cssi/SciSciGPT-SciSciNet huggingface dataset:
Characterization of 3D Printed Stretching Devices for Imaging Force Transmission in Live-Cells

Cell stretch is a method which can rapidly apply mechanical force through cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesions and can be utilized to better understand underlying biophysical questions related to intracellular force transmission and mechanotransduction. 3D printable stretching devices suitable for live-cell fluorescent imaging were designed using finite element modeling and validated experimentally. These devices were then used along with FRET based nesprin-2G force sensitive biosensors as well as live cell fluorescent staining to understand how the nucleus responds to externally applied mechanical force in cells with both intact LINC (linker of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton) complex and cells with the LINC complex disrupted using expression of dominant negative KASH protein. The devices were shown to provide a larger strain ranges (300% uniaxial and 60% biaxial) than currently available commercial or academic designs we are aware of. Under uniaxial deformation, the deformation of the nucleus of NIH 3T3 cells per unit of imposed cell strain was shown to be approximately 50% higher in control cells compared to cells with a disrupted LINC complex. Under biaxial deformation, MDCK II cells showed permanent changes in the nuclear morphology as well as actin organization upon unloading, indicating that failure, plastic deformation, or remodeling of the cytoskeleton is occurring in response to the applied stretch. Development and open distribution of low-cost, 3D-printable uniaxial and biaxial cell stretching devices compatible with live-cell fluorescent imaging allows a wider range of researchers to investigate mechanical influences on biological questions with only a minimal investment of resources.
Review of systemic agents in the treatment of advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

Advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) accounts for only 5% of all cases of cSCC but up to 60% of disease related deaths. Historically, this disease has lacked effective treatment options due to a combination of poor response rate, poor response durability and significant treatment-associated morbidity. Autumn of 2018 marked the first time ever that an agent received US FDA approval for advanced cSCC and the future is looking much brighter for this previously neglected patient population. The purpose of this article is to review the various systemic treatment options for advanced cSCC moving from the past to the present, highlighting their relative merits and shortcomings, and to briefly speculate on future developments in the field of advanced cSCC.
Moving On: From Metaparadigm to Midparadigm for Knowledge Development:

This column on Philosophical Issues introduces a conceptual innovation, the midparadigm, designed to facilitate continued development of nursing knowledge while moving beyond the metaparadigm. The midparadigm is a conceptual structure lower in abstraction than a metaparadigm consisting of an organization of concepts that reflect shared scientific and practical values for theory development in reference to a practice-relevant context. In this introductory article, I explain its philosophical rationale and provide other groundwork about the midparadigm. The feature article is authored by a team of doctoral students who present an exemplar of a midparadigm, which they have called their prismatic midparadigm of nursing.
The development of β phase Mg–Li alloys for ultralight corrosion resistant applications

Magnesium alloys with high lithium concentrations possess a lightweight body centered cubic (BCC) matrix structure with densities in the range of 1.3–1.65 g/cm3. These alloys have shown the ability to provide an excellent combination of strength, ductility, and corrosion resistance. Despite these great properties, the developmental history of Mg–Li alloys has observed widely varying degrees of interest but has regained momentum over the past decade. The intention of this review is to provide an overview of the mechanical properties and available corrosion data from inceptive BCC Mg–Li alloy reports to contemporary works with an emphasis on the chemical and microstructural aspects contributing to corrosion behavior. A discussion on the state of the art of the corrosion mechanism of BCC Mg–Li alloys is provided with an emphasis on hi fidelity characterization techniques that were not available to early researchers working on the Mg–Li system. In the current state, there remains a great potential for further improvement in the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
Adipocyte G i signaling is essential for maintaining whole-body glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity

Adipocyte dysfunction links obesity to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Adipocyte function is regulated by receptor-mediated activation of heterotrimeric G proteins. Little is known about the potential in vivo metabolic roles of Gi-type G proteins expressed by adipocytes, primarily due to the lack of suitable animal models. To address this question, we generated mice lacking functional Gi proteins selectively in adipocytes. Here we report that these mutant mice displayed significantly impaired glucose tolerance and reduced insulin sensitivity when maintained on an obesogenic diet. In contrast, using a chemogenetic strategy, we demonstrated that activation of Gi signaling selectively in adipocytes greatly improved glucose homeostasis and insulin signaling. We also elucidated the cellular mechanisms underlying the observed metabolic phenotypes. Our data support the concept that adipocyte Gi signaling is essential for maintaining euglycemia. Drug-mediated activation of adipocyte Gi signaling may prove beneficial for restoring proper glucose homeostasis in type 2 diabetes.
Suicide risk among persons living with HIV.

