROPICAL AND IN A TEMPERATE THRUSH

Abstract To evaluate the possibilities and limitations of using white-blood-cell (WBC) counts to characterize investment in immune-system function, we compared the prevalence and intensity of malaria infections and concentrations of WBCs in the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) in Michigan and Missouri and in the Clay- colored Robin (T. grayi) in central Panama. We ascertained infection by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening and quantified infection intensity and WBC concentrations by visual inspection of blood smears. Because few parasites were observed on smears, we assumed that most cases of malaria represented chronic, rather than acute, infections. Prevalence of haemosporidian infection (Panama 41%, Missouri 57%, Michigan 63%) did not differ significantly between locations. However, most infections in Panama were undetected on blood smears, whereas more than half were apparent on smears in Michigan and Missouri. Among WBCs, lymphocytes were the most abundant type, followed by heterophils; eos...