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) are significantly more likely to die by suicide compared to the general population. This is the first study to examine the impact of posttraumatic stress disorder (PT...
From Fragmented Practice to Rich Professional Learning: The Collaborative Work of Teachers of Learners With Deafblindness

In this study, school professionals provided a rich context for understanding how collaboration can lead to learning when educating a child with deafblindness. Analysis of the collaboration of five professionals during an academic year showed that although they thought it was critical that they learn from each other, only one sub-set engaged in ways that led to rich learning opportunities. The findings from this study suggest that professional collaboration and learning, which is a hallmark of supporting learners with dual sensory loss, may be elusive even when it is a valued and mandated practice. In addition, professional learning more readily occurs when teachers are open to educating all children yet are also focused on how to best teach children with deafblindness.
Identifying Material-Specific Detrimental Charge-Transport Phonons for the Optimization of Organic Semiconductors

Organic semiconductors offer a number of benefits over traditional silicon based semiconductors, such as the possibility of flexible and transparent devices. Moreover, organic semiconductors can be readily synthesized from solution in high yields, circumventing the high energetic costs associated with the manufacturing process of monocrystalline silicon. Major concerns facing organic semiconductors are low and highly variable charge-carrier mobilities, an integral property of semiconducting materials. Previous works have demonstrated a link between low-frequency vibrations and the charge-carrier mobility of a material, emphasizing the effect of translational modes. The results of this study highlight kinds of motions, expanding upon the known class of vibrational modes detrimental to semiconducting behavior.
A Survey Of Large-Screen Displays For C[sup]3[/sup]I Applications

Several large-screen display (LSD) technologies are applicable for use in military C 3 I systems. These include devices using lasers, direct-projection CRTs, light valves (oil-film, liquid crystal, and solid-state), and direct-view flat panels. Comparative information on operational characteristics of current production models and descrip-tions of new large-screen devices, which are either just entering the marketplace or are in an advanced state of development, are presented. The systems material is based upon a survey of international manufacturers and developers of large-screen display equipment for military and commercial applications. The study was based on manufacturer-provided information and was augmented with in-plant discussions with cognizant technical staff and marketing managers. Forthcoming improvements to existing displays and technological advances in the field over the last five years are highlighted.
Influence of the Graphene Filler Nature on the Morphology and Properties of Melt Blended EVOH Based Nanocomposites.

In this study, ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) nanocomposites elaborated by melt blending with four different fillers were investigated. Two graphene and two graphite fillers displaying various shapes were selected. The morphology, microstructure, thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of the nanocomposite films prepared for 2 wt% fillers were analyzed with the aim to establish structure–function properties relationships. The nanocomposites properties significantly depended on the nature of the incorporated filler. The nanocomposite film prepared with the expanded graphite filler exhibited the highest Young modulus value (E = 1430 MPa) and the best barrier properties. Indeed, barrier properties, rarely studied at high water activities, evidenced a significant improvement with a decrease of the water vapor permeability by a factor 1.8 and of the oxygen permeabilities by a factor close to 2, for a critical water activity higher than 0.95. An increase of the thermal stability was also evidenced for this nanocomposite. It was shown that for all studied nanocomposites, the properties could be related to the dispersion state of the fillers and the simultaneous increase of the crystallinity of the matrix. A specific equation was proposed to take into account these both parameters to accurately predict the nanocomposite barrier properties.
Grading and classification of chronic gastritis: One American response to the Sydney system

Anew classification of chronic gastritis coined the Sydney system has been proposed as a “flexible matrix of rules.“‘* The system claims that “the recognition that Helicobacter pylori is the major cause of chronic inflammation of the human gastric mucosa has in part solved this problem”. As is often the case, the enthusiasm over new medical findings may have led to overinterpretation. Chronic gastritis is a multifactorial disease, and its biological characteristics are stil1 poorly understood. H. pylori is undoubtedly an important etiologic factor but not the only one. The purpose of this article is to give the reader our reasons for believing that the Sydney system has major flaws in regard to both its underlying premises about the nature of chronic gastritis and in its approach to classifying these disorders. Furthermore, we believe that those flaws are so serious that they could have a detrimental effect on progress in understanding chronic gastritis if the Sydney system becomes widely accepted. We have necessarily given our contrasting views about gastritis by reference to terminology and approaches previously reported by one of US,~ but our primary purpose is not mere advocacy of one particular system. We fee1 strongly that understanding of chronic gastritis, spurred by recent exciting discoveries, continues to evolve and that its evolution should not be impeded by accepting questionable inferences on etiopathogenesis and by premature attempts to establish a universal system of classification.
Orbital Integrals and Dedekind Zeta Functions

Let F be a local non-archimedean field. We prove a formula relating orbital integrals in GL(n, F) (for the unit Hecke function) and the generating series counting ideals of a certain ring. Using this formula, we give an explicit estimate for such orbital integrals. We also derive an analogous formula for global fields, proving analytic proper- ties of the Dedekind zeta function for orders in global fields.
Plasma components: properties, differences, and uses

General use of plasma components includes replacement for multiple coagulation factor deficiencies, for treatment of single coagulation factor deficiencies for which a concentrate is unavailable, and as a replacement fluid used in therapeutic plasma exchange for thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Four major products currently transfused are fresh-frozen plasma (FFP), plasma frozen within 24 hours of phlebotomy (FP24), cryoprecipitate-poor plasma (CPP), and thawed plasma. FP24, CPP, and thawed plasma contain decreased amounts of labile coagulation factors. Pathogen reduction technology has included solvent/detergent, methylene blue, and ultraviolet light irradiation with psoralen or riboflavin treatment and is available in Europe but not in the United States. Pathogen-reduced plasma may contain reduced levels of certain coagulant and/or anticoagulant factors compared to FFP. Clinical findings with pathogen-reduced plasma have provided an impetus to the US Food and Drug Administration to promulgate specific requirements for approval of novel plasma products, some of which may be too burdensome for the industry to readily overcome.
A preliminary review of competitive reactions in the hip‐hop music industry

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to explore the entry and success of hip‐hop entrepreneurs in the music industry and identify the competitive reactions of well‐established firms within the industry.Design/methodology/approach – The paper used anecdotal data and popular press coverage to trace the evolution of the hip‐hop music industry in the USA and discuss aspects of the marketing strategies of key players in the industry. Additionally, the strategic response of dominant firms to their success within the industry is explored.Findings – Hip‐hop music and its ensuing culture is now a well‐established industry that has enormous marketing power. Although few championed their efforts in the beginning, the contributions of Black American entrepreneurs to the music industry is becoming increasingly recognized by existing firms within the industry and beyond. The failure of major record companies to capitalize on the hip‐hop phenomenon resulted in the creation of new ventures and a new industry. While one cou...
End-Point Control of a Two-Link Flexible Robotic Manipulator with a Mini-Manipulator: Initial Experiments

This research focuses on achieving quick and precise position control within a localized workspace at the tip of an extremely flexible two-link manipulator. A control strategy has been developed whih utilizes direct end-point sensing and a quick wrist, or mini-manipulator, mounted at the tip of the flexible manipulator. The mini-manipulator provides high-bandwidth actuation in the localised workspace, and end-point sensing allows for direct control of the minimanipulator end-point. Experimental results and issues as sociated with the implementation of the controller on the mini-manipulator mounted at the tip of the extremely flexible Stanford Multi-Link Flexible Manipulator are presented in this paper.
Pig atherosclerosis: Effect of the antihistamine, chlorpheniramine, on atherogenesis and serum lipids

Summary The antihistamine, chlorpheniramine, has been shown previously to inhibit cholesterol-induced rabbit atherosclerosis. The effect of chlorpheniramine has now been evaluated on the spontaneous atherosclerosis of uncastrated male minipigs. Three groups of pigs of 10 each were started at age 3 months on a nutritionally adequate diet containing 30 % by weight of lard to which was added either 0, 0.5 or 1.0 mg of chlorpheniramine/kg body weight. The animals were killed and autopsied at age 24 months. The aortas were stained with Sudan IV and graded on a basis of 0-4 + in the arch and abdominal areas. Atherosclerosis involvement was small in all groups; there were no significant differences although the 1.0-mg chlorpheniramine group had the least atherosclerosis. Chlorpheniramine appeared to increase the serum cholesterol levels while analysis of the fatty acid composition of the total serum lipids showed an increase in the percentage of 18:2 and decreases in 16:0 and 18:1.
Expressive and Narrative Strategies in the Descriptive Piano Fantasia

Even though the antecedents of the genre of the “descriptive fantasia” date back to the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, it was as a genre for piano that it came to fullest fruition, beginning with Franz Kotzwara’s Battle of Prague, composed around 1788. Striking a balance between modest technical demands and dazzling effects, this famous work served as a model for many other consumer-targeted pieces that depict battles, natural disasters, and other momentous events. Such pieces display both remarkable creativity in their depictive effects (various kinds of military ordnance, climatic phenomena, sighs and sobs, bells, and much more) and great resourcefulness in their formal paradigms, including intertextual uses of musical quotation and polygeneric construction. Descriptive fantasias are all but forgotten today, but many of the musical developments usually credited to celebrated composers were first seen decades earlier in these ephemeral middlebrow works.
Fungal osteoarticular infections in patients treated at a comprehensive cancer centre: a 10-year retrospective review

ABSTRACT This study reviewed retrospectively the clinical characteristics of 28 cancer patients with fungal osteoarticular infections (FOAIs) between 1995 and 2005. Most patients (26; 93%) had haematological malignancies (19 had leukaemia); half (14) were allogeneic stem-cell transplant recipients. Twelve patients (43%) had severe neutropenia (≤ 100/mm 3 ) with a mean duration of 65 days (range 10–500 days), and ten (36%) patients had received a significant dose of corticosteroids. Most (19; 68%) FOAIs were caused by contiguous extension, while nine (32%) were associated with haematogenous spread. Pain, joint instability and local drainage were seen in 28 (100%), six (21%), and seven (25%) patients, respectively. Sixteen (57%) patients had symptoms for Aspergillus fumigatus (two); non- fumigatus Aspergillus spp. (eight); nonspecified Aspergillus spp. (three); Fusarium spp. (six); Zygomycetes (five); Scedosporium apiospermum (two); and Exserohilum sp. (one). Candida was the causative pathogen in four cases (including two cases of mixed FOAIs). Arthritis and post-operative FOAIs were both uncommon manifestations, occurring in two patients each. All patients received systemic antifungal therapy (combinations in 20 cases), and 19 cases underwent adjunctive surgery. The crude mortality rates (at 12 weeks) were 44% (9/20) in the patients who underwent surgery and antifungal therapy vs. 33% (2/6) in patients who received antifungal therapy alone (p not significant). FOAI is a rare, yet severe, manifestation of localised or systemic mycoses, caused predominantly by moulds, and is seen typically in patients with haematological malignancies.
Effect of radiation and repeated sub-culturing on the transforming growth factor-β1 signaling pathway in FRTL-5 cells.

BACKGROUND/AIM Fisher rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) display increased proliferation, reduced follicularization and decreased thyroxin release with repeated sub-culturing. These changes occur earlier and more rapidly following exposure to ionizing radiation. We hypothesized that altered transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) signaling contributes to these differences. MATERIALS AND METHODS Assessments included FRTL-5 cell growth rate and quantification of TGF-β1 ligand and receptors. The levels and activity of Smads2, 3 and 4 were measured by western blotting and the ability of TGF-β1 to regulate cyclin A and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) activity was assessed using transfection assays. RESULTS TGF-β1 production increased after radiation but returned to control levels after repeated sub-culturing. There was no difference in TGF-β1 levels between un-irradiated cells at low versus high-passage number. TGF-β1 receptors and basal levels of Smads2, 3 and 4 remained unchanged. However, there were significant changes in cell proliferation, TGF-β1-mediated Smads2 and 3 activation and in TGF-β1's ability to regulate cyclin A and PAI-1 transcription in irradiated and repeatedly sub-cultured cells (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Collectively, these results support the conclusion that alterations in the TGF-β1 pathway contribute to phenotypic changes in FRTL-5 cells as a function of passage number and radiation.
Wavelength resolved specific optical rotations and homochiral equilibria

The fundamental expressions governing specific optical rotations (SORs) of homochiral systems exhibiting monomer–dimer equilibria are presented. These equations are then utilized with the experimental measurements of wavelength resolved circular birefringence for (R)-(−)-α-hydroxy-β,β-dimethyl-γ-butyrolactone, to determine the wavelength resolved SORs of monomer and dimer components for the first time. Density functional theory predictions on the corresponding dispersion properties of monomer and dimer are found to match with experimentally determined quantities within a factor of ∼2. The wavelength resolved circular birefringence in the liquid solution phase thus provides a powerful means to investigate the molecular properties involved in homochiral equilibria.
Phytosterols that are naturally present in commercial corn oil significantly reduce cholesterol absorption in humans

BACKGROUND Although supplementing the diet with large quantities of phytosterols reduces cholesterol absorption and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, very little is known about the smaller amounts of phytosterols present naturally in food. Vegetable oils are the richest dietary source of phytosterols; corn oil contains 0.77% phytosterols by weight. OBJECTIVE We tested the hypothesis that removing phytosterols from corn oil would increase cholesterol absorption when measured in single-meal tests containing corn oil as a source of fat. DESIGN Free and esterified phytosterols were removed from corn oil on a kilogram scale by a new technique of competitive saturation adsorption to silica. Healthy subjects with a mean (+/-SEM) serum cholesterol concentration of 5.10 +/- 0.18 mmol/L received an otherwise sterol-free test breakfast on 2 occasions 2 wk apart that contained 35 mg hexadeuterated cholesterol and 30-35 g of a corn oil preparation. The plasma enrichment of tracer was measured by negative ion mass spectrometry. RESULTS Cholesterol absorption was 38.0 +/- 10.2% higher after consumption of the sterol-free corn oil than after consumption of commercial corn oil with an identical fatty acid content (P = 0.005; n = 10). When corn oil phytosterols were added back to sterol-free corn oil at a concentration of 150 mg/test meal, cholesterol absorption was reduced by 12.1 +/- 3.7% (P = 0.03; n = 5) and by 27.9 +/- 9.1% (P = 0.01; n = 10) after inclusion of 300 mg phytosterols. CONCLUSIONS Phytosterols comprising < 1% of commercial corn oil substantially reduced cholesterol absorption and may account for part of the cholesterol-lowering activity of corn oil previously attributed solely to unsaturated fatty acids.
Biochemical effects of niridazole on Schistosoma mansoni.

Administration to the host of the nitrothiazole derivative niridazole, an antischistosomal drug, results in a reduction in the glycogen levels of male schistosomes. This effect precedes observable functional damage to the worm, e.g., a hepatic shift, and is accounted for by a reduced rate of the conversion of active schistosome glycogen phosphorylase to its inactive form. This niridazole-induced effect is not completely selective, because the rate of glycogen phosphorylase inactivation in the host9s skeletal muscle is also decreased following administration of niridazole, although to a much lesser degree than in the parasite.
Reconsidering the boundary conditions for a dynamic, transient mode I crack problem

A careful examination of a dynamic mode I crack problem leads to the conclusion that the commonly used boundary conditions do not always hold in the case of an applied crack face loading, so that a modification is required to satisfy the equations. In particular, a transient compressive stress wave travels along the crack faces, moving outward from the loading region on the crack face. This does not occur in the quasistatic or steady state problems, and is a special feature of the transient dynamic problem that is important during the time interval immediately following the application of crack face loading. We demonstrate why the usual boundary conditions lead to a prediction of crack face interpenetration, and then examine how to modify the boundary condition for a semi-infinite crack with a cohesive zone. Numerical simulations illustrate the resulting approach.
Recoil corrections in the hydrogen isoelectronic sequence

A version of the Bethe-Salpeter equation appropriate for calculating recoil corrections in highly charged hydrogenlike ions is presented. The nucleus is treated as a scalar particle of charge $Z$, and the electron treated relativistically. The known recoil corrections of order ${m}^{2}∕M{(Z\ensuremath{\alpha})}^{4}$ are derived in both this formalism and in NRQED.
The biology of vision of Drosophila

Abstract Phototransduction systems in vertebrates and invertebrates share a great deal of similarity in overall strategy but differ significantly in the underlying molecular machinery. Both are rhodopsin-based G protein-coupled signaling cascades displaying exquisite sensitivity and broad dynamic range. However, light activation of vertebrate photoreceptors leads to activation of a cGMP-phosphodiesterase effector and the generation of a hyperpolarizing response. In contrast, activation of invertebrate photoreceptors, like Drosophila, leads to stimulation of phospholipase C and the generation of a depolarizing receptor potential. The comparative study of these two systems of phototransduction offers the opportunity to understand how similar biological problems may be solved by different molecular mechanisms of signal transduction. The study of this process in Drosophila, a system ideally suited to genetic and molecular manipulation, allows us to dissect the function and regulation of such a complex signaling cascade in its normal cellular environment. In this manuscript I review some of our recent findings and the strategies used to dissect this process.
Efficacy of ornithine-alpha-ketoglutarate (OKGA) as a dietary supplement in growing rats.

Abstract New substrates of potential benefit to critically ill patients receiving traditional nutritional support have been suggested to meet organ or tissue specific needs. The addition of an anabolic stimulus during nutritional support therefore appears to be a reasonable adjunct to augment protein synthesis. The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of the neutral salt ornithine alphaketoglutarate (OKGA) as a dietary supplement to promote growth in young rats by enhancing protein metabolism. A group of 16 male Sprague-Dawley rats (150–170g) were housed in individual metabolic cages and after dark-light cycle adaptation were fed ad libitum an oral liquid diet for 7 days. Half of the animals were given the control diet and the other half was fed a test diet. This isonitrogenous test diet contained the control diet with 2.3% of nitrogen (N) replaced by N from OKGA. Daily weight, food intake and urinary excretions of N, creatinine, urea, orotic acid, polyamines and amino-acids were determined. At the end of 7 days of free-feeding, the rats were sacrificed and blood was collected for free amino-acids. Rats fed the OKGA supplemented diet consumed 16% more diet, retained 11% more nitrogen and gained 15% more weight. The accelerated protein metabolism is reflected in the changes in plasma and urinary free amino-acid levels. Enhanced protein anabolism is evident from the increased urinary excretion of polyamines in the OKGA fed rats. The increased ratio of urinary urea N to total N and the decreased orotic acid excretion in OKGA fed rats suggests thata NH4+ was efficiently diverted through urea cycle. It is concluded that in growing rats, supplementing isonitrogenous diet with OKGA significantly stimulates food intake compared to controls. This results in better weight gain and improvement in protein metabolism.
Chemistry in the Premedical Curriculum: Considering the Options

In 2009, the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute released a report entitled Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP). This report, produced in response to “concerns about the science content in the current premedical and medical education curricula”, emphasizes competencies for premedical school students rather than mandating specific courses for admission to medical school. This commentary addresses the opportunities and challenges for the chemical education community presented by SFFP, some models that have been created or suggested for teaching chemistry in the premedical curriculum, and some issues that colleges and universities should keep in mind when considering their response to SFFP.
Array shape estimation

A description of a method for the determination of array shape is given in three dimensions using measurements of array heading and depth taken at known points along the array, including the mathematical basis for the method. The applicability of this procedure to the determination of array shape is based on the idealization of the array, containing heading and depth sensors, as some unknown smooth curve on which both the heading of the tangent to the curve and the depth of the curve (below some convenient datum plane such as the water surface) are each measured at preselected points fixed on the curve, each point corresponding to the location of either a heading or a depth sensor in the array.
Sintering Technique for the Preparation of Polymer Matrices for the Controlled Release of Macromolecules

A new method for making polymeric systems for the controlled release of macromolecular drugs is described. The method consists of mixing drug and polymer (ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer) powders below the glass transition temperature of the polymer and compressing the mixture at a temperature above the glass transition point. The macromolecule is not exposed to organic solvent during the fabrication process. Kinetic studies indicate that there is sustained release, and the bioactivity of macromolecules tested is unchanged throughout the sintering and release processes.
Oxidized lipoproteins increase reactive oxygen species formation in microglia and astrocyte cell lines.

Abstract Lipoproteins exist in the central nervous system and surrounding vasculature possibly mediating effects upon cells in the brain during times of oxidative stress or compromised blood–brain barrier. The focus of the present study was to determine the effect of unmodified and oxidatively modified lipoproteins on astrocytes and microglia. Application of oxidized low-density lipoprotein resulted in an increase in DCF fluorescence, which was inhibited by pretreatment with antioxidants, consistent with the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Low-density at concentrations below 20 μg/ml likewise increased ROS formation. Because ROS are associated with numerous astrocyte and microglia activities including proliferation, activation, and cytokine production it is possible that lipoproteins may mediate such effects on glial cells in the central nervous system.
Echoes of Canaanite Literature in the Psalms

Although the influence of Canaanite literature on the Bible has been increasingly recognized, especially since the surprising discoveries of Ugarit (Ras Shamra) 1) in 1929, it is as regrettable that this light has not yet penetrated into all biblical circles 2), as it is certain that still more light can be gained from the same source. The present paper offers some instances where the Bible, and particularly passages in the Psalms, are better understood in such light. In Ps. ix 6 we have the phrase T7r a¥l;5 n* n nttmVz "their name thou hast destroyed forever and ever". This notion of destroying the name of someone, familiar to us from the Ancient Near East, really means, of course, that all memory of the proscribed person is to be eradicated, as is explicitly confirmed by Ex. xvii 14 p'tS t-nm nnnx (LXXTO tivq6ouvov) as compared with Dt. xxv 19 p5 tz lt-n l nnrln (LXX-TO 6vopto!). This was most effectively achieved by destroying either the person himself, with whom the name was identified and here the texts of Dt. ix 14, xxix 19; Ex. xxxii 32 and Ps. lxix 29 are to be considered; or else their posterity, similarly identified, as confirmed by 2 Kgs. xiv 27 'wti (LXX-Tx oar ppa) n-tnh nv n1r n : nr'r1-x. The meaning of "seed" for :n is evidently present in Ps. cix 13 3) and
2005 Theses and Dissertations: Family and Consumer Sciences

Higher education units reported nearly 400 thesis and dissertation titles in the 2005 calendar year. Two thirds of the titles were theses. Tables and discussion explore the 30 universities' graduate research productivity and the 13 subject-matter categories represented in the titles submitted. Implications explore ideas for improved use of this compilation and information.
Target feasibility achievement in enterprise-driven hierarchical multidisciplinary design

Linking enterprise-wide business decision making with engineering decision making is demonstrated by integrating the enterprise utility optimization and the engineering product development approach under a multilevel optimization framework. The analytical target cascading process is used to set the right targets for the engineering design process that maximize utility at the enterprise level. A new methodology is proposed that systematically explores the engineering design space, often represented with a disconnected feasible domain. Analytical examples and an automotive suspension design case study are presented to demonstrate the methodology.
Adverse Events With Concomitant Amiodarone and Statin Therapy

The authors reviewed adverse events (AEs) reported to the United States Food and Drug Administration to determine the percentage of statin-associated AE reports with concurrent amiodarone use for simvastatin, atorvastatin, and pravastatin. AEs affecting the following organ systems were analyzed: muscle, liver, pancreas, and bone marrow. The percentage of simvastatin reports with concurrent amiodarone use was 1.0%, compared with 0.7% of the atorvastatin-associated reports (p = not significant). The percentage of pravastatin reports with concurrent amiodarone use was 0.4% (p < 0.05 for pravastatin vs. simvastatin). Muscle toxicity was the most commonly reported statin-amiodarone AE, accounting for 77% of the reports. AEs tended to occur in older male patients (mean age, 76 years), who were on multiple other medications (mean number of other medications, five). Clinicians should be vigilant about muscle-related complaints in patients concomitantly taking amiodarone, especially in elderly patients on multiple medications. Use of a statin not metabolized through the cytochrome P450-3A4 system may be appropriate in this setting.
A study of precision in the measurement of chemical shifts

Abstract This paper contains an investigation by simulation of several methods for processing data from chemical shift experiments. On the assumption that the data are obtained digitally as free-induction decays and then Fourier transformed, we analyze the error in estimating the peak position, ω 0 . Two sources of error are considered, one resulting from instrumental noise, the second attributable to taking digital rather than continuous data. We show that the error resulting from noise is approximately Gaussian, while the digitization error may have a more complicated form depending on the technique used to estimate ω 0 from the data. There is some evidence indicating that the two types of error are additive. Several methods of estimating ω 0 were compared. The comparison showed that it is always desirable to use some form of curve fitting the peak rather than using the position of the maximum as an estimate of ω 0 . We conclude that it would be useful to be able to choose the number of points around the peak, for curve fitting. Finally we examined the use of both filtering and data smoothing on precision.
Aging and Executive Control: Reports of a Demise Greatly Exaggerated:

I report a series of meta-analyses on aging and executive control. A first set of analyses failed to find evidence for specific age-related deficits in tasks of selective attention (inhibition of return, negative priming, flanker, and Stroop) or tasks tapping local task-shifting costs (reading with distractors is an exception) but found evidence for specific age-related deficits in tasks of divided attention (dual tasking and global task-shifting costs). The second set examined whether executive control explained any age-related variance in complex cognition (episodic memory, reasoning, spatial abilities) over and beyond the effects of speed and working memory; it did not. Thus, the purported decline in executive control with advancing age is clearly not general, and it may ultimately play only a small role in explaining age-related deficits in complex cognition.
Effect of deficiency of magnesium and other minerals on protein synthesis.

SummaryControls receiving a complete mineral supplement gained over one-third more weight than rats on a magnesium deficient diet. These, in turn, gained over one-third more than animals receiving only KCl and NaCl as their mineral supplement, while the latter gained about a third more than rats not receiving mineral supplement. The unfavorable effect of magnesium deficiency on the synthesis of protein appears to be approximately as great as that reported for potassium deficiency, although there is far more potassium than magnesium in muscle and viscera.
Effect of Curing Temperature on Quality of Vulcanized Rubber

Abstract A review of the literature permits no definite conclusion concerning the influence of temperature of vulcanization on the ultimate quality of a rubber product. Some investigators claim equal properties at different curing temperatures, others superior properties at low temperatures, while still others believe superior qualities are obtainable at higher temperatures. Concerning the influence of temperature on aging, no conclusive data are available. The temperature of cure has no influence on the tensile properties at maximum, in the case of the di-o-tolylguanidine stock. In the case of the mercaptobenzothiazole stock, there is a trend toward slightly higher tensile strength as the temperature is decreased. Natural, as well as artificial, aging of the di-o-tolylguanidine slock shows that the lower the temperature of cure, the better the aging will be. The results are clean-cut, probably owing to the fact that this is a stock which ages rapidly and hence shows differences in comparatively short per...
Mediterranean diet and health: food effects on gut microbiota and disease control.

The Mediterranean diet (MD) is considered one of the healthiest dietary models. Many of the characteristic components of the MD have functional features with positive effects on health and wellness. The MD adherence, calculated through various computational scores, can lead to a reduction of the incidence of major diseases (e.g., cancers, metabolic and cardiovascular syndromes, neurodegenerative diseases, type 2 diabetes and allergy). Furthermore, eating habits are the main significant determinants of the microbial multiplicity of the gut, and dietary components influence both microbial populations and their metabolic activities from the early stages of life. For this purpose, we present a study proposal relying on the generation of individual gut microbiota maps from MD-aware children/adolescents. The maps, based on meta-omics approaches, may be considered as new tools, acting as a systems biology-based proof of evidence to evaluate MD effects on gut microbiota homeostasis. Data integration of food metabotypes and gut microbiota “enterotypes” may allow one to interpret MD adherence and its effects on health in a new way, employable for the design of targeted diets and nutraceutical interventions in childcare and clinical management of food-related diseases, whose onset has been significantly shifted early in life.
Species and fetal gender effects on the endocrinology of pregnancy in elephants.

Quantitative and temporal progestin profiles vary during gestation in the elephant, sometimes making it difficult to determine if a pregnancy is progressing normally. The aim of the present study was to determine if circulating progestin variability was related to species or fetal gender effects. A similar comparison also was conducted for secretory profiles of prolactin, relaxin, and cortisol. Overall mean progestin concentrations during gestation in Asian (n = 19) and African (n = 8) elephants were similar; however, the temporal profiles differed (P < 0.001). Concentrations were higher in African elephants during the first half of pregnancy, but then declined to levels below those observed in Asian elephants (P < 0.05). There also was a fetal gender effect in Asian, but not African elephants. Progestin concentrations were higher in Asian cows carrying male calves (n = 9) as compared to those carrying females (n = 10) (P < 0.001). Overall prolactin concentrations were higher in Asian than in African elephants between 8 and 15 months of gestation (P < 0.001). There were no species differences in the secretory patterns of relaxin. Cortisol was relatively stable until the end of gestation when significant surges were observed, mainly between 8 and 11 days before parturition, and again on the day of birth. In sum, a comparison of progestin patterns between Asian and African elephants identified notable differences related to species and fetal gender. A role for cortisol in the initiation of parturition also was inferred from these data. From a practical standpoint, understanding the factors affecting gestational hormone characteristics and recognizing what the species differences are will help ensure that data used in diagnosing and monitoring elephant pregnancies are properly interpreted.
Fabrication of nanoporous TiO2 films through Benard-Marangoni convection

Fabrication of nanoporous TiO2 thin films through Benard-Marangoni convection is reported. Variation of pore size and morphology in the sol-gel deposited metal-oxide films is investigated as a function of ambient humidity and air flow velocity during film drying, sol concentration, and addition of water/acid to the sol.
Distribution of topoisomerase II cleavage sites in simian virus 40 DNA and the effects of drugs

The distributions of DNA cleavage sites induced by topoisomerase II in the presence or absence of specific drugs were mapped in the simian virus 40 genome. The drugs studied were 5-iminodaunorubicin, amsacrine (m-AMSA), teniposide (VM-26) and 2-methyl-9-hydroxyellipticinium; each produced a distinctive pattern of enhanced cleavage. Consistently intense cleavage, both in the presence and in the absence of drugs, occurred in the nuclear matrix-associated region. Since topoisomerase II is a major constituent of the nuclear matrix, and cleavage complexes include a covalent link between topoisomerase II and DNA, the findings suggest that topoisomerase II may function to attach DNA to the nuclear matrix. Cleavage usually occurred on both DNA strands with the expected four base-pair 5' stagger, and strong sites tended to occur within A/T runs such as have been associated with binding to the nuclear scaffold. Intense cleavage was present also in the replication termination region, but was absent from the vicinity of the replication origin. Cleavage intensities were found to change with time in a manner that depended both on the site and on the drug, suggesting that topoisomerase II can move along the DNA from a kinetically preferred site to a thermodynamically preferred site.
Assessment of healthcare quality metrics: Length-of-stay, 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality for radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava thrombectomy.

Introduction: Length-of-stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and 30-day mortality are metrics used to assess quality of care and provider reimbursement. Therefore, we investigated patient- and hospital-level characteristics associated with the three healthcare quality metrics for radical nephrectomy with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombectomy. Methods: Using the National Cancer Data Base, we established a cohort of patients who received radical nephrectomy following the diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) stage cT3b between 1998 and 2011. We then assessed the associations between patient- or hospital-level characteristics and LOS using multivariable negative binomial regression. We used multivariable logistic regression to determine the associations between the characteristics and 30-day readmission or 30-day mortality. Results: During the study period, 5768 patients were diagnosed with RCC stage cT3b and underwent radical nephrectomy. LOS ≤2 days and ≥9 days were associated with a higher likelihood of 30-day readmission (respective odds ratio [OR] 1.61 and 1.58) and 30-day mortality (respective OR 11.62 and 11.87). Older patients (60–79 years vs. <50 years) were less likely to experience 30-day readmission (OR 0.46–0.52). Older patients (≥80 years vs. <50 years, OR 3.67) and patients with a high index of comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity score ≥ 2 vs. 0, OR 1.95) were more likely to suffer 30-day mortality. Conclusions: LOS is an important predictor of short-term readmission and mortality following radical nephrectomy with IVC thrombectomy. Older age and a high index of comorbidity also predict short-term mortality after the surgery.
On Application of the Second Law to Heat Exchangers

The application of entropy minimization to heat exchangers leads to inconsistent results and does not yield much useful design information. In this paper it is shown that in applying the second law to heat exchangers, three assumptions are typically made that are incorrect and that once they are removed, useful and consistent results are obtained from the second law. In addition, a new performance measure, entropy flux is introduced and it is shown that the objective in heat exchanger design should be the maximization of the entropy flux.Copyright © 2008 by ASME
Children's unique experience of depression: Using a developmental approach to predict variation in symptomatology

Background Current clinical knowledge suggests that children can have different types of depressive symptoms (irritability and aggression), but presents no theoretical basis for these differences. Using a developmental approach, the present study sought to test the relationship between developmental level (mental age) and expression of depressive symptoms. The primary hypothesis was that as children's mental age increased, so would the number of internalizing symptoms present.
Plasmapheresis Treatment of Central Retinal Vein Occlusion in a Young Adult

Purpose/Methods A 16-year-old girl with mixed connective tissue disease had central retinal vein occlusion. The patient was treated with plasmapheresis. Results/Conclusion Resolution of clinical findings of central retinal vein occlusion was documented by fluorescein angiography and visual field tests within 15 days of treatment. Plasmapheresis may be effective therapy in carefully selected cases of central retinal vein occlusion in young adults